View source for Part the Prophecy


Ainsley's call to arms has reached out to all those she thought may be of assistance during the next stage of her quest. As things stand the world is in turmoil, chaos and whispers flitter from port to port and trouble stirs. So for many this is the first gathering of quite an ecclictic group of people at the residence of Ainsley and her beau Lee. Ainsley sadly is absent, investigating some leads amongst her people the Grey Scholars that she dared not take the others too. So it has fallen to Lee and Silmeria to explain to the others what their Quest is and how they hope to proceed! As things stand all are gathered, chairs have been provided in the small, dignified room and now the party wait for Silmeria to speak for what lies before them is no simple quest for riches or long lost treasure but a quest that none should walk into blind.

At the front of the room, a slight, tanned blond woman in an elegantly simple black dress stands, hands clasped in front of her.  "Lee, Azar," she begins, bobbing her head at the man in black and the red-haired warrior in turn, "thank you for being here.  Sirs," she continues, turning to Kiyo and Videl with a bright, sunny smile, "we've not met before, but now's as good a time as any to remedy that.  My name is Silmeria, lay-priestess of the Temple of Hades here in Emberstrand, and I am more than thankful to see you here.  I've a feeling we're going to need every last hand willing to join, before long."

Azar sits patiently, nodding to the newer people as everyone is introduced.  "Happy to help, though I am sad to see Ainsley isn't here.  I trust she'll catch us up, yes?"  This is addressed mostly to Simeria and Lee.

Lee chuckles at Silmeria's greeting, giving the priestess a bob of his head as he heads to stand to one side of her at the front, "Aye, well, welcome t'you, an' all old and new, t'our home."  He gestures to the low table amongst the chairs, "There's tea an' biscuits, 'elp yerselves if y'like..."  He clears his through before continuing, introducing himself to the unacquainted as well, "An' I'm Lee, close companion, as it were, t'Aden Ainsley."  He nods to Azar, "Aye, she'll catch us up 'afore we leave; she's takin' care o'some research wi'... her *family*..."  That said with a slight, almost visible, shudder.

In one of the chairs sat a blacker-looking Moogle, but the black of him looks like it could just be soot from an active forge. He gives a serious nod. "Kiyojuac, Apprentice Smithy. While I have not been in the Emberstrand for very long, I never resist the call for help, Kupo!" He sat there patiently, awaiting the full reason that they were all there.

The sound of bells and crystals chiming, a familiar sound to some, can be heard approaching the door.  The door is opened and Marduke shows himself in.  He glances around to each in turn and offer a simple nod.  Without a word he makes his way over to the table, and pours himself a glass of tea.  then moves over to take a seat and sits down, laying his staff down along his sholder.

Videl's yellow eyes burn up brightly under the shade of his yellow straw hat. "Yes, yes, it is very important we, get to the core - " He holds up his hand, pausing Silmeria before she has a chance to interrupt him, "Or as I say, /materia/ of this contentious issue of chaotic mechanics of Firaga. Why does it make such pretty colors, why does the heat burn one's heatbrows but barely graze the earth? So many questions! I personally believe that everything is either on fire or not fire at the same time, and ti merely depends on the cultural notions of what is the best looking fire, but I understand that can be a contentious notion for a layman." He tilts his head, the flopped end of his hand flopping over the other side. "Who's Ainsley?"

Silmeria inclines her head, beaming at Marduke as the Summoner makes his way to the table.  "Master Marduke, glad you could make it."  She opens her mouth to continue, but pauses, blinking at Videl.  "I... sorry, what?  Um, no... no, we've called you all here for a, um... more *immediate* concern.  One of the Lucavi has broken free of her prison.  The Whisperer, specifically, and I fear that should we not locate the remaining shards of her prison soon, well..."  Lifting a shoulder, the priestess shifts on her feet.  "I'm sure you can imagine what's likely to happen, when a corrupted Spirit with a penchant for lies, betrayal, and the ruin of kingdoms is given free rein."

Azar peers at Videl, and then nods to Marduke.  Turning back to look at Silmeria.  "The Whisperer seems to have hidden herself well.  I take it the there has been a recent breakthrough?  You have my sword no matter the news."

