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Post by Admin: Soul on Nov 29, 2023 22:27:12 GMT -5
Madness was choosing to set up camp in the middle of no where, choosing to freeze and starve every second of the day. Madness was continuing to try and save a world that no longer wished to be saved, to openly turn against every authority. To question reality, to forsake one's friends, to give in to the darkness, that was all madness. Yet a madman continues, despite this madness, ignoring a world that ignored them, finally on the brink of an edge they have stared at for many life times. Scern had been called a madman on more than one occasion, and that was one of the nicer names he had coined over his many life times. Traitor, terrorist, murderer, blasphemer, the list went on and on, cementing the once hopeful and joyous man as an enemy of the world. The dense, snow covered forest Scern found himself in was a huge upgrade from the prison cell he had called home just a month earlier. It was not the first time his hideout was in uncomfortable environments, often having to hide in caves, tunnels or sewers to avoid watchful eyes. This was the first time however, in a very long time, that the man found himself completely alone. Life as a run away fugitive was not as lonely as one would think, having body guards, assistants, or fellow prisoners constantly around. Out here though, deep in the wilderness, the madman was surrounded by nothing but nature. Towering pine trees created a thick cover, with deep snow making traversing this region difficult. Combined with the week long snow storms and blizzards, it was a nightmare landscape during the winter, but a complete haven for someone like Scern. He had been here only a few days, having been dropped off by a few associates who had helped him escape. A small tent was hung from two trees and a tiny fire pit built among the snow, providing some comfort among the suffering. The silence was deafening to someone who had barely taken a moment to themselves in hundreds of years. Sitting with oneself, in the deepest part of the remotest region allowed a time of reflection, a time to consume his experiences and finally....be at peace. The pale mans skin nearly blended into the snowy landscape, his black, jagged armor replaced with a simple gown and several heavy furs. Stringy, black hair still hung from his malnourished head, shorter than before however. He sat with an emptiness, occasionally stirring his fire or gathering sticks, but mostly, he just sat there. It was rare for people to travel the tundra this time of year, with winter right around the corner, the window to navigate the ice fields was quickly closing, heavy blizzards often battering the region and trapping anyone unlucky enough to get caught in one. Tonight was such a night, a thick snow storm had kicked up, blotting out the starry sky and making navigation impossible. A brave duo who had attempted to cross the tundra in a carriage now found themselves lost in the storm. Kamille and Javal, notable figures in Charon, were making their way towards the pale city upon finding themselves caught, and only about 50 feet from the edge of the forest Scern now camped in. As they continued their effort to push forward, the carriage quickly found itself stopped, unable to continue and halted by a hill of snow. The blizzard was worsening, Scern protected by the thick coverage of trees above him. As he placed another log on the fire, snow building upon his shoulders, an odd sensation shot through his mind, a trigger of something outside the forest. At first he just thought he was going crazy, there was no way in any hells he had just sensed what he thought he did. There was no way the presence of a god was just a hundred feet away. Yet he continued to feel it, the divine, cosmic presence of an other worldly being. Closing his eyes, Scern calmed himself and collected his own arcane energy, propelling his mind out into the wilderness. Now stuck in the blizzard, attempting to figure out their next move, Kamille and Javal would hear a voice, one underneath the ravaging sounds of the storm, a voice deep inside their mind. Scern was calling out to them mentally. "Greetings Travelers"
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Post by Javal Zarrias on Dec 3, 2023 4:46:50 GMT -5
It was extremely chilling and cold, frost ran up the fellblood’s spine as he clasped his hands together blowing on them with hot breath trying to keep warm. Javal Zarrias sat in a carriage alongside the lovely Lady Kamille the two had decided to meet up and have a nice night at the Pale City, the woman had invited Javal and his entourage to have a nice meal with her and her band. The fellblood was excited after all he’d never eaten anything at a fancy restaurant, usually only eating something from the market district or cooking by himself when he needed to. The fanciest place he had been to was when he visited his grandfather and the old man spoiled him although it did make the young man kind of feel out of place everytime he went there. He was about to set sail for the Pale City right away when he received her correspondence before stopping as he was informed that he was to be picked up by an elegant carriage, although appreciated the fellblood was certainly not used to being treated like this and it made him feel slightly odd. But no matter Lady Kamille was extending her kindness and how was he to decline such an honorable offer, a jerk that's what he’d be.
