RP:Not Quite Who You Were Looking For

From HollowWiki

Summary: On the hunt for some religious zealots, Revion finds himself in Frostmaw after downing a potion that was supposed to direct him towards the aforementioned fanatics. It didn't go quite as he wanted, but in the end, he did find help for his cause in the form of the Khitti and the Paladin's Guild.

The Royal Academy of Aramoth, Frostmaw

Khitti || “Ulah, I really need to find some place for us that isn’t here,” Khitti said as she sat lazily at one of the food tables along the wall, eyeing the blonde and blue-eyed elf woman. “I’m worried about it making those that want to join the guild, but aren’t exactly the fighting type, feel inclined to do just that.” Ulah, a paladin and member of both the Warrior’s and Paladin’s guilds, popped a bit of cheese into her mouth and let out a hm. “We should probably have it somewhere centralized. Kelay-Sage perhaps? Or maybe Xalious? Or somewhere in between?” The redheaded guild leader let out a hm of her own, “That might work. I s’pose I’ll have to see if there’s anything available down there or if something needs to be built. Those terramancers from Xalious are gonna end up taking all of the guild’s money.” It was fine though; people needed to eat. As the two ate and spoke, the lesser-ranking members of both guilds went about their business, studying and training with their preferred weapons. It could be quite the din to those not used to it, but to Khitti, it was nothing out of the ordinary at this point in her life.

Revion is finding himself drawn to Frostmaw more than he'd expect these past few weeks. The chance encounter with the vampire Ayras led to the encounter with the roaming band of religious fanatics, who in turn started the rather perilous mess with the black dragonflight that the druid now finds himself trying to clean up. Having traveled through Frostmaw's proper, the elf had time to ponder how he ended up in this mess. With religion at the center of this ordeal, he cannot help but wonder if all this conflict was influenced by Aramoth, given the setting he keeps finding himself in. Of course, his attention can't sway too far from this rather odd potion he obtained last night from the merchant Thalra. Basically, it's a magical compass that he hoped would point him in the direction of the band of lunatics he needs to round up. But, having traveled right back into Frostmaw doubt starts to grow that he as being led to them. No way Frostmaw would let such renegades open shop here, especially if they're causing needless trouble, no matter how much the giants love a fight, there were laws and order here. Once the academy comes into view, Revion's eyes look up to take in the splendor of this place. They spared no expense, that is for sure. And it makes sense, if you think this place houses warriors great and small, experienced and just picking up a sword. It's a testament to the devotion of martial prowess, and really the elf can admire that. He tries to master his own craft and better implement it daily as well, such the ideal here isn;t lost upon him. But why would he find himself led here, of all places, in search f religious fanatics? Through the door and into the middle of the hallway leading to the center of the first room in the academy, it takes a whole three seconds for the potion to fizzle out and leave the elf looking rather perplexed and very much out of place. He is lean, almost frail looking and garbed in simple leathers. He has a sword, sure, but it's wrapped up on his side, hardly used for any martial purpose. Truth be told he hardly knew -how- to use it, given the damn things an artifact of Sylvan history, with powers embedded within he doesn't fully understand just yet. Either way, the elf stands there and hopes fate or whatever brought him here decides to intervene and help him out, because the poor druid is lost as lost can be at the moment.

Khitti blinked several times as Revion entered the academy, very much looking like he didn’t belong her. To be honest, Khitti didn’t look like she much fit in here either, with her midnight blue woolen dress and thick black leggings, with worn, but comfortable boots to match--except for maybe that sword that floated beside her like a faithful puppy dog, giving off quite the holy aura. “Hey, keep an eye on the students, okay?” Ulah nodded as Khitti slid from her chair and headed over to Revion, Tenbatsu Kaji following in her wake. “Hi. I don’t come to the Academy often anymore, but you… don’t seem like a student here, to me. Are you alright? Need some help?” She tilted her head somewhat, giving the elf a careful study before fixing her attention on his face again. “If you’re hungry or thirsty, there’s plenty of food here.”

