On the Nature of Daylight

[Taelian Edevane]

At the end of Lexavin's words, he and the stern man beside him, Herald Tilandrek, merely stared and observed the reactions of the people before them. Most of the attendants seemed more interested in each other than what they had to say, which caused Jaris to narrow his eyes and stare broodingly. Regardless, as Jared inquired on whether or not he could utilize the kitchens, the tall Hyr'norai man stepped forward and nodded. "You may," he responded. "You will be observed, though. This is a venture into the end of this current global order as we know it -- we will be cautious of the influence of those uninitiated into the Keepers of Light. A drop of poison, Daravain, and your head will be mounted on these walls for all to see."

Harsh, grating words, though in their time it was unsurprising, coming from a strict, almost Knight-like Order. The Keepers had survived the death of the Empyreans for a long time, in some form or another, and they did so by scrutiny. Jared had been warned, now, and that was sufficient for the moment. Lexavin did not add these words, but he appreciated his help . . . if it was help after all. Clearing his throat, he averted his gaze towards the Gnomish woman, resting on her for a moment as she seemed to search her mind for thoughts. Lexavin's gaze did linger, almost piercingly, but eventually it departed.

The man turned to Arkash.

"Nivenhain was named after the Great Light-Touched, Niven. In the Age of Elves, before Lorien was even a Kingdom but rather a crowded field of disparate city-states, Great Niven came to the realm's southern coast and blessed Prince Hainer of Gottia with might, understanding, and a retinue of Sentinels, the great warriors who swear their fealty to the Light-Touched alone. With Niven's aide, Hainer unified the southern province now known as Nivenhain, and so it was named after the two of them, and their collaboration." He nodded.

Jaris placed a hand on Lexavin's shoulder, and let out a rattling sigh. "We will return to the Priory, now, all of us. Look beyond our gate and admire what time and faith has forged. This place will become a home to you -- any of you -- if you so desire it. Let us go, and see."

Jaris slowly turned, and Lexavin with him. The two men walked side-by-side, allowing the group to follow after them. Eyeing his husband, Taelian slid his arm underneath the other's, locking arms and biceps with him and slowly stepping forward, following after Jaris and his Ordinant. When they and the rest of the group arrived at the great iron gate, they would be met with the sight of the Eternity Priory: it was beautiful, with cobbled brick-like floors, an obelisk of ivory with a golden, torch-lit peak, plentiful benches and seating areas wrapped around the circular promenade around the obelisk. The open, rectangular entry-way was covered on all sides by barracks, shops and walls, with one large circular building serving as the Chapel of the Light-Touched, while another acted as the Priory-Main, a home for the Keepers and their affairs. Across from the Priory-Main was a bridge that led out to a separate wing of the Priory, overseen by a tall guard-tower and an amalgamation of what looked like shops and homes. The entire plaza was warm, vibrant and filled with Keepers, who spoke, prayed and trained in alcoves separated from the main area.

It was not just a military order, but a place of worship, of commerce and everyday life. And as they drew nearer to the obelisk at its core, the weather grew... even fairer. What was perhaps twelve centigrade outside became something closer to seventeen inside of the Priory. The obelisk seemed to radiate warmth even against the chilling mountain frost, coating the height of Vardrek in an eternal, early summer.

Led to the obelisk by Jaris and Lexavin, the group would be met with a bow from every Keeper they passed, and as that towering beacon of light loomed before them, flanked by statue-fountains of Trissea and Redel, the two leaders of the Order would bow and take their leave. "Be welcome," Jaris said. "Remember: in two days, we will go to Bel. All of you must be ready for this -- you will never have another experience like it, and it will test your faith... whether in the Gods, the Light-Touched, or yourselves." And then, they departed.

Taelian breathed in sharply, curling the corner of his lips. "Madness," he replied. "Everything about this place. They've built and maintained something so... majestic, and pristine, for so long... held up by a faith that should have long since expired. I hope Niven is nearly so wondrous as they believe."

[Gloomcrest]

47th of Frost, 4623

Listening closely to Lexavin's words, it didn’t help that his stern posture towards the group along with Herald Tilandrek, watching with his hawk-like gaze made it fairly uneasy for the thief. The fact that Jaris was narrowing his vision as everyone else was merely tending to their own affairs does a bring a bit of concern to the thief, but in his own thoughts, he was already in a disadvantaged state as he did not know his surroundings compared back home in the Northern Marches of Daravin.

