Blackburn's Crossing Chapter 4: Snake Eater

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Watching Bernard offer his blood for the tribe, Kallisto stepped up as well -- they were offering to help, at the very least it should be repaid in kind if possible. She winced slightly as Bernard cut her arm and watched the blood flow into the strange jar of sorts it was being stored in. Feeling slightly dizzy she stepped back, watching Arissa and Violette offer to do the same, filling the rest of the jar. Nodding in appreciation as Bernard closed her wound and helped with her weakness.

Following along with the group, this time she looked around more during the tour of the village, glancing towards the Maw briefly before sounds of sparring caught her attention. Hearing that the Shaman was 'flying' Kallisto thought of Aluc, her head tilted slightly -- she was pretty sure she understood what was meant. Moving towards the crafting area Kallisto frowned for a moment, thinking of her desk so far away at this point ... the projects she still wanted to work on. When one of the villagers approached and offered a spear, she looked at it with interest as Bernard picked it up. It seemed strange in how bloody it looked... occasionally dripping as they walked.

Finally they were left in front of their own hut for the time being, informed it'd be an hour before the bonfire later in the night. Glancing around the roofs, Kallisto spotted a familiar looking raven and motioned for it to approach and roost on her shoulder before entering. While Bernard handed Leon the spear to investigate as he and Arissa began a conversation in their other language -- though Kallisto felt like she was somehow part of what was being discussed -- she approached Perian who had stayed quiet for most of the journey. "Perian ... I wanted to ask if we could finally awaken Aluc. I feel bad I promised it to her so long ago, but ... even if things don't go well, I'd still like to fulfill that promise if I could."
 
Arissa sat down next to Bernard and smiled weakly. “Gods, Mrs... it makes me sound so old. I would be lying if I said that my wedding day was anything like I would have expected to be... far more snakes than I would have liked.” She then put a hand on Bernard’s shoulder and smiled to him sincerely. “Still, throughout all of the constant peril we faced, I knew that we could get through it together. I... I am glad that we were honest with each other before your god and the world before it might have been too late. No magic could bid me to regret the decision.” Arissa then gave Bernard a peck on the cheek and smirked to him. “Besides, we can just look upon it as practice for the wedding I imagine we will have back at the Crossing. Ezra may have witnessed our vows, but I am not so certain that the town will be so quick to believe. As the matriarch of the Hathaway family, I want this done right. No rumors, no scandals. We have a reputation to rebuild together.”
 
"The town will believe us, there will be no scandal. Do not worry." He took her hand and squeezed slightly focusing on her. His eyes met hers as the silver dust appeared on their shoulders, running down their arms and forming their complex and beautiful marriage knot again. "I didn't get the chance to explain entirely. The marriage knot is unique to each couple, a visual representation of their love and relationship. Ours is complex and beautiful, there is no beginning or end." He smiles as he looks it over. "We can manifest it with a bit of focus by taking each other by the hand, at least for the first week. After that we'll be able to do this only by attempting to perform the ceremony again. Either way, this is our knot, our vows manifest and no one can refute it. We are bound by our love." He leaned in toward Arissa to give her a kiss as the knot slowly shimmered away, a faint sprinkling of silver dust falling from their hands and disappearing before it touched the ground.
 
Despite her conversations with Bear and budding feelings, Peri had grown silent in the coming days perhaps everything that had been building upon her tiny shoulders had pushed her down. She stayed cheery as much as she could smiling at appropriate times and participating in meals. Not only was her silence self motivated but most of the group also had their own moments and tended to leave her be.

When Kallisto finally spoke to her Peri had been in meditation feeling the wrong ness of the earth but also finding it comforting something typical and constant. Blinking she looked up and smiled at Kallisto, “I believe we have time, I don’t expect to need any higher taxing spells.” Leading Kallisto to a quiet place she sat down cross legged the head of the staff in her lap it’s branch like form offering perch for Aluc.

“Kallisto would you have Aluc perch here.” She indicated, “This may take a little while.”
Once the bird was settled Peri first meditated in order to speak with Aluc asking her permission once more before beginning. Giggling at the raven’s enthusiasm.

Clearing her throat she began to chant several power words in the druid tongue invoking the old gods, begging for their power to flow through Aluc. The staff vibrates and Aluc fluffs her wings nervously. The grooves and patters in the staff emitting from Peri’s grasp begin to outline and glow surrounding Aluc in a golden warmth.