Lee blinks crimson eyes at Videl, his impromptu lecture going quickly, almost immediately in fact, over the short man's head.  It takes a moment for the wheels in his head to catch up, and for the eloquent and sophisticated response of "Wha?"  A quick shake of his head to clear out the techno-babble, and he nods with Silmeria, continuing for the new additions to the crew, "Um, right, yeah...  So, findin' th'pieces o'her prison, or at least leads on where t'find some of 'em, is what we've all been about, mostly, fer th'past little while now, ever since she broke free.  Embarassingly, wi' *our* help, through some rather deep an' convoluted trickery an', o'course, lies.  I'm sure y'can imagine why this is o'such importance t'us."
Kiyo nods to the news. He didn't know what this... Lucavi was. He'd never seen one before. But it sounded bad. And bad was not good. "You have my hammer and gun. Something like this seems very bad to let stay on the loose, Kupo." He'd then look to the construct, as he'd seen a couple of those. But... none as odd as this one. His Emerald-green eyes take a look at everyone around him, attempting to gauge what they could do and what kind of weaponry he could potentially craft for them all...

Marduke takes a sip of his tea.  His expression looking thoughtful as he leans forward a bit, "The danger is deeper then that as I recall Silmeria.  The aims to release something far worse, regardless.  Stopping must be done."  Leaning back as he closes his eyes to listen.

Videl stares blankly for a time being, his eyes growing in light and dimming down... before he suddenly claps his hands. "Ah, Firaja, or..." He leans closer, "Or Firagaga?" His eyes shrink slightly and then after a while, he suddenly reaffirms his position in this current space and time. "Wait, Whisperer? Wait, wait, hold on, just a moment." He holds his hands out, as if trying to calm everyone done. "You are not that crazy group that let the Whisperer loose? And you are planning to recapture her? Isn't this the biannual convention on applications of Fire on Chaos and Ga-Mechanics? Even that sounds less insane than what you people are planning." He digs into his robe, rummages around and pulls up a torn looking piece of paper. "Really, what are these directions people give Videl? It is almost as if they don't believe there's such a thing..." He mutters by himself, his backpack rocking along his back as he pulls back from the front.

"Master Videl," Silmeria says slowly, as though trying to convince herself that the Black Mage is, in fact, honestly confused, and not slightly insane himself, "I'm afraid that we are, and we are.  We are not insane, simply trying to clean up our mess, and return one of the Damned Thirteen to her rightful place in the world; mewed up in silence for all time, hopefully never to sucker another pack of well-meaning adventurers into setting her loose again.  *That said,* we're already halfway there."  Stooping to an overstuffed hiking pack resting against the wall next to her, she rummages about, drawing out a small, ebonywood box, hefting it up into view.  "Six of the twelve shards we need, we have.  But... I'm afraid that here is where our leads have petered out.  I've suspicions as to where the rest are... But they need to be confirmed."

Azar hmms and nods to Silmeria.  "So we've been lucky so far then.  Is there any instruction or clues as to what we need to do once the shards have been collected?"

Lee says, "An' further leads is also what Ainsley's off puttin' up wi' her mother's judgemental superiority an' bitchiness tryin' t'find, but there's no promise she'll ferret out more'n one or possibly two, any at all.  That, plus Silm's suspicions..."  He crosses his arms, leaning lightly on an unoccupied chair, looking to Silmeria, following Azar's question with a nod and his own, "An' wot'chu got in mind fer this confirmation, Silm?""

Kiyo would just shake his head at the construct, sighing heavily. This one probably fell off the short delivery bus somewhere... but that was neither here nor there at the moment. For now, he had his scrutinizations, and had determined that by the looks of this group, 2 of them could use a Smith's work if they were to ever want for better gear down the road. Ahh, how the plotting mind of the Moogle turned merchant turns. But this was more than just a business opportunity. If this creature was as dangerous as everyone here made it sound like, it had to be stopped. He had to ask the obvious question at that point... "And I suppose we're the ones to confirm these suspicions you have, Kupo?"

Marduke glances over to Videl as he considers the construct for a moment.  Then smiles thoughtfully, "That convention I beileve is not actually in this city.  I think you were supposed to take a left at Kandala."  Hmming a moment, "Sounds like a interesting convention though."  He drops his focus on Videl and looks back over to Silmeria, "I have been in the dark on most of this, thought it is good to hear that at least 6 have been found.  confirmations will only happen when we go, so when do we depart?"

