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Post by Storyteller on Jan 19, 2021 8:02:28 GMT
I then quickly say to Aethyl, in Elunian, "Cousin! That woman wants to cut off my hair as I sleep! Please, do not let her do that!"
(I realize that I will need to start sleeping in a Rope Trick. That is the only really safe way. Also, does stoneskin keep her from cutting off my hair?)
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Nobody
Alexios Group
Posts: 1,409
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Post by Nobody on Jan 19, 2021 21:57:53 GMT
Aethyl (who may or may not have overheard the same conversation) approaches wordlessly, and a fervent determination is evident in his stride and the set of his jaw. He sweeps the area with his eyes and, so that Mairwyn alone can see him, fixes the old woman with a steely glance, making it clear he doesn't wish to be overheard.
Hearing Mairwyn's greeting in their native tongue, he embraces her heartily, and uses that ruse to whisper closely to her.
"Fear not, cousin. Your hair will be as safe as it would be in your own bed. I will look to it. And if it concerns you, I will quarter with you to ensure it. As for Cian, it was a minor quarrel perhaps, but not in the realm of love. We need to talk about that. He is in a black mood for my earlier 'persuasions', and made it clear he will abide no further such interference. He has grown immensely powerful. I showed him no concern when he threatened me, but he is a force to be reckoned with. We should talk about that in most private."
He pulls away with a laugh and a smile, and now looks at the old woman with an expression that anyone would read as the most charitable and kindly, reserved for the dignity of age.
But Mairwyn, knowing him, can plainly see that beneath tat facade is a look reserved for vipers, and poisonous creatures that do harm under cover of darkness.
At the first opportunity, he whispers again, using vague language to further disguise his message. "And I have a growing concern about the use of those 'helping hands' we discussed. The ones you have made a life of studying, that draw attention. So much seemed on display in the town, and I am concerned about whether that will rouse a danger to the town itself.
And I've also been thinking of that Ausir vessel, and what happened to it, or didn't. I surely hope that they have drawn that same unwanted attention. I have never seen anything like it. Those hideous spiders, and what I saw while on board, inside. Such things are amazing to behold, but used for ill, they are a plague. I would love to see how you are faring with the little orphan we rescued at their last visit."
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Post by Storyteller on Jan 19, 2021 22:50:57 GMT
"I cannot speak to the Ausir question," I answer. "But to Cian, yes, when we are alone tonight, Cousin, let us speak. He concerns me greatly. And thank you for looking after me!" I squeeze his hand. "I do not wish to drawn unwanted attention to our deeds, but I cannot let those who are in need go unaided if I can help them, even if ... the cost is high."
Then with a smile at Aethly, I say, "But I think these pots are sufficient, and this coal. I should be able to begin constructing the still..."
(What do I do about that? Just in case, I rolled Engineering and passed by lots.)
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Post by Diocles on Jan 19, 2021 23:03:25 GMT
Mairwyn, you have no trouble putting together an ingenious little mobile brewing kit, and soon it is the joy of the caravan. Later that night, when all is quiet and the moon is full overhead, the cousins find themselves alone, far from Cian's ears.
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Post by Storyteller on Jan 19, 2021 23:42:11 GMT
Before Aethyl begins anything more, I say, "Please, Cousin, I do not want her to cut my hair." I lift it a little. It actually goes to my knees, though it is often partially bound up, so that it hangs only to my waist.
"It wouldn't come amiss to sing some songs about the curses on those who steal Elunians' hair," I add, smiling bravely.
"But what would you speak of concerning Cian?"
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Nobody
Alexios Group
Posts: 1,409
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Post by Nobody on Jan 20, 2021 3:01:50 GMT
Aethyl laughs and hugs Mairwyn. "Not to worry, cousin. You shall have as many songs, sung as loudly and long as you like. And I think it may be prudent for a time to keep my ears out for word of trouble, and for us to share a tent. My father taught me a few tricks when it comes to keeping ahead of unwanted prowlers. And I will keep watch besides."
"As for Cian, his power has grown. During our 'conversation' he transformed his eyes to those of the Ithacul, and his arm and hand into purest ebony. We have already seen other proofs of his power, but my sense is that he has grown far more than he has let on.
"I can sense that he is still himself, but darker, and of a more fixed purpose than he was before.
