[IC] The Sands of Blood (Dead)

[Inertia]

Tagged; Everyone in the party,

Ellyn had easily seen through Artos, she noticed the wound quite easily, "Can't trick sharp elf eyes, can I?" he asked rhetorically, "Sana is... correct, you loo- look in worse shape than I." he continued, not noticing the stutter in his voice. He also noticed Hugh coming by, energies protruding from him as he began to heal Sana in a blaze of light. Artos was slightly impressed, as he thought Hugh was a paladin no more. Lightly shaking his head once more to regain his darkening vision.

He was again curious at Ellyn's proclamation of him being important, but did not question it since his energy is close to nil. "As for the dagger, I can give you an extra holster if you wish" he offered, "The worry? Well, I guess it's from gratitude." Artos replied slowly, trying to garner in his head why he actually did as he himself did not know. Eyeing her trying to get up by herself with tremendous tenacity, Artos noted that she was not supposed to be walking yet, and with a huff carried her between his arms in a princess-esque manner. "Well, let us make haste to leave this... tomb."

[Ryu]

Varis followed behind Sana, being just a few feet away from her as she peeked down the hallway. He made sure to keep a rather large distance from the cocky marksman. She didn't exactly favor him -- but then again, no one really did. Varis breathed out a rather elongated sigh before reaching into the pocket -- the pocket that he placed the gem the halfling had given to him. As his hand crept into his pocket, he could feel the gem in the palm of his hand. Varis grabbed the gem, taking it out to inspect it further, only to realize that... it wasn't a gem after all.

It was some sort of jewelry that looked to be a sort of... emblem, which was strange, seeing as how Varis could have sworn it was a gem at first when he placed it in his pocket, but even he wasn't sure, seeing as how he absentmindedly placed it in his pocket when he received it from the halfling. He stared at the pin, its intricate design which held the black gem in the middle catching his eye. Slowly, Varis placed the pin inside of his pocket once more, looking over at the magus as he lifted up the elf.

"Oh dear word," Varis muttered under his breath so only he could hear his own words. "Now they're a thing?" He rolled his eyes before turning back to Sana, taking out his short sword as he began to walk down the hallway.

"Let's go!" Varis shouted out. "Out this damning tomb we go!"

"I have a mage to kill!"

[Salrynn]

Ellyn hesitated as he picked her up like a princess, her blush was showing once more. Not understanding why he even picked her up. He was injured and she shown she could walk?? Nonetheless she decided to agree to his offer about the extra hollster as she knew she desperately needed one.

‘Ofcourse I will accept your offer… if it doesn’t trouble you, but m-might I ask… why you are carrying me like this…?’ She giggled in confusion, starting to feel warm as she remained in his arms, even though he smelt all mucky and bloody Ellyn could still smell some of his original scent. Which she instantly loved, just being here like this gave her actual goosebumps.
‘oh and, my weight won’t make you bleed more will it?? I can try to heal you...’ She offered in return ‘I mean, you have done so much for me and I can only offer so little’ Ellyn mumbled sadly, wanting to help him more in return for all his help.

[Markofkri]

"Sana. Sana." Deila knew this would be a long road until meaningful communication between the group and herself would be possible. Nevertheless the first steps were taken and she was more the eager to learn how to communicate with her new found pack. Deila started to move her lips as she silently repeated the words committing them to memory. While she was lead out of the ground, she did her best not to think about it. She kept her eyes down only occasionally glancing at the two persons whose names she recently learned. She started wondering which persons title she would learn next and then as more words came more ideas could be shared. Perhaps the smaller fellow who wore lizard looking hide. He/it was such a fascinating creature.

Deila had a gift that others also received. She looked at it curiously. It was metal and had a green stone in the center of the design. She wasn't fond of metal. Grandma would say, "That metal is a good element but it makes one weak. Look at the turtle, using all its strength for only one purpose. Protected by the shell it wears but unable to fly." Deila put the gift in a pouch. She would keep it in remembrance of this meeting.

Deila was glad to be moving away from this unnatural place. The cage was bad enough.

[EWillden]

Zaphere

The Inquisitor was right to suspect the crowd. However, what made the desert cities so easy for someone to hide in where that everyone wore robes. Hard to see the faces of anyone. Especially with ones that didn't belong at all. One of the cultists watched as the inquisitor went to work, this man was smart ,but not as smart as they had feared. He had no clue the spider came from another realm altogether. However, he took one of the idols and began to move away. What was he doing?... If I was a inquisitor what would I do?... The man said. He was interrupted by a guard. "Huh silver hair and dark skin,... Not the first drow I have seen in the city... " The guard said. This got the man's attention. "I am not the only one?... What do you mean?"

"Well I saw a drow female enter the city and leave with a odd group the other day." The guard answered. The drow male nodded and smiled. "Good to hear your city welcomes all type of people." He responded. The guard laughed in agreement. He left the guard to his duties at the market. Cleaning up their dirty work. Was Vivian here? That traitorous whore.... He will deliver the news to Danika as well as what he had seen. He needed to tell her about the inquisitor and fast.

He made his way cutting through the alleyways and then entered a building that had a secret back entrance. He then took to the basement linked to the sewers. He found Danika and rushed to her. She turned to him as he approached. "What is it Samuel?" She asked.

"The Inquisitor is still on some kind of trail... The idols are being taken to the monastary and he took one and was leaving the market area in a different direction.." He reported.

"He is using it to detect where the rest are being stored. The warehouse will have clues to our plans here. Get there before him and burn everything... Leave nothing there for him to investigate." She said. He nodded leaving into the sewers to take a quick route. Before he left completely he turned to face her. "Vivian has been spotted leaving the city..." He then left.

Danika smiled and nodded accepting the news. Too bad her and her cultists where not part of the family anymore. She would have sent a few to go and kill her. She then moved to the sorceress. "Cassandra,... Summon two hellhounds. Have one follow after Samuel to burn the warehouse, and one to intercept the guards and destroy the idols. We can not be discovered... Not yet. Not until He is ready." She ordered. The sorceress nodded. "Will do milady,..." She said going to her summoning circle. Here she conjured up too hellhound. They had dark skin and flames engulfed their bodies. "Ezekial,... You will join with Samuel, burn that warehouse to the ground." She turned to the other. "Thanatos,... You will intercept the guards and destroy the idols. " she ordered them. They bowed their heads and left.

