Elendor
The Black Paladin's Message
A message from Jugartha is delivered to Eruphel and High Priestess Mara, while Yussef and Alimah have a short verbal spar.
Sort Date: no date set
Location: Umbar
Game Date: January 17 3047
IC Time: Afternoon
Description:
Rath Sangahyando
The glistening black Rath Sangahyando cuts through the western edge of Umbar. A high wall of blueish stone lines the west side of the street. A tall tower rises behind the wall, amid a lush green garden. An ornate silver coloured gate punctuates the wall's midpoint. The gate is closed.
The sky is clear and the sunlight shines brightly. The early afternoon winter air is cool and dry around you. The moon is waxing crescent.
[+TIME] Middle-earth time is:
Early Afternoon on Trewsday, Day 17 of January.
Execute the +TIMEFRAME command for year information.
Real time is: 18:48:11 MDT on Thu May 28 2009.
[Eruphel(#20109)]
The streets of Umbar are washed in the warm light of the setting sun, which feels good against the skin in contrast to the nippy winter air, and brings warm thoughts to the mind, which only seems to emphasize the cold wind that blows over the rooftops. The day is at an end, but the Lady of Seaward is just going out, it would seem. The gates open and she steps out with a small guard for protection.
A black-haired woman, neither tall nor short, hurries down the street as the Seaward gates start to open. Garbed in a slightly heavier cotton tunic for the "winter," she is also armed with a scimitar, the scabbard of which is decorated with the raven of Farside.
"Lady Eruphel!" If her voice and garb do not mark her, certainly Alimah's nose does.
[Yussef(#19036)]
The seaward guard their Lady jealously, it would seem. Their vigil narrow glances dart to and fro, restlessly almost nervously for the very few moments 'ere entering the the Sangahyando. No greybeards are these, but seasoned warriors all the same men in their prime. Such soldiers are rare.
And rarer still, perhaps, is the one among them who bears the designs of rank, for he is young. Very young. He does not seem overtly watchful, but for his wide black eyes whose glance is still. Presently it narrows, fixed on this woman, Alimah, who approaches Eruphel.
"HALT!" He barks, the spear in his grasp set down upon the pavings with a loud crack of stone as to emphasize his command. "Come no further. Present yourself and purpose."
[Eruphel(#20109)]
"Hold..." Eruphel says soon enough, recognising the woman only after she gets fairly close. "Alimah? What is this?" she asks, noting her clothing with a somewhat trained eye as to its fashion and meaning, even into the subtleties.
Not one to challenge a group of guards, much less nervous guards and one commanded by a mere youngster, Alimah halts. "I believe you know me, sir," she says dryly to Yussef. "Alimah...of Farside. And.." her gaze and address goes now to Eruphel, "I bring a message to the Seaward Tower Lady, at the request of Captain Azradi."
"As for my garb," she says, noting that woman's careful consideration of it, "I was sparring this morning when the Captain assigned me this errand."
[Eruphel(#20109)]
"Ah...I see. Yussef?" Eruphel looks at the young man and half smiles, jerking her head to the side in some unspoken indication. "And what message do you bring, Alimah?" she asks, resting her hand lightly on her sword hilt, and pulling a cloak closer around her shoulders.
[Yussef(#19036)]
The the young Lieutenant eyes Alimah up and down once, 'ere he glances at his Tower Lady, and defers to her decision with a bow of his head. But then his gaze settles on the corsair's face once more, and remains there. "She is incorrect," Yussef says stiffly, and it would seem he addresses Eruphel, ableit quietly.
"I do not know this person, my lady."
"That the Black Paladin Jugartha is well, Lady," Alimah smiles. "Captain thought you might be worried about him. I am to say he will return to the city at the time and place of his own choosing."
"You do not?" Alimah tilts her head, studying the young man, then shaking her head slowly. "I was certain we had met, for I know your name--it's Yussef. Certainly I know your Tower Lord and she, me."
