"Capitalizing on the facts?" The centaur sees red.
"Your way is not confronting me? Yet, you allege blackmail and manipulation of someone here. Lysander? Kyrah? Who? By not speaking plainly, you are cowardly." He turns and slowly walks toward the cave before he regrets cutting the scholar down.
"And, I've never been to a cantina or met a sailor, invader." He throws over his shoulder.
As the centaur goes away, Aristeides starts responding. "I did mention it in many facets, yet you stubbornly consider it was about you specifically..." He then stops, making a gesture as if saying "is not worth the effort". The rest will do what they want, no matter what he does, so there's no point in still talking to a barbarian who knows no other way but intimidation. Even he might give it a second thought when he's calmed.
Aristeides keeps collecting wood from the tree. "Should I give you the honour of being the Boar Killer, dear tree?" he asks himself. But some other thoughts invade his head. "Have I been lying or manipulating in this instance?" He wants to be honest with himself. "Maybe from the Centaur's point of view. If we consider I only wanted everyone to make a free choice, then I guess I was fine. But that is so close to the 'end justifies the means' concept." He doesn't want to be that guy. But he doesn't want to be selfish. "No one said being a Philosophy student was easy."
"Enough, both of you!" Lysander barks loud enough for even the departing centaur to hear as he glares at them both while putting his centurion helmet back on his head.
"This is not an argument, any longer and I will not allow petulance like this among my brothers-at-arms." Lysander gestures to each in turn with the sword he did not realize was in his hand. But as a decanus, he often found he had a sword in hand when giving orders. It is not a situation he expected to be in.
"Coronus, your god showed us some of his grace in healing the wounds of one of our own. We appreciate and thank him, but bristling and quarreling with each other on the field of victory does him no honor or justice. So Chiron will not receive a boon this day."
The big man turns his blade in Aristeides' direction. "Scholar, you spoke of the wisdom of Vallus, but show none in voicing any of your inner thoughts. Thus, our victory has proven without her blessing. So Vallus will not earn a boon."
He looks towards the boar and it's prophetic words return to him. "As the son of one of the Five, I would sooner swallow my sword then entertain the Titans receiving anything more then my spite. But I will also not force the sacrifice to be in Mytros' or my father's name."
He turns his blade to point to Kyrah. "She brought us together on the word of the oracle. Tales will be told this day, and it is up to us to decide their content. So our first victory will go to her namesake," Lysander turns his eyes to both the centaur and the scholar. "and from now on, if we wish our patrons to claim credit over our victories we earn it. Understood?"
"If you're talking to me, first of all, I have a name." Once again, he seems calmed when intimidated - though of course he's almost peeing his pants. "Then, if you want to discuss on the sacrifice, I'm open to it. If you're willing to impose your opinion - as in vetoing one of the gods, then okay. That will only show the tyrant you could be."
Without giving up collecting wood, he finishes. "Why are you all so eager to measure your penis? Let's just vote which god each of us prefer and act accordingly, can we? No coercion, no violence, no scheming - and by the way, I have no personal interest in anyone, and my preference is a pure practical matter. I don't have a patron and I don't need to earn anything"
Coronus tries to ignore the invaders' words as he approaches the cave. He wonders why he expected better from them. Taking whatever they want showing no respect or honor to the one god who actually affected the victory. Invader stories flooded his thoughts, until the stench of the cave hit his face watering his eyes and causing him to gag a bit and cough.
"Hello, the cave. You two are brave to suffer that stench. Does any one survive? Do you need a light source or strong back to carry out anything?" Coronus calls to Kaia and Mateo.
Lysander shakes his head. "You are not discussing, you are arguing and laying claims instead. I am vetoing several gods- the one you mentioned, the one Coronus mentioned and the two of my own, because I am far from a tyrant. Instead, I chose one who would relish the tale we are supposed to be a part of. But I am beginning to wonder if we truly deserve any tales to be told of our exploits as the oracle had hoped."
