RP:A Wolf Retires

From HollowWiki

Part of the The Prophet of Vakmatharas Arc


This is a Devout's Guild RP.


Synopsis: Hikoro goes to the Chapel of Cyris the day after Vakmatharas' play. She meets and talks to Zahrani for a second time, discussing what happened, offering help, and asking for a favor: her lupine companion Shadow has aged, and deserves a safe place to retire. Rani and the Elder Cleric gladly accept.

Small Chapel of Cyris

Zahrani | The sound of rhythmic clanking can be heard in the Chapel courtyard. It is evening, and people have been occasionally coming and going from the the holy place. Larket has been thrown into a time of spiritual uncertainty, and there are many who came to renew their studies of Cyris' teachings, and there were others - parents, mostly - who were spending the day with their children in a place where the curse seems to be kept at bay. Some of the more unlucky folks who had fallen on hard times also stop in for healing or a meal, and Rani even spoke to a few adults and parents who expressed interest in either joining the order as a paladin or cleric, OR encouraging their children to do so, so that they could have a decent education away from the curse. It was a day of concern, hope, and heartbreak. Rani spends her free time exercising in full platemail. The cat has always been in good shape, and she aims to maintain and improve both her mundane and supernatural prowess.

Hikoro |Looked just a tiny bit more healthier today. A warm meal, a good nights rest out of the cold. Vampire town or no, Hikoro had actually missed Steadman and the hanging corpse. The old friend always did her drinks justice. "I think this is the place old friend." The weary Guardian removed their helm, the cracks looking to be treated by a local blacksmith but no less present than last the feline was seen. At least their peppered hair had stopped changing and settled to that ghostly white color, one eyes still looking a bit...foggy and dull. Magic was fickle, it had it's costs. Things just needed enough time to settle. "Excuse me." A clawed hand reached out to a passing figure leaving the chapel, perhaps more ominous and creepy than the feline felt they were. "Do you know where one can find a Paladin of pure intentions? I have words to speak with this." The old wolf lingered at Hikoro's feet, sniffing around and exploring the local area where they were allowed. Looking for new and old scents.

Zahrani | The person who is met by Hikoro is a mother, distracted by the fact that her child needs to spend the evening in the chapel in order to counteract the curse. While many families in Larket were taking Vakmatharas up on his offer, there were few who turned to the Chapel for protection. She was just leaving to collect some belongings from home so they could bunk together. She jumps at the clawed hand, placing a hand over her heart as she looks wide-eyed at the strange being. "S-she's in the courtyard..." before trailing off and walking quickly down the road. It was nothing personal to Hikoro; the single mother just does not wish to speak to strangers at the moment.

Hikoro |"Hmm.." The guardian sighed, shaking her head. It was not the first person to jump at her presence and run. Than again, she couldn't blame anyone in that matter. Appearing as she did. "Shadow, heel." Turning towards the courtyard, the feline pressed onward. Head held high to keep a look out for the familiar Paladin. Brow rising at the figure working to stay in shape with full platemail on. "Syrus would have loved this place.. Aye, Paladin. I've means to speak with you a moment when you have the time." A hand raised to usher their attention. Moving further into the courtyard until a spot could be picked out to settle down into a crouch. Nails dragging across the ground to feel the textures of the soil before turning eyes upward at the chapel itself. "Holy grounds of Cyris. Reminds me of the warm embrace of the hilltop. A wonder you train here Paladin. Must be in your element of bliss."

Zahrani finishes her exercise regimen with some handstand pushups, hearing Hikoro's voice and pushing herself back to her feet. She's in her more humanoid form for the purpose of exercising; much easier to work out when you have sweat glands. She does some final stretching of her arms, legs and core, before unstrapping her armor and placing it on a rack to ventilate. The paladin is left in a simple sleeveless shirt, pants, and boots, her utility belt still on to keep it all together. Rani smiles at Hikoro as the other feline feels the ground near one of the Chapel's vegetable gardens, before walking over and sitting next to her. "I train wherever my duties take me, and that place just happens to be here. What did you wish to talk to me about, Hikoro?"

Hikoro |Crouched there, staring up at the Paladin with a look of wonder. Fascinated by the individuals devotion to their god and way of life. Few held such traits still from what they've seen. "When the Queen sang, she cursed her own people. I felt it, the Unholy spite daring to challenge me. I've felt dark magic like that in the pale before. It felt like death calling and embracing whatever it could reach out to. My companion was not so lucky in resisting the spell and we've brought you something." Rising to full height, the Guardian reached down to one of the pouches on her utility belt, removing a small glass vile with the bile and black goopy substance that Shadow had puked up the day prior. "I do believe shrimp had little to do with the day prior."

Zahrani's face becomes neutral, her eyes piercing and discerning as she accepts the vial of goo from Hikoro. She scrutinizes the vial, holding it carefully with two fingers before raising a brow and looking at the other woman, "Shrimp? I'm not sure I follow. Were you at the play when this happened? I spoke with a few who from the crowd that had either protested or left early, but they experienced nothing like this." Her nose picks up the familiar stench from yesterday. "How long did the effect last? Have you heard of anyone still vomiting this up?"

