RP:Planning an Investigation
Synopsis: While visiting the Mage Tower, Pilar runs into Raevyn and asks for assistance investigating the infernal forest, near Vailkrin.
Date: Dec. 3rd, 2017
Behind the Barrier
You are now standing in the battle zone, where you could be in grave danger. You quickly duck every now and then to ignore a zap of lightning flying onward to an opposing foe. This room is magically sealed, to prevent actual physical or mental harm from the spells, but the visual aspect of them is a little frightening. You notice the wall is lined with many books, some probably from the library you saw earlier. There is also a rack with many rune engraved or magically enhanced quarterstaffs, but you notice a monk shake his head at you as he notices you eyeing them. This part of the room is larger by far than the area on the other side of the barrier, where most of the teachers stand and watch their students practicing. The only mentors you see on this side are the ones teaching hand to hand or weapon combat. Your only retreat is through the invisible barrier to the west.
Raevyn had been up in the tower, behind the barrier, for some time now. She swore after those dreadful events in both Chartsend and Larket that she would never leave herself defenseless ever again. She would no longer be weak. A victim. And so, she has trained for the last few days non-stop, to progress her skills in the arcane arts. An apple green glow was cast upon the young woman's face as she readied another simple firebolt with one hand, that malachite scythe wielded with her other. She looked across the room at her instructor for the day, Oriyan, who nodded in signal that he was ready; And soon, she let go of three bolts of green flame only to watch them be easily deflected by the master magii. Oriyan grinned at the girl and nodded, indication that it was now his turn. Three bolts of flame were let loose in much the same manner, and this is where her defensive training was to be put into play. Both hands wrapped around the staff of the scythe and slammed the butt into the ground, a light green bubble now surrounding the girl in a five foot radius. As the first bolt of flame hit the bubble, its speed was severely altered, now gently floating past the girl at a pace she could easily dodge. The second hit the bubble, and with a ripple, did the same. The third however seemed to be too much for her current ability, and while its trajectory did slow in some regard, the bubble would burst and send the bolt hitting Raevyn square in the chest. She hit the ground on her rear with a muffled 'oomph', a dejected glance then cast upon Oriyan as she began to felt disappointed in herself. The master magii of course would reassure the girl, "You're getting better. You've done enough for the day. Take the evening off."
Pilar had been neglecting her guild duties for some time, ever since Chartsend's economy had tanked and the only healers left at the clinic were volunteer. But a letter from the administrator was not something that could be ignored. Finally securing a replacement for herself left her a few days to take care of business. She entered the Mage Tower, dressed not in robes, but in a simple yellow pinafore, the star-speckled sash of her standing tied about her waist. She would need backup on her mission. She couldn't venture into Vailkrin's forest alone, especially not while she was banished from the dark land. She headed upstairs, to where the mages practiced their combat skills, hoping to find someone to aid her in her task.
When Raevyn rose to her feet, she would bow to Oriyan and thank him for the lesson, soon wandering over to the sidelines to grab a towel to mop up the buckets of sweat that drenched her hair and face. You're getting better. Those words echoed through her mind and she felt somewhat accomplished, even though the amount of 'better' didn't feel like much. Turning to leave, there was a new face that entered the practice arena; A face that would be very much recognized after a moment of study. "...Pilar?" the woman asked, a hint of a smile forming on those black lips. "From Artia's Ranch, yes? We met a long time ago."
Pilar did a double-take at Raevyn. “I... Yes, we have, but... it's been so long, I'm sorry, I've forgotten your name.” The vampire looked suitably
Raevyn shook her head, and moved the sopping matted hair from her face. "It's okay, really. I... went by a nickname then. My real name is Raevyn. Raevyn McGowan." She offered a hand, the one not covered in sweat, to shake. "Nice to once again see you." She would give the vampire a look over before asking, "Are you a student here? Or one of the instructors, perhaps?" The question of course would refer to why the woman was here where most would come to practice their offensive and defensive spells.
Pilar shook Raevyn's hand with a relieved smile. “I hope you've been well. Heh, no, still a student.” Though she was an Arcane Steward, she felt she had too much to learn to take on a teaching position. “I'm actually looking for someone to help me with something. I've been assigned a dangerous task in Vailkrin, and I'd like to bring some backup.”
Raevyn continued to towel her hair after the polite handshake, her interest definitely piqued at the mention of Vailkrin. She had been meaning to go for some time now, but had no seen Celaeno since their last meeting in Larket. Skipping past the formalities of exchanging how they've been, the girl gets right to the burning question, "A task in Vailkrin? What sort of task, if I may ask?"
Pilar said, "There have been reports of violent spirits in the Dark Forest, and they think Redhale is raising the dead to attack Vailkrin. I've been charged with investigating and putting a stop to it."
Raevyn twitched slightly, her eyes snapping shut. it was that name, Redhale. Something about it seemed to resonate, although she did not know why- Much in the same way that Lionel's name had done prior. "Violent spirits in the Dark Forest? Why would this Redhale summon undead to attack Vailkrin? Is this not the city of the dead to begin with?" First Larewen, and now Redhale. It seemed that there was a lot of turmoil out in that damned city.
Pilar frowned at Raevyn's reaction to the name. She had been considering asking her to help, but if it would be too much, perhaps not. “I don't know, and neither does the Guild. I have to figure that out.”
Raevyn seemed a bit troubled, but still help the matter with some interest. She had grown up so isolated, so shut off from most of the world. Was this how things would be from now on? Wars and attacks, were they the normal way of life? "That is very strange. i know of the forest. I... lived there for some time. Although, I'm not sure if I could be any help in a defensive sense." She chuckled, "I am still in the midst of learning."
Pilar nodded in understanding. “I would appreciate any help you could give... But I can't promise your safety. Are you still willing to come along?”
Raevyn tossed aside her towel and picked up the scythe she had set down momentarily, the option pondered upon for a few moments. The prospect seemed terrifying, and perhaps out of her capability, yet she thought that the whole thing might be an exciting adventure. Something to really push her forward. "I... I think i would like to go with you."
Pilar smiled. “Okay, good. I'll send word as soon as we're ready to go. Where can I reach you?”
Raevyn would beam happily and extended one hand out as a gesture to accompany her words, "Here, most likely. If I am not out for a stroll, I am mostly stuck in the library downstairs or up here training. This tower is my home for the time being."
Pilar nodded. That made things easy. “I'll get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you, Raevyn, very much. I'll see you soon.” Unless Raevyn stopped her, Pilar would take her leave. She had preparations to make.