You detect an aura of illusion magic coming from around you but you do not detect any magic on Sykes himself
Zellara watches the interplay between everyone without saying a word. As the discussion seems to be winding down she asks "Have you decided. Feel free to say no and walk away if you wish. I will find others Lamm has harmed, although it might take some time. and perhaps they will be willing to help." She pulls out her deck and, after shuffling them, lays out a spread of nine cards on the table "if you decide to help I can aid you by giving you a reading, if you wish?"
”One moment,” Sykes says as he keeps his eyes on Zellara. ”I’d like a reading, please.”
Aleziella nods to Viria. "Scouting out the fishery does indeed sound prudent. Though we should stay nearby in case they are noticed. Also, if they have to go inside to find enough information, the chance of discovery increase manyfold. It might be best if were imeadiatly available if it came to that. I do not want to split the party if they end up in a fight."
She turns to Joeseph, "You're a fool to pass up the aid of a powerful harrowing. I too use the cards for my magic and I know the power they hold. Without that magic I would probably still be trapped in Gaedren's clutches. Will you pass up all my magical aid just because it comes from the cards? You already know she was able to magically send these message cards to us unnoticed. Are you willing to bet your life on the fact she can't do more? I would certainly accept a reading as well."
The witch turns away from Joeseph to study the magical aura. " Speaking of magic, you're right that not all is what it seems here. There's an aura of illusion magic here. Maybe it's the cause of the flowers, or maybe it's something else. Let me contrate on it for a moment before we begin the readings. May the cards lend me guidance to reveal what's hidden."
She draws forth several cards from her deck, infusing her with guidance before detecting magic to discern as much as possible.
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Quietly, to Sykes, Viria shared some knowledge she recently recollected, "Sykes, I recollect a lesser-known goddess named Milani, whose symbol is a rose growing among blood-soaked cobblestones. She is the patron of hope, freedom and uprisings. I believe she may be the one showing herself to you via your visions of roses."
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"Though we should stay nearby in case they are noticed... It might be best if were immediately available if it came to that. I do not want to split the party if they end up in a fight."
"I concur with your reasoning, Aleziella. We will all have a purpose on this scouting mission; two move in closer to observe and two observe from a hidden vantage a little further back until they are needed."
As Aleziella spoke of magical auras, Viria nodded in the affirmative and quietly added, "I, too, have noted an aura of illusion in this place. It is not coming from Master Sykes, so it must be in this chamber somewhere."
Being how easy it was for Zellara Esmeranda to leave their respective harrow cards, Viria took a gambit and cast Detect Magic in the immediate direction/proximity of the Varisian, Zellara.
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"Have you decided. Feel free to say no and walk away if you wish. I will find others Lamm has harmed, although it might take some time. and perhaps they will be willing to help.... if you decide to help I can aid you by giving you a reading, if you wish?"
"I believe we have decided to investigate this warehouse you've spoken of and do what we can to free the children and bring Lamm to justice. If the man was redeemable, he would have changed his life course before now - this consequence is of his own doing. I rarely seek violence as a first recourse, however I cannot in good conscience stand by and see another child to be ill-used and abused by such a villain. With the Everlight's blinding flame, I shall endeavour to cleanse this city of Lamm's darkness."
Then looking to Mistress Zellara, Viria politely responded, "I will accept a reading from you. Thank you, Mistress Zellara."
Sykes’ eyes widen as Viria divulges to him the most likely cause of the roses. ”Remarkable...” he mutters.
After studying the tapestries you conclude that they are nothing more than decorations used to enhance the mystique of the room.
Zellra, and indeed the whole room, seems to be under the influence of a Major Image spell.
"You scoff at my abilities, Mr Hill?" she Joeseph a slight frown "Be it known that the Harrow can guide and aid you in your future endeavors. But if you do not wish to take part, then so be it. You can make your way without the guidance I can offer, I cannot force you to choose"
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Aleziella scoffs. "So you'll listen to her, but not to me? I know you don't love me, but we're in this together. You need to learn to listen to me. If we can't work together, we will fail. Failure in this line of work is deadly. Hopefully we won't have any problems communicating in actual combat."
”I’d listen to Miss Libuyaza, her and Miss Esmeranda’s cards and magic can be nothing but a boon to us, as well as Miss Volus, a priestess. You believe, even a little bit. Otherwise you wouldn’t have answered the pretty writing on the pretty card that made its way to you in the first place.” Sykes tells Joseph.
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Joeseph turns to Aleziella and says avoiding eye contact "Well, we just met. We can end up working together, but right now we're just a band of people hating the same person. That should be enough to put us on a path. But I've lived enough to see allies turn on each other for very little. Just making sure it don't happen to me,, dollface."
