Convergence (Chap IV) — Legacy Forums

Re: Convergence (Chap IV)

#241

"Tagma Drakontis," Aerex repeatedly slowly, tasting the words in his mouth. Oddly, the encounter with this woman seemed planned, expected on both their parts. Like it was supposed to happen this way. "I've heard of you. The dragon-worshipping cult." He looked her in the eye, a strange gaze. "And what would a dragon cultist want with a Jantiri inspector?"

Re: Convergence (Chap IV)

#242

Talia was too preoccupied to do more than politely turn the sailor down, even if he hadn't been too alcohol-soaked for her tastes. The only person who could give her any substantial information, it seemed, was the Harbormaster, but it was probably going to be hard to arrange a meeting with the man. Probably the best chance she'd have would be at this Regatta, but how she was going to manage to ask him such a question... That rumor, about the Harbormaster traveling with gypsies in his younger days, that seemed to lend weight to an idea so ridiculous she didn't even know why she was entertaining it, but she couldn't put it out of her mind. It was impossible. Focus on finding a way to meet with him, two minutes of his time wasn't so much to ask.

She sighed, and decided she would wait for Aerex to return. He could help her.

Re: Convergence (Chap IV)

#243

Taran listened to the conversations quietly, not wanting or willing to interject.
I seem to have caused enough trouble...better to remain silent and be thought a fool, Reithe used to say...

Something weighed heavily on his mind now. It seemed that, along with everything else that had gone awry in recent days, the group seemed to be going their separate ways. Although normally this would be easily remedied he was still at odds with himself.

Voro was sticking up for him...again. A good man, that one is.
The cleric, Adan, was saying something about being someone of importance. At least that is what Taran understood. Better slow down my drinking...
As his somewhat diluted memory served him, this was the man who saved him from dying in a puddle of mud. Perhaps next time my aim should be better...
His remaining egg hung in the satchel by his side. Damn thing was more trouble than he thought. But then again, he had a bad habit of finding trouble...or trouble finding him.

For a moment his mind wandered back to old friends... Reithe, Jal, Ginnamen, and his beloved Tander. His heart sank. He had lost so much, and now was lost himself...

He knew he had to make a decision, and soon. One path or the other, it was a simple as that. But he had no idea which to choose. Perhaps biding my time will prove useful on this occasion...

He returned to his drink, a look of sorrow plainly on his face. He finished his drink, lifted up his yarting and began to play...

"You soon will be out facing danger and strife,
You soon will be fighting and risking your life.
I know there is use for my saber and knife;
Alas, I will not be along.
We all have my limits, and I'm nearing mine;
And so, with your pardon, I'll have to decline,
For I've an appointment with women and wine,
And gaming and music and song.
It's been far too long since I've gambled and drank,
Too long in that dungeon, disgusting and dank,
Too long amidst refuse, repulsive and rank,
Too long without love and romance.
Before I embark on some hazardous quest,
Before once again I am put to the test,
If I don't take time to recover and rest,
My sanity hasn't a chance.
It's not that your company isn't a thrill,
I'm truly impressed with your courage and skill,
And happy to journey beside you; but still,
I need to be free for a time.
When we meet again, we'll have stories to share,
So 'Vaya Con Dios'; good luck, and take care.
May travel be pleasant, and fortune be fair,
And may you find meter and rhyme..."

Re: Convergence (Chap IV)

#244

Vorodon listened to the various conversations, but honestly found them a bit confusing. His friends seemed intent on their own troubles, withdrawn into inner realms of pain and loss.

Aerax had seemed down since he returned from his mysterious rendezvous. The little man had tried to conceal his inner sadness, but the hill warrior couldn't be fooled. The way that the Insector's knuckles flashed white around his tankard's handle, the way that he avoided eye contact with strangers: All spoke of something wrong.

Talia seemed similarly ill-at-ease. The bladedancer hid it better, but there was something behind her expressive eyes… something she wanted and yet feared.

Finally, he could stand it no more. Standing up and banging his head against the room’s low beams, he declared, “Come for with Vorodon! Vorodon find hellos and goodbyes for with friends! Then all friends go kill liar monsters in North!”

Re: Convergence (Chap IV)

#245

(OOC: Mr. GM! Can Convergence get some lovin'? :cry: The conversation between Aerex and Draziel is getting awkward after weeks of staring.)