He was going to go in his regular clothing initially considering it was one of two outfits he had and although he may be oblivious to some things he knew at least that coming to a fancy dinner in your shorts may be rude. However, thanks to some prying from his retainer Nadia who went and told his dearest friends who basically shoved the very nice outfit into his hands without even accepting his money or items to trade, he was ready.
So the time came and in the middle of the pirate criminal haven the carriage appeared in the middle of town and he joyfully got in bidding farewell to his mother and siblings. Nadia entered alongside him considering Kamille had also invited her as well and Javal had even decided to bring along Elessie, his energetic flitten pet. The man immediately thanked Kamille many times including bowing, speaking about how he’d pay her back for her generosity, and bowing some more. Nadia gave her a slight bow even his little flitten chirped and gave its best impression at the action as it sat on Javal’s shoulder.
The group then focused on chit-chat and catching up. After all, it had been some time since they had last met up and talked. The last time Javal saw her was during the battle against Vulcadreus where she helped save him and many others from the god of rebirth’s many deadly attacks. Before that, they were cleaning up the messes that the scorched ones had left, even accidentally causing a tavern to blow up in the process. After some much lively conversation even making it past Dragon’s Cradle and to the deep tundra of Frost Gale suddenly their carriage had stopped in its tracks, the frost and snow just too much to bear.
Javal frowns as he peaks through the window outside exclaiming, “Darn well how absurd this silly snow has impeded our travel, and for that it shall pay! I shall dispose of this foul weather in quick haste for whatever is causing this inconvenience shall meet its match against my blade. I shall fight even the snow itself if it means getting us to our destination promptly"
He then proceeded to open the door to his right letting the cold in for a second before closing it and jumping out holding his sword at the ready pointed at the sky and begun to swing his blade fighting against an invisible enemy, “Have at thee foul beast huzzah”, the fellblood exclaimed.
His retainer Nadia lets out a great sigh before turning to their company and Kamille and quickly apologizing, “I’m so sorry Lady Kamille, my liege just gets very excited easily and does not think about something before doing it no matter how much it vexes me it’s just who he is”, she then yells, “My lord please get back inside the carriage I’m sure the snow has been properly vanquished, please hurry before you get a cold”.
“Nay Nadia for this battle has only begun”, he says, swinging his blade towards the falling snow as it begins to push him slightly back as it grows in power.
Suddenly he hears a voice in his head he grabs his forehead with his hand as he lowers his blade.
“Hello? Who is that? Are you in need of aid? Uriel is that you? Is that the snow? Are you here to tell me I won and you’ll let us go through? Huzzah! Nadia, did you hear that random voice in my head that said greetings travelers? I think it's the snow conceding defeat”, the fellblood exclaimed excitedly as he turned to face the carriage.
Bringing in Nadia Sadrine (Warlord Minion) Private NPCs: 1/3 Bringing in Elessie (Flitten) Pets: 1/2
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Post by Lady Kamille Verlithax on Dec 3, 2023 22:38:40 GMT -5
Frost Gale greeted them with a storm, which was its usual warm welcome. The Witch wouldn't complain much, as the weather gave her an unique opportunity to wear her expensive furs and pelts that complimented her fair skin so much - perhaps it was past time she got closer to the high society of Frost Gale and make those opportunities less rare. The spiralling snow outside covered nearly every inch of visible background, cut by some discernible trees, and maybe the road... Not that it was a dull travel - such a thing wouldn't be easy in the company of Javal. Perhaps, in some level, that was one of the reasons she invited the fellblood to the dinner, knowing full well he would be able to lift her spirits and get her head out of her own troubles and loneliness. Last time they met, she was able to enjoy a fancy party at Javal's ship, free of charge - it was only natural she'd want to repay his kindness, and she was incredibly happy he accepted her invitation so promptly. And while she'd eventually extend the same kindness to Dante as well, that was a bit more complicated now... " .......what is he doing, my lady? Shouldn't you go speak to him?" Despite her cronic feeling of loneliness, Kamille was rarely alone these days, always chaperoned by at least one of her body guards and... some other creature. But as the tall Black Quill, Edgar, kept his watch from outside of the carriage, Zhantal was always closer. The paperman wasn't an uncommon figure around her lately, and already known to the fellblood and Nadia. Kamille was glad he didn't have facial features to express his judgement, but she could feel a hint of