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Aerith stood in shocked silence. Her nerves frayed by the attempts on their life, the frantic nature of their search, and the pressure of research…it was all too much. All she could do was stare, her eyes wide. All thoughts of propriety or courtly etiquette was replaced with naught but a motionless stance, silence, and a thousand yard stare.
Aerith calmly introduced themselves and told the bards what the situation was. That she was of House Lithanel, and the two of them were courting Muminofrah‘a patronage. That they could not afford to offend her, and her whims were thus their command. She hoped that once they saw that all were in the same boat, that there would be no ill will shared.
Aerith raised an eyebrow, though she quickly followed with a deferential smile. To offend, even by mannerisms, was to be avoided at all costs. It was like blocking the thrust of a blade, it had to be done smoothly and without hesitation. ”An enlightened idea. We will endeavor to be worthy of whatever subject you deign to choose.”
”That seems wise. I suppose we should also report this to our patron. The attack might well earn us one more day of research, along with heightened security while we do so.”
”Well equipped. And well prepared, that magic was not one used by amateurs.” Aerith looked to Mahmoud with a frown, as she changed back into her elven form. ”And the worst part is that I can’t tell if this was from the cult that attacked us during the race, or whether this was politically motivated. Regardless, we need to finish our research here quickly, for we are not safe.”
”Perhaps…” Aerith said, her eyes narrowing.
She waited to see what he might find. There was the hope that there would be some evidence pointing towards who was behind this attack.
With the worst of her wounds having been healed, Aerith landed next to the only assassin which had not been perforated with Mahmoud's blades. "Surrender." She said, with a sibilant hiss. "Surrender now, or there will not be enough of you left to identify your body."
The air shimmered as Aerith discarded her elven form and adopted an all together more bestial one. The dragon which stepped forward, and took to the air, was no less regal in appearance, even if her fangs and claws promised a savage end to any she got within claw's reach of.
With her defenses down and blood spilling from her side, all Aerith could do was force herself to her feet and triage the worst of the damage. The bleeding stopped, and the poison was burnt away. While this was good news, she had not yet taken her other form and the assassins were still present…
"Not yet." Aerith responded, her expression thoughtful. "Chisisek was a well-known architect from the First Age. While I don't know much more than that, but I don't believe that we need to explore the Dark Depository for that. Rather, we might find more information within guildhalls, tomb registries...the like. Mundane research might have information on someone as well known as him. And if we need to go back into these archives, we will be better informed for making this research." After a moment's thought she concluded "I recommend we begin with the Stonemason Guilds. If Chisisek’s work still stands, or if his works are known, then the craftsmen should have records of it.”
Sorry for quietness. Work exploded. And now I’m sick as a dog. Which has apparently spread to one of my daughters. Posting has fallen because of this
Aerith read through the scroll, a frown upon her face. When she was done, she looked to Mahmoud. "It would appear that the mask that we have found, and the research we are conducting, could lead to us experiencing such advanced interrogation techniques." She looked around, wary of being overheard.
Once more Aerith dived into the research. She knew that they were in a race against time. The mummified bodies of the curators were evidence enough of what happened to those who overstepped their bounds. That meant that they needed to be efficient if they were to succeed.
Aerith marveled at the trove of knowledge set before them. She muttered to Mahmoud to keep watch for dangers as she spread her wings and launched herself into the air to better reach the tomes and scrolls as quickly as possible. Only when the area was deemed secure, though, did she take the form of an elf so as to better read what was before them.
Aerith was quite pleased with the day's work. What they had found was a solid lead. All that was needed, she hoped, was to find the Scrolls of Inquiry. The fact that a number of powerful scrolls were found just made the day even better. The next day she met Mahmoud bright and early. "Are you ready?" She asked. "We must go deeper into the archive. And if yesterday was anything to go by, it will not be without its defenses."
Aerith took a deep breath. The hounds that had attacked them had come far too close to getting their jaws upon them. It had been luck as much as skill which had kept them at bay. But that was over, and it was time to get to work. Quietly she went about her work, applying herself to the best of her ability.
As the hounds charged at her, Aerith desperately brought her orbiting blade around. If she failed to arrest the charge, then she would surely be brought to the ground by the beast...
A narrow corridor. A trio of enemies. A dragon’s breath. Sometimes a situation had a solution that was not subtle, but which was nonetheless quite efficient.
Seeing the refuse, Aerith quipped ”Either the builders had a sense of humor, or someone opened this before us and looted what was inside.” She remained at a safe distance, despite the expertise her companion had proven in disabling such a masterfully set trap.
"...though I've never seen, or heard of, the likes of this before." She continued. "If you can handle these traps, it would be ideal." She said, as she took a more defensive form, and got to a safe distance.