A few questions did pose inside of the thief’s overworked mind:

• How much background research did the Keepers of Light do for each member that was selected?;
• Were they gathering every particular aspect they could to understand everyone’s motives, and how so?;
• How long was this selection process?
• Why did fate decided to choose all of them for the trip into Bel?

The thief’s thoughts would be cut short as his keen sense of hearing noted that the tall Hyr’norai who stands much taller than the street rat himself mentioned that he could use the kitchen, but being observed due to precautionary measures which was a valid reason for that.

“Of curse sir; ai undairstand le reason to tak such precaushe-onary méasurés… Besides, ai would vairy much lik to 'ave mon 'ead stai attached...”
(“Of course sir; I understand the reason to take such precautionary measures. Besides, I would very much like to have my head stay attached...”)

The thief couldn’t help but chuckle nervously as he reaches out for his face cloth only to realize that the tattered black cloth that he would usually have on all times across the lower half of his face was nestled around his neck. An obvious tic or habit that was developed from many years ago due having some disfigurement on his face that was repaired only recently.

The thief took a quick note of the Gnome being surprised by Taelian, and Ford’s size which Jared still couldn’t comprehend how these two managed to reach such heights, but that is possibly because his lack self-esteem when it came to his own height, which the thief was a little bit sensitive to since he was shorter than the average male by Daravinic standards, but realizing that the little lady was making plans of her by merely exploring the sacred site on her own.

“When ai 'ave la chancé, would lik to know abut zis Gnom…”
(“When I have the chance, would like to know about this gnome”)

The amber-eyed thief thought to himself for a moment despite being weary about his current predicament, it would come as a surprise to the Alistian thief who felt a bit of weight wrapped around his shoulder & neck as his citrine-eyed gaze nervously turns over to the similarly sized darkened skin figure who he could assume was Arkash; who was quick to invade his personal space as the thief mentioned about cooking with a wolfish grin resting on his face.

“Ummmm... Oui... Ai guez could be considaired a chéf, and bakair... Ai 'ave made a fu méahls fair meestair taelian a while ago, main-lee een soiyairees. Ai would sai zat mon skeehls as small compaiaiyaired to most, but many beg to diffair…”
(“Ummmm... Yes... I guess I could be considered a chef, and baker... I have made a few meals for mister Taelian a while ago, mainly in soirees. I would say that my skills are small compared to most, but many beg to differ…”)

The master-skilled chef personally didn’t believe that his skills despite all he achieved in his many weeks, months, and even years of practice dedicated to his craft. From learning how to butcher common animals, to preparing pleasing rations to stave off boredom over, and preventing morale from dropping from food. Food & beverages was a communication style that Jared spoke more than words alone; his main method of talking, interacting with people, and more so to speak, especially being as awkward as he usually is.

Something that would be noted by being close contact to the thief’s body, was that despite the small frame; there was a notable amount of muscle hiding underneath his clothing. Rather lean in nature, but having some substance behind it as if the person in question was practicing more than just cooking from the looks of things.

Nevertheless, the thief was trembling as the skin around his back of his neck, and ears being to fluster to a light dusting of peachy red as the thief was trying his best how to handle social interactions in general; perhaps a sign for those who practice social interactions often that the thief was poorly equipped to handle such matters in a larger group setting.

“"Ahhhh... How zo??? Eez zeré zumtheng you went me to make??? Ummmm... Ai do cook wiv meat, eez zére zumtheng een particulair you aré lookéng fair??? Ummm... Ahhh... Ai guez ai can do zum explaireng???”
(“"Ahhhh... How so??? Is there something you want me to make??? Ummmm... I do cook with meat, is there something in particular you are looking for??? Ummm... Ahhh... I guess I can do some exploring???")

Jared was completely flustered at this point, as the slightly taller Lorien man simply took over the conversation in his opinion with very little choice in the matter; despite wanting to clear his head with cooking as it was a comfort habit that the thief usually went to when he needed to decompress from a stressful situation.

Quickly taking out a cloth-bound wedge of Torta Rustica from a wooden container that has kept in the inner pocket of his furred cloak. It would be easy enough to assume that the thief made in the early morning before his arrival to Eternity Priory; The scent was obvious with a lingering a cooked dairy & baked odor that would come off of the baked item.

Visually, the Torta was stuffed with bits of salami, potato cubes & slightly thickened gooey cheese, with a light beige lattice top that smelt of cooked butter; and the fact that it was still warm suggested that the cook had made it only recently, and based on the piece being offered along, there was more stashed away within the thief’s personal belongings.

