Sin of the People

Prologue

The temple of Mog! Quiet, peaceful at this time of day... careful it might be a trap... Mogs are inside! Mogs!"

Well.. it's late, but no reason not to come calling.. and when your trying to tap someone for info-errr to have a pleasant visit you should always bring a gift. Raziel moves through the temple district and pauses at the entry of the temple before he enters with the small gift bag and a bottle.

The heavy clock work powered doors are open, the light in the grand vestibule is bright and warm and the lights coming out of the two temple chambers is also bright albeit one is green and the other orange! An acolyte glances down at Raziel from atop the stairs and waves, "Kupo! Welcome the Mog Dance is starting come insider!"

Raziel blinks at the multi hued lights and he looks around for a moment, backing up a step immediately before he's spotted. He looks up and his brows lift for a moment before he quietly inquires... "Dance?" To his credit his voice didn't squeak when asking that.

The moogle smiles, "For evening worship in the temple of Mog! The Mog Dance is starting, or are you here for evening song with Famfrit?"

Raziel shakes his head a little and looks within then back once more, "I wished to speak with the priestess Moiraine.. but if the worship is about to commence I can wait here until it is all finished. I would not wish to interrupt anyone."

The moogle shakes his head, "The High Priestess is in her chambers" he points to the door at the back of the foyer, "Go on through, see if she will see you"

Raziel relaxes then since it doesn't seem that he'll have to randomly join in just because he arrived. The man thinks about that for a moment longer and then smirks as he heads for the priestess' chambers at how dumb such a conclusion was. The man pauses before the door and then raps on it quietly.

The Moogle Priestess calls out from within, "Come in Raziel, shut the door behind you." Inside the sandy coloured moogle is sat at a desk writing something in a large tome.

Raziel blinks then steps inside. "How did you know it was me?" He inquires before walking over to the desk and after a quick glance at the tome, not long enough to read whats being written though, he extends his hands. One holding a small bag and the other the bottle. "I heard that when visiting someone it's polite to bring a gift. So.. here. The bottle is filled with a cherry cordial." And in the bag are little mini petit fours."

Moiraine eyes Raziel and points to a mirror on one wall. "We have much technology in this place, I can see everyone who comes through the door reflected in that." She then settles back, putting her quill to one side and regards Raziel. "A gift? How very kind of you my friend"

"Well.. it's late, thank you for seeing me.." He looks at the mirror curiously for a few moments before setting down both of the gifts and then taking a seat. "And how are you doing, priestess?"

Moiraine pours herself some of the cherry cordial into a beaker and snffs it "Oooh Cherry, my mother was always cherry flavoured and I have been well. Busy with my life here at the temple"

Raziel starts to nod, but finds himself suddenly tilting his head a bit while his brows shoot up, "I... excuse me, but did you just say your mother was cherry flavoured??"

Moiraine says, "Oh my yes kupo-po," she waves a hand, "Every moogle has their own distinctive scent, a flavour if you will and besides my mother wasn't quite what you'd call a normal kupo. Anyway it is nice of you to drop on by and see me Raziel.""

Raziel's head remains tilted for a few long moments and then he shakes it some. "I.. see... well humans do too, though nothing usually so.. fruity." He dips his head and then motions to the bag of cakes, "I was told those are good too.. and thank you for seeing me. I admit that my purpose was exactly without purpose though."

Moiraine says, "I thought it might not be dear, humans rarely seek out the High Priestess of Mog unless they are after something. So my friend what is it you want?""

I'm not hu.. actually I suppose I am now." He glances over his shoulder and then back while leaning forward, "you said before that you might know something about the Mist Dragon and the Aegyl's history with them that you would share. I also tried getting information from the library.. but a certain spirit decided it was a wonderful time to go and fog up the place.."

Moiraine smiles "Yes I heard about that, she won;'t touch the temple of Mog though, she'd not want to interfere in his domain or Famfrits" She stands up and beckons you to follow her as she moves toward the door "I can show you the history"

Raziel exhales and then murmurs, "for someone upset about something that has passed, she does not seem to want to make my job solving it any easier.." He stands up then and follows after while dipping his head a little bit, "I thank youf or helping me with this."

