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Post by Admin: Soul on Dec 23, 2023 14:23:42 GMT -5
Scern allowed a silence to settle after the barrage of questioning, taking a moment to regain his own energy. It was only a matter of time before he was asked about Mathias, a shiver moving down his spine at the mention of the name. It was a vast and complicated story, one so long that a night in the woods would not allow him to do the story justice. There was much to share though, information that only he now possessed. Shifting his weight, Scern scooted closer to the fire, raising his hands to warm himself as his beady eyes settled on the Fellblood.
"There are still many answers that elude our questions. What you see as a god is just a being with more power than you can understand. We don't really know where magic comes from, mysterious domains that weave energy through out all of creation. But those who call themselves gods get their power from these domains. Gods earned their reputations simply by having more power than those they ruled over, but there is nothing divine or holy about them"
Another pause as Scern rubbed his hands together in front of the campfire, beginning to channel magic. He made his intentions extremely obvious, not wanting to alert anyone present. Kamille would recognize instantly as the fire would suddenly grow in height and volume, but continue to put out the same amount of heat. The flames would begin to swirl and change color as images and shapes began to form inside the fire.
"The gods had names, different than the ones you would recognize. They lived here on Solus as mortals, incredibly strong and wise mortals who understood how magic was connected to the world itself. They harnessed and manipulated this magic, the first believed to do so from our world. Somehow, they managed to achieve such a connection with that magic that they obtained unimaginable power. They used this power to subjugate others, earning the title of god by those powerless to do anything."
Images would flash in the fire, mimicking the story he told, showing them the gods as mortals, living a life unknown to others. It was a shocking revelation for sure, one that would continue to challenge what the world knew. But this was his truth.
"Eventually, over hundreds of years, they became omnipresent but reclusive, often leaving the world itself and tending to their own ambitions. During this time, others began to experiment with magic, studying it and learning how to control it. They were successful, and during the gods absence, they used this magic to start their own civilizations, cultures, and most importantly, wars. You see, while the gods were not exactly the loving and caring parents depicted today, they did rule over a peaceful world. Their power kept others in check and allowed for true peace. With magic now in the hands of millions and the gods absent, violence spread unchecked across the globe."
"This angered the gods, more than what could have even been expected. None of us knew that they were keeping the magic for themselves, hoarding it so that others could not ascend to their level. Fear drove them to wage war against the rest of the world, disguising it as holy wrath from wronged deities. Division began as war engulfed us, some choosing to atone and fight along side the gods, while others rebelled, choosing to harness magic themselves."
Another cough, this one more intense than the others. Images continued to play in the fire as Scern paused, taking several minutes to cease coughing and regain his composure.
"Mathias was my friend, a comrade I trained alongside for my entire youth. We were born late into the war, when mortals were losing badly. A group of young students had been chosen to train for a very specific mission, one that would hopefully end the war. We spent several years working, training and living together, preparing for one single moment, the death of the gods. And unfortunately, we succeeded. I loved Mathias, he was my brother. An intelligent scholar with an apptitude for space and time magic, he was fervent on killing the gods and devoted his whole life to it. I now understand why."
"I learned that day that all of the gods are a lie, that anyone can obtain enough power to shake the very earth. Unfortunately, my biggest fear has been realized, there are scarier things in the recess of the cosmos than Ziev, things not even I nor my teachers knew about. Vulcadreaus, that was different, that was something beyond my understanding."
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Post by Javal Zarrias on Dec 28, 2023 4:17:53 GMT -5
He hadn’t thought about it before but Kamille was right, Scern was probably really old. he existed during an age when the gods were around. It was strange to think considering all he’d done. To think years and years ago Scern was just a hero, someone who fought for the sake of justice. How did someone so noble who stood alongside heroes become such a dark pathetic shell of what he used to be? For some foolish idea of what the world needed, a disgusting idea of ends justifying the means. He pushed the feeling of frustration and anger to the side; this was an important conversation he wanted to hear and be a part of. Scern was a really bad dude but at least Javal was going to understand him and get as much of his wisdom as he could tonight.
He listened to the man's words as he spoke, staring at him right in the eyes as the fire burnt in front of him. Are Gods just really strong people? People who get power from domains of energy? So gods were just basically normal people who were super strong and drew power from mysterious domains. It confused Javal for how strange the thought was but also kind of excited him. He wished he was able to fight one of the gods and see how strong they were.
