Chapter 3
Chapter 3
After their adventure in the wooded foothills of the mountain the ship was repaired and with only three days lost they sailed once more through the clear skies! Arriving slightly late at their destination, a small hazard bonus paid to the pair of you from the captain for your assistance you have a few more coins then when you started! The ship is tying up at the docks of the small trading town from which you can reach the Aegyl communities out on the planes.
Raziel makes sure that they don't forget anything in the cabin that they shared before he heads out onto the deck. "Don't forget your travel pass," he murmurs to Vazkor, not that the other man would, but more as a reminder to himself. Everything is checked over and after the hazard pay is handed over the man dips a nod to the captain, "may the winds carry you far above the troubles below." With the aegyl wish of parting given he departs the ship and waits for Vaz to join him before heading towards the edge of the city. "From here we can travel afoot, but it is slow going. Merchants can be found caravanning out onto the plains though or we may be able to find a ride somewhere else."
Vazkor has made sure to gather all his things, slinging his pack to his back, and then took a moment as well to thank the Captain, sharing a ritualized Sailor's Handshake with him. Afterwards however, he finds himself to be glad to be off the ship, and is soon to follow Raziel through the city. The dark skinned man looking around curiously before he nods some, "So what is your home like, dear? I'm sure I'll stand out like a sore thumb."
It takes about three hours but you make arrangements to ride out on one of the supply caravans heading out to the closest Aegyl village. The tip takes about two days but the route is well used and pretty safe, the cost isn't that much either for food and a ride, the old animal kin running the caravan does a lot of trips out across the plains this way for passengers it seems.
"Let's find ourselves a ride first," Raziel responds before the two of them go looking for someone. And when it's found and they're comfortably aboard the caravan he exhales, "you are not the only one to stand out. I think I will more than you. An Aegyl who's lost his wings is something to be pitied.. but that's usually for those who've been crippled. Me.." He shakes his head some. "Anyways. My people are prone to either show no emotion or a great deal of it. You may find them manic. You wouldn't be far wrong." After all the aegyl are still relatively new to having emotions that need to be controlled.
Vazkor settles himself in comfortably for the ride, letting his eyes wander over the enviroment as it starts to slowly roll by, perhaps not having been to this part of the world much before. At Raziel's words though, he nods thoughtfully, and briefly reaches out to squeeze his shoulder, smiling at him, "Your people might not understand... But we'll find a solution anyway. Your elders should be interested to know one of theirs got punished for some supposed slight done by your people... So I think they'll listen, no?" He shrugs a bit then, and just waits to see what's going to happen.
The village of A'Ka'kool is a strange place, clearly designed for people who would rather fly then walk, the houses are on stilts to avoid the floods of the river it is built next to but they are a bit over the top for stilts. The Caravan winds into the central square, people moving out to gather around the caravan, calling out for news, for items they want to buy, a bustling community of winged people.
"I can't say," Raziel responds quietly and looks out over the familiar plains quietly. When they arrive he clams up a little bit before slipping down from the caravan. A wary eye is kept out for anyone that he used to know before he glances towards Vazkor and shoulders his pack, "come, the elders meeting place isn't far from here."
Vazkor can't help but look rather curious as they arrive at the village! The man taking in everything that's to be seen, including the people, because it's not every day you get to visit your partner's original home. He refrains from commenting though, and just nods at Raziel as he gathers his things again and then heads off after him, nodding at some Aegyls as he passes.
It would seem Raziel's altered state means people do not recognize him, despite him seeing several who he knows. The elder's meeting hall is up on a set of 18 foot tall stilts but there is ar ope ladder leading up to it. Clambering all the way to the top they are met by two guards who bar their passage, one of them a female with a stern look under her helmets eyes the two travellers. "What business do you have with the Elders? Thgey are in session adn cannot be disturbed for trivial matters of foreigners"
Raziel straightens, this was expected after all, before glancing briefly to Vazkor and then back to the woman. "If we were foreigners then I would agree with you, but I am not and this matter is in no way trivial. I am Raziel ibn Myrna who Weeps for my rathers name has been stricken from my life by the tears she cried. You would know me better cousin if my wings had not been stolen from me. Let me speak with the elders."
