Blackburn's Crossing Chapter 4: Snake Eater

Status
Not open for further replies.
Arissa felt her heart beat heavily as she prepared for the coming battle, speaking the unfamiliar word that Jon had taught her when she had purchased her armor. “Fracture.” Immediately, three illusory perfect copies of Arissa appeared around her. The spell distracted Arissa from her growing nerves for a moment as she admired the Einhorn family’s handiwork. Gods, it’s not every day that you get that kind of view of yourself... remind me, why am I with Bernard again? She laughed to herself nervously before she heard loud slithering motions, and her eyes narrowed in focus as the combat began.

As the naga moved forward, Arissa heard it chanting under it’s breath, and felt a sudden shift in temperature, and she quickly threw herself to the side, feeling divine power coursing through her as she avoided a massive beacon of fire and light streaking down from the light. She glanced over to Bernard, relieved to see that he himself had avoided the majority of the blast as well. Her eyes then fell on her skin that seemed to glow brightly for another moment before fading. She watched as a massive wall of vicious thorns sprung up before her, and glanced briefly back at Peri, in awe of her power before retiring her attention back to the threat at hand which quickly moved out of the thorns, and blasted a bolt of lightning in return at her. Arissa’s eyes narrowed at the monster and she tightly clenched her blade, ready to rush it herself until she saw a lone warrior sprint past the Naga, running for the limp form of Ialay entangled in the vines. She watched as the Naga struck out, dropping the warrior, and sighed briefly before calling out to the prone figure. “Stay down! You will survive this!” She then charged forward, allowing her wings to extend out from behind her as she glared up at the nightmare the party had been hunting for what felt like a month. She drew her blade with a flourish and met it’s gaze, burning anger in her eyes for all the suffering it had caused her and her friends. “Legba sends his regards. It is time to die, just like your mate before you, you overgrown garden vermin.”

As Arissa prepared to fight the monster, she heard loud movement behind her, and watched as Kallisto and Bernard charged past at either side of her, delivering vicious blows that brought down the Naga. She heard it gasping and muttering to itself in Sylvan, but quickly turned as the anger faded, and ran to Peri. She embraced her, not caring about her wings or the mirror image spell that continued throughout, and channeled the crimson glow of her healing power into the smaller girl. “Are you alright, Sister?” Seeing that Peri’s condition was fairly stable, she smiled to her and laughed, her embrace tightening. “Gods, I never could have imagined you possessed such power in you. I am so glad that you are safe now.”
 
After his discussion with Arissa, Bernard's focus was intense. He had no intention of letting any of his party die, and he wasn't going to allow the Undying One to get away. As they prepared the trap, Bernard was quiet, he formed the adaptive weapon into a great blade which he hoped would rend and sever the snake. Testing the sharpness of the blade, he nodded. Though he preferred blunt instruments for their effectiveness in dealing with the undead, and their lack of need for precise motions, he knew his way around a blade. When the time came to summon the serpent, he took his place at the glyph, being sure to keep Arissa and Kallisto close. He readied his blade and waited for Amarden to announce their approach.

The snake broke through the bone maze trailing its young, Bernard steadied his grip and said a prayer to Ezra, asking her to guide Arissa, Kallisto, and himself safely through the battle. He looked to Arissa, "We survive this together my love. I will not be going home without you." He gave her a weak, haunted smile before looking back toward the beast. As it charged forward it called down fire from the heavens, but Bernard felt Ezra's hand push him aside, avoiding the majority of the assault. Then Peri raised a wall, catching the naga off guard. Bernard grimaced as they heard the screams of the Children of the Serpent throw themselves against the thorny brambles. "Not like this. It was never suppose to be like this. I hope they do not suffer long." He moved slightly, realizing that he was in the serpent's path, and set his footing to dodge another spell. Instead the beast broke through and lashed out at Peri, Bernard's heart sunk as the lightning flashed up her arm and she cried in pain.

The serpent, compelled by the glyph, moved forward. Arissa charged and unveiled her glory, fear filling the Serpent's eyes. This was the end. Kallisto charged landing several blows and leaving the creature weak as Bernard followed behind to finish with his blade, glowing with a radiant light. As the creature slumped and crawled toward the glyph, Bernard held no pity for the beast. It had taken so much from so many, robbed Kallisto of a sister, almost taken her mother. How many more families had it ruined? He felt the mist pull at his fingers as he surged forward to Ialay's side collecting the Soul Devourer. There was nothing he could do for her, but Kallisto could fulfill her destiny. As Ahretakan fell to her knees clutching her daughter, Bernard laid hand on her shoulder healing her wounds.

