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Shifting back to phoenix and breathing a sigh of relief, Etrah considers the sylph's words. "No, you shouldn't have. You weren't capable of helping Kallik, it's not your nature. Helping Tareasca would have done more harm to 'The Blessed' than...it had to be done." Looking towards the crowd and Ibinu, he nudges Inam. "You should go find your friend."
With extreme effort, as if something is trying to prevent it, Etrah shifts forms again. Weakly, he whispers a reply "If her intent was what I suspect...she's not ready for the consequences. I know stopping her will have consequences of its own...but I believe they will prepare her for ..." With a *SNAP* he violently snaps back into a white feathered foul and begins pecking at Edoardo's feet.
"It is a conundrum, little one." he replies slowly. Deliberately looking to Kallik, then Ibinu, and back to Inam, "Unfortunately, I am forbidden from aiding you in this particular crossroads. The Blessed must decide the course here." Turning to look directly at Kallik, he continues "You are wrong little inkazi. The gods do care about the natural elen...though some have a sad way of showing it." "I know, believe me, things are tough and unsettling. At times, it seems no good comes from anything you try to fix. This is not so. If you could see the whole picture, you'd understand so much better...alas it is not the way of things." Pausing, he address Ibinu "Drake Sprout, I don't envy you or your burden either." "Inam, I implore you to have faith. The Blessed have the ability to solve this, but it will take all three of you." Opening his mouth to say more a bright, crimson light shoots down from the peaks of Volcano and engulfs him. In an instant, he shifts back into a chicken and simply says... "BaKah."
"You are quite right." remarks Etrah. "Kallik is liable to be consumed by whatever that presence did to her." Glancing towards the small bundle in the ele's hands, he frowns "If it's true though...I don't know that her response is improper..." "I will help as best I can with the captain."
"We certainly don't want to start on the offensive." replies Etrah, as he morphs back into the Phoenix. "If we run in with anger in our hearts, those that worship it will be bound to defend against us...could start a civil war without need. I'd suggest we try a diplomatic approach first." "While, Inam does tend to have a silver tongue, it would likely be better received from another Oread. You feeling up for see what we can find out without bloodshed?"
Nodding at Inam's words, Etrah's head hangs a bit as he looks about. "The will of the Warrior isn't for us to understand sometimes. Sometimes it's a warning for us to see how things unfold but the end isn't determined...I feel this test isn't ours."
Flittering about, Etrah makes his way around the cavern a few times before landing. "You know, this is quite spacious for being underground." Glancing towards his charge, 'That one is troubled. It's all part of following The Warrior though. Not all of it will be comforting.'
"Hey, no telling how long I'll be this size. Might as well make the most of it." beams Etrah. "All aboard!"
Looking from Ibinu to Inam, he flies to Ibinu's aid. Glaring at the fiendish serpent, he smiles. "You lay still or I'll burn you with Volcano's Fire."
Glancing upward, Etrah calls out "Hello, you speak the common tongue?"
Checking his wings tentatively, the phoenix smiles widely as he easily lifts off the ground. "I could certainly use a good stretching of the wings." Looking from Inam to Kallik and then over the rest of the group, he frowns. "I fear Inam's clumsiness would prove detrimental on my back. Kallik, you up for it?" Gancing back towards Ibinu, he smiles "Truth be told, you may be the better candidate. While I've no doubt Sequoya could handle it well, I'd not presume to suggest splitting up the companionship she has."
A glimmer of hope appears in the eyes of the flightless herald. "Oh? I'd be ok with a litter."
"As long as it's not more degrading than skittering along like a..." stopping himself just shy of saying snake, his mood undeniably foul. "I welcome your intellect young sylph."
"Big? Huh...so I am it seems." As the others gather on the metal, he flaps his wings twice and tries to settle on Inam's shoulder....though it seems to lack the needed space now. "Oh, right. I'll just fly along beside you."
*Snort* "Huh? what?" Rubbing his eyes, Etrah looks around. "Hmm...seems I missed some fun. Glad you are all ok." "Something wrong? Why are you all looking at me? Something on my face?" "Wait a second...did you guys get smaller?"
Landing on Inam's shoulder's for a moment, Etrah whispers "The Warrior knows the path. Trust in it. He offer's his aid for your meeting." Briefing the phoenix glows brightly as a charge surges through the sylph. Her pale features flash with a crimson light for a fraction of a moment before it fades.
Sighing heavily, the phoenix plucks a feather and drops it to the ground before taking flight again. 'Interesting game the male sylph plays....I hope it pans out.'
His disapproval hidden, Etrah quickly bows and pushes a copper tooth in. 'Really Inam? Of all the times to... you're determined to get us killed aren't you?' Taking a slow breath, he smiles towards Ssuh-Luhss "We thank you for your guidance thus far."
Taking flight as a chuckle explodes from his beak, Etrah smiles. "I suspect we have discovered a food source of theirs." Making a slow circle over the sylph, he watches the movements of the slithering beasts. 'This information could come in handy....but could prove problematic as well.'
