Fantasy World of Gea: The Greatest Adventure [IC] [CLOSED]

[Develius]

At last, the soup was ready. Dakarai took ahold of the bowl and proceeded to sip on the contents. By far, this was one of the best soups he had ever tasted; even beating some local Enthusian favorites. He never quite thought a simple pea soup would taste this good. No doubt he proceeded to gulp up the rest in relative fashion, feeling his strength returning after a long afternoon setting up camp. He got up from his seat and bowed at the dwarven cooks responsible for this gem.

"Delicious soup my friends," he replied with up-most respect, "Thank you for blessing this evening with your cooking."

With that, the Sobekan proceeded to place the bowl down for it to be cleaned later. As he turned to sit back around the campfire, he couldn't help but realize that someone was missing from the group. And sure enough, as he peered from behind a tent; there he saw Gsera sitting in a tree just at the perimeter of camp. Was she still disappointed regarding the outcome of the Gawain situation? He wasn't quite sure. He frowned a bit as he went back to request another bowl of soup, before heading to her position. His claws on both his feet and free hand dug into the bark, lifting him into the tree with little effort. The bowl of sloshing soup was carefully tucked within his left arm, with the steam lightly heating his body amiss the harsh cold.

Once he got up to the canopy, he lowered his head and perked upon an adjacent branch

"How are you feeling?" Dakarai asked curiously as his arm wrapped around the trunk of the tree, presenting her with the warm soup, "I take it you must be hungry. Please... eat."

joshuadim

 

[Dmaster]

Gawain continued to observe his hand's unnatural healing as he turned his head to some of the other company members and their staring. The familiar voice of Edgar was broadcasting itself from the gem, and the wizard put a finger to his chin once the lich brought up an interesting inquiry. "Hm... A god, you say?" he repeats rather openly. "I have given it some consideration, yes. For that being to be so powerful to kill me with a single glance - that is on the level of a deity of some kind." Gawain wholly admits with a few taps to his bony cleft.

"No, I would not give up on my 'fruitless' chase if that creature was a god, Edgar." he answers, hands limply falling onto his knees as he started to tilt his head skyward to gaze at the stars. "Most deities do not make the mistake of revealing themselves to mortals if they can avoid it, and for as otherworldly of a god it could be it resurrected me, granting me an eternity to seek it out. I will find it with the time given to me, god or no." the skeletal mage concluded.

"And before you ask I do not seek it for something as idiotic as worship and reverence. The plan is the same - subvert the being so that I may learn of its nature. The powers at its disposal could alter the nature of our arcane understanding, weave ripples in the fabric of reality! I will decode whatever esoteric quips the Magi will give me, as I have solved countless mysteries before. Surely you must be curious too?" Gawain knew Edgar well enough that he would not be talking to him like this just to humor him, a powerful lich such as himself had far better things he could be doing with his time than that.

 

[Roda the Red]

"Ællgan? Well, of course my friend! It is a very important city, and while I doubt we will meet Grandmaster Tew, I am sure we can get some important information from the Academy itself." She then got a bit closer to the half-Elf, wondering the nature of his question. "Is there something I need to know about you and Ællgan?"

"Ehem! w-well it is nothing important, really! i just thought that it would be nice to visit my homecity, it has been a while since i last saw some of my old friends...we just need to avoid the academy and my family's inn is all" That last part being said under his breath. Just as he feared there was no way to avoid stopping in one of the main cities of Brannoria. Fortunately it was a pretty big city, so the chances of actually bumping into acquaintances was quite low.

"Are you okay?

It seems like Grunde was worried about him, Syll felt happy that the slime showed concern, it may be an artificial creation from a mage, but the slime was much nicer than a lot of people that the elf knew. "Oh, don't worry about it, the wound is completely healed so it won't be a problem anymore, and while i do feel some degree of lingering pain it'll be completely gone by tomorrow...i hope".