Peri opens her eyes the same glow emitting from them as well as her nose and mouth much like someone had placed a lanter within or she had swallowed a firefly. In Druidic her voice a combination of her own and echoed many others as she bid Aluc speak, bid her think, bid her mind to maneuver similar pathways as her own.

After several moments of this the glow grew brighter then slowly faded to nothing leaving Peri staring up as Aluc speaking to the bird in common though her voice only just squeaked out her throat dry and sore. “Aluc, my friend, please speak and greet us as your new self.” Looking up to Kallisto she smiled, “it seems like it should have worked, let us give Aluc a moment to adjust.”
 
Arissa gasped slightly as the spectral silver bonds appeared around them again, and then relaxed as she looked at the beautiful knot that had formed between them. As Bernard explained the result of the ritual, Arissa smiled to him, and kissed him back as he leaned forward. “You Mordentish people take your vows seriously, do you not? Luckily for me, I have no intention of ever breaking mine. I bear no regrets for the manner in which we were wed. After all, it is only fitting that it should have occurred in the swamps in which we first met...”

Arissa trails off as she watches Peri approach Kallisto’s bird friend and begin to cast a spell on it, chanting in a strange language. She turned back to Bernard, smiling sheepishly as she switched back to Mordentish. “Perhaps we should focus back on the task at hand. I do have a tribe full of cannibals to convince that I was sent by their god, after all.”
 
Bernard place his arm around Arissa and pulled her close, "I think they can spare you for a moment. And I'm sure they'll be convinced, you can be very convincing." He smiled as he watched Peri complete the ritual, curious to see the results.
 
Léone followed silently with the rest of the group, just processing most of the new and unfamiliar culture as they passed by. The language they spoke was unfamiliar to her ears, but with the spell she had cast the words silently translated in her head as they conversed back and forth. Unable to return the words, she simply nodded in agreement as things were spoken about.

Eventually they made it to a hut to rest in and Bernard handed her the bloody spear from before, asking for it to be identified. "Of course, shouldn't take too long." With a nod, she sat to the side and pulled out her pearl, beginning the identification ritual and appreciating the busywork. The previous few encounters had been terribly stressful, and she was glad to just be sitting down and taking her time for once.

As she worked, she began to overhead another language - not the natural tongue of the Children of Blood, but one of soft angelic tones and honeyed words. Glancing up ever so slightly she notices that the speakers are Bernard and Arissa. She cracks the faintest of smiles as she hears them speak to each other sincerely, having a heartfelt conversation as a newlywed couple. "It's good that they're happy... I can only wish the same for us." As she continues on the ritual - working slightly slower than usual, so as to not interrupt their conversation - her train of thought eventually begins to drift off towards her own whirlwind relationship with James. Was it sincere like this? How much of it was simply wanting to be his partner in science and invention? Were they drawn together by the common thread of broken families and tortured pasts, grasping for comfort where they could find it? Or was it not entirely true at all, her mental affliction - or his - pushing it farther than it would have gone naturally? She shakes her head clear of these thoughts and sighs, knowing that there wasn't a point in worrying about it out here. "Ah, well. Hope for the best and prepare for the worst I suppose... Though I'd be lying if I said I wouldn't miss the cheesiness." She chuckles ruefully to herself, hoping silently that it wouldn't have to come down to that.

Just as their conversation wraps up, she finishes the ritual and sets the spear down, the knowledge of its abilities flowing into her mind as usual. "It's a rather strong combat enchantment, and it seems to siphon strength from the foes it slays. As a side effect, the blood doesn't wash off though," she states matter-of-factly, setting the spear down. She glances over, seeing that Peri was finishing up Aluc's awakening. "I wonder if she'd make a good conversation partner for Attimer now...? She seemed quite interested in him before." She watches curiously to see the little raven's reaction.
 
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Aluc seemed fairly still throughout the process, even when Perian had finished expending the power from the staff Aluc's head cocked occasionally different directions as it looked around. Aluc flew up and landed on Kallisto's shoulder as if unsure cocking her head as if to say 'I don't know what happened.' However next she begins to shake as her previous memories begin to be compartmentalized into new sections of her brain, as understanding begins to dawn.

