Heralds of Obeah/Portal in Rines
Contents
Buildup
| Roleplay from Maura Arnickles Renodin, Ferdinand Greybrook, Ulrika, Apostate, | |
| On route to the Basilica:
Apostate It was with extreme reluctance that Apostate gave the stones to his contact. They sang to him, humming promises of the Daimons’ return. He wanted to be the one to tear the veil and bring them forth in multitudes. Still, he gave them away. Heaviness in his heart at his failure. As instructed, he stalked off to the Grand Temple.
Ulrika at last accepted the final stones and set off for the Temple. She was ready to do the Oracle's bidding, whatever it might be
Maura arrived at the Grand Temple to the sight of two of her agents sitting on a bench by the temple's wall. "What are you doing here? Her Holiness prepared quarters for you in Basilica, not Grand Temple. You will eat and sleep like nobles today. Follow me." - she beckoned them to follow and as they did she looked pointedly at Ulrika - "Do you have it?" - not uttering the name of the objects of interest.
Ulrika tapped the pouch that she had hung around her neck and nodded 'Aye m'lady, they are here' They rounded the corner and the familiar sight of the Grand Basilica came into view
Ferdinand Greybrook It was only a few hours before sunset before Ferdinand returned from training to private study. He did not believe he would be gone for as long as he did. Nevertheless, the Templar's Vanguard are growing stronger as a unit with each passing day. With their higher levels of training, Ferdinand himself needed to be sharper than before to get the very best of his soldiers. As a pastime while the Sun was in the middle of the sky, Ferdinand maintained his military wear after training as if he was on campaign, a good habit that he had picked up since joining the Enlightenment. Despite his best efforts, Ferdinand was not the most patient man and is passionate about his strong beliefs. Hence, awaiting new orders from the Marshal was somewhat agonizing. Hence, time was either spent on self improvement or military drills with the Vanguard. He did not want to neglect his duty for petty reasons such as fashion. Contradictory, perhaps most to Ferdinand himself, the Templar maintained a sharp black beard, as typical of Greybrook's, while assuring that his embolden equipment of his family's crest was constantly maintained. Opening the letter that a scribe gave him upon his arrival to his resting quarters in the city, he immediately tucked it inside his cloak and sent off towards the barracks. With the Captain being paid this morning, Seviana was more tolerable to deal with and acted with more intuition - while continuing high discipline when he was not present. Striding up to the Captain and the 44 other soldiers of the unit, whom were taking a break for the evening sun, Ferdinand ordered: "We have direct orders to stand guard by the Basilica! We move out in one minute!" Ferdinand was met with a large grown by his fellow soldiers. Despite their only momentary respite from training that morning, they are hard workers whom do not hold a grudge. Travelling to the other side of the city, Ferdinand had gave discrete orders to stand guard by the Basilica and to stay alert. Unfortunately for the Vanguard, they are not very subtle in their approach, considering that they march in formation with precise paces. Hence, even with Rines' large proportion of militia, the relatively lighter armour infantry caused a bit of a stir. With the Templar's Vanguard stationed outside the Basilica, Ferdinand ascended the steps and opened the large decorative door into what he presumed to be the main reception hall. | |
| Maura Arnickles Renodin, Ferdinand Greybrook, Ulrika, Apostate, | |
| Roleplay from Maura Arnickles Renodin, Ferdinand Greybrook, Apostate | |
| The Wait
Maura Arnickles Renodin Arriving at Basilica with the two companions Maura immediately frowned at Templar's Vanguard stationed conspicuously; as if ready for battle. Curious stares and whispered questions from the gathered crowd couldn't be more obvious. The Inquisitor approached the crowd and said: "The templars gathered here await consecration of their weapons from priests in the Basilica, so they would better rid our holy lands of the undead scourge! You ought to be thankful to your indentured protectors!" The whispers intensified but the mood slowly changed from fearful to cheerful and soon crowd started to offer the warriors food and drink. Maura walked past the gathered soldiers, tapping one of them on the back, and entered the Basilica, motioning for her companions to follow. The Holy Basilica of Rines, house of the Grand Council, next to Grand Temple one of the two main offices of the Oracle; estate under the care of Antonia Fitz-Roberts - it was the very epitome of magnificence, splendor and architectural prowess. The vestibule alone looked as if it was a throne room of some ancient empire, and with a magnificent archway it led to a lofty hallway, that in turn ended with three gateways. On one end there was a passsage to the residential part of the Basilica, where surely Dame Antonia had her chambers, on the other end one could find clerical and administrative offices, in the middle however there was a short flight of stairs, leading to a set of highly decorated doors. Behind those doors one could find even more overwhelming surroundings. The main reception hall, or simply main hall could've been the biggest room on the ground level of Basilica, it could've fit another building inside it, high rib vault was supported by marble columns wider than centuries old oaks. Maura rarely had occasion to visit Basilica but always thought that the hall is furnished depending on the occasion, most usually however it was simply an imposing amount of empty space surrounded with an ellipse of benches and scupltures, crowned with a decorative double-spiral of stairs that led to another set of halls and chambers placed on top of this one. Few are allowed up the stairs and most likely imagine that they lead all the way up to the Solarium. Maura never learnt if that is indeed the case. Locating Sir Ferdinand was a bit time consuming and before she could greet him, she herself was found by a couple of servants instructed to show Ulrika and Apostate to their chambers, she considered for a while and then nodded in confirmation and then caught the arm of one of the servants with an iron grip and uttered in lowered tone: "I am most certain that Dame Antonia got used to having guests of both Royal and Heraldic bidding in her house, however it would not sit well with me if she weren't informed who occupies the chambers in her own estate. Inform her that my agents are extension of my own person and as such I hope they will be provided the same hospitality and security I would." Watching them depart she slowly approached the Templar and said - "Sir Ferdinand... walk with me" - and leading him through the hall she continued in half-whisper: "Grand Templar speaks well of you. He does not speak a lot of you, but the little he does speak is spoken... well..." - they walked a longer while until the silence grew uncomfortable - "... and that speaks volumes, Sir Knight" - she finished her sentence as if long minutes haven't passed inbetween. "Of course I will not tell you why you're here, that is not my thing to tell. I can't even say with certainty that you will be told at all. I do can say that you may be needed. One must always prepare for everything and you, my dear Templar friend, are a part of that preparation..." - she scratched her head - "about that, have you had time to study the Lexicon recently?" They stopped walking in front of an incospicuous looking door, Maura said - "Anyhow, I said enough." - as she knocked heavily on the door. A young woman in priestly garments opened, she didn't need to speak, her stare was articulate enough and Maura answered the question in young priestess' eyes: "The Inquisitor for the Oracle." The door were shut, Maura sat at the bench by the door and looked at Ferdinand, saying: "Now we wait."
Awaiting the arrival of the Marshal forced Ferdinand into a awkward nervousness he had not felt for some time. The clear grandeur of the Basilica was simply magnificent. Having never truly visiting the monuments in Rines, Ferdinand took the time to study his surroundings. The lofty hallways, highly decorated doors and the marble columns were notable pieces of what could be accomplished architecturally. There was always a few administrative clerks or various religious figures briskly walking through the hallways. However, one particular statue of the most dazzling white stone caught his eye before the Marshal found him. The Marshal oozed a presence of calm and authority. Yet, Ferdinand learnt quickly that this was not the place for conversations suited for the Barracks or otherwise. He made a mental note to ask the Marshal later of these. While the Marshal spoke sporadically, Ferdinand was quietly pleased with the complements that the Marshal gave him. While he did not seek recognition, the praise justifies the work that he had worked upon recently and now can continue to do with some confidence. The Marshal turned to ask him: "about that, have you had time to study the Lexicon recently?" "Marshal, the Lexicon has been a great use to me. Arguably, it forms a precise concept of what humankind and ultimately Grey Knights need to accomplish. Templar's seek to protect life. Hence, I will continue to study our resource and learn the lessons of those whom fought before us. Though I have learnt a considerable amount, there is always more to learn." Ferdinand stepped back and allowed the Marshal to converse with a young woman behind the looking door and awaited the events that were due to unravel.
They sang such sweet melodies. All eight of them, a beautiful choir to Apostate’s mind. The door, humming commands, demanding to be opened. He had to stop himself from reaching out and taking them. They sung of tearing the veil, of bringing his master and Lords back, of a new era. His breath quickened. He was lost in it, that fell soul song. So lost he nearly bumped into the Inquisitor when they stopped. He didn’t listen to what she said, only the song. Just the song. Its chaotic and orderly beat, its cruel and sweet words, its demands and begging. He reached out and quickly withdrew his hand like he had touched flame. No, not here. Not with the Templars. They moved again and he found himself lightly humming the song. So close, but so very far. The Basilica would have awed him if he did not belong to the song. It’s architecture and glory paled in comparison to the song. His hand went to his short sword, it would be so easy. Just ope- no, no. Not now. Not yet. Rooms? In the Basilica? Apostate was shocked, enough to drag him out of the songs embrace. He blinked in disbelief. Now his situation struck him and he was filled with fear. What were their plans for the stones? What if? No, he had to hope for the best. The song danced at the edges of his thoughts and he caught it. Absentmindedly he followed the servant to his room. He didn’t pay attention, not until the song went away. His mood fouled instantly. He paced, worried. He paced and waited.
Maura sat motionlessly next to Ferdinand, awaiting further instructions from the Oracle. Minutes slipped to hours as some of the passerbies likely wondered - "what sort of strange stone is this life-like statue made of?"
Ferdinand had not anticipated the situation that he had found himself in. Minutes had past into hours - just waiting. Devotion to Obeah would not hinder Ferdinand's determination. The Marshal did not even flinch or grow tired of waiting for the appointment that was beyond these doors. A few times, Ferdinand did stand up and wonder the small corridor that they waited in. At times, Ferdinand would of begun conversation with his superior. There was much that Ferdinand would of liked to engage with the Marshal. However, the tense nature of the situation as well as the anticipation of the oncoming meeting prevented such occurrence. The occasional wandering eye landed on the Marshal to anticipate her next movements. She was perhaps roughly the same age as Ferdinand. If one could anticipate her life history, he would be interested to compare his own. After all, his life had only truly began in his eyes when he devoted himself to Obeah. Nevertheless, while there was a sensation inside of Ferdinand to talk to the Marshal, Ferdinand mirrored his superior and was like her - a life like statue.
