Beyond the Sky - Session 29

-12th of Autumn's Third-
Dawn breaks on the Port City of Kyaro, and the party members prepare to get out, and down to the gathering hall. Adrian is out collecting information, and Mikolotov gathers the party to a table in the corner to talk about the things he discovered yesterday.
Arkune: "So what did you find, Mikolotov?"
Mikolotov shuffles papers around, putting on a pair of reading glasses.
Mikolotov: "Well, I thought as we'll likely be heading to the isle, we may as well use this time productively. So I've found out some things that could be of interest."
Arkune: "Maybe we could try to disrupt some of the criminal operations there? O-once... once we've dealt with the trouble surrounding me."
Mikolotov: "Actually, I've found out quite a few things that might be to our benefit."
Valaire: "Somebody please tell me why, again, we are going to this island? Don't we have business in Kyaro, with, you know, the war?"
Mikolotov: "If Orth really is the dangerous scoundrel you make him out to be, then surely finding and arresting the true culprit will aid us greatly in negotiations towards allying with them too, no? Well, it turns out they have quite a few specialisations we could be interested in."
Kylisae: "I don't see what's wrong with it. Getting out and about sounds fun!"
Night Eyes: "There is some merit to gaining aid from the Lunar Isle, yes."
Mikolotov: "I imagine Lord Adrian would be quite keen on using this as a chance to forge a good relationship with the best planar and magical researchers on Esbern."
Arkune: "Also... the Hunter will probably force me to go if we stay here too long. No?"
Mikolotov: "I don't know. What I do know is that we fought a daemon, and there has been the Eldritch beasts menace for ages. Apparently the mages there have been at work studying the phenomenon. I'm sure they'll have something beneficial for us?"
Valaire: "Perhaps we should put the trip off until we actually divert war? And maybe do something about these pillagers pretending to be Zeltrians?"
Arkune: "How many bands of them do you think there are?"
Night Eyes: "We will absolutely need to wait for the verdict here first, yes."
Mikolotov: "Well, I figure if we are going there, we may as well find out what we can do. Not only that, but Gnomes and Dwarves are actually incredibly inventive."
"It seems, from what I could get hold of in books, they have quite a few machines of war, as well as progression in the fields of advanced defensive measures."
Kylisae: "Are they all gonna be like that one Adrian terrorized?"
Mikolotov: "If we do need to prepare for war with Eribe, I imagine those could sway the tide of battle."
Kylisae: "Is he gonna make an entire civilization of gnomes wet themselves?"
Mikolotov: "...I think Gnomes are of all different personalities. Not all excitable and pants wetting."
Arkune: "Some can be terrifying."
Valaire: "This is sounding more and more dubious a reason to go to the island. We have business, and the only reason we actually seem to be caring about this worthless island at all is because one of Lord Adrian's retainers is a fugitive."
"Or... you're not even a retainer, are you, little mouse?"
Arkune: "I am! I just... I won't stand a chance alone!"
Night Eyes: "Valaire."
Mikolotov sighs.
Mikolotov: "I'm trying to get you to be less grumpy about the whole affair, with all the things we could accomplish."
Kylisae: "Hey, if she doesn't want to come, can I still go?"
Night Eyes: "There are two threats here, and currently, I would wager the planar instability is the more immediate one."
Valaire: "Oh, sure. Let's just go support a known criminal and enemy of the Zeltrian crown, because 'it'll be exciting!'."
Arkune: "It... sounded like the archmage might know something? Maybe if we get on her good side she'll help us..."
Mikolotov: "Valaire, what is up with all this hostility?"
Arkune: "Enemy of the Zeltrian crown?"
Valaire: "(Are you SURE Lord Adrian isn't just secretly favoring her?)"
Kylisae: "...isn't she always like this?"
Mikolotov: "Not always."
Night Eyes: "I'm not sure where this is coming from, though."
Valaire: "Do not think your mocking insults against Prince Kallian have gone unnoticed, mouse. Especially not if you utter them in a *diplomatic council*."
Mikolotov: "...mocking insults?"
Arkune: "When have I insulted Prince Kallian?"
Valaire: "In the meeting with the minister. You claimed the Prince was wanting hostilities with Ashdale!"
"Are you so unsavvy that you do not realize how badly this hurts our cause?"
