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Mare Internum: An Exalted Quest

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For A Better World 69
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    • Vocalend said:
    [X] Let's look at the scroll tube.
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    You reach down to the scroll tube at the bottom of the chest.

    A chill runs through your hand.

    INTEGRITY: What you are about to do cannot be undone.

    The tube is copper, inlayed with panels of undyed leather. It is unremarkable save for the stamp on the lid; the imperial seal, identical to the one on your ring.

    ROOSTER: "Vesper? Are you okay?"

    You realize you are frozen in place, unable to grasp the scroll.

    Whatever it takes.

    "I just need a second."

    With an concerted effort, you force your hand to grasp the scroll casing and remove it from the chest. Then you just sit there, holding it.

    Rooster and Cinnamon wait patiently. Rooster finishes his tea.

    CINNAMON: "Uh, do you need help opening it?"

    [ ] No, I don't think that's a good idea. (Put the scroll case back)
    [ ] I said I just need a second. (Open it)
     
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    • For A Better World 70
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    • Kaiya said:
    [x] I said I just need a second. (Open it)
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    "I said I just need a second."

    Before she can reply, you pop open the scroll case with your thumb and slide out the letter within.

    The paper is fine and soft, almost like stiffened silk. It smells of roses. Your throat tightens.

    No backing out now. You unfurl it.

    It's a short letter. The ink is a deep scarlet.

    Second Rain, faithful servant of the Throne,

    The Imperial Presence has received confirmation of your successes these last months; the final extirpation of the treacherous Tarene line and its retainers has furthered the goal of all the Realm; to maintain a perfect governance and to execute the duties of the State. In this matter you have once again served as an implement worthy of our Dynasty's majestic virtue, for the shaping of a better world.

    Though, as we have often imparted to you, your trespasses against the Perfected Hierarchy cannot be forgiven by the Imperial Presence, in Her magnanimity She recognizes the praiseworthy service you have rendered these past decades. As Her perfect rule encompasses all under Heaven, even such imperfect and barbarous things have their place within its order, and may earn just rewards through diligent service to the State.

    To this end, in Her wisdom, the Imperial Presence has decreed that you be granted a leave from further duties, until such a time as it is Her pleasure to call upon you again. It is Her wish that you use this time to reflect upon your past transgressions. Thus shall Her indulgence be manifested.

    Wear the imperial seal in faith, and with pride in your duties past.

    By mandate of the Throne,

    Akiyo Shimu, First Minister of the Eye and Hand.

    Dictated at the assent of the Imperial Presence, 7th Descending Water, RY763.

    ROOSTER: "Vesper? What is it?"

    Your vision is narrowed, blue shadows chasing at its edges.

    [ ] Look at the name at the top.
    [ ] Look at the word "extirpation"
    [ ] Look at the word "trespasses"
    [ ] Look at the word "decades"
    [ ] Look at the word "indulgence"
    [ ] Look at the name at the bottom.
    [ ] Look at the date.
     
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    • What did we do?

    Well. We exterminated a lineage and sinned against the Scarlet Empress. But what did we do?

    (I love this quest so much.)
     
    Vesper, Borne/Born of Second Rain?
    Vesper of Second Rain?
    There are probably better combos.

    Edit:
    Vesper of Second Petrichor is pretty good.
    Petrichor is the earthy scent produced when rain falls on dry soil. This definitely fits with her new situation.
     
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    For A Better World 71
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    • CogAndStar said:
    [X] Look at the name at the top.
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    You stare at the name.

    Second Rain.

    You hear it whispered in a sibilant chorus.

    You have heard it before, many times. It is a name you have been called.

    But is it your name?

    It is not time to decide. You can't focus on it. You can't think.

    Maybe someone else will be able to give you perspective on this.

    Someone is saying something, but you don't listen. You look over the rest of the letter.

    [ ] Look at the word "extirpation"
    [ ] Look at the word "trespasses"
    [ ] Look at the word "decades"
    [ ] Look at the word "indulgence"
    [ ] Look at the name at the bottom.
    [ ] Look at the date.
     
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    • For A Better World 72
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    • Broken25 said:
    [X] Look at the word "extirpation"
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    To extirpate. To strip from the root. To excise in surgery. To leave nothing left.

    Your hands hold the torch and the knife.

    "I feel nothing."

    You feel motion around you. You hear something thrum behind the ringing in your ears.

    "I feel nothing."

    There is more to see.

    [ ] Look at the word "trespasses"
    [ ] Look at the word "decades"
    [ ] Look at the word "indulgence"
    [ ] Look at the name at the bottom.
    [ ] Look at the date.
     
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