Part 2: The meeting of paths

Timm smiles, clearly enjoying Lilli's enthusiastic reaction. "The guildhall is part of an ancient Tollanian city that was here before it was buried in whatever cataclysm that killed off the old civilization."  He points up to the roof of the cave. A large section directly above the party seems like it would have been open to the air, if not for the buildings built over it. "This used to be open to the sky before The Crossroads was built."

Ascian is, predictably, quiet, as they encounter Timm and make their way down into the dark that ultimately opens up to the guild. He takes it in slowly, fingers set into Ember's fur as if to reassure himself the wolf is still there the further from the open air they venture. At last, he looks at their half-orc guide. "Is that the only entrance."  

Timm smiles. "There are others. Ones that don't have as grand a view as this. We'll make sure you can get in." The lift slows as it touches down atop a circular stone dais in the center of a vibrant blue pond that seems to glow from underneath. "But for the first time visit, the lift is definitely the right choice." The air by the pond smells of lilac with hints of vanilla and several long, slender fish zip through the pond at speeds so fast, it's almost as if they disappear and reappear elsewhere.

Lilliana's eyebrows rise up when Timm explains that the guildhall is actually the remnants of an ancient Tollanian city. "That is amazing it is still in such good shape! I would have have imagined it would have been dust by now."  She was so entranced by the romance of it all that she did not realize she was beginning to speak over Ascian. "Oh! I'm sorry, don't mind me. This is just the most amazing thing I have ever seen."  As they approach the pond she nearly giggles with excitement while watching the strange fish cruise through the waters. She breathes deeply of the scents in the air, very much appreciating them for what they were after the acrid, burning scents in the alchemist's tunnels and the stench of civilization from the city above. 

Used to being spoken over, Ascian reflexively falls silent again and holds Ember back from the fish, waiting for Timm to lead them further into the city. 

Katrin smiles to herself as the scene unfolds in front of her. The high cavern walls, calming smells, and strange creatures seem at home in this underplace beneath the city. "The Tollanian Empire must've been something to behold with places like this left untouched." 

Ember chuffs once, and then settles at Ascian's side, craning his neck to look up at his master, as if to say, Please? "Their demise has been the academic pursuit of hundreds of scholars for a thousand years," Timm says. He notices Ember's yearning expression and chuckles. "I wouldn't eat those, my fine-furred friend. The results..." He turns away and motions for the party to follow. "...may shock you."

With his pun falling on the party's ears, Timm turns and leads them across a bridge and onto a path of white cobblestone that circles around the pond to a grand staircase made of white marble. The stairs terminate in a courtyard complete with a fountain surrounded by green grass and walkways laid in concentric circles. Timm continues to lead, gesturing them across the courtyard and into one of the massive white stone buildings that could be glimpsed on the way down on the lift. Up a short, broad staircase and past an façade composed of towering marble pillars, the party find themselves in the Wayfarer's guildhall. Inside, the white stone structures are concealed with draping cloth and warm-colored rugs that make the place feel homey, despite its grand edifice. "Your group's suite is over this way," Timm says. Then he asks, almost as an afterthought,  "What shall we call your group, officially?" 

Katrin casts a look around to her companions, then back to Timm.  "Call us the Fireblades." The simple homage to the place they'd all met seemed fitting. 

"I like it," he says, smiling at Katrin. "Alright, Fireblades. Come with me and see your new place." Timm leads the Fireblades down a hallway and past several open doors, through which the party can see well-furnished lounges. Through the first open door, a dwarf snores loudly, his mustache rustling in the breeze from his nostrils as he rests on a sofa. Through the next, the seats are pushed aside and  two half-elves, one male, the other female, spar with each other, their movements swift and graceful -- almost dancelike. The third door shows and unoccupied lounge, and Timm heads inside. Three doors stand ajar inside along the walls, each one leading to a bedroom with two cots. In the lounge itself, there are a few sofas and chairs, as well as what looks like a dining area. Timm closes his eyes and points at a large, blank space on the white stone wall begins to shift. Lines begin to carve themselves into the stone. Little by little, an emblem forms -- an upward pointed sword with flames leaping from the blade. Timm opens his eyes. "That work?"

