After some initial vetting by the other party members, Thuribula echoes Maggwyn's invitation to the roughed up intruders. "Yes, please, join us."
"I am a Flamekeeper of the Sacred Flame, from Elyria," she tells the newcomers. "Though I am not part of the Silver Order, we are sanctioned by the same Church of the Sacred Flame. Lucretia is a heretic." As she always does when Fenton describes his search for truth and his blessings from the Sacred Flame, she gives the celestially-touched man a long glance, as if she is still considering, even after so many days, just who he is and where he fits into the Divine Order.
As the trio of travelers sits down at the fire, Thuribula fetches some rations from her pack. She has only two days worth, but she offers what she has to Endra. "I do not have much, but what I have is yours. The Divine Hearth warms all who sit before it."
Fazil looked at everyone, feeling fine with the group, and decided to calm everyone down with some soft music he had heard during his time at the academy. Mainly the one he recalls those times out in the woods for survival class.
He flicked his wand, then made a circle shape at the tip of his wand as he cast Prestidigitation.
Ludwig and Endra seem unfazed by the comment on Lucreta being a hertic but they do nod along as they listen to the Flame Keeper. Endra does tilt her head a bit curiously for a moment however.
"I was never too religious growing up besides the occasional prayer here and there but... I can't really tell the difference always between the Silver Order or the Falling Fire. Except that they don't like each other, I must admit I don't know what makes Lucareta a heretic or Theodore a "War Monger."
Endra and Ludwig eat one days worth, Endra tries to get Rikard to eat half of hers but he is.. Unresponsive it would seem. She eats.. Albeit a bit guiltily as she looks to Rikard with a long and pained expression.
"Thank you, so much Flame Keeper truly. I thank you with all my heart, I hope me lacking divine knowledge isn't considered offensive or anything!"
Ludwig had flinched to the hooded mageborn's magic. He tried hard to see his face but could not, though Endra and Ludwig were stiff Rikard hadn't responded in the slightest. Endra had huddled closer to Thurbula just to be safe. Though the music was indeed pleasant.. Seeing a hooded mageborn with no academy colors use such magic made them only uneasy and wonder the true nature of the magic. After some time they realize no charm was in effect but.. The uneasiness for the two is only eased by the Flame Keeper,Maggwyn and Fentons presence.
Sinak remains quiet but when Thuribula mentions that Lucretia is a heretic, his eyes dart over and his head snaps around, but he maintains a calm expression on his face and the tension eases from his shoulders after a moment. As they come closer and join, Sinak sits beside them and opens his pack and offers a ration to be shared with them. He reaches his hand toward Rikard and 6 points of healing flow into him, as he casts healing word on him. “I think that should help. Hopefully having a full stomach will help as well. That is a nice breastplate…”. After the evening wears on he starts to study the skies, bringing out a map and a candle and he looks for positions of the stars, making notes to himself. After that, he will go into a trance for a long rest.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
As Sinak cast healing word upon Rikard, the hooded figure hardly looks unaffected and his stiff motionless posture does not cease. Endra looks a bit defeated to see him unaffected but happy Sinak had tried to help anyway. Endra looks to them all as she finishes and scarfs her food down, Ludwig however is more graceful about he eats his own food. Endra than looks to Sinak before he heads on himself she looks around taking a deep breath.
"So.. Emberwood, and Drakkenheim whatever you wanna know I can tell you all. Me and Ludwig even picked up a few nice rumors lately.."
OOC What did Fenton use for healing? I know Sinak used healing word. Does Fenton use healing hands from Aasimar?
Sorry breaking the post up in two but gotta roll some dice here.
Endra starts to share her own rumor before Ludwig.
"So.. there is a man, north of the castle itself. It's in the deep woods near the outer city. You'd have to cross the Drann river to make it but there is an old elvish druid they say. He has the power of life and death and can fix almost anything. We thought about seeing him for Rikard and our fallen friends.. But to make it past the Drann River would require a boat.. Or finding passage within Drakkenheim itself and we couldn't do that again..."
She stared deeply into the fire as Ludwig himself began to speak up.
