Stepping through the doorway of the Shady Corner, the red-haired Ixifar pauses as twilight descends, glancing upwards toward the bright sky. White, puffy clouds hang above, bright and pure among the pink and purple streaked sky. She smiles, thinking of her all-too-brief acquaintanceship with Haven Melrose. Shaking her head, she corrects herself in a soft voice, “Avaren.”
Althena turns and walks into the shaded interior of the town’s tavern. Her clothing is disheveled and dirty, and she is sweaty and obviously tired. Smiling at those within, a peaceful serenity cloaking her, the Ixifar makes her way to the back table, pausing only briefly to request a pot of her favorite elven tea be brought to her table. As she nears the table, she carefully lays the nearly pristine pouch she has been carrying upon the surface, before she settles herself down into her seat, waiting patiently for the arrival of her tea.
The serenity that has cloaked the Ixifar does not leave her, even the face of her loved one's concern. "Hush yourself," she says in a voice that is not raised in volume and smiles as the serving maid brings her her pot of tea and favorite cup. "There is no need for concern," the smile remains as she pours her tea. "I was simply attending to a matter of faith."
Althena giggles - something she has not done since she was a young girl - as she pats the chair beside her, pushing the pot of tea toward Marloff. "I was simply offering devotions to my new mistress," she says between sips of her tea. She leans toward the tall empyrean, and it is obvious she is the happiest she has been in years. "I have found one who is worthy of serving, Marloff. And so, I have built a shrine to Avaren."
She settles back, wincing slightly, and you notice her hands are not only dirty, but bruised and bloody, her fingertips scraped raw, her fingernails broken and jagged.
The dark elf enters the tavern and immediately he recognizes the aroma of one of his favorite teas within the area, which brings a needed smile across his face. He pauses in place and then turns his attention toward his favorite ixifar/empyrean couple. He approaches slowly to assess the mood, but as the couple of events that have gone down, it is very clear what the mood is likely to be.
"Evenin'. Mournin'?"
Althena glances up at her elven friend, her smile still present and wide, even if her body radiates exhaustion. "Good evening to you, good Corellus." She sweeps out a hand to indicate the pot of tea she set in front of Marloff. "Care for some elven tea and a place to rest?"
The dark elf replies, "Now, jou know I cannot turn down an offer like dat." He asks the server for an empty mug and pours himself some of the tea as well. "Tis even bettah in da coldah times." As he sips his tea, he glances at her hands. "Jou 'ave been workin overtime I see."
Garen entered the tavern and hung his cape and fur matle on a hook by the fireplace. He noticed Corellus, Althena, and Marloff talking around the table. He also made note of the delicious smell of tea in the air. Garen had not interacted much with Corellus or Althena outside of the field of battle and he wished to know them better. As the duskling approached he greeted them with a slight inclination of his head. "Hello to you this fine evening. May I sit and drink with you?" He then turned to Marloff, "Any plans for more games in the upcoming mest my friend? I suppose you could say that I am feeling a bit lucky."
"Ah, yes." Marloff motions to the table and tea. "Please join us. As for upcoming games... Lets see, yes I am hoping to hold another trivia tournament. In such a case where that is not possible some other game will certainly be offered." A grin parts his mustache slightly. "I cannot foresee any time at all when I could not be persuaded to play a game of cards or dice. I always carry a bit of gold and a few trinkets to risk. So look me up whenever you and your luckiest friends want to play." Marloff is visibly delighted about the prospect.
Poppy almost as she was summonsed by the mention of games flutters into the tavern. "ooooo is there another game you playing marloff, is it dice, cards or something else." she said giggling clasping her hand together tightly. Notching Athena hands out of the corner of her eyes. "Are your hands fine, they seemed quiet damaged." She said curiously at the ixifar.
Althena has a smile for all who approach the table, motioning for both the duskling and fey to the seats that remain empty at her table. Turning to Corellus, she says, "We shall need another pot of tea I see," and then offers a smile as the duskling and Marloff interact before turning her attention to the fey. "I am well, my thanks. I have been working since dawn, building a new shrine to Avaren, and my hands have taken the brunt of the damage." She glances down at them before replying, "To heal them, after such a sacred duty, would seem selfish and petty. And thus, I shall allow them to heal naturally."