Arkune: "But... he was at first, no? He had been tricked into wanting them by Goring."
Night Eyes: "Ah, I see the concern here."
Valaire: "Those are not and were not his opinions. I have made sure of this."
Night Eyes: "Technically, yes, he had been hoodwinked, but there is a difference between saying that he had wanted war, and that he was coerced. I would not call you a traitor for the error, admittedly."
Valaire: "He was being forced to voice others' opinions. No more than one might say you murdered this Vitus."
Arkune: "I am sorry if I misinformed anyone."
"I meant no ill intent."
Mikolotov: "Arkune isn't the best at speaking, cut her some slack."
Valaire: "Arkune Mulvery. Answer me this, completely honestly. Is the murder of this Council Member Vitus the only reason you are being hunted to be brought to justice? Have you commited absolutely no crimes at all within the Lunar Isle?"
Arkune: "W-well..." murmurs Arkune, nervously.
"You... did Mikolotov tell you?"
Valaire narrows her eyes, not appreciating the hesitation.
Mikolotov: "I haven't said anything."
Night Eyes: "There has been some indication of such in our past conversation, but I paid it no mind because it was not relevant before. It might be, this time."
"It would be helpful to figure out what can be done about those."
Arkune: "Well... I was involved with Orth for... quite a while."
"So I... guess I am technically guilty of... certain other things."
Valaire: "So, what you are implying is that, even if we prove you innocent for the murder of Vitus, your other crimes may still warrant you being put to the sword."
Arkune: "I never directly killed anyone though!"
"I-I regret my actions deeply..."
Night Eyes: "That is good to hear. In that case if we prove useful enough you can probably be pardoned."
Valaire: "Or at least shackled away and therefore ceasing to be capable of contributing to Lord Adrian's cause."
Arkune: "I-it was due to Orth! It... seemed so easy at the time..."
Night Eyes: "It's okay, Arkune. I know how you feel."
Mikolotov: "I know Arkune has personally been trying to redeem her actions ever since she left the isle."
Arkune: "Thank you..."
Night Eyes: "The reality is, nobility won't care about your past if they find you aren't likely to repeat them or act against them."
Arkune: "I really don't want to do bad from now on... I want to be a hero..."
Valaire sighs, rubbing her forehead.
Valaire: "You say that as if penance is so easy."
Arkune: "I have been trying though, haven't I?"
Night Eyes: "Yes. So long as you continue to evaluate how you are doing I think you can achieve your goals."
"Of course, if heroism is what you seek, figuring out what those daemons are doing is one path to it."
Valaire: "Being a hero is not as simple as 'I did the wrong thing, oops, oh well'. There are those you hurt, and those close to those you hurt."
Mikolotov: "I think she knows this, Valaire. Haven't you seen how hard she's been trying to fix all her mistakes?"
Arkune: "I want to fix my mistakes, to somehow make up for hurting so many people..."
Night Eyes: "If you have doubts, you have us to raise them against."
"Mikolotov has a good head for morality, Adrian a good mind for ethics, and all of us one for pragmatism."
Kylisae: "Well, maybe not all of us."
"Pragmatism seems kinda weird to me, to be honest."
Valaire: "Perhaps that's because you're just a fey with no idea how the world actually works, hm?"
Kylisae: "Hey! I saw lots of stuff!"
Night Eyes: "Ah, forgive me for not considering you, Kylisae."
Kylisae: "It's fine. I'm used to being overlooked."
Valaire: "(A common plight of the useless, indeed.)"
Kylisae: "HEY! I heard that! Don't think I didn't hear that!"
Mikolotov: "What did she say?"
Kylisae: "Skye! Valaire is being mean to me!"
Valaire: "...You do realize you are a familiar, right? This is your lot in life. Deal with it."
"Grow up. If fae can."
Night Eyes: "Co-operation and mutual respect can lead to better synergy and teamwork."
Mikolotov raises his eyebrow.
Mikolotov: "Valaire, you two are meant to be working together, aren't you? I don't see what being mean to her helps with."
Kylisae: "Listen to Skye! She has a good idea about this all!"
Mikolotov: "...he."
"I'm quite clearly a boy!"
Kylisae: "I don't knoooow, when you live with elves you kinda can't tell genders just by looking!"
