Chronicle of the Scavenger Lands (Exalted 3E) - IC

[jaydude]

"Yes, she is." Ganzin would say to Zedradon. "Our queen's currently talking to her inside that cabin."

Both Ysandre and Arumi hear the footsteps coming from outside, the Water Aspect lifting her head quizzically.

 

[Esbilon]

"I am," the young queen agrees. "My name is Ysandre. I do not know what you have been taught growing up, but if you mourn your brother, then surely some of it must be true. Love for our fellows is a virtue here as well as in Lookshy. As a soldier you have been taught to protect those in your charge, that too is something we can all agree upon."

Ysandre nods to the spot beside Arumi on the bed and asks, "may I sit?"

 

[D. Rex]

Zedradon nodded his thanks to Ganzin before walking to the door.

He reached to push it open, only to meet resistance. It wasnt locked, more like someone was pushing against it.

With a frown, the doctor knocked on the door. "Its Zedradon. Here to check on the girl." He said brusquely.

 

[Esbilon]

"A moment," Ysandre calls out to Zedradon.

"The healer who saw you earlier has come back to see to your wounds. Do you want him to come in?" She asks Arumi.

 

[jaydude]

Arumi gives a half-hearted shrug of her shoulders and scoots to the side, giving Ysandre a bit more space to sit down upon. At the Zenith's next question, she gives a little smile.

"Okay. I think I can trust him, at least." she says. "I'd ask if I could put on an undamaged shirt first, but he'll probably want to look at this wound while he's here."

 

[Esbilon]

"He probably will," Ysandre agrees. "I'm not sure this room will fit all three of us, so I'll wait right outside," she adds with a smile.

Then she turns around to let Zedradon in and steps out to give the doctor room to do his work.

"Hello Quill," she greets the Twilight once the door is closed once more and the two Solars are standing in the narrow hallway.

 

[jaydude]

"Hi there." says Arumi, holding the top of her shirt closed with one hand, the corners of her mouth turned downwards in a grimace. She stands up, only grunting slightly from the pain and pressing her free hand to her torso.

"Ugh...how long have I been here? I feel like this should hurt a lot more than it does..."

 

[Red Shadow Claws]

Quill bows to Ysandre "Hello Ysandre, I have been researching these Artifacts we've found, and they tell quite a story, for those who can listen. But the story some of them told, made me realize that in designing your crown, i'm missing some key elements. Pieces that i'm hoping you can fill in for me." He starts pacing back and forth, more as away to arrange his thoughts cohesively. "You see, while Artifacts are static in appearance, the materials used, extra ingredients added, their crafting method, and even the place of their crafting, and the crafter's agenda, and that of their user can influence how they express themselves, in their Evocations. I can aim for one thing, but the balance of them all will determine the outcome." He takes a deep breath, before he continues "I don't wanna bore you with the details, but there are a few things i want to know about Nalia, if you will:
1. I understand Venus and Wun-ja are the main goddesses, but can you tell me more about them, and about any other major gods?
2. Are you aware of any Manse in Nalia?
3. What are the main products of Nalia?"

 

[D. Rex]

Zedradon nodded at Ysandre as she exited. "You don't have to leave." He said to her.

But then turned his attention to Arumi as he entered. Nakedness meant nothing to him. Being a doctor, and the things he had seen. The appreciation of ones body was replaced by nothing more than clinical appraisal. So long as he could see the injury, he didnt care.

"Less than a day." He explained to her. "And yes it should. It was a mortal blow. But my hands were guided by the Sun. Under my care, I would not have allowed you to suffer or die."

Zedradon knelt down to inspect the wound in closer detail,"Open your shirt." He said bluntly so that he could see how it was healing.

"How much pain are you in right now? And are you having any trouble breathing?"

