The Last Paladin IV - The Chalice

[Maquise]

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"Possibly. Tell me, is there anything you two do other than... spending time together?"

[Frosty]

"Well, we've spent a lot of time apart. Too much, to be honest. After I came back I realized how I should treasure each and every moment I have with those I love. We do everything when we spend time together."

[Maquise]

"Actually, I think its your friend Anita that does everything. You just do each other."

There are a few snickers to be heard.

[Frosty]

Karrin looks to Mira. What is Mira's reaction?

[Maquise]

Mira seems to be getting angry, though whether at her jibes against you or Anita you can't tell.

[Frosty]

Karrin puts a reassuring and gentle hand on Mira's shoulder. "We love each other very much, and we express our love. Right, Mira?"

[Maquise]

Mira calms down a bit, but then Lady Cynthia says, "Well then your friend must be a very loving person indeed."

As Cynthia continues to disparage Anita, you can see Mira's temper shortening.

[Frosty]

Karrin tries her best to put on a friendly face. "Lady Cynthia, has Lady Anita wronged you in some way? You seem to dislike her."

[Maquise]

She shakes her head. "Oh no, I hold nothing against her. If she, and you, want to dance around like slatterns, then by all means."

[Frosty]

Karrin looks at Lady Cynthia's dress. "Well, I suppose you can't throw stones, since you're doing similar things. Anita will be glad that you're following in her fashion footsteps. Imitation, highest form of flattery, etc."

[Maquise]

"You made this the latest in fashion! If anyone wants to get noticed at all, they have to sink to your level!"

At that, Mira lays her out with one punch.

[Frosty]

Karrin immediately grabs Mira's arm. "MIRA! What in the Nine Hells? You will BACK DOWN now!" She adds more quietly, "And pray she doesn't want to press charges against you."

Karrin will lean down to Lay Hands upon Cynthia.

[Maquise]

Cynthia manages to come to, but before anything else can be said the gracious host makes it abundantly clear the party is over. Lyanna motions for the two of you to follow her, suggesting a discrete exit.

[Frosty]

Karrin follows Lyanna, and sighs. "Mira, I know she made you mad. She made me upset too, but remember we have to set an example for the rest of Whiteveil."

[Maquise]

"She had no business talking that way about you," Mira mutters.

Lyanna says, "Kensin will take care of Contessa. No reason for her to get messed up in this. She was having such fun, too..."

[Frosty]

"Well NOW what? I wonder what the blowback will be. Well, whatever it is, Mira, I will stand by your side. Just remember, women like her are not worth getting worked up over."

[Maquise]

Lyanna says, "All things considered, I think we'll have a night at least of time before any serious repercussions are felt."

Mira's calmed down by now, and is looking rather morose over the whole deal.

[Frosty]

Karrin hugs Mira. "Are you alright, love? Anything I can do for you?"

[Maquise]

She hugs back. "Well, since I figure I'll be walking just fine tomorrow, just try not to make anyone any more mad. You are normally good at that."

[Frosty]

"I don't think we made anyone mad. They made YOU mad though."

[Maquise]

Mira smiles ruefully. "I suppose this will be our last night together for a while, then."

[Frosty]

"Well, if it'll make you feel any better, that Cynthia is probably vindictive enough to try to get BOTH of us in jail, so we might end up together anyways."

[Maquise]

"Come on. Do you really think they'll throw you in jail?"

[Frosty]

"Well, if I did something bad enough, yes. As in, if it were *me* who punched someone, then yeah, for at least a few days or a week to cool off. Maybe community service too. Luckily, I didn't actually do it. But that Cynthia will try her best. So...why were you so mad? I mean, she was rude, but I haven't seen you this mad in a long time/"

[Maquise]

"Well, she did call you a slut, more or less. Repeatedly; and not just in that conversation. We'd talked... before tonight."

[Frosty]

Karrin leads Mira back inside their home. "You had talked to her before? When? What'd she say?"

[Maquise]

"Earlier tonight. She seemed to think that you and Anita, by creating this fashion trend, are pressuring women into wearing less clothing."

