As Roman listens to Moksad tell is tale, his eyes wander to a stain glass window depicting St. Rosalind receiving her visions from the Archangel Romulus. When Moksad mentions Drakkenheim and traveling there together Roman once again hears the beat of a great set of wings and for moment a ray of sun breaks through the cloud cover and the image of the golden eyed Archangel glows briefly. Giving his head a shake he looks back to Moksad. "I am sorry to hear of your villages troubles. In our travels I have many similar stories of strange creatures and terrible horrors." His eyes go distant as the recalls images from his dreams "It would seem that Drakkenheim is the source of this corruption and the answer to many questions. " Looking back to the stain glass window "Do you believe in destiny Moksad? Maybe we were destined to meet and find the truth of things."
Turning to Elina "What of you M'lady? What brings you to Drakkenheim if I may ask?" Again blushing slightly "I have never meet a member of the Academy before." Looking at her sword. "What manner of artifact is your blade? The Flamekeeper seemed very upset by it."
"We who continue to acknowledge and serve the gods also believe in fate as a woven loom. Perhaps it is as though we are caught all together in these threads; I'm terribly sorry- what might be your name good sir?"
Hannah watches as Roman and Moksad head for the stairs, deep in conversation. It occurs to her how alike they are, in their apparent devotion to a life filled with things beyond sight or touch. They even have a similar pattern of speech, formal in diction and yet filled with warmth for everyone and everything they come across.
This trail of thoughts crawling through her exhausted brain breaks off as she finally becomes aware of the stare boring into the back of her head. She turns back to Lando, and his demands for an explanation settle into her mind as if they were being held politely for her attention by her ears until she was ready to process them. '''I thank you for your concern, my lord, but I have already been seen by every surgeon, priest, and alchemist in Todesfeld. I can assure you that I am not afflicted by anything unholy, however. I would like to explain, but first I must rest a moment. My...episodes...leave me quite weak.'''
While a bit of a deflection, this was no lie. She could feel her legs began to shake as the pain in her skull started to beat at the inside of her skull like a hammer with each beat of her heart. She goes down to one knee, and hopes in the midst of her weakness that the chivalrous young man will come to her aid and she can use the moment to pocket the bones she is standing over.
"Roman." extending his hand with a smile "Roman Silverstar, scribe of the Abbey of of St.Oilver" Clasping Moksad's hand and giving it a shake "I am afraid, I am not familiar with your..... beliefs."(Religion roll: Nat 1.) Looking at the Grand Pyre "But the something did draw me here and I feel that same pull now to Drakkenheim." Looking at the mismatched pair. "Perhaps we can travel together." Looking back to crypt " If M'Lord and his wife agree, I would welcome the company."
Hannah silently gives thanks to the havoc her condition plays on her complexion, for she can feel the heat of the blush hidden amongst all the freshly-broken blood vessels in her face.
”Oh, I noticed that I was standing over them and gathered them to give to Her Holiness. If you would please, my lord,” she says in a low voice to match his own as she presses the dead fingers into his living ones.
Lando cannot tell if she is being deceptive, but Lando also doesn’t believe those bones landed this far up the stair case naturally. Lando will leave it be for now.
“Surely her holiness will be greatfull”
Lando motions for an acolyte going down to assist Irma, hands them the bones and tells them this, “ you Child, Hannah, found these bones scattered among the stair case”
Lando is just a bit weary of Hannah but has no justifiable means to treat her any differently.
Lando call to Yvara, and instructs her to keep close eye on Elena, Moksad, and Hannah while we are close with them.
