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< New Beginnings 07 | Campaign Logs | Misati Prelude 1 >

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SESSION 8 - Godswatch ain't so bad after all!

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The Lap ::When last we left our Circle of Solars, they waited in the altar room of the God Reoris, a simple god of fishermen and fishing on the River Sarine who had taken over rulership of a small fishing village that had come to be called Godswatch.::

The Lap ::Located in the exact center of the Temple's first floor, situated around a large marble pool in which swam a number of sacred fish, the Circle talked quietly while they awaited some word from the God or (more likely) its servants...::

<Balthasar`> "Most of the worshippers seem to have vacated the temple grounds," he notes, idly, while observing the now-largely empty main room...

Jackal "Maybe he's expecting us..."

Finnre`Merayen turns and nods to Balthasar.

Finnre`Merayen "He's known we're here since we entered the village... I think he wants to make sure they don't see what's coming."

Misati glances over to Mera "I'll be down by the river...ok in the river. You owe me a bath." she whispers, before disappearing into the shadows again and making her way out of the temple.

Skyla fidgets anxiously, tired of waiting around. "I could use a bath too."

<Balthasar`> "Still, I saw no attempt to communicate with those who were here when we entered..."

• Balthasar` ponders this, as he ignores Masati's exit and watches the stairs that lead up into the Gods' private chambers.

Skyla "Maybe they're TELEPATHIC FISH"

<Balthasar`> "Maybe this God is more powerful than is his right."

Finnre`Merayen "Exactly, that seems to imply that he has a deep connection to his people. Perhaps such is how he sees the world beyond his temple, through their eyes.

Skyla wrinkles her nose. "I wish I was telepathic. It'd make everything easier."

Skyla "But... not if I gotta be a fish."

<Balthasar`> "There are certain spells," he idly notes, while walking briskly over toward the Altar Pool -- glancing down at the fish that swim lazily therein. "However, that is a discussion for another time."

Misati Still draped in the cloak of one of the villages, Misati, flits from shadow to shadow, down to the rivers edge. Looking very much like a villager who out past curfew.

Skyla "Oh.. well.. maybe I shouldn't be telepathic.. I mean... I don't know if ...what if people read my thoughts?"

Skyla blushes and stares fixedly at her feet.

<`ST`> ::The sounds can faintly be heard, of a figure coming down the stairs...::

<Balthasar`> "Another time," he says... glancing up toward the Stairwell.

<`ST`> -- fade --

<`ST`> ::With a dimly heard 'splash', Masati slides into the chill clear waters of the River Sarine -- the waters are dark, shadowed by the dim nighttime sky and the wooden structures of the village, but the young Night can see well enough to get some bearings...and moves deeper into the darkness, under the village itself, toward the center of the cove.::

• Fishies swim mindlessly around the darkened waters, mostly keeping their distance from the swimmer...

Misati looks around as she swims for any river enterances/exits to the temple or anyothe structures

<`ST`> ::The under-village seems to completely lack much access to the river, except for diving off the dock or squeezing past some of the gaps in the woodwork... Yet, as Masati swims through darkened waters, she feels a soft current -- one that, perhaps, is not what she would expect...::

Misati Taking a deep breath and pulls out a dagger before following the current, wishing she could have done this during the day. It's creepy down here in the dark.

<`ST`> ::/Some/ light would filter down here, past the wooden shield of the villages structures and walkways after all, during the day...::

<`ST`> ::Following the current, pausing only to get another breath, Masati dives deep into the cove -- far far below the village itself! An undersea cave, perhaps, or some kind of sunken structure not accessible except by the river...::

Misati tries to get a sense of the size of the cave before finding a shadowy spot to poke her head up, seeing how much of the cave is above water

<`ST`> ::Deeper and deeper, Masati dives, passing through the mouth of the underwater cave and swimming up the short channel into the massive chamber...which is not entirely natural.::

<`ST`> -- fade --

---

• Gaspari , the Son of the God Reoris and High Priest, appears at the foot of the stairs and glances out over the altar room of the Temple at the four strangers that there greet him.
• Gaspari frowns, at the sight, a subtle grimace that dominates his broad somewhat rough features. He is a monster of a man, nearly six and a half feet tall, broadly muscular and handsome in a certain light... He is dressed in loose, but simple, robes of his station -- :as well as a beautiful golden disc around his neck, displaying a symbol sacred to his father.