He moved back to Kallisto, wordlessly handing her the axe before turning the face down the hydra as well, but Violette had made short work of the beast and was returning, a tribesman bearing a head in hand. With the threats dealt with, Bernard moved to care for Peri who was already in Arissa's embrace. He approached and laid a hand on her shoulder, "Ezra watches over us." He smiled as his amulet glowed and the healing radiance coursing through his hand and down her arm. With a nod, he walked away, "We'll catch up later sister, I need to make sure Violette is alright."

He approached Violette, "You did well to fell that beast. I am glad you are alright." He raised a hand to offer her healing as she waved him off. "We still have a trek back to the tribe. I would hate for anyone to travel in pain when it can be easily prevented, but if you're sure." He gave a sad smile and turned back to join the others, ignoring his own wounds. In some way it felt appropriate that he was in pain. He'd failed so many today, and he was so willing to do anything for Arissa, in some ways the truth about his love scared him. It was so pure, so bright, and honest, the best thing in his life, but it held so much potential to ruin or corrupt him. He shook the thoughts from his mind as he walked back to Arissa and Peri wrapping them both in his arms, "I'm glad you're both alright. We should collect our things and head for the tribe. We can inform them of our success and Kallisto's triumph and head back toward the Crossing in the morning. Who knows, maybe the Lake of Blood will send them in the same direction and we can travel with the tribe toward home for a time." He looked Peri in the eyes, "There was nothing you could have done. The Serpent sacrificed them to shake your resolve. Do not for a second believe that it is your fault."
 
Peri spent some time preparing as they waited for the Naga to appear, though she hadn’t quite understood how everything was to work she did believe in her friends and their strategy. Her sharp eyes kept look out upon Yelcan in the air worried for him exposed and then to the others her brother and Arissa pushing to the forefront of her mind.

As the call came to act Peri stood off to the side in order to flank the monster and hold off the children. She did not want to harm them they were only compelled and they deserved to live. The Naga appeared within view slinging spells she watched as it hit those before it. Peri called upon her father’s staff to cut off the children from the naga.

A rumble of earth as thrones vines burst up from the ground drawing power her herself and the earth the sharp barbs of nature’s wrath digging into the flesh and scales of the beast. She did well but her pride was quickly washed away by the screams and grunts of the children as they tried to push through the wall. “Turn back” she cried out to them through the thorns many finding themselves stuck their life torn from them along with their flesh from the thorns.

In her sorrow she tore her eyes away as the Naga burst forth casting a spell of vengeance upon her. The burst of lightning swirly careening towards her Peri brought up her hand calling upon the gods of the earth to protect their sentinel. A rush of power flood through her grounding her as the lightning ripped through her arm burning it crisping flesh drawing out a cry of pain, but it safely passed through her and dispersed into the ground.

The next moments were a blur the wall came down revealing a terrifying sight as the Naga was claimed by the strikes of the others. All or almost according to plan. She had failed her end.

Staggering in place a moment before pressing towards the children she was wrapped up in the warmth of a familiar body. Closing her eyes she listened to the melodic voice and she felt her pain ebb slightly. “We did it, we protected our home.” Tears lingered on her lashes as she held fast to the woman for dear life Arissa’s arms holding her together.

Bernard’s words came and a soothing warmth flooded over her the pain in her shattered hand fading to nothing leaving only white scars where the electricity first arced into her blood. It felt like moments and an eternity when she felt a stronger grip around her and the familiar scene of Bernard.

“I am alright,” she responded to both in kind, “each time I have used this staff above my capabilities something bad has happened. These terrible powers, I am afraid of them, I do not wish to be someone that destroys life.” Looking to her hand still blackened by the soot of her own burned flesh.
 
Graveyard of Bones:

Suddenly a rumbling shook the ground, and the blood flowing from Al'ocktalel's body began to rush faster and faster until suddenly an impossible surge of red blood began to pour and flood not only the symbol but leave inches of blood on the ground. Another crack as the ground seemed to shift once more and red liquid seemed to pool up from beneath the ground rapidly. "Uhh.. I think it's time to go!" says Violette not understanding the Natives speaking.

