The_Warlock said:
Now THAT is what I call tactics...
Luckily, they'll get over it soon, I'm sure
carborundum said:
Oooo ... nice one, Gareth!
See below!
* * * * * * * * * *
King Boranel calls to the Deneith Throne Wardens, “Keep everyone outside for now. Just in case.” Kaius adds his voice and the Wardens comply, though after a moment they let Jaela through. Sora Maenya, now certain that there are no enemies left, departs disappointed. Which leaves the Angels standing around with the rulers of Thrane, Breland, Karrnath, and Darguun, and the official Champion of the Silver Flame, general of the armies of Thrane.
The hobgoblin Lhesh Haruuc finishes cleaning his sword and nods at the Angels in general and says, “Thank you. Many people owe you their lives.” Gareth nods back. “We appreciate that, and your martial skills came in very handy too.” Haruuc smiles and then steps over to exchange a couple of words with Boranel and Kaius.
As he does so, Jaela then walks over, a pleased but slightly worried smile on her face, “Haruuc is right. Without your presence, this would have been a disaster. And this, I think, will underline the danger we are all in. Xoriat has made its first big move in the war, and now we will have to decide how to respond. But we should rejoin the others. Come. And thank you again.” From behind her, Cedric grins over her head and gives the Angels a big thumbs-up.
Gareth scratches his head. “I do not think this attack was really meant to kill us. I think they were meant to test our abilities. Nameless, is it possible for you to see if someone was or is still scrying on us? I’d imagine the leader of these forces would be quite hard to detect.”
Nameless shakes his head. “No scrying sensors. But I'm absolutely sure they were intended to kill. If my spell hadn’t given us prior warning and delayed them, four beholders firing their rays into a crowded chamber would have been a bloodbath.” He glances at the bodies. “They’re layered in multiple protective spells, but none of them carry a single magical item on them.”
Six, who was kneeling over some of the bodies, says, “And no possessions, except for clothing and pouches holding spell components.”
“Maybe they wanted to ensure that it’s hard for us to track them back magically,” says Gareth. Then he turns towards Cedric and Jaela, seeming to address the former. “Your eminence, what is the next step you would like for us to take with these preparations? The forces of Xoriat will come through whichever portal they can find, and there are many, so we cannot station guards there as anything short of an army would get decimated.”
Cedric gives Gareth a dirty look, then grins and says, “At the moment we need to finish the meeting. As for what we do with the forces of Xoriat, that depends on where and how they attack, but we can discuss that afterwards. And if you call me ‘eminence’ again, I will kick your ass from here to Sharn.”
Inwardly amused, Gareth puts on a confused expression. “What are you talking about, Cedric? I was speaking to the Keeper. My apologies, I didn’t mean to slight you or hurt your feelings by asking the Keeper a military question instead of you.”
As Jaela looks puzzled, Cedric shakes his head and says, “Ass. Boot. Sharn.”
Ignoring the interchange, Luna rolls. Though her tendriculos form has no face, her tentacles droop disappointedly, since she has ascertained that Six is right about the lack of treasure and magic to be gained from the dead aberrations. “We’re definitely going to need to re-equip our paladin properly,” she says to nobody in particular, “If he’s going to be really useful when they do come all tricked out with powerful magic items. And it couldn’t hurt if we had some stuff for the rest of us as well.” She indicates Nameless and Gareth. “These guys lost their lives getting this info. Well ... sorta.” She glances at the monarchs. “What do you think? Can someone help out our paladin? In the end, it may help save the world – and you all live there too.”
Cedric stares as Luna speaks her piece, and then begins to laugh, but his laughter is drowned out by Boranel’s explosive guffaw. The gray-bearded monarch of Breland laughs so hard that he actually has to support himself with a hand on Kaius’ shoulder. The king of Karrnath looks mildly surprised at this and apparently isn’t as amused. After a few seconds, Boranel straightens and mostly ceases his laughter. “The Traveler take me – you people don't waste time when you want rewards, do you?” he chuckles. “Don’t worry. I’ll see what can be arranged for you. But now, we do need to finish this conference. I’m sure,” and his face sets in darker lines, “There’s much work to be done.”
