[RP] A Flame Rekindled

[Tadano Hitoshi]

Part One - The Sword In The Kran.

Giroum sat looking at the two boxes before him. Committing them and their contents to the Howling Well would finally bring to an end several events that had tested him and those close to him. As luck would have it the dermorian Zephan happened to visit the Iron Temple, and Giroum's pet yulbar Rectitude soon found Mellas and delivered a letter requesting her aid.
(00:24:42) >Giroum Duphra greets Zephan Cystennin.
(00:24:51) Giroum says: Why, hello there!
(00:25:04) Zephan smiles. "Hello, Giroum. Good to see you."
(00:31:47) Mellas runs inside, panting and resting her hands on her knees. 'I received your note, Giroum. Are you both okay?'
(00:32:06) Giroum says: I wondered if you two would assist me in interring the remains of Keyl, Naen and Seerah in the Burial Well?

And so the three set out, passing through the forest and heading across the countryside to the huge stone face, carved in a rictus of pain and anguish. The burial well.

(00:45:43) Mellas looks over at the burial well. 'It's almost like it's screaming...' she says, pointing at the head.
(00:45:54) Giroum looks to the Well
(00:46:07) Zephan looks towards the well. "Or howling... hence its name..."
(00:46:28) [Group] ? says: Or yawning. "YAWN... finish the game already"
(00:46:29) Mellas says: Howling at the crystal.
(00:46:39) Giroum swallows audibly
(00:46:44) Zephan crosses his arms.
(00:46:58) Mellas looks a bit uncomfortable.
(00:47:07) Giroum pushes himself to his feet, "Let`s make this quick."
(00:47:24) Zephan nods in agreement.
(00:47:27) Mellas nods. 'Aye.'
Thankfully Giroum had found a map of the well in the archives, no doubt scribed by another priest for the purpose of conducting funerals such as this.
Finding their way through the caverns they set down the two boxes, containing the remains of the brothers Keyl and Naen, and Naen's love Seerah...

(00:50:26) Giroum takes out the small box with Keyl and Seerah`s remains in it
(00:50:47) Giroum bows his head in prayer
(00:51:16) Mellas takes a seat and follows Giroum's example.
(00:51:24) Giroum says: We hereby commit the physical remains of Keyl Apero-Nel and Seerah Mayatt to the Howling Well....
(00:52:12) Giroum says: They are already united together and with Laanx, bless them.
(00:52:17) Mellas says: May they rest in peace and harmony.
(00:52:35) Zephan bows his head, remaining in reverent silence.
(00:52:50) Giroum takes out the box containing Naen`s remains.
(00:53:21) Giroum says: And we commit the remains of Naen Aperon-Nel also to the Well....
(00:54:05) Giroum says: Naen, former priest of Laanx, fell from the light into the shadows and heresy. He was unredeemed in life, forever damned by our lord.
(00:54:52) Giroum says: It is not for the living to grant forgiveness, only his brother Keyl and their kin can do so, or our Lord Laanx.
(00:54:55) Zephan closes his eyes and does not look at the box even to glare at it.
(00:55:02) Giroum bows his head
(00:55:13) Mellas looks down at the ground and closes her eyes.
...only to be interrupted.
(00:56:24) Samsonus calls out in pain "AAAAAAAARHH!!! HELP!!!"
(00:56:35) Giroum looks up with a start
(00:56:36) Zephan jumps about a meter into the air. "What in the-"
(00:56:47) Mellas looks up in shock. 'What was that?'
(00:57:11) Giroum looks up one passage, "Th-that way?"
(00:57:11) Mellas searches the darkness of the cave with her eyes. 'Where did that come from?'
(00:57:16) Zephan has drawn his sabres without realizing it, eyes darting about.
(00:57:36) Giroum looks to his companions and nods toward the passage
(00:58:28) Giroum looks at the half-buried ynnwn
(00:58:41) Samsonus grimaces and looks at the trio
(00:58:56) Mellas says: 'Sir, are you alright?'
(00:59:20) Zephan frowns, taking in the sight, noticing a lot of ore on the ground...
(00:59:36) Giroum then looks at the unmoving kran, half buried in the wall, a saber emerging from his chest. He then looks back at the ynnwn

(00:59:45) Mellas looks concerned and winces at the sight of the sabre sticking out of the kran's chest.
(00:59:49) Samsonus snarls at Mellas "Does it LOOK like I'm ok?"
(01:00:41) Giroum frowns at the Ynwnn covered in rocks, "What happened here, sir?"
(01:01:25) Mellas watches the ores around the diaboli. 'Just checking if you were hurt.'
(01:01:46) Samsonus backpedals in his mind "I was...visiting my dead wife...yeah. I know it is wrong to be down here but I loved her so, and every now and then I like to pay my respects"
(01:02:17) Zephan steps to the side a little to get a better look at the Kran and the rocks surrounding the Ynnwn.
The two elves and the lemur proceeded to help lift the fallen rocks from the ynnwn Samsonus. Whether the ynnwn's story was true or if he was no more than a grave-robber, none could tell for the cave-in which had half buried him had also exposed from behind the rock...a kran. Kra's skin was cracked and covered with patches of moss and lichen, apparently having been sealed in an unknown time before. He did not move in the slightest, the cause evident: a saber of the finest quality with a gilded hilt, protruded from his broad, rocky chest.

(01:08:37) Samsonus shakes free and stretches, cradling a crate under his arm
(01:09:31) Samsonus says: I was...ahhh....getting something I left here on my last visit. It had been covered up, and when i tried to fish it out the whole cave came down on me
(01:09:55) Giroum says: A cave-in here? How very unfortunate.
(01:10:18) Zephan's eyes travel to the Kran, uneasily. "Looks like that's not the only unfortunate thing that's happened in this spot."
(01:10:37) Mellas looks suspiciously from the kran to the ynnwn for only a second. 'Indeed Zephan.'
(01:10:40) Samsonus looks greedily at the golden sabre sticking out of the kra
(01:10:49) Giroum looks at the kran, "Kra....kra was uncovered in the cave-in?"
(01:11:11) Samsonus nods and laughs "I asked it for help for hours"
(01:11:37) Giroum frowns at the kran in the wall, "Kra looks....ancient."
(01:12:16) Mellas raises her eyebrows, not certain she wants to know. Her gaze travels to Samsonus. 'Sir, can you walk. Does it hurt anywhere? You are lucky to have survived a cave-in.'
(01:12:32) Zephan nods, looking rather downcast at the Kran's state. He gives the sabre a close look, without touching it.
(01:13:04) Samsonus leans in and looks at the sabre "I'm fine lady"
(01:13:19) Samsonus reaches to try and pull the sabre
(01:13:29) Giroum says: Do you suppose he was buried like this?
(01:13:35) Zephan frowns, "Be careful with that... I don't know if we should touch it."
(01:13:56) Zephan says: Kra almost looks like kra was killed here, not simply buried... but that's just my impression.
(01:13:56) Mellas smiles. relieved, then moves closer to the kran. 'Quite a nicely designer saber, I must add.'
And no sooner had the Samsonus drawn the sword from the kran's chest than it broke, the blade separating from the hilt...and the kran awoke.

The kran introduced himself as Geis...Geis Kobble...though he could recall little more. He remembered being tricked into the Burial Well and impaled upon the saber but little more. While Mellas lent what healing aid she could to this 'Geis', Zephan's wariness of the ynnwn grew, bearing fruit when he dropped the broken blade and fled the well, a box under his arm. Zephan eventually returned, the ynnwn having escaped.
And so the two elves conducted the aged and confused kran to Gugrontid and the Stonehead tavern.


Meanwhile, Keyl, Naen and Seerah's physical remains finally laid to rest, Giroum returned to the Iron Temple. He carefully placed two items upon a table before inspecting them.
A saber blade of exquisite quality...and the matching gilded hilt.

[Tadano Hitoshi]

Part Two - Simulacrum.