To Sykes he says "Well, you're not wrong. But magic is often a means to serve its master and no one else. I've seen different, but not often enough I'll trust people just because they haven't killed me when they had the chance. Don't worry, kid, I'll do my part. But it'll take more than this to get my trust."
”Bringing Lamm to justice is what we’re all after, he can’t very well trick or bribe his way out of his death now can he?” Sykes interjects.
”Trust us to work together long enough to take care of Lamm, and then you’ll never have to see any of us ever again.” he offers. ”And, even if you don’t trust anyone, you could at least present you yourself as trustable.”
Viria listened to the squabbling people around her and grew concerned. Looking in main at Joeseph, in a steady, patient manner, she addressed all,
"I humbly serve the Everlight, the goddess Sarenrae. Her tenets strongly advocate the redemption of a being, yet even she knows that there will be those in our society who are irredeemable. I do not see her as my master, yet as a most sacred, guiding presence in my life; whose divine virtue I can wield through prayer to aid those in need. We are all strangers come together from a common, troubled past with Gaedren Lamm. Trust can be hard among strangers. Yet, we could all agree to work together and be loyal in the endeavour and effort until such a time where belief in each other begins to take root and trust starts to prosper? At the very least we can listen to each other, work toward freeing innocent children and putting an end to Lamm's savage reign. Let us place some faith in the spirit of this endeavour. The guiding reasons behind why we are all here is of less importance than our purpose to come together for a common good. Is this acceptable to all? Perhaps it is prudent we receive our new reading from Mistress Zellara and then begin our work directly." Viria smiled and gently nodded her head, hoping tempers could at least be stayed so the good work would take precedence. Let us try to work together and not turn on one another, she mused silently.
Then changing tact for a brief moment, Viria turned her attention to their mysterious Varisian hostess and politely inquired to gain some answers, "Mistress Zellara, I have noted this room is under the influence of a Major Image illusionary spell. I am most curious. Can you elaborate on this, please?"
Zellara shakes her head sadly "My apologies. I did not mean to deceive you only to put you at ease." She waves her hand and the room fades away, leaving it look much like it did with the exception of a thick layer of dust covering the floor and table and cobwebs festooning the corners. Zellara herself takes on a translucent, ghost-like quality "You see, when Lamm's thugs returned what was left of my son I was distraught, then I was angry. I purchased a new Harrow deck and spent the next week searching for Lamm. I was successful and I went to see for myself. I was caught outside the fishery and taken to see Lamm. He was impressed with my determination, aroused even and when I spit in his face he, he, killed me" She looks at the four of you pleadingly "It took me weeks to manifest and I began my search, a search for others who had been harmed by Lamm. There I found you. I implore you, bring Lamm to whatever justice you deem fit but bring him to justice you must."
After Zellara drops the illusion and reveals how she came to be in this state Sykes shoulders’ slump. ”My sympathies...” is all he can force himself to say.
Aleziella is shocked to see Zellara appear as a ghost before them, but her shock quickly changes to curiosity. "You are dead! If you can call upon us from beyond the gave, your magic must be quite powerful. I'm afraid to say I'm not as powerful yet... But I hope to one day be. In the meantime, I'll swear to bring you vengeance, both for you and your son. How much time and power do you have left? Can you still preform a harrowing? If you got anything more to teach or share with us, that would be most helpful."
The derelict room came into focus as the illusion was dropped. The now translucent Zellara stood before them pleading for understanding.
Viria's brow furrowed slightly at the turn of events before she steadied her emotions; taking on a more collected demeanour.
"I am saddened to hear that such a fate has befallen you and your son, Mistress Zellara. Gaedren Lamm should not be underestimated by any person, let alone us. It appears we must bring this criminal to justice as soon, and as wisely, as possible."
Having heard Aleziella's question regarding the amount of time and magic Zellara had left now she was a ghostly apparition, Viria was also curious to know the answer. "Will you be able to move onto the next realm once justice has been done, Mistress Zellara?", she asked courteously.
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Joeseph is caught completely by surprise by Zellara's revelation. To himself, he says out loud "Wow, the deception was bigger than I thought." Then, his mind caught up to him and he felt sorry for Zellara. That could easily have been him when he was at his weakest. He then joins the conversation, waiting for the ghost to reply to all the questions posed.
"It is my hope that once my son and I are avenged and Lamm has been dealt with that I will be able to cross over to the Boneyard, yes." She gestures toward the ghost cards laid out on the table "Meanwhile my offer to divine your future still stands. I find being this close to the spirit realm, my powers have increased."
"I will accept a card," quietly gesturing to one of the ghostly cards on the table.
