"Look! It's Elvish!" cries Zarta pointing at pile of books. As Shaine turns to look, she jerks her head toward the door.
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As there are no more questions , the others disperse to their assigned tasks, that is all the others but Zarta, who seems to linger. "About that earlier point you brought up my lovely little damp dumpling." she says to Deluge. "Follow me." Deluge - Follow her up the darkened stair?: “The Dark Archive thrives by the good graces of the Decemvirate and Ambrus Valsin, yet I can tell that some still doubt our ability to handle truly dangerous relics and the rare disaster like this. As a result, there remain many storerooms barred to our comprehensive study, including the Overflow Archives—until today, that is. It is critical that you minimize the damage to these archives and do so in as professional a manner as possible. If I can demonstrate that my agents are capable and trustworthy, we may win permission to study the truly mysterious treasures beneath the Grand Lodge.”
She shrugs and smiles before continuing. “That said, I know that there is more than junk beyond those doors. I’ve heard that someone squirreled away a copy of The Darklands Precepts somewhere in there, and it’s far too dangerous a tome to leave lying about. Get it out of there and return it to me, no matter what excuse Shaine might make to toss it back in the pile.”
"Ah. Excellent. Our second unexpected Deluge of the night. And this one not unwelcome." says Zarta at the arrival of the out of breath druid. "Where you dreaming about me again, sweet Deluge?"
"Good luck." Zarta says exiting as well after tossing a kiss and a wink to Kolris.
"Come my little duckling. I would share a private moment alone with you." Zarta says to Kolris. Kolris - Go with her into the shadows of the stairwell?: “The Dark Archive thrives by the good graces of the Decemvirate and Ambrus Valsin, yet I can tell that some still doubt our ability to handle truly dangerous relics and the rare disaster like this. As a result, there remain many storerooms barred to our comprehensive study, including the Overflow Archives—until today, that is. It is critical that you minimize the damage to these archives and do so in as professional a manner as possible. If I can demonstrate that my agents are capable and trustworthy, we may win permission to study the truly mysterious treasures beneath the Grand Lodge.”
She shrugs and smiles before continuing. “That said, I know that there is more than junk beyond those doors. I’ve heard that someone squirreled away a copy of The Darklands Precepts somewhere in there, and it’s far too dangerous a tome to leave lying about. Get it out of there and return it to me, no matter what excuse Shaine might make to toss it back in the pile.”
“Nothing until now, perhaps?” quips Zarta Dralneen.
"Now now, let's not go overboard."
"I don't think I have had the pleasure yet, Monsieur...?"
“Nothing until now, perhaps?” quips Zarta Dralneen. "Ah, I see that my awkward little duckling has arrived." Zarta coos at Kolris.
“I’m branching out.” Zarta smirks and shrugs. “And unlike you, Shaine, I love a good pun.”
“Let us prioritize,” Dralneen suggests. “Are the artifacts within the vaults in danger?”
“I’m branching out.” Zarta smirks and shrugs. “And unlike you, Shaine, I love a good pun.”
“Let us prioritize,” Dralneen suggests. “Are the artifacts within the vaults in danger?”
"Wait. By 'be with family' do you mean blood family and that I shouldn't skulk around here?"
You're funny Zarta, it is Shrec, and I'm assuming someone picked up my gold. And Shrec steps through the portal after Zarta confirms and holds it off for him.
"Oh? Sherman was it? How could I ever forget you?"
Later, in a one of the archives small study chambers, Zarta gathers the group together for perhaps the last time. She twirls the point of a blade on Gellius’ infernal contract penned in Leventi's hand. “I admit I’ve yearned for this: a chance to slide the knife in, slow and deep, and see those who betrayed me twist on it. Not only did Thrune betray me, but I’ve known for only a few years that they were also responsible for the deaths and erasure of my ancestors, House Davian. However, as I look at you, my treasures," she says looking up at the rest of the party "the choice is less clear. I have made a home here, with those who risked their souls to rescue me. Undermining Thrune and restoring Davian would mean leaving this behind, resigning my position, so that Thrune’s reprisals would not target the Society.” She smiles. “So please, tell me how you can’t bear to be without me or how my absence would only stoke your ardor.” Sense Motive DC 32: Are those tears Zarta is fighting back?