Maura shifted on the uncomfortable bench. She always preffered marching to riding and standing to sitting, so her buttcheeks were not used to staying in firm contact with a firm surface for extended periods of time. The agent of the Inquisition appearing in the doorway at the far end of the main hall was a salvation and she stood up as soon as she spotted him. It took the man over a minute to traverse the hall and approach the Inquisitor, such was the size of Basilica. Hushed voice reported from lips nearly pressed to Maura's ear. All but the most clearly pronounced words fell out of the earshot of anyone except the Marshal. Single shadows of names like "Adolphus" and "Vahanian" and words like "murder" and "fire" fell on the verge of audibility. Maura inclined her head in thought: "Inquisitor's work..." - she then quickly shook off all swither, stating - "... as long as it's done well..." - not ending her thought out loud. The agent of Inquisition could barely leave before scouts and clerks of the Enlightenment took his place. Reddled parchment nearly flied around in Basilica as verbose lists of personal and general orders were given. Those who only knew Maura through letters would never have guessed how terse she was in person. As soon as orders for the day were all carried out she sighed with relief, thinking - works of Marshal and of Inquisitor do not go well together - as she noticed that she now had the attention of entire hall. Turning to Ferdinand she saw that he was given a copy of the orders as well, she waved her hand in air: "It goes without saying, Sir Ferdinand, you are exempt from all orders." - she looked at the Templar beside her and trying to think of an excuse not to sit down she waved her finger in air, pointing at the general outline of the knight's shape as if she was enquiring about a course of exotic food she was served - "Uhm... speak." - her eyelids shut forcefully, scolding her for improper choice of words.
"Uhm... speak." - her eyelids shut forcefully, scolding her for improper choice of words. With the Marshal's poor choice of words, Ferdinand, not matter how inappropriately, let out a small laugh regarding the Marshal's antics. "I must apologise Marshal, I did not meant to laugh." Ferdinand was fairly shocked at the Marshal's actions. Yet, at the same time, he was pleased and relaxed slightly. Getting up from the bench with his orders within his cloak to observe one of the statues nearby, Ferdinand replied: "Marshal, please indulge me while we await our predisposed meeting. Please, tell me about yourself? While I serve blindly for Obeah's sake as a Grey Knight, perhaps to serve our goddess in a better fashion, I need to understand the orders and perhaps interpret them with considerations of the sender. One tutor long ago told me that a soldier would fight better to protect his family and friends rather than another soldier in the rank and file. A friend could interpret another's actions even before they had thought it themselves. What do you think of this?" | |
| Maura Arnickles Renodin, Ferdinand Greybrook, Apostate | |
| Roleplay from Stheno, Maura Arnickles Renodin, Ulrika, Apostate, Ferdinand Greybrook | |
| New Arrival, Route to the Top
Stheno The Journey from the Shattered Vales had been as long and arduous leaving as it had been arriving. Leagues and leagues of roguelands infested by both beasts and undead. She'd lost count of the times she'd stubbed her toe on the road or through the rough, only to find bones or broken arms instead of errant stones. It was even worse on the Sea of Four Cities. She'd always loved the sight of the sea as a girl. but as a young woman she had learned well that beneath its glassy surface was a world of gliding monsters. More than a few times she had been awakened from troubled sleep by screams as careless sailors found their fates in the claws, teeth, and tentacles of the nightmare. Still, anywhere was more interesting than Rines. Nevertheless, when the Oracle's summons had found her, Stheno was compelled to return. Relieved as she was to be offship, she was not looking forward to whatever the Oracle had in mind. Though young, Stheno had already had more than her fill of magic. It scared her. And the Moonlight City, home to the Heralds who acted as keepers of magic, scared her badly too. Regardless, her traitorous feet navigated the thoroughfares of Rines without error and before long she was at the Basilica itself. But things had changed since she'd been gone. Templars guarded the main entrance into the palace, turning away all those without official business or passes from the Powers That Be within. Stheno, having neither, was in no mood to bother. The Basilica had been a second home to her for a time, and in her girlhood she'd explored all of its secret ways...like Cookie. Head Chef Rasa, affectionately known among the palace staff as "Cookie" was an original Keffan immigrant. One of the few to survive the horror of Keffa's fall and the subsequent Pilgrimage to Rines. More importantly, he was the first and only friend she'd made on her own. Stheno had a quiet, introspective way about her and her sleep was often troubled. When she couldn't find rest, she'd wander. And one day she wandered right into his kitchens after they'd been shut down when Cookie found her. He'd yelled and blustered about servant waifs making a mess for him in the morning, but one look at her had been enough for him to see that her case was different. She'd been young then, and had forgotten to look down and away to hide her black and gold eyes. The bluster went out of him in one whomping breath. Almost resignedly, he offered her some soup and bread. Stheno, frightened, shook her head in refusal, but she hadn't realized how hungry she was and when her stomach growled a loud rebuke, Cookie smiled knowingly, thrust the food into her hands, and guided her to to a low seat near one of the many fireplaces. He didn't ask her any questions, merely went on about his closing tasks, grumbling to himself when he found something unclean. Before she knew it, she'd fallen asleep right there. She awoke the next morning to find Cookie's dress-apron tucked around her like a blanket. From that day until the day she'd struck out on her own from Rines, Stheno remained in that man's shadow. following him, learning how to cook, running errands and memorizing a bevy of interesting curses. She hoped he was still here.
"Hey, you there!" Stheno froze, not realizing her mistake until it was too late. The Templar that had called hadn't even been addressing her directly, she was just waiting to see who stopped first and Stheno had drawn the short stick. "Yeah, you'll do. Look, I just got orders to go hunt the grounds for some commoners. Apparently they have passes from the Oracle herself. but I can't leave my post and my replacement isn't hear yet. Do you think you can find them?" "Uh, sure thing," Stheno lied, "Did you need them back here?" "No, they're to report to Marshal Maura first. Something about seeing the Oracle if you can believe it." "You're telling me that some scrubs get to see Her Holiness when us grunts that work here don't?" Stehno complained convincingly. "I know right?" The Templar agreed, relieved to pass the burden to another. She was distracted by the arrival of another Templar that, from the way she greeted him, Stheno could tell was her belated counterpart. While the Templars spoke to one another, Stheno melted away. She'd have time to say hello to Cookie later. For now, she'd be better able to avoid more direct questions or too many intense stares in her direction by performing the task the Templar had given her. The Marshal, she knew, wouldn't be hard to find. She'd just follow the ant-trail of couriers bearing messages marked for the Enlightenment. She'd discharge this duty quickly and then be off about her own business.
As Stheno had guessed, the Marshal had not been hard to find. A few questions to passing servants had been enough for her to learn enough about Maura's appearance and personality for Stheno to recognize her even at a distance. Even without a physical description, Stehno would have marked her as a native of the Desert of Silhouettes. Though she'd never been their, the Desert marked its people, and that same heat flowed through Stheno's own veins. While the architecture was no doubt impressive, Stheno had always hated crowds, and there were a great many people, form parishioners to military officials, here. The sooner she could finish her business, the sooner she could leave. There was a line of messengers, courtiers, and favor-seekers already formed in front of her, each wishing to petition the influential Margravine for this or that. No longer in any rush, Stehno took her place at the back of the line and kept her head down as it slowly inched forward. As soon as she discharged her inconvenient duty to the Templar, she'd be on her way.
Stheno was a young woman, barely more than a teenager, though fairly tall. Dusky skin and dark hair clearly denoted her sandborn heritage. She wore a hood over a black gambison cinched at the waste by a thick black leather weapons belt (empty) and soft leather boots. Fingerless gloves protected her palms but revealed calluses of sword and bow. Her face and unbound hair seemed recently washed. Indeed, she seemed unremarkable in every respect, if rather furritive. Understandable behavior for a commoner visiting the Basillica and near to so many highborn nobles. "I am on a mission for the Oracle, milady, " she explained, "and as part of that, I've been tasked to find a pair of commoners in your employ, milady. Though I know not there names or descriptions. I understand they are to join you and be brought to Her Holiness directly? I hope you can assist me."
Brief laughter from Sir Ferdinand was not unexpected. It was a natural reaction, really, even though most would be afraid to react this way to the Inquisitor. "Marshal, please indulge me while we await our predisposed meeting. Please, tell me about yourself? While I serve blindly for Obeah's sake as a Grey Knight, perhaps to serve our goddess in a better fashion, I need to understand the orders and perhaps interpret them with considerations of the sender. One tutor long ago told me that a soldier would fight better to protect his family and friends rather than another soldier in the rank and file. A friend could interpret another's actions even before they had thought it themselves. What do you think of this?" He said and Maura thought briefly on the answer, noticing another batch of scouts and scribes steadily closing in on her brief respite. "It doesn't matter, does it?" - she saw in her companion's eyes the need to clarify, so she continued - "Templars are soldiers fighting alongside you but they are also your friends and family. In fact Templars are the only family that's worth a damn thing in this Obeah forsaken land. Monsters and undead creep up in the wildlands and the threat of daimons, altough concealed, is ever-present. Being a member of both the Inquisition and the Templars - a privilage shared by so few members of our realm I can tell that fraternity within Templar Order is unmatched. Members of the Inquisition are full of devotion to Obeah... much less to one another. That is not to say inquisitors are without qualities unique to their kind, in fact their unique qualities are the reason why the contents of the Lexicon, while studied by the Templars, are tended to and provided by the Inquisitors. For instance..." "Marshal Maura?" A young servant interrupted marshal's speech. It was a girl perhaps in her late teenage years, maybe early twenties. Her bowed head suggested that she was a commoner, yet her unique features and complexion drawn a bit more of Inquisitor's attention. It took barely a couple of seconds for Maura's inquisitive gaze to take stock of servant's characteristics and make proper mental notes. "I am on a mission for the Oracle, milady, and as part of that, I've been tasked to find a pair of commoners in your employ, milady. Though I know not their names or descriptions. I understand they are to join you and be brought to Her Holiness directly? I hope you can assist me." The young woman continued and Maura barely restrained herself from rolling her eyes. She looked at the door by which they were waiting for a priestess to carry Oracle's summon and instead they had what looked like a scout carrying Her Holiness instructions through the main entrance. Things sometimes do happen without a reason... - she thought - but not things that have anything to do with the Oracle. "I hope so too," - Maura answered - "There are hundreds of commoners in my employ. Even when you count just the ones directly under my control at this very moment you'll end up with a number much higher than two." Marshal's motionless face betrayed nothing as silence followed her reply. She beheld Sir Ferdinand's lack of reaction before she turned to the servant and clarified: "I jest. Of course I know who you mean. Walk with me." - Maura started to walk but stopped mid-step, turning to Sir Fedrinand - "Wait here, in case priestess comes back with another word from the Oracle. We shall be back once I fetch Ulrika and Apostate. The Oracle's offices are supposed to be..." - she pointed at the high ceiling and whatever chambers rested beyond the reinforced vault - "...there." She offered her companion a soldierly bow and departed towards residential part of Basilica, not looking back if the young woman keeps up; assuming she does. Halfway through the main hall Maura asked: "So, tell me - how does a warrior end up doing a peon's work? Miss..." - Maura pointedly awaited servant's name along with the answer.