Moiraine says, "She's a very upset dragon, they do not forget easily" She leads you out into the main foyer and checks it is empty. The large circular chamber is currently empty and she raises one hand and the doors to the two temples and the front door slide shut. "Ok stand with me in the middle" she moves to the central mosaic."

Raziel looks around as the doors close and then walks over to stand beside you while tilting his head a little bit, "it seems so. I wonder what my kin did to her. Not much would surprise me though."

Moiraine she eyes Raziel then presses one of the studs on the floor, tje mosaic map of the world rumbles and the central keystone of the circular foyer sinks down, carrying us into the depths. "You'll see soon enough."

Raziel freezes, staggering a little bit at the sudden change. Someone's sense of balance is still correcting itself. And then he looks over a brow lifts before a mere nod is given beofre he looks around and waits for the elevator to finish it's journey.

At the bottom she steps off and waves Raziel to follow, she pushes a switch and the platform raises back up, "Come" She leads him down a long winding corridor and stops outside a door of obsidian and pulls out a large key.

Raziel follows after while looking around, "your people are full of surprises I see." He smirks a little for a brief moment before stopping before the doorway.

Moiraine says, "Oh not really, this is a triple temple is all" she turns the key, there is a hiss of steam and clanking of clock work and then the door slides open revcealing a chamber of gleaming metal, models of airships, brilliant, fanciful metal airships stand on pedestals"

Raziel considers then he nods a little bit and looks aroung, his brows lifting slowly before he murmurs, "airships.." There's a little nod dbefore he steps in and allows his gaze to linger here and there before pausing and looking back once more.

At the end of the chamber is a huge, sleek, long, beautiful Airship. Moiraine bows to it, "This is the Shrine to Ark, it is... very precious to Moogles and many others who admire technololgy"

Raziel's eyes lift as he notes the bow and then he inclines his head, giving respect to the spirit even though he might not follow it. Nodding then to you he murmurs, "I have no hand for it, but Ican appreciate the ease that it imparts into our lives. I.. thank you for bringing me here."

Moiraine smiles and shakes her head and walks over to one of the pedestal and touches it, "Do you know much about the lore of Ark? Of the Fleet of Spirit Ships that dwell within the Lost City kupo?" "I cannot say that I do. Though I'd decided recently to pursue study of spirits to become a summoner myself, I don't know much of them at this point in time. Share withme, if you would?" Raziel follows after you while looking up at the great airship.

Moiraine sits down at the base of the pedestal, "These are the spirit ships, the great constructs, ther airships of ther ages that all pay homage to Ark, the ultimate spirit of technology." She points up "This is the Lunar Whale... it is a very grand old spirit."

Raziel steps closer, within arms reach, of the ship and looks up over it. Literally dwarfed by the ship's size. He tilts his head and then frowns to himself and looks back as some thought occurs. "Did the aegyl use the Mist Dragon to somehow bring down one of these?"

Moiraine says, "The Aegyl... used dark, forbidden rituals to force the Mist Dragon, or part of her to power the Lunar Whale and control it.""

Raziel lowers his gaze and doesn't seem to react much. Except for his hands which slowly have balled into fists. He remains silent for a long few moments before he looks up at the ship again. "You have my sincere apology.. though I can see why it would not be enough." He looks over at you then and nods slowly. "I understand now.. though what I can do to appease the spirit I'm not sure. This must have happened long ago.. and the reason I would not have known is obvious. No one would want to admit our people having done something such as this."

Moiraine smiles softly and shrugs, "For those answers you must seek elsewere, I cannot help you, I do not know what would appease the Mist Dragon, or the Lunar Whale here, you must seek those answers elsewere in the world kupo,"

Raziel nods slowly and then exhales. "Thank you Moiraine.. I appreciate that you showed me this." He closes his eyes then before exhaling, his thoughts tucked firmly away for now. "I will have to ponder on this more and will travel back to my homeland and see what I can dig up there."