Skyla doesn't really notice, although she now could reproduce her feet blindfolded.

<Gaspari> "My father wishes to have words with you,"

<Gaspari> "If you are wise, you will treat him with more respect than you did my sister."

Finnre`Merayen looks up at the young man, "And we wish to have words with your father. It seems we are at an agreement."

Skyla looks up, startled, at his voice. She blinks, then starts to straighten up, managing to look older and more mature. At least in her head.

• `ST` ignores Merayen, and gestures for them to follow him up the stairs.
• Balthasar` just glances at the others, and follows the High Priest...

Jackal shrugs at the others, it doesn't matter if we're invited in or not...

Finnre`Merayen follows, caring little for the slights of this follower of the god. He was not the one deserving questioning.

• Gaspari leads you up the stairs, into the large central 'harem' room that Masati had described earlier -- though of the women she had told them of, none of them remained, all having retreated no doubt to their own rooms. The side hallways are currently blocked off, large colorful :screens keeping you from glancing down toward the various side rooms and private dwellings of Reoris' daughters...::

<Gaspari> "Remain here," he notes, walking over toward the left hallway -- parting the screen just enough to exit, and then closing it behind him.

Finnre`Merayen looks to Balthasar for a moment.

• Balthasar` simply nods lightly at the retreating High Priest, and taking a position near the center of the room -- near a small fountain. He ignores the various plush chairs, beautiful bits of statuary and painting, and simply awaits whatever is coming.

Jackal leans against the wall, tapping his foot. He doesn't like this waiting...the fish was up to something.

<Reoris`> ::The room itself is quite luxurious, filled with all manner of beautiful things. Vast pillows lay here and there, hanging curtains of silk are everywhere; the room is sprinkled quite liberally with works of religious devotion and simple yet beautiful art...::

Finnre`Merayen smiles outwardly, but inwardly frowns at this sort of... extravagence. The more she sees of this god's temple, the more that she finds to disapprove of. She was worshiped, but never did she encourage it. And those were simple shrines and places of sanctuary.

<Reoris`> "For what reason," a strong and yet somewhat simple voice intones, "is my sanctuary violated by a Circle of the Solar Exalted -- so long lost to the world. What possible reason do you have to assault the children of a God of the Thousand Rivers Court with your magics?"

Finnre`Merayen speaks not what goes through her mind... that the god and his children live in splendor, while his people are forced to live a simple life.

• Reoris` seems to step out of the central fountain, not all that far from where Balthasar is sitting. He is nearly seven feet tall, muscular and strong as his son, yet seeming even greater and more pure in some fashion. Long black hair billows down his frame, and he is outfitted in the very FINEST of vestments....

<Reoris`> -- fade --

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<Reoris`> ::The main chamber of the cave is vast, easily as large as the temple itself that must lurk somewhere above. The river itself comes up in the center of the cave itself, a small still pool... Yet this cave has quite obviously been "improved upon" long long ago...::

<Reoris`> ::Vast pillars are cut into the rock, etched with various symbols and fel designs of demonic origin. The ceiling, floor, all of it is marked with the corrosive touch of the Yozi... And, there, practically glowing in the dim light, the ancient black altar to Kimberry...::

Misati slowly looks around, pausing to listen very carefully to see if there is anyone in the cave

<Reoris`> ::Your heart skips a beat to see such a thing here, even so long abandoned, though you cannot quite comprehend how it is that you are so familiar with it -- but the hate, the fear, the anger is strong in you. An ancient -- and, if your guess is right, long abandoned and forgotten -- temple to the Sea That Marched Against the Flame!::

<Reoris`> ::The cave is silent, except for the slow flowing of the water and the gentle drone of the altars dim and long-untapped power... Climbing up out of the water, almost unbidden, you move deeper -- your face in a scowl, as you look around in the reddish light that the demons power granted you....::

Misati carefully searches the cave for anything else of interest, take special care around the altar

<Reoris`> ::Even with the red-pulsing light of the demon altar, there seems little of interest here -- it becomes increasingly obvious that no one has visited this altar in years, maybe even a century, but once...once this was a strong center of the Demon Queen's worship... And, scattered randomly through the cave, the remains of some of those worshippers remain...little more than skeletons. Scattered and salted.::

Misati picks her way over the bones to make sure that the only way into this place is by the river

<Reoris`> ::You linger a bit at one of the skeletons; they have been dead longer than you have alive, but you know how they died. Quickly, silently, a knife to the throat. Just like you were trained...::

Misati twitches her fingers a bit then looks down and realizes that the she drew a dagger and hadn't noticed. "I hate it when I do that" she says in a barely audible mutter.

