Priyya gives Monroe a warm smile. "No apology necessary, Captain. A LOT of good people - both on our side and the misled folks in that mob - are dead now. I'm not happy about that. As for the Tar Dog leader... if you hadn't taken his skull, I probably would have; I am Surya-ka-Vahaak - I bring destruction to the irredeemable." She looks embarrassed and lightens her tone.
"As for my healing powers, you are right. I am a bit tapped out right now. I could stabilize your folks that are near death - but little else. No, if you want my help now - it will be my sword arm and bow... both of which are pretty good. If you need them, they are yours. But my healing skills will have to wait until tomorrow."
She listens to his whispered words and nods. "I'm new here, but I share your concerns. I'll keep you apprised of what we find out. It may be a threat that touches on your city as well as our Princess."
Mal is quiet in the presence of the city's rulers, sinking into the background as much as possible, but answering any questions directed at him (which are thankfully few). He eats a ridiculous amount, the fight and the poisoning obviously taking a toll on him physically, then he sits quietly, wrapped in the dark brooding that you've come to know as his "city demeanor".
AT one point, when he finds himself sitting next to Alis he turns to her, his face screwed up in incredulity, "You'rea MOON-BLESSED PRIEST?" Even before she answers he shakes his head, "I don't know… you just don't seem the type, though I guess your choice of god is appropriate."
"You're a MOON-BLESSED PRIEST?"
"Well, I–"
"I don't know… you just don't seem the type, though I guess your choice of god is appropriate."
"Excuse me?" The look on Alis' face changes from chagrin to offense. Even though her voice is a whisper, it has all the edge of a mithril dagger held to your throat, "What the hell do you mean by that?![/smaller]"
Mal raises his eyebrows in surprise, "Meant no offense. Isn't she attributed passion?"
Felmor notes the temperature drop considerably on Alis's reply, and wisely moves away from the impending storm brewing.
"It's fine," her glare indicates it's anything but fine. "Goddess of passion, yep, that's her. Favored goddess of sailors on shore-leave and rich noblemen looking for expensive wives."
Getting up from where she's been sitting, she curtsies to Lucius and Alex Quailworthy, and says, "It has been a long day. I do believe that I shall retire. Corporal, since you seem to have something on your mind, perhaps you should go pay my prisoner a visit. I suspect her cell is rather cold..."
With that, Alis heads upstairs even though it's scarcely past supper.
"Priyya, this is what she said just before Mal was able to break her summoning: "Mistress Charelle, servant of Homeku, bring forth wrath against those marked by your loyal agent!" I recognized the same devil Lucia was beseeching aid from earlier. Mistress Charelle, i am not familiar with, however. It seems clear to me the Ruby Coil is behind these assassination attempts, however why they are is unclear. Perhaps our guests have further information."
"True enough. But I think we need to know more about Charelle and Homeku. I see two possibilities: One, the Ruby Coil is a Diabolic cult. In that case, we'd do well to learn about the motivations of their 'patron' as a way to figure them out. OR two, the Ruby Coil is a mundane group. In that case, WHY are these Diabolic types teaming up with them? What interest could Alis pose for a Devil? In either case, knowing more about the Devils they revere may be useful information."
Knowledge Checks
Yvonne has another look at the ring Alis took from Chivane's finger. "This mark is the one Immerstal said marked the Ruby Coil. Not a cult but a cabal he said and secretive... Mephisto they serve. Homeku I know not, but Charelle... an angel of Lyria's court she once. Revenge, not art or love, was her passion. For love of cruelty was she exiled."
Mal watches Alis's display, then turns to look at the others in the room, shaking his head. "Odd… a woman twisting words and getting upset about something that wasn't intended. Wonder of wonders." He gives her one last look as she disappears from sight and speaks under his breath, these words seeming more sincere, "Why would she assume I was talking about sex, though? I never did pay enough attention to my religion tutors."
Lureene sighs at the bluntness of the Corporal, and the resulting departure of the Princess. Really, this was not a good time for this, she thinks.
