[Game Thread] Together Again

[MystOtter]

Willow gave a half smile, it was comforting to have Emurian around and even more so to leave that cursed place.

"I'll go and see how Turin is doing. With something like this it will be better to have him around as well."

The warrior proceeded back up towards the main part of the church. She didn't like having her back towards the two that claimed to have infiltrated the cult. So she made sure to keep enough distance between herself and them so she could react if need be. But also not so far ahead just in case they decide to double team Emurian.

[Frodiddly]

Moradin damn it all. Why now? Turin was truly upset at the timing of this. Perhaps it was not quite time to eat yet, but the Dwarf had just made plans for a lovely picnic. It hardly sounded urgent...

Well... Perhaps Mazia will go with me?

"Um, well, actually, Mazia and I were just now planning to go out for a picnic, but perhaps we could attend for a moment. What is the meaning of all of this, any how?"

[Chekken]

"Did you not just hear me?" The veins on Amelia's head were starting to throb, slowly but surely. "Emurian has been coerced--COERCED!" She suddenly shouted. "-into giving a speech by the newest Lieutenant of the militia. That's right. Your pal Lotharain volunteered Emurian to speak in front of hundreds, perhaps thousands of people at the parade, without his permission."

Willow and Emurian had entered just in time to hear the back end of Amelia's speech. There was a small silence. "WELL?! Do you people not see anything wrong with that?!" She walked towards Emurian. "Emurian? Did you hear what I said? They're...they're making you give a speech and didn't get your permission."

Mazia cleared her throat. She didn't want to agitate Amelia any more than need be, and yet she felt that she needed to say something to diffuse the situation. She hated seeing others upset. "W...well, I'm sure Emurian will speak admirably."

"You're missing the point" Amelia said, sighing softly. "This whole...quest thing we're on is causing us to lose our independence. Is this going to be the rest of our lives?" Amelia looked truly worried as she sat down on one of the church benches, propping her head on her hand. Her frustration seemed to give way to a deep anxiety that she had been holding in for a very long time. "Are our lives going to be about giving speeches and doing quests? What about MY desires? What about starting a family, or a career, or keeping a home? These are things we can never do." Amelia shook her head. "We won't be able to do them anyways, if we lose to Aurora. What's the point of even trying?"

Mazia kept silent. She knew nothing about "Aurora", or about their quest, and she didn't want to know. If what Amelia was saying were true, it would be unlikely that she would see Turin nearly as much as she wanted to. She felt helpless to Amelia's woes: all she could do was listen. "I'm...sorry that you feel that way."

Amelia looked towards Emurian and, seeing Firodren and the strange old man, she jumped a bit. "WHOAH! Wh...who are you?"

[Segafriday]

As the group turned a corner and began up a new flight of stairs, the old man replied:
"I’m afraid your right, my friend. I have done much investigation into the identities of the knights
and I’m afraid Avis is among the worst, he seems to have a complete lack of morality
as well as a hidden agenda. I do not believe he wishes to serve aurora, or at least, not truly.”The man was clearly avoiding the question of his name, but Emurian could see no ill intent in him. The man paused
“His is a grim story, he is the only person in recorded history to have truly killed a phoenix.
The great divine phoenixes normally are reborn anew upon death, but hundreds of years ago, Avis found a way to kill one and devour its heart.
Strangely, after that, the great bird was never reborn, it remained dead and Avis’ aging process seems to have halted, which explains why he still lives today, centuries later. However, he seems to have inherited great magical powers from his victim as well, as he now wields the power to strip the souls from living beings and use them to animate other beings as well as anything else he sees fit to, essentially allowing him to breathe life into anything he chooses. However, I seem to remember someone mentioning a curse…to anyone who would take the life of the sacred bird. But I cant imagine what the phoenix‘s curse actually is”

“Unfortunately I have been unable to uncover anything else about him or his past save that he has a deep-seated grudge against aurora, although why he would serve her at all escapes me.” They emerged into the main hall of the church. “As for the sword, I fear I have no clue, it is a mystery to me, after all I have never held the sword in my own hands, I wouldn’t know…”The sight of Amelia threw him for a loop as he stood there listening to the chaotic conversation with no understanding of what was happening.

[Emurian]

The Warrior walked as casual as possible towards the others once he, Willow and their 2 latest additions left the catacombs behind them. The man felt far from at ease, the mere thought of the evil presence that tainted the church coupled with the faqt that there seemed to be a whole underground cult positioned beneath the Lord his house causes his hands to sweat. Strenghtening his grip around the handle of his tower shield he kept his eyes firmly locked upon the two walking in front of him. Trust was hardly gained this time from the Paladin. . The words of the newcomer where affirmed with a simple of his head to show he had registrered the words altough he had no idea yet what to do with them.