Jaela nods. “Yes, there is. But I think people might be a little more open to suggestion after what just happened. Follow me, please.” She turns and heads for the door, followed by Cedric and the three monarchs.
As the Angels follow them, Luna begins to squeeze herself through the door, saying, “Well, it looks like all the excitement is over, and now I’ve pretty much explained the situation to everyone properly, and in plain language. So I shall just go outside and have a nice nap in the sun.” She yawns cavernously. “Call me if you need me to negotiate anything and if not, you can just let me know what happens. A brief synopsis should be more than fine.”
After a slightly surprised look, Jaela asks a couple of the Throne Wardens to escort Luna outside. The Deneith warriors look even more surprised, but proceed to do so. The castle does have very expansive and well-tended gardens, so there are a number of places for Luna to relax. And scare some of the local fauna out of a few years’ growth.
The meeting continues in another large chamber, if not as expansive as the first. Many of those present, though not any of the three rulers who got involved in the battle themselves, nor the two hags from Droaam, are understandably nervous and upset about what happened, but having to get back to business does seem to calm them somewhat. As Jaela expected, the attack also has the effect of both underlining the danger to Khorvaire and the need for urgency. And a small benefit for the Angels is that they cease being questioned about their role in the coming of Xoriat and any queries have more to do with what can be done in the future.
Queen Aurala, who seems to remain even more singularly unhappy about the situation than anyone else, asks the Angels, “Since you seem to know so much about this situation, what are your recommendations about the situation and how we deal with it?”
Gareth bows to her before he responds, “Without a doubt, your Highness, alerting the public to this event would incite mass hysteria and this would do no more than help Xoriat. So I do not believe we should spread this information. But we do have to prepare. It may be time for each kingdom to start increasing its military forces and to train our people to fight aberrations without letting them know that is what is occurring. Start equipping them with equipment and techniques that will bypass the defenses of these aberrations. We also need to include war wizards and priests in all regiments, since magic will be needed to fight these creatures, so we need to be training more wizards, priests, and druids for military duty. But, before we do that, we need to draw up a treaty that is better than the one we have now.”
The paladin continues, looking around the chamber, “We are independent nations on one planet that will be attacked by a unified, determined, and superior force. Our biggest advantage is that they are attacking us on our home ground. Our biggest disadvantage is that we are still fragmented pieces of a great whole. We need to increase our forces, to unite them and to break down the walls of distrust that separate one nation from another.” As he warms to the subject, Gareth rises to his feet. “We need all people of Khorvaire to learn that we are all kinsmen who wish to live in peace. Only if we are united in one front can we hope to prevail. That is what I propose – something which might be contrary to the thoughts of most in this room, and many in Khorvaire – but it is the only way we can survive. Anything else, and we might as well surrender ourselves to Xoriat this very moment and simply die.”
Aurala purses her lips, but before she can answer, another voice does. “You are right, Gareth,” says Boranel, his voice calm but firm, carrying clearly across the chamber, “We must present a united front if we are to have our best chance of success and minimize our losses. I am
not proposing, ladies and gentlemen, before someone jumps to that conclusion, that we attempt to unite under one banner, since that would be patently impossible. In fact, I propose nothing. I will simply make a declaration here. I promise, here and now, that the forces of Breland will not just be on a war footing within the day, but we will aid to the best of our ability the people of any nation represented here.”
The eyes of the monarch of Breland, arguably the most powerful country in Khorvaire move around the table. His gaze meets that of Aurala, Kaius and Jaela, leaders of the countries Breland battled throughout the Last War, and that of Sora Maenya (and the sightless expression of Sora Teraza), whose minions took the western part of Breland for their own, and Lhesh Haruuc, whose goblinoid kingdom of Darguun includes some of what was eastern Breland. “
Any nation. Whatever our past and whatever situations we have at hand right now. And no, I do not ask for such a promise in return.”