<Reoris`> -- fade --

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<Reoris`> "Speak,"

Finnre`Merayen "We come, for we have heard how a God lives in splendor in this world. How he lives with his chosen children. We come because it is our time upon the earth once more, and it seems there is much to be explained."

<Reoris`> "Oh? And what would you presume to explain to me?"

• Balthasar` just stops, and lets Merayen take the lead here unless he sees a need to intervene -- this, after all, is her show.

Jackal remains leaning against the wall, watching the god evenly. Certainly Merayen didn't need protecting from the likes of Reoris...

• Reoris` keeps all his attention on Merayen; she is the one, after all, whose mark he felt so dimly on his daughter...

Finnre`Merayen "Notice that I didn't say we would explain. I was thinking more that you might explain some things about this village and it's people. Why are it's people so changed from other humans, and we know it's not due to your own blood."

<Reoris`> "Oh, I would say that you have much to explain..." he notes, eyes glaring somewhat, a slight bit of anger hidden in his voice. "Your own questions are petty, and betray your youth. The secrets of Godswatch are only secret to those that forget what has come before, as is so common with your kind."

Finnre`Merayen "Why does a god live in such luxuary while 'his' people are simple fisherfolk. Gods such as yourself are to guide the world and be thanked for what you do. But this, this is unworthy of a God, and more extortion worthy of a simple criminal."

<Reoris`> "I will warn you once, Sunchild. It is unwise to make an enemy of such as me."

<Reoris`> "Now answer the questions I voiced."

<Balthasar`> "I would suppose..."

<Balthasar`> "That it is just as unwise to make an enemy of us, Lord Reoris. Moreover! I would strike that this is not a situation that need create an enemy for either of us."

Finnre`Merayen "I would rather have you as a friend, but you asked only what there is to explain... and I've given my explanations, unless you'd like to ask more, you could tell us 'youth' what we have forgotten. But we too are powerful."

• Balthasar` nods in agreement with Merayen, though he'd have perhaps voiced it in a less hostile fashion -- like a Puffer Fish, he suspects that this Reoris likes to inflate his own worth.

Skyla fidgets, staring openly at Reoris

<Reoris`> "I am no Scholar or Savant, your servant to answer all questions you might have to the affairs of the River. You are not that powerful yet, Solars, not yet. And you are both correct! I would not have you as enemies, but you ignore the larger question!"

<Reoris`> "Why did you," he says, focusing his attention on Merayen, "DARE to use your magics to turn my daughter against my wishes?"

Jackal hasn't taken his eyes off of Reoris yet, letting Merayen handle her job. Still, the god seemed to have been angered.

Skyla heaves a great sigh, looking annoyed.

• Reoris` words are perhaps confrontational, but he speaks them calmly, with only the barest hint of anger...and he is angry.

Finnre`Merayen "But, your daughter attempted to charm us with her ways. I did act rashly, but there was no harm done to you or yours in it. We are the Princes of the Earth, not you, and so we came to speak to you. You did ignore us, so I needed to act with more force."

Finnre`Merayen glowers at the God, letting it be known that she will not be angered, nor will she be frightened by his childish tantrums.

<Reoris`> "Ah; so it is laid bare," he says, his voice calming entirely. "You, newborn to your power and freshly entered into a larger world, already claim your mantle as Princes of the Earth and use it as an excuse to do what you wish."

<Reoris`> "Know this; it was by our will that you were given that title, Sunchild."

<Reoris`> "I see in you the same hubris that brought the world to the edge of ruin."

<Reoris`> "Leave me now; I will not entertain your pride any longer."

Finnre`Merayen sighs. "Reoris, I wish not to be a Prince of the Earth, but I wish answers. You are the one who has acted with hubris this night."

Finnre`Merayen "I act in the name of my master, bringing light to the darkness, fighting against those things where something may go wrong. Would you presume to countermand his command?"

Skyla imagines his head smashed flat as a pancake.