Katrin watches the sword and flames appear on the stonework. Her hand wraps around her amulet, and she glances at Akiran, unsure of his reaction to a symbol so close to the god he despises. "If all here are in agreement, yes. That will do well."

"Makes no difference to me," Thezra shrugs, stepping inside to admire the elaborate furnishings. The walls and stones shifting was unlike anything she'd ever seen before, and its intricacies drew her in immediately. "Are all gubuk  cities full of such places as this? For a place to stay a night or two, it seems rather extravagant."

Timm chuckles. "There are places like this, but none so hidden and so well utilized," he says. He does look quizzically at Thezra, however. "A night or two? This is your place to stay when you're in town. You're Wayfarers now...oh, I see. Temporary members and divided goals. I see."

Akiran walks through the halls with what some would say is a sense of awe or maybe reverence but those who knew the Dragonborn would call it desire. The Wayfareres are sure path to riches, fame,  gold, glory, and wealth. Knock out a few choice adventures and you if you are lucky you could start your own treasury.  Pulling his snout until an approximation of a human smile "My friend I am truly honored by the invitation. What you call us matters little to me as long as we are counted in your number." His silver eyes roving over every inch of the area looking for opportunities. "Now that we stand among you, there certainly must be some opportunities for us to serve?" While earning a tidy sum and spreading our story far and wide, Akiran adds to himself. 

"In due time, my draconic friend," Timm says. "First, get settled in. You'll learn how everything works tomorrow." He moves back toward the door and points down the hall opposite the way the party came. "The mess is down there if you're hungry. Otherwise, sweet dreams." The half-orc turns to leave.

Lilliana looks at the room with a sense of awe and wonder, sheepishly glancing over at Katrin as she had been the only member of the newly minted Fireblades  to have seen first hand the sort of living conditions she was used to. She spins around suddenly, waiting for a moment to speak. "This is our place to live? Whenever we need to? And... do you protect members of your group should someone come after them?"  She spits the words out quickly, yet there is a sheepish wince about them. 

Timm stops in the doorway, a concerned expression on his face. "Okay, I have to ask this now: are any of you wanted by a government or other higher power? If the answer is yes, the guild can still employ you, they just might have to be careful about where you're sent." He looks specifically at Lilliana. "Who is coming after you?"

Lilliana lets out an awkward, nervous laugh, but then sobers a bit as Timm's attention is turned directly upon her. "No governments, nothing like that, but the truth is... I don't really know  who is after me. I just think I know why.  Several bounty hunters tried to abduct me this very afternoon, these people here came to my aid."

Timm's frown is one of faint amusement combined with keen interest and sincerity. "Well, that's certainly not ideal. Just, don't let yourself be followed back here. That's the number one rule. The guildhall's location must remain a secret." The half-orc gestures grandly.  "Regardless, you'll have a introductory briefing in the morning. And you can likely take a job, if you like! See you around, Fireblades." And with that, Timm turns and heads out the door. His footsteps echo off the stone walls of the corridor as he walks away.

Lilliana nods sincerely. “I swear that I shall never forfeit the location.”  When Timm leaves, Lilliana looks around once more, staring longingly at the rooms with the beds. She takes one last, wary look around and let’s out a heavy sigh of contentedness. Her shoulders relax from the tense upright position they’d been holding at much of the constant fear in her eyes diminishes. “So, sleeping arrangements. I see three rooms. I think I’d like to bunk with Katrin.” She looks at her questioningly. 

Katrin opens her mouth, then pauses raising an eye at the young woman. After a beat, she shrugs. "Hope you don't mind the noise," she says as she breaks off towards one of the rooms. At the door she turns back briefly. "I snore." 

"I don't need one,"  Ascian says vaguely.  "I'll just drop my stuff with Kaed."  He gives the tribesman a quick, inquiring look before shouldering his bag higher.