"As for me... Someone in the Reed Manor in the outer city has opened up shop. They sell potions and apparently cheaper than the academy charges, you can imagine the academy probably ain't happy with that but.. It can make for decent sales if you insist to Drakkenheim. That being said.. You all seem nicer than I expected... So hear my advice. Forget Drakkenheim, go back home and if you're from here.. Leave forever. Drakkenheim.. It breaks people and breaks their dreams..."
As he huddles his legs up Rikard for the first time.. His arm twiches and he lets out a soft moan. Ludwig and Endra exclaim her eyes hopeful.
"Ludwig! You see? Rikard hasn't spoken since.. Since yesterday and now!"
Ludwig lets out a sigh of relief before he speaks.
"I must be honest.. He looks a bit.. Off and was scared to show him to you. He touched some Delirium without heavy gloves and his gauntlets were too worn down. It's not contagious since we don't got it. Still.. Healing him was 250 gold at the church or anyone else. We were hoping getting him far from the City's vile source could help.. Looks like it's helping finally."
Endra smiles brightly toward wherever Sinak may have gone.
"He healed him too.. That probably helped as well!"
"Heh.. Most likely sure you'll see Rikard's got an appetite that rivals Endra! Haha!"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
7 healing hands
Fenton will first offer healing to the other two before trying on Rikard.
"I appreciate your warning, however I cannot leave, not without the truth behind the meteor. You see my home is divided and on the break of war with each other."
Fenton heals Ludwigs wounds but Endra raises a hand up to refuse any healing for herself.
"I'll be fine with bandages, save that stuff in case bandits attack us mr... Cleric? Mageborn? Angel? I don't know what you are... But Fenton works best too heh."
Rikard groans not really indicating one way or the other. Ludwig looks to Fenton with a worn expression but a nod of understanding.
"I understand.. We all had our reasons... Just be careful. It's.. Rough going in believe me. Well... if you all don't mind I think I'll make camp. We'll camp out you're outskirts, if any bandits see the light they will know we are one large group hopefully keep them away. I thank you all.. Truly and I wish I had coin to pay."
Thuribula smiles kindly at Endra. "It can be hard to tell the difference. They both use similar prayers, rituals, vestments, quote the same texts and praise the same saints. There are two differences I can tell you about, that might help you understand."
"The first is authority. The Church of the Sacred Flame has its seat in Elyria, and it was founded by Saint Tarna. We take our authority from her, and from the church and succession that she founded. While members of the hierarchy can become confused or corrupted, we remember that the deposit of faith in the Sacred Flame is protected by the Divine Order which blessed Saint Tarna, and the Archangels Michael and Gabrielle are the sword and shield of that Order. We cannot even speak of heretics---and remember that Lucretia herself was formerly a Flamekeeper in the Church---without first recognizing the authority that sits in the Holy City of Lumen. And it is that seat of authority that declared Lucretia's teachings to be heresy, and excommunicated her, removing the ordination that their authority had given her, because she took it and spread error with it. That is what makes her a heretic, that the Divine authority of the Sacred Flame has declared her so, as a label to protect those who would be confused and harmed by her teachings."
"The second is the principle that nothing gives except out of its own essence. Many of Lucretia's teachings sound appealing, and like a logical continuation of the visions and guidance that Saint Tarna and the Flamekeepers have received. But who can walk into that cursed city, see the horrors the meteor has wrought, and call it a Divine gift? Thorns do not bear grapes, nor thistles figs. It is a mockery of Order to claim that chaos and monstrosity are born of and given by the celebration of harmony, joy, and light that each heart craves, that Divine Order made the universe in."
Thuribula smiles, happy to see the hungry travelers eating their fill. "It is no offense not to have Divine knowledge... we would have no duty to teach if everyone knew everything, would we? Many seek the truth"---with a glance at Fenton---"and many are led astray by error that can wreak great havoc on their lives and those of their loved ones. That is why the Flamekeepers study, and teach, and travel. Everyone is learning, struggling forward on a path towards the truth, light, beauty, and goodness that they seek, that the Divine Order wishes them to find. It is a great privilege to serve Order's task, and ours is the greatest battle that has to be fought---the battle against chaos, evil, and illusion, as so often, these are not external enemies." She tilts her head back, pondering. "As for Theodore being a War Monger, that is no label given by the Church, so I cannot speak to why he has it, until I know him and the Silver Order better. Indeed he works for the Church. Some, far from the bosom of the Holy City, drift away from the purity of its teachings, and emphasize some things too far over others. In time, when this becomes extreme, that is when the label of heresy is given. Theodore is, for now, in the good graces of the Sacred Flame... at least as regards what he stands for."