There is a moment’s silence and then the clank of metal as Lhesh Haruuc rises to his feet and bows to the king of Breland. “My people fought Xoriat thousands of years ago, and we will do so again now. The forces of Darguun will stand ready to aid any who need it. Thus pledge I, the Lhesh Haruuc, and my word is my bond.”
The hobgoblin glares around as a couple of muffled snickers erupt around the table, but before he can say anything more, Cedric (after casting a quick glance at Jaela) rises swiftly. “Speaking on behalf of Thrane and the Church of the Silver Flame, I can promise that Thranish forces will be ready to aid whoever we can.”
The next speaker doesn’t rise, but the voice of King Kaius III of Karrnath carries clearly across the room as he nods darkly. “Karrnath will aid as we can. I also promise,” and his gaze slides openly to Aurala, “That we will respect the sovereignty of all nations around us and cross no borders unless asked to do so, but if we are ever asked to do so to help a neighbor, we will be pleased to do so.”
Gareth nods as each of the nations pledge their support, proud to see the people of Khorvaire uniting.
We shall win by unity against the forces of madness and evil. One by one, more voices join in, pledging support of various kinds, until Queen Aurala smoothly puts in, “Aundair too will stand ready to aid our neighbors as we can, though I suggest – for the future safety of Khorvaire and to prevent unnecessary unrest in the present – we prepare to quickly draft treaties between the various nations to facilitate such military and other aid without undue trouble.”
Boranel’s mouth quirks in a smile and he says, “I agree. But I don’t think Jaela called us here to draft papers, but rather with the hope to hear what we all just have.” The Keeper nods, pleasure and relief clear in her eyes, and he continues, “We can have that handled by diplomats and people who enjoy such things – by which I mean,
not me.” Waiting for the ripple of laughter to die down, Boranel gestures at Gareth and continues, “I will, however, disagree completely with one thing Gareth suggested – that we not inform our people. There is no way that the sort of military movements which we will all be engaging in would not draw notice and great speculation and concern. And somehow I doubt that news of this meeting and details of it won’t leave this room. Not that any of that matters. What matters is that we can expect attacks across Khorvaire soon, correct?”
The disparate voices of Sora Teraza, Nameless and Jaela Daran answer simultaneously – “Yes!” Boranel nods. “In that case, all of Khorvaire needs to know precisely what is coming, so that they can prepare as best possible. I will not have a single village of Breland come under attack unknowing and unprepared, if I can help it, and I presume the same is true for others gathered here.”
“That said,” he turns to the Keeper, “Is there anything else in particular that you...”
Boranel doesn’t complete the sentence, a mildly surprised look crossing his face. Seconds later, somewhat similar looks cross those of Jaela and Aurala, and seem to spread around the table. Others look confused and look back and forth at the sudden silence.
Nameless transmits over the link,
"They're receiving Sendings, I think." Which is quickly corroborated as the receivers begin to snap quick replies, before quickly addressing the table. “I’m sorry, but I must leave quickly. Breland is under attack,” says Boranel. Jaela and Aurala confirm similar messages about their nations, followed by Kaius, Sora Teraza and Faena Graymorn from the Eldeen Reaches.
The meeting ends hastily, with promises for further communication. House Orien transporters enter the room, along with others who will travel with the leaders, and seconds later they are
teleporting away and back to their homelands. Throne Wardens prepare to escort the others away. Luna, having been informed over the link, re-enters in her normal form. Sora Teraza pauses to say to the Angels simply, “We shall meet again before the end.” Then she uses a
word of recall to transport herself, her sister and their two attendants away.
“We have to return to the Cathedral,” says Jaela. “Nameless, can you transport Cedric and myself and the rest of you back there?”
“Easily,” says the alienist, producing the
portable hole and indicating that a couple of his companions should jump in.