“They should not leave your sight my sweet. We have not be proven then will not derail our goals. “
The acolyte returns to the sanctuary with a couple of hospitable cordials in clay mugs, hot buttered rum steeped with herbs. Fortunately, just in time for the party to emerge from the crypts. "Oh!" she says, "there you are." A bit flustered that she has only two drinks, she nonetheless hands them to Elena and Moksad, whom she fetched them for, nodding respectfully to Roman as she recalls him speaking with the High Flamekeeper. "Brother," she acknowledges him, and at his hushed instruction to help Flamekeeper Irma lay the saints to rest in the crypt, she nods, her eyes wide--clearly fearful, and one may wonder what encounters she might have had previously down there--and hesitantly makes her way down the stairs.
She meets Lando, Yvarra, and Hannah on the way down, and accepts the smashed finger bones, looking down at them. "Oh," she whispers. "Saint Soteris?"Somehow she recognizes the finger bones as she turns them over reverently in her hands. "What happened to him? Brother Roman said that... they have been laid to rest again?"
"Bring them here, my dear," Flamekeeper Irma calls from beyond the heavy doors standing open. "Mind the water. I'll take these, and then you fetch me the bier..."With a glance at Lando, Yvara, and Hannah, the acolyte flushes, and hurries down the stairs with the bones.
Yvara, watching Hannah suspiciously as her husband bids, nods her assent and follows close to him as they ascend the stairs to join the others. "I will be vigilant, as the Flame is ever vigilant to the darkness," she says. If the fight with the risen saints frightened Yvara , she doesn't show it.
Responding to Roman, Elena says, “I fear you may be mistaken, kind sir. I’m not of the Amethyst Academy. The Academy and the noble house we serve have an understanding that, while not an official member of the Academy, so long as the bearer of Fidelitas adheres to the Edicts of Lumen, we are under their protection. In fact, it is in the service of the noble house that brings me to Drakkenheim. I suspect the Flamekeeper may be concerned with a mage not of the Academy in their midst, although if legend is to be believed, she may have further cause for fear. It is said this weapon was made by the sorcerer kings of old and used to bind their servants to them. Of course, that’s just ancient lore.”
She accepts the mug with great surprise, having completely forgotten about Moksad’s request for a drink. She takes a polite sip as she looks around. It seems that Hannah and Lando were in a conversation, and she notices that Lando’s wife, Yvara, keeping an eye on them. Elena honestly thinks everyone was being a bit histrionic. Feddy was allowed to wear Fidelitas openly when they attended services at the Cathedral of Saint Fiona without anyone making a fuss. Still, she keeps her laments over backwards backwaters to herself and says, “Roman, do you have plans for lodging? The hour is exceptionally late for any further travel.”
Knuckling his forehead" My apologies m'lady, I have never heard of such an arrangement before" Looking back toward Lando and Yvere coming out of the crypt "We have only just arrived in the city and have not secured lodgings." Looking back to Elina "I for one would enjoy some company, I have many so many questions about Libero. We saw it on the way here. From a hill many miles away. The sun was setting and the canals looked like rivers of gold. It was glorious." Grinning foolishly "Do you and Moksad have lodgings in town?"
"We really only just arrived today." " So I and Elana -in particular very new to the area; are looking to find a place "Roman was your name- yes? I saw you were stumbling a bit over the word 'beliefs.' I heard about prejudice against us from the elders on the part of outsiders and the idea that we worship demons. I can assure you that is not true; we follow codes of conduct not dissimilar to other places that worship the sacred flame from what i can tell and there are those among us with talents exactly like the woman who seemed to freak out earlier. So we might be tapping into very similar sources."
" I myself tap into energies that feel like a mix of the gods and some other things but I tend to feel through my connection to Danu; the ground we walk on, and Arwyn the great big lighted hunter of the night."
"If you have any interest on the matter, I would be happy to explain further as we travel along."