Geis awoke in excruciating pain, and darkness. Kra tried to move, but found kraself pinned to something via kras hands. The effort set of explosions of pain in kras palms and kras head rocked back hitting something behind kra. Kra could feel kras hands leaking kran blood from whatever pierced them.
(22:11:19) Geis shouts: Help! Someone help me!
(22:12:03) Geis is pinned to the tree with a rock pick through each hand and a sack over kra`s head.
(22:12:21) Geis lifts kras bagged head at the sound of someone approaching
(22:12:37) Mellas winces at the sight of Geis and sheathes her daggers, trying to pull each rock pick free swiftly.
(22:13:30) Geis's right hand comes free as the pick comes out and kra gives a muffled cry
(22:14:08) Mellas moves over to the other side, her face deadly serious when she tries to pull out the other rock pick. 'You're going to be okay..' she shushes.
(22:15:10) Geis collapses forward from the tree
(22:15:39) Geis fumbles with the bag over kras head but can`t remove it with kras wounded hands
(22:15:58) Mellas slips on the roots of the tree, falling down beside Geis. 'What happened, who are you?' she asks, sitting up and helping Geis to remove the sack over kras head.
(22:16:28) Geis's eyes roll and kra squints as the sack is removed, kras eyes finally settling on Mellas and kra breathes raggedly
(22:17:15) Mellas focuses on her spells, hands lighting up with crystal magic, though weakened from the days before.
(22:17:55) Geis lies on kra`s back, panting and holding kra hands, face grimmacing
(22:18:11) Geis nods kras thanks to Mellas
(22:18:18) Mellas concentrates on stopping the bleeding, her hands resting on kras.
(22:18:46) Geis says: Th- th- thank you Mellas.
(22:19:01) Mellas looks up at Geis, frowning with sudden recognition. 'Wait... wait,' she whispers, staring. 'Geis!?'
(22:19:24) Geis grimaces and holds kras hands, "Yes. It is I."
(22:19:35) Mellas says: No problem, tell me what happened to you!
(22:19:40) Geis chuckles despite the pain, "Again you saved me!"
(22:20:02) Mellas shakes her head, wondering how Geis seems to have a tendency to get stabbed.
(22:20:32) Geis shakes kras head, "I was wandering the city...came here to see the tree...so many had spoken of it..."
(22:20:40) Mellas chuckles lightly with kra. 'Again I find you pierced by something,' she says, looking back at the bloody rock picks.
(22:21:24) Geis says: Someone must have snuck up on me...they hit me over the head. I wasn`t knocked out...I wish I had been, but they propped me up there against the tree then....
Kra went on to explain, as Mellas did her best to heal him yet again, that kra had been attacked from behind, nearly knocked out and kras attacker or attackers had then forced rock picks through kras hands, pinning kra to the Tree of Xiosia. All kra heard was the hoarse, rough breathing of kras attacker. Kra had once had enemies who had imprisoned kra in the Burial Well...and it seemed that now too, someone was out to get kra.


(22:39:54) Mellas sighs, resting her hands on her knees. 'Shall we go somewhere more safe? Celeva warned me of this area.'
(22:40:18) Geis nods, "Celeva...I don`t know the name...something happened to her here?"
(22:41:11) Mellas bites her lip. 'She was kidnapped here, I followed them by accident to the Laanx dungeons.'
(22:41:29) Geis's hairless brow rises, "What happened?"
(22:42:10) Mellas says: I didn't know what was happening until Celeva explained it later. It seems like they were planning to sell her, just like Caira not much later. I tried to rescue both, but I failed.
(22:42:37) Mellas looks away, tears forming in her eyes. 'I'm so tired of all this.'
(22:42:37) Geis says: Caira? Another was kidnapped as well?
(22:42:45) Geis shakes kras head in dispair
(22:43:01) Geis says: Do you think there could be any link between all these attacks?
(22:43:03) Mellas nods, swallowing. 'She was in a terrible, terrible state...'
(22:44:15) Mellas tries to focus her thoughts. 'They sell them.. they leave you hanging.. it doesn't seem to be connected.'
(22:44:44) Geis nods, "Perhaps so, yes. So far it has always been women?"
(22:45:37) Mellas raises her hands. 'I don't know if they caught anyone else. I know of Caira and Celeva only. Interesting to note that both their names begin with a 'C'.
(22:46:16) Geis says: "Then perhaps you should be careful too, if they are targeting women. Though...you `C` in your case."
(22:46:19) Geis smiles
(22:47:13) Mellas smiles back gently. 'It seems you've got something to worry about yourself, I'll be fine,' she says, her eyes a little off.
[See [RP]Auctioning Victims for more details about Caira and Celeva`s misfortunes.]

Geis then noticed that kras sack of possessions had gone. It seemed that the attack hadn`t simply been to humiliate and torture kra after all...
(22:49:07) Geis nods, "I was doing some work for Gulm and Kerryk....all their stuff was in there!"
(22:49:44) Mellas says: Seems like maybe they did have a goal, was there anything else in there?
(22:50:24) Geis checks under the tree roots, and looks up, "A book of Talad...and some artefacts relating to my Creator."
(22:50:32) Geis says: As well as a large saphire.
(22:51:09) Geis shakes kras head after searching about, "It`s gone."
(22:51:26) Mellas says: A book of Talad, artifacts of your creator, that may just be it.
(22:51:48) Mellas says: If they hate Talad as much as you say, maybe they are out to destroy it all?
(22:57:28) Mellas is curious. 'What kind of artifacts, if I may ask?'
(22:58:03) Geis says: It was a box of sculptures....images of Talad himself. I was retrieving it for Kerryk.
(22:59:23) Mellas raises her eyebrows. 'Images of Talad, a book of Talad... they don't seem connected with the kidnappings here at all. I'll keep my eyes open for you. Any idea which race was after you?'
The two discussed who might have attacked him...lemurs, perhaps attacking Geis as a child of Talad...or even Xiosia worshippers, pinning him to the tree of their goddess for some ritual...but nothing was for sure.
And finally yet again Mellas escorted the wounded kran to Gugrontid and the temple of Talad.

[MellasFenixxes]

This is getting more fascinating by the moment, so much to look out for! 
To think I was simply going to train my daggers and passed by, hearing your shouts. Pure luck to meet up with Geis again.
Thank you so much for the RP, it's fabulous!

[Tadano Hitoshi]

Part Three – Accusations of Heresy
Giroum sat in the Iron Temple, a bottle of ink on the pew beside him, a quill in his hand and tome open upon his lap, the parchment steadily filling with his elaborate handwriting. As he wrote he recalled his discussion the day before with Zephan about Laanx doctrine.
After several minutes of scribing by candlelight he looked up at the sound of a pair of boots crossing the flagstones toward him. He raised his head and smiled to see the nolthrir Mellas approach, escorted by a ylian man he had never seen before. He had the look of a warrior.
After exchanging the usual greetings Mellas proceeded to tell Giroum of the attack on Geis: finding him pinned to the tree of Xiosia with picks...and informed him of her wish to learn more of Laanx worship, to join the faithful.
After receiving her assurance that Menlil had already recorded her with the Book of Names, and that she had proven herself to both Menlil and high priest Sharven, Giroum counseled her on some of Laanx`s ways...and she revealed that she had heard the worship of the Masquerade Lord required a deep understanding of not only Good but also Chaos and Evil...an understanding only obtainable in their mastering. Such was not so, the lemur devotee was quick to rectify. Though true that Laanx is an unforgiving god, he is never evil.
With visible relief Mellas revealed that she had read such heresy in a book, apparently written by Giroum`s own hand, found in the dungeons beneath the temple, dropped by rogues responsible for a spate of kidnappings.
Though the old lemur was keen to investigate the dungeons and flush out these blasphemers, Mellas preached caution and he settled for sending a letter of warning to his comrade Ingcha, inhabitant of the windowless tower and keeper of the Devotees of Laanx`s archives.
As yet he had not seen the notice on the Hydlaa message board...

