>>> In this episode, Serra finally steels herself to breach the hypothesis of the curse with Ilromie, with unexpected consequences.
>>> Serra is taking Eowug on some more adventures when Ilromie awakes.
<SCHOLAR> Xerties the Sage: 'The winds welcome your return, Ilromie the Sage of Arcane Power, Polymath of History.'
<SCHOLAR> (Doyenne) Serra: 'Ah, greetings!'
<SCHOLAR> (Polymath) Ilromie: 'Hello my friend. How do you fare?'
<SCHOLAR> (Doyenne) Serra: 'I am assisting Eowug with exploring Tyr Unguld. But I should very much like to meet with you.'
<SCHOLAR> (Doyenne) Serra: 'Would you come to my home in half a day's time?'
<SCHOLAR> (Polymath) Ilromie: 'Of course.'
>>> Serra wraps up her business with Eowug and then heads to her home.
A Small Sitting-room
| You find yourself barely avoiding bumping into the furniture
| in this small, cramped sitting-room. A cabinet full of books
* | is pushed against the eastern wall next to a wide-silled window.
| | Upon the windowsill rests an absurdly large and cumbersome
*-@ | flower pot which struggles to grow a plant. A writing-desk
| has been shoved into the southeast corner to take advantage
| of the natural sunlight, and is surrounded by crumpled parchments
| with scribbled-out phrases and ink stains. A wooden perch
| is installed in the northwest corner. Judging by the swirls
---------+ of downy feathers and small white splatters and hasty mop
marks marring the surrounding floor, it is often used by a bird of some kind.
A small water dish and a bowl of what can only be described as dessicated mice
sit on a stool nearby. The bowl of offerings lets off a bit of a musty smell.
Another set of windows on the south wall frames the entrance to the abode, and
looks out upon a wind-swept meadow. A doorway to the west leads to the kitchen,
while a set of narrow stairs on the north wall leads up to the second floor.
[Exits: north west up door]
A cozy looking fireplace is set into the wall.
A scruffy, comfortable couch fills the center of the room.
A large flower pot is here.
A large, blood-red flower lies here, pulsating faintly.
A blossoming red tulip is on a small writing desk.
A writing desk covered with crumpled parchment sits in the corner.
A battered cabinet overflowing with books and scrolls rests here.
A vase of snow poppies is on a mantel.
A basket of daisies is on a mantel.
An elegant chalice covered with images of elves is on a mantel.
A stone mantel provides space for displaying treasures.
(Charmed) A large spotted owl is perched here.
(Translucent) Ilromie the Sage of Arcane Power, Polymath of History is here.
(Charmed) A large spotted owl is perched here.
You say 'Welcome, welcome.'
You say 'Do come and visit my new garden.'
You beckon for everyone to follow.
Ilromie now follows you.
A Secret Garden
| A small, lush paradise of vegetation surrounds you suddenly
| as you exit the back door of the lodge. Strange, unfamiliar
| plants grow here, with leaves formed like whorls and swirls
| that unfurl in fractal patterns up towards the sky. Among
@ | them are several mushrooms of a variety never before seen
| | in Serin. Small, strange, winged creatures flit here and there,
*-* | flickering into and out of existence as if dipping into and
| out of a bowl of water - only the water is this earthly plane.
| The garden is walled in by a row of protective hedges which
---------+ tremble as if sentient as you approach. The sky opens up in
an endless expanse above, stretching far north across the windswept meadows.
The gleaming walls, buildings and monuments of the city of Valour can be seen
to the northeast and beyond it, a haze of curious white mist.
[Exits: south]
A huge, iridescent purple mushroom looks almost like a bench.
A large flower pot is here.
A spotted owl flies in.
You pat a mushroom bench reassuringly.
You sit on a mushroom bench.
Ilromie looks around the room, standing near the center as she takes it in.
Ilromie turns her gaze towards the distant view of Valour.
Ilromie says 'It's lovely.'
You smile happily.
You say 'They are relics I brought with me from Acadia.'
Ilromie says 'In fact, there is much beyond this world I know little of, but what has been written.'
Ilromie pats a leather-bound book titled 'Return to Acadia' reassuringly.
You nod.
You say 'Much has happened since I left on that journey.'
You say 'For both of us.'
Ilromie says 'Quite a bit.'
Ilromie frowns.
Ilromie says 'You did not find your mentor.'
You say 'Sadly, I did not.'
Ilromie says 'I'm sorry.'
You say 'The trail grew cold in Timaran.'
You sigh.
You say 'Perhaps it is not meant for me to find him. Perhaps he will reveal himself to me again, in time.'
Ilromie says 'I hope that he does. I expect he will be proud of what you did for the Acadians.'
You say 'Thank you for that. I do miss him.'
You say 'But I wished to speak more of what you have experienced here, than of my own journey.'
You say 'I was very shocked when you attacked the Warlord while he slept.'
Ilromie sits on a mushroom bench.
Ilromie says 'A vendetta is a declaration of war. If he was not prepared to fight, it ought not have been issued.'
You say 'Do you seek war?'
Ilromie says 'I do not, but it seems war seeks me.'
Ilromie says 'In fact, I have refocused my studies.'
You say 'To warfare.'
You nod.
Ilromie says 'I ought not have eschewed it initially.'
You say 'When you mentioned it before, you sounded quite glad of it.'
Ilromie says 'It was a proper decision. I shy not from the fight, as you well know.'
Ilromie says 'In fact, such combat often leaves me invigorated.'
You say 'All combat?'
Ilromie sits down and thinks deeply.
Ilromie says 'When my magic is nigh at hand, focused and channelled...'
Ilromie says 'I have a sense of being above myself, things shine more clearly and I can respond intuitively.'
You say 'There have been tales of you seeking not just combat, but annihilation.'
Ilromie says 'From whom?'
You say 'The story of Chul is one.'
You say 'It has come from many mouths.'
Ilromie says 'In fact, Chul was the most offensive Justice yet to be inducted. He was the epitome of corruption.'
You say 'And you sought his death at any cost?'
Ilromie says 'At any cost?'
Ilromie says 'No.'
Ilromie says 'But for high cost, most certainly.'
Ilromie says 'Costs that I paid.'
You say 'Ocelia says she was part of a battle most unseemly.'
Ilromie says 'Ocelia spoke her consent to do such battle at the time.'
You say 'She has been worried for you.'
Ilromie says 'To claim that she was unwitting participant would be a lie.'
You say 'She told me she was upset for being dragged into such things.'
Ilromie says 'At the time, she expressed desire to kill him as much as I.'
You say 'There... to kill.'
You frown disapprovingly.
[ Drow ] Rhaizo the Student of Pressure
[ Minot ] <PK> Galimar the Holy Shaman
[ Avian ] Korzin the Legacy of the Lost Art
[ Human ] Xhaou Kan the Seeker of Knowledge
[ Elf ] <PK> <SCHOLAR> (Polymath) Duchess Ilromie Illistarre the Sage of Arcane Power, Polymath of History
[ Human ] <PK> [WARLORD] Myrina the Grand Mistress of Seasons
[ Human ] <PK> Eowug the Holy Knight
[ Fire ] Groushtar the Captain of Pugilism
[50 Storm Hea] <PK> <SCHOLAR> (Doyenne) Serra the Holy Matriarch of Healing, Doyenne of Physical
Players found: 9
[KEEPER] The Balance prevails within the four kingdoms.
There are 9 characters on; the most on this past month was 18.
Ilromie says 'I share not your penchant for peaceful discourse with those who wear their vile nature plain upon their sleeves.'
You say 'I know you have never shied from a fight. But to seek death... is different.'
Ilromie says 'Violence is necessary in many cases. Else we shall stand by the side, spitting useless words and letting evil spread.'
You say 'Violence can invite evil into our own hearts.'
You say 'The celestials, taught by the druids, are divided among the light and the dark.'
Ilromie says 'You did not meet Chul.'
You say 'Tolerance, prudence, life, mercy... these are the virtues of the Light.'
You say 'Death, disregard, and retribution... of the darkness.'
Ilromie says 'Such terms are not exclusive to the light and dark.'
Ilromie says 'Does death not come for us all?'
Ilromie says 'Do you yourself not bear a form of retribution?'
You say 'Death does come, but I do not celebrate it.'
Ilromie says 'Even tolerance can breed the growth of evil, for it takes but good elves speaking naught against the wrongs they see for such offenses to continue.'
You say 'The divine retribution, granted by my Lord, I do not use to judge others for their sins.'
You say 'I trust in my Lord to be their judge.'
You say 'And he strikes them accordingly.'
Ilromie says 'You know my faith lies in my magic rather than the divine.'
You say 'Yes, self-reliant. Without guide.'
Ilromie says 'I have those who came before to light my path.'
You say 'How can a path be lit, when it is covered with blood?'
You say 'Blood spilled in excess.'
Ilromie says 'Excess?'
Ilromie says 'In fact, the only blood spilled in excess was my own.'
You say 'When you destroyed the dark-knight Justice Ceinn, naked on the cobblestones, was that not excess?'
You say 'When you sought the head of a Warlord, whom you knew was injured fighting a great foe and not a threat at the time, was that not excess?'
Ilromie says 'That was not.'
Ilromie says 'He started that war. I merely answered the call.'
You say 'You knew exactly where he would be, with us, and what he was fighting.'
Ilromie says 'Ceinn targeted me unjustly. I was defending myself, and did so effectively as he is no longer here to harm me or others.'
You say 'He would not be at war.'
Ilromie says 'As did he when he issued the challenge!'
Ilromie stands up.
Ilromie paces across the garden, looking off into the distance.
You say 'The challenge does not invite dishonorable acts.'
Ilromie says 'In fact, that is the very nature of the vendetta.'
You say 'It does not invite YOU to dishonorable acts.'
You say 'It merely frees the Warlord from his limitations.'
Ilromie says 'To perform his dishonors.'
Ilromie says 'I am not wrong to answer his call in kind.'
You say 'Tell me what dishonors come from dying to two against one?'
You say 'Or four?'
You say 'Do you not see how bloodthirsty such acts are?'
Ilromie says 'In both cases, offenses were issued against those who joined with me.'
You say 'They are not the ways of the light.'
Ilromie says 'Then you expect me to sit calmly and wait for the knife in my back?'
You say 'You think there is only you, sitting uselessly, or an army, and nothing in between?'
Ilromie says 'Should I have waited until Abellyith was armed with Shuendan's flail?'
You say 'Did he not fight you with it?'
Ilromie says 'In the end, you and Gwevym allowed him such tool.'