The silver scaled man lets out a sigh of relief as he eyes Turin Mazia and the others. Pausing for a moment in his steps he lets his eyes float over the sight. The man concluded that something was amiss, a small curse escaped his lips underneath his breath as he wondered what else could have come forward that would make his day harder.

"WELL?! Do you people not see anything wrong with that?!" She walked towards Emurian. "Emurian? Did you hear what I said? They're...they're making you give a speech and didn't get your permission."

Raising his eyebrow in return he speaks.

,,A speech? A speech for what and who? Im a warrior not a politician, speeches are best left to those with authorithy.''

"W...well, I'm sure Emurian will speak admirably.''
"You're missing the point" "This whole...quest thing we're on is causing us to lose our independence. Is this going to be the rest of our lives?" "Are our lives going to be about giving speeches and doing quests? What about MY desires? What about starting a family, or a career, or keeping a home? These are things we can never do." "We won't be able to do them anyways, if we lose to Aurora. What's the point of even trying?"

The man remained silent for a moment longer as he watched Amelia vent our frustration. A part of him still felt puzzled about what had been told to him so far and desired to know more, the other side of him couldn't stand seeing one of his friends in such distress. His humaneye pupil shifted back into position as he laid his hand atop of Amelia her shoulder, squeeshing softly he talks in soft and warm tones.

,,A man or woman only loses her independence when she chooses not to longer think for herself, but follow the flock instead without questioning their motives. Your desires are not being dismissed just like that by us Amelia, your friends. I can understand your desire to lead a peacefull life, as so do we all here. But as things stand the people need Heroes, heroes to oppose the Greater Evil that threathens to whipe away everything that we hold dear.

We can't expect everyone to oppose Aurora as daily life still needs to move on. That being said the people do need someone, or something to oppose Aurora. No common men or wife will be able to make a stand against such a force, but we will with the help of others that are likewise convinced that they are able to make a difference in this struggle between good and evil.

I do hope to start a family once my adventuring career is over. To buy a small house near a lake with a small piece of ground upon which I can raise my children in safety. To take them out fishing and hunting, teach them the arts of the sword that I learned over the years and my beliefs as a St. Cuthberian. It are simple thoughts, one that most of ordinary blood are destined to fullfill in a similiar way in their lifetime. I however, am to fullfill my duty to my Lord, people and friends before I can do all this. There is no other way I am afraid and I am sorry that I can't depict it otherwise. All that I need to do is to survive untill that time comes, and survive I will, with all of you.

Now you said something about a speech, no one has informed me about anything so I want to know who proposed the idea of letting me speak in front of the Flock.''

The man his tones quavered slightly betraying signs of nervousity as he continued.

,,I am but a Warrior, a instrument of His will to protect the weak. I am flattered by the comment that I will probably do alright but I rather not speak up to a large crowd. It gives me the creeps for some reason. . ''

Inhaling deeply the man is to be seen closing his eyes for a brief moment while calming himself.

,,But I will do so if that calms down the people of Black Grove in some way. We have a responsibility as White Guards to them, we should make ourselves known, gather people to rally to our cause and show them what is happening. Secrets kept from the common folk will eventually lead to dismay amongst them if they find out the truth. The truth should be heard, and I am planning to give it to them if I am chosen to speak for us.''

Pointing behind him towards the latest 2 men that have joined their group he continues.

,,These are 2 men that we found in the catacombs, Turin we are about to delve deeper into the catacombs. The device has opened a way for us, me and Willow are planning to proceed but opted to inform you first about the situation. We also had the hopes that you might be willing to join us to cleanse the place?

There is little I know about these 2, they proclaim to be infiltrators of the cult altough they haven't shown a sign of proof so far that they are. The faqt that they havent made a hostile move coupled with the faqt that their willing to provide us willingly with information reassured me enough to bring them along with us.

I think that the three of us will manage to penetrate deeper into Aurora her shrine altough I have my doubts if we should ask the others just in case. I expect these 2 to accompany us and leading the way down there, their knowledge about the layout provides us with a slight advantage.''

[Chekken]

Amelia walked up to Emurian and grabbed his hand. He had large, warm hands. She blushed slightly. "Emurian, you're probably the only one with enough courage and wisdom to tell Black Grove what it's up against. Avis isn't the only danger they face..."

From outside, Hedgewick and Lotharain could see their friends in the church, and they decided to join them. All along the streets were vendors selling wares of all sorts, and people had been cleared off of the sidewalk and had been moved into a small section of the street. They had their eyes on a small chair on a stage above the crowd, waiting anxiously and excitedly. Some of the people in the crowd held the black panther insignia of the Black Grove Militia. Others looked somewhat sad.