Thuribula sits companionably with the travelers, and though she gives a long and thoughtful glance to Fazil as he casts more magic, despite the discomfort it causes their new companions, she listens to his recreation of the music just as companionably. She doesn't pay too much attention to Sinak's obstinate silence in response to her preaching, but she does pay attention to the effect, or lack thereof, that his healing spell has on Rikard. Something distant crosses her face, almost a suspicion, as if she were beginning to put two and two together.
But, no conclusion forthcoming, the Flamekeeper listens attentively to Endra and Ludwig's knowledge of people and places around the capitol. And then, Endra's words about Rikard's fate make it click into place. Thuribula's eyes widen. "Ah...."
Her gaze follows Fenton as he lays his hands on Rikard, and then, softly, resignedly, as if with a nameless sorrow, Thuribula says, "I understand why he hides his face now. You started to become a monster, didn't you, Rikard? In Drakkenheim. Do not be ashamed. This fate falls to many who do nothing to deserve it. Fenton, do you seek the truth about the meteor? I think, if Rikard were to lower his hood and you were to behold the fruit that the meteor bears, you would be a little closer to finding the truth."
Fazil stopped his magic and then silently headed back into the wagon to sleep after giving everyone a slight nod.
A flick of his wand to cast Prestidigitation to make his clothes warm, along with the area he is going to use to sleep. But he decides to stay awake a bit longer, keeping his ears open for anything that could happen.
Maggwyn sits with her back to the fire, keeping watch out in the open as the others start to eat. As Thuribula starts in however, Maggwyn's eyes glaze over and she is about put to sleep. She is however brought back to the conversation when she says he has become a monster. That catches her attention and she watches like a hawk to see if they lower Rikard's hood.
With everyone settling down for the night, Fenton settles in himself, keeping an eye on Rikard "Dont be afraid to wake me for my sift, or if the fire goes out."
Endra and Ludwig had listened to Thuribula talk of the major differences. Ludwig seemed to understand governmental authority and had nodded along but Endra seemed even more confused by all of this she had even spoke up at one point.
"But isn't that authority in Elryia? And isn't the Falling Fire here in Westamar? So how does the authority work..? And didn't Luca--- Oh jeez she's got a tough name! She predicted the meteor would come right? People called her crazy and laughed at her back than too but wasn't she.. Right?"
Ludwig had taken his arm and bumped Endra giving her a stanch glare as she looked back to him before clearing her throat embarrassed.
"S-Sorry I should probably be more careful what I say, I grew up more in the wildlands so this is a lot to me.. Heck Ludwig taught me most of what I know."
"I.. Apologize, I understand politics and religion can get.. Messy and my good friend here does not navigate them well I'm afraid. As for Theodore I think everyone has different beliefs on him and Lucretia. I think they call him war monger because he's so eager to fight the Falling Fire but I could be wrong."
As she begins to speak to Rikard the man lets out a small moan but does not see Thuribula or notice her voice much at all. Ludwig and Endra seem a bit nervous about Rikard letting his hood down. However when she had said the kind words "To those who did nothing to deserve it." Ludwig had realized she was only trying to help. So Endra had came in front of Rikard and slowly lowered his hood to reveal what was beneath..
His right shoulder was the first thing to notice believe it or not. It was slimy and gross and hardly looked like a shoulder. It had a.. Looming sensation and was greatly discolored. His right eye was larger than it should have been and his face was pale but his face didn't seem monstrous beside that almost normal. The hood still covered the rest of his right arm but it was clear.. Whatever was in that hood was no longer an arm anymore.
Endra bit back tears but he had managed to moan again seeing her face. She let out a hopeful smile as Ludwig placed a hand on her shoulder. He had looked back to Thuribula before speaking.
"Thank you mighty Flame Keeper. I think his face open and near the flame.. Near faith may save him. Also scientifically speaking.. He's farther from the city and that radiation as well. He didn't moan before, he finally see's us at least. Hopefully he's talking by the morning."
Endra had waved farewell to Fenton and Thuribula and they had prepared themselves to retire to their tents. As they raised Rikard's hood over his face.