"Hold on, hold on. I am still on the part where we're agreeing that you are insane." Videl calls out, "Release a Lucavi, try to -" His thought suddenly collapses, as he snaps his head towards Marduke. "Back at Kandala? A /LEFT/?" He raises his hands in silent cry of anguish. Perhaps he gambled and lost. The flustered, rather angry looking construct then waves his finger at Silmeria, hat tipping this way and that. "Alright, alright, but this insanity shall end with me and Apocalypse. That is /only/ appropriate."

"If your magic is equal to the task," Silmeria says cheerfully, inclining her head as though she had made a friendly statement and not a blatant challenge, "then I'm sure there'll be no shortage of things to inflict it on, in the coming days.  Master Kiyo, confirming the suspicion is but one thing we'll need to do; after that, collecting the remaining shards of the prison.  After that," she says, nodding to Azar, "we take them all to the Temple of the Void, where the prison can be reforged and but back into use.  Lee... we need to talk to someone whose sight isn't limited by the world."  Drawing in a deep breath, she lets it out in a quiet sigh.  "We need to speak to Thompson.  I only fear that there will be a price to be paid for his talents."

Azar tilts her head to one side, and wonders aloud.  "So, obvious question then is... whom is this Thompson fellow.  And... what kind of price does he ask?"  She crosses her legs and leans forward slightly.  "It sounds like he's not looking for gil or trinkets, yes?"

Lee stays quiet as Silmeria explains and answers Marduke, Kiyo, and Videl, then aahs slowly and nods at mention of Thompson's name, "Been a while since I've seen that lad, it 'as.  Will be nice ta speak t'him again."  He gives a small chuckle, "Yeah, well, we're no stranger to prices, Silm.  Whatever it is, we'll manage."  He turns to Azar, "Thompson is a fella that works at th' University, Azar, an' somethin' of a Seer an' Oracle o'sorts.  An' it's not him that'll set th'price, most likely, but that which give 'im his sight, given how things tend t'work when we're involved."  He pushes himself back up to free-standing again, meandering his way around his room and towards the door, humming under his breath...

Kiyo perks up at the mention of price. "Umm... the offer spoke nothing of reward for such services rendered, Kupo. Mayhaps that was to be spoken of here?" He had no idea who this Thompson was... but he sounded like someone he didn't want coming in and stealing his monetary Thunder, so to speak. But then spoken of again, it seemed he may not need fear of his Gil... but he still didn't like the sound of this guy coming along if he required a heavy price... even if it did not mean Gil or trinkets, it could mean something else really bad. And bad things meant bad business... but the explanation of the guy being an Oracle definitely explained more, and helped put his mind a bit at ease... even though he had no idea what an Oracle could really do, and what sort of payment would be required... "Alright. So as..." He points to the fancily-dressed Hume. "... he asked, when do we get this Kupo mission underway?"

Marduke glances back to Videl, "Insane or sane, the decpetioon was greater then the awareness of all invovled.  Her escape was her own work centuries in the making."  Then the talk of Thompson catches his attention, "His price is generally fair, and he does on occasion accept coin.  I know he did for me when he identified the rainbow drop.  Though he did not find it interesting enough to waive the fee."  A touch of a smirk on his face at that, "I doubt he will charge you anything unreasonable."  A glance to Lee and a raise of his eyebrows, "He is about to show up isn't he?"  Marduke glances over to Kiyo and raises his eyebrows, "I honestly do not know, Silmeria or Lee would be the ones to ask.  I am here to help where I can, to fix things."

Videl hmhs, pushing out his hands out of his sleeves. "Such tea-sprouting nonsense pales to proper magicks, I say." He mutters, before raising his finger towards Silmeria. "Did you know there are several Ga-spots identifiable during the initial build-up before the blast? Some scholars in certain circles take this to mean it is the will of an Animus, the embodied spirit of the magick. Almost as if it were waiting... looking," He spreads his hand. "To be cast." He then lowers his hand. "Either way, it sounds less insane than listening prophecies to catch a lucavi." He hrmhps, walking up to Marduke. "Left of Kandala, you say?"