Mikolotov: "Okay, but I am definitely a boy. And Arkune, Night Eyes, and Valaire are definitely girls."
Kylisae: "You know I'm just messing with you, right? Don't get so defensive!"
Valaire: "(I'm pretty sure anybody would with a statement like that...)"
Mikolotov: "Okay, okay. It's hard to tell."
Adrian steps inside, setting aside his cloak and glancing at the others.
Adrian: "Nothing good learned from that. What of you?"
Valaire: "Lord Adrian, welcome back. Evidently the crimes the mouse committed may warrant her detainment even IF she disproves the matter of the murder."
Arkune: "I-I've changed now though!"
Adrian: "I see. Arkune, this is something you'll want to explain."
Arkune: "I... I know I did bad things... do I really deserve to be imprisoned?"
Valaire: "Oh? And what of Lord Goring? If he turned over a new leaf suddenly in his time in prison, and felt like he was a good person now, would you let him go? Would you forgive him?"
Arkune: "I want to improve, I have improved. Have I seemed like a bad person during my time with you?"
Valaire: "You really don't want my opinion on that."
Adrian: "Whether you deserve it is immaterial. People are rarely exempt from the law on the basis of what they deserve."
Night Eyes: "This is correct."
"Granted, what people deserve is purely speculation and opinion in any rate."
Valaire: "In any event, you need to prove you've changed to the people you have wronged in the first place."
"Every peasant you stole from. Every person you smacked over the head to perpetrate any of these crimes you committed while under this man's employ."
Adrian: "Were it up to me, you would go free. But if you expect to be forgiven on a statement of good intentions, you had best be prepared to accept true criminals being pardoned the same way."
Arkune: "Maybe... I could try to help give information on those who used me?"
Valaire: "That is certainly a start."
Arkune: "I don't know all of their names, but I might be able to help track down a few kidnappers, smugglers and such..."
Valaire: "The point is, if your dream is to be a 'hero', you first need to be known as something other than a criminal."
Adrian: "It is a start. And it may be enough. But that you didn't explain more about the situation... I can't say I approve."
Valaire: "Being known as a hero within Zeltria isn't going to do you any good when the Lunar Isles only know of 'Arkune Mulvery, the wanted criminal'."
Arkune: "I was worried you would react badly, Adrian..."
"When we first met, would you have trusted me, knowing these things?"
Valaire: "Penance is not enough, little mouse. You must direct at least some of it to the person you hurt most."
Mikolotov: "She's been doing all she can without being hunted down and unjustly tried."
Adrian: "So you decided to wait for me to find out during your trial? I'd have trusted you more, I suspect. Everyone has their secret wrongdoings; yours are nothing special save for being an inconvenience."
Night Eyes watches and listens.
Arkune: "And it's not like I wouldn't have tried to do good had I been able to remain on the Isle."
"I just... I had to flee."
Valaire: "Well, it is time to face the music, as they say."
Arkune: "I didn't have time to try to root out wrongdoers."
Adrian: "That is not the question at hand. What crimes are you guilty of, and how many of them will have come to light?"
Arkune: "Well... is aiding a criminal a crime?"
Mikolotov: "In most senses, yes, if it is knowingly."
Adrian: "A nuanced enough answer to that would take a long time."
Arkune: "Then I suppose I am guilty of... a lot of that."
Valaire: "It really does depend on how much you aid them and how knowingly."
Night Eyes: "And how much of it was sanctioned by authorities."
Arkune: "Back then, I was all wrapped up in the faiths of Garadin and Zemoregal."
"I had been tricked into believing they really would help me if I acted in their name. And Orth just kept nursing that belief."
Valaire: "But now you understand the gravity of what you have done. And you understand the truth that you were blind to before."
Arkune: "I do."
Valaire: "But what of the people you robbed? The families of the people you helped Orth murder?"
Arkune: "Or... worse."
Valaire: "They are not getting justice now, are they?"
Arkune: "I think he sometimes sold victims to slavers..."
"What have I done... I... I should've acted back then... but I didn't."
Valaire: "So, how do you intend to act now?"
Night Eyes: "There is time to make reparations."
"No point in letting sentiment stop you from doing the right thing now."
Valaire: "Will you continue to run, to flee? To avoid capture until the masked freak chases you down again?"