OOC After a post or two or later today I'll probably make a post for the morning ^^
Fenton bolts up in shock at the sight of Rikard's distorted face and body "Light if mercy" he whispers a little louder than intended.
"Im sorry, I have heard stories of monsters walking amoung the city and my companion did mention that he thought Rikard had turned, however I was not ready myself. It appears the meteor not only caused destruction but continues to spread destruction"
"Truth is not limited by location... while Lucretia left Elyria, her teachings continue to draw the innocent and unwitting into Drakkenheim. I have heard she does worse things there, beyond our sight. And so, we travel as well, to try and right her wrongs and save those led astray by her." Thuribula smiles. "Knowledge is not confined to those who do good... it is not knowledge, but what we do with it, that matters. Lucretia used her premonition of the meteor--and what entity gave her this knowledge? Perhaps one linked to the same Chaos that brought the meteor, using her a sinister tool to spread misery and destruction? Such things are not unheard of. We do not know for sure, and we cannot know all things... we do not see the seed that sprouts in the earth, nor do we know how it got here or who planted it, but when it rises from the soil and unfurls its leaves, we wonder of what plant it may be, especially if we have not seen it before. Then we see, does it bear flowers? Fruit that is good to eat? Thorns? Poison? We must wait to see, and while we may never know who planted it, we can know if we want it in our soil or not."
As Endra lowers Rikard's hood, Thuribula watches, her expression sad and sympathetic. Indeed the sight seems to draw tears to her own eyes, in concert with Endra's emotion. As Rikard moans, the Flamekeeper lays a hand on the hooded shoulder. "It is a good sign... I am glad he is able to see you. Perhaps in time he may recover. He will be in my prayers, along with all of those so afflicted."
Thuribula bid goodnight to the travelers, and gives Fenton a meaningful look. "So it does. A terrible destruction..." As if lost in thought or preoccupied with something far away, she retires without commenting further.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Ludwig seems even a bit lost by the paladins deep knowledge Endra was clearly lost ago but in their eyes.. She is the kind woman with kind friends helping them. Endra even speaks.
"Thanks, what you said about knowledge! I never though Elryia was that accepting or nice.. Or the Silver Order really but.. You proved me wrong! So thank you! I don't know much on that other lady but you seem to be a good judge of character."
"Agreed, Rikard is happy to see a beautiful Flame Keeper. He was in the civil war, he fell in love with a beautiful Flame Keeper once but.. She had her divine duties. I wonder if somewhere deep down he can still see you milady."
Endra frowns lightly as the winged Fenton whispers a bit louder than usual. Ludwig however gives him an understanding glance on Rikard's situation. Ludwig looks to Fenton than to Thuribula with hope in his eyes.
"You are right, Delirium is thorns.. It took Rikard anyone that uses it... Mages.. Luca.. Their all insane. The Silver Order was right along... We were fools to hunt it like it was gold."
And with that they are all able to retire.
Later That Night
After drinking and bonding, Eren even awakens to see new company he seems unbothered and even tries his hand at flirting with Endra with.. Little success. The night goes on and eventually.. Goes quiet as everyone finds a spot to rest.
Deep in the night however.. They hear a scream. At the edge of camp where Ludwig and Endra had went too (A safe distance to have them feel safe.) The scream is loud enough to awaken everybody and begin to make way towards it (If they wish to do so.) In the distance.. Across the campsite they see... A monsterousty wearing splint mail, it's tentacled arm ripping it's hood off as it laughs. Endra is on the ground terrified and Ludwig has his blade drawn looking scared. Ludwig yells to Rikard terrified.
S-Stop... Stop this! Please old friend!
OOC
A dice to decide exactly how Rikard is broken..
2
No long rest so Sinak is missing a spell and Fenton his healing hands.
His arm extends out as he tilts his head laughing.
"DoN't YoU UnDERstaaan?! DO yOu? DrakkenHeiM is sOiOi b-beautiful at NiGHT! We should walk.. walk walk walk walk! Walk by.. The MOOnLighT everynight! I take My FRIENDS and we walk... Or we drag.. COME COME!"
OOC Roll me initiative whether they came or not and I shall sent an Owlbear map of the encounter ^~^
After some initial vetting by the other party members, Thuribula echoes Maggwyn's invitation to the roughed up intruders. "Yes, please, join us."
