End with Tea

The instructions given to not change their routines much was broken relatively quickly. Or perhaps it was not, as it seemed as if dealing with fallen angels and other fiends in Alexandria was becoming a regular occurence. Word had already reached the temple of Daeus of some manner of commotion in the lower markets, though before any could be mobilized, it was over as quickly as it had happened. Though more were out than usual, as many left to scour the streets in the off chance they could find where the ashwing had teleported to in retreat.

Seyardu had been one of the first on the scene, and one of those affected the worst by the altercation. Despite their insistence otherwise, the silver sith-makar was moving slowly, and finally they relented to a spell that would take them directly to the temple of Daeus, at the entrance.

"One moment, please." She said to Seldan, resting against one of the marble pillars to catch her breath.

Seldan inclines his head, his demeanor and bearing closely resembling that of an alabaster pillar, cool and unbending. The usual boyish smile that working magic draws to his lips is entirely absent, ice-blue eyes snapping with tightly restrained fury. The magic had been swift and efficient - the man is as accomplished a mage as he is a swordsman, it seems - and now he pulls himself to full height, eyes turning towards the temple doors. "Stay. I shall summon aid for you."

He wears full armor, and has not bothered to glamour it, its pearlescent sheen fairly glowing in the bright sunlight that similarly glints off the broad steel band that makes some attempt to keep his hair off of his face. It is unkempt now, a lock of it hanging in his eyes, but he pays it no mind. "What hit you? I would ask your forgiveness, I but late heard the commotion."

The teleportation into the temple immediately draws a group of people interested and concerned. Amongst them, a familiar blue-scaled individual. Zeke realizes immediately that these are adventurers and waves off those who thought that it might be an attack of some kind, explaining in a few words that these people are known allies. Though he does not indicate that the other healers should take their leave, and instead directs them toward Seyardu who is clearly in need of some kind of care.

"Peassce on your nessstsss." He offers politely in spite of the situation. "Thisss one would have your companion taken to a room kin." Zeke nods politely to Seyardu, having seen the other sith before. "Thisss one isss a ssservant of the Dragonfather, and thisss one asssuress you that you will be cared for. Can you walk, or ssshould thisss one have a ssstrecher brought?"

"It is not your fault,yes. Your presence was likely what led them to flee, regardless." She says to Seldan, slowly. Occasionally pausing to cough. "It was the same magic at the riverside. Saps the strength from you, burns your lungs. This one saw the land around them wither and die, a vision of the planes of fiends." The commotion made the silverscale look up, and she shook her head as the gathering at the entrance was created. “Peace on your nest, Zeke." She replies. They looked physically exhausted by whatever had transpired. Silver scales duller in color, and a labor to their breathing. "This one can still walk. This one had decided to stay here, but not under such circumstances. The lancer, Taretha, someone walks again under her guise. One of the Ashwings like in the morgue, here."

"It is as this one says." There's a tightly-laced fury snapping in Seldan's blue eyes and lacing his tone of voice as he nods to Seyardu, although that voice remains modulated, quiet, and controlled. Even, even, but anger thrums beneath it. "The unholy blight," he snaps off. "These things are unspeakable, and must be found and banished from Ea, kin. Still - " His eyes go to Seyardu. "The shop was unharmed, Hearthguard. It may be an illusion, not a true blight, and yet are such things destructive enough. Let Zeke tend you."

Zeke's mien if anything seems to grow more serious. He nods his head to Seldan's words though, and motions with his flesh-and-blood claw for Seyardu to follow him. "Come, there can be no-thing elsse done until your woundsss are healed. Let thisss one attend them, or another if you prefer." He moves away then, toward the rooms which the sick are tended in. Though, he stays near enough to Seyardu as if suspecting that the other is being stubborn and thus might need to be carried or helped along in spite of their words.

"The things they have done, I have not seen a location so needlessly violent." The sith-makar adds with a sigh. They were fine to walk, but the adrenaline from the combat had worn off, and the exhaustion set in. Or at least, fine enough to walk with the assistance of a wall.

"This one would apologize as well, for the other day. Did not mean to be so defeated when the body was shown."

Wordlessly, Seldan offers an armored shoulder to the clearly flagging silverscale as the group set off for the indicated rooms. "The evil that such creatures wreak is not a thing many are prepared for," he remarks, still reserved, but no longer quite holding that icy fury. "No blame attaches to you, for you yet stand against it." He lets Zeke lead, but pretty obviously knows where he is going.