"Well, that was certainly unpleasant." Zarta says adjusting her hair.
"I tire of tyranny." Zarta says.
Chandu looks over to Zarta, Are we done here? "Most assuredly." Zarta says from the doorway leading out.
"Dear, I was ready to leave this place the moment I collected Gellius's soul and contract. I've been waiting on you all." Lady Zarta? Are we done here? Can we exit and make it back to the portal within the alotted time? Do you know any shortcuts? I am not sure where Shrec is but we cannot stay here. "The place is really built for beings who can teleport or fly dear. If we leave now we just might make it if we hurry. After that, it is as the fox hunters say: open season."
"Oh, of course my dear." Zarta says distractedly. She pinches the elf's cheek and her hand comes away soot-stained. She prestidigitates them clean. "When there's time. My deal with Vetrivides has nearly run its course."
Well, that was unpleasant. Let's hope Shrec is alright wherever he is....
She looks over the soul of Gellius and then at Zarta. So, can we just take it or is it likely to be horribly trapped? Also, do we have to leave Leventi alive? I am in a devil killing mood. dice:
Zarta's eyes burn with magic for a few moments before she says "It seems safe, but we'll need the contract as well." Zarta retrieves the soul jar and the contract for Gellius's soul and holds them up in the firelight for inspection. The face in the jar looks hopeful and then appreciative. It mouths something unheard through the glass.
Seeing Atum again nearly off his feet and his face scarf smoldering Zarta instills him with more magical vigor.
"GET YOUR HEAD IN THE GAME, MAN! THIS IS THE WHAT THE CHILDREN CALL THE BOSS BATTLE!" Zarta shouts at Atum. She slaps him hard on the face. "NOW ARE YOU A MAN, OR A WIZARD?!"
Zarta shouts "Be careful of Gellius' soul!" "And you!" She points at Leventi. "You trickster! I know what turning over all the evidence we've collected means to those souls you would have to disappear! I've been disappeared once myself and that's not happening anyone--even the stupid imp--while I'm around!"
Then she draws her light crossbow and moves away from the rest of the party so as to not present such an easy grouped target--however, the scrolls along the wall seem to block the way! The seemingly fire-proof parchment whip and crack like flags in a gale!
"We still can be 'carried away' if we don't decide, and leave soon."
"Jair? What's he talking about?"
"Ahem. Actually dear, He sent some of his contracted souls to kill us in an ambush remember?" Zarta says (again) as quietly and nonchalantly as possible.
"Ahem. Actually dear, Vetrivides said we could take Gellius in exchange as payment for our help." Zarta says a quietly and nonchalantly as possible.
"I don't know what the Liberty's Edge is (some nihilistic anarchy cult I imagine)...." "Well, he's got a point. Whatever we decide on we need to recover Thrune. What's your offer, Leventi?"
"It's Gellius Thrune." Zarta says in a breathy whisper upon seeing the face in the jar.
"That's not terrifically inspiring my dear. You should try for a more competent commanding tone. Like this: She turns to address the desperate spirit armies of House Davian. "Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more;Or close the wall up with our Chelish dead. In peace there's nothing so becomes a man As modest stillness and humility: But when the blast of war blows in our ears, Then imitate the action of the tiger; Stiffen the sinews, summon up the blood, Disguise fair nature with hard-favour'd rage; Then lend the eye a terrible aspect; Let pry through the portage of the head Like the brass cannon; let the brow o'erwhelm it As fearfully as doth a galled rock O'erhang and jutty his confounded base, Swill'd with the wild and wasteful ocean. Now set the teeth and stretch the nostril wide, Hold hard the breath and bend up every spirit To his full height. On, on, you noblest Chelish. Whose blood is fet from mothers of war-proof! Mothers that, like so many Iomedaes, Have in these parts from morn till even fought And sheathed their swords for lack of argument: Dishonour not your mothers; now attest That those whom you call'd fathers did beget you. Be copy now to men of grosser blood, And teach them how to war. And you, good yeoman, Whose limbs were made in Avistan, show us here The mettle of your pasture; let us swear That you are worth your breeding; which I doubt not; For there is none of you so mean and base, That hath not noble lustre in your eyes. I see you stand like greyhounds in the slips, Straining upon the start. The game's afoot: Follow your spirit, and upon this charge Cry 'ARODEN FOR DAVIAN, CHELIAX AND IOMEDAE!' In response the ghostly armies of Davian's coalition roar forward against Thrune, and slowly begin to press the diabolic hosts back. Zarta turns to Chandu like a proctor and says "And that is how a bard should say it." She draws the dagger from her garter sheath.