Lilliana laughs. “Couldn’t possibly snore worse than my brother! Plus, if I’m being honest I wouldn’t mind just having another person nearby.” Lilliana follows Katrin into the room and sets her pack on one of the beds and lays down on it, leaving her long legs bent to touch the floor. “Don’t mind me, but I think I shall rest my eyes for a bit.” She lay her head back on the cot, and almost immediately her breathing slows and deepens as a slight snore rumbles in her throat as she falls rapidly into that deep sleep that only comes when one finally feels safe…

Katrin looks quizzically at the girl and the very uncomfortable position she seemed to have chosen to sleep in. Shrugging, she turns to her own bed, sitting on the edge, and begins unbuckling her armor, setting it within easy reach. Carefully, she places her axe on her bed, the head of the weapon under her pillow. She glances over at the girl sprawled uncomfortably on the bed. Sighing, she crosses the room and moves her legs onto the bed. Be more comfortable anyway. She goes back over to her side, and kicks off her boots. She lays down, staring at the ceiling, sleep a long time coming. Just as she closes her eyes, she whispers, "Goodnight Rose."

The night comes and goes quickly, as it was already late by the time the Fireblades had arrived at the guild hall. Without the sun, the only thing to mark the morning is the sound of overlapping voices echoing down the hall. As the party slowly rises, they find Kaed already dressed and perched on the edge of the couch. The tribesman wrings his hands, and looks up nervously as the group approaches. "I think...I think I need to go," he says. "I had a dream. Perhaps it was a vision. I saw the man on the mountain again...but this time, he wore my face. I think I know where he is."

Katrin stares at herself in the mirror, pulling her hair back over her shoulders, braiding it quickly and skillfully down her back. She slips her chain shirt over her tunic. Just before slipping her ax into it's loop on her belt, she grasps the handle, whispering a few words in Dwarvish. The ax-head glows briefly as she imbues it with magic. Grabbing her boots in one hand, she walks out to the common area along with others as they wake. The night had passed too quickly, and she felt like she'd only slept for a few hours. Yawning, she looks at Kaed. "If you truly feel that is what you need to do. Dreams are not something to take lightly," her yawn gives way to a smile, sad, yet understanding.

Thezra steps out after an uncomfortable night alone in the guild-room. Such opulent accommodations were completely alien to her, and she had found herself tossing in the overly-soft sheets. Overhearing the barbarian's declaration from outside, she steps out into the common room, "You are to be off then? That is a shame to hear. I had just grown to appreciate your focused brand of ferocity." Approaching the man, she looks down to him and reaches a hand out to clasp his forearm. "It must be said before you are off -- you allowed me to join this group and aided me in bringing down the man who'd betrayed my people. Whatever differences we may have otherwise, I wish you luck on this quest. If you need any aid, seek me out and I'll come." 