Having said this, and greeted her friends, the healer turns to to the server, who has just delivered Corellus' mug, and requests another pot of tea and several cups. "I hope you will stay and have some tea, and perhaps share in the good mood that fills my heart at this time."
Marloff, upon hearing that the tea had gone low, waves his hand slowly over the empty pot. "Bring forth water and warm my pot." The Empyrean pulls a small pouch from his robes and adds a large pinch of leaves to the hot water. With another flamboyant gesture, Marloff conjures up a bowl of hard boiled eggs. "In remembrance of Haven and in honor of Avaren, please share these eggs with Althena." A tear of joy stains his cheek as he admires the elation in the Ixifar's eyes.
Poppy paused for a moment confusion upon her face "Avaren? Is Haven back, dont tell me I missed her again." The fae said a bit of saddness in her voice. "Oh I just need a cup, I have my own liqiud to pour in it." she said nodding. "Too much normal things make me sick I am affraid." Turning back to Athena. "Ah I understand the thing we may do in the name of our immortals are not ones we want to quickly wash away" she said cheerfully.
Althena leans toward the empyrean. "And you can see why we never have starved during our time on the road," the look she gives Marloff is full of love. "Especially where I have a tendency to use up our resources." She reaches for an egg as she straightens, turning her attention once more to those who have gathered.
"Haven has ascended, Poppy," she responds to the fey's confusion, and nods at the fey's understanding. "And the Second Age of Ascension has begun. She is now Avaren, and it is to she that I now devote my skills as a healer." She sips her tea. "I have built a shrine to her along the western outer border of Jastrey."
Garen reached for an egg and raised it in a toast. "To Avaren, may she keep us free from sickness and never let an innocent person fall to the wicked. While Haven and I had vastly different methods of dealing with problems, I'm sure we could both could agree that the innocent could use protection in a world as unforgiving as Orn."
The dark elf seems to have spaced out a bit after moving aside to allow the duskling to sit with them. He has seen this onearound town, but knows not much of him so he sits in silence observing the conversation until his tea arrives.
The arrival of the vampire unseelie however sparks a quick micro-expression of disgust as he takes a spoon and starts to stir his cup of tea, enchanting the water slowly with a low emission of prime energy just in case. He turns his body to face everyone as if to rejoin the conversation, and responds to the duskling's words with reciprocation of the toast and a word, "Indeed."
Althena nods at Garen's words, shifting slightly as the serving girl deposits another pot of tea with several cups at their table, pulling her satchell closer, to settle it at her elbow as the girl manuevers the pot of tea. Althena indicates that more food should be brought over and then turns back to the duskling.
"I knew that there was a reason I liked you," she offers him a smile as she reaches over to pull the pot Marloff warmed closer, refilling her own cup. "While I, too, may disagree with certain methods, I have seen enough of the world to know that some only have strength of arms to deal with any injustice handed to them." She lifts her cup in a brief salute before sipping the steaming contents. "It is my hope, however, that more peaceful means can lead to further understandings and thus more peaceful co-existence amongst the diverse races that inhabit Orn and, indeed, Jastrey."
Garen nibbled on his egg to make sure that there was nothing off about it, out of force of habit rather than a distrust of Marloff. Seeing that it was normal he took a bite. "Strength of arms has a place in protection and defense I believe. While many will see my rage as a simple minded response I see it as passion for a goal. When my enemies seek to scare me into submission or retreat, my passion for survival wins me the day. When the strong subjugate the weak my rage will see me through to the end. Though I will admit that my anger has gotten the better of me more than once. That is why I have taken up the study of magic to balence out my internal struggle."
