Words of Creation Prelude: Talion
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		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Light =&gt; Light: Exotic Small Groups =&gt; Topic started by: Azuresun on 08-09-2019, 18:02:08</h2>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Words of Creation Prelude: Talion</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Azuresun</strong> on <strong>08-09-2019, 18:02:08</strong>
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				<div align="center">(https://i.imgur.com/o6ZwmdF.jpg)</div><br>Some thefts are tempting because of the rich rewards. Others are tempting because of the challenge. In the case of Maur-Azur's temple, they're tempting for both reasons. Wherever there are seas, there will be people seeking to travel them and be protected from them, and the temple of a sea god in a port city never lacks for supplicants and donations. The wealth is evident in how they occupy one of the oldest and grandest buildings of the city, turning the interior into a grand and awe-inspiring testament to the Azure Father. It is also well-guarded<br><br>New to this bustling city as you are, the really attention-grabbing rumour was the "priceless offering" that is to be given to the god to secure his favour and goodwill. Whatever that may be, it would surely be a shame to let it just get thrown into the sea tomorrow....right?
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				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Prelude: Talion</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Armphid</strong> on <strong>09-09-2019, 02:04:18</strong>
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				Stealing from mortals was one thing.&nbsp; Stealing from Dragon-Blooded was another.&nbsp; Stealing from a god?&nbsp; That was a new one, even for Talion.&nbsp; But that was one of the things he liked about it.&nbsp; Plus, this god seemed to be more than happy to prop up these "Good Kings" in exchange for offerings and prayers.&nbsp; Seems like he needed a reminder of his place just as much as they did.&nbsp; <br><br>The lithe blond had watched the temple for a day, noting comings and goings.&nbsp; If people were allowed inside to pray, he would have slipped inside and given the temple as thorough a casing as possible.&nbsp; Well guarded...which meant the best way to get in was to be invited in.&nbsp; He offered little smiles and warm looks to the priests, guards, and acolytes there, noting their responses.&nbsp; If anyone seemed to respond well, he would then leave and wait outside the temple for them to leave and then approach them.<br><br>That was the plan, anyway.&nbsp; But plans were subject to change.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Prelude: Talion</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Azuresun</strong> on <strong>09-09-2019, 23:37:08</strong>
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				The temple had two areas. There was the public shrine, a deep well that stood at the centre of a courtyard of blue-tinged stone. Six statues ringed it, each one a cherub-faced young man or woman holding a different vessel from which water flowed into the central chamber. People drifted freely in off the street, and even the rowdiest sailors quietened down as they approached. Coins--most of them Imperial in design, though far from all--were flipped into the well, to join the glittering mass just visible through the pure water. That alone would have made a tempting target.<br><br>But there was the large stone door guarding the inner sanctum, said to be guarded by fiendish traps, even more fiendish demons, and divine wrath. It was cetainly guarded by two heavyset guards in ceremonial armour, styled with faceplates resembling sharks.<br><br>There were two priests visible, one male and one female, both young and attractive, engaged in talking to the petitioners and assuring them that their generosity merited smooth sailing and a lack of pirates, so long as they remained faithful to the Sea Lord. A harried looking acolyte of about twelve years old made haste around the edge of the room as innocuously as possible, keeping everything pristine and shining.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Prelude: Talion</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Armphid</strong> on <strong>10-09-2019, 01:58:51</strong>
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				It was an impressive joint.&nbsp; Talion had seen a few shrines in his time in Nexus and on the road but none so lavish as this.&nbsp; In Nexus, the wealthy didn't quiet want the gods' attention that much and on his travels there had just been simple roadside fanes or a simple shrine to a local deity or the Maiden of Journeys.&nbsp; Who was his second favorite Maiden.&nbsp; Venus was number one.<br><br>Coin that had come from the purse of a rich Guildsman he'd passed in the street yesterday tumbled into the fountain and the young man bent his head and clapped his hands.&nbsp; "Unconquered Sun, hear by prayer," he whispered, "Help my fleece this sea goat who's mooching off of the people's suffering and the exportation of the poison of opium all over Creation."&nbsp; He had dumped a whole purse's worthy of jade into the well, hoping it would make an impression on the priests.&nbsp; <br><br>He lifted his head with an expression of religious bliss that was not entirely pretend.&nbsp; When he dreamed, he remembered the god that empowered him.&nbsp; Talion had never been a religious person, and he wasn't sure he was now, but he felt a closeness to Sol Invictus as he'd never had to a divinity before.&nbsp; He was a pretty young man, his features fine and well shaped, clean shaven and his skin pale and soft.&nbsp; His body was strong but lithe and agile.&nbsp; His hair was a long and pale blond hue that fell to the base of his neck and his eyes were blue and shone with cunning and bemusement.&nbsp; He wore a sleeveless shirt of light blue that buttoned down the chest, a thin leather belt with a simply dagger belted to it, as well as a pouch that held his sling and a few smooth stones.&nbsp; His trousers were a bit loose of a darker blue and his boots were brown leather that was worn and bleached by long time in the sun.&nbsp; <br><br>The youth turned from the well and approached the female priest, "Holy One, thank you for overseeing our prayers."&nbsp; He licked his lips, shuffling his feet a bit.&nbsp; "I...I'm shipping out in a week and I'm actually pretty worried about traveling over the sea.&nbsp; I was hoping that...that maybe I could appeal to Maur-Azur more directly."&nbsp; His eyes flitted to the doors of the inner sanctum.&nbsp; "As pretty as you are, you're surely compassionate.&nbsp; Please, would you take me inside?&nbsp; I would be glad to repay you with what I can, though I gave almost all my money to the god.&nbsp; But...I can give you something else."&nbsp; His tongue slipped over his lips and then he blushed, as if ashamed.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Prelude: Talion</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Azuresun</strong> on <strong>10-09-2019, 17:12:32</strong>
