Porthca Landing II: Lost & Found

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All things considered, this could be going much, much worse. Mentally sorting through the onslaught of questions, Valerie nodded at the paladin’s interjection. “Yes, I am afraid that it is hardly a very exciting or glamorous excuse. To be honest, I maintained the disguise out of habit rather than distrust.”

At Virra’s question, Valerie had to giggle a little. “No, to the best of my knowledge at least, I am not Lestone’s great grandson, or any sort of relation.” Her next volley of questions gave Valerie some pause. “Runaway may be a bit... over dramatic. In the interest of honesty, I may have made a sudden departure from the home of some family friends under the guise of attending Azarad. Also... no. I am not a noble lady.” There was something strange in her tone there, but then she continued, holding up her hand with the ring. “Yes, the ring has everything to do with it. My weapons and powers are not illusions, although I’d forgive you for thinking they were, given the circumstances.”

Holding out a hand, her ring glowed briefly as a large, wicked looking battle axe formed in her grip out of particles of salt that projected from the simple band. She offered it out to Virra for inspection. “You asked about a connection between me and Lestone before, and I was honest when I said I have none... but I believe that my ring might.”
 
Eliza leaned in curiously watching the ring, “You probably already had it inspected but I could have a look if you wanted. It will take ten minutes though.” Her eyes gleamed brighter at the mention of the magical ring. “Well, whatever your reasons were, I am glad you trust us enough to share your secrets.”
 
Virra slid out of her chair to get a good look at the ring, not that she could make out anything useful about it. Truthfully, after asking all those questions she didn't have much left to interrogate Valerie about aside from the Lestone connection, and it seemed like she was prepared to open up about that. All of her answers sounded pretty good so far. Yes, Virra's optimism about this "new" team member was starting to outweigh her disappointment over all the fun nicknames she'd never get to use.

She took her eyes off the ring soon after Eliza offered to inspect it more closely. "What she said. And since we're sharing secrets, please don't tell anyone that I can do magic with my mind." She gave the once-Knight a wink. "'Cos I can."
 
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Letting the demonstration axe dissolve into salt, Valerie paused for a moment as she considered Eliza’s question. “I have not really had any opportunity to get it properly inspected as of yet. If you would like to, go ahead. It disappears if it gets too far away from me, and forms back on my finger.”


She slid off the ring and offered it to Eliza, blushing slightly. “To be honest, for the past few days it had been less about distrust, and more about dreading having to explain it all. Thank you all for making this far less painful than you could have.”

She was a little concerned at the silence from a few of the others, but was distracted by Virra’s next statement, and even more so by the mental follow up. She stared at the gnome for a moment, jaw agape before pulling herself back together. Wait, does that mean that she could read my thoughts? No, if she could read my thoughts I’m sure she would have figured out my identity far sooner. Wait... She gave Virra a slightly panicked apologetic look. “Oh gods... All those times I thought you were just standing around in battle... was that you using your magic? I am so sorry for misjudging you, I am afraid I have very little experience with magic of any sort, let alone mental magic.”
 
Tyrius watched the exchange, nodding in agreement with Eliza about trust. "It's not a problem," said Tyrius with a smile, "I'm with Eliza on this, it's good you trust us enough to open up." Tyrius heard a bit of bitterness in Valerie's voice when the possibility of nobility was brought up but decided not to push that point. 'Just opening up like this must be hard enough for her right now.' thought the sorcerer.

Leaning forward in his chair, Tyrius asked, "So, what makes you think the ring is connected to Lestone?"
 
Valerie watched as Eliza took the ring from her, and then turned to Tyrius with an embarrassed smirk and a shrug. “Well, to be honest it is the only explanation that makes sense. The ring does not communicate with me, but it gives me... feelings. Sensations, I suppose. One such feeling is what drove me to leave my home and come to Porthca, and upon my arrival I had a brief encounter with Lestone. The ring seemed to recognize him.” She glanced over to the ring in Eliza’s hands. “It has not given me any troubles since I have joined you all, so I can only assume that is good, right?” She gave Tyrius a slightly questioning smile.
 
Tyrius scratched his chin in thought as Valerie explained about the ring. 'So, the ring can't be separated from Valerie very far before it appears back on her and is linked to Lestone.' thought the sorcerer. "How long have you had the ring?" asked Tyrius, wondering how it had ended up in her possession. "It's good it hasn't given you trouble since but the fact it caused a reaction around Lestone - we can only hope The Sea's influence doesn't extend all the way out here." said Tyrius.