She is a bird, but no longer a bird. She is not like her kind, the matters that she had interacted with other ravens about were trivial. Her Shinies were little more than trash she had thought were valuable. Her claws dig into Kallisto's shoulder tightly as her mind rapidly, and frantically tries to keep up with revelation after revelation. Epiphanies could leave one reeling but this was so much more. Like sky full of arrows slamming down into the mind of Aluc. Some of them interesting, some of them amusing, and others straight up horrifying.

The panicked nature intensified as she came to the realization she had eaten people. Things that were as intelligent as her, scraps of meat had been the same as Kallisto and the other humans here. Each one had a life, and memories. At last she knew what despair was, and the fear of ones own death. What cruel gods had gifted the two legged animals with thought! It was a cruelty beyond imagining. There was more however, something buried deep down that came roaring up through her mind, an old memory. One of screeching and blood. The sounds of brothers and sisters all part of one will.

She remembered the Island. Thousands of ravens she had lived with, nesting, flying, hunting with. A woman. A lonely woman that spoke with all of the ravens on the island. Memories of love as she had spoken of a younger man, who had gone off to war who must love her dearly. The return of the man and his love for another. The anguish of the beautiful lady in the spire, and her wish that the two would die. A frantic flight with her brothers and sisters, thousands of caws, and croaks as they descended upon the lovers pecking flesh from bone, and leaking their blood upon the rocks of the shore. She remembered the blood as she pecked the woman's eye out, and again as she attacked and clawed the man who tried to fight back. The over empowering will commanding them all to attack, kill..... she had.... Murdered two people.

"No, No, No. My mistress why did you send me away!" cries out Aluc as her first words as she lets go of Kallisto's shoulder and tries to fly out the door.
 
Ludwig gives the woman a firm shake followed by a small bow when he learns of her status. "To answer your previous question, Miss Maeve. It's been a good day after the ball ended, enough time passed for my Apothecary to finally be made ready for business." Giving her a smirk he continues to speak. "The way that you speak of worlds is quite interesting, I'm curious how many worlds there actually are... Anyhow, I've patiently kept your item in my care, Miss."

Ludwig straightens his jacket a bit before revealing the scissors he had recieved from the queen herself, briefly twirling it around between his fingers before stopping it with the bottom end facing the queen. "A shame that I haven't found a use for it in the time I wielded it, but I suppose some things are meant to be." He lets out a small chuckle as he exchanges the scissors for the invitation. "Oh dear, an invitation? I'm afraid I'm not that prestigious to be in the company of queens and kings.. but an attempt could always be made, a bit of blood loss never hurt someone. It seems like the Midnight Market isn't for just anyone."

Shifting his attention from Maeve towards Legba, Ludwig puts away the invitation in his breast pocket. "Mr. Legba, I presume? Nice to meet you. I see I've caught your interest. I am indeed a man of science, surrounded by the strange but intruiging ways of this world. I have to admit that science is progressing by the second, though some magic seems to be without logic so to speak. Regardless of that, you spoke of mutual assistance?"
 
Kallisto winced slightly as Aluc's talons dug into her shoulder, concerned what was going on in the small bird's mind until she heard Aluc speak and attempt to flee. Her hands reached out to grasp the raven -- leaving her more panicked as Kallisto and Perian tried to calm her. As Aluc struggled in her hands once more and managed to get free, Kallisto looked hurt as the raven darted outside and into the night.

She watched Perian and Yelcan's shenanigans with a sad smile, and a nod as Leon told her Aluc was still nearby. Wiping her eyes once more she took a deep breath before releasing it in a slow growl. Finally she looked over to Arissa, "... you said you wanted to show you represented Legba ... what did you have in mind? If we're going to look like we know what we're doing and who is aiding us, we should probably actually know what we're doing..."
 
Arissa watched the scene with Kallisto’s bird friend play out in confusion as it began to speak Mordentish and then took to the sky. She wanted to say something to comfort her friend, but was unable to find the words for the situation. She looked over to Peri and Yelcan, frowning slightly at their poor timing, and then back to Kallisto as she spoke to her. She paused for a moment considering whether to say anything about what had just happened, and then decided that now was not the time. She walked nearer to Kallisto and lowered her voice so that it could not be heard outside of the tent. “My apologies, it is somewhat of a gamble on my part, but we need the support of your people if we are to succeed in this task. Most of you will recall that I have shared my... origins with you before in the past. Some of you have even witnessed the effects of my condition yourselves. My wings have been marked by the Mists as the price of a previous dealing with Legba. When I first encountered Ialay in the swamps, she saw them and proclaimed me the Angel of Shadow, a rather melodramatic name, but one that I am willing to assume for the time. I believe that if we can convince them that Legba’s power will stand with them on the battlefield this time, your people will come to our aid.”
 