[Frosty]

"But *why* did that make you angry? It's incorrect, but hardly the worse thing that can be said to a woman."

[Maquise]

"Because it did," Mira huffs. "You've done enough for this city that you shouldn't have to put up with this crap."

[Frosty]

"So she called me a slut. Big deal. Remember how we are trying to help Anita by trying to trim away the negativity associated with being a slut? Well, this is a perfect example of why. See how upset it made you? Mira, I am very very happy you will stand up for me. Just remember that people are petty, and she's probably just JEALOUS of you or something."

[Maquise]

Mira can only nod as you arrive back in your chambers. Lyanna leaves the two of you alone for the evening.

[Frosty]

Karrin spends the rest of the evening trying to comfort Mira, and getting Mira to bed early. She briefly wonders if this were a way for that assassin group to take Mira out of the picture.

[Maquise]

As the two of you go to bed together, Mira reaches down, and takes a firm grasp on your shaft. There is a strange numbing sensation as it separates and comes off, leaving you once again with a womanhood.

"I'll take a raincheck on you plowing me..." she says sleepily.

[Frosty]

"It'll give you something to look forward to. Now rest well and sweet dreams. Don't worry about me. Keep the ring on you. If you are mistreated, I'll know and I'll come running." Of course, thi'd mean no one can keep an eye out for Karrin on the outside.

[Maquise]

You wake up the next morning to heavy pounding on your chamber door. Mira blinks next to you, slowly waking up. "Time to face the music, heh?"

[Frosty]

Karrin instantly gets drssed thanks to her spiffy armor enhancements. "Yep. Remember, I'll pray for you every day."

She goes to answer the door.

[Maquise]

You answer the door to find three guards there, led by a captain you've worked with several times before. They seem nervous, and not entirely certain how to proceed.

"Lady Ye," the captain finally says, "I am here to deliver a summons to Lady Mirabelle to appear before the duke today."

[Frosty]

"Of course. She'll be on time, captain. Thank you for coming."

[Maquise]

Mirabelle decides to wear her armor; it is what she usually wears to the court. However, she does not bring her sword.

You go with her to the court.

"Lady Ye," the duke says, "your presence... was not requested."

[Frosty]

"I'd like to be here, unless you have a good reason to not want me to observe the proceedings, duke."

[Maquise]

"I have no reason," the duke says, "and there is other business for us to attend to. Later, though. For our first order of business, we have a rather ugly matter to attend to."

"Lady Mirabelle, you have been charged with assault of the Lady Cynthia. Multiple witnesses have spoken against you. How do you plead?"

"Guilty," Mirabelle says without hesitation.

The duke sighs. "There is a champion of the thrones present in the court. As is tradition, I shall give her the floor to speak before rendering final judgement."

[Frosty]

Karrin nods. "Lady Mirabell realizes what she did in a fit on anger was wrong, and unbecoming of a model citizen of Whiteveil. She wishes to make amends in any way she can."

[Maquise]

The duke pauses. "I have thought long and hard about this case. Service to the city has been our most common form of punishment in Whiteveil, as is our tradition.

The hobgoblins have struggled in their efforts to work with our other forces. We require additional aid in liaison towards them. Lady Mirabelle, you will serve for six months as the aid to Captain Hurmnurgle."

[Frosty]

"Well, it could've been worse, Mira. At least you're still helping the cause. Will she have time off when not on duty as aid to captain Hurmnurgle?"

[Maquise]

"When she is not on duty, she will be restricted to the barracks. However, there is opportunity for parole should she qualify."

[Frosty]

"Will I be able to visit?"

[Maquise]

"You will need to make arrangements with the warden first, but yes."

[Frosty]

"Who is the warden?"

[Maquise]

You are given the name and directions on how to speak with him.

A pair of guards approach Mirabelle with a length of cord. The duke says, "It is required by law." Mira begrudgingly crosses her wrists in front of her, and is taken away.

[Frosty]

Karrin will follow along to see what happens next.

[Maquise]

The guards take a discrete route through the city, so as not to attract attention.