Hikoro |Shaking her head, a hand reached out to usher Shadow closer. Patting the old wolf on the side to welcome the comfort of a friend. "He was panting half the night, but once we were away from the place I was able to cleanse and tend to him. I do not deal in magic as others. My powers aren't..vast outside of elemental arts and warding off unholy acts. Even than, I'm still an apprentice in some case." A glance in the direction of the Theater had the felines ears pinning back. "When the woman's mouth opened and those words came out, it all happened. But it appears to have stayed in the location of the play if your people did not feel it outside. Almost everyone that heard the song was puking and gagging. Like death was coming from within and the body was rejecting it."

Zahrani ponders the words that Hikoro spoke, offering a hand to Shadow should he wish to be petted by the paladin. Looking back at the Concert Hall, her eyes narrow as she responds, "That...sounds like something that you would see in certain necromantic rituals. This is Vakmatharas' handiwork." Like the God of Death was mockingly tormenting the people, knowing that many of them would still turn to him so their children could be 'saved.' Sighing, she checks the seal on the vial before securing it in her belt, "I don't know what I can glean from this, but someone at the Guild might be able to help." She turns her torso, letting her back pop slightly while stretching her muscles, before turning back to Hikoro and asking with a kind smile, "Can I offer you anything? Some tea, or water?" She isn't sure if the Spirit Feline would still enjoy food, but that doesn't stop her from extending hospitality to her.

Hikoro |"Tea would be a pleasant treat after the day it's been. I've spent most of the day dealing with the monsters of Craughmoyle and handling contracts. A soft brew would be perfect to sooth my soul." That and the company was a welcome change from her arrows and shadow. Speaking of the old wolf, the creature welcome the Paladin's touch. Old age making the wolf not so picky. "I've means to ask a favor of the Chapel and it's denizens. A simple one that I hope won't be taken too..out there." As she said it, the feline gaze turned to focus on the wolf for a moment, Falling into thought. "This Valkmatharas. He saddens me that he makes death appear so evil. Death is a neutral space of all once living things. It's a God of Death's duty to welcome those past to the new realm of their souls. Not...act in such a matter as this."

Zahrani beckons for Hikoro and Shadow to follow her into the Chapel dining area/kitchen. The cookfire already appears to have some water heated; when unexpected guests come in, having hot water ready to go really speeds up the prep work for those in need of a decent meal. The feline gestures to a long table with many chairs, offering her current guest a place to sit while she grabs a couple mugs, a strainer, and a humble teapot. The elder cleric walks in from another entryway, the old man having just finished spending time with two Larketian soldiers that were guarding/monitoring the chapel (for any suspicious activity from its residents). They were in the library, studying some of Cyris' lore and conversing with other clerics. Rani prepares the teapot with some dried chamomile and echinacea flowers, a nice herbal tea for relaxation and good health. As she pours herself, Hikoro, and the old bearded man a cup each, the cleric responds with a gruff cynical voice to the comments regarding Death, "Sadly it cannot be helped. The stories are not clear why exactly Vakmatharas manifests like he does, but your point regarding death the concept being neutral is a valid one." Zahrani sits down with them, blowing gently on the surface of her tea before asking, "So...what is this favor that you would ask of us?"

Hikoro |Followed the Paladin to the place of comfort. Taking a seat that was offered while Shadow sluggishly moved behind the Guardian. Struggling to keep pace in his old age until old paws could rest at the food of the chair. Letting out a wolvish yawn before settling into lives comforts of a nap. With a respectful nod, Hikoro smiled the Elder and the Cleric. Gracious for their similar views on death. "Death is not racist nor prejudice. It comes for all, even the undead twice..eventually. A part of me wishes that I could speak to this Vakmatharas. Hear their story of creation and understand their motivations outside the meddling interpretations of acolytes and priests that serve the god." With an exhaled breath, the Guardian reached for their cup of tea. Fingers gently tracing along the edges of the cup. "My companion grows old and weary. He's loyal and kind. Welcoming and wise. I'd like to ask if he can work and retire here among your church. Guard your gardens from vermin and welcome all with a kind wag of the tail. I'm sure this is perhaps a most unusual request, though it comes with an offer of equal value. As long as he'd be allowed here, I will assist you with this unholy brewing. I've means to protect these lands as long as my beloveds body remains buried in the Larket Cemetery. "

Zahrani sips her tea, listening to Hikoro's desire to speak directly to Vakmatharas. The old man shifts in his chair, clearing his throat and eyeing the Spirit Feline with a combination of concern and scrutiny, "If you choose to fulfill that wish, I would advise treading cautiously. He may try to coax you with honeyed words and rewards that sound too good to be true." The cleric doesn't know Hikoro or her past, but he does his best to voice his concern without sounding like an overbearing father. Zahrani's ears perk up at the notion of Shadow remaining at the Chapel, and she responds, "We'd be happy to let him retire here. If you wish to help us, you are both welcome to call this place home." The old cleric nods, giving a soft "hmm" as a response between sips of tea. "The courtyard path around the courtyard is roofed, sheltered from the elements, and in the winter he can sleep by the fire."

