[RP] The Legacy of Caban

[Tadano Hitoshi]

By the Lake of Tears

The Azure Sun shone overhead as Firungie Ginozi - a rather down-on-his-luck fisherelf - sat by the Lake of Tears, one wary eye on the nearby gobbles, the other on the riverlings, cast his line out into the waters. Not a bite all the time he`d been there. His stomach grumbled and he sighed, thinking he`d have to traipse home empty handed again, when he spotted an armoured figure approaching from the roadway. At first he was wary, noting the sword sheathed at the ynnwn`s belt and the shield on his back – he, like everyone these days, had heard the takes of bandits roaming the countryside – but this one seemed different, his stance open, his face friendly. He introduced himself as Corealanos Verdus, an initiate of Sempetor: a branch of the Laanx priesthood. This surprised Firungie a little; he`d heard of other ynnwns having trouble with the priesthood….that fellow Gregori had, hadn`t he? But he thought it best not to mention it. This Corealanos seemed jovial enough despite his warrior appearance.
Firungie told of his woes, his bad luck in fishing recently, joking that whoever named the Lake of Tears as such was quite right. In turn Corealanos related that he was determined to enter the priesthood, that it was not only his but his family`s aspiration.
While the two chatted, Firungie idly reeled in his fishing line, only for it to suddenly stop, the hook having caught on something. He immediately knew it couldn`t be a fish: there was no fighting, no attempt to pull away. He sighed again. What new trouble had the gods chosen to throw in his path?
The two looked out across the water, following his line, to find the corner of a dirty iron-bound wooden crate poking out of the lake.

Corealanos chuckled and pointed to the crate, 'Hey, look there, you've landed something after all!' in his apparent good humoured way.

The two waded out into the lake, the ynnwn pushing at the box and eventually prying it from its muddy resting place and taking it back to the shore. Their legs and boots now soaked, then headed for the Explorers Camp with their find. The young ynnwn warrior was full of cheer and excitement at their apparent discovery of buried treasure, while the dermorian`s mind was more focused on how much of their discovery he would be getting, and how much he could get for it.
Sitting by the fire they cleaned the mud from the crate, finding it to be of tough oak, bound with iron and, most interestingly, with a symbol carved into it`s lid resembling three eyes. Into each eye was set a gemstone: one diamond, one ruby and one emerald.

Corealanos looked at the box and then at Firungie, 'Well, it's your treasure' he quipped, 'Shall we try and open it?'
Firungie chuckled, "Yes, if someone put a diamond, a ruby and an emerald on the *outside* of this, what`s inside?"
The ynnwn gave the rusting old lock a whack with the pommel of his sword and it broke off into pieces. A wisp of smoke carrying the pungent scent of burned night mushrooms escaped the seam of the old chest as the lock was struck from it and Firungie watched as the ynnwn eased the lip up, the hinges squeaking.
Within, upon a dirty cushion of black velvet, lay an exquisite platinum dagger. The elven fisherman watched with the slightest hint of jealousy as the other's hand closed about the leather-bound hilt and lifted the weapon from the midnight bed upon which it had lain for untold centuries.


Within the Death Realm
An elderly rabani fenki crone shuffled through the Citadel, her thin frame wrapped in a threadbare ivory robe and a cloak of flayed wraithrat hide hung from her bony shoulders.
Naleru was crossing from the library to the Dark Crystal's chamber when she felt a tingling in the air. The hair on her back stood on end and the carkarasses stirred in their roosts, leather wings rustling.
It couldn't be-?
She moved as fast as she could to a desk, pushing aside the other books and paraphernalia so she could place a different tome before her. One she had discovered years ago -she knew not how long ago for who could track the passing of the years where such things had no meaning?- and had since then never let it leave her sight. She carefully undid the brass clasp and the spine creaked as she opened the book. She began frantically flicking through the pages of yellowed vellum, the immaculate care she usually treated the book with now abandoned in excitement.

Her attention was drawn from her search as a tremor shot through the citadel. Dust fell in sheets from the rafters and the ancient drapes upon the walls quivered as if disturbed by a zephyr. She looked up in surprise to see the obsidian faces of the Dark Crystal appear to gleam eerily. Oriven braced himself against the skull-filled basin by his side and exchanged a look of surprise with the old enkidukai.
The tremor passed, Naleru returned to racing through the pages of the book before her, the facets of the Azure Sun's dark twin once more dull. Finally her wizened, clawed hands settled upon a page written in fine, frantically-scribbled handwriting, as if the author had been unable to control an outpouring of thought and hurried to commit it all to the page lest it be forever lost. Though her left eye, milky-white with cataracts, could not read it, her granite-grey right eye and a yellowed claw traced the lines of black scratchy script, her voice came in a whisper made taut with anticipation.
As the dust began to settle she finished reading one page, her head now nodding as her suspicions were confirmed. She poured over the next page, a wide grin settling on her black-furred face. Her claws traced an image on the page before running across the paper to tug at its edge. But rather than turning the leaf to regard what lay upon the next, she tore out the page and shut the book with great care.
"What is the meaning of this?!" asked Oriven, regarding her from across the chamber.
She looked to him, her face as ever at an angle in order to see best with her one good eye, "That which had been lost has been found once more. Glory to our Lady!"
She shuffled past the ynnwn, out of the room in search of those who could aid her in the world of the living...


At the Explorers Camp
Firungie, the fisherelf son of a fisherelf, had only ever seen platinum on the fingers of Hydlaa`s elite. Never in the form of a dagger. Indeed he had never seen any dagger so beautifully crafted, despite the dirt that had seeped through the crate`s seam. He watched with awe as the ynnwn cleaned off the muck, revealing more of the weapon`s beauty with each wipe. His eyes were fixed on the dagger in the ynnwn`s hands, "Is....is that platinum?"
Corealanos finished cleaning it and then offered it immediately to the dermorian, 'Here, Firungie. Yes, I believe it is, you sir, are rich!' he exclaimed with a broad grin.
Such generosity was unheard of to the elf!
He extended shaking hands to take the treasure from the kind ynnwn, "F-for me?"
Corealanos nodded enthusiastically, 'You found it sir, fished it from the lake, that makes you the owner in my book'.
Firungie smiled, surprised at his luck, "I think this is the last day I`ll do any fishing!"
'Aye, and not a moment ago you looked so down. The lake of Tears, isn`t so aptly named after all'.
The other nodded, "Perhaps not!" and couldn`t help but laugh.
Corealanos too gazed at the blade, 'Give it a wipe, see if there are any marking, could be something special' he said, his eyes alight with joy.
Firungie drew the dagger, the platinum blade gleaming in the light of the Azure Sun, and his eyes narrowed as Corealanos peered closely at the blade then at Firungie, 'Wow, still has a shine to it!'
As the ynnwn leant across, Firungie looked at him as if for the first time, his eyes narrow, and he quickly turned toward Corealanos, trying to push the dagger up into the ynnwn`s chest!