"I am a Flamekeeper of the Sacred Flame, from Elyria," she tells the newcomers. "Though I am not part of the Silver Order, we are sanctioned by the same Church of the Sacred Flame. Lucretia is a heretic." As she always does when Fenton describes his search for truth and his blessings from the Sacred Flame, she gives the celestially-touched man a long glance, as if she is still considering, even after so many days, just who he is and where he fits into the Divine Order.
As the trio of travelers sits down at the fire, Thuribula fetches some rations from her pack. She has only two days worth, but she offers what she has to Endra. "I do not have much, but what I have is yours. The Divine Hearth warms all who sit before it."
Fazil looked at everyone, feeling fine with the group, and decided to calm everyone down with some soft music he had heard during his time at the academy. Mainly the one he recalls those times out in the woods for survival class.
He flicked his wand, then made a circle shape at the tip of his wand as he cast Prestidigitation.
Ludwig and Endra seem unfazed by the comment on Lucreta being a hertic but they do nod along as they listen to the Flame Keeper. Endra does tilt her head a bit curiously for a moment however.
"I was never too religious growing up besides the occasional prayer here and there but... I can't really tell the difference always between the Silver Order or the Falling Fire. Except that they don't like each other, I must admit I don't know what makes Lucareta a heretic or Theodore a "War Monger."
Endra and Ludwig eat one days worth, Endra tries to get Rikard to eat half of hers but he is.. Unresponsive it would seem. She eats.. Albeit a bit guiltily as she looks to Rikard with a long and pained expression.
"Thank you, so much Flame Keeper truly. I thank you with all my heart, I hope me lacking divine knowledge isn't considered offensive or anything!"
Ludwig had flinched to the hooded mageborn's magic. He tried hard to see his face but could not, though Endra and Ludwig were stiff Rikard hadn't responded in the slightest. Endra had huddled closer to Thurbula just to be safe. Though the music was indeed pleasant.. Seeing a hooded mageborn with no academy colors use such magic made them only uneasy and wonder the true nature of the magic. After some time they realize no charm was in effect but.. The uneasiness for the two is only eased by the Flame Keeper,Maggwyn and Fentons presence.
Sinak remains quiet but when Thuribula mentions that Lucretia is a heretic, his eyes dart over and his head snaps around, but he maintains a calm expression on his face and the tension eases from his shoulders after a moment. As they come closer and join, Sinak sits beside them and opens his pack and offers a ration to be shared with them. He reaches his hand toward Rikard and 6 points of healing flow into him, as he casts healing word on him. “I think that should help. Hopefully having a full stomach will help as well. That is a nice breastplate…”. After the evening wears on he starts to study the skies, bringing out a map and a candle and he looks for positions of the stars, making notes to himself. After that, he will go into a trance for a long rest.
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
As Sinak cast healing word upon Rikard, the hooded figure hardly looks unaffected and his stiff motionless posture does not cease. Endra looks a bit defeated to see him unaffected but happy Sinak had tried to help anyway. Endra looks to them all as she finishes and scarfs her food down, Ludwig however is more graceful about he eats his own food. Endra than looks to Sinak before he heads on himself she looks around taking a deep breath.
"So.. Emberwood, and Drakkenheim whatever you wanna know I can tell you all. Me and Ludwig even picked up a few nice rumors lately.."
OOC
What did Fenton use for healing? I know Sinak used healing word. Does Fenton use healing hands from Aasimar?
Sorry breaking the post up in two but gotta roll some dice here.
1
93
Endra starts to share her own rumor before Ludwig.
"So.. there is a man, north of the castle itself. It's in the deep woods near the outer city. You'd have to cross the Drann river to make it but there is an old elvish druid they say. He has the power of life and death and can fix almost anything. We thought about seeing him for Rikard and our fallen friends.. But to make it past the Drann River would require a boat.. Or finding passage within Drakkenheim itself and we couldn't do that again..."
She stared deeply into the fire as Ludwig himself began to speak up.
"As for me... Someone in the Reed Manor in the outer city has opened up shop. They sell potions and apparently cheaper than the academy charges, you can imagine the academy probably ain't happy with that but.. It can make for decent sales if you insist to Drakkenheim. That being said.. You all seem nicer than I expected... So hear my advice. Forget Drakkenheim, go back home and if you're from here.. Leave forever. Drakkenheim.. It breaks people and breaks their dreams..."