"There is always a price for the sight beyond the veil." a new voice says, come from one of the chairs on the far side of the table. A tall, ebony skinned gentleman in an open vest and a turban stands up slowly and turns to regard everyone in the room. How long has he been there, sitting quietly and listening, waiting and now his silver gaze is turned upon all present here and for a brief moment as his eyes touch each of yours the world seems to retreat. A shadowy haze of grey as all but his eyes fades out and a sense of untouched oddity flows into your souls... he is seeing beyond you and into you. Nothing is hidden from the eyes of this stranger as he looks at you, for a moment you can know all there is to know... the line of your life stretching out ahead and behind and then his gaze moves on and the clarity of before fades as the world returns to brightness. "I am here where I am meant to be at this time. How may I aid you and those you have called into this web Handmaiden of Hades?"

"Then if you've no wish to aid us," Silmeria says mildly, her smile at Videl cooling only a touch, "I wish you well and good fortune upon your hunt for the Ga-spot.  I'm sure it'll be a long, arduous, and frustrating search, unless you enlist a partner or three.  Professor Thompson, right on time of course!  Thank you very much, for likely already being here and possibly knowing exactly what it is we're looking for.  In case you've only arrived, then we'll need to know where the remaining shards of the Whisperer's Nethicite prison are, and if her cultists hold them.  As for reward, master Kiyo..."  Here the priestess pauses, chewing on her lower lip.  "I'd ask what price you'd care to name, to be honest.  If nothing else, I can ensure that my Temple orders its metalwork from your forge for howevermuch time you'd think fair?"

Azar looks to the newcomer with some curiosity, and offers a nod of her head to him.  At Silmeria's offer to Kiyo, the red-head looks to him with a smile.  "I would happily commission two blades from you, master Moogle, as part of a reward for your efforts.  So you can count me among your future customers."  Azar looks to Silmeria then, "I can help you bankroll the expedition, if you should need it, at least, if those going along will take gil as a reward."

Lee chuckles as he takes position by the door, leaning back against the wall beside it, arms crossed again, a half-grin playing over his lips, "Well, dunno if he is or not, Marduke, but knowing who an' what 'e is?  Wouldn't put it past 'im ta pop up unannounced, since we started talkin' about 'im an' all."  And there Thompson is, bypassing the door altogether somehow!  "An' there 'e is, see?"  Pushing from the wall, he heads back around the room towards his original spot near Silmeria, patting once of Videl's pauldrons lightly with his gauntleted hand, smiling to the Construct, "Aye, Good Ser-Mage, if you've pressin' matters t'attend, we'll not force y'ta stay, eh?  Still, th'more th'merrier, sez I, so any hand y'could lend'd be much appreciated."  Thompson's penetrating gaze doesn't seem to bother Lee much; he's been subject to it before, after all, and there's not much new for the seer to see in him; indeed, the line of Lee's life is likely more visible to Thompson without the seer even trying regardless, "Thompson, good t'see ya again, lad.  Tea, biscuits?"  Doing his best to be a good host, even if he's not well-versed in hosting.

Kiyo jumps quite a bit at the new voice just appearing out of nowhere, actually falling out of the chair he sat in and flopping to the floor with a loud 'THUD!' With the thud came a bit of billowy black soot rising off of his fur and hanging in the air above him for a bit until it just pulls right back into his fur. He coughs slightly at that. "I wasn't startled... nope... not in the slightest... just... I sneezed, Kupo..." With his reputation on the line, he made for the chair once more, taking a few seconds to get into it fully due to his short stature. After having settled himself back in his seat, he'd give a smile. "Oh, I wouldn't dare dream of subjecting your Temple to my shoddy workmanship just yet..." As an example, he pulls from his belt a gun that looks quite... well, not right would be the best term. It looked as if it had been made with clay pieces along with the metal parts, and shaped by a Hume child. "as you can see, Kupo... however, I would not be so upset as to accept an equal share of acquired monetary findings, Kupo. That, and maybe some spare scrap metal for which I could use to more greatly practice my craft, Kupo!"

Marduke watches Thompson make his entrance and offers the man a smile.  He has been subject of Thompson's gaze a few times before and the summoner doesn't even blink this time.  Though a shiver can be seen running along Marduke for a moment.  He then glances to Videl as he considers a moment, "I recall hearing something about a magic confrence in Nalbinia, which if you were coming from the west would require making a left at Kandala.  You can still north from here along the man roads or get a airship, though the trip is at least a day.  As for this, if you are interested in helping should take a seat.  Good talent is always welcome."  A glance to Kiyo and a chuckle, "Interesting."  before sipping his tea and looking back up front.