Moiraine says, "Good luck kupo, I wish I could come with you but I have my temple to attend to here kupo-po"" "You've done much already.. thank you Moiraine." He offers a little bit of a smile before it fades. For a moment it looks like he's trying to think of something more to say. Shaking his head a little bit then before turning to walk back towards the elevator.

Moiraine leads Raziel back outside and stops once they are back in the entrance hall and kupos, "Sorry I cannot do more, but I am glad what I have told you has helped"

Raziel nods quietly, "I appreciate it and it is more than enough. I'll look for more answers eslewhere. Please enjoy the cakes and cordial. I'm glad that I got something near and dear to your heart."

Moiraine leads him to the steps, placing a paw on his arm, "You will do well kupo and thank you, take care now!"

---

Missing Log File (included Raziel and Vazkor hiring a ship to take them to Archades)

Chapter 1

The airship Raziel and Vazkor have payed for their trip to Old Archades upon is rising up through the great mountains, sailking toward the pass of Nalbina and the empire beyong it. It is a slow, COLD journey, ice hanging from the rigging, thick clouds streaming past to either side. The captain is stood in the wheel house staring out at the world ahead worriedly.

Raziel emerges from the cabin he and Vazkor share to check on the weather before he frowns a little and lays a hand on the sleeve of his shirt, one he stole from Vazkor, and then turns to approach the wheel house. "Clouds and cold temperatures. If the wind kicks up more I suspect we are in for a rough trip. At least that's what I assume your frowning over, captain."

The Captain shakes his head, "Rough weather I can be dealing with lad, what I worry about is Cloud Devils, elementals spawned of hte mist that lurk in these mountains causing havoc on honest ships" He looks around and frowns "I suspect we will have issues with them soon"

Raziel looks off into the clouds for a moment before muttering, "I'd not thought of that." And why should he? No sane aegyl would fly through heavy clouds. Lack of visibility and unpredictable storms both make it treacherous. The mage begins to back away and turn to the side of the ship while murmuring, "I'll help your men keep watch."

The captain nods his thanks and the day passes, the ship continues to fly onward, sailing through the grey haze of the clouds. The day passes slowly but in the end someone shouts and screams and points. In the fog a bright burning light! Several lights... a ship on flames, still falling through the clouds silently and heading directly toward the ship!

Raziel lifts his head and his eyes widen for a moment before he backs up a step. Not a practioner of the protective arts a white mage employes, and knowing that there's no time to pull Vazkor out of the cabin and abandon ship, the mage does the only thing that comes to mind. He begins to cast, summoning up the ice powers he had neglected until more recent times, in an effort to hit the falling ship from the side and knock it off it's deadly course into something less... deadly.

The sheep crashes into the side of the Airship even as Raziel casts, there is screaming from the other vessel, you can see dead bodies ont he deck but three people still screaming, clutching to one another. As the ships crash the only man seizes two of them, a woman and her child and tosses them over the railing as the ships strike. The rigging tangles, flames leaping from one to the other. The woman and her child stumble across the deck caught by one of the deck hands but the large man slams into Raziel, he catches the former Aegyl and the two spin but Raziel is able to pull his spell off. The ice spell slams into the ship and it lurches aside, drifting free of the entangling rigging and drops out of sight still burning. However the rigging of YOUR ship is now alight......

Raziel lets out a sound, a mixture between a grunt and a yelp of surprise, as he's slammed into. A brief glance at the man and then a nod as he glances towards the woman and child before turning to look up at the rigging. He lets out a curse, water magics not being his forte, and then calls to one of the sailors. "Water now.. I will do what I can with magics to hold it off." Which he then begins to do, attempting to freeze the worst of it.

The spell goes off easily, ice encloses some of the fire but not others threads of flame, it darts and burns an dhisses its way along the rigging and sailors start throwing water at it and doing their best but it is spreading. The captain hurries up and stares, not worried about the refugee's for now "We have to pyt it out before it spreads to the deck or we are lost"

A brief glance is cast towards the captain before the mage mutters. "Sadly I've neither wind nor water magics to aid here. I may be able to.." He looks down and then around before muttering to the captain, "get everyone off the deck. Now." He then lifts his voice while moving towards the survivors from the other ship. Everyone get below decks!" The child is grabbed and lifted into his arms before he starts running towards the door into the cabin he and Vaz share. Turning back then he waits for people to start moving and then begins to cast once more, eyes closing as blue waves of ice magic start to flow around he and the kid both and murmured words give shape and form to the power to create a ice sheet acrossed the deck of the ship."