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				The priestess shook her head. Her voice and poise gave an impression of calm authority, even though she was probably only a few years older than Talion. She was richly attired in white and blue and, in common with the other men and women chosen to work in this temple, rather attractive.<br><br>"I'm afraid I can't do that. The inner chamber is only--"<br><br>She stopped, turning round and getting a good look at the breathtakingly handsome youth who was addressing her, with that look of wide-eyed hope and apprehension at being sent out onto the wide, unforgiving sea. It would have taken a heart of stone--and being dead from the waist down--to say no to that. She paused for a moment, looking a bit flustered.<br><br>"Well, I am not strictly supposed to....but there would be no harm in allowing you time enough to say a prayer, so long as I am watching." she said. "And any reward you wish to offer would be, erm....welcome. Tis best not to set sail with unfinished business left upon the shore, after all. My name is Blessed Innora, what is yours?"<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Innora</div><div class="spoiler_body">(https://i.imgur.com/5zcJGQVl.jpg)</div></div><br><br><em>OOC: Success on the Charisma check (4 needing 3+)<br>https://elliquiy.com/forums/dicebot.php?r=139270</em>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Prelude: Talion</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Armphid</strong> on <strong>12-09-2019, 05:06:34</strong>
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				He smiled, and it was a genuine one.&nbsp; This plan was looking better all the time.&nbsp; Part of him felt a little bad that Innora would surely get into trouble from all this...but that was the cost of supporting cruel lords and rich bastards.&nbsp; "Thank you, Blessed Innora.&nbsp; You are as kind as you are lovely."&nbsp; Should he?&nbsp; Well...he was trying to develop a reputation around here.&nbsp; "I am called Talion."&nbsp; He placed a hand on his heart and gave her a shallow bow.&nbsp; <br><br>"You are right.&nbsp; I don't want to leave behind any regrets," he looked into her eyes, his own clear in his intent.&nbsp; "Please, at your leisure, I can wait and I do not want to pull you away.&nbsp; I'm sure you're very popular with the parishioners."&nbsp; <br><br>It was a bit of a risk, because it would give more people time to get a good look at him.&nbsp; But if it thinned out the crowds for his getaway, so much the better.&nbsp; Going in now would be fine also.&nbsp; He would be...very happy to thank Innora enthusiastically and until she was passed out before finding and taking the treasure meant for the sea god.<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">OOC</div><div class="spoiler_body">Though he's also going to try to talk and get more info out of her first, when it gets to it, we don't need to show the sex scene but his plan is to wear her out and leave her exhausted to find and steal the treasure.</div></div>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Prelude: Talion</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Azuresun</strong> on <strong>12-09-2019, 12:45:47</strong>
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				A short time later, after sneaking in while the guards were changing, Talion had found the inner sanctum, and was about to find an entirely different kind of inner sanctum.<br><br>Innora couldn't quite believe she was doing this. But her duties got so <em>boring</em>, and there was an illicit thrill to this little transgression, and of making a man of this sweet youth before he went off to sea, as like as not to be killed in a storm or some skirmish with pirates. But as her robes came open, her skirt was pulled upwards and she fumbled with Talion's belt, there was no need to think of anything but the present.<br><br>"We must be quiet....we shouldn't be doing this." the Blessed murmured in between eager kisses. The two of them were pressed up against a pillar, one of six marking the way to the grand altar of blue jade, along with murals detailing the story of how Maur-Azur had so loved the people of the Azure Sea that he had descended from Heaven to guard them and stand guardian against the monsters of the sea and the ghosts of the Drowned City. There wasn't a treasure visible--maybe it was stored in one of the side rooms Talion could see in the moments between distractions.<br><br>Just as things were getting good, and Innora was sighing in sweet fulfillment, there was a noise from outside. It took her another few moments to notice, but as the heavy door leading into the sanctum began to grind open, she let out a muffled gasp.<br><br>"Wait, wait--hide!" she gasped.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Prelude: Talion</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Armphid</strong> on <strong>12-09-2019, 12:55:58</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Talion had merely chuckled, his lips kissing down her neck when she told him to be quiet, that they shouldn't do this.&nbsp; Of course they shouldn't.&nbsp; That was what made it so much fun.&nbsp; That thrill, he felt it too, though less than she.&nbsp; Blessed Innora was a fine woman and as they joyously grappled with and enjoyed one another against one of the thick pillars of the inner sanctum, the thief found himself distracted more than anticipated from his goal.&nbsp; <br><br>Then came the interruption.&nbsp; Whatever it was, it wasn't good.&nbsp; Talion nodded and pulled away from her with a soft grunt, he scanned the room while he readjusted and closed his trousers again.&nbsp; Not much to...that would have to do!&nbsp; "Be careful," he whispered to her.<br><br>The agile youth darted across the space of the sanctum to where a massive tapestry made with a backing of sail cloth that and then been stitched with threads of fine fabrics and even gold and silver, depicting Maur-Azur lording over the Drowned City.&nbsp; Talion slipped behind it.&nbsp; Too risky, his feet might be seen.&nbsp; So the athletic youth braced himself on the stout pole that the tapestry hung upon and lifted himself up onto and around it, clinging to it about two feet off the ground and flattening himself against the wall as best he could.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Prelude: Talion</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Azuresun</strong> on <strong>13-09-2019, 01:52:16</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Gasping for breath, Innora hastily covered herself and smoothed her skirt back down as the door opened--and by the time she was decent, Talion had already vanished. Thankfully, whoever was out there wasn't in a hurry, the door opening slowly.<br><br>When it was fully open, the guards stood back to either side and both knelt. The Blessed hastily followed. From his position, Talion could peer round the side of the tapestry to glimpse a strange individual enter, a beautiful and richly dressed woman with a purplish tint to her skin, and black hair that hovered in the air as if floating in water. She had a sheen to her skin as if she'd only just come in from the rain, and her attire suggested great wealth.<br><br>"Oh. Here you are, <em>Blessed</em>." she said, her voice disdainful.<br><br>"W-welcome, Lady Pearl!" said Innora, sounding on the verge of panic. "W-we were not expecting a visit from one of the Azurkin! What--brings you here?"<br><br>"My father is disquieted." said Pearl. "His offering, the one that your people were supposed to be safeguarding, has been stolen."<br><br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Lady Pearl</div><div class="spoiler_body">(https://i.imgur.com/cSZPHhQl.jpg)</div></div><br><br><em>OOC: With the Fact of the Night Caste making that check to hide a -1 or better, you pass.&nbsp; ;)</em>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Prelude: Talion</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Armphid</strong> on <strong>13-09-2019, 03:08:47</strong>