Gareth says, “One moment,” and quickly steps over to King Kaius and his retinue. “Your majesty, I have a request. The forces of Xoriat are clever and have eyes and ears everywhere. Would you please send a dispatch to my family and put them somewhere safe? They may be killed or taken hostage, and this worries me daily.”
Kaius looks at Gareth silently for a couple of seconds, his face expressionless, and then says gravely, “I will ensure that someone checks on them.” Then he walks away, followed by his attendants, to join the waiting Orien transporters.
Gareth turns and quickly rejoins the Angels, sword at the ready, casting a
magic circle versus evil in case there is trouble when they teleport in.
Luckily, when Nameless transports Jaela, Cedric and his companions back to the Cathedral, they only find it in a state of significantly heightened activity, though it might not be as obvious to those outside. While pilgrims and other worshippers still enter and depart through the central doorway, warriors and functionaries of all kinds hurry in and out of other exits.
Jaela and Cedric lead the Angels towards an area they have not been in before. This seems to be a section where the more militant aspects of the Church are gathered, with arms and armor in constant display. Many people are clustered in small groups and talking animatedly, and they quickly swarm the Keeper and Cedric. It takes a while to make out details, but the gist is clear - there is serious trouble in Thrane and beyond.
Over the next few minutes, the new arrivals learn that there are reports of attacks by aberrations coming in from all across the nation and from other parts of Khorvaire. News is coming in carried by anything from mounted messengers to the wingwyrds that serve the temples of the Flame to the rare powerful priest with an ability to use a
sending to the Khorvaire-wide information network that is House Sivis. At least half a dozen places in Thrane have suffered attacks, though Flamekeep itself is untouched. Places in Breland, Aundair, Karrnath and others have the same situation. While there is yet no news of a full-scale army of aberrations on the field, war is certainly brewing, if it has not already begun.
After giving some orders to those around him, Cedric turns to the Angels, his face for once lacking any humor. “We’re going to be very busy for a while now, so let’s make this quick. What are you planning to do? Are you going somewhere? Waiting here to help with the situation? Something else?”
“Next stop, the Gatekeepers,” says Six.
“You’re right,” says Gareth, and then adds to Six, “This may be a good spot to tie another
word of recall to. This place should be safe to
teleport to and provide us with aid for any major medical emergency … and perhaps even death. I will clear this with the Keeper.”
Gareth walks over to speak to Jaela and returns in a few moments to say that she agrees to such a usage. “I thought of something else. We will have to return to Argonnessen. We will try and enlist the aid of the humanoids there, and see if we can gain the favor of the dragons as well. Right now we need allies and power, and here we have done everything we can. And with Nameless’, Korm’s and Luna’s spells, we would be only a few moments away at any point. Once we have this done we can focus on the forces of Xoriat.”
“All right,” says Cedric, “Best of luck.” Gareth shakes his hand. “And to you. You know the power of what we are dealing with. I do not envy you your responsibilities and the forthcoming battles by any means.” Cedric simply grimaces in agreement, nods his thanks, and turns away to rejoin those around Jaela.
Gareth turns to Nameless. “I would like to contact Lalia. Could you help me out with a
sending, please?”
The alienist shakes his head. “Actually, I have just the one prepared and I’ll need to use that to contact Saala. Which I’ll go ahead and do now.”
While Nameless casts his spell, Six says to Gareth, “Remember, we have a meeting in Argonnessen later this week. Korm and I can go talk with the Gatekeepers. You can go ahead to Argonnessen with Luna and prepare the meeting place. Don’t worry about splitting up. She will keep you safe.”
Gareth looks strangely at Six. “You know that Argonnessen is perilous and will require the entire group, not part of it.”
“Yeah,” argues Luna. “The Gatekeepers will definitely want to talk to me too! In fact, they might even feel slighted if I don't go! Six isn’t even a druid!”