The ice crackles across the deck..... the fire falls and melts the ice but after about 30 minute it has burnt itself out. The rigging is ruined however and so are the masts, charred and blackened. The captain stands on the deck and looks up. "This is bad, we will have to set down someplace and repair"

Raziel put the child down immediately after the spell went off and there was no risk of them running back out into it. Once the fire was out and the deck safe enough to move on the man follows the captain and looks up before frowning and nodding, "unfortunate, but at least the ship did not follow the way of the other. Hopefully the repairs will not take long." Though from the frown he's wearing it's obvious that the man thinks they will.

The Captain sighs and waves a hand, "We can repair this in a few hours" He gives orders to land and the ship begins to sink. "BUt we must land on the mountain side..... now I must speak to our guersts"

"Risky, but again no choice... of course captain, I won't keep you from them." He moves away and checks around the deck, making sure nothing is still smoldering. Before helping what sailors aren't working on landing the ship to clean up and figure out what's salvageable and what isn't.

Chapter 2

The Airship is down! Somewhere north of Nalbina, on the Empire side of the mountains, still a good half mile up, just into the tree line. It is perched and secured to the ground after a frantic scramble by the crew, the good news is you are not dead, the bad news is.. the airship is down, the masts and rigging are destroyed and there are fiends in the forest!

Raziel steps out onto the deck when they land and are secured then he looks for the captain while sending a frown up towards the ruined masts that the sailors are working with. "A dangerous place.. how long do you estimate it will take to finish with the repairs," he inquires before glancing back over his shoulder towards the cabin he and Vazkor share.

Vazkor comes stumbling out of said cabin! His hair a messy, his clothes haphazardly thrown on, and his expression a mix of groggyness and confusion... Though atleast he had the presence of mind to come out with his sword in hand, in case all the commotion means trouble, such as a pirate raid. And as his gaze meets Raziel's, he raises a brow questioningly, "What the balls is going on?"

The captain turns, "We had to land, a flaming ship came out of the mist and hit us, we rescued four people and then had to land." He eyes Vazkor and Raziel, "We are going no where until I have new masts, I am sending a crew out to chop down two suitable trees but they are sailors, I need warriors and mages to proect them, can you help?"

Raziel has dropped a connection. "That's no trouble," Raz responds with a nod as he volunteers both himself and Vazkor to do it. "As long as the ship remains safe we'll get your crew back to you." He reaches over to clap Vazkor on the shoulder then leans to whisper, "your hair is standing straight up. Might want to get your.. uh things.." Before he straightens back up and grips onto the ringed staff he carries with both hands.

Vazkor glances at the Captain, then takes a moment to study what lies around the ship... Finding it indeed to be on a mountainside. Reaching over to resheath his sword in that peculiar trademark, Samurai-ish way of his, he mutters something about 'not again', then blinks over at Raziel. Giving a sheepish grin, he smooths out his hair some with a hand, and starts straightening some of his clothes, before answering, "If that's what it takes to get us out of here."

The captain nods, "Sorry boys but that's the short of it" In about twenty minutes he has a crew under the bosun eady to head out into the woods. He points a direction, "we need to go down, pick a tree and take it down. You boys are our protection what's the order of march and all that?"

Raziel looks at the group and he then glances at Vazkor, "you take point, I'll take the rear?" He looks over the group then, "and whichever of you ends up doing lookout duty the most? Take center line and keep your eyes peeled hmm?" He smirks briefly and one might wonder that despite the danger they're obviously going into and the lingering anger that is driving him on this quest if the man isn't enjoying himself just a little.

Vazkor nods at the Captain and Raziel both, commenting to the latter, "Aye, so better keep your fire spells nice and ready. I'm sure we'll be needing them before long." Twitching his lips into a brief smirk afterwards, as well as giving Raziel a wink, he then starts to get ready to get off the ship and safely lead the men towards the first suitable tree. The swashbuckler once more drawing his sword as he goes.