He held his hand on his blade as he saw suddenly the flames in front of them change and form shape. He lowered it and placed his hand on his lap as he realized Scern was just adding to his storytelling flair which he did appreciate. For as evil and a mean guy as he was, he was an incredibly well-mannered individual which he respected. He reached over towards the food and grabbed another chicken leg eating it as he watched Scern weave wonderful images and tell his shocking truth.
Javal then after hearing Scern would speak, “So you’re so that the gods were just heroes? Cool and strong adventurers like me and Kamille here harnessed magical domains to such an intense degree they reached the title of a god. If that’s the case then couldn’t I or Kamille become a god if we trained hard enough? What do you need to master complete control of a domain? I’ve reached an exalted level of sea magic practicing it every day to get stronger. Do I have to practice two or three times a day? Do I have to take a test? I am kind of bad at tests myself so I’ll have to study for hours and hours”.
He then got serious, “So the gods were being selfish mean guys and not letting anyone reach their level. That’s super rude and plain mean I can’t believe it this whole time I thought they were paragons of justice and honor in reality they never wanted anyone to be like them even if we could. I’m sorry your friend betrayed you. Ziev is truly an evil bastard and I promise to hunt him down and end him myself for his wicked crimes. Still, the thought that anyone can become a god is pretty crazy. Can a really powerful and magically gifted squirrel become a god if he trained hard enough?”.
The fellblood then grew alarmed, “What do you mean beyond your understanding? Is there stuff out there beyond this realm that is going to come after us? Things even stronger and scarier than Vulcadreus? Although part of me is excited I’m also terrified considering how much it took to bring it down”.
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Post by Lady Kamille Verlithax on Dec 28, 2023 19:14:21 GMT -5
A deafening silence on her end could only mean there was too much noise in her head. And indeed her thoughts ran in circles, trying to incorporate every new piece of information that Scern threw their way.
Kamille didn't even seem to flinch at Scern's moves - either because she was too confidant in their abilities, or she didn't have that natural distrust or battle readiness the other seemed to have developed. The flames danced and showed the story Scern was telling, and her azure eyes wouldn't leave the fire long after he was done talking. A complicated set of feelings wrestled in her chest, adding a weight to her stomach that made her feel slightly nauseous. The Witch had only recently come to understand that her father was much older than she had first thought - was it possible that he had known the Gods as they really were? Was he that old? For sometime she had fought against the notion he tried to hammer down on her, the idea the Gods were not as kind as they appeared to be. But he was right.
He'd been right the whole time.
If that's the case then couldn't I or Kamille become a god if we trained hard enough?
Oh, Javal...
How can you speak into existance such dangerous thought?
To think that the Gods were once merely mortals that acquired such immense power... Enough to call themselves Gods and have the whole of Charon worshipping them... They had mortal lives, mortal names once. And to think that was so much about magic that they still didn't know, that still remained to be learned... It was evident that not even Scern's own view on the matter was complete, but she wondered...
She wondered...
"..........Are you hurt?"
Scern didn't look like he would go much farther than that, and for the amount of information that he held, she felt a pang of desperation to think all of that would simply dissappear from the world should he die before he passed it on. Maybe that was the reason he was willing to share so much with them. A part of her also came to sympathise with the "villain" from the time she glanced over his memories, not a hint of her mocking stance left once he also dropped his villanous act.
Stabbed in the back by a brother, someone he loved. She couldn't imagine what such pain would do to herself in the same situation. The Witch probably wouldn't want nothing but to set the world on fire. She shivered.
Betrayal.
"I can understand why you wouldn't disclose such information before. Not long ago, I came across a cult that was trying to revive Lunala - fully accepted her death, and still didn't accept her true nature. These Gods, these... people... Shaped Charon as it is today - its hard to dispell the notion they are not the loving and justice bound entities that centuries of history told us. I wonder if Mathias already knew all of this when you were about to deliver the final blow to the Gods. And how would he come across that? Do you know of their mortal names? I wonder if it means something now, with so much lost I assume they would want to erase their connection to their mortal selves... Also... What is Solus?"
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Post by Admin: Soul on Jan 13, 2024 12:58:56 GMT -5
Scern couldn't help but to let out a light hearted chuckle as Javal fired off question after question, he was an excitable man who had a lot to say, but much still left to learn. It was obvious on Kamille's face that she was struggling with something different, her empty, distracted gaze was all to familiar to the man, having experienced this gaze himself many, many times. He knew the information he was providing was tough to comprehend, having fought for thousands of years to convince anyone of the truth, but time had a way of catching up to someone, even someone who had experienced multiple life times.