that in his voice. She giggled softly as Javal proclaimed his desire to fight the storm - something that didn't sound so absurd to the Witch, in all honesty. " Oh I wouldn't want Javal to change one bit, don't worry, Nadia. Hold on, I'll bring him inside." Pulling her black furs closer to her body, she tried not to disturb the bundle of black feathers she was nesting in her arms. A pair of shinning eyes stuck out of the pelts, but other than that, Mischief seemed happy and warm enough there to not want to leave for now. Kamille opened the window, suddenly taken aback by the cutting wind that pushed her hair back. " Javal! Come back inside, please! I'll tell you of the time me and my granddaughter killed a storm right here, at Frost Gale! Perhaps it will enlighten you on how to battle this one!" For a moment she allowed her eyes to wander through the snowy landscape. It was, indeed, a storm much like that, leaving a caravan of dwarves stranded in a sea of ice with only Frok, the Fell Storm to wait for. The memory brought a smile to her lips - Astrid had been a total badass at that encounter, and it warmed her heart to know how far she had come- "Greetings Travelers" And, almost as quickly, her heart sank. She knew this voice, and if the sudden reach out wasn't eerie enough on its own, in the middle of an icy wasteland, the voice resembled so much to... " CAWWW! Hello!" Mischief perked up from his warm nest in Kamille's furs, directing his enthusiasm towards Javal. His beetle eyes suddenly darted towards the edge of the forest. " Javal, did you hear that too? That's... that's not the storm, get back inside, please. I think that sounds... MISCHIEF!" Black feathers ruffled in front of her, obscuring her sight for a moment... and then they were gone. Mischief had taken flight, soon becoming only a small black dot in the whiteness of the snow. " MISCHIEF! Goddamn! Stupid bird! We're in the middle of a storm, you-...! Oh!" Sometimes she wished the raven was, actually, her familiar. Maybe then he'd listen to her. Kamille opened the door of the carriage, exhasperated, ready to try and go after the bird. It was no secret the raven had a mind of his own, and was also particularly proficient in fetching the Witch some trouble. The voice still echoed in her mind, a cold stone in her gut. She didn't dare try to reach out in return.
Bringing in Edgar (Warlord Minion) and Zhantal (Book golem) 2/3 Minions Bringing in Mischief (Pet) 1/2 Pets
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Post by Admin: Soul on Dec 5, 2023 13:21:56 GMT -5
The wind continued to howl, sweeping a cloud of mist, snow, and ice across the tundra, pelting the group who now stood out in the open next to their stranded wagon. The blizzard would not relent, drowning out most of their conversation and making it impossible to see one another after only moving a few feet away. Despite this, the voice each of the new arrivals heard was clear and crisp. Javal would have no clue who the mysterious voice belonged to, maybe even believing it to be a figment of his imagination, Kamille however, would recognize the man's voice instantly, having held a conversation with him before.
The storm was strong, but Scern's camp was nestled in a dense part of the forest, thick pine trees covering the area and protecting it from the worst of the wind and ice. His fire was able to continue burning, casting the darkened forest in a soft, warm glow, creating a perimeter he now stood at, looking in the direction of the halted group of travelers. He could not yet see anyone, but felt their presence louder than any distant shouting he could hear, which there was plenty of as Javal shouted into the storm. A black raven would emerge from the snowy void, circling the patch of tree line Scern stood in. Cloaked in heavy black furs, Scern offered a weak smile towards the bird as he waited.
The was no respite from the storm, snow quickly building up around the wagon wheels, and cold setting in. Scern knew that he was this groups only hope for surviving the night, and that when cold enough, they would come to him instead of choosing to die. And so he waited, a lonely figure standing against a desolate background. There was something deep inside him, a sensation he had not felt in a long time, a feeling years of murder, hate and anger had covered up. After having spent the last few months in isolation, a small glimmer of joy moved across his dirty, scarred face. It had been quite some time since he had true dinner company.
For anyone making their way towards Scern, they would see him just standing there, offering no resistance, and remaining extremely calm. He knew who he was, and how he was viewed by all of Charon, wanting to make this interaction as easy as it could be for whoever stumbled out of the storm.
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Post by Javal Zarrias on Dec 5, 2023 14:58:18 GMT -5
Nadia bowed her head at the other woman as she offered to bring her liege back into the carriage, “Thank you Lady Kamille I’m sorry for the trouble my master has caused you”, she agreed with the older woman’s sentiments she admired her liege for his wild and free personality.