She runs to catch up to Alis, and pulling her aside, says to her quietly,
Lord Alex looks rather disappointed that Alis has left and nearly as discouraged that Lureene followed after her. "Will her Highness be rejoining us tonight? I was enjoying her conversation."
His father, the Count, excuses himself saying, "Alex, if you would please look after our guests' comfort, I just remembered something requiring the Captain's attention. Lady d'Calla, Sir Traker..." He nods and quickly hurries after Monroe and Stallings down the south passageway.
Alex scratches the back of his head and gives a soft sigh. "Please forgive us if our hospitality is not quite what you are accustomed to, you certainly deserve better. If it helps, I studied conjuration at the Academy in Valehaven up thru last year. The library on the floor below us might contain some reference materials that would be helpful to you..."
"Mal - just drop it. This isn't the time or place. We..." She emphasizes the word which Mal takes to mean Priyya and himself alone, "...can talk about it later."
She listens, almost hearing the Princess' retreating footsteps for a moment. Damn. We don't need this right now.
Priyya decides to give Alis a little time and turns her attention to Yvonne's comment. "So the Coil is, as far as we know, a secret society that isn't diabolic. However, it now seems they have help from some folks who work for a fallen angel dedicated to revenge and cruelty who, in turn, works for the mysterious Homeku. What have we gotten ourselves into?"
Felmor shrugs at the volatility of the women he has found himself with. Like the ocean wind, their moods were shifty and unpredictable. He says to Priyya, ”Aye, a fallen angel, that kinda explains a lot. Mebbe this be a personal vendetta against th’ Captain, ‘n not based on any political concerns. Chivane is an elf, ‘n I know some elves not be happy wit’ the growing ties wit’ th’ humans in Estoria.”
Yvonne shakes her head. "My accent, I think makes this difficult."
"As for Alissariel, she has been rather withdrawn since we left Valehaven. Even though they whispered, I could overhear the words between her and Malandraenas. You are right that we do not have time right now, but if she is not at peace with her goddess, I would be eager to help find a balm for her soul. That is a difficult place in which to be."
Priyya shakes her head, "I have to disagree, Fel. We've traveled with Alis a fair bit. She hasn't been chased by any Devils or cults until AFTER she got her present assignment. I don't think that is coincidental. Something about this journey or her mission is the key to this mystery."
”Aye, a fallen angel, that kinda explains a lot. Mebbe this be a personal vendetta against th’ Captain, ‘n not based on any political concerns. Chivane is an elf, ‘n I know some elves not be happy wit’ the growing ties wit’ th’ humans in Estoria.”
"For long have Estoria and Ilmarond been allies. Not in dealing with humans do they have a problem but accepting them as equals in elven society. To have one who may be seen as a lesser so high in rank, possibly could there be animosity."
Mal shuts his mouth and listens to the conversation between her and d'Calla, waiting for either an interpretation or summation.
Priyya shakes her head, "I have to disagree, Fel. We've traveled with Alis a fair bit. She hasn't been chased by any Devils or cults until AFTER she got her present assignment. I don't think that is coincidental. Something about this journey or her mission is the key to this mystery."
Felmor clears his throat, and glances to maker sure the Princess and the winged beauty have already left. he then says quietly, "Also, this dinnae start until Lureene joined us as well. Mebbe some o' this be directed at her?"
"Excuse me a moment, Fel. I need to speak with Yvonne in my native tongue."
She nods to the gypsy woman...
"Regarding Alis... I am trying to counsel her on her heart's conflict. Sometimes we must wrestle with our own souls on these matters before we can accept the help of others. I would be happy for any help you can bring, but I really am unsure what we can do to help her. 'Nurturing' is part of Alita's work but is very little of my own. I fear I am inadequate to the task."
Priyya seems genuinely aggrieved by her final statement.
She rallies and repeats Yvonne's points (regarding the Coil) as well as her own thoughts, in Common.
Felmor clears his throat, and glances to maker sure the Princess and the winged beauty have already left. he then says quietly, "Also, this dinnae start until Lureene joined us as well. Mebbe some o' this be directed at her?"