Corealanos fell back to evade the blade as it narrowly misses his chest, 'I say! Firungie, what's gotten into you, sir' he exclaimed as the elf stood, grabbing his fishing rod with his other hand and whipping it at Corealanos.


The ynnwn warrior sprung back, stepping away quickly and reaching for his sword,  'What in the name off...' while the elf wordlessly swung his makeshift weapon back and forth, keeping the shining dagger low and threatening as if seeking an opening.
'Look, don't be a fool, I said the blade was yours. I mean you now harm, what the bally heck are you playing at' Corealanos said carefully, his voice now sounding annoyed and he drew his short sword. 'Now, come now, calm yourself, don`t make me use this, I don`t want to hurt you. Firgungie, please!' he said imploringly.
The dermorian seemed to be muttering under his breath, the words no more than meaningless doggerel as he swiped at Corealanos with the dagger…only to have it slapped from his hand by the more experienced warrior, then the flat of the ynnwn`s blade struck him to the ground in a daze.
'Down you go', Corealanos muttered matter of factly
Firungie raised his head, his vision dark from the blow, and all he could focus on was the gleaming dagger as the ynnwn bent to pick it up from the ground. Summoning what little energy he had left he jumped to his feet and charged at him, his hands extended for Corealanos` neck….only for the dagger to sink into his chest!

Corealanos looked in horror as the elf fell back with the dagger sticking out of his chest. He dropped to one knee and pulled the dagger free as he attempted to heal the elf, but it was too late and slowly as he looked on dumbly, Firungie`s body faded away…

[Corealanos]

When Corealanos thought back to what had happened earlier that day, he was still horrified with the turn of events. The young Xacha, Alken, had seemed so normal with his green baggy pants tucked into his boots; his jolly crimson tunic that seemed to mirror his happy face and the large unwieldy falchion fixed at his hip, that could have been a parting gift from the young lads parents, their attempt at keep their boy safe. Why then was Alken now dead?


Alken smiles, "Hello there!"

Corealanos walks up to Alken as he greets him, "Hello Sir, come far?" he says in his warm and friendly manner.

Alken smiles again, "Aye, from Hydlaa, and my journey is far from over. `Tis a long hike to the Fort is it not?" he says as he scratches his mop of red hair.

Corealanos laughs out loud, "How right you are, just come back from there myself. I'm really looking forward to a hot bath an a rest." he says rubbing the back of his neck.

Alken's smile falters and he blinks a couple of times, "That sounds nice. I must be tired already....I hear there's a camp on the way, no?"

Corealanos looks Alken up and down, acknowledging the the young Xacha's fatigue and smiling in sympathy as he turns to face the portal. He replies pointing his arm ahead of him, "Okay, you go through the portal, then past the lake and the camp is on your right" he says bending his hand to the right.

Alken rubs his head with the palm of his hand, ”Ah, thank you kindly, sir. I think I`ll need that rest." He then slaps his sheathed falchion, "Glad I`ve got this with me. I`ve heard there are a lot of beasts in the wilderness between the city and the fort....though perhaps my boots will....urgh" he slurs.

Corealanos turns his head, a small frown appearing on his open face, “Oh I say, are you all right?” he says taking a small step towards the Xacha.

Alken nods, his eyes half closed, and he turns to Corealanos, his eyes searching the Ynnwn.

Corealanos continues to regard Alken with a look of concern, thought he begins to look a little uncomfortable under Xacha's silent stare, “Perhaps, a drink of water?” he suggests.

Alken mutters something under his breath, "She...she ca-" though the rest is lost as his voice drops in volume...and his right hand strays to the handle of his falchion at his left hip.

Corealanos begins to take off his backpack saying to himself, “I've got a flask in here, somewhere” he chuckles before he catches sight of Alken's hand making for the hilt of his sword. He freezes and glares at him, “What are you doing?” he demands, his voice raising in pitch.

Alken draws his falchion, his lips also peeling back as he grimaces, his eyes almost closed, only the black pupils focused on the Ynnwn as he raises his blade.

Corealanos throws his backpack at Alkens face and he jumps back and reaches for his sword, “What in the blue blazes *are* you doing?” he yells, the cheeks of his young face flushing an angry red.

Alken stumbles as the backpack hits him and his swing goes wide, still mumbling under his breath, though his attention is momentarily divided between the Ynnwn and the backpack, his pale brow creased.

Corealanos swings his sword in an arc in front of himself to impress upon Alken not to advance, “Now, you calm down, right now!” he barks.

Alken crouches over the backpack, but the sound of the Ynnwn`s sword cutting the air draws his attention and he hefts his falchion, head down, advancing rapidly toward Corealanos.

Corealanos tries to take in what is happening. He is about to further rebuke Alken when he has to leap to the side to avoid the falchion as it is lunged at his chest. Alken's body is another matter though and it careers headlong into his knocking him back, ”You swine!” he calls out, slightly winded.

Alken shoves Corealanos with a grunt of exertion, and raises his falchion high with both hands, his eyes fixed on the Ynnwn`s.

Corealanos's training kicks in, and he decides to act. As Alken's falchion is lifted he steps forward with his short sword and drives it towards the Xacha's sternum, “Take that!” he growls.

Alken's attack is immediately halted as the blade is buried in his chest, though he seems to take a moment to realise. As blood flows down his tunic his falchion drops from his limp hands and his eyes roll back, half a word escaping with his dying breath, "-ady."

Corealanos looks down at the scene before him, “The world has gone simply mad!” he exclaims, looking about as if to find someone, a witness, anyone who could acknowledge his claim.

As the light of the crystal began to fade he shouldered his backpack and quickly hurried in the direction of Hydlaa. Walking now along the darkening road, his mind repeatedly returned to that bloody and awful event, and he wondered again and again, why him?

[Mogweh]

[mispost]

[Corealanos]

"She demands it! She hungers for it!"

These where the words screamed at Corealanos as he defended himself from the dwarf, Mesika. Once again a seemly harmless encounter with a total stranger lead to a solemn conclusion as Corealanos calls upon the aide of his god, Laanx.


Corealanos installs himself in the lower section of Kada El's tavern. He takes a large mouthful of beer before he opens a slim volume of poetry and begins to read, occasionally running his fingers through his long red hair.

Mesika takes a seat with a deep sigh and sips her beer.

Corealanos glances at Mesika and gives a small smile before returning to his book.

Mesika nods to the ynnwn, then peers over at his book, unable to read it from this distance.

Corealanos looks up again and answers Mesika's gaze, "Poetry" he says raising the book a little, "frees the mind" he chuckles.