"My apologies Moksad, I didn't mean to offend you. I have never met a Druid before, your ways are unfamiliar too me, to be honest I have probably as isolated a life as you. Before this grand adventure I have never been much more then a few miles from the scriptorium." smiling at Moksad "The Scared Flame does teach that the Old Gods are nothing more than Demons and Devils playing on man's fears and superstitions. But lately I have been questioning some of those teachings" his eyes gaze absently over the various frescos and murals adorning the Cathedral's walls. "Perhaps we can discuss this further over an ale, if you are willing. Once the High Flamekeeper joins us I am sure she can recommend a place for lodging." Looking back at Lando "The road hasn't been easy and I hear that the closer you get to Drakkenheim he more dangerous it becomes. Bandits and leftovers from the civil war and whatever comes wandering out of the city. If M'lord agrees perhaps we can travel together." Looking to Elina "what do you think M'lady? You seemed very proficient with your blade"
Hannah had begun to stumble her way through an explanation of her condition to Lando and Yvara with some gentle encouragement from Irma when her ears perked up at a word in the other conversation.
”Drakkenheim? You are all traveling to Drakkenheim? Why? When? For what purpose?”
She realized she had started into her old habit of babbling when excited, a trait her mother often bemoaned when she was younger. She cut off the flow of words with some small difficulty so that a reply could be formed.
As the group discusses their plans, a couple of acolytes hurry to and fro between the crypt and the Sanctuary. It isn't long before the smell of incense and the ringing of a bell catch the group's attention to see the two acolytes and High Flamekeeper Irma ascending the stairs from the crypt. The acolytes find their footing carefully on the slippery, mold-covered stairs, as between them they're carrying a bier, draped in an ornamental linen cloth. Laid out on the bier is the skeletal remains of the dead saint in silver-plated armor, its helm and face bones still blackened from the flames. Even the crushed finger bones are laid in place across its chest.
Irma incenses the reposing saint as the acolytes haul the heavy bier through the sanctuary, past the blazing brazier, to a side altar in an alcove. There, they begin to arrange the remains reverently in repose on the altar. Irma incenses the side altar, then hangs up the censer and sprinkles holy water on the new place of repose. She sings the familiar old requiem chants in a high clear voice that is only just beginning to warble with age. The acolytes set up candles all around the reposed saint, which Irma lights with a wave of her hand and a prayer. Etched in the stone above the alcove is the name Saint Soteris.
Then, picking up the empty bier, the acolytes head back towards the crypt, presumably to fetch the next two...
Flamekeeper Irma, carrying the censer, walks around to where Roman stands talking to Elena and Moksad. "Some years ago we prepared a place for them in the upper church, hopeful for this day when we could remove them from the flooded crypt," she says. "Thank you for your help, Brother Roman, my dear Hannah, and..." Her questioning look to Brother Roman seems to recall his earlier offer to take the strangers upstairs on behalf of the Flamekeeper and find out what they were about.
"Ahhhh High Flamekeeper may introduce Lady Elena Firavanti, loyal servant of House Giorgione of Liberio." Bowing and gesturing to Elena " and her travelling companion Moksad." gesturing to the druid. "They are travelers on the road to Drakkenheim. It seems while Lady Elena was showing Moksad the ways of the Flame they heard the sound of combat and leaped to help. Their timing was quite... miraculous. They like us are seeking lodging." Gesturing to Lando and Yvara "We were planning to seek shelter with you, but.. " Looking at the Acolytes moving about and re-interning the saints "maybe we have caused a bit too much of a commotion. Perhaps you can recommend a respectable inn, where we can find shelter?"
The elderly woman smiles, bowing gently to Elena and Moksad. "Welcome to the Cathedral of Saint Rosalind, my friends. I am High Flamekeeper Irma. It was an uncanny meeting we had, was it not? I am very curious to hear the tale of your blade, Madame Firavanti. It must be very old. We do not often see such artifacts, here."