A ringing bell could be heard throughout the camp, and unsurprisingly it caught everyone's attention. It looked like dinner was ready and everyone had to gather around the main bonfire. The elf realized just how hungry he was as the thought of food came through his mind, and the strong aroma only fueled his hunger further as he walked towards the gathering. After getting his serving he a comfortable spot to sit and dug in. It was a fantastic stew, it was rich and creamy, and lamb was Syllannan's favorite meat as he was a big fan of the gamey flavor it had. additionally, the stew also had some strange seasoning that was quite alien to him, but it was welcomed nonetheless. It took little time for him to finish his meal, though he wished he could have seconds.

A hearty meal did wonders to Syll's mood, as well as making him almost completely forget about his chest pain. It was at the moment he got out of his food trance that he noticed that Callop's companion, the dog Fauxs, was sitting between the kid and Syllannan. Quite the intriguing creature it was, what happened earlier after the battle raised a lot of questions, as he wasn't sure what kind of magic was at play there. But most importantly, this dog was cute and criminally fluffy, it just HAD to be petted. Syll decided to take a risk as he started petting the dog on it's head.

 

[joshuadim]

Gsera had been deep in though when Dakarai suddenly broke her train of thought and startled her enough to make her nearly fall off the tree entirely. Once she realized who it was, someone she had yet to properly speak to among the company, she quickly relaxed and laughed nervously. "Oh! Hello, I... I didn't hear you come on up here. I just wanted... needed some time to think for myself." she spoke before noticing the soup that he was now offering. In her sulking, she had completely forgotten about dinner! At least he was kind enough to bring one up to her, and so she graciously accepted. Taking a small whiff to appreciate its aroma before drinking it from the bowl, Gsera's mood was uplifted even if only slightly from how tasty it was. She gave a quick nod to Dakarai and a smile: "Thanks... it was good."

She carefully sat the bowl on one of the branches so that it wouldn't fall off before returning her gaze upwards to the night sky. "I'm fine, you don't need to worry. Promise."

 

[Breadman]

Sentry didn't get an answer to her question before the bell rang. While she wouldn't mind continuing, the food did smell good. Didn't seem like the minotavur objected to pausing their conversation for dinner. So far he was a pleasant man to talk to. A bit shy, but leagues above his more aggressive kin. The jester and priest were right in their advice and she felt even more of a fool that she had retreated into her own prejudice before.

Especially you, tall woman.

"Oh?" She turned her attention to the stout man handing her the bowl "Did you put something special in there for me, big beard?" She took it and let the steam envelop her face a bit "Mmm, somebody put extra care into this." The barbarian winked at the dwarf before moving on to her seat and eating the soup. One spoonfull was enough for Sentry to be practically bewitched by the taste. Kastalli made this? Sentry would have to congratulate her when she gets back from where she had gone off to. But for now, Petro wanted to continue their talk.

What of you, ma'am, is your home near here? I do not know much of the human tribes, or nations, I think is what you call them?

"My home..." Sentry placed her bowl down, wondering how to explain it to him. Some moments of silence between them passed until she decided that the direct approach was best "I come from the same place as you, but from a different time. My village was a small hub near the mountains where my brothers trained to be warriors or miners and my grandmother taught me inscription. That was until I found my talent for stone and was picked up by king Cadmus' guard to be among their number and earn his friendship. I wonder if you still sing of him? Be it in good or bad." She showed him her ring, seeing that her words have caused some confusion "I see no one else told you about me, so make yourself comfortable please." She sighed and began to recall her tale again "Centuries ago your forefathers clashed with my king. The war was long, hard and brutal, but we were pushed back little by little until one day he was cut down in battle. I stood by his deathbed as he passed on his ring to me. It's power is one that grants life as long as one wears it. But it was not my place to follow in his footsteps. That belongs to another. The gods wanted me to guard his tomb where the rest of his artifacts are kept. One day someone would come and best me in combat. Their reward would be his sword, his crown and my loyalty. For unknown years I stood guard and fended off bandits, marauders and grave robbers. From your kind and mine."