Mesika stands and wanders over to the ynnwn`s table then nods to the bench, "Mind if I..?"

Corealanos extends his hand to the opposite bench, "Please do"

Mesika raises her glass in toast to the ynnwn.

Corealanos beams, "Cheers" and raises his mug.

Mesika takes a large mouthful before nodding toward the book, "If you don't mind me saying, sir, you don't look much like a poet."

Corealanos smiles and tilts his head to one side as he runs his fingers through his hair , Oh, I think we all have a little bit of a poet in us, but you are quite correct, I'm a Sempetor initiate of Laanx" he says before reaching over the table and offering his hand, "Corealanos Verdus"

Mesika raises her eyebrows, "Indeed? Mesika Eadavar, Stonebreaker cook," and she reaches, with some difficulty, across the table to shake the others` hand.

Corealanos's smile broadens, "Pleasure, to make your acquaintance Mesika" he says. He then glances over at the others in the tavern and smiles at them too.

Mesika smiles, but shivers involuntarily as she withdraws her hand, "Ah...yes. Erm...what kind of poetry is that then?"

Corealanos's face reddens a little and his voice lowers, "erm just some love poetry, it's not very good... I mean, not fit for others" he says muttering into his mug.

Mesika laughs, "Fair enough, I won't embarrass you then. Good job you brought that book, anyway....this place is so dead your sword won't be of much use, eh?"

Corealanos looks at Heleckie, Glaacies and Simeoni, three silent figures sitting behind Mesika and nods, "So it would appear". He then leans in and whispers, "Perhaps someone just died?"

Mesika clicks her tongue, "You never know, do you?" and she casts a glance over at the other table, "The Lady - praise her- can come at any time." Mesika then frowns at herself.

Corealanos attempts to change the subject, coughing first, he asks, "So, Mesika, what brings you to Hydlaa?"

Mesika puts her beer down, "Shouldn't drink on an empty stomach, that's what my pa always used to say....what? Oh, cooking. I came from Delving...heard about Jomed`s famous recipes and thought I'd learn from the....the master..." She  blinks and rubs her eyes.

Corealanos looks at the dwarf his brow furrowing with concern, "I say, are you all right?"

The dwarf replies, "Yes, I think so...just...just a killer headache all of a sudden." and she puts her hands on the table to steady herself, one by her beer, the other by a candlestick, and she closes her eyes, taking deep breaths.

Corealanos's face empties for a moment as he seems to be thinking, "Hmm nothing on me for headaches" then he looks over at Heleckie "Excuse me Miss?" he says with a smile and is about to open his mouth when he is interupted by Mesika.

She closes her eyes tight, screwing them shut and moaning....then her eyes snap open wide, staring at Corealanos, pupils dilated. Mesika's hand closes around the candlestick as she stands on the bench, her mouth muttering and a cord of drool hanging from one side.

Corealanos sits back a little, somewhat startled by Mesika's penetrating stare, "E-everything okay?" he stammers putting down his mug.

Mesika raises the candlestick over her head with both her hands, flicking wax everywhere.

Corealanos raises his hands in front of his face too stunned to move, "I say - oh no, not again!" he exclaims.

Mesika screeches, "DIE! DIE!" and swings at Corealanos.

Corealanos tries to get out of his seat as Mesika hits his arm with the candlestick, "Ahh! - Bally heck" he curses loudly.

She then stumbles across the table, flailing wildly with the candlestick and missing.

Corealanos stands and makes a prayer to Laanx as he tries to evade the dwarf, "Laanx, give me the strength.." he begins as Mesika hits the cupboard of crockery, breaking some. He steps away from Mesika, "Just what do you think you are doing? Who sent you?" he demands.

Mesika turns back, spittle flying from her mouth, "She demands it! She hungers for it!"

Corealanos stammers, "W-who demands it? A-and w-what is it?" he stammers.

Finally, his prayer is heard and his goddess, vengeful and protective of her own, strikes down the nuisance known as Mesika.

Corealanos blinks as the dwarf disappears in a terrifying flash. He drops to one knee and immediately gives thanks to Laanx for protecting him.

Finally, he stands to leave, briefly glancing over at the three still silent figures "what a strange world we live in" he sighs as he departs the tavern, a sad look on his handsome but troubled face.

[Rigwyn]

[ Keep it up, this is very entertaining!   ... still laughing to myself about the "cord of drool" and getting struck down by laanx ! ]

[Oronec]

[ Keep it up, this is very entertaining!  ... still laughing to myself about the "cord of drool" and getting struck down by laanx ! ]

[I agree with Rigwyn. This has been so fun to read I think I've gone over it twice. I can't wait to see more.]

[Tadano Hitoshi]

[Glad you`re enjoying it. Naleru has been lurking around the Death Realm citadel, trying to get people to answer her call to serve Lady Death....but sadly almost all the unfortunates she has seen have passed by at a sprint on their way to the portal
If there are any Dakkru-worshippers (or others who feel they are appropriate) out there who want to get in on this, shoot Naleru a Tell (or me a PM).]

[Tadano Hitoshi]

In The Iron Temple
Giroum sat in his usual place upon one of the pews within the Iron Temple, putting the finishing touches to the sermon he would give in a few days` time at the Unodin Festival. It wasn`t particularly long, but it had taken some time to write...and what better place to write it than in the hall dedicated to his creator and raised by his creator`s chosen prophet: Galeran Tarbius.
It was as he worked that the ynnwn Corealanos, a fellow devout worshipper of Laanx, entered, dropping to one knee in prayer.
Giroum looked up from his work at the creak of the warrior`s leather armour and immediately recognized him. It had been quite some time since he had first met the ynnwn in the sanatorium tent, but he was not likely to soon forget.
Corealanos did not at first respond to the lemur priest`s greeting, completing his prayers before raising his face, which immediately broke into a warm smile, "Master Duphra!" he exclaimed, "you're back with us."
"Indeed I am,” the old lemur nodded, “and it is thanks to you and queen Lolitra. I cannot thank you enough for what you did that day, young man."
The two shook hands, Corealanos relating that Garosan – the bounder suspected of being behind Giroum`s beating – had been imprisoned.
Giroum eased himself from the pew and grasped Corealanos` hand as firmly as the old lemur could, "So I hear. He has been tried?"
Corealanos shook his head, his brow furrowing, "Not to my knowledge, I heard they have someone else in jail now. I kind of lost track, I've had.... erm other things to deal with" he said uneasily.
The priest nodded sagely, "Well, don`t worry too much. There is a xacha aquaintence of mine who is also investigating. He tells me that even Elady of the Daughters of Xiosia has been accused of treason." Giroum found such an accusation somewhat surprising, the priestess always having been an exemplary of peace...yet then again he had trusted Garosan.
Giroum stroked his short beard and regarded the other. It was clear that something was troubling the young ynnwn, "But tell me, my son, what has been vexing you?"
Corealanos sighed and he looked down a little uncomfortably, "I had to kill a man, well two, maybe three actually... I'm not sure why but people keep attacking me, right out of the blue - normal people - just - keep - attacking me."
Such shocking news caused Giroum to take in a breath sharply and he fished his carved jade pipe from within a voluminous sleeve, "How frightful! Laanx bless...but...why? Please, take a seat, Corealanos. You are safe here. Tell me all."