In response to Brother Roman's question, Flamekeeper Irma nods. "You are still welcome to stay here, of course, even without my gratitude for your help with our beloved saints. I have cells and bunks for travelers built off of the north cloister. But if you are more comfortable finding lodging elsewhere, I would recommend the part of Todesfeld that is not flooded. Saint Rosalind's is in the flood zone, I'm sure you noticed, though the church itself is on a hill and so was spared, by the mercy of the Flame. There are flophouses and taverns amongst the boardwalks nearby here, but they are... well, certainly unfit for clerics and nobles. And our dear Duke von Fritz is a bit fickle about receiving audiences. Still, nobles oft understand nobles, I think?" She smiles at Lando and Yvarra. "If you wish to attend his castle, you can take the road east of here, through the edge of the flood zone. Otherwise, I recommend you take the main road back towards the southwest, to the intact section of town. There is a much more reputable inn there, by the name of the Gavel and Gauntlet. Though it is mainly a tavern, those who can afford to keep their homes on the dry side are the ones who frequent it, and they do have rooms for travellers."
She reaches out to pat Hannah reassuringly on the shoulder. "Ah, Drakkenheim, be wary, my dear, it is a dangerous place. But I cannot say where you may find the answers you seek. I will pray as I always have for you, that the Flame will show where the light is in the darkness!"
"I cannot speak for my companion but I appreciate what you have offered us Irma. I however want to speak to the lady who asked about why I am going to Drakkenheim. Amongst my people we we have seen and heard strange phenomena and understood dark portents and changes in nature and we want to understand it and control or destroy it if it is harmful in the same way as many of you may believe. I am here and on my way to Drakkenheim on their behalf and perhaps everyone else. I am also looking to collect texts from our people in our language known to be around those parts that unveil or dispute the nature of our reality."
"Also when we are ready for Ale as Roman requested, please know I am excited for it."
Looking away from the High Flamekeeper and to Hannah " My apologies Lady Hannah, I did say Drakkenheim. M'lord, his beloved are on a pilgrimage to Drakkenheim. We seek to the Truth and Glory of Flame." Roman looks to the murals of the angel Romulus guiding St Rosalind. " Fascinating that we should all meet like this. " looking back to Hannah " Do you seek something in Drakkenheim?"
Hannah stares back at six faces suddenly swung to look at hers. She feels the hidden blush rise up again beneath the bruises.
”I just- I’ve heard….” she looks towards Irma, who returns her gaze with a small nod. Hannah takes a breath: “I feel that I must be transparent with you all, because I must ask for your trust. I’m afraid that I am afflicted by a strange malady, an illness born of my own hubris and foolishness. You see, I am – I was – an alchemist by trade. I was commissioned by the Duke to perform research and experimentation that explored the potential of the mortal form. I think he hoped that I would increase the output of his mines by way of empowering his workforce, but my motivation was towards healing those poor souls not lucky enough to experience a miracle of the Light who lived in bodies degraded through injury or disease. My research showed promise at first, but our first…volunteers… (Deception: 11-1=10) showed no signs of improvement. The Duke was growing impatient, and I feared that he would cast us out and repossess the resources he had provided us with any day. It was in this state that my assistant came up with a brilliant new approach, and in our eagerness we decided to make a new attempt, with myself as the subject. Unfortunately, I did not perform my due diligence and there was a… miscalculation. The function of my body was vastly improved, but the effect on my mind was disastrous. In the haze of that first flood of hormones, I grievously wounded my assistant and destroyed a good deal of the equipment. In the aftermath, we decided that we must lie to the Duke and tell him that we could not find a path forward, because we feared what his impatience and greed would seek with this dangerous technique. He cast us out as failures, and I have been seeking a way to reverse the damage I have done to my own body and to my friend ever since. I have tried everything I could think of, and the only thing that has shown any amount of promise is the taint in the river that comes from the ruins of Drakkenheim. And so, I must ask if you would permit me to accompany you on your journey.”