"But even that became complicated. I was ripped from my post by a mage and his minions as he tried to turn me into a servant. Our own wizard thinks that the one that tried to do so was a fool. As he not only failed to do so, the mage lost his life as I crushed his skull, but it left my memories damaged." She looked to Petro with a slight smile "So here I am. Wondering the land, lost in a more 'civilized' world with no clue where to go next. I'm sorry I can't tell you more about these nations and tribes, but I hope you understand why." There was a brief pause "I do owe you a drink in the next inn we stop by."

 

[FloweryMuffin]

After the strange soldier had left, Korzhev continued hoarding various herbs, scowling slightly. That boy had answered none of his questions! He might have to prod him another time. If it weren’t for the enticing smell coming from the camp, he would’ve probably stayed where he was, working away and storing the herbs, maybe make a few charms. Although, dinner sounded much more appealing then. Especially after the day everyone’s had.

The camp was just as lively as he’d left it, but now everyone was also enjoying a hot bowl of soup. He thanked the dwarves for his own bowl with his usual cheer, then scanned the camp, wondering whom might want to have their meal along with him. Eventually, his eyes settled on Alberto, who seemed to be speaking to Callop. As Korzhev walked towards them, he popped bits of lamb from the soup into his mouth, smiling.

“’Evening! Mind if I joined you on this good evening? Oh, sir,” he nodded towards Alberto, “I believe you’ve said before our departure that you meant to tell me about yourself? Well, it is a good time as any to do so! Being a seasoned knight, you must’ve fought in many a place! I wonder, have you come across my homeland?”

It occurred to him that he’d forgotten to greet the boy. “I hope you are having a pleasant evening yourself! Would be interested in extra lamb bits?” he gestured towards his bowl and the few pieces left floating into the still full bowl.

 

[Emperor Sagan]

Petro nervously fumbled with his empty bowl as Sentry went on with her personal story as the not-so-subtle implication dawned on him. Certainly, there had been a long and vicious history in those lands between his kind and the humans who lived there. Indeed, from what he gathered, it seemed everyone was fighting everyone all the time. While he knew he was a great warrior at heart, he didn't think he would want to be in that time. He much preferred the marble quarry and the pottery over... real, unending war.

"Oh. Um..." Petro cleared his throat. "Uh... hmm. I, well, uh...." It wasn't easy for him to find words. While she spoke of a long history, it was a shared history, however distant it may be from now. The fact was, most of the land was minotavurs. Not the original humans, though plenty remained. "S-sorry to... to hear that. Those people, uh, back then I mean, they weren't," he cleared his throat again, "very nice." Aside from the history, he was a little stunned to be speaking with someone so old. He wasn't even sure his home town existed back when Sentry was younger.

 

[Breadman]

"I appreciate your sympathy." Sentry looked to Petro. Looks like he was taking the revelation about her as well as anyone else. He didn't seem to question it, which was fine with her. "I do appreciate another part of you. You're the first one of your kind that hasn't raised an axe at the sight of me or tried to run me through with a spear." She chuckled "Already you're way above your forbearers, which to be honest, didn't leave me with good impressions." She shrugged "But they're long gone and I shouldn't be thinking about them as examples."

"Hmm" The barbarian noticed that Petro was slightly shaken up still "Are you alright big fella?"

 

[Emperor Sagan]

"Oh, yes, I'm quite alright," he nodded heavily. "A... real warrior like me is more honorable than, um, most. I think." After all, his lineage did stem from stonemasons and potters, hardly like his family were the sort to be raiders in the past. Probably. As far as he was concerned, he was the first warrior of the family, outside times of being levied for the defense of the town. And he would be the best possible example of a warrior, surpassing even the great families back home.

 

[Breadman]

Sentry smiled and gave Petro a slight bump on the shoulder with her fist. The minotavur was indeed a formidable warrior if what he did to those bandits was to go by, but he seemed like warfare was not his true calling. Warriors having hobbies outside their chosen life isn't uncommon and picking flowers to use them for something else is something they could use even if it's for cosmetic expression like dyes. But he seemed like he would rather spend time creating something with his hands than take lives. More admirable than most warriors she's met.