Mira will spend the night in the barrack's stockade, before being transferred to Fort Ostrigar where the hobgoblin legion under Captain Hurmnurgle has been stationed. The warden's name is Cyric, a stern but fair veteran.

[Frosty]

Karrin doesn't like it, but she knows it must be done. "Warden Cyric, will Mira also be staying at the hobgoblin city, as she is Hurmnurgle's assistant?"

[Maquise]

"Captain Hurmnurgle stays at the Ostrigar garrison, for the most part," Cyric says.

[Frosty]

Karrin nods. "And what are visiting hours? I'll probably come by once every few days unless I'm on a mission. Oh, what is the goblin city called nowadays? Do you know?"

[Maquise]

"The name for their city is... unpronouncible," Cyric says.

[Frosty]

Karrin keeps prodding Cyric for the visiting hours, even as she watches Mira be put into the stockades with a frown.

[Maquise]

"Look, as long as she isn't doing anything important, you can come and go as you wish," he says. "Just don't do anything that would be considered disruptive. Not that I particularly think I could stop you."

[Frosty]

"I won't. Don't worry. Well Mira, unless you want me to stay the night with you here, I'll be off. The duke may have finished the scrying by now."

[Maquise]

"Do be careful," Mira says. "I have a bad feeling about this."

You remember the duke said he wished to talk to you after this business was concluded.

[Frosty]

Karrin rides back to Whiteveil. She quickly checks on Anita in the gardens first.

[Maquise]

Anita is no longer in the gardens.

You track her down and find her in her room. She does not appear to be having too much fun, as her belly is swollen and lumpy.

[Frosty]

"Hey Anita, how are you feeling?"

[Maquise]

Anita cringes as she clutches her belly. "Still trying to decide if this was worth it..."

[Frosty]

"Well, if it helps, the actual birthing process is quite...pleasurable as well. Just think, in the future we'll have multiple such Moon Blossom plants gracing this city! Women everywhere will rejoice!"

Karrin's face becomes more somber. "On a down note, Mira was arrested this morning. She pinched a noble out cold yesterday."

[Maquise]

"Seriously?" Anita asks at the second part. "Well, I know a few who would provoke such a reaction."

[Frosty]

"Oh? You've...met a lot of the city's noblepeople?"

[Maquise]

"Through the course of things, yes..."

[Frosty]

"Well, have you met 'Lady' Cynthia? Can you guess why Mira punched her lights out?"

[Maquise]

"Oh, yes. I know her. Really protective of Sir Corvosta. Not a big fan of you, once she found out he tried courting you before..."

[Frosty]

"Yes well, she's now blaming YOU, and me to a certain extent, for erm...'forcing' her to dress like a slattern just to keep Corvosta's attention."

[Maquise]

"Well, it wasn't like we didn't know we would face resistance."

[Frosty]

"True true. Now, I can't do anything to erm...get revenge directly, but maybe *you* can help me. You willing?"

[Maquise]

Anita looks surprised. "You never struck me as being particularly vindictive... what is your plan?"

[Frosty]

"It's nothing destructive, and I can get vindictive when people hurt those I love. Now, since Cynthia is SO worried about 'standards' slipping, I say we really give her something to worry about. I want you to accomplish one of two things. Either will count as a win. You should push 'standards' even lower. And by standards I mean your neckline. Higher if it's your skirt. Do everything you can to steal Sir Corvosta away from Cynthia. You were looking to use honey to attract bees anyways right? Well Sir Corvosta isn't a bad bee to attract, and I hear he's well-endowed himself. Either you succeed in that, or Cynthia is forced to heavily lower her own 'standards' to compete. Either way we win. I want to see Cynthia prancing around NAKED (okay, slight exaggeration) to keep Corvosta, or you hanging off of Corvosta's arm, taunting Cynthia."

[Maquise]

"Oh, I think I can do this," Anita says. "Well, as soon as I transplant my little... gift to the world..."