[Eruphel(#20109)]
"At the time and place of his own choosing?" Eruphel asks, both releived and dismayed. She sighs, and mutters under her breath, placing the heel of her hand to her forehead. She breathes in deeply and exhales sharply, then looks at Alimah. "Do you know where he is? Where he is staying?"
[Yussef(#19036)]
But he does not speak out of turn. The only answer Alimah recieves is a nod, and scarce that 'ere Yussef's glance turns elsewhere. It passes first the figure of Eruphel nearby, under a brow weighed and creased by concern. And it is then lost among the comings and goings on the street.
As is the glances of the other guardsmen. For all their vigilance, they do at least not seem restless.
"At the time and place of his own choosing, yes. Men...are fickle," Alimah says, not sparing Yussef from the sour expression that accompanies this. "But this is the message I was given to communicate. As for where he is...and where he is staying..." Alimah shrugs.
"Is there trouble, still?" she directs to Yussef, notcing the guard looking about. Her hand strays to the hilt of her own weapon.
[Eruphel(#20109)]
Eruphel's eyes narrow with doubt, regarding Alimah carefully. "Perhaps you may see him again soon." she says with an even voice. "And if fortune should smile so much that you do meet him in the near future, perhaps you could convey a message for me. Return to Umbar right away, or return to a very cold shoulder." She motions Yussef closer.
[<#19036>]
'Unhand your weapon, Alimah of Farside. There is no need.'
This the young lieutenant spoks calmly, with only a glance that passes her by swiftly. Yussef looks to Eruphel instead, moving within a pace from her and inclining his head, telling her quietly: "... ... the matter?"
[Mara(#22296)] Into this space near Seaward Tower walks the slight High Priestess of Nurn and Umbar escorted by a slim, nervous looking red-robed acolyte. There is a basket over the acolyte's arm.
"Let me ammend my statement," Alimah replies, brow arching first at Eruphel's reaction, and then at Yussef's command. "I do not know where he is at the moment. But I do have the means to reach him, yes. In fact, I have to deliver a message to the Priestess," she nods as the woman approaches. "And her reply, if she gives it, to him. So...I will tell him thus, Lady Eruphel, though I don't think he will appreciate it."
"Let me remind you, Yussef of Seaward," she continues in a low undertone, "we are on a public street and you have no right to order me to do anything. That said.." she moves her hand away from her weapon hilt. "I have no wish to make your guards any more nervous than they are. Have you commanded them long? They seem...jittery for the Lady's personal guards."
[Eruphel(#20109)]
Eruphel nods, and seems not at all surprised to hear Alimah's conjecture. "I would be surprised if he did." she responds, "And the Tower Lieutenant is looking out for me...more diligently than some others have in the recent past. I believe I promised you a florin..." She reaches into her sash to find a coin tucked away, and offers it to Yussef...more to allow Alimah to keep her distance from her jumpy men as anything. Now the Lady turns to note the imminent arrival of the High Priestess. "Your Emenence," she says, bowing her head respectfully.
[Mara(#22296)] The slight high priestess smiles at Eruphel and takes in the others for a moment. "Lady Eruphel. It is good to see you looking so well."
"There is no need," Alimah says, shaking her head at the offer of the gold florin. "I went in search of ...well, in the course of duty."
"Your Eminence," she also then greets the High Priestess. "I bring greetings and a message for you from the Black Paladin Jugartha."
[Yussef(#19036)]
Now, the youth's glance fixes again on Alimah, narrowed even as he heeds what Eruphel has for him, words and coin.
He nods, and his glance fleets for a moment to the High Priestess without greetings, 'ere it returns.
"Me and mine are no concern of yours, and you are none of ours," He tells the Farsider now, his tone measured. "See that it stays that way, eh?" And the coin? Yussef tosses it her way.
[Eruphel(#20109)]
"Thank you, Your Eminence, with the finest healer in Umbar, I dare not look anything less." she smiles at the slight woman, then turns to Alimah. "Regardless of why you did it, I promised you a florin for word of Jugartha, and I will not be made a liar...Yussef!" Eruphel says, almost scandalized by the youth's words. She takes a deep breath and exhales out her nose, looking at him.