“Six,” the warforged explains, “Was also joking, and hoping that some of you would go elsewhere, since that would raise his chances of survival. But the Gatekeepers it is. The highest ranking ones we know. I believe that would be the reincarnated woman and the senile dragon?”
Korm chuckles. “You’re becoming a regular comedian, Six.”
At this point, Nameless rejoins the others. “I spoke to Saala and learned her location. She’s in an area that we have not been to, but asked us to travel to a known location, namely the one where Gurr’khan first took us to the Shadow Marches, where a guide will be waiting for us. Everyone ready?”
A few seconds later, the Angels appear in the Shadow Marches, where they are met by the aforementioned guide, a young orcish warrior. With his information and their magical resources, they are soon at the location where the leader of the Gatekeepers is located.
This area is a lightly forested area on a hill rising above the swamps of the Marches. A number of tents have been raised and dozens of people, predominantly orc and half-orc, move about the area, most gathered into small groups and talking animatedly. Many bear signs of the Gatekeepers and there are a fair number of animals, presumably companions to them, in the area too. The discussions all stop at the advent of the Angels, and some people follow as the guide leads them into the heart of the small encampment, curiosity writ large on their faces at the sight of the new arrivals.
The Angels find Saala Torrn awaiting them before one of the larger tents, accompanied by half a dozen men and women, all of at least middle age. “Welcome,” she says, getting quickly to the point, “What news do you bring?”
Six replies, “We need to speak in a place sequestered from magical and non magical eavesdropping, with as few others as possible.”
Saala looks a little surprised. “These are all trusted members of the Gatekeepers, but I will speak with you privately, if you wish. As for sequestering from magical eavesdropping, unfortunately, that is more of an arcane skill than a druidic one. Nameless, can you do anything to help?”
The alienist says, “I have nothing prepared that is specifically good for blocking magical scrutiny, but I can cast a
rope trick, which will put us on a different plane altogether.” With Saala’s agreement he does so, and the Angels proceed inside, followed by her and two of the oldest Gatekeepers present.
Once inside, Six begins to explain what he learned from Xagygyrag. Having done so, he says, “So the seals are powered by blood, preferably lots of it. So much so that the earlier Gatekeepers waited until enough was spilled that the seals would work, before using them against the daelkyr. That doesn’t tell us how, but it is a great secret that could stop this alliance before it starts. But I’m guessing you already know that. And that you already know how to make these seals but didn’t want to touch upon how they are powered.”
Saala, who has been looking openly – and progressively – more surprised as the narration has progressed, emits a surprised, “What?!” Then she quickly shakes her head. “I did
not know this. Neither how to make the Seals nor this story of how they are supposed to be powered by blood. I do not mistrust you, but at you certain about this information? Precisely what were you told?” The other two Gatekeepers, seeming as surprised, join in with questions too and it’s quickly clear that they have absolutely no idea what Six is talking about.
Six answers the questions as well as he can, repeating and emphasizing specific details while also adding some of his own thoughts. “Old Xaggy seemed to believe that blood is the key to all powerful magic here. But since my ichor was used and we,” he indicates himself and his companions, “Have been a part of several blood-related ceremonies, it’s not necessarily actual blood, nor is it to the death of the donor. We need to find out how much blood is needed for this process. If the blood from10,000 deaths is needed, then will 100,000 giving one-tenth the amount do? And what is the nature of blood that is used. After all, creation forges make warforged lifeblood from unknown sources, the Ring of Siberys is supposedly the blood of the progenitor wyrm Siberys, the dragonmarked have greater concentrations of power in their lineage than others, and apparently these dimensional seals can make use of all this power. So how much is needed?”
“Also,” he continues, “Xaggy said that the power required was provided not just by blood but by life energy, which would be released in death. If this death energy is needed, then the Mournland has lots of it, and fairly fresh too. We know for a fact that it’s full of departed souls. And I remembered something. Xaggy said that we have three or four months before the stars align properly. That would be the best time to re-energize the seals. I don’t know if we’ll need another one because of one in the Mournland being destroyed.”
