A t E: Session 11 - Epilogue

General Summary

The fire had burnt down to that deepest glow. Bedroll blankets around the fire rose and fell rhythmically as their owners’ slept. Beyond the trees where the sleepers lay, the sky was glass-clear. Irasen, the moon of Miranse, shone with quartered strength. It threw pale, Orange light across the landscape, as a farmer might cast seeds. Within the trees’ protection, two who were wakeful among the sleeping forms sat quietly, staring at each other. Their eyes emitted vaporous tendrils that drifted down over their high cheekbones, like miniature fog pouring over the edges of cliff faces. The Grey coalesce as it was known among their kind always flowed from their eyes on nights when the moon was waning. Coalesce would always seek the ground. This was why it spilled closely down across their bodies, clinging to them for no reason but to get to the earth. Of the two, one’s coalesce seemed wispier than the other. It revealed that this one was the weaker of the two. Coalesce was Profane and a distinctly, Thale thing.     Between these two there were differences. The lesser of the two, had a shock of dark, wire-straight hair that streamed backward from his high hairline. The other was bereft of hair being either bald or shorn. The bald Thale’s face was scarred by carved lines that made geometric curves where they should not be. Newly healed, these artificial furrows made reading this one’s expression difficult. They also distracted the other, weaker Profane. He could see the damage the miasma had made of the other’s features; the scars, the pink skin lesions, the ruined ears that were no longer narrow-tipped but rounded and ragged. Worse, from Eddivaine’s perspective, were the fellow’s eyes. They looked red-filled. Not just the irises but the whole of each eye. Eddivaine knew only half as much of Thale lore as he wished to. This was because he had not been raised among them but instead had been raised by his cleftyck mother. His mother had tried to give him as thorough a background of his father’s nature as she could. Eddivaine had tried to learn on his own after he’d left the cleftyck barrows as well... There was still much he did not yet know. On this evening he might learn more. He was uncertain how to begin. He’d met Thale only a couple of times and these had been one-sided and unsettling occasions. His gambit would not be tested as the other spoke first.     “Ehn, jadaquin, you look like you are deep beneath and seeing few stars. I am Atteroster and ask what is it that you need?”     “Who's Jadaquin? Your eyes must be worse than they look, which is pretty effing awful, friend. It's not Jadaquin, it's Eddivaine.”     “A jadaquin is a greatly distant relative. I acknowledge your heritage. Thale have obvious means to apprehend another being’s nature. Should it be evident that this one is Thale then an offer must be made. When this is done, the strata can be found. It is a politeness to offer the same in return...”     Atteroster’s statement was followed by a pause that Eddivaine knew was brief but felt forever-long. He hesitated as he recognised the importance of what the other had said.     “I’m known to be a decent thief. I could offer you some contraband. Failing that I might offer you a deed of thievery?”     “You make it sound like an heroic quest, this — stealing.”     “A deed of thievery can be something stolen that isn’t material. You might want information. You could need to discover a portal of particular Colour. You’re a Thale, you can figure it out.”     Atteroster nodded, “I can. I will ask of you later for your level. For now I’m pleased to hear what you need of me.”     Eddivaine wanted to believe it would be this simple. He didn’t trust it though. He had something to lose if he misspoke. A gentle start, innocuous and minor felt best. He motioned to the sleeping figures around them.     “A good bunch, eh?”     “They seem determined to be on that spectrum. To their goodness, I am not long enough involved to identify their particulars.”     “Heh-yeh, I’ve only known them some hours more than you have.” Eddivaine scratched his hawk-like nose with his smallest fingernail, “That said, I think they’re well-meaning travelers of some greater cause. The one called Kade is especially eager to aid people. “Folks”, Kade calls them. He’s a human and Arcithian in origin. The Vynscouts made a point of telling me that he used to be a deputised agent of the Armistice of the Sparingtons. These are a rough bunch of peacemakers. They mean well but often get heavy handed with ‘folk’ like me. Kade likes his salvoes and firebrands.” Eddivaine paused for Atteroster to query what these terms might mean but the other only motioned for Eddivaine to continue.     “That one seated there in his trance? He’s as skilled a healer as I’ve seen outside of the barrows. Could be that he’s got more than a touch of the taint about him? Or it may be that he’s been dyed by whatever or whoever built him his body. That’s my favourite theory. Whichever, he’s got that power on him. Seynse Or’Rahn, ever heard of them? They’re healers of the city of Kasken. Not a bad place for one of my nature to prowl. These healers followed the ancient laws of healing as dictated by their founding members. A lofty set of laws, no question. As a cleftyck of Baym-barrows, I know a few things of their sad history. With this man though I see a reluctance to learn more than he might of that dark time. I think he’s got a hole in his memory that’s unnatural. It could be from his regeneration that he is reluctant to find out what tunnel this hole might lead him to, but I feel his reluctance is partially his choice.     