As he huddles his legs up Rikard for the first time.. His arm twiches and he lets out a soft moan. Ludwig and Endra exclaim her eyes hopeful.
"Ludwig! You see? Rikard hasn't spoken since.. Since yesterday and now!"
Ludwig lets out a sigh of relief before he speaks.
"I must be honest.. He looks a bit.. Off and was scared to show him to you. He touched some Delirium without heavy gloves and his gauntlets were too worn down. It's not contagious since we don't got it. Still.. Healing him was 250 gold at the church or anyone else. We were hoping getting him far from the City's vile source could help.. Looks like it's helping finally."
Endra smiles brightly toward wherever Sinak may have gone.
"He healed him too.. That probably helped as well!"
"Heh.. Most likely sure you'll see Rikard's got an appetite that rivals Endra! Haha!"
"Ahh jeez Ludwig don't embarrass me.."
7 healing hands
Fenton will first offer healing to the other two before trying on Rikard.
"I appreciate your warning, however I cannot leave, not without the truth behind the meteor. You see my home is divided and on the break of war with each other."
Fenton heals Ludwigs wounds but Endra raises a hand up to refuse any healing for herself.
"I'll be fine with bandages, save that stuff in case bandits attack us mr... Cleric? Mageborn? Angel? I don't know what you are... But Fenton works best too heh."
Rikard groans not really indicating one way or the other. Ludwig looks to Fenton with a worn expression but a nod of understanding.
"I understand.. We all had our reasons... Just be careful. It's.. Rough going in believe me. Well... if you all don't mind I think I'll make camp. We'll camp out you're outskirts, if any bandits see the light they will know we are one large group hopefully keep them away. I thank you all.. Truly and I wish I had coin to pay."
Thuribula smiles kindly at Endra. "It can be hard to tell the difference. They both use similar prayers, rituals, vestments, quote the same texts and praise the same saints. There are two differences I can tell you about, that might help you understand."
"The first is authority. The Church of the Sacred Flame has its seat in Elyria, and it was founded by Saint Tarna. We take our authority from her, and from the church and succession that she founded. While members of the hierarchy can become confused or corrupted, we remember that the deposit of faith in the Sacred Flame is protected by the Divine Order which blessed Saint Tarna, and the Archangels Michael and Gabrielle are the sword and shield of that Order. We cannot even speak of heretics---and remember that Lucretia herself was formerly a Flamekeeper in the Church---without first recognizing the authority that sits in the Holy City of Lumen. And it is that seat of authority that declared Lucretia's teachings to be heresy, and excommunicated her, removing the ordination that their authority had given her, because she took it and spread error with it. That is what makes her a heretic, that the Divine authority of the Sacred Flame has declared her so, as a label to protect those who would be confused and harmed by her teachings."
"The second is the principle that nothing gives except out of its own essence. Many of Lucretia's teachings sound appealing, and like a logical continuation of the visions and guidance that Saint Tarna and the Flamekeepers have received. But who can walk into that cursed city, see the horrors the meteor has wrought, and call it a Divine gift? Thorns do not bear grapes, nor thistles figs. It is a mockery of Order to claim that chaos and monstrosity are born of and given by the celebration of harmony, joy, and light that each heart craves, that Divine Order made the universe in."
Thuribula smiles, happy to see the hungry travelers eating their fill. "It is no offense not to have Divine knowledge... we would have no duty to teach if everyone knew everything, would we? Many seek the truth"---with a glance at Fenton---"and many are led astray by error that can wreak great havoc on their lives and those of their loved ones. That is why the Flamekeepers study, and teach, and travel. Everyone is learning, struggling forward on a path towards the truth, light, beauty, and goodness that they seek, that the Divine Order wishes them to find. It is a great privilege to serve Order's task, and ours is the greatest battle that has to be fought---the battle against chaos, evil, and illusion, as so often, these are not external enemies." She tilts her head back, pondering. "As for Theodore being a War Monger, that is no label given by the Church, so I cannot speak to why he has it, until I know him and the Silver Order better. Indeed he works for the Church. Some, far from the bosom of the Holy City, drift away from the purity of its teachings, and emphasize some things too far over others. In time, when this becomes extreme, that is when the label of heresy is given. Theodore is, for now, in the good graces of the Sacred Flame... at least as regards what he stands for."