"Or will you actually bother proving your so called change to becoming a hero?'
Arkune: "No. I will redeem myself. Somehow I will become a hero!"
Valaire: "Then perhaps you should start by becoming a hero to the people you hurt."
"If you can persuade them you've had a change of heart, surely it would look kindly both upon Lunar Isle and your own conscience. No?"
Arkune: "Yes. So... I suppose I should try to remember who Orth mentioned back then, the places he showed me... That would help, right?"
Adrian: "Yes, it would."
"Arkune. If you want your penance to be for the people of Lunar Isle, you have my permission to return there yourself, temporarily or for good. Mikolotov, should you wish to accompany her, I can pass word to your superiors."
"Otherwise... I suspect that our goals will benefit Lunar Isle enough, if the threat of these daemons is as it seems. The matter of your trial will need to be discussed if you want my help, though."
Night Eyes: "Adrian, how much can we delay Arkune going? I agree that it would be worthwhile to wrap up things here and go with her."
Arkune: "I would want to travel with you more after... There's so much wrong in this world, and you do seem to have noble goals."
Mikolotov: "I don't want her to face that alone... are you going to pursue business here on the mainland?"
Adrian: "That bounty hunter seemed cooperative enough."
Arkune: "Do you think they know about..."
Mikolotov: "I imagine he could be persuaded to let us pursue Arkune's redemption after we have helped stop the war."
Adrian: "I should hope so, it was what he agreed to."
Arkune: "About how I am in a way responsible for the Councilman's death? Without me... maybe Orth couldn't have reached him..."
"I did knock out several of the guards..."
Valaire: "Then you are an accomplice."
Mikolotov: "That's something curious to ponder... how much are you at fault? And how much were you just another pawn in his plans?"
Adrian: "Legally, you were an accomplice; ethically, you were unaware but still bear responsibility."
Valaire: "That makes you guilty of the crime you have been so very insistent on your innocence of, love."
Arkune: "I suppose had I not gone, he would've just used someone else."
"I mean, I thought it was just some random rich merchant."
"He made it sound practically moral for once..."
Adrian: "You should know this; word of your status as a fugitive has spread as far as Zeltria. The queen herself warned me to be careful of trouble arising from it."
Valaire: "In every possible sense, you are a criminal, a fugitive, an outlaw. Our continued interaction with you undermines literally everything Lord Adrian hopes to achieve."
Night Eyes: "Now, if it were possible to unveil this man's plans and machinations, you would have a better chance to nullify your sentence."
"But you would still be legally responsible and at the mercy of goodwill."
Arkune: "Maybe if I tried to find the gnome and dwarf as well?"
"They were clearly working with Orth..."
Adrian: "Perhaps. But that would take quite some time, and proving their guilt could well be another matter."
Arkune: "Ah! I... never mentioned them to any of you, did I?"
Adrian: "You did not."
Valaire: "You have been surprisingly... secretive of your past. And you don't even have a reason like Dhaltra does."
Kylisae: "Oh! Think she needs one of those masks too?"
"Do they sell 'em?"
Arkune: "They were with Orth on the councilman's job... I thought they were just hired muscle, when when I turned back to see why they were hanging back, I found them stealing the lives of the guards we'd disabled."
Night Eyes: "It is an expensive and binding ritual, Kylisae. I could teach it, though it is very taxing."
Kylisae: "I was curious about the mask, actually, but I didn't want to interrupt."
Adrian: "As careful as you have to be with what you reveal, I imagine Arkune would invalidate the magic behind it anyway."
Kylisae flutters over to Night Eyes's shoulder, watching the interaction unfold with the others.
Night Eyes reaches into her satchel for a nut, offering it to the sprite.
Valaire: "It seems contrary to her desires to be famous for herself, as well."
Arkune: "I would not want it anyway. I want to show that I, myself, mean well now."
Valaire: "Of course, to be famed as a dragon-slaying hero does require NOT being wanted for murder in a third-world nation, doesn't it?"
Night Eyes: "I admit I do not think it would be the solution you seek."
Mikolotov: "Perhaps when the council see the great actions she has been a part of, they will reconsider how much in the wrong she really is, and how much she has given back."
Kylisae accepts the nut, investigating Night Eyes's mask and resisting the urge to peek underneath.