As Inam reaches out to lend aid, Etrah flutters down a few feet in front of her. *Phoomp* as the ashes billow around him, he eyes their escorts. 'This could be bad...they may have caused this situation young one....why don't you think ahead before you act!'
'Those claws look rough...Ibinu has the right idea. Wordlessly, the phoenix swoops around to join the male sylph behind the beast.
With a nod, Etrah swiftly makes his way to Seqoya's side...his feathers glowing brighter and brighter with each flick of his wings. 'Glad she didn't ask me to stay at the front.' Landing near the new oread, he taps her leg with a weathered wing, sending forth a magenta energy that envelopes the unsuspecting elen.
"This place is bright even for me. I can't imagine how the rest of you can stand it." remarks the phoenix. A sly smile crossing his mouth, he adds "Though it does remind me a bit of home..."
As Inam comes to a sudden stop, Etrah quickly swoops in a broad circle around her before landing on her right shoulder. The flaming phoenix narrows it's eyes at the newcomers as Inam calls out. 'Really need to work on her introductions...sometimes it's best to start out with them on the defensive...' With a slight nod, first to Ibinu, and then Kallik, his feathers begin to flare up as a rekindled log. 'This turns south, the first spell goes to the Cauldron's Apprentice....I wonder how well this beast burns...'
Rolling his eyes as a sign slips through his beak, Etrah turns towards Inam. 'What is she planning now? Surely she knows this can't be done...' "Inam, sometimes the most el thing to do is to end their suffering permanently. Not everything can be fixed." Turning towards Ibinu, he lowers his voice "I don't suppose you can talk some sense into her"
"Inam, we are in the spirit world. You think the ways of the el are screwed up at times? The rules in this place tend to be finite and well..." Pointing a wing at So Khong, the phoenix offers a grim smile. "...strict if you will." "Just because you believe something is righteous, doesn't make it so. This is especially true in this place. Volcano knows all. While me may not understand certain things it doesn't mean they aren't deserved." Glancing back towards the fallen inquisitor, he shrugs. "Sorry for your lot, but we are all grateful for your help last time."
Etrah updated as well. Int, HP, Saves, all went up. Coincidentally, his K Religion roll up there would have been 3 higher if I'd updated him first. He's up to +10 on the religion now.
"Really?" snaps Etrah. "Seems fairly simple to me. Ibinu's claim to the 'Lady' was challenged. Rather than losing his cool and killing the poor sap, he used it to solve two problems. One, he showed wisdom in using it as a learning tool for those in attendance. They will surely share what happened here to others, who will share to others, and so on. Before you know it, the whole city will know." "Second, he didn't let the alchemist out of the fight. Rather than having the altercation privately, where whatever rumors one wished to cook up could be spread, it will be public. All will know how the duel went down and none will be able to twist it to their desires. Add to this public proof of power, the young el can't back out without the entirety of Hearth determining he's a coward." Turning to Ibinu, Etrah bows. "Well played. I must say, your wisdom has surprised me."
Rolling his eyes, the teacher remains silent. 'She should use this time to study the tomes...not fraternize.' With a grunt, he follows the pair.
Silently following his charge, Etrah flitters into the forge behind her. Glancing towards the guards, he smiles 'I do appreciate the importance the place on keeping her safe. Perhaps a little overboard, but better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.' Considering what Inam is attempting to do, Etrah thinks on the scriptures. 'Hmm...which ones would prove the best here. Perhaps those stating to trust in him completely? Hmmm...' Getting distracted suddenly by a particularly interesting shadow dancing across the sylph, he turns to Edoardo. "Well that was unexpected. Did you see it? It showed you shielding her from darkness. Perhaps signifying your constant vigilance? How do you take it?"
While less than thrilled about being grabbed so abruptly, Etrah's expression softens as the faithful's wounds begin to mend. Watching the crowd, he silently glows near Inam as she addresses them.
Nodding slowly, Etrah mumbles. "Yes, time will tell." 'He has been quite a dutiful el and should be rewarded...' considers the phoenix as it offers a slight bow to Edoardo. "Keep in mind, your constant vigilance has not gone unnoticed. The Chosen One could not have made it this far without your aid. When the time is right, you will be rewarded." Pleased with himself, Etrah continues towards the temple. 'That should be enough for now. Can't give too much away...Volcano still wishes all to make their own choices...even if they are wrong. Can't influence it too much.'
Etrah Response: Opening his mouth to speak, the phoenix closes it momentarily as he looks towards the embers in the distance. Shaking his head, he considers 'This free-will you insist on could ruin us all.'
With little more than a sigh, the herald announces "I'll be outside when you are ready." Without waiting for a response, he slips out and perches on the upper frame of the door to keep watch.
Offering an appreciative nod to the older elen, Etrah stays silent. 'It would have likely caused issue with Inam if I'd been forced to discipline her mother...'