<Reoris`> "Do not weigh my actions, Sunchild, or assume them solely for my own benefit. You will leave now, if you wish to preserve what precious little hope remains for friendship between us. I will not hear your concerns on this night."

• Balthasar` doesn't entirely like this, and places a calming hand on Merayen's shoulder...

Finnre`Merayen "On one request, that you agree to see us again when we have had time to think. No more, no less do I ask."

• Reoris` eyes narrow.

Finnre`Merayen nods in respect to the god. "Notice that I ask, not do I command or presume to do so."

• Reoris` nods softly.

<Reoris`> "I can accept that offer, but it will be at a time of my chosing."

Skyla "What time is that?" she demands, impatiently.

Finnre`Merayen "Thank you, it is appreciated. I can accept that."

• Reoris` glances at Skyla, but ignores her and looks back to Merayen.

<Reoris`> "Good. We will see each other again. I am glad that we need not be enemies."

<Reoris`> "Now you may take your leave."

Skyla doesn't move.

Finnre`Merayen looks to Skyla and places a hand on her shoulder. "I ask that we not wait too long."

Finnre`Merayen "But, I too am glad."

Finnre`Merayen turns to leave, gently pulling at Skyla's shirt.

Skyla stubbornly stays put

<Reoris`> "I will take that into consideration,"

Skyla "When should we come back?"

• Reoris` glances at Skyla, full on this time.

<Reoris`> "When I bid for you."

Skyla "When's that going to be?"

<Reoris`> "You doubt my promise?"

• Reoris` speaks in a way that says 'be careful'.

Skyla "We travel a lot" she adds, glancing at Mera. "How will we know when we should be here?"

Finnre`Merayen sighs and looks back to Reoris, shrugging at the girl's obvious youth and shaking her head... out of sight and behind Skyla.

Jackal "Skyla, another time maybe?"

Finnre`Merayen "I'm sure a little fish will tell us, Skyla."

Skyla scowls. "Fine, but if we don't hear from him for 30 years, it's not MY fault."

Skyla stomps out

Jackal nods to Reoris and heads after Skyla's path of stomp.

<Reoris`> ::Sometime later, after the Solars have left...::

Finnre`Merayen follows after with Balthasar.

• Gaspari returns, at his father's bidding...

<Reoris`> "Well, that backfired horribly." sigh "I fear for this world, my son..."

<Reoris`> -- fade --

Misati After casting one final look about the cave, making sure she hasn't missed anything, Misati quickly slips back into the water and makes her way out of the cave. Wanting to know where a certain god stands about having demon temples in his basement, she decides to ask him personaly. Making her way back through the village, she scales the outside of the temple and slips into a convenient window.

<`ST`> "Well," Reoris says, looking at his son (previously described), "that backfired horribly."

• `ST` sighs...

<`ST`> "I fear for this world, my son..."

• `ST` glances back, looking almost directly at the Window where Masati came in.
• `ST` looks at Masati...

Misati "Do you know you have a demon temple in your basement?" she asks without preamble, and dripping water all over his floor

<Reoris`> "I would hope so-- what are you doing here? I have no need for an assassin."

Misati quirks her eyebrow for moment. "But you had one at one time, now just what are your intentions towards that temple?"

• Reoris` realizes -- belatedly -- that you are with the Circle. They are perfect, eh? He should have guessed... It was too convenient, that the Night would be missing... Still...

<Reoris`> "You were not here -- examining the cave, hmmm? -- so I will give you a chance to preserve your Circle's agreement. You are to leave my home now, and return later, when I call for you. That was the agreement that was reached."

<Reoris`> "I would advise you to honor it."

Misati shrugs "Ok I can do that but not knowing exactly what you are doing with with that kind of power I'm going to have to tell the others about it. Now if I thought you were trying to guard the place and keep anyone from knowing it was there...well then it could simply slip my mind...I don't have a stellar memory"

<Reoris`> "You can tell them what you wish; it is nothing that could not be learned in other means. But, as a warning, if you disturb me again before you are called our agreement will be void. I have little patience left for your pride."

• Reoris` watches you, until you leave, by window or stairs.

Misati narrows her eyes "It isn't pride. How you choose to live that's between you and your people. I couldn't care less if they don't like it, they'll take it up with you. As far as I'm concerned anyone with access to that temple is a threat, that is my concern." she says quietly and sincerly. "Have a pleasant evening" she grins cheerily befor leaving out the window.