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				The door opened slowly; whoever came in clearly wanted to make an entrance.&nbsp; Talion's curiosity got the better of him and he peeked around the tapestry to see possibly the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen striding into the inner sanctum like she owned the place.&nbsp; Her face was lovely; shaped as if by an artisan and her delightfully displayed body was a gift from the gods.&nbsp; The hair and skin tone though, that suggested one of two things.&nbsp; He grimaced as she spoke, making herself a lot uglier.&nbsp; He knew very well the kind of people who used <em>that</em> sort of tone to others.&nbsp; <br><br>Innora's voice confirmed what he suspected.&nbsp; This woman was in a position of authority and used it to punch down at those under her.&nbsp; Lady Pearl, huh?&nbsp; His eyes widened as the conversation continued.&nbsp; Her father?&nbsp; Well, that cleared that up.&nbsp; God-Blood.&nbsp; Not good, but it could be worse.&nbsp; The last bit was what made him almost start and lose his grip on the pole.&nbsp; Stolen?&nbsp; But he hadn't taken it yet!&nbsp; And there had been nothing in the sanctum to take...he'd thought the treasure was hidden, but maybe that was why he hadn't seen it.&nbsp; It wasn't there to be seen!<br><br>Part of him wanted to reveal himself and try to talk his way into more information from the striking priest and the arrogant, drop dead gorgeous demigod.&nbsp; But he might get just as much by listening from here.&nbsp; As long as his arms didn't get tired.&nbsp; He also had a decision to make.&nbsp; This woman was likely to do something to punish Innora...if she did, should he intervene?&nbsp; Probably not.&nbsp; But he probably would.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Prelude: Talion</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Azuresun</strong> on <strong>13-09-2019, 14:42:18</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				As Pearl walked towards Innora, the difference in their height became more apparent.<br><br>"A gang of common <em>thieves</em> stole it on the way to this city!" said Pearl, her voice cold. "I really don't know who my father is more disappointed with for allowing this to happen, you or the Good Kings. He provides this city with so much, and they allow this act of disrespect? And then I come here to discuss recovery, and I find you idling in the inner sanctum?"<br><br>"Forgive me, my Lady!" spluttered Innora. "I...we had no idea! We did not think anybody would dare--"<br><br>She was cut off as Pearl's quick and precise slap sent Innora's head to the side.<br><br>"I did not come here for <em>excuses</em>--" began the God-Blood.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Prelude: Talion</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Armphid</strong> on <strong>14-09-2019, 03:50:07</strong>
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				Oh, she was a big woman.&nbsp; He liked that.&nbsp; But her attitude was the kind he hated, which more than made up for all the pretty face, shapely figure, and amazonian stature.&nbsp; His eyes narrowed and he mentally groaned.&nbsp; Stolen before it ever got here?&nbsp; Gods great and small!&nbsp; So much for making a statement about holding the corrupt accountab-<br><br>He drew in a sharp breath his eyes widened as he watched the God-Blood slap Innora; the blow clearly harsh and painful.&nbsp; He was moving before he could even think of what a bad idea this was.&nbsp; And it was a really bad idea.<br><br>Well.&nbsp; He wanted to make a statement.&nbsp; <br><br>Talion dashed out from behind the tapestry, his dagger slipping free of its sheath and gleaming in the light as he swung, not at Lady Pearl but at the fastenings of her dress, which his other hand seized and pulled, intending to pull the garment off of her entirely.&nbsp; "Your brains must be pearl as well," he laughed.&nbsp; "You didn't even notice I had snuck into your father's sanctum!&nbsp; Only this one," he gestured at Innora, "noticed that something was amiss.&nbsp; You really should hire better guards."&nbsp; He flipped his dagger up into the air and caught it, giving Lady Pearl his most insolent grin.&nbsp; "Not that they could have stopped me either."<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">OOC</div><div class="spoiler_body">Using the Gift The Storm Breaks to take a full set of actions before combat/time sensitive situation starts.&nbsp; The actions Talion is taking would be to strip Lady Pearl of her dress and any jewelry he can in a whirlwind of action, meaning to taunt and enrage her.&nbsp; He also wants to try and give Innora an out by making it look like she was looking for him hiding in the sanctum.&nbsp; I don't know that all those can be done in the same round or how it works.</div></div>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Prelude: Talion</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Azuresun</strong> on <strong>14-09-2019, 20:02:02</strong>
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				Pearl looked up at the sudden motion, but she might as well have been standing still as Talion moved past her in a blur. She had just enough time to notice the slash that had opened her dress from collar to thigh and before it even had time to fall, it had been entirely pulled free from her body!<br><br>Pearl took a step forward before realising she was very suddenly naked. She let out a furious squeal, covering herself with her hands and recoiling as Innora also stared in disbelief. At a glance at Talion's prize, he had snatched several of the God-Blooded's namesake for his troubles.<br><br><em>"Seize him!"</em> Pearl screeched, and the armoured guards were in the chamber a moment later, stopping in obvious confusion. "How dare you--don't you know who I am?! This is <strong>blasphemy</strong>!"<br><br><em>OOC: That's fine. I'd say with that Gift, pulling that off (as it were) defaults to a Dexterity check, which you passed.</em>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Prelude: Talion</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Armphid</strong> on <strong>14-09-2019, 21:47:33</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				"Now <em>that</em> is a good look for you."&nbsp; He winked at the enraged nude woman as the guards burst in.&nbsp; "You're beautiful and all, but blasphemy?"&nbsp; The blond youth tsked and waggled a finger at her. <br>"Nah.&nbsp; You need to remember you're a human with divine blood, not a God in human shape.&nbsp; Nice shape, though."<br><br>"Take a message to your father, Pearly."