[Frosty]

"I can help that along actually. Hold still..." Karrin starts channeling positive energy into Anita's stomach. "So, you really up for this? I mean, depending on how determined Cynthia is, your standards might drop a lot too...maybe drop all the way."

[Maquise]

"I think I can sway the balance in my favor... AAAGGGHHH!"

The bulge swells outward, producing a loud gurgling sound. "I THOUGHT THIS WAS SUPPOSED TO HELP!"

[Frosty]

"It IS! It'll go faster, so you can get it over with! Now let's go to the gardens and get this thing planted."

[Maquise]

You carry Anita over to the gardens. After the ordeal of giving birth to the plant, Anita rests for a moment.

[Frosty]

Karrin helps Anita with more positive energy, and gives her food and water. "So, what'd be your strategy do you think?"

[Maquise]

"I have to be careful," Anita says. "Slow. Won't do if Sir Corvosta finds out, after all. Have to make him think everything's legitimate."

[Frosty]

"Right. The good thing is, we already know he likes his girls to dress scantily. You going to start out just befriending him then?"

[Maquise]

"Luckily, we've spoken before. I'm already on fairly good terms with him. Establishing a friendship shouldn't take much work," Anita says.

[Frosty]

"Good. Now, I need to go to the duke for an update about the whole assassin's cult issue. You going to head straight over to Corvosta?"

[Maquise]

"Do you think you will need my help with the assassins?" Anita asks. "You should not go alone."

[Frosty]

"I will take all the help I can get, to be honest. Mira covers my back well, but she's busy for now."

[Maquise]

"I'm not sure how much use I'd be against assassins, but I'll give you all of the help I can," Anita says.

[Frosty]

"Well, at least, if they knock me out, you can still fight them. Or vice versa. Or at least drag my ass back to safety."

[Maquise]

Anita laughs weakly.

You arrive at the duke's court. "Is everything to your satisfaction?" the duke asks.

[Frosty]

"As much as it can be, duke. Thank you for the lenient sentence. Now, shall we get down to business?"

[Maquise]

"I've located the Black Shroud's center of operations. It's in the sewers, in the Old District."

"Why to cities always have sprawling sewers?" Anita asks rhetorically.

The duke says, "Nearly every city in Validor is ancient, though not all have been consistantly inhabited. To create a true city, one must erect a great many wards and other magical defenses. Once these are up, they last a very long time; it is easier usually to simply build where they are already in place."

[Frosty]

"So...how do you want to do this? Sending someone to infiltrate probably won't work, as they know each other I bet. We need to send a team to somehow box them in or prevent them from moving while the army moves in for the kill."

[Maquise]

"That may be difficult if they have a magical means of escape," the duke says. "My powers are great, but I can only do so much."

[Frosty]

"Don't you already have a system in place to prevent devils from teleporting into the city?"

[Maquise]

"The wards have a password to permit those who speak it to enter. It is a closely guarded secret, of course, but I have my suspicions as to whom is responsible for this, and if they are correct, the cult knows many of our secrets."

[Frosty]

"Right, so...what is our plan to wipe out this cult?"

[Maquise]

"We need to gather more information," he says. "I've found as much as I can; we need to get someone in there physically."

[Frosty]

"Well, I may be able to bust my way in, but I'd be loud..."

[Maquise]

"You'll have to find some other way in, then," he says.

[Frosty]

"Alright. Give me a complete map of the area, and I'll speak with my allies to find a way to sneak in. You're looking for intelligence, so as long as someone gets in and takes a good look around, it's a win?"

[Maquise]

"Indeed," the duke says.

"You thinking of Syl?" Anita asks.

[Frosty]

"Syl can help. I'll also talk to Nomen and the gripplis. They are relative unknowns here, and Nomen especially could have special mind powers. Maybe he can make others not see him. We'll need to talk to him. Lyanna isn't bad, but if she gets caught it'd be very bad."

[Maquise]

You locate Syl, who in fact seems to have taken a fondness to some of the older parts of the city, that many people no longer live in. She agrees without hesitation to help you find and eliminate this cult.