Roman Silverstar
As Roman listens to Moksad tell is tale, his eyes wander to a stain glass window depicting St. Rosalind receiving her visions from the Archangel Romulus. When Moksad mentions Drakkenheim and traveling there together Roman once again hears the beat of a great set of wings and for moment a ray of sun breaks through the cloud cover and the image of the golden eyed Archangel glows briefly. Giving his head a shake he looks back to Moksad. "I am sorry to hear of your villages troubles. In our travels I have many similar stories of strange creatures and terrible horrors." His eyes go distant as the recalls images from his dreams "It would seem that Drakkenheim is the source of this corruption and the answer to many questions. " Looking back to the stain glass window "Do you believe in destiny Moksad? Maybe we were destined to meet and find the truth of things."
Turning to Elina "What of you M'lady? What brings you to Drakkenheim if I may ask?" Again blushing slightly "I have never meet a member of the Academy before." Looking at her sword. "What manner of artifact is your blade? The Flamekeeper seemed very upset by it."
Moksad
"We who continue to acknowledge and serve the gods also believe in fate as a woven loom. Perhaps it is as though we are caught all together in these threads; I'm terribly sorry- what might be your name good sir?"
Hannah watches as Roman and Moksad head for the stairs, deep in conversation. It occurs to her how alike they are, in their apparent devotion to a life filled with things beyond sight or touch. They even have a similar pattern of speech, formal in diction and yet filled with warmth for everyone and everything they come across.
This trail of thoughts crawling through her exhausted brain breaks off as she finally becomes aware of the stare boring into the back of her head. She turns back to Lando, and his demands for an explanation settle into her mind as if they were being held politely for her attention by her ears until she was ready to process them. '''I thank you for your concern, my lord, but I have already been seen by every surgeon, priest, and alchemist in Todesfeld. I can assure you that I am not afflicted by anything unholy, however. I would like to explain, but first I must rest a moment. My...episodes...leave me quite weak.'''
While a bit of a deflection, this was no lie. She could feel her legs began to shake as the pain in her skull started to beat at the inside of her skull like a hammer with each beat of her heart. She goes down to one knee, and hopes in the midst of her weakness that the chivalrous young man will come to her aid and she can use the moment to pocket the bones she is standing over.
Sleight of Hand: Natural 1! (For a total of 2)
Roman Silverstar
"Roman." extending his hand with a smile "Roman Silverstar, scribe of the Abbey of of St.Oilver" Clasping Moksad's hand and giving it a shake "I am afraid, I am not familiar with your..... beliefs." (Religion roll: Nat 1.) Looking at the Grand Pyre "But the something did draw me here and I feel that same pull now to Drakkenheim." Looking at the mismatched pair. "Perhaps we can travel together." Looking back to crypt " If M'Lord and his wife agree, I would welcome the company."
Lando goes to assist the fallen Hannah.
“Hannah are you alright?”
He bends down to help and sees her hand full of ancient bone scraps.
He leans in close to whisper “Don’t react, or Ill tell your Mother what your doing. Answer me this, what were you planning to do with those bones?”
Hannah silently gives thanks to the havoc her condition plays on her complexion, for she can feel the heat of the blush hidden amongst all the freshly-broken blood vessels in her face.
”Oh, I noticed that I was standing over them and gathered them to give to Her Holiness. If you would please, my lord,” she says in a low voice to match his own as she presses the dead fingers into his living ones.
Deception (11) beats Lando’s Insight (1)
Lando cannot tell if she is being deceptive, but Lando also doesn’t believe those bones landed this far up the stair case naturally. Lando will leave it be for now.
“Surely her holiness will be greatfull”
Lando motions for an acolyte going down to assist Irma, hands them the bones and tells them this, “ you Child, Hannah, found these bones scattered among the stair case”
Lando is just a bit weary of Hannah but has no justifiable means to treat her any differently.
Lando call to Yvara, and instructs her to keep close eye on Elena, Moksad, and Hannah while we are close with them.