You say 'And tell me, what was the outcome. Did you lie broken on the streets, lost to Serin?'
Ilromie says 'In the end, Abellyith fell to two he had issued vendettas against.'
You say 'Is that all.'
Ilromie says 'Is it not? He invited that fate.'
You say 'That is an excuse.'
Ilromie says 'It is fact, Serra!'
You say 'To annihilate a person you disliked.'
You say 'Just like Ceinn.'
Ilromie says 'He declared war!'
You shake your head.
Ilromie says 'Ceinn needed to be stopped before he hurt others as he did me.'
You say 'You had many ranks on him.'
You say 'He had no chance.'
You say 'You destroyed him and feel nothing.'
Ilromie says 'I did not force him to fall upon his sword.'
You say 'I suppose you did not force Abellyith to fall upon his sword, either.'
Ilromie says 'I did not.'
You say 'Do you not realize, it is not your hand that needs to be upon the sword when the act occurs.'
Ilromie says 'He suffered the fruits of his decision and chose, I presume, not to face Thoom's judgment of his actions.'
You say 'To be the cause of it.'
Ilromie says 'I instigated neither event.'
Ilromie says 'Ceinn forced me to action through unlawful issuance of a fine.'
You say 'It does not matter. It is how the reaction takes place that is the problem.'
Ilromie says 'I'll not sit idly by when offense is issued.'
You say 'Your reaction is destructive, like your magic.'
Ilromie unfurls her fist, revealing a small flame.
You say 'It is not simply not being idle but going to the lengths that you do that tip over into extremity.'
Ilromie says 'To show weakness would be to consent to their nature.'
You say 'No.'
Ilromie snuffs the flame by closing her fist.
You say 'Restraint, respect, is not weakness.'
You say 'It is strength.'
Ilromie says 'Respect?'
Ilromie says 'They deserve it not.'
You say 'Your utter disregard for the lives of living beings is what feels so evil, Ilromie!'
Ilromie grits her teeth.
Ilromie says 'This world is better without such vile souls.'
You say 'I thought it was just the stone. I hoped it might be a curse beyond your control.'
You say 'But you believe it.'
Ilromie says 'You think me cursed?'
You shudder at the horror and repress tears.
Ilromie frowns, turning her gaze outward once more.
Serra murmurs almost imperceptibly 'My friend... how could it come to this?'
Ilromie says 'The path is long, and cannot be viewed in one step or two.'
Serra murmurs almost imperceptibly 'Was there no step I could not have helped you?'
You say 'If I had taken you with me...'
You say 'If I had not gone...'
Ilromie says 'The corruption I have fought is beyond either of us.'
You say 'I fear it is within us...'
You say 'Yours, the corruption of Serin... and mine, that of Acadia.'
Ilromie turns back.
Ilromie says 'I have freed this world from corrupt influences. Such feats are not accomplished easily or without action.'
You say 'You cannot see it, but it is there.'
You say 'Alkas can see it too.'
Ilromie says 'Were the knights here to fight these battles, I should not have been called to them.'
You say 'He spoke of a dissonance between your heart and your Spirit.'
Ilromie says 'I hardly see him, nor the other Knights.'
You say 'I have seen him and Rhoa both several times recently.'
Ilromie says 'They show not their faces when the fights are nigh.'
Ilromie says 'Perhaps they are called to fight elsewhere, I know not.'
Ilromie says 'I know only that it is I who is there to see evil spread its wings and that I cannot sit by and watch it take flight.'
You say 'You would not take up the Castle's call.'
You say 'They teach Knights first to offer an Oath.'
You say 'An opportunity for redemption. A chance for peace.'
Ilromie says 'You are wrong about what the oath is.'
Ilromie says 'It is merely a promise not to harm those who live in Valour. What of those who live elsewhere who are harmed?'
Ilromie says 'It does not protect you or me.'
Ilromie says 'Nor any other who lives not in the shining city.'
You say 'You are a Noble there, but do not believe in the Oath?'
Ilromie says 'The Knights are tasked with protecting Valour.'
You say 'A Noble who believes the Castle has failed her?'
Ilromie says 'The Oath serves that purpose, but it does not result in an extension of the Light across the realm.'
You say 'It does, when the citizens of Valour walk to the furthest reaches, bringing their light, and are not hurt.'
Ilromie says 'I would not watch someone who had taken an oath murder someone else, like Eowug.'
Ilromie says 'Yet, the honor of the Knights requires that they do just that.'
You say 'The Knights will protect innocents when they are called.'
You say 'They will not simply watch a man be killed. They are not barbarians.'
Ilromie says 'Then the person who took the oath would be anathema, for not breaking their oath.'
Ilromie says 'That is not right.'
You say 'You just said you wished they would protect all. And now you say it is not right for them to protect all.'
You say 'Which is it that is correct?'
Ilromie says 'You misunderstand me.'
Ilromie says 'A drow takes the Oath not to harm Valour, then attacks an innocent citizen of Seringale. You claim the knights would not let such a citizen suffer...'
Ilromie says 'Yet, if the Knights were to attack that oath-taker, the oath taker would become anathema through combat with the Knight.'
Ilromie says 'Their hands are tied by the oath. Further, those dark of heart often abuse the oath to grow in strength until the harm they can inflict is sufficient to stand against them.'
You say 'This does not mean it is right to destroy the hearts and minds of those who happened to be born evil.'
Ilromie says 'I fight those who instigate against me.'
You say 'Fighting, is fine. Fighting disproportionately is the issue.'
Ilromie glances to the side at one of the flickering creatures.
You say 'It is as they have seen.'
Ilromie says 'Was it not necessary to band together in greater numbers to accomplish your goal?'
You say 'We were against an army. Not one.'
You say 'And we were not enough.'
Ilromie says 'I am hardly enough, even with support.'
Ilromie says 'In fact, I rarely succeed. You judge me based on the few times I have seen success in this fight.'
Ilromie says 'I have not many losses left.'
You say 'It does not justify excessive force.'
You say 'Let me tell you a story I found.'
You say 'You have read my book, of the end of the rupture in Acadia.'
Ilromie nods.
Ilromie crosses back to the bench.
Ilromie sits on a mushroom bench.
You say 'Where the world there took corruption into its own hands, and destroyed both good and evil to be rid of it.'
You say 'Do you think it was right?'
Ilromie says 'I know not the events leading to such decision. It seems they were at a loss.'
You say 'Entire civilizations, language, art, history, culture, all gone in a flash, lost forever, eradicated from the face of existence.'
You say 'From the remnants they scavenged for pieces.'
You say 'But it was not the same.'
You say 'I have discovered in the annals of history that such has happened in Serin.'
You say 'But in Acadia, it was contained.'
You say 'Here, the destruction was total.'
Ilromie says 'In fact, I sense that current events mirror the events which led to the Second Age.'
You say 'It was not simply a matter of light winning or darkness winning. It was not a side. It was all sides.'
You say 'That is why the balance in Serin must be maintained.'
You say 'The Light cannot exist without the Dark.'
You say 'The cabals.. what we know now is quite different from their origins.'
Ilromie says 'I cannot abide letting evil flourish for fear of immortal retaliation.'
You shake your head.
You say 'I have heard the names you and Kali call them.'
You say 'Filth.'
You say 'They are people.'
You say 'They are societies.'
You say 'They are cultures.'
Ilromie says 'They are evil, foul.'
[ Dwarf ] <PK> [KNIGHT] Dame Lumubella Stoutheart the Touch of Serendipity, Archon of Valour
[ Human ] Neuyhot Iemiem the Loyal Follower of Darzavius
[ Stone ] Mohglin Gooben-Bear the Gladiator
[ Elf ] Shala La'Lalabella the Templar
[ Drow ] Rhaizo the Student of Pressure
[ Avian ] Korzin the Legacy of the Lost Art
[ Human ] Xhaou Kan the Seeker of Knowledge
[ Elf ] <PK> <SCHOLAR> (Polymath) Duchess Ilromie Illistarre the Sage of Arcane Power, Polymath of History
[ Human ] <PK> Eowug the Holy Knight
[ Fire ] Groushtar the Captain of Pugilism
[50 Storm Hea] <PK> <SCHOLAR> (Doyenne) Serra the Holy Matriarch of Healing, Doyenne of Physical
Players found: 11
[KEEPER] The Balance prevails within the four kingdoms.
There are 11 characters on; the most on this past month was 18.
You say 'Why do you not eradicate Valindra and Pauwyr? Is it simply because our Goddess forbids it?'
You say 'Are they useful to you?'
You say 'Therefore tolerated?'
Ilromie says 'They instigate not against me.'
You say 'Yet evil.... "foul"...'
Ilromie says 'I watch their works for signs of their intent.'
You say 'Flourishing under your guidance.'
Ilromie says 'Know you that Valindra eats children?'
You say 'You abide by it.'
You say 'Why?'
Ilromie says 'I seek not conflict.'
Ilromie says 'It seeks me.'
You say 'You place yourself alternately as a crusader and as a victim.'
Ilromie says 'Am I not both?'
>>> This isn't really getting through. Serra calls for reinforcements.
You tell Lumubella 'Ah... greetings, miss.'
Lumubella tells you 'Hullo there.'
You tell Lumubella 'Would you come to my home? I am speaking with Ilromie... with some difficulty.'
Lumubella tells you 'Allow me a few moments, I be inductin' the new squire.'
You tell Lumubella 'Of course. I apologize for interrupting.'
Lumubella tells you 'It not bein' a problem, I'll be there soonish.'
You say 'Some might say those you slew were victims.'
Ilromie says 'The Warlord who issued vendetta for no cause?'
Ilromie says 'The Justice who issued fine for no cause?'
You say 'Yes.'
Ilromie snorts derisively.
Ilromie says 'They paved their paths.'
You say 'You paved their path.'
Ilromie says 'I did nothing to Abellyith to warrant vendetta.'
Ilromie says 'I broke no law when Ceinn fined me.'
You say 'For that you murdered them both in cold blood.'
Ilromie says 'I fought Abellyith when he attacked my home.'
Ilromie says 'Chul stuck a dagger in my back as I wrote obituaries.'
You say 'It was in retaliation for your army.'
Ilromie says 'I paid for that assault with my life.'
Ilromie says 'Which was insufficient to satisfy his clear lust for blood.'
You say 'Evidently, violence is not the answer.'
Ilromie says 'How is it not?'
You say 'Because you simply cycle back and forth, killing!'
You say 'Until one or the other cannot take it any longer and destructs.'
You say 'It is very useless.'