"To return to the Ausir question. Are you not permitted to speak of it, or have you made no discoveries with that mechanical horror we captured? Its construction fascinates me, and I would love to see it, if it seems good to you. I have been wondering if it operates like their vessel operates. I saw what seemed to be the heart of their ship, and am fascinated by the minds that could create such mysteries."
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Post by Storyteller on Jan 20, 2021 4:34:31 GMT
"I can happily show you what I have learned of the Ausir spider," I say. "Perhaps when we get ready for bed, for it would be good to share a tent, I agree. So far, I have learned that it is an elemental gem, set to spinning with a speed that is unmatchable without either technology or magic, that provides the power. I cannot do anything about creating such a thing now. But I do not despair of it. Perhaps someday, perhaps especially if got a look at their ship and its engines..." I trail off. "Not that I ever want to go aboard a slaving ship! But the minds that created such things, they would be minds of clockwork, beautiful, I've no doubt, but alien and lit with fire."
Then after a sigh, I say, "I fear that you might be right when you say that Cian is 'yet himself', for I fear that he is black-hearted and evil--and that he always was! Did you not see the way he murdered those gladiators? Killing them for sport? That was the act of a blackguard, and so Cian is and was, even before the horn..."
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Nobody
Alexios Group
Posts: 1,409
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Post by Nobody on Jan 20, 2021 20:06:45 GMT
At the mention of the Ausir ship, Aethyl draws up short. "Cousin, I saw the very engines of which you speak! I was in the the heart of their vessel when I left your Smoldering Kissed log. I had to explore it quickly to find a good hiding place, so I remember it vividly - the sight, the sound, and the smell of that place. I can describe it exactly, or sketch it, if that would help you. I doubt we will ever see the inside of one of their vessels again, and I certainly hope that would be the case. So perhaps it is fortunate that I was able to see the insides of that one before it met its end. For surely it burned and fell from the sky.
"As for Cian, what you say distresses me. I cannot believe that even before the horn he was evil. Full of mischief and chaos he always was, but always true to us as well. The gladiators were a terrible mishap, but I cannot imagine that he did that out of malice. After all, even Drusinicus was the butt of his shenanigans, yet he is our true friend, and I know that he and Cian are close. Surely there is still some good in him. Does your heart tell you this, cousin? And does it tell you more?
Aethyl crosses his arms, lost in thought, his face reflecting the turmoil of his heart.
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Post by Storyteller on Jan 20, 2021 23:27:57 GMT
"Firstly, Cousin, we do not know that the ship burned up. I highly doubt it did. They are too skilled of engineers for that to happen. No, it was a fire that called their attention--and drew them back to the ship, as was our desire and plan, but I would be surprised if that ship were not out there yet, marauding."
Then I, too, look down. "As for Cian, dear Cousin," I say. "If you were to, for mere amusement, shove a spear into the spokes of a wagon while the farmer was driving it, the action would be, as you know, cruel and evil. To be sure, the farmer might not be thrown from his wagon and break his neck, but that you would be interfering in his livelihood is of no doubt. Even if you 'only' broke his wagon, you would be endangering him, and for no purpose but your own amusement. There is no excuse for his actions with the gladiators, and the fact that he did not admit as much was worrying. Yes, he is close to Drusinicus now, but at the time, Drucy was a stranger. To Cian, it would seem that strangers were nothing but toys for his amusement even then."
I sigh, too, and I lay a hand on Aethyl's shoulder. "Cousin, to me that horn was an impenetrable mystery, but you understood it. It tormented you. You begged Cian not to blow it. He chose to do so. Are we not what we choose to do? And did not Cian embrace what he has become? When he saw the effects of it, when he saw that Abrexa had turned her back on him, did he repent in dust and ashes? Did he repudiate what he had done? No. He leads Drusinicus in talks of 'Chaos'! He blasphemed Nistaran! For why? You yourself felt him. I remember the words of the priest: Did your friend bathe in a sinkhole of evil? The answer, Cousin, is yes. Cian did do so. Cian has chosen his path. He may still cherish some fondness for us, given our relations. He may find us useful in his plans. He is brave in battle, and he has fought by our sides since then. But that does not mean that he is not irrevocably lost. How can a man repent of a deed, while he keeps the benefits of that deed? He follows 'Chaos' now, worships Chaos now. You have heard him. The very name of Abrexa nauseated him..." I trail off, and tears are in my eyes.
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Post by Storyteller on Jan 27, 2021 1:04:21 GMT
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