Fahran

When Bjoric decided to use his detect evil on the chalice he would find something. Ellis was right. A dark evil shroud will come over the chalice. It was in fact the object the lich had used as it's chain to this world.

Ellis

Did the Lich hate the idea that is host just told the dwarf where his vessel was?... Yes but no matter. Being in the halfing made it safe. If they destroyed it, oh well. He just hoped they wont discover him and rip him from the halfling. He had dark plans for the city of Zaphere. Ellis rejoined Sana and Varis looking into the hallway. He then pushed through.... "Sorry lads,... But this us where I come in." He said. "You might forget ,but the only doors are the ones you all have seen. Meaning... This place is secret to the city of Fahran. I being a thief,... I know what to look for in a secret door. "

With that Ellis began to walk beside the wall touching it with his hands until he felt it. A loose stone. He pulled out his iron dagger and stuck it in to pry it out. There it was a lever. He smiled and reached in and pulled it. A piece of the wall on the opposite side of him of him pushed outward revealing a stair case. He turned around dusting off his hands. He gave Varis and Sana a grin and then proceeded up the staircase. What he came across was a rather large cave. So large it housed levels and levels of the lost city. There were skeletons, dead dead, all over the place. Some looked as if they had been doing every day lives when they died. Some skeletons where small as if they where that of children. All victims to the lich he assumed. The lich spoke out in his mind. A voice only Ellis can hear. "Hey now,... Dont blame me for this. My only victims where all destroyed by you and your friends." Ellis looked about as if he thought someone else had said it. He came to the conclusion it was all in his head. He had his body taken by the lich. Well that would explain the odd feeling earlier. Wait,... The lich possessed my body but did not take full control. He doesn't want my friends discovering him. He smirked,... I will use that to my advantage. The lich also caught on to the halflings thoughts and cursed. "You aint a stupid halfling are you?" The lich asked. Ellis just responded with a simple "yup" as a thought. "So you did not do this?... Then who?" He asked the lich. "Be truthful or I will just spill my beans to Hugh and Bjoric.." He threatened. Once more this conversation to up in hus mind. No one could hear it. The lich sighed. "Fine,... Not like i owe that bastard any favors. He called himself the devour... He did the same thing almost to a order of paladins. This city was just the beginning of his destruction. Some dumbass kid summoned him in his basement. After that he began to deceive the people just enough until he began summoning his generals. One was a demon complete comprised of gass. It... Killed these people .It was a Hezrou or some shit." The lich answered. "It was soon after he had convinced a stupid city to turn on the order of paladins... He was killed though by the head of that order..."
"What happened to him?..." Ellis asked.
"Died of his wounds... Given to him by the great demon. Being a holy knight doesn't make you completely immune to every weapon a demon has." The lich replied. Ellis sighed and looked to Hugh's location. No doubt behind Sana. He didn't see the man yet climbing the stairs. Good thing because he might have noticed the frown. Poor Hugh... Ellis sighed and turned to look at the city. "Where is the exit to this damned place?" He said out loud accidentally. Then just went with it. The lich used Ellis's eyes for a second. "See the double waterfalls to your left. Its between them. There are pools right there too so you group could clean themselves there."
Thanks... Ellis said in response.

"Those waterfalls look important lets check over there... At least we can get cleaned up." He said. Climbing down more stairs and seeing the dead. He still couldn't believe the story even though he knew the lich was telling the truth.

Garekk

While everyone gathered there things, Garekk had grabbed a few rolls of rope and had been gathering up the weapons of the undead. Once had them bundled up he tied them together. He then tied them to the pack meant for Ellis and then put it on. He had about a dozen swords and axes tied to his back. He then pulled his greatsword out and moved out. He took note of where everyone was at and saw the chalice. He stepped closer and had the desire to take it and melt it down. Could make a good hilt for a sword. He thought. He then saw the dwarf also examining it. He waited to see what the dwarf would say.

Vivian

Vivian moved to the majority of the group sighing at Artos. Not at him picking up Ellyn exactly. Just him picking her up while his arm was bleeding. She looked to Hugh. "You healed Sana,... Can you heal the idiot before he hurts himself and Ellyn. I can't let Daila use all her herbs on them.." She said. "Please?.." Once she said that she followed after Sana and Varis. She was behind Varis and noticed how broad they were despite his figure. She felt her eyes going down and eyeing his other parts as well. "Hmm nice. I wonder where he got the ass from" She said out loud. She noticed what she had done and face palmed. Oh well,... Might as well go with it.

[Inertia]

Tagged; Everyone in the party,

"I'm alright, it won't bleed if I carry something." Artos replied, a light smile slowly appearing on his face as he looked down at her between his arms, "You've already done much, I require nothing." With Ellyn between his arms, he followed the halfling descend the staircase. Pointing out a rather odd and out of place waterfall, he agreed that they could atleast clean themselves out of it. Also just sighing at the rather doting Vivian and repeating another sigh he slowly let her down on her legs.

"Rather not expend any more energy needed, they all look fatigued." he replied, ruffling through his pouch and grabbing bandages and slowly wrapped it around his wound, his face lightly wincing during the process. "This will make do, I'll heal it later when I've the energy." he finished, glancing at Vivian for approval "Can you walk Ellyn? If not, I can carry you again." he offered.

[Fatal Error 1337]

Bjoric entered the room with a spell that would reveal evil, and he didn't even have to look hard. The chalice radiated evil energies that almost made it difficult to look upon with the spell.

"Damn." Bjoric let the spell fade as he grabbed the chalice. Now he knew why the mages guild wanted it so badly. He debated using his hammer to smash it then and there, but the party was involved now and they'd need to figure out what to do. He wasn't going to make the choice for them.

He walked to the group who were gathered below the stairs. "We have a problem." He held up the chalice. "The bloody lich bound itself to the cup, and I bet my beard that bastard mage knows."