Ilromie says 'You would prefer to see them yet by your side?'
Ilromie stands up.
You say 'I would prefer peace.'
Ilromie says 'You would see peace at the price of violence elsewhere.'
Ilromie says 'Against those less capable of defending themselves.'
You say 'No.'
You say 'I would see, simply, peace.'
Ilromie says 'There is no peace.'
You say 'I have seen Alkas achieve it.'
Ilromie says 'Peace under observation only.'
You say 'Peace is only impossible if you refuse to believe in it.'
Ilromie says 'This is but another way evil abides to prey on the weak.'
You say 'Else all are enemies.'
Ilromie says 'We need not ally with them.'
Ilromie says 'In fact, I would rather take my own life than find myself in such position.'
You say 'You ARE allied with them. We work alongside them every day.'
You say 'They are not lesser than us.'
You say 'They are our equals.'
Ilromie says 'Valindra and Pauwyr fail to harm others.'
You say 'You said she eats children!'
You say 'I suppose children are not people.'
Lumubella yells 'I be knockin' on the door here, anyone bein' at home?'
You yell 'It is open.'
Lumubella arrives from a lodge door.
You bow before her.
Lumubella says 'That wolf be guardin' it.'
Lumubella curtseys gracefully.
You say 'Ah.'
Ilromie bows before Lumubella.
You say 'Please, come.'
Lumubella shivers uncomfortably.
Lumubella says 'Why it bein' so frosty in 'ere?'
You say 'Frosty?'
Lumubella says 'Downright cold.'
You say 'Perhaps the fire then.'
A Small Sitting-room
| You find yourself barely avoiding bumping into the furniture
| in this small, cramped sitting-room. A cabinet full of books
* | is pushed against the eastern wall next to a wide-silled window.
| | Upon the windowsill rests an absurdly large and cumbersome
*-@ | flower pot which struggles to grow a plant. A writing-desk
| has been shoved into the southeast corner to take advantage
| of the natural sunlight, and is surrounded by crumpled parchments
| with scribbled-out phrases and ink stains. A wooden perch
| is installed in the northwest corner. Judging by the swirls
---------+ of downy feathers and small white splatters and hasty mop
marks marring the surrounding floor, it is often used by a bird of some kind.
A small water dish and a bowl of what can only be described as dessicated mice
sit on a stool nearby. The bowl of offerings lets off a bit of a musty smell.
Another set of windows on the south wall frames the entrance to the abode, and
looks out upon a wind-swept meadow. A doorway to the west leads to the kitchen,
while a set of narrow stairs on the north wall leads up to the second floor.
[Exits: north west up door]
A cozy looking fireplace is set into the wall.
A scruffy, comfortable couch fills the center of the room.
A large flower pot is here.
A large, blood-red flower lies here, pulsating faintly.
A blossoming red tulip is on a small writing desk.
A writing desk covered with crumpled parchment sits in the corner.
A battered cabinet overflowing with books and scrolls rests here.
A vase of snow poppies is on a mantel.
A basket of daisies is on a mantel.
An elegant chalice covered with images of elves is on a mantel.
A stone mantel provides space for displaying treasures.
(Charmed) A large spotted owl is perched here.
A spotted owl flies in.
Lumubella flies in.
Lumubella lets out a hearty laugh.
Lumubella looks at a cozy fireplace.
You sit down and rest at a small writing desk.
Lumubella leans casually on the wall.
Serra gestures to the couch.
You say 'If you like.'
Lumubella says 'It's been a few celestials or so, Duchess, Doyenne.'
You say 'Too long.'
Ilromie nods in enthusiastic agreement with you.
Lumubella sits on a scruffy couch.
Lumubella says 'Well, I were away for a bit.'
You nod.
Lumubella says 'Don't seem ter have missed ter much.'
Ilromie paces over to the shelf of books, glancing at the titles.
You say 'Perhaps. Though you have been missed.'
Lumubella blushes.
Lumubella thanks you heartily.
Lumubella says 'I be good for some tings, but not all o' dem.'
Lumubella says 'Not ter many o' them.'
Serra looks down at her hands, quietly.
You say 'Something did happen while you were gone.'
Lumubella says 'Oh?'
You say 'There was a cursed stone.'
Lumubella stands up.
Lumubella says 'Did yer be uncursin' it?'
Lumubella sits down and thinks deeply.
Lumubella says 'Yer bein' skilled at that, aye?'
You say 'No. Its curse spread and has affected many of us.'
Lumubella sits down and thinks deeply.
Lumubella closes her eyes momentarily and nods at you.
Lumubella closes her eyes momentarily and nods at you.
Lumubella closes her eyes momentarily and nods at you.
Ilromie says 'It was not the curse of the stone that led you to walk with the warlord at your side.'
Lumubella says 'Yer dun seem ter be afflicted with a curse currently.'
Lumubella closes her eyes momentarily and nods at Ilromie.
Lumubella closes her eyes momentarily and nods at Ilromie.
Lumubella closes her eyes momentarily and nods at Ilromie.
Lumubella says 'Neither do the Duchess.'
Lumubella says 'I be fairly good at dispellin' curses.'
You say 'It was not my walking with him that made you attempt murder.'
Ilromie says 'No, it was his vendetta!'
Lumubella says 'Which warlord?'
Ilromie says 'Abellyith.'
Lumubella says 'Ah, the coward.'
Lumubella says 'He be right mad because Rhoa be dispatchin' him, and he be handin' out vendetta's like sweet candies, save ter Rhoa herself.'
Lumubella says 'He tried ter be murderin' me alone, I sent 'im packin'. Then he tried ter be murderin' me alongside three other fiends.'
Lumubella says 'And failed.'
Lumubella says 'Nuthin' but a coward, him.'
You say 'He may be so. But it does not mean his life holds no value. All life holds value.'
Ilromie says 'Would you support the use of numbers against him, then?'
Lumubella says 'No, I'd be handlin' that bit o' business myself.'
Ilromie says 'Especially if two were the subject of such vendetta?'
Ilromie frowns and turns back to the bookshelf.
Lumubella says 'He'd vendetta his own mother if he thought it'd get him anywhere.'
Lumubella says 'Or anythin''
You say 'He is gone.'
Lumubella says 'His greed bein' pretty legendary ter.'
Lumubella says 'So yer point bein' moot.'
Lumubella says 'How to value one's life that don't even value his own.'
Lumubella says 'Pure garbage.'
You shake your head.
Lumubella says 'What value did he give the world, nothin' but strife.'
Lumubella says 'I be holdin' life as the highest value, all he sought ter do was find easy marks ter kill.'
You say 'Why did he not kill me?'
Lumubella says 'And when Rhoa put him down like the rabid dog he was, he lost any pretense to honor.'
Ilromie crosses over to the window and looks out.
Ilromie says to you 'He used you, and you allowed him to do so.'
Lumubella says 'My best guess would be that he needed yer for somethin''
You say 'No.'
Lumubella says 'Some shiny piece o' gear maybe?'
You say 'He asked me for a duel once. He could have simply killed me.'
Lumubella says 'That be his greatest desire.'
Ilromie nods in enthusiastic agreement with Lumubella.
You say 'Why did he stop?'
Lumubella says 'Duels ter the stun, or ter the death?'
You say 'Does it matter?'
Lumubella says 'Yes it does.'
Lumubella says 'Did he really spare yer a death?'
Ilromie says to you 'Because he knows you would not stand to oppose his vile work.'
Lumubella says 'Or did he hold to the terms o' the duel ter not be booted out o' the organization.'
You say 'If he wanted simply prey, and easy money, he could have taken it.'
Lumubella says 'He be likin' those duels to the death.'
Lumubella says 'He be challengin' me to such multiple times.'
Lumubella says 'To no conclusion, I might add.'
Lumubella says 'He has no respect fer healers, except showin' his backside by runnin' from me.'
Lumubella says 'Be tellin' me, was it a duel with terms ter the death, and he spared yer?'
Lumubella says 'Or a duel to the stun?'
You say 'Why would he offer a duel to the stun, if he likes death so much?'
Lumubella says 'Yer be talkin' round the question.'
You say 'No, I am not.'
You say 'He offered a duel without death.'
Lumubella nods.
You say 'Why?'
Lumubella says 'He be doin' that ter, when he be unsure o' his target.'
Lumubella says 'Especially in the arena.'
You let out a hearty laugh.
Lumubella says 'Did yer be fightin' outside the arena?'
You say 'You think he feared me?'
You say 'That is ridiculous.'
You say 'I can barely fight my way out of a paper bag.' <- Truth
Lumubella says 'Perhaps that bein' true.'
Lumubella says 'But yer be standin' up a straw man as valorous fer not challengin' yer to death terms.'
Lumubella says 'And I merely be sayin' he has ter honor such terms or face consequences.'
Lumubella says 'I'd be respectin' 'im a bit more if it were a duel to the death, and he be sparin' yer.'
Lumubella says 'A truly noble and merciful act that.'
You say 'I am not saying he was valorous. I am saying he was not as simple as you make him seem.'
Lumubella says 'But the other? It bein' none but a show.'
Lumubella says 'Explain ter me why I bear a Vendetta from him then.'
You say 'Still?'
You say 'He is dead.'
Lumubella says 'He ne'er killed me, and I ne'er killed him.'
Lumubella says 'Well, it probably be gone now that he be gone.'
Lumubella says 'But why give it in the first place?'
Lumubella says 'He was not a particular enemy o' mine, save fer his nature.'
Lumubella says 'He chose ter be sidin' with Dogran and them for his greed.'
Ilromie says to Lumubella 'In fact, I questioned the same when it was issued against me.'
Lumubella says 'So what did yer get on about with 'im?'
You say 'You ask me to defend him. I do not know his mind, only what I saw.'
Ilromie says 'He placed it when I refused the party he was in.'
Ilromie peers at you intently.
Lumubella says 'I don't ask yer to defend or condemn, I merely be statin' facts and observations.'
You say 'You said he placed it when we began to fight Sheundan. Not before.'
Lumubella says 'Him takin' his own life in the end, even though it be cowardly and wrong, probably has saved lives.'
Lumubella says 'Good lives.'
Lumubella says 'Be givin' me the whole story, annotated so that I can be speakin' in the know, aye?'
Ilromie says 'I quite agree.'
You say 'So you too would see all darkness eradicated from the face of the earth.'
Lumubella says 'I would be seein' it redeemed.'
Ilromie says 'I spoke to you of the mark when it was placed, I know not the precise timing of when you engaged.'
You say 'You spoke when we were already fighting.'