Corealanos took off his backpack and dug around in the bottom for a while, eventually fishing out a bundle of cloth before he took a seat next to Giroum, giving the priest a small smile of thanks, "Well it all started back at the Lake of Tears..." and he related the three attacks in minute detail to the priest as he slowly unwrapped the bundle.


Corealanos took the dagger from the cloth and tentatively offered it to the priest, "This seems to be the catalyst to the whole debacle." He then thought for a moment, dug around in his backpack again and pulled out a piece of paper, "I made a copy of the original diagram on the box, and I still have the Gems... somewhere in here" muttering and burying his head further into the bag
Giroum studied the sketch of the box. Three eyes set into a metal plate upon a chest of wood, reinforced with metal. Clearly someone had made the box to withstand quite some punishment...but it was the symbol that was most curious. He indicated the diagram with his still-unlit pipe, "You know this symbol?"
The ynnwn's brow furrowed even harder, "Erm I think it's Vooreva, but why it should be on a box beats me."
The lemur nodded like a teacher at the other`s answer, "What does it represent? The three eyes."
Corealanos pulled out three gems from his backpack as he replied slowly and painfully, "Erm, all-seeing?" he guessed, dusting off the gems and looking hopeful.
"Well, close enough,” Giroum replied, tilting his head a fraction, “Eternal Vigilance. I`d say that chest of yours was warded in some way....perhaps to keep that dagger inside."
Corealanos followed Giroum`s gaze to look down at the dagger and restrained himself from throwing it on to the floor, "Blimey! What have I done?"
He dragged his attention from the gleaming platinum dagger and held out the three gems, "Emerald, diamond and ruby" he said confidently but still somewhat disturbed.
"And yet you say you found the crate at the bottom of the Lake of Tears? That`s not a particularly deep lake...not a place I`d choose to hide something." He then looked over the proffered gemstones and peered closely at them, "Perhaps you could have them looked at by an expert. They do appear rather old."
Corealanos nodded and rushed to reply, "I did already take the dagger to a smith at Harnquist`s, who said the same, that is was incredibly old, but useless as a weapon. Actually he said he wouldn't be fit to...well he was very clear it wasn’t much of a weapon," he said, his cheeks flushing slightly.
Giroum nodded again, still not daring to touch the dagger: his last experience with an enchanted weapon still too fresh in his memory, "Ritual then, perhaps. And you say that those who attacked you did so suddenly....without provocation?"
The other then looked slightly defensive, "Oh my word Master Duphra, I gave them no provocation at all. As I said I explicitly told the fisherelf Firunge that *he* was rich and the dagger was his, and he still attacked me" his face fell at the memory of the dying elf and he coughed before taking a deep breath to steady himself.
"Fear not, my son, I was not accusing you of any such act,” responded the lemur, reaching out to pat Corealanos on the shoulder with his free hand, “Rather I wondered what might link these individuals....though perhaps the only link is you...and this dagger."
Corealanos looked down at the dagger and once again resisted the urge to throw it away. His jaw then set and he announced purposefully, "Well, I shall not pass up this opportunity to test my mettle and show my class. I am, or erm will soon - Laanx willing - be a Sempetor, and I will take responsibility for this beastly thing, no matter how arduous the journey" his breathing became deeper and more rapid as he spoke, to which Giroum smiled and looks at the young ynnwn with admiration.
"That`s the spirit! *That* is the iron will of a devotee of Laanx!" He nodded firmly, "My boy, I am not knowledgeable in such matters, but seek out a colleague of mine: Ingcha Indarica. She is a loremaster of my order and if she does not know how to help then she will know where to look in order to find aid."
Corealanos had spoken as one possessed of an iron will but his face betrayed the fact that he had now become a prisoner of his oath, "W-where might I find her, Master Giroum?" he stammered.
The old priest smiled warmly, "She is a young and rather bookish xacha lady, not particularly one to socialise, not accustomed to company if I am completely honest...." he then looked at Corealanos again with the look of a teacher wanting to urge a student to answer their own question, "As a loremaster of the Devotees of Laanx, seek her out where you would expect to find her."
The ynnwn looked nervious as he was put on the spot and he swallowed, answering in a small voice," With the Book of Names?" he ventured, pointing up above them.
Giroum took out a glyph from his sleeve and lit his pipe with a conjured flame, took a long pull on it, then breathed out the thick pungent smoke....and shook his head. "Too easy, my boy. Consider this part of your quest."
Corealanos smiled, relieved that the questioning had come to a close, "I will, as in all my endeavors with regard to Laanx, do my upmost" he said proudly. He thought for a second then said, "Oh there was something else...I met a young Nolthrir, Emerane, she had just arrived to the city. She had been robbed and was in a desperate state. Well, she had actually come here seeking you out. She has a foundation training in the ways of Laanx and wants further instruction. I wondered, should I?...”
Giroum nodded, "Of course you should! In these dark times the faithful must band together. Bring her before me and together we can enlighten her, further her learning in the way of our Lord."
"Laanx be praised" Corealanos beamed and answered enthusiastically - then matter of factly - "And now, I shall take my leave of you Master Duphra, thank you for you assistance and your kind words" and he began to pack away the dagger and gems.
But it was not only Corealanos who was absent minded that day; Giroum then remembering to invite the devout warrior to his sermon in the coming Festival.
Receiving Corealanos` reply, the two parted ways as worshippers of Laanx, “May Laanx frighten the shadows from thy path.”

[Tadano Hitoshi]

Within the Death Realm

Naleru in the Citadel
Long she had waited for the signal, pouring over the book time after time, half wondering if it was naught but lies. Yet the tremor she had witnessed, and the gleam that had passed over the Dark Crystal were unmistakable. It had been recovered. And now, after endless years of waiting, she now found herself almost dying of impatience at her inability to find anyone who could aid her.