Besides, providing a friendly peace-offering to Arkash who he assumed was hungry based on their brief interaction. The thief would try to lead his new friend along as Jared was following Jaris, and Lexavin closer towards the Eternity Priory.

The thief’s eyes seem to soften at the spot as his gaze laid upon beautiful pieces of architecture; The floors were laced with cobbled brick floors, an obelisk of alabaster ivory standing tall & mighty in its wake which was surrounded with a golden peak of torchlight which bathed the many benches, and sitting areas which was wrapped around by a circular promenade that surrounds the obelisk itself.

Just the obelisk alone was stunning to the thief as living in poverty for the majority of life, a forlorn feeling settles itself into his stomach which could be seen by how his glimmering amber eyes begin to fade, and dull despite trying to keep his excited/nervous outward appearance would be.

Despite all of its glamorous appearance; a sense of normality was present but that was simply an observation the thief made from a person peering through the looking glass of this city. A mere foreigner at that was now left to his own devices as the representatives of the Keepers of Light take their leave, and as much as the thief wanted to head to the kitchens to mere start his work; strong-grip around his shoulders, and neck suggest otherwise for now.

[Ford Edevane]

Unfortunately, or fortunately, for Lexavin and Tilandrek, Ford had been listening quite closely. Perhaps it was a bit too closely at the words they had offered, but regardless, his gaze lifted to take in the ones that were talking of cooking and adventure. Something felt off about the situation, and Ford could not quite put his finger on it. He had questions of his own. Questions he could not ask, or perhaps would not, mostly because Ford had felt something as a particular piece of information had been unveiled before them to inform them more closely of what was occurring.

As he listened to the other’s speech, Ford’s eyes were drawn to the pair that had been speaking with them. Something seemed… Missing, and Ford could not put his finger on what exactly had been left out. The talk of food was actually rather heartwarming to hear, though he still had not looked in their direction. It was an unearthly pull he had felt towards the pair, a feeling he had not felt in a long time. Something that he was beginning to think twice about.

The arm sliding under his arm, their arms and biceps locked together, pulled Ford from his thoughts, but not enough to particularly regard anyone, even his husband. Walking with him, his blue-eyed gaze lifted from looking to the back of the pair’s heads as they followed them to lift his gaze to the beauty of the Eternity Priory.

His gaze took in the sights that they were immersed in. The entryway was flanked by shops, walls, and the barracks, something which he had taken a moment to appreciate, but two other things had grabbed his attention. First was the Chapel of the Light-Touched, which had actually broken the stoic features as even Ford could not deny the beauty of the architecture, but only that, the idea of just how old the structures were and how well of care everything had been kept up with.

Eventually, they were brought to the obelisk, and the closer Ford got, the more uncomfortable he felt. It was beautiful, perfect even. Something he would have never thought to have seen. The warmth from it felt… Unique. Tilting his head in one direction, he scanned what he could of the others that lived there, coincidentally scanning across Taelian’s face, and then a tilt of his head in the other direction and over his shoulder to look at the others. Almost too quickly, his gaze snapped back to Jaris and Lexavin, who reminded them of their duties to the cause and welcomed them.

When they were bid welcome, Ford’s head did dip with a respectful bow, but he did not bother to hold it for very long. Instead, his gaze returned to the obelisk as his husband spoke of the same aspects of the location Ford had been thinking of, but he also added something to it, which had Ford’s gaze narrowing on the obelisk. Taking in a deep breath, Ford’s chest expanded, and his tongue slid between both of his lips to allow a sample of moisture to each of them as he allowed his breath to be exhaled from between them.

“I hope what we are embarking to find is what we are meant to find.”

The Griscian’s accent hung heavily on the latter half of his words, but he could not explain what he had meant. There was a gut feeling he was having trouble piecing things together. Regardless of the reason he had been summoned, he also had a separate motive for being there in the present company.

[Arkash]

Flat, unsuspecting human teeth bared in the grin he offered the shorter man. Pleasant as it might have been, there was no doubt something tucked away within the confines of his eyes and lips themselves, something all too aware, cunning, alert. It was as though the young human was poised to strike, like a big cat setting its sights on its prey through the tall grass, unnoticed.

"Soirees? You've served at multiple Soirees?" He spoke, tone rich with enthusiasm; he was impressed. "You've gotta be some kinda mage 'en, right? I'm onto 'ew propa', Jared!"

