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Post by Raphael Relelhart on Aug 28, 2016 23:17:24 GMT -5
Raphael knew he should be upset. He knew that he should feel sorrow. But in truth, he felt nothing. He knew that rage and anger had clouded the mind of the rest of his group. But he also knew that it was their actions that caused it. He had warned them of the Grimoire - that nothing good could come to it. He said that they should burn it while their fate was their own. And now, having disavowed his wisdom, the Squire was dead. He replayed those final, fateful moments in his mind - he was the last one to leave, and he could still hear Seth's command to run.
Life, death, order and chaos. The future of the settlement needs my clear mind, unhindered by emotions.
Approaching the door to Squire Seth's house, he gives a quick knock.
'Paladin, it is Raphael Relelhart of the Order of the Blessed Star. Open the door that we might talk."
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Post by Weaver of Fates on Aug 29, 2016 21:00:48 GMT -5
Footsteps could be heard as someone came quickly to the door. When it opened, he saw a somewhat enraged Keori with red puffy eyes. "What. Do you. Want?" She asked with a husky growl as her eyes narrowed on the taller man. She looked somewhat disheveled as she stood there with her arms crossed and an aura of almost cold fury seemed to radiate from her, like a bear who had been woken early from hibernation.
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Post by Raphael Relelhart on Aug 29, 2016 21:46:49 GMT -5
Raphael was definitely not expecting Keori to open the door. While he knew the siblings were close, he had expected her to maintain her own residence.
This changes nothing. He thought. I will mourn Squire Seth by doing something about his death.
"Squire Keori.", he takes a knee and stares downwards slightly. "I apologize for disturbing you. Squire Seth had instilled in me a sense of urgency, and such discipline is hard to shake."
He pauses just for a second. She would understand that Seth was a difficult man to please, and he was not one to accept apologies for idleness.
"I come for the Paladin that I was told was resting here. With the creature lurking in the dark with the reliquary, and Q'tar's talks of Adrian being involved, I cannot rest until the settlement is safe. Squire Seth gave his all for this settlement, and I would not let it be in vain."
Realizing that, in some strange sense he would now be the most religious in the town, he continues.
"I know that Squire Seth was not a follower of the Four, but I would gladly provide final services if you would have it so. I was the last in the field of battle with him, and it would do the new Temple an honor."
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Post by Weaver of Fates on Aug 30, 2016 14:05:39 GMT -5
Keori's eyes hardened as she stared up at Raphael, "You were the last one with him, then why didn't you save him?" She spoke calmly, but her words were icy. "In any case it doesn't matter." She said, taking a deep breath and visibly trying to be civil. Since the night her brother had died, the usually happy go lucky Squire had become volatile and distant. "Thank you for your offer of service, but I'll wait until My Father gets back with me on what he wants to do. Wait here, I'll get your paladin." Her words almost seemed to hold disdain for the word, but her facial features gave no further indication. Keori disappeared inside for a few minutes and out came a paladin female. She was tall, somewhat overly muscular for a female, flat chested, long faced with short brown and a peculiarly deep voice. She seems to be tired, but in otherwise good health.
"Good morning Raphael. To what do I owe the pleasure?"
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Post by Raphael Relelhart on Aug 30, 2016 14:37:11 GMT -5
Raphael nods his head in greeting.
"Paladin, regrettably, I find no pleasure today. I would like to talk with you. I would like to know how you were 'acquired' by Adrien, how you were treated while in his care, and how you seem so non-chalant at the situation that the settlement finds itself in?"
He ponders a minute, waiting for a response to judge how he should continue the conversation.
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Post by Weaver of Fates on Aug 30, 2016 14:57:15 GMT -5
The homely woman smiles lightly.
"Even an accomplished swordswoman as myself can be taken given a superior force. There were three in my party. Myself and two assistants. We were taken on the roads by an exceptionally powerful red golem. I do not know its make. We did not stand a chance against it. Within seconds we were all three unconscious. When I had woken I was healed and laying in a feather bed in a tent. There were new clothes for me and my equipment was polished. There was a woman there."
She shakes her head slowly.
"That one scared me. Not a kind side to that one. She was a panther theiran who introduced herself as Lyra. She treated me well and told me the situation, but you could tell she would rather be filling me with holes. My assistants were brought in, both in good health. I was told I was a prisoner of war and I have to admit they treated me well in accords with my station. The camp where I stayed was large and full of armed men, but never was I threatened. Some even asked me to pray with them. "
She laughs.