Smiling at the outburst, Etrah moves to speak as the sylph takes off running. "Uh...oh. Ok then..." Bowing deeply to the older elen, he smiles. "Trust me, she is typically more...uh...mature in her mannerisms than this. She just got a little excited. It's been some time since something good went their way without some terrible price." Hopping closer, he adds "Please, in all this, we never asked your name. I do apologize for our manners...it's not right to just barge in like this. Please, what are you called? The Warrior's blessings be upon thee."
"Pleased to make your acquaintance. I am Etrah and must take my leave. I hope to see you again soon." Without another word, the phoenix takes flight and soars after the excited Inam.
Stopping suddenly at Inam's unexpected departure, Etrah looks from Kallik, to Inam...and back. "Huh...didn't see that coming." he announces. "Well...I suppose this could be interesting at least. Best of luck to you two." The phoenix promptly turns and follows his charge away.
The phoenix stretches as it wakes and takes a quick lap...or two around the ceiling of the room before landing on Inam's desk to peck at the food there. Eyeing the horned sylph sideways, he considers the situation but ultimately does little more than sigh. 'Hold on to him was the answer...humble light...he'll be fine.' "Inam, there are other questions that should be answered as well...For example, what truths did you receive in that place?"
Quickly losing interest in Inam's blabbering, Etrah shrugs and flitters towards Ibinu...landing one of the new perches sprouting from his head. "So that was something else." he remarks matter-of-fact. Leaning over to stare upside down into Ibinu's face, he smiles "Seems you saved our bacon, though to what cost we shall see. We must tread lightly with this new alliance." Cocking his head towards Edoardo, he muses "Just a few seconds, huh? Seems time travels much faster in the afterlife."
Listening silently as they discuss how to proceed, Etrah pipes up. "Keep in mind, this place was created for the Cauldron Lady. Though the passages we've followed thus far were from the Rove Voce." Scratching his chin with a wing...a bit of a strange look for a bird...he shakes his head slowly. "Well...I suggest we go through the door of the warrior."
"Thanks Ibinu." mumbles the phoenix, attempting to hid his embarrassment...helps that's his feathers are already red. Reading the next few passages, he takes a moment to consider them carefully before pressing forward.
"Agreed. Good eye Ibinu." "Priest, don't fall to far behind...but stay a bit back so you don't get caught in any crossfire. Do you know if these passages are guarded by anything? Perhaps trapped?"
Looking to Ibinu with compassion in his eyes, the phoenix ponders the questions. Glancing towards Inam, he looks back to Ibinu. 'The poor man is blinded...why doesn't she do anything? Why not at least try?' The phoenix suddenly bursts into a bright white flame. Looking towards the self-proclaimed king it smiles. The flaming ball of Volcano's grace floats towards Inam. In a deep unearthly voice Etrah continues...slightly softer "My child, did you have the power to bring me back from death? Did you have the power to heal your friends or save the undead? NO! Not on your own for you are a simple elen. Yet HE chose YOU!." "Look upon your companion there. His eyes have been stolen from him through what means? Physical? No. Dark magic has stolen them. Through the power of The Warrior evil cannot stand! Do you doubt this? Do you?" Pausing a moment as Inam stares at him, mouth agape, he cries out "REMOVE THE EVIL TAIT UPON YOUR COMPANION!"
Shaking his head in disbelief, the phoenix complies reluctantly. Flittering over to Kallik, he softly pats her back. "It's ok dear. Let it out....you didn't want to keep any of that in your gullet anyway. It's ok....you're still pretty. Don't you worry." he coos.
With a shrug to Inams question, Etrah finally speaks up. "I understand if the truths are limited to the blessed, but if I may... How would we appease the Cauldron Lady without restarting the regular sacrifices she called for before?" 'Her magic would really help us with the defenses on the front lines'
With a silent nod, Etrah reshapes and forms up into his true, celstial form. "Think I'm gonna need all my power for whats to come." Without another word, he slips behind Kallik, near Ibinu. "Lately, I've been finding you to be the receiver of my magics in battle. Think I'll stick by your side for the moment, if you don't mind."
At the top of the stairs, Etrah considers a moment the depths below. Quickly he gives Inam a peck on the cheek, filling her with a personal fortitude, before changing shape back into his previous, less obvious chicken.
Wide eyed at the thought of reconciliation, Etrah stops in his tracks a moment. Rubbing his beak, he watches the blessed duo move forward. 'Well, I would have thought she'd never consider...hmmm. Perhaps there is a way, but she won't like it. She won't like it at all!' considers the phoenix, glancing upwards towards the volcanic peak in the distance. 'I'm still not sure why you feel so strongly about this sylph, Warrior. Is this more a test for me or for her? I thought I knew the answer here but...lately it's not so clear. You truly wish us to sooth your sister? I'd assumed you tired of her barbarism and wished to send her the way of the Sky one...' Slowly he begins to walk again, 'Well...this is certainly getting interesting. I'll grant you that.' Quickly Etrah flies back up to the group and rejoins their ranks near Inam.
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