Thuribula sits companionably with the travelers, and though she gives a long and thoughtful glance to Fazil as he casts more magic, despite the discomfort it causes their new companions, she listens to his recreation of the music just as companionably. She doesn't pay too much attention to Sinak's obstinate silence in response to her preaching, but she does pay attention to the effect, or lack thereof, that his healing spell has on Rikard. Something distant crosses her face, almost a suspicion, as if she were beginning to put two and two together.
But, no conclusion forthcoming, the Flamekeeper listens attentively to Endra and Ludwig's knowledge of people and places around the capitol. And then, Endra's words about Rikard's fate make it click into place. Thuribula's eyes widen. "Ah...."
Her gaze follows Fenton as he lays his hands on Rikard, and then, softly, resignedly, as if with a nameless sorrow, Thuribula says, "I understand why he hides his face now. You started to become a monster, didn't you, Rikard? In Drakkenheim. Do not be ashamed. This fate falls to many who do nothing to deserve it. Fenton, do you seek the truth about the meteor? I think, if Rikard were to lower his hood and you were to behold the fruit that the meteor bears, you would be a little closer to finding the truth."
Fazil stopped his magic and then silently headed back into the wagon to sleep after giving everyone a slight nod.
A flick of his wand to cast Prestidigitation to make his clothes warm, along with the area he is going to use to sleep. But he decides to stay awake a bit longer, keeping his ears open for anything that could happen.
Maggwyn sits with her back to the fire, keeping watch out in the open as the others start to eat. As Thuribula starts in however, Maggwyn's eyes glaze over and she is about put to sleep. She is however brought back to the conversation when she says he has become a monster. That catches her attention and she watches like a hawk to see if they lower Rikard's hood.
"Fenton works just fine, as I am no cleric."
With everyone settling down for the night, Fenton settles in himself, keeping an eye on Rikard "Dont be afraid to wake me for my sift, or if the fire goes out."
Endra and Ludwig had listened to Thuribula talk of the major differences. Ludwig seemed to understand governmental authority and had nodded along but Endra seemed even more confused by all of this she had even spoke up at one point.
"But isn't that authority in Elryia? And isn't the Falling Fire here in Westamar? So how does the authority work..? And didn't Luca--- Oh jeez she's got a tough name! She predicted the meteor would come right? People called her crazy and laughed at her back than too but wasn't she.. Right?"
Ludwig had taken his arm and bumped Endra giving her a stanch glare as she looked back to him before clearing her throat embarrassed.
"S-Sorry I should probably be more careful what I say, I grew up more in the wildlands so this is a lot to me.. Heck Ludwig taught me most of what I know."
"I.. Apologize, I understand politics and religion can get.. Messy and my good friend here does not navigate them well I'm afraid. As for Theodore I think everyone has different beliefs on him and Lucretia. I think they call him war monger because he's so eager to fight the Falling Fire but I could be wrong."
As she begins to speak to Rikard the man lets out a small moan but does not see Thuribula or notice her voice much at all. Ludwig and Endra seem a bit nervous about Rikard letting his hood down. However when she had said the kind words "To those who did nothing to deserve it." Ludwig had realized she was only trying to help. So Endra had came in front of Rikard and slowly lowered his hood to reveal what was beneath..
His right shoulder was the first thing to notice believe it or not. It was slimy and gross and hardly looked like a shoulder. It had a.. Looming sensation and was greatly discolored. His right eye was larger than it should have been and his face was pale but his face didn't seem monstrous beside that almost normal. The hood still covered the rest of his right arm but it was clear.. Whatever was in that hood was no longer an arm anymore.
Endra bit back tears but he had managed to moan again seeing her face. She let out a hopeful smile as Ludwig placed a hand on her shoulder. He had looked back to Thuribula before speaking.
"Thank you mighty Flame Keeper. I think his face open and near the flame.. Near faith may save him. Also scientifically speaking.. He's farther from the city and that radiation as well. He didn't moan before, he finally see's us at least. Hopefully he's talking by the morning."
Endra had waved farewell to Fenton and Thuribula and they had prepared themselves to retire to their tents. As they raised Rikard's hood over his face.