Re: Convergence (Chap IV)

#246

(OOC: Aye! I honestly thought folks were losing interest or taking a break. With the weekend coming, I'll definitely post! Me'promises, precious!! Thanks for the revival, Wulf! :up:)

Re: Convergence (Chap IV)

#247

Crossroads

Some time later, Aerex found himself sitting across from the mysterious woman and sipping watered-down wine as she spoke. Occasionally, Draziel would pause and study Aerex’ face, while the inspector would ask a question or two of the cultist. Then Draziel would continue, and Aerex would proceed to listen, until finally, Draziel rose unceremoniously and bid him good eve, and turned to go, pausing only to say, “Vermillion Wind. That is the ship’s name, son of Dammael.”

Aerex sat lost in thought for several minutes then rose to leave as well, making his way back to the inn where his companions cavorted. It was early morning now. Aerex’ nightly wanderings and unexpected meetings had lasted the night.

As he neared the inn, he could see Vorodon was grinning widely, patting both Kyrian and Adan on their shoulders, as the trio stood outside. Kyrian was filling the half-ogre in as best he could on the complexities of the accepted task. Adan, as per usual, brooded, wiping some stain of seagull droppings, from his forearm.

Tristan stepped boldly forward from the inn, and greeted the others. For a moment, he shared some words with Adan, then proceeded on foot toward the Temple District, where thousands of priests, monks, and prophets would gather one last time inside the great amphitheater, and debate dogma and creed, as well as the very nature of divinity itself. Tristan had earlier secured a seat at this rare and prestigious event and was now planning what he would say when his turn came to speak. It was the last day of the Great Symposium.

Taran, meanwhile, mysterious as ever, nodded quick good mornings in the direction of the gathered companions and strode off in his own direction, heading to docks once more. Though the man seemingly agreed to accompany Adan and Kyrian north, he insisted he had some quick business to take care of first, and further insisted that they not wait for him, and that he would catch up to them outside of the city soon.

Tristan had agreed to catch up with the knight and priest as well, at a predetermined location less than a half day out of town, near Syree’s Well, a tiny suburban hamlet on the outskirts of Jantir. Formerly, lands belonging to the Hellschwert’s, Syree’s Well was now a no-man’s land, neither part of the city truly, nor fully independant, nor noble’s land. At Syree’s Wall would Adan and Kyrian await the Triguan priest and Taran.

Aerex nodded, exhausted, as he came upon the group.

The streets of Jantir were beginning to buzz with early morning activity. Talk of the symposium, the zoo and the Regatta dominated conversation on the city streets, as it had for many days now.

The morning light hit Talia’s features just so, as she emerged from the inn, now, catching Aerex’ attention. Gods, she was beautiful he thought for the hundredth time, and suddenly imagined her standing next to him, co-Dynast, atop the Eagle’s Aerie, Jantir’s tallest tower, looking out upon the sapphire waters of the Great Bay. The unbidden mental image fled his mind as quickly as it had materialized.

Someone shouted, “Fried eels for sale!”

Re: Convergence (Chap IV)

#248

Laconic, perhaps, and lost in thought, but there was something new about the warrior who wore the tarnished holy sigil, as he did his best to explain the labrynthine relationship between the Hellschwert and their ancient rivals, doing his best to impress the need for evidence and trial over simply killing the root of the problem. "Even the most vile of political schemes, you see, cannot bear the light of the sun, and melt onces revealed in daylight."

It was time, Adan had decided. Time to set aside the pity he had held himself in, and to do his duty to his family and his God, and with that decision, a hint of the iron will that once drove him had returned. There was a thing more important than himself once more.

Re: Convergence (Chap IV)

#249

Flashback, Part I (earlier that night)

“…That which you desire most”

“Oh? And what, pray tell, do you people think I desire most?”

“Jantir”

“Come again?”

Instead, Draziel just smiled without mirth.

“Jantir and Talia”

Now it was Aerex turn to say nothing. He started to speak, but stopped himself. Draziel went on.

“Four there were. Three have proved uncooperative or are now dead. You are the last, what say ye?”

“How were these four selected?”

“The Prophecy of—-I have already told you, Son of Damiel”

“Yes, but—“

Aerex and Draziel both paused again as a bar-wench brought more wine.

Re: Convergence (Chap IV)

#250

Flashback, Part II

Aerex rubbed his sleep-deprived eyes. It was technically morning now, the sun just below the horizon. He was tired, exhausted from this woman's talk. It all sounded insane, yet purposeful. He opened his eyes, blinking away the blurry darkness. The weird visage of the woman returned to his sight. He scowled. "I don't like you looking at me like that," he scolded. Normally, he wouldn't speak so brusquely to practical strangers, but he felt an odd sort of familiarity after their long conversation and lack of rest.