Shaking his head he sheathes the blade.
"You are correct in that you have a name. But you're mistaken if you think you don't have much to earn, scholar." With that he turns to walk away from Aristeides to seek out wood for the bier.
It seems today everyone believes they have the right to do what they want. "Well, actually, they do. That's what I'm trying to fight for." Aristeides just hopes they wouldn't all think their way is the right way, the only way. He shrugs again and keeps collecting wood from the fallen tree.
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Mateo watched from the cave entrance, washing his hands of the stained gore that covered his palms, as the three of them debated their points. Coronus was quick to anger, it seemed, and when hackles were raised, things seemed to grow intense. Aristeides seemed to be troubled and Mateo thought deeper as to who this young man could be. He was an intellectual, skilled with the arcane, and eloquent with his words. They could not have come from more different worlds.
Lysander did his best to calm things down and he did it the way he knew how; ordering his soldiers. Mateo could commend the mentality but these were no Centurions. They had no common bond outside of being directed by the Oracle themselves. If they were to grow in bonds, they were to grow in time. It could not be forced.
Coronus approached him and Mateo gave a grim smile to the centaur, looking down at the boar's victims. He shakes his head at his question, wiping the moisture off his hands onto his thighs before calling out.
"No, sadly. I can only hope that their end was swift. My lineage gives me some skill in the dark; I can see as if there are no colors, a world of blacks, greys, and whites. At least to a certain distance." As he drew closer, his smile faded a little and his spoke with an apologetic voice. "Please excuse Lysander, he is an officer first and foremost. Not even retirement can take that from his blood. I do have a request...please...do not call us 'invaders'. Much has happened since the time of the Dragonlords and the first arrival of the Gods. I would no more call you a 'savage', even if my ancestry would." The smile strengthens upon Mateo's face. "Both our people worked hard for the peace we have now. You and us, we can prove it will be a success, right?" Turning to the others, Lysander calls out Kyrah and Mateo gives a nod for a moment.
"I am with my comrade, albeit for different reasons. Kyrah is the Muse, the Goddess of Music. Despite our differences in social class, language, culture, and race, music is what helps bind us together. All of us can appreciate the beauty of a well-made composition, feel the fury of a war chant accompanied by the drums, and ache with longing at a woman's sad song. Music brings us together...and that is what we need."
Realizing he is talking like Lysander would almost brings a blush to the half-elf's face, his hand reaching around to run through his hair as he gives a shrug.
"I mean...if you guys want. I feel our next tribute should be to Chiron. I am not familiar with the god but...if he is to join us in protecting Thylea, then we could use all the help we can get. I am with Kyrah for this tribute...
"No, we do not need your help. You are free to continue your pointless and stupid bickering."
Coronus absorbs the words of Mateo appreciating the calm dialogue. Lysander is not the one who needs to be excused, he replies to himself.
The centaur doesn't want to fight the invaders. They won. But, as he initially gives respect to them, he expects respect in return for himself, his race, and his divine patron. He can handle differences of opinions from Lysander, Mateo and even that effete scholar, but he only feels respect from Lysander and Mateo. He was deeply wounded by the baseless accusations of misdeeds. It cut him to the core of his moral fiber. Wait until that scholar turns that disrespect toward them. See how they react. He concludes ready to continue the discourse with Mateo.
Then, Kaia emerges from the cave, with a comment to prove that she has the manners of a badger. There is no point in conversation anymore. Just get to the task and complete it.
So, the centaur turns away from all of the companions and walks toward a far tree to gather wood for the bier. Alone. He survived alone. He's learned to be comfortable alone. Alone, only death can take any more from you.
@ Kaia and Mateo>> The stench of the cave weakens you as it's impossible to take a deep breath, but you are finally able to drag the corpses free from the cave. They appear to be other village hunters, perhaps the Boar's spoils from an unsuccessful earlier hunt. As Kaia drags her body forth, sh notices that is is leaving a trail of coins as she pulls it forth. After depositing the corpse at the entrance, she returns to gather up the coins and sees a glint further into the cave.