"Wait here, in case priestess comes back with another word from the Oracle. We shall be back once I fetch Ulrika and Apostate. The Oracle's offices are supposed to be..." - she pointed at the high ceiling and whatever chambers rested beyond the reinforced vault - "...there." As the Marshal left with the courier, Ferdinand sat back down, staring at the reinforced vault. The two nobles had been waiting for some time now for these summons. Yet, Obeah's will is seen in a multitude of ways. If he is needed, Ferdinand will answer. It is only a matter of time. Taking out his notebook, Ferdinand began to write down some thoughts of the Basilica and it's wonders. In this process, Ferdinand also noted to see if any estates in the Capital were available. At least through this manner, he would be able to answer any summons with ease - compared to the days ride from the East. Every so often, Ferdinand did see some priests or other clerical works wonder the magnificent halls of which he waited. At times, there was a great urge to ask one of them questions about faith and their view. Nevertheless, Ferdinand continued to wait and studied some of the resources that he brought with him, waiting for the Marshal's return.
Maura offered her Ferdinand a soldierly bow and departed towards residential part of Basilica, not looking back if the young woman keeps up; assuming she does. Halfway through the main hall Maura asked: "So, tell me - how does a warrior end up doing a peon's work? Miss..." - Maura pointedly awaited servant's name along with the answer. "Stheno, Excellency" Stheno hesitated for only a moment before replying. It wasn't that she wanted to be deceptive, its just that Stheno lacked the social confidence that came so naturally to others. Adding to that, few ever asked for her name, and rarer still from a highborn. Moreover, they were in the Basilica proper now, a Palace by any measure and where she personally had rarely ever ventured. Stheno was uncomfortable, out of her element, and it showed. The weight of all the stone above seemed oppressive to her. Small wonder the Inquisitor had noticed so quickly. They walked in silence for a while longer with the Marshal a step ahead. Messengers constantly trotted up to the pair, asking the Marshal to sign this or that before vanishing. All the while, Stheno stole furtive glances at her. Sandborn were rare outside of their native lands. Even more so on continents so far from Dwilight, and as the journey went on, curiosity burned brighter within her. Her desire to know what Maura's birthplace was like warred intensely with her desire to get out Rines and back to the woods where she was most comfortable. Instead, she decided to ask something else. Like about why Maura was here in the first place instead of out leading armies. The answer was obvious before she even asked, however. Only the Oracle had the sort of gravity to hold the likes of Maura in place when there was a war on. But every minute Maura was here not fighting the monsters and undead outside the city was a minute that Stheno's job, and that of all the local adventurers, would become that much more difficult. That won't do, she thought to herself. "Marshal" Stheno asked with a whisper, "have you been waiting on the Oracle very long?
"Marshal, have you been waiting on the Oracle very long?"
They walked, humble doors on each side of the hall led to chambers obviously occupied by Dame Antonia's entourage and closest servants. Marshal recalled a blue ghost of her lady speaking of truth, magic and purpose in inhuman voice, freeing her from drunken haze forevermore and starting her pursuit of the faith - no, not then. They walked and Maura could see through half-open doors an armour stand with a plate-mail so big it would leave room to spare even on her imposing physique - clearly those were Dame Antonia's quarters. The Inquisitor recalled long months of danger and humiliation, all the knaves she fought and bedded, all kegs of ale she downed, carnal desires and ailments, failed attempts at nobility and service in the Inquisition, being haunted by delirious phantoms and etheral shapes. She recalled interviewing Gythrul the Defiler, learning of the most dangerous creatures from the best informed source, all the while getting hammered on Thalmarkin Red - no, not then either. They walked and Maura noted several sparsely located doors to more spacious singular rooms - clearly guest chambers; however doors were closed and door handles gathered varying amounts of dust, informing inquisitive gaze that those chambers were unoccupied. The smooth scar tissue where her left thumb used to be throbbed with familiar pain and the warrior recalled the inhumane torture that made her a guard and subsequently a captain that followed her lady to Obia'Syela - and n... since before then even. They walked and the marshal noted a couple of recently used doors opposite eachother, smell of incense coming from one of them and ominous aura made hairs stand on forearm when nearing the other. They slowed the pace. She remembered her life among the endless sands. Rare days of elation separated by long months of famine and desperate survival. She remembered happiness she found in this bare, quintessential existence and how abruptly it ended - the metalic taste of blackness that accompanied the instant pressure of pernach on her skull - and not since then? She stopped in front of one of the doors and not turning to the woman that followed her all the time, she exhaled as if she was holding the breath all the way here. "That is a good question, Stheno..." - Maura said, unsheathed her broad scimtar, turned it upside down and finished her answer before knocking on Ulrika's door with the sword's handle - "... and the answer would be - all my life."
Maura stopped in front of one of the doors and not turning to the woman that followed her all the time, she exhaled as if she was holding the breath all the way here. "That is a good question, Stheno..." - Maura said, unsheathed her broad scimtar, turned it upside down and finished her answer before knocking on Ulrika's door with the sword's handle - "... and the answer would be - all my life." "That's... a long time." Stheno mused aloud after Maura knocked. Stheno was unfamiliar with this wing of the Basillica, the pervading scent of incense assaulted her sensitive nose and she thought she could here movement on the otherside of the door. Soon she will have completed her favor for the Templar and could then be on her way. Rather than relief, however, she couldn't help but wonder at the gravity of the Marshal's words, lending a palpable heaviness that tugged at Stheno's heart. It wasn't quite pity, even without her titles and accomplishments it would be difficult to 'pity' such a physically impressive warrior. Rather, it was a sense that whatever this woman sought or needed, Stehno's gut said Maura deserved it. Then her mouth ran ahead of her thoughts. "Milady, would you like to go see the Oracle right now?"
Heavy knock on the oaken door subsided. "Milady, would you like to go see the Oracle right now?" Stheno asked and Maura in her haste thrown en passant - "That's what we're here for, no? Ulrika! Get your arse off the bed this instant! Her Holiness expects you." She moved to Apostate's door, saying - "We just need to get these two rascals first" - she thumped three times with her fist and before the forth blow met the oaken surface her hand froze mid-air. She turned around, her gaze gained intensity as it studied the girl before her. Stheno's hood made only half her face visible and Inquisitor's stare almost pierced the black fabric. Marshal knew things, knew how to come to know them; even back as a simple captain she shown great talent for gathering information, reading people and situations and felt it very important to always be the best informed person in the room. With positions in the Inquisition, Military Command, Templar Order and Court of Lords her resources steadily grew and it has been quite a while now since she felt genuinely surprised. Indeed she could not recall the feeling - simmered in the daily routine of the expected. The young, female, black-clad puzzle in front of her was a very welcomed refreshment. Maura smiled and it was likely the first time Stheno saw her face moving, showing anything other than motionless, calm certainty. Through the now fully-formed grin she said: "I would... I would indeed..." - she spoke inclining her head towards Stheno, slowly seeing more and more of her nose, all the way up to the bottom rims of her eye sockets - " Would you?"
Ulrika, having spent her time enjoying the lavish apartments and struggling not to pocket everything that wasn’t nailed down, heard the rapping of knuckles on the door and slowly got up off of her bed and went over, yawning slightly. ‘Shouldn’t’ve had that last bottle of wine’ she muttered, before stumbling out of her door. She spotted Maura and waved, but as she went to walk towards her she collided with a solid mass of muscle. ... A shape barrelled into Antonia as she walked down the corridor of her estate, looking for where Balthasar had got to. ‘Watch it!’ She gasped as she was forced to take a couple of steps backwards and bash her head on the lintel. ‘I am so sorry m’lady, are you hurt bad? Should I fetch a doctor, should I…’ She stopped as she saw the height of the woman she had potentially pissed off, her jaw near hitting the floor ‘It’s quite alright, I wasn’t looking where I was going either’ Antonia said stiffly continued down the corridor ‘Marshal’ she nodded at Maura as she passed, and then stopped, turning to look back at Ulrika ‘Do I know you from somewhere?’ ‘Erm, don’t think so m’lady’ ‘Hmm’ Antonia said, thinking hard, ‘it’s like looking in a mirror, what a coincidence’ Antonia then continued down the corridor, calling out her lover’s name Ulrika brushed herself off and hurried over to Maura ‘Is there something you needed of me, m’lady?’, she said as she curtseyed
Maura smiled as Antonia passed her in the Basilica corridor after bumping into Ulrika. ‘Is there something you needed of me, m’lady?’ Ulrika said, curtseying. "You can fetch... the thing you were supposed to fetch. We're going to the Oracle..." - Maura eyes Stheno cautiously - "... are we?"
"The sooner the better, Milady" Stheno said, excitement now inflecting her voice. "If this is the one-" she motioned to Ulrika, inspecting the other adventurer up and down from beneath her hood. "-that I was charged to find and bring to you, then I am happy to see my duty completed. Let's go?" As she voiced the question, Stheno moved to the other side of the hall to make room for Ulrika. Everything in her body language suggested that Stheno was eager to depart.
Maura ushered them both forward. Normally she would lead the way to discourage any overzealous guard from questioning "who goes where", but much to her regret she had never been above the second floor. Besides, Stheno must've known the way - Oracle sent her, after all - Maura thought. She would also not allow for the other adventurer to walk behind her. Marshal had to keep an eye on Ulrika and more importantly - Ulrika's backpack, which was at that moment the most valuable object in the enitre realm.