The passage through the woods is quiet, the bosun is up with Vazkor leading the way, examining trees, pausing every now and then to look at one considering things. The forest is dark, dank and quiet, mist flows around the tree-trunks and the foliage on the floor muffles their footfalls.

Raziel's eyes narrow a little and he tilts his head before he reaches out and taps the man infront of him before whispering lowly, "tell the others to stop and Vaz to come back here. We're being tailed." The mage turns around then and lifts his staff and tilts it to the side a little while he looks around, listening for any tell tale signs while looking for the shadow again.

Vazkor moves carefully in the lead... Looking this way and that, trying to look right through the surrounding mist and gloom. Arching an eyebrow as he's tapped on his shoulder however, and leaning in as the man behind him whispers something in his ear, he starts frowning right after... And signals that same man to keep an eye out, before starting down the line to get to Raziel, muttering quietly, "What did you see, lad?"

The forest is dark, dank.... cold, mist flows around everyones feet, up to the knees almost, the crew are looking around nervously at having been made to stop. Something is up, thye know it.

Raziel takes a breath before he shakes his head a little bit, "I thought I saw something following us... humanoid, but large.." He frowns a little bit before glancing down at the mist then lifting his eyes once again. "It feels like we're being watched.. The only solution would be to wait for it to attack or to brighten the area and hope we can find it. Which do you think?"

Vazkor looks around, trying to spot whatever Raziel saw... Shrugging a tiny bit then, though, he suggests, "Better move on... The sooner we get this over with, the better. But if you can use your magic to light up the place, then that'd be most welcome... And better keep something for offense ready too." Giving Raziel's shoulder a squeeze then, followed by a quick smile, he turns back around after to get back to the front of the line. Telling the men to keep their weapons at hand and prepare for likely danger.

You both see it, Raziel a bit faster then the others, something large and man-like with swinging arms charging out of the trees down by the mid-way point of the line of Sailors. It is some sort of very large, rather mutated ape thing and it roars and swings at one of the sailors who staggers back with an oath.

The mage was on high alert quickly spots the oncoming creature. Before he even starts to take in the details the man has begun to cast, beads of fire coming into existance in the place where his wings once were. In fact it almost looks like, for an instant, that he has wings of fire, but the magics move on, running up over his shoulders and down his hands to his staff. He twirls it once and then swings it shooting out a blast of flame at the creature as it rushes towards a sailor.

Vazkor snaps his head towards the charging creature as soon as he spots it! And the man is quick to react, swinging his blade for a moment before bellowing out, "Close the lines! Get in a circle! Fiends rarely attack alone!" Ordering the men even as he watches Raziel cast that blast of fire, and then starts to quickly look around for other attackers- Letting the mage and any nearby sailors deal with the one creature by themselves, atleast for this very moment.

"WENDIGO!" One of the sailors shouts and with a scream he runs away, no one else panics, they draw together, drawing belaying pins and staffs and forming into a ring around the tools and supplies and the Bosun, the flaming ball of fire rams into the creature and it screams in pain! Beating at itself then lashing out at a neaby sailor, knocking it back, the bosun shouts, "Wendigo's clear their range of any ther fiends! It'll be alone!"

Raziel scowls after the runner, but doesn't say anything. The man can find his own damned way back. As the beast lashes out he first checks the man for wounds at a quick glance and then he points the still glowing staff at the creature. "Careful lest it incite rage..." He mutters something lowly, the power in the staff glows brighter and then he swings again, lobbing another ball of flame at the monster.

Vazkor scowls as he hears the shout of 'Wendigo!' but is atleast quick to go for the attack as soon as he learns the beast will be alone. Waiting an instant for Raziel's second attack to hit home, before the swashbuckler springs forward past the frightened sailors, moving with speed and power as he brings forward that cutlass in a swift, vicious arc to attempt to cleave at the beast.