Bernard watched Aluc's awakening intrigued, but did not want to interfere as the bird seemed distraught. Instead he waited for a moment as Yelcan and Peri began to play in the small hut, he frowned as he stood. "There are better times and places for that." He gave Peri a sad and disappointed smile, he was conflicted about her being happy but the current tone of their expedition and the state of their friends. As Kallisto passed him to speak with Arissa, Bernard handed her the spear, "You'll make better use of this than I for the time being. Until your axe is returned to your care at least." He then stepped outside. Looking up he spotted Aluc circling the village, Well, at least she's still around. Once her thoughts are in order we'll have to speak. There are those in the party who truly care, but that can get lost in the mind. I imagine this kind of mental awakening is similar to my own memory trauma, perhaps we can relate.

Bernard approached Ahretakan who was watching over their hut. "I am not sure what stories we will hear tonight, but I was hoping you might share some of what you knew of my father, and what you know of what happened to my sister many seasons ago." He tried to smile at her, but he found himself feeling weak and uncomfortable. "I... am sorry about Ialay. I had intended on escorting her back to the Village of Blood, but the Great Serpent found us and subdued her. I was no match for it alone and - though it is against my nature - I fled. It pains me to know what she has become, trapped by that beast. I intend to do all that I can to see her freed."
 
While Arissa spoke of her wings Kallisto looked confused for a moment before looking towards her hands and her own mark of dealing with him. "I truly wish I still had the axe ... I almost wonder if the Adaptive Weapon could look like it -- as proof that I know what it looks like and once held it, but that may be viewed too much as a lie." Taking the spear as Bernard offered it to her she looked it over, noting it seemed to be bleeding from ... somewhere nearly constantly.

"So ... what do you need from me? I get the feeling we're going to be ... 'displayed' at the same time to try and convince them."
 
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Ahretakan smiles softly for a moment at the question. She plants her spear into the ground to allow her arm free movement and runs her beaded hand through her hair brushing it back as she thinks for a moment. "Father of the Swamp was always a strange one. He has known the tribe for some time, I can remember him even as a little girl, he told the children of places far away where the mist did not exist. His visits were rare to us, but the encounters with him in the swamp were frequent enough to have most know of him. Kamoktalin's knowledge about the Staff that was a Tree is interesting. It might explain why he visited occasionally but I'm afraid I cannot help you much beyond this. I've only seen his anger once before when he came for your sister."

She frowns for a moment at this memory. "I had gone in search of... one of our own. Instead I found your sister, and brought her back. She had been sleeping with a fox in the hollow of a tree. I brought her back and she played with the other children, I thought nothing of the Feast that was coming that day. It does not seem to sustain you outsiders like it does us. I do not know why... Your father was angry so much that we did not see him for many many years. In the end though he sought forgiveness but he had already been forgiven for there was nothing to be mad about. We do not understand many of your ways but he offered himself to the Maw to protect us for another season. He said it was because we had found and protected your sister in the swamp. Before he died he let me know that the child I had been looking for had survived and made it to the crossing all those years ago."

At this the older woman smiles taking her spear back up. "It seems it is about time, come when you are ready. The Bonfire must be lit soon, to drive back the Dark of the Night."
 
Arissa smiles to Kallisto and approaches, putting a hand on her shoulder. “I need nothing from you other than to simply be you. You are strong, driven, and determined, and if these people cannot see that, they must have lost their minds as well as their limbs. I cannot speak for everyone’s reasons who are present here tonight, but I chose to follow you because I believed in my friend. Whatever challenge they may pose towards you, I am confident in your abilities. And if duwen comes to duw, we will be there to support you.”
 
"One more question before you go..." Bernard paused to think about how to phrase thing, "The Lost One, does she have family? Brothers, Sisters, a Mother or Father? I understand the tribe is a family - you are all brothers and sisters of blood, but... our culture... it puts value on the connection between parent and child and sibling, a connection Kallisto has never known. If any relatives exist... it would be nice to let her know." Bernard smiled kindly before he looked up to Aluc circling. "I am sure we will join you shortly. I have... one more conversation to have with a Sentinel."