Kaia
You follow the glint back into the cave and find a finely crafted spear. The head of the spear appears to have been coated with a finely etched silver coating (Silvered Spear)
Perhaps two more bodies to send on to a hopefully happier afterlife.
Kyrah has been intently scribbling onto a scroll as the party squabbled over who to sacrifice the boar to. Finally she looks up and approaches as Kaia and Monteo drag forth the additional bodies.
"Pardon me Mateo... could you repeat your last statement. I must ensure it's accuracy as I set it down for prosperity".
She then smiles and looks at Lysander..."I have heard of this Chiron, but nothing to convince me that he is not a myth... or numerous attempt by one of the Gods or Titans, to steal another few worshipers. In fact I have met only one worshiper of Chiron since I've been around, and I just met him yesterday". She smiles and looks at Coronus.
"If you ask my input it is this... You were all able to set aside your differences and come together as a group to defeat this monster. That was impressive, and hopefully a harbinger of your future deeds. You do not know each other, and at this time while strong as individuals you are weak as a group. I think that you need something to pull yourselves into a cohesive unit, that takes the others views into consideration, as you become better acquainted".
She then pulls forth a small sharp blade and cuts her quill to sharpen the tip, before pulling forth a small vial of Ink with silver and gold flakes in it, and a fresh sheet of vellum. "Might I suggest you all sign and pledge to an Oath of fellowship. As you all know Oaths are not to be taken lightly, and perhaps this will help you to overcome your differences, and begin to work better as a group. It won't be easy, but a powerful Oath might ease the transition".
"As to who to make your sacrifice to... that might be the first duty of your fellowship. You will get no input from me on that matter. But decide quickly. We must light the sacrificial bier, Send these poor unfortunate four to their fate, then return to the village with news of our victory".
"For tomorrow we leave to visit the Oracle and determine your fate".
Insight - DC15
When she mentions the Oracle, something is not quite right. Her voice quavers a bit, and a brief glimpse of concern shows through for just a moment.
Kaia re-enters the cave, and then returns momentarily with a spear, the head of which appears to be made of silver.
at Kyrah's proclamation about the world needing them Kaia snorts.
Coronus piles the wood from a far tree at the base of the big pig, and then stalks away to gather more. He would not be the first to sign that oath.
Aristeides is about to ask why are some others picking wood from far away when there's a fallen tree right here, but he's done with being shouted at and menaced for today.
After considering Kyrah's words, he nods. "I don't have a problem with the Oath." He's not planning on breaking it anyway.
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It seemed that Mateo was having a connection with the centaur before Kaia's blunt and abrasive words were heard by the two of them. He lifted his hand to his face and rubbed gently at his closed eyes, obviously frustrated as Coronus walked away. He could not blame the centaur's want to be left alone at this moment and respected it.
"That...was not helpful Kaia." Mateo mutters softly just before Kyrah spoke up. The woman's prose was eloquent and beautiful and her request for him to repeat what he had said was kind but he did not feel too hopeful. Maybe his own ill luck was infecting the group? Maybe he should've just stayed with the Centurions and accepted his own death. The bard was right though, they were able to work together to bring down the titanic beast that had been corrupted with the vile powers of the Titans. Their personalities clashed heavily with each other and the tension was thick, thicker than he had been expecting. "Do any of them care what will happen to Thylea? Is Lysander and I alone in wanting to protect her?"
Kaia's snort earns another derisive look from the half-elf as he sighs and steps forward, giving a look to Lysander. The warrior knows that the Odyssean hated leadership. It was always easier being a scout, watching ahead, sneaking around, rather than speaking to others. Lysander's bloodline made it easy to push the godblooded into the role rather than himself. This group though seemed like it would need more than one presence to keep them from scattering off-course.