Vazkor stands quietly a little bit behind Raziel, not wanting to interfere with the proceedings infront of him, and just silently watching. He studies the two guards for a moment, the woman especially... Before he ever so slightly quirks a brow and glances over at Raziel as he mentions his full name and what appears to be some sort of title! Looking both mildly curious and ponderous for a moment.
The guards exchange long looks then the woman steps inside the hall of wood and thatch. She is gone for a few minutes then holds the dfoor open for an older Aegyl to step outside, the man regards Raziel and frowns, "This is indeed Razil son of Myrna.... enter and you and your companion may speak to us" he steps inside and motions you to follow. The inside of the hall is large and airy and there are six other Aegyl waiting, all of them young looking to be considered elders....
When she steps inside Raziel glances over his shoulder to Vazkor before murmuring quietly, "keep that feather close." He speaks, of course, of the amber feather that was all he was left with. And when the elder steps out and confirms his identity he dips his head a little before following the man into the hall. A gaze is swept overe the council before he steps up to stand before them. "I thank you for speaking with me and I.. apologize for interrupting your other business, but my need is great."
Vazkor glances at Raziel again and nods... Taking a moment to dip a hand below his shirt to pull out that ambered feather which he wears as a necklace, signifying his relationship with the younger man, as per Aegyl tradition. Letting it sit in view now, he steps after Raziel into the building... Quietly following him and stopping to stand slightly back again. Just trying to look as unobtrusive as people, having no genuine idea of whatever protocol may be required and doing the next best thing.
The room is dignified, well appointed and rather nice, what you would expect from well to do merchants maybe. The elderly Aegyl takes a seat and the oldest Aegyl, sat in the centre of the chairs behind the great table regards Vazkor and then inclines her head to him before speaking to RAziel. "Your need is in deed great, you told Matilda your wings had bene stolen, would you care to tell us how and what aid we can offer?"
Raziel's eyes run over the elders before focusing on the oldest of them as she speaks. "I have worked since my departure from the villages as an escort to those who pilgrimage to the Spirit temples. On my last journey I accompanied a summoner beyond the veil to the footsteps of Bahumat's mount. There he sought out the Mist Dragon. But it was me she found first." He pauses for a few moments and seems to look for any sort of recognition or guilt among the elders before he continues. "Seperated from my group I was called to task for the deeds she said were commited by the Aegyl. That I knew not of what she spoke of incited her further. I swore to make ammends for my people. I had the sense it was this or my life.. This was the result." He pauses now and motions towards Vazkor and the amber feather he has been given to wear. "This was all I was allowed to keep. My last feather."
Vazkor returns the polite inclination of the head towards the Elder that greeted him thus, before he looks over at Raziel as the man tells part of the story. Nodding slightly at the mention of certain events himself, to show he was witness to their veracity. Otherwise however, he still doesn't interfere, being just along for the ride.
The elders look at each other then back at Raziel, "The mist dragon... Mist herself I see..." they look uncomfortable but at last one of them speaks, the man who let you in, clearly the youngest. All the others maky a pyramid symbol with their hands, a sign that they will hear nothing said now. A polite fiction.... "In the ages, long ago, when first we took to the skies we were already an old people, before that, before we... became of the flight our ancestors cam from a village lost far in time. It is said... we betrayed something, we know not what but we betrayed it and thus were we cursed to wander and wander we did until we came to the wings."
Raziel's eyes run around the table for a moment as they make the symbol, and for a moment his hand starts to clench and then it's released. From his expression nothing might've just happened. "Then she has been angry long.. if this memory has lived on so long.. since before Lemures rose and the timeless age when we did not grow old and die.. til now." He frowns for a moment and then looks back. "I know of the betrayal, this much I have learned... but I am now forced to wonder if our wings were also a sign of it. How did we gain them? I know that before Feolthanos led us to the skies of Lemures that we had them."
Vazkor looks mildly curious as that pyramid sign is made... But really doesn't do much otherwise but just stand there and listen still, his fuzzy wolf ears lightly perked at the whole conversation, hearing about things he doesn't really have much of a clue about.