"Devils and demons are terrible to face, and worse to endure."

Zeke nods to Seldan's words. "It is ass thisss onesss kin sssaysss. It isss easssy to become dissheartened in the fasce of sssuch evil. It isss unrelenting. It isss a consstant tesst of our ressolve which even the sstrongessst of usss can fall to from time to time." He opens a door and leads the way in, indicating that Seyardu should take the bed. He does not rush the process however, understanding in the way of a healer that it takes how long it takes. "Demonsss and devilsss do what they can to wear usss down."

The silverscale continued to use the wall, but she nodded to Seldan as the arm was offered. With the room gestured to, Seyardu entered, and took to the bed, sitting down on one side, half collapsing as they were finally off of their feet. It was not all physical injury, at least. There were scents that were picked up, once the smell of blood was passed. Mostly some form of distress most recently, as well as a few lingering, much older from the day.

"Eight days. That is what the magic said, how long the Lancer was kept alive in that basement." They said, bowing their head. "Had Merek not been around, there is little this one could have done on their own. Another dismembered, tortured body to serve as warning and vent their frustrations."

There was a pause, and the sith-makar seemed to think of something else for a moment, looking up to Zeke and Seldan.

"Do all here, have such, varied, kin? This one knows of several sisters to Cryosanthia, as well as how you both refer to each other."

Seldan's smile at the last question is very small, but it is like watching an alabaster pillar melt, the way in which he softens. He'd closed the door behind them, once Seyardu was seated, and now resumes a guard post just outside the door. "It is madness to consider all that could have been done, and was not, for I, too, have fallen prey to such thoughts in times past." _And really would like to not do so again._ "Her suffering must have been unimaginable, and yet is it perhaps kindest to allow her her rest in the Lancer's arms. "We must now find where they lair, and see them gone."

"As for the last - I know something of the People, and yet do I not presume to explain your ways. Much has passed between Zeke and myself, over a span of some years now. He and I, be we of the same blood or no, shall stand shoulder-to-shoulder for as long as we both draw breath." An exhalation. "Perhaps it is better, does Zeke explain more fully."

For just a moment Zeke smells faintly of embarrassment, but he swishes his tail behind himself in pleasure at Seldan's words and he turns his gaze to Seyardu. "It isss asss thisss ones kin sssayss. We have ssshared battlesss and enemiesss. We have ssshared many hardssshipsss and yet Sseldan hass ever been there for thiss one. Thisss one... hass no kin otherwise." He spreads his claws and moves closer to Seyardu. "Thisss one hasss learned that kin do not come from blood, but from sshared heartsss. Sshared goalsss, and bondsss that go deeper than merely sshared ssspeciess."

The sith-makar pulls a stool close to Seyardu and sits down. "Thisss one would begin with healing, to sssee if that helpsss. If it doess not, there are other thingss to try. Will you allow sssuch?"

"This one, would like to speak with them, another time. They have been through much, but I would ask if their is a wish to return, and do my best to grant it if so." They admit. They listen, and though the others seemed happy, the silverscale bowed her head more, growing saddened by some thought.

"It is alright, Seldan, you speak as your own view, which is valued as much as any other. This one... does not know if they still have any kin that yet lives, if it would be a good thing if they did or not. It has been on my mind much of late. This one would heal themself under normal circumstances, but used much to mend the wounds of the Mul'niessa who was there as well. They shoulder much of the attack. As for other things, this one is willing to try."

"It is as Zeke says," Seldan agrees, resting his hand on the pommel of the sword at his hip. An unusual piece, it is, but Seyardu has heard Reunion's voices before. "I have much of lineage and little of family, and though I stand for many, I stand with relatively few. But come. The mul'niessa will be well, I saw to that ere I left. Let us see to _you_." He seems content to allow Zeke to take the lead on healing. "If it is your desire to seek living kin, then perhaps when all is quiet here in the walls, it may be possible to seek such."

Zeke nods again. Closing his eyes and murmuring a few words of prayer to the Dragonfather before he heals the sith-makar before himself. The pulse of healing is followed by the blue-scale's green eyes reopening, his gaze serious. "While one livess there isss hope. Asss kin ssaysss, if ever you would sseek your kin, thiss one would aid you."

The healing magic took effect, and Seyardu breathed in deeply, before she exhaled, accompanied by a sigh. And several coughs, one arm over their face. It didn't seem pained, but more to get rid of the remaining blood, if the red stained fabric was any indication.