[Salrynn]

As soon as her feet touch the floor Ellyn nodded and hugged him ‘Thankyou…’ she knows for a fact that she didn’t want to leave his arms or anything, she wanted to stay in his arms and to be by his side specifically. Looking at the bandages which he wrapped around his wound she sighed, it would heal slower that way and it may hinder him on his progress but dared not to question it as she knew Artos would simply dismiss it.

The moment Artos offered to carry her again if she could walk properly she blushed but for obvious reasons she said she could just to not put too much pressure on his arm, deciding to walk around him as a little test to see, she could almost walk properly and Ellyn was happy about that, knowing that she doesn’t need assistance, but still disappointed about leaving his arms.

Ellyn smiled and was just about to say she could walk when Bjoric came up to her and her friends announcing about the cup, she was literally shocked then already knew what was going on. ‘that mage… that was the lich, wasn’t it… the mage that gave us the mission was that lich??’ She thought to herself about this presumption, wondering if the others will catch on or agree ‘Guys’ she finally spoke out ‘if you say that Bjorc then that means the mage who gave out the mission was the lich himself’ As soon as Ellyn said this she looked to everyone for thoughts then to Artos for his input, she didn’t want to look stupid but if everyone did not agree with her then she would have made herself look stupid anyway, but she had to speak it out with the others for their input.

[Warrior in the Shadows]

Hugh felt the kiss of his palm, letting the feeling sink in. He savored it, with the feeling of her face in his palm. When she held his hand he gave an affectionate squeeze, enjoying how much smaller they were compared to his, but still powerful. He stood up to his full height as they dropped hands to go about the errand of gathering their things.

Hugh was in the unfortunate predicament that he had no idea where his horse had gotten to. A look of worry soon came across his face as he looked around. "Rodger." He said it with a hurried whisper. "Rodger!" He finally said loudly. "Do we know what they did with my horse?" His worry shown on his eyes as he looked about, feeling desperate. The horse had always been there for him and he couldn't bear to lose it. The both of them had been traveling companions for too long, and Hugh had raised the horse from its youth. "I need to find Rodger!" He said, as he hurriedly scooped up his hammer and strapped it to his back.

Perhaps the horse hadn't been brought with them and had been left outside. He hadn't seen any cages for it when they were locked up in the dungeon room. He rushed back down the hallways they had come, combing the area, then rushing back to the others when the trip had proved to be fruitless. "Oh no, poor Rodger, where have you gotten to." He muttered, following after the others. He was definitely going to have a little bit of trouble concentrating on everything, without knowing where his horse was.

Hugh joined up with the others, the expression on his face turned to worry. He acknowledged with a quick nod when Vivian told Hugh to heal up the magus. "Mhmm, on it." He said. He quickly headed over to magus, acting very quickly to heal him. Laying his hands on his wounds to see them glow again. He rushed the process, still thinking of going up to look for his horse. He didn't really seem to think about how Artos might feel a little uncomfortable with Hugh rushing the healing process, placing his hands where he saw wounds. It might have felt like he was being slapped around.

When they had ascended the stairway into the upper levels of the lost city, he just kept looking around with worry, thinking only of getting his loyal draft horse back.

[Afina]

Sana perked a brow as Ellis pushed passed her and nodded as she nocked her arrow into place and followed, keeping an eye out if anything moved. This entire situation was not sitting well with her. “I am beginning to think that a 1,000 gold isn’t enough for this adventure, “ she muttered as they made their way through the hallway. Seeing Ellis discover the level and reveal the stair case she smirked. “Well done,” she said as she followed him down the stairs. Glancing back from time to time to make sure the rest of the group was with them and counting heads to ensure no one was left behind. “Stay together folks,” she said quickly as she reached the bottom of the stairs.

When Bjoric came up she lowered her bow and tilted her head to the side; seeing the chalice the rest of them had left behind. It seemed some others were about as concerned as a reward as she was. Not at all and just wanting to get out. As he said the Lich was bound to the chalice she locked the arrow between her fingers of the hand that held her bow and waved her now free hand. “Wait…let me get this straight and forgive me since I am not exactly educated on this shit, but… What you are saying is that the freaking Lich isn’t dead? He didn’t commit suicide and he is bound to that bloody thing?” she grumbled. Rolling her eyes as she tossed her head back she let out a frustrated sigh. “That explains his apparent suicide earlier. Fucking smoke screen.”

“So where is the Lich?” she asked point blank. “In that damned thing? Elsewhere? Dead?” she continued. She hoped for dead but she doubt Bjoric would even bring it up if that were the case. She hated when her gut feelings turned out to be right. Rubbing her temples she looked back at the group. “So, our options are as follows….” She began before continuing. “Hand it over to the Mages, with that Lich still being god only knows where. Destroy it and no payment. Or option C, find a way to unbind the bastard from the cup, hand the cup over and demand payment?” she said quickly before casting her vote. “I vote smash it with a hammer!”

Handing over something with a Lich attached to it didn’t sit well with her at all. Why not hire people to destroy it? Why keep it? A Lich was an evil creature and after it had tied her to the table the sweetest reward to Sana was its utter destruction. Looking over at Hugh she nodded slightly, having heard his worry over the horse and stepped to him. “I doubt that they would have worried about Rodger, I am sure he is fine and waiting for us outside. If not, we’ll find him,” she said as she placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder before turning her attention back to the group; awaiting their thoughts and input on the matter.

[Warrior in the Shadows]

Hugh let his tension go as he felt Sana's hand touch his shoulder. "Understood." He said, relaxing from her touch. He shook off his worry. The horse was all he carried with him from the old barbarian tribe. It was a reminder of his old home. Not only had he raised the horse as part of the barbarian tribe, but the horse had also been born from one of the stable horses of the old paladin order. Rodger was a relic and a refugee, like Hugh.

Hugh brought himself back into the conversation, comforting himself with the thought that his horse was alright and remained where they had left him. He remembered how loyal his horse could be and how the horse would often wait on his return. "Destroy it. Gold or no gold, it's a danger to the rest of the world. Mages have always been known to meddle in things that could cost the lives of the rest of us. Screw them." He said, chiming in. They could go ahead and destroy the chalice, losing the thousand gold pieces. He disliked those who tried to learn more at the expense of others and that was how he viewed mages. Too intelligent for their own good.