[Tadano Hitoshi]

Part Four - An Disappearance
Alce Martlet, devotee of Laanx and pupil of Giroum Duphra returned from her wandering throughout the city. She had been in search of dwarves of the Way of the Hammer, but after reading the horrific message on the notice board she worried half to death that she would be lynched by townspeople at any moment.
She returned to the Iron Temple, bowing and greeting Menlil and proceeding through, down between the pews toward Sharven. She was relieved to see Giroum was present, and apparently at work: he knelt at the side of another robed and seated figure, both with their heads bowed toward the well at the rear of the temple. They appeared to be conversing in low voices.
After greeting Sharven and resolving her business with him she climbed the steps from the lower area once more and waited to speak with her master...only to hear a fenki, who also seemed to be paying attention to Giroum and the coweled figure, make a rather disrespectful comment about the temple and the beliefs of Laanx.
Bidding the fenki remove herself or retract her comments, Alce was distracted as a nolthrir came in...a nolthrir she had never met but from Giroum's description of her, it could be none other than Mellas. Alce hurried over and greeted her, noticing in her peripheral vision that Giroum and his conversation partner had moved to the well itself...and just as Alce and Mellas were talking there came a shout of surprise from the rear of the temple.
Racing over, Mellas and Alce found the cloaked and hooded figure and the fenki gone. Gone too was Giroum, but for his holy helm which had bounced down the steps and come to rest against a pillar.
The two women peered over the lip of the well, for where else could they have gone? But there was no sign of them.
Alce, a young dwarven maiden and not particularly accustomed to violence, chewed her lip and held the fallen helmet protectively as she and Mellas decided what they should do: Mellas would give persuit while Alce sought aid.

And it was not long until fortune or the will of the gods crossed the young, diminuitive devotee's path to cross with those of Zephan and Garosan, who volunteered to help search for the missing priest.

Her courage bolstered in the company of the two warriors they descended into the dungeons beneath the well. Splitting up, Alce and Garosan searched the passages and halls toward the Windowless Tower, meeting with Ingcha of the Devotees, stalwart in her guardianship of their archives, but naught had she seen of Giroum nor any cloaked figure or suspicious fenki.

Soon they were reunited with Zephan and Mellas...in the company of the fenki, Morila by name, from earlier. She claimed that the cloaked figure, a diaboli or ynnwn she estimated, had carried off the priest through the catacombs and given her the slip...for she had not been aiding in the abduction but had in fact given chase, albeit unsuccessfully.
Searching far and wide, even to the depths to inquire with that deepest of rogues to no avail, they concluded to return and search again and to maintain a watch upon the dungeons...

[Zephan]

((Sorry, I guess this recounting of my character's ought to have been posted here as well... the crossing RP storylines have confused me! But, in a good way.))

[Tadano Hitoshi]

Part Five – Rescue
Giroum sat in one of the beds of the Hydlaa sanatorium, propped up in bed with pillows, bandages on his head, his hands and lower legs almost mummified. It hurt to move but the pain was a welcome reminder that he was still alive...thanks to Mellas and Garosan.
After he had been pushed into the well all had gone black – presumably he had hit his head either on the rim or the bottom – and he had woken up some time later, only his intense hunger and his parched mouth and throat any indication of how long he had been unconscious. There was evidently a bag over his head, but he could hear someone moving about, clad in platemail. From the hard stone floor and the cold he assumed he was still in the dungeons beneath the Iron Temple. That or his abductors had moved him to a cellar, but he guessed it wouldn`t have been easy to move a body about the city. He tried to shift his cramped limbs but found his wrists tied and his legs insensate. He faded in and out of consciousness several times, hearing not only the voice of his abductor: surely the individual he had spoken to in the temple and who had pushed him into the well, but also a deep, bass voice that seemed familiar yet elusive.
Eventually he found the edge of the sack over his head lifted, only enough to see the ground (definitely the dungeons. He immediately recognized the debris-strewn flagstones) and the food laid upon it: a pie and a decidedly foul-looking lump of meat. Fighting not to retch, he gave in to his hunger and ate all he could manage to keep down, finishing shortly before another individual arrived and he was moved through the passages and up three or four flights of stairs only to be thrown to the ground once more.
When his captor started auctioning him to the newcomer he knew that this must be the same group whom Mellas had told him of: snatching people from the streets of Hydlaa...even the Garden of Xiosia and now the Temple of Laanx!...only to auction them to other thugs for their brutal entertainment. Ignoring them, he began to chant the prayer he had been taught in his youth by old master Martlet.
Forged over the hard hearts of the spurners
With the molten metal of the faithful
And the skilled hammer strikes of the soulful
Laanx's book of names hath called for its priests.
Tend now to the chaos in the crystal
Let his mighty name ring forth in echoes
And scatter his enemies in death throes
While awaiting converts at each portal
For Laanx, highest lord of Yliakum
Hath made a home of this cold lifeless stone
And brought souls from the Azure Sun.
Let none question the lessons of the crystal's hum.
And let us pass in passion the messages
Marked out for us each in Laanx's passages.
Despite their shouting and beating him, he continued and they began to ask him where his god was now, but Giroum knew that his lord and creator would protect him. As their taunts continued a line from a play he had seen in his youth came back to him, Some rise by sin whilst others, by their virtue, fall.

Eventually the bartering was abandoned and he began to struggle as a liquid was poured over him, the smell identifying it as oil. He cried out as the hot oil burned his exposed skin...and the next moments were chaos that he could later barely recall as others burst in to confront his captors and a light was set to the oil covering him.

Sat in the sanatorium he shook the memories from his head. Mellas and a man she later identified as Garosan had saved him. He had made it to the plaza and the Temple only to find comrades of Mellas` already on the way, who he then lead directly to where he had been held and his saviours still fought the criminals: at the base of the Windowless Tower.
Soon one was dead and unmasked: the diaboli Rigwyn who had also cursed the poor bard Jirage some months ago. His accomplice had escaped despite his pursuers.

The sound of feet crossing the greensward caught his attention - his nerves being somewhat jangled after recent events – and he looked up to find his pupil, the young dwarven maiden Alce approaching, a familiar item held in her hands.
His holy helm. A slight dent in the back where the rim of the well had taken it from his head, but otherwise shining as brightly as when Jayose had presented it to him.
He smiled and took it from her, brushing off her apologies for not being able to protect him (in truth she was no more a warrior than he) and wincing as he tried to put the back on. Perhaps after the bandages were removed.
She brought him more food and a book to read A New Perspective on Laanx, which he clumsily opened with his bandaged hands. He then looked about in confusion, patting at his burned and soot-stained robes in search of something.
Alce chuckled, “So, you lost not only your helm but also that smelly old pipe of yours?”
Giroum nodded, grumbling as the old are wont to do.
“Perhaps it`s time to give it up?” the young dwarf suggested, only to receive a stern glare from her teacher, which softened after a moment with a smile.
“Well...perhaps until after the bandages come off.”

He passed the day reading the book his student had brought him, a voice he had heard during his abduction nagging at the back of his mind.

[Tadano Hitoshi]

Part Six - On The Trail Of Shadows
First there had been the abductions...and no sooner had Giroum returned from healing in the sanatorium and a period of meditation, than he learned that a disease was spreading throughout the city. And what was more was that some black hearted soul had taken advantage of one of the victims: a poor blind dwarf had been persuaded to poison the city`s wells with rancid meat, believing he was distributing medicine to prevent the contagion from spreading.
It was clear that while the abductions had seemingly come to an end, and it was known that one of those responsible was in jail...they had had accomplices who were still out there. Giroum wanted to know where, and if the mysterious disease was in any way linked...

He sent out letters calling for aid and soon enough brave souls answered the call...
The xacha warrior Luro came alone.
Always helpful nolthrir Mellas brought more: her fellow nolthrir Caira, the ynnwn warrior Trogdar and the dermorian Jinsyn, his helmet falling forward over his eyes constantly.