"As a soldier of Mystros, I accept that I will have to work with those I may not approve of to accomplish a task. No task is greater than protecting Thylea. If we are chosen by Fate to fight against the storm then I say we should face our destiny headlong and, in doing so, maybe we shall become friends." Placing a closed fist over his heart, Mateo stands up straight and lifts his chin, trying to look as noble as a military scout can. "I swear an Oath of Friendship with those who wish to. To protect Thylea, each other, and to secure our interests...let it be vengeance...salvation...a cure to a curse...or something more. Who will join me?" Astreides willingness to join brought a sincere smile to Mateo's face, earning a nod of respect from the half-elf.
"You should always call out children on their bad behavior; how else will they learn?" Kaia said in response to Mateo's statement.
The centaur turned the words of Kyrah around in his mind and compounded them with the words from his dreams. An Oath of Fellowship? Fellowship? We just met. We don't know one another. And, the only thing we all share in common is an Oracle summons.
She said to 'Find the others. If your path allows you to save the world, and fulfill the prophecy, you will uncover the answers you truly seek,' and that 'She believes that great destinies await you all, but great destinies are forged by great deeds.'
I've nothing else. But, to accept the destiny in front of me. Maybe, I can avenge my family. Or, achieve what my ancestor accomplished. Or, something else. I will never know without them.
I don't have to love them. Or even like them. But, I could save the world with them, fight side by side with them.
Coronus shakes his head at the badger's condescending manners. Almost as bad as the scholar. And an Oath of Fellowship would bind me together with them to save the world. They probably won't be the most aggravating challenge that I will face along the way.
Although, he did like these men from Mystros. They knew what was important and how to treat one another. He hoped their behavior would infect the others. At least there were two with whom he could discuss. It's a start. Like a spark in kindling. He thought while arranging his load of wood on the bier.
The centaur rubs the dust from his empty hands and says, "I would take this Oath of Fellowship. To protect Thylea, each other, and to secure our interests." He repeats Mateo's words looking directly into the eyes.
He moves to Kyrah and signs her pledge.
Lysander returns to the group with armloads of wood, and puts his wood down with Coronus' "One thing," he says stretching out his shoulder after carrying the weight. "Do any of us actually know how to make a bier? I mean, we could stack the wood, but to make it strong enough to hold the boar and burn hot enough to destroy the carcass.. I'm not sure guys, I-" The big man's voice trails off as he realizes that there are expectant eyes watching him.
"Oh, yeah. I'm in." He shrugs a bit. He'd made the decision before they'd all committed to battle.
As if he didn't just gloss over an important decision, Lysander glances to his friend. "Kaia, 'Teo, what did you find in the beast's lair?"
Kaia tosses the spear into the ground near Lysander's feet, hard enough to embed the head in the ground. "A spear."
Aristeides reads the document carefully before signing, then takes the quill and stamps this name with beautiful calligraphy. "Aristeides" he says, out loud so that everyone can hear it.
When the problem with the bier arises, Aristeides realises he'd hoped anyone had any experience with it. He's never worried too much about sacrifices. At the very least, maybe someone has a relative who's a carpenter, and they have seen how a small structure is done. If nothing, whoever god is chosen might have to understand.
When asked about the Oath of Fellowship Kyrah explains that it is designed to share the fame of the group among all. Petty jealousies and rivalries can drive a group apart faster than anything.
"There is no doubt in my mind that you are the group the Oracle has forseen, however there is one tiny problem, though. The tricky thing about fame is, if you're not careful, one hero might outshine all the others. Then all the stories will be about that one hero and how strong and valiant they are — and all the rest of you will be yesterday's news."
"So... I encourage you to swear this Oath of Fellowship. This is a sacred oath that will bind you together in the spirit of solidarity. When one of you wins fame, all of you will share it. And, who knows? Perhaps the magic of the oath will even protect you against some of the dangers that lie ahead. You must not only sign this, but say it out loud for the gods and titans to hear."