Kaed seizes Thezra's arm with a smile. "It is on you and Akiran to protect them now," he says. He releases her arm and nods. "But I will need to attend this orientation. I don't know how to leave this place yet." He chuckles to himself as he gestures at the white walls around them. The Fireblades find their orientation after some helpful directions from one of the half-elves they had seen sparring last night. A human with a lithe form, bald head, and androgynous face with a long blade slung over their shoulder introduces themselves when the party is gathered in a corner of the main hall. Other adventurers mill about. Some look as if they are preparing to head out on a job, some look like they're coming back. A few throw friendly greetings and half-joking insults at one another. "I am Nycon," the human says. "Welcome to the Wayfarers. I'll be taking you on a tour of the guild's facilities here, as well as showing you the secret entrances to the guildhall. Follow me, please." Nycon shows the party about the guildhall proper. The facilities are quite complete, with several workshops full of tools for a massive range of activities, like alchemy, enchanting, stone- and jewel-cutting, as well as a fully functional forge. "The forge," Nycon says, "Is an ancient Old Tollanian relic. When the guild claimed this ruin as its home, we found a few embers still burning within. We rekindled that flame and it has not gone out since. It is called Malleaternum -- the 'Forever Forge.'" The party is shown three secret entrances to the guildhall. One is outside the city, down a long tunnel that the party traverses by train -- an elementally powered device pushes a cart down a set of rails that run the length of the tunnel. Once at the other side, they ascend a short staircase that takes them to what looks to be a dead end. "Vale," Nycon says, and the rock of the dead end becomes transparent, revealing a waterfall and a small pool that turns to a stream at the opposite end. Nycon steps forward through the stones and the waterfall parts to let them pass without being soaked. They also step all the way across the pool on stepping stones that rise out of the pool's depths. Once the party is all on the other side of the pool, the stones have become solid again, the waterfall's part has disappeared, and the stepping stones have sunk back beneath the surface, Nycon says, "Ave." The stones rise up, the falls part, and the stone becomes transparent.  Heading back into the tunnel, the party takes the train back to the guildhall to see the other two entrances, neither of which are as extravagant. One is hidden in a mausoleum in the northern part of town, the other in well behind an abandoned home near the Amber Market. Both require that a Wayfarer's Coin be inserted into a slot in the wall, and coins are distributed to the party. Nycon then takes the Fireblades to the main hall, where they find the job board. A piece of the wall seems to act in much the same way that Timm manipulated the wall in the party's suite to become a symbol, except this one displays strings of Common, which look to describe various jobs. "Looks like you have your pick," Nycon says. "Thus concludes our tour. I'll be nearby if you have any questions, but I'll leave you now to examine the board." The board displays three jobs at the moment. A cult of some sort have taken over one of the roadside temples on the road to Dragonvale Harbor.  Reward: 300 gold pieces When: ASAP! A shipment of valuable raw ores requires an escort to the dwarven settlement of Dragonvale. Reward: 75 gold pieces When: Caravan Master wishes to leave on 34 Setum. A group of archeology students from the Heartlands Institute needs an escort to and from a Tollanian ruin. Reward: 100 gold pieces When: 1 Septum

Katrin gazes in awe at the forge -- the Malleaternum, Nycon had called it. "What my father wouldn't give to see this," she murmurs to herself as the tour moves on. As the tour concludes, Katrin stares at the board. One job bears a name she hadn't thought of in many days. Dragonvale. Home. Would they even be glad to see me? The last time she had departed had been under less than ideal circumstances. But if there was even a chance, maybe.... maybe they would forgive me. Maybe Father would forgive me.  "Nycon," she says, not taking her eyes from the board. "How often do you receive requests for help near Dragonvale?" She looks at him. "Just out of....mild curiosity."

Nycon examines the board, then turns to Katrin. "Every so often," they say. "The escorting of ore shipments is a fairly common one for that direction. The dwarves there don't trust the military to escort, nor the Legion. So they have contracted with us for the time being."

Katrin snorts, smiling mostly to herself. "A dwarf named Ulfgard I presume?"

Nycon nods. "I believe so. I've not worked the job, myself, but know others who have. Why, do you know him?"

"Actually I do. Ulfgard is my father." Her eyes become distant, and for a moment it's as if he were standing right in front of her, his iron grey eyes locked on her own.  Come home, he whispers, then vanishes.