&nbsp; He pointed at her with the dagger, "Tell him the Sun's eyes are back on Creation.&nbsp; He needs to start doing right in the eyes of the Holy of Holies or face the consequences."<br><br>With that, he dove for the armored guards, ducking and dodging between them to make an escape into the outer area of the temple.&nbsp; A dashing smile was on his face and he laughed as he ran towards danger.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Prelude: Talion</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Azuresun</strong> on <strong>15-09-2019, 17:19:06</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				"I will deliver him your <em>head!</em> Take him, you fools!" yelled Pearl, drawing the attention of the people in the outer temple, who had been bent to their knees in respect until a moment ago. Now they were looking at the emissary of their god, embarrassed and furious. Two sword swings fell harmlessly into the air behind Talion as he slipped out. The last glimpse he had of Pearl was the fury giving way to shock at what had just happened.<br><br>However, someone had had enough wits to slam the door shut, barring the obvious way out, other than the windows high above that channelled aesthetically pleasing sunlight into the temple.<br><br><em>OOC: Both attacks miss (totals of 12 and 10).</em>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Prelude: Talion</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Armphid</strong> on <strong>15-09-2019, 17:58:25</strong>
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				"Don't whore your father out to me, who's being blasphemous now?"&nbsp; He winked again, "Oh, you didn't mean that head."&nbsp; Talion couldn't help but run his mouth.&nbsp; It was a failing but it had also become part of his personal style.&nbsp; And gotten him into lots of trouble.&nbsp; But anyone could go through life and not get into trouble or make enemies.&nbsp; An exciting life was full of trouble.<br><br>And he had a good dollop of it right now!&nbsp; Nothing he couldn't handle.&nbsp; Right?<br><br>At the door slamming shut, he made a sound of annoyance "Tch!&nbsp; Sorry, Pearly, but as much as you want me to, I can't stay here with you.&nbsp; I'm a heroic thief, you're the enforcer of a corrupt god serving corrupt lords...it just wouldn't work out."&nbsp; Now what?&nbsp; He had to get out of here.&nbsp; He didn't want to fight all these people.&nbsp; There was no need to hurt them and eventually, someone would get lucky with one of those swords.&nbsp; <br><br>The only other way out was the windows.&nbsp; He grinned.&nbsp; This should get a reaction.&nbsp; He altered the trajectory of his break for the door, running at an angle now and directly at the wall of the temple.&nbsp; He'd only done this a few times, it still took him a moment to get used to the change in perspective.&nbsp; He didn't stop when he came to the wall but put his right foot out onto it and then proceeded to continue running straight up the wall and towards the windows above.&nbsp; He looked back, at those below as he expected a few more attacks, "See you soon, Pearly!&nbsp; Take my message back and maybe listen to it yourself, okay?"&nbsp; <br><br><em>OOC: Using All Directions as One to run up the wall with the intent of making it out the windows to the outside of the temple and jumping from there to surrounding structures or just make it to the ground.&nbsp; I also have a plan if there's a flagpole outside, not that there has to be.</em>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Prelude: Talion</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Azuresun</strong> on <strong>16-09-2019, 19:28:52</strong>
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				Gasps of shock could be heard as Talion shot straight up the wall with inhuman agility, darting from one decoration to another to propel himself up towards the windows. He was framed quite dramatically in the setting sun as he found his perch.<br><br>From here, at least fifty feet above the growing crowd (centered around Pearl, who had wrapped herself at least partially in a tapestry some quick-witted acolyte had taken down from a wall), he could see across the city of Hacre, where the temple abutted the bustling markets of the city. Directly outside the window, the temple was adorned with a statue of Maur-Azur above the door. The handsome god was reaching out towards the sea, to beckon his chosen people to cross the water without fear, with streaming blue banners unfurled down to the sides of the doors.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Prelude: Talion</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Armphid</strong> on <strong>17-09-2019, 05:06:18</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Talion looked back at those below and waved Pearl's dress at them, laughing wildly as he dove out of the windows and onto the roof.&nbsp; His toothy smile widened at the sight of the statue so close to the entrance and his current position.&nbsp; That was his way down.&nbsp; The youth sprinted towards the edge of the temple roof and leaped to seize the blue banners that fluttered down and swung about on it, sliding down quickly but far slower than falling, making his way to the ground below.&nbsp; <br><br>He didn't land on his feet, but in a roll to disperse the impact.&nbsp; He got to his feet moving, running towards the nearest alleys that would lead back into the city and let him vanish.&nbsp; 
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Prelude: Talion</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Azuresun</strong> on <strong>18-09-2019, 01:14:18</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				The presentation of the stolen dress bought an enthusiastic cheer. The crowd gasped on seeing him jump, maybe expecting a showy suicide. But Talion slide to the ground and was long gone by the time the guards burst out the doors. Not that many in the crowd seemed interested in stopping him, having merely come along for the show.<br><br>The winding alleyways were perfect for disappearing into, and any sounds of pursuit was gone after the first couple of twists. Eventually, Talion could see an exit into the bustling throng of the Market Square. This was where temporary stalls and transient merchants set up shop, and even a single glance would reveal countless wares on sale.<br><br><div align="center">(https://i.imgur.com/L3D3Bxvl.png)</div><br>Six-Demon potions, which would turn even the meekest warrior into an unstoppable fighter. Spices from the lightless depths of Champoor, which seemed to have charred the pots they rested in. Scantily-clad young men and women--barely a sample, the attendant Guildsman was proclaiming, of the delights that awaited in their house in the Bliss District.&nbsp; Off to one side, the sounds of the Meat Market, where flesh was indeed traded--animal and human. An Immaculate acolyte, or at least a woman affecting the style of one, standing on a box proclaiming doom on&nbsp; this sinful city unless they followed the path of Heshiah and burned away their sinfulness. Completely authentic wonders of the First Age, sold by a plump feline beastman. Tiny caged lizards, which shrugged their shoulders to produce wings of extruded, rainbow-coloured scales. And a host of others.