"It's not that simple, in fact it's as complicated as something could be. History has only ever known the gods to be loving, benevolent creators. The truth of who they were, what they could do, and their true motives has been erased from history, a false narrative created to subjugate others. The term god was created by mortals here on Charon, to explain and deify beings who could do what others could not. The secrets of what magic is, and how it works is still mostly a mystery to us, as is the origins of these so called gods."
"No amount of hard work or training can get you to their level, they possessed something beyond our understanding, and were able to manipulate something that should not have been manipulable. Even my own attempts to understand the past have hit a block, so much of our history has been stolen from us."
Scern took another pause, standing for the first time since beginning his conversation. He would shuffle through the snow, towards his make shift tent and grab another big, heavy set of furs. He would return, further bundled up, and sit once again. He would lock eyes with Kamille, the tone of his voice changing now as his apparent exhaustion became obvious.
"To be blunt, I am dying. I took advantage of the Sol Stones unique function, which had the added affect of letting me live forever, my soul trapped here on Charon. With the veil removed, life, and death, has returned to me. The lifetimes I have lived are now catching up with me and it appears that my days, like the gods, are numbered."
He chuckled again, having spoken about his death for the first time. It was dawning on the cult leader that his life was coming to an end, and the irony of it all was comical to the man. He turned back to Kamille, knowing that his next set of words would resonate with her the most.
"Solus? They didn't even teach you that? That's what we called the planet we live on. There are vast lands beyond Charon, an entire world filled with life. This was common knowledge before Ziev manipulated the story. I am not afraid of death, I have welcomed it long ago. However I do fear that with my passing, the truth will also die. The crown is so afraid to admit the truth, they perpetuate this belief for their own good, even if it means the fall of reality. Ziev needs to be stopped, and my concern is that I am the only one who can do it."
He paused again, this time on purpose. He was summoning the energy to say what came next, and locked eyes with Kamille, knowing that she was the only person alive who could even begin to understand his perspective. What he was about to say would shake the foundation of Charon, and hopefully, save his life.
"What if I told you Kamille, that you possess the ability to save me. That my life, tonight here in this storm, is in your hands. I am not long for this world, and by sunrise tomorrow, I will be dead. But you, you can save me, you can extend my life if you so choose."
He stopped, knowing full well that what he was asking was psychotic. No one in their right mind would actively choose to save the mass murderer Scern. He wished deep down that these two could see the light, and look past what they thought of him as a person.
"I understand this may be overwhelming, but Kamille, you need me to stop Ziev, and I need you to keep me alive."
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Post by Javal Zarrias on Jan 14, 2024 4:47:58 GMT -5
The fellblood was taken aback as he heard Kamille question Scern if he was injured or okay. Javal hadn’t paid much attention to the man’s condition; he was much more focused on the information he was offering. She was right though, the man seemed ghastly it looked as if he only had a little more to live before he passed. It was an uncomfortable thought, he did feel some sort of sympathy he found people’s deaths to be tragic even if they were villains. Scern had appeared to Javal as a sympathetic figure, someone who had been hurt and as such hurt other people; it was a bit of an ethical conundrum for him. What would he do if he was in the same scenario? He would like to think that he’d be able to come out on top, stay his normal self, and pursue his same sense of justice. However there is part of him that thinks he might end up exactly like Scern, and he pushes that thought back into his head. He listens to Scern go on giving them his wisdom though while keeping his condition in mind. Gods weren’t the nice and noble deities he’d thought, instead, it was just a lie told to everyone. It was a hard bit of information to swallow for the fellblood he wasn’t a very religious person only praying to Avasha and Salina during times of danger or when he’d sail across the Luna Sea it was still a mind-blowing revelation.
He sighed a little disappointed that no matter how hard he trained the beings he thought were gods were just that much stronger because of their true resonance with magic. What was it that the ‘gods’ did and how were they able to manipulate something they wouldn't even understand? It was a lot to think about and a little confusing for Javal but still, he wanted to know more. He was extremely curious and wanted to know the true history of their world, what did it all mean? Javal stayed wary of the man as he got up and returned to the two with more layers than before.
Javal dropped his chicken leg as Scern spoke, “Solus? I thought this whole time that Charon was just Charon but we live on Solus? I can’t believe that our history has been so clouded by lies it’s unfair and it’s not right”.
Javal then shook his head and focused on the man’s desperate plea for life. He stood up and looked at Scern right in the eyes.