As the Fireblades waken and rise, Lilliana wakes with a start and immediately looks around as her cloudy mind takes a moment to recall where she was at which point she slowly stretches and settles down into the bed for a few more minutes as she tries to recall how she got into the bed the previous night. She takes a moment as Katrin braids her hair to look over her disheveled clothing and hair with the ringlets simultaneously smashed on one side and the other loose and frizzy. She frowns before she runs her fingers through her hair starting at the roots and working all the way to the ends, as her fingers pass through the ringlets the hair straightens and lengthens to now cascade down to the middle of her back. She massages her scalp for a moment before looking at herself in the mirror and twirling her index finger around above her hair. Suddenly the hair almost seems to come alive as the hair begins to move of it's own accord into a knot-like up-do with strands of hair creating intricate knots in and among one another. Once finished she examines it closely, shaking her head side to side to test the strength of the hold and smiles as the magic seems to keep it in place. The smile falters slightly before she quickly moves to her bed and pulls out the wooden box from her home out of the backpack and fumbles through several small jars before finding the one she wants and moving back to the mirror. She rubs some sort of flesh-toned cream into her hand and begins to rub it along the left side of her neck. She examines her work closely before replacing the jar. She then refreshes herself and her clothing by running her hands over her body and clothing, wrinkles working themselves out. She looks back at Katrin with a smile. "That's better. Shall we?" She quietly follows the tour guide, taking in all the sights with a wistful smile. 'What an intriguing place this is. I love it. Maybe one day when all this is over, I could return here.'  When they reach the board as Katrin speak, Lilliana turns to look at the woman a curious look in her eyes. She recognized that distant look of reliving the ghosts of your past. She wanted to place a hand on Katrin's shoulder... 'Kat... I wonder if she would let me call her Kat..?'  To let her know that she wasn't alone, but... instead she just watches her. 

Akiran grumbles as he finds that morning has arrived far faster than he would have liked. The Dragonborn spent much of the night cleaning the mud, dirt, and sewer grime sludge that is best left unconsidered off his armor. It took hours but with some effort and polish Akiran was able to make the armor shine again. After sluggishly strapping on his kit, he joins the rest just in time to hear Kaed's declaration. His scales scrunch, and bit of sadness fills the dragonborn. He liked Kaed,  the man enjoyed a stiff drink, a good fight, and appreciated the value for getting paid for your talents. Akiran understood the man, which was more than he could say for some of the rest. Falling in next to Kaed as the group begins the tour, he leans over to the warrior. His gravelly voice low and surprisingly sincere  "Go well my friend. Next time we meet I will want to know all of your glorious adventure, and be hear of the songs and stories being told of your triumph." Patting the warrior on the back, before returning his attention to the tour. Awed by the forge, Akiran nearly salivates at the opportunity to bring one of his creations to life using the magic of Tollania. The guide mentions that the flames can make some of the finest armors and weapons Estros, if the smith posses enough skill. Nearly chuckling, there was not a hint of doubt within the dragonborn that he could learn and master the old flames.  As Nycon goes over the jobs, Akiran nearly grumbles as he realizes that the highest paying gig is to do something the gods are either too lazy or unwilling to do themselves. His hand rest on his chest for a moment before he deliberately pulls it away coin is coin. Doesn't matter whose pocket it comes from, looking over to Nycon he asks  "What do you know of the cult?"

Nycon shakes their head. "Not much If it's who I think it is, it's the Cult of Lightning. Their lightning god is supposedly supposed to supplant the current pantheon."

Fighting the urge to itch the marked scales on his chest, he shrugs and says   "Gods could do with a bit of competition. Let em learn what it takes to survive, when someone is coming for your throat."

Katrin stiffens at Akiran's remark, her hand reflexively grasping the amulet hung around her neck. "Perhaps," she says, her voice tight. "Do you know how far down the road these cultists are?"  It takes no small amount of effort to push aside thoughts of her father. Now does not seem the time to return to face them. To face him. Rather, she hoped it wasn't the time.

Nycon walks up to the board and touches their finger to the line of text concerning the cultists. That section of the wall re-scrawls itself into a rough map of the area immediately surrounding the north-east side of The Crossroads. A large "X" marker seems to be placed a ways down the road. "Looks like a half-day's ride," they say.

"Well if your father is involved in this caravan business,"  Thezra muses, stepping up besides Katrin to examine the board,  "are you looking to join up with them then?"  She traces a finger over the "X" marker on the board, her thoughts drifting to the Meadhall and the lingering questions rattling around her brain regarding Duar'ken.  "Perhaps once I've had a chance to learn what I can at this drinkhouse, we could set off for Dragonvale. The rest of these jobs are likely more suited for actual guildmembers, as it is."  She pulls her rucksack up onto her shoulders and looks to the others. "Speaking of which, what are your plans for the day? I'll be heading to the hall as I said and certainly wouldn't mind the help,"  she says, her gaze shifting over from Katrin to Ascian and Lilliana,  "And afterwards I seek to pick up some supplies. These cities are supposed to be rife with merchants, are they not?"