He had been the man to show her a life that was different from just sitting inside twiddling her thumbs and entertaining a noble’s life. However, she just wished he was a little more aware sometimes especially in front of prestigious and powerful people such as the great Lady Kamille that being said she accepted her master’s faults.
Javal looked over at Kamille holding his hand over his eyes trying to see through the billowing snow yelling, “But Lady Kamille I just heard a voice it appears that the snow is welcoming me as the victor of our battle. Do you have a granddaughter? Wait, you killed a storm? That’s so cool. Please tell me more my friend. I need all the advice if it means defeating this foul snow and letting us continue on our way”.
He looked concerned as he saw that Kamille had a worried look about the voice, it seemed that he was not the only one to hear it.
“Yes, Lady Kamille, I did indeed hear that. Are you sure it’s not the snow? What would snow even sound like?”, He was taken back as Mischief suddenly left Kamille’s side and flew somewhere else.
“Oh no”, Javal exclaims, “Lady Kamille we must get Mischief back, hold on, perhaps I can catch up”, and he runs in the direction where the crow had gone.
Nadia sighs, stepping out of the carriage and holding Elessie in her hands shouting, “MY LIEGE PLEASE COME BACK AT ONCE”, before realizing it's too late and the fellblood is too far away to hear.
She shrugs and apologizes to Kamille once more, “Sorry for him Lady Kamille he can be a bit of a handful” before sprinting forth in her dress and coat holding into the ray bow she had taken from her boss in case anything went down.
Over with Javal, he called out for Mischief walking through the woods stopping as he saw a campfire. He was about to greet the lonely fellow there when he took a good look at him. His eyes sharpen as he realizes who he is, he recognizes this fellow, he’s Scern the one responsible for hurting so many people.
Before he can do anything he hears the footsteps behind him assuming they are his friends he warns them exclaiming, “Guys be careful I think I found the escaped dastardly villain Scern”.
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Post by Lady Kamille Verlithax on Dec 5, 2023 15:41:32 GMT -5
If she was hesitating before going after Mischief, Javal quickly set the pace of the day: she opened her mouth to say something, and the fellblood was already running towards the raven. She looked around, to the apologetic Nadia, and then to Edgar, who wasn't there just a second ago, peeking through the side of the carriage with utter disbelief and an I'm-not-paid-enough-for-this expression. A tired sigh escaped her lips.
"Edgar, bring the carriage to the edge of the forest, we can't risk getting separated now in the middle of the storm."
"My Lady, certainly you're not thinking of-..."
"Back to the book, Zhantal. Come on, hurry up."
It might as well be the stormy winds scattering away the pages that shaped the paperman, but instead of flying off, the pages neatly folded back into the large tome chained to her hips.
With that taken care of, the Witch finally sprinted out of the carriage, stumbling forward when she had miscalculated the thickness of the snowy blanket that covered the tundra. Even if the chill didn't set deeply into her bones, the wetness of the snow still slowed her down, the whiplashing wind cutting her delicate skin. It reminded her how she'd much prefer to be under the scorching sun of Zeinav, with its delicate silks and richly ornate jewels...
"JAVAL! Hold on! Javal!"
The forest held back some of the wind and snow, so it was just a tad easier to follow along. That was not the kind of adventure she thought she was going to face when she woke up that day... Her heart froze when the camp came into her sight, and she slowed down to catch up to Javal.
And then she saw him.
An entire army, a network of spies, millions of informants... and none could find the man. The Crown had been unsuccessful in a task that two travelers stumbled across by accident.
"..............Scern?"
There was tension in her voice, maybe even more than the surprise that took her starry eyes. Despite his relaxed stance, Kamille still didn't trust Scern to do something that they would regret. The Witch walked over to Javal, without taking her eyes of Scern, gently pulling the fellblood's sword hand down and standing between them. If she could avoid conflict, that seemed like the best course of action for the time being.
What should they do?
"I wonder this is not much of an upgrade from your cell..."
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Post by Admin: Soul on Dec 6, 2023 9:59:46 GMT -5
The cold, pale man's thin lips curled into a smirk at their arrival and their words. The dashing fellblood was a brave and loud man, eager to defend and protect, and Kamille, a sly and devious woman with more ambition than the crown, was someone he had encountered before. There was still a fair amount of distance between the cult leader and the new arrivals, the storm at their back while a warm fire glowed behind Scerns. It made sense that both of these individuals would be suspicious, after all he was wanted for just about everything someone could be wanted for, and had just escaped prison only a few months ago. The entire nation was hunting for him, which was why he chose such a remote place to hide. However the fates seemed to be having a laugh at him now, his efforts to remain hidden had just be countered by a random snow storm.