Amarden looked down watching the figures flee, after having met eyes with Kallisto for the briefest of moments. He watched as the red liquid began to fill marking the white bones of this place in an inky red, and slowly starting to encompass them. As the group makes it out of the bowl they see it still filling up leaving nothing but the very top of the tower exposed, the rest of the bones being covered in what looked like blood. Takatar exclaimed. "It is the Lake of Blood! The Shadowman has blessed us," says Takatar in astonishment looking back. Checking the map the Tribe was still in the same location as before, maybe a bit further away it was hard to tell as the symbol marking the Graveyard of Bones was no longer there and instead showed a dark tear drop.

Down near the edge of the lake a man dressed in black seemed to watch out over the newly formed lake. He whistled a tune that carried on the wind. He looks towards the group for a moment and bows momentarily taking off his hat.
 
Arissa’s reunion family cut short by the rising crimson tide, she quickly took Peri by the hand and made her way out of the Graveyard in time to witness it fill to the brink. She sat down for a moment to catch her breath before hearing a familiar tune. She glanced over to Bernard, who she had heard whistle it before, and then stood to locate the true source, her eyes falling on the familiar figure of Legba. Her jaw set, and she looked back to her friends for a moment. “I require a word or two with him. Be back in a moment.”

Arissa made her way down the bony shores of the Lake of Blood and approached Legba, far more curious than she was afraid. “I had not realized we had become business partners, Legba. I would ask to celebrate with a drink, but I fear that the house red would not suit my particular tastes.”
 
Once they'd escaped the Graveyard and everyone was accounted for, Bernard looked back on the Lake of Blood. He stepped over toward Kallisto who was carrying Ialay and her mother who looked very upset, "I'm sorry we couldn't save her. Though I find some solace in the fact she is no longer under the Great Serpent's control." He frowned slightly, before smiling and trying to lift the atmosphere, "You did well leading the tribe. You could be a leader if you set your mind to it." He nodded in approval before looking between Kallisto and Ahretakan, "Please speak with Peri. I know your loss is deep, but she needs to know that you do not blame her for Al'ocktalel's actions, for the things she made her spawn do."

As he finishes his thought, he heard the chilling whistle of Papa Legba. Spinning around, he saw the man standing on the shore, Arissa glanced to Bernard who didn't know how to react. As Arissa set her jaw and walked off, Bernard felt powerless to even attempt to stop her. "Subcinctus," he mumbled and his great sword shrunk and curled itself around his finger. He followed Arissa, stopping half way between the party and the pair. He watched Legba intently, he'd used Arissa's image to goad Bernard in the past, but this time, she was within his grasp. Bernard felt the weight of the wax sealed envelope in his pack and knew that the danger was ever present.
 
Peri kept up if she needed she could perform another spell but how more morbid a story it would make. Upon hearing the whistle her eyes lifted to the sound shaking her head as she saw the black hatted figure.

Arissa and Bernard both leaving her to deal with this threat Peri approached Kallisto and Ialay’s mother taking one knee before them. “I am wholely and eternally sorry for what I have done. In order to bar entry I threw my most deadly spell and Ialay and the others paid the price of my using power above my ability.”

Fighting back tears, she had no right to cry or feel sorry for herself. Too many lives were on her hands.
 
Fleeing the rising tide of red blood with the others, carrying her three weapons, as well as Ialay's lifeless body and half carrying Ahretakan each time she stumbled, Kallisto stood on the shore of the newly revealed lake with the others.

Having met Amarden's gaze as they left, she wasn't sure ... was he pleased with what had happened? Or was he merely instead the guardian of the lake now? All the dead and undead in the lake ... what did that mean if the tribe wished to live here instead?

Noticing Legba down along the shore, her eyes focused in on him, hearing him whistle the same tune Atanase had hummed when she last saw him. She watched Arissa step towards him before hearing Bernard speak to her before moving away. Kallisto looked down at Ialay being held in her arms, Ahretakan still hovering nearby and weeping, "I don't want to be a leader..."

Watching the scene further down the shore she heard Perian speak to her this time, glancing over and down as she was kneeling in front of Kallisto and Ahretakan. Kallisto shook her head towards Perian, adjusting her hold on Ialay slightly to tap the small fox totem that was tied to Perian's staff. "Perian ... the Serpent proved how far gone she was in her desire for revenge. If she truly cared for her children, she would not have forced them through your wall ... We have all taken lives, and we will likely continue to take lives in an attempt to protect ourselves and our families."