"That does feel better, my thanks. To both of you, for you brought me here, Seldan." They nod. There was the lingering sadness though, and she shook her head. "This one appreciates your assurances, but it is not likely, as I have heard of none here who match the color of my scales aside from Durrankar, and they are not the one looked for."

"If they are anywhere, then news would be in Charn, and any investigation would be dangerous."

"As you will it," Seldan replies, seemingly unperturbed by the demurral. "I know of those daring a trip to Charn in the near future. If such an investigation is dangerous, it is no more so than many here."

The blue-scaled sith meets those of the silver with calm certainty. "There are many here who would, and have rissked their livesss for sssuch. Thisss one believessss it isss well worth the rissk to sssave ass many asss can be sssaved. To bring them home. To their kin." He ducks his head slightly and nods. "There have been many attemptsss to ressscue ssslavesss. Many sssucesssful. Alexandrian adventurersss are by no meansss people who can be disssmisssed easssily."

"This one, does not dare to have too much hope." Seyardu admits. "And any trip into the place would be dangerous to those who go there."

"How would this one even react? It has been around a decade and a half. I know not what state they would be in, if they even still live. This one wonders still, what the best outcome would be."

"It is not for you to choose whether others would step into peril, for whatever purpose." Seldan's stance remains open, his words quiet. There is no chiding here. "We can but ask, and offer. It is in my mind that I shall have reason to venture to Charn, ere long, although not yet, and much keeps me here. I would nonetheless hear your tale, if it pleases you to tell it."

There's a weight of years in Zeke's eyes. Of pains lived and understood. "Thiss one underssstandsss. Thisss one will be honessst. Your kin will be changed, but isss it better to leave them left in the handsss of thossse that do not love them?" He shakes his head. "Ssshare wordsss with usss, tell usss of your kin, and have hope again." He touches Seyardu gently on the claw.

"This one wishes it was, very much, that others would not put themselves at risk." Seyardu sighs. "For my own sake, I am tired of people being hurt. The priest on the ship, now the Lancer who was there as well. Of so many others, of my clutch-brother."

The silver sith-makar grew even more saddened, and they would not meet Zeke's eyes. "This one is not used to speaking of them. If they still live, if this one knew so, this one would do everything possible to help them. They were this ones only blood related family aside from this ones father. A constant friend, who would always be there to listen, to share thoughts and worries, to explore the world with. Whenever this one would stumble upon a root hidden by the mud or swamp grass, they would be there to help this one up and offer encouragement. They never knew this one could not see color, as it was never brought up. But this one knew they saw the beauty of Am'shere around them."

There was a moment of silence, the silverscale collecting herself before she continued. It was clearly hard to remember, something she did not share often. "And when the raiders came, they are likely the reason this one did not join them in Charn."

_Raiders._ The word is enough for Seldan to close his eyes and lower them, but he looks up before long. "A heavy burden indeed," he agrees. "As for others putting themselves at risk, perhaps that is so, and yet are we all at risk, merely because we live in this place. I would not abandon those that may be saved, merely for not wishing to put myself at risk. I have long since laid my life and more at the feet of the Dreamer, and such does She ask of me. That do I give willingly."

Zeke is silent through the explanation, and where the words draw Seldan's eyes down, they make Zeke's narrow. His blood heat, and his scent subtly thread with ire. There are few things that the sith dislikes so much as those that take the young from their homes. /Raiders/ was a kind word for them. "Thisss one can undersstand your hessitance, your dessire that none be harmed." He nods. "Yet sssome of usss sserve, and gladly give our livesss to ssave othersss fatesss worssse."

He swishes his tail, the sith equivalent of a smile after a fashion. "Thisss one wasss onsce in bondage, thisss one hass had oness that thisss one caresss for taken... But there were kin to aid in the recovery. That came for thisss one." He looks at Seldan. "There isss reassson for hope."

"Yes, this one has learned that there is danger here, on more than one occasion now." Seyardu nods. Where there was anger from the others, there was just more sadness as she explained, and shared what she could. It was the relatively vague explanations of one whose last memories came at six or so years, but perhaps were all the more genuine for it. And sharing what she could, the more pleasant parts, when Zeke's tail swished behind him, their own tail thumped against the bed a few times.

"Many have had trials such as that, though this one wishes none had to go through them, as naive the thought may be. Perhaps this one forgot some of the reasons they would put themself in harms way at some point, and merely accepted it as fact."