The priest greeted them and thanked them for coming. Not knowing...
(15:33:27) Rigwyn presses his ear against the door hoping to hear something...
(15:33:33) Mellas places her hand on her chest and introduces herself. 'As you heard, my name is Mellas, Mellas Fenixxes. These here are my friends, even though I don't know all too well, I trust Caira's opinion.'
(15:34:01) Giroum says: Would you be so kind as to introduce yourselves?
(15:34:39) Caira makes a small bow to Giroum and Luro. "My name is Caira Monteverte, and this is Jinsyn Lorellyte."
(15:34:41) Trogdar says: Well, I am Trogdar.
(15:34:54) Mellas grins at Jinsyn, recognizing him from Ojaveda.
(15:34:57) Jinsyn glances around quickly at everyone, still confused, and decides to keep his mouth shut for now.
(15:35:01) Caira nods to the two strangers. "It's a pleasure to meet you both."
(15:35:01) Luro bows deeply, "Luro Muporos, warior and would-be devotee of Laanx."
(15:35:15) Giroum says: I have called you all here for a purpose...
(15:35:51) Giroum says: as some of you know, there were abductions recently....taking place within the very dungeons beneath the temple...and blamed upon the followers of Laanx.
(15:36:05) Caira shivers, looking away.
(15:36:25) Giroum says: I myself was abducted and was lucky to escape with my life...thanks to Mellas here.
(15:36:51) Mellas looks over at the entrance to the dungeon, her expression softening strangely.
(15:37:02) Caira looks up, giving Mellas a soft smile and tilting her head.
(15:37:08) Caira murmurs something to her.
(15:37:28) Giroum says: The abductions appear to have ceased...but now the city is afflicted with a terrible disease.
(15:37:30) Mellas smiles and shakes her head. 'Couldn't have done it without Garosan.'
(15:37:41) Jinsyn finally realizes where he's seen Mellas before and gulps at the thought of the bucket...
(15:37:54) Giroum nods, "Indeed. Thanks too to Garosan."
(15:38:14) Mellas's eyes widen at Caira and she shakes her head.
(15:38:17) Giroum says: You tell me that this Sillamon was tricked, yes?
(15:38:42) Mellas returns her attention to Giroum and nods affirmatively. 'I'm afraid so.'
(15:38:59) Giroum says: What do we know of the deceiver?
(15:39:45) Mellas holds up her hands, giving Giroum a meaningful look. 'Like I said before, holes in his hands...' She puts pressure on the word 'holes' and 'hands'.
(15:39:49) Caira clears her throat, her voice light despite the atmosphere. "We know he was clever enough to have decieve Sillamon. The latter mentioned the figure was a kran."
(15:40:11) Giroum nods as he listens, "Did the kran tell Sillamon anything?"
(15:40:42) Caira wrinkles her nose at the thought of such hands. "Apparently he instructed Sillamon to distibrute 'medicine'."
(15:40:50) Mellas bites her lip, not sure if Giroum got what she was trying to say, yet too uncertain to voice her suspicion aloud.
(15:41:12) Caira tilts her head. "However, it was discovered that they were actually sacks of rotten meat."
(15:41:31) Giroum nods, "Did he say anything else?"
(15:41:42) Caira crosses her arms, seeming uncomfortable in the coolness of the temple. "Not that I can remember? Mellas?"
(15:41:45) Giroum notices Mellas` expression but does not yet comment
(15:42:31) Mellas shakes her head. 'Not that I recall, I arrived rather late at the conversation.'
(15:42:50) Giroum takes a long pull on his pipe and lets the smoke out slowly
(15:43:26) Giroum says: Has anyone seen this Rigwyn fellow about? He was one of the abductors, yes?
(15:43:46) Trogdar says: Last time I saw him he was being arrested.
(15:43:50) Mellas smirks. 'He was listening in on us not long ago, apparently he's been released from jail.'
(15:44:17) Giroum says: I see...still....do you think he was working alone in the kidnappings?
(15:44:26) Caira shakes her head quickly.
(15:44:43) Mellas shakes her head as well. 'We are certain he wasn't alone.'
(15:44:59) Caira speaks up. "There were two who took me. I was certain there was two."
(15:45:43) Mellas nods her agreement. 'Same in my situation, though there seemed to be more cloaked folk walking around there, I can't say for sure how many there were.'
(15:45:51) Giroum says: Then, with Rigwyn in prison...his accomplices might have gone to ground. I requested your presence here as I would like you to go to Ojaveda and Gugrontid....
(15:46:14) Giroum says: Ask around...about the abductions and the disease outbreak itself.
(15:46:47) Jinsyn tries to make sense of all of this information, mentally berating himself for not paying closer attention to recent events. His eyes widen considerably at Caira's latest remark, before his brows furrow deeply in concern.
(15:47:07) Giroum says: As we all know, much of Ojaveda is closed off due to a plague outbreak. I do not believe this is the same but it may be worthy of investigation.
(15:47:30) Luro nods determinedly, "I volunteer to go to Ojaveda."
(15:48:01) Caira seconds his nod, gently. "And I."
(15:48:03) Mellas looks around at the group, checking their reactions before she smiles at Giroum. 'At your service!'
(15:48:09) Luro loosens his falchion in it`s sheath and checks the straps of his shield.
(15:48:27) Giroum puffs on his pipe once more and sighs, "Thank you."
(15:48:46) Mellas takes a moment to think. 'Should we split, or do we visit both areas together?'

It was decided that Caira, Jinsyn and Luro would go to Ojaveda to discover what they could, while Mellas and Trogdar were bound for Gugrontid.
(15:57:43) Luro rolls his shoulders and neck, "How `bout we get this show on the road? `s a long trek to Oja."
(15:59:12) Giroum says: If you find out anything, I will be here.
(16:00:02) Mellas says: We will return to you soon, Giroum! Please be safe.
(16:00:08) Giroum bows his head, hands together in prayer
(16:00:08) Giroum says: May Laanx frighten the shadows from thy path.
(16:00:50) Mellas wishes Luro, Caira and Jinsyn good luck and turns to Trogdar. 'Shall we?'
(16:00:55) >Luro Muporos salutes Giroum Duphra with respect.
(16:01:01) Trogdar nods.
(16:01:13) >Mellas Fenixxes snaps to attention and salutes.
(16:01:14) Luro says: Shall we?
(16:01:23) Jinsyn waves.
(16:03:44) Caira nods "Lets go."


Caira, Luro and Jinsyn arrived in Ojaveda to find the locals busy with what appeared to be internal matters...and began to ask around, about both the abductions and disease in Hydlaa...

[Tadano Hitoshi]

Part Seven - An unexpected encounter in the warehouses
Luro wiped sweat from his pale brow. The xacha warrior had arrived in Ojaveda with Caira and Jinsyn, the three beginning to ask the locals about the Hydlaa kidnappings, the disease outbreak, and any new criminals seen in the city...too little effect. Luro had decided to take a look around the city himself and started wandering the warehouse district, nearly getting himself into a fracas with a pair of ruffians outside Jirosh`s. He finally found his way to the warehouses themselves and began looking about. Stacks of huge wooden crates like a maze. Anyone could be hiding in here, he thought. After what seemed like hours of searching he decided to find his way out…
(19:59:24) Luro lowers himself down from the wall of crates and jumps back in surprise as he spots the diaboli
 (19:59:42) Rigwyn looks over at Luro somewhat surprised
(20:00:15) Rigwyn holds up his hands eyeing Luro 's sword "What`s this ? A stick-up ? "
(20:00:36) Luro says: And here was me thinking these warehouses were abandoned...but for the rats! What? Oh, sorry, let me put this away.
(20:00:44) Luro sheathes his falchion
(20:01:39) Luro looks the diaboli up and down
(20:01:44) Rigwyn sighs with relief. "You expectin trouble ?"
The xacha and diaboli, after getting over their initial surprise at bumping into each other, began talking…about the abductions, the disease…and the spoon-shaped bruise on the diaboli Rigwyn`s cheek. He explained how he`s tried to chat up a feisty dwarven woman…
(20:09:33) Rigwyn says: "An they she raised the spoon at me ... and .. "
(20:10:00) Luro nods encouragingly
(20:10:28) Rigwyn swings his right fist at Luro's jaw as quickly as he can.
(20:10:50) Luro says: Wha-?!
(20:11:12) Luro takes the punch across his jaw and staggers back against a crate
(20:11:13) Rigwyn says: He steps into the punch with his right foot shouting "Pow !"
(20:11:48) Luro barely has time to spit a tooth and get up his shield, trying to push Rigwyn back
(20:12:01) Rigwyn steps forward with his left foot and pulls out a claymore
(20:12:46) Luro mutters a curse and charges with his shield, fumbling with his other hand for his falchion
(20:13:23) Rigwyn grunts as the shield is rammed into his chest. He staggers being caught off guard.