"Magic is a wonderful outlet for strengthening your mind. I think it shows a great deal of maturity and self-realization to know when you need assistance with controling your urges," Althena says in a soft voice. "However, sometimes it also takes strenghtening the spirit to help ease and control internal rages." She tilts her head slightly. "I am, by no means, asking for you to convert, Garen. So, have no fear that I plan to try and evangalize anyone. Faith is always a matter of personal experience and preference, never to be preached about or forced upon." She grins at that. "However, if you ever need a place for quiet meditation or prayer, or even a place for your studies, Avaren's shrine may be the perfect spot for you." She sips her tea. "If you ever wish it, I can show you where I have placed it."
Poppy had zoned out for a moment over haven becoming a immortal before snapping back to the conversation at hand when sensing prime magic. "Yes she was a really kind one I suppose" a bit of sadness can be heard in the fae voice. As she took one of the cups and filled it with blood from a pouch on her hip.Taking a sip from it she glances across at the paladin at the table her face read with the expression of 'is that really necessary?' before shaking her head. and turning towards Garen. "Yes rage can be powerful and dangerous. I didn't know you practiced magic, Garen"
"Yeah, things have been quiet the ruckus as of late" the fae said laughing softly. "I study a bit of magic as well, what is you intended field? curative magic? Elemental? illusionist? time and space? maybe dark magic?" the fae said excitement building in her voice as she went along.
"I am undecided at this point really. The clan Veniir where I am originally from was renowned for their dark magic users. Two of my brothers took that path and one of them is dead. I am hesitant to do the same. What is your area of magical expertise?", Garen said.
As darkness fully falls on Jastrey a medium hieght, black cloaked figure slinks into the Shady Corner, the doors never making a sound. The figure's dark hood is pulled low over its face conseling what is underneath. The hood turns its head to look at the table filled with strange critures and then makes its way to the furthermost cornor of the tavern and sits, its back to the wall. Glowing eyes peer from the shadows where it sits and watches.
A server walks hesitantly up to the figure and asks if it wants anything. "Your strongest drink mixed with chicken blood." is all the enshrouded figure says.
Althena looks over as a new figure enters the tavern and takes a corner table in the dark. A look of concern crosses her features as she rises without a word, pressing a hand against Marloff's shoulder as she steps around the table to walk toward the new figure. She takes in the glowing eyes and almost weary slouch of the newcomer.
Newcomers are not an unusual occurance in Jastrey. However, the very mannerisms of this one cause the Ixifar concern. Just as she begins to rethink her decision to approach this unknown, she clears her throat and speaks. "Welcome to Jastrey."
The robed figure watches as the male human-like figure settles down and apears to begin to sleep. It wonders if he has willingly entered into a trance or can really just fall asleep that easily. It thanks the server as she comes back with the new stranger's drink of alcohol and chicken blood. Taking a sip from the cup it says in surprise, "this blood is fresh! Much thanks."
Poppy nods listening to Garen. "That happens a lot to magic users not only, the dark users. Welllllll.... I have never seen it happen to a healer, but I have seen a many of mages get wrecked by there power. " The fae pause for a moment trying carefully to pick her words. "I also know uordeq traditionally are very rough on family members for what I have learned over the years." "Me? I practice sorcerer and curative magic." She chirped cheerfully.
The fae watches the figure make it way to the corner of the tavern her interested is peeked when she hears her ask for chicken blood, but waits to approach her. Make careful watch of athena as she makes her way over.
The robed figure watches as the firey red haired woman approches, noticing the feathers, a bird creature? The woman speaks a word of welcome. The cloaked figure smiles and says, "It is not often a strrangerrr is welcomed so warrmly to a new place." The voice is female, foreign, and tends to roll the Rs in words.
Garen nodded as the fae spoke of magic. Garen also made note of the newcomer to the tavern. As the shadows lengthened in the building his vision grew more keen. He joined in Althena's greeting of the newcomer with his usual inclination of the head, "Yes, welcome. May we offer you some company?"
The jittery feeling does not leave Althena, even as the newcomer speaks. She takes a deep breath and then speaks. "Well, this is Jastrey. All are welcome within it's borders." She smiles, extending a hand forward, the bruised palm flat and facing upwards. "My name is Althena Andropolis, devotee to Avaren."
