>>6132966Ibardo frowns, for the first time since he was forced to sit here and listen to this drivel. Astoria seems far too self-assured.
“The Matter of Argia Candente has been already examined,” another Amaranthine says, waving his hand in dismissal. “Picking up apprentices from the Mar da Candéa is hardly a violation of importance. His disciple has seemingly carried itself with proper countenance, and shall be allowed to undertake the Trial of Fire.”
“But perhaps this Assembly ignored certain truths,” Astoria counters. “I have been given this by Priests of Flame, which have received it from two mariners who can testimony as well. I hold it now before this Assembly: no wonder the disciple of Mastro Ibardo has never set foot into the Holy Land ere a few cycles ago. No wonder he kept her as a secret. For, you see… this Assembly was deceived.”
Ibardo sighs gravelly as Astoria opens her hand, and one of Argia’s hair swings back and forth. As silver as the planetary ring, as silver as the Stilladìa, and just as cursed.
And what’s worse, he’s not even allowed a drink.
# # # # # #
You reach a dingy village, more like a few houses strung together along the road, just a few miles away from the Glass Heath. The dirty streets give way to wooden buildings, among which the only stone object is a statue at the middle of the crossroad, representing two large tablets sitting at the sides of a throne.
It reminds you of what Sandora said, how these people worship law and customs rather than a life-giving Goddess.
And the results, from the many sunken faces and the gaunt kids that hung by Sandora’s trail, their spirited eyes wide at the sight of an Asterite, clearly speak for themselves… and there's far too many faces for such a small place. Dozens too many.
“I will talk,” Sandora tells you. “You four just pretend you are part of the environment.”
>You will let Sandora speak. She has the authority and experience.>The villagers might certainly need a kind word. You are not allowed to proselytise, though. Maybe just introduce yourselves as helpers...>You wonder why there's so many people gathered here. You better ask Sandora - you have a hunch this is important.>[Suggestion]# # # # # #
Thanks for playing. Looks like Astoria's machinations are not over. Perhaps at the end of this she will get her promotion... or perhaps not. Also, I have a bit of an announcement: it's almost November, and between the NaNoWriMo and other work projects I have to complete, the quest will take a break for about 45 days, starting from this thread's completion. ETA on next thread is therefore either 7th or 14th of December, depending on how much time this takes. Tomorrow's update is still scheduled as usual, so please vote. See you soon. 