(20:13:40) Luro manages to clear his blade
(20:14:06) Luro says: What`s the meaning of this? You another common rogue?
(20:14:24) Rigwyn steps back with his right foot and points the claymore at Luro's abdomen.
(20:14:52) Rigwyn says: "No, I`m just someone who wants to ensure that the rats don`t die of starvation"
(20:15:40) Luro keeps his shield between him and Rigwyn, "By all means, sacrifice yourself to feed them. Don`t let me stand in your way."
(20:16:34) Rigwyn ducks and jabs the claymore towards Luro's knee
(20:17:28) Luro stumbles as the long blade slices through the chainmail over his knee and blood pours from the side of his leg
(20:17:54) Luro tries to stab with his falchion as the claymore is retracted
(20:18:49) Rigwyn jumps back and raises his claymore high as he prepared to chop downward.
(20:19:21) Luro limps left, favouring his injured leg and trying to head toward the exit of the warehouse
(20:20:36) Rigwyn steps forward swinging at Luro's shoulder
(20:21:18) Luro's attention is split between the rat behind him and Rigwyn...he stumbles...and the claymore takes off his left arm!
(20:21:38) Luro's severed left arm and the shield it holds drop to the ground
(20:21:43) >Luro Muporos dropped a Valiant Shield.
(20:22:24) Rigwyn looks at Luro's shoulder somewhat surprised. He smiles and then steps back preparing for another swing
(20:22:36) Luro shouts: Aaaaarrrgghhh!
(20:22:54) Luro raises his falchion, trying to parry
 (20:23:46) Rigwyn meets Luro's falchion with loud clang. He raises the claymore again.
(20:24:09) Luro nearly drops the falchion with the impact, limps backward, resting against a bamboo pole.
(20:24:18) Luro says: W-Why? Who...who are you?
(20:26:31) Rigwyn says: "Who am I ? Remember what Giroum said in the temple ? "
(20:26:49) Rigwyn smiles evilly as he carefully watches Luro's face.
(20:27:19) Luro pants, fighting the pain and grimaces, trying to remember, "The deceiver? Someone tricked a dwarf....and abductions...?"
(20:27:22) Luro says: You?
(20:28:16) Rigwyn nods and flashes a broad smile. "I`ve make a little change to my career path. "
(20:28:31) Luro turns his right side toward Rigwyn, raising his falchion as best he can to defend himself, keeping his ragged stump of left arm away from his attacker.
(20:28:48) Luro speaks through gritted teeth, "Oh, and what might that be?"
(20:30:02) Rigwyn says: "Sellin folks wasn't cuttin it. So now, I'll gonna just sell parts"
(20:30:31) Luro can`t help but glance down at the severed arm on the ground between them. "Bastard."
(20:30:54) Rigwyn laughs, "I just might let the rats have that piece"
(20:31:23) Luro dives at Rigwyn with a wild stab as the diaboli laughs
(20:32:12) Rigwyn falls back taking a deep wound to his rib cage. Rigwyn screams as the falchion sinks deep.
(20:32:20) >Rigwyn Setson takes a seat.
(20:32:44) Luro struggles to pull his falchion from within the diaboli
(20:32:46) Rigwyn shouts: Ahhhh!
(20:33:06) Luro says: They rats may yet have two dishes to choose from, diaboli!
(20:33:47) Rigwyn looks up at Luro and holds his claymore forward defensively
(20:34:10) Luro tries to wrench his blade free
(20:34:46) Rigwyn screams in agony as the sword is pulled out. He drops the claymore as the pain is unbearable.
(20:35:03) >Rigwyn Setson dropped a Claymore of the Hammer.
(20:35:04) Luro staggers backward, panting
(20:35:10) >Luro Muporos takes a seat.
 (20:35:58) Rigwyn grabs his glyph sack and fumbles for a red and black glyph. Focusing on Luro he begins to mumble "Death"
(20:36:37) Luro, realising his blade is no defence here, casts it aside and pulls himself across the floor toward the diaboli
(20:36:42) >Luro Muporos dropped a Steel Falchion.
 (20:37:17) Luro winces as the magic begins to take effect
(20:37:24) Rigwyn graps for another glyph and tumbles forward attempting to grasp Luro with his free hand
(20:39:30) Luro is grabbed
(20:40:08) Rigwyn utters sever words one of which is "Weakness"
(20:40:20) >Rigwyn Setson stands up.
(20:41:02) Luro shouts: Aaaaahhhhh!
The xacha warrior visibly withered under the Dark Way spell as what life he had that wasn`t pouring from his severed arm, was sucked from him by the diaboli`s magic.
(20:41:31) Rigwyn wounds begin to heal. Scabs form and start to flake off.
(20:42:24) Rigwyn begins to sast the spell a second time, this time with more intensity
(20:42:31) Luro withers and shakes as he is drained completely
(20:42:43) Luro says: No..no....
(20:42:48) Luro says: No...nooooo!
Rigwyn proceeded to loot the withered husk of a corpse, stealing all he could before hacking up the body and feeding the parts to the rats inhabiting the warehouse, laughing as he did it.

[MellasFenixxes]

*gasps* Wow... simply wow.
Amazing RP guys, this was a jewel to read, epic.
Very exciting and not to mention surprising! Poor Luro!

[ravenrise]

Wow. Remind me to never EVER go near Rigwyn, ever. I have a question too, are you criminaly insane? or do you just really need a hobby?

[Rigwyn]

[ @ravenrise - Rigywn's  background story sheds a lot of light on why he is like this. There is also more to this plot that has not yet been revealed. I'm eager to see how it unfolds ]

[Shangshi]

To admit this or not.... not what you expect from a gruesome RP, but.

Rigwyn says: He steps into the punch with his right foot shouting "Pow !"

That made me laugh alot, very funny.

I do really hope that you are -not- stopped any time soon. 