Her head tilted. "Forgive me. It is still a shock for me to see with my own eyes the fourth one of the Prophesy."

"Whatever you say I am, staring at me like some I'm heroic idol won't get you far," he said sharply. "By the Dynast, is this how people will look at me if what you say is true?"

She smiled. "'By the Dynast' indeed, Aerex Matare. It is true, and yes, you will have followers. That is the nature of monarchy."

Aerex shook his head in disbelief again, as he had a thousand times before that night. "This is like a bad dream. You offer me immense power, all I desire. But what is the cost?"

"All we ask, Aerex Matare," she said, bringing her cup of wine to her lips, "is that you do as we ask. We will guide you as you need, and our needs will be met as well."

He leaned back. "So my 'destiny' is to be the pawn of your order?"

She drank deeply of the wine, slowly bringing the cup down. She swallowed audibly. "We are all of us pawns, if that's the word you wish to use," she said measuredly. "Who is not under the influence of another? No man is an island. We will guide you, yes, perhaps even shape your reign. That is what you seem to be failing to grasp: your reign."

The thought hadn't missed Matare's grasp; indeed, it struck him hardest. If he were Dynast, the corruption would cease in Jantir. The old order would be swept away, reforms would be made, the poor would get their share of justice, peace would be returned to the troubled Empire. That still, small voice struck him again: "But at what cost?"

He sighed. "I'm not committing to anything here," he said. "Anything at all. But, if I were to... to answer this prophesy of yours, what would I do next?"

Draziel leaned forward. "Do you know of the Regatta?"

Aerex blinked. "What, the yacht race? What about it?"

"There is a vessel entering that tournament, the Vermillion. On it you must serve and run in the race."

"Wait, to become Dynast, I have to go ride a boat in some closed nobility race?" He sighed, almost groaned. "What's the sense in that, huh? Ain't there somethin' more important than this?"

The monk shook her head. "This world we live in, Son of Damiel, is a strange place indeed, were strange things occur. The smallest deed can have the greatest impact on the other side of the world. Things we do not think ever intersect are in fact interwoven into our destinies. The great dragon Dyraln'glaam once said - "

Aerex waved his hand defeatedly and dismissively. "No! No, no, no. Enough with dragons." He gulped his drink and slammed the glass down. "This's gone on long enough. I'm going home." He stood, grabbing his cloak and preparing to leave.

Draziel was standing before he even rose from his seat. "Will you let us serve you, Aerex Matare? Will you succeed the Prophesy?" Her voice bordered on fervency.

Aerex sighed. "Like I said, I'm not committing to anything. This still sounds crazy as hell." The ranger pulled his hat over his head. "I need to go back and think. Sort all of... this out.

She inhaled sharply. "Very well. I should have known that this would not be easy, nor quick. We will be watching you, Son of Damiel."

"Right." With barely a nod, Aerex marched swiftly out of the bar door. His head swam with cheap wine and deep thought.

Re: Convergence (Chap IV)

#251

As Adan explained, so did Kyrian listen, to the convoluted path that the relationship between the Hellschwerts and von Hellens took; the road to hatred was paved with the usual cobblestones. Once, the two families were related, but drop upon drop the cup of dissension filled, until no two were farther apart in the Realm: a badly phrased request there, a misunderstood compliment here, a son accidentally killed in a tournament or during a hunt, brazen youngsters duelling to the death over a maiden whose heart belonged to neither - such events go a long way to create long-lasting rifts between people. After accidental slights, those commited with an intent followed, vengeance for vengeance, two eyes for an eye, until there accumulated reason enough to commit anything.

The latest plot seemed particularly vile though. Kyrian laid his arm around Adan's shoulder, and spoke to him: "I am at your side in this matter, yet, keep in mind: we do not do this so that bards sing about us, though it is welcome; even justice takes second seat to protecting those you love; even the greatest victory tastes fallow when the one whom you want to witness it the most lies dead."

After taking a gulp from his mug, he patted Adan once more, and added: "Forgive me my interjection. Please, speak on."

Re: Convergence (Chap IV)

#252

North, Seven Hours Later

The two figures slowed as they noticed the huge well which Syree's Well was aptly named for. Adan took in his surroundings, as memories came rushing back.