Adrian: "Perhaps our friend the Hunter would be willing to carry a message back home with whatever information you can provide. It allows us to delay your trial without any more delay than necessary to your former comrades being neutralized."
Kylisae: "(So, it's just the mask you need to wear, right? Only hiding the face?)"
Arkune: "I'll get to work as soon as I can... hopefully things haven't changed too much over there for my information to be outdated."
Night Eyes: "(Just the mask. It conceals much more than my face, however.)"
Valaire: "I doubt it could have changed substantially if you are still wanted."
Kylisae: "(What if someone, like, could recognize you? Like, by your eyes or hair?)"
Mikolotov: "Hopefully knowing that Arkune has been aiding the warring nations of their greatest ally and Zeltria come to peace will be enough to soften them up a bit more."
Adrian: "Write down not just names and contacts. Frequent routes, traps set in whatever hiding hole they might have, anything that could help them be apprehended."
Night Eyes: "(That is what glamers and stylistic changes are for.)"
Kylisae: "(But what if somebody could just... see past those?)"
Arkune: "I will. Thank you for the suggestion, Adrian."
Night Eyes: "(A fear that plagues me to this day.)"
Kylisae: "(Like, the person you're hiding from most. The really powerful one.)"
Adrian: "I'm just thinking of what questions I would ask."
Kylisae: "(It sounds like he or she could just... instantly recognize you.)"
Adrian: "On the subject of our business on the mainland. The boy forgot his quarry, predictably, but saw a man in a trenchcoat traveling west, seemingly to Zeltria, with the right timing. I don't like the sound of that, and it complicates things."
Arkune: "Does the mask really protect you then?'
"Wait, Guile is on the way to Zeltria now?"
Night Eyes: "That is concerning, Adrian."
Adrian: "Which is why I do not think we can spare long to help Arkune at this time."
Kylisae: "...Wait. Did he make that face like he ate something bad when you asked him?"
Adrian: "The very same. I had been starting to wonder how he hadn't been affected."
Valaire: "So... it's not simply a common history, it's something he is doing..."
Night Eyes: "Indeed..."
Valaire withdraws a parchment, quill, and vial of ink from within her sleeve, beginning to write something.
Valaire: "I suppose this is as good a time as any to test how this effect of his affects the written word..."
Adrian: "It would bring up suspicion if his alias couldn't be written."
Night Eyes nods.
Night Eyes: "About the mask. It is still a mask. Deepborn seem to see past illusions but would need to recognise my voice and eyes. Something time makes difficult."
Adrian: "Azzanadra was uncomfortably suspicious about it."
Kylisae: "It's been some time since you left, huh?"
Night Eyes nods.
Kylisae: "I don't suppose I can peek?"
Night Eyes: "That would have bad effects on me. The old magic has its catches."
Kylisae: "Yeah, I figured as much."
Night Eyes: "...I should really further my research into alternative measures. Would you like to help me with it?"
"It seems like the kind that fey may have a better understanding of."
Kylisae: "I mean, the knowledge that it's something forbidden and secret to me makes me really really want to see it that more, you know?"
"But at the same time... I can feel the old magic you mean."
Adrian: "I'm hoping that finding whatever Guile is doing might be a lead on that matter."
Night Eyes: "Good point, Adrian."
Kylisae: "I mean, I guess I can offer insights, but I don't think I'm going to be the greatest magical aid other than fetching things and providing conversation."
Valaire: "(Great, so as familiars go she can't even help me on the most basic of tasks. Talk about useless...)"
Night Eyes: "Up to you. I will likely be in the library when they discuss the treaty."
Kylisae: "Oh, back to the elf guy? I might as well come along with you, politics are going to be a little beyond me."
Adrian: "Good thinking. We may as well make the most of it while we're here. ...I do rather like that place."
Valaire: "I certainly do believe the one we had in Zeltria was far superior, however."
Night Eyes: "Regardless, differences of sources mean they are both independently useful."
Valaire: "So we just take their books?"
Adrian: "Just the knowledge from their books, I'm afraid."
Valaire: "Well, best to read what we can so we can take it back with us."

The party head up the long, winding staircase up to the top of the sheer cliff, back into the parliamentary house, soon finding themselves within the council chamber once more, quite a few council members seeming to have gathered, in conversation with each other.