The Gatekeepers listen intently, their expressions ranging from alarm to distaste at mention of using energy from the dead of the Mournland. When Six finishes, after clarifying a couple of details, Saala says, her tone worried, “I will need to speak to some others about this, but I don’t want this information – or theory – being shared with any others, please.” She seems to be addressing the other two Gatekeepers as much as the Angels, and they nod.
“Certainly. We have only told the Keeper of the Silver Flame, and a paladin we trust completely,” says Gareth.
“Thank you,” Saala continues. “I’ll also see if we can verify the accuracy of this information. Perhaps by studying the seals. I’ll need to speak to some of our people who have access to and are guarding them.” She pauses and then smiles thinly. “Gurr’khan, for one, who will
not be happy.” Despite the seriousness of the subject, Korm and Luna grin hugely at the comment.
Saala’s smile disappears as quickly as it appeared and she sighs heavily, rubbing her brow with one hand. “Whatever comes of it, I am very grateful for this news and your efforts. So tell me,” she asks, “What do you plan to do next? Clearly there are many ways in which you could help with this conflict and I’m sure many across Khorvaire will make demands on your time. What do you intend?”
Gareth nods. “While everyone is going to want us to fight their particular battle, doing that would be an utter waste of time. It would also mean our enemies get to learn our abilities. We will need to focus on the big picture – making plans for using the seals as needed, it seems. If there is a major fight that we are absolutely needed for then we will be there, but for the most part Khorvaire needs to take care of its individual needs. It is impossible for us to fight every battle.” He pauses in thought and then adds, “We are going back to Argonnessen. We need to enlist the help of the townsfolk there and meet with the dragon council.”
“I see,” says Saala. “I can’t disagree about the potential usefulness of more information and aid from Argonnessen. And I appreciate what you said about aiding in battles where you are absolutely needed. I will not call upon you unless the need is absolutely dire, of course. But you have enough power amongst the five of you to take on an army, and it would be a pity if that power wasn’t brought to bear against Xoriat. And with your abilities to
teleport and related abilities, you should be able to be almost anywhere in minutes, if not seconds.”
“Seconds,” corrects Korm, “And for myself, any time you need me, you just need to call.” The Gatekeeper grins at the other Angels. “These guys are big enough to take care of themselves if I’m gone for a little bit.” He pats the hilt of the blade strapped to his back. “And I was given this so it can be used against aberrations, especially the forces of Xoriat. So call on me at any time and, unless I am fighting for my life elsewhere, I shall be there.”
Luna snorts. “And me. You need a
real druid for such things, and I’d just have to save Korm anyway. So I’m available any time some aberrations need killing.”
“Especially if they have good furnishings,” chuckles Korm, and after a quick glare, Luna laughs too.
Saala nods. “Thank you.” Then she sighs and rubs her forehead again. “I wish you best of luck. Is there anything you need to know from us or any aid we can provide? Though, in this situation and with your current status, I’m not sure we can do anything for you beyond offering our gratitude.”
“Actually,” says Luna, “Is there anyone else that can go to Argonnessen to ask for aid? Someone who they would be more likely to listen to? Like those damn dragonmarked people? It seems like a waste to have us go to negotiate when there are others who are more capable on that score. We are fighters, not talkers!”
Saala looks a little surprised at the suggestion. “I’m not really sure what sort of aid we could provide in this regard. From all that you’ve told us, Argonnessen is incredibly dangerous, so anyone we send with you would be at great risk. And we need the most skilled and powerful of our people here. Especially since I don’t think the dragons would care any the more about any of us than they would about your opinions. But if you wish, I will try to find someone who is willing to make the journey with you. I can’t send anyone instead of you, since nobody here knows Argonnessen, nor could they travel there and back without your aid.” She looks around the group. “Are you certain that’s what you want?”
