Session 35: Decisions Left Unmade Report

After the meal with Cesstecia, Calista departed from the inner Viod and wandered about the premise in deep contemplation. Would she do this? Could she do this? Failure could mean her own death and damage to Atamani reputation. Success could mean the complete reorientation of Astorian power. 

Glavnibakar and Ballisar traveled to the officers’ barracks to seek some information and potential allies. Ballisar requests for the gwazkerrag to remain outside, while he himself enters. The interior is filled with an assortment of presumed usuals, some armored and others lounging in civilian clothing. Ballisar left his shoulder cloak in camp and attempted to remain inconspicuous. He waited a time, then noticed the lochas who first brought the troops into Amastris. Ballisar approached and they spoke. It was a rather tense and awkward affair, as none of the other officers besides the lochas knew the Astorian nor wanted to interact with him. Thankfully, the atmosphere was broken up by the sounds of music outside. They investigated and found Glavnibakar playing something akin to a flute and Calista singing along. A number of Vallisian servants and citizens were cautiously standing by and enjoying the show.

As Calista sat in camp and prepared for bed, she hear two voices speak out to her. They said these words: “Your sight pierces the veil with unexpected wisdom, Eshanic child; our sight is weak, our minds distant; time does pass in great swathes since Mezrel's youthful times; like him before you, you are worthy who seeks to protect the world's beauty; Second Feud, this is our ruin, mortals and great; wisdom we shall share with you, unspoken words since eons ago; there are Eshan who watch from beyond the sunset, curious spirits bound to the world, who reign as one dynasty; many fear to seek Qadal, few do not; they ponder to come; when Euboa's falsehood is known, all will change; beware what comes beyond our sight and yours”. It seemed something of a warning, but it was immense progress in warning the Eshan.

The next day, Calista seeks out Ballisar while he’s preparing his mind for Vojun. She reveals to Ballisar how Cesstecia wants to assassinate the Vallisian Tressonara and marry Othyrus to gain power. Ballisar is quite utterly baffled, but reluctantly accepts it as an extension of politics. They discuss plans, but a strange division arises. Calista wants Ballisar’s help if she intends on poisoning the Vallisian Tressonara. Ballisar refuses, saying that he cannot risk the lives of 650 men if his involvement was found. Yet, Calista didn’t want to be martyred alone if something went wrong. They hesitated. What would they do? They agreed to gather supplies for the venture, but crucial momentum was lost in dividing themselves. Calista managed to find a plant she knew about which could slow the victim’s heart rate, but not enough to kill the target.

Ballisar is summoned to the Tressonar by that same lochas. He explains to the Tressar of the Dramana that military operations need to be conducted soon. Spring was coming, armies needed to be rallied, etc. For this to succeed, the frontline with Syrgus required stability and control. The voids were allegedly empty, and that was a start. The Tressonar requested Ballisar and 100 of his best warriors to join a larger operation to occupy or destroy those viods according to need. Syrgus could not be allowed to occupy them and block Vallisian access. At best, the viods could be turned against the Astorians. Ballisar accepted the charge. Additionally, Othyrus told him to bring Glavnibakar along, and use him to frighten the enemy or destroy them utterly. This would be an ample proof of loyalty. Ballisar then left to prepare the men.

Calista seeks the Tressonar. She speaks to him about the status of the Atamani and her plans. Othyrus interrupts and mentions that he’d like to see her travel with Ballisar for scouting purposes. Moreover, negotiations with the Atamani would be wise. He told her that they could detour themselves to the nearest camp to ask for support. Calista protested the Atamani fighting. The affair became heated, but she managed to convince the Tressonar. He wouldn’t call the Atamani to fight. However, he still wanted some negotiation with them, if only to discover their intentions. Calista was largely disappointed by the arrangement, as she hoped to travel to the camp alone. Whatever the case, the day continued along.

In the late afternoon, Calista goes to speak with Tressonara Ehel Dorelona, the wife of Othyrus. She brings flowers and manages to convince the guard to allow her inside. She updates the sickly woman with all the latest information. As the Tressonara is assisted to her feet by a servant, Calista notices a low bulge on her stomach. It appeared the line of Medus Vallis would continue.

Afterward, Calista went back to the Tressonar and apologized for her insolence against him. He accepts, but bids that she still depart the next morning with Ballisar and the soldiers to scout and destroy the viod.