"You are." She gave him a reassuring answer with a slight nod.

 

[Fauxs]

Alberto’s words made him look at the ground. In all honesty, Callop just realized that he was truly an orphan. He forgot for a brief moment at the time because he was trying to look at the positive side of things. He was quite overwhelmed by such facts but he also realized that it was the same fate as the captain; struggling and alone. “...Thank you for telling me this, ser Alberto, I’m glad to know I’m not alone in this journey. I’ll make sure that I’ll grow strong just like the soldiers in your journey.” Callop said enthusiastically as he looked back at the man sharpening his blade.

A few moments later, another eye-catching expedition member approached them. To callop, it was quite an adorable creature but he did not want to react too much to avoid being rude. “A pleasant evening to you too! I’m Callop, and my sleeping buddy here is Fauxs.” he replied as he took a few pieces of the lamb bits and gave some to Fauxs who woke up by the sight of food.

While all of that was happening, Callop can see another member of the group focused on Fauxs, most likely planning to pet the creature in which he actually did. It was quite common for people to do this and even strong soldiers cannot resist the sight of an adorable creature. Fauxs then appreciated the gesture of the man, leaning towards his hand to make it easier for him to pet. Callop then looked back at the man and smiled, thanking him for appreciating the presence of his friend.

 

[Develius]

"Thanks... it was good."

"I'm glad," the Sobekan nodded as he readjusted his stance upon the branch he perched upon, "Surprisingly one of the best soups I've ever eaten."

Once she finished, the cleric took the bowl from where Gsera placed it, preparing to head back to have it cleaned as well. However, before he would consider leaving, he lowered his head as he was about to ask her if everything was alright. However, she would beat him to it with an answer.

"I'm fine, you don't need to worry. Promise."

Dakarai emitted a soft grunt of acknowledgement. However, he still believed the situation with Gawain - if indeed that was she was moping about - could've potentially been handled somewhat better.

"I just wanted to apologize regarding earlier with Gawain," the Sobekan replied in a low, but honest, voice, "I was attempting to bring upon a compromise that would suit you two appropriately without violence. I did not mean to come as against you or otherwise."

 

[EdwardDewey98]

"Delicious soup my friends," he replied with up-most respect, "Thank you for blessing this evening with your cooking."

"Aye, thank ye fer yer compliment!" said Hrongar with a genuine smile. Dakarai wasn't the only one complimenting their food, several other members of the company were praising their cooking, all thanks to lady Kasta and her foreign spices. Hrongar and Hroki did notice that as soon as she was done eating her meal that she was pulled away by the bird man, they also noticed that Dakarai walked away with another bowl in hand, but nobody in the camp really questioned why they were walking away, as some of the other members of the company who finished their means slowly got off the ground and walked into their tents to sleep early. Cécilia noticed that some of the more experienced warriors were leaving the bonfire but she still had something to ask them, since Alberto was currently talking with Callop and Korzhev.

"Hey, monsieur Pepin? can I ask you something real quick?" she said while waving at one of the veteran Eranoiran warriors. "Aye, how can I help you madame?" asked the old man while eyeing Grunde a bit. "Alberto believes that we might be able to reach Waterham in a day, do you think so as well? I ask you because you said you've been there." Pepin nodded while crossing his arms. "Oui, been there a few times. Alberto isn't wrong, the travel from Eran to Waterham is usually two days... but..." (Company Roll: 1d20 = 12) the old adventurer rubbed his chin for a moment. "On the way here I did notice several changes to path, Gods know what the Maelstrom must have done to it further down... I do know a few alternative paths, but I believe we can get to Waterham in 3 days, 4 if the other roads are too damaged." Cécilia took a deep breathe, realizing that there was a lot of work to be done. "Thank you Pepin, rest well." She bid the warrior farewell before turning her attention to Grunde, who was much more calmer at the moment. "What a first day, eh?" she said while gently caressing her friends slimy head.