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Prelude: Talion</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Armphid</strong> on <strong>18-09-2019, 23:00:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Now this place, this felt almost like home.&nbsp; Talion smiled easily as he walked into the busy&nbsp; noise of the market with a faint tug of nostalgia on his heartstrings.&nbsp; His eyes darkened a bit as he eyed the whores on display and caught a whiff of the stench from the Meat Market.&nbsp; <br><br>Maybe this was a little too much like dear, wicked, dirty Nexus.<br><br>But if there was a place to sell the dress and pearls, this would be it.&nbsp; He should do so quickly too, before word spread and the garment got too hot to sell.&nbsp; Plus he could get some information on the bandits that had taken the tribute meant for Maur-Azur.<br><br>The Guildsman was the best bet.&nbsp; Utter bastards, the Guild were, and a target for him just as much as corrupt god and these Good Kings but they were also well informed.&nbsp; Talion approached the Guildsman advertising their brothel in the Bliss District.&nbsp; "Good day, friend.&nbsp; You've some lovely wares on display here."<br><br>The thief stood next to the hawker, "I know you're here to hype up your pleasure house, and Venus smile on you for it, but I also know a good Guildsman never passes up a chance to make a profit."&nbsp; He had the dress draped over his arm, "Take a look and feel of this fabric.&nbsp; Like nothing else you'll see in markets and worn by a semi-divine being with a very divine body.&nbsp; Just the sort of thing one of your high-end girls back at the house could use to reel in the big spenders."<br><br>"Now.&nbsp; This is easily worth five books, but it so happens that I'm also looking for some information.&nbsp; Everyone knows the Guild has eyes everywhere.&nbsp; So I'll sell you this for three <em>if</em> you know what I need to know or can find it out for me."&nbsp; The beautiful blond youth beamed, "Interested, friend?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Prelude: Talion</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Azuresun</strong> on <strong>18-09-2019, 23:39:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Hmm.....looks good, but it's torn. Maybe we can use the material." said the pimp dispassionately. He was a bald man, somewhat overweight, with the distinctive voice of a eunuch. "But as for the information....that depends on what you need to know. I just want a nice peaceful life, so don't expect anything that'll piss off the Fox Eye Gang or the temple of Bel-Sirin."<br><br>Out of the corner of his eye, Talion noticed a familiar person across the marketplace watching him. She immediately pulled her hood over her face as he half-turned, but after how close they'd been, it was hard to mistake Innora. She had noticed him, but hadn't raised any kind of alarm, instead hovering nervously behind him. She probably believed she was harder to spot than she actually was.<br><br>"So what do you wanna know so bad? I'd say to make it quick because you're scaring off the customers....but you're not bad looking, you know...." he continued, an appraising note creeping into his voice.<br><br><br><em>OOC: Wisdom check passed to identify her.</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Prelude: Talion</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Armphid</strong> on <strong>19-09-2019, 03:50:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Eunuchs.&nbsp; Always trouble.&nbsp; Something about not having a sex drive made men into total assholes who just wanted to gather as much power or wealth as they could and to hell with the consequences.&nbsp; And guys who had a sex drive were bad enough!&nbsp; "I don't know who those people are, friend, so there's no way that anything will piss them off," he answered with another winning smile.<br><br>Wait.&nbsp; Over there was...Innora?&nbsp; It was her, all right.&nbsp; What was she doing here?&nbsp; She'd seen him too, though she was trying to hide it.&nbsp; And hide from him.&nbsp; He pretended not to have noticed her, keeping his focus on the pimp.&nbsp; Hopefully, she'd stick around.&nbsp; It wasn't a good idea...but he wanted to make sure she was all right.&nbsp; That Pearl seemed like she might take her frustrations out on the priests, and he didn't know if he'd been able to convince her that Innora hadn't let him in but had been about to find him after he snuck in on his own somehow.<br><br>"Thanks," he responded to the compliment, "If you're going to offer me a job, I'll consider it but right now, let's talk information.&nbsp; There was a shipment, something special, for the sea god Maur-Azur.&nbsp; I heard on the wind that some bandits stole it before it got to the city.&nbsp; I'm very curious about these bandits and where someone might find them or find out more."&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Prelude: Talion</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Azuresun</strong> on <strong>19-09-2019, 23:44:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Oh, you mean the sacrifice?" said the man with a cackle. "Someone stole her, did they? Keheheh, that's going to get someone in trouble! If they'd just asked old Onenon...." he said, indicating himself, "....then there wouldn't be any risks. Any girl that might appeal to their god, delivered straight to their door. But no no, they've got to look for local women to get sent down, and then this is where it gets them!<br><br>"Between you and me....there has been this new gang coming ashore, looking for slaves. Quite a troublesome bunch--they just don't understand the <em>rules</em>. They grab farmers, hillfolk, lizardmen, guests of the city....the Good Kings make a lot of noise about finding them, but no luck. I've heard some people say they set up shop somewhere out in the shadowland out to sea, but there's no way they'd last long in there."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Prelude: Talion</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Armphid</strong> on <strong>20-09-2019, 03:36:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sacrifice?&nbsp; Talion's eyebrows shot up and the hand under the dress curled into a fist.&nbsp; Human sacrifice?&nbsp; Gods and demons!&nbsp; He had gotten the idea that Maur-Azur was corrupt but this...this was a whole other level of evil.&nbsp; As Onenon went on, the young thief felt a growing desire to bury his dagger in the man's chest.&nbsp; His outright glee at the possibility of sending a woman to the god to drown or spend her life in servitude was vile.&nbsp; <br><br>His fury flashed in his eyes for just a moment but his smile never wavered, "Now that's interesting, friend.&nbsp; No way they'd last long unless..."&nbsp; The threat of the shadowlands and what could come from them wasn't on the minds of everyone in Creation.&nbsp; But anyone from the Scavenger Lands shivered at the thought of fallen Thorns and the wicked Deathlord who now ruled it with a bone fist sheathed in soulsteel.&nbsp; "The dead are the ones doing the taking."&nbsp; <br><br>This got a whole lot more interesting.&nbsp; And a whole lot grimmer.&nbsp; "Thank you, friend."