The elder who is speaking sighs, "We know not, our history does not go back that far... but... " he frowns along the table, "We must admit to this.... I will not sanction this alone." There is a pause then one by one the elders stop making the sign. One of them speaks, a lady with very long platinum hair speaks. "The source of our wings is lost, even to us,m when we were led into the skies of Lemures a new chapter of our history was started, we have only one thing that may help.... but" She looks at Vazkor and frowns, "One token from our long lost history....."
Raziel looks over at Vaz as well before looking back while reaching out a hand to put on the man's shoulder. "I would trust him with my life. What is more, I would trust him with all of your lives as well.. since the lives of the people are worth more than one. He will not betray you. Tell me, please, and I will share with you what our sin was that steps can be made by the summoners to rectify what we has occured."
Vazkor returns the Elder's gaze steadily... And then looks over at Raziel as the hand is set on his shoulder, and he's given all that trust. Smiling gently in response, he nods firmly and then lets his golden eyes go over each and every elder... Before taking a step forward, and finally speaking up, "If you allow me, Elders of his people... My life and my sword are his, and in turn they are yours. I will do whatever it takes to set right whatever may be wrong, and make Raziel, son of Myrna, whole again, and remove the blemish upon your history."
They look at each other, uneasy, this is clearly not something they are comfortable with. "We must debate this" one of them says and several of them nod but the old man slaps his hand on the table, "What is there to discuss! I call for a vote, one of ours has had his wings stolen! His heart turned against his people, but he is willing to walk out and find what we are all too scared to face! I call vote!" There is silence... then... he stands, two others stand.... the elder at the head of the table sits back and looks at Raziel and Vazkor for a long moment and then she two stands.. four of them.... there is a long moment and then the young woman with platinum hair stands and the leader nods. "So does it pass.... very well Raziel, Son of Myrna, Vazkor Beloved of Myrna's child we will grant unto you the one thing our people still own that relates to the time before the skies."
Raziel inhales deeply and then exhales as the oldest of them all takes a stand for him. He watches as five of them stand before he inclines his head slowly. "We will keep it safe while you entrust it to us." Looking up then the man straightens and then continues, "and I will lay out for you the details regarding the Mist Dragon." Not that he's keeping the knowledge in ransom anymore, but he'd rather not distract them with it just yet.
Vazkor watches them all stand, passing the vote... And he responds by bowing towards them in thanks, without any of the usual theatrics he usually puts into such gestures back home. With that, he steps backwards again, to Raziel's side, returning to quietly listening and watching, waiting for what may happen next.
The elder sighs and strokes a hand through her hair, twitching her wings, "You must be tired, please, go back outside, Matilda will show you to guest quarters. At moon rise we shall unlock the gate and give unto you what you seek."
Raziel inclines his head once again before straightening up. "Thank you again." He turns to walk out while catching Vaz's eyes. There's a brief smile given his partner, but he continues past before it lingers too long.
Vazkor briefly inclines his head at the council, before he turns to follow Raziel outside, catching that smile and returning it with his own.
You are led by Matilda across the village and up another ladder to a small house, it is quiet and comfortable removed a short ways from the village. She has food and drink brought, tells you how to summon up bathwater from the plumbing then retreats to let you be alone.
"Little changes here," Raziel comments while walking through the village behind Matilda. He looks at Vazkor then before cliing up the other ladder and slipping into the house before looking around. "Really nothing changes... sorry I had to do most of the talking in there." He pours himself a drink and grabs some of the fish and veggies that are a staple for the villagers before sitting down to write out the details he'd received of the Mist Dragon's enslavement to power the Lunar Whale spirit ship.
Vazkor finds himself a chair to lounge in as he gets into the house, grabbing himself something to eat as well before he smiles and shrugs at Raziel, "I didn't mind. This is your show, and I really didn't have much to say anyway. This is unfamiliar territory... I'm a city kind of guy." He grins some, before letting Raziel get to writing up those events.