I shouldn’t forget about the large, armoured fellow. His name is Curtaine. You need to pay him some mind. He was an atahtack of Deignghaul. Well, saying that I’d be remiss if I didn’t tell you that he was Deignghaul’s woman’s pivot-atahtack. Things got a touch complicated for Curtaine. Seems his adulation of the lady caused Deignghaul some problems. I’ve not heard anyone say so much as a word connecting Curtaine and the consort, but Deignghaul needed no proof of his suspicions. Curtaine only worshipped the woman for her martial skills both with weapon and with caste. He was forced to flee his holding and from what I’ve heard he has sworn to serve the lady and defy the master. A tough measurement, I’d call it. I wouldn’t want either Deignhaul’s rivalry nor the lady’s dubious favour. As it stands, Curtaine could be a valuable tool in slowing Deignghaul’s advances on the world. Deignghaul’s a touch too focused on Curtaine whenever he hears his name. I used this to my advantage in a decent take in the city of Marchrise on Coaseth. I learned that Deignghaul had targeted this city-state. A simple plan formed in my mind --”         Atteroster spoke to fill the space left by Eddivaine’s unintended silence, “You fear you say too much and yet you wish to impress me with your outwitting the ithmakal. Keep your secret to yourself. I will believe that you managed to outdo Deignghaul.”     Eddivaine nodded both in agreement and to acknowledge that he felt honoured by the Thale’s words. “It’s probably smart to leave those events understated. No need to push my luck. I profit to this day from my successes of that play in Marchrise. A play that keeps me in funds and keeps my interests funded. I don’t mind telling you that I have no need to thieve unless I wish to. I use my talents to learn things. Many secrets have come my way in what I like to call my 'retirement'.” Eddivaine allowed himself a grin. Atteroster managed a weak smile as answer. Eddivaine noted that the other might need to conserve his energies. His wounds looked as though they might be worsening.     Eddivaine said, “The affliction is strong on you. How did you find it?”     Atteroster looked at his fingers as he spoke, “Rather the miasma found me... On the Greyplane, I met a strange cavalcade. Among its members was a woman. Lovely in her many shades of Grey and determinedly desirous for my attention. Therein my present circumstance was decided. As I was the superior, but only just, it was my choice to cause a storm-cell to come upon the cavalcade. We both laughed at the antic group as it scurried to find safety from the wild chaos-storm. As we sheltered together from the storm of our lighthearted devising, passionate embrace was made. Such was the fury of it that I thought the chaos outside our shelter would be extinguished. I cannot well-say what then occurred, save that the air turned from its usual bleak to mystery-Black. As the storm yowled about us, the darkness stole away my senses. I was sightless even though I looked upon my home plane. Deafened despite my hearing the Greyplane’s noise. All was drenched in the blackest air I have ever known. Foul and clotted and pustule-laden air surrounded us. She, for her part, remained lustful and uncaring. I tried to make her stop but she was beyond all else in her private exultation. I saw her skin first take Colour, pale pink at first but rapidly turn Red, through Rust, to Brown. Her Grey fell away, as did her skin. Pieces of her internal self dripped on the earth where we had lain ourselves. I sought to help her. Tried to bring her to herself so that she might make some effort to withstand this attack. She could not be reached in her emboldened state. She fell apart before my weakening sight. The most horrid parts I was unable to see as my vision became distorted. Her body was most certainly distended by the miasma’s breath. It whispered to her one last word and she dispersed upon the darkened air. I could not withhold myself much further. Desperate, I flew up and up, seeking an escape from the pitch filled air. When I thought to collapse back into the horrible density, I redoubled my effort and broke free into the welcome Greylight. I was as the shipwrecked when sighting an isle. I exulted in my narrow escape. Unfettered joy soon gave way to abject concern. My form was wrecked and savagely treated. I sought anyone that could help me. Some took pity on my wretched plight. In time I was forced to the world of science. On the Canticle’s world I saw much to be impressed about. These who brought me here would be among those that were notable. The falconets are formidable. Ambivalent warriors, loyal to only their old ways. Wherever they go, they will treat with any who would pay them in the coin they desire above all other forms of payment: Spiritual power. They carry spirit-mines and fellex, both capable of reducing their enemies will to live. In me, they saw some kind of 'lever'. I have since overheard that they plot to use me to unleash the miasma as a weapon. They put me in the holding cell your associates found me in. As you saw me before the healings afforded me by Surtice, you know something of my pathetic reality... It was a terrible thing to endure... I can only hope she knew nothing more from that day to this.”       Eddivaine had been shocked by the tale and saw that Atteroster was still badly affected by what he’d recounted. “You never know, she might have been a carrier or even that she might have planned it for you.”     “Why would she wish me harm and why would she sacrifice herself in bringing it upon me?”     Eddivaine used his smallest fingernail to scratch his nose again and smirked, “I admit, it would have to be a damned good reason!” Atteroster croaked a brief chuckle at this. Eddivaine brightened, “You see? There’s nothing more useful than a smile at misfortune. You’ll soon be gladdened by these fellows having freed you from the cell aboard the falconets’ star-span.”     “Your approach does not suit a Thale. The lighthearted way is not how we react to the ominous.”     “Don’t I know that! I’ve been told before, by my sire. It’s definitely a cleftyck mannerism. Can’t imagine a life filled with Grey boredom and sour air... no offence.”     “I trust for your sake and that of your mortal half’s heritage, that this will serve you amply in what is to follow.”     “Talking about the ominous! What does that mean?” The conversation had taken too rapid a change for Eddivaine’s liking.     “The cleftyck must face a crisis. Not one of externalised conflict but the opposite. Some will falter, as might stout rampart against mighty siege. Others will serve long toil and disperse to the airs without witness. Some may survive, fashioned anew by the experience. As in any war, the opportunities to remain unaltered will be few.”     “Cleftyck have sworn off wars. The last one didn’t go so well.”     “It won’t be a war of armies. This struggle will be a racial one, within the cleftyck veers’ conscience.”     “Conscience, eh? That doesn’t sound great.”     “The impact will undoubtedly be great.     “Care to help a poor thief learn a little something? What’s going to happen?”     “Is your interest personal? I am not a lecturer. I do not instruct the young.”     Eddivaine grinned, “I’d pay for a ticket to watch a Thale school teacher teach class... No, I’d like to know because despite my professional history, I have aspirations. My line has a claim to princely lineage. If something bad is coming, I’d like to be able to help the veer.”     Atteroster moved a hand dismissively, “I do not care for lies. I would prefer to be offered a bribe.”     “Hey there! It’s the truth... I know it doesn’t show.”     Atteroster watched the hybrid Thale-cleftyck intently. Caste Greyness swept upward from the coalesce that was near his hands. Eddivaine noticed this too late to react. “How’d you caste so fast?”     “Thale have little cause for racial reactions... It is akin to drawing a weapon most quickly, save that that the speed is with the intention of making caste... I can sense you speak your version of the truth. If the blood of cleftyck majesty is yours then you should know what comes for your people.”     “This is where I swallow hard, right?” Eddivaine could not manage a grin.     Atteroster did not answer the off-hand question, “The veer must recognise that they bear a stain. This will forever afterward be the veer’s greatest obstacle. While the other races will suffer for it, the cleftyck will need to own the issue and in the process see themselves diminished... The cleftyck love the earth as its sire. Your people’s barrows are their sanctums and birthplaces. All over the Realm, upon lunar and mainstay world alike, the earth is the source of the veer’s power. It is also the seat of power for the cadavivva. This is no conincidental happenstance. The cadavivva are the cleftyck’s bastard child. The cadavivva will scourge the worlds, carrying away all that the races have managed to attain, if the veer cannot stop them. Obliteration is a distinct possibility for your kind, whether they fight this or defer.”     “I’m not sure what to say. It sounds like a war to me though.”     “ The veer are disparate in thought I believe?”     “We agree to disagree most of the time, true enough.”     “The effort to unite the veer will be a larger challenge than the defeat of the cadavivva.”       Eddivaine thought about the meeting that had happened that very afternoon. His party had spoken to a group of three menaces, under the pact of parlay. The intermediary had been a Baymish deathcaster. His face had been tattooed to resemble a skull. He had led the other two with him to the talks. The first was a commander of the falconets. This one had been beligerent. He'd especially singled out Kade. He vocally challenged Kade and called him various names to insult him. Kade responded in a bored fashion, which to Eddivaine seemed strained. The last of these untowards was a cadavivva leader named, Amorr. This one spoke in pleasantries and as one accustomed to dealing with inferiors. That he might be as old as people say had to be believed... With the Thale's words sounding in his head, Eddivaine reconsidered what dealing with the likes of Amorr could mean. It would be pretty hard to match himself against even one like Amorr. Eddivaine knew there were many other leaders among the cadavivva. It was daunting to think about.     Eddivaine sat glumly staring at the cooling embers of the fire. His mind contended with the news. He felt the tug of the earth. It called at him to find tunnel entrance or cave mouth. Once he’d descended into the darkness he would be secure in the under-earth’s embrace. There, within whatever copse oasis he came to, he could relax, listen to tales of alloying metals and songs of distant triumphs. This would be a matter for others to exert themselves against. The undyne cadavivva could be a chance for others and other races to conquer and know victory, as the veer had done long ago. The cleftyck had secured the present for these younger races. The violet world would need to look after itself... Eddivaine shook his head. Not in the negative but to clear it... Strange thoughts.     “I will need the help of others. The veer princes may not be too inclined to listen.”     Atteroster nodded his appreciation of the words,”You do have Thale tendencies. I could sense you inner monologue. This is the struggle the veer will face. They do not have your gift of Profane perspective.”     “First time I’ve ever been glad of it to be honest.”     “An honest thief. There’s hope in such.”     Eddivaine grinned, “The fire dies. Come help me rouse the others. I need to tell them about this. They’ll be overjoyed.”     Atteroster said.”Are you certain?”     Eddivaine had to laugh aloud, “Thale are so amusing!”     Atteroster paused and then attemped a smile. Eddivaine smirked at the other and raised both hands, “Ease off on the happiness. I’m going to be pushing my luck to the limit. Let’s not get too ambitious with things.”