"it's rather unfortunate, but it's necessary." He said, thinking of what he would lose. It was a big reward and nonetheless risky to give up the chalice that housed the lich. What would mages want with a lich's power? What else other than to seek immortality?

Ellyn brought up an interesting thought of how the lich might have been the mage who had given them the quest. That could be rebuked by the fact that he had promised to give them money to find the chalice. "I wouldn't think so, Ellyn. The man was intent on paying us. Why would he want us to find a chalice that he could claim for himself and pay us for it?" He struck the question, crossing his arms and leaning back on his heels.

[ShiningSector]

Sergei had been walking for some time, scouring the streets of Zaphere, using the dark resonance radiating from the idol he carried as a means to locate any hint of a demonic aura. So far his searching had yet to produce any results and no reaction from the evil spirit from within the small statue had manifested. He figured it was his own opposing aura sedating the phantom from making any personal actions. But for sure if there was a source likes its own, it would naturally call out and unintentionally give the Inquisitor a direction to take.

Thinking more about the incident an hour ago, Sergei pondered upon the developments that had took place that lead to the merchant's "assassination". He has since developed new theories about the event such as the spider's origin's being otherworldly; another feasible fact that conferring to the notes on his tome had confirmed the likely possibility. A minor summoning ritual would have been discreet and all that was necessary to summon that foul arachnid to murder a valuable source of information. Other ideas came to mind but every single one eventually dictated the logical conclusion that some form of shadowy operation was present. But was the intent?

After awaiting a caravan to move their load on by and out of the way, the Inquisitor crossed the cobblestone road, walking into the shifting flow of bustling civilians going about their business. From under his hood, the Inquisitor had eyed every person suspiciously who walked by him. Since an murder to conceal crucial evidence had taken place, it was clear that this organization was coordinated and knew the need to cut out the liabilities to ensure confidentiality and cover over their assets. Though the merchant may have had some relationship with this shady group, it was not a very strong once and only severed some mundane purpose.

Was it funds? Maybe, but idols were obviously not in high demand unless they were based on some recent famous figure or claimed to have guaranteed good luck and riches; the one he carried however was hardly considered impressive in design with the female figure being hardly recognizable and the demon dwelling within gifted the opposite effect with evil possessions. He figured the income was lowly moderate and perhaps not substantial. Had the idols been the buzz of the town...Suffice to say, there would hardly be a town left after he burns it to the ground in a heretic hunt...But perhaps that was virtually the goal.

Maybe it wasn't a lowly task but a tactical one. Multiple discreet possessions through careful organization would have made a sleeper army of demons valid. The thought was heinous as it was terrifying and further made the overall plot make absolute sense. What it really what this organization as really planning? A demonic takeover of the city? The questions piled in but no answer to address them all. He had to find the evidence. He needed the source supply of the demon-infused goods. He needed a Pelordamned confession.

Suddenly, the spiritual pressure from the idol spiked and tugged Westward; the phantom was reaching out to a concentrated source of negative energy. "Finally." the Inquisitor grunted before hurrying his pace towards the direction of the spiritual disturbance. Turning the corner while pacing through one of the alleyways as a shortcut, Sergei had come across a series of warehouses all lined up into organized rows. He figured that it simply the local storage facilities used by the merchants, guilds, and other parties. He felt the demon tugging again, confirming this was the right location. Before he could take another step, a surge of negative spiritual energy could be felt radiating from one of the warehouses. The number of pulses in the wavelength indicated the casting of a spell...A powerful one.

"Damnation!" the Inquisitor broke into a dash, attempting to intercept the caster before the spell could complete its chant.

It probably didn't help that his Inquisitorial equipment slowed him down, especially the large shield he carried with him at all times and the warhammer used to channel his magical powers. There was also the armor he carried too to protect him against the dark arts too. But his body has had decade to adapt to his armored attire and could naturally move in it; he hoped that would be enough. Just as he reached the door to the warehouse the spell was radiating from, he felt the handle on the door had become excessively hot, even glowing as if it about to melt.

Then the last pulse of the spell cam with a chest feeling boom and subsided.

"Shit."

Cunning and natural instincts influenced the Inquisitor, having him leap into a dive just as the main entrance exploded into a torrent of fire torching the back wall of another facility. The explosive had left persistent ring in his hear as his mind became aware of what transpired. Getting back on his feet, he could see the warehouse had been disemboweled and scorched beyond all comprehension. Shifting though the burnt and still burning heaps of structural wood and stone, Sergei could identify the remains of a lab, clear used for minor summonings going by the engravings. The facility also was used to store a arsenal of cursed items, including a proportional stock of idols like the one he carried. However everything had been destroyed and so where the spirits infused with them.

Eyeing the wreckage, Sergei could safely agree this was yet another attempt to dispose of any evidence. It appeared that the organization was simply cutting all ties and wasting many potential resources in the process. Simply re-purposing the cursed items into other uses would make sense indefinitely but this? This was erasing one more trail that lead to this group of heretics and it was now becoming excessive. It was almost as if they were running from something or keeping crucial evidence out of someones hand; someone like him.

Sergei then began to feel the dreaded realization that the actions began to take place just as he found out about the selling of cursed items. He himself was being tracked; watched and observed. Someone clearly did not want him investigating into any of this heretical business and just declared war against him and his endeavors to flush them out. Now that it was a known fact that he was being tracked and usurped at every turn, Sergei now had to act discreetly and less out of the open if he's going to pin down this group. As irritating as it was, he wished this organization would be more open in challenging his new found mission rather than using such sneaky and devious tactics.

Reaching into one of his internal robe pockets, his hand produced a small black ball of swirling ebony gases. If he was to leave now in plain sight he would be tracked once more another lead would be risked being destroyed. He was unsure as to how many assets his opposition retained but he was sure that Not all of it was not expendable and had legitimate uses towards their grand designs. Eventfully there would be no where else for them to run to. But for now, he had to jump of the trail and into hiding so he may investigate without any eyes upon him.