“Kamille if I may, I would like to speak my mind and give my opinion on the matter considering who we're dealing with. I believe in redemption, I believe in rehabilitation, and I know that people can change for the better. However Scern has hurt a lot of people, lives have been lost, and families have been broken because of this man’s madness. I would like to believe that Scern can change and grow but I can’t in good faith just just believe him completely".
He glances at the man, "How do I know that you won’t run off and continue your nefarious actions if Kamille can heal you? Yes, you’ve been an incredible guest and very kind giving us important mind-blowing information but that doesn’t mean you’ve completely earned my trust. Ziev is an important threat that must be taken care of but don’t forget that at one point you were as well. Kamille we have to make sure Scern never kills innocent people again. I’m fine letting him live but I want complete assurance from Scern that he’ll behave himself”.
He then flashes his sword, his eyes glaring at the man, “For if I find that you have taken advantage of Kamille’s kindness and continue to terrorize Charon, I promise you I will find you and strike you down myself. My word is my binding vow and I won’t let you hurt anyone ever again”.
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Post by Lady Kamille Verlithax on Jan 14, 2024 18:53:28 GMT -5
Even the ocean has a bottom - and there were things that not even Scern was capable of answering. There was a secret that the Gods had mastered that had allowed them to elevate themselves above everyone else. For a moment she wondered why Scern researched such a topic, for him to be able to claim he wasn't successful in his studies... Was it just because he wanted to understand the gods to undermine them?
...Or did he have other intentions?
Still, it amazed her how some people would welcome the end with open arms, and not only that, but a hint of relief even. Scern had a heavy weight upon his shoulders, the ages catching up to him as the Sol Stone shattered-
If the Sol Stone was what kept him from dying, and he was the one that actually destroyed it, then...
Did he sacrifice his immortality to have a go at Ziev?
Her thoughts were quickly distracted by the next revelation: Charon was not the whole known world?! She looked marveled at that! What more there could be? What lied beyond? If the veil of life and death was not the only thing lifted, what else would they find from now on?
And not only that... But what kind of knowledge did the gods erase from history? What else was lost? So much knowledge, so much technology...
So many secrets.
Scern spoke of how only he had the knowledge to fight Ziev back, and while she believed him in some degree, the thought sat uncomfortably in her mind. Would he tell them? Would he relay the information to them willingly? He had been very open so far, and if his days were numbered and he wanted to see his goal fulfilled, she assumed he would not hesitate in telling them more...
And that is when he asked of her something she never would've expected.
......He wanted her to save him?
For a moment her face went blank, and she felt herself blinking a few times as the cult leader, mass murderer Scern stared at her, asking something so absurd, so ridiculous!... as to knock the words out of the Witch of Moonglade.
Could she actually save him?
Could she actually save the knowledge he kept?
A hint of relief caught her by surprise as Javal took the time to speak, and while the meaning of the words came to her with a slight delay, she felt grateful for the hundreth time for the presence of the fellblood.
I believe in redemption.
...Did she?
Eventually Javal had ran out of words, and the silence sat heavy between them. It wasn't for long, as Kamille suddenly stood up and walked away.
Without a word, she just stood up and walked, with steps so determined it might look like she was late for an appointment. Even Mischief seemed confused for a moment, still in her arms before growing too annoyed and flying away.
She didn't go far, however, standing some good 20 feet away from them, where she started to pace back and forth.
The spiralling snowflakes falling gave her a sense of vertigo - or was it just the thousands of thoughts rushing through her mind? How could this day become so different from what she had imagined? Was Scern playing them? Was him following them all along, setting that meeting in such a way to weasel his way around their heads? That sounded ridiculous, why would he do that?
You need me to stop Ziev, and I need you to keep me alive.
Almost as sudden as she left, she came back after a couple of moments with the same decided steps, almost stomping. Clearly the Witch had needed the time to think, but it was an insanely short period of time to decide on something that felt so important. At this point she didn't seem to mind if Scern would realize the kind of magic she would cast, so she weaved the spell regardless if he would find it out or not [1]. She seemed slightly out of breath, but her vague and blank expression had given place to that stare - that disorienting starry gaze, a gravitas and weight that had made the Witch of Moonglade known.
A pull as inescapable as the tide.
"If........ If I agree to this... If this is possible... Do you understand that anything you do will be on me? That the blood on your hands will also be in mine?"
And she wouldn't have innocent blood on her hands. Javal would understand that. Javal... It was so good to have him here.
"What guarantees can you give us that you won't just continue on killing innocent people? That would have to stop."