Stheno thought the Marshal's behavior toward Ulrika was...strange, to say the least, and she found herself wondering what could be in the other adventurers knapsack that so captured the Margravine's attention. With that on her mind, Stheno stepped in front of the pair and lead them. The Oracle lived and dwelt in the highest levels of the Basilica when she was not preaching in the Grand Temple. Traditionally, those that sought her out whether by invitation or decree would have to climb thousands of steps that wound around the Basillica's central spire. In the days of Riombara, this Great Staircase was an engineering marvel in and of itself, boasting the most steps of any building on any continent. Upon entering the Basilica form either the East or West main entrances, one would see the great flights of stairs flanking the interior foyer almost immediately, which then curled up the Basilica Walls to the next flight and repeated concentrically all the way to the royal apartments. The palace, a rather austere place under the Oracle's rule, was exceptional here. Tapestries lined the walls between windows and paintings depicting storied events like Obia'Syela/ The Founding and others. Every canonized sermon was represented. relics carried from Keffa were interred here like treasures in a museum. For Obians, the Grand Staircase was designed to force all comers to consider the grand history forming in the Sacred Realm. The long journey (for journey it surely was) was itself envisioned as a path through life as a member of the Faith towards the Veiled Goddess, with the Oracle herself at the end. Some poets described the ascension as representing the struggle through life, under Her Eye, with Obeah herself waiting at the end, beyond the veil, to greet you. The Physical exhaustion was meant to encourage petitioners to overcome and forget their physical discomforts in favor of contemplating their spiritual goals and well-being. Stheno, in the interest of timeliness, opted to skip all of that. Rather than take the Grand Staircases, Stheno lead the pair deeper into the Basilica itself. Past the rooms where nobles and visitors usually roamed and into the backworld of servants and Basilica Staff. Servants, the Oracle believed, should not be constrained in the performance of their duties, particularly when doing so would leave many resident nobles and guests with slow service. The palace itself is massive structure that required a complex system of internal architecture to support its mountainous weight. The original architects were far-sighted enough to rig systems of pulleys and platforms in central shafts within the support structure to allow for relatively swift travel to any level of the Basilica. Servants used these to transport food, furniture, and other difficult items with haste, taking pride in the fact that the Oracle allowed only this privilege to them only, even over Templars and Inquisitors. Critics called it favoritism, which it wasn't technically, because thanks to it the Palace staf were motivated, happy, and loyal; giving them a sense of solidarity that the Oracle herself, Obeha's own representative, supported them so directly. Competition among commoners to serve in the Palace was higher now than it had ever been under any previous ruler. Stheno explained all of this aloud, as well as a bit of her past working among the staff, as they made their way. And so it was that the small party found themselves on one of these "elevators" ascending rapidly upwards towards the Royal Wing and the famed Solarium that sat atop it all. Creaking ropes and oiled gears marked their ascent as floor after floor, door after door, fell away beneath them...
Ulrika looked and listened in awe as Stheno explained about the system of pulleys. She had never been in a building so tall, let alone been taken to the heights in what felt like magical boxes. She was nervous. Nervous of meeting the Oracle, but even more nervous of what she carried upon her. She had been using the evening to research what she could about the stones in her possession. The servants had been most accommodating, though one had been surprised that she could read. As she flicked through the pages of a hefty tome, she had been horrified at the destruction that could be wrought by such stones. She was prepared to die for her faith, but she was now wondering how many innocent lives she might be expected to take with her
"So...what's in the bag?" The question escaped her lips before she could clamp down on the impulse, but she really did want to know. Uncle Kethan had always encouraged her inquisitive nature, and it had gotten her into trouble on more than one occasion; completing the Templar's task of finding Ulrika being the latest in a long list. She was glad that she'd at least managed to keep her voice blasé. They were nearing the Royal Apartments. It wouldn't be long now...
Maura's fingers started to pet the pommel of her broad scimtar absentmindedly at the question. "Well, dear Stheno, you ask more questions than I, one would think out of the three of us you are the Inquisitor." - Maura looked between the two women - "I would assume it holds all the things crucial to the adventurers trade. In any case I don't think you should find there that would interest you in particular." | |
| Stheno, Maura Arnickles Renodin, Ulrika, Apostate, Ferdinand Greybrook | |
| Roleplay from Vahanian Blint, Stheno, Maura Arnickles Renodin | |
| Arrival
Vahanian Blint Vahanian had carefully and meticulously crafted a network of spies and informants throughout the sacred realm. They infested all areas of the sacred realm at all levels. They passed along all sorts of information ranging from who was meeting with whom to whispers of gossip and bits of rumors that were muttered in hushed tones around the realm. Most of it was meaningless information, things he either already knew or didn't care about. But he kept the pipeline flowing regardless. It was through this pipeline that word reached him of his former charge, Stheno, being seen moving about the palace with the Marshal Maura and an adventurer that wasn't known to him by name. Whispers of Stheno leaving the safety of the city reached his ears, and further rumor of her venturing beyond the borders of the realm were passed along to him. He read this report several times before burning the letter. He was disturbed by this news, there was a special place in his heart for Stheno, he'd spent a long time with her as her protector and mentor and grown very fond of her. He stood abruptly and grabbed a cloak from a peg on the wall. Baldwin fell in behind him. Vahanian hurried through the halls of his estate grabbing a writ he kept in a drawer in his desk and a pouch of coins from a safe. As he crossed the courtyard towards the stable he turned to Baldwin and said "Bruiser, where is he stationed?" Baldwin thought for a moment and then said "Current rotation has him stationed in the basilica, a posting in the Templar Hall. His next rotation puts him on archive guard in the nexus. Vahanian nodded as he mounted and said "And the twins? Roark and Lyra?" Baldwin barely thought about this question and said "The same rotation." "Good." Vahanian's horse thundered into the stables at the Basilica moments later he dismounted and handed the reins to a stablehand before ascending the outer stair of the Basilica. He caught a glimpse of Stheno and an unknown walking into the servant's elevator and thought about calling out to her. He pushed the instinct from his mind, it didn't serve a purpose just yet. He navigated through the Basilica until he arrived between the thick oaken doors to the Templar Hall. The two guards outside saluted him and bowed. He nodded his affirmation of their reverence and continued through the doors. He saw Bruiser across the hall and walked over to him, he said "Bruiser, with me. Baldwin, find the twins, meet me in the watch commander's office." Baldwin nodded and vanished. Bruiser stood and followed Vahanian without question. A fact that Vahanian couldn't express in words how appreciative he was of this man. He'd trained him and the twins personally since they were 6. He'd practically raised them, and trusted them implicitly. By the time Vahanian arrived in the Watch Commander's office Baldwin and the twins were outside. Vahanian motioned for them to stay put and for Baldwin to follow, the two men entered the office and met with the watch commander. The man stood upon Vahanian entering and bowed "My Lord High Templar, what can I do for you?" Vahanian handed him the writ and said "I am commandeering three of your guards, I have a special need for them. This writ transfers direct command of them to me until such a time as I deem them ready to return to rotation." The watch commander nodded checking the paperwork as a formality, he had no question that it was accurate. He stopped when he read the names. "My lord, these are my three best soldiers.. You're taking all 3?" Vahanian nodded and said "I am. They are needed, for what is not your concern. Do we have an issue captain?" The man shook his head, defeated, and said "No my lord, thank you for the notice." Vahanian left the office and barked "With me." the three soldiers followed him again, without question. He drew a letter from his cloak and handed it to Bruiser. "Details of your assignment, memorize them and burn the letter." He also handed him a coin purse. "To cover expenses, keep what you don't spend." Bruiser read the letter and handed it to one of the twins, after each had memorized its contents they tossed it into a fireplace they passed and paused a moment to ensure it burned entirely. The three soldiers split off from Vahanian as they returned to the main foyer, waiting by the servant's elevator as Vahanian ascended the stairs, heading towards the royal apartments. He needed to speak with the Oracle. Vahanian ascended the familiar steps of the basilica with ease. Despite their length and number, he had traversed them so many times that they no longer took a large physical toll on him. He arrived at the royal apartments and was halted by the guards outside. He didn't recognize them, which concerned him a little, but a matter he would have to investigate later. They didn't seem to recognize him at first either as they demanded he relinquish his weapons before trying to lie to him by saying that the Oracle wasn't in the basilica. He leveled them with a blank stare from his hazel eyes, before saying "First of all, I have been afforded the privilege and honor to bear arms in the Oracle's presence, and secondly, lie to me again and your next posting will be a stable in Ardmore. I know the Oracle is here, I am here to see her. Either let me in or step aside, because option 3 will be far less pleasant." The guards nervously looked at one another, to their credit they kept their hands on their weapons in case Vahanian did in fact mean them harm. The seconds seem to stretch on for hours until a more familiar guard to Vahanian walked by and greeted him with a stiff salute saying 'My Lord Grand Templar, pleasure to see you my lord." Vahanian returned to the salute and offered warm greetings to the man. The two guards outside the Oracle's apartments relinquished as soon as they heard Vahanian addressed as Grand Templar. They knocked on the door and announced his arrival, and Vahanian stepped into the foyer of the apartments. For the briefest of moments he felt his stomach start to turn, he quickly suppressed the nervous feelings before they took hold. Mentally reprimanding himself. 'Nervous?! Nervous?!! Really Vahanian?' He squashed the feelings once and for all and resumed his professional demeanor, awaiting the Oracle's greetings.