The wendigo shrieks as more fire engulfs it and then it squeals as Vazkor slashes it, it staggers back, roars in rage and lashes out at the shimmering image of what might once have been the space in whick Vazkor was standing and the overly agile swordsman slashes at the Wendigo again in the opening provided, the beast screams as Vazkor's blades sinks into its burning chest and it crumples to the floor, quite, quite dead.......

The movements, too fast for Raziel to catch, cause the mage to blink while the creature crumples. Looking to Vazkor then he smirks briefly and nods while the magic fades from his staff and he steps over to the man that was initially attacked and sees to a quick healing spell before he steps back. "The local area should be clear for a bit.. but we should get moving before scavengers get brave enough to come and get their... dinner."

Vazkor moves with a speed which has no place in time, springing forward so quickly as to appear to be a mere blur, a glimpse of movement... His sword a brief glitter in the darkness as it opens up the Wendigo's side with its first strike, and the man long gone right after, out of reach of the beast's long arms. Instead that cutlass cuts right through muscle, bone and vital organs in one final strike as the swashbuckler attacks a second time... Vazkor appearing in a crouch, sword at his side, a few meters beyond the beast as it sways there just before death. And as the Wendigo screams, falling over to bleed out on the forest floor, the dark man's sole gesture is to get up and re-sheath his sword all Samurai-like. Nodding towards Raziel right after.

With the Wendigo dead the sailors are eyeing Raziel and Vazkor with new respect, those things are not easy to kill and these two did it so professionally, soon enough they are cutting down a suitable tree, lookouts on watch arond the woods in a loose ring. The Bosun nods to you both, "How did you know? Fire to revoke its immortality then stab it?"

"The monsters that are in the wood are much like the wood themselves," Raziel answers the Bosun while keeping an eye on their surroundings. "Aligned to earth, which while it is not as weak to fire as ice, is not nearly as immune to it as other things." He looks back at the man before dipping his head a little, "it stands to reason that flame would be a good weapon.. his blade is the best for most monsters though.." A little nod given to Vazkor.

Vazkor glances back at the dead monster for a brief moment... Then gives a shrug as if disinterested in its plight, looking back to the Bosun and Raziel instead as he faintly smiles, answering, "Stab them when they're on fire... It usually works, hm? Don't need to fight a Wendigo to figure that one out." Shrugging again, he then remarks, "Anyway, we should move on... I'm sorry about the men that fled. Can only hope they made it back to the ship. But we better get said ship repaired, now."

The bosun shrugs, "He ran, his choice, one man, I have a ship to worry about" he points to the men cutting down the tree he has chosen. "It will take some time to fell the tree, we should have it down in the next two hours, then we can have it back to the ship by sunset"

Raziel considers before nodding to the man, "two hours? Alright.." He moves away to patrol around the area a little, though does at one point whisper to Vazkor as he passes the man, "a very good job there." He doesn't linger as he continues keeping a look out for anything brave enough to wander into the wendigo's territory.

As the sailors start to work, and Raziel starts to patrol, Vazkor busies himself for a while with the dead Wendigo... Getting down to some quick, gory details, with the gist of it being his ending up with a severed Wendigo head to put on a pike at the edge of the working area- Meant as a warning to any other semi-intelligent Fiend to stay the hell away. As Raziel compliments him on his fighting prowess, though, he gives the man a smile and a quiet thanks, and then starts on his own patrols on the opposite side, keeping an eye out for things.

Thanks to it being a Wendigo range the forest remains peaceful, no more fiends show up and when the tree is felled it is stripped of branches and soon the team of Sailors are pulling it back through the woods toward the ship.... the sun is sliding down toward the horizon but they are nearly there!

Despite nothing else coming to attack, Raziel doesn't let his guard down. This state is heightened as they make their way back to the ship, unsure just where the monster's territory ends and where another will begin. With the sun sliding low he scowls a little and then murmurs, "if it gets too low I will provide light, but that might attract things. Let's hurry so we don't need to resort to that.."

Vazkor remains alert as well, taking point once more, with one hand resting firmly upon his blade's ornate hilt. Briefly watching the son go down, he nods at Raziel some, and answers back, "Aye, keep your magic ready, just in case... But hopefully we'll be at the ship soon. Shouldn't be far now."

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."

Chapter 5

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