[Mara(#22296)] "A message from Jugartha? That is glad tidings indeed," the slight woman says, a smile on her face. "Please tell me, what is it?" And the slight woman looks at Yussef for a moment.
"Well, Lady Eruphel, then I am glad to hear that your guards are more effective than they once were." Alimah catches the tossed coin with one hand and pockets it, giving Yussef another sour look. "Though perhaps the...Captain of your guard..." she nods toward Yussef, "and I should get to know each other better. Avoid misunderstandings, promote cooperation between the towers. Though he did serve in Farside, of course..but I was at sea." Yussef's scathing answer to her does not draw much of a reaction, though she does turn with interest at Eruphel's response to the youth.
"Yes, Your Eminence." This, of course, addressed to Mara. "He is well and wishes to speak to you at a time and place of his choice. I can carry your assent to him and bring back word of when and where he will meet you."
[Yussef(#19036)]
The youth does not flinch, but his glance snaps back to Eruphel. And Yussef meets her gaze for a heartbeat, ere his own is cast down and narrowed, and his waist is bent in a bow. And this posture he retains a while, saying nothing.
Alimah, and Mara alike, seem forgotten.
[Eruphel(#20109)]
Eruphel's mouth twitches slightly, the corners downturned and her lips thin and straight. "We perhaps should return to the tower." she half-instructs, half-announces, and turns to Alimah and Mara as they speak. "And I am sure you both prefer privacy. Let us go." And she bows once more to the priestess, then turns to leave.
[Yussef(#19036)]
"As you say, Lady."
This delivered on a humble note, even as Yussef stands erect. The gaze directed at Alimah in the moment it is said, however, is not. It is level. But nothing more. "High Priestess," He murmurs, neck bent, ere gesturing the handfull guardsmen to depart.
[Mara(#22296)] "A....time and place of his choice?" The slight high priestess's face seems to war with expressions for a few moments. "That's really what he said?"
The gaze that Alimah gives Yussef in return is equally steady, if blank in emotion. She holds that a moment before turning to Eruphel. "No need to leave if you wish, Lady. There is nothing private to be said."
"Only a time and place of his choice, yes ma'am," Alimah repeats. "I need your word of agreement on it and I will go deliver your reply to him. And...other messages."
[Mara(#22296)] The slight high priestess bites her lip for a moment. "Tell him..." There is a pause as the woman considers, thoughtfully. "That I will do as he asked, but I have two conditions of my own."
"Yes, Your Eminence," Alimah nods, watching the departure of the Seaward Lady and guards.
[Mara(#22296)] "First, that he will take up the command of the Black Paladins again. You should let him know that the Lokhikhor and Uzay have both died, if the news has not reached him already and..." the slight high priestess bites her lip again, as though trying to put the thought together.
"Command of the Black Paladins, and Lokhinor and Uzay are both dead," Alimah repeats, though her brow furrows slightly at the last. "And the second condition?"
[Mara(#22296)] Here the high priestess's voice seems almost quietly pleading rather than its usual commanding self. "That after he returns, he will visit me regularly. You see, Corsair, it was not just the citizens of Umbar and Nurn that the Lokhikhor terrorized and it is not just the Black Paladins who need his speedy return."
"Visit...you?" Alimah blinks at the High Priestess several times and frowns. Her eyes drop and she glances halfway toward the retreating form of the Seaward Lady and then back to the Priestess. "Yes. Of course. But if I may ask..how could Lokhinor terrorize you? Of all people?"
[Mara(#22296)] The slight woman draws herself up to her full height and regains her composure. "Yes. IF there are no large objections. I just wish to know more about the workings that he knows of. And well...the Lokhikhor knew things and he used them against me."
"Underlings are always like that, Your Eminence," Alimah answers, her eyes steady on the Priestess. "But loyal underlings teach you what they know and do not use it against you. Disloyal ones...well, they deserve to die."
She pauses and licks her lips. "Can you tell me...what was it that killed Lokhinor? Some say it was the Dark Lord himself...but Lady Azradi...she will not say, only shivers at the memory. And...she seems changed, too."