They look up and talk amongst themselves quietly as the party make their way over to the Grand Minister's room, taking their seats at the table.
Night Eyes and Kylisae decide to spend their time in the library, taking in the knowledge of the old tomes.
Adrian sits down at the table, scanning the faces of the council members present.
Valaire bows, before taking a seat adjacent to Adrian.
Minister Yarnham Fitcher seats himself down opposite the party, taking out a large scroll.
Minister Yarnham Fitcher: "Well, Lord Adrian. I have good news for you."
Adrian: "That is good to hear. Please, go on."
Minister Yarnham Fitcher: "In this scroll, is the peace treaty, between Zeltria, and Ashdale."
"I assume you would like to hear the terms of the treaty?"
Adrian: "Splendid news, indeed. Yes, I would."
Minister Yarnham Fitcher clears his throat, unrolling the scroll.
Valaire looks at the scroll inquisitively, a clawed finger across her chin.
Minister Yarnham Fitcher: "Ashdale and Zeltria will enter an agreement of peace. No aggressive actions will be taken towards either country, from the ruling bodies of each Nation. Furthermore, Zeltria will investigate and root out insurgents and people who oppose this agreement and continue to attack our borders to the best of their ability. Furthermore, if either nation is threatened by a foreign power, or is attacked thereof, each country may request assistance from the other. Finally, each nation will share what they know of the issue of the menace known as "Eldritch Beasts", and must agree to share any further knowledge of the plague."
"Now, Lord Adrian Kelton, and retainer. Do you believe this to be agreeable to your nation, and your sovereign Queen?"
Adrian: "This meets with my approval. On behalf of the kingdom of Zeltria, I consider these acceptable terms."
Valaire: "Hm..."
Adrian: "(Valaire?)"
Valaire: "(Correct me if I'm wrong, milord, but do not these terms... heavily favor Ashdale?)"
"(We're responsible for the insurgents but they're not for any they might have? We have to share all the information on Eldritch Beasts when we already know more than they do?)"
Adrian: "(There's nothing in them slanted toward Ashdale's benefit that hasn't already been informally agreed to. I've heard nothing of similar insurgents from Ashdale, and the more people who can effectively combat those damn creatures, the better. Mutual defense against a possible attack from Eribe is worth it.)"
Valaire: "(Assuming they don't use the loophole that requesting assistance doesn't assure assistance will be granted...)"
Valaire turns to the Minister, thinking on the treaty. [Sense Motive: 23]
Valaire: "Hmm... after careful thought and deliberation, I believe I agree with my lord on this matter."
Minister Yarnham Fitcher: "Thank you. This puts us all on an equal field, in order to deal with these threats, but..."
"...as much as it would be convenient for you to simply sign this now, this document does require both the written and vocal agreement between both ruling parties. This means I will be required to travel to Zeltria to meet with Queen Rozeal again, to sign this historic declaration of peace."
Adrian: "I hope that the trip is as pleasant as our time in Kyaro has been."
Minister Yarnham Fitcher: "Is this also acceptable to you? On our way, we may even come across some of these insurgents ourselves."
Adrian: "It is acceptable. I assure you, we can make quick work of any such insurgents."
Minister Yarnham Fitcher: "Indeed. In the light of these efforts, i believe you would enjoy keeping your bodyguard around, no? I have already... persuaded The Hunter to send a message detailing why Mulvery should not be trialed immediately. I trust you'll be able to tell him many favourable things."
Valaire: "(Because surely we should trust someone who attacked a diplomat in cold blood...)"
Minister Yarnham Fitcher: "Assuming you can vouch for her, of course. I will be ready to leave by tomorrow morning, either way."
Adrian: "...Thank you. That will be convenient, I was concerned I would have to send her away. Whatever her past, she has proven herself both reliable and capable now."
Valaire: "Save she does not keep any more secrets such as that from Lord Adrian, in any event. A retainer should be honest with their lord."
Adrian: "We will be ready to escort you at that time."
Minister Yarnham Fitcher: "Thank you. Today marks a momentous day. I hope I can meet with Kallian myself. I haven't seen him since he was a baby, and I hope to lay my people's worries to rest."
Adrian: "It's a relief to know that we've truly begun to restore peace."
The party make preparations to leave, discussing their new plans with the party.