Kallisto lowered herself to Perian's level, placing a hand on her head, "All I ask is you do not become numb to it. Remember what is at risk on both sides of a battle, and do not hate those who appose you." With a tired smile, her teeth slightly visible, "It may seem hard to believe, but I never hated the Serpent, and I still don't. I know you don't understand the language we've been speaking out here, but when we met her the first time, I told her I came offering rest from an endless cycle of pain and hurt, I told her I was concerned for her, after hearing her story. It was not a lie -- she had suffered a betrayal by those she was bound to protect, and she thought the only path left for her was taking Children of Blood to replace what she had lost, but it would never be enough."

Lifting her hand off Perian's head, Kallisto stood again, "If you are truly the Warden of the swamplands now, Perian, you will likely have to deal with such things over the years." With an odd smile she continued, looking over the lake while she adjusted her hold on Ialay, "Though it is amusing to say as much after everything that just happened, where we are, and the weapon I have ... death is just as much a part of the world as life. And at the end of it all, things will be as they'll be."
 
Graveyard of Bones:

"Not quiet partner's Arissa. You told them I had sent you, and as my Agent you accomplished the task. To these people you may yet become a part of a pantheon. Something I believe you were trying to avoid, Angel of Shadow."

Papa Legba grinned with an amused smile though his eyes did not leave the Lake of Blood before them. A chill wind blew in off the Lake of Blood much colder than the winds of the warm land. After a long moment his eyes slide to the side looking over to Arissa.

"Don't you have a book to run off to?"
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Ahretakan watched Peri approach, and she hardened on the exterior. She watched as Kallisto interacted with Peri, before the older woman spoke in Mordentish. "Daughter of the Swamps, you may be forgiven someday, but the Knives are still fresh. I cannot give you the Absolution you seek." Ahretakan's voice was hard and rough. After saying the words she looks off to the side looking towards the lake. "I understand why she would have done it. As a mother she would rather them die than be taken. It is a pain familiar to me."

She looks back to Kallisto with a knowing look, repeating what Kallisto had just said. "Things will be as they will be." Down below Takatar carefully takes a timid drink of the red liquid before speaking to his friend who then takes a drink as well. From a distance they seem excited and come up to Ahretakan. "It is truly the Lake of Blood. We could live here and our children could live here for many years to come off of this lake."
 
Peri nods, “I will leave you be then.” Rising up she looked back to Kallisto. “Thank you for your words, this is something that will not fade lightly Kallisto.” Giving a quick nod she turns from them to get herself away keeping all in sight but to where she could be alone.
 
Arissa stares up at Legba, not allowing a hint of emotion to shine through. “I was trying to avoid the deaths of those I care for, while also helping my friend by any means neccesary. If allowing you to play god is those means, then so be it. Myself and the others know the truth, and that is enough for me. Anyways, you are correct. Merris is in need of rescue, and it has been put off long enough. Any words of wisdom to your humble Agent, Shadowman?”
 
Lake of Blood:

"The Truth. It is amusing how often that is used when it is entirely subjective. Perhaps in time you will come to know more of it. I am a bit sad that I will not see you're adventures in the book but perhaps I shall glean a bit of what happens upon your return."

Papa Legba chuckles as he notices up the hill Takatar speaking about the Lake.

"Seems they've found their land of paradise. We will see how long that lasts."

As Legba turns to go he stops for a moment looking back to Arissa.

"My advice would be to make the story a good one."
 
Arissa looked up the hill to the shredded body of Ialay in Kallisto’s arms, and responded to Legba. “I suppose there would be a first time for everything, although I would not be surprised to learn that you prefer to read tragedies over all else.” Arissa turned back to Legba, a hint of anger showing in her otherwise composed demeanor. “Oh, one last thing before you take your leave, Vader Legba. Leave my friends alone, or else I swear to all of the gods of my land and this foreign one I find myself in, I will make you regret the day the Blackburns summoned you to these lands.”
 
Kallisto sighed as Perian walked away, "I suppose that is where we differ then ..." looking down at Ialay's snake-like appearance, "If they have been taken, there is still a chance to be returned. Death is far more permanent. I cannot claim to understand how you feel or your thoughts ... but I do hope someday you will forgive Perian. She understands the pain you're going through -- not for a daughter, but her father, her uncles and aunt are gone, her mother taken." She looked towards Ahretakan, "You two have much in common ..."