• Reoris` moves over toward the Window, but loses track of her in the shadows...

<Reoris`> "Maybe some hope remains."

<Reoris`> -- fade --

---

Skyla "He's never going to 'summon' us you know." she snorts, hanging over the railing, and staring off.

Misati quietly slips over the railing and sneaks up on Skyla

• Balthasar` has vanished aboard the boat, not long after they returned, making preparations to continue upriver once all are back aboard... He awaits only Masati, at this point.

Jackal "Well probably not. Which is why we had Misati go snoop around."

Misati sneaks up right behind her and whispers "Boo!" in her ear.

Skyla shreiks, and whips around, stabbing her elbow in the direction of the noise

Finnre`Merayen sighs and looks to Misati. "Greetings. What did you find out? I suspect something interesting from your good mood."

Misati gasps as Skyla's elbow connects with her stomach "Interesting...that's one way to put it" she coughs

Skyla "Gahhh, don't do that! I thought you were an ugly fish person or something!"

Skyla "Are you okay?"

Misati sniffs at her wet closthes, she smell a little fishy but not that bad. "Nope sorry....damn you hit hard though."

Skyla "You kinda smell like a fish person."

Misati "I'm fine. So does anyone want to see the creepy demon temple he has in his basement?"

Finnre`Merayen "Is it something I... what?!"

Skyla "Creepy temple? What's it made of?"

Misati "Uh rocks"

Finnre`Merayen begins stripping her armor off, putting the pieces down with haste.

Skyla "Not.. glowing rocks or anything? Jade?" she says, disappointed

Misati "It's in a cave...oh forget that, let's just find Balthazar so I can show everyone at once"

Misati heads below decks, checking to making sure the captain's office is empty before commendeering it for 'story time'

Finnre`Merayen follows after, scantily clad, scars glowing white in the moonlight as she goes below deck.

Skyla follows as well

Finnre`Merayen impatiently looks to Misati, wanting to go see this "demon temple" and... do something appropriate.

Misati sat on the edge of the desk, making sure to not get any papers wet, and cued up the entrance of the temple on her amulet. "Ta da"

Jackal shrugs and follows the women down to the captains office.

<Reoris`> ::The entire scene replays itself in 3d color, before Misati!::

Skyla stares at the movie, and tries to read the glowing stuff

<Reoris`> ::The glowing stuff, in obscene and horrid languages that only Misati can actually make out (and even then, not very well), obviously bad but quite indecipherable. Some variant of Old Realm...::

Skyla "That IS creepy."

Misati "Told ya, I distinctly remember using the word creepy"

Finnre`Merayen nods and growls... "Now we know why Reoris is here and what he's doing. He can't destroy the temple, but can guard it."

Misati "But what is he guarding it for? To keep is safe from use or to use it for himself?"

Skyla "Didn't... look very used."

Misati "Those bodies were killed very neatly"

Finnre`Merayen "Skyla... can you make me some arrows?"

Finnre`Merayen "Something that could damage stone."

Skyla "They don't seem very hard to make, I guess. Cept for the heads."

Skyla "Why do you want to shoot stone?"

Finnre`Merayen "I'll explain later, but could you make say... 20 for me?"

Misati "I don't know much, but I don't think you can damage this like you would average rock. This place is old, really old. I don't think we can just go in break stuff"

Jackal "Hmph. Why not just smash it?"

Finnre`Merayen "I'm not planning on causing damage to it in that way."

Misati looks at the 3D image again, "And who the hell is Kimberry?"

Skyla "I'm confused."

Finnre`Merayen "Balthasar. You knew something of the binding at the prison we found. I would like to ask your aid in something, if you're willing.

<Balthasar`> "Kimberry is one of the Demon Queens, banished into the Outer Dark. "The Sea That Marched Against The Flame". A very powerful Demon Queen..."

<Balthasar`> "In fact, what you'd think of as Demon Queens would most likely be servants of creatures like Kimberry."

• Balthasar` glances at Merayen, questioning lightly, not looking entirely comfortable -- but nodding?

Misati "Well that really clears things up" she says wryly

Jackal "She's an ocean?"

<Balthasar`> "Yes."