'And hope Lestone has not resumed his killing spree in Porthca.' he added.
 
Valerie’s smile faded a little at the question of how long she had had the ring. “Oh, for over two years now, but it only just began to respond to me a few months back... on the anniversary of my grandfather’s death. It was his ring before it was mine, although he had never let on to it’s true power.” She frowned slightly and reached for a cookie, filling her silence with pastry eating.
 
Banrigg's face remains stony and expressionless in light of the Knight's -- Valerie's revealed secret. The only sign that Banrigg was aware of what was going on was the bushy white eyebrow that climbed up his forehead. His eyes flitted towards each person as they spoke, and he attempted to keep up with the conversation. Banrigg could understand not fully trusting a group of strangers enough to be this honest with them, hell if Banrigg had a secret this big he certainly would not have mentioned it yet. Either way, Banrigg harbored no ill will towards Valerie for her deception, although all this talk about a connection with Lestone was another story. Banrigg had been brought up to speed on Lestone and his relation to their quest, so this news of her connection was definitely something he would keep in mind for the future.

Banrigg then realized that he had just been sitting there without saying anything the whole time, which normally he was fine with, but he wanted to make sure that Valerie didn't think he was uncomfortable with this news. "Well ring or no ring, Lestone or no Lestone, I'm glad ye trusted us with this. I'ma pretty firm believer in balance, an' now we got ourselves a nice, well-rounded group'a lads an' lasses, I'm takin' that as a good omen for our endeavor."
 
Virra giggled at the sudden stream of apologies, waving her hand like it didn't matter. "Of course it was. You didn't think those fireflies just gave up and died in mid-flight, did you?" she teased. Still, she quickly shut up as Valerie began to explain the ring's background in detail. It was looking to be yet another mystery to puzzle out while dealing with Lestone and The Sea, though hopefully a mystery that would work in their favour -- maybe the wet hitman would be just as surprised by its axe-summoning power as they were.

Banrigg's comment put a sly smile back on her face. "Y'know, you're right. We've got an even split, haven't we? That can only mean good things." The smile grew broader. "Two 'V' names, too. Very good things."
 
Finishing her cookie, Valerie smiled at the older dwarf. “Well, that comes as a relief, Banrigg. After all, you are my oldest friend here... and I would be lying if I were to say that not having to meet the business end of your axe is quite a relief as well.” She grinned before turning back to Virra. “I am venerated that you find the vastly vexing truth of my secret to be validated. Verily, I do find ‘V’ to be the most valiant letter.” Giggling, she continued. “I believe I was toying with naming the Salted Knight ‘Vincent’ for a time, but then I decided that the title was mysterious and thrilling enough on its own.”
 
Eliza looked over the ring carefully tapping it with her wand tip at seemingly odd intervals while muttering under her breath. "Hmm...Oh! That's strange." After the seventh tap, there was a flash from the ring and a look of shock washed over her face. "Oh, no..." Eyebrows furrowed she brought the ring closer to her eyes the look of concern increasing behind her eyes. Why was her throat feeling so scratchy all of a sudden? Ignoring that odd feeling for now she looked at the young woman.

"Um...Valerie, I don't think I have pleasant news." She coughed dryly but starting counting down on her fingers, "Firstly, it seems to be attached to you for life, or until you find an heir to pass it on. Maybe you could find a magical way to get rid of it but till then you are basically stuck with this." She winced at the increasing pain in her throat but she continued, the strange parched feeling overwhelming any initial concern she felt about the findings. "There are four distinct sources of magic in this; enchantment, transmutation, abjuration, and...and necromancy. Its magical effect seems similar to two spells, both...both of which are based in necromancy. They are 'Soul Cage' and 'Magic Jar' ."

The intense thirst was almost too much by this point but she soldiered on almost wheezing the last part, "I am sorry but...but I don't know...much else..."

She shot up from her seat and looked for the nearest pitcher of anything liquid in the room. "Who brings dry cookies to a meeting without anything to drink!" How could Valerie betray her like that, didn't she know the ring would make her feel like this and then to not even provide water. Was it all a sick prank? Every breath felt like fire. Did drowning feel like this? Why was she so intensely thirsty though.