[Mara(#22296)] "I was not there, but I do not believe that it was the Dark Lord himself, may His name always be a blessing. Had it been, there would have been no survivors of the encounter. I saw what He did to Riavod," the slight woman says, and even she shivers slightly. "I suspect it ws one of the Eminent ones, the Dark Lord's Voices, His Messengers."
"His messengers?" Alimah repeats in some awe, then frowns. "What exactly did he do to Riavod? And why? Lokhinor warned...no, threatened me that if I did not give up the religion of my fathers, the same would happen here. But...I am sorry. I mean no disrespect to you or your god, but my family has always worshipped at the Shrine of Heroes. I could not give that up."
[Mara(#22296)] "Riavod was burnt, leveled, largely destroyed. Men, women, and children were slaughtered. The Dark Lord does not take kindly to non-believers, but it is your choice," the slight woman says softly. "The Eminent ones are messengers directly from the Dark Lord, conveyances of His Will."
"He did that," Alimah says, shivering suddenly, "And yet, he did not do that to us. In fact, his messengers destroyed his own Inquisitor? Why is this? We have many nonbelievers here, though different gods and religions exist here and are recognized, including the Eye. Why did he not destroy us as well? Why destroy his own Inquisitor?" the Corsair persists.
[Mara(#22296)] The slight woman spreads her hands for a moment. "The ways of the Dark Lord are mysterious, but I expect that He wished that we all know that He can take us at any time, no matter how loyal we are to Him."
"The gods are mysterious, Your Eminence," Alimah smiles, "and I do not attempt to understand them. As for me...I do not disbelieve in your god. He is real, clearly, and powerful. More powerful than the Heroes, it might seem. But nor do I wish to disrespect my own gods. I hope that is enough?"
[Mara(#22296)] "For the moment, as long as you answer His call to service when it comes," the slight woman says. "You will convey my message?"
"I will convey your message and have an answer for you as soon as I can," Alimah nods. "Good day, Your Eminence."
[Mara(#22296)] "Good day, Corsair," the slight woman says, gesturing the acolyte to follow her more closely.
Rath Sangahyando
The glistening black Rath Sangahyando cuts through the western edge of Umbar. A high wall of blueish stone lines the west side of the street. A tall tower rises behind the wall, amid a lush green garden. An ornate silver coloured gate punctuates the wall's midpoint. The gate is closed.
The sky is clear and the sunlight shines brightly. The early afternoon winter air is cool and dry around you. The moon is waxing crescent.
[+TIME] Middle-earth time is:
Early Afternoon on Trewsday, Day 17 of January.
Execute the +TIMEFRAME command for year information.
Real time is: 18:48:11 MDT on Thu May 28 2009.
[Eruphel(#20109)]
The streets of Umbar are washed in the warm light of the setting sun, which feels good against the skin in contrast to the nippy winter air, and brings warm thoughts to the mind, which only seems to emphasize the cold wind that blows over the rooftops. The day is at an end, but the Lady of Seaward is just going out, it would seem. The gates open and she steps out with a small guard for protection.
A black-haired woman, neither tall nor short, hurries down the street as the Seaward gates start to open. Garbed in a slightly heavier cotton tunic for the "winter," she is also armed with a scimitar, the scabbard of which is decorated with the raven of Farside.
"Lady Eruphel!" If her voice and garb do not mark her, certainly Alimah's nose does.
[Yussef(#19036)]
The seaward guard their Lady jealously, it would seem. Their vigil narrow glances dart to and fro, restlessly almost nervously for the very few moments 'ere entering the the Sangahyando. No greybeards are these, but seasoned warriors all the same men in their prime. Such soldiers are rare.
And rarer still, perhaps, is the one among them who bears the designs of rank, for he is young. Very young. He does not seem overtly watchful, but for his wide black eyes whose glance is still. Presently it narrows, fixed on this woman, Alimah, who approaches Eruphel.
"HALT!" He barks, the spear in his grasp set down upon the pavings with a loud crack of stone as to emphasize his command. "Come no further. Present yourself and purpose."