[Tadano Hitoshi]

Giroum sat in the upper room of the Iron Temple, the old lemur`s gaze wandering between the two purple-blazing braziers, only the arrival of his apprentice breaking his reverie.
He greeted her and explained that he had sent Mellas and others to both Gugrontid and Ojaveda to hunt down the kidnappers and those attempting to aid the spread of the disease in Hydlaa…
(20:03:11) Giroum says: Well, I haven`t heard back from Luro yet, the xacha warrior. He, Caira and Jinsyn went to Ojaveda....I also asked them to investigate whether the current outbreak of illness could have any connection to the plague.
(20:03:22) Alce says: The one that sealed most of the Dsars?
(20:03:28) Giroum nods
(20:04:11) Giroum says: I fear Luro may have discovered something...or gotten into trouble. Laanx knows that city is more dangerous than here. Rogues roaming the streets.
(20:04:37) Alce steps forward, "Shall I go, seek him out?"
(20:05:07) Giroum shakes his head, "I will go. I want you here, out of trouble if possible."
(20:05:19) Alce bows her head, somewhat crestfallen
(20:06:11) Giroum says: Now, now. I want you safe, Alce. Go to the archives and keep Ingcha company.
(20:06:21) Alce raises her head and nods
(20:06:25) Alce says: I will do so, master.
(20:06:51) Giroum smiles, "When I return...we must talk, Alce. About your apprenticeship..."
(20:06:55) Giroum smiles
(20:07:04) Alce's face brightens
(20:07:15) Rigwyn inches away from the chair and attempts to sneak out
(20:07:26) Giroum says: Until then.
(20:07:35) Alce nods
(20:07:40) Giroum bows his head, hands together in prayer
(20:07:40) Giroum says: May Laanx frighten the shadows from thy path.
(20:07:53) Alce says: And you, master.
(20:07:57) Alce bows her head
Giroum strode out of the room, already thinking who he should summon for his trip to Ojaveda…


Part Eight – Alas Poor Luro…
Giroum stood bowed before the statue of his lord, protector and creator in the Hydlaa plaza, awaiting the arrival of those he had sent word to…and soon they arrived: tall Trogdar the first to answer the call, Jinsyn soon after, panting from his run…and finally loyal Mellas, come from investigations into the theft of medicine for the disease.
As the four prepared to depart for Ojaveda they soon found others volunteering to aid them: the klyros pair Mandrith and Selona…and before they had set foot far on the road to the enkidukai city their numbers swelled with the additions of the menki warrior Jonoth and the excitable nolthrir Trathur.
Eventually, after a couple of stops due to the lemur priest`s age and poor constitution, they arrived in Ojaveda…
(12:23:40) Giroum says: Luro came to Ojaveda seeking information...would you mind looking about..asking after him? He was a xacha warrior, here some days ago.
(12:23:50) Giroum says: Shout should you find anything.
(12:24:06) Jinsyn nods.
(12:24:11) Mellas says: Alright, let's find him!
(12:28:34) Trathur shouts: LURO!? ARE YA HERE!?
The searchers split up and their efforts soon attracted the attention of some of the locals, Famiel included.
(12:34:13) Famiel says: maybe you need more people to help you look?
(12:34:30) Famiel says: i can offer some asisstance if you like?
(12:34:33) Giroum looks about
(12:34:43) Giroum says: Well, if you would like to assist us, it would be much appreciated.

Soon the group reunited, bearing the fruits of their search…a skull and three lumps of pale-skinned rotten meat that they had found in one of the warehouses.
(12:36:43) Giroum says: Did you find Luro?
(12:36:58) Giroum looks down at the rotten meat with a look of repulsion
(12:37:04) Giroum says: What...?
(12:37:06) Trogdar looks at the meat and frowns.
(12:37:12) Famiel smiles "hi, Trogdar"
(12:37:15) >Mellas Fenixxes dropped a Rotten Meat.
(12:37:16) >Trogdar greets Famiel Massterr.
(12:37:18) Giroum spots the skull
(12:37:22) Trathur says: o cool
(12:37:34) Giroum rounds on Trathur angrily
The nolthrir`s behaviour throughout their journey had grated on the lemur`s nerves, the questions about his wand, the impatience…
(12:37:41) Giroum shouts: Cool??!!
(12:37:43) Trathur says: sorry
(12:37:46) Trathur says: weel
(12:37:51) Trathur says: i thought it was food
(12:38:03) Famiel says: a skull?
(12:38:10) Trathur says: thats barely enough to fill me
(12:38:13) Giroum stares angrily at Trathur before looking back to the skull
(12:38:55) Jinsyn wrinkles his nose at the sight of the meat.
(12:42:21) Trogdar says: In the warehouse area.
(12:42:55) Giroum examines the skull carefully, tears in his eyes
(12:43:04) Famiel says: I`m sorry
(12:43:05) >Giroum Duphra takes a seat.
(12:43:13) Giroum says: I sent him here.
(12:43:21) Trogdar lowers his head.
(12:43:23) Jinsyn frowns and shakes his head.
(12:43:26) Mellas places her hands over her mouth. 'Is it... really?'
(12:43:32) Famiel "he is dead now?"
(12:43:39) Selona says: long dead
(12:43:49) Jonoth looks at Giroum "Do not blame yourself tabei."
(12:43:53) Giroum says: If this is his skull....Dakkru did not take him.
(12:44:02) Mellas lowers her gaze to the floor, clasping her hands together. 'I'm so sorry.'
(12:44:15) Giroum looks reluctantly at the meat...white xacha skin visible on it
(12:44:21) Giroum says: Who would do such a thing?
(12:45:01) Mellas shakes her head with disbelief. 'I can't believe he's...'
(12:45:10) Selona says: An onyx dagger would.
(12:45:41) Famiel says: "He`s in a better place now"
(12:45:49) Giroum carefully collects the meat and puts it with the skull in a bag

They then turned to the problem of who had murdered Luro and why. A slit throat and empty pockets was more the style of the common Oja-thug…rather than hacking up the body and, it appeared, feeding it to the rats. There had to be a link to the kidnappings and the murders. Perhaps even Rigwyn, after being released from prison, could have relocated to Ojaveda?

(12:50:33) Trathur says: he'd be 2 cities over by now.
(12:50:37) Trathur says: the meat is rotting.
(12:51:18) Jinsyn is at a loss for words, so on impulse he pulls a flower from his pack and hands it to Giroum.
(12:51:29) Selona says: I am sorry for your loss.
(12:51:31) Giroum frowns and repeats Trathur`s words "He could be two cities over"...."We were lured here?"
(12:52:04) Mellas frowns. 'Lured here? So he can...!'
(12:52:22) Giroum says: What, Mellas?
(12:52:43) Mellas says: ...continue with his plans in other cities, such as where you sent us to?'
(12:52:43) Jinsyn says: "Lured by whom?"
(12:52:46) Jonoth mutters to himself "Fine time to stop carrying blades"
(12:53:17) Mellas looks from Trogdar to Giroum.
(12:53:21) Giroum says: To Gugrontid? That would take them back through Hydlaa, no?
(12:53:31) Mellas nods. 'Aye.'
(12:54:05) Jinsyn narrows his eyes. "Unless they had people in hiding waiting for news of our departure?"
(12:54:28) Giroum says: Then we should hurry back to Hydlaa!

…and so they set out back for Hydlaa. But would they return in time?

[Tadano Hitoshi]

Part Nine - A Priest Falls

Now, now. I want you safe, Alce. Go to the archives and keep Ingcha company. Giroum`s words echoed in her mind as Alce`s footfalls echoed though the dungeons beneath the Laanx temple. In fact the passages and staircases lead all the way to the Windowless Tower: her destination...and the most likely location to find Ingcha Indarica: the keeper of the Devotees` Archives.
Little did she know she was being followed...

(20:16:24) Rigwyn peers around the corner noticing Alce and an unfamiliar woman
(20:16:37) >Ingcha Indarica greets Alce Martlet.
(20:16:53) Ingcha says: Alce! It`s been a while. To what do I owe the pleasure?
(20:17:03) Alce bows her head to Ingcha
(20:17:29) Alce says: Giroum sent me. He is on his way to Ojaveda...Luro has gone missing it seems.
(20:18:40) Ingcha says: Luro? I pray he is well.
(20:19:02) Alce nods, "Giroum thought it best I remain here with you and the archives."
(20:19:42) Ingcha nods, looking from Alce to the cupboard of artefacts and back to the young trainee dwarf priest
(20:19:49) Ingcha says: I appreciate your presence.
(20:19:59) Ingcha says: Come with me a moment.
(20:20:07) Ingcha leads Alce to the cupboard
(20:21:30) Rigwyn watches and listens carefully. He cannot help but make a facial tick at the sound of Alce's voice. The little stump... Rage sets in and rigwyn darts into the room with swords drawn.
(20:21:48) Alce gives a cry of alarm
(20:22:11) Ingcha spins around to regard the diaboli intruder
(20:22:14) Ingcha says: Who goes there?!
(20:22:23) Rigwyn darts for the dwarf and attempst to kick her in the face
(20:22:34) Alce fumbles to draw a pair of hammers but drops them as the kick connects

The xacha woman, Ingcha, gathered up her flowing jade skirts and with the doorway blocked by the diaboli, she raced toward the ladder and began to climb the tower, Alce following as fast as her short legs could carry her.