She shuffled out of the Citadel, the tattered hem of her robe dragging along the rusty, filth-encrusted walkways....until she heard the sound of rapidly approaching footsteps. Looking up, she squinted with her one good eye to find an armour-clad menki running toward her, evidently newly arrived from one of the portals. He had a kind and amiable look despite his armour and weapons. He greeted her, asking if she was lost. Clearly a kind soul, she thought to herself, eager to help an old fenki back to Yliakum...not that she had seen that land in a great many years!
“Lost?” the old crone cackled, “To the living only. To the living.”
He confirmed her suspicions that he was a warrior, though relatively newly set out upon the path (perhaps that accounted for his presence in Dakkru`s Realm) and she decided to play upon his good nature and charity...
“I see...you wouldn`t be able to do an old woman a favour, would you?”
“I am here to help my fellow Enkidukai,” he replied, causing her to smile.
She related that she had been killed and something of great import stolen from her: a fine platinum dagger. Neither was entirely the truth, nor completely a lie.

The old crone meets Leoric
“Do you know who it was?” he asked and she knew she had him hooked. He could only have been more eager if she was several decades younger.
She shook her head, "I did not see him...he attacked from behind...tricked me. If you are bound for Yliakum...please, search for it for me. Seek out the one who took it. Return it to me and I will reward you handsomely, tabei!"
The menki thought hard, finally nodding and asking where he should commence his search, to which she nodded and narrowed her one good eye, rubbing her jaw, "I would say Hydlaa...but be most careful! The thief is a cunning one! He will lie. Take it! Take it by force if you must!"
She had no idea who was in possession of the dagger, only that it had been found. She had to make him wary of whoever he found with it...wary enough to recover it by violence.
“Any hints as to what the thief looked like? Anything at all?” the menki, Leoric, asked once more, and Naleru dropped her head, shaking it as she did so, and wiping at her eyes.
“Alright ma'am I will search for your dagger and your killer,” he declared and she wiped the crocodile tears from her face, imploring him to hurry and smiling as he rushed off into the darkness.
“Godspeed kind menki!”


Returning to the Citadel she knelt again before the Dark Crystal, summoning her strength to cry out, beseeching others to answer her call to serve the Lady of the Realm.

Some time later she looked up at the sound of boots upon the flagstones of the Crystal`s chamber, craning her head to regard the newcomer with her good eye, the cloudy other staring blindly.
It was a man, though swathed in dark robes and a metal mask that all but hid his features. She caught a glimpse of pale flesh like that of a drowned corpse. Xacha then.
“You summoned in the name of the Lady,” he stated.
“You serve our Lady?”
The xacha proceeded to recite the verses of the Revelations in a xacha dialect, causing the old fenki to narrow the one eye she had pointed at him, “I do not speak your tongue, xacha.”
“I see, regardless. My convictions are determined. I serve the lady of this realm,” he replied, looking at her graying fur and disheveled appearance with some measure of awe and disgust.
After a brief test of his knowledge she lead him across to the room`s larger table, her standing behind it, giving her a good view of the Crystal, whilst he stood before her.

Followers of Dakkru
Naleru looked at the xacha across the dusty table, "You have a name, young man?"
“My name is Trayus, Vilthis Trayus of the Trayus House. And yours, senior one?”
“Well, Vilthis of House Trayus, I am Naleru. I pray that together we may serve our Lady.”
Vilthis nodded as he brows furrows "What has called forth your service to the lady at this juncture? It is known to her clerics that we now combat the growing taint of the dark crystal.”
She could see that he was nothing if not pragmatic. A sob story and appealing to his good nature was not likely to get her anywhere. A different approach then. The truth.
She rested her yellow-nailed hands on the table, "There is something I wish you to recover, Vilthis. Something of great import to those of the faith. Something that can grant much power to our Lady....and the more power she has, the better, yes?"
"You imply the limitations of the lady's domain by that remark? Death does not require a belief," he retained his academic composure "Regardless, what is this artifact you speak of?"
Naleru shut her good eye in irritation briefly, "You yourself commented on the," the old crone licked her lips, "taint. The more power She has, the better equipped She is to combat it. I speak of a dagger...but no normal dagger. It is forged of finest platinum...and is most ancient.”
He questioned whether the dagger`s alloy was of import, that their enemy was beyond the tangible bounds of the Death Realm, that it's insidious presence emanated throughout Yliakum yet without a bearing to it`s nature.
Naleru shook her head – first it was a well-meaning menki, all too eager to rush off and hunt down a thief and killer, now a hardheaded xacha with naught but questions! –, "The dagger is a...a conduit. It was stolen long, long ago and has recently been recovered. It has not been returned to it`s rightful home: here. It can only have fallen into the hands of those who worship lesser gods."
“What of the origins of this dagger?”
She lifted a book from her belt, to which is was chained, "The Grimoire of Caban." She caressed the tome with her other hand. "A great devotee of our Lady in ages past, he forged it for her glorification. Yet he was thwarted...the dagger lost."
Vilthis stroked his chin "To what end befitted his failure?"
"I know not how he perished. I found his work and have studied it endlessly, awaiting the day of his masterpiece`s recovery. It has come."
Vilthis nodded with a measure of dissatisfaction of the enigmatic and incomplete history "As to the whereabouts of this dagger?"
Naleru leant forward on the table, her breath rank, "All I am sure of is that the dagger is in Yliakum....seek out one who has recently acquired an ancient platinum dagger. And take it. At all costs." She dabbed her milky eye with one sleeve, "Kill the bearer. Make him a sacrifice to our Lady."
But the man was not done with his questions and protestations.
"All cost? I pray you understand the clandestine nature of our ranks old crone."
Old crone?! “I care not for the laws of Yliakum, they have no bearing here in her Realm. You are capable of killing, are you not?” she snapped.
“You understand that this is beyond the slaughter of infidels?” he questioned harshly.
“Do you balk at what is requested of you?”
Vilthis bore a suppressed expression of frustration "Has the Lady decreed so? Or merely an end to justify a means."
Naleru returned the book to her belt, “The end will justify the means, Vilthis. Believe me. Both the means and the end will grant power to our Lady, as does all death.
“I pray, you are right Naleru, for your sake,” he replied, donning his metallic mask once more.
Naleru chuckled wetly, "I died long ago. All I have left is to serve."
“And where do I begin this search from?”
“You are returning to Yliakum, no? Seek out your quarry there.” She regarded Vilthis with her steely good eye, the other wandering, "I shall be waiting."

And so there were now two set out to hunt down the dagger, neither aware of the other.

[Corealanos]

After Giroum's stiring sermon at the start of the second day of the Unodin festival, Corealanos is introduced to Ingcha, the Xacha academic with whom the priest had instructed his young Sempetor to seek out and obtain further information with regard to the mysterious platinum dagger. In the background, another sinister figure lurks, watching, waiting and no doubt plotting his next  evil misdeed.

“Ingcha, there is someone here I would have you meet.” Giroum says through a cloud of pipe smoke.

Corealanos stands and slowly makes his way to Giroum, smiling brightly as he does, "A rousing sermon, Master Duphra."