Maura's warning barely registered before the lift claaaanked to a halt on the top floor: The Royal Apartments. Stheno turned away from Maura and her inquiry into Ulrika’s package, switching her attention from the two women to the door. Gears beneath the elevator locked into place, stabilizing the platform on which they stood, causing mechanical sounds to echo down the liftshaft as the doors were pulled open from the otherside by a pair of Paladins. These were the well-armed, highly-trained special forces that served as the Oracle’s royal bodyguards. Their Obian-blue robes hid blackened-steel armor beneath, matching the full crested-helms that hid their faces and contrasting sharply with the silvered warglaives they carried. Beyond them was a large open space that served as the only ‘public’ area in the Royal apartments. An impressive mahogany dining table that could seat 12 functioned as the centerpiece. A chandelier, unlit and shimmering in the afternoon sunlight, hung from overhead. The lift door was in the center of the northern wall. Directly opposite, the Grand Staircase that lead all the way from the floor of the Basilica finally terminated. To the east, a closed door hid a hall that lead to the Oracle’s personal living space and sleeping quarters. To the west, another set of stairs led upward towards a simple trap door in the ceiling, beyond which was the Basilica’s final and highest level: The Solarium. Light glinted as the impressive bladed weapons crossed before the new arrivals to bar their progress. “In the name of the Veiled Goddess and Her Holy Oracle, state your business.” Said the Paladin on the left. Her voice professional and clipped. Stheno lowering her hood for the first time since she’d entered the palace. A moment passed between her and the Paladins, the latter two straightened perceptibly, but did not uncross their blades. “…presenting Marshal Arnickles Renodin, Margravine of Rueffilo, and her assistant Ulrika.” No one missed that Stheno did not bother introducing herself. “We are here at the request of the Oracle,” she continued. The sound of steel on steel chimed through the air as the Paladins uncrossed their weapons. One of them, the female paladin that had challenged them, placed a gauntleted hand on Stheno’s shoulder. It was a familiar gesture, which made it all the more out of place as the Paladin whispered something into Stheno’s ear. Neither Maura nor Ulrika could see Stheno’s brow furrow. “Would you please go to the apartments and bring Un…the Grand Templar-” Stheno corrected, “-to the Solarium while I go and wake her?” The paladin nodded and motioned a quick command to her counterpart who then pent to pull a large leaver on the wall, locking the lift in place so they could leave their post without fear of anyone else coming up. Then they were gone, leaving behind only the echoing sound of their heavy armor clanking with each footfall. Stheno herself continued on, heading straight for the Solarium rather than the bedrooms. She did not look behind to see if the others were following. Instead, she placed her hand flat on the trapdoor above her and pushed, cracking the heavy wood ajar. When she did, the sound of a woman wailing in terror filled the lower room. Stheno heaved the weight of the trapdoor at our her way and ascended into the Solarium without a moment’s hesitation, leaving Maura and Ulrika staring in her wake as sunlight and screams poured down through the Solarium’s now-open trap door.
As the platform ceased to move and door opened to show the two paladins, Maura studied the doorkeepers attentively. Her eyes sliding from their fine helmets to the crossed blades of their glaives. One could almost see the shadow of a nod - an ephemeral testimony to Marshal's content with Oracle's security. The highest level of the Basilica - save for legendary Solarium - seemed lighter than the ones she saw closer to the ground. Walls seemed strong but not thick, tough but not heavy. And the interior was certainly spacious, as if the same science made it float on top of the Basilica as the air in pig's bladder makes it float on top of the water. Maura looked to the west, at the stairs that led to marvel she never had the opportunity to witness. How would it feel - she thought - would it feel? Brief moment of absentmindedness turned into a moment of rapt attention as Maura's reverie was cut short by a sudden change in guards' stance. Their training was formidable as they done a splendid job hiding it - whatever it was - but to inquisitive eye the change and gravity of it was obvious. A split-second later Maura located the cause - young woman that led her here lowered her hood. She stood in front of Maura and Ulrika with her back turned to them, so the Inquisitor couldn't tell what exactly got the paladins so rattled. From her point of view she could only tell that Stheno had pretty hair, in a rugged sort of way - not enough to cause such a reaction. For a moment she wanted to grab Stheno by the arm and turn that crafty servant around, read into her face like into a stolen book and tell what's the matter in a matter of seconds. Perhaps everyone else would do just that in her position. But everyone else wasn't in her position - she was. And she was where she was not because she acted like everyone else. Not a flick of her eye not an irregularity of her breath betrayed her stream of thoughts, as she stood at attention, watching, listening: “…presenting Marshal Arnickles Renodin, Margravine of Rueffilo, and her assistant Ulrika. We are here at the request of the Oracle” Maura heard the adventurer saying and immediately the way was made clear, the glaives uncrossed and the female paladin was getting familiar with their guide. Much too familiar. “Would you please go to the apartments and bring Un…the Grand Templar to the Solarium while I go and wake her?” Vahanian. Good. - Maura thought as she noted that the servant's command was immediately followed... by Oracle's chosen guard. Before she knew it she could only see Stheno's heels climbing the stairway to the Solarium. As Maura heard the hinges of a trapdoor at the top of the stairway squeak open the sound was closely followed by a disturbing scream from above. The cogs and wheels of decision moved and turned in the trebuchet of Maura's mind, balancing weights and counterweights as her eyes darted from the Solarium stairway to the direction where paladins went to fetch Vahanian, to Ulrika with her precious backpack and then back again. Finally the lever released the projectile of her hand towards Ulrika at alarming speed. She grabbed a fistful of Ulrika's clothing and pulled her along, not trusting words "follow me" to be said, heard and followed nearly fast enough, as she launched herself after Stheno in a speed noone would suspect her being capable of, all the while hauling the precious adventurer.
A heavily armored Paladin knocked briefly and entered the foyer where Vahanian stood. He turned at the knock and greeted his armored guest with a small incline of his head. 'My Lord, she, asked me to fetch you to the Solarium." Careful emphasis was placed on the word 'she'. Vahanian knew all of the Paladins personally, having hand-selected each class of them for the Oracle's protection. In return they were all well aware of his relationship with Stheno. Vahanian stifled a smile as the emphasis on the word 'she' could only be minor annoyance that one might here in an older sister's voice when told to do something by the younger sibling. He walked briskly with the Paladin exchanging few pleasantries but keeping the conversation mostly professional. He rounded the corner and saw Marshal Maura and her counterpart a woman he didn't quite recognize. He nodded and smiled warmly at Maura greeting her. "Marshal, a pleasure to see you again, it has been too long." He hadn't always liked Maura but in recent years her wit and character had won him over. As he slowed his pace and approached the pair he could faintly hear a woman screaming, a voice that seemed familiar but he couldn't be sure at this distance. Absently his hand dropped to the hilt of his sword, and the party started to approach the sounds of screaming a little closer. | |
| Vahanian Blint, Stheno, Maura Arnickles Renodin | |
Event
| Roleplay from Stheno | |
| Nightmares
From the Solarium came the sound of something delicate and probably very precious shattering against an unrelenting floor. As Maura and Vahanian neared the entryway, they were able to discern clear words in the sobs coming from above. "NO! STOP IT! Get away from me, daimon. GET AWAY!" It was, without doubt, the voice of the Oracle... | |
| Stheno | |
| Roleplay from Maura Arnickles Renodin | |
| Nightmares
In any other situation Maura would have took precious time greeting Vahanian properly. This time however the sounds from above were too alarming and she was in so much of a rush to get to the Solarium, that she barely registered Grand Templar's greeting. She traversed the stairway in a blink of an eye and the second she was through the trapdoor her trusty scimtar was already in her hand. She looked around to take in the scene only to see... | |
| Maura Arnickles Renodin | |
| Roleplay from Vahanian Blint | |
| Nightmares
As soon as the Oracle's voice became distinct, Vahanian's blade was in hand and he was through the trapdoor an instant after Maura. The paladin's didn't hesitate either, they were hot on Vahanian's trail weapons drawn. Upon entering the room, Vahanian's eyes scanned the room for threats, quickly, efficiently, and expertly, his body coiled like a waiting viper ready to strike. He saw... | |
| Vahanian Blint | |
| Roleplay from Stheno | |
| Nightmares
Maura tore up the stairway, Vahanian tight on her heels as both ran to the sound of the Oracle's distress. Maura's muscled form burst up through the trap door as though it weighed nothing at all. But it was nearly high noon and, in their haste, neither of them had taken care to shield their eyes, forcing them to stop and blink rapidly to adjust to the brilliance, forcing blurry details back into focus... The Solarium was the architectural marvel of the Basilica of Rines. Placed at the pinnacle of the large central tower, the Solarium was the highest room in southern Beluaterra. It's ceiling and walls were a latticework of bronze-plated supports and pains of clear glass forming a dome over a room about the size of a dining hall and ringed by a circular balcony that afforded a better view of Rines to those that were brave enough to walk it. An impressive altar to the Veiled Goddess rested against the Easternmost wall to greet the sun. A low, comfortable couch sat atop a thick blue carpet set along the western edge sat facing the wooded hills of Athol Margos, poised to welcome the moonrise. Vases and hangings filled with exotic plants were spaced regularly throughout. Arcane symbols had been painted in intricate golden patterns across the stone floor. A circular table of hasty but solid construct had been arranged in the center. Curtains of sheer white linen hung from the supports like banners, billowing with the slightest breeze, protecting occupants from the blazing daylight. Maura's younger eyes were the first to adjust as she scanned back and forth. She inched foward as details came back into focus. As she did, her foot crunched on a letter. It took a split moment for her to look down and see that it was a note addressed to Stheno herself, and from none other than the Emperor of the Shattered Vales, Ehrich Weisz, himself. Just then, a stronger wind gusted through the Solarium, flapping the hanging curtains within, briefly revealing two figures, one on the floor and dressed in white, the other wearing the dark cloths of a hunter, struggling on the floor near the couch. All Maura could make out was Stheno's back as the adventurer fought to pin the Oracle to the ground before the curtains once again obscured her view. Vahanian could make out Stheno's voice, but not the words, the Oracle's screams reached a fever pitch before, just like that, they stopped. For a moment, the only sound was the wind outside. Then there was a gasp, the Oracle's voice, followed by Stheno's muffled whispering. The creak of leather boots followed scraaape of wood against stone. Maura and Vahanian moved east toward that sound. When they passed through the final veil, the found the Oracle reclined on the couch, her chest shuddered with unshed woe. Her eyes were watered and her cheeks were flushed red with strong, tormented emotion. The Oracle, wracked by silent sobs, held Stheno to her breast like a drowning sailor clutching at driftwood, burying her face in the young woman's hair as Stheno patted the Oracle's shoulders in a calming, circular pattern. The motion disrupted the fabric on the Oracle's shoulder, briefly revealing the tips of tremendous scarring that easily visible despite decades of fading. "It's ok" Stheno said to the Oracle as the pair of them rocked back and forth. "It's Ok!" Stheno sang louder, obviously for Maura and Vahanian's benefit. The young adventurer of the Shattered Vales looked up at their approach. "It was bad this time, Uncle" She said to Vahanian. "I've never seen it so bad." Stheno's hood was still down, and for the first time, Maura was able to clearly see what Stheno had been hiding. Her face, sporting an impressive new bruise from the scuffle, was not dissimilar from Maura's own sandborn features, further, they noticeably similar to that of the Oracle. Neither of these, however, were what held Maura's attention. Her eyes, Stheno's eyes. Twin golden irises floating in orbs that were black as pitch like lamps in the darkness. Then Mauara noticed a knife on the floor near one of the broken vases...right near Stheno's booted heel... | |