Seldan's eyes lift, and drift to Zeke as he speaks. "It is even as he says. I, too, have had loved ones taken from me into slavery unspeakably vile, but I have not left them there, and I shall not do so. Worry not for us." The very small smile has finally returned to his lips, but he remains where he is, in a guard pose by the door to the room. "As for the ashwings - the erinyes, the learned name them - I am no stranger to baiting evil to its destruction, and so shall I do again. This time shall I be the crafter of the trap, and not the bait." There's a sparkle of amusement in his eyes, a twitch of the lips.

Zeke nods. "Thiss one would not wissh hardssship on another either. Yet hasss risssked life for othersss." He swishes his tail in amusement. "Sssuch issss sstrange iss it not? But come, we will sseek out your kin, and worry not for usss for we are sstrong. Even asss we /ssshall/ defeat thisss evil that plaguess usss, will we do what we can for you asss well." Zeke rises to his feet. "Thisss one will fetch tea, and return. Thisss one would ssshare wordsss of kin, and good thingsss for a change; thiss one hass not had much chance to sshare wordsss of late with another of the People."

"I would do more harm than good going to help them. Perhaps this one would be the bait, then, though they may be wary. " The silver sith-makar suggests. "The reason they attacked, or were attacked, was due to myself going to speak with them. But they may be wary of me a second time. But yes, speech of good things would be appreciated. This one is happy to share most of what is known, if you wish."

"Perhaps, and perhaps not. If they think themselves stronger than you, perhaps not. It is much that you wish to try." Still Seldan does not move from his guard posture before the door. A strange reverse, really, a Silver Guard standing guard in the Temple of Daeus where it more often is the Sunblades guarding Eluna's Temple, but he makes no mention of it, and indeed seems unaware. "I would hear all that you have to tell of what befell. I came late, and it may well be that my arrival drove them to flee."

Zeke makes a soft, but amused sighing sound. It seems he will not be getting tea. He is not displeased by this, but would have prefered something warm to drink while sharing such conversation. Seeing that the tea will have to wait, the blue-scaled sith returns to his seat and flicks his tail once. "Tell usss what you will." He tilts his head and then ducks it somewhat. "And your name if you will, thisss one isss not familiar with it."

"Ah, my apologies, I did not wish to interrupt your brief leaving." Seyardu sighs, more like a puff of air than anything. "But still, it is important to be told. I have already made you aware, of the fact the ashwing was using the guise of the Lancer. It was not something that was disrupted even by magic which would have removed it had it been an illusion. And it seems, they had been there a while, and were behind several disappearances in the past months, before I came to the city. When I came to speak to the lancer, to see if they were brought back in some form, they tried to get me to follow, and pointed to a pair of guards who they said were demons following Merek. This one thought it odd, for them to hide in a building rather than deal with the demons outright. Irony, in hindsight."

"Ah, yes! Apologies. This one is called Seyardu, shaman caste. This one heard your names from others, but does not believe it came up from yourself before."

Seldan listens without interruption, all amusement fading as Seyardu's tale begins. As he listens, he gradually takes on an impassive, cool demeanor. "Quite odd," he agrees. "A Lancer is more likely to attack without preamble when they know one to be of that ilk. I have come to learn of a few other strange locations within the city, similar to what was described."

"Thisss one issss called Zeke. Thisss one isss asss you can sssee, a ssservant of the Dragonfather." It is not a sith-makar name. Not by any means. Zeke spreads his claws and gives a swish-flick of his tail. "Thisss one wasss not there at all, ssso thisss one unfortunately doesss not know any-thing of what occured. Yet the tidings bode ill thisss one thinksss."

"This one found it odd as well, as well as how they did not acknowledge the resurrection that would have taken place. They seemed agitated, and angry." The silverscale adds with a nod to Seldan. "Whatever plan will be put in place, it will need to account for any teleportation."

She turns her attention back to Zeke with another wave and a muffled thump of a tail against the bed. "It is good to meet you, Zeke, that is an interesting name. The tidings are not pleasant, but promising, at least. This one was laid low by the same spell as this time before, but was able to stay on their feet, albeit barely."

"I am accustomed to my enemy attempting to teleport out of my reach." Seldan's tone is flat, hard, and cold as marble. "I have the means to prevent it, do I move swiftly enough, but only for a brief time." He seems to have entirely forgotten about the tea. "That spell is most dangerous, and yet did I not see its effect on the land around it. Such as they deal in illusions. You may have been fortunate."