Gareth quickly raises a hand to put her at ease. “Saala, I think you are correct in your assessment that anyone you send with us would be in terrible danger.” He continues, looking at Luna as much as at the Gatekeepers, “As we have seen, the dragons tend to give some attention to dragonmarks, and due to the ones Nameless and I carry, this may buy us time and attention when speaking with the dragons. There is nobody on this planet that I would want to do what we have to. While it is extremely dangerous, we are as a group the most powerful in Eberron.”
The paladin continues, ignoring Korm’s chuckle and Luna’s muttered comment of ‘someone’s cocky!’, “Alone we stand no chance, but together we have as good a chance as any. So, Saala, we will be going to Argonnessen, and no, we do not need any company. If you happen to have any scrolls, potions, or magic items that may help us in our travels, then that would be appreciated. But if you do not, then that is not a problem. I only ask because our last few battles have not returned any significant treasure to replenish our supplies. But, as always, we will go either way.”
Saala bows and says, “Thank you. Unfortunately, we have no magical supplies to provide you right now, partly because our scattered nature means that we normally only have much as the individual Gatekeeper uses, and partly because our resources will all be needed for this conflict. But I will see if we can do something for you. Some of our most powerful members will be attempting a number of druidic rituals to prepare and aid us in the battles to come. They take at least a day and perhaps more to do, so they cannot aid you immediately. I will let you know when they commence and see if you have time and opportunity to be involved in them and gain their benefits. Is there anything else? And will you be staying here or leaving today?”
Gareth turns to his companions. “That all depends on the spells we have left, as far as teleportation, and any other preparations we need.”
Nameless, who has simply been watching and listening, finally speaks up. “I used my most powerful ones today, but I have a few
teleports left. And Luna and Korm have their
master earth spells too, which can take us to Argonnessen. But I recommend we visit Sharn to re-equip and find out a little more of the situation in Khorvaire before we leave.”
With nobody disagreeing, the Angels take their leave of the Gatekeepers and depart, as soon as they have exited the
rope trick.
* * *
When the Angels arrive in the Gray House in Sharn, they find things much the same. Fett greets them shortly after their arrival. “How is everything with you? There’s not much to report here, but we’re hearing rumors of some strange creatures attacking here and there in Breland – and rumor says, elsewhere in Khorvaire.” He looks curiously at the Angels. “You didn’t have anything to do with that, did you?”
Gareth shrugs, “Does it matter if we are responsible? It seems people will almost assuredly blame us for all the bad and all the good that happens on this planet. All we can do is try to minimize the bad and maximize the good. Anything else going on in Sharn?”
Fett chuckles. “I know, but it does seem that you are all involved whenever something newsworthy happens recently. But no, nothing of particular interest going on right now. Long Shadows* is starting tomorrow, as you know, but that’s about it. It rarely causes any trouble in Sharn, but the Watch will have a little extra security on the streets anyway.”
Gareth grins too. “You are probably right. This holiday is wrong, but it’s not a concern – at least not for us.” He turns to the others. “What are you planning to do? I want to visit Lalia, but I should be back later in the evening.”
Luna quickly chips in, “We need to sell the crystal ball! And I need to buy some things for the house in Karrnath. I hope your family’s arranged a good architect, Gareth.”
“My family,” the paladin replies with a roll of his eyes, “Might be a little busy right now. But I’m going. Nameless, will you handle the crystal ball?”
“Yes,” says the alienist. “I need to visit the mage guild anyway, to pick up some scrolls I have in mind. And do a little research.”
Six immediately reaches into a pouch and produces a folded parchment. “Here. Could you pick these up too? I need to replenish the things I lost when you guys, well, you know.” Seeing Fett looking at him quizzically, the warforged adds, “I got mugged by a dragon. Long story.”
“As always,” says Fett, “I’m sure I’m better off not knowing, and you can tell me what I need to know whenever you want.” He takes his leave, and the Angels also quickly depart and go their separate ways.