Finnre`Merayen "While this temple exists, it is an offense to the Sun. I intend to purify it if I can. I would ask that you help me prepare some thing to bind it's power."

Misati "Oh well that explains the 'cover the worlds in blood-red water' comments"

<Balthasar`> "I don't think that would be possible," he notes, idly to Merayen...

<Balthasar`> "Can you...back up a bit? To where you were looking at the Altar?"

• Balthasar` asks that to Misati.

Misati nods and rewinds it a bit

Misati "I hate to say this, but I think you guys are missing the obvious"

Finnre`Merayen "My thought is that while we can not do this ourselves, the Sun may be able to purify a long dead temple."

Jackal "How do you purify a temple to a demon? Better to just bring it crumbling down."

Finnre`Merayen "And what is obvious, Misati?"

<Balthasar`> "You see; the etchings of the Altar? The flickering nature of the glow? This...altar...is already inactive. Note the lack of much demonic influence on the rest of the cave, the clear and even dimensions of the place..."

<Balthasar`> "Note the fact that Misati was, in fact, able to swim into the cave without being attacked by one of Kimberry's children."

<Balthasar`> "This place is as purified as I would believe is possible. It would take magics more powerful than I possess to heal it further."

Misati "Ok slow down a moment. We have a god who has been camped here for....well a really long time. We have a temple that has the bones of a bunch of people who were killed by a professional. It likely, attitude aside, that Reoris is protecting this place"

• Balthasar` nods in agreement with Masati...

<Balthasar`> "Which could explain his greater than expected power, as well..."

Misati "He's keeping people out, not using it"

Skyla "Why didn't he just SAY so?" she asks irritably.

Skyla "Big jerk."

Misati "Cause he's an ass, but he's an ass doing the right thing"

<Balthasar`> "Or maybe he wished to teach us humility; who can tell?"

Skyla "What if he's not, though? What if he's just not gathered what he needed to do it?

<Balthasar`> "Regardless; I doubt there is anything that can be done. What taint is left is so residual...."

• Balthasar` ponders, softly...

Misati looks at Mera "Maybe he just doesn't like someone getting all up in his face telling how to run his little corner of the world"

<Balthasar`> "It is possible, one supposes, but I do not think the temple would be as inactive as it was if he had any intentiosn of using it."

Finnre`Merayen "I know, and that's good. I don't begrudge him his duty. I just think we could do something to help. The temple even now, is still a foothold of the Yozi in this world. Would you leave one, even unused as it is, existing if we could try at least to fix it?"

Misati sighs "Mera you can't fix everything, and this is beyond us"

• Balthasar` notes that, as usual, they seem to be utterly ignoring what he's saying.
• Balthasar` thus stops talking and simply lets them continue to babble.

Finnre`Merayen looks back at Misati, "I left on good terms. We have a deal and I intend to honor it."

Skyla "Is that that thing he said about what we'd forgotten? Man I hate cryptic people. What's the point?"

Misati "What has that go to do with leaving this place alone, you heard Balthazar, it's a residual taint."

Skyla "anyway, we can't fix it. Maybe we can build a big door or something."

Finnre`Merayen "My intent is simple, to pray to the Sun. But I think we'll need something to sacrifice. We're not prepared to do it right now."

• Balthasar` ponders explaining his feelings on that matter... Meh; they'd just ignore that as well.
• Balthasar` sighs...

Skyla "

Finnre`Merayen looks to Balthasar, having listened to him.

<Balthasar`> "Merayen; you are missing the point."

Skyla "Balth says someone already DID that"

Misati shakes her head "This place neither needs, no desires our interferance. He may have an attitude and we may not like them, but Reoris has things well in hand"

<Balthasar`> "Yozi Temples are chosen for prexisting connections to the Demon Realms -- places where Demons have manifested are quite popular. The entire purpose of a purification ritual..."

<Balthasar`> "...is to achieve something like what Masati has shown us."

Misati points to Balth as if to say "see"

<Balthasar`> "Sometimes the places of unholiness are destroyed, but that is a danger all its own. Other times they are dedicated to holy causes, but that is also risky, because the darkness can interfere with the light."

Finnre`Merayen "So what you're saying is that such a place can never be purified beyond it's current state?"

<Balthasar`> "No; I am saying that what you have seen is purified. If we were to find a place that was actually corrupted, it would be much worse."