 

[Esbilon]

She answers Quill's bow with a nod and a friendly smile. "Of course, I'm happy to help, and happy to talk about my homeland. Nalia largely follows the Immaculate Philosophy, balancing the worship of the gods with the needs of mortals. That said, Venus has always held a special place for us as you well know. Wun-Ja's temple is a bit of an oddity, she's hardly a god who cares much for mortal affairs, but we like to see Nalia as the last bastion of civilization in the East, so perhaps it stands to reason.. As most people living by the river, we depend on it and Baphinol the Wine Eyed, the god of the river is one of our most important terrestrial deities. As I believe I've mentioned before, the royal palace is a manse and the hearthstone is now undoubtedly in my brother's hands. It is possible that one of the temples may also be a manse, but I honestly do not know. The priests hold such things close, and I was never allowed in the most sacred spaces. Nalia's wealth is twofold, the bounty of its land and the ingenuity of its people. Across the Scavenger Lands, craftsmen and artisans produce works of great utility, but nowhere is it made as beautifully as in Nalia."

 

[Red Shadow Claws]

Quill's eyes light up as she talks, a vision taking further shape in his mind's eye. "Well, as things go, the palace might be just the place to use, but we will definitely need to get in touch with Baphinol, Wun-Ja, and Venus, to cement this, we just need to figure out ways to do so." And he takes half a step forward, and nearly stumbles "Wait, you're a Zenith. That means that you are a priestess, and as such, you can claim entrance to these inner sanctums, and you have a way to formulate prayers to these gods, so that they hear you, and possibly respond."

 

[Esbilon]

"The Unconquered Sun has chosen me to be his priestess, yes. But that was not my role when I lived in Nalia, and while he is the King of Heaven, using his authority to force my way into the holy places of other gods do not seem like a fruitful course of action. Should the gods choose to answer my prayers, that is of course a different matter entirely."

 

[jaydude]

Within the cabin, Arumi lets out a breath of resignation and opens her shirt a little, not enough to let Quill see anything naughty, but enough for him to see the full length of her scar.

Already it's healed far more than it should have realistically been able to in the time between Zedradon treating it and the present moment. It's still very much visible, but doesn't appear to be in any danger of reopening, even if Arumi were to engage in whatever strenuous activity she can in her present state.

"Ugh...it hurts, but it's bearable. And I can breathe well enough." she says, before sitting down on the bed again. "Still a bit tired, though."

"I'm actually amazed." she then admits. "Even the most skilled Wood Aspect healers in Lookshy couldn't heal a wound like mine to this extent in less than a day. Nor can those in the Realm, if our intelligence is correct."

 

[D. Rex]

Zedradon eyed the scar. Checking its color and form, and running a finger along it to test its texture and elasticity. "Very good." He said.

Leaning back he waved for her to close her shirt back up, he seen what he needed. It was healing surprisingly well. "I will be removing the stitches tomorrow, just in case. But you will be well enough to move around without risk of injuring yourself. However I strongly recommend you keep to rest and refrain from exertion. Including, but not limited to, heavy bouts of sobbing."

"Your flesh may be healing but bone tends take a while longer. Your ribs were broken in the gash, so if you anticipate an activity will make you breath heavily, then dont do it. But given you can breath as well as you are, I suspect those are mending nicely as well. I will, however, come by later with a mild analgesic."


At her last words, Zedradon paused, as if he was unsure what to say about such a compliment. "I spent a long time honing my craft. But my abilities are thanks, in no small part, to my status as Anathema. As it has gifted me the chance to apply all of my being to my calling."

"One day, perhaps, it will change. In that I can spread knowledge and techniques to be applied by any who wish to use them. Be they of Lookshy or the Realm."

 

[jaydude]

"Maybe it will." Arumi replies, though she sounds doubtful. With the examination over, she turns her back on Zedradon and removes her own ruined shirt, before pulling on the one provided to her by the crew. Once that's done she sits back down on the bed.

"Keeping myself rested shouldn't be a problem. I mean, it's not like there's anything else I can do while I'm locked up in here." she says, gesturing to the cabin. "But dare I ask what happens after that? The blonde woman - Ysandre, I think it was - said she wanted to help me. I got the impression that she was referring to my inner turmoil, and the pain of losing my brother, but to what end? Does she intend to turn me or something?"

Her tone when asking that last question makes it clear that she doubts such a thing will ever happen.

 

[D. Rex]

"Ysandre, yes. I'm sure she means well. Given the recent conflict and loss, it is easy to understand that is a troubling thing you must deal with. I'm sure she would also be happy to inform you in things you are confused about. And better she be the bearer of soothing words than I."

