Session Sixteen: Kloinjer cakes with a side of pain, anger and indecision

General Summary

Finding the Light   Nesza has been waiting in the reception area at the Spire of Words for his appointment to speak with his father, Dreas, about what to do about the binding of Comedor Infantil on Scotch Island. At sundown, Molly calls to him and he goes inside, escorted by a disgruntled gnome.   When in the booth with the Sending Stone his mother speaks to him instead of his father. She explains that Dreas wanted to chat but the Queen’s consort, Sasik d’Vadalis, has requested to speak with him in the same time slot. House Vadalis and the Wardens of the Woods work very well together. But she will pass his message on to Nesza.   Nesza’s mother explains that, in Jenny‘s absence, the Wardens of the Woods will select and train a new druid to do the binding of the demon. However, one thing the druid needs to complete the binding is a crystal known as an Opalescent Shard. These are rare and can only be located in what are called ’Prismatic Caverns’.   Jenny had the last of these shards. She wore it around her neck. They need a new one and the closest cavern the Wardens know of is in Thaliost. As Nesza is three days closer to Thaliost than the Wardens, it might be wise for him and whomever he trusts to go find it.   Nesza tells his mother that he has been struggling with his Necrotic Shroud and that he has made some serious mistakes during his mission in Windshire. But he has found people willing to help him through it.   He then explains that he has progressed on his jourey to ‘Find his Light". He tells his mother about a lead he got regarding visiting Flamekeep but also about the vision that he’s been getting during meditation. He explains about the flame and the voices, wondering if this is the ‘Light’ his mother referred to.   Nesza’s mother asks what the flame looks like and what the male voice sounds like. When Nesza describes the flame as being “blue-ish silver” and the male voice speaking gently but urgently in Celestial, she sounds… happy. She tells Nesza that she’s not sure exactly what his vision means. But if the voice is who she thinks it is, then someone whom she thought they had lost is watching over them.   They briefly talk about ‘home’ before saying their good byes.   A gnome has Nesza pay 5gp for this conversation.     There is Hope Yet   So as Nesza is about to leave the Spire, he bumps into Malak. Malak explains that he has an appointment to speak with his wife, Kiasuh. Nesza offers to wait for Malak and sits back down in the reception area.   Malak is escorted to a booth and starts to talk with Kiasuh.   Malak tells Kiasuh that he received Corvus’ boon to go to the restricted section of the Spire of Knowledge. He will have access to books that might lead them to a possible cure… And also, he met someone who was cured. He has even more leads on where to go to find a possible cure for Myri. Kiasuh starts to cry tears of joy. Malak breaks down and cries with her.   Kiasuh catches her breath and her logical mind kicks in again. She tells him that it’s nice to have this dream. It’s good for them to hold onto it. But this quest could easily be a fool’s errand and they both need to keep that in mind.   Malak then asks about whether Daellean is still singing the Traitor’s Song to Myranna. Kiasuh is annoyed and confirms that his mother is indeed singing that song to Myri. Kiasuh has no power over Daellean and it’s not hurting anyone so she can’t stop Daellean from doing so. But, strangely, Myranna seems to smile whenever Daellean does so.   Malak asks Kiasuh if Daellean has a feather on her somewhere. Kiasuh finds this question strange. At any rate, she doesn’t know. She’ll keep an eye out but suggests that Malak talk with his mother about it instead.   He also mentions Luscinia, the book that mentioned General Keya and that the story of Hawk is somehow linked to this whole thing. Kiasuh mentions that Hawk’s statue has a feather in his hair…   Malak also tells Kiasuh that his quest will possibly lead him to Flamekeep soon. So he’ll be coming home for at least a bit.Kiasuh is very happy to hear this.   Malak is charged 7SP for this conversation.     Silver Flamed Grill   On the way back to the Gold Dragon Inn, Nesza tells Malak about his meditative vision. He finds it strange that the flame, symbolism of a religion that he’s not even part of, seems to appear to him. Malak says he doesn’t know what the vision could mean. But if Nesza ever wishes to talk about it, Malak is always willing to listen.   The group congregate outside of the inn for dinner. Cissa arrives last and, from the back of the crowd, sends Message to Corvus that she couldn’t find Mia.   Corvus takes the group to a small establishment called “Silver Flame Grilled”. He reserved the whole place so that the group could have some privacy and talk things through. The two owners, Josef and Ali, are a little flustered to see royalty in the group as Corvus failed to mention Jurian was joining. But Jurian semi-disappears in the group and the mood quickly becomes more chill.   Nesza and Cissa note that Corvus is a bit off. Jurian sticks close.   Malak is in his element and orders a round of “Keepers of the Flame” for the table.   April pointedly sits next to Malak. And Cissa pointedly sits next to April, completely unnerving April. Cissa tells April that she had been meaning to talk with April but these past few days were a bit difficult. She tells April that she is sorry about her mother. That they were not able to find her.   April puts on a brave face and says she is trying to keep it positive. As long as Valarie is still missing, there’s a chance that she’s still alive. She tells Cissa about the chat with her dad and how she wants to be taken more seriously on these matters.   Corvus chimes in and tells April that they will do whatever they can to find Valarie. A child shouldn’t be separated from their parents. Cissa agrees with Corvus. And Vence gives her a long hard look.   During dinner Nesza briefs the group on what his mother told him. Upon mentioning that they would need to go to “Thaliost in Thrane”, Jurian shrinks a little. Malak explains to the group that Thaliost is a sore point between Aundair and Thrane as it once belonged to Aundair. But in the last year or so of the war, Thrane took over. The regiment responsible for this was the Flameless. Myranna played an important role in claiming it. After the Treaty of Thronehold was signed, Thrane got to keep Thaliost instead of handing it back to Aundair. It would makes sense that Wrogar will not be sending royal agents on this quest.   