Casting a small spell within the hand that held the black orb, a mixture of heat and magic collided, detonating the ball into a instant flash before concealing the entire area into a sea of black mist. The gases were not poisonous but the haze heavily restricted sight and magical abilities. For a brief time, he would be able to escape and resume his investigations in secret. It was not the course of action he wished to take but it became necessary one.

[EWillden]

Ellis

Inside Ellis's head he could hear the sound of laughter. Large amounts of laughter. She isn't serious is she? The voice said coming back. Ellis felt his hands go to his forehead. A sigh could be heard and he turned his head slightly. "Ellyn, you didn't see that things face like me and Hugh have. The face on the mage was fresh, a little wrinkle here and there but fresh. The lich I saw had half his..." Her... "Face torn off....". He answered. Wait your a her?.... Originally yes, the body you saw was the last host I had. Don't worry I wont make a short fellow like you look like that. Thanks.. I guess. He then got nervous of how Sana reacted. Yup not telling these people I have you inside me. They would kill me just to kill you. Swear I thought I could trust them, they don't see the knowledge we could have using you as someone to go to for help. You are like how old? 160 years and my soul is still young. That's 160 years of knowledge and you know what happened to Hugh's order. You don't need the chalice to survive right? If they destroy it you will remain in me right? 4
Yes. I will remain inside you ,but I will remain forever until you die. Then I die with you. Shit... hmm I thought I could trust them. I am going to say something. Sorry but I am telling them. Don't worry they aint tearing you from my body. I wont let them. Right... so reassuring when big tall and muscles over there. You will have to talk through me to them afterwards. You will apologize to Sana for doing what you did. If you manage to make this work, I doubt you will, I will apologize. Okay.

"Um guys, don't destroy the chalice just yet. Just hear me out. When the Lich committed suicide, her spirit or soul went inside my body. I think she is the only reason I still clung to life and lived through that ordeal." He said. "I want her to remain inside me though,... no pulling her out of my body. She is about 160 years old and I have had a conversation with her. She knows things.... things books can't tell you." He looked to Hugh and sighed. "Your order of paladins.... she knew who was responsible. I think she hates him too. She even knows why everyone here is dead. Those within that we fought where not innocent people. Bandits, cut throats.... people who deserved years of torment as a slave to a lich."...Cold man... real cold. "Quiet.... and before you say.'How do you know she ain't lying'.... I am a thief guys. A very well and professional thief. I know when someone lies to me. I have learned to sense it."

He paused for only a second. "She also has feelings over the mages guild as well.... she even laughed when Ellyn said she was the old man in the tavern." He added. "I told her that she would have to apologize to everyone,... especially to the one she hurt the most." He said. He then moved to sit on a wall. "Now here are your choices.... destroy the chalice and the lich remains inside of me. However, her soul is somewhat linked to mine. You remove her, you kill me. Kill me you kill her. "He said. "I think we should keep the chalice.... maybe." Can we melt it down to a smaller object and you still be linked to it? Yes actually. I am linked to the very object its self. If condensed into something smaller I can still reside in it. Also good lie there. Still wont work, you have been with this group for how long? They will kill you sooner then you can blink to kill me. Especially the woman. I fear the same, but I am taking the chance. "I do want to melt it down into something smaller and easier to carry. Garekk seems capable and able to do so." He then sighed and paused. He actually started to tear up. "Now... I am leaving my trust to you... I think this is a better option. With the help of the Lich.... we can get to the deeper mystery here. Like why the fuck the mages want a lich's phylactery." There it was said. He closed his eyes ready for the arrow to kill him dead. Sana was known for her outbursts so far and anger. He knew that she would want to kill him... but perhaps not.

Vivian

Vivian sighed and after what she learned she wanted to smash it too. However, the halfling had truth in his words, it could be an advantage against the enemies with the lich's knowledge. Enemies that they might have to face. Such as this mages guild. She felt like turning it into the church in the city and having the clergy investigate the mages guild. She liked Ellis's plan. She even admired the little one's courage. Courage, something not easily found ,but very common in the little things in the world. Vivian sighed.
"You all might hate me for this, but I believe in what he says is true." She gave her two cents but she would add some. "If you go against his words and not only destroy it ,but kill him too. You can say goodbye to me. Yes the lich was a bitch,... but you are no better then the kin I left behind if you solve bloodshed with bloodshed." She then eyed the ex-paladin and the cleric. She knew they would understand her meaning. Only the divine in this room would understand... and Ellyn. Vivian waited moving to stand beside Ellis. Who was about to say something but she put her hand on his head and ruffled his hair. "I am beside you little one.... I wont let them harm you" She said.

Garekk

Garekk being a strong powerful orc. He was actually moved by the little fella's courage and bravery. He proved it in the hallway pushing through to try and save Sana when he had little chances of success. Now he risked his life to the very thing the brought him to an inch of his life. He stood up and placed a fist on his chest. "You have a lot of honor built up in you little one.... I am with you on this. I will happily make it smaller for you to carry. A circlet perhaps..." He said. He then moved to also stand by the halfling. He leaned in and mumbled to Vivian and the little guy. "If they attack run... I will hold them off." He quickly drew his crossbow and leaned it against his shoulder. "What you guys say?.... dont go proving to the orc that you people are not any better then my kinsmen." He said.

Ceris

You know Ellis,... I am kind of jealous of your two friends. Maybe if I had friends like them when I was still fleshy, I might have taken a different route. I still got my magic to use. IF worse comes to worse which it will. I will port us out of here. I hope it doesnt come to that but I will for you and your two friends. It's the least I could do for your courage. Sorry for sucking almost all of your life away.

Zaphere

The Hellhound and Samuel sat on a rooftop watching the Inquisitor. The Hellhound suddenly vanished. Leaving this plane. His spell ending. He then threw at the inquisitor a outstretched middle finger while placing his right forearm in between his left forearm and bicep. Yeah take that you meddling bastard. He then left to go report to Danika the success.

