Session 13: The lioness' nest

[istainion]

    

CHARACTER: Streth Evira  
CLASS: Paladin  LVL: 03
 

After the combat, we approached the checkpoint of the Flaming fists. They seemed already eager to take us from half our precious possessions. Knowing that we hold possession of the jewelry of the shamanic enemy, Jasper put up a show to give them a distraction. Posing a big inconvenience on their task. 

With their attention briefly drawn, and their frustrations already grown, their attention moved onto Smuck, who had warned them about possible explosive experiences by searching the bags. After all, we were told to place them in their reach to search through. When Smuck revealed gun powder, they were taking their distance, regardless of their arrogance with the first warning. Upon realizing this mistake, they cooperated, and let Smuck instead handle it. With not much to show and being a potential danger, they requested him to stop. It was enough.

With none to offer from me, Gat and Arden either, their attention returned to Jasper, who they commanded to cooperate. Which he did. Instead of placing his bag down for their search, he turned it upside down, and let all tools fall from the bag. It seems to last multiple moments for all to fall to the ground with the excessive amount of tools, until marbles bounced down the ground and scattered around. Enough to cause one of the Flaming Fists to make a fall. He yelled out, and told the rest of us to simply leave already, skipping both Shago and Taban. Taban is the one who wore this precious jewelry, but it suits him quite fine.

We arrived at Port Nyanzaru safely. Upon arrival, we discussed the plan for Shago to find safety while we meet up with Merchant Prince(ss) Kwayothé. Shago assured that he will be safe, and knows his way around the location. If we intend to find him again, he told us to speak with the innkeeper of the Thundering Lizard Inn. Shago intends to meet up with this person every once in a while to check for messages for him.

He left us, to find safety, after Gat gave his goodbye and Shago assured him that all will be fine. This did not end without another self promotion on Shago's side. We must indeed remember that Shago is number one. He has, in fact, kept us safe. May he remain safe.

Our next destination was the mansion of Kwayothé for our ... What may be final judgment. This had fear display in the eyes of my men, and I had told them that I could head there on my own. After all, the letter was written in my name, not that of anyone else. I said to them, assured them that all would be fine. However, the men insisted to come along, for survival exists in numbers alone. I did agree, however, our mission is of higher survival, and if this survival is threatened by the lack of a whole group, then we mustn't take the risk. Again, they refuse to let me head off on my own. I am most pleased by their commitment, but worry for their safety, still.

Together, we headed toward the mansion. Greeted, we were, by the appearance of two, well equipped guardsmen at the gate. With our written promise to meet lady Kwayothé, they allowed us passage. Freed of our weapons at the entrance, we were guided to the waiting room.

Arden played a comfortable tune to which I hummed, and I felt very in-tune with the music. Hahah! Get it? 

But the mood was pressing, all knew that we may not have a pleasant conversation, however, I felt confident with my decision. I must keep Shago and everyone else safe at all cost. I shall not let evil threaten us. Shago is not a man that carries enough guilt that he must die. If we cannot save one man, then we must save the other. That passion alone had my tone increasing, until the door opened up and the three walked in. The speechless pair, and the lady in between the two. As if decorated by a chain of hands.

Kwayothé her stern, raised gaze was resting upon each of us. To ease up the situation, and make our verbal battle equal, I welcomed her to the room with a kind greeting. She hadn't felt urged to return this, and demanded answers after the conclusion fell that we had failed. Disgusted with our betrayal of her arrogant faith in us to hand her the head of her chosen victim. Ruthlessness meets no end with the behavior of this woman. Life holds little value to those who mark themselves of royalty through titles.

She had asked me if we had found Shago. Her fierce gaze resting upon me without a break. I recall not if she had blinked. It was pressing. I had made an attempt to describe our journey to confuse her search for truth, but I was interrupted in this attempt. Again, she demanded answers if we had indeed met a man named Shago. Recalling the description of the drunk men at the Thundering Lizard Inn, they painted an image through description, of an older individual in his early forties. I was in fact, surprised to see such a young individual. With this knowledge, I held tightly onto my beliefs for truth. May Helm bless our safety in the lion's nest.

I had told her, that we have not met a man named Shago who met the description we were given. It is truth I had spoken. Lady Kwayothé made mention to her female servant's name, but no orders given. Perhaps they are connected by mind or habit. Ixis(?) she names her, approached me. Her eyes felt intense, passionate ... They felt hypnotizing. Once she neared me, I could see her hand reaching toward my cheek. Uncertain of the purpose of this gesture, I react with wary and prompted for her to explain herself, however, her clarification did not come, and her motion did not halt. I led my hand to her wrist, to halt the connection, only for her second hand to reach for mine, and lead it to her cheek.

Not to pose a threat, I allowed this to happen. Upon touch, I felt my mind weaken, as if shaken and torn from reality. A disconnection. I recalled my decision, my mission, and the reason for being and recollected myself. I broke free from the attempt. A spell of charm. I had taken offense to that, my eyes led toward Lady Kwayothé. Smuck and Arden had recognized the same, and pointed this out. The lady seems entirely unbothered by their reactions.