Bernard gave a shrill whistle and lifted an arm to get Aluc's attention, "Aluc, come have a chat. Your friends are very worried about you. Kallisto would like to help you make sense of things, but I can understand what you're going through. Suddenly understanding, knowledge where there was once nothing, opening your eyes to the world and learning who you are... It gets better, but only with support. With friends, and family. You've done much for us Aluc, you can be part of our family, if you'd like. Peri's nice and fond of animals and Kallisto cares for you." He smiled up watching the bird circle, and waiting with his arm out stretched for her to land.
 
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"She has family left, and they will probably reveal themselves when there is an appropriate time. For now preparations must be made, and I must get Kamoktalin ready for the telling," says Ahretakan nodding to Bernard's words. "We will see you're people at the fire."

Aluc does not descent from the sky as she continues to fly in circles around the village. It is unclear if she is watching the happenings down below, or whether she is looking out at the distant color painted sky.
 
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Time continues to move on as the sun sets beyond the horizon. The tribe gathers before the bonfire which is set alight. Kamoktalin is brought before everyone in the tribe, as well as the party. Sitting upon the soft ground the tribe remains silent as Kamoktalin takes in the sight and the smells of the night. It is a good moment before he speaks.

“We have gathered tonight for the return of the Lost One known as Kallisto. She has come to seek information on the one she must defeat and to better understand our conflict, and so I shall speak of it to everyone so that all might know this better,” says Kamoktalin before pausing to let that sink in. There is a small murmur through the crowd but it is gone almost as soon as it starts.

“The Great Serpent, has lived in these swamps a long time. Before my Elder, and his Elder, and the Ancient Elders that came before. They may even come from the Time Before, but we do not know. What I can tell you is that at one time we lived in peace with two of the Undying Ones. Two Guardians and Protectors of the land, in its natural state. One of the two were killed when the Outsiders came from far away, but it is not as simple as this,” says Kamoktalin. As he speaks there is a few glances in the direction of the party.

“Let me begin with our War with the Cold Lands. Back then it was not called this because our land was whole. A large migration of men and women came into our lands and for a few years we warred with the invaders. It was during this time that one of our tribe whose name is forgotten learned to speak the foreign tongue. It was during this time that the Shadowman came offering a solution to end the War. He gave onto the Outsiders Guardians to protect them and this caused us to suffer many losses. The Season of the Endless hunt drove many tribes to unite and others to be destroyed. Our tribe’s leader recognized the futility of resistance and instead called a Summit with the Shadowman and the outsiders. An agreement was reached, and thus the Shadowman’s totems were placed up dividing the land. Outsiders who passed these knew their lives could be in danger from us or the tribes and the same was true of the opposite.”

Kamoktalin took a moment to think again, taking a few long deep breathes before continuing. “As time passed our Leader grew old, and feeble. He feared for the end but knew of the Undying Ones. An interest the Outsiders held, and so he worked together with them to summon one of our allies into a trap. It was this act that destroyed the first Undying One. Our people who were trusted among the Great Serpents, slew one of their creatures. It is lost to memory of how, it was done. Whether it was the Outsiders or Us that threw the final blow. What was done to keep its spirit from returning, or if the betrayal had been enough.”

“And so it was when the only remaining Serpent came across the corpse of her lover stripped bare for the knowledge contained within, she vowed vengeance against those that had betrayed their trust. Al’ocktalel began to hunt in earnest. She was killed many times by many tribes but every time she came back with more fury, and more hatred. When it became apparent that a war of attrition would end with our end, we turned once more to the Shadowman to give us a way, to protect us from Al’ocktalel. He opened the Maw for us. The Guardian that protects us from the Endless Darkness. For a time we rejoiced as Al’ocktalel threw herself against us time and again, but it could only last so long, as she began instead to hunt our hunting parties. Each passing season she has claimed more and more until we faced starvation unable to properly hunt safely. We sought the Shadowman for a way for us to live. He is the one who granted us the Feast. So that we may sacrifice our bodies so others might live. And so it has been the years have come and gone as our numbers have dwindled. Hunting and loosing hunters, until such a time of need that a Feast must be prepared.”

