Blackburn's Crossing Chapter 4: Snake Eater

Status
Not open for further replies.
Arissa briefly hesitated, unprepared with her vows and also somewhat frightened by the divine process, but met Bernard’s gaze and smiled despite it. She began a traditional Carmanthian vow. “I, Arissa Francisca Rodezwaan di Encanta, daughter of Heizan and…” Arissa glanced down at the silver cord in her hand and noticing it not reacting like it had when Bernard spoke. She trailed off, realizing that she needed to be honest with herself as much as she did Bernard. “Bernard, I feel as if I had spent my entire life in vrije val... that is, until the until the moment I had met you. You helped me to find clarity, to learn things about myself than I never would have otherwise, and most importantly to learn to love others, as well as myself. I have made many mistakes, but you give me the strength to go on because I know that you will always catch me when I fall, and I pray that you know that I will always be there for you as well. We can do anything…” Arissa paused for a moment before smiling warmly to Bernard and winking. “Together. I love you, Bernard Hathoway, and I will never allow anything to come between us.”
 
As Arissa spoke began a second time the other end of the cord twisted and wrapped itself around the first. It continued until she finished speaking, finally the two ends of the cord pulled themselves tightly into a bow and coming to rest on their hands. Finally, their hands bound together, Bernard grinned at Arissa. "I now pronounce us husband and wife. You may kiss the groom." He pulled Arissa in kissing her deeply and holding her close. As they kissed the cord exploded in a shower of silver dust, coming to rest on their shoulders. Slowly withdrawing from their tender moment, Bernard looked to their friends then back to Arissa as the silver dust began to fade.
 
The Swamplands (Near Nest):

The travel begins as Aluc leads the way flitting from tree to tree and waiting for the group to catch up as she presses further eastward. By the time she stops leading you, and you arrive the sun is already heavily on it's descent, with about an hour or two left of sunlight before things go dark. In the distance there is a camp of tents positioned by the side of the small lake. Next to the tents on the far side looks to be a hollowed out hill forming a cave that leads almost directly out into the water. There is one of the snake people patrolling around the camp while two eat something cooked over a central fire. The rest are either in tents, or the cave or not here at all.
 
Spotting another group of Children at their camp, Aluc perched nearby, indicating this was the "Nest" she had promised to lead the group towards. Kallisto focused her eyes on what was being cooked, slightly concerned it might be whoever once owned the tents, only to notice it was instead crocodile. Pushing her eyes to focus further, she looked over the forms, trying to see if Ialay was once again amongst the group. Eventually she recognized Ialay's features, though it was difficult because she was turned away.

Kallisto looked back towards the group, speaking softly, "I ... I think we're here. One of the ones sitting is Ialay ... not sure how many others are actually around here though."
 
The Swamplands (Near Nest):

The patrolling Child of Snake catches a curse from Arissa as she stumbled in the mud as it clung to her foot. Alert now to danger the creature slowly approaches in the direction of the party. Spear held forward, toward's Arissa's direction as he crouches low approaching. His eyes are slits as he moves towards you, and he approaches speaking in a native tongue.

"Show yourself now or I will put a spear through your backside," he calls out to you as he moves cautiously forward.
 
Bernard steps forward, the Adaptive Weapon a large maul slung across his back, Surlac and a his shield strapped to either hip. He continues to approach the man cautiously, his arms stretched out making himself a large target, but also a large obstacle. "I'm not particularly interested in being stabbed. Perhaps we can talk. Is Ialay with you? She knows me...or... she did, once."
 
The Swamplands (Near Nest):

The man shifts the angle of his attention towards Bernard as he steps out. He seems a bit surprised at the sudden revelation but quickly reorients himself to face Bernard. "Are you the only one here? I thought I heard a woman..." says the man still holding his spear ready. "If you want to talk to Ialay then I will escort you to our village. You did not attack us at first sight so I will allow at least this one thing. The Great Serpent will want to know of your arrival and what knowledge you might hold of the surrounding area. The Great Serpent is keen to know all that goes on in their domain."
 
Arissa felt her boot sink deep into the mud, and barely managed to rip her foot out, letting out a surprised cry. She immediately clamped a hand over her mouth, but the damage was already done. She watched as the creature’s eyes flicked over to her position, and her hand found its way to her flute as she prepared to cast a spell on it before Bernard stepped out.