Finnre`Merayen "We walked through a vale of demons... I don't suggest we do this now, but in time, I think we could eliminate the taint all together."

<Balthasar`> "If there is a way to completely cleanse a place like that beyond the passage of time -- which is not, itself, surefire -- then I am unaware of it. It would take more than prayers, however."

Finnre`Merayen nods, not all together happy

Misati looks at the image, once again struck by the familiarity of the kills. "What was the actual agreement you made with Reoris?" she asks absently

Finnre`Merayen "That he agreed to speak with us later, but we'd not disturb him directly before that."

Skyla "So you don't need the arrows now?

<Balthasar`> "I am going to go arrange for us to get underway," he notes. "I think we all agree this is as resolved as it can be, at this time?"

Misati nods "Fair enough. Whether you like or not Mera, their's nothing to be done here. I'm going to go clean up. I smell like fish"

Finnre`Merayen "Oh, I still would like the arrows if you would, Skyla. But it's not a hurry.

Misati turns the amulet off and heads for the door.

Skyla "I'll work on them along the way."

Jackal "Right, where are we heading next?"

Finnre`Merayen "I have some ideas for the design, if you'd listen to my ideas."

<Balthasar`> "Gordon's Knot, unless you would make any other detours."

Skyla "Somewhere with less demons, please."

• Balthasar` exits, then, to on-top...

Misati "Some place that has a hot bath" Misa calls from the hallway as she goes towards her quarters

Finnre`Merayen "Balthasar, thank you for your help."

• Balthasar` just nods, as he's leaving:)

---

<Balthasar`> ::Late the next afternoon, the river broadens and grows thick, as it begins to near the Maruto -- the sailing gets easier, and eventually the crowded harbour of Gordon's Knot comes into view. The thriving town of 800 or so people, the Knot is the largest of the settlements on the River...viewed as 'the big city' by most of the people of the River.::

<Balthasar`> ::While there was a time when Skyla could scarely reemember a larger town, the Circles' recent travels in search of the Wood Dragon's Eye exposed her to many wonderous sites...::

<Balthasar`> ::...and the Fortress-City of Gharos makes this small town look positively tiny.::

• Balthasar` has been spending most of the last few minutes overseeing the unloading of the ships cargo, but now takes a short break, to talk to his friends...

Skyla "It used to be bigger, you know?"

Finnre`Merayen "R Eally?, it looks as if this is likely the largest it's been, as if it's still growing."

<Balthasar`> "I need to stay here and oversee the activities here; loading and unloading cargo. You are all welcome to spend a bit of time exploring the town -- in particular, you might want to deliver the Hetman's message to Brockett Tane."

• Balthasar` presents the message, with only a little prompting, to Merayen.

Misati looks exciting at the prospect of being in civilization. "Great then we can go shopping"

Jackal "Well maybe some day we'll make it down to Nexus Skyla, then you'll see some sights."

Skyla "Nexus is too big. Isn't it full of thieves and things? And the Guild?"

Finnre`Merayen takes the message and nods to the rest. "I'll take this to Brockett Tane unless anyone wants to join me." She politely avoids talking about how Lookshy was far larger.

<Balthasar`> ::Skyla can't imagine a town bigger than one of the Fortress Cities!::

<Balthasar`> ::Gharos, in particular, was HUGE! And it's First Age walls!::

Misati perks up. "I'll go"

Skyla "Who's Brockett Tane?"

Skyla looks between Mera and Balth indecisively

Jackal "Well it's certainly full of thieves yes. But it's also the biggest city you'll see outside of the blessed isle i'm sure."

Misati "Come one Skyla it'll be fun, we can find some completly fru-fru dresses for Mera."

• Balthasar` just smiles, and wanders off, to deal with the Oldunni Bureaucrats who record the loading and unloading of all his cargo -- making sure that all the proper paperwork is filled out correctly. Trade with Oldunni cities is always troublesome...

Finnre`Merayen nods and smiles to Balthasar as he goes. Then she shakes her head at Misati. "I am not wearing anything very different from how I am dressed now."

Misati links her arms with Mera's "Ha! You say that now"

Finnre`Merayen sighs and starts out into town.