| Stheno | |
| Roleplay from Maura Arnickles Renodin | |
| The Fight
Maura inched forward towards the two women joined together in tender embrace, not loosening the grip on her weapon. Before the paladins she pegged Stheno as a steward, after the paladins and all the seconds it took the Inquisitor to get to the Solarium - as the Oracle's ward or bastard. The former would be easier to hide, the latter would provide more reason to hide. Not that someone as powerful as the Oracle would have any trouble with keeping even the Inquisition unaware of her royal misbegotten. Now, seeing them like this, she had no doubts about Stheno's nature... up until the woman turned her head up and looked Maura in the eye. The sight drowned out whatever words came from Stheno's mouth and whatever notes inquisitive part of Maura's brain made about adventurer's features. "Neither kinly love nor noble duty but daimon sorcery was at place here" - was the only thought in her mind. An impulse, a primal instinct implanted in the deepest part of her consciousness all those years ago took over and she was once again a guard dog, a creature of singular purpose designed to do one thing and one thing alone - defend. She squeezed the handle of her sword, bared her teeth... and charged. | |
| Maura Arnickles Renodin | |
| Roleplay from Stheno | |
| The Fight
Stheno had lived her entire life being hated, being hunted, being protected.When she could finally take it no more, she'd run away to be on her own. She'd learned to protect herself. And so it was that she read the thoughts warring across Maura's visage plain as day. She saw the lager woman's brows furrow as her knuckles whitened around the hilt of her sword. She saw the snarl that twisted the warrior-woman's visage even as the spark of reason left her eyes. All of this in the space of a few heartbeats. Stheno, unarmed, went for the knife... | |
| Stheno | |
| Roleplay from Maura Arnickles Renodin | |
| The Fight
Maura got to Stheno just as she was getting up, knife in hand. Young woman stabbed forward during her rising motion, catching some space beneath marshal's sword risen overhead in preparation for a mighty slash. Inquisitor 'half-caught' the small blade with her left hand before it found soft tissue to sink in, second not passed till it broke free in mighty slash that whistled through air. Surely it would've taken a thumb if Inquisitor's left hand had one to begin with. Stheno's strong motion left her open, with her back exposed. Although Maura missed with initial slash, she thrusted her left hand into the side of her sword, moving the broad side of her scimtar towards Stheno's back, delivering a painful slap that would leave bruises on a bull. Adventurer stepped away, wincing in pain and Maura followed with a mighty kick. Force of it launched Stheno forward too fast for her legs to keep up, as she rolled with it, dissipating most of the impact with the floor. Maura closed in on the prone adventurer, her very skin vapoured rage as she bellowed: "what sorcery have you used to shroud the Oracle's mind, deamon?!" - Stheno showed no weakness, not even as she lied on the floor. "Have you glamoured the paladins as well?! Is that why you look like a Sandborn to me? You hoped to put spell on my mind as well? Great Samum take ye!" - Maura yelled, slashing at the place Stheno rolled away from just barely fast enough - "I will send your bones back to the Netherworld!" Stheno slashed fiercely with her small blade but Inquisitor's greaves deflected and knees avoided all attacks. Her towering opponent eventually trapped the blade under her boot and kneeled to deliver the final blow. But as Maura took aim and stared at the head she was about to detach, the look on Stheno's face - unyielding even in the face of obvious defeat - seemed all too familiar to the warrior and the features that bordered inhuman eyes found path to the single vulnerable place in Maura's heart. The heavy pommel of the sword fell on Stheno's head, knocking the consciousness straight out of it. Maura looked back to Oracle and Grand Templar, still wary of unconscious adventurer, her scimtar still at the ready. | |
| Maura Arnickles Renodin | |
| Roleplay from Vahanian Blint | |
| The Fight
Maura's pommel slammed down on Stheno's head driving consciousness from her body. Vahanian had watched the whole fight unfold, it had last very few seconds. Vahanian's own blade was still drawn, his eyes flickered to the coiled Maura to the unconscious Stheno. Something flickered across Maura's eyes, something that made Vahanian incredibly nervous. He stepped forward and in her rage she raised her blade in defense. With incredible speed Vahanian slashed his own blade through the air, the clang of steel echoing throughout the chamber. The force of his blow would have shattered bones in any untrained swordsmen and disarmed most trained ones. It spoke volumes to Maura's skill with a blade that she kept her sword in hand, and bones intact. Vahanian raised his sword, point aiming towards her jugular vein, though not close enough that he could hit his target without giving her time to respond. He breathed and said "Stand down Marshal." fury and lethality dripping off every syllable in his voice, rage and battle-sense shinning in his eyes. Without taking his eyes off Maura Vahanian commanded "Paladins, you're dismissed. Secure the ladder and let no one else up." Nobody moved for a brief moment and Vahanian said. "That was not a request. The Oracle's safety is now my concern. Dismissed." The Paladins weren't willing to argue with an armed and angry Vahanian, so they shuffled out of the room securing the base of the ladder and blocking anyone else from entering the room. "Marhsal, there is no demonic sorcery at work here, sheathe your blade so we can attend to the Oracle." | |
| Vahanian Blint | |
| Roleplay from Maura Arnickles Renodin | |
| The Fight
Maura still felt vibrations from Vahanian's blow on her blade seconds ago. She could not think of a more dangerous opponent, if he was bewitched by daimon magic they were all ears deep in a month-worth of mammoth's excrements. She stepped back from the pointed blade, looked and listened, allowing the rational, inquisitorial part of her mind to regain control. If he had malicious intent he would have pressed the advantage, if the paladins were under the same spell he wouldn't send them away. No, this was still Vahanian. His mind was too precise in both his fighting and decisions to be shrouded by magic. Maura carefully stepped out of Grand Templar's immediate reach and very, very slowly sheathed her blade. "Then what IS happening here?" - she had no idea, she could not recall when was the last time she was this much in the dark about something. The Inquisitor, always so intent on being the best informed person in the room now found herself to be the least informed one. | |
| Maura Arnickles Renodin | |
| Roleplay from Vahanian Blint | |
| The Ritual
Vahanian's eyes analyzed every movement that Maura made, he allowed himself a small breath of relief when she sheathed her blade, he did likewise, but kept his hand close by it's hilt. He walked over to Stheno knelt next to her, put his hand on the side of her neck and ensured her pulse was still beating, his hand moved up to the side of her face and caressed her cheek the way a father or uncle caressed the cheek of his daughter or niece, it was remarkably tender and loving gesture. He murmured something that only Stheno could hear - were she conscious - but it sounded like an Obian prayer. He finally turned his gaze back to Maura and said "It is not my secret to share, though it is one I will die protecting." He stood and abruptly walked over to the Oracle as if remembering that she too needed tending to. He knelt by her, took her hand in his and said "Holy One, are you alright?" his hazel eyes shimmering with concern. | |
| Vahanian Blint | |
| Roleplay from Rania Eastersand JeVondair | |
| The Ritual
"Yes" Rania answered. It was the first time the Oracle had spoken audibly since waking. Indeed, it was one of the few times Maura had ever actually heard the Oracle’s voice, and never before this near. She was still on the couch, but was fully upright. The Oracle was tall and slender of frame, with the handsome face of a once beautiful woman now grown into her age. Her voice was calm and cool as a spring breeze, which was utterly at odds with her appearance. Her white robes were disheveled and visible scratches from the tussle with Stheno crisscrossed over old scars. Her chocolate-brown hair was unbound and mussed from a fitful sleep, its silver streaks in disarray aged her. Dark, almondine eyes, rimmed with red, were streaked by the passage of dried tears and ruined makeup marring the dusky panes of her face. Rania made to rise, and the strained slowness with which she did so made her seem older than ever. But Maura could discern no physical tells as to what ailed the Oracle so; there were no deep cuts or bruising that she could see, and yet the Oracle winced as she moved, as if from half-remembered pain. Rania, however, did not so much as look at Maura, having eyes only for Stheno as she knelt down and placed the girls head in her lap. Gingerly, she checked the area where Maura’s pommel had connected. The girls’ lip twisted with hurt; she was already coming to. Rania reached aside to place a hand on the back of Vahanian’s calf. He looked down at the touch and something wordless passed between the two. The Grand Templar visibly relaxed at her reassurance, and Maura was reminded that these two had known one another for longer than she’d been alive. “Vahanian, bring forth the stonebearer.” Vahanian’s only reply was to glare at Maura just a second longer, but Rania pressed his leg as if to say that his warning was unnecessary. “It will be fine,” Rania promised, still stroking Stheno’s hair as the girl started to moan with what was sure to be a headache for the record books. He resisted only a moment before stomping off. “Grand Inquisitor” Rania addressed Maura formally. Maura straightened in response, but Rania was not even looking at her, she only had eyes for the girl. “Go behind the altar and bring back what you find, please.” Though her voice was phrased as a soft request, Maura recognized it as an order and, content for the moment that the Oracle was indeed safe despite the bizarre situation, turned and proceeded to the Obian altar that dominated an entire side of the Solarium. The Altar itself was a great pedestal upon which stood a facsimile of the Veiled Goddess wreathed week-old roses. Maura had never seen such delicate marble-work. The face was, of course, veiled in stone and the figure itself was shrouded by a hooded crimson mantel. It was a striking piece, made more so, Maura realized, by the red color of the garment draped upon it. Obeah was traditionally associated with the color blue. It was ubiquitous across all of the artwork that was starting to be produced as the faith spread, harkening back to the day Obeah first touched the world in a blue explosion of magical energy. The story of the founding. There was nothing else on or around the altar that Maura could carry and her natural pragmatism won out. She could here Vahanian bellowing for Ulrika. So she grabbed the mantel off the statue and turned back to the Oracle. As she strode back to where the Oracle sat on the floor with Stheno, her boot crunched onto paper. Looking down, Maura saw that it was a letter addressed to Stheno…from none other than the Emperor of the Shattered Vales himself. Perhaps it was the heat in her blood, or perhaps any number of things, but Maura was compelled to pick up the letter and, when she realized the seal had long been broken, scanned it as she returned to the Oracle. "Letter from Ehrich Weisz (Personal message to Stheno) - 18 days, 14 hours, 48 minutes ago Dear Stheno, Indeed you are remembered as a ward of the great Kethan D'Espana, a dearly missed friend. Alas, as I was judge only so briefly I do not have a contact for this judge. By all means show him the following Imperial endorsement stamped with our seal. When you find your way free seek me out and perhaps you could undertake a task for me that may benefit Obia'Syela. The Imperial throne recognises the adventurer Stheno as a valued agent, a warrior against rogue forces and of proven good character. If this adventurer can be allowed to conduct her business unimpeded it would be personally appreciated. Faithfully yours, Ehrich Weisz Emperor of Shattered Vales Royal of Shattered Vales Duke of Iato Margrave of Iato"