"I don't know the minds of Devils but based on Lucia's comment about the locket being a 'favor' and the general animosity between Demons and Devils... I really don't think the Coil's actions have anything to do with Lureene. And how would kidnapping Alis be a masterstroke aimed at Lureene?" She weighs the evidence in her head for a moment. "No, I don't think this has anything to do with her. I don't see a highly secret cabal coming out of the woodwork after 200 years of circumspect action just for one winged woman seeking redemption."
"I don't know the minds of Devils but based on Lucia's comment about the locket being a 'favor' and the general animosity between Demons and Devils... I really don't think the Coil's actions have anything to do with Lureene. And how would kidnapping Alis be a masterstroke aimed at Lureene." She weighs the evidence in her head for a moment. "No, I don't think this has anything to do with her. I don't see a highly secret cabal coming out of the woodwork after 200 years of circumspect action just for one winged woman seeking redemption."
Felmor sighs, "Aye, ye is probably right, I jes was brainstormin' thar, since Lureene does, or did, 'ave demonic ties. I dinnae think if'n I was a devil or a demon, I be too happy ta see one o' me own turn away from me cause." He chuckles though, "o' course I be Jes a sailor, he he."
Priyya stands, "Well, gentlemen, I believe I will avail myself of the Count's library to see what I can find out," she nods her thanks to Alex, "...and perhaps see where the ladies have gotten themselves to. I'll try to send at least one of them your way to ensure you fine fellows don't get into too much trouble."
She sets off at pace to find Alis and then the library.
Alex leads you out of the great hall, around the corner to the right, and down a stairwell to a hallway one level down.
"While we were speaking, her highness said that she was on a diplomatic mission to stabilize Ilmarond's colonial interests in Dafar. From what you have already mentioned, it seems like the Ruby Coil has been trying to disrupt the economic and political stability of this Dale my family calls home."
He opens a door into a room that smells of musty old books. Speaking a few words of magic, elegant sconces along the walls flare with magical fire illuminating a library with comfortable leather-bound chairs.
"If this is a group with an interest in manipulating events on a grand scale, do you suppose that perhaps they could be the reason why Princess Alis finds herself with a situation to mediate?"
Priyya looks at the fledgling Count, appraising him, "That's a strong possibility, Count er... Alex. I'm sorry, I don't know what title I should use; I don't visit nobility very often. At any rate - you could be right." She bows her head and then begins searching through the musty tomes...
"Regarding Alis... I am trying to counsel her on her heart's conflict. Sometimes we must wrestle with our own souls on these matters before we can accept the help of others. I would be happy for any help you can bring, but I really am unsure what we can do to help her. 'Nurturing' is part of Alita's work but is very little of my own. I fear I am inadequate to the task."
"And again with this Chivane, I suspect they had no reason to suspect that she could not handle you. Did Alis not say the woman seemed annoyed that the mob had not lasted as long as she hoped before you? Had that woman succeeded, all that we would have found would be four dead bodies and perhaps a missing princess. We would be very short on clues."
"As for the conflicted heart... I have lived for a long time, Surya-ka-Vahaak. Sometimes people build walls around their heart not to keep others out, but to see if anyone cares enough to set them free. Those with wealth or influence never have a shortage of people seeking to gain their favor, yet what they can lack are honest friends."
"Technically Lord or milord would be suitable, but I would just as soon dispense with such formalities. Alis seems to enjoy the sound of my name so please, just call me Alex."
Priyya chuckles at Yvonne's response, "However you wish to state it... whether due to some combination of our blind luck, skill, and their over-hasty actions the Coil has tipped us to their involvement. For a group that has merely been a whisper to you for the last 200 years - I'd call that 'blatant'."
When you enter the master suite, Alis sees Lureene looking at Chivane's armor with a gleam in her eyes. "Passion my ass! You know, I'd really like to see Mal's expression if one of us showed up wearing that."
After being shown the location of the library, Priyya finds Alis and Lureene up in the castle's master suite, Alis helping Lureene to strap on Chivane's armor to see how it fits. While Lureene isn't at risk of suffocating in her own cleavage, you have the feeling that most any man who squares off against her in combat is going to suffer Dcreased blood pressure long before they suffer any injuries.