Arissa sighed briefly as she listened to Bernard and the creature speak, and then put on a smile as she stepped out behind him. “Apologies for the surprise, but I am certain you can forgive us for concealing our presence from predators. Your people likely know better than I the many dangers of these lands. I am Arissa d... Hathoway, but Ialay knew me as the Angel of Death. My companions and I have come seeking audience with the Great Serpent.” Arissa pauses briefly, glancing back where she knew Kallisto to be before speaking hesitantly. “You should know this before we continue. One of our number is one of the Children of Blood... I pray that will not be a complication to our discussion, ja?”
 
Bernard lowered his arms as Arissa stepped out. "There are seven of us in all. We saw you traveling yesterday, but decided it best to leave you be. We would be glad to accept your invitation and see your village. We have many questions." Bernard smiled to the man, trying to be as friendly as possible. He adds, "Not all of us speak the language of the Ancients - do you know any others?"
 
The Swamplands (Near Nest):

The man's spear shifted over to Arissa for a moment, and he backed up a few steps. "There are more of you?" he asked quizically looking back behind both Arissa and Bernard. "Ah you bring one of the Children of Blood? Good, she may also share in the glory of the Great Serpent, come I will lead you."

He motions to the side with his spear and waits for more to reveal themselves as he prepares to lead you back to the camp. When Bernard asks if he knows any other language he shakes his head. "I only speak the language of the land as it was meant to be spoken."
 
Bernard turned back to the party, "We have been invited to the village of the Great Serpent Tribe. They seem to, for the moment, be peaceful. We may even get an audience with the Great Serpent. However, Kallisto, they seem to be interested in ... converting? you." Bernard's voice sounded unsure. "Shall we?"
 
Léone frowns as she stays back with the rest of the group, listening to Bernard and Arissa converse with the villager in a foreign tongue. "What are they talking about... ?" Watching the villager shift his spear threateningly and back away, her hand instinctively wraps around her wand until he seems to relax a bit. She nods to Bernard when he explains what's going on and slowly steps forward, trying to seem as nonthreatening as possible. Right before she emerges she mutters a small incantation and taps her ear, allowing her to understand the ancient tongue spoken in front of her.

"I suppose... there's no harm in walking up for now," she says hesitantly, gesturing at the rest of the group to come out of the shadows. She glances to Bernard and Arissa, unsure. "I ... presume they don't speak Mordentish? Or should we still be ... discreet?"
 
Bernard gave a small shrug, "Ialay knew some... pieces. Sylvan was easier for her. I'd watch what you say, but I wouldn't expect many of them to speak anything modern. This one speaks 'the language of the land as it was meant to be spoken.' They give it more reverence than even my father, and he taught me it is an ancient language used by the fey to speak with the land. But that was in the time before man." Bernard gave a smile and addressed everyone, "We should probably do our best not to offend them, they seem very traditional."
 
Léone nods again, stowing her wand away. "...Alright. I'll be able to listen in but I'll leave the talking to you three," she says in a low voice, nodding to Kallisto behind her as well. "If I need to I'll relay messages to the others, but I'm hoping we won't have to resort to that." Putting on a small smile of her own, she walks up to the group in front and does a slight bow in the direction of the villager, gesturing that she meant no harm and for him to lead the way.
 
As the man had approached and spoke, Kallisto felt like her heart was in her throat -- would it be an immediate fight? Would talking be offered ...?

She listened as Bernard spoke with the man, then Arissa as well, mentioning in a roundabout way that Kallisto was with the group. Nervously she picked at her beads, feeling her anxiety build as the conversation continued, "...'share in the glory'...? This sounds like they've been brainwashed or something ..."

Watching Leon step forward, she checked the pelt on the greataxe, "Hopefully it will only be needed in the final moment..." Slowly she stepped forward as well, bowing her head slightly to the tribe member in front of the group. "I ... would like to speak with the 'Great Serpent' ... Ialay as well if I could. I did not get to ... thank her properly I suppose, last time I saw her."
 
The Children of Snakes Camp:

The party is lead into the camp which causes many eyes to pass over, towards them. The man leading you seems to do a sort of bird call similar to the one Ialay had taught Bernard. There is a bit of tension that subsides almost immediately though a few more come out of the tents as the group is lead before the campfire. Ialay looks between everyone gathered but says nothing. The man leading the party turns back around to face the group once more.