"I see now that you know what I am you are in fear of me, red bird." Siska turns her lizard eyes on to Althena. "That is wise, however, it is not my intention to cause any kind of harm here." She waves her hand to the rest of the table. "Please, all sit and tell me about this place called Jastrey. You, red bird, have obviously seen someone like me before."
Garen subtley let his hand fall to his left side resting on the grip of his sword. He appreciated the polite welcome from the Siska but saw that Althena, an ally and friend who he trusted, back away. 'Keep it together Garen', he thought to himself as he removed his hand from his sword 'There is no need to resort to violence or hostility' Garen then looked at the Ixifar and asked, "Is everything alright Althena?"
Turning back toward the Shriss, the Ixifar pauses, gaining calm as she studies the young female before her. She takes a steadying breath, aware of Garen's sudden concern. "Pardon me, Siska," she responds in a polite voice that, thankfully, does not quiver. "I have, indeed, met others of your race. Although, they were not here, but from my own homeland. It is an instinctual fear that I had thought I no longer suffered from." She turns to smile at Garen before returning back to the Shriss. "You are welcome here, and we have food and drink, and other company, back at our table. And I do invite you to join us, and meet others from Jastrey." She smiles as Marloff's words reach her ears. "That is Marloff, the love of my life. Come, meet him and the others. You happen to arrive during a joyous event, and are most welcome."
With these words, Althena steps forward, and this time offers her hand directly to the Shriss.
Replacing his spectacles, Marloff waves to Siska. "Come and join our celebration. There is room at this table for all." He glances toward Althena. "Some will have more trouble being welcoming than others. New friends are preferred to new foes. Would you not agree?"
Garen exhales a sigh and turns back to Siska. "Have we meet before this night then Siska? You call me brother yet I have no recollection of seeing a shriss in town for several moons. By the way, my name is Garen Veniir, formerly of the clan Veniir and currenty the scribe of one of the barbarian tribes of Jastrey"
Poppy lets out a light sigh, sitting back down at the table. "Mhm? Shriss is what a man who looked similar to you that stayed in town for a while referred to his race as. I have not seen him is quiet some time" the fae said pausing. "So sorry if the term is not right for your people. I have not encountered many like you." Poppy said nodding. " I am Poppy vampiric unseelie of Mischief" She said smiling want to give a more formal intro like Garen
"No, we have neverrr met, Garrren, howeverrr... I am frrrom the deserrrrt underrrdwelling of Sind in Sirrrisun. I am surrrre you know that this city is an Ourrrrdeq city. I was found in the deep caves of Sind while still in the egg. I am grrateful forr the family of Ourrrdeq who did find me for they werre farr morre forrgiving of an enfant Shrriss than otherrs may have been. My adopted motherr was an assassin, strrongest and deadlest in ourr clan. She quickly saw in me trraites that arre rrreverred by the Ourrdeq people: inteligence, stealth, strrrength. She rrraised me as best she could with my Ourrrdeq brrotherrs and sisterrs. As I grrew olderr I began to ask questions and being the only shrriss Sind has ever made rrrecorrd of she could not answerr verry many of them. So I decided to leave and find my people." Siska placed a scalely hand on Garen's shoulder. "This is why I call you my brrrotherr."
As Althena settles herself in a seat between Corellus and Marloff, she looks up at Garen's words to Siska. "That is true, Garen, and an excellent suggestion," she turns to the Shriss. "We Docents have an extensive library within the tower. I am certain you would be welcome to do some research on your peoples. There will be other Docents who would be able to guide you through the vast knowledge gathered within the library." She offers a small, apologetic smile. "My own perception of your people may be colored by the...racial mistrust that exists between my race and the Shriss. Although, I would, at a later date, be more than willing to tell you of what I personally know of your people."
She picks up her tea cup, calmed further by the nearness of her friends and the knowledge of their concern for her initial reaction to the reptilian female. "You must excuse me, however. I have performed a spiritual task for the Immortal I revere, and seem to still be a little giddy from said task."
Althena looks over with concern to her human friend. "Kresh," she says, "Please, have a seat. We have tea and food, and you are more than welcome to join us," her concern seeps in her voice as her eyes go to his shoulder, a slight frown forming on her lips. "I see your shoulder has not yet healed properly. Have you been tending the bandage?"