Watching Takatar and the others take sips from the lake she saw their excitement. "I still suggest hunting before relying on the lake..." she looked inwards to the spire, trying to spot Amarden, "there's still many things not fully understood here..."
 
Lake of Blood:

"Then you would be surprised to hear that I do not."

Papa Legba waved a hand lazily behind himself as he continued to walk on foot away.

"My door is open to all who willingly wish to come. Do not blame the wolf that kills a rabbit, for it is only in its nature. I believe that I would not be the only one to regret that day, but we will see about that, if that day ever comes."
____________________________________________________________________________________________

Ahretakan nods to Kallisto. "Then she has been slowly been hardened as well. There will come a day when I can... but not while this pain is still sharp. Death is usually not an end but here there is something different. I think we can all feel it on some level or another, that the place of death we fought is not part of the cycle. I saw the weapon Ialay wielded. The one upon your back now, and I weep for you as well. Ialay and you will never be reborn, and I weep for your lost souls. I am not even sure the Shadowman could attempt to bring her back."

Takatar grins in response to Kallisto's hesitence. "The Shadowman has gifted us for being victorious in our hunt. Be glad distant sister, our days of the Feast are over. Never again must we consume our own to live," says Takatar as he motions to her spear. "Or perhaps it was our ancestor's bloody spear that unlocked the lake and we have you to thank? I will not pretend to understand the workings of fate but this is a victory for all."

"We must return, and offer at least their bodies to the flame... I will speak to Loretan to see if there is anything to be done about the other matters," says Ahretakan as she proceeds forward towards the tribe and away from the Lake of Blood.

"Come, we will return victorious! The Hydra will hopefully make for a good meal," says Takatar to the others as they begin to follow spirits high.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The return trip leaves you arriving in the evening. The curious landscape of the floating dead slows you're progress once more, and the warriors traveling with you fall silent at this leg of the journey. It seems that they believe speaking might awaken them. Before long you finally return to camp where soon the word spreads of not only the death of the Undying One but also the finding of the Lake of Blood. Preparations for the dinner meal are made, and a minor celebration seems to shake the village.

After catching Kamoktalin up with the events that had taken place he seems to relax, his shoulders no longer tensed and a wide smile on his face. He congratulates the party and offers to let them stay for the night should they wish it. In the meantime people much of the wood for the bonfire is already gathered, and they work on editing it a bit to allow the bodies onto the fire. Kallisto breaks her bracer giving one to Ialay's body and the other to her mother Ahretakan. Many get up and say things about the people before they light the pyre. The smell of cooked snake bodies filters through the air, as it burns throughout the night.
 
Last edited:
Swamplands:

The group stays the night and ends up heading home. Each of them feeling a bit of homesickness and eagerness to return. The tribe wishes them well on their journey and much of the journey is uneventful. Two full days pass until early on morning as people eventually come out of the protective orb to start their walk for the day an elf appears on a nearby stump clapping for a moment.

"My, my, my. Mrs. Blackburn you are a difficult woman to find. I had thought that maybe James had tried to mislead me at first when he said you were away, but here you are out in the swamps. I was wondering if I might have a word with you about the Helle Welle, and James himself," said the elven man looking among your companions. "Interesting company you keep."

"And just who are you?" asked Violette crossing her arms as she observed the elf. He pointed an opened fingered hand towards his chest. "Who am I? I am but a humble and dutiful servant of my sovereign, the Wizard King Azalin Rex. You may call me Mortimus if you like."
 
Léone hadn't said much during the trip back, not wanting to disturb the others from their ruminations. Fortunately the walk was quiet enough for her to mull over the things she learned from the tribe, and the strange things that had happened during their trip. The swamp was a strange place, and even though she had gotten answers it only raised more and more questions about the Crossing's history.

Attimer had flown back at some point during the trip home, and kept her company while she took watch - often the first of the night, alone with her belongings and notes. While it was a bit lonely it was definitely preferred to the stressful week they had had - and she was sure the rest of the party agreed. So as she finished her rest and sleep overtook her within the safety of Arissa's protective spell, the sound of clapping was the last thing she expected here... in the middle of the swamp, two days from town.