Following is the wording of the Oath that Kyrah has written up. If you're not planning on signing or reciting it let me know, as most have already expressed their positions.
I am [name], and I swear upon my life and my honor that I will uphold the oath of fellowship with the warriors who stand at my side.
Kaia just puts an X on the signature line.
Kaia just puts an X on the signature line.
Aristeides pronounces the oath out loud, making it official. Then it's time to solve the sacrifice problem.
Fortunately, the rest seem now way more reasonable. A referendum is called and Kyrah ends up being the winner. "Be it so" he nods.
As they slowly seem to agree to the Oath of Friendship, it brings a smile to the the soldier's face. It didn't seem like the group was entirely hopeless. Sure, they likely had their own motivations to agreeing to such a thing and not all of them were for the good of everyone else but the most important thing was that it was a step forward. A little more cohesion, a little more unity, and it would take this dysfunctional assortment and make them into a proper combative force. By the gods, he was thinking like an officer. The thought made him want to get a hard-hitting drink after this was all done.
When he had his chance, Mateo recited the oath and signed the paper with his signature, ensuring his dedication to the cause. It was soon after that a vote was taken by them all and it seemed a little more calm, a little less tense than it was moments ago. Nodding, Mateo would help here he could to ass. Rope was tied to wood, making it slide along the ground a bit easier. The work would take some time but honestly, it was good to work together. It was common practice to set Centurions to tasks together; closeness equates to bonding even among those who dislike each other.
Mateo kept his chatter talking about the a campaign against Queen Helen and her forces and how their scout discovered the enemy forces when he went to take a s+*@. It was a war story, certainly, but he focused on the humor of the tale and how the large yet quiet man howled with an arrow shaking from his left ass-cheek. Once they were finished, he had only one last task left to do.
Over by the dead hunters and the boar's victims, he would look them over not for anything of value but of identification. A necklace, a ring, a bracelet, something that someone close would recognize. He didn't wish to bring the bodies back and let their loved ones see the broken state they were. If one of them was a parent and their children were there? No, no child should see these ruined shapes that were once people. With whatever excess wood they had left, he would help set them within it before placing a gold coin upon their closed eyes before lighting the wood aflame.
For Fate's Sake, Coronus recites the Oath and signs the paper. He lets the vote for the sacrifice to pass without further comment, being bound to the Fellowship.
He wonders if Chiron will remember their votes and treatment of His blessings. Gods can be jealous, but he has never had an opportunity to test that trait of Chiron. Besides being the goddess of music, Kyrah is also the trickster goddess. He wonders if Lysander favors Her to trick and spite his sire. Chiron might see Her tricking the Fellowship from a sacrifice.
The centaur silently leads the preparation of the bier, perhaps being the most practiced at sacrifices by fire to a god. He keeps his adjustments of the wood placed by others to the minimal necessary to ensure a good burn. He is relieved that Mateo pushed to fire the dead hunters, too. He certainly wouldn't carry their corpses.
Without a complaint, Lysander worked to Coronus' specifications, even asking for direction in order to keep the bier from toppling.
But for the boar's victims, hunters included, Lysander only has sober words. "Coins. We need coins on their eyes to pay their passage, lest they be lost." and reaches into his belt pouch to supply the necessary toll.
"I would take this Oath of Fellowship. To protect Thylea, each other, and to secure our interests." Kaia says, mimicing Coronus' oath exactly.
As the party continues to build the bier, and construct smaller ones for the boars victims. Mateo looks for a way to identify the two earlier hunters. He finds a small token of a pewter acorn around the neck on one of the men, and twin thin copper rings around the right thumb of the other. As they move the two most recent bodies the following can be found. 21 GP, 32 SP, Longbow, Shortbow, 30 arrows, (2)spears, one dagger and one handaxe. All average construction, but well maintained.