Syree's Well was a community of less than a few hundred people. Hundreds of years ago, these were prime Hellschwert lands. The Empire however, had claimed this land as their own from the Hellschwerts, and for a while, Syree's Well was simply considered a suburb of Jantir. Nowadays it was merely a non-descript village along the Great City's periphery, one of many, the village's only claim to fame being the massive stone well standing in its center. Ironically, the well was dry and no longer in use.

Adan thought back to the time when he had visited this town with his uncle Thuerbold, in order to stamp out some mercenary band which had tethered itself in Syree's Well, and lived high on the hog, taking advantage of the poorly governed back-water, by annointing themselves, "Syree's Protectors". Blood few that day, but none of it came from Adan's or Thuerbold's veins.

Adan was lost in thought. Fond memories getting interrupted by foul ones was nothing new to him, but just then he was tapped on the shoulder by Kyrian, who had lept off Herald, and was now walking alongside his prized mount.

Adan turned, and as he did, Kyrian pointed to an inn door, the very same one, that the half-elven mage Halnoli had mentioned back in Jantir. If Adan remembered correctly, Halnoli had asked Kyrian to look in on the innkeeper, who supposedly was having some trouble with some druids and something called [Beast-Weed].

Kyrian meanwhile, was thinking this would be as good a place as any to inquire about his missing charge, she who was supposedly somewhere in this area. At least if Halnoli's mysterious crystal-ball gazing could be believed.

It was early evening now. The two men had traveled briskly and were now tired and hungry. They planned on spending the night here, and await Tristan and Vorodon's arrival on the morrow.

Re: Convergence (Chap IV)

#253

Aerex wearily rubbed his eyes. "Sorry I'm late," he managed with a sigh. Looking at Talia raised his spirits enough. "I think I know how we can get to the Harbormaster," he said to her promptly. "You said his wedding is right after the Regatta, right? Well, barring a sudden befriending and invitation to his nuptials, seems like the only way to get to him is to enter the Regatta. I know - well, used to know at least - a few people down at the docks that owe me favors. I may be able to pull the right strings and get us in a crew." With any luck, on the Vermillion Wind, he thought to himself. There was no need to rush into the whole sequence of the previous night just yet; there would be plenty of time to discuss weird tales of bald women and dragon prophecies later. "I know it sounds like a long shot, but it seems our best bet." Matare coaxed a smile onto his face. "What do you say?"

Re: Convergence (Chap IV)

#254

Talia considered. She had never been on the sea; had barely been on a river. But it seemed to be the only way to meet this Harbormaster, who was likely to have information she wanted. "That seems like a reasonable plan. I can't think of any other way to meet the man." She smiled at Aerex. "So if your friends agree, I hope they don't mind having someone aboard who's never sailed before." It would be a new experience, anyway. She might even enjoy it.

Re: Convergence (Chap IV)

#255

Jolted from the train of memories, which had, by then, reached a fond memory of being scolded by his twin over running off to play 'Knights and bandits' with his uncle, a bit of remembered happiness glinting in his eyes, though not about his lips, Adan's head snapped around for a moment, to follow the gesture. "Ach. The everstern mistress, duty, takes up her whip, does she? Let us be about it, then, and pray her task is light. Lead on, Kyrian."

A mere fast and vigil, the fallen knight could bear on will alone for days, but the dust and mud of the road would need removed as soon as possible. It left him uncomfortable, strangely.

Re: Convergence (Chap IV)

#256

Re: Convergence (Chap IV)

#257

The VermillionWind

Later that morning Aerex, Talia, made their way back to the docks, and began to walk along the pier once more, as they had the previous day, though now their quarry differed. Vorodon was finishing his breakfast, and hurried after teh pair several minutes later, catching up with them, by the time the smell of the sea assailed the trio's noses.

After speaking to several dockhands, a fishmonger, and a one-armed sailor, they at last found the dockyard, where the sailing ships which were slated to participate in the great race were stabled, like prize-winning stallions, each enclosed inside a private boathouse, arrayed over a half-mile of coastline, below the actual docks.

After another hour, they at last found the ship, The Vermillion Wind, perhaps as expected, just now getting a fresh coat of vermillion paint, by a busy-looking squad of hired workers.

[http://users.triera.net/poldolfi/galerija-maket-ladij/nina.jpg]

Approaching the vessel, the thre companions were stopped by some hired guards, It seemed that each ship also had a small security force, to keep prying ears, eyes, and spies, away from the vessel. It all indeed seemed as if a great horse race was going to be held. One on the high seas.