Stepping out carefully, she raised an eyebrow as the strange man addressed a "Mrs. Blackburn", looking at her. Her eyes widen suddenly at the realization of who this man was and why he was out here, though she was still confused at how he had gotten this far into the swamp by himself. "What? How did he...?"

She glances at the others, then back at Mortimus. "I... had heard that James had gotten an audience back in town, but I didn't realize that you would take the effort to seek me out here in the swamps. However you managed that, of course." She turns to the others and frowns apologetically. "I'm sorry this is coming out of the blue, but I knew that recent events probably weighed heavy in everyone's minds and I didn't want to concern you all with my own business until we got back to town. Though I can't say I expected this either."

Mouthing a last quick "sorry" to the group she turns back to Mortimus and steps forward, giving a curt nod. "Alright, I may as well humor you since you've come out all this way for me. This should be... private, I assume?" She looks the strange man in the eyes, trying to figure out just what his deal was.
 
Bernard spun around at the sound of clapping to see the elf sitting on a rock. As Violette responded, Bernard judged the man, obviously a caster, probably a threat to any one of them, but likely unable to match all of them. He eased slightly, deciding that, though his last experience in the swamp was unpleasant, violence would just cause more harm than good.

Then Leone spoke and Bernard's blood boiled, two secrets in as many days. Was it not clear that Azalin Rex is dangerous? This was a problem in town, but now it was a problem standing right in front of them. He looked to Arissa with a moment of a frown before his face turned hard and he turned back to Mortimus and Leone. "No. We are returning to the Crossing, now, as intended. It's dangerous to wander off in the swamp alone and we're not interested in taking on any extra company. If you'd like to meet us in the Crossing, Mortimus you can find your own way back. And Leone, Blackburn business or not, here is not the time nor place, at the very least you'll not be wandering off for a private chat while under my guard. Remember what happened last time someone tried to speak with a stranger in the swamp?" Bernard's voice was cold and sharp. He was tired and ready to be home. He knew that he would need time before entering the book but a conversation with this man could put them back hours and he recalled his episode of memory loss which he thought seemed a good deterrent for wandering off alone. Bernard paused to reconsider, looking at Mortimus, "Come no closer. Whatever you came to say can be stated to the party or not at all. Make it quick, we're leaving." He adjusted the grip on his maul, uninterested in arguing with this strange man and ready to be on his way.
 
Léone glances back at Bernard and, processing his words for a few seconds, slowly nods. What was she doing? She wasn't on her own anymore, she couldn't male rash decisions without involving the people she knew now that the decisions she made had consequences. They'd definitely be mad at her but now was not the time to argue after so much grief and stress. She turns back to Mortimus and gives a curt nod. "He's right. Apologies, but we've had quite a bit of trouble during our expedition and we can't take on an extra person at the moment. If you merely needed to deliver some quick news I'd be fine with you sharing it with the party, otherwise an extended conversation is probably best saved for dry ground. Our traveling party is exhausted, I hope you understand. She eyes him up and down curiously. "You seem to have an exceptional sense of direction, so I'm sure it's not an issue."
 
Swampland:

Mortimer watches the party leisurely as Bernard speaks. “I understand you may have matters of your own but I have wasted enough time in my task and it does not do well to displease my lord.”

Seeing Leone own urgency he nods. “Very well, I am short on time myself but cannot return without my Lord’s questions answered,” says Mortimer turning his gaze from Bernard to Leone. “So let’s start with why James Blackburn is still alive? You’re last communication with us was that he would be taken care of in a more permanent manner. Why the change of plans?”

The elf’s voice remained sociable and curious as if he was asking Leone’s favorite color, not a plot to kill the man she was getting married to. “Second, the Helle Welle was received in Il Aluk a few days ago. Lord Azalin sends his thanks and gratitude for making the item exactly to specifications. He may want to rely on your services for arcane matters that lie outside of his…. purview in the future. So that is the last question he has is whether you plan to continue to show your support. He understands if other projects will currently pull your efforts elsewhere.”
 
Léone raises an eyebrow, glancing at the others and knowing that they'd have lots of questions... or concerns, or strongly-worded confrontations. She had hoped to tell them in a calmer environment once they had gotten back to town but it seemed that life just didn't want to be patient. She turns back to Mortimus and bows slightly in respect. "I will have to apologize for the lack of communication from the Blackburns, but much has occurred since James's return to the Crossing just a few weeks ago. I hope Lord Azalin will excuse this but my reasons for keeping him alive are my own."