“Corealanos here.” the priest continues before responding with a friendly smile, “Thank you, Corealanos.”

Ingcha Indarica makes a bow to Corealanos Verdus.

“Allow me to introduce Ingcha. Ingcha, this is Corealanos. He needs your aid.”

Corealanos looks over at Ingcha and bows formally, "M'lady, pleasure to make your acquaintance"

Ingcha smiles, somewhat uncomfortably, "A- and yours, sir. How can I -ah- be of assistance?"

Jacula approaches the trio of Laanx devotee's with heavy steps. His hands clasping behind his back. He wears a long flowing robe, coloured in the deepest of red. The exquisite fabric has been embroidered with a serpent which has been highlighted with golden and emerald stitches. A commonly known insignia of the Laanx temple. The hood of the robe rests over his head, hiding his masked face in darkness.

Corealanos looks around a little uneasily, "Well, I need someone of your vast knowledge to take a look at something for me" he says  acknowledging Jacula's presence with a small incline of his head.

Ingcha gives Jacula a brief nod before turning back to Corealanos.

Giroum watches Jacula approach, "Another of the faithful? I am pleased to see you here, sir."

Jacula looks to Giroum, making a small gesture towards him, “An interesting sermon. My thanks.”

“I am pleased you appreciated it. I must admit...there are too few of us in Hydlaa. Woefully too few.”

Jacula adjusts his hood as he glances over at Corealanos, as if taking note of his build and traits. He looks back at Giroum as he exclaims, “Maybe this cesspool is beyond Laanx forgiveness.”

Giroum casts a gaze toward the doors, "No...no, but they have been weakened by worship of that Tree."

Jacula lets his hands sink into the depths of his sleeves, “One should expose those heretics for what they really are.. I hear there is a sermon in the garden later.”

Giroum clicks his tongue, "Is that so? I should not care...yet I fear it will be better attended....by sycophants praying for miracles."

Corealanos seems hesitant to continue but nods and says, "Y-yes, I have a dagger and a drawing I'd like you to take a look at, when you have a moment free" he says moving to her side.

Ingcha seems more interested as the conversation moves from the subject of people to things. "How about right now? The upper room?"


Corealanos briefly glances over at the two men then back to Ingcha with a smile, "Y-yes, that would be perfect." He then pauses for a moment and looks over to Giroum, "Erm, with your permission of course Master Giroum" he asks reverently

Giroum nods to Corealanos and Ingcha.

Ingcha says, “We will be upstairs, master. Just call should you need us.” She gives a brief nod to Jacula, muttering, "May Laanx frighten the shadows from thy path."

Corealanos bows to Giroum then nods to Jacula before extending his arm towards the doorway, "Lead on dear lady" he says courteously.

The two make their way to the Upper room

Ingcha says, “You said you had something to show me?”

Corealanos smiles and seems a little more relaxed. He opens his backpack and begins to fish around. Eventually he takes out the dagger, the gems and the drawing, “Take a look at these and see if they make any sense to you. I found this chest with an engraved lid which I copied onto this drawing” - he hands the drawing to Ingcha - “Embedded into the chest where these three gems” and he hands over the gems. Then adopting a more sombre voice he says finally, “And inside, the dagger.”

Ingcha examines the dagger, careful not to touch it, and squints at the sketch.

Corealanos sighs heavily, "Ever since I have touched the wretched thing, I have been attacked from seemingly normal people" - then looking into her eyes he implores – "But I did nothing to provoke them, I assure you."

“The sign of Vooreva?”

Corealanos nods, "Aye as Master Duphra indicated - Eternal vigilance.. almost like the chest was being watched over or protected, we thought."

She runs a finger across the lines of the sketch, "Yes...yes. And this platinum dagger was within the chest? Most curious...."  Then looks up from the items to Corealanos again, "And they appear very old."

He looks closely at Ingcha as she examines the dagger, his face wordlessly attempting to read her thoughts, "Indeed - I took them to a smith who said the same"

Ingcha nods absently, her mind wandering.

Corealanos stands still, almost not daring to breath as he continues to observe the academic Xacha.

She looks up to Corealanos, as if forgetting he was there, "Oh, ah....I can check the archives. But, I'll need something in return."

Corealanos exhales, "Name it m'lady."

“I am researching the gobble race, sociologically, you see, and I require some form of evidence of their culture, specifically the difference betwixt their two main clans."

Corealanos's face looks a little bewildered, "erm?" he manages to say.

Aarnir Irety, priest and devotee of Laanx enters the room and greets everyone.

Ingcha looks at Corealanos as if he is slow, "The Eagle and the Serpent."

Corealanos looks round at Aarnir, somewhat gratefully, and nods a brief greeting.

Ingcha gives a small smile, "It has been too long, Aarnir."

“Yes, indeed, very long." he replies.

Corealanos looks back at Ingcha, "Eagle and serpant, right" - he thinks for a moment - "and you want me to get these for you?" he says guessing.

Ingcha says, “I want you to get me some evidence of their...culture. You understand?”

Corealanos smiles at Ingcha, "I-I think so" he replies, his face however betrays him.

Ingcha rolls her eyes, "Something distinctly gobble....pottery, jewelry, some form of art, perhaps."

Corealanos nods deeply, "Yes, yes – okay, with you now - pottery, art. No problem at all."

“Get me that...and I'll be checking the archives.” She then turns to Aarnir, "So, where have you been all this time?" Ingcha coughs, "Oh, Aarnir, this is Coreanaloz."

Corealanos stands to attention slightly, "Yes m'lady, I'll begin straight away. Thank you." Then turning to Aarnir he smiles and offers his hand "Pleasure to meet you sir" he beams.

Aarnir turns and bows to Coreanalos, "Pleasure to meet."

“Giroum asked me to, ah, assist Coreanaloz here.”

Corealanos nods, "Yes he did, lucky for me he did" he taps his head "Not too sharp in the old brain department, not like Ingcha here, it would seem" he says at an attempt at humour.

Ingcha misses the joke and nods, "Aarnir here is another of the Devotees." She then looks down, "Not that there are a lot of us left these days...what with Ayvlis...then Alce."

Corealanos shakes his head, "Sorry, I don't, I mean I didn't... who are they?" he ventures.

Ingcha lowers her voice, casting a glance at the two braziers, "Alce was Giroum`s student. A lovely young dwarf girl. Hair red like a forge. She-....I saw who did it. A diaboli." She takes a deep breath before continuing, "He threw her from the Windowless Tower."

Corealanos clenches his jaw at the mention of Alce's death, "A diaboli! The swine! Did you get a good look at him? Report him to the guards?"

Ingcha nods, "I believe he was arrested for some time. I do not know his name. I, ah, I usually spend my time surrounded by books rather than people....to be honest I do not know his fate." Ingcha describes the diaboli as best she can.