Kamoktalin’s serious face turns to the party. “Our Shaman has foreseen an end to this, these people. She has seen it in the Bones she casts, and the Shadowman has sent his aid once more among them. I have accepted his bargain and felt his confirmation. Very soon the Lost One will strike the final blow and it will at last be over.”
 
Arissa listened to the man’s speech as she began to mentally prepare herself for her task, rolling a small piece of wool over in her hand nervously. At the mention of accepting the bargain, Arissa adopted a stoic expression before placing a hand on her hilt, signaling to Bernard to use his divine magic on Kallisto, and to Kallisto to follow as she approached the bonfire, being certain to remain far enough away from her companions. She turned in a circle to gaze at the crowd, her eyes seeming to lock on each tribesman for a moment before moving on. “It is true, the Shadowman has granted the Chosen One His aid in this task. He has promised a great victory... if the warriors of your people are willing to fight for it. I am the Angel of Shadow, His broker in this bargain that your Chieftain has mentioned, and so long as His conditions are met, His blade in battle.”

Arissa drew her sword, approaching the bonfire and sticking the blade within for a moment, closing her eyes and focusing on her divine origins for a moment as the familiar sickening sound of cracking bone filled the air. Her skeletal wings unfurled from her back, black flames blossoming from the base of them and covering them in fiery feathers as they traveled down the length of her arm as well, covering her blade. She withdrew it from the flame, twirling her sword once more as she turned, subtly tossing the wool into the fires as she did so. Looking around at the tribes people Arissa gave her blade one more flourish as she finished casting the spell with her other hand, but felt a chill run down her spine as something powerful seemed to take control of the spell. Arissa felt Legba’s familiar haunting presence and turned to see that he had briefly manifested above the bonfire. He spoke, repeating the same words that had chilled her to her core weeks ago.

“He who comes out of a battle unscarred did not earn his victory. Don’t you think?”

Arissa quickly recovered from her shock and walked over to Kallisto and stood by her, giving her a nervous glance before her expression immediately returns to an impassive glare as she once again scanned the crowd, the dark flames from her wings illuminating her face with sinister black light as she once again turned to address the crowd.

“You may choose to stand with us and seize glorious victory over your foe led by the Chosen One of your tribe, or die slowly of starvation as the Fires of Life fade from this place, leaving you forgotten. Your decision is of little consequence to Him. The Shadowman is not known for His patience, and never offers the same bargain twice. Now is the time to decide whether to bend the knee and die with a whimper, or fulfill your destiny as a people. There may be a Chosen One, but Fate has called for all of you on this day.”
 
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Listening to the tale, Kallisto frowned at hearing how the Crossing and the tribe were connected ... with Legba acting on both sides.

After the story she followed Arissa as Bernard clapped her on the back, making her feel ... bolder somehow. She watched Arissa as she began her own speech, eyes widening at the wings that grew from her back. Catching movement out of the corner of her eye, she saw what looked like Legba above the fire. Giving the image a sublte nod, it seemed like it was recognized before the image faded.

After the second part of Arissa's speech, she looked over the crowd -- a few looked startled from the scene before them, but most had moved their gaze towards Kallisto, waiting to hear her speak as well. "... when I came out here I did not expect to have to speak so much... yet here we are," she thought to herself.

She nodded towards Arissa before taking the spear off her back and spinning it before slamming the end onto the ground next to herself, the blood on the point splattering slightly as it spun. "I may not have grown up here, but I cannot deny that I am of this Tribe -- a people suffering from choices made in the past -- consequences we now are ready to finally put to rest. A bargain has been struck between all of us -- with the 'Shadowman' watching and approving." She gestured behind herself to the bonfire, "I seek those who will aid us in this hunt -- those who are tired of the Serpent stalking the swamplands, seeking revenge for a betrayal done by generations past and ignoring any attempts for peace." Kallisto bared her teeth for a moment, speaking slightly louder, "I seek those who wish to take back those stolen from us and commanded by the Serpent." This time she gave a loud growl, "I seek those who will aid in recovering the weapon stolen from me -- the Soul Devourer, gifted by the 'Shadowman' himself -- so that we may finally put the Serpent to her true rest and free the swampland from her wrath!"