[Eruphel(#20109)]
"Hold..." Eruphel says soon enough, recognising the woman only after she gets fairly close. "Alimah? What is this?" she asks, noting her clothing with a somewhat trained eye as to its fashion and meaning, even into the subtleties.
Not one to challenge a group of guards, much less nervous guards and one commanded by a mere youngster, Alimah halts. "I believe you know me, sir," she says dryly to Yussef. "Alimah...of Farside. And.." her gaze and address goes now to Eruphel, "I bring a message to the Seaward Tower Lady, at the request of Captain Azradi."
"As for my garb," she says, noting that woman's careful consideration of it, "I was sparring this morning when the Captain assigned me this errand."
[Eruphel(#20109)]
"Ah...I see. Yussef?" Eruphel looks at the young man and half smiles, jerking her head to the side in some unspoken indication. "And what message do you bring, Alimah?" she asks, resting her hand lightly on her sword hilt, and pulling a cloak closer around her shoulders.
[Yussef(#19036)]
The the young Lieutenant eyes Alimah up and down once, 'ere he glances at his Tower Lady, and defers to her decision with a bow of his head. But then his gaze settles on the corsair's face once more, and remains there. "She is incorrect," Yussef says stiffly, and it would seem he addresses Eruphel, ableit quietly.
"I do not know this person, my lady."
"That the Black Paladin Jugartha is well, Lady," Alimah smiles. "Captain thought you might be worried about him. I am to say he will return to the city at the time and place of his own choosing."
"You do not?" Alimah tilts her head, studying the young man, then shaking her head slowly. "I was certain we had met, for I know your name--it's Yussef. Certainly I know your Tower Lord and she, me."
[Eruphel(#20109)]
"At the time and place of his own choosing?" Eruphel asks, both releived and dismayed. She sighs, and mutters under her breath, placing the heel of her hand to her forehead. She breathes in deeply and exhales sharply, then looks at Alimah. "Do you know where he is? Where he is staying?"
[Yussef(#19036)]
But he does not speak out of turn. The only answer Alimah recieves is a nod, and scarce that 'ere Yussef's glance turns elsewhere. It passes first the figure of Eruphel nearby, under a brow weighed and creased by concern. And it is then lost among the comings and goings on the street.
As is the glances of the other guardsmen. For all their vigilance, they do at least not seem restless.
"At the time and place of his own choosing, yes. Men...are fickle," Alimah says, not sparing Yussef from the sour expression that accompanies this. "But this is the message I was given to communicate. As for where he is...and where he is staying..." Alimah shrugs.
"Is there trouble, still?" she directs to Yussef, notcing the guard looking about. Her hand strays to the hilt of her own weapon.
[Eruphel(#20109)]
Eruphel's eyes narrow with doubt, regarding Alimah carefully. "Perhaps you may see him again soon." she says with an even voice. "And if fortune should smile so much that you do meet him in the near future, perhaps you could convey a message for me. Return to Umbar right away, or return to a very cold shoulder." She motions Yussef closer.
[<#19036>]
'Unhand your weapon, Alimah of Farside. There is no need.'
This the young lieutenant spoks calmly, with only a glance that passes her by swiftly. Yussef looks to Eruphel instead, moving within a pace from her and inclining his head, telling her quietly: "... ... the matter?"
[Mara(#22296)] Into this space near Seaward Tower walks the slight High Priestess of Nurn and Umbar escorted by a slim, nervous looking red-robed acolyte. There is a basket over the acolyte's arm.
"Let me ammend my statement," Alimah replies, brow arching first at Eruphel's reaction, and then at Yussef's command. "I do not know where he is at the moment. But I do have the means to reach him, yes. In fact, I have to deliver a message to the Priestess," she nods as the woman approaches. "And her reply, if she gives it, to him. So...I will tell him thus, Lady Eruphel, though I don't think he will appreciate it."