OOC
After a post or two or later today I'll probably make a post for the morning ^^
Fenton bolts up in shock at the sight of Rikard's distorted face and body "Light if mercy" he whispers a little louder than intended.
"Im sorry, I have heard stories of monsters walking amoung the city and my companion did mention that he thought Rikard had turned, however I was not ready myself. It appears the meteor not only caused destruction but continues to spread destruction"
"Truth is not limited by location... while Lucretia left Elyria, her teachings continue to draw the innocent and unwitting into Drakkenheim. I have heard she does worse things there, beyond our sight. And so, we travel as well, to try and right her wrongs and save those led astray by her." Thuribula smiles. "Knowledge is not confined to those who do good... it is not knowledge, but what we do with it, that matters. Lucretia used her premonition of the meteor--and what entity gave her this knowledge? Perhaps one linked to the same Chaos that brought the meteor, using her a sinister tool to spread misery and destruction? Such things are not unheard of. We do not know for sure, and we cannot know all things... we do not see the seed that sprouts in the earth, nor do we know how it got here or who planted it, but when it rises from the soil and unfurls its leaves, we wonder of what plant it may be, especially if we have not seen it before. Then we see, does it bear flowers? Fruit that is good to eat? Thorns? Poison? We must wait to see, and while we may never know who planted it, we can know if we want it in our soil or not."
As Endra lowers Rikard's hood, Thuribula watches, her expression sad and sympathetic. Indeed the sight seems to draw tears to her own eyes, in concert with Endra's emotion. As Rikard moans, the Flamekeeper lays a hand on the hooded shoulder. "It is a good sign... I am glad he is able to see you. Perhaps in time he may recover. He will be in my prayers, along with all of those so afflicted."
Thuribula bid goodnight to the travelers, and gives Fenton a meaningful look. "So it does. A terrible destruction..." As if lost in thought or preoccupied with something far away, she retires without commenting further.
Ludwig seems even a bit lost by the paladins deep knowledge Endra was clearly lost ago but in their eyes.. She is the kind woman with kind friends helping them. Endra even speaks.
"Thanks, what you said about knowledge! I never though Elryia was that accepting or nice.. Or the Silver Order really but.. You proved me wrong! So thank you! I don't know much on that other lady but you seem to be a good judge of character."
"Agreed, Rikard is happy to see a beautiful Flame Keeper. He was in the civil war, he fell in love with a beautiful Flame Keeper once but.. She had her divine duties. I wonder if somewhere deep down he can still see you milady."
Endra frowns lightly as the winged Fenton whispers a bit louder than usual. Ludwig however gives him an understanding glance on Rikard's situation. Ludwig looks to Fenton than to Thuribula with hope in his eyes.
"You are right, Delirium is thorns.. It took Rikard anyone that uses it... Mages.. Luca.. Their all insane. The Silver Order was right along... We were fools to hunt it like it was gold."
And with that they are all able to retire.
Later That Night
After drinking and bonding, Eren even awakens to see new company he seems unbothered and even tries his hand at flirting with Endra with.. Little success. The night goes on and eventually.. Goes quiet as everyone finds a spot to rest.
Deep in the night however.. They hear a scream. At the edge of camp where Ludwig and Endra had went too (A safe distance to have them feel safe.) The scream is loud enough to awaken everybody and begin to make way towards it (If they wish to do so.) In the distance.. Across the campsite they see... A monsterousty wearing splint mail, it's tentacled arm ripping it's hood off as it laughs. Endra is on the ground terrified and Ludwig has his blade drawn looking scared. Ludwig yells to Rikard terrified.
S-Stop... Stop this! Please old friend!
OOC
A dice to decide exactly how Rikard is broken..
2
No long rest so Sinak is missing a spell and Fenton his healing hands.
And I shall post one more thing after the roll.
(Rikard's current picture)
His arm extends out as he tilts his head laughing.
"DoN't YoU UnDERstaaan?! DO yOu? DrakkenHeiM is sOiOi b-beautiful at NiGHT! We should walk.. walk walk walk walk! Walk by.. The MOOnLighT everynight! I take My FRIENDS and we walk... Or we drag.. COME COME!"
OOC
Roll me initiative whether they came or not and I shall sent an Owlbear map of the encounter ^~^
Initiative: 13
5
Thuribula initiative: 17 (rolled in game log)