“...Thank you for telling me this, ser Alberto, I’m glad to know I’m not alone in this journey. I’ll make sure that I’ll grow strong just like the soldiers in your journey.”

"Not a problem son... and hey, if you ever need help training, I am always here to help... you are a bit too young to be a squire but I could take you in as my Page. Either way, you'll get to learn a lot about martial arts." Alberto then eyed Fauxs, who was getting petted by Syll. "Heh, that is if your friend allows it too." As the old knight finished speaking, he noticed that the party's shaman was approaching them, the old wizened frog offered the meaty bits of his stew to Callop.

“’Evening! Mind if I joined you on this good evening? Oh, sir, I believe you’ve said before our departure that you meant to tell me about yourself? Well, it is a good time as any to do so! Being a seasoned knight, you must’ve fought in many a place! I wonder, have you come across my homeland?”

Alberto raised an eyebrow and gave the old frog a puzzled look before giving Korzhev a smile. "Ah! Aye, I remember now... this old mind of mine, eh? Sit down my friend." He said while pointing at a stool next to him with his eyes. "I have been to your homeland, my friend! Your people live around the Great Swamp, right? I have traded and fought with plenty a Vodyanoy in my day." The old knight then patted Korzhev's shoulder. "I still remember its sights... the large trees raising from the murky water, the rather toxic air and strong humidity of summer and the frozen marshlands of winter... truly a place that tests the mettle of people, wouldn't you agree?" The old knight laughed out loud. "I have not been there in several years now, I do remember hearing that the human realms surrounding your people have been particularly hard with them... hope that has changed of course!"

"And before you ask I do not seek it for something as idiotic as worship and reverence. The plan is the same - subvert the being so that I may learn of its nature. The powers at its disposal could alter the nature of our arcane understanding, weave ripples in the fabric of reality! I will decode whatever esoteric quips the Magi will give me, as I have solved countless mysteries before. Surely you must be curious too?"

Gawain quickly noticed that Edgar's voice inside his mind had quiet down quite a bit, the typical reverb and echo that could be "heard" was gone at the moment, almost as if the old lich had muted himself entirely. But just a minute later, Edgar responded to the sorcerers question. "You daft bastard..." he said with a dumbfounded tone. "Curious? Of course, I am a wizard and scholar just like you... but there's thresholds that even I would not dare to cross. The Magi saw the faces of the Gods and how did that ended for them? With their Kingdoms being destroyed by the Gods themselves... some things should not be understood, Gawain." there was another moment of silence between the undead. "...However, I admit I am quite trilled at the idea of you meeting a God, only to be destroyed by it."

 

[Beann]

Zen's reaction was to be expected. Almost all the people she had told about her late husband were caught off guard. She was used to it. Used to the shocked reactions, sometimes a look of guilt or pity for bringing up a sensitive topic, and then a brief statement to express their condolences. It had been years since she lost Saito but the grief was still fresh as if the events happened yesterday. Kastalli had hoped this expedition would help her work past these emotions and it had worked up until this point. Notably, Callop, Devereaux, Grunde, and Syllannan had done a great job keeping her company and taking her mind off her loss but with Zen's confrontation, everything felt like it was bubbling up.

She watched as the Tengu flew away out of embarrassment and shame, not bothering to stop him. Kastalli held no ill feelings towards Zen - he didn't know after all. However, her desire to return to the group diminished. She wanted to be alone for a while. At least Zen was thoughtful enough to find a suitable place to confront her. Kastalli stared at the river, admiring the reflection of the moon. This would be a decent spot to collect her thoughts and compose herself before returning to her friends. So, she took a heavy breath before sitting down on the grass in silence.