"It could use a touch of elegance sure, maybe a rug there next to the tent, or a tapestry hung from that tree, but this place offers a freedom I have long awaited, so it is indeed an upgrade"
He suddenly turned, putting his back to the group as he made his way towards the campfire. A metal bowl made from discarded armor sat on the fire, chunks of melting snow inside melting to make warm water. A rabbit carcass sat next to it, slowly roasting as its pelt lay in a red mess across the snow. Poking the pit with a stick to stir up the coals, Scern turned back to the duo with another warm smile.
"This storm will probably last the entire night, your welcome to join me by the fire, unless you would rather freeze to death out there."
He pulled a second, partially covered in snow, log towards the fire, the sat on his own opposite the fire pit. He was completely casual, as if he was not aware of who he was. For Scern, he treated this as a random encounter between friends, long lost comrades, despite how the other two must have been feeling. He was not here to fight, there had been enough of that, really only wanting to enjoy his dinner in peace. He was no slouch either though, and was fully ready to defend himself if either of the two felt it was still necessary to attack him.
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Post by Javal Zarrias on Dec 6, 2023 18:42:51 GMT -5
Javal looked at the man as a pathetic shell of what he heard about him, part of him felt bad at his fate but the other part felt great anger for what this man had done, he’d hurt so many people, done so many villainous things. His focus broke as he heard Kamille behind him walk and confirm his idea of the man’s identity, it indeed was the despicable Scern.
He kept his sword raised at the man ready to strike at a given notice until Kamille herself lowered his weapon. He took a moment to relax and think about the situation, it was indeed a wise decision to for now be peaceful and calm since the two had the upper hand. Part of him was curious as well since he had Screen right in front of him, he had a lot of questions floating in his mind he just kind of kept there and now would be a good time to ask them.
Nadia stood behind Kamille Ray bow in her hands aiming straight at the man’s head only lowering it once her liege motioned to put down her weapon. She herself was feeling a little nervous in the face of a man she had once known to be such a dangerous and infamous monster.
He walked sitting across from the other man placing his sword back into its sheath and putting on a smile.
“Well it’s good to meet you Scern, thanks for having us here. I appreciate your hospitality. It seems we shall indeed be huddled together until the snowstorm falls, until then it seems like a good chance to talk and get to know each other”.
He then grows silent, his expression serious and cold as the air around him changes before speaking in a calm and serious voice, “It’s good to see you in this state. It's far more than you deserve. Be warned if you try anything around me and Kamille I will not hesitate to cut you down myself in an instant”.
Then his face returns back to its normal and cheery self as he relaxes and looks at the man once more excited to ask him everything, “So Scern how does it feel to be where you are escaped and on the run. How’s your day been so far? Why is the sky blue? Why did you do the things you do? Madness? Tell me the truth, are the gods really dead”.
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Post by Lady Kamille Verlithax on Dec 6, 2023 21:05:59 GMT -5
Snowstorm raging around them, it was probably wise to play nice until they could continue their travel. Not for the first time, nature forced mortals to huddle together and stop killing each other for a second, like an inflexible mother.
.......and then what? Should she warn the crown she spotted Scern? That they knew of his whereabouts? The Witch was certain that would only bring unwanted attention towards them - she doubted the crown would accept their reasoning for doing anything other than imediately try to kill him. But that she'd need to figure out later.
Without the need for further invitation, Mischief landed by the fire, eagerly hoping around the roasting rabbit. The raven tried to peck at the meat in between the licking flames, completely disregarding the tension among the rest of the group.
The Witch wondered how much the cultist had perceived during the fight with Ziev. Amidst the chaos, she had managed to cast a spell on Scern that, not for the first time nor the last, wielded more than she could handle at that moment.
The time to worry about that would come. Now it was time to act nice.
"Here, let me help with dinner, then."
Not in a lifetime she would've pictured herself in that scenario, having dinner with a mass murderer. She raised her arms, weaving her arcane powers with little effort - much had happened between here and there, and she had definitely grown in power since the hunt for the Sol Stone. Her weaving brought forth an asortment of warm food and dishes that would be extremely hard to come by in the middle of a snowstorm in the tundra [1].