Corealanos attempts to gain control of his breathing, his chest rising and falling, his face flushed, "Murder! Cold blooded murder. Well I put one villian behind bars and I shall get this one, if Laanx wills it."

“If you avenge Alce, you will have my eternal thanks. I can never forgive myself.”

Corealanos drops to one knee, "I swear to do all in my power to avenge her - you have my word"

Ingcha bows her head to Corealanos, her teeth gritted.

Corealanos stands and glances over at Aarnir then back to Ingcha, "Well the sands of time to run thin, I should be away." - Then almost to himself - "I had hoped Emerane would have been here today..."

“Thank you. I will busy myself with my search too.”

Corealanos bows to them both, then he turns and leaves.


Corealanos discovers the gobble village and eventually gets his hands on something that looks like jewellery. Packing it away carefully, he returns to Hydlaa and seeks out Ingcha Indarica, the Xacha academic who has agreed to help him with the pieces of the puzzle.

Ingcha Indarica greets Corealanos Verdus and smiles awkwardly, "Ah, *Corealanos*!"

Corealanos enters the library , "Hello Ingcha" he beams as he walks over to her.

Jayose says, “Welcome to Jayose's Librams and Codexes. I hope your visit is an enlightening one.”

Corealanos turns to Jayose, “Well, thanks very much Jayose. So do I.”

Ingcha points to the apple on the floor, "Watch where you're stepping, some fool must've left that there."

Corealanos runs his fingers through his hair as he steps to the side to avoid the apple, "Oh right, sure." Then dropping his backpack he begins looking through it, "Had a dashed difficult time with those Gobbles"

“An easier time than I would, I assure you!” Ingcha says rubbing her temples.

Corealanos stops and glances up as she begins to touch at her temples, "Erm you feeling okay" he says nervously.

Ingcha pinches the bridge of her nose, closes her eyes and nods, "Just been burning the midnight falka a little too much, perhaps."

Corealanos stares at her for a moment longer then exhales in relief, "Well, they really did give me the run around. Especially the erm Eagle tribe, I guess you'd call them. However, I managed to get this." He pulls out a small object wrapped in cloth and hands it to Ingcha.

Ingcha accepts the bracelet, holding it up to the lantern light to examine it and squinting closely at it. “Exquisite...in a primitive way!”

Hibaray walks past, stepping on the apple and pasting it.

Corealanos tilts his head and runs his fingers through his hair again, peering closely as she examines the bracelet, "Is it okay?" he ventures.

Ingcha nods enthusiastically, "And the serpent one?" not taking her eyes from the jewelry.

Corealanos's face drops, "Oh, bugger!" - he sighs heavily - "I thought.. that is I figured you just wanted the one piece" and he pats the palm of his hand against his forehead.

Ingcha blinks at the curse, "Well...ah....I guess this one will keep me busy for the time being...you could always bring me the other another time."

Hibaray checks Jayose`s price list and sighs, kra`s shoulders sagging and kra shakes kra`s head.

Corealanos's face goes red, "Erm yes.. sorry, I'll get on it right away" He looks at Ingcha imploringly, "I don't suppose you found anything out though, while I was away. Something, that may keep me alive long enough to find another piece?" he says then holds his breath as he waits for her response.

Ingcha smiles and she raises a slender finger, "Actually, I think I might have!" she draws an old book from her satchel, "How about we step into the side room?"

Hibaray mutters, "Back to the mines I guess."

Corealanos exhales and nods as he follows her into the room, "Great!"

Ingcha crouches and carefully sets the old book on the ground, "You mentioned an old platinum dagger and random attacks, yes?" she says as Corealanos enters the room and positions himself so he is facing the door, glancing round the room nervously before answering, "Yes, I came across the dagger and since then. Almost immediately, I have been attacked by total strangers."

Hibaray takes out his rock pick.

Ingcha says, “Well, you might not be the first it`s happened to....” She taps the book with a white finger, "Temple Archives, dated 317AY. Take a look."

Corealanos takes off his axe and places it by his side, "Oh?" he says, his eyes flickering to the doorway before he glances down at the book, "What am I looking at?"

Ingcha says, “The work of a junior scribe by the name of Heon Thianen. It appears an Ogan priest named Heustel, was attacked in a similar way to you....as far as I can tell."

Hibaray sighs, "Aaah. `Talad. Our Benefactor and Guide`."

Corealanos takes a seat next to Ingcha. His hand reaches out to touch the axe almost to check it is still there, "Oh blimey, what have I gotten myself into" he sighs.

Ingcha motions to the book, "See for yourself."

Hibaray scratches kra`s stony scalp with a large hand.

Corealanos's face begins to look a little confused as he runs his finger randomly down the pages. Finally, he sighs, "Look Ingcha, I just don't have your brain power I'm afraid, do you mind it I take this for a while and read it quietly on my own?"

Ingcha chews her lip for a moment before smiling and nodding, "Um, alright. If it'll help keep you alive," she smiles, "Corealanos. I`'m, ah, sorry...I think I mispronounced your name last time." she says blushing.

Corealanos looks relieved, "Thanks" he says smiling gratefully, "Oh don't worry about my name, I'm just happy to have someone looking out for me"

Hibaray studies the map closely, rubbing kra`s jaw.

Ingcha smiles again, "Well, if it`s book-related, I`ve got your, erm...back." Then she picks up the book and carefully hands it to Corealanos.

Hibaray looks about, as if dizzy

Corealanos takes the book, weighing it in his hands, "It's rather a big book isn't it? Going to take a lot of reading" he says, as if about to march into battle.

Ingcha chuckles, "Well, you'll be well armed...if the enemy are wielding questions. Not so good against cold hard steel, sadly."

Hibaray slowly begins to walk toward the door to the small room.

Corealanos puts the book in his backpack and gets to his feet, "Thank you Ingcha, I'll read it during the night while I camp out for those Gobble artifacts. Serpent wasn't it?"

Ingcha nods and smiles.

Hibaray's eyes roll, finally setting on Corealanos, but seeming to search his body.

Corealanos reaches down for his axe and is about to sheath it when he sees the Kran in the doorway. He raises an eyebrow, "Yes?" he asks cautiously looking the kran up and down, trying to get the measure of him.

Ingcha notices the kran, "Ah, we`ve finished in here, gemma, if you, erm, need the room..?"

Hibaray take a shaky step into the room, one kra`s left hand outstretched for Corealanos, the other raising his rockpick high.

Corealanos steps in front of Ingcha and attempts to barge her to safety.

Ingcha steps back, hugging the wall, "Corealanos! What`s happening!?"

Corealanos shouts, "Take hold of your self Kran, fight it damn you, fight it."