There's not much so it's quickly written up and folded to be handed over to the elders the following day. "Good... well if your curious about anything your welcome to ask. We're here so I might as well get it over with." Razuek finishes up the meal and starts to draw some water up to scrub up with so they can get cleaned before going to bed.
Vazkor headtilts some and ponders for a moment, before he smiles at Raziel, "Well, not sure what I'd ask about, really... Already learned some interesting things, and I'm sure more will be revealed. I think I'd just prefer to watch and listen for now. Get a sense of the culture here... It's quite different to know an Aegyl, then it is to see a village full of them." Getting up then, he starts to get ready for bed as well, "You know, I'm not sure I've pondered sleep at such an early hour in quite a while... Fresh air, hm?"
An hour before moonrise you are led out of the village, the Aegyl moving in a torch bearing group just above you as they flap, flying through the air, it seems flying is trhe preferred method for all of them. The council, 8 guards, 3 mages and 1 summoner, they lead as brillaint guiding torch bearing stars through the sky! Showing you toward an ancient mound, one of them does walk with you, the lady with platinum blonde hair, Elder Carlise, "The Lunar Whale? Why... would be force the Lady Mist to power it for us?"
"They put something in the food," Raziel starts off with before looking over, "no seriously it's because we've been getting up early and travelling long distances for a while. Get a nap." He goes about getting scrubbed up before slipping out of the house to sit on the stoop and watch the villagers going about their business for a while. When they are gathered up he slips inside to get Vazkor and the note both before following after their guides. The note is passed over before he shakes his head, "those I questioned couldn't give me an answer why or what we could do to appease them."
Vazkor did indeed take a nap, feeling refreshed again once he's woken up at moon rise. Walking next to Raziel as the procession starts moving towards that mound, he's silent as Raz and the Elder talk among eachother, just using the time instead to look around, once more seeming curious at all that is happening.
The elder sighs, shaking her head as she regards the paper, she then looks up and points to a low hill about half a mile away, lopsided stones jut out of it, "That is what is left of the Temple.... we hauled it here when we moved to these plains"
Raziel looks off towards where she's pointing before he nods in responce, "and what is in the temple? I have heard of adventurers looking for our temples that fell before with the artifacts they carry.. as well as the dangers. What should we expect?"
She smiles and looks at you both "In this one, not much but come" she leads the way uyp the hill, "Vazkor walk with me please, tell me of yourself? You are the mate of one of our sons."
Raziel considers before he nods in responce and begins to climb up the side of the hill.. actually panting just a little bit as he does his best not to slip. These aren't the muscles that he's used to using. In fact he's glad of the question for the moment as it allows him to focus.
Vazkor is distracted from his study of his surroundings by the question, looking over at the Elder before he smiles a bit and moves closer to walk alongside her, watching Raziel go up ahead some, "Well, miss... There might not be much to tell. I'm simply the bastard offspring of a Rozarrian noble, and after my schooling I set out to make a name for myself. This was fourteen years ago... I've fought many pirates in my time, as the Captain of my own vessel. But now I'm simply a citizen of the city of Emberstrand, where I teach skills of the sword."
She nods her head and smiles "Well Lord Vazkor I am glad you came with Raziel, it is... good he has someone to help him in these times" She leads the way yup a set of cracked steps and stops in what must have once been the altar chamber. The aegly fly in a circle over head, two circles in factr... torches glowing
Raziel looks over at Vazkor for a few moments before he looks back to Elder Carlise. For a moment it looks like he's going to echo her words, but decides not to as a glance is given upto the aegyl circling over head. He begins to ascend to the altar then before tilting his head towards her.. clearly waiting for a bit more information.
Vazkor nods some, and answers simply, "It is my pleasure, if not my duty, miss. I'm sure he would do the same for me." Afterwards, he silences himself again, ascending the steps to stand next to Raziel, briefly touching the man's shoulder before he studies the altar before him.
She stands back and gestures "Please, both of you ascend the altar, stand on either side, and then press your hands into the indents before you."