 

[EdwardDewey98]

While a few more adventurers left the bonfire to rest in their tents, Alberto looked at Korzhev while sharpening his spear now. He was curious about the old frog. "You know, you should tell me about your life back in your tribe... you are a shaman after all, you live longer than your brethren because of your communion with the Spirits... right? You must have seen a lot of things in the Great Swamp." He then noticed Gawain and Sentry were near the bonfire, and thought about his discussion with Cécilia earlier today. "Actually, Korzhev, feel free to stay here I want you to be part of something... and..." He then looked at Callop and Faux. "...if you two want to stay, you can. But you should be going to bed soon, it is getting after all!"

He then looked towards Sentry's direction, he noticed that she was having a conversation with Petro. "Madame Sentry, could you come over here if you are free? There's something I need to discuss with you." He shouted before looking towards Gawain, the wizard was just sitting there in silence, unnerving those around him. "Hmm... master Gawain, can you come here for a moment? There's something I need to discuss with you!" The old knight then looked around the bonfire, trying to locate Dakarai but without any luck, he then noticed one of the company rogues getting off his seat. "Oi, Benoît! Can you look for Dakarai for me? Tell him I need to discuss something with him here." The Eranoiran rogue rolled his eyes but nodded, before walking away the bonfire to look for the lizardman.

 

[Breadman]

"Excuse me." Sentry place the bowl down and got up from where she sat. She was curious as to why she was needed. Was it related to the boy? She was meant to be one of his keepers, but he seemed to have been doing rather well so far. Maybe there was something else? Possibilities bounced around in her mind as she walked. "What is it, Alberto?"

 

[FloweryMuffin]

He listened as Alberto recounted the time he had travelled to the Swamp and the battles with his brothers. He wondered whether it was a tribe they still had unresolved feuds with or a sister tribe of theirs. If it were the former, perhaps Korzhev would’ve blamed on accumulated karmic debt. If it were the latter, well, an appropriate course of action would suddenly be much more difficult to determine.

"You know, you should tell me about your life back in your tribe... you are a shaman after all, you live longer than your brethren because of your communion with the Spirits... right? You must have seen a lot of things in the Great Swamp."

“Ah, of course! You need only ask!” he had finished his soup by then. And he was always happy to reminisce about his home. “Well, much like now, I would spend considerable time gathering herbs. For various rituals and to use them in making cures. Mind you, I was not the only shaman of my tribe. Vodyakov was older still than myself! Well, where I excelled in medicine, he did in crafting poisons. Deadly for unsuspecting humans, utterly useless for our kin! Well, quite the man he had been! He has since joined our patron in the skies. Maybe he’s still blessing their spears, who knows!” he could’ve probably rambled on and on and on, about his former partner, his warrior nephews, the food back home, in no particular order.

Actually, Korzhev, feel free to stay here I want you to be part of something... and..."

He nodded, “Certainly. I shall be glad to recount more for you, another time!”

 

[Roda the Red]

Petting the dog felt very soft to the touch, like a combination of fur and small, strangely tender leaves. Fauxs seemed to enjoy the treatment as it leaned it's head closer to Syll. A soothing feeling invaded the elf, feeling nostalgia from back in the day when he used to own different kinds of pets, something he had to stop doing because of work at the Inn and the dangerous nature of magic. He thought to himself how great would it be to find some magic-resistant creature to tame during this journey.

Soon he noticed that Callop was aware of the petting, Syll felt a bit embarassed, he just started to play with someone else's pet without saying anything beforehand, talk about rude! His worries banished the moment he noticed the kid reacted positively at it though. "You have a very lovely companion, reminds me of my family's Greyhound, her name was Marrow, and she was the sweetest".

A short while later Syllannan could feel the weight of the day on his body, today's battle and healing process had him exhausted at this point, so he decided to stand up and head to the tent. In there he found one bedroll in a spot he liked and layed on it. Looking at the dimly-lit beige ceiling of the tent, the name of Waterham resonated in his mind. While the city itself holds little weight in his life, it also reminded him of that certain someone from his past, one that reminded him of bittersweet memories. The trip back to memory lane was a short one though, as his eyes slowly closed and he drifted off into sleep.