Lumubella says 'Abellyith might have been redeemable, but for his greed.'
You say 'I asked Abellyith later and he said it was in error.'
Lumubella says 'What be the argument about?'
Ilromie snorts derisively.
Ilromie says 'He lied to you.'
You say 'Whether or not. The timing of it is clearly irrational.'
You say 'And not related to the party refusal.'
Ilromie raises an eyebrow.
Lumubella quietly stands up against the wall.
Ilromie says 'He named no cause at all.'
Ilromie says 'Can I not presume it was the only interaction we had, just prior?'
Ilromie says 'You cannot truly believe he accidentally placed a vendetta.'
You say 'The timing was irrational.'
You say 'Mid combat, himself being reamed by Sheundan. It makes no sense.'
Lumubella says 'So what, yer were travellin' with him?'
You say 'He aided me on my research.'
Lumubella says 'Ah yes... "Research"'
You say 'Yes.'
Lumubella says 'Much the same as the Duchess here findin' "truth"'
You raise an eyebrow at the notion.
Ilromie says 'He gained a mighty flail for such aid, which he turned promptly to my flesh.'
Lumubella says 'Yer both a bunch o' loonies in search o' those things, abandonin' everything else.'
You say 'Hmm.'
Lumubella says 'The man is dead and gone, can we not be movin' on from this one?'
You say 'What have I abandoned?'
A short, solid woman stands fiercely before you. Riotous golden locks flow
down to her waist, somewhat tamed into four thick braids by intricately carved
metal bands. Her expressive blue eyes peer out from a youthful face with stern
features, her narrow eyebrows curved into a serious expression above long lashes
and rosy cheeks. A small nose and full lips complement her eyes, preventing her
from being entirely relegated to the ranks of the homely. Her thick frame does
have distinctly feminine curves of breast, hip, and thigh, though these are
obscured by the robes enveloping her. The robes are intricately embroidered with
what appear to be dwarven runes, and indicate her station as priestess.
She has unlocked many secrets of the world.
Lumubella is in excellent condition.
Lumubella is using:
<pile o' dwarf stuff>
Lumubella says 'Yer be aidin' one who be targettin' yer friends out o' spite.'
You say 'I did not know any of that until afterwards!'
Lumubella says 'Unknowingly, it bein' a sad thing.'
Lumubella says 'Knowingly, it be troubling.'
Lumubella nods at you in agreement.
Lumubella says 'I assume from the discouse I be hearin' told o'er me, that Ilromie and him came ter blows with yer nearby, aye?'
You say 'He slept injured at my feet, and she asked me for his weaknesses so she could kill him.'
Ilromie says 'Had he wished to wait to fight, he would have waited to place the mark.'
Ilromie says 'In fact, I asked for my own defence.'
Ilromie says 'Then you gave him the tool to defeat my shields.'
You say 'Moreover, Ilromie thought I would heal him and save him from her.'
You roll your eyes in annoyance.
Lumubella says 'You can't be healin' him.'
You say 'I know that.'
Ilromie says to you 'I was wrong to accuse you of healing him.'
Lumubella says 'The Gods would be strikin' yer down.'
Lumubella says 'If they would even be allowin' yer to communin' it, which they won't.'
Ilromie says 'But you would have watched him heal naturally before he left to kill me.'
Lumubella says 'So, in turn...'
You say 'Good grief.'
Ilromie says to you 'Would you not?'
Lumubella says 'You and he were taken down Sheundan together?'
You say 'And Gwevym.'
Lumubella says 'A paladin?'
Lumubella says 'This is insane.'
Lumubella says 'So a healer, a paladin, and a duergar go into a bar.'
Lumubella says 'And then decide ter be killin' Sheundan together?'
Lumubella says 'A man who has sworn ter be killin' me...'
Lumubella says 'And has acted dishonorably against others ter..'
Lumubella buries her face in her palm with a heavy sigh.
You say 'If you had told me, I would have known.'
Lumubella says 'Even not knowin' that. Yer had ter be knowin' he be usin' yer to slay Sheundan.'
Lumubella says 'And not for giggles, fer the loot.'
You say 'He was not even asking to go there.'
Lumubella says 'Okay.'
Lumubella says 'So what did he be askin?'
You say 'He wanted to kill Vlad and I said I would rather work on my research.'
Lumubella says 'Same difference.'
Lumubella says 'Oh hey, I be wantin' ter kill Vlad... yer know, maybe keep his gear and voulge fer the trophy case.'
You say 'Well we didn't kill Vlad.'
Lumubella says 'Oh, yer be wantin' ter research Sheundan, well, Sheundan be havin' pretty useful gear ter.'
Lumubella says 'No problem.'
Lumubella pinches herself on the cheek.
Lumubella says 'I love yer both.'
Lumubella says 'But yer both be nuts sometimes.'
You say 'I wasn't there for items.'
Ilromie says 'He was.'
Lumubella says 'No, o' course not.'
Lumubella says 'He was.'
Lumubella says 'So where do Ilromie be fittin inter this?'
Lumubella says 'You, Gwyvem and Abellyith be merrily killin' vampires ter summon Sheundan, then summon him and fight him.'
Lumubella says 'And Ilromie be comin' ter kill Abellyith?'
Lumubella says 'Under a vendetta?'
You say 'Clearly neither of you think there is anything wrong with demoralizing someone so much that he leaves the world behind.'
Ilromie says 'In direct response to such issuance.'
Ilromie says 'Abellyith died to the vendettas he placed himself.'
Lumubella says 'Serra...'
You say 'So there is likely no point to continue.'
Lumubella says 'The bloody man tried to kill me alongside a mob.'
Lumubella says 'Yer expect me to be thinkin' good o' him?'
You say 'It is not the only time this has happened.'
You say 'She did the same thing to Ceinn.'
Lumubella says 'So how did the battle go down?'
Lumubella says 'I trust yer all did not engage each other, no?'
Ilromie says 'They were focused on Shuendan.'
You say 'No. Gwevym and I finished our fight and Ilromie and Abellyith theirs.'
You say 'And that would have been the end of it, except Ilromie laid into Gwevym until he took his life.'
You say 'And then went after Abellyith with a companion until he took his.'
Lumubella says 'Well, that bein' tough.'
You say 'Tough.'
You shrug.
Lumubella says 'Abellyith I'll not lose two winks about.'
You say 'Oh well, lives lost.'
You say 'Too bad then.'
Ilromie says 'Abellyith attacked my home, where Kali and I were residing peacefully.'
Ilromie says 'We responded and he fell.'
You say 'Once?'
Lumubella says 'Paladins are sworn to eradicate evil, and protect the light.'
Lumubella says 'Gwyvem should have been standin' up fer Ilromie, if anythin''
Lumubella says 'But...'
Ilromie says 'Twice.'
Lumubella says 'I wonder though.'
Lumubella says 'Yer do be havin' proclivities ter stir up tings.'
Lumubella peers intently at Ilromie.
Lumubella says 'Fer no reason but yer searches fer truth.'
Ilromie says 'Someone must!'
Lumubella says 'There bein' better ways o' goin' about it.'
Ilromie says 'Else the truth will be hidden behind the lies of evil doers.'
Lumubella says 'You be twitchin' people the wrong way on purpose ter get a rise, sometime.'
Ilromie says 'I ask difficult questions.'
Lumubella says 'And that lad o' yers bein' just as bad strikin' them down after bein' incited.'
Ilromie says 'I use the tools I have to find the answers.'
Lumubella nods.
Lumubella says 'Much like this usin' a duergar fer researchin'.'
Lumubella sighs.
Ilromie says 'Not at all the same, in fact.'
Lumubella says 'I be likin' yer both as friends.'
Lumubella says 'Well, yer bein' a lot more fervent, fer sure.'
You say 'I have not ever tried to kill someone.'
Lumubella says 'That bein' my meaning.'
Ilromie says to you 'You believed Abellyith's lie.'
Lumubella says 'So Gwevym be takin' his own life?'
You say 'You are honestly ridiculous if you think I was trying to kill you.'
You say 'He did.'
Ilromie says 'I did not say such.'
Lumubella sits down and thinks deeply.
Lumubella says 'Well I do be knowin' this.'
Kali tells you 'Greetings Serra. Might I enter your home?' <- Ugh
Ilromie says 'But I would not have been alone in judging Gwevym's actions as betrayal of all I thought he stood for.'
Ilromie says 'Should I not be upset?'
Lumubella says 'Even knowin' Ilromie's proclivities for incitin' mayhem and trouble, yer cannot be blaimin' her for a suicide, even if she be handin' him the knife.'
You tell Kali 'It is open.'
You say 'I think.'
Kali arrives from a lodge door.
Kali bows deeply.
Lumubella says 'The man took his own bloody life.'
Ilromie smiles at Kali.
Kali smiles at Ilromie.
Lumubella says 'A sign o' mental and emotional instability.'
Lumubella says 'We cannae be helpin' that.'
Lumubella says 'And there be no supplication fer detectin' it, or curin' it.'
You say 'He would not have felt that way if she hadn't been shouting at him everywhere we went.'
Ilromie frowns.
Kali says 'Ah, Gwevym.'
Lumubella says 'Maybe not.'
Ilromie says 'You overstate my influence.'
Lumubella says 'He was not a child.'
Lumubella says 'A grown man chose suicide rather than ter face his problems.'
Lumubella says 'He turned away from even yerself, Serra.'
Grrrrrrrrrr...
Ilromie says 'I spoke to him in Valour, then again but briefly in Seringale.'
Lumubella says 'There be no blame ter be had.'
Lumubella says 'Might as well blame the gods, fer creatin' such situations.'
Ilromie says 'When I refused the fruits of labor obtained by the aid of evil hands.'
You say 'All the virtues in the world, unblemished, unstained, save by blood, but that which is pure because it was taken from the corpse of an evil man.'
You shake your head in dismay.
Lumubella says 'There bein' a difference I think.'
You say 'Murder is murder.'
Lumubella says 'An evil man from his intent and actions, not just his birth.'
Lumubella says 'He too incited violence.'
You say 'It does not make it right.'
Kali says 'Abellyith was evil through and through.'
Ilromie says 'In fact, his vendettas demanded it.'
Kali says 'His actions and his words, both.'
Lumubella says 'Gwevym I will mourn with you, and shed tears for.'
Lumubella says 'Abellyith displayed no redeeming qualities whatsoever.'
Lumubella says 'Save for he lived.'
Lumubella says 'Life is my highest value, though I did question the ability to redeem him.'