A loud /whump/ is heard in the distance, followed by the sound of angry cries, and a cackling laughter. Other noises arise, that sound suspiciously like a foot chase. That gets closer. And as suddenly, disperses.

The sound of running feet approaches the door. And stop. Breathing. Then the door pushes open suddenly. Stopping just as suddenly as it encounters the Paladin. A tiny oof can be heard as the door rebounds. A grunt.

Then the door is flung a second time. With the same results, and a louder noise of complaint from the other side.

"What the devil's wrong with this door...?"

Whatever Zeke is about to say is utterly dispelled by the sudden /THUMP/ that utters from the poor door. He cock's his head curiously at the thing, and then it happens a second time and he's on his feet, uncertain if the pair had been followed by some manner of devil that was now being chased through the halls of the temple. "Ssssa?"

The response from the door, aside from rebounding, is a rattling noise, perhaps quieter than one might expect from armor. Seldan had looked up at the noises, suddenly alert, and then scowls, shielding his head as the door repeatedly hits armor and head alike. "Agh!" Something about the grumbling at the door, though, makes his eyes narrow, even if his lips curve into a smile. He steps aside and _reaches_ through the now-ajar door, grabbing for whatever is on the outside - with a curious knowledge of the complainer's height.

If he can find purchase, he'll yank the complainer inside and close the door behind them in a smooth motion.

"This one would look into ways to help. It was as if my warhammer bounced off their skin in spite of the blow, and it is unsure how effective other things are. Aryia purchased cold iron gauntlets, and perhaps I should do the same?" She replies, though the thumping on the door makes her jump, immediately putting her on alert and reaching for her weapon.

"Is everything alright out there?" They ask slowly.

The immediate response to Seldan's grab is a high-pitched squeak, as the Paladin pulls a wee Goblin into the room. Her attire is that of a priest of Eluna, deep blue robes with silver lines. She lands upon her bare feet, and huffs in annoyance at the hand having pulled her inside. "Hey, you can't just go around grabbing Pala..." Acedia's eyes widen, and blink. "Seldan!", she cries, practically flinging herself at the man, attempting to hug at his waist.

The Gobbo goes still then as she peers at the two Sith. Cheer turns to embarrassment on her face. Then recognition. "Z..z... Zeke???"

"Acedia, what precisely befell outside these doors?" Seldan seems to know the gobbo well, making no attempt to discourage the limpet clinging to his armored waist. The look he directs downward at her is at once affectionate and admonishing, no hint of smile. "Did you wish to greet us, there are less dramatic ways." Nonetheless, he releases his grip and reaches to pick her up as one would a child, if she will let him. "Yes, Zeke has returned, and is well, although it would be well, did you not run at him."

Zeke relaxes as the figure is drawn into the room. Immediately he recognizes the scent, and the tension drains out of him. He places a comforting claw on Seyardu's shoulder. "It isss Ascedia. Ssshe isss an ally." He explains. There's a tinge of embarrassment to his scent, that has nothing to do with the goblin. To her he offers a swish of his tail and she might notice that he is standing quite tall. Not hunched as he stood before his leaving. There is also a new scar on his tail. A long thing that wraps around the limb and looks like it likely hurt. "It isss Zeke."

Most of the tension left the air, and the hammer was set down out of her hand quickly. There was some shame at her reaction due to the tension she had not realized was still present. The hammer had flecks of blood on it, as did much of what the silverscale was wearing.

"My apologies, peace on your nest, Ascedia." She greets, bowing her head. "What brings you here, if I may ask that?"

The Gobbo puts on her best, innocent, look and grins brightly at Seldan. "It sounds like some prankster of Tarien's has visited a prank or two upon the priests of Daeus. Last I saw, there was a race." She giggles lightly, "But you deserve fanfare..."

Her expression fades slightly, as she looks back to Zeke. She sniffles, and tears roll down her cheeks. "Is it really you? Zeke? Are you really here?" Another sniffle and she peers at Seyardu a moment. A single, wee foot, is presented to silver-scale Sith. "My feet.”

Clearly, Seldan isn't buying what the blue-robed Gobbo is selling, although why is unclear. "Do I hold that prankster?" he asks sternly, but sets her down nonetheless if she lets him, and turns to Seyardu. "As well ask Her stars why they hang where they do in the sky, Hearthguard. Acedia is indeed a friend and ally, and full of joy, if not always of discipline. Still is she well-come, and will aid us in this hunt, do we explain."