She had always thought that the ends justify the means, but... the massacre of innocents? She couldn't stand behind that. No matter the end. Not after she had seen what Scern did and the damage it made to the lives of many innocents. She had helped some of them stand back on their own again.
No. That would have to end there.
"And I also want to learn everything you can teach. Everything. From... History to the Dark domain. Everything that was lost. Knowledge like that is not meant to be kept away."
Not from her, at least. Her words had started to sound more demanding by the minute.
"And you will periodically report back to me. To us."
Kamille looked at Javal. If no one else, Javal would keep Scern's morals at check.
And hopefully her own.
"Assuming... Assuming we arrive to an agreement... What would I need to do? What is the price?"
Because nothing like that would come without a price. She had a hint of what it could be, but she wouldn't get ahead of herself, as she hardly thought Scern would agree to all of her terms.
[1]Detect lies
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Post by Admin: Soul on Jan 20, 2024 15:26:13 GMT -5
He listened to their words, absorbed how they felt, and even allowed Kamille to use her magic on him without any restraint, to anyone who didn't know of him, Scern would seem like a reasonable man. It was obvious his request was taking a toll on the two, after all, neither of them expected for Scern to ask such a thing. He just sat silent, allowing them the opportunity to say or ask anything they wanted, even understanding the awkward silence that fell between the group. As expected, they had request of their own, stipulations set in place to ensure his madness did not continue. No one could blame them for wanting him to make promises, even Scern himself expected nothing less.
"My dream growing up was to be a hero, to save the world and die a legend. Stories don't always end the way we want. I admit, my choice in company was not the greatest, and under my leadership, was responsible for all kinds of acts of violence. My choices in friends was not a luxury I could afford, after being marked a madman by the crown, there were few groups of people that would listen to me. Eventually my pleas for help turned into the ravings of a psychopath, and as such, I surrounded myself with the one group of people who listened, other psychopaths."
There was a flicker of regret in his eyes, a moment of reflection. He had never shared these feelings with anyone, not since Mathias. It would be hard to see Scern as anything other than what the world said he was, but deep beneath the legendary villain sat a tormented soul, someone who continued to fight for a world that no longer wanted him.
"I am no longer affiliated with anyone, my entire purpose was to reveal the truth, and in some way, I have succeeded. My goals were to destroy the stone and take Math...Ziev out with me. If it wasn't for me having to redirect my energy to saving someone, both myself and Ziev would be dead right now. Alas, fate has put me on a different road, and my suffering continues. I do not fear death, I await it, and if I was no longer needed, I would happily let you end my life right here. Ziev is a threat we can no longer ignore, for when he returns, even I will be useless against him."
"I can teach you everything I know, but even that may not be enough. If you decide to spare me, all of my efforts will go into finding out how Mathias did what he did, and how I can revert it. I know it will still take a long time to trust me, if that's even possible, but time is something we are quickly running out of. As for what you can do, well, your encounter with Ziev has left a mark on you, a small piece of essence that radiates from your person. This is the essence that will save my life, by passing it over, you will extend my life by another year. The process is simple, but it requires trust."
As he finished speaking, he simply extended an open palm, never breaking eye contact with Kamille. He had allowed her into his mind once before, allowed her to glimpse a small fraction of the suffering he had endured. If they were going to have a chance at saving Charon, saving the world, it would begin tonight, with a simple, yet enormous choice. During every word, Scern allowed Kamille to use her magic to read his intentions.
Everything he had said was the truth.
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Post by Javal Zarrias on Jan 22, 2024 17:59:27 GMT -5
Javal looked back at Kamille confused as she walked away from them and began pacing around, “Kamille? Are you okay?”, he calmed out worried about her state. She walked a bit away and looked entrenched in deep thought.
This was heavy, hefty pressure and stress to take on for someone to bear, he understood that. They’d been given not only just some wise words from a dying old man but also a mass murderer who was known as Charon’s most wanted person alive at the moment and who revealed the hidden truths of the world to them. How were they supposed to react? What was originally known as truth and fact was just lies and half-truths to fuel selfish desires.
He understands Kamille’s frustration, especially considering the heavy weight of choice was on her shoulders. Whatever decision Kamille made the fellblood was more than alright with standing by and he was determined to make sure it was seen through with no trickery from Scern whom he kept a serious iron gaze on. He stood right next to her fingers on the hilt of his blade as he listened to Kamille speak. She was right if Scern was to escape and hurt innocents it would be in her hands entirely. They needed assurance that Scern was going to change, it didn’t matter if this fellow was their only key to survival Javal needed to be sure.