"Welcome to our camp, I will fetch the Great Serpent. They will be interested to know that a Child of Blood has come to visit, Ialay the Child of Blood wishes to speak to you in the meantime," says the man looking over to her, for a brief moment and then back to the group. "Do not attempt any hostile actions while I visit the Undying One. She should almost be done with the newest birth."

As the larger man walks toward the cavern Ialay steps forward out of the small crowd of snake tribesmen and woman. "Greetings Sister, have you come for the Transformation? The Gift of the Undying is offered as a way of forgiveness. It is how you say in your language," says Ialay out-loud. Her voice then switches briefly to Mordentish. "Run now, she has heard our legends and has prepared for you, Lost One."

Despite lack of hostility, most of the Children of the Snake looked uncertain as to what exactly these outsiders were doing here.
 
Walking through the camp Kallisto felt many sets of eyes watching them, as she glanced around she counted at least six Children ... with another nearly finished from the sounds of it.

She bowed her head slightly as the other man left then watched as Ialay approached. At first her expression was saddened, then surprised at Ialay's words in Mordentish. Kallisto glanced around, trying to tell if any of the others understood what she had said. Seeing a lack of recognition in their eyes she gave Ialay a subtle nod. "Hello again Ialay ... I have at the very least come to speak with the 'Great Serpent'. I believe the rest of that phrase is, 'We have prepared as well; what has happened with you -- are you able to control yourself?'"
 
As they passed through the camp Bernard was cautious not to knock anything over or run into anything. He watched as the children of the serpent gathered.

Ialay spoke and Bernard was somewhat surprised by the recognition in her voice. Then her warning in Mordentish came, urging them away.

He moved over to another member of the tribe."I am Bernard." He said with a smile, "I was hoping you could tell me more of the Transformation? Do you remember what you were before the Great Serpent's gift? What is it like now that you are a Child of the Great Serpent?"
 
The Children of Snake Camp:

"It is... well then that you have came," says Ialay. As Bernard approaches one of the others to speak to he look at him with suspicion before answering his questions. "It is the Gift of the Undying. The Great Serpent used to guard the people with the same gift until they left. As long as we do not fall to arrow, sword, or accident we will not die," says the younger looking man. "We do not starve or cower in fear from the Great Serpents attacks making hunting easier, and we keep an eye out for Children of Blood so that they may be convinced to join us."

A sound of movement comes echoing out from the cave.
 
"Thank you. It is good to hear from the converted." Bernard gave a slight bow and stepped back before turning back to the group and taking his Protection from Poison potion. "The Great Serpent offers them immortality so long as they don't die to sword, arrow, or accident. I hope the talk goes well, but Kallisto... That fate... Be cautious. We stand with you." He turned to Ialay, "I am sorry I ran. When this is over you will be free, but this is my Day of Blood. Protect my friends. My wife. For my father's sacrifice."
 
The Children of Snake Camp:

Upon seeing Bernard drink the potion some of the other Children of Snakes seem to once again be on high alert, Ialay as the Great Serpent exits the cave steps back among the Children of Serpents as both the man from earlier and another wet with some sort of sticky residue enters unsure of his footing. He is guided off to the side by the larger man making way for the Undying one as she slithers up to the group. The large snake like creature pulls up to full height above the crowd splitting them in half, as the Children of Snakes all drop to one knee in respect.

"Rise my Children," she says gazing over them briefly before turning her attention to the group. Her gaze coming to rest upon Bernard. "You've my thanks for not interfering with my affairs. Your delivery of Ialay to me was very beneficial. She has been a very loyal soldier in our fight against the Children of blood. And now I see that you've brought me another Child of Blood though this one smells different somehow...."

A snake tongue exits the Great Serpents mouth for a moment as she shifts her gaze to look at Kallisto. "Have you come for the Gift of the Undying, and to put an end to my suffering? I will protect my children in place of my creators. Through this rebirth I forgive them for killing my mate."

The man originally encountered comes back and stands beside the Great Serpent placing himself just in front of her.
 
Watching the snake exit the cave, Kallisto found herself taking a half-step back as the serpent rose to her full height. She glanced to the side as the serpent spoke of Ialay before turning back.

Bowing her head for a moment, Kallisto took a deep breath. It was going to be now or never ... "Greetings, Al'ocktalel if it is not too improper to call you such. I cannot imagine the pain you have suffered in your lifetimes, separated from your mate. I do not know how or why he was taken from you. However, I ... did come with the intent to end your suffering. I do not come as a warrior, I do not come as a defender of the Children of Blood. I instead come with an offer of rest. Your children are not as immortal as you -- they still will leave you ... is that worth the continued pain through the ages?" Kallisto raised her head, offering a hand outward towards the Serpent. "I do not seek your gift, instead I come to offer one. I do not have ill intents towards your children, for they have done me nor my friends harm. They may live as they please, it is you I worry for Al'ocktalel."