Videl seems momentarily lost as Thompson stares at him, but then Marduke's mention of 'good talent' snaps him out of it. "Ah, yes! Of course, how else?" He replies, before seating himself at one of the tables, his backpack noisily chiming out.

Thompson moves to take a cup of tea and leans back in his chair, the silver light in his eyes dim and he glances from one to the other, "I am sorry to startle you master smith... the children of Mog are always my friends... but as to your request." he glances at Silmeria, "I can reveal to you the next one but only if appropriate sacrifice is offered... the spirits must adhere to the rules. Lady Andromeda can offer her assistance but only if each of you here offer her something in return." he sips his tea, thoughtfully lost in it for a moment, "From each of you I must receive something of worth and value.... something you would not normally travel without to be kept in my trust until you return from where you go"

Silmeria blinks, as Videl drops back into his chair without a moment's more struggle, nonplussed... then shakes her head, giving Thompson a long, measuring look as he outlines the specifics of his price.  Sighing, she nods once, stooping to unfasten a heavy, ebony-handled Gunblade from the bottom of her pack.  "You remember Iluren, Professor," she says, holding the weapon across her arms, as she offers it to the seer.  "You know her worth to me, and how she's repaid my care in kind.  I trust you'll keep her well, until we return."
Azar swallows noisily and slowly stands, drawing the longest of her blades from her belt.  "Yosh's sword, which he used to carve the longest winning streak any gladiator has ever done in Archades.  My father's blade.  Keep it well."  She flicks the sword over in the air, catching it by the blade and offering it handle first to the Seer.
Lee takes up a biscuit himself before reaching his original spot near Silmeria, taking a bite and chewing while the conversation continues, listening to each turn peaceably.  His chewing slows as Thompson details the price, though, and a frown creases his brow, the short man stepping over to an empty chair and lowering himself slowly into it, deep in thought, seemingly no longer aware of the room and it's occupants as his thoughts turn inward, even as Silmeria and Azar hand over their offerings to Thompson's price...

Kiyo winces as he hears this from the newcomer... that price... pretty heavy, indeed... he'd sigh... he really didn't have much choice... he'd give the gun in his hands a squeeze... before getting up of the chair and offering it to the Oracle. "It doesn't have any name at all... but this is the first thing I've ever crafted, and I've held on to it since leaving my Clan near the Salikawood. I've always carried it around, both as a protective measure, and as a reminder that I can only get better... please take great care of it..." He seemed to have a tear streaking down his face, as some of the soot on it clears from the liquid rolling down it.

Marduke stands up slowly as he taps his staff into the ground.  A sip of his tea as he watches Silmeria and Azar offer up their items.  Then a nod to the moogle as he gives up his first cratfed item.  Then the summoner watches Thompson for a long moment, before he slowly nods and starts to walk over.  A hand reaching to his belt as he pulls a small stone statue out of a bag.  The statue is that of a dragon, one of the many depictions of Bahamut.  He looks over the statue for a long moment, then holds it out to Thompson.  He stays silent the whole time, offering no explination of the statues meaning or history.

Videl raises his hands. "You can't be serious -" He starts, then gestures wildly. "It is not as if I can leave myself with you! How would that even work?" The yellow straw hat bops. "G'n'r damn it." He grunts as he lowers back down onto the chair, looking from one person to another. "Fine. I'll figure it out later." He waves dismissively with his hand.
Videl pages, "He's talking about leaving his body as something of equal worth, and something he'd not travel without. :]" to you.

Thompson touches Iluren, then Yosh's sword, the gun and finally the statue of Bahumat... he runs his fingers along each then glances at Lee... his eyes glow for a moment before turning to Videl.... He then raises his hands, the items so far drift into the air and rotate.... slowly starting to shine with a strange silver light. "You have all given something you would rather not leave behind...." he glances at Videl and Lee again. "Except two... the price is intrinsic to all who would walk this route... her terms are fair and exact... once payment is accepted I shall speak the words of the Lady of Stars."

Silmeria rests a comforting hand on the back of the Moogle's head, smiling gently.  "Don't worry," the priestess murmurs.  "Thompson is a good and dear friend, and I trust him to care for your gun as he would my blade.  Until then, you can borrow mine if you'd like."  Looking back up, she watches the items revolve in the air, glancing to Lee and Videl, a honey-colored eyebrow rising.