At the mention of the Helle Welle, she shrugs and shakes her head, trying to seem as nonchalant as possible. "As for your other inquiry... you may tell Azalin that future ventures are within the realm of possibility, but we will require time to consider the matter and to get things together on our end. As previously mentioned, much has changed recently and other concerns have taken the forefront of my priorities. I hope that is an acceptable answer for the Wizard-King for this moment - I'm afraid it is difficult to give a conclusive answer whilst we are in the middle of a massive swamp after a tiring expedition." He was definitely suspicious of her - she noted the way his eyes shifted to inspect each of her party members in a calculated manner despite his casual demeanor - but nothing she said was technically lying and she hoped that was enough to send him back for the time being while they figured out what the heck was going on with James's parents.
 
Last edited:
Swampland:

There was a long moment before Mortimer stood up dusting himself off before smiling widely. "I think I understand now. Thank you, for you have been most accommodating with this sudden and abrupt inquiry. I will inform my lord that you are open to the possibility though the circumstances that seem to have transpired are far from what was planned. You all have yourselves a wonderful trek," says Mortmier as he looks up into the distance and utters a word in another language. "Onerariis." Around him the mist rises up to engulf him in an impenetrable cloud and then falls to the floor leaving nothing but an empty air behind.
 
Léone simply watches as the man disappears, trying to comprehend what he had said. "What... what did he expect?" Shaking her head, she turns to the rest of the group and frowns. "I... I'll have to apologize again, I honestly didn't expect this to happen at all. For what it's worth, I'm just as confused as you are about what it all means." She scratches the back of her head, occasionally making eye contact with various people in the group but mostly looking down at the floor. "... I know I should have told you earlier but I didn't want to overshadow everyone else's concerns and worries. I came out here to help you all, not to burden you with my own problems when we couldn't even deal with them so far out in the swamp. If you'd like me to explain now that we're heading back I'd be glad to - I have no secrets to hide." She finally looks back up at the group, hoping that her reasoning was alright. " I swear to you, I only meant the best."
 
Bernard watched the man, recognizing the cold calculation and focus behind his nonchalant facade. His surprise was difficult to hide as the man asked after the death of James, Did Leone incite Isaiah to madness? Did she intend James dead and she start the fight, risk mother's life, just to hide her intent, that James die? His concern was quickly cast aside as the next string of questions precluded the first concern. He couldn't believe that Leone is James' mother, could he? Leone was not present to build the Helle Welle and she knew very little of it when it was returned to James. She sent it off quickly, but that was my recommendation by the urging of Dmitri who could not lie when he warned against keeping it from Azalin. He tensed slightly, This may be a test. Is she willing to lie about her identity to this man? If he already knows she is not Mrs.Blackburn, this could turn bad.

As Leone responded, Bernard was unflinching. This is not the way, secrets and lies do not let you sleep well at night. The breed darkness and shadows for knives and ears. He breathed a sigh of relief as the man disappeared, cautiously swinging his maul through the space where the man hand been, nothing. Another sigh of relief. As Leone spoke he turned to regard her, he looked not upset, but disappointed, like a father who caught his child sneaking cookies from the cookie jar. "You may not have secrets for us, but what darkness have you invited into your life with that lie? Are you truly willing to work for the Wizard King? There will be plenty of time to tell us what's happened when we camp for the night, but we should keep moving. It's not safe in the swamps." He turned and moved back to the front of the group leading them onward back toward the Crossing.
 
Blackburn's Crossing 28th Day, Near Evening:

After the long trek back to the crossing it is comforting to see the streets and buildings. A few guards patrolling around, and the hustle and bustle of the docks winding down for the day. A few ships sailing by on the river, and the calm rush of the river. Dry land beneath your feet, is a welcome privilege. Violette had remained quiet during most of the rest of the journey only occasionally stopping to sniff openly. Upon entering in town she sighs. "If anyone stops me between James' showers and here I think I'm liable to kill them..." she says half laughing at the prospect. "I guess we'll have more to talk about tomorrow but I'm sure James will be happy to see you have returned. Good news is, I don't see that James burnt down his mansion yet."
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Users who are viewing this thread

Total: 5 (members: 0, guests: 5)
Back
Top