Javal raised his voice adding to her demands, “I would also like to learn from you Mister Screen. For even if I may not be as arcanely talented or as smart as Kamille I still want to get all the knowledge from you I can”.
He nodded proudly at Kamille for being so steadfast and stern in her words simply exclaiming, “Indeed, exactly as what she said!”.
Javal’s voice lowered as he heard Scern reminisce on his history shaken up a bit by his words. What the man echoed was scarily similar to himself. This man was speaking of a dream and reality that was the same that he had. It made him melancholic and sympathized with the fellow. After all, he seemed like a pretty honorable dude but the crowd drove him to his madness. And how couldn’t he end up mad? When your home hates you and everything seems to crash all around you. It didn’t excuse the man’s crimes, not one but he still committed murder and destroyed countless lives. However, Javal understood him better at least the man wasn’t all bad not always. Perhaps there truly was room for redemption that lay within him.
He spoke, letting his hand go off his blade’s hilt, no longer seeing the man as a threat, “I’m glad you’ve shared your knowledge with us. I truly appreciate it. You have done a lot of evil in this world but also a lot of good. You’re right Ziev needs to be stopped, Charon cannot handle suffering under his wrath. I believe in you Scern. I think you can become a good person. I'll still keep my eyes peeled for your behavior but you have my word that I do indeed trust you even if just a little bit. I hope to learn from you further to become strong enough to help stop Ziev even a little bit".
He then turns to look at Kamille as the other man extends his hand to her and gives her a slight smile, “I think we should give him one final chance my friend, however, the choice is yours to make. Whatever you decide I will agree, support you, and not interfere. Considering what is needed of you I can understand if you need some time to think. Know I’m right here with you and offer you my support and belief that whatever you decide to do is the right choice”.
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Post by Lady Kamille Verlithax on Jan 27, 2024 9:59:28 GMT -5
There was no surprise in knowing that his words rang true, a remarkably constant issue during her few encounters with the mad man. Who would've thought that Charon's lunatics were often more honest than their governing body...?
From the moment Scern had mentioned the way his life was linked to the Sol Stone, if she was to be honest, she already knew the price to be paid to extend his life. What surprised her was to think how the thought did not sit uncomfortable in her mind - not any more than the lingering feeling of that... thing. She wasn't sure of what it was, and she tried to get comfortable in its presence. It made her feel unstable and brought about intrusive thoughts. It made her feel not like herself. And for as much as she had wanted to learn more about it, more about what to make of it, Kamille was also not terribly heartbroken to part with it. If anything, she was glad some good could come of it, and that Scern could take it out of her hands. Kamille suspected it was the presence of this thing, this essence, that had made her a target of the Lunala cult and their attempt at bringing back their goddess. The thought suddenly made her gut burn with anger. How many times she had tried to reconcile with the gods? How much had she tried to be understanding? And how much trouble had them casted upon her, even long after their death? From kidnapping, attempted murder, a family curse and the royal family's twisted world of politics?
No, thanks.
The Witch of Moonglade did not need anything from the gods.
A hint of dissappointment curved her lips downwards at Scern's answer, however. It made her believe Scern wouldn’t have the time to pass on the knowledge he had if he would spend his whole time after Ziev. And Javal seemed to agree, as he interjected and expressed his desire of learning what Scern had to offer too. The fellblood kept surprising her, and even more at his unwavering support. Her vision blurred when she felt warm tears in her eyes, but rather than to let them roll freely, Kamille took a deep breath and forced them back. She didn’t want to worry Javal with the maelstrom of emotions swirling inside, mostly because her tears felt warm with gratitude rather than sadness. Not for the last time, she smiled at Javal. There was no way of telling the inner struggles he had at the moment, how close Scern's story hit him. Yet, if he chose to open up later, she would gladly offer her attention. This night spared no one, it would seem.
Once again she turned to Scern, stepping closer and kneeling down before him so they would stand on the same level. It didn’t escape her that the only reason Ziev and Scern weren’t dead by now was because Scern chose to protect the adventurers that came with him to fight the fake god.
"Right now, I really want two things. One, that we see Charon rid of Ziev. And two, that we may rescue some of the long lost knowledge that you still have. One is certainly a more pressing matter than the other, but if I can take some of the burden out of your hands, I have resources you can turn to; Crows and Sparrows all around Charon that can help. I ask that you find the time to come back and teach us something. Do not let all of that die with you."