(21:24:24) Alce scrabbles up the ladder, not daring to look over her shoulder
(21:24:53) Rigwyn attempts to grab Alce but misses. He then chases her up the ladder
(21:27:22) Alce carefully moved across the open stairs...balancing speed and safety
(21:29:20) Rigwyn continues to run up the narrow spiral stairway breathing heavily
(21:30:21) Alce races up the rope bridge, causing it to swing
(21:30:42) Alce grabs for the ladder and races up it
(21:31:13) Rigwyn trips from the motion but then gets up again. Angered he continues the chase.
Ingcha`s crimson hair whipped about as she came out onto the top of the Windowless Tower, the Iron Temple off to one side and the city of Hydlaa spread out below. She quickly drew the small dagger she kept strapped to her calf and backed toward the central hole to watch the others` ascent.
(21:32:47) Ingcha drops down as soon as she sees the diaboli emerge onto the top of the tower after Alce, trying to land on the rope bridge and race down it...
but unfortunately, after Alce and the diaboli had raced across it, the bridge was swaying back and forth so much that as soon as her feet touched it, she found herself pitched over the edge, falling. She held her packaged close to her, the one thing Giroum had told her to guard above all else, and waited for Dakkru to take her...

Meanwhile, atop the tower...
(21:33:27) Alce back toward the edge, panicked
(21:33:31) Alce says: Who...who are you??
(21:33:54) Rigwyn races towards Ingcha drawing a sword "If want to live then call your friend back !"
(21:34:13) Alce swallows but defiantly shakes her head
(21:34:33) Rigwyn says: "I mean no harm I need to talk about religious matters. I.. I need help"
(21:35:06) Alce pants after the race
(21:35:53) Alce shakes her head again, "I don`t believe you. You don`t need that sword to *talk*!
(21:36:04) Rigwyn says: "My life is a complete mess. I've dug my myself in over my head. I just want it to stop."
(21:36:08) Rigwyn drops the sword
(21:36:25) Alce watches Rigwyn with suspicion
(21:36:29) Alce says: Who are you? Answer me!
(21:36:52) Rigwyn says: "Pleas come away from the edge. I dont want to be responsible for any more lives"
(21:37:13) Rigwyn says: "I am Rigwyn. Rigwyn Setson"
(21:37:17) Alce takes one step away from the edge
(21:37:26) Rigwyn says: And I wish to conver to Laanx.
(21:37:41) Alce says: Rigwyn. Why did you chase us?
(21:38:38) Rigwyn says: Nobody would listen to me. I've tarnished my reputation beyone belief.
(21:39:15) Alce frowns but steps closer, "I`m no priest...not yet...but tell me what you`ve done."
(21:39:25) Alce says: Laanx doesn`t forgive easily...but she does."
(21:40:42) Rigwyn steps back alittle giving Alce more room "I've murdered, robbed, and even persecuted others for their faith. Im .. Im in big trouble"
(21:41:25) Rigwyn says: "What god would ever forgive me ? None. But perhaps I could begin to lessen some of the wrongs I've committed"
(21:41:35) Alce cannot hide the look of shock from her face but nods
(21:41:49) Alce says: Yes...you, you must repent. Remove the stain.
(21:42:10) Rigwyn says: Can it be removed ?
(21:42:37) Alce says: If you are committed. If you have faith, yes.
(21:43:19) Rigwyn says: How would I even begin ?
(21:43:36) Rigwyn says: Repent ? How ?
(21:43:38) Alce thinks, trying to remember her lessons under Giroum
(21:44:17) Alce says: Make good on the promises you broke....heal the wounds you caused...devote yourself to your faith.
(21:44:49) Rigwyn says: That would take quite some time.
(21:45:03) Rigwyn says: Isnt there a faster way ? A spell or something ?
(21:45:10) Alce smiles, "You don`t look too old to start, Rigwyn."
(21:45:48) Alce says: And I know of no spell. There are no shortcuts in penance.
(21:46:39) Rigwyn sighs "I've broken so much In my short lifetime. Is it even worth it at this point ? Perhaps I should just end it all. I would be doing the world a favor"
(21:47:32) Alce shakes her head defiantly, "No. That is the coward`s way out. Give your life a new purpose. Find something to believe in, and do all you can for it. Leave your old life behind if need be."
(21:47:47) Rigwyn walks to the edge and looks down
(21:48:09) Alce follows Rigwyn to the edge
(21:48:10) Rigwyn says: Justice. This I fear is what I deserve.
(21:48:23) Alce says: There is no escaping it.
(21:48:30) Alce frowns again
(21:48:59) Alce begins to recite
(21:49:26) Alce says: I shatter darkness....like a hammer of the gods...and chaos runs at all my words...
(21:49:31) Rigwyn says: Who am I to try and reverse my deeds. Is it fair to others that I be forgiven ?
(21:49:37) Alce looks to Rigwyn at his question
(21:50:02) Alce says: If you are repentant, then you must seek to reverse your deeds. Or forever be damned to the path you have chosen.
(21:50:43) Rigwyn says: Justice would have me damned would it not ? It seems forgivness would be unfair to those I've harmed"
(21:51:46) Alce says: If you prove you can now do more good than you did harm...perhaps then? I must admit forgiveness is more the territory of the priesthood of Talad.
(21:52:14) Alce says: If you truly want it though, via Laanx you can find salvation.
(21:52:26) Rigwyn makes a face as if he's about to cry and then looks downward.
(21:53:00) Alce reaches up to pat Rigwyn on the shoulder comfortingly
(21:53:16) Rigwyn attempts to grab Alce by the throat.
(21:53:49) Alce splutters as the diaboli`s hand closes round her throat and her legs kick wildly
(21:54:04) Alce says: Urk! Oc!
(21:54:11) Rigwyn shouts: "Pray to talad that I be forgiven !"
(21:54:31) Alce's eyes bulge and she looks pleadingly at Rigwyn
(21:54:57) Rigwyn looks into Alce's eyes furiously "Pray to Talad for me Dammit !'
(21:55:17) Alce struggles to shake her head in his grip
(21:55:38) Rigwyn says: Pray to Talad ! I need his forgiveness!
(21:55:44) Rigwyn says: Do it or I'll throw you !
(21:56:10) Alce shakes her head once more and closes her eyes
(21:56:41) Rigwyn says: "Dammit you rotten stump ! I want talad to Forgive me ! Why cant you do it !"
(21:56:44) >Rigwyn Setson picked up a Stained Longsword
(21:57:17) Alce splutters and coughs, "I wo- I worship o-only Laanx!"