 

[Dmaster]

"The greatest discoveries of our history were not made because men felt the need to fall at the barriers before them. They were made in spite of them." Gawain replies with a bitter chuckle. "I am not the Magi, and I very well may be obliterated by that being a second time. Yet I think I was given another opportunity for a reason, and I know better than to waste it." After he said that Alberto appeared to try to get his attention, prompting the wizard to tilt his skeletal head slightly before he started to stand up and make his way over to him.

"Hm? Yes sir, what is it?" Gawain asks as he moves over to the old knight, dusting off his robe now that he was no longer sitting on the ground.

 

[joshuadim]

"I just wanted to apologize regarding earlier with Gawain," the Sobekan replied in a low, but honest, voice, "I was attempting to bring upon a compromise that would suit you two appropriately without violence. I did not mean to come as against you or otherwise."

His words were rather surprising to her, as Gsera returned her gaze towards to Sobekan with uncertainty with how to respond. On one hand, an apology was nice but on the other was she really worthy of receiving one? Especially in such a situation when she was, for all intents and purposes, defending what she believed to be right even if it meant fighting for it which was a course of action she had no love of doing in any scenario. She brought her legs up to her chest and hugged them as she deliberated on what exactly to say. "I... uhm... thanks." she spoke with a meek tone. "it's just... what he was doing to the men we had to fight... it's wrong. I know it, deep in the very core of my being it is..."

She moved her gaze down back at the camp: "They only see it as useful for this whole adventure without giving a thought for what lies beyond such... base wants. Their spirits won't know rest in what lies beyond until their mortal coils are released from this... enslavement. And yet, I'm afraid to do anything about it. I don't want to lose the friends I already made..."

She then looked at Dakarai with some tears in her eyes: "Does that make me a coward?"

 

[Develius]

"it's just... what he was doing to the men we had to fight... it's wrong. I know it, deep in the very core of my being it is..."

She moved her gaze down back at the camp: "They only see it as useful for this whole adventure without giving a thought for what lies beyond such... base wants. Their spirits won't know rest in what lies beyond until their mortal coils are released from this... enslavement. And yet, I'm afraid to do anything about it. I don't want to lose the friends I already made..."

She then looked at Dakarai with some tears in her eyes: "Does that make me a coward?"

The Sobekan solemnly shook his head. "No." he replied with a slight sigh of acknowledgement. He took a few second pause to gather his collective thoughts before responding, "It is a complicated subject - one that has no true right or wrongs in the grand scheme of life. You and Gawain are simply two sides of a primordial coin - two opposing ideologies forced together by the vines of fate itself to work together within a collective whole." He readjusted his posture before continuing, "And so long as you're both bound like so, quite frankly there's little that either of you could do to change each other's mind as of this moment."

Dakarai proceeded to look down at the group with Gsera. "I frankly do not know much about necromancy to give an honest opinion outside of what Gawain claims," he admitted with uncertainty, "Like whether or not the lost souls are usually involved in the reanimation process or not. We just do not have enough proof regarding its true nature at this time. If spirits aren't involved, then I assume there's nothing to worry. Yet even if it's true, so long as he does not utilize them in true acts of malice, you will have to simply acknowledge this and leave him to his own devices. No one will blame you if that's the case. For as long as you stay on your side, he shall not cross into yours. And if he does, firmly remind him of what you represent and retaliate if necessary."

Dakarai then proceeded to place a hand lightly on Gsera's shoulder. "For it's all a balancing act in the end, you see? As life intended..."

 

[joshuadim]

While his words were genuine in their attempt to help alleviate the mood, Gsera didn't know if that was what she wanted to hear or not or rather if that's what needed to be said. In any case, she managed to wipe away the tears with her wrist before simply nodding. "I guess that makes sense... " she spoke before bringing her gaze back to watching the stars. That would be Dakarai's cue to leave and after he did, Gsera simply held her gaze up high and pondered: Oh Gaia, what do I do?