Revion was looking over a mural of a battle between Satoshi and others the elf does not know against a mighty dragon. The work into the image is very detailed and the colors and images spring out to enthrall an onlooker into its story. The elf got the sense of that being a triumphant day to be sure. Its right at this moment that a woman's voice draws him from his thought on the mural to the blue dress wearing woman and her floating sword. Well, that's something. One doesn't see floating swords all that often. As to avoid any sort of rudeness, the druid's green eyes float to Khitti's as he offers a bow of greeting, saying as he rises. " Very perceptive, m'lady." He knows he isn't a typical badass type, but he is fine with that. " I do in fact need help, as I'm hoping I didn't get swindled by a shady merchant this eve's past." He holds up the now murky, colorless potion in a rather large vial as he explains. " I am looking for some trouble makers. Religion types, but not the good kind. I don't like using words like good and evil, that's all a matter of opinion, I'd say. But, to my point. This roaming band of zealots has caused quite the situation in Xalious." he pauses briefly, hoping he isn't rambling and offering her a chance to follow along. He continues after a moment's pause. "They attacked a local lair of dragons, the majority out on a hunt, but they managed to slay one and injure quite a few whelps. I arrived shortly after, the sound of it all having drawn me in. The bodies proved it to be some priests, even maybe a wayward paladin or two, I do not know how such matters work, but the divine was present for sure." Again a pause, hoping his tale isn't boring her. "I healed the whelps, and this was barely enough to save me from one of the dragons who return wrath. The wyrm has given me only a few days, enough time until her flight finishes their hunt, to find those responsible and bring them to them. Sadly, it seems I may bring fools to their death, but if I do not act, Xalious village may suffer for it, so I do what must be done to restore balance in the area, as, to be fair, the dragon;s have lived there for some time and done no harm to anyone." He sighs here, hoping it all makes sense. " I used this potion hoping to find them, but it seems I may be a bit lost, or led astray."

Khitti allowed a bit of a smirk to form when the words ‘good and evil’ and ‘religious types’ were used in the same breath. “I think of the gods the same way, to be honest. It’s what I’m trying to teach my students in the Paladin’s Guild. Each deity has their own purpose, whatever their alignment is, and can be as malevolent or benevolent or somewhere in between as they’d like--and their followers are no different.” He went on about his encounter and whatever pleasantness that had been on Khitti’s face dissolved almost immediately. Tenbatsu Kaji’s golden glow shifted to a fiery orange, and Khitti could only let out a sigh and nod to the sword, “Alright, Seika, settle down. I can plainly see that we’ve got a new problem to deal with.” Right, yes. There’s a person in front of her. A person that probably has no idea why she’s talking to a floating katana. “Uhh, sorry. Long story. Basically, this is a sentient sword of Cyris. Anyway.” She folded her arms across her chest, a frown planting itself on her lips, “Well, you found religious types, but we’re certainly not fanatics. I’m Khitti, leader of the Paladin’s Guild. I’ve been so focused on a very bad situation in Venturil that I’ve neglected trying to keep things peaceful in other regions. I’m glad the dragon is working with you at least. The last time I dealt with a dragon in Xalious, I wasn’t so lucky. While I’m much on the side of people not dying, sometimes it’s unfortunately unavoidable. There were quite a few paladins, templars, and priests that weren’t so keen on joining the guild, and perhaps this is why.” A pause. “Or maybe they were afraid the guild was going to become like these zealots too.” She sighed heavily. “You may not have found the fanatics, but you found help, at least. It’s probably better that you didn’t just wander into wherever it is their hideout is. I highly doubt they’d invite you in for tea and cookies.”