"Oh, hi Priyya. Lureene agreed I should use up some of my pent-up aggression by strapping her into constrictive combat couture. Personally I think she's going to outstrip you and I combined on the number of men we drop. I can hardly wait to hear what eloquence gushes from the mighty mouth of Mal the first time he sees her in this."
Alis lowers her voice to a deep growl in imitation and says, "Oh, that looks quite appropriate for a succubus! Oh, I mean a breasted-adventurer of demonic descent..."
She turns Lureene around checking to make sure the pieces she left out of the back allow adequate range-of-motion for Lureene's wings without pinching her. She nods at her handiwork and says, "I'm not crazy about that mask, but the armor looks good. Chivane would be green with envy, El..."
Yvonne shrugs her ivory shoulders. "As you are suited. Perhaps our fortune it is that this much we at least have discovered."
Priyya's jaw drops at the sight of Lureene in the armor. Good as her word, she tosses a gold piece into Lureene's cleavage. "I said I'd pay to see it... wow. I suspect Felmor is going to be saying someone else's name in the middle of the night for awhile. HA!"
She takes a step back and admires the entire package, "Alis, I think Lureene is going to be 'raising' as many men as she drops. I'm quite certain that outfit, on her, should be outlawed. It will chip away at the moral fabric of humanity."
Lureene grunts a little as Alis straps her into the tight fitting armor. Once finished, she admires herself in the full length mirror, flexing her wings, and notes with satisfaction the armor hardly restricts her movements at all. It would certainly prove to be handy to wear, especially with the threat of additional assassins lurking out there.
She laughs at Priyya’s response, while stowing the gold piece in a safe place. ”Who, meeee? I am quite the lady, and am chaste and proper in every respect!” She giggles girlishly.
”Well, I think we are ready to rejoin our hosts, don’t you think so, ‘Lis?”
"Oh most definitely! Maybe I'll explain that we are taking up a collection because you've expressed an interest in converting to a new religion. Perhaps Priyya can demonstrate the proper way of making a donation..."
"I think you need a chaperone not a co-conspirator in that outfit, Miss Chaste... But I'd like a moment with Alis. We will catch up presently. Don't make any grand entrances without us."
Lureene smiles and gives Priyya a wink, and says "Well, you know where I will be, if you need me!" Giggling to herself, she heads back to rejoin the others, leaving Priyya and Alis alone. She pauses as Alis waves her back for a minute.
Priyya regards Alis evenly, seeming unsure what to say, "So... Mal. Hmm... I was kind of regretting I used that Hold Person on Chivane. He probably could have used a few minutes of forced silent reflection."
Alis gives Priyya an odd look for a moment. What the...? OH! If she hadn't cast it on Chivane... she could have saved that spell for Mal!
"You have a mean dead-pan, Priyya. Thanks, I needed that."
As the three of you start to head down to the library, Alis remarks, "You know, if I thought he was actually being sincere, if he actually wasn't the sort who would just take a group of soldiers to a brothel when they were getting a bit too rowdy, I might not have gotten so upset. Súmalya, Lyria, The Muse... however you want to call her is the very essence of passion. She looks into the hearts of the living and can see what beats in their breast. Yet with the exception of other artists, most people just think of one thing when you bring up her temples."
She shakes her head in frustration, blonde tresses dancing with the motion. "I hate the fact that I have to feel embarrassed about this. It– it makes me feel like a two-face!"
Priyya smiles hesitantly, "Some would say my wit is so dry I am all but humorless. So thanks for giving me the benefit of the doubt."
"If it makes a difference, Mal said something after you left. I think he really was thinking about you as a person of passion and as an artist... not a sexual toy. You DO have a tendency to burst into song in every town we visit." She accents her comment with a poke in the Princess' ribs.
"More than that, he admitted ignorance of most Gods and their ways. He may not know all that your 'duties' might have entailed. I doubt he's ever been to a brothel - sacred or not - and he's said a few things that make me think he avoids intimacy. I think he fears that with his passion and claws, he might hurt a woman."
Lureene looks over at Alis, a look of concern on her face. This has to be so hard for her. I wish I could help her, but this took a while for me to stop thinking of myself that way.