Azar settles back into her seat, watching the floating items with curiosity.  "I have scarcely left my house without that blade upon my belt.  I am loathe to go anywhere without it, and I am happy that it is accepted for this bargain."

Lee silently ponders, with only minimal attention paid to everyone else in the room, and the things they offer...  Another moment more, and, with an intense look to Thompson, he stands again, making his way to the door and leaving the room, all without a word.  He's gone for a few long, and perhaps tense, minutes; surely he hasn't walked out on this quest, given it's importance to Ainsley, someone so close to him?  But he returns, putting that idea to rest, the door opening and the black-cloaked man staggering back into the room, taking long draws from a large wineskin, a few drops of red escaping the corner of his mouth around the winskin's stem as he takes draw after long draw from it, all the while taking unsteady steps in Thompson's direction.  The front of his shirt is bloody, as if from a wound bleeding beneath, and his free hand, it's gauntlet removed, clutches a fist-sized faceted gem in bloody fingers, a black flickering deep within the crystal seeming to suck up the light around it, or perhaps casting midnight darkness in place of light...  He stops before Thompson, lowering the wineskin from his lips finally, short of breath, and holds the heart-shaped crystal out to Thompson, saying simply, in a rough and exhausted voice, "My flame..."  Which might mean something to some, or be completely confusing to others, but the look he levels at Thompson shows he expects the Seer to know *exactly* what the meaning is, regardless of how impossible it might seem for Lee to be offering what he is.

Kiyo sniffles a bit at Silmeria's offer, wiping his eyes a bit of the tears before looking up to her with a smile. "I would appreciate that, thank you Kupo!" He knew in his own heart that it wouldn't be the same as his own... but it would be enough, at least to keep him safe. He'd have his inspiration back when this was all said and done with... he'd then see the other Hume male re-enter the place, and the Moogle's features would very much betray his feelings, that of shock, worry and fear. Just what had this man done in the few minutes he was gone?!

Marduke nods once as he walks back to his seat and sits down.  His staff is again put across his shoulder with a chim of bells.  The summoner turns to watch Lee, his face going stone and offering no display of emotions.  As Lee offers what it is, Marduke nods to himself and reaches for his tea and takes a sip.  Then glancing to Videl he offers, "What do you hope to gain or gain in life, if you are never asked to sacrifice or risk anything?  So casual are you in figuring it out later, when later may never come.  If you offer nothing, then you gain nothing, and you are not in the place you are meant to be right now.  Think on that."  Then turns back to watch the floating objects, the dragon statue in  particular.

Videl does take his time, muttering underneath his breath about impossibilities, and insanities. Though when Lee leaves like that, he stares after him in curiosity, before he suddenly steps back all bloodied like that. "Insanity." He breathes, as he sees what is being offered. At Marduke's words, he simply shakes head and steps up and makes his way over towards Thompson. "If it goes full insanity, you have to go fully insane. Not half-way, not in between, but completely." He still gives a flippant, annoyed huff and wave of his hand. "Have it. Take it. By the flames if you do hurt that flame." He puffs.