“They should not leave your sight my sweet. We have not be proven then will not derail our goals. “
The acolyte returns to the sanctuary with a couple of hospitable cordials in clay mugs, hot buttered rum steeped with herbs. Fortunately, just in time for the party to emerge from the crypts. "Oh!" she says, "there you are." A bit flustered that she has only two drinks, she nonetheless hands them to Elena and Moksad, whom she fetched them for, nodding respectfully to Roman as she recalls him speaking with the High Flamekeeper. "Brother," she acknowledges him, and at his hushed instruction to help Flamekeeper Irma lay the saints to rest in the crypt, she nods, her eyes wide--clearly fearful, and one may wonder what encounters she might have had previously down there--and hesitantly makes her way down the stairs.
She meets Lando, Yvarra, and Hannah on the way down, and accepts the smashed finger bones, looking down at them. "Oh," she whispers. "Saint Soteris?" Somehow she recognizes the finger bones as she turns them over reverently in her hands. "What happened to him? Brother Roman said that... they have been laid to rest again?"
"Bring them here, my dear," Flamekeeper Irma calls from beyond the heavy doors standing open. "Mind the water. I'll take these, and then you fetch me the bier..." With a glance at Lando, Yvara, and Hannah, the acolyte flushes, and hurries down the stairs with the bones.
Yvara, watching Hannah suspiciously as her husband bids, nods her assent and follows close to him as they ascend the stairs to join the others. "I will be vigilant, as the Flame is ever vigilant to the darkness," she says. If the fight with the risen saints frightened Yvara , she doesn't show it.
Elena Firavanti
Responding to Roman, Elena says, “I fear you may be mistaken, kind sir. I’m not of the Amethyst Academy. The Academy and the noble house we serve have an understanding that, while not an official member of the Academy, so long as the bearer of Fidelitas adheres to the Edicts of Lumen, we are under their protection. In fact, it is in the service of the noble house that brings me to Drakkenheim. I suspect the Flamekeeper may be concerned with a mage not of the Academy in their midst, although if legend is to be believed, she may have further cause for fear. It is said this weapon was made by the sorcerer kings of old and used to bind their servants to them. Of course, that’s just ancient lore.”
She accepts the mug with great surprise, having completely forgotten about Moksad’s request for a drink. She takes a polite sip as she looks around. It seems that Hannah and Lando were in a conversation, and she notices that Lando’s wife, Yvara, keeping an eye on them. Elena honestly thinks everyone was being a bit histrionic. Feddy was allowed to wear Fidelitas openly when they attended services at the Cathedral of Saint Fiona without anyone making a fuss. Still, she keeps her laments over backwards backwaters to herself and says, “Roman, do you have plans for lodging? The hour is exceptionally late for any further travel.”
Roman Silverstar
Knuckling his forehead" My apologies m'lady, I have never heard of such an arrangement before" Looking back toward Lando and Yvere coming out of the crypt "We have only just arrived in the city and have not secured lodgings." Looking back to Elina "I for one would enjoy some company, I have many so many questions about Libero. We saw it on the way here. From a hill many miles away. The sun was setting and the canals looked like rivers of gold. It was glorious." Grinning foolishly "Do you and Moksad have lodgings in town?"
Moksad
"We really only just arrived today." " So I and Elana -in particular very new to the area; are looking to find a place "Roman was your name- yes? I saw you were stumbling a bit over the word 'beliefs.' I heard about prejudice against us from the elders on the part of outsiders and the idea that we worship demons. I can assure you that is not true; we follow codes of conduct not dissimilar to other places that worship the sacred flame from what i can tell and there are those among us with talents exactly like the woman who seemed to freak out earlier. So we might be tapping into very similar sources."
" I myself tap into energies that feel like a mix of the gods and some other things but I tend to feel through my connection to Danu; the ground we walk on, and Arwyn the great big lighted hunter of the night."
"If you have any interest on the matter, I would be happy to explain further as we travel along."