You say 'What is funny is that I have heard the same exact sentiments from both sides.'
Lumubella says 'He certainly held no respect for my life.'
You say 'Almost to the word.'
You say 'This is exactly the problem.'
You say 'No respect.'
Kali says 'He and I did have respect.'
You say 'Without such, there is no peace.'
You say 'And the mindless violence continues forever.'
Lumubella says 'A cruel land it be when peace be this far away.'
Lumubella says 'But such is the land we live in.'
Ilromie says 'I wish not peace with such people.'
Lumubella says 'Clearly not, or yer would not be incitin' everyone ter violence against yer.'
Kali says 'Abellyith once challenged me to a duel to the death, throughout all of Serin. I accepted immediately, for I am no coward. I bested him, and could have taken an item as per our agreement, yet I took nothing.'
Kali says 'We had a degree of respect for each other.'
Kali says 'This was before your misadventure.'
Kali says 'And before his vendetta on Ilromie.'
Kali says 'And that is when he let his intent be known.'
Kali says 'He spoke of the vile things he would do if he were victorious.'
Ilromie says to Lumubella 'I'll not cease the search for truth for fear of a sword in my gut.'
You say 'Truth... the "corruption" in Zanward?'
You say 'A man who simply followed the letter of the law?'
Lumubella says 'I don't be seein' yer tearin' down those halls in search o' the truth.'
You say 'Yes, he spoke of it to me.'
Lumubella says 'Merely gettin' fines out o' spite.'
Ilromie says 'He acts as Chul's shadow.'
Ilromie says 'Even without the body that casts it.'
Lumubella says 'He murder anyone yet?'
Ilromie says 'Have I attacked him?'
You say 'You saw him walk into a guild in Seringale, as is his wont as a Justice, and you called him corrupt for it.'
Lumubella says 'Will yer be incitin' him ter violence by gettin' a flag fer refusin' ter pay a fine?'
Ilromie says 'In fact, I paid every exorbitant fine he placed since the first, when he evaded a simple question.'
Ilromie says 'In fact, I asked him what he was learning from the shaman guildmaster and questioned if it would continue him down his dark path.'
Ilromie says 'He answered me not.'
Ilromie says 'I am right to suspect ill intent in evasion.'
You say 'He is a neutral monk. That is patently ridiculous.'
Kali raises an eyebrow.
Kali says 'Those who walk the balance cannot be swayed either way, then?'
Lumubella says 'Not ridiculous, just an attempt ter get a rise out o' him.'
Ilromie says 'I shall find the truth and can only hope it shows otherwise.'
You say 'A neutral monk learning shaman secrets from the shaman guild? Yes, ridiculous.'
Ilromie says 'Then what was he doing in there?'
You say 'Why does he come into the Infirmary? He's not sick.'
Lumubella says 'Ones actions reveal the truth more than ones words, I've found.'
Lumubella says 'Has he acted in an evil way?'
You say 'Why does he walk into the guild of illusionists? He does not seek his reflection.'
Ilromie says 'In fact, the Justices have never answered what business they have with Korvoduin.'
Lumubella says 'Or aggressively violent?'
You say 'They just sit there.'
Ilromie snorts derisively.
Ilromie says 'I quite doubt that.'
Lumubella says 'Your questions are not evidence of wrongdoing, Ilromie.'
Lumubella says 'Hand me some evidence he is actin' in an evil manner, and I'll put him ter the test myself.'
Kali says 'Yet her allegations have not been proven wrong.'
Ilromie says 'The way in which one fails to answer simple inquiries lends insight to the truth.'
Lumubella says 'Or right, Kali.'
Ilromie nods in enthusiastic agreement with Lumubella.
Lumubella says 'No it doesn't.'
Ilromie says 'It is ongoing research.'
Ilromie says to Lumubella 'It does.'
You say 'You treat him as guilty until proven innocent.'
Lumubella says 'Frivolous inquiries.'
Ilromie says 'Frivolous?'
Kali boggles at the concept.
Ilromie says 'In fact, the corruption of Justice is as dangerous as the Legion.'
Lumubella says 'They sit in the guilds because the guild guardians allow it.'
Lumubella says 'Chul is dead and gone.'
Lumubella says 'Better ter question the Commander about why he allowed such a disease ter fester.'
Kali says 'No inquiries are frivilous when one pursues the truth.'
Lumubella says 'The source o' the corruption itself bein' gone.'
Ilromie says 'Why he has bred it, rather.'
Lumubella says 'I see no sign o' it from Zanward at this point.'
Lumubella says 'When yer have evidence o' action, let me know.'
Ilromie says 'At this time, it is mere suspicion.'
Lumubella nods.
Lumubella says 'Have yer considered if he were corrupt and evil, any answers yer be gettin' from 'im be useless anyway?'
You say 'Oh don't give her ideas.'
Lumubella says 'I think observation is warranted.'
Lumubella says 'Though quiet observation bein' tough fer yer.'
Kali taps his chin in thought.
Lumubella says 'I know yer rather be stirrin' it up.'
Ilromie says 'I questioned his intent within the Shaman guildhall.'
Ilromie says 'He had no answer.'
Lumubella says 'Maybe he likes the smell.'
You say 'He likely refused to answer because it was none of your business.'
Lumubella shakes her head.
Ilromie says 'In fact, everything is my business.' <- Oh boy
You snort derisively.
Lumubella says 'More likely because he be tired o' all the proddin' and pokin'.'
Kali nods.
Lumubella says 'I know it be annoyin' me, I can only guess how he be feelin''
You say 'This is exactly why I am ceasing research.'
You say 'I saw where it led, and what fell out of it.'
Lumubella says 'You chose the wrong assistant ter be helpin' yer.'
Lumubella says 'The research itself were not a problem.'
Kali says 'You need not cease your research, Serra. Perhaps just think more closely on who you have aid you in your endeavours.'
You say 'It was not just the assistant.'
You say 'I was going into places that should not be opened.'
You say 'And people were dying.'
Lumubella says 'People do die on adventures.'
Ilromie says 'That has been the case for our entire lives.'
Lumubella says 'It not be for the faint o' heart.'
Lumubella says 'Or the cowardly.'
You say 'Not like that.'
Kali puffs out his chest.
Lumubella beckons for you to follow.
You raise an eyebrow at the notion.
You now follow Lumubella.
Lumubella says 'Allow us a few moments, aye?'
Lumubella flies north.
You follow Lumubella.
A Secret Garden
| A small, lush paradise of vegetation surrounds you suddenly
| as you exit the back door of the lodge. Strange, unfamiliar
| plants grow here, with leaves formed like whorls and swirls
| that unfurl in fractal patterns up towards the sky. Among
@ | them are several mushrooms of a variety never before seen
| | in Serin. Small, strange, winged creatures flit here and there,
*-* | flickering into and out of existence as if dipping into and
| out of a bowl of water - only the water is this earthly plane.
| The garden is walled in by a row of protective hedges which
---------+ tremble as if sentient as you approach. The sky opens up in
an endless expanse above, stretching far north across the windswept meadows.
The gleaming walls, buildings and monuments of the city of Valour can be seen
to the northeast and beyond it, a haze of curious white mist.
[Exits: south]
A huge, iridescent purple mushroom looks almost like a bench.
A large flower pot is here.
Lumubella the Touch of Serendipity, Archon of Valour is here.
Lumubella clutches you tightly in an overwhelming bearhug!
You say 'What...'
Lumubella says 'I know it not bein' okay, with Gwevym passin' and all.'
Lumubella says 'He be a likely lad.'
Lumubella says 'Was he a particular friend o' yers?'
You say 'He was an honorable and good man.'
Lumubella nods.
Lumubella says 'The life o' a paladin be a tough one fer sure.'
You say 'He looked out for anyone who needed it.'
Lumubella nods at you in agreement.
Lumubella says 'I travelled with him a few times.'
Lumubella says 'Helping others in the hunting, and in adventures.'
You say 'When I asked, he came. Without question. Just because I asked.'
You say 'I know I am in the wrong for the whole business.'
Lumubella says 'How did you feel about him, personally?'
You bat your eyelashes.
You say 'He was a friend.'
Lumubella says 'Just a friend, or moreso?'
You say 'You ... don't know.'
Lumubella nods at you in agreement.
Lumubella says 'Some men are strong on the outside, but not bein' so strong within''
You say 'It is you I have loved all these years.'
Lumubella looks at you.
Lumubella smiles at you.
Serra looks down.
Lumubella says 'Yer be lovin' me, Serra?'
You say 'Am I a fool for it?'
You say 'Perhaps.'
Lumubella says 'One cannot be makin' ones heart to order.'
You say 'No... one cannot.'
You sit on a mushroom bench.
Lumubella sits on a mushroom bench.
You say 'I feel a fool for many things.'
Lumubella says 'No moreso than any other.'
You say 'I aided a man who tried to kill you.'
Lumubella nods at you in agreement.
Lumubella says 'He was effective at manipulatin' yer, I be thinkin''
Serra says softly 'I am sorry.'
Lumubella says 'Yer no need ter be apologizin' ter me, lass.'
Lumubella comforts you.
You say 'Don't say that.'
Lumubella says 'He be dead and gone.'
You say 'It is the same thing Gwevym said before he ...passed.'
Lumubella nods.
Lumubella says 'I feel the loss, though p'raps not as keenly as yer be.'
Lumubella says 'I knew him as a good man, but that was about it.'
Lumubella says 'I did not know o' his inner weakness, and the pressures his job be puttin' on him.'
You say 'Yes... I feel it most keenly because it was my fault he is dead.'
Lumubella takes your hands in hers.
You say 'My cursed quest for knowledge.'
Lumubella says 'Yer cannot be takin' the blame fer that.'
A short, solid woman stands fiercely before you. Riotous golden locks flow
down to her waist, somewhat tamed into four thick braids by intricately carved
metal bands. Her expressive blue eyes peer out from a youthful face with stern
features, her narrow eyebrows curved into a serious expression above long lashes
and rosy cheeks. A small nose and full lips complement her eyes, preventing her
from being entirely relegated to the ranks of the homely. Her thick frame does
have distinctly feminine curves of breast, hip, and thigh, though these are
obscured by the robes enveloping her. The robes are intricately embroidered with
what appear to be dwarven runes, and indicate her station as priestess.
She has unlocked many secrets of the world.
Lumubella is in excellent condition.
<pile o' dwarf stuff>
You say 'If I had not asked, he would not have been there.'
Lumubella says 'If he was just a friend, yer cannot be knowin' o his weakness.'
Lumubella says 'Not seein' the signs.'