And even still, she was slower to trust, definitely more stiff than she'd like. She could feel Edgar's feet moving around, invisible and making no sound, probably moving less than he'd want to avoid his footprints being perceived, but still assuming his stance as her bodyguard. That brought her little comfort.
"....Is it true? Everything you said?"
Kamille echoed Javal's question. What had leaked to the public was certainly less than what she had gathered herself. If Scern didn’t realize what she did, she'd rather keep it that way. The cultist couldn’t be much happy knowing she peered through his mind.
Slowly, she approached the fire, sitting by Javal's side and pulling her black furs closer to the body.
She had no idea what to expect of that day.
[1]The Great Feast
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Post by Admin: Soul on Dec 12, 2023 10:45:44 GMT -5
The warm glow of fire light illuminated Scern's thin, weathered face as the group now sat around the campfire. Tension was heavy, a feeling the cult leader was used to, having learned how to be comfortable despite how awkward a situation may be. It was understandable though, for people to be uneasy around him, it was not like he had done a great job of earning the publics trust. Kamille had summoned a large array of food for them, a beautiful picnic sprawled across the snowy bank. He smiled at the woman's display of magic and was happy there was more food for his guest now, he would touch none of it however. His company rattled off questions while the black raven picked at his rabbit, something else he would leave untouched for the night. Silence would fall between the group again as Scern just pondered for a moment before speaking, his harsh, raspy voice cutting through the evening air.
"I should have assumed this would be the topic of conversation. Not that I mind, just have more interesting things rattling around in my head. But yes, everything the crown claims I am lying about is actually true. Ziev tricked everyone, the gods are dead, blah blah blah."
He paused and turned to the woman in black, someone who had actually been there that day, saw Ziev face to face. If anyone was going to understand, it was her.
"I know what the world thinks of me, the things attached to my name. But If I must be a villain to keep that world from ending, than I happily accept that title."
He then turned to Javal, not knowing the man personally but having heard of his exploits. There were very few things that slipped by Scern.
"I was not always a bad guy you know. My entire mortal life was spent trying to save this wretched planet. A heroes duty is to always protect and serve, even if that means doing unspeakable things along the way. You are alive today because of the things I have done."
A cough interrupted the man, ending his speech. His beady black eyes now focused on the flame, Scern pulling his furs tighter. He was old, very old, the things he had seen and done were beginning to get too heavy, the effect of several life times starting to peek through. For a moment the two could see weakness on his face, before returning back to his creepy, villainous self.
"So how about that giant fucking dragon huh, no one expected that."
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Post by Javal Zarrias on Dec 13, 2023 18:03:00 GMT -5
Javal sat down on the dirt floor ready and waiting to hear the damned man’s explanation. Suddenly Javal’s focus had been completely shattered as he saw Kamille summon a grandius feast all around them. He greedily grabs a large chicken leg and begins eating merrily, his mood greatly elevated.
He quickly complimented the food’s creator by bowing at Kamille, “Thank you very much for the fantastic food Kamille. I greatly appreciate it” and then dug into his chicken leg, eating his share of food as he then looked at Scern and listened, waiting for the other man to finish before he uttered another word.
After finishing up his chicken leg he placed it down wiping his mouth and speaking in a cheery tone, “So everything you said is true gods are dead and out have been for a very long time. I have one question that I couldn’t wrap my head around. If the gods are indeed dead, where does my arcane ability come from? I used to think my ability to control the waves and water was a blessing from Salina herself. If she is indeed dead then how can I do this?”.
He saws raising his hand summoning a small round water bubble (1) from the air around him.
He then showed Scorn it, “If the gods are dead then how can I do this?”.
Javal’s smile lowered slightly as he heard Scern’s explanation not amused, “You’re no hero if you were then you would’ve found a way to do your duty without having to hurt others. Heroes look for ways to do the impossible and to me, it looks like you didn’t try hard enough if it caused people to get hurt for the sake of your just cause”.
Javal’s focus then turned to the new topic, “So I assumed you heard about what happened with the god of rebirth, Vulcadreus. What do you think of that Mister Scern? I was curious, where does Vulcadreus fit in the whole god scheme of things? Where did that come from all of a sudden? How does death affect us? Are we immortal now since we killed rebirth or?”.
Nadia herself stayed standing not feeling the same hospitality as her liege; she was going to stay on edge in case anything happened. She politely bowed at the witch, deciding not to eat and instead focus entirely on Scern.