[Frosty]

"Thank you, Syl. Any suggestions on how you might do this? Use the ring as usual?"

[Maquise]

"I am well-versed in these matters. You needn't worry about such things."

[Frosty]

Karrin is taken aback just a *tad*, but recovers. "Well...good. One less thing for me to worry about. I also want to ask Nomen and the gripplis to help. Think you can work together well for this kind of mission?"

[Maquise]

"I will speak to them about this. See what they are capable of. This is my area of expertise; you can trust me."

[Frosty]

"Well, what *can* I do to help you then? The duke has assigned this project to me, and I feel like Id be shirking responsibility to just throw it to a friend and say 'here, you handle it' you know? Should I come with you to talk to Nomen?"

[Maquise]

"You can if you wish," she says.

[Frosty]

"Shall we go talk to him then?"

[Maquise]

You go to Nomen.

"The symbiotes have been a great success," he says. "Is there any other way that I can assist you?"

[Frosty]

Karrin nods. "Your work has helped others, and this earns a bit of my trust. I have another request for you...this one is more dangerous. Tell me, do you any skills that'd aid in stealth-recon or infiltration?"

[Maquise]

"In stealth, not directly, however you may make use of my abilities as an interrogator."

[Frosty]

"So if we capture someone you can...get answers from them?"

[Maquise]

"Indeed. And my techniques... will be unlikely to cause pain. Unless they resist heavily..."

[Frosty]

"Umm...can you describe some of your techniques to me? There are certain lines I'd rather us not cross."

[Maquise]

"Mind probes, and means to make them more suggestive. None should cause significant injury."

[Frosty]

"Good. Syl, do you need anything else before you go?"

[Maquise]

"If you could, try to keep a low profile. You are vulnerable now, and the last thing we need is to draw attention to that."

[Frosty]

"Alright. I'll just go spend some time at TooGL then. Maybe discuss some religion with them."

[Maquise]

"Very well."

Do you wish to go to the ToOgl alone, or take someone with you?

[Frosty]

Karrin checks out what Contessa and Lyanna are doing first. This religious discussion could be good for Contessa to partake in.

[Maquise]

You find Lyanna and Contessa studying the history of the worship of the Thrones.

[Frosty]

"Hey Lyanna. How's Kensin today? Sorry about the mess yesterday."

[Maquise]

Lyanna sighs. "Ehh, I've been through worse."

[Frosty]

"So, anything interesting you two found about the history of Throne worship? This is probably something I should brush up on before I head over to TooGL later today."

[Maquise]

Contessa speaks up. "Did you know the original worship of the Three Thrones was started by the dragons?"

Lyanna adds, "The metallics, of course. They passed it to their elven servants, who then shared it with the humans."

[Frosty]

"I wonder why the dragons...and how long ago was that?"

[Maquise]

Lyanna says, "In the Time of Dragons, a millennium in the past."

[Frosty]

"Contessa, did you and your father worship the Thrones as well?"

[Maquise]

Contessa shakes her head. "I hadn't really heard of them, to be honest. My dad mostly focused on psionic meditation. He said it was more important to look within for power than to try to find it elsewhere. But he trusted you... the rest of the city was under the control of the psychanuan. They wouldn't have wanted any of that around."

[Frosty]

"So, what do you think of the Thrones' teachings then? You seem to have taken everything in, but do you agree with it all?"

[Maquise]

Contessa nods. "Everything... feels right. And you are living proof that it works."

[Frosty]

"Well, other people see me as living proof that *I* work and deserve to be worshipped. So, be prepared to defend your position at TooGL. You're coming with me. Lyanna, I'd welcome you there too. We need to not be alone these days."

[Maquise]

Contessa asks, "So, what exactly is our position concerning, um, you?"

[Frosty]

"Well, I know what *I* think, but what do *you* think? Remember, paladins have to be critical thinkers, since we have to make lots of snap judgements."

[Maquise]

"Well, I think we should continue to support the Thrones, and aid you in your fight. I'm not sure about the metaphysics otherwise..."

[Frosty]

"What do you think of...me-worship?"