A slight whistle grows from the distance gaining strength and tone. Before the doors to the tavern open yet again to reveal a dirty Faro'oq. He grins holding his sword and shield in a sling like postilion over his shoulders. "It seems I must have yet again missed something while training. His grin widens to see familiar faces. "How are you my friends have the suns been treating your spirit kind?"
He struts over to the table resting his gear in an empty corner before handing the server a pouch and some coin. Turn back he asks "What did I miss this time?"
Taking notice of her fellow Ixifar, Althena turns from Kresh to offer him a smile. "Something very glorious has occured, Faro'oq. Haven has ascended, and is now the immortal Avaren." Her smile widens. "Have a seat, share our space, tea and food and we can tell you what has happened."
Faro'oqs eyes grow large upon hearing the news. He ruffles in his feather out of excitement and confusion. He sits himself down at the table. "Ascended as to an immortal? Do explain I've only heard stories of accession as of those with the seven,but never thought it possible. Tell me of Aavren and Haven?"
At the tone of Kresh's voice, Althena turns fully to get a good, close look at her friend. Deciding he is still sore from his battle with the bear, she decides to let the shortness of his tone slip. "I have built in honor of Haven's ascension to Avaren a small shrine." She smiles serenely as she settles in her chair. "Shortly after she had ascended, I was wandering the borders of Jastrey. I found a pile of the purest white stone, settled in a small clearing on the western border. It is a spot that catches the first rays of the dawn's sun. I knew what I had to do. So, from dawn this day, until just twilight, I spent my day setting the stones, without mortar, to erect a small shrine, in her name." She shrugs slightly, glancing down at her still injured hands, which were currently clasped in her lap, and her voice lowers a bit as she resumes speaking. "It is a small thing, for I am not yet worthy of building a temple in her honor. But, someday, I hope to be able to do so."
Her smile brightens as she looks up. "All are welcome to visit the shrine. Many of you knew Haven, and I am certain that the mere peacefulness of the spot would inspire calm for all who visit."
Faro'oq smiles at Althena "May all Ixifar be worthy of her blessing for she was the best among us, and may all of Jastrey cry her name in remembrance. Althena tell me of Avaren? Do when know what message she brings?"
"I know at one point Haven was lost to us to a demon. I should remember I fought along side her beloved in hopes of giving him support."
"Blessings, Faro'oq. And may your words hold true." Althena smiles.
"'The fire of life is sacred," she begins, her eyes closing, as though speaking in rote words burned into her heart and mind. "Shelter the sick, the mad, the helpless and the poor. Show them warmth, that they may rise anew and pass that warmth unto others. Give generously to those in need, for there is no greater wealth than a charitable heart. Show no mercy to those who sicken the body with disease, or poison the soul with malice. Life your cleansing fire and purge the world of hatred and pain'." She opens her eyes. "I felt those very words as she ascended, and they are part of me now."
"As for how she ended up ascending, let us say that Drak's original plan, that of poisoning all with a terrible plague, hoping to capture and kill Haven, backfired on him greatly." She grins now. "He had plagued most of Jastrey with his evil, but had not counted upon the strength of will of Haven and her allies. We worked together, to create an antidote. The demon lord destroyed our efforts, dragging us into the very Pit itself. Yet, again, he underestimated Haven, and she vanquished him, with the power of Light. So great was her willingness to sacrifice herself to save, not only Jastrey but Valadraz, and perhaps many other cities and towns, that she was granted the ultimate reward." A flush crosses the Ixifar's face. "I, ah, am certain that my awe of the situation has colored my words, but..." She pauses, stumbling for further words. "...I have not the words to properly do the conflict and resolution justice."
With half of a smile of stupidity and half a face of wonder. It could be clearly understood what Faro'oq was joyfully rationalizing. An immortal of life with a vengeance towards fiends. "Spoken with the voice of Dinath Althena, and I do believe that I will find my way to her shrine in hopes of guidance." looking off towards the direction of the shrine. Not a moment could pass before a fire grew in his eyes. He turned back towards his kinsfolk with excitement. "I feel we could do a great deed today. This sun could dawn a new age. I have had this on my mind for some time but I feel now is a peak moment to bring it up. Have you heard of the order of the eternal flame?"