Hikoro |Raised the glass with ease to take a sip of the well mixed brew. A balance, lovely cup of fresh tea. How long had it been since she tasted such simple pleasure? "I'm sorry, but there is nothing that this god can give me that I do not already have. I have lived and died. I have loved and lost. I've lived a full life and someday, I will die again and retire from this world with a smile knowing that I've been a mother and enjoyed life to it's fullest. Even Shadow lives life by these rules. I'm sad to know that he won't be with me for more than a few more years, but neither of us would wish for his youth to return. Age comes with a sense of clarity and wisdom that one can not just wish away." Setting the cup down, the felines ears perked upright to listen to the sounds of the chapel and the offer of happiness. "Thank you, your offer is most kind, but I'm duty bound to protect a home already. Though during the day I can extend my duty to other places, at night not so much." Leaving the body at night put a dent on traveling just smidge. "Do your people remember those called the Apostle's of Peace?"

Zahrani | The old cleric raises a brow at Hikoro's last question, "Now that's a name I've not heard in a long time. They were a group dedicated to peace and maintaining balance in response to the war and chaos of Lithrydel. Their strength and their numbers were carefully guarded secrets, as they wore chanted masks to keep their members anonymous." A pause, and the old man chuckles and responds, "That's just what I remember off the top of my head. It's been years." Zahrani listens carefully. The name of the group rang a bell, but during the time they were most active, she was continuing her trials and training in the more remote areas of Hollow. Turning to Hikoro, the paladin asks, "Why do you ask? Do you mean to tell us that you were part of this group?"

Hikoro |Raised a brow at the beautiful knowledge the man had of the Apostles. She'd seen a different side of them, but it was true. All the members had masks and pieces to hide their faces behind them. Much like her own. A hand idly raised to touch the faces visor, black as darkness could be. She'd pulled it up to uncover her face mostly earlier before making the approach, but it still loomed it's shadow over her upper features like a well placed hat. "Yes, the Apostles dedicated themselves to peace, though man of them have not find that peace. Some are buried here in Larket, others across the sands of time that this world offers. A few have even left to find a greater place for themselves. The leader, the first. Was a man that took me in and spoke that he was proud to call me Daughter. I came from the side of Chaos before I fell in his teachings. I have means to bring their ranks back from the mists of time. Given enough work and focus."

Zahrani and the elder cleric listen quietly to Hikoro as she speaks. Rani finishes her tea, pondering the story the other feline tells before saying, "That sounds like an admirable goal, and I'm sure you will find plenty of new faces in Lithrydel who would gladly help you take up such a cause." The cleric nods, before adding, "While we at this chapel cannot promise aid - that is a choice we will leave to each resident - like we've said before, your companion Shadow is welcome to live here, and you are welcome to visit this place any time you wish." The old man turns towards the doorway from which he had entered; a young child wanders in, followed by his mother. The woman nods politely and says, "Begging your pardon, sir, but could the little one have a glass of water." The cleric rises to his feet; he seems healthy for his old age. "Of course." He walks over to a clay pitcher of water, pouring some into a cup for the little one and walking with them to another area.

Hikoro |Dipped her head at the words. "I understand. I know that your church is neutral to your god and the people. There is a kindness here that many could find inspiration from. Though, it makes me wonder why the King and Queen did not come here instead of the god they now worship." She frowned, somewhat concerned by this impeding Unholy war. If one could call it that yet, but she knew. She felt it in her core. Two gods clashing, death. It would end in a war history would remember. "Pardon, but I should return to the Hills. You are welcome to visit me there. Perhaps I can share equal knowledge that I've asked you to give. One learns and prospers with time and wisdom after all."

Zahrani stands, walking with Hikoro to the exit of the dining area. She offers an embrace to the other feline; she didn't have to accept the hug, and Zahrani would be mindful of that if she doesn't wish to be touched. "Thank you for the offer. If my travels take me there, I'll come and see you."

Hikoro |Looked..very shocked at the offer of an embrace. A hug. For a moment she wasn't exactly sure how to...hug. She..awkwardly opened her arms and stepped forward, giving Zahrani a soft pat on the back. She was cold and flail feeling, probably light weight. But the coming days and a proper diet would fix the undernourishment. "Safe travels to you when your feet carry you. You know, you remind me of someone I met a long time ago. Well, perhaps two someones. Wise felines indeed. Smart, intelligent. They'd have liked you."

Zahrani blushes slightly beneath her dark skin, offering a sheepish smile at Hikoro's compliment, before her ears perk up in curiosity. "Where were they from?" The paladin had grown up in Cenril from birth to age 8, and had wandered with her foster father as a paladin since then. But her birth mother was not from Lithrydel, and when her duties do not claim her attention, she seeks answers on where she came from.

Hikoro |"That is a story for another day. More reason for you to come and visit me." With an impish smile, the feline pulled from the embrace and made the retreat. Turning back to watch Shadow lingering at the door. Letting out a low whine, but he understood. It was for his own good. He was far too old to hunt monsters with her now. After all, danger lurked out there and the Chapel was safe. With a snort, the wolf patted over to the nearest patch of grass to lay down to watch Hikoro go.