Jackal smirks and follows the girls, clearly the trip would be uneventful if all they had to do was relay a message and "shop"

Misati looks back at Jackal "If you get too bored I'm sure we could get you into a fight somehow. After all you are with two beautiful women"

Finnre`Merayen "Or you could always go to the bar and see about a fight there. I'm sure Balthasar would love to deal with that."

Finnre`Merayen winks to Misati with that one... thinking that it'd be amusing to see Balthasar dealing with it.

Skyla "What's a fru fru?"

Misati gets a devilish look in her eye "I like that idea. What do you say Jackal..buy a girl a drink?"

Jackal "I don't think I'll be needing any of that kind of trouble. Looking for fights just leads to troubles...a drink? Eh, alright. You two want some?"

Skyla "Drink? Drinking is Bad. I think. I don't really remember."

Misati "Well then you can sit with us while we drink"

Jackal "I'm sure I can tell you when you've had enough Skyla. You don't have your hammer with you after all." He grins and looks at Mera

Misati grabs both of the taller people by the arms "to the tavern. We'll meet you there Mera" she calls

Skyla "What if I need to hammer people?"

Skyla is dragged!

Misati "You hit hard enough, just punch them"

---

<`ST`> ::Merayen walks through the "crowded" city -- it's quite small compared to Lookshy, or any real city, but it is quite well laid out and seems quite orderly. She'd heard that about Oldunni cities, which the Knot technically was...though only a bordering town.::

<`ST`> ::Eventually, reaching the governmental section, she arrives at the center of government -- where, she imagines, she'd be able to find Tane. With the word that she's delivering a message from Nulam, she finds her way quite easy, and before long she finds herself before escorted by one of the Mamluk into the presence of the Administrator and High Priest...::

• Mamluk is a massive imposing Southern fellow, with elaborate tattoos, dressed in fine scale armor. She'd fought beside the Mamluk's just often enough to have some respect for them; they were some of the best warriors in the Hundred Kingdoms.

Finnre`Merayen "Greetings Priest Tane, I bring a message from the Hetman of Nulam for you."

Brockett`Tane is a tall somewhat fat man, dressed in rich robes of fine furs, gentle wool cloth underneath, everything you'd expect of a Merchant Prince for the Guild...except for the golden sigil around his neck, making him as a Priest of Oldun, and the symbol of rule he bears for the town of Gordon's Knot that is hanging beside it...

Brockett`Tane glances up at that, smiling, dismissing the Mamluk with a nod and beckoning for Merayen to come closer -- reaching out to take the sealed envelope when he recieves it.

Brockett`Tane "I am pleased to hear it; I have not heard from Detrick since this unenviable business with the bandits... Well, Ravagers, I suppose."

Finnre`Merayen smiles and gives a moderate bow to the Priest, respecting a fellow, even though she didn't usually think of herself as such.

Brockett`Tane takes a small knife and opens the envelope, pulling out the letter within, reading it carefully...

Finnre`Merayen "Yes, well, those have been dealt with for the most part. Many died, others are imprisoned currently."

Brockett`Tane "So I had heard," he notes, as he reads, switching to the second page...

Brockett`Tane snorts a bit, as he finishes reading, and shakes his head a bit...

Brockett`Tane "Allow me to compose a reply, please. I will not keep you long,"

Brockett`Tane sits down, taking out some parchment and a quill...

Finnre`Merayen smiles and cocks her head to the side in curiousity, but does not ask. "Thank you, I'm sure that he'll appreciate the prompt response."

Brockett`Tane spends a few minutes writing a reply, switching over to another piece of parchment after a bit, before signing it with a flourish and wrapping it in together in a sealed parcel -- sealing it with wax, pressed with his own personal seal.

Brockett`Tane "You may tell Detrick that I'll bring his request up with the Factors in Nevin, in any event," he notes with a smile, handing you the letter.

Finnre`Merayen "So how has your village been faring with the defeat of the Ravagers? And I will do so, Priest Tane."

Brockett`Tane "Ah well, the Ravagers affected us less than those further downriver... We still retained our trade from the Maruto, after all. Still, it is good to have renewed contact with our friends on the Sarine -- we've already heard from Veris, and now Ironwatch and Nulam as well. Slowly, things will get back to normal."

Finnre`Merayen nods happily. "Well, I am glad to hear such. I am sure that those villages could use the goods your village has to offer." Session Time: Sun Jul 23 00:00:00 2006