"Let me remind you, Yussef of Seaward," she continues in a low undertone, "we are on a public street and you have no right to order me to do anything. That said.." she moves her hand away from her weapon hilt. "I have no wish to make your guards any more nervous than they are. Have you commanded them long? They seem...jittery for the Lady's personal guards."
[Eruphel(#20109)]
Eruphel nods, and seems not at all surprised to hear Alimah's conjecture. "I would be surprised if he did." she responds, "And the Tower Lieutenant is looking out for me...more diligently than some others have in the recent past. I believe I promised you a florin..." She reaches into her sash to find a coin tucked away, and offers it to Yussef...more to allow Alimah to keep her distance from her jumpy men as anything. Now the Lady turns to note the imminent arrival of the High Priestess. "Your Emenence," she says, bowing her head respectfully.
[Mara(#22296)] The slight high priestess smiles at Eruphel and takes in the others for a moment. "Lady Eruphel. It is good to see you looking so well."
"There is no need," Alimah says, shaking her head at the offer of the gold florin. "I went in search of ...well, in the course of duty."
"Your Eminence," she also then greets the High Priestess. "I bring greetings and a message for you from the Black Paladin Jugartha."
[Yussef(#19036)]
Now, the youth's glance fixes again on Alimah, narrowed even as he heeds what Eruphel has for him, words and coin.
He nods, and his glance fleets for a moment to the High Priestess without greetings, 'ere it returns.
"Me and mine are no concern of yours, and you are none of ours," He tells the Farsider now, his tone measured. "See that it stays that way, eh?" And the coin? Yussef tosses it her way.
[Eruphel(#20109)]
"Thank you, Your Eminence, with the finest healer in Umbar, I dare not look anything less." she smiles at the slight woman, then turns to Alimah. "Regardless of why you did it, I promised you a florin for word of Jugartha, and I will not be made a liar...Yussef!" Eruphel says, almost scandalized by the youth's words. She takes a deep breath and exhales out her nose, looking at him.
[Mara(#22296)] "A message from Jugartha? That is glad tidings indeed," the slight woman says, a smile on her face. "Please tell me, what is it?" And the slight woman looks at Yussef for a moment.
"Well, Lady Eruphel, then I am glad to hear that your guards are more effective than they once were." Alimah catches the tossed coin with one hand and pockets it, giving Yussef another sour look. "Though perhaps the...Captain of your guard..." she nods toward Yussef, "and I should get to know each other better. Avoid misunderstandings, promote cooperation between the towers. Though he did serve in Farside, of course..but I was at sea." Yussef's scathing answer to her does not draw much of a reaction, though she does turn with interest at Eruphel's response to the youth.
"Yes, Your Eminence." This, of course, addressed to Mara. "He is well and wishes to speak to you at a time and place of his choice. I can carry your assent to him and bring back word of when and where he will meet you."
[Yussef(#19036)]
The youth does not flinch, but his glance snaps back to Eruphel. And Yussef meets her gaze for a heartbeat, ere his own is cast down and narrowed, and his waist is bent in a bow. And this posture he retains a while, saying nothing.
Alimah, and Mara alike, seem forgotten.
[Eruphel(#20109)]
Eruphel's mouth twitches slightly, the corners downturned and her lips thin and straight. "We perhaps should return to the tower." she half-instructs, half-announces, and turns to Alimah and Mara as they speak. "And I am sure you both prefer privacy. Let us go." And she bows once more to the priestess, then turns to leave.
[Yussef(#19036)]
"As you say, Lady."
This delivered on a humble note, even as Yussef stands erect. The gaze directed at Alimah in the moment it is said, however, is not. It is level. But nothing more. "High Priestess," He murmurs, neck bent, ere gesturing the handfull guardsmen to depart.
[Mara(#22296)] "A....time and place of his choice?" The slight high priestess's face seems to war with expressions for a few moments. "That's really what he said?"
The gaze that Alimah gives Yussef in return is equally steady, if blank in emotion. She holds that a moment before turning to Eruphel. "No need to leave if you wish, Lady. There is nothing private to be said."
"Only a time and place of his choice, yes ma'am," Alimah repeats. "I need your word of agreement on it and I will go deliver your reply to him. And...other messages."