Siska listened silently to the conversation swirling around her. The ascension of an immortal? And a healer at that. However the news of the library had greatly interested the shriss, she wished to investigate more, and the number of folks around the table had grown uncomfortable for her. Standing up and removing herself from the table Siska said, "I congrrratulate you and yourrr newly ascended Avaren, howeverrr I must excuse myself. Goodnight to all and may the shadow hide your face." Siska nodded to each member of the table, raised her black hood back over her head, effectively hiding her race, and slinked noiselessly out of the Tavern.
She watches as the other Ixifar practically glows with excitement, and feels more than sees the Shriss rise. She looks over at the female and accepts her words with a nod and small smile, watching as she slips from the tavern.
Turning to Faro'oq, Althena gives a slight shrug. "I have heard the name of the Order," she responds, "however, I know nothing of it."
The talk of punishing those who had 'diseased' there body made Poppy uncomfortable to a point were the distress can clearly be seen upon her face. She begins to push herself from the table to make her leave but hears what Faro'oq has to say first. "He Is speaking of a paladin order. To be exact one of only ixifar paladins." she said her voice with a bit of flatness to it.
Faro'oq produces a black leather bound book from his sash and opens it to read. "Historyical the Order served to scour the desert of evil creatures and to travel out with the caravans to secure the routes and waypoints. The Order keeps chapter houses in several cities that served as hospitals and travellers aid societies. In addition to the primary Ixifar virtues, the Order also promotes equality and tolerance. They can be called upon as champions for any innocent being at the disgresion of the the Order." Faro'oq takes a moment to breathe before continuing. "The Order in the past has been an Ixifar only paladin order in light of current events a rekindling of the ideal the order proposes might be in order. Combating those against life as we healers only can."
Althena notices Poppy's distress, and reaches over to grasp the vampire fey's wrist in a gentle grasp. "Please remain, Poppy," the Ixifar says in a soft voice, looking directly at the fey. "Your company is welcome here."
She then turns to Faro'oq. "I take it you are a member of this Eternal Flame Order?"
"I am not, but I feel that there ideal of tolerance and equality in life is important. Cleansing plagues and healing those with a blight on their souls will fit well with that." He smiles "Basically what I'm trying to convey is the idea of a group of healers to protect and serve."
"I can certainly agree with that," Althena replies. "And it is my hope that all those who are in need of healing - whether from physical or spiritual ills, it does not matter - can find solace and healing." Her smile widens slightly as she tilts her head. "it was how my path led me to Jastrey in the first place. It is why I have built the shrine. It was - is - the great hope and desire of Haven Melrose, and now the very dictates of Avaren."
Poppy cups her hand over Athena before smiling softly at her notion still a bit of uneasiness being seen on her face. "Thank you, But I must be leaving any way. Matters I need to attend back home in the graveyard." She said bidding her goodbye to the rest of the table before making her way out of the tavern
Althena watches as the fey leaves, feeling as though she may have missed an opportunity. With a sigh, she turns back to those gathered about the table.
She looks at Kresh, who has been unusually silent during the exchange. "Kresh, I feel as though something other than your wounds trouble you. You know that should you've the need to talk, I have a pair of ears ready to listen." She then gestures to the tea. "Corellus, please enjoy the tea. We shall speak again soon, friend."
She then rises, smiling at Garen. "The shrine lies upon the western border," she says, "where first light touches. Should you need a guide, you know where to find me."
As she steps away from the table, she says to Faro'oq, "Your ideas intrugue me, good Faro'oq. Mayhaps we can speak of it at another time."
She offers a soft smile to the table. "I find myself weary from my exertions and shall retire. Good evening, all." and then turns and quietly leaves the tavern.
Marloff notices Althena come and settle at her table. A look of concern quickly covers his face. "Althena !" He bellows above the noise of crowded tavern. "I have been looking for you. Its not like you to leave for so long. Is everything alright with you?"