(21:57:45) Rigwyn says: "Talad ! Please I beg you ! Pray to Talad for me ! just once !'
(21:58:03) Alce opens her eyes again, pleading, "I cannot!"
(21:58:42) Rigwyn says: "You must ! Just once ! Please miss please !"
(21:59:08) Alce's eyes bulge and she can hardly struggle any more...but she nods weakly
(22:00:00) Alce's voice comes out in a croak, "Talad...I be-beseech you...t-to forgive thi- this diaboli hi-his crimes."
(22:00:29) Rigwyn says: "And now just tell he he's nice please ? I want him to listen"
(22:00:38) Rigwyn says: "Tell him he's good'
(22:01:55) Alce looks at Rigwyn in abject fear, her voice strained, "Why? Who a-are y-ou? Wh-who do you ser-serve?"
(22:02:26) Rigwyn says: "Please I need your help ! I know the gods will listen to you ! Please ! Just this once"
(22:04:14) Alce closes her eyes, her voice now little more than a weak whisper, "Talad...please forgive Rigwyn. I beseech you in all your kindness, to forgive him."
(22:04:53) Rigwyn shakes Alce hard "You need to worship him.. Please .. Talad would never listen to me. "
(22:05:14) Rigwyn says: "I promise I'll let you go. I just need to know that I have a chance at being forgiven"
(22:05:38) Vilthis shouts: Master Duphra
(22:06:05) Alce closes her eyes, "Please, I beg of you Talad, I praise your kindness and compassion, your patience."
(22:07:07) Rigwyn shouts: "Betrayer of the gods ! Harlet ! You will die for your crime !"
(22:07:35) Alce gags, barely able to breath, eyes wide in shock
(22:07:39) Rigwyn attempts to throw Alce off the tower.
(22:07:45) Alce begins to weep
(22:08:34) Alce is thrown from atop the Windowless Tower and plummets to her death.


At the same time at the bottom of the tower, in the street, Giroum is talking with the guard Bevon when he hears a strange cry from atop the tower, and is soon joined by the young mage Vilthis...
(21:41:01) [NPC] Giroum says: Hello sir
(21:41:02) [NPC] Bevon Damerr says: Howdy, Lemur.
(21:54:11) Rigwyn shouts: "Pray to talad that I be forgiven !"
(21:54:59) Giroum turns to look up at the tower when he hears the shout
(22:05:38) Vilthis shouts: Master Duphra
(22:05:57) Vilthis says: What brings you out of the temple today?
(22:06:12) >Giroum Duphra greets Vilthis Trayus.
(22:06:17) >Vilthis Trayus greets Giroum Duphra.
(22:06:20) Giroum looks somewhat distressed
(22:06:34) Vilthis expresses a look of concern
(22:06:42) Giroum says: I...I was just here to talk with Bevon...but I heard a shout from atop the Windowless Tower.
(22:07:00) Vilthis looks up inquisitively
(22:07:04) Giroum points to the top of the tower with his staff
(22:07:07) Rigwyn shouts: "Betrayer of the gods ! Harlet ! You will die for your crime !"
(22:07:14) Giroum says: My word!

(22:07:56) Vilthis attempts to remain calm to diffuse the tense situation
The two strained, craning their necks back to see two figures, silhouetted by the Azure Sun, stood on the top of the tower at the very edge. One then fell. At first it seemed like an illusion as the dark form fell to the ground...

...only once it had hit could they make out the robes it wore, so similar to Giroum`s own, and the lush red locks of hair, instantly recognisable to Giroum...
(22:08:57) Giroum shouts: Nooooooooo!!!

(22:10:17) Giroum crouches by the body of his fallen pupil, tears falling freely from his face
(22:10:59) Giroum looks to the top of the tower but sees no one
(22:11:21) Vilthis says: Perhaps i should give a chase master.
(22:11:59) Giroum looks lost, his attention on Alce`s smashed body, but he nods numbly
(22:12:48) Vilthis expresses sympathy by patting the aged master's back before chasing after the suspect

Lifting the body of his pupil and closest companion he felt nothing, just hollowness. Slowly, her body an immense burden for the old priest, he carried her broken form back to the temple and laid her to rest in the upper room...only to be joined by Mellas.
(22:20:18) Giroum knees before the magical braziers, lying Alce`s body between them
(22:21:26) Giroum looks up slowly at Mellas` entrance
(22:21:47) Giroum looks back to the body of his student
(22:21:50) Mellas runs into the room, searching for Giroum. She stops when she catches sight of Alce's dead body. '
(22:22:12) Giroum's voice cracks as he speaks, "She is gone."
(22:22:44) Mellas kneels beside Giroum silently, placing a hand on his shoulder as she watches the dwarven girl. 'I'm so sorry.'
(22:23:13) Giroum lowers his head
(22:23:27) Giroum says: First Luro...now Alce.
(22:23:51) Mellas bites her lip, following his example. 'She was pushed off the tower..' she whispers. 'A cloaked man, I saw them, I - I'm so sorry.'
(22:24:27) Giroum looks up and turns to face Mellas quickly
(22:24:34) Giroum says: What?!
(22:25:30) Mellas swallows, keeping her head down. 'I though the man wanted to repent. He spoke to her of murders he had done, and how he wanted to better himself.'
(22:26:00) Giroum cannot speak, he just listens, his breath quick
(22:26:51) Mellas fidgets with the flowers around her neck. 'I thought she was safe, I couldn't hear anything after the tall man mentioned that he should make an end to his own life.'
(22:27:21) Mellas sighs, realizing she's babbling.
(22:28:04) Giroum can only shake his head in confusion
(22:30:00) Mellas crosses her legs underneath her, innerly cursing herself for not having helped Alce when she still could.
(22:30:04) Giroum then looks up again with an expression of concern
(22:30:07) Giroum says: Vilthis!
(22:30:32) Giroum says: Vilthis...a xacha mage...he saw her fall too...he raced off through the dungeons.
(22:31:04) Mellas frowns. 'Vilthis? I didn't see him.
(22:31:38) Giroum says: No? Then perhaps he is safe...what happened to the cloak man...
(22:31:47) Giroum looks to Alce`s smashed form
(22:31:52) Giroum says: Her murderer.
(22:32:46) Mellas gulps, following Giroum's gaze to Alce before returning to stare at the floor. 'The same..' she murmurs. 'He fell off the stairs on his way down after he spotted me.'
(22:33:22) Giroum frowns, "He died? Did you see his body? Or did Dakkru take him to her Realm?"
(22:35:20) Mellas whispers. 'His body disappeared before my eyes.'
(22:36:04) Giroum grits his teeth and thumps the ground in rage
(22:36:12) Giroum shouts: Aaaaaarrrggh!!!
(22:37:09) Mellas flinches at the shout, but remains silent.
(22:37:32) Giroum says: Luro...Alce, I sent them both to their deaths, Laanx forgive me.
(22:37:42) Giroum paces angrily
(22:38:06) Mellas shakes her head at Giroum's words. 'It wasn't your fault!'
(22:39:01) Mellas gets up as well, looking at Giroum with concern. 'It's the fault of the one who decided to do such a monstrous thing as murder to begin with.'
(22:39:06) Giroum says: I thought she was safe here...Luro, he was a warrior...but even he wasn`t strong enough....but Alce, poor girl....I wanted to keep her safe...I promised her grandfather.
(22:39:38) Giroum looks to Mellas with anger in his eyes, "Yes. Yes. And those responsible will pay. They will pay dearly."
(22:40:01) Mellas says: I'll miss her so, she was a darling girl. We can only hope her soul has travelled to a better place.
(22:40:31) Giroum returns his gaze to Alce, his anger abating somewhat and he nods
(22:40:43) Giroum says: She is with Laanx now.
(22:42:27) Mellas nods, glancing between the two Laanx followers uncertainly. 'Would you like me to leave you two be?'
(22:43:18) Giroum nods slowly, "I must prepare her for the Howling Well."
(22:43:34) Giroum looks back to Mellas, "Thank you, Mellas. Truly."
(22:44:28) Mellas inclines her head to Giroum, glancing at Alce one last time before she heads out of the magical room. 'No thanks needed, I wsh I could only do more. Take care of yourself. Giroum.'
(22:44:34) Giroum gathers up the body of the young dwarf and begins to prepare her.



Ingcha opened her eyes slowly. Her entire body ached, the memory of the ropes and steps she had tumbled and bounced off as raw as the bruises that crisscrossed her alabaster skin. She looked around, immediately recognising the dark and dank passages of the Death Realm...the hewn stone steps leading upward from the tiny chamber. Her dagger clutched tight in one hand, she checked the wrapped package in her other arm: the contents were still there and undamaged. Wincing with the pain of her injuries, she trudged off through Dakkru`s realm...