1. Bouncing Bubble
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Post by Lady Kamille Verlithax on Dec 15, 2023 8:18:06 GMT -5
"What could possibly be more interesting than the death of Gods?"
The weight of time was starting to be unbearable for the man, that much was clear. If it had been anyone else - anyone who haven’t had their mind invaded by her spell, that is - she would think his grand speech to be a bag of nonsense and narcisism. Except....
Except she knew the truth.
A chill crawled up her spine, and it had nothing to do with the freezing wind.
Even if that means doing unspeakable things along the way.
The end justify the means.
Right?
...........right?
As Javal quickly dug into the feast, she seemed content with a single cupcake for the time being. It wasn’t much of a surprise that Scern himself wouldn’t eat, and she wondered how much of it was because of paranoia or fear of being poisoned.
Well... She wouldn’t find his caution unjustified, especially in her presence.
The fellblood's questions were of interest for her as well, so she waited for Scern's response, but she still had one question regarding the death of the Gods.
"Is there another reason for the royal family to try and cover everything? Other than that of legitimizing their claim to the throne due to their godly favor, that is."
Is there something else you know, that is?
Kamille would be the first one to say she wasn't paying close enough attention to what was happening at the Ashlands to see it coming, so Vulcadreaus did take her by surprise. And she was yet to understand fully the repercusions of their encounter. Perhaps Scern knew something about it? He was old. She expected anything.
"Yes, I wondered what the repercussions of Vulcadreaus' death might be... When the Sol Stone was destroyed, I started to hear the stars were changing. What's your opinion on that?"
The Witch did seem to purse her lips as she observed the former hero as he put on his villanous mask once again. It wouldn't be said that Kamille wasted an opportunity to talk shit to Scern, however.
"Is the Frost Gale where heroes of old come to die?"
There was no doubt that the ages were weighing on him, but she also wondered if his flame was faltering? Despite his background, she knew he had much interesting things to share - and seemed willing to do so.
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Post by Admin: Soul on Dec 15, 2023 10:40:39 GMT -5
The tiny, frail frame of the man buried in furs would flinch slightly at the sight of the bubble, his instincts to defend himself kicking in. It only lasted for a moment however as Javal continued his words, Scern's mind fluttering between the fellblood and his own thoughts. It was not the first time he had been asked to explain his actions or justify his words, probably would not be the last time either, but it was one of the few times he was willing to indulge, after all, they were all trapped here together for the night.
"There is much mystery in this world, things very little know about. The magic of the world, the energy that allows you to cast that spell, does not come from the gods, but instead is where they themselves draw power. Salina was but a very small fish in a very large pond"
He smirked at his own joke, doubting either of the other two would find any humor in it. He shifted again, watching the raven continue to peck at his now charred rabbit. He had no idea why he was saying what he was, there was no need to tell these complete strangers everything he knew. Yet he felt compelled to, like an old sage passing on legends to a new generation.
"When the Sol Stone shattered, it broke the barrier Ziev had put up, allowing Charon to reconnect with whatever cosmic energies exist. There are realms out there beyond your wildest imaginations, and with the stone gone, they have direct access to our world now. Vulcadreaus was one of these manifestations, raw energy from another realm taking on a physical form."
The campfire continued to flicker, warmth filling the entire group as the storm continued its rampage just outside the forest. It was getting later in the evening, the air colder and wind stronger.
"I'm not really sure what the crown benefits from hiding things as they do, I'm sure they have a list of reasons. The world knows very little of the truth, I dare say almost nothing. For centuries Charonians have been lied to and manipulated by a false god, there are entire eons of history erased from the worlds greatest minds, but...the time for awakening is upon us. We have struck the first blow against Ziev, and because of that, the veil will soon fully drop."
He paused again, slowing down to catch another breath. Then turning to look directly at Kamille, he continued, in a lower, slower tone this time.
"I know what I have done, and there is a part of me buried deep down who regrets the road fate placed me on. But this is my burden to carry. If my heroic ending is that I must die a villain, then I will happily accept that ending. There is still much to do however, many things to bring to light, and an ancient primordial avatar is only the beginning. Ziev is not finished, he will make another move, and I worry our new found connection to the cosmos will bring with it new complications."
It would be weird for those in attendance, listening to Charon's most wanted villain speak to them as if they were friends, or allies. It would be unsettling for Javal, but maybe deep down there was room to see his point of view. Kamille however, she would notice something else, a look she had seen before on faces of the past.