“What is your business with the Vermillion?” a gruff, young man barely out of his teens asked, leaning on his spear, and scratching his hairy chin. The half-ogre in his presence, made the youth somewhat nervous. Vorodon could smell it on him, though to his credit, the young man looked relaxed.

Re: Convergence (Chap IV)

#258

Aerex let a grin grace his face. "By the Dynast, that's some ship, ain't it?" He let his old Jantiri accent and street rat charm wash over him. While it might make him look a foreign fool elsewhere, it bought credit in old Ssembra. "Youse gettin' ready for the race, right? Man, it's a big one this year! My cousin, he put money on this one. Vermillion Wind, right? He says there ain't no betta ship in the Regatta, so I says I'd better go check it out. I'll tell ya, I think he's right." Aerex leaned back, whistling at the masted vessel. He crossed his arms and shook his head as though in disbelief. "Some ship alright. Hope your crew can handle 'er. Some of the yachties around here don't know their mizzen from their jibboom, if y'know what I mean." (Aerex thanked the Guard Academy for the brief but mandatory boat safety course he took as a cadet.) He looked back to the guard and leaned in to just a few inches from his face, the appropriate distance for two Jantiris discussing covert topics. "Y'know, my pal Voro here yusta be quite the sailor. Boy, he could handle them real big ships, too, just as well as the little sloops. He might look awkward here on land, but that's just cuz he's like - well, like a fish outta water!" He snickered aloud before getting a serious look again. "If youse in the market for a crew, me an' him and the gal make quite a team. Maybe you could mention it to the boss, huh? Hate for my cousin to lose that money."

(OOC: Attempting a Bluff on the guard.)

Re: Convergence (Chap IV)

#259

Talia didn't say anything, content to let Aerex do the talking. She contented herself with admiring the ship. It really was fine-looking. Hopefully Aerex could talk them onto it, and hopefully it would do well enough in the Regatta that they'd get close to the Harbormaster. She studied the ship's rigging. If Aerex managed to get them aboard, she'd have to do her best to be useful. It would help if she knew what ropes did what.

Re: Convergence (Chap IV)

#260

"I aint in tha' market for anything, I'm jus' guardin'" the youth replied, looking bored, but after some thought. "So youse the three that were suppose'ta come by to interview with the captain, then? Right. Someone mentioned you'd be comin' by. She's over there" he said, pointing toward the boathouse. "Go in, toward the back there, you'll see 'er. "

It seemed the guards were indeed expecting potential crew mates to interview for positions on board the Vermillion Wind this day.

As the three proceeded toward the boathouse, the guard whispered to Aerex, "Hey. Myself? I'd put money on the Wavetamer. Best boat, best crew. Oh, and if your friend joins the crew of the Vermillion , he might sink 'er! All that weight? nah, he'll slow 'er down. Bad bet, bad bet" he mumbled and smiled.

Inside the boathouse, the sun's rays were replaced by wall lamp sconces. After exchanging some looks with the painters, and the few sailors, who were busy examining the Vermillion's hull and contours, the three companions approached the door of the Captain's temporary office. It was ajar.

Re: Convergence (Chap IV)

#261

Expecting us, huh? Aerex thought morbidly. It was still morning and he already felt manipulated by the Tagma. It was one thing to setup an interview as they - probably the woman Draziel - had already done. But how did they know that there would be three of them there? His divulgence of his allies, and Talia in particular, to Draziel had been extremely limited, Aerex not wanting to drag them down any further than he needed to. Matare felt strung along into the dockside office, like bug wandering lustily into a flycatcher plant.

The ranger took a deep breath then poked his head into the ajar door. "Good morning, Captain. You needed a crew?"

Re: Convergence (Chap IV)

#262

VermillionWind

The Captain barely looked up at the three companions as they entered, only briefly raising her eyes from the table to get a cursory glance.

She was poring over a desk littered with charts, maps, and documents. Beautiful, at first glance, and every glance thereafter, she was still a young woman, who had yet to see forty summers. Her face was permanently bronzed from sun and wind, her eyes emerald-green pools of immeasurable depths. She was dressed humbly, in tanned leathers, and Aerex would never suspect that she captained a sloop, he found himself thinking, had he met this woman under different circumstances. Yet, she had the air of command about her just the same, there was no denying that fact. Willful and full of passion, to be sure.

Talia stared at the woman, confused. Aerex and Vorodon came upon a realization only seconds later. The captain bore a striking resemblance to the Bladedancer. The streaks of silver-white near her temples, contrasting with her otherwise raven locks, only emphasized the point. The two women could have been sisters.

