A Father's Wishes [8/3]

[21:45] Artemis Task says, "Evening, father."
[21:45] Dun Task says, "Never."
[21:45] Dun Task says, "Not until the day I die."
[21:45] Dun Task says, "Which is not far now, in truth."
[21:45] Artemis Task says, "...I should hope that's not the case."
[21:45] Pachua says, "... how much longer."
[21:46] Dun would cough a bit of blood into his cloak. It was clear his veins had remained blackened since the day he'd been poisoned. He seemed to be living on spite and determination alone.
(Dun Task)
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[21:46] Dun Task says, "Hmm."
[21:46] Dun Task says, "I'll put it in easier terms, if I give you a time you'll never forget it, and it will haunt you."
[21:46] Dun Task says, "I will pass not long, perhaps a few months after the coming battle."
[21:46] Pachua says, "..."
[21:46] Artemis Task says, "..We can find you a doctor."
[21:47] Artemis Task says, "You don't look well."
[21:47] Pachua says, "No doctor alive can fix age."
[21:47] Pachua says, "Just know. Revan did this."
[21:47] Dun Task says, "Nor ware, and tear."
[21:47] Dun Task says, "I was already dying before this."
[21:47] Dun Task says, "merely accelerated things."
[21:47] Dun Task asks, "You do understand the condition of my heart, yes?"
[21:47] Artemis Task says, "This is still on his head all the same."
[21:47] Miranu says, "Magibane is truely a terrible poison."
[21:47] Dun Task says, "It's still burning, and cursed to freeze solid by Uraheim and ifraheim's touch. "
[21:47] Dun Task says, "What two thirds of it are left."
[21:48] Dun Task says, "No, I can choose to die in my bed, or for a purpose. I will choose how and why I die, and it will be standing tall looking back with pride upon all of you, knowing what you will accomplish."
[21:48] Dun would nod sagely.
(Dun Task)
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[21:48] Artemis remains standing there, hands clasped behind her back. But her eyes fall downward.
(Artemis Task)
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[21:48] Dun Task says, "If you want something to be angry about."
[21:49] Dun Task says, "Revan likely took five or so years you might have had with me."
[21:49] Dun Task says, "But, that's on your personal levels of spite."
[21:49] Dun Task says, "Spoiled brat..."
[21:49] Dun would spit upon the ground.
(Dun Task)
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[21:49] Pachua says, "... I will live on."
[21:49] Pachua says, "Don't worry."
[21:50] Dun Task says, "Yes, you will."
[21:50] Dun Task says, "You all will."
[21:50] Dun Task says, "And Theria with you, I am certain of it."
[21:50] Dun Task says, "I believe in all of you."
[21:50] Pachua says, "I'll make you Artemis smiles even though you may be gone."
[21:50] Pachua says, "Though, you never, ever, will be truly gone."
[21:50] Pachua says, "You'll be with Rinn and the other Heralds."
[21:50] Pachua says, "And when I pass? I'll be with you as well."
[21:51] Pachua asks, "So... not a goodbye, but until later?"
[21:51] Artemis Task says, "I can only hope it is kind, where you are going."
[21:51] Artemis Task says, "And that you don't go there too soon."
[21:51] Artemis Task says, "Call me selfish, if you wish."
[21:52] Dun Task says, "It won't be."
[21:52] Dun Task says, "But the thought is kind."
[21:52] Artemis Task asks, "I was hoping not all the news on my return would be grim..are you at least comfortable?"
[21:53] Dun would shake his head with a light chuckle. It wouldn't hearten the children to know he was on a highway to Helheim he'd earned a long time ago.
(Dun Task)
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[21:53] Dun Task says, "I have never been comfortable, Artemis."
[21:53] Dun Task says, "This is how I've lived this long."
[21:53] Artemis Task asks, "And that's the secret to your success and longevity, is it?"
[21:53] Miranu nods her head. "The stars purify and cleanse the soul. You dying will not be the end of your journey but rather the beginning of a new one." her head tilts up to the sky. A long winded sigh escapes her. One could only wonder what she was thinking about.
(Miranu)
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[21:53] Dun Task says, "No, that was spite, gumption, foolhardy bravery, and the companions I made along the way."
[21:53] Dun Task says, "No..."
[21:53] Dun Task says, "I refuse it."
[21:54] Dun Task says, "I will find the spirit realm my own way."
[21:54] Dun Task says, "I did not make my decisions to be forgiven."
[21:55] Miranu asks, "Mmm....you plan to break into the spirit realm?"
[21:55] Artemis Task asks, "And which decisions are those?"
[21:56] Dun Task says, "Ohohohohohoh...."
[21:57] Dun Task says, "You'll know, before I'm gone."
[21:57] Dun Task says, "I don't regret anything."
[21:57] Miranu asks, "Well Dun would you be interested in answering a question truthfully?"
[21:57] Dun Task says, "If you pose it less wierdly and actually ask the question, maybe."
[21:57] Artemis Task says, "You make it almost irritatingly cryptic..."
[22:00] Miranu asks, "Did you have a hand in Sythaeryn killing Magne to end the Kriemhilds?"
[22:00] Serigalos exclaims, "Hello!"
[22:01] Raeliana says, "...."
[22:01] Sumachia exclaims, "Hmmm... Hello!"
[22:03] Dun Task asks, "Did I have a hand?"
[22:04] Dun Task says, "My dear I was trying to get that whole family killed from the start."
[22:04] Dun Task says, "The game was rigged from the very beginning."
[22:04] Artemis Task asks, "To what end?"
[22:04] Dun Task says, "They were a cancer upon this city, well excised."
[22:04] The teen waved to Raeliana with a smile. "Hi, Miss Raeliana! I wanted you to meet my second-in-command!" He then pointed a dirt covered finger towards Sumachia. "Sumachia!"
(Serigalos)
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[22:04] Artemis Task says, "I knew little of their lot. "
[22:05] Miranu says, "So Sythaeryn challenging Magne to an honor duel was your doing."
[22:05] Dun Task says, "The less spoken of their degeneracy and cannibalistic fetishism, the better."
[22:05] Dun Task says, "And yes, I did bring to attention the machinations of the Kriemhilds to Sythaeryn. The four horsemen did the rest."
[22:05] Sumachia whispers something.
[22:05] Dun Task says, "Rinn chose to die for honor, and made me very proud."
[22:06] Serigalos whispers something.
[22:07] Artemis Task says, "That is something, at least..."
[22:07] Artemis Task asks, "But while I am here, father. Is there anything I can do for you?"
[22:07] Pachua says, "Remember our talk, Artemis."
[22:07] Dun Task says, "Hmm...."
[22:07] Dun Task says, "Yes."
[22:07] Artemis Task says, "I do, yes."
[22:07] Dun Task says, "Artemis, I'd like you to join the faith as a priestess."
[22:08] Dun Task says, "You possess the Firehlooded spirit."
[22:08] Artemis Task asks, "...That is your wish?"
[22:08] Dun Task says, "You'll begin as an acolyte under Pachua's instruction and my own."
[22:08] Dun Task says, "Yes."
[22:08] Dun Task says, "It is. I believe....it will be good for you."
[22:09] Sumachia whispers something.
[22:09] Artemis Task says, "Then if that is your wish. I can hardly deny it."
[22:09] Miranu says, "Well good to know you're honest about it. For now I plan to go get more coin."
[22:10] Serigalos whispers something.
[22:10] Artemis Task says, "I had hoped to speak with you, however. In regadrs to current events and other things."
[22:11] Sumachia whispers something.
[22:12] Serigalos exclaims, "Sorry for intruding on your coversation! Goodbye!"
[22:15] Miranu says, "Fair well for now."
[22:16] Dun Task says, "Yes."
[22:16] Dun Task says, "Speak freely Artemis, ask away to your hearts content in perhaps a long winded, theatrical fashion."
[22:16] Dun Task says, "I have time."
[22:16] Pachua says, "..."
[22:17] Diedrich Augustus says, "Evening Elder Dun."
[22:17] Pachua says, "Templar."
[22:19] Artemis Task whispers to Dun Task: I had hoped to ask...advice.
[22:19] Artemis Task whispers to Dun Task: Among other things.
[22:20] Diedrich Augustus asks, "Hm?"
[22:21] Pachua says, "Take it easy."
[22:21] Diedrich Augustus says, "You as well."
[22:22] Artemis Task whispers to Dun Task: Namely. I am curious how you've found so much success up here. And you truly have deovted yourself to worshipping a dragon?...Fully? Completely?
[22:34] Dun would bark out with laughter at that, spattering a bit of black blood upon the ground as he smiled in spite of it all, wiping his mouth with the edge of his burn marred cloak's sleeve with a steady click of his teeth.

