Part MMMDLX: Treading Softly
Treading Softly
Twenty Sixth Day of the First Month 294 AC
What battleground the iron-forged fight on will make little difference in the end, you resolve, choosing instead to buy both the archon-graced giant and the angel. You have never been gladder to be wearing gloves than when you hand over the coin to the latter's 'master'. Thankfully he at least keeps his mouth shut once the haggling is done, you don't think you could manage polite chatter.
Lost 13,050 IM.
When Varys sends words of reassurance mentally neither are convinced, instead eyeing you and Ser Richard both with suspicion born of long and painful experience, but there is no denying your intent when in the dank alley behind the inn you are supposed to be staying in you shatter both their chains with Dark Sister. Sheathed in glamour the sword may yet be, but she still takes a moment's satisfaction in the deed.
"I have no use for slaves aboard my ship or in my port, only willing crewmen," you proclaim bluntly, keeping to the persona faced with their surprise. "So there you have it, you are free. If either of you fancies shaking the dust of this place off your boots at my side and going somewhere where you can make a difference I'll welcome the company."
The dancer's eyes spark with ruddy-golden flame and one spectral hand tightens into a first instinctively. Rage drowns surprise upon her features, looking back towards the market only to give way to simple pain a moment later. "I'll take that bargain captain, it's not like I have anything left to lose here."
"We do thank the kindly powers," the giant and archon speak almost as one, an echo of golden bells beneath a throat roughened in forge-fire. "Home and hearth, kith and kin. All are still here and worth protecting. For our freedom we give thanks." They bow low and uncannily graceful for so large a frame follows. "If you should ever need a drink, or even aid more substantial, come to the Two Bells Tavern in the Travelers' Court, captain. You shall not find us wanting."
"Good fortune to you then," you answer, seeing the determination etched upon his... or perhaps their face. Not what you had hoped of course, but another contact in Heaven's Shore might be helpful one day.
Gained Fire-Souled Dapsara
Offering first a cloak to the lady to cover the bells and veils that are as much a mark of her enslavement as the chains you struck, then your arm you leave Heaven's Shore once again for Sorcerer's Deep between sea, stone and sky.
***
After a second more truthful introduction about your name if not the particulars of fealty, you explain the nature of your realm and something of your vision for it. It does not take Asilal long to decide what she would enjoy doing. Teaching music and magic to those Scholarum acolytes who are so inclined on odd days, and teaching what she knows of the literature and poetry of Nirvana in the Academy of Fine Arts on even days. An unusual arrangement but one both institutions agree to take her on easily.
What next?
[] Receive a report (interlude)
-[] Write in which
[] Do a minor action
-[] Write in
OOC: You guys can poke the resistances in Heaven's Shore for information next month as either a minor action or a full one. The present 'go to the auction' action has already stretched out a lot.
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