Her eyes lowered for the palm he extended before her. A simple, yet complicated choice. Killing the potential of what it could become, for the certainty of what he offered. And, perhaps like the fool that she was, she trusted Scern, the madman, the mass murderer. She trusted him with the essence of the divine that had brought her nothing but trouble. And she trusted him to take Ziev down.
"Maybe... We can even give you the hero's death you have always wanted."
And without hesitation, the Witch reached out to Scern's hand.
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Post by Admin: Soul on Feb 8, 2024 11:59:09 GMT -5
"You have given me a second chance to right a wrong, I will forever be grateful for the kindness the two of you have shown me and I promise, this kindness will not go to waste."The weakened, pathetic heap shifted forward as Kamille knelt before him, offering her hand for his. Their palms gently glided across each other before resting, the cold of the air making way to the warmth the Witch provided, a mortal warmth Scern had not felt in decades. Kamille would feel very little, a simple shift in the back of her mind as the essence Ziev left behind flowed from her conscious and into Scern's. The real spectacle was Scern however, who would instantly draw the attention of everyone present as the divine essence flowed through his entire body. Color rushed back into his face, skin no longer appearing to hang off his bones, his hair grew a little, thin scraggly strands becoming thicker and healthy, returning Scern to his handsome youth. The scars and wounds that had littered his body now faded away, revealing what he would have looked like in his prime. His body hunched over, throwing him onto all fours in the snow as he struggled with the power that coursed through his body. After a few moments however he would gather himself and stand, an obvious change now present. His eyes glowed a deep golden, wisp of magic escaping from areas of his body giving him an almost angelic, luminous glow. He reveled in it for a moment, giving the rest of the group a second to fully digest what was happening. Then spoke, however what was once a scratchy, weak voice, was now a deep booming tone, commanding and regal. "Ahhh, much better."Kamille and Javal would both feel an immense surge of magic emanate from the man, who was clearly enamored with his returned power. After inspecting his returned strength, Scern lifted a single hand and snapped, instantly ending the brutal blizzard that had been pelting the forest the entire night. In a matter of seconds the snow had stopped, the wind had died down and there were no signs that it had been badly storming just a minute before. "Woah, this feels good."
His attention turned back to Kamille. "I will forever be in your debt for this. As for what comes next, I have many things to look into and prepare for, with very little time to do so, but I have every intention of upholding my promises. In three months time, meet me at this location with anyone else you trust with this information, and I will teach you some of what I know. As for now, I have one final thing to do and must be taking my leave."
A large ring of runes would start to glow from beneath the snow, one that encircled the entire camp site, however it was slow, and steadily increased in power as Scern spoke. Both Kamille and Javal would have images flashed through their mind, a location in the Marsh Flats relayed to them mentally by Scern. He was setting up their next meeting, and hoping that both parties would have new information when they met back up. "Before I conclude our conversation, I would like to ask one last thing. If you had the option of bringing a god back to life, would you do it?"
The ring of runes continued to glow brighter and brighter, the spell nearing its end. Kamille, who was extremely adept in the Arcane arts, would not recognize the spell, but would be able to tell based on its runes, that it was some form of teleportation, a rare kind of magic in Charon. He grinned, this time in a friendly way that instilled trust and confidence. "You don't have to answer now, but I would like to know your thoughts on the matter next time we meet. This spell will take the two of you to any city in Charon you wish, you just have to think about it. As for me, I will be taking my leave. Tonight was a blessing, I am excited for our new partnership and look forward to what comes next. "
The air within the circle would start to glow a deep blue, the spell taking it's effects. Anyone who remained inside would instantly be teleported the the city gates of their choosing, while anyone who left the circle would stay behind. Scern would shed the layers of fur he wore and smiled, offering a genuine wave as the spell completed, whisking him away and across Charon. A single phrase would linger in the air as they faded away. "Thank you"
-Scern Exit- -To be continued-
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Post by Javal Zarrias on Feb 14, 2024 20:55:30 GMT -5
The fellblood stood alongside Kamille watching her confidently as she met Scern at his level. A smile and a look of satisfied confidence appeared on the man’s face as he listened to Kamille’s words. Her demands were incredibly fair and honorable; they were trusting the man who once was wanted by all of Charon to help save it and help the heroes. For all the damage and destruction that Scern had left before, he had so much to offer the world. Javal believed in him, he believed that anyone had the chance to change for the better if they tried.