Lumubella says 'He made a choice, and that choice be his.'
Lumubella says 'You did not make that choice for him.'
You sigh.
Lumubella says 'Yer bein' the one I be closest ter, Serra.'
Lumubella says 'No be makin' that choice.'
Lumubella says 'Do what be makin' yer happy.'
You say 'I don't want to endanger anyone.'
Lumubella says 'Danger always be present in this land.'
Lumubella says 'From the simplest adventure ter the most grand.'
Lumubella says 'Even if yer be stayin' shut in yer home, some unchecked fiend can come upon yer.'
Lumubella says 'You cannot close yer life off ter others because yer afraid.'
You say 'I am not afraid of others hurting me.'
Lumubella says 'It not be matterin' what the fear be.'
You say 'I do not want anyone else getting hurt because of where I go, what I do.'
Lumubella says 'As adventurers, we be makin' our own choices.'
Lumubella says 'The moment we be allowin' someone ter be makin' choices fer us, we have lost all resepct fer ourselves.'
Lumubella says 'No?'
You say 'I suppose.'
Lumubella says 'They be sayin' time heals all wounds, I not be knowin the truth o' that, because I be hidin' my own.'
You stand up.
You heal Lumubella.
Lumubella says 'But, we can choose to live our lives in a way respectin' those that have passed before us.'
Lumubella thanks you heartily.
Lumubella smiles at you.
You sit on a mushroom bench.
Lumubella says 'Life bein' our highest value, no?'
You nod.
Lumubella says 'By strivin' to make it the most fulfillin' as possible, we be honorin' those before us, and settin' an example for those to come after.'
Lumubella says 'So we shed tears for the dead out o' love, and remember them with respect through our livin''
You nod.
Lumubella says 'With no research, and no adventure, how could yer be findin' life most fulfillin'?'
You say 'I would find something else.'
Lumubella says 'You truly be believin' that?'
Lumubella says 'You made a mistake, the same as Gwevym made a mistake.'
Lumubella says 'He chose to run from that mistake, I think no less of him for it.'
Lumubella says 'You can choose to learn from it, and not make the same mistake again.'
Lumubella says 'Or, live your life throwin' caution to the wind, and continue to make it.'
Lumubella says 'It bein' yer life.'
Lumubella says 'But don't run from it.'
Lumubella says 'Our friend the Duchess be much like the latter though, aye?'
Lumubella lets out a hearty laugh.
You say 'She has worried me.'
Lumubella says 'She has not changed one whit.'
Lumubella says 'I think first yer forgive yerself.'
Lumubella says 'Then maybe you can be about findin' it in yer heart ter forgive her.'
Lumubella says 'A tall order for both.'
Lumubella says 'But I have faith in yer.'
Lumubella says 'The love I be holdin' in my heart not bein' for naught.'
Lumubella pats your hand gently.
You say 'I am not a child.'
Lumubella says 'Quite the opposite.'
You say 'I know my faults and I will work on them.'
Lumubella says 'You be havin' faults?'
You say 'Of course.'
Lumubella peers at you intently.
Lumubella says 'I dun be seein' them.'
You say 'I trust blindly.'
Lumubella says 'Though perhaps my unsolicited advice bein' a bit pushy.'
Lumubella sits down and thinks deeply.
Lumubella says 'Well, we be of two minds regardin' trust, I think.'
Lumubella says 'But our heart bein' one, and in the right place, no?'
Lumubella taps her chest.
Your cheeks are burning.
Lumubella leans her head on your shoulder.
Lumubella says 'I'm so tired.'
Serra carefully, ever so gently puts her arm around Lumubella.
Lumubella smiles happily.
You say 'I am sorry if this exhausted you.'
Lumubella says 'No apologies, remember?'
Lumubella tickles you - ho ho ho.
You say 'I am absolutely not sorry that you are tired at all.'
You glare icily at her.
Yuck, try to cover your mouth next time!
You pat Lumubella on her head.
Lumubella nods.
Lumubella says 'If we cannot hold forgiveness in our hearts for each other, what hope does anyone else be havin?'
You say 'There is nothing you have done I need to forgive.'
Lumubella says 'Other than bein' heavy handed, pedantic, judgemental, loud, offensive, pushy.'
Lumubella says 'I suppose not.'
You let out a hearty laugh.
You say 'I find those qualities endearing.'
Lumubella says 'Come dear heart, shall we return to those elves?'
You say 'Alright.'
Lumubella says 'Who knows what rituals they are about o'er there.'
You say 'Oh... dear.'
You say 'My poor couch.'
You peer around yourself intently.
You stand up.
Lumubella winces in agony.
Lumubella stands up.
Lumubella walks south.
You follow Lumubella.
A Small Sitting-room
| You find yourself barely avoiding bumping into the furniture
| in this small, cramped sitting-room. A cabinet full of books
* | is pushed against the eastern wall next to a wide-silled window.
| | Upon the windowsill rests an absurdly large and cumbersome
*-@ | flower pot which struggles to grow a plant. A writing-desk
| has been shoved into the southeast corner to take advantage
| of the natural sunlight, and is surrounded by crumpled parchments
| with scribbled-out phrases and ink stains. A wooden perch
| is installed in the northwest corner. Judging by the swirls
---------+ of downy feathers and small white splatters and hasty mop
marks marring the surrounding floor, it is often used by a bird of some kind.
A small water dish and a bowl of what can only be described as dessicated mice
sit on a stool nearby. The bowl of offerings lets off a bit of a musty smell.
Another set of windows on the south wall frames the entrance to the abode, and
looks out upon a wind-swept meadow. A doorway to the west leads to the kitchen,
while a set of narrow stairs on the north wall leads up to the second floor.
[Exits: north west up door]
A blade with Lodur's mark lies here.
You see 2 of a raspberry flan here.
A stack of pancakes is here.
A cozy looking fireplace is set into the wall.
A scruffy, comfortable couch fills the center of the room.
A large flower pot is here.
A large, blood-red flower lies here, pulsating faintly.
A blossoming red tulip is on a small writing desk.
A writing desk covered with crumpled parchment sits in the corner.
A battered cabinet overflowing with books and scrolls rests here.
A vase of snow poppies is on a mantel.
A basket of daisies is on a mantel.
An elegant chalice covered with images of elves is on a mantel.
A stone mantel provides space for displaying treasures.
Lumubella the Touch of Serendipity, Archon of Valour is here.
(Charmed) A large spotted owl is perched here.
Ilromie is sitting on a scruffy couch.
Kali is sitting on a scruffy couch.
(Charmed) A large spotted owl is perched here.
Kali says 'It follows you yet, my love.'
Kali peers intently at a runed blade.
Ilromie says 'As it ever has.'
Lumubella whispers to you 'Well, somethin' about a blade certainly.'
You whisper to Lumubella 'Har!'
Lumubella giggles.
Kali raises an eyebrow.
Yuck, try to cover your mouth next time!
Ilromie says 'In fact, we were but sitting.'
Lumubella looks at a runed blade.
You bat your eyelashes.
You nod.
Ilromie peers intently at Lumubella.
Lumubella says 'With blades.'
A runed blade crumbles into dust.
Lumubella nods.
Lumubella says 'Well then, I've exhausted myself emotionally, and verbally.'
Lumubella says 'I need ter be headin' on to bed somewhere.'
You nod.
Kali stands up.
Ilromie says to Lumubella 'It was good to see you Archon.'
Lumubella says 'And you Duchess.'
Ilromie bows before Lumubella.
Kali says 'Good to see you, Bella.'
Lumubella says 'I hope we can all find peace, soon.'
Lumubella waves at Kali cheerfully.
Lumubella says 'I think there bein' enough love and respect here ter be goin' around, aye?'
Lumubella must like you a great deal to beam at you so broadly!
Lumubella curtseys gracefully to Ilromie.
Lumubella waves at Kali cheerfully.
Lumubella says 'Be well.'
Kali waves at Lumubella cheerfully.
Lumubella closes her eyes momentarily.
Distant crackling is heard as faith and energy is channeled.
A nimbus of white light appears upon the ground.
The nimbus of light encases Lumubella.
Risking a slap to the face, you give Lumubella a peck on the cheek.
A beam of white light shines down from the heavens.
Lumubella tells you 'Be well, dear heart.'
You tell Lumubella 'And you, my love.'
>>> Kali also takes his leave. Left alone, the two old friends slowly begin to make amends.
Ilromie says 'The blade moved here.'
Ilromie frowns.
You say 'But... why?'
Ilromie says 'I know now how it could predict I would move here.'
You say 'You think it followed you?'
Ilromie says 'It ever has.'
Ilromie says 'Yet in this case, it preceded me.'
You let out a hearty laugh.
You say 'Well.'
You say 'Magic works in mysterious ways.'
Ilromie says 'Lodur does as well, if history is to be believed.'
You say 'Do you think he still lurks somewhere?'
Ilromie says 'If he does not, then it is Vhrael's hand working this magic.'
You say 'Vhrael, behind this blade?'
You peer intently at Ilromie.
You say 'Why?'
Ilromie says 'There is much in common between the two.'
Ilromie says 'If Lodur has power left, I suspect it was claimed by Vhrael.'
Lodur, the Master of Mischief
Elements: Shadow, Trickery
Rival Elements: Sun, Law
Alliances: Thorgoth, Vhrael, Darkhan, Zylenier, Nycticora
Rivalries: Ceridwel, Kedaleam, Soluminus, Odoacer, Eloret
Very little is known about Lodur, a chaotic drow Immortal, except that
his powers were vast, unusual and very strange. Often known to prank upon
an unsuspecting sleepy Odoacer, a benevolent voice coming from the abyss.
One cannot ever be sure if Lodur were their friend or foe. The ancient god
Lodur succumbed to a last final slumber shortly after Burzuk returned to the
realms and put an end to his hijinks.
Ilromie says 'It is but hypothesis.'
Ilromie says 'Such blade cannot be released for testing as we did with the drop of his blood.'
You say 'According to the scrolls he was destroyed by the god Burzuk.'
Ilromie says 'In fact, were I wishing to be left to my own devices to work mischief against the Justice, that is precisely how I would end my history.'
You say 'Getting destroyed by a god?'
Ilromie says 'Writing that I was.'
You let out a hearty laugh.
You say 'The difference between your research and mine is you read a thousand words between the lines and I simply read the lines.'
Ilromie says 'No line is writ without much thought.'
Ilromie says 'No line worth considering, that is.'
You say 'Usually, in my experience, lines are written intentionally to convey what they say.'