His eyes go to the hammer and its flecks of blood. "An oil may be applied to weapons that may offer blessings, but it may also aid you to have it enchanted. Cold iron is useful, yes, but costly to enchant. I know those skilled enough to do so."

Zeke has his attention fully on Acedia, releasing Seyardu to bend down carefully. Slowly. "Thisss one hass returned yesss. Thisss time to sstay." He holds a claw out to her. "Thiss one knowsss how often you have wissshed to ssshake clawsss. Come and know that thisss one isss reality." He is offering again something that he could not, and would never have offered before - to touch her.

Seyardu nods, though the exchange, much as the one when Zeke had returned to the pub, should he have noticed, seemed to bother her. What was said before was still on her mind. "Is there fanfare for this race? This one is used to the reward being knowledge of your own strengths."

She peers at the foot, trying to make sense of it. "Were you injured? This one is sorry, but I have become spent by the events of today. Perhaps Zeke can be of assistance, however."

Her eyes look back to Seldan, and she blinks a few times, again doing her best to look innocent. "There is no proof but my own word.", Acedia says softly. A wide grin follows and she nods. "Indeed. You did hold the prankster for but a few moments. Sadly, she has fled from your grasp." She winks at Seldan.. and her expression falls once again, as she turns to stare at Zeke, her eyes wide. "You... stand tall where once you crouched." The Gobbo takes a few small steps towards the blue-scale Sith, stopping just out of reach. "I wished to embrace you.."

Ace takes a few more little steps forward, to bump her head against Zeke's claw. Her eyes flick to Seyardu, and the Gobbo grins cheekily. "No, you asked what brought me here, and I showed you. My feet. I am uninjured, it was a joke."

Seldan had been about to explain that, but Acedia beat him to it. "Seldom is Acedia serious, Hearthguard. Does she find herself truly in need, you will know." He levels a stern look at her at her admission. "Mind yourself." It comes out softly, though, and he instead watches Zeke and Acedia interact. "Much has happened since we fled the city, Acedia, but it is in my mind that she should hear your news regarding Eckles."

Zeke touches the top of Acedia's head, murmuring to her quietly. "Thisss one hasss learned much in thisss time. Thiss one... isss better." He curls the claw around her and draws the much smaller woman into himself for a hug which is long past due. He holds her but briefly before nodding to Seldan, but glances toward Seyardu. "Thiss one doess have newsss to ssshare, but if you Sseyardu do not wissh to be in danger, it may be wisse to leave now."

"It is alright. This one is danger." Seyardu sighs. "I would rather know of what troubles others than not. And I would hear of news, as well."

There was a nod, and she relaxes some, crossing her arms in her lap. "As long as it will not cause trouble for Mictlan, at least, should I learn it."

"I am serious, but I try to do it in a more casual manner.", the Gobbo says to Seyardu. She gasps as the blue-scale pulls her into a hug. It may be brief, but it is made slightly longer by her clinging tightly to his clothing. Acedia pales lightly as the name is spoken. "Eckles? Don't tell me..." She lets out a low breath. "He's come back?"

"The trouble will not escape you, do you hide from it." All trace of smile is gone, and there is a tension in Seldan's shoulders as he watches the others. "It is better that you know. The ashwings must be sought, and slain, but they are as insects next to that of which we speak. Still, that shall we do, and I would still hear aught else that you may know."

Zeke rises to his feet again slowly, carefully. Using his quarterstaff more than a little. "Indeed it isss asss you sssay. The Demon Duke hass returned hiss eyesss to Alexandria." He looks at Seyardu. "He isss a near-god whom usssess mortalsss ass hisss pawnsss, and nearly causssed usss to murder a child." He shakes his head slowly. "He isss forming a body which can bear hisss weight acrosss the planessss and allow him to usse hiss full powersss /here/."

"So, it is not something that would make a difference knowing or not." Seyardu nods, but there was worry there regardless. "The ashwing, that is an insect though? There was already so little I was capable of doing. It seems that many gods, they are seeking to find ways around the old laws. There is a story around the actions you speak of, but one I feel is best not shared. This one, will do what they can, however little that may be."

"Yes, the last time he was involved in the world, it was rather insidious. It was everywhere.", the Gobbo says softly. "His kind of trouble will follow you everywhere." Rubbing at her cheeks lightly, Acedia lets out a sigh. "So he is making a body, here in this world? Can we stop him from doing that?" She cants her head slightly. "Ashwings? I've not heard of those before."