Raziel hesitates for a moment then he nods to the elder. Finishing the last few steps to the top he takes a moment to glance at Vazkor in responce to the light touch before he gives a faint, brief smile. Silently then he presses his hands into the indents and then stiffens up.
Vazkor studies the altar for a moment longer... Before following suit, moving towards it together with Raziel, and stepping up to the opposite ends. He looks down briefly at those indents then... Before taking a breath, and placing both hands into them.
As Vazkor's hands touch the indents the altar clicks... the circlig ring of torches seems to speed up and the rising moon slants through what might have once been a window... the altar shimmers with white light and with a grinding crack it opens up along the middle.... a large, 12 inch disc of metal, engraved on both sides sliding up. On one side, the side facing Raziel a strange symbol, on the other facing Vazkor strange text. "Take it Raziel,"
Raziel blinks and he starts to pull back before stopping himself. Freezing in place while the altar cracks open and the disc rises up. He looks towards the elder then around at Vazkor before reaching out to pick up the artifact, turning it this way and that slowly before murmuring, "this must be truly ancient for you to have brought the temple here as a whole." That would be a major endeavor after all.
Vazkor blinks as well, briefly looking up to watch everything happening around him... Before looking down again as the altar opens up and the disc is revealed. He watches intently then, keeping himself quiet as Raziel lifts out the object... Only briefly attempting to dycypher the text that was facing him.
It is not very heavy, the image is a strange one, two fronds... like fern leaves or rams horns, on the back the text is a very ancient form of the written word of the Aegyl. The Elder smiles, "It is older then anything we have, the text on the front beneath the symbol says "Aries" she smiles and tilts her head, "The text on the reverse says "The Story of 12 Zodiacs" The 11 Zodiacs pondered. How best to catch Virgo's heart? Aries headed east."
Raziel looks to her then back down to the plate as he runs his finger over the horns and then turns it over, reading slowly as it's difficult to understand older forms of one's native text often. He reads what it says alloud then before looking to Vazkor, "To the east then.. perhaps." He ponders and looks up at the elder, "we would need to find where the eastern temples fell when Lemures crashed to the ground I believe... do you concur?"
Vazkor listens to the Elder, then watches Raziel decypher the text for himself as well. He nods then, simply responding in agreement, "The east it seems." Before looking at the Elder for confirmation.
She nods her head and sighs "It is called a Stelazzio, it is said, the hidden history of the Aegyl is bound into it, but none now know from what point East is. After all, this was moved to Lemures with us, so to know were to go east from, you would need to locate its original starting point."
"Stelazzio.." Raziel looks thoughtful for a few moments before turning his eyes to Vazkor with a slight smile, "looks like we will have to continue our journey. I have a couple of ideas.." He looks back to the elder then, "either to research where temples that have something to do with the zodiac dwell. To visit the library temple dedicated to Ramuh.. Each could work."
Vazkor hmms some, and then nods once more towards Raziel, "Whatever you think is best, dear. You're the expert." He gives a brief smile back, before stepping away from the altar, "We will need supplies, in either case. Otherwise we can leave whenever you wish."
The Elder shakes hewr head "We can give you some advice Raziel, Vazkor and supplies for your trip, the Elders have talked we wish to see this wrong to the Lady Mist and the Lunar Whalre rectified so our peopel can hold our heads up tall again." She looks at the coin, "We know of a similar coin to this, rumoured to be held in the Holy City of Bur-Omisace, there are also ancient carvings in this temple that speak of the Lady Fate being key as well or you can try the Great Akashic Library."
Raziel considers before blinking at the elder, a bit surprised obviously. He nods after a few moments though before murmuring, "thank you for this aid... and the information. This will help us a great deal." Bur-Omisace is a long trip, but perhaps they can hit Ramuh's temple on the way down.. and of course there is also Lady Fate to consider as well now.
Vazkor arches his brow a bit, and says to himself, "Bur-Omisace..." Before he just nods firmly, and briefly touches Raziel's shoulder once more, "Well, we've grand adventures ahead of us, hm?" Grinning a bit then, he looks at the Elder as well, "Thank you, miss. We won't disappoint your people."
Go back to Stelazzio Quest Chapter 2
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