Thompson takes the jewel with reverence, holding it gently in his hands... "Clarity is earnt with such sacfice..." he sets the stone in the air, at the centre of the gently orbiting series of objects. He then looks toward Videl... takes a deep breath and breathes out.... Videl's body seems to explode.... his clothing crumpling to the ground, a cascade of whirling silver dust blowing through the air and whirling around each and every person before weaving into a grid about the gently shining objects.... The web solidifies, spreads and twists, threads and lines connecting each object, turning and growining more complex, indepth and then the centre seems to sink in upon itself, twist and turn and open upwards..... spinning and whirling and then there is a vision... a long expanse of sea flowing down beneath, the waves undulating, the sun sparkling, "In the sea of endless ice, beyond Archades bounds..." the vision changes, the sea is ending at a massive cliff of white ice. "Two points to the east, ten hours to the north lies the endless white of the artic realm. Seek the Bluestone gorge..." across the land the vision flitters, to a break where ice shelf meets rocky mountains... a startling blue crevasse of rock... .then past it.... a circular indentation of old stones. "Find the chamber of the old artificers, deep beneath the crust. Where mist deposited it long ago the Cult of the Whisperer has made a home..." The seers hands come up and the vision twists, sweeping down into the circle of rocks, past the shattered outside of an ancient bronzer and crystal dome and lingering above an opening in the rock.... "Down beneath, in ruined splendour, they twist the Mist and form a nest... inside lie two shards of Sapphire... surrounded by forgeries and fakes and those who have sworn to the Knights of Restoration...." The vision lingers above the top of the shaft but does not enter. "The mist flows thickly deep beneath, what was once a place of creation now holds dark poison and despair... be resolute, be brave.... and when you return...." the vision clears and a beautiful lady stares out into the room, the Oracles voice fades and she speaks, her black hair blowing. "When you return my children... further aid can I give you then. Your sacrifices were great, more so then I have ever imagined.... my power to aid you is true and strong and so I give you this boon of strength, wisdome and courage.... when all is silent in the Chamber of Fakes... raise your voices in song that is true and I shall lift the veil from your eyes so truth may be seen." And then the vision collapses, the beautiful lady is gone, the surrendered items are missing and where the black mage's clothes once rested there is now a dark figure shrouded under robes and straw hat once more and yet this time there seem to be two shining points of green light instead of yellow eyes beneath that hat... but they have their answer and their destination, the far icy north.....

"And so it begins," Silmeria says, voice soft, bowing her head deeply in thanks as the vision fades.  "We'll wish to pack warm as we can, and light if possible.  Thank you, Master Thompson, and our thanks to your Lady in kind."

Azar tries to absorb all that the man says, and lets out a huff of breath.  "North?  Not a fun place to be stumbling about looking for things.  Hah."  She offers a nod to Thompson and then looks to Silmeria.  "Aye, packing warmly and figuring out the best way to travel..."

Lee watches the vision keenly, to embed what details he can in his memory, to relay to Ainsley as best he can the next time he sees her, then, once it ends, shuffles his way back to the chair he sat in minutes ago, taking another deep draw from the wineskin as he flops tiredly into it, "Needs be what must be, Azar...  We'll find a way.  All we truly need now, 'sides warm furs, is Ainsley's return."  He ponders a moment, then gives a faint half-grin, "Been a good while since I've been up northwards th'snow line.  Beautiful country up there, y'know?  Cold, an' dry, an' deceptively dangerous most times, but there's a serenity t'it, y'know?  A silence..."

Kiyo bows to Thompson as he looks at Silmeria. "So... I guess this means your fear was true, Kupo... this Cult of Whisperers is in posession of two of the shards." He takes a deep, steadying breath, trying hard to squeeze something in his hands that didn't exist. He'd take a breath. "I don't have much in the way of cold weather clothing... and I don't have many personal belongings anyway... so I am, at present, ready to disembark, Kupo." He'd then look at the Hume curiously. "If you enjoy being blown away by icy winds, Kupo..."

Marduke suddenly has a notepad and quill in his hand.  Writing everything down in short hand 
quickly.  He glances up to see the beautiful lady and lets out a sigh, "Grandpa was right, she is very pretty."  Then glances over his notes filling in more details before he forgets.  Leaning back he reaches for his tea, only to find the glass empty.  Standing up and moving over to get more tea he glances to the others, "Regardless of how we leave the spies will know when we do.  By Airship we can start in a different direction, maybe drop a few misleading pieces of info ourselves to buy us a little time and distraction.  Regardless, we should leave soon.  My moogle friend, we can get you clothing if needed."  A glance to Videl and a nod, "A powerful scarfice that was."

Videl takes a moment to stretch out his stiff limbs. It seems, quite eerily so, as if someone was trying to wriggle into a fresh set of clothing, stretching the tight fabric out; except it was a body, not clothing. "Better take care of him." He tells Thompson with a wave of his hand, before he turns around, picks up his backpack and stiffly wobbles in spot. "Tea-sprouting nonsense..." He mutters on his way out, his eyes glinting wholly differently now.

Thompson bows to all and stands, "I have given you what I can and shown you what I saw... you all sacrificed beyond what would normally be called and for that reason I was able to see further and deeper... beware and good luck to you all and until you return...." He pauses by the door, "One final thing.... Ainsley returns with the location of one more and when you return I can use thr three to locate the two that remain.... good luck and safe travels." he nods rto Silmeria and the others and heads out of the room.

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