Rydas Errion
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It was with forced patience that the Prince listened as the group vocalized their questions and concerns. Some remained silent, content with wine and cake, but others did not hold back. Rather than addressing each as they were asked, he waited until all had spoke their mind. As he listened, his gaze stared into the dancing flames of the fire, mind constantly working to phrase the answers. When the sound died down to the crackling of the logs before him, his head raised to address the speakers.
The last question, from the unpredictable monk, was responded to first. A genuine grin pulled at the left side of his lips for a second before it was gone. It was the first emotion he had showed in a long while. The naivety of the woman astounded him, though in that moment he began to find it endearing. Rydas cleared his throat, briefly paraphrasing chunks of the history of Calisma. “Before magic was regulated by the Guild, it ran rampant. There was no balance. A sorceress, or sorcerer, had great magic powers, severely twisted by the dark arts. They drew their power from the death and evil in the world and used it solely for their own greed. They were corrupt. Idassava was a great necromancer who held dominion over the fallen. She was obsessed with immortality and was said to have found a way to return to this plain after she had died her mortal death.”
Green gaze moved on, falling to the little mage who had fallen asleep. He had heard that it was easy for mages to exhaust themselves if they weren’t careful channeling their energy. It would be a long and arduous journey for her if she didn’t learn. Come to think of it, he hadn’t even seen her during the fight. He removed his characteristic red cloak and laid it over her body, a silent thank you for her support to his cause.
Vision then moved to the Thovian merchant of death, the red head, who was the first to speak. He nodded in agreement. “It is sure to be as complicated as Idassava was. I would bet the crown’s coin that there will be obstacles along the way, though where and what I cannot say. “ He paused, looking around the group to the rangers and rogues that specialized in detection. “That is where your varied skills will be critical.”
Another pause, obviously considering the next words carefully. Rydas decided full disclosure would receive the most merit. “While I don’t have a name or description, the texts mentioned that Idassava’s tomb was watched over by her guardian. Knowing her dalliances with the dark and sinister, one can only guess what might await us. “
It was the last questions that he was careful about. His lips pressed together, calming breath taken before speaking. While Rydas supposed that the knight’s words had not been meant to measure him as a rule, it was easily taken in such negative context. The subject was difficult. It was vital to not directly discuss political strategies with unknown persons at risk of sabotage. Nevertheless, careful safe falls had been put in place in case of the worst circumstances. Rydas’ mood sobered further.
“Paladin, your order is not unknown to me, and so I trust your unfaltering dedication. I assure roper measure has been taken to prepare for all possible outcomes. While this venture may seem reckless it has been carefully considered, and I would argue dire circumstances warrant greater risk. Still, there are failsafes in place. Should it come to it, I am ready.”
Attention moved to the cleric. He frowned, slightly. If they all heeded Akadov’s words things would get more dangerous, possibly impeding vital maneuvers. As commander and Prince, it was his way of saying he could hold his own- he had only trained for it his whole life. “I thank you for your confidence. While your concern is appreciated, you were not hired as a bodyguard. It is your individual skill sets that will get us through this; healing, fighting or otherwise.”
There was one more concern to address. Eyes set on the ranger who had played nurse when the cleric had fallen earlier. “Be honest, Prince. What are the chances of survival.” Honesty was what she wanted, she he spoke the truth. “Last day, and this morning, I was unsure. To see everyone in action has inspired faith. Provided that this newly found unison remains, our chances are greatly increased.” He wasn't a statistician, it was the best he could offer. The day's events, and lack of sleep, were wearing on him. Hands raised to rub temples trying to massage away the exhaustion.
The last question, from the unpredictable monk, was responded to first. A genuine grin pulled at the left side of his lips for a second before it was gone. It was the first emotion he had showed in a long while. The naivety of the woman astounded him, though in that moment he began to find it endearing. Rydas cleared his throat, briefly paraphrasing chunks of the history of Calisma. “Before magic was regulated by the Guild, it ran rampant. There was no balance. A sorceress, or sorcerer, had great magic powers, severely twisted by the dark arts. They drew their power from the death and evil in the world and used it solely for their own greed. They were corrupt. Idassava was a great necromancer who held dominion over the fallen. She was obsessed with immortality and was said to have found a way to return to this plain after she had died her mortal death.”
Green gaze moved on, falling to the little mage who had fallen asleep. He had heard that it was easy for mages to exhaust themselves if they weren’t careful channeling their energy. It would be a long and arduous journey for her if she didn’t learn. Come to think of it, he hadn’t even seen her during the fight. He removed his characteristic red cloak and laid it over her body, a silent thank you for her support to his cause.
Vision then moved to the Thovian merchant of death, the red head, who was the first to speak. He nodded in agreement. “It is sure to be as complicated as Idassava was. I would bet the crown’s coin that there will be obstacles along the way, though where and what I cannot say. “ He paused, looking around the group to the rangers and rogues that specialized in detection. “That is where your varied skills will be critical.”
Another pause, obviously considering the next words carefully. Rydas decided full disclosure would receive the most merit. “While I don’t have a name or description, the texts mentioned that Idassava’s tomb was watched over by her guardian. Knowing her dalliances with the dark and sinister, one can only guess what might await us. “
It was the last questions that he was careful about. His lips pressed together, calming breath taken before speaking. While Rydas supposed that the knight’s words had not been meant to measure him as a rule, it was easily taken in such negative context. The subject was difficult. It was vital to not directly discuss political strategies with unknown persons at risk of sabotage. Nevertheless, careful safe falls had been put in place in case of the worst circumstances. Rydas’ mood sobered further.
“Paladin, your order is not unknown to me, and so I trust your unfaltering dedication. I assure roper measure has been taken to prepare for all possible outcomes. While this venture may seem reckless it has been carefully considered, and I would argue dire circumstances warrant greater risk. Still, there are failsafes in place. Should it come to it, I am ready.”
Attention moved to the cleric. He frowned, slightly. If they all heeded Akadov’s words things would get more dangerous, possibly impeding vital maneuvers. As commander and Prince, it was his way of saying he could hold his own- he had only trained for it his whole life. “I thank you for your confidence. While your concern is appreciated, you were not hired as a bodyguard. It is your individual skill sets that will get us through this; healing, fighting or otherwise.”
There was one more concern to address. Eyes set on the ranger who had played nurse when the cleric had fallen earlier. “Be honest, Prince. What are the chances of survival.” Honesty was what she wanted, she he spoke the truth. “Last day, and this morning, I was unsure. To see everyone in action has inspired faith. Provided that this newly found unison remains, our chances are greatly increased.” He wasn't a statistician, it was the best he could offer. The day's events, and lack of sleep, were wearing on him. Hands raised to rub temples trying to massage away the exhaustion.