She rushed past the group to get to the door. She needed to find something, anything, to drink. Breakfast! There was sure to be some juice or something. She rushed downstairs to get to the dining room but by the time she barged in the room the feeling had oddly subsided. All that was left was her standing awkwardly in the doorway. "Umm...good morning." She said feeling absolutely mortified, and with that familiar blush rising up in her cheeks.
 
Hearing Eliza's findings, Tyrius looked to Valerie. 'How on earth - both of those are really bad magic. How is she walking around with that bound to her?'

As Eliza shouted about drinking then ran out, Tyrius had one thought. "Someone go fetch Sabine!" said Tyrius, "Will explain what those spells are later, but they're both bad news!" Standing up, Tyrius had to stop and work out where Eliza was a few times from the sounds of her footsteps, slowing him down. Hearing heavy footfalls on the stairs, Tyrius figured that was where Eliza was. Reaching the balcony that ran across the second floor at the stairway, he saw Eliza running into the dining hall.

Dashing down the stairs, Tyrius managed to see Eliza had stopped in the doorway. "Eliza, are you alright?" Tyrius asked, the concern evident in his voice. Looking to his family in the Dining Hall, Tyrius tried to see if Sabine was there, "Maybe Sabine should give you a once over."
 
Ander smirked at Valerie, "This has gone much better than I would've expected." He chuckled under his breath as he grabbed a cookie and took a bite.
 
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"No, no, I am fine. I should have expected such a magical ring to have some layers of protective magic woven in. It just made me feel slightly parched, that's all." Eliza said very conscious of everyone staring at her. "Thank you but I will be alright. Let's just have some breakfast now before we are asked too many questions we can't answer." She sat at the table finally in within reach of some precious coffee.
 
Feeling a strange sensation, Valerie's eyes snapped back over to Eliza. What is it that she is doing? I thought she said she was merely taking a look, but it sure doesn't feel like it's just a look. Wincing slightly, she listened as the half-orc mage went on to describe the magic in place behind the ring, only recognizing a few words here and there, but knowing enough to know they were not pleasant. She then finally noticed Eliza's growing discomfort, and felt a twinge of guilt at her words. Drinks! Of course! Grandfather must be rolling in his... Her thoughts were interrupted as Eliza threw the ring and bolted, the salt band cracking and dissolving into the air as it made impact. Moments later, it reformed on Valerie's finger as she stared after both Eliza and Tyrius, and then looked over to Ander like a deer in torchlight. "What... what just happened? Is she going to be alright?" The words 'attached for life' finally registered in Valerie's head, and she gazed down at the mysterious ring on her finger silently. Grandfather... what exactly did you get me into?
 
Just as Virra was piecing together another round of 'V' words to throw back at Valerie, her concentration was broken by Eliza spouting off something about drinks and running out of the room. That amount of physical activity from the wizard was quite out of character, as was Tyrius's infuriatingly vague warning about the spells in the ring. "She's probably okay," she told Valerie as she hurried to the door. "Why don't you relax while I go and make sure?"

She arrived at the dining room a few seconds after Tyrius, owing to her slow start and short legs. And there she found Eliza -- calmly reaching for some coffee. Huh. "Y'know, if you wanted to get some breakfast, you could've just said it," she laughed, leaning at the door. If there was some other reason for the half-orc's sudden panic, she expected she'd be told. "Should I just call everyone else down here? Show off the pretty new face?" she offered.
 
Silverbane Manor | First Floor Dining Area:

The small party at the breakfast table were surprised by the sudden entry of Eliza with Tyrius and Virra following. Baldrus and Moriana looked concerned by Elizabeth gave a confused expression while she continued to butter some bread.

Taking a bite and swallowing, Elizabeth responded, "If ya need Sabine, she already left for her morning chores with the church and the fields."

A door from the side opened, revealing Niradnam carrying a few books under his arm as he joined the others at the table, tensing when he saw Eliza but shifted his gaze to the offered food as he flipped through the books. "Good morning, Lord Tyrius, lady Eliza and lady Virra. I hope you slept well, even with the storms through the night." Taking a sip of some poured grape juice he gently tapped the cover of one of the books, "I, as usual, could not sleep well so I spent my morning trying to find some of the books I thought would be relevant ... but it seems your mind is on other things at the moment. Is everything well? If arcane healing isn't available, I'm trained in more typical medicine if needed."
 