At the mention of nearly murdering a child, Seldan's eyes go to the floor, and he falls silent, letting the others talk, and Seyardu explain about the devils he referred to as ashwings. His thoughts are his own, his reserve near-complete.

Zeke notices Seldan's expression, and flicks his tail, offering a low noise of comfort for his kin. "Thisss one apologizesss kin. That ordeal wasss hardessst on you thisss one thinksss. Thisss one knowsss that the demon tried to convince you to an evil act." Had nearly succeeded in one fell swoop of convincing everyone. "He will sssurely target you now for thwarting hisss plansss before."

"Ashwings, Erinyes, this one believes they were called?" The silverscale adds, feeling more out of place. "It was not the first time they have been encountered. The first, a group attacked someone named Merek at the riverside, tried to capture him. Most were slain, but one escaped. They were aided by a fey woman of some sort, a spellcaster, who was also slain."

"It sound as if the one you speak of is dangerous. But Zeke has the right of it, do not take fault for things one may force you to do. This one is sure you did everything possible against it."

Acedia moves to Seldan's side, again attempting to hug at his waist. "You stood firm, Seldan. Your path was the right one." She peers to Zeke and Seyardu. "He holds himself, and is held by others, to a higher standard. Even if it was forced, it would still be devastating. His power is such that our Goddess expects much of him." She lets out a breath and peers up at the man. "That said, I would posit that the world owes you a debt it would struggle to repay."

Ace cants her head slightly. "Oh, a kind of demon. This does not bode well, does it?"

"Were it not for Her words and Her grace ..." Seldan murmurs, not looking up, although he does automatically put an arm around Acedia's shoulders. "Truly did Her servant save me from a costly error." One he's still kicking himself about, from the sound of it. "It is to the holy Dreamer that we all owe that debt."

Finally, he looks up at the others. "The error was very nearly my own, and I make no excuses for it. But know this, Hearthguard - it is true enough. I have stared a Duke of Hell in the eyes, and defied him. Do not doubt for a second that he seeks revenge, and that does he get it, it will be terrible indeed. The erinyes are lesser, yes, but think not that they are no threat, or that you are helpless in their face. I cannot do this alone. I still have need of those in whom I may place my trust, to seek these cowardly things out. I will not soon forget what we found in that basement."

Zeke nods solemnly to the other man, clearly in agreement that they have the gods to thank, but also... his kin. "We have you to thank asss well Sseldan." He reminds the man gently. Words can only be given, they are nothing beside actual action. "Thisss one would hear what you sssaw in thisss bassement. Thisss one isss curiousss, and conscerned."

"This one is not that experienced, but know this, at least, my interpretation." The silver cleric speaks up, doing her best to focus on Seldan. "The gods give you the strength to do great things, but it is not a replacement for your own strength, but reliant upon it. Otherwise, this one would be capable of much more. It is only as this one betters themself that they find themself able to handle more."

"Which is to say, do not discount your own involvement, Seldan. If you need someone to trust, Zeke is here, and Acedia, by the sounds of it. And this one is always willing to listen."

The Gobbo's chest puffs out ever so slightly, and she grins broadly. "Yes, I did my best to be a solid support to lean on. I am not sure if I was as dependable as I could have been, but it was very dark times indeed." She eyes Seyardu. "I think what Seldan means, and has meant, is that he desires a group of people who will keep their heads when things go poorly. Just enough sanity to keep the world in place, you know? Help keep the populace calm. Help muffle those who would sow discord or spread panic. Just... solid people. And worry not about... doing big things. We can help by doing all the little things that need doing, so that those with strength can do the bigger things that need doing. We all pull our weight, and we can do anything together."

"Even so," Seldan nods to Acedia, although all of his eyes are for Seyardu. "And that were you, you and Zeke both. There were few enough. And those who will not turn on me when faced with magic of the mind, but I think that past." A very small smile. "Do those things that you can, and you shall learn, that you may do the greater things in time."

Zeke glances from Seldan to Seyardu. He nods to the former's words, in total agreement with the other man. "Thisss one isss wondering if you might ssshare what happened in the bassement?" His voice is gently prying. It is rude to ask a second time, but if he wants to know it seems he must.

"This one thinks they understand." Seyardu finally adds after listening to everyone else speaking. "This one, they try to be dependable, but that confidence has been shaken in recent times. But the desire is still there at least. And if there are small things this one can do safely, safely for others, then they will be done."