”A very good idea. Let us also see what combinations are certain to not lead to any traps. Though I must say, this is so…interesting…” Her voice trailed off as she tried to place what she knew.
As a heads up I’m currently on the road for a conference. Will return home on Thursday. So should have a post up then.
Aerith was completely blindsided by the blast. Well, almost. Her arcane sight allowed her to see it come, but she was far too slow to actually get out of the way, meaning that she got the ‘pleasure’ of knowing what was about to hit her. After taking a moment to compose herself, she went about healing their frozen skin and early onset frostbite. It was, she decided, still a preferable experience than being in court.
We’re back!
Subtle: A creature with this aegis is surrounded by a field of magical energy that interferes with other forms of magic. Rather than producing an obvious spell resistance effect, however, the creature with the aegis becomes hidden from sphere abilities and supernatural abilities. The effect is such that these abilities can not target the character properly without assistance from a creature. If a supernatural or sphere ability discerns between allies and enemies (as many totems of the War sphere do), or acts in a way that its effects only affect certain creatures (such as creatures of a creature type or a specific alignment), the creature with the aegis is unaffected or considered to be an ally. Similarly, magic traps and contingency effects (like glyphs) are not triggered by the creature’s presence, and any effect relying on a magical trigger is also not triggered, as if the creature were invisible to the trap or effect. Traps may still be sprung by physical triggers, however. Abilities that rely on the caster choosing targets are not affected by this aegis, even if that ability only works on certain targets (such as a paladin’s smite evil ability), and this does not give the bearer any special concealment from creatures using magical senses. Area effect abilities are also still effective against the creature, provided the effect affects every creature, or affects every creature save for those specifically made invulnerable by the caster. —— If it’s magic maybe…
Aerith thought for a moment about apologizing to Mahmoud. She had no idea what he had gone through, and truly she did not want to know. She walked over to him, took the letter from him with one hand and then used the other to pull him in for a hug. Letting him go and stepping back, she said "The Dark Depository is said to be full of creatures that have never seen the sun, and that few scholars dare to tread there. I believe that it will have better company than the nobility of the city. We can go whenever you are ready."
Aerith was beyond thankful to have escaped the dangers of courtly politics. That she could return home and report that she had made a positive connection with someone in power was a relief...even if her family were more likely than not to fail to make a move on the opportunity only after the human had died of old age. It was a common failing in those who had lived for as long as they had. That relief died when she found that the Spiral Archives no longer held any secrets pertinent to their quest. What they needed was access to the Dark Depository. That certainly raised her spirits, for to have access to such a rare archive made her soul sing. Unfortunately, it meant more courtly politics. "Mahmoud. I am writing a letter to Muminofrah. I would like for you to deliver it." She said, knowing full well how smitten she was with her comrade. Letter:
To the Most Radiant and Resplendent Muminofrah, Jewel of the River, Delight of the Sun: May this humble letter find you in comfort and joy, surrounded by the fineries and admirers most befitting your exalted station. The waters themselves ought to reflect naught but your beauty when you grace them with your presence. It was by your gracious favor that we were granted access to the Spiral Archives, and through that privilege we have uncovered truths of great importance. The trail of the Forgotten Pharaoh now leads us deeper still into the Grand Library, to a place called the Dark Depository, where the Scrolls of Inquiry were moved more than a century past. These secrets, required for the good of the realm, shall remain forever out of reach without your patronage. For the curators shall refuse your humble servants passage. Therefore, we beseech you, to raise your noble hand and dispel the veil that bars the way before us. We write to you, as who but your eminence is worthy of having her name associated with the greatest secrets of this most illustrative of nations? By your favor and under the watchful eyes of the Gods,
She felt physically ill writing the letter, but she knew that every word of flattery was required if they were to achieve their goals. She swallowed her guild, though, in sending Mahmoud alone. She knew that Muminofrah truly wanted to see Mahmoud, and that her own presence was becoming more and more unwelcome. For on the surface, Mahmoud was working for her house, and Aerith being present was a social inhibitor that would frustrate Muminofrah. By writing the letter, Aerith did her duty as a noble. And Muminofrah would see sending Mahmoud as a gift. What Mahmoud do was up to him. She just hoped that it was nothing untoward. But she knew his background as a dancer and entertainer, so she trusted that he would be able to navigate this himself. He was an adult, and did not require her to hold his hand. At least, this is what she told herself to soothe her own conscience.
Aerith’s mind was abuzz with thoughts, which raced faster than the chariots had. In the forefront was the question of whether someone in the Court was passing information to the cultists, for how else did they know to see the ambush? It was troubling, to say the least. However, what was not troubling was Mahmoud’s response.