“Oh, that’s quite unnecessary Lord Niradnam, thank you very much.” Eliza said trying to act casual and not at all like she had openly browsed his soul like one of the books he was holding. “How goes the research? Found anything of interest?” She said with perfect innocence.
 
Looking from Niradnam to Eliza, Tyrius was utterly confused. 'Eliza makes a scene - which is very unlike Eliza - then acts normally.' the sorcerer thought, 'Nope, can't think.'

"Err... looks like healing won't be needed after all." said Tyrius, wondering whether he should stay in the dining hall or head back to the others. "False alarm I guess?" he added, sitting down and helping himself to some coffee, figuring chances were either the others were heading down themselves, or they weren't in which case he'd make some polite conversation with Niradnam then head back within five minutes under some innocent pretext. As it was, Eliza had asked the important question, so Tyrius just sipped his coffee and waited.
 
Silverbane Manor | First Floor Dining Area:

Niradnam studied Eliza for a moment before speaking, "Please, I'm a mere scholar, I don't need a title so lofty." Grabbing some fruit to pile on his plate he continued, "In thinking on what was mentioned and discussed last night, I do believe we're after the same stories, just for different reasons: I seek items that disappeared from history in general, and you all appear to have a specific item in mind."

Cutting into an apple with a small knife, "As mentioned since I couldn't sleep, I went and looked for the appropriate books and even maps of the area since it seemed what we're looking for is near this area." Niradnam bowed his head towards the Master and Madame, "Your library is impressive, digging through the shelves I found old original copies of legends in the Plains -- copies that speak of where such a master thief would store his hoard." Taking a bite of a cut slice he looked over the trio with interest.
 
Virra got a small kick out of being referred to as "Lady", though it died off pretty quickly as Tyrius and Eliza didn't seem to hear her. "Guess I'll do that, then," she said sulkily, turning on her heel and heading to the stairs shortly after Niradnam finished speaking.

When she reached the study on the first floor, she pushed the door open and stuck her head in. "It looks like Eliza's fine, and everyone's getting breakfast," she said, shrugging. "Are you guys coming?" Struck by a thought, she turned to Valerie. "Oh, or do you want some stuff brought up to you? Save your grand reveal until after the meal?" Another thought. "Or do you just wanna be the Knight for a little while longer?"
 
Valerie frowned. She had hoped to ask Tyrius for his thoughts on the matter, but clearly that wasn’t going to be an option now. “Umm... I am not sure what would be most appropriate in this situation...” Her eyes glanced over to Ander, seemingly pleading for advice. Ander is a wise and righteous holy man... surely he must have some idea of how to approach this, right?
 
Ander placed a hand on Valerie's shoulder as a sign of reassurance. "I don't got any clue about what happened with Miss Eliza, but I don't think that we need any more deception around here." He smiled warmly, "You are safe now with us, there isn't any reason to hide." He looks around, thinking back to the chaos of the past few minutes, "Plus, I doubt things could get more awkward than the thirsty half-orc sprinting down the hall. Anyway, I'll be by your side, you don't need to worry."

He thought about how Valerie reminded him of a young Sister who had joined the order a few years ago. A stange gal who did things her own way, even when given direct instructions. He had always enjoyed the trips to town when he had escorted her to the market, if only because she was so much different from the others.

Ander put his hand to his head to indicate to Virra that he wanted to think to her, and just assumed that it was working, leading to Virra hearing the end of his thoughts, <...I hope she feels like a part of the team, I wouldn't want this to become a difficult situation. I may need you, Eliza, or Tyrius to explain what she said about the ring, but she is a good person who has helped to keep us safe on the road. Valerie deserves to feel welcomed as she is.> He squeezed Val's shoulder, patting her slightly as he began to follow Virra down to breakfast.
 
It took a moment for Virra to get the message and open a mental link, but she caught on just in time to get the tail end of Ander's thoughts. She considered letting him know how the trick really worked, but quickly through out the idea; this way was much funnier.

After listening to his thoughts she gave the big man a nod. "Sure thing," she said aloud, grinning at Valerie, then turned and headed for the stairs again. She'd been teased with breakfast long enough.
 
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