Maura obliged by kneeling, but what concerned her most was what she saw in the Oracle’s eyes, rooting her to the spot. Every inquisitor could recognize the tell-tale signs of fear. Maura had known from the shouts that her earthly and spiritual liege had been in distress, but in her haste, Maura had assumed Stheno was the cause. A theory which had been strongly reinforced when Maura had seen the two grappling. Now that she was thinking rationally, however, Maura realized that the screams hadn’t been caused by Stheno, they’d drawn the adventurer to burst into the Solarium just as they had drawn Vahanian and herself. “Sit with me, Maura.” Rania requested. Maura obliged, unsure of what else to do. “Your Holiness...” Maura began, “What happ-“ “-A miracle, Maura, one that saved countless lives and may yet save countless more. The cost was…very great.” The Oracle looked at Maura then and Maura saw her as if for the first time. The Grand Inquisitor could see in the Oracles eyes and recognized with a shock an emotion she’d never expected to find here in the very heart of the heart of the faith and the realm…The fading vestiges of bitter, hapless anger…and abject terror. “Sometimes,” Rania continued, “when I sleep, the memories come. When they do, I seek refuge here. Sometimes for hours, sometimes days, sometimes longer. The dreams, they-“ Rania gulped, visibly taking control of herself by measuring her breaths. “Years ago, I was captured by daimonic patrols. It was the height of the Sixth Invasion. For reasons I would not learn until much later, my incarceration merited the personal attention of the Archdaimon Akkan…the Netherworld’s chief torturer and high priest. Over and over he brought me to the brink of death and beyond, only to heal me with his vile magics so that he might feed on my suffering again.” The Oracle’s chest rose and fell with the effort of the admission, the hint at what she went through. Maura had never seen her so vulnerable. “-the dreams seem very real, but they’ve always been just that, dreams. They have never woken with me before, never this badly. Not before today. The stones…the dreams are always stronger when the Veil wanes, and the Veil is at its weakest in the presence of the gathered stones. She-” The Oracle looked down at the girl in her arms, “-she was only trying to wake me, you see.” Before Maura could consider this new revelation fully, the trapdoor entrance opened once again to admit the Grand Templar with the stonebearer Ulrika in tow. The noise of their approach caused Stheno began to stir to wakefulness, eyes fluttering open, then immediately squeezing shut against the pain just as Vahanian knelt down next to her himself, lifting a flask of something to the girl’s lips, which she gulped with grateful relief. “Bloody OW!” Stheno exclaimed as she cracked an eye open to see three of the most powerful nobles on the continent looking down at her. Three sets of eyes held three vastly different emotions. Maura’s was confused or perhaps overwhelmed. Vahanian’s was alarmed and concerned. The eyes of the Oracle, however, held nothing now but love as she regarded the moaning teenager. Love…and a deep sadness that neither Maura nor Vahanian could understand. “She is my daughter.” | |
| Rania Eastersand JeVondair | |
| Roleplay from Vahanian Blint | |
| The Ritual
Vahanian hated leaving the oracle alone, hated leaving her in the presence of someone who misunderstood, hated leaving her period. At the Oracle's reassurance he stormed off, shouting at Ulrika. In the distance it could be heard him relentlessly laying into the paladins for not intercepting Maura's assault sooner. He ensured their failure was known to them. He returned a few minutes later and tilted Stheno's head up and fed her a cool liquid. As soon as Rania said "She's my daughter." A pervading silence slammed into the room. Stheno's eyes opened fully as she looked around, groaning and bringing a hand to her head. "She's a good fighter uncle.. and I failed in combat.." Her voice was laced with sadness at the thought of being bested, Vahanian squeezed her hand and said "Little one, you're alive, and she is one of the best fighters in the realm. I'm not sure I would win if she and I fought." Vahanian left the unspoken words hang. His concerned gaze said: "If she wanted you dead you would be dead."
| |
| Vahanian Blint | |
| Roleplay from Maura Arnickles Renodin | |
| The Ritual
Maura's throat went dry. Familiar kind of dry, the kind that could not be quenched by water. She tried to swallow some saliva but there was nothing there. The facade of invulnerable certainty, mask of a stone-carved sentinel chiseled out of her face well over a decade ago barely ever cracked. Now however her shock and confusion were obvious to everyone in the room. She looked at the peculiar trio, the connection between them was palpable. She wasn't entirely wrong - there was magic at work here. A different sort of magic. It took a while for the curious contraption in her head to start working again. The cogs of the windmill of her mind moved as fast as ever, grinding the grain of facts, there were just too many of them this time and it would take quite a while for the sustenance of realization to flow. She pointed all the hints of the day she either missed or failed to connect, scolding herself inwardly for each of them. She made notes of things now clear, unclear and conveniently omitted. The letter from the Emperor for that matter was the last thing anyone would pay attention to at the moment, she committed the contents to her memory and entertained the foolish idea of tucking it away for longer than it deserved. All the things Oracle revealed... both with her words and with her body. Things she was yet to learn about the unfortunate creature wincing in pain on the floor. Maura knew the purpose of her journey, she knew it was soon to be done ever since the Oracle tasked her with finding the stones, but she never knew the destination, she never knew where would the ultimate truth be found. She always assumed the Oracle would know but looking into the golden eyes of her recent opponent glaring back at her she pondered if she had not happen upon the 'navigator' sooner than she hoped for. Things finally started to make sense again, everything resolving just right, and the stones, THE STONES! She looked feverishly to Ulrika - it was there, the backpack nonchalantly tucked between her arm and hip. She didn't know if she should slap or kiss her agent. Perhaps she would do both later. "The other one." - she turned to the paladins - "go fetch the other one, he goes by the name Apostate..." - she rolled her eyes saying it - "and make him walk the stairs, perhaps exercise will wake him up" - then she turned to the Oracle, handing her the letter from the Emperor as casually as she could manage and said in equal parts asking for confirmation and explaining - "he has the irritating knack for just happening to be just the right instrument at the right moment. I can't rightly explain it." | |
| Maura Arnickles Renodin | |
| Roleplay from Ulrika | |
| The Ritual
Upon seeing the scene unfolding before her, all Ulrika could think was ‘help’ and ‘oh sh*t’. She knew that she had overheard things that were more than enough to have her killed and dumped in the canals alongside the other usual victims of murder. She had the stones. That was all that was keeping her alive. In the end all she could do was give a slight curtsy and say ‘Milady’ | |
| Ulrika | |
| Roleplay from Vahanian Blint | |
| The Ritual Vahanian studied and memorized Ulrika's face, he made a mental note to have her followed and if she seemed to be meeting with anyone or discussing the events she'd overheard he would have her murdered. There was nothing he wouldn't do to protect his charges and their secrets. | |
| Vahanian Blint | |
| Roleplay from Maura Arnickles Renodin | |
| The Ritual
Maura just placed a hand on Ulrika's shoulder in answer, the hand was still heavy from the recent fight. Her stare said - "you did well". Grand Inquisitor turned to the Oracle, hand still on adventurer's shoulder: "I present agent Ulrika of the Inquisition..." - she made sure only the four of them were within earshot, compelled to protect her mission even here - "... our stonebearer." Then again her head turned to Stheno, some odd mixture of remorse and fascination furrowed her brow briefly as she looked at beaten girl, before unreadable mask of stillness and certainty returned to her face. Considering the circumstances regaining her usual composure was an arduous and masterful act. She walked one step forward and offered apologetic hand to help her up. | |
| Maura Arnickles Renodin | |
| Roleplay from Stheno | |
| The Ritual
It happened fast, and it happened hard. Even though Stheno saw it coming, the Grand Inquisitor had knocked Stheno out like it was nothing. "Bloody OW!" She repeated, the expression was as much an announcement that she was indeed ok as it was a heartfelt curse. She reached back and gingerly explored the painful bump at the base of her skull as she opened her eyes to find herself on the floor with her head propped on Rania's lap. The Oracle was fully awake now and her gaze was worried. Stheno blinked back the pain and waved off Rania's concern. Before she could do ought else, an armored boot entered her immediate field of vision. Stheno righted herself, lifting her head from the Oracle's lap to see to whom the boot belonged. As she craned her head, squinting against the Solarium's brightness, she saw a hand held out towards her and took it. The hand gripped hers and pulled, lifting the teenaged adventurer gently to her feet. Stheno's vision was still adjusting when she realized it was Maura who had lifted her. A spike of adrenaline-fueled fear ghosted across Stheno's features, but she was not one given to dramatics and just managed to conceal her flinch with a deep breath. She bit down on all of her reactions. This wasn't the first time she'd been beaten out of fear and ignorance, but for it to happen hear, of all places, and right in front of Rania was as unexpected as it was unacceptable. Stheno's shoulders slumped with the realization that there was no where on earth that was truly safe for her, not even in her mothers' own quarters. | |
| Stheno | |
| Roleplay from Rania Eastersand JeVondair | |
| The Ritual
Rania watched as Stheno got her bearings; the love she had for her flesh and blood was palpable...as was her rage at Stheno being struck. But swift on the heels of that emotion was the half-dreamed memory that still lingered. Had she not just screamed Daimon at her child AND struck her as well? The marks on Stehno's face and arms weren't from Maura, they were from her. SHE did that and- Vahanian, seeing that Maura had extended her hand to Stheno, moved closer to Rania as these thoughts cavorted through her. He placed a hand on her shoulder, a gesture that would be unforgivably familiar from someone else. Imperceptibly, by degrees, Rania leaned against his hand. The touch from the world of the real was enough to ground her more firmly in the now. Rania reigned in her own emotions, just as she had taught there daughter, although the expression on the Oracle's face assured all that today's events would be long remembered, good and ill. Taking a deep breath, Rania cleared away the mental miasma and stood, commanding the attention of the others. "Daughter, come." she said, and Stheno presented herself obediently before her mother. Juxtapose up close, their tied lineage was undeniable. Rania placed her hands at Stheno's temples, pulling her close, and looking directly at the Grand Inquisitor as she kissed Stheno on the brow. Message sent and received. Then she smiled and mussed the girl's hair. "I am sorry I lashed out at you, child. It was another nightmare, and I was not myself." Her eyes took in all assembled, lingering this time on Ulrika. This is the stonebearer, Maura?" Both Maura and Ulrika nodded their confirmation. Rania reached out toward Ulrika, her hand stopping just an inch away in a gesture of benediction. "You have struggled long, little one. Thank you. Please give the stones to Stheno. The Veil is at its weakest when the sun is waning. We haven't much time to prepare." Rania did not say another word about Maura or Stheno, or the condition the tow had found her in. The Oracle was wholly consumed by her task. She asked them to assist her by taking down all of the white banners that had been hung to block out the sun, setting them around the perimeter of the room and revealing for the first time the amazingly intricate glyph painted in gold covering the entire floor of the Solarium. Seen whole, Vahanian and the others could clearly make up the mysterious symbol Rania had chosen to represent the realm and the faith as a whole: The Arcana. When at last she seemed ready, she assembled the others around the altar, which itself, as could now be seen, was oriented at the pinnacle of the obian arcana on the floor. At her direction, each of the portal stones were placed at points upon the pattern and in an order only Rania seemed able to discern. When this was done, she ordered Stheno to the altar. The young woman obeyed as if it were routine, leading Maura to wonder privately just how many times this or similar experiments had been attempted, and to what end. As if in answer, Rania spoke. "In ages passed, the enemy of man has benefited from our ignorance, manipulating the energies of the vale via their portals and these stones and doing great woe upon us. Today, we will use that power to our own ends. We will now peer into the void beyond the Veil, borrowing the stones' power scry what mortals may not see. Stheno, I will guide you thorough the spell. Follow my words and remember, don't open your eyes." Stheno nodded and reclined upon the Altar. "Vahanian, her shoulders. Maura, her ankles. Ulrika, bring her the final stone, please." Rania looked overhead; the sun was nearing the horizon now. "It is time. Let us begin" | |
| Rania Eastersand JeVondair | |
| Roleplay from Vahanian Blint | |
| The Ritual
Vahanian stepped in front of Stheno and placed his hands firmly on her shoulders. He held her gaze for a moment and an unspoken word passed between them. It was a look that screamed volumes between the two and was unmistakably noticed by Rania.