[Maquise]

"I... honestly don't know."

[Frosty]

Karrin smiles and puts a gentle hand on Contessa. "Why not? We're all friends, and I want you to be truthful. There's no right or wrong answer here, and you won't offend me."

[Maquise]

You can tell she has no further answer to give you.

[Frosty]

"Alright. It's fine to not have a solid answer. After all, there's many, many things I do not know as well. So, shall we head off?"

[Maquise]

You arrive at the ToOGL. There are more people here than you remember; it is obvious that its followers are growing in number.

[Frosty]

Showing up in full armor/regalia, what kinds of reactions does Karrin draw as she enters the compound with Lyana and Contessa in tow?

[Maquise]

The reaction is what you would expect, though not as extreme as you feared. They are definitely reverent to you, but no one, say, prostrates before you.

[Frosty]

Karrin is glad to see no one is prostrating at least. She stops to greet the people, trying to be friendly and approachable, and telling everyone that they can just come to her as a person, with regular conversation topics, as well as requests for help. When she has the chance, she'll look to speak to Simon the oracle, the one that seems to be the leader.

[Maquise]

As you speak with the people, you find that the number and size of the miracles that the member of the Temple are performing is increasing.

You find Simon, alongside Corinth. "We have not talked since you brought us your concerns," he says, "and we have not heard from Benegar in some time."

[Frosty]

"It is good to see you both. As for Benegar, he has gone into hiding, ever since it was is covered that he's a member of an assassin's order. He is very dangerous, so do stay away from him even if you see him. I thought I'd come back today to officially tour this place and have an honest Q n A session with everyone."

[Maquise]

"Very good," Simon says. "I think it is well past time you addressed your followers directly." You note the touch of criticism in his voice.

[Frosty]

"I'm sorry I haven't really had the time before now. How do we want to do this? It's your church, of which I'm technically not even a member (because it'd feel narcissistic) so I'll follow your procedures."

[Maquise]

Simon says, "I will perform the opening ceremonies, and introduce you."

Lyanna says, "You thinking about what to say?"

[Frosty]

"So...I'll just stand off stage until you intro me?"

[Maquise]

Simon grants you a place on the front row to sit.

[Frosty]

Karrin sits there, next to Lyanna and Contessa, and waits for the ceremonies to begin. "Remember to still be on the lookout for attacks. Who knows where the assassins will strike next..." she whispers to her friends.

[Maquise]

Simon leads them in an abridged version of the worship ceremony. You once more feel power being drawn into you.

[Frosty]

Karrin feels strange, not just because of the power surging into her, but because she feels impolite by not joining in. However, joining in would just be absurd on so many levels.

[Maquise]

Contessa and Lyanna look at you, apparently feeling similarly but not sure how to act.

[Frosty]

"Just keep on the lookout for anything dangerous, and try to relax..."

Karrin tries to take her own advice as she knows she'll need to speak in front of the others soon.

[Maquise]

The ceremony concludes, and Simon speaks.

"Today, we shall be addressed by the one who quite literally needs no introduction. Karrin Ye."

The room is silent.

[Frosty]

Karrin stands up, and walks to the podium. She stares out at the masses before her, and waits for a few seconds. The paladin looks at Simon for a signal that she may begin.

[Maquise]

The mass looks on in anticipation as Simon indicates for you to proceed.

[Frosty]

Karrin clears her throat, and begins. "I didn't really prepare a speech, and I generally don't go for long, rambling discourses, so I'm just going to get to the point. I'm glad to be serving as a role model to you all, and I know I'm far from perfect, but I promise I will try my best to meet and exceed your expectations. I will continue to fight evil and help those in need until my last breath, and I will do my best not to harm anyone who doesn't deserve it. That pretty much sums up my philosophy on life, and I hope you all will follow in my footsteps."

[Maquise]

You are met with a standing ovation.

[Frosty]

"Now, I'm sure many of you have questions, and I invite you to ask them of me as you would ask of any other person. Do not be shy, for I am one of you."

[Maquise]

You manage to answer the questions to their satisfaction.