Revion watches and listens as the woman first talks to what seems herself, but then finds out the sword is a holy artifact. Like these things have a mind of their own, his moonblade, an artifact of the Sylvan kingdom of old, responds to Tenbatsu's, or Seika (?), presence by letting off a small bit of its own magical energy in what could only be discribed as a peaceful wave of natural energy. At the same time, the amulet tucked away under his shirt, Terragon's Amulet, whispers a plethora of outrage, questions and compliments, as the voices of the First Druid's circle cry out to him in response to being around -more- unnatural things, however pleasant. Divine and Natural don;t clash too often, but one always thinks the other is -more- right. Gods are part of the universe, but the mortal plane is governed by natural law, at least to some minds. Like the collective that resides within the amulet he wears. It's a pain, more often than not, to have such elder voices belittle every move you make, but, given his upbringing, he deals. He notices the woman's reaction to his tale, and also takes not of her station. Guess we got his coin worth from that potion, especially since she makes a sound point about walking into the renegades fanatic's camp, alone. There is the possible backup from Ayras, bu working with a vampire is... not ideal, for anyone involved. Ayras' wrath is hard contained, and if the vampire were to get hurt, healing it would be near impossible for the druid, aid from the ancients or not. The moonblade hates the mere presence of the spawn of Elazul, and its been sheer luck that Revion has managed to work with this particular vampire without any confrontation, given that isi calling and Ayras' mere existence clash to the very core. But, the druid tries to keep an open mind, so long as balance is maintained. Here, he responds to the paladin's words with. " Valid points, m'lady. I am Revion, a simple druid, but I cannot sit by and do nothing. If I may? I'd like to try to find these people, and I hope that, given your station, we can find some way to resolve this, as feeding even foolish ones such as these zealots to what will most likely be their death does not sit well with me, but, if it restores the balance, and keeps the flight from attacking Xalious in response to their own loss, I may see no other way." He hopes she offers some kind of holy wisdom on the matter. He is basically telling ehr that some of what could be possible followers, maybe even saved, may have to be handed over to dragons to sate their desires for vengeance. Thats a tough sell, especially from a stranger, and Revion knows it.

Khitti || Tenbatsu Kaji housed a holy sprite named Seika, one who was bound to the katana upon it’s making. A sprite who didn’t seem to lessen that orange holy aura. A sprite who was strangely badgering Khitti’s thoughts with the need to take care of this problem now and Khitti was left to do her best to compartmentalize the sprite’s uncharacteristic behavior and try to sort through her own thoughts carefully. “Of course. This is your mission, you’re the leader here. If it’s a madness that’s taken them and turned them this way, it’s likely they can be cleansed but… If it’s not, then I’m not sure. I’m quite surprised their magic wasn’t stripped from them, as I’ve read happens to some unsavory religious types. But, that’s not anything that matters now. If we can manage to capture them, then they can surely be locked up and the mages in Xalious help to temper their abilities magically with some sort of nullifying enchantment. There’d be no need for death then and they could serve their time in a dungeon somewhere.” Once that had been said, Khitti turned to face the sword briefly, crimson brows furrowing in irritation, “This is absolutely nothing like Venturil, so don’t start with me. We -know- what’s out there and it’s not religious fanatics. Not anymore.” The sword’s aura briefly flared red, then returned to it’s normal golden state. For now, anyway. “Since the potion only seemed to half work, maybe scrying could be used instead. If they left anything behind where this fight took place, whether it was items or even blood, it could be used to find them that way and a little more precisely.”

Revion is surprised, to say the least, that she so willingly offers to -follow- him. Truth be told, a part of the elf wishes that she'd take command and decide to lead the charge here and deal with this so he could return to his druidy things. Whatever that is, he still doesn't know, Mostly, he gets led by something to places and ends up just being drawn into matters that he does his best to try to resolve and maintain the balance of things. THis had led him to working with two vampires on different occasions. The ancient's were never pleased, but he has managed as best he could. For now, he returns his attention to the woman, as she mentions the zealot's belongings. He brings forth a charm, not quite a holy symbol, but if she is keen she could tell it used to house holy power. THis may even solve how these wayward souls are still using the divine to carry out judgement and the like. Stored divine power for one time use. " I kept this, and to be honest I know little of arcane magics, nor many witches, to try to scry. Though, I believe your idea is sound and am willing to attempt such, though, I must confess. There is another hunting this lot. A vampire, and one that I must say seems quite capable, there is a darkness about them that I sensed, wholly unnatural. They go by the name, Ayras."