@Mateo>>: Lysander shows up to assist in preparing the 4-hunters bodies, and helps place the coins for passage to the afterlife.
@Lysander>>: As the thought of paying the passage of the dead enters your mind, you move to the corpses to see Mateo already beginning the process, and help him to complete it.
As each of you finish reciting the oath, Kyrah reaches into her sack and presents you with a golden arrow for your reward.
She gently steps next to Kaia, and with a smile informs her that the Oath must be spoken as written by each of them, and gently recites the oath, as Kaia repeats it after her. " I am [Kaia], and I swear upon my life and my honor that I will uphold the oath of fellowship with the warriors who stand at my side". She then hands the distrustful girl her golden arrow. As Kaia finishes her last words, thunder peals from the sky, and the oath is both accepted and honored.
Now that the Oath of Fellowship has been decreed, the party wastes little time, lighting the sacrificial bier for the defeated monstrous hog, and the funeral bier for the brave hunters. As they begin their trudge back towards The Sour Vintage, Kyrah asks each of them for remembered detail of the battle, and stops frequently to scribe on one of her many scrolls, hurrying to catch the remainder of the party before they reach their destination.
Finally just before dark they arrive back at the Inn. Kyrah runs forth, and loudly proclaims that the "True Heroes of Thylia have conquered the beast, and that they are the true Prophetic ones. Three of the men killed had no family, and the forth's widow and young son were informed of his brave sacrifice, and led away for consoling by friends and family, but the relief of the prophecy being true gave most hope, and many pats on the back, and offers of thanks... and free drink were plentiful.
"Please take this evening to celebrate, and share you story with the locals. They will take pride in being the recipients of the first chapter of your saga. On the morrow we leave to visit the Oracle".
Once back in the tavern, Aristeides celebrates with some nicely watered wine and good lamb. It was a successful endeavour, exceptionally so considered how different each of them was.
Coronus looks over the weapons for the deceased hunters. "Does anyone want any of the weapons? The longbow is better than my shortbow. And, I don't have a smaller weapon than my longsword. Bronze is thin in the Steppes."
The centaur slides the golden arrow in his quiver among his other shafts. He has never had much wealth and wonders any adversary will be vulnerable to golden arrows. Maybe a golden eagle?
Along the way, the centaur reminds Kyrah about the start of the battle. How Lysander banged on his shield and called forth a challenge at the charging beast, banging his shield, and planting his spear to intercept the oncoming charge. The beast then turned it's beady eyes, and bad intentions on the other hunter, and tore him in half by the force of the blow.
At the Sour Vintage, the centaur steps carefully inside the tiny inn. He stays near the men of Mytros, obviously preferring their company more than the others of the new fellowship. Coronus slowly enjoys the flowing beverages and cheerfully carouses celebrating the victory.
"What is this for, besides feeding a family of 4 for a month?" Kaia asked as she carefully wrapped the golden arrow and stored it in her quiver.
Back at the tavern, Kaia refuses any offer of alcohol and instead simply heads to her room.
Now that she wasn'trunning towards something, Kaia was unsure about what was happening. She had signed an oath, but for what purpose she knew not.
Instead, her thoughts drifted to her family, and the tears came again.
Finally, as always happened sleep overtook her and when she dreamt, she dreamt of her childhood...
[i]...The salt spray stung young Kaia's eyes, and she used the back of her arm to wipe away the liquid before it could further burn her. Like most of the men around her, whom she called uncle, Kaia stood and prepared to leap onto the merchant ship they were closing on; her mothers' control of the winds meant that the merchantman had no chance to escape.
Unlike the the men near her, Kaia stood on the rail of the ship, her small feet not longer than the width of the rail.
As the ropes were hauled in by the slaves in the galley, Kaia crouched and as soon as they were in range of where she knew she could make the jump she leapt, a fierce roar surged from within her.