Roman Silverstar
"My apologies Moksad, I didn't mean to offend you. I have never met a Druid before, your ways are unfamiliar too me, to be honest I have probably as isolated a life as you. Before this grand adventure I have never been much more then a few miles from the scriptorium." smiling at Moksad "The Scared Flame does teach that the Old Gods are nothing more than Demons and Devils playing on man's fears and superstitions. But lately I have been questioning some of those teachings" his eyes gaze absently over the various frescos and murals adorning the Cathedral's walls. "Perhaps we can discuss this further over an ale, if you are willing. Once the High Flamekeeper joins us I am sure she can recommend a place for lodging." Looking back at Lando "The road hasn't been easy and I hear that the closer you get to Drakkenheim he more dangerous it becomes. Bandits and leftovers from the civil war and whatever comes wandering out of the city. If M'lord agrees perhaps we can travel together." Looking to Elina "what do you think M'lady? You seemed very proficient with your blade"
Hannah had begun to stumble her way through an explanation of her condition to Lando and Yvara with some gentle encouragement from Irma when her ears perked up at a word in the other conversation.
”Drakkenheim? You are all traveling to Drakkenheim? Why? When? For what purpose?”
She realized she had started into her old habit of babbling when excited, a trait her mother often bemoaned when she was younger. She cut off the flow of words with some small difficulty so that a reply could be formed.
Moksad
"Ale?! I was terrified you'd never ask!"
As the group discusses their plans, a couple of acolytes hurry to and fro between the crypt and the Sanctuary. It isn't long before the smell of incense and the ringing of a bell catch the group's attention to see the two acolytes and High Flamekeeper Irma ascending the stairs from the crypt. The acolytes find their footing carefully on the slippery, mold-covered stairs, as between them they're carrying a bier, draped in an ornamental linen cloth. Laid out on the bier is the skeletal remains of the dead saint in silver-plated armor, its helm and face bones still blackened from the flames. Even the crushed finger bones are laid in place across its chest.
Irma incenses the reposing saint as the acolytes haul the heavy bier through the sanctuary, past the blazing brazier, to a side altar in an alcove. There, they begin to arrange the remains reverently in repose on the altar. Irma incenses the side altar, then hangs up the censer and sprinkles holy water on the new place of repose. She sings the familiar old requiem chants in a high clear voice that is only just beginning to warble with age. The acolytes set up candles all around the reposed saint, which Irma lights with a wave of her hand and a prayer. Etched in the stone above the alcove is the name Saint Soteris.
Then, picking up the empty bier, the acolytes head back towards the crypt, presumably to fetch the next two...
Flamekeeper Irma, carrying the censer, walks around to where Roman stands talking to Elena and Moksad. "Some years ago we prepared a place for them in the upper church, hopeful for this day when we could remove them from the flooded crypt," she says. "Thank you for your help, Brother Roman, my dear Hannah, and..." Her questioning look to Brother Roman seems to recall his earlier offer to take the strangers upstairs on behalf of the Flamekeeper and find out what they were about.
Roman Silverstar
"Ahhhh High Flamekeeper may introduce Lady Elena Firavanti, loyal servant of House Giorgione of Liberio." Bowing and gesturing to Elena " and her travelling companion Moksad." gesturing to the druid. "They are travelers on the road to Drakkenheim. It seems while Lady Elena was showing Moksad the ways of the Flame they heard the sound of combat and leaped to help. Their timing was quite... miraculous. They like us are seeking lodging." Gesturing to Lando and Yvara "We were planning to seek shelter with you, but.. " Looking at the Acolytes moving about and re-interning the saints "maybe we have caused a bit too much of a commotion. Perhaps you can recommend a respectable inn, where we can find shelter?"
The elderly woman smiles, bowing gently to Elena and Moksad. "Welcome to the Cathedral of Saint Rosalind, my friends. I am High Flamekeeper Irma. It was an uncanny meeting we had, was it not? I am very curious to hear the tale of your blade, Madame Firavanti. It must be very old. We do not often see such artifacts, here."