”‘Lis, I don’t think I would ever think of you like that. You are a kind and generous lady, and I am honored to call you my friend. I know you are more than what others think of you, and I want you to see that for yourself. You have an inner beauty that shines forth, and brightens the darkest night, and if there are men who can’t see that, that see only what their eyes show them, then... their opinion means nothing!”
Priyya stalks along silently for awhile, profoundly brooding...
"Nope! The problem isn't you being two-faced, Alis. The problem is that our deities are complex and it flatout sucks to be a cleric sometimes. Gods are a real pain in the ass." She casts a sidelong look at the princess to see if her proclamation catches Alis' attention. "Yep... you're fine. The Gods are the problem."
"Yeeii!!" Alis reflexively hops when Priyya pokes her in the ribs and then gives her a curious look for the sneak tickle. Was that intentional, or...? She gives a short laugh, but says nothing. 'Sis you'd be amused at the thought of me being overly-sensitive to anything, wouldn't you?
She walks along in silence listening to what Priyya and Lureene have to say, but just ends up stopping for a group hug instead. "Thanks for coming up here to check on me. I never exactly expected that part of my childhood to be up for public discussion, but I'll be fine. Might end up with Mal telling me I hit like a girl again, mind you, but I'll be fine."
Just as you are drawing close to the bottom of the stairs, Priyya makes her proclimation about the gods which draws a crooked smile from Alis. As she pushes the door open, she winks and says, "Funny, I've heard the same thing said by retainers regarding looking after princesses."
She then pokes Priyya in the ribs before slipping into the library. "Hey Mal, I've decided that I need a bodyguard who is a bit more sensitive to my emotional needs. Lureene has decided to present her application for the job. Care to look over it with me?"
Lord Alex looks up and swallows nervously but wisely decides to remain silent. Alis meanwhile maintains her best innocent smile save for a subtle wink to her blonde friend.
Lureene sashays up to Mal, and stands directly in front of him, allowing him to look over her qualifications. ”Well, Corporal Mal, due to recent events, since it seems like you are having trouble with your current assignment, I hereby present myself as a potential candidate to serve as an official bodyguard assistant…for when you feel the need to…take a break.”
She looks the tall ranger in the eyes, and asks quietly, ”What do you think, do I have the assets for the position?” There is a look of mirth in her eyes she cannot hide, but also an underlying tone of seriousness as well, showing him she is serious about protecting her friend.
Mal turns from where he's leaning in a corner, a glass of some dark liquor in one hand and a small book in the other. He's about to respond when Lureene walks in.
His eyes open far wider than you'd have thought possible and the liquid apparently gets caught in his throat. The women share a few minutes of satisfaction as Mal desperately tries not to drown while unsuccessfully keeping his eyes off the blond.
"Sh!t! Now THAT'S armor!" Another round of coughs interrupt him before he can continue, voice hoarse, eyes and nose watery, wiping liquid off the pages of the small book, "Sorry about the book, Alex."
You do notice that he has a hard time not taking an eyeful when he can... though he's got no comeback to their quips.
Priyya is studiously ignoring the gentlemen's reactions while pretending to be searching through a tome. She positions herself to get a good view of Felmor's face.
Felmor had been assisting Alex in retrieving some tomes for her research and when Lureene walked in…
His eyes widen, and he stares at the voluptuous winged goddess. all he could think about was the one time he had been hugged by her...and simultaneous hoping and dreading to experience it again. Feeling a sense of impending doom, he turns his face to look over at Priyya, who has little trouble reading what exactly was on his mind...
He dearly wished he was stricken with a bolt of lightning, a heart attack...someting...At least she was not walking towards him...if that had happened, he would have to jump into the lake!
Seeing Felmor's reaction and then the guilty look he gives his Desert Rose, Priyya is inclined to laugh. She settles for a mere raised eyebrow and a knowing smile to let Fel know she isn't bothered in the least.