She was not done with me. Angered by our failure, turning the story and make it sound like this was her task assigned to us for completion. That, with certainty on her side that we could not provide. However, I halted her in her speech. I told her that we came with the quest to keep our word. We are respected by the Prince Merchant, and seek no trouble. We had accepted the task in order to help another, not by choice, it was forced upon us. The letter was proof that this is, in fact, our word that is kept.

Kwayothé did recognize that, for which I had thanked her. She appears not entirely lost to the deepest abyss in her blind rage yet. Hope remains. Then she had asked me once again, if we had told anyone of this mission. Again, I sorted my thoughts. I mustn't make mention of the exclusive number of all who are present. Shago is a part of us. With that, I responded that it was only our team who has heard of it, of which he is included. No lie spoken. Not once. No words unnecessary mentioned for prying.

Nervous, I was, but relieved when her gaze left my body to gaze the others in the room. None of us had lost our posture enough to catch her attention. Her servant was called back for their decorative chain to be reconnected. It is done, she had announced. The guards were called in to guide us outdoors. The war for survival, we had won it. We mustn't be caught with Shago, but what I have learned from this conversation is ... That Merchant Prince(ss) Kwayothé is familiar with Shago, she hasn't simply assigned a random man to meet his demise. What is it that she has against this individual? Are we missing information? We know not, and may not ever find out ...

We headed to the inn for a night, and had taken it easy to relax from that pressing situation. Baths taken, and the map completed! In the evening, we discussed our plans. Which is to leave Shago in the safety of his own methods for us to earn enough gold. We'd travel back to Port Beluarian to find the guide named Qawasha, a druid with his vegepygme companion. We need to battle the undead.

The next day, we began our journey back. Our travel was at a slower pace than it was last time, but with less of a worry than on our way toward Port Nyanzaru, we moved steadily.

 

Day 1 : A safe and comfortable travel

Day 2 : Two dinosaur creatures came toward us with their gaze fixated upon us. We hurried away and hid for them to leave once they lost sight of us, provided by Gat's skilled thinking.

Day 3 : A safe travel

Day 4 : 3 large, but distant creatures cause the distant land to shake with their steps. We made no contact, but the sound allowed us to recognize their numbers and advancement through frequency of steps. Two feet. We hid, to ensure our safety once again. And hurried onwards. 

Day 5 : Due to the tropical storm, we had no encounters, but neither enough rest. Enough not to feel too exhausted for travel.

Day 6 : By our quick pace, the morning allowed us entrance to the safety of Port Beluarian's walls.

 

The guards at the post had recognized us, and allowed us entrance with no hassle. Upon arrival, we were greeted by the druid who approached us. Knowing that we came looking for him. He had said that the spirits had informed him of our decision. I could feel my jaw drop with fascination. It is indeed true! Such honor to meet a man so deeply connected with the spirits of the lands. Perhaps his wisdom can truly keep us safe. He already knew our task, it required not much interaction for each of us to know the next step.

He had prepared himself to leave, giving his farewell to the surrounding spirits, and obtaining his belongings, before we set out on our journey once again. To meet the enemies of life, the undead, and bring their suffering to an end, and safety to the living. May none of us fall prone to their jaws of transformation.

Our journey began toward the jungle, but we are not with any experience. He warned us of the conditions of the region. Rest is not to be expected, a luxury not to be had by those unfamiliar by the conditions. But it holds lessons, ones that Gat is excited to learn. May all of us learn the ways of the jungle before all is too late. The people rely on us.

We advanced beyond the borders that separated the jungle from our path, and from here on out, we must travel with caution.

 

Day 1 : While the travel is uneventful by the number of encounters, we were plagued by the insects, regardless of the repelling effect of our supplies. We obtained not much rest, but enough to push on. 40 > 39 Insect repellant. 6/6 Incense.

Day 2 : We rose from our ... Uncomfortable bedrolls in the weather conditions for another day. The use of both map and skill of our druids led us closer toward our destination, until a scent halted us. A scent of a corpse. If it moves, we know not. With our attention aimed at our expert, he knew what to do. He told us not to proceed our advancement, and given command to his companion, Kupalué. The creature place both its palms onto the ground, as if to sense the situation of this potential threat. Once its palms lifted, it gestured toward its master. Qawasha turns his head toward us and said that this is a corpse of an assassin named Vine, whose body was dragged inside the jungle. Are we familiar with this person, he asks.

An assassin named Vine?! ... Had we ever learned of the other man's name at Port Nyanzaru? Or it the one we saw at the hill?

39 > 38 Insect repellant. (Lasts for 24 hours) 6/6 Incense. (Lasts for 8 hours)

 

I pray to You, Helm, for the safety of our numbers and for the end of the curse to come ... Allow us not lose sight of our objective, may we guide the light back toward the land, for mornings to come, and restore hope to the people.