Lotharian and Hedgewick climbed up the stairs and into the church. Emurian, Willow, Amelia, Turin and Mazia were there, along with two unfamiliar figures in cultist robes. You are instantly suspicious, and yet the atmosphere was strangely calm...

Mazia gives Emurian and encouragingly look. "...I'm sure you'll do fi-"

At the sight of Hedgewick and Lotharain, Amelia quickly interrupted. For the first time, Mazia looked irritated. "Here are the heroes of the hour", she says sarcastically. "Lotharain, Hedgewick, why don't you tell Emurian about the speech he's giving in about...ten minutes?"

[Jshaft37]

Disappointed that Amelia hadn't cooled off and was still angry, Lotharian decided not to play her game.

He gives a subtle glace toward Hedgewick as to say, "play along".

Actually, I was looking to speak with Turin regarding MY speech. No need to worry Emurian with undue burden.

[BDax]

The gnome blinks at Lotharian's words (he wasn't the quickest to catch on to subtle hints) and stares blankly for a moment before responding.
Err... yes! Who better to address the Black Grove militia than their new... Quartermaster?
He thought it would be best to fill in the others on the details of Naragath's plot later, as he wasn't quite sure who the two other figures were, and they were in a decently public place.

[Frodiddly]

Turin was suddenly feeling quite overwhelmed. These new figures, dressed as cultists, seeing everyone once again, speeches, and now Mazia was getting annoyed. Everything was hitting him all at once, and things were getting just a little bit crazy.

So much for a lovely afternoon of picnicking, I suppose...

He gave Mazia a meaningful look, hoping she would recognize his sincere regret for all that was happening to interrupt them, and patted her on the arm. Amelia's frightened words made him worried for the future as well, and it occurred to him that in his awkward flirting with Mazia, he had not even had the opportunity to explain his situation to her. He supposed it could be blamed on simply not having the time, or it just not coming up, but Turin did not truly have a decent excuse there... Except the fact that they had not really been considered a couple. The picnic was supposed to be their first date, after all. Turin mentally sighed. Courting was exhausting.

Luckily, even if what Amelia said was true, almost all of them--except perhaps Willow--were blessed with longer life than most. Turin himself ought to live a few centuries, unless he fell from weakness or by the sword. Mazia would hopefully see equally long years...

Putting aside these thoughts for the moment, Turin turned to the business at hand, and spoke to Emurian, Lotharian, and Hedgewick.

"I agree with ye', dear friend. I do believe it is our duty as guardians of the peace to help the people of Black Grove in any way we can, and providing hope for them is part of that duty. I do not doubt ye'r ability to rouse them much more than one of my stature; for the people always prefer a tall and charismatic figure to follow, than a stout Dwarf!" Turin chuckled at his self-deprecation.

"Though I suppose my own duties as a clergyman might differ than a soldier of the faith, but that is neither here, nor there. As for these fellows you bring before us, I trust in your abilities to vouch for them. But should we enter this temple of Aurora herself, I believe we should all do this together. We have been through a lot, all of us, and I believe it is finally time we deal a blow to the 'great' Aurora. This is a duty of us as White Warriors, and we should all do this together. Moradin only knows what might lie within her houses. But we should prepare ourselves fully, and only enter once we are all ready."

Turin turned now to his Ranger companion.

"Well, Lotharian... I must say that us Dwarves are not the greatest speech-givers ye' might have ever seen, but folks have said that I am capable enough at such things. What is it that ye' need help with?"

[MystOtter]

Willow remained silent, for multiple reasons. Much had happened with the cult and the warrior still kept her eyes on their new "friends". Amelia's outburst also affected Willow in a negative way. The warrior clenched her fist and felt her nails bite into flesh. Of course Willow wanted a real live, but the white guard had something important to do. It was something Willow didn't want to think about because she knew it would be something that she might not ever see. Willow was a human and out of the entire group, it meant her time was the shortest.

The speech and the celebration was something Willow was just confused about. It didn't help that she had no clue what was going on. Between everything going on Willow wasn't sure what to say if anything. And there were still plenty of questions that needed to be answer from the "spies".

[Jshaft37]

"Well, Lotharian... I must say that us Dwarves are not the greatest speech-givers ye' might have ever seen, but folks have said that I am capable enough at such things. What is it that ye' need help with?"

Lotharian motioned to Hedgewick, and placed a hand gently on the dwarf's shoulder. He led the three slightly away from the rest of the group. Lotharian position himself with his back facing the group and spoke to Turin.