Aleziella nods and starts shuffling her own deck reflexively. "Of course I'll accept. Any magic or guidance you can offer would be very helpful. I'm sorry for your loss, but it just makes the intensity of my desire to deliver vengeance to Lamm that much stronger. "
”We shall do our best to allow you and your’s to rest.” Sykes replies, now having three deaths to make right he thought.
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Joeseph goes first and reaches for a card on the table, turning his card face up to reveal The Avalanche. Zellara shakes her head slightly "The Avalanche, an unstoppable force that leaves destruction and panic in it's wake."
Following Joeseph, Viria reaches for her card, turning over The Juggler. "With precision and skill The Juggler must constantly keep things moving, keeping an eye on many things at once, as he moves through life."
Aleziella's choice reveals The Crows. Zellara tsks slightly as this card appears "The Crows, a card of loss and theft. Protect yourself and your valuables from the greed and jealousy of others."
Finally Sykes reaches for a card, but seems to hesitate at the last second and chooses another. Turning it face up he reveals The Cricket. "Like The Cricket you must be quick and nimble to overcome the obstacles in your path"
Gathering up the cards and shuffling them back into the deck she once again lays out cards in three rows of three. Turning the cards face up in the first row she reveals The Twin, The Publican, and The Forge "This first row represents the past. The Twin represents a duality of self, a secret desire or purpose waiting to be set free, while The Publican may represent a safe place, a refuge you sought to shelter you from the storm that swirls around you. The Forge means that all of you have survived your own "trial by fire" and as such have emerged tempered, stronger than before."
She turns the cards in the middle column face up revealing The Tangled Briar, The Brass Dwarf, and The Winged Serpent. "This column represents the present. The Tangled Briar is normally an obstacle you must overcome but in this position it represents hope for the future. Once you traverse the briar you shall gain the treasure within. The Brass Dwarf, unconcerned in the midst of the flames that surround him. If you can keep your head in the face of danger you shall persevere. The Winged Serpent encourages patience and prudence, but in this position it means that your actions might be considered hasty or ill-advised. Knowing when to strike is as important knowing how or why."
Finally we have the future" she says as she turns over the cards in the last column. "The Betrayal normally represents jealousy, ego, or narcissism, of having it all but wanting more. However, in this position it represents the opposite. By rejecting the material, or making a noble sacrifice, you can save yourself from pain. The sphinx in The Desert represents relief or enlightenment in even the most hostile of environments, an oasis of sorts. Like all who arrive at an oasis treat your fellow traveler with the same camaraderie and compassion you would expect to receive. Finally we have The Theater. The Theater represents a prophecy which we must watch, but not interfere with, as it unfolds. However in this position the prophecy is false and you must look behind the curtain to see who the players are so you are not misled"
With that Zellara heaves a sigh of exhaustion "I'm afraid I'm spent. I have no more power to remain here and I must go. We will meet again I am sure" she tells you as she fades from view.
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Joeseph is completely speechless after the reading. He has so many questions that he is can't even vocalize them. Instead, he only says "Thank you". Then, as if awakened by his own voice, he says "Look, ghost lady, what am I..." But she fades away with a short good-bye and he is left there looking at the others. He says "Well, then. That'll keep me up at night. I'll be ready to leave as soon as you are."
”Should I also take up a fiddle?” Sykes asks with sincerity as he puzzled over his reading.
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Aleziella follows along enraptured by the magic of ghostly harrow. She just sits there stunned for a moment once it's awesome. "Wow, that was awesome? Couldn't you feel the power? It was literally thrumming in the air."
The elf gets thoughtful for a moment "Crows eh? I hope it refers to what I have already lost, what I had stolen from me for so long. My deck too was stolen by him and he used it to keep me in his thrall. That's over now and soon it will be avenged. With your help I'm sure we will succeed."
"The reading suggested we would be wise to gather information before we strike. So our previous outlined plan of scouting out the warf sounds like a great idea. We just have to keep our wits about us and we'll prevail."
"The future part of the reading I have to ponder more. I do not know how much of it will be affecting our current mission, but it seems like we will be tasked with giving of ourselves and showing compassion to others. That's more your forte than mine Viria. Though it's not like I don't have anything to give." She strokes a hand along her slender curves and winks at Sykes. "But enough of that. Now it's time to strike before our path turns into yet a cold false trail."
Sykes gives Aleziella an appreciative and good natured smile at her tease. ”Lamm has taken children, if I was told correctly? If so there may be lives at stake, and more than one of revenge, this shall be a rescue mission of a sorts.” he offers.
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Patience, prudence, noble sacrifices, enlightenment, camaraderie, compassion, prophecy...