Hibaray swings his rockpick in a large arc aimed for the ynnwn`s head.

Ingcha shouts, “Ah!”

Corealanos ducks and drops to his knees then as the axe passes over head he stands and steps forward swinging his axe up towards the Kran's groin.

Hibaray's rockpick buries itself in the wall...Corealanos` axe cleaving deep into the kran`s featureless crotch a split second later.

Corealanos demands, ”Who sent you?" as he steps forward and drives his knee at the kran in an attempt to send him to the floor.

Hibaray groans deeply and staggers backward, kra`s huge hands still questing for the ynnwn though.

Ingcha watches the struggle, frozen in shock.

Corealanos rushes towards Hibaray and swings a punch towards his temple, trying to subdue him.

Hibaray takes the blow hard, kra`s head slamming back against the stone wall, chipping it...and kra slumps to the ground, unconscious.

Ingcha runs over to Corealanos` side, hugging his arm.

He turns to Ingcha, "You're safe m'lady. He's down, but be careful. We should try and question the blaggard and find out just what or who is behind this." He turns back to the Kran giving him a hard stare.

Ingcha looks at the unconscious kran squeamishly, but nods.

Hibaray continues to bleed from his groin, but is otherwise unresponsive.

Corealanos looks over Hibaray's wounds. He kneels down, reaching out a hand to lightly touch Kra as he takes hold of his energy glyph. Muttering a few words to intone the heal spell which if successful would send a weak crystal energy into the Kran's body.

Hibaray's bleeding is staunched

Ingcha moves to the door and peeks out.

Corealanos tries to pat the kran's leg, "Hey, wake up!" he demands.

Ingcha makes an incomprehensible hand signal behind her back before heading over to Jayose. “Just, ah...some books fell over, erm...sorry. My friend is picking them up now.” she lies.

Corealanos's hand clenches his axe handle as he stares cautiously at the Kran, "Hey!" he calls out again.

Hibaray's bodies seems to become slack, kra`s head lolling to one side.

Ingcha coughs, embarrassed, "He`s not much one for heavy...erm...books.” - then attempting guile - “So, erm...why do you choose falka again, Jayose? I find it most fascinating.”

Corealanos's eyes narrow and he mutters, "Don't die on me you blasted lump of rock" and he pats the Kran more insistently, this time with the edge of his axe blade.

Hibaray's eyes open suddenly and surprisingly wide, kra`s big hands reaching to grasp Corealanos` head.

Corealanos jumps back ,"Whoa, you rascal!" he says getting to his feet, lifting his axe defensively, "Look I've go an axe trained at your head, I advise you to stop this, this instant!"

Hibaray rises sluggishly, his eyes wide and unblinking as he staggers forward, his wound reopening.

Corealanos steps back, "Look, who are you? Who sent you? D-did she send you?" he stammers readying to deliver a blow to the kran's neck.

Ingcha chuckles, casting a worried gaze toward the door, "Must be a difficult pile of books to get straight."

Hibaray takes a steady step forward, kra`s hands questing for the ynnwn`s neck, kra`s mouth open and slack.

Corealanos twists the blade so the flat side faces the kran before he swings it at the kra's head, in an attempt to knock him out.

Hibaray is struck hard by the flat of the axe, sending kra spinning into the wall... Kra lets out a dull groan as kra hits the wall.

Corealanos points his hand at the Kran, "Now, you just listen. Who ever sent you, whatever they are doing to you... Just... just fight it Kra!" he insists raising his axe again, "Don't make me finish you!"

Hibaray slumps forward, revealing where the back of the rockpick had pierced kra`s back.

Ingcha continues to try and distract Jayose with small talk.

Corealanos looks down dumbly at the fallen Kran. As Kra's body fades he slowly lowers his axe shaking his head, "I tried.. I really tried" he says in a small voice. He then glances over at Ingcha as she tries to keep Jayose occupied. He binks a few times before sheathing his blade and gingerly makes his way to the doorway.

Ingcha nods, stifling a yawn, "Yes, yes, that Arion...really?!"

Corealanos clears his throat, looking Ingcha in the eyes whist shaking his head a little, "Well, I guess I better get going Ingcha, thanks for your help. Best if I don't see you again for a while. Can't put you.. I mean.. it would be wrong of me to get you involved in anything like *that* again"  he says in a subdued tone.

Ingcha can`t help but look with worry from Corealanos to the door and back, but daren`t peer inside, "Erm...right, well...remember, I need that book back..erm..sometime. Shall we...go now?" she asks, but doesn't stop for an answer she just turns and starts to leave.

Corealanos nods to Jayose and he follows Ingcha out of the Library.

Ingcha shakes visibly.

Paragon, Corealanos' rivnak whineys at Corealanos as he approaches.

Corealanos puts out a hand to comfort Ingcha, "Best if I keep away for a while, that sort of thing seems to be happening a lot round me."

Ingcha swallows, perhaps to keep down bile, and nods, taking Corealanos` hand in her own and squeezing it.

Paragon turns and glares at Corealanos as he takes Ingcha's hand, his eyes flashing green as he shifts backwards towards the Xacha with malign intent.

Ingcha is nudged by the rivnak, breaking the moment, "Ah! Um...well, I..ah, I guess I'd best be off."

Corealanos smiles grimly before stepping to the side and slapping Paragon's rump, "easy boy" he says soothingly. Turning back to Ingcha, "Sorry about him, guess he's a bit on edge too" he says glaring at the rivnak.

Paragon snorts.

Ingcha shakes her head, "A-aren`t we all? Listen, you take care. I'll be either at the Temple or the Scar, if you need me."

Corealanos bows deeply, keeping a hand on Paragon, "Thank you Ingcha, I'm sorry to have gotten you into all this."

Ingcha shakes her head again, "A little different from my usual, ah, pursuits, let me tell you!"

Paragon stamps his hooves and exhales sharply.

Corealanos smiles wryly, "Yes, well take good care. I'm usually round the Temple, if you need me for anything." he says attempting a smile.

Ingcha bows her head, "May Laanx frighten the shadows from thy path, Corealanos."

Corealanos replies automatically, "And may Laanx frighten the shadows from *your* path, Ingcha."

Paragon snorts again.

As the academic Xacha walks off in to the distance, Corealanos looks over at Paragon and sighs, “You really know how to pick your moments don't you?”

[Corealanos]

Corealanos enters his room of lodging and closes the door. He removes his backpack and opens it up to take out the large tomb entitled, 'Temple Archives, dated 317AY' which Ingcha Indarica had lent him. He places the book on the writing desk and lights a candle before opening the book to the page which the Xacha had told him he should read. Giving a prayer to Laanx before he begins, he asks that his endeavour be blessed with Laanx's favour. Then happy that he has his god's blessing, he takes a seat and begins to read.