[Mara(#22296)] The slight high priestess bites her lip for a moment. "Tell him..." There is a pause as the woman considers, thoughtfully. "That I will do as he asked, but I have two conditions of my own."
"Yes, Your Eminence," Alimah nods, watching the departure of the Seaward Lady and guards.
[Mara(#22296)] "First, that he will take up the command of the Black Paladins again. You should let him know that the Lokhikhor and Uzay have both died, if the news has not reached him already and..." the slight high priestess bites her lip again, as though trying to put the thought together.
"Command of the Black Paladins, and Lokhinor and Uzay are both dead," Alimah repeats, though her brow furrows slightly at the last. "And the second condition?"
[Mara(#22296)] Here the high priestess's voice seems almost quietly pleading rather than its usual commanding self. "That after he returns, he will visit me regularly. You see, Corsair, it was not just the citizens of Umbar and Nurn that the Lokhikhor terrorized and it is not just the Black Paladins who need his speedy return."
"Visit...you?" Alimah blinks at the High Priestess several times and frowns. Her eyes drop and she glances halfway toward the retreating form of the Seaward Lady and then back to the Priestess. "Yes. Of course. But if I may ask..how could Lokhinor terrorize you? Of all people?"
[Mara(#22296)] The slight woman draws herself up to her full height and regains her composure. "Yes. IF there are no large objections. I just wish to know more about the workings that he knows of. And well...the Lokhikhor knew things and he used them against me."
"Underlings are always like that, Your Eminence," Alimah answers, her eyes steady on the Priestess. "But loyal underlings teach you what they know and do not use it against you. Disloyal ones...well, they deserve to die."
She pauses and licks her lips. "Can you tell me...what was it that killed Lokhinor? Some say it was the Dark Lord himself...but Lady Azradi...she will not say, only shivers at the memory. And...she seems changed, too."
[Mara(#22296)] "I was not there, but I do not believe that it was the Dark Lord himself, may His name always be a blessing. Had it been, there would have been no survivors of the encounter. I saw what He did to Riavod," the slight woman says, and even she shivers slightly. "I suspect it ws one of the Eminent ones, the Dark Lord's Voices, His Messengers."
"His messengers?" Alimah repeats in some awe, then frowns. "What exactly did he do to Riavod? And why? Lokhinor warned...no, threatened me that if I did not give up the religion of my fathers, the same would happen here. But...I am sorry. I mean no disrespect to you or your god, but my family has always worshipped at the Shrine of Heroes. I could not give that up."
[Mara(#22296)] "Riavod was burnt, leveled, largely destroyed. Men, women, and children were slaughtered. The Dark Lord does not take kindly to non-believers, but it is your choice," the slight woman says softly. "The Eminent ones are messengers directly from the Dark Lord, conveyances of His Will."
"He did that," Alimah says, shivering suddenly, "And yet, he did not do that to us. In fact, his messengers destroyed his own Inquisitor? Why is this? We have many nonbelievers here, though different gods and religions exist here and are recognized, including the Eye. Why did he not destroy us as well? Why destroy his own Inquisitor?" the Corsair persists.
[Mara(#22296)] The slight woman spreads her hands for a moment. "The ways of the Dark Lord are mysterious, but I expect that He wished that we all know that He can take us at any time, no matter how loyal we are to Him."
"The gods are mysterious, Your Eminence," Alimah smiles, "and I do not attempt to understand them. As for me...I do not disbelieve in your god. He is real, clearly, and powerful. More powerful than the Heroes, it might seem. But nor do I wish to disrespect my own gods. I hope that is enough?"
[Mara(#22296)] "For the moment, as long as you answer His call to service when it comes," the slight woman says. "You will convey my message?"
"I will convey your message and have an answer for you as soon as I can," Alimah nods. "Good day, Your Eminence."
[Mara(#22296)] "Good day, Corsair," the slight woman says, gesturing the acolyte to follow her more closely.
Players: Eruphel,Yussef,Alimah,Mara