Suddenly as Kamille’s hands met with the ragged shell of a man a change was immediately noticeable. The man’s form was returned to one fit for a hero, it was amazing. No longer was the pathetic husk of a being with them instead there was a powerful-looking man in front of them. The fellblood was taken aback by this; he was honestly expecting Kamille to have to use her great magic or some sort of ritual but no man was returned to his former prime it seemed. It was amazing that so was the power of Sol Stone, a shard of mysterious magic he’d only heard of but had never seen firsthand before. He looked puzzled as even Scern's former hoarse weakened voice had been changed, was this the same guy they were having such a heartfelt conversation with? Javal’s instincts kicked in immediately gripping his blade as a surge of magic immediately could be felt from the man. His body was on high alert wary of just how powerful the former villain truly was now. He with a single finger stopped the once ravenous chilling snowstorm around them and made the weather a pleasant night.
He listened to Scern express his gratitude and smiled. The man truly seemed like he was changed for the better. Kamille had given him a chance at life; he hoped that his words were indeed sincere. Suddenly he held his head as images flashed through his mind a location of the Marsh flats. It seemed like the man intended for them to meet up once more someday and was giving them directions. He looked over at Kamille to see how she was taking it before his attention was focused back on the powerful mage.
He proposed an interesting question indeed he didn’t even take a moment to answer simply blurting his first thought, “Of course I would it could be a chance to make a new friend or if they turned out bad at least I would have a good fight on my hands even if i’d lose”, he smiled as he spoke truly earnest in his words.
He started to notice that strange ring of runes around them he wasn’t particularly well-versed in any magic besides the sea domain. The fellblood looked at his companion and whispered, “Kamille are the runes around us okay?”.
He then responds to Scern’s farewell yelling, “Seeya Scern I hope to see you doing good the next time we meet, remember that if I find you doing anything evil I’ll kill you myself”. His voice echoes on as he is then enveloped in deep blue light immediately teleporting to the only that he had in mind at the moment, the pale city they are he and Kamille were headed to earlier.
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Post by Lady Kamille Verlithax on Mar 3, 2024 10:00:28 GMT -5
Clenching her jaw and holding her breath, it was clear she had expected to feel a bigger backlash from the touch. Certainly not that... feeling of something skittering away from her mind, that presence that she felt that didn't belong. The divine essence was gone even before she had the time to understand what to make of it, and she prefered it that way.
Just as she was about to breath a sigh of relief, power rushed through Scern. Kamille jumped back, alarmed, not even noticing she held onto Javal who was standing nearby.
As wondrous as the break of dawn, power flowed back to the cultist to erase the effects of time. Eras upon eras that curved the man seemed to be lifted from his shoulders, making him stand proudly as he would at his prime. More than that, but he commanded such power that willed the snow storm to stop with nothing but a snap of the fingers. To wield such power, to make a terrible storm feel nothing more than a nuisance, whipped away with a flicker of the wrist. That was the figure that the people knew - the cultist, the madman.
The powerful mage.
The realization that she had done the right thing came when Scern turned back to her, promising to stand by his words. It brought a warm smile to her face to hear Scern was willing to teach them - it was a better gamble than she could've hoped for. A divine essence for forgoten knowledge? An exchange she would gladly make anytime.
And to honor such agreement, Scern already set the terms of their encounter, three months from there. Probably the one time she would be happily visiting the Marsh Flats, to meet a wanted criminal again. Her mind quickly went to the arrangements she would have to do - the Witch probably should invite Javal over her home so they could head there together. The Marsh Flats were conveniently close to home...
Scern weaved a ring of runes effortlessly, and the novelty seemed to make her eyes shine like nothing else could. If he could make such rare spells so easily, what else could he do? What else could he teach them?
Kamille had barely recovered from the surprise before the cultist threw another question at them. Despite not expecting an answer for the moment, it was clear by the way the Witch's face scrunched up in a scowl of what could be her opinion. She didn't seem to hold the Gods in the highest regards, if it was not already abundantly clear by now. There was still enough in her to smile at Javal as he gave his honest answer, even if she didn't share of his opinion. Once again she turned to Scern, eyes glinting with excitement.
"I look forward to our next meeting. I sincerely hope Fate treats you better until then."
Kamille offered a flawless curtsy, the kind perfected a lifetime ago, when she was part of the Court of the Sun King. She was quick to entangle her arm with the fellblood's, nodding as he inquired of the runes, pushing forward thoughts of the Pale City, their original destination.
She wasn't entirely sure of the nature of the runes, of course, but if that night had taught her something was that Scern was worth the leap of faith. And as arcane threads swirled around her and Javal, the last words the cultist left them still lingering in their minds, Kamille couldn't help but grin to herself, excited about what's to come.
See you next time, Scern.
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