Vahanian's eyes flicked up to Rania, concern poured forth and was washed away at her own look at him. There was a love between the two of them. Not necessarily romantic, but a love all born of an unbreakable bond and common suffering. Before the spell was about to take place Vahanian muttered "You have me, always, little one." Vahanian tightened his grip on Stheno's shoulders, said a prayer to himself and waited. Knowing that what came next would be unpleasant. | |
| Vahanian Blint | |
| Roleplay from Maura Arnickles Renodin | |
| The Ritual
Maura grabbed the ankles of Oracle's daughter. "Hm" - she thought as she felt the toughness of the muscles. Holding the legs of the most interesting creature she met she could not help but notice a curious thing... The great bond between the three: The Voice of Obeah on this world, the lethal daimonslaying grandpa, and a girl with pretty eyes. What she looked at was more than just the Oracle, Grand Templar and an adventurer, what she looked at was a family. Even though she stood in the room with someone touched by goddess, someone with his soul mutilated by daimons and someone not entirely human - in this particular room she was the odd one out. She considered her reason for being here... no not that, she knew HER reason for being here. She considered the Oracle's reason for her being here. Perhaps she was but a tool here. No, not perhaps - she was a tool here. Bring the stones, bare witness and if things go wrong... well, she knew her duty. She nodded at Ulrika reassuring her to follow the Oracle's instructions to the very detail. Her agent was clearly shocked by the entire thing even though she kept her composure well. Bearing the stones and meeting with the Oracle alone are a lot to take. The ritual and the commotion before it were another thing entirely. For a second she worried Ulrika being able to do it. But instantly she scolded herself inwardly - the agents of the Inquisition do not fail, and most certainly not when led by the Grand Inquisitor herself. She beheld the ritual. There ought to be a lot on her mind, from the official business all the way to the trouble she was in for hitting the Oracle's child. There wasn't. On her mind was but one thing - a string of words uttered by a ghost from the past, repeating on and on like a chant, speaking of magic that does not enhance or alter the nature but break it altogether, rips the strands of cloth that weave the very reality: "Find them, read them, perform them and The emptiness you shall fill, The purpose you shall find." Was it a delirious vision, a phantom of drunkard's illness or was it a ghostly message from beyond the veil? Well, in moments she was about to find out... | |
| Maura Arnickles Renodin | |
| Roleplay from Stheno | |
| The Ritual
Stheno, laying atop the altar, was struck by a sudden series of thoughts. She wasn't ready. She wanted to be anywhere but here and now. She had no choice. She had tried to run away, but her mother's voice had followed, dwelling within her heart and mind to venture forth when she least expected. The potency of Rania's lessons, the righteous surety that she was somehow special, had gotten Stheno through the darkest periods of her young adult life. The single, cornerstone of thought telling her that no matter what, she had to survive, for the role she'd conceived for herself would never equate to that which fate held in store for her. These were the things the Oracle had said to her, day after day, year after year. And even if Rania werent her mother, the word of a duchess in her own domain was to law as air was to lungs in this world, to say nothing of the weight of her holy status. In private reflection, Stheno always velt vain to think of herself as special. And yet the notion that she could be had helped her find the will to survive alone. Now, Stheno employed that same will to keep from yelping in terror at the firm press of hands that suddenly pinned her shoulders and ankles to the cold stone of the altar. She blinked, doing her best to keep her emotions in check. She new that her mother needed to focus, or they would all be in terror. Stheno was drawn from her inward thoughts by the cool weight of dread Ulrika dropped into her hand: the last Portal Stone. It was uneasy to hold and worse to contemplate. Stehno swallowed visibly, her throat suddenly dry. Her chest rose and fell as her breathing increased, signalling her panic to the others when just as suddenly, a warm hand covered hers, curling over her fingers and staving off the unnatural cold of the stone. "Everything will be all right, my darling." Cool water appeared by Stheno lips as Rania encouraged her to sip. When Stheno had aleviated her thirst, Rania set the vessel down out of the field of Stheno's vision. Smiling and squeezing her daughter's hand once more she said "Remember, my darling, don't open your eyes." Then the Oracle began to chant... | |
| Stheno | |
Column of Light
| Roleplay from Stheno | |
| Column of Light
You put the portal stones into a magic circle. They lock into place and magic flows, shooting a column of light into the sky and causing a strange buzzing sensation near the magic circle. You wait for something more to happen... (OOC: The effect will be manually resolved by a GameMaster) | |
| Stheno | |
| Roleplay from Rania Eastersand JeVondair | |
| Column of Light
Rania's chant dissolved from clear words in to a melodious, yet chaotic humming. Power pulsed from the portal stones on the arcanis, as well as the one in Stheno's hand. As the magic did' its work, Rania's hair stood on end. Energy realesed from the stone pulsed into Stheno, who convlused and cried out as though in pain. Vahanian shouted his alarm, but the Oracle shouted over him. "SHE IS THE BREAKER AGAINST THE STORM!" Her eyes were closed, and when she spoke, it was through gritted teeth. " We must keep her grounded t the cost of her life, and ours. The spell is already begun. If she can direct the power of the stones into the Arcanis, it is possible that I may bend some degree of it to our will." Stheno began to squirm and cry out at the unnatural magics writhing around her, but she did not falter, and her eyes remained shut. "We pray to you, O veiled Goddess of Magics and Mysteries, our Obeah, Our Mother and Protector. The First and Final Light. We beseech you to lend us your aid that we may better serve your Will." It was a short prayer, It almost didn't feel like eulogy... Suddenly, the power of the stones pulsed to a climax. Waves of energy flowed in a cyclonic torrent about Solarium, emnating in a great beam piercing directly into the sky from the very heart of Rines. Stheno screamed, her pain sympathetic to the light's brilliance. The overwhelming mystical energy flowed second -hand into the Grand Inquisitor, Grand Templar, and the Oracle herself. All three stood their ground, refusing to lift so much as a finger from Stheno'snow-thrashing form. "Prepare yourselves." The Oracle said solemnly, and then began to hum anew as Rines itself held it's breath... | |
| Rania Eastersand JeVondair | |
| Roleplay from Maura Arnickles Renodin | |
| Content:
All calm demeanour left Maura's face as the unnatural light tore into her eyes and magical energy numbed her hands where they held Stheno. She willed her body to remain a stone locking the girl in place, but her face... Here eyes pierced as deep they could into the light. Her face contorted with a different kind of desire, lust even. She lusted truth, knowledge and above all - purpose. | |
| Maura Arnickles Renodin | |
| Roleplay from Apostate | |
| The Late One
Apostate Apostate has overslept. This was, to say the least, not good. He leapt out of the bed, quickly changing. He sprinted from the room, following the quiet notes of the song tugging at the edge of his mind. He had no clue where to go, only to follow the song. Louder and louder. Closer. Quieter, he turned, louder. He uttered a near silent prayer to the Lords of the Netherworld. “My Lady Inquisitor, forgive me.” He pleaded breathlessy.
The song. He heard it again. Loud and clear, boring into his skull. He got up. He followed its command. It led him out. To the streets. He roamed as the sing willed, into an alley. Turn. He complied. And there it was, a beam of light emitting from the “Holy” Basilica. He had been given another chance. Absentmindedly, he reached for his dagger. Pain blossomed across his left palm. He droned prayers that he had not said in years. Words of the Gods taught by a greater man. Halfway through praising the last Lord on the list, Akkan, the believer was crippled by a coughing fit. He doubled over, blood flowing from his mouth and nose. He straightened himself, wiping the blood from his face and beard as best he could. “From the sacrifice of lifeblood unto a the salvation of a damned world, we bring the Truth, the Hope of Man, the acknowledgment of something greater. From the pain of the blade we call upon you to open the Veil, so that the Truth may spread and those who choose to remain in Ignorance may burn.” | |
| Apostate | |