&nbsp; He glanced back to see if Innora was still hovering in what she though was stealth.&nbsp; "Onenon, right?&nbsp; I'll look up in the Bliss District later and we can talk about the dress and about other things."&nbsp; He wasn't sure if he actually would.&nbsp; But right now, there was a pretty priest who needed his attention because of how she hard she was trying to avoid it.<br><br>Talion gave him a grin and a wink, then stepped back and turned to walk right past Innora.&nbsp; As he moved past her, he spoke, his voice low, "I hope you're all right.&nbsp; Seems like you have something to say."&nbsp; He kept walking for a minute or so, slowly, before taking a turn into what looked like it should be an alley.&nbsp; As good for privacy as they'd get, assuming she was still following him.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Prelude: Talion</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Azuresun</strong> on <strong>20-09-2019, 13:44:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The pimp nodded breifly, and then turned his attention to a party of sailors wearing the Peleps insignia on their helmets. An impatient ushering gesture prompted the prostitutes to get up from where they'd been taken a rest and to begin posing again.<br><br>Innora's reaction was almost comical as she jumped a good few inches into the air. She picked up her skirts and hastily followed Talion into the alley.<br><br>"It...I can't believe I found you! I got so lucky....or maybe not." she stuttered. "Those things you did....and you protected me, didn't you? You could have just stayed hidden and let her blame me....but how did you escape like that? Are you a Dragon-Blooded? But then why were you talking about the Sun? I don't understand what just happened!"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Prelude: Talion</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Armphid</strong> on <strong>20-09-2019, 14:29:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Talion didn't laugh at the way the priest jumped but a smirk flickered over his lips.&nbsp; She didn't waste time following him either.&nbsp; He leaned against the wall of one of the buildings, his right forearm draped with the now folded dress, his left resting on his belt.&nbsp; <br><br>Innora asked some good questions.&nbsp; Answering them would be dangerous.&nbsp; Very much so.&nbsp; But he wasn't going to ignore them.&nbsp; "I&nbsp; an clear up some of it for you, Innora.&nbsp; I'm glad you're all right.&nbsp; It looks like Pearly bought it, huh?"&nbsp; He smiled at her, "I could've stayed hidden, you're right.&nbsp; But I wasn't going to let her do that.&nbsp; Even if we hadn't been...close, it wasn't right.&nbsp; You were blameless.&nbsp; She was just another powerful person punching down.&nbsp; Hurting you because she could, because she knew she could get away with it."<br><br>He smirked again, "We'll see if she learned her lesson.&nbsp; Maybe I'll shear off her hair next time."&nbsp; Then he sighed.&nbsp; "The rest is tricky.&nbsp; I'm not Dragon-Blooded.&nbsp; I've been..."&nbsp; This was the hard part.&nbsp; He should make up something.&nbsp; Say he was Gof-Blooded, she'd believe that.&nbsp; But then, wouldn't he be the powerful person mistreating her?&nbsp; "A god has given me power.&nbsp; And this god is very concerned with people and gods acting correctly.&nbsp; Being and doing good, especially to those under them.&nbsp; So, I'm here.&nbsp; To remind gods like Maur-Azur of how it's supposed to be.&nbsp; And that there are consequences, even for him.&nbsp; Same with these "Good Kings" from what I've heard of them.&nbsp; Real bunch of assholes."<br><br>His blue eyes met hers.&nbsp; "The Unconquered Sun is the ruler of Heaven, greatest of the gods."&nbsp; He was no lore master or occult scholar.&nbsp; But since his Second Breath, he <em>remembered</em> things that he hadn't known before.&nbsp; They came in dreams, even a few visions.&nbsp; "He's a god of virtue, of righteous being and acting.&nbsp; I invoked the Sun because it might not mean anything to Pearly but it sure will to her old man."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Prelude: Talion</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Azuresun</strong> on <strong>20-09-2019, 21:46:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"We....they taught us of the Incarnae. But they reside in Heaven!" said Innora, sounding like she was recalling something. "They handed stewardship of the world over to gods such as my master, and turned their faces from Creation. They no longer care for this world, that is what my Lord says. We...we know what the Immaculates would say on the subject of those who claim to act in the Sun's name, but they say many things that are obviously not right!" she added hastily.<br><br>She bit her lip, seeming to weigh if it was a good idea to say what was on her mind.<br><br>"You....called the Sea Lord corrupt. You are clearly new to this city, but I urge you, do not judge him by the actions of his children! Lady Pearl is wise and gracious, but she is quick-tempered too, and holds us to high standards. She is only concerned that with the offering gone, it will seem like a grave mark of disrespect....."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Prelude: Talion</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Armphid</strong> on <strong>20-09-2019, 23:58:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Talion's smile turned a bid sad for a moment.&nbsp; The way she'd blurted out&nbsp; that the Immaculates weren't right was both edifying and concerning.&nbsp; Did she say it because she saw him as not being what the Anathema should be and didn't want to hurt his feelings by implication?&nbsp; Or did she fear his wrath if she displeased?&nbsp; If the latter, well, that told him all he needed to know about the sea god and his servants.&nbsp; Though he already had learned enough to feel his words and actions justified.<br><br>He didn't speak again until she'd asked him not to judge Maur-Azur too quickly.&nbsp; "First, I say this...never be afraid to speak your mind to me.&nbsp; I will not strike you, nor scream at you, even if I strongly disagree."&nbsp; His expression became a cheeky grin for a moment, "Though I reserve the right to tease.&nbsp; As for the rest..."<br><br>He licked his lips and crossed his arms over his chest.&nbsp; "My father always told me that to learn a person's character, you looked at how they treated those beneath them.&nbsp; If what I saw her do to you is typical, then she's far from quick-tempered and further from gracious.&nbsp; I little harder and she'd have broken your jaw.&nbsp; Maybe your neck."&nbsp; And would there have been any repercussions for Pearl?&nbsp; He doubted it.&nbsp; "But I will wait to make up my mind then, because <em>you</em> have asked it of me."&nbsp; He extended a hand to brush her cheek with one finger, "But I will ask you, Blessed Innora, pretty priest of the sea, to open your own mind to judge your god and his children."&nbsp; More than one God-Blood was about, hm?&nbsp; She had used the term "Azurkin" in the sanctum, hadn't she?&nbsp; <br><br>Dragon-Bloods, God-Bloods, and possibly undead stalking from the shadowlands.&nbsp; Hacre was a busy place, all right.