”Almost there! Mahmoud, daggers?” She called out, as she focused on…not being filled with bolts.
They were almost there. Almost. There. She desperately wanted to be finished with this. Part of her wanted to use her magic to interfere with the other charioteer, but she hesitated as it might lead to a crash. Instead she settled on merely trying to outmaneuver him.
They were close. Close to getting back on track and thus back on their own two feet. All she had to do was…avoid a camel and its spit.
If it wasn’t for her magic, there was no way that Aerith would have responded to his warning in time.
”We need to escape.” Aerith said, as much to herself as to Mahmoud. ”There?!” She called out, seeing an alley up ahead that they could drive through. One that looked wide enough…
Relief was short lived, as breaking free from the other chariot had led them straight into an ambush. Aerith quickly made the arcane motions required to nudge the crossbow bolts to the side.
Using her telekinesis, Aerith tugged on Mahmoud’s right arm, signaling he should turn right. She then called out ”Quick, turn left! They are going to crash into us!”
"Those aren't competitors." Aerith called out to Mahmoud. "And...oh no...they're trying to run us off the road." She finished, her voice and face dropping as she held on tightly to the chariot.
”Move-“ Aerith called out at the commoners, only for her eyes to be drawn to the absolute spectacle that was Mahmoud’s performance. No manner of imperious command could compare to the sight of The Blade. Which normally wouldn’t have been an issue, but given the people in the way…
Oh! It’s only a saving throw? Thanks for the catch. That’ll teach me to go off my memory. (Aerith has high intelligence, not me!)
Mahmoud please use second chance rerolls whenever needed. Aerith has the spell points for it. GM: If you are alright with Aerith having her usual buffs up before this starts then that would be great. But I didn’t specify it, so if not then she will use her turns to start bringing them online.
Aerith gripped the chariot so tightly that he knuckles turned white. Nothing about this seemed safe or “fun.” Not for the first time she questioned her life choices. But she knew that she represented her House and that she had to put on a brave face. So she focused on what she knew: manipulating the flow of arcane magic to nudge fate and fortune in their favor. All the while she tried to strike a stately pose while Mahmoud saw to the actual driving of the chariot.
I read the above post last night, right before going to sleep. It made me hungry. The food truly sounds great. Anyways... try not to die in the chariot race!
"Oh most illustrative one." Aerith said, turning from Mahmoud. "I speak for Mahmoud Rannay, called the Blade. Once a son of Wati, now in service to the Grand Mausoleum of Pharasma. A trusted companion of my house.” She ensured that she stepped to the side so that she did not block her vision of Mahmoud. After just enough pause to allow the gaze to linger, she continued. "My companion is no charioteer by trade, but I have never seen him hesitate in the face of danger. His devotion to those he serves is without peer. As your excellency has bestowed upon him this honor, he shall take the reins. For the dignity of our cause, and as tribute to your generosity."
It did not take a genius to see that Muminofrah's attention was not focused on Aerith. Her noble name and courtly knowledge merely smoothed the path for Mahmoud's rise in court. She did not know whether she should feel glad for her comrade, or whether he was owed an apology. Given his profession, having a patron such as Muminofrah...well...it would make most others jealous of his status. However, it was also clear that her interests went beyond mere charioteering. Knowing when best to stay quiet, she instead said the minimum of what was demanded for pleasantries, while stepping aside for Mahmoud to answer. He knew better than her if a chariot race was something he could partake in. For the prize was his to win...or to forfeit, as the case might be.
It had been a very long two days. And while Aerith had been in her element, but frustratingly, it had not been enough. It was as if though their prize was within reach, and she was steps away from reaching it, but she was stopped by the pettiness of court politics. "A few days." How was that just two?! She was ruminating on how much she preferred being bitten by zombies when a knock came on the door. Seeing that the messenger was powerless, she made a mental note to not take it out on the unfortunate. Osirion society was, she reflected, most inequitable. Humans lived such short lives, and so many of them were forced to spend it in the most dehumanizing ways by others. While she was powerless to effectuate a change in that, the least she could do was to remind herself to be polite to those victimized by the system. "Thank you." She said. "Please relay our gratitude at the honor bestowed upon us."
Aerith read at a feverish pace. She hadn’t done so since she was young, possibly in her 20s, cramming for examinations. A child, really. Now the fate of the realm rested on her ability to take information in. Using very trick at her disposal she devoured the knowledge. Orders were barked as she demanded that a certain scroll be taken away or brought to her. Time was of the essence, and she couldn’t stand the idea of getting so close to what they had come for only to be stopped by an arbitrary deadline.
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