 

[Develius]

With Gsera's acknowledgement, Dakarai nodded as he climbed back down the tree with the empty bowl. He understood Gsera's concerns quite well, but he recognized that she would need to put aside her differences for the time being as not to raise too much trouble. He wasn't comfortable with Gawain's antics either, but as long as he didn't cause trouble himself, he finds it of little issue - even as a holy Sobekan Cleric. Once back on the ground, he proceeded to return the bowls back to camp.

 

[EdwardDewey98]

"What is it, Alberto?"

"Sorry if I am calling you in an inopportune time." Alberto gave the barbarian a smile before pointing at a seat next to him and Korzhev. "I've got something of importance to discuss with you m'lady, but I'd rather wait until both Dakarai and Gawain are here." But just as the knight finished his sentence, he could see the undead sorcerer approaching them. "Speaking of the devil."

"Hm? Yes sir, what is it?"

"Welcome, master undead. Please take a seat, we've got to discuss something of importance but we have to wait for master Dakarai. Please take a seat next to Sentry until Benoît comes back with the cleric." Without any option on the matter, the undead sorcerer sat down next to Sentry while waiting for the Sobekian priest. During that time Alberto shared a few words with Korzhev, very small tales of his travels through the Great Swamp, just to pass the time.

While the two engaged in small talk. Dakarai was walking through the slightly quieter camp, as some members of the company head to sleep. "Oi, monsieur Dakara!" shouted a man who the cleric recognized as one of the self-proclaimed rogues of the company. "Been looking fer ye... the ol' knight says he wants to talk with ye and a few others, probably important stuff. Follow me." Without any choice on the matter either, the Sobekian was forced to follow the rogue to the meeting point, where he saw Ser Alberto, Sentry, Gawain and Korzhev sitting in a small circle. Callop and Faux were near to them as well. "There you are! Dakarai please take a seat next to Gawain my friend." Alberto then turned his attention to Benoît. "Thanks for guiding him here sir. Please go and rest." The rogue shrugs and nods before walking away.



Dakarai then proceeds to sit down next to Gawain and listen quietly as the knight starts speaking and explaining why was everyone here. "Well, now that we are all here... there's something I have talked with madame Delafousse earlier today... the unavoidable fact that some of us might die during this travel." The knight gives everyone a little smirk. "Just stating the obvious of course... but as the second leader of the company and the one responsible for the more... martial pursuits of the company, it is important for me to have commanders to help me lead... and commanders who can take my place should I fall in battle... or just die like any other old man." As he finished his sentence, Alberto's expression changed, to a much more serious and professional one. "It's safe to say that you three are experienced in the main party..." He looked at each of you straight to the eye. "...and thus, I want you three to be my commanders. Should I fall in battle, I want one of you to take my place and lead the company... and most importantly, protect lady Delafousse, if she dies... this entire adventure would have been for nothing."

He then looked back at Korzhev, his serious expression quickly vanishing as he gave the wizened old frog a smile. "As for you Korzhev... as experienced as you are, you might be a bit too... extravagant for leading right now, but I want you to be an advisor. You have the years after all... however, should I die and one of them takes my place, I would like you to be considered a new commander as well." The old knight then looked everyone once more, the smirk from earlier had returned to his old face. "...I hope there's no problem with the... weight I am putting on your shoulders at the moment."

 

[Fauxs]

"No worries, friend, in fact, this boy loves being pat. About your greyhound, I'm sure they'd be such a wonderful companion to be with as well." Callop spoke, as Syll was busy being distracted by the thoughts of his own companion. "If you seek any company, I'm sure Fauxs and I will be here." the boy ended.

As more time passed by, Callop felt quite beat after the exhaustion of a battle. He then stood up and rubbed his eyes, nodding to the remaining company members as a sign that he was about to get some shut-eye. Callop then went ahead to the tent in which Fauxs also followed.