While Nameless descends to the mage guild in Middle Tavick’s Landing, Six walks over to see the warforged artificer Stone. As he had hoped, Stone has completed work on the spiked chain that he had commissioned over a week ago, specifically enchanted to slay aberrations. Having collected it and paid Stone, Six descends into the lower levels of Sharn, heading towards the Cogs and the warforged who dwell there.
Meanwhile, Luna transforms into an excessively large dire bat and Korm sprouts his cloaker-like wings. Then they fly over to Central Plateau, giving Gareth a ride and causing the odd unwary skycoach-driver to panic momentarily as he sees the strange trio heading for him. Arriving at Central Plateau, the druids drop Gareth off and head up towards Carosten Park, planning to speak to Surr’kal about the situation with Xoriat. The paladin proceeds to the Deneith enclave and then, learning that she is at home, to Lalia’s house.
Lalia is mildly surprised to see Gareth and quite obviously happy. Once they are comfortably seated in her living room, she asks what he has been up to. He proceeds to describe his recent adventures, without stating anything about the discovery regarding the seals.
When he gets to his death and return, Gareth is interrupted by an understandably horrified Lalia. After she ascertains some of the details and that he is all right, he receives a lot of hugging and kissing, followed by being smacked quite solidly over the head and yelled at for not taking care of himself, followed by more hugging and kissing, followed by more smacking.
Once Lalia has stopped kissing and beating him, a fairly pink and slightly embarrassed Gareth promises to take better care of himself and also informs her of his impending trip back to Argonnessen.
Lalia frowns, “Are you sure that’s a good idea? You’ve already got into enough trouble while there, and maybe your skills are better used here.”
“No, I am not sure,” admits Gareth, “But we need extra help and the people and creatures that live in Argonnessen are far more powerful then we have here. They would be an invaluable asset in this war. Gaining allies would be much more profitable in the long run than focusing simply on battle. Small victories will not scare Xoriat into retreat – but a decisive victory in a major battle may make them think twice.”
“I hope you’re right,” says Lalia, though she looks and sounds a little unconvinced. “Tell me more about Argonnessen, then. And these powerful allies you hope to gain.”
Gareth proceeds to do so, but after a while, he says, “I have something else I wanted to speak to you about.” He draws a deep breath, reaches out to take her hand, and says, “Have you reconsidered my proposal?” His expression leaves no doubt about what he is referring to.
Lalia looks surprised and then says slowly, “I have ... considered it again more than once, but given the current ... situation, do you think that’s something you really want to offer me? Shouldn’t you be focusing on more, well, important things?” She looks at him curiously. Gareth gets the impression that there’s a specific answer she’s looking for, but he can’t be certain what it is.
Thinking carefully over his words, he says slowly, but with certainty, “I have thought about it for a long time, and it is something I want to offer you with all of my heart. Marriage does not mean I will be placed into confinement and not allowed to proceed with my work, and neither will you. Just like you will still be a Sentinel Marshal of House Deneith, I will still be a Guardian Angel. And once this war is over, we will be able to resume a more normal life – and who knows, now that I have a Siberys Mark I may be eligible to be a full-blown member of the house too. So, to answer your question – I think this is as good a time as any. Due to our lives there may never be a suitable time, by normal standards. But you are the person I wish to be with and not even the hordes of Xoriat can change that.”
Lalia holds Gareth’s gaze for a long moment and then a broad grin splits her face. Without removing her hand from Gareth’s grasp, she reaches up with her other hand to tousle his hair. “You, my dear, are really sweet. And a little insane. And sometimes a bit of an idiot, I think.” She takes a deep breath and then continues, “But I must be too, since I love you. And yes. Yes! I will marry you!”
Gareth has precisely three seconds of surprise and shock and two of joy, before he is being soundly kissed and then fighting Lalia off as she tries to get his armor off in order to celebrate the glad occasion.
* Long Shadows is the 3-day long festival of the Shadow (CE deity of dark magic and the corruption of nature) from 26-28 Vult, during which minions of darkness attempt to create some extra mayhem in worship of their god.