Still scribbling in her journal, the captain spoke, “They did not say anything about ogre-kin. They said three sailors. How much to you weigh in stone?” she addressed Vorodon. Then noticing what the companions already noticed, she looked intently at Talia and after a few seconds smiled. “Well, you’ll certainly do, if I ever need to be seen in two places at the same time. And I’d be lying if I said that might not yet prove useful.” she said, smiled and examined Talia, sizing her up and furrowing her perfect brows in thought.

Just then Aerex realized that it was not the Tagma guiding him, but blind luck, and a good bluff. It seemed the Captain of the Vermillion Wind was indeed expecting three potential crew members this day. Though instead, got three adventurers-upon-return.

Re: Convergence (Chap IV)

#263

Talia stared at the Captain for a few moments. "La plaisanterie d'ancêtres," she muttered to herself. It was slightly surreal. There was a phrase among the gypsies, 'ma soeur secrète', 'my secret sister.' With as much as caravans travelled and intermingled, and as many people liked to enjoy themselves, it wasn't all that rare to come across a previously unknown relation in a different caravan. Had the Captain been another gypsy, Talia would have automatically assumed that to be the case here. It was, she supposed, still possible. It was also possible that they simply looked alike. At any rate, it seemed she was on the right track.

"Yes, sometimes it is useful to be two-fold. I don't mind playing the part, within reason." Talia was also sizing up the other woman. This was one who knew her business, and if she was anyting like herself, not a woman to be crossed lightly. And if she proved to be a hopeless sailor, hopefully doubling for the other woman would be enough of a boon that the other wouldn't mind too much.

(Is she older or younger than Talia?)

Re: Convergence (Chap IV)

#264

"Duty, duty... it's all about 'have to' and 'am obliged'. Adan, the cause why a man stands up for others should not be forced upon him - it's the will to safrifice for others, because it is right, because you like them... When you've been given the strength to help, it would be selfish and foolish not to use it. And it feels good. You need to feel good about something - youself. Now, let's look into this forest matter. Shouldn't be too difficult, either - we will be back before evening."

Easier said it was than done, and Kyrian was not so foolish to believe that a simple speech would remove Adan's gloomy feelings. But, it had to start somewhere.

Re: Convergence (Chap IV)

#265

Aerex looked slightly dumbfounded for a moment. The Captain's likeness to Talia was more than striking, it was disturbing. Given that he had only the night before spoken to a bald female monk who said he was to be the next dynast, Matare would have seriously begun to question his sanity; the fact that he had been traveling with an ogre and a gypsy for the past months gave him some comfort in that he had grown quite fond of insanity.

The ranger recovered and cleared his voice. "I hope, Captain, that you'll find us at least as useful on the water," he said with an air of professionalism. "It would be our pleasure to serve aboard the Vermilion Wind."

Re: Convergence (Chap IV)

#266

Vorodon was filled with pride at his friend's unexpected assurances. While Vorodon hadn't ever been aboard a boat this size, how could he let the Insector down? He had no idea that Aerax had such confidence in his abilities as a sailor! Still, the hill warrior felt he should clarify his actual experience for the captain.

"Vorodon no knots! Vorodon no sails! Vorodon gladness here!" he thundered enthusuastically, stepping forward to offer the captain his hand.

Re: Convergence (Chap IV)

#267

It was with a faint smile that Adan shook his head, as if ruefully accepting the chiding. "Soon enough, Kyrian. When we reach the Fortress of the Heroine, I will be able to fulfill the task I have taken upon myself. But yes. Let us see about the forests. I would be done with this before Brother Tristan arrives."

Re: Convergence (Chap IV)

#268

Off Herald's back he hopped, right in front of the tavern. "The Empress' Jewel" it was, according to a weather-beaten shield proudly displayed above an equally weather-beaten door. The day was bright, the air fresh outside as Kyrian strolled into the shadowy and damp inn. After sweeping the room with his gaze, he approached the bar, looking for the proprietor. A large man possessed of an ample belly and even ampler beard it was, and if not for his seven feet in height, he could be mistaken for one of the dwarves.

"Greetings, keeper of this tavern fine. Halnoli sends me to aks what ails you, to be of help and assistance. Please, tell more, and order a girl to make a lunch basket as well, of meat and cheese and bread and fruit amle and fresh. Coin I have, and a wish to get to work before the day gets much older."