Despite the unsuspecting weight of his hold on the shorter man, Arkash's eye turned stern when the men Jaris and Lexavin turned their backs. The true predatory nature of his glare bared itself full throttle in the shine of his eyes while he watched them walk.

Arkash was a name that dripped with blood through all of Lorien. A fugitive in most parts of Daravin. Where they'd learned his name he was unsure, but it was safe to assume they knew of the atrocities he'd committed. But if that were so, they had to carry some immense degree of strength of their own; most people would think to at least carry some sort of weapon before a monster, but not them. Did they know the damnation that name carried? The thousands of souls that had last beheld him before they were rent from Atharen?

They couldn't, it seemed they were unaware

"I knew I recognazzed th' name," Arkash returned at the explanation; his home city was named after the man they apparently sought. Though most of the relayed history fell on deaf ears, the just of the story was easy to remember. Niven and Hainer had united southern Lorien's provinces and thus the largest city in the world was named after them. He furrowed his brow, questions withheld.

His eyes had stayed forward while he clutched the smaller, apparently muscular man in their journey through the priory, his nose caught the scent of dried meat, his eyes lidded, and he breathed deeply through his nose to identify the source, and found it to rest directly beside him. His eyes were storming with bad hunger when they next opened and set upon the human a brief second before they darted lower, to where he presented the offering. Needless to say, Arkash did follow along, and his arm slipped free of the thief's shoulder.

For everything the Rath had seen, from the Ulendreist temples to the architecture of Nivenhain's own cathedrals, he'd not seen something even near the sort as the priory. The obelisk, magical in nature, stood out to him the most. The warmth that radiated from the thing was enough to warm the priory in its totality. Was it an Arcanacrag? Some sort of spell?

His eyes began to dart then, and they flit all about the shops, the people that inhabited the priory, and their crafts. He breathed deep through his nose and began to sort through all the smells of the new place in his own time.

"Kinda suspect," Arkash commented on Taelian's observation, then stepped toward one of the benches that circled the obelisk and took his seat. His eyes fell in the direction that Jaris and Lexavin had departed to before he brought his ankle to rest on his knee, his arms crossed as he looked about the place with keen eyes. "There's somethin' they's not tellin' us," Arkash surmised. "Dunno if this Niven guy's th' real deal but 'e must be somefin' else if 'e's survived all 'ese years in Bel."

He hung his head back over the bench and cast his gaze skyward. "Imagine sinkin' that much time to maintainin' some shit like th' priory," he thought aloud. "Th' waste a' life."

Image source.

[Moop]

¤

Coming towards the Obelisk Moop did in fact notice the change in temperature. No stranger to giant, elegant rooms she felt somewhat at home in the Priory. The bowing was weird enough and she bowed in return to them once or twice, a sign of respect and in her mind a mimic of whatever culture they were taught to do. While she couldn't read the other's minds her own thoughts reflected theirs, something was left unsaid here and she couldn't place her finger on what. The mystery was great and concerning on some level yet the Seeker in her couldn't dismiss the call to adventure. How could a place like this exist? It was clearly old, the moss and stone reflecting that point, and she wondered at exactly "how" old it could be.

Bathing brought to her a sense of intense relief. Being prim and adverse to dirt she felt a large weight lifted off her shoulders. With refreshed vigor she started walking the halls but was too new to the area to comfortably open doors and would only inspect rooms which had their doors already open. There was little of note, unfortunately, and eventually through her travels she found her way back to the square and decided to perhaps just ask one of the Keepers for a book themselves. It was likely going to be religious, she already knew this, perhaps they kept bibles of their Word. Instead of going up to someone though she felt decidedly shy and sat on a bench by herself simply watching everyone go about their business quietly, mimicking the bow from before to any Keepers who did pass. She wondered what everyone else was up to but stayed seated where she was despite the curiosity. The time would come for pleasantries eventually and then she could decide the make of these stranger's character.

[Taelian Edevane]

Taelian, Arkash, Moop, Ford, Jared

Lores
10 Generic Lores for all -- these may not be applied to Raw Magic.

Loot: +1 Stone of Vardrek -- anyone who needed help in getting to Vardrek was sent this, a Shard Resonator encompassed by a magical, golden ornate outer layer that was/is specifically aligned with Vardrek's celestial coordinates. Upon using it once, the stone dissipated. If you did not need to use this stone, you will still have one for future purposes.
Injuries: N/A

Points: 10 XP for all. No magic XP.

Comments: Thank you all for replying so promptly! I hope this was a good introduction, and I'll be starting the next thread shortly.