"They were scared, the lot of them. The camp was being made smaller. Many who I expect to be slaves were freed each with a small sack of food in order to better sure up the perimeter. Battlements were placed and there was a strong presence. These men were prepared for battle. Eventually I met who I have come to know as their leader. Adrien was courteous and well spoken and explained that he regretted my capture, but that it was a necessity. There were others on the road who would have done me harm for what I carried he said. Of course he was up front about ransoming me and his personal gains but he also explained that he feared a great evil would be unleashed should he not act. An odd one him. After you made your deal with him his golem came back with a book. This book was I believe to be a grimoire. After that I spent most of my time with Adrien as his "guest" The book, which talked, Believed that it could pull it's grims essence from some monolith. Adrien was very keen on making this happen. He believed that it could prevent something bad from happening. I suppose it didnt happen on time though. Several times the camp was attacked. Undead and undying and necromancers all in black and red. Each time they attacked and died I could feel a sort of pulse. Shortly after Squire Seth came for me. I explained this all to him, he seemed quite worried that the monolith was gathering power and that we needed to drain it before it burst."
She shrugs he disproportionately large shoulders.
"I suppose it didnt work out. As to my demeanor, I am always calm as a paladin should be. There is much in the world that is dark, the gods will work their will and all will be right. Have faith."
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Post by Raphael Relelhart on Aug 30, 2016 15:57:19 GMT -5
"I am glad you were treated well. I did not yet catch your name?"
Raphael studies the woman questionably, wondering about her power. Paladin's of the Order are renown for their prowess in battle, along with their diplomacy. Yet, the words spoken by the Paladin offered an interesting take on what had happened. Perhaps the creature was not released by the adventurers and Seth - perhaps it was released because they did not manage to complete the ritual before it burst?
"From what you have spoken of Adrien, he seems to be an honorable man. He treated you well, and was seen freeing slaves. Both contribute to his honor and word. Do you think he can be trusted?"
Raphael appears to contemplate the matter.
"The gods will is always at work Paladin, but in this game of life, we are the chess pieces." Raphael smirks. "It is my duty to uphold the balance between order and chaos, life and death. This charge I do not take lightly."
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Post by Weaver of Fates on Aug 30, 2016 16:02:23 GMT -5
"My name is Paladin Cassandra Karth. As to Adriens trustworthiness....I do believe him to be honest about his quite selfish intentions. I have not seen him lie yet. He seems comfortable in his actions and his morality which means he is not likely to change. He seems able to do what he must for his own goals. You cannot trust him to support you, but I believe you can trust his word and trust that he will work for his own gains." She thinks for a moment.
"He is not honorable but he is honest in a disgusting slimy way."
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Post by Raphael Relelhart on Aug 30, 2016 16:12:19 GMT -5
Raphael explains about what happened at the monolith and his vision from the dream that Brother had given him, and looks questionably at the Paladin.
"Certainly, you have seen much of the world. Is there any advice or insight you can give me towards this liche, dream or towards the overall situation itself? I won't keep you from your recovery. But I would be indebted to you for any wisdom you can give."
He looks at the Paladin, suddenly admiring the fact that he was not alone. For far too long, he had felt like the only one of his kind. Seeing Paladin Cassandra made his goal appear closer and more obtainable. For awhile, he had idealized a Paladin as being a sort of demi-god; undefeatable in battle, with unmatched negotiation skills. Now, he knew differently. It was comforting and disappointing at the same time.
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Post by Weaver of Fates on Aug 30, 2016 19:42:25 GMT -5
She shakes her head apologetically.
"I'm sorry, I really know very little of undead. The two dragons seem reminiscent of Alucrex and Haruvex and the final battle of the penumbra war, but other than that I know very little on the subject. I do love dragons though." She gives a girlish smile.
"There are things in this world you cannot fight, this may be one of them. There are ways around fighting things though, bend them to your will, trap them...ways."
"If I knew more I would tell you..."
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Post by Raphael Relelhart on Aug 30, 2016 23:50:17 GMT -5
Raphael appears content with the information he has just learned. True enough, he had no idea what war his vision had shown. He now had more than he started with.
"Thank you for your time, and your knowledge. I am saddened that your experience with the settlement wasn't as pleasant as it should have been. Please feel free to stay at the Temple while you are in town. Keori seems to have quite a temper, and is emotionally distraught at the loss of her brother, Squire Seth."
Raphael looks at the Paladin with a softness that he had not experienced in awhile. Things would be alright.
"I am sure our paths will cross again."
And with that, Raphael heads off back towards the other end of town.
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