Viria was quietly pondering the words of Zellara, when the woman's ghostly form disappeared due to an exhaustion of magic.
Her new companions voices filtered into her mind and she turned her attention to them. When Aleziella's talk of compassion was directed toward her, Viria watched as the Elf touched her form suggestively before winking at Sykes. Viria's cheeks flushed at the other woman's instant and fleeting boldness. Sykes' smile seemed to suggest he was not displeased by her action.
Hearing Sykes speak of the children, Viria promptly nodded, "Aye, the children must be rescued. Lamm cannot take them down with him. He may try to use them as a shield, if we come for him. I would not see them harmed."
Joeseph and Aleziella seemed eager to getting moving to the old fishery. "Patience and prudence. Sykes and Joeseph to scout and once they get back to us and we know what is going on on the wharf/inside the old fishery, then Aleziella and I can move closer, too."
Viria stood up and announced politely, "I am ready."
Sykes nods. ”As am I.”
With everyone in agreement Joeseph and Sykes make their way to the abandoned fishery. The sun has finally set as the pair walk the streets with many businesses closing their doors for the night.
Arriving at the fishery you can see that it too has closed for the evening. The dilapidated building sits on the banks of the Jeggare river, with the bulk of it over the river supported on wooden pilings. Along the north side of the building is a large loading dock with a couple of carts partially loaded with tar caked barrels sit unused upon this dock. A pair of double doors, which are currently shut, provide access to the fishery proper. A set of rickety stair descend from the dock to another door just few feet above the river's surface. Facing the street another set of double, also closed for the night, sit beneath what once may have been a sign post but all that remains is a single rusty chain swaying slightly in the breeze. A slippery looking walkway, covered in mold and algae, disappears around the back of the fishery along it's southern side. Another wooden door allows access to the fishery from this walkway.
Sykes nods and follows along with the more experienced sleuth.
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Before setting out Aleziella nods. "Yes, let's go. As we talked about earlier, it's best if we stay nearby if anything happens, so we should stay a street over or so, depending on what's practical."
When it's time to part Aleziella says. "I got a bit of magic to help you stay hidden, it's not much, but perhaps it'll be the little bit of luck that tips the scale." She pulls forth a harrow card from her deck, a picture of a two-headed giant Ettin laying in front of a bard. "The joke grants power to overcome challenges by trickery and unexpected means, just like you will sneak up completely unexpected and unnoticed to see what's going on."
”Tis appreciated,” Sykes tells Aleziella.
As Aleziella imbued their male companions with the power of her harrow cards, Viria did not attempt to undertake the same spell. Instead, she moved along with Aleziella, at a safe distance behind Joeseph and Sykes, attempting to move as quietly as she could muster and as indistinct so as to not draw any undue notice of any passerby or hidden scout.
Then moving to a position that would be secure and give her/them a line of sight to the old fishery/wharf, she looked out in the dusklight; straining her eyes to see further afield as the last light in the sky was growing dimmer.
From her position, Viria began to softly cast, calling upon the Everlight's guiding grace, "Let me aid my companions; guide my body and eyes, o' Everlight.", laying her hand against her side.
Then, she repeated the same spell on herself and concentrated on the movement of her male allies, until she lost sight of them. Viria then drew her gaze to the double doors and the other entry points for any signs of movement or threat; hoping Joeseph and Sykes could move closer and undertake their initial scouting mission without Lamm's Lambs marking their intent.
After watching the men leave Aleziella thinks for a moment and get embarrassed as she remembers that she has forgotten to protect herself. Blushing slightly red she looks through her deck for the correct card. She pulls out the keep. In hushed tones she proclaims. "The keep offers protection and strength to withstand the toughest opponents. May this protection be sufficient for me to survive the coming troubles." A soft glow seem to settle all around her before dimming down to a barely visible shimmer travelling right above her clothes. She looks over to Viria and whispers. "There, now I should have better protection from attacks. Do you have any spells to use for preparation or perhaps you want to wait until the guys come back?"
She looks over to Viria and whispers. "There, now I should have better protection from attacks. Do you have any spells to use for preparation or perhaps you want to wait until the guys come back?"
Without breaking her vigil, Viria replied quietly, "I have the protection of my goddess and the leather-plated armour I wear. I believe it is best to wait until we hear word from the men before we proceed to further action. I have done what I can for now."
Joeseph and Sykes settle in to their hiding spots while keeping an eye on the fishery and the surrounding area. After watching for a little while it appears that, to all intents and purposes, the place is indeed closed up for the night.
After a few minutes of waiting Sykes nudges Joeseph to try and return to call the ladies over, if he insists on staying in his spot Sykes will got fetch them on his own.