Scern was dying.
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Post by Javal Zarrias on Dec 19, 2023 13:49:18 GMT -5
The fellblood thought about Kamille’s question taking a moment to digest it, he never really thought about it. The crown had a part in covering all of this, this entire time they were hiding the truth from everyone but for what purpose? To selfishly use the false story to push the narrative that they were chosen from the gods? It made him a little upset to think that he had lied his entire life and that the things he believed in and thought were true were simply a cover-up. Then there was the death of Vulcadreus for as much as he knew that it was the right thing to do he couldn’t help but worry about what the repercussions were going to be. If Kamille was right and the stars themselves were changing from the Sol Stone’s destruction then what would be next for Charon? Was the earth that sat under them going to be changed completely because of their actions even if they were justified?
He couldn’t help but let out a small chuckle as he heard Kamille’s mean remark towards the villain across from them. It was a little funny to think about, the man who caused so many people terror and harm was here hiding pathetically in the middle of a snowstorm across from them a shell of the big bad boogie man he was known to be. Javal stared right into his eyes as he rambled on about being the tragic hero who sacrificed his life for the sake of everyone. It irked him greatly that Scern dared to think he was anything close to a hero. He didn’t know why he was feeling so upset about Scern's proclamation of justice, perhaps in part he deep inside knew the villain was right.
Javal couldn’t help but sit in wonder as he heard the other man speak for as much as a villainous piece of garbage that Scern was, he proved himself to be incredibly wise.
He returned to his questioning with a barrage, “What do you mean small fish in a pond? We’re talking about gods not fish here. Where do the gods draw their power? I was under the assumption they were just gods and always had power that's what made them gods. Do these gods have gods that they get power from? What do you mean the veil will soon drop? If Vulcadreus was some sort of being of raw energy, are there other beings like him that are going to come? Those Ashen Father folks like the fellow I fought seemed assured in his power and presence. Was Vulcadreus here before?”
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Post by Lady Kamille Verlithax on Dec 19, 2023 16:37:06 GMT -5
Every word taken, the Witch held the wanted criminal's gaze.
Criminal.
When the Crown imediately attempted to cover up the story Scern revealed after they fought Ziev, the Witch gave pause. She saw it. They couldn't deny it for long, but contrary to her expectations, they never went back on their word. Instead, they doubled down, even making Scern the number one priority of their special army. Her eyes started to wander off to the side as her thoughts raced. Without fully taking notice of what she was doing, she twirled her fingers in front of her, as if she'd been twirling her hair but instead it was the fire before them that danced with renewed enthusiasm.
Their powers didn't come from the Gods. That much she felt in parts, as she had noticed how wild and misbehaving her magic had become since the encounter with Ziev. The Witch wanted to know the answer to Javal's question as well, but she doubted Scern had those answers.
Kamille didn’t seem to like his answer towards her mean comment, even if it meant she was right in her suspicion. Scern reminded her of Kalaf in that regard, stoic in their resolve of facing the winter years of their lives head on. She didn’t seem to like that prospect. If being a hero meant doing horrible things along the way... If dying a villain was the reward for dedicating his life towards the safety of Charon...
No wonder he doubled over with the weight. No wonder his strength was faltering.
She understood that.
"You claim to have lived in a time where the Gods lived... What was it like? What... were they like?"
It wasn't like her to blurt out things without giving it second thought, but for the longest time she didn't hold the Gods in the highest regards...
Not for the first time, Kamille admired and felt grateful for Javal's open mind. It was the first time Javal met Scern, and she assumed all he knew of the cultist was what the Crown was telling the people. This cordial conversation was only possible because the fellblood didn’t flip on Scern. She should make the most of it.
She realized she'd been staring at the fellblood, so she welcomed Mischief's interruption: looks like the raven had his fill of the cultist's rabbit and came hoping to her lap, burying himself beneath Kamille's furs.
No honor among thieves, huh?
She craddled the raven so that only his beak stuck out from her furs, before turning to Scern once again. Some part of her registered how it was wild that they'd be having such a laid back encounter with a fugitive, but she wondered how much weirder it looked for Javal.
"Ziev was once a man, according to you. I'm sure the milenia have changed him, and there's barely any humanity left - but any and all information we have will be crucial for us to survive what's to come. So tell me... What was the man like? Who was Mathias? Did he have family? What do you know of him on a personal level?"
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