<br><br>"But I need to know more.&nbsp; Tell me more about this offering.&nbsp; How she's chosen, what happens to her, how often this is done."&nbsp; Talion looked around, "And...perhaps we should go somewhere it would be easier to talk?"&nbsp; He didn't know if there would be pursuit.&nbsp; But Innora had found him.&nbsp; Blind luck, maybe.&nbsp; But he preferred not to trust in luck too much.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Prelude: Talion</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Azuresun</strong> on <strong>22-09-2019, 00:14:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She didn't reply to Talion's request, looking torn. The questions about the sacrifices, she jumped on those a bit more readily, back on familiar ground.<br><br>"We...seek an offering whenever the Sea Lord calls for one! And that is not terribly often, perhaps one every two years" said Innora, seeming to recognise the unspoken request and beginning to walk away to a relatively quiet part of the market. Here, among more permanent shops, she sat on the bench in front of a tea house, pulling her cloak tight. She needn't have bothered, it seemed like there was nobody here other than a couple of elderly men chatting and playing a board game between them.<br><br>"It is a wonderful thing, to be chosen!" she added hastily. "You are an outsider, but you can surely not know of how many dangers the sea contains and how grateful we are to be spared from it! We would lose far more if he did not work to protect us! They know their families will be richly paid for their sacrifice, and they will be honoured to serve the Sea Lord, and give him the strength to protect the city! And for those truly blessed and chosen to be the mother of an Azurkin, they will dwell in his undersea paradise for a year and then return to the shore....<br><br>"But the reason I tried to find you was....I hoped you could find her. The offering, I mean. Her name is Kersinta--"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Prelude: Talion</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Armphid</strong> on <strong>23-09-2019, 12:50:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Talion surveyed the street for a few moments before sitting beside the priest on the bench.&nbsp; The scent of the various teas from the shop behind them drifted on the dry wind, faintly enticing.&nbsp; So the sea god was demanding this human sacrifice, was he?&nbsp; There was that feeling again.&nbsp; That feeling that this wasn't right, wasn't how it was supposed to be.<br><br>But as Innora went on, he felt doubt.&nbsp; What if he was wrong?&nbsp; He said it himself earlier, he wasn't a scholar or a savant.&nbsp; What did he know from gods?&nbsp; She talked about how the sea held dangers and Maur Azur kept them at bay.&nbsp; Again, it felt wrong.&nbsp; But was it actually?&nbsp; Her faith was eating at his confidence.&nbsp; An impressive thing.&nbsp; <br><br>He smiled a little at her request, "Kersinta."&nbsp; The lithe, lovely youth licked his lips.&nbsp; "Of course, I'll find her."&nbsp; And talk to her about all of this and whether she wanted to be served to the god for his uses.&nbsp; "What can you tell me about her?&nbsp; About who might have taken her and where?&nbsp; And..."&nbsp; He paused, "I need to know what happens to those women chosen who don't bear him a child and get returned to shore."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Prelude: Talion</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Azuresun</strong> on <strong>24-09-2019, 00:53:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"They become water spirits themselves, watching over us from the seas." said Innora, regaining some of the dignity Talion had first seen her bear. "Maybe where you come from the gods cannot be held to their words, but I can tell you things are different here."<br><br>She paused. "Well, Kersinta, she was...a beautiful girl. Young and golden of hair, the look that most pleases the Sea Lord. From what a survivor of her escort told us...I found this out from Pearl after you had left....she and several others were taken by a band of rogue slavers who operate in the are, but who did not take her to the market. Some say they hodl court on an island within the great shadowland in the sea, but that area is....proscribed and unholy. But surely someone like you could go there without being noticed!"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Prelude: Talion</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Armphid</strong> on <strong>24-09-2019, 04:32:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Become spirits?"&nbsp; Could that actually happen?&nbsp; He'd never heard of that.&nbsp; Talion nibbled his lower lip, an unconscious tick for when he was thinking.&nbsp; It didn't sound right.&nbsp; God-Bloods could become spirits, right?&nbsp; Become gods themselves.&nbsp; But mortals?&nbsp; It sounded...like a con.&nbsp; And he knew cons.&nbsp; "We'll see whose god is different, won't we?"<br><br>Talion smiled at the Innora's confidence in him.&nbsp; Or was it just a desperate hope?&nbsp; He'd take it either way.&nbsp; "Sneaking into a shadowland to find a beautiful girl meant to be a human sacrifice.&nbsp; No chance to make any money, lots of risk, making plenty of enemies."&nbsp; An eager grin spread over his face, "Sounds right up my alley."&nbsp; He looked over at the priest, "All right, I'll go and find her.&nbsp; But it's up to her what happens after that.&nbsp; I'm not about to bring her back to hand over if she doesn't want to be the sea god's offering."&nbsp; What if she <em>did</em> want that?&nbsp; First things first.&nbsp; He had enough trouble without borrowing it from the future.<br><br>He stood up from the bench, "Getting out there is the first trick.&nbsp; Is there anyone who goes out there at all?&nbsp; I know you said it's proscribed, but that just means there's coin to be made getting something from there, which means someone's getting it.&nbsp; Any suggestions?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Prelude: Talion</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Azuresun</strong> on <strong>25-09-2019, 03:24:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"There is...." said Innocra, seeming to pause for a minute. "A small boat would have the best chance of getting in and out. And there is....the temple of the Sea Father turns none away who live by the sea, so long as they pay their dues. I know of a...<em>trader</em> by the name of Santis who brings rare goods from the southern shores. He owes us a great favour, maybe even great enough the venture into a shadowland by night. If I direct you to him, will you really do this for us?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Prelude: Talion</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Armphid</strong> on <strong>25-09-2019, 04:32:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Talion turned to face Innora fully and took one of her hands, "I'm not doing this for the temple, or the god.&nbsp; I'm doing it because you asked me.&nbsp; And because this Kersinta needs saving."&nbsp; His blue eyes met hers, "I'll do it, I promise.&nbsp; I will find and rescue Kersinta, if she lives, and I'll take her where she wants to go.