Elsewhere the guards where hauling the wears to the merchant to the monastary. The problem was. They were being followed. The hellhound Ezekial was cloaked in shadow. Waiting for the right moment. Then the door opened and he lunged out of the darkness flames surround his body. One by one the guards fell to the beast. One by one they were burned alive. The hellhound then proceeded to destroy the idols. The lesser demons within them being sent back to the otherworld. Ezekial left one guard alive though as a message to the inquisitor. The man was close to death with every inch of his body burned.

[Afina]

Sana stood there frozen as she listened, took it all in, her eyes narrowing as her face went flush and then red with a rage as anger grew quickly. Her breath went ragged. How? Why? She growled as her fingers trembled, the noise of the arrow rubbing against her bow could be heard as her body shook. This thing just tried to kill her and now he wanted her to just let it all go. Her kind had been hunted for centuries and those that hunted them never paid the price. She had just been tied to a table and left for sacrifice, the others were surly to be next and now she was just supposed to let it go with a simple apology? Wasn’t going to happen, not now, not ever.

Turning away from the group she worked through the options in her mind. Just kill Ellis right then and there? Could she do that to the small one? Lowering her head she closed her eyes tight as her breaths remained shaky. Suddenly it looked as if she was about to turn and fire but at the last moment her arrow was dropped in its quiver and her bow was slung across her back as she sunk to her knees.

“For Ellis, it can live for now but I want it dead. Whoever she is, whatever she knows, I don’t care. We find a way to save Ellis first,” she spat before turning and looking at him. “Soon as we can,” she growled as she looked into Ellis’ eyes but was speaking to the Lich within. “I am going to turn her spirit to ash.”

[Warrior in the Shadows]

Hugh was taken aback at the sudden confession from Ellis. He hadn't taken Ellis for the one to just take the word of a lich, but the halfling was a burglar. Hugh disliked the idea of leaving the chalice intact, even if they gave it to good people for investigation. If evil remained in the world, it could still be used for evil. The path to destruction was paved with good intentions, after all.

Hugh squeezed the handle of his falchion tightly at the mention of the destruction of his old order. "Obviously you had a hand in it." He growled speaking to the lich. He felt frustration and anger rise up in him that he hadn't felt for so long. His anger was strong but his sense of empathy stronger. "I don't know how many this lich has killed or what types. It still exploited lives for its own benefits and that is evil." He said. "As a paladin, we never exploited, we only cared for justice. It doesn't matter if you did the wrong thing for the right reasons. It doesn't matter if you used bad people to extend your life, you still committed a crime against this world. A lich will always be an abomination." He said, his words filled with ire. "I've seen it plenty of times to not make the same mistake. Bad people doing bad things even to other bad people, it's still a crime."

Hugh was angry beyond belief. He wasn't angry enough to tear the halfling in two pieces, but he was not in any mood to negotiate with a lich. "You're evil. You know you are. Just sprinkling on a little 'I did it to bad people' won't change your crime." He had seen convicts serving out their time for their crime used as experiments for advances by different corrupt individuals who claimed it was alright, because "they were bad people". He had ended them outright, as they continued to commit these heinous crimes, never being able to understand the wrong they were still doing. He had greatly pitied them for their ignorance and their arrogance angered him.

"No one deserves to be a slave to a lich. A lich should not exist." His words were cold as he growled, glaring menacingly at Ellis to convey his point to the lich. "I will see you exorcised. I will not seek revenge, so don't bother tempting me with it." Hugh stood tall and loudly yelled, "I'VE SEEN ENOUGH OF MY BROTHERS' DEATHS, TOO MANY TIMES. I DON'T NEED TO HEAR YOUR STORY OF HOW IT HAPPENED." He breathed heavily, his nostrils flaring. "The only info I care for now is if any of them still live." He said with a seething anger in his voice and a rising rage. "YOU MOCK ME. I KNOW HOW THEY DIED. I WATCHED THEM DIE." He yelled, clenching his fist, and gripping his falchion's handle tightly. "Just keep the lich and the damned chalice, Ellis. It doesn't matter if you wish to do good with items of evil, you'll always fall prey." He said, issuing his warning and backing away from the fight.

His words he hoped would seat themselves in the halfling's mind. The halfling was too young to understand the evil he contained. Apparently the drow hadn't seen enough evil to be on the right side and the orc had greatly disappointed him. Although he was an ex-paladin, it might be said that the more enlightened of the paladins were the ones who left it behind them after their younger days. Hugh had seen paladins fall prey to corruption, thinking they could extinguish evil with evil. He had ended other paladins before and had grieved greatly for them.

"Hell, maybe you're already corrupted, burglar." He finished, crossing his arms. Regardless of how angry Hugh was, he couldn't help but feel pride when he heard Sana speak. This was the woman he had claimed and who had claimed him. She was a strong woman and Hugh was loving her just for that.

[EWillden]

Ellis snorted and spat at the ground. "Corrupted?.... Corrupted?. Oh no far from it... I want to exploit this lich to my hearts desire. By the way her name his Ceris. The devour killed these people.... He even corrupted the hearts of the men to destroy your order. It was because of him she resorted to necromancy in the first place. In other words even she was corrupted by its evil. And you want to kill her for what it did to her..... You paladins are all the same." Ellis then turned and looked to Sana.... "If you call that love tap a thing of horror... You are as hopeless as he is. I just had my very life sucked to the brink of death... If anyone one member wanted her dead the most it is me.... But I want to give her the mercy this shit faced demon who corrupted her didn't." He then paused feeling his heart beat heavily. His breathing showing it. "I thought you all as friends.... But i suppose i just lied to myself. I never had friends.... Who needs them they always disappoint you in the end.... Ceris use your arcane magic to get me out of here as well as the chalice." He said..."you know what save your energy I will go myself..." He said turning away. "The leader of your Ordered died from the wounds he received from the great demon that destroyed your order.... He had hunted down survivors but your leader killed him and the devour killed him. You know nothing about her or what that demon put her through. i do,... her memories are there in my mind. He forced her into this life and I am going to save her." With that he stepped away and began walking. He rose up his hand. Ceris used him as a chanel to use her magic casting telekinesis. The chalice ripping from the dwarf's hands and into his. However, he only took five steps before hearing a scream. From inside his mind. Oddly enough it sounded outward so the others could hear as well. He held his head as the headache followed it."Whats going on?... Whats happening?"....
"Those fools... I warned them... Those stupid mages... Those fools." Ceris spoke. This time everyone could hear it.
"What do you mean the mages what did they do?.." Ellis responded
"No not the mages... Someone else maybe.... I sense far worser evil then my own coming from Zaphere.... A evil I feared well and hid. It was why I was in that secret place. I hid there sing the undead to protect me from it...." Ceris answered.
"From what woman?.... From what?"
A female moan could be heard coming from Ellis.
"Forget what Ellis has said ex paladin..... Your leader failed. Eliphas the Devour has returned... Cant you sense it? Even more then my own?.... The great demon is returning." Then there was silence.
"Ceris?... Ceris? You there" he asked. Yes... I have used up all my energy to speak outside if your mind. You may have to speak for me. I dont understand. I am afraid.... Once more he has come. Once more he will torment me. Only it wont be in my dreams. I hoped once my body was gone I would escape him.