Ilromie says 'I sense much more than the mere words on the page. I cannot see them without questioning the source and validity.'
You say 'Where will you find that?'
Ilromie sits on a mushroom bench.
Ilromie says 'Further research.'
Ilromie chuckles politely.
You let out a hearty laugh.
Ilromie says 'The search for truth is unending.'
You say 'So it is.'
It is 5 o'clock am, Day of the Dark Ages, 25th Renewal of the Celestial of Tyranny
Serra looks up through the twisted leaves at the dawn.
You say 'Lumubella told me to continue my studies.'
Ilromie says 'In fact, I agree with her.'
You say 'I have already given my notes on the Isles to Valindra.'
You say 'I cannot bear to write them.'
You say 'I am sorry.'
Ilromie says 'Elsewhere, then.'
You say 'For all of it.'
Ilromie looks off into the distance.
Ilromie says 'As am I, my friend. I feel a rift between us over these matters.'
You say 'I do not think I will ever be able to countenance a true fight.'
You say 'I have tried.'
Ilromie says 'Nor should you.'
Ilromie says 'Your tolerance is one of your strengths, in most matters.'
You chuckle politely.
You say 'I tried to battle.'
Ilromie says 'In fact, I highly recommended you for my role for exactly that reason.'
You say 'There was a young woman I met.'
Ilromie nods, listening.
You say 'She said that battle brought her clarity, and filled her with fire.'
You say 'In a way, it sounded a bit like you.'
You chuckle politely.
You say 'She saw me fighting Abellyith that day and offered to teach me.'
Ilromie says 'Did you accept?'
You say 'I tried to fight. But it does not bring me clarity.'
You say 'She gave me some tips and I paid her for her efforts.'
You say 'There was... another thing that happened.'
Ilromie says 'What happened?'
You say 'I believed... maybe I still believe in the curses of the stones. Not that they have an obvious sensed power, but they influence people.'
You say 'Ocelia had the idea first.'
You say 'Before I left, we attempted to summon Zaikkra, did we not? all seven stones, in your parlor.'
Ilromie says 'Evil does not become great without influence.'
Ilromie says 'They were taken before we could.'
You say 'A drow came, and stole them, and made to free him for himself.'
You say 'He perished.'
Ilromie says 'Greed.'
You say 'The second time, Ocelia says, she went with you, Kali, Toland, Gwevym, and Chayvudd.'
You say 'Toland and Gwevym have perished.'
Ilromie says 'You may be drawing connections where none exist.'
Ilromie says 'We all must perish.'
You say 'Before Gwevym went, he gave me a bag. In it he offered his soul, and a mountain of things.'
You say 'I put his soul on the altar to Phostan, and walked around the lands with the bag, waiting for someone to give it to.'
Ilromie says 'Whom did you find?'
You say 'I found Alkas, but I did nothing.'
You say 'I told him of the stones theory and he thought I should pursue it.'
You say 'I then spoke to Valindra. As I was speaking, I realized by carrying the bag, I was embodying Avarice.'
You say 'We agreed to cast a ritual and sacrifice the lot.'
Ilromie says 'It is not greed to wish a legacy to be shared.'
You say 'But I hesitated. Because I wanted to know why Gwevym gave it to me.'
Ilromie says 'Nor to retain mementos of those we have lost.'
You say 'She plucked a flower from it, with his blood still upon the petals, and said she would give it to you.'
You say 'As an experiment.'
You say 'I could not stomach the thought and left her there with the pile of bloodied things.'
Ilromie reaches back to pluck a flower from her hair.
Ilromie says 'This one.'
You say 'You have it then.'
Ilromie says 'She told me not of its history.'
You mull over the idea at hand, asking for patience.
You say 'Why?'
Ilromie says 'A question only she can answer.'
Ilromie says 'Unless this was gifted prior to the event.'
You shrug.
Ilromie considers the colorful petals, studying them for signs of blood.
You say 'Perhaps she is in the habit of giving flowers.'
Ilromie says 'It would be great coincidence.'
Ilromie says 'But it was not the first she gifted me either.'
You say 'When I ran from her, I asked Myrina for a duel.'
You say 'I just wanted to feel nothing.'
You say 'She punched all around the arena and indeed, I felt nothing.'
Ilromie says 'But battle brings you no solace.'
You say 'It does not.'
You say 'Before I entered that arena, Valindra published her latest publication and I saw the mountain of things still there, unsacrificed, and I thought the worst things.'
You say 'But after I recovered, they were gone.'
Ilromie says 'Gone?'
You say 'She could not have taken them. There were too many.'
You say 'I thought the worst things of her out of madness.'
You say 'Is there not something corrupted in me?'
The sweet smell of flowers surrounds this elven woman. They have been
braided into her hair, tucked behind her pointed ears, and twisted into
bands around her wrist and ankle. Even for an elf, she is tall and
especially willowy, as if a simple breeze might cause her to sway. Vivid
green eyes are accentuated by a tattoo of a lily inked above her cheekbone.
Her hands are soft and slender, better suited to braiding of flora than
bloodshed, though dark marks mar her wrists. A tension fills the air around
her of magic ready to be bent to her whim. It causes her blond hair to wave
constantly as if caught in a wind.
She has unlocked many secrets of the world.
Ilromie is in excellent condition.
Ilromie is using:
<pile o' elf things>
Ilromie says 'What did you do?'
You say 'I wrote to Alkas.'
Ilromie says 'About Valindra?'
You say 'About the stone, the thoughts, the suspicions, the battle, and the realization.'
You say 'And I asked him to watch over me.'
Ilromie says 'There is no corruption in you, Serra.'
You say 'My eyes used to be blue.'
Your description is:
An extremely tall, broad-shouldered woman stands before you. Her face is
rather plain and square, with a wide, crooked nose which has been previously
broken, and pale white scars from what appear to be claw slashes on her left
cheek. Her large, oddly colored eyes are framed with long black lashes.
The irises are dark blue with flecks of glowing crimson which appear and
disappear with every blink. Her black hair, mingled with white strands at
the temples, is entirely bound in tiny plaits ending in small white and
cerulean beads that swing and clack as she moves. A beautiful pink ribbon
is woven into one of the plaits and terminated with a crimson bead. The
plaits are kept back from her forehead with a simple, plain leather band.
Her skin is the color of rainclouds, with a smattering of dark blue freckles
across the bridge of her nose. Her face, neck and hands bear tiny, healed
pockmarks the size of grains of sand. Worry lines have been etched on her
forehead and at the set corners of her mouth. She is a little thinner than
an average Giant, with old stretch marks visible on her bared upper arms
belying her former weight. When she is quiet, she has a wistful air about
her. You notice that her stride is somewhat pigeon-toed, though she moves
with a determination that belies the strength within her. Fading calluses
and scars on her hands show evidence of past hard labor.
You say 'I used to never doubt.'
Ilromie says 'Change is not always for the worse.'
You say 'It is not always.'
Ilromie says 'Perhaps it is the doubt that is proof.'
You bat your eyelashes.
Ilromie says 'Perhaps it is blind conviction that is the error.'
You say 'What do you mean?'
Ilromie glances off to the side.
Ilromie says 'You are older now and wiser.'
You say 'I am obviously older.'
Serra scratches awkwardly at the white hair at her temple.
You say 'I do not know about wiser.'
Ilromie says 'In fact, you are aging at a rate that is worrisome.'
You say 'Am I?'
Ilromie braids the loose flower back into her hair.
Ilromie says 'Perhaps that is merely my impression.'
You chuckle politely.
You say 'I imagine anyone would age worryingly fast compared to an elf.'
Ilromie says 'Yet I have no other friends by which to judge the process. They all stay so briefly.'
You say 'You are my oldest friend as well, Ilromie.'
You say 'This hammer I carry, Darvaz was the one who gave it to me, but you were there, on my first ever "grown up" adventure.'
You stop wielding something.
You wield a forged warhammer.
A forged warhammer feels like a part of you!
Ilromie smiles happily.
You say 'I will never forget all of those who came and passed.'
Ilromie says 'I have lost everything many times over since those days.'
You say 'Not everything.'
Ilromie says 'Even those things I would wish to keep are lost forever.'
The sweet smell of flowers surrounds this elven woman. They have been
braided into her hair, tucked behind her pointed ears, and twisted into
bands around her wrist and ankle. Even for an elf, she is tall and
especially willowy, as if a simple breeze might cause her to sway. Vivid
green eyes are accentuated by a tattoo of a lily inked above her cheekbone.
Her hands are soft and slender, better suited to braiding of flora than
bloodshed, though dark marks mar her wrists. A tension fills the air around
her of magic ready to be bent to her whim. It causes her blond hair to wave
constantly as if caught in a wind.
She has unlocked many secrets of the world.
Ilromie is in excellent condition.
Lightning flashes across the sky as an electrical storm forms in the heavens.
You hear a deafening rumble of thunder resonate 5 miles away.
Ilromie drops some gold.
Ilromie says 'I bet that coin the blade returns within a day of the storm's passage.'
You let out a hearty laugh.
You say 'I do not want it in my house.'
Ilromie says 'I hope I am wrong.'
You say 'Perhaps I can send it off to Acadia.'
Ilromie summons a barrier against the storm above you both.
*** An ear-splitting boom is heard as the sky is lit by lightning! ***
Torrents of rain flood through the area.
The sky clears up as the storm's turmoil fades into an abrupt silence.
A Secret Garden
| A small, lush paradise of vegetation surrounds you suddenly
| as you exit the back door of the lodge. Strange, unfamiliar
| plants grow here, with leaves formed like whorls and swirls
| that unfurl in fractal patterns up towards the sky. Among
@ | them are several mushrooms of a variety never before seen
| | in Serin. Small, strange, winged creatures flit here and there,
*-* | flickering into and out of existence as if dipping into and
| out of a bowl of water - only the water is this earthly plane.
| The garden is walled in by a row of protective hedges which
---------+ tremble as if sentient as you approach. The sky opens up in
an endless expanse above, stretching far north across the windswept meadows.
The gleaming walls, buildings and monuments of the city of Valour can be seen
to the northeast and beyond it, a haze of curious white mist.
[Exits: south]
A huge, iridescent purple mushroom looks almost like a bench.
A large flower pot is here.
You see 3 of a raspberry flan here.
You see 2 of a stack of pancakes here.
One valuable gold coin.
(Charmed) A large spotted owl is perched here.
Ilromie is sitting here.
(Charmed) A large spotted owl is perched here.
You chuckle politely.
You say 'I think you lost the bet.'