In response to Brother Roman's question, Flamekeeper Irma nods. "You are still welcome to stay here, of course, even without my gratitude for your help with our beloved saints. I have cells and bunks for travelers built off of the north cloister. But if you are more comfortable finding lodging elsewhere, I would recommend the part of Todesfeld that is not flooded. Saint Rosalind's is in the flood zone, I'm sure you noticed, though the church itself is on a hill and so was spared, by the mercy of the Flame. There are flophouses and taverns amongst the boardwalks nearby here, but they are... well, certainly unfit for clerics and nobles. And our dear Duke von Fritz is a bit fickle about receiving audiences. Still, nobles oft understand nobles, I think?" She smiles at Lando and Yvarra. "If you wish to attend his castle, you can take the road east of here, through the edge of the flood zone. Otherwise, I recommend you take the main road back towards the southwest, to the intact section of town. There is a much more reputable inn there, by the name of the Gavel and Gauntlet. Though it is mainly a tavern, those who can afford to keep their homes on the dry side are the ones who frequent it, and they do have rooms for travellers."
She reaches out to pat Hannah reassuringly on the shoulder. "Ah, Drakkenheim, be wary, my dear, it is a dangerous place. But I cannot say where you may find the answers you seek. I will pray as I always have for you, that the Flame will show where the light is in the darkness!"
Moksad
"I cannot speak for my companion but I appreciate what you have offered us Irma. I however want to speak to the lady who asked about why I am going to Drakkenheim. Amongst my people we we have seen and heard strange phenomena and understood dark portents and changes in nature and we want to understand it and control or destroy it if it is harmful in the same way as many of you may believe. I am here and on my way to Drakkenheim on their behalf and perhaps everyone else. I am also looking to collect texts from our people in our language known to be around those parts that unveil or dispute the nature of our reality."
"Also when we are ready for Ale as Roman requested, please know I am excited for it."
Roman Silverstar
Looking away from the High Flamekeeper and to Hannah " My apologies Lady Hannah, I did say Drakkenheim. M'lord, his beloved are on a pilgrimage to Drakkenheim. We seek to the Truth and Glory of Flame." Roman looks to the murals of the angel Romulus guiding St Rosalind. " Fascinating that we should all meet like this. " looking back to Hannah " Do you seek something in Drakkenheim?"
Hannah stares back at six faces suddenly swung to look at hers. She feels the hidden blush rise up again beneath the bruises.
”I just- I’ve heard….” she looks towards Irma, who returns her gaze with a small nod. Hannah takes a breath: “I feel that I must be transparent with you all, because I must ask for your trust. I’m afraid that I am afflicted by a strange malady, an illness born of my own hubris and foolishness. You see, I am – I was – an alchemist by trade. I was commissioned by the Duke to perform research and experimentation that explored the potential of the mortal form. I think he hoped that I would increase the output of his mines by way of empowering his workforce, but my motivation was towards healing those poor souls not lucky enough to experience a miracle of the Light who lived in bodies degraded through injury or disease. My research showed promise at first, but our first…volunteers… (Deception: 11-1=10) showed no signs of improvement. The Duke was growing impatient, and I feared that he would cast us out and repossess the resources he had provided us with any day. It was in this state that my assistant came up with a brilliant new approach, and in our eagerness we decided to make a new attempt, with myself as the subject. Unfortunately, I did not perform my due diligence and there was a… miscalculation. The function of my body was vastly improved, but the effect on my mind was disastrous. In the haze of that first flood of hormones, I grievously wounded my assistant and destroyed a good deal of the equipment. In the aftermath, we decided that we must lie to the Duke and tell him that we could not find a path forward, because we feared what his impatience and greed would seek with this dangerous technique. He cast us out as failures, and I have been seeking a way to reverse the damage I have done to my own body and to my friend ever since. I have tried everything I could think of, and the only thing that has shown any amount of promise is the taint in the river that comes from the ruins of Drakkenheim. And so, I must ask if you would permit me to accompany you on your journey.”