&nbsp; If that's not here, then that's where she goes.&nbsp; If she does want to come back..."&nbsp; He'd have to cross that bridge when he came to it.<br><br>"So.&nbsp; Tell me where to find Santis.&nbsp; It sounds like I should get after this treasure sooner rather than later."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Prelude: Talion</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Azuresun</strong> on <strong>26-09-2019, 00:45:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				And that was how Talion ended up on a small boat, sailing into the domain of the dead. Santis was an elderly man whose brown skin had a greyish tint at the extremeties, and whose left arm looked withered and twitchy. Perhaps those marks had been part of the reason he'd been so insistent about never going back into a shadowland at night. It had taken generous bribery and reminders of favours from Innora and even then it probably wouldn't have worked without Talion's own charisma added in support. As it was, he was certainly moving the boat across the waves at amazing speed considering the relative lack of wind. Another part of it might have been the unmarked sacks sitting in the cargo hold--something it looked like he had been very anxious for Innora to not notice.<br><br>It wasn't hard to see where the shadowland lay, a region where the water darkened and became mirror-like. And just visible in the distance was a tiny blot of land, the peak of a long-sunken hill.<br><br>"Last chance to turn around." Santis muttered, looking round at Talion. "You know once we're in there, we can't leave till the sun comes up? Well we could, but you could ha' just used a crackhouse on the Bliss Street if you want to kill yourself. Would'a been more pleasant."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Prelude: Talion</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Armphid</strong> on <strong>26-09-2019, 03:48:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Talion laughed, "You don't beat around the bush, Santis.&nbsp; I like that."&nbsp; He was standing in the prow, his arms crossed over his chest.&nbsp; The young thief was actually feeling nervous.&nbsp; He'd never gone into Hallow, which was a Wyld zone and a shadowland.&nbsp; And on his long journey here, which had taken almost six months, he'd purposely avoided both of those areas.&nbsp; Add in that he was a city kid in not just the wilderness but on the sea.&nbsp; He was familiar with water but only with rivers.&nbsp; The shore was always in sight.&nbsp; But this?&nbsp; Unlike anywhere he'd before even if it had been a normal island instead of one that was in the land of the dead and the living at once.&nbsp; <br><br>"I'm not turning back.&nbsp; There a pretty girl who needs saving.&nbsp; Besides, neither of us wants to disappoint Innora, now do we?&nbsp; So that's two pretty girls who need us!"&nbsp; Gods, this was insane.&nbsp; The street kid inside of him wanted to take up the old smuggler's last chance to go back.&nbsp; But he'd given his word to Innora.&nbsp; And even if he hadn't...he wasn't about to leave Kersinta to whoever had taken her, or to the sea god's whims and lusts.&nbsp; The Unconquered Sun must really have a thing for idiots.&nbsp; <br><br>"We'll be fine.&nbsp; Just hole up in the boat and keep your head down once we're in there.&nbsp; I'll find the girl and be back by sunrise."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Prelude: Talion</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Azuresun</strong> on <strong>27-09-2019, 01:35:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Santis gave a nod to the large bag of salt he'd stowed off to one side. "I'm ready to set up camp. There's a whole city's worth of ghosts under us, so reckon I'll be travellin' light tomorrow unless you got something big up your sleeve. Maybe you're some sort of sorcerer or something? That what makin' you so confident? Met a man who said he was a sorcerer one time, he said I was destined to have good luck, so that's how I knew he were a fraud--"<br><br>He stopped as they drew close to the rock. From here, it was possible to make out some more details about it, insofar as there was anything to make out. It was actually small, barely enough to carry the ruins of the single building that squatted on top of it. It might have been a temple once, before being destroyed by the collapse of the land it sat on, and centuries of saltwater sprays.<br><br>But blue lights shone within the eroded windows. It was not deserted. In addition, two other boats sat at anchor by the stone columns that stuck out of the water, relics of another drowned building turned into an improvised pier.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Prelude: Talion</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Armphid</strong> on <strong>27-09-2019, 03:06:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Talion would have hushed the old man sooner if he could have.&nbsp; As amusing as his predictions of doom were, they weren't exactly suited to a stealthy approach.&nbsp; But he cut himself off as the little island drew near.&nbsp; Little wasn't even the right word.&nbsp; It was barely big enough for the crumbling edifice that stood...well, slumped on top of it.&nbsp; There was no one in sight but there was light coming from the windows of that broken, battered structure.&nbsp; <br><br>Blue light.&nbsp; &nbsp;That was a new one.&nbsp; Interesting.&nbsp; Supernatural or just pretending to be?&nbsp; You could make fire burn different colors with the right things tossed into it.&nbsp; A smart move if these were bandits hiding out in the shadowland, protecting themselves from the ghosts with salt and using unusually colored flames to scare away the gullible.&nbsp; <br><br>Or it was really ghosts.&nbsp; Which could be tricky.&nbsp; Sneaking about when there were ghosts or spirits of any kind was always a roll of dice.&nbsp; If they were dematerialized, there was no seeing them to avoid them properly.&nbsp; But they could see you, all right.<br><br>He smiled a little.&nbsp; It would be a challenge then.&nbsp; As the boat drew closer, Talion looked back and nodded, "Stay safe tonight, old timer.&nbsp; I'll be back."&nbsp; Then he leaped from the boat to the ruin turned pier, landing in a low, frog-like crouch.&nbsp; The youth swept his eyes over the two boats and their contents but only for a few moments before moving as quietly but quickly as possible toward the ruin.&nbsp; The lithe thief pressed himself up against the wall and paused, listening intently before he lifted himself up to take a look through one of the gaping windows at what lay within.<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">OOC</div><div class="spoiler_body">Attempting to move without being detected and to get a peek at what's in the building without being noticed<br>Activating Veiled Step Gift.</div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Prelude: Talion</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Azuresun</strong> on <strong>03-10-2019, 14:16:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Moving to the Group Prelude (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=311428.0) thread.
			</dd>
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