A Small Sitting-room
| You find yourself barely avoiding bumping into the furniture
| in this small, cramped sitting-room. A cabinet full of books
* | is pushed against the eastern wall next to a wide-silled window.
| | Upon the windowsill rests an absurdly large and cumbersome
*-@ | flower pot which struggles to grow a plant. A writing-desk
| has been shoved into the southeast corner to take advantage
| of the natural sunlight, and is surrounded by crumpled parchments
| with scribbled-out phrases and ink stains. A wooden perch
| is installed in the northwest corner. Judging by the swirls
---------+ of downy feathers and small white splatters and hasty mop
marks marring the surrounding floor, it is often used by a bird of some kind.
A small water dish and a bowl of what can only be described as dessicated mice
sit on a stool nearby. The bowl of offerings lets off a bit of a musty smell.
Another set of windows on the south wall frames the entrance to the abode, and
looks out upon a wind-swept meadow. A doorway to the west leads to the kitchen,
while a set of narrow stairs on the north wall leads up to the second floor.
[Exits: north west up door]
A blade with Lodur's mark lies here.
A cozy looking fireplace is set into the wall.
A scruffy, comfortable couch fills the center of the room.
A large flower pot is here.
A vase of snow poppies is on a mantel.
A basket of daisies is on a mantel.
An elegant chalice covered with images of elves is on a mantel.
A stone mantel provides space for displaying treasures.
A battered cabinet overflowing with books and scrolls rests here.
A blossoming red tulip is on a small writing desk.
A writing desk covered with crumpled parchment sits in the corner.
A large, blood-red flower lies here, pulsating faintly.
A spotted owl flies in.
A Secret Garden
| A small, lush paradise of vegetation surrounds you suddenly
| as you exit the back door of the lodge. Strange, unfamiliar
| plants grow here, with leaves formed like whorls and swirls
| that unfurl in fractal patterns up towards the sky. Among
@ | them are several mushrooms of a variety never before seen
| | in Serin. Small, strange, winged creatures flit here and there,
*-* | flickering into and out of existence as if dipping into and
| out of a bowl of water - only the water is this earthly plane.
| The garden is walled in by a row of protective hedges which
---------+ tremble as if sentient as you approach. The sky opens up in
an endless expanse above, stretching far north across the windswept meadows.
The gleaming walls, buildings and monuments of the city of Valour can be seen
to the northeast and beyond it, a haze of curious white mist.
[Exits: south]
A huge, iridescent purple mushroom looks almost like a bench.
A large flower pot is here.
You see 3 of a raspberry flan here.
You see 2 of a stack of pancakes here.
One valuable gold coin.
Ilromie is sitting here.
(Charmed) A large spotted owl is perched here.
A spotted owl flies in.
You say 'Nope.'
Ilromie says 'I said within a day.'
You say 'It's in my living room.'
ARRRRRRRRRRGH!!!!!
Ilromie lets out a hearty laugh.
Ilromie says 'I have been trying to change.'
You sit down and rest on a mushroom bench.
Ilromie says 'Its my duty now to guide Valindra and Pauwyr, though I find such role difficult.'
You nod.
You say 'What do you find difficult about it?'
Ilromie says 'I find it easiest when I can converse at a distance and forget their inner natures.'
Ilromie says 'Valindra is easier to handle, for her writing clearly belies the circumstances of her birth.'
You bat your eyelashes.
You say 'What circumstances?'
Ilromie says 'Being raised to eat children, for one.'
You let out a hearty laugh.
Ilromie says 'Being a demon for another.'
You say 'A demon?'
You say 'I thought she was a goblin.'
Ilromie says 'Pauwyr.'
You say 'Oh.'
You say 'I have never noticed him doing any... demonic things.'
Ilromie says 'I do my best not to notice what he does, for I know not if I could stand by and watch.'
You say 'I went with him to the Underworld and we were trapped there.'
You say 'By a storm.'
You say 'Who knew the waters could wash into and out of one's bag and carry all the keys away.'
You boggle at the concept.
You say 'And nothing else!'
Ilromie says 'In fact, I knew.'
Ilromie grimaces painfully at the thought.
You say 'Lumubella and Alkas came to rescue us.'
You say 'And a little old Immortal by the name of Varliv came on a donkey to watch.'
You say 'I think he tried to help us but mostly got stuck.'
You let out a hearty laugh.
Ilromie lets out a hearty laugh.
Ilromie says 'Once a patron of the Mystics.'
You say 'Varliv?'
Ilromie says 'So say the scrolls.'
Varliv, Supreme Magistrate of Serin
Elements: Acid
Rival Elements: Luck
Alliances: Resatimm, Sakuragi
Rivalries: Vanisse
Varliv Greybeard was abandoned as a child deep within a network of caves
below Serin. He was found, swaddled in furs, by an old priest who then
brought him to the surface and left him upon the steps of a local church.
Once of age he set himself free of the dark caves to explore and learn what
lies beyond the darkness underground that he was born in. Upon adventuring
he came across an organization of mages who concerned themselves with wisdom
and knowledge - the Mystics. They seemed to Varliv to align with his own
goals of adventure and learning, and so he joined their ranks. Once a
member of the Mystics, Varliv's penchant for learning did not stop. His
yearning for more to see and knowledge to be had led him to sit in vast
libraries reading all he could. After many years of affiliation Varliv was
named the mortal leader of Mystics. Later, upon his death, Varliv ascended
to the heavens as an Immortal of Mystics, bringing with him into the ether a
proclivity for knowledge and a partiality to higher intelligence. The Altar
of Varliv is located near the shores of the River Adelon.
You say 'Oh!'
You say 'Fascinating.'
Ilromie says 'I recently ventured into the Underworld, seeking the clarity of battle.'
Ilromie says 'I could not pass the rivers alone.'
You say 'What did you learn there?'
You say 'Ah.'
You say 'I have been alone several times, but it is quite dangerous.'
Ilromie says 'That some punches are punches and other aligned with the hellfire there.'
You nod.
You say 'They are fortunately all hurt by holy magic.'
Ilromie says 'I was able to bear their assault for a short time, but I feared a pack ahead of me.'
You nod.
Ilromie says 'At that time, Valindra had arrived and I went to speak with her instead.'
Ilromie says 'Perhaps I might have survived, but given the luck necessary to do so as far as I did...'
You say 'Best not.'
You say 'Luck only goes so far.'
Ilromie says 'I doubt such fate would have better resolved my troubled thoughts.'
You say 'I am glad you turned back.'
Ilromie says 'As am I, though I yet sense the need to complete the adventure.'
You let out a hearty laugh.
You say 'There is always adventure.'
Ilromie says 'Will you turn yet from all research, or just regarding the stones?'
You say 'Ah, that.'
You say 'I believe I shift now more to studying history.'
You say 'There is a tomb, which I showed you.'
Ilromie nods.
Ilromie says 'Nara's.'
You say 'I do not believe it is Nara herself, but rather the man she loved.'
Ilromie says 'You showed me the gravestone as well.'
You say 'I have been checking the grave every now and then.'
You nod.
You say 'Recently some flowers have bloomed there.'
Ilromie says 'Newly?'
You get a crimson flower petal from a mysterious bag of the Magi.
You say 'I found this.'
You give a crimson flower petal to Ilromie.
Ilromie utters the words, 'uoculoihuyl'.
Ilromie glances slyly at you.
Ilromie says 'Did you try to eat it?'
You blink innocently at Ilromie.
You say 'No!'
Ilromie lets out a hearty laugh.
You say 'I'm not eating things off of a grave.'
You say 'Besides, the grave was partly disturbed and open.'
You say 'One could see bones in it.'
Ilromie says 'My friend, you have eaten a great many things at which I would generally balk.'
Yuck, try to cover your mouth next time!
You say 'That one, I didn't.'
Ilromie frowns.
Ilromie says 'It was covered when we viewed it before.'
You say 'I found more petals outside.'
You say 'I would show you but I fear it might turn into a whole other adventure.'
You say 'And I am a bit tired.'
Ilromie says 'Another time.'
You nod.
Ilromie gives you a crimson flower petal.
You put a crimson flower petal in a mysterious bag of the Magi.
Ilromie says 'You should rest. It is not good for the elderly to push themselves.'
You let out a hearty laugh.
You say 'Yes, my bones are creaking, watch out, stairs.'
Ilromie says 'In fact, you could fly up.'
Ilromie grins evilly.
You say 'I was thinking that.'
You say 'How did you know?'
You peer intently at Ilromie.
Your feet rise off the ground.
Ilromie says 'Because your gift of flight is one I highly value.'
Ilromie's eyes are filled with serenity.
You let out a hearty laugh.
You say 'Even though it gets you only inches off the ground?'
Ilromie says 'I have often missed it when looking up great climbs myself.'
You say 'Flying low was a boon in Acadia.'
You say 'If I had been flying high I would probably have hit many trees.'
You say 'Or simply flown around in circles.'
Ilromie says 'You are wise to cast the spell as you do.'
You say 'Must admit it looks fairly silly though.'
Serra wiggles her toes and taps the ground.
You say 'Come one, come all! The wondrous barely hovering giant.'
Ilromie lets out a hearty laugh.
You say 'I could have been a star.'
Ilromie says 'In fact, I am glad you did not.'
Ilromie says 'For you would not be here.'
You chuckle politely.
Ilromie says 'I would likely have studied you and questioned how and why such a giant could hover so.'
You say 'I might never have gone to Acadia.'
Ilromie says 'You would be offended by my intrusive questions and a great friendship would have been unknowingly smothered.'
You let out a hearty laugh.
You say 'You know, when I was Markus's assistant, my main job was punching people in the face so he could heal them.'
Ilromie winces in agony.
Ilromie says 'Why the face?'
You say 'Well, usually they were fairly short and their faces were just there.'
You say 'Going lower meant stooping.'
You bat your eyelashes.
Ilromie agrees absolutely.
You say 'It's hard in a crowd.'
You say 'I really must rest. I am glad we could talk.'
Ilromie says 'As am I.'
Ilromie says 'Thank you, Serra.'
You say 'For what?'
Ilromie says 'Everything.'
Ilromie says 'Patience.'
You chuckle politely.
Ilromie says 'Persistence.'
You say 'And being stubborn and too curious?'
Ilromie says 'In fact, that goes quite without saying.'
Ilromie says 'But yes.'
You cackle gleefully.
You say 'Be well, my friend. And stay safe.'
You hug her.
<SCHOLAR> Xerties the Sage: 'Farewell Serra, may the winds guide you to a swift return.'