"You have a mind and heart of your own. You are a grown woman and you can turn yourself." The doctor said brusquely. "As such I have no intention on talking down to you as if you were ten. You know the position you are in as well as ours."

"I think you will find talking to her helpful. In more ways than one. But if you feel uncomfortable doing so, you can call for me instead. My demeanor may not bring much comfort, but I never have had interest in playing word games, and as your Doctor, I'll see you cared for."

 

[jaydude]

Arumi merely looks away and shrugs at Zedradon's remarks about her current position, and her ability to change sides of her own free will.

"Maybe you're not kin to demons." she says. "But I am a Dragon-blooded sworn to the service of Lookshy, and my brother is dead, no doubt by the hand of one of your friends. I don't know if I'll ever be able to even forgive you, let alone consider joining you."

She looks down at the floor. "Is there anything else you want to do, while you're here?" she asks.

 

[D. Rex]

"The one outside watching over you. He lost his family and loved ones at your hand. And he was able to stay his hand when he could have had revenge. And he shares many of the same thoughts that you do." He said, leaving her something to think about. Not doing her the disservice of spelling it out for her.

"There is nothing more I need. I had simply come to check on you and make sure you were healing well. I'll be bringing something for the pain later." He said as he turned to the door to leave. If Arumi had any more questions, this was her chance before he went on about his business. Until he returned later, at least

 

[jaydude]

Arumi says nothing as she watches him walk to the door, letting him leave without further questions.

 

[Esbilon]

When Zedradon closes the door behind him, Ysandre turns to ask him, "how is she?"

 

[Red Shadow Claws]

"The Unconquered Sun has chosen me to be his priestess, yes. But that was not my role when I lived in Nalia, and while he is the King of Heaven, using his authority to force my way into the holy places of other gods do not seem like a fruitful course of action. Should the gods choose to answer my prayers, that is of course a different matter entirely."

"Do not consider it forcing your way into holy places. You are a priestess of the Unconquered Sun himself, the highest of the gods. They should be honored to have you as their guest there."

 

[D. Rex]

When Zedradon closes the door behind him, Ysandre turns to ask him, "how is she?"

"She is healing very well. In a matter of days she should be as good as new. I'll be giving her something for the pain later."

"If you are referring to her mindset... it still seems she is trying to take everything in. While she doesnt hold the same view of us being demons spawn, her loyalties arent so phased. There was not any hostility, but is worried we may try to 'turn her' or use her for something."

 

[Esbilon]

"Do not consider it forcing your way into holy places. You are a priestess of the Unconquered Sun himself, the highest of the gods. They should be honored to have you as their guest there."

Ysandre looks back at Quill with disapproval in her eyes. "It is not a matter of what I consider it to be, but what they do. I want to do right by my people, not force myself into their sacred places and lay claim to their riches by virtue of my Exaltation. That sounds exactly like the stories Immaculate tell small children of what the Anathema would do."

"She is healing very well. In a matter of days she should be as good as new. I'll be giving her something for the pain later."

"If you are referring to her mindset... it still seems she is trying to take everything in. While she doesnt hold the same view of us being demons spawn, her loyalties arent so phased. There was not any hostility, but is worried we may try to 'turn her' or use her for something."

Returning her attention to Zedradon, she nods. "That she holds any positive opinion regarding any of us is a pleasant surprise. Unless you find it inadvisable, I would like to talk to her again."

 

[D. Rex]

Ysandre looks back at Quill with disapproval in her eyes. "It is not a matter of what I consider it to be, but what they do. I want to do right by my people, not force myself into their sacred places and lay claim to their riches by virtue of my Exaltation. That sounds exactly like the stories Immaculate tell small children of what the Anathema would do."


Returning her attention to Zedradon, she nods. "That she holds any positive opinion regarding any of us is a pleasant surprise. Unless you find it inadvisable, I would like to talk to her again."

"I see no reason why you could not or should not. If anything, you may be able to help." Zedradon responded.

"Let me know if there is anything I can do aid you in this. Again, I beg your pardon for the interruption."

He nodded to the exalts. "Master Quill, Master Ganzin, Lady Ysandre. I shall take my leave."

 

[Esbilon]

"Thank you, I will," Ysandre answers Zedradon. She gives Quill a nod and says, "we will talk later," before returning to Arumi's small cabin and closing the door behind her.