Lord Alex makes a point of keeping Lureene out of his field of view while he helps Alis and Priyya to pore over books on matters ranging from history to mythology, thaumaturgy to religion. While information on the Ruby Coil is practically non-existent, the oldest incontrovertible proof you can find of the existence of a diabolic cabal in Chalësidhea is practically as old as recorded history.
"Emperor Laeril," Lord Alex skims over a text, "the infamous ruler of the Sun Elves, was ultimately determined to be the reason for the downfall of Quelaerilea and the formation of the Dæmonshade. Thru pacts he made with Invidia and Mephisto, The Demon Prince was able to be born into the world bypassing the spiritual interdiction the gods established upon the world. While historians have no doubt that Laeril perished in that calamity, it has been widely speculated that he sired secret heirs and sent them throughout the world that he might someday be reborn."
"Mind you," he looks up, "it has been well over two thousand years since then — a long time even among elves. However, if one individual was able to achieve great power thru such pacts, then you can be certain that others would also seek such results. Didn't you say that Immerstal mentioned the Ruby Coil was dedicated to Mephisto? Look here, at this chart detailing the traits of the color pools on the astral plane."
He places his finger on the page and you read:
- ...
- Infinite Layers of the Abyss: Amethyst
- Tarterian Depths of Carceri: Olive
- Gray Wastes of Hades: Rust
- Bleak Eternity of Gehenna: Russet
- Nine Hells of Baator: Ruby
- ...
"Mythology tells us that Mephisto fled beyond the confines of the world to escape the wrath of Khorus and the other gods yet found himself unable to return once they began their exile to seal away Invidia. Yet, the Dæmonshade is a constant reminder that a powerful mortal working with and for a powerful outsider, in this case a goddess, was able to find a loophole."
"What I don't understand, is how all of that would tie in to what is happening now. Well... presuming this cabal is even associated with what happened back then. The only commonality I can see is that there was a great deal of civil stress back then and it seems that the efforts of the people targeting her highness are seeking to achieve similar unrest. Yet is that their means to an end, like agitating a log in the fire to rekindle its coals, or is a power play of some sort to extend their influence...?"
When he finally finishes speaking, it takes a moment before the handsome young lord realizes he is starting intently into Alis' indigo eyes. He blushes deeply, and says, "Forgive me, I suppose it is presumptuous of me to regale two priestesses, one a member of elven royalty, on matters of gods and emperors."
He turns away, trying to find something else he can pretend to do but spies Lureene leaning over, reading A Treatsie on the Hierarchy of the Nine Hells. Upon catching an unavoidable shot of her bounteous cleavage, he turns away only to have his gaze caught by a bauble hanging from Alis' neck.
Sighing thru clenched teeth, he jokes, "Ah, Alis? I don't suppose you have de– developed you mastery of divination to the point where you could simply read your prisoner's memory like a book or trace her ring back to its source, have you?"
Alis smiles gently at the young lord's attentions, not seeming a bit perturbed. With a distant look in her eyes, she replies, "Unfortunately, some of my talents have developed faster than others. Presently, most of my insights come in either dreams or in battle. I'm still striving to gain greater control over such matters. Academic focus was never one of my strong suits..."
Lureene glances at Alex, an amused expression on her face. Apparently, he has become quite smitten with Alis. Good for him. I hope he can be a friend for her, before anything more serious develops however.
On hearing the comment from Alis, she walks over to the table where the Princess and Alex are sitting. "Well, my personal studies of the arcane arts have also included planar studies. I have studied the forces of Hell extensively, Alex. Suffice it to say, they are believers in a rigid structure, and a long term plan. Since their ultimate goal is the conquering of the whole multiverse, they would take a long term strategic view, indeed."
Now she looks directly at Alex, heedless of the effects her outfit had on him. There is a serious note of concern in her voice, as she continues, "I am not from Elsemar originally, but from what you told me about this Demon Prince, the resurrection of him would be a worthwhile goal for this Ruby Coil cabal. Perhaps something has happened recently that allowed the plans of the Ruby Cabal to be accelerated, or perhaps Alis's diplomatic mission has the potential to interrupt this schedule in some way. I do not know, and cannot speculate further. Perhaps the assassin Chivane knows something else. I pray we can learn something from her, once she has awakened."