Kallisto let her words fade from the air as she looked over the crowd, her eyes focusing in here and there until she continued: "I know the tribe has suffered, but as the Angel said: do we fade with a sigh, or do we roar in battle?" As she finished, Kallisto gave another loud growl from her throat, her grip tightened on the spear. She hoped her words hadn't undone what Arissa had managed -- she wasn't one for speeches, but she felt a push and ... small amount of confidence if Legba seemed to be watching more intently. Kallisto had been given much to think on, and had many questions, but for now she had to try and prove to the tribe what she had been told over the past few days: she was strong, determined -- someone the group had followed out here not because they had to, but because they believed in her.
 
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Violette watches the faces of people as Kallisto talking, seeing some of the hopelessness fade from their eyes. She smiled at this, remembering lessons about how morale can shift a battle as much as numbers can. As Kallisto's speech came to an end there was a joint roar to which thought starting late she joined in, while wearing a smile. Perhaps there was hope to this hunt yet, now they just needed a plan. Their own version of whatever this tribe had done in the past, that or a plan to steal back the ax that everyone seemed to think would kill the snake.

As Kallisto's speech and roar died down the celebration began as some people began to sing, others dance, while the Shaman moved off to watch the proceedings. Kamoktalin remained where he was, and still others came up to Kallisto to offer words of encouragement, or determined promises. It seemed both Arissa and Kallisto's display had won over the people of the village. Ahretakan watched from the outskirts her spear leaning on her shoulder as she watched Kallisto at one point catching her eye and smiling. She tilts her head to the side indicating a hut and turns to begin walking in that direction.

Some more of the villagers attempt to get Arissa to be a translator with questions for Perian, Yelcan, Bernard, and Leone. Questions ranging from the crossing, to their odd cloths, beasts they have slain, and a few other topics. During the celebration the bowl that the group had filled with their blood is passed around for most people to sip at before being passed to the next. Some of them seemingly offering a prayer of thanks or gratitude in the direction of those who provided their Life Blood.
 
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Kallisto found herself blinking at the returned roar from the crowd gathered around the bonfire, thankful her words seemed to hit their mark. At this point she had almost been leaning on the spear -- her legs wobbly from both the bloodletting earlier and sheer nerves of potentially failing. As others came up to speak with her she nodded in appreciation and agreement, listening to the music that had started around them.

Her eyes moved around the campfire -- she spotted one she thought likely to be the shaman, someone she wanted to speak to, then there was Kamoktalin who she wished to ask more of, but it was Ahretakan that seemed intent to catch her attention. Bowing her head slightly to the tribemembers who were still around her, and smiling towards the others who were being asked as many questions as possible, she moved off to follow Ahretakan, curious to hear what she might have to say.
 
Bernard stood back, frowning at the lack of information the story shared. A trap, that's it? And they don't even know what or how... If they don't join us in this fight there's no point in being here and the Crossing is lost. He shook his head as the story finished. Every day wasted another that mother is trapped in that book. Perhaps its for the best she's trapped, if Peri and I fall at least she won't have to know. He sighed. Arissa grabbed Kallisto by the hand and pulled her forward. As Kallisto passed he laid a hand on her shoulder, the holy light of Ezra flashing in her eyes. Bernard nodded to them both.

As Arissa gave her speech Bernard turned away. He was disappointed, not in Arissa for what she was doing, but that she needed to at all. It was hard to watch her represent herself as an agent of Legba when all Bernard had wanted was to free her from his poisonous clutches. He turned back around in time to watch Arissa's wings flair, a beautiful angel in her moment of glory. Legba appeared in the flame and without even trying, Bernard felt his presence, the smell of sulfur lingered. He closed his eyes, She's going to be fine, she's not making a deal with the devil, this deal is between Legba and the tribe.

Then Kallisto spoke and the crowd roared. Bernard gave a sigh, "I doubt I will ever understand roaring... In my experience, the louder it is the less terrifying. The things that kill you often make no sound at all." He remarked absentmindedly. Still, if they will fight, then we might stand a chance... though this is more than just a quest to return an axe. He shrugged it off as the villagers began approaching asking questions. Ignoring them at first, he caught sight of the elder still in his place. He began to move through the crowd answering a few questions as he passed, finding it easier to move them if he indulged them slightly.

Finally, Bernard arrived in front of Kamoktalin, moving to his side and taking a seat next to him. "Your story was... insightful, but I fail to see what this little knowledge of your history will do against the Undying One. You mentioned a trap, but said the knowledge was lost, there is no one who knows? Are there any among you who have survived the Great Serpent, that might have some knowledge of it?" Bernard tried to be polite, but he was concerned and agitated, it was no longer just a village of cannibals on the line, it wasn't just his friends and family endangering themselves, the whole Crossing was at risk if they failed. Shaking his head, he gave another sigh. "I also hope to learn more of my father..."
 