Katrin nods distractedly. "I suppose it would be good to see home again." Liar. She turns a quizzical eye to Thezra. "Although I'm fairly certain we are  in fact, guild members. But I do see your point." She folds her arms across her chest. "I don't have much in the way of plans. And I do need to replenish some supplies." She shrugs. "I know we don't exactly see eye to eye, but perhaps a day out would do us both some good."

"I'm afraid that is something that cannot be helped much..." she sighs, looking down -- far down -- to the dwarf below her, her voice trailing off forlornly. She holds her gaze for just a moment longer before a snicker breaks through the façade. "I apologize, that felt too obvious to ignore. But I'd be happy to have you along. I know you have an eye for smithing, and while I'm something of a smith myself, I'd appreciate your advice on scouting materials and working the forge."

Katrin smiles slyly. "We dwarves are something of experts when it comes to the forge. I'd be happy to show you all I know. Though my father would be the far better teacher...." her voice trails off, then she clears her throat. "What do the rest of you intend on doing?"

"I should be leaving soon," Kaed says, looking about the group. "But it seems like you all have your work cut out for you!"

Ascian has been quiet since Kaed’s initial announcement - far from unusual, though the sinking vortex beneath his sternum is. He looks up at the tribesman with a creased brow, pale eyes searing. “Do you have to? Go.”

Kaed takes Ascian by the shoulders and leans down so that his forehead rests on Ascian's. "I do. But I will be back -- this I swear." He stands straight, and smiles at Ascian, then looks at the rest of the group. "Friends, until we meet again." With a wave, he turns and heads toward one of the secret exits to the hall.

Ascian watches Kaed go, trying to fight against the strange, foreign compulsion to follow. Vaguely he wonders if this is how Ember feels when Ascian himself leaves him at the edge of battle; uncertain and wrong-footed and somehow, somewhere, as understanding as he is hurt. Is that the word for the cold, anxious feeling dripping from the back of Ascian's throat to his stomach? Is  there a word for it? He doesn't know - only wonders if Kaed might mind if he had two more shadows to call upon. He takes a step forward to ask, but the barbarian has turned and he stills himself and has to swallow that too. Watching the tribesman wind toward the exit, he hesitates a moment longer before he reaches out in the way only Thrandimir has become familiar with; Thrandimir and briefly, inexplicably, Kou. Thrandimir is a network of static and Kou a whirlwind of motion and he doesn't know what he'd expected to feel when his mind touches Kaed's, only that it's cold in the same way Kaed had inexplicably made warm and that he misses it the further the barbarian walks away. Don't go,  he almost says, but that's wrong, and he knows it. In its stead he almost thinks,  I'll come with you. But there's a cleric to be seen and Ember to help and if Kaed had wanted him there, he would have asked him. So instead he watches Kaed go, and feels that rush of ice slip like so much else through his mental fingers, and simply says, Come back soon.

The reply comes with a knowing glance over his shoulder.  As soon as I can. The tribesman continues across the hall and disappears around the corner. 

Katrin turns her eyes from where Kaed had disappeared back to the board. Her eyes flicker to Akiran, his remark about the gods needing competition still fresh in her mind. What if....  Her father appears before her again, his iron eyes still asking that same question. "The job to Dragonvale. Perhaps that will do for our first contract."  She casts a look among her companions. "I will admit, I have a very personal reason for going to Dragonvale, but....if no one is opposed..."

Thezra speaks up at Katrin's question, "Well as I said, I need to get to the bottom of this business Duar'ken was involved in. But... assuming we can do that in time -- and there aren't any more big demon threats to immediately deal with -- then I would agree to accompany you on this trek to Dragonvale."