Ellis couldnt explain his feelings. He whiped tears from his eyes. The headache gone as she calmed down. "Dont worry Ceris... I wont let him. I will protect you. Even if i have to do it alone. I am a thief after all. I know how to hide."

It is pointless to hide... He always finds me. He always manages to. You should let your friends kill me and the chalice.... You can run easier that way. He will find you if I stay. It would be the least I can do sense you tried to save me.

"Shut up Ceris.... You aint leaving." He pulled out his silver dagger and grinned. "Silver slays demons right?"

Yes but it took the leader of the paladins all his strength and power to destroy Eliphas you cant fight him alone.

"Have you not been listening?... I am alone. I have always been alone. Plus if you are impressed so far with me... You seen nothing yet. He will never expect a halfling..." He said. He heard Ceris sigh.

Those sensitive to evil or dark arcane will start to feeel a spike in evil. Coming from the city of Zaphere. The spike would not last long and died down quick. The demon lord Eliphas was clever and knew how to hide his aura.

[Afina]

Sana sighed deeply and looked over to Hugh as he erupted towards the Lich, she could see the pain in his eyes and hear it in his voice. It killed her to see him like that, rising from her place she reached out to him, placing her hand on his shoulder and facing him, placing herself between Hugh and Ellis. She figured he was less likely to actually strike the Halfling if he had to go through her first. At his last words to Ellis she cringed. She understood what he was saying but she knew it would hurt the little one even if only a piece of who he truly was remained. Sana had known Halfings in her past, her troop would wander through their lands and trade song and drink many a warm night. They were good folk and she sensed no matter how much Ellis teased her and Hugh that he had meant well. She also knew that was why this was hurting Hugh and herself so much. To see someone you knew was good at the core suddenly changed like that is devastating. “Hugh..” she whispered as she got in his line of sight and made sure he was looking at her. “Please…” she whispered as her hand reached up and cupped his jaw shaking her head slightly that it was time to stop.

Drawing a deep sigh she look around to the group and sank back to her knees. This was all too much, she would have rather been left for sacrifice than to let this horror befall Ellis. Or any of them for that matter, even Veris who always seemed to rub her the wrong way. They hadn’t know each other but a day but they had fought to survive together. That type of bond was far greater than those in the civilized would ever understand. In such places you could take years and decades to find friendships, to find love. Here, you had moments to grasp what took others a life time to build. This was one of those times.

Sana snapped hearing Ellis retort. She had just asked Hugh to stop, she had just kept herself from killing Ellis out right, but this couldn’t be held back, it had to be said and she wasn’t going to let anything save a God silencing her then to stop her. Rising from her place and glared at Ellis as she moved closer to him. This was too much. “That thunder cunt was going to sacrifice me and the rest of the group, including you! She only saved you to save herself! We all were going to be lambs for the slaughter! Me, you, Bjoric, Hugh, Veris, all of us! She didn’t and doesn’t care what happens to us as long as it furthers her own needs!” Sana spat with a hatred that had yet to be heard in her voice. She had always been brash but she had shown time and time again that underneath it all she had a large heart and would stand by people even if she didn’t trust their judgement.

“If you are going to force me to choose between destroying something that not an hour ago was bent on killing you that is no friendship! I am not choosing friendship or vengeance; I am choosing what is right. What is good,” she yelled as her hands balled into fists, knuckles turning white under the strain, leaning over and glaring down at the little one. Lashing out she turned to the side and drove her fist into the wall instead of at Ellis, it breaking the wall and driving several inches deep as she did so, a low guttural growl coming from her lips before she took a deep breath. Slowly pulling her hand from the hole she lowered her head and placed a bloodied palm against the wall before she spoke again.

“Even for you little one, even for you,” she said slowly in a soft and caring voice; turning her head to look at Ellis as a tear streamed down her cheek and fell to the floor. She had been angry, she still was but the look on her face was that of an older sister now trying to save her brother. “That is what true devotion is.”

Sana took several steps back as Ellis screamed and over what happened next, her eyes widening at the entire situation. “Shit…” she muttered as her hand came to her lips. Narrowing her eyes she stepped back towards Ellis and sighed as she knelt down. “You aren’t alone,” she said as she looked at him. “You have my bow, and my friendship. I’ll go with you and,” she paused and took a deep breath. “I won’t seek to harm Ceris as long as she brings no harm to you or the rest of the group. You have my word.”

[Salrynn]

Upon seeing what Sana was doing with her punching walls and her anger then suddenly pledging to him and all this rejection between Hugh and Ellis she immediately stepped in, getting angrier each second as if she became a ticking time bomb ‘STOOOOOPPPPP!!!!’ Ellyn screamed in complete anger and pushed through the actual center, she didn’t want to know what was happening but she wasn’t going to let anyone hurt each other over a few issues.

‘For FUCK sake can’t you see what is happening!!! SHE NEEDS HELP!!!!’ Ellyn had tears in her eyes, she didn’t want this to happen and she never will ‘p-please...’ she dropped on her knees and covered her face ‘PLEASE DON’T KILL HIM!!!’