Village:

As Bernard approached Kamoktalin nodded to him acknowledging him as he approached. As he spoke his brows furrowed in slight confusion as he seemed to search his memory for a moment. "Forgive me, but I do not remember telling you that it would help you directly, and I apologize if I made it seem that way. We are from different worlds and I can imagine how it might get lost in translation between cultures. Now that the Children of Blood know this as a whole the story, and they know that the Lost One and her companions such as yourself are willing to brave it. That gives them hope," says Kamoktalin before laughing almost bitterly. "I had thought to give that very story to the Children very soon before I offered myself to the Feast. Ahretakan would have lead our people well, or Loretan our Shaman."

"As for the trap, I have pondered this myself, I was told by my own Elder One that it had been sought out. The body of the Other, yet none had ever returned with the secret. I have been afraid that the knowledge has been lost to us, but perhaps you will succeed where we have failed. I would speak to Loretan about it, but if you wanted to know about the stories of the fight then you should speak to Takatar. He has gathered stories of the triumphs and failures of those who have tried to hunt the Great Serpent in the past. Perhaps he might provide more insight into the capabilities of the Undying one," says Kamoktalin as he seems to lean up straight when Ferrin is mentioned. "The Swamp Father as he is called, has come and gone from our lands. My Elder told me a bit of what he knew of the man from his time. The Swamp Father was said to have blown in with a great storm in the area. He was found with arrows riddled over his body of a make we had never seen. Dark black arrows that held some sort of substance through over them that my Elder had never found out what it was. He recovered and left without a word of thanks like a frantic man on the run. Only later did he return curious but like a man who did not know his place, which is strange for one of the Fey Touched. He had spoken of places far away as if he hoped to return but gave up quickly at the naming and left once more. During my time of knowing him, he has kept his distance. He did not like our ways but he did not attack us for them, and seemed to understand why it must be. I know it will not mean much to you. What he has done for us has bought us time, time that I hope will put an end to our Time of Darkness. I'm sorry I am rambling, was there something specific you wanted to know about him and us?"
 
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Yelcan listens for a few moments as Kallisto gives what appears to be an empowering speech of some sort, not that Yelcan could understand it. As the crowd roared, Yelcan finally gave up on listening and began to walk around the camp. He immediately headed for the giant pit that he had seen on his way into the village, and peeked into it. It appeared to be empty, but he could just make out towards the bottom of the pit a moving black mass, and Yelcan shuddered and backed away. He assumed this must be the 'Maw' that he had heard of much earlier, and the sight of all of this skeeved him out.

Yelcan began to wander around the village just looking at the people training, making weapons, or just minding their own business as he thought over the events of this trip. It had certainly had its moments of both excitement and disappointment, but he was optimistic. The encounter with the Great Serpent had gone much worse than he had expected, but at least they were all still alive and together, and more determined than ever. Yelcan was not totally convinced that the pillars, that were extremely similar to the magical deck of card he had heard tell of in some of the cities back home, would not have given them some kind of advantage against this beast, but he realized his foolishness in trying to take the quickest solution he could find, especially when he had so much to lose now.

Eventually Yelcan wandered over to where he saw Arissa standing, and he gently elbowed her to get her attention. "Hey, Mrs. Ambassador, would you be so kind as to help me get one of those snazzy necklaces that they're making over there?" Once she agreed, Yelcan wandered over with Arissa to the area where he had seen them crafting these wooden beaded necklaces, and in that foreign tongue Arissa began to speak to one of the people. The tribe member looked at her and immediately thrust one of the necklaces towards Yelcan and he took it, a little flustered, and then reached for his coin purse. Seeing his reaction, she said "We paid their price in blood. What use could gold be for these people out here? I doubt they could eat it." Yelcan immediately let his coin purse fall back against his pack and instead reached into the pack itself for one of the spare daggers he carried, offering it back to the one who gave him the necklace. She accepted the exchange, and he turned away giving Arissa a very matter of fact look. "I knew that." And without another word he strode back over to the tent that they were assigned and began to work with the herbs he had prepared back at the witch's house to help against the effects of poison.
 
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