For a moment, there was nothing between her and the sea but her but the roaring winds. She spared a glance downards as she flew, and the sea wasa sea of fire...
Kaia awoke with a start she leapt awake, her heart racing in her throat.
@Novyn>>: You estimate the value of the arrow in gold weight alone to be in the neighborhood of 25GP. As far as any other value, you're not sure.
The night passes with much joy and celebration. Finally a new day dawns, and the party gathers downstairs to meet an impatient Kyrah. "Please gather what you need, we must make haste to reach the temple of the Oracle before dusk. It is only about ten miles west of here, but the path is not an easy one".
Assuming the party all gathers and leaves. Basic supplies are available from the Innkeeper if needed. The party sets out for the Temple. The going is easy at first as it follows the main road to Estoria, but after travelling a couple of hours, Kyrah leads the party to a smaller trail branching off to the North. She stops for a moment to address the party.
"I thank you for the sacrifice yesterday. As some of you might have surmised I don't just share a name with the Goddess Kyrah, I am in fact that same goddess. In appreciation for the sacrifice I swear my own oath to you. I Kyrah swear unto you all a sacred Oath of Protection. If you need my aid, and any time, you merely summon me, and I'll provide to the best of my ability, and as quickly as possible. Please keep in mind I cannot violate the Oath of Peace brokered between the Titans and the Gods, but aside from taking a direct action against the Titans, I'll do what I might".
She then turns and the smile fades from her face. "I must admit I am a bit concerned. The Oracle, Versi is a daughter of Sydon, but has been a staunch ally to the mortals of Thylea. Usually she communicates with me frequently...however I've heard nothing from her in two weeks. I'm concerned something might have happened to her... so we should proceed with caution".
Coronus is stunned with the revelation of Kyrah and ignores the information about the oracle Versi. "Kyrah, if you are indeed the Goddess Kyrah, how do you not know of Chiron, the first centaur? If Chiron is just a myth, who started the race of centaurs? Who answers my prayers for blessings, like divine healing?" He tries to cover a complete crisis of faith but fails a bit with a cloud of concern descending onto his face and shoulders.
Aristeides thinks silently about what the Centaur asked. Interesting question, indeed. Other than that, he stays quiet for most of the journey.
With the Oath of Fellowship committed between them all, Mateo looks between his allies more critically. Novyn was quiet and quick on her feet; perhaps the stories he had heard about her were true enough. It seemed she was cursed or at least believed herself cursed. Kaia, while as friendly as a piss pot being poured on you from above, was skilled with a bow and able to place her shots where they needed to be. Such a talent would be useful. Coronus was a centaur gifted by the divine. Talented in combat as well as brave, his skill could not be denied. Astriedes seemed like the intellectual type and was skilled with his magic. Most soldiers looked down on the scholars but Mateo knew better. A critical mind was an asset in war. Lysander was Lysander, the two men had been through thick and thin together. To have a trusted brother in this made him feel that much better.
"This is a ragtag team, one that I would give my superior the stinkeye if he sent me on a task with them. However...maybe they're just what I need to survive all of this. Maybe Fate can be wrong." He thought to himself as they finally approached The Sour Vintage and the awaiting crowd there. It was painful to have lost those four hunters, brave men who sacrificed themselves to try and protect their homes. Mateo returned whatever trinkets were to be collected, hanging the unwanted one by whatever little shrine he could find next. The somber tone was short though; they were the fated heroes of Thylia! Food and drink were aplenty now and Mateo swore no oath of sobriety. It was time to celebrate.
The heroes would be courted by the terrible singing of the half-elf, who sang cheerily along with local songs whether he knew the words or not. Wine flowed freely and maybe Lysander or Coronus would need to catch the drunken hero while he danced on the tables, nearly falling off. Before the night became too late, he would be caught murmuring something to one of the serving girls before retreating out into the cool night and the stables nearby.