With a tired smile Kallisto continues, "Allow me to give you the rest you deserve, for your years of service, though forgotten by those you once protected. Let me finally return you to your mate, past this life, breaking your cycle that keeps you here away from him. I am humble before you, Al'ocktalel, and ask you consider my words."
 
The Children of Snake Camp:

There is silence for a few tense moments before the Al'ocktalel laughs. "So you are the Lost One then that they spoke of. The one raised among the people of that far away town. I do not wish an end to my existence little one. I do not know who sent you but I will let you leave now as a gesture of my mercy to the lost sheep if you submit to a Geas that will ensure that you will return to your town that does not concern me and never interfere in my affairs out here again. Do this and I will spare you for the insult you have slung my direction."

Al'ocktalel seems move back and forth as she speaks. "I will have my revenge paid in full, and none of you will stop me from claiming it," she says slithering forward around the initial man you had arrived at. She stops ten paces away from the group. The Children of Snakes cautiously approach but stay off to the side and behind the Undying one. Al'ocktalel's Gaze suddenly pokes her chin forward in the air and looks past you to the lake behind the group. A large creature slithers out of the lake having finally made it to the shore and forced to surface out of the water. It snaps in the air as it's five heads fight to get a good view of the group. "If you really want do this however, this isn't the first time someone has tried to kill me forever. Behold the last one that had a prophecy to kill me. So what is it going to be? I'm not afraid to die.... are you?"

Al'ocktalel takes an intimidating posture seeming to raise up another few feet into the air waiting for your answer.
 
The Children of Snake Camp:

There is a tense moment where the world seems to stop and each of you can heart your heart beat. Kallisto then speaks up. "I ... cannot risk us all for this. It is offering us a chance to leave ... I ... will take its offer. Too many have people waiting for them. I am merely me." Then she switches to Sylvan to say "Death will come one way or the other for me, but like you protect your children, I will protect my friends. I will ... trust that your offer is true."

Al'ocktalel nods approvingly at Kallisto's acceptance and begins to chant for a moment before speaking again in Sylvan. "Leave your weapons behind and return post haste to the crossing and never interfere in the matters between my children and your family."

Briefly Al'ocktalel turns to the others and speaks to them in Mordentish. "Leave my lands and you will never have to fear the crossing coming under attack by my children or the Children of Blood. I will help both of you Warden the Swamp, of this you have my word." With that she waits for Kallisto's compliance, as most everyone waits on edge. Kallisto removes the axe and her cross bow setting it down on the ground. Al'ocktalel nods watching them leave.

"Ialay pick up the axe and come with me..." says Al'ocktalel. Ialay hesitantly picks up the axe and follows winching for a moment at the sudden growl in her head....
 
Last edited:
As the group makes as much headway as they can away from the serpent's nest and makes camp at sundown, Léone assembles the group together. "So now that we're reasonably away from danger... I think we should probably discuss where to go from here. I suppose the most straightforward option would be to leave and head back to the Crossing like the Naga told us to... But I don't know."

She frowns, recalling her research about the serpent and what other people had discussed. "For the moment, she seems willing to comply. But unlike what we know about typical Guardian Nagas, she seems more... selfish, paranoid. And they definitely don't focus so much on worship as Al'ocktalel seems to - they were designed to be servants themselves."

She glances at Bernard, Arissa and Kallisto - though she seemed to be huddled to the side, not wanting to be part of the conversation. "Another thing. That person you spoke to, the one that spoke Mordentish. She seemed like she was still in control of her actions but chose not to help... out of fear of what could happen. I wondered what exactly that could imply, until the Naga offered to let us go in exchange for placing a Geas. And it hit me - she had probably cast the same thing on that girl, possibly all of them."

She shrugs, continuing to mull it over. "I don't know how far gone she is, but at the very least she doesn't seem terribly trusting of anyone - not us, not even her own children. Where we go from here is up to the rest of you, but I thought I'd just share my thoughts before we decide to do anything. Not like we can do much anyway tonight but rest and get our bearings."
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Users who are viewing this thread

Total: 3 (members: 0, guests: 3)
Back
Top