Ellyn kept begging and repeating them words, she really didn’t want him to go. She wanted to help them no matter what, even if the Lich knocked her out earlier she knows others can change as she had seen it herself. She finally noticed what she said and apologised to herself in her head, she wasn’t meant to swear and she felt filthy now… While crying she sniffed up a few times to look to Ellis and smiled ‘I will protect you… Ellis...’ with added sniffles and tears.

It took a good 10 minutes while everyone watched her cry but she stood up finally and gave her word ‘Nobody kills each other, we are here for each other and we will help each other, she may have possessed him but he can still speak normally and will still help us like he always has, nothing will be the same without him’ as she spoke this she spoke with that threatening tone she had while protecting Garrek’s life.

[Ryu]

Varis drew his dagger from its sheath as he took a few paces away from the small group, slowly dragging it along the under side of his bracer, with each inch the dagger moved along the leather, Varis applied more and more force until stopping after it had finally made a rather noticeable line in the leather bracer. I wonder how much force I would need to apply before this thing cut through the dagger and into my arm... He looked over his shoulder, eying the cocky marksman. Perhaps the annoyingly aggressive one will know, He turned his head straight before tilting his head up slightly, thinking.

... No, she'd do it for me.

Varis sighed before placing his dagger into its scabbard, walking back to the group, standing next to the magus. For some odd reason, he liked the magus the most in the whole damning group. Perhaps he could explain the odd sensation Varis would have in his ears whenever someone mentioned or even thought of his ears. For some odd reason, Varis' slightly pointy ears had begun to twitch more recently.

He opened his mouth to speak, but his eyes moved over to the cocky marksman. Not wanting to risk another lovely insult from her, he closed his mouth as he looked at the useless elf, his rage slowly boiling inside of him. Not only did he fail a mission, now they had to deal with some god damned spirit inside of the halfling?

"Nothing will be the same without him," The useless elf stated.

And with that line, Varis exploded. Without saying another word, he walked over to the nearest wall, facing it as he had his held down. After a few seconds, Varis began to laugh as he faced the wall, almost as if it was some sort of horror movie. Suddenly, he stopped laughing, and after a few seconds of silence, he took a step back, raising his fist before taking a rather swift swing at the wall, causing a rather large sound to emit.

"AM I THE ONLY ONE WHO REMEMBERS THAT THIS GROUP," Varis shouted out, taking a pause to let the words sink in. "THIS DYSFUNCTIONAL AS SHIT GROUP," He allowed for another pause. "HAS ONLY KNOWN EACH OTHER FOR TWO OR THREE DAYS?" Varis continued to face the wall, even after he was done speaking -- well, shouting. He leaned towards the wall, laying his head on his arm which sat on the wall.

Varis was fine with allowing Ellis to live. He was fine with some stupid lich living inside of Varis -- in fact, he found it quite amusing that the lich's name was Ceris which sort of rhymed with Varis. He was fine with helping Ellis. What he was not fine with was with this group. This group had only known each other for two or three days -- hell, even shorter than that -- and yet, there are already four people going lovey-dovey with each other and now some stupid, useless elf is implying that their bond is already strong?

Now that Varis thought of it, who's stupid mistake wound him up failing his assassination? Sure, the mage sent them on this mission, but who had them locked up in cages? Varis slowly recounted his memories, only to emit a rather inaudible chuckle.

That god damned elf singing that god damned song that put them all to a god damned sleep.

[Warrior in the Shadows]

Hugh felt a little tingle where Sana touched as he panted from the anger. He was starting to feel a soothing, healing feeling from her touch, like all the pain he had felt from the times long gone that had been brought back by the halfling's words. Sometimes you just needed to feel something to heal from the hurt. He looked into her eyes, as she stepped in front of him blocking his sight of the halfling. His anger faded as he felt her soft hands cupping his jaw. Hugh closed his eyes and felt her hand with his face, "Yes." He whispered.

Hugh had adored Ellis, but what was happening to the little halfling now? He could see he was not the innocent character he had given a ride to on his back. Who was he now? was he corrupted by the lich? The moment of healing he felt with Sana was not disturbed by Ellis's words, until he heard a trigger word and he felt the snap.

"I don't care about more death. I don't care about the devour. In this moment, I see only one evil, and it's inside of you, Ellis." Hugh controlled his rage, breathing in and out. "I know of the grand master's demise and the occasion for it. He died as a great paladin, but if you think I'll drop all of the progress I've made in healing to help you with revenge, you're grossly wrong. I won't seek revenge. I will only seek to extinguish evil. When we finish the task of killing the Devour that my leader failed to kill, if that is your task, you will be next, Lich." Hugh paused and glared, "And if you stray from that task, you will be first."

Hugh knew too much the road of revenge. Destroying evil was a paladin's business and business was booming. "And Ellis, although I might go with you to destroy the devour..." He paused and breathed calmly, "...you never bring up my order in such a disgraceful manner." His features calmed. "I will help destroy the devour. I will aid in finishing the grand master's work."

With how much Hugh had tried to heal, he couldn't bear the thought of an existence of revenge. All he wanted was to see life continue in all its beauty, undisturbed by tyrannical evil. He wanted to live happily and build a peaceful life, away from the pain and the hurt.

Hugh wasn't surprised at Sana's anger towards the little one. He did not disturb her as she lashed out at him. He recognized the feeling all too well and he wouldn't stop it, but he was pleased to see she had controlled her anger in a similar manner as he had. "Hm, mine." He whispered lowly.

Suddenly the little halfling screamed and it filled the room. Hugh was taken aback by the scream and highly disturbed by it. "In heaven's name?" He stepped forward behind Sana as the screaming stopped and she knelt down, putting his hands on her, one on each shoulder. "You know my thoughts, Ellis." He said.

The young elf protege suddenly lashed out, speaking some angry language that Hugh could not really help but agree with as he recognized he had exploded at the whole mention from the bard that the group would not be the same with out the halfling. He laughed a little and brought a hand to his face, concealing his amusement, and making it look like a cough.