Mateo stumbles in the next morning into the downstairs looking disheveled, a little drunk still, and tired. Yet he has a smile upon his face as he tips his head to his fellows before turning his attention to Kyrah. The travelling is easy and it allows Mateo to slowly fall out of his drunken mindset gently, only a slightly pounding headache reminding him of last night's festivities. The smaller path that deviates from the main road to Estoria looks rough and only occasionally traveled.
When Kyrah reveals herself as the actual Kyrah, Mateo isn't sure first whether he should apologize for the clumsy flirting he did last night or not. He is sure he isn't the first to have spoken the to goddess that way, right? Oh man, of course he would hit on a god. It seemed she was unperturbed though and he silently breathed a sigh of relief.
"Th-thank you Kyrah. That is a gift for certain and one that we will not squander needlessly." A boon from a goddess? This surely could not be real life. Yet the next bit of news makes Mateo frown a little as he tightens his grip upon his blade and gives a slight nod. Yet it was the question that came from Coronus that made Mateo stop. The man had a point; she was a Goddess. If there was a God of Centaurs, The First Centaur, surely she would have heard of him over these last five hundred years right?
The next day Kaia got up early and wandered downstairs in a daze. As the group headed out, Kaia took a couple days food and a waterskin then started walking with the others.
Upon hearing Kyrah's decree, Kaia perks up, her eyes wild as she moves to the revealed goddess and grabs her by the front of her garment and asks, "Can you return them?" There is rising panic in her voice, like a drowning man fighting for air.
Kyrah gently smiles at the group, as they ask their questions.
"Please know that though a goddess I don't have all the answers. We are not a small group, and we all have our secrets. We do not have all knowledge like we do in the stories. I'm sure there have been many gods before us all but forgotten, and there will surely be many after our time is passed.
She then looks at Coronus in particular... "I'm sure if your prayers are being answered they are not falling on deaf ears. I've never had the pleasure of meeting this Chiron fellow, but I would be the last to deny his existence. Perhaps the saga we are creating now will bring him to the fore... In any case I see no need for a crisis of faith. If you belief is strong isn't that what matters. You will meet many who will try your faith. As the prophesied ones you will all be tested".
She then starts, and a brief flash of anger enters her eyes as Kaia roughly grabs the front of her travelling tunic. She steps back away from the grasp. "You young lady need to change your attitude. I understand you've had a rough upbringing, and lack manners or basic communication skills, but you are part of this fellowship now, and it's essential that you begin to trust others. You must learn patience and that some things cannot be accomplished by brute force and intimidation. If you want something returned, perhaps you should consult with your fellows about it, and maybe they'll help you. I'm sure I don't know what you're ranting about".
"The Temple is just around the next switchback. It is nearing the noon hour, let us nourish ourselves, then plan how we approach. Like I said I'm concerned that I've not heard from her".
Mateo's eyes widen as Kaia grabs ahold of the goddess, the sheer panic in her voice exposing her thoughts; her loss must have been fierce if she was willing to risk the ire of a goddess. The moment passes and he lets out a breath that he did not know he was holding.
"Kaia..." Mateo murmured to the woman. "...you need to be more careful. I know you want them back, that you want vengeance, but you need to be smarter than that. If you die, how will you find what you seek?" What theyy were, Mateo could only surmise. He couldn't risk the woman's impulsive behavior ruining them though.
Taking Kyrah's advice to heart, Mateo drinks and eats a little but not too much to become sluggish. Checking his weapons once more, he clears his throat before he talks.
'Perhaps Novyn and I could scout ahead? If there is enough cover, we could see what is waiting tjere for us and report back. Shehe and I could even use it for a point of ambush, if we so choose to."
Sadly, Aristeides doesn't have any magic trick at hand that could be useful right now. Some of the others offer to scout ahead, and he thinks sometimes the simplest and more mundane things are way more better than misused magic or fancy hypothesis. "Yeah, tell us what you find."