I don't know what Amelia has told you, or said about Hedgewick or myself, but she's seem to have lost her mind. First, she was, well spying isn't quite the correct term, but she was hiding and listening to a very important meeting Hedgewick and I were having with Naragath, the Commander of the Militia. Then at the conclusion of the meeting, she blew up in a fit of rage, said many hurtful things and stormed out.

Lotharian shook his head, pausing momentarily.

At any rate, we just found out about this parade a matter of minutes ago. Naragath insisted that one of the "Champions of Black Grove" give a speech. Hedgewick and I, thought that you would be best suited for the job. And we mean that as a sincere compliment.

However, I understand if you decline. I, myself, wouldn't want to be charged with the task. If you decline, I will give the speech, after all, I was the one Naragath asked. I doubt that any of the other companions would want to give the speech either.

Lotharian waits for Turin's response.

[Frodiddly]

Turin was stunned. *Him!?* Giving a speech to the entire town? It was not difficult to offer words of encouragement and advice to Emurian or others, but it was an entirely different sort of situation when one's own self was poked into place to the podium.

These things that were being said about Amelia were unfortunate, but any thought that Turin might have given them were promptly driven out.

"Um... Um..." Turin stuttered in surprise. It was time for him to release back to his stone core, and let it take hold of him, as it should. It would protect him from fear, especially such a weak fear as this, when one's life was not threatened. A speech to the people of Black Grove would further the ends of all that was good: It would help solidify a base of support for the White Warriors. It would further his own desires of establishing a group of people to support himself and Moradin. It would help make the people just as a whole, and bring the people to Light. Any swords that might fight against the forces of Aurora were to be valued and treasured, and Black Grove might just provide them.

"Yes. Yes, I will do it, Lotharian. I thank ye' dearly for this offer, and I am prepared to give a speech as soon as everyone is ready. Let the buildings and halls of Black Grove tremble with her cheers! This day will be a glorious one, dear friends!" Turin, now full of renewed confidence, slapped the shoulders of Lotharian and Hedgewick. His beard trembled as he laughed at the very idea of fearing speech-giving, and his stony center had driven out every remainder of it, for now.

"So then!" Turin continued to speak to Lotharian and Hedgewick. They seemed to know what was going on about that better than the rest might. Emurian was taken off-guard when he was told he would be given a speech, and given what was now being said about Amelia... It seemed that the Half-Elf and Gnome were almost certainly more aware on this front.

"Does this mean that Emurian will not be speaking, then? Do ye' know if there is anything specific I should be addressing?"

[Chekken]

Amelia was thoroughly confused (however, there was a small part of her that understood exactly what happened, and just didn't want to admit it). "He said...but Lotharain...did he--?

She shook her head. She would never understand men.

Mazia cleared her throat suddenly and spoke to Willow. "Excuse me, but can you or someone else explain to me what the heck is going on? There are-" Mazia's eyes darted from Firodren to the old man, and then to their white robes. "-two cultists who haven't attacked me yet, and they're standing right here in my church. And what's this I hear about a quest? I haven't heard anything about a quest from anyone." She turned in earnest to Firodren. "Are you a part of the quest?"

[Jshaft37]

"Does this mean that Emurian will not be speaking, then? Do ye' know if there is anything specific I should be addressing?"

Lotharian responded to the dwarf.

Naragath asked that we give a speech to recruit new members to the Black Grove Militia. However, I think that could be broadened to include various public services to Black Grove. The militia is hurting for recruits, but I'm sure there are many other needs for other citizens of Black Grove to pitch in and lend a hand.

Lotharian hesitated for a moment.

I am conflicted about this speech. Amelia has issued a personal challenge for me to give the speech, and I would like to accept to prove her wrong...and maybe prove something to myself. However, even if I wanted to, I can't give the speech. I have undertaken a secret mission, and no one can know that I am involved with the Black Grove Militia. It could mean my death. In fact, the less people who know that I'm one of the so-called "Champions of Black Grove" the better too.

Remember, you don't have to give this speech if you don't want. It's not mandatory by any means. However, I really appreciate you undertaking the task of the speech, as I believe it is imperative to the future of Black Grove. I'm sure you'll do a fine job. No need to be long-winded or fancy. Just be sincere and you'll be a success.

Lotharian felt better about getting some of the issues at hand off of his chest. He was already feeling overwhelmed with the sheer volume of tasks set before him, and Amelia was making his job that much harder.

How many people has she told that I am an officer in the militia? She could get me killed. She could get both of us killed, and even Hedgewick, if she doesn't control herself...

[MystOtter]

Willow gave Mazia a puzzled look, "truthfully I don't really know what is going on. Except these two both claim to be spies that infiltrated the cult." Willow points to the two white robed men. She also didn't want to say too much in front of them, just in case they were really members of the cult.