"You can speak plainly my daughter, it isn't a dangerous subject. You ask with good reason how someone like myself could ever worship anything in the classical sense, and more namely how I could remain loyal to such an institution and continue to serve it considering the sort of man I am."

The elder would nod steadily at that.

"But the answer is simple truly. Before the temple, before the drakans, before Theria was reborn in flame, Garljing EARNED my respect as a warrior. He didn't send me a letter, he didn't ask to make peace or retrieve his fallen son's body. He arrived and started burning things."

Dun would nod almost...fondly at that, as if even the painful experience was rich and nostalgic to the elder.

"I was baptized in flame, burned alive during his reckoning. And when the first of the Fireblooded met, I was amongst their ranks. The celestialists have their stars and stagnancy, but Garljing? Garljing's blessing was real. For the first time in....countless years, a full-blooded generation of drakans was brought for, a first generation after hundreds of years of dilution."

Dun would nod firmly at that.

"When Theria burned, it to was reborn. Dragons are the deal Artemis, I think they're one of the few things in this dark reality worthy of high respect. Because of all the divine beings, they're the most likely to turn you to ash if you don't. That's ADMIRABLE."
(Dun Task)
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[22:37] It was rare that she heard of her father speak of anything with reverence. And yet it felt wise in a sense to ask.

Slowly, she nods along with him.

"It is...a fair viewpoint you have. I was not there to witness things as you have. Or be burned by them so directly."