They pause, letting out a long sigh. Growing a bit more concerned again. "This one worries about being around others, with the ashwings searching. If Seldan will not speak of the basement, then this one can, even if it is unpleasant."

Acedia's eyebrows rise up slightly. "I am curious to know what has happened recently regarding the Demon." She trembles slightly and rubs at her arms. "I do not relish the thought of looking into his eyes again or fighting him. The last time did not go so well. Too many prisoners died."

She nods then, enthusiastically, to what Seyardu says. "Knowledge is what will save us, in the long run." The Gobbo looks to Seldan, expectantly.

"A killing house," Seldan answers simply, steel beneath his words, his arm tensing against Acedia. "Stray cats, disappeared humans. Ears, eyes, forelegs, hind legs, skulls, separated neatly into their own barrels. As with the humans." He draws a deep, steadying breath. "A terrible sight, and yet naught less than one might expect of such as they."

He seems content to allow the other topic to drop.

Zeke hisses lightly. "To what purpossse? Ssimple desstruction you think, or with a dessign in mind?" Such things rarely occurred without a /reason/. Particularly in Alexandria.

"It is as Seldan says." Seyardu nods grimly. "The purpose, this one does not know either, just that in the basement of the building the lancer tried to lead me into, it had a room beneath. Tables, drainage, and many bloody knives. Magic was used, which told of what transpired. Of the animals tortured and slain, as well as the people. The bodies are being sent to the temple of Vardama at least, for restoration and proper rites."

"It is perhaps one of the worst sight this one has ever had to have seen, though it may seem tame to others present."

The Gobbo wobbles and looks ill. "Body parts just neatly stacked in barrels." She frowns deeply, and glances at Zeke. "You said Eckles was making a body... perhaps he is literally picking and choosing body parts to get the... get whatever attributes he wants?" She nods sympathetically to Seyardu. "I can understand how horrible it must have been. Such are the things you may come across in our pursuit of this evil."

"It was ... bad." Seldan's tone says that he is not unaffected. "Erinyes are devils, and I think it unlikely that devils and demons are in league."

"Thisss one..." Zeke hums and looks thoughtful. "Iss not sso ssure Sseldan. Thisss one hass sseen evidence that Eclavdran will and hasss done dealingss with all sssortss to achieve hisss goalsss." The sith-makar looks mildly disturbed however. "Perhapsss thisss one ssshould look at the bodiesss. To sssee if any of them hold knowledge which may be usssseful to usss."

"If you wish to look, then yes, the bodies are at the temple of Vardama, or being transported there." Seyardu advises. "And then there is the matter of the disguise of the Erinyes. It was not removed by magic, and theirs was one of the bodies taken to that building, though moved afterwards. By the dates found, it seems they were using the building for ten months. This one is not sure of the relevance, if it can be linked to other things which have been happening in the city."

Acedia makes a face and nods to Zeke, "I, too, would like to take a look. More eyes makes for more chances at working out the significance." The Gobbo lets out a breath and shrugs. "I wouldn't claim to know much about demons and devils, but, well.. they could probably work together towards a common goal. But, you have to ask one big question. What is it that Eckles knows, or could offer, that would convince the devils to work with him, or for him? Is he able to compel them by force? Does some big devil owe Eckles a few favours?" She blinks at Seyardu's revelation, looking shocked. "Ten months? Goodness! Right under our noses for that long?"

"Ssso long..." Zeke is surprised. "Thisss one doess not and can not know. Perhapsss he hasss leverage. Perhapsss they are sseparate thingsss." He rolls his right shoulder in a shrug. "Thisss one will go and look at the bodiesss when thisss one might. Until then... Perhpass tea iss in order after all." They could all use a warm repast. He moves toward the door.

"Tea would not go amiss." Seyardu nods. Taking a moment to push it out of her mind. "Especially if you have some more commonplace in Am'shere. As I do not wish to go back to Mictlan for the time being, it has been hard to find in markets with how hard it is to see, and lack of stock. But regardless, it would be welcome. Thank you, Zeke. If you would still have words about things, this one can still talk." "Tea would be nice.", Ace says softly. "Shall we go together, and speak of more cheerful subjects? There are a few pubs where we can have cheer, tea and perhaps some tasty stew to fill our bellies?" The Gobbo seems greatly cheered by this prospect.

Zeke nods in agreement. "Ass you will then. Let usss to tea." He opens the door for everyone, and is the last person out. He knows of a nice place where they can go and have a better conversation. One not about demons and devils. Death and destruction.

-End