Khitti had reached out to take the charm and inspect it. But there was a name Revion said… Did he really just say what she thought he said? Whatever serious demeanor there’d been moments ago just… sort of melted away. What was that look? Was it disdain? Was it shock? Was she going to throw up? It very well could’ve been a mix of all of them. Whatever she was feeling right now, it wasn’t good, that much was obvious. “Did you just say ‘Ayras’?” There were times that she wished she were a vampire again, despite all that she’d gone through for the cure. She may not have been an elder vampire, but she’d gotten damn good with her necromancy in the time that she had it and suddenly the thought of searing the flesh off of Ayras’ face with naught but acidic shadows seemed like the best idea she’d had in years. But no, she had something better now. Something that would work even better on that vampire--the very sword that floated next to her now. Khitti quickly composed herself--way too well in such short a time after that incredible range of emotions she put on display--and finally took the once holy item, changing the subject back towards it before that temper than she had sought to quell the past few months decided to resurface entirely. “This should definitely work. Mages are capable of scrying too. Or perhaps you might find another druid as well. It can be done in different ways, with different magics. Up to you on how to proceed.”

Revion cannot help but notice that range of emotion, especially since it was in response to the vampire he has had dealings with. He makes sure she is aware of the details that he has. " Yes, Ayras, red haired woman, with a darkness about her that is... vile. She was here, in Frostmaw when we first met, she decided to hunt the zealots, and I crossed her path again in Xalious, she has already killed some, its how I obtained that charm. She plans to bring me one, and only one, back alive for the dragons to do with what they will." His own face contorts to show his disapproval, but helplessness, in how that event transpired. " I had little choice in the matter, as I tried to ensure the vampire did not cause more mayhem in this already perilous situation. I don;t think I'd be able to take her on, alone at least." He notices the woman has tried to change the subject, so instead of prying further he goes along with it, adding in. " If you know of one capable, I'll seek them out. What shall you do? So I know how to reach you, as well as ensure not to double down and hit the same spot twice, so to speak."

Khitti || “We need to get to them before she does then, if you’d like them all alive. She’ll no doubt slaughter the one she plans to bring you, once they’ve served their usefulness--it’s almost a guarantee that she will.” Khitti sighed again, attempting to lose the tenseness in her shoulders, a product of being told that someone she thought long dead--and should’ve stayed dead--was still romping about, murdering whomever she pleased. It’s a wonder she hadn’t run into Ayras after all this time. But, there had been the whole situation with Khitti’s own death, rebirth, and subsequent tunnel-visioning with trying to stop the evil in the land, first Kahran, and then the situation in Venturil. As she returned the charm, she thought of whom she might offer up as help for the elf. Valrae was considered, but no. She needed to stay in hiding for as long as she dared. Callum? No. He was still getting used to being a witch. “There is a woman named Lanara, a witch that owns an animal sanctuary in Northern Sage Forest. If you seek her out, please do not mention that she’s a witch to anyone. Her place is so very close to Larket and Larket has made themselves known to be against witches, numerous times. Either that or perhaps a woman named Gilwen? I think she said she was an elf, when she wrote me last. Lives in Sage also. If neither of them can help you, then maybe someone in the enchantment.” She paused for a moment in thought, then continued, “Or. If you can get me a book on that sort of magic, I might be able to do it myself, or help you with it. I dabbled in something along those lines awhile ago. I’m not sure if I have the ability to do it now, but if you’re a druid as you say, then using the elements of nature to assist you should be no problem.”

Revion has much to think about after this meeting, as a few names brought up he knows of, Gilwen being the obvious one. But the talk of Ayras puts matters into a different light. Him and the red haired vampire have been cordial,if anything. While vampires are almost a direct enemy of natural law, thus druids, Revion tries not to seek out confrontation unless its unavoidable, and truth be told things are looking that way. Be it the dragons, the zealots, the vampire or all at once. Either way, matters have unfolded in a way that its course seems unchangeable now. Taking the charm back, the druid says. " I shall send a hawk this way, if I find out anything. Though, we do not have long to meet the dragon;s demands, I'll make haste as best I can."

Khitti nodded to Revion as he made it known he was to leave. “Alright. Take care, Revion. If word doesn’t reach me here, then it’ll be forwarded immediately elsewhere--likely Cenril, for that is where my home is.” Once he turned away, and she did as well, she returned to Ulah’s side, looking somewhat tired. The flurry of stress and anger never seemed to affect her much when she was undead, but now it just fatigued her. Or maybe it always had and she just never noticed; she was stubborn as hell, after all, and prone to ignoring things that she should not. “I’m not going home tonight, but I’ll be in my room at the Fort.” It was time for a night of solitary confinement and maybe a bit of meditation and whiskey to calm her thoughts. Probably just the whiskey though. Oi.