"W-what?!" stammers Zarta taking a step back.
Zarta starts down the stair to inspect the collection. She reads off the description of the battlement display as the slow-motion battle plays itself out between the two ghostly armies. "The Battle of One-Hundred Kings. My ancestor. My real ancestor, Lannavia Davian, fought at this battle. This was the last major offensive before the end of the Civil War against House Thrune and its allies." she says half-lost in reverie.
"Sounds good to me. What about the others?"
Zarta, do you know how can I dispel or erase these tattoos? If you have any opportunity to make it happen, please... I feel uncomfortable "Possibly an erase spell? Though you probably would be wise to hold off using it until we are sure there are aren't too many more scrolls ahead of us."
"Yes, it seems to loose its luster. Hell: a nice place to visit but you wouldn't want your soul to be stuck there for eternity." She nods appreciatively at Atum's summation of tower they had just visited. "It does make me curious to see what architectural marvel awaits us behind this scroll."
"So, have either of you had time to see the sites?" Zarta asks Atum and Lasaraleen while they wait their turn at the scroll.
It is hard to tell if Atum's words reach Zarta as she looks upon the statues of Cheliax's Thrune rulers, so lost in her thoughts is she.
Shaken from her reverie Zarta says "Oh, I'm certainly coming." She draws a bejeweled dagger.
Zarta circles the room looking up at each of the statues of the Thrune rulers. None left the infernal throne because of old age. "I wonder," Zarta says to herself looking last upon the statue of Abrogail II, "who will be next after you my queen?"
Obviously mustering the last of her patience, Zarta looks over to the petitioner outside, and back to the erinyes librarian. "Do tell."
"Yes. As mortals ourselves we know that." says Zarta impatiently.
Doru, pleased by situation and disapointed by not more bloodsheding awaits, patiently levitating just near Atums head. Menwile, elf speaks to hellknights.
It is reasonable to presume, that Leventi is corrupted or just too selfish to continue his Dis duty. Anyway, he ignores order for his own favor. So it is your duty to stop him from continue, am I right? Yesterday I was in the Library and found some document which could not understand but those definitely about you people, and Leventi. We are going to continue investigation properly. I suggest that you help us, at least being patient and not agressive towards Diviner who hear your steps before you even learn how to walk. "Actually we already have proof that you have been brought here under false pretenses. Your commander, Staebius Kalmp, traded you and your companion's souls for his own. Basically as his Hellknight subordinates he and Leventi treated you and your fellows as property which Kalmp could trade."
Zarta takes in context around her "No. No, it's alright." She straightens up and moves past Leona "There's nothing to fear from a helpless slave." Zarta looks straight into the laconic assassin's eyes and says "That's what you said to me six years ago, wasn't it?"
Zarta Dralneen comes running up to the scene no mean feat in her elegant clothes. "Officer! I am sorry for whatever my colleagues might have done--BY ALL THE DAMNED SOULS IN HELL! YOU!" she points a Peran her face mask of fear and loathing.
Lasaraleen receives a sending back from Zarta. Lawyers say that you can't barter with others' souls. The Hellknights' contract dubious at best. We should meet to discuss. Time is short. ~ Love Zarta.
"Zzzz... zzzz... zzzz...."
"It's not the Ivy District, but it will do." Zarta's bedroll is already unpacked and laid out beside one of the warm metal walls.
In those two hours Zarta heads off to touch base with a contract or two in the building. She returns with an official scroll encircled with a halo of mystic runes that orbit is like the rings of Liavara. "This was delivered by an imp. It is from on of Erecura, the Queen of Dis's handmaidens, Rowane. She wishes to meet one or more of us at her palace Eleusys at our earliest convenience."
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