No wonder he was so gnarled. Apart from old age and his clearly reckless habits.
(Artemis Task)
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[22:39] Artemis Task says, "Rule by might and presence is still rule."
[22:40] Artemis Task says, "There is, admittedly, something of slightly more personal nature I wish to ask. Less of faith and current events."
[22:40] Artemis looks up towards the doddering Task, as if reluctant.
(Artemis Task)
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[22:41] Dun Task says, "Oh."
[22:41] Dun Task says, "Yes we can speak in a more straight forward sense."
[22:41] Dun Task says, "Ask away."
[22:43] Artemis Task whispers to Dun Task: ...I have never meant to give offense to you, father. Nor seem ungrateful. So I suppose I have never asked.
[22:43] Artemis Task whispers to Dun Task: But...I am curious. How did I come to be a Task?
[22:44] Dun Task whispers: Your parents were amongst the fallen I commended to ash when you were too young to remember. I have always tended drakan hatchlings in the temple, but you have a mischievous streak.
[22:44] Dun Task whispers: So I adopted you.
[22:45] Artemis Task whispers to Dun Task: ...So they died when tihs great dragon attacked?
[22:45] Artemis Task whispers to Dun Task: [*this, whoops
[22:48] Artemis Task whispers to Dun Task: Or are you saying that -you- burned them for something?
[22:51] Sumachia exclaims, "*Ahem* Hello!"
[22:51] Artemis Task whispers to Dun Task: Or some...funeral rite?
[22:51] Artemis Task says, "Hm? Hello."
[22:52] Serigalos exclaims, "Hi!"
[22:54] Dun Task whispers: Oh.
[22:54] Artemis Task says, "You two are unfamiliar to me."
[22:54] Dun Task whispers: No no that attack was long before you were born.
[22:54] Dun Task whispers: But.
[22:55] Artemis Task whispers to Dun Task: Hence my confusion.
[22:56] Dun Task whispers: Yes, your parents were killed in the troubles of Theria.
[22:56] Dun Task whispers: The time when the coups were daily in the age of Bastiel.
[22:56] Serigalos exclaims, "Oh! We're both new to town!"
[22:57] Artemis Task whispers to Dun Task: Well...I am still a Task. The past doesn't matter. But I do feel some relief in knowing.
[22:57] Artemis Task asks, "I can see that. Your names?"
[22:57] Serigalos exclaims, "My name is Serigalos! Leader of the Seed Mercenary Company!"
[22:57] Artemis Task says, "More mercenaries. I see..."
[22:57] Dun Task says, "Attaboy."
[22:57] Dun Task says, "That's good industry."
[22:58] Dun Task says, "Child mercenaries make the world go around."
[22:58] Dun Task whispers: You are welcome in Theria.
[22:58] Dun Task says, "You are welcome in Theria."
[22:58] Sumachia exclaims, "Right... I'm Sumachia... second in comand and witch in training!"
[22:59] Serigalos says, "They do!? I wonder why no one will hire us then."
[22:59] Artemis Task says, "A witch in training, hm?..."
[22:59] Artemis Task says, "Many are likely sleeping."
[22:59] Artemis Task says, "Your timing is poor."
[22:59] Dun Task says, "Indeed."
[22:59] Artemis Task says, "But I am Lady Artemis Task. I expect you to address me as such."
[23:00] Sumachia says, "Well I can tell you're a lady... Miss Artemis Task."
[23:00] Artemis Task says, "...And already you defy me."
[23:00] Artemis Task says, "You are not off to a great start."
[23:00] Serigalos says, "emote"
[23:01] Sumachia asks, "What?"
[23:03] The Teen gave Sumachia a nudge with hid elbow before speaking again. "She's very sorry, Lady Artemis Task! Due to our previous home we never got to meet anyone like you before?"
(Serigalos)
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[23:06] The very young young felt the nudge and looked up at Serigalos with a look of confusion, she didn't understand what she did wrong until she started to hear him speak... after that she learnt.

"O-Oh... I'm very sorry Mi- Lady Artemis Task... I don't know a whole lot, forgive me" The young witch then gave a bow to show her apology.
(Sumachia)
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[23:07] The beastkin regards the two haughtily, bringing her arms forward to cross over her chest.

"Yes...That's quite better."
(Artemis Task)
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[23:09] Artemis Task says, "And. Thank you for your answers, father. "
[23:09] Artemis Task says, "And guidance."
[23:09] Dun Task says, "Of course my daughter."
[23:09] Dun Task says, "Anytime in the next two years."
[23:09] Dun Task says, "Ohohohoho."
[23:10] Artemis purses her lips right into a frown.
(Artemis Task)
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[23:10] Artemis Task says, "I shall do my best to ensure Theria is left in good hands."
[23:11] Dun Task says, "Attagirl..."
[23:11] Artemis Task says, "Unless there is aught else I can do for you. I think I will take my leave for now."
[23:11] Dun Task says, "Yes, wander freely my daughter."
[23:11] Dun Task says, "I will offer you further instruction in time."
[23:12] Dun Task says, "For now, walk freely."
[23:13] Artemis Task says, "Of course. I will be here at your call."