Malak and Corvus also mention that Thaliost might be a location where they could find out more about the Sporing’s cure seeing as the Sporing never had an effect there. April then chimes in, explaining that she has been taking dirt samples of locations where they have been visiting to see if any have an affect on the wine in the same way that Scotch Island did. She would really like to investigate the soil on Thaliost.   Nesza nearly starts to tell the group about the Warforged but Vence drags him into a separate room. Nesza says he’s at a loss about what to do about George. He doesn’t know who to talk to. Vence says it’s probably fine to discuss it with the group. But perhaps not when a prince is in the conversation. The two return to the group.   When Nesza returns, he asks Corvus if he’s OK. Corvus tells Nesza that it has been a very difficult few days for everyone. He thanks Nesza for his charity in helping Windshire. He then goes on to explain his own actions in WInshire. Including the bracelets. Jurian chimes in, saying he thought Corvus had died. The bracelets were instrumental in communicating with the group after that point.   Corvus explains that, to get everyone’s spirit’s up, “world famous bard” Emir has offered to perform in a closed concert at the palace the next evening. The whole group is invited.   As the evening progresses, Malak orders Kloinjer Cakes.   April establishes that she needs a tutor in order to get her official artificer’s license and she would love to ask Corvus to help her. Jurian chimes in and fondly tells her that Corvus is a fantastic tutor. But he’s very strict. April is not very bothered by that, saying that when she studies, she takes it very seriously. Corvus explains that he knows nothing about artificery but he will go to Arcanix after dinner to get a book on the matter. Cissa offers to join him.   April then shyly gives Malak a gift, a silver bracelet with an arrowhead and a flame inscription on it. Malak is very grateful and puts it on immediately.     Mia and Tatalla   Mia has been in and out of bars, ending on the airship Silver Bird in the evening with her cousin Tatalla. The two merrily get through four bottles of “the good stuff”, talking about everything and nothing.   Mia tells Tatalla that she met “world famous bard” Emir. And throws innuendos out on how good of a “performer” he is and that “his hands work masterfully”. Tatalla laughs, saying that he’s good with a viol too. The two have a good smutty giggle.   Then Mia asks if she could stay the night on the ship. Tatalla is confused because Mia seemed very happy with the group. Mia explains that she had a bit of an encounter with one of the party members. Tatalla asks if someone is hurting her (at the ready to send in the cavalry) but Mia says no.   Tatalla then asks Mia what she will do now. Mia then introduces the idea of “Eberronvision”. She has gotten to know quite a few good bards and thinks it would be fun to host a competition sometime. Perhaps even have every country select a bard! And then VOTE. She is making it her mission to find more bards and asks Tatalla if she knew of some. Tatalla mentions having transported a bard with a very pretty voice to Thrane once named Taliashanna. But it was a while back.   Mia asks if she could head to Thrane with Tatalla whenever she goes in that direction. Tatalla is kind of “grounded” by the crown. But as soon as she can, she’ll keep Mia in the loop.   With that, Mia heads to bed.     About Hawk and Kleris   As everyone files out of the restaurant after dinner, Malak holds Cissa back for a moment. He admits to her that Corvus showed him the projections of Song of Hawk. Cissa is a little shaken by this news and Malak reassures her that he is aware that this information is private and won’t share it. She tells him that she will at some point show him the full story seeing as she has promised this to someone else as well.   Malak then thanks Cissa for her role in the events. For saving all of Thrane. Cissa tells Malak that she did nothing. But he thanks her all the same.   The two join the group outside. Corvus, Cissa and Jurian head to the palace. The rest go back to the Gold Dragon Inn.   On the way back, Silmer and April approach Vence. Seeing as Vence seems to have a good grasp on money matters, Silmer asks if Vence has knowledge on the prices of items in Fairhaven. He and April were trying to go shopping with no success as everything was very over-priced. Vence explains that Fairhaven is known for its steep prices. He doesn’t really haggle much either. But he is willing to see if he can help out next time in town.   April then shifts the conversation. She asks Vence if he is willing to make a forgery of her forged license for her. She explains what happened between her and her grandfather the night before. She is intending to go visit him again tomorrow and give him her license and… the list of names in her possession. She tells Vence how she picked her grandfather’s locks to get to the documents. Vence is VERY proud but doesn’t say so.   Vence admits to having visited Kleris the day before and that he is aware about the mistakes he’s made with April. Vence makes clear that he personally chastised Kleris on this matter. And had promised to speak with April.   Vence suggests that April give him the forged document and the list of names. And he will then give them to Kleris before April goes to talk with him. April hands Vence the papers. Vence then asks her to burn the copy of the names that she obviously must’ve made. April does so on the spot.   The group then head to the inn and meditate or turn in for the night.     A Night at the University   Corvus and Cissa drop Jurian off at the palace before the two head to the University of Arcanix.   Cissa casts Fly on them both and guides, a rather stiff and awkward, Corvus upwards. She takes them up high and in the direction of Arcanix but stops half way. She asks Corvus if he’s ok. He says “no”. She then asks him whether he wants some tea at her place or still go to Arcanix.   Corvus explains that he already promised to go to Arcanix. So Cissa takes them both up all the way above the clouds to the Floating University and then lands them on the roof of one of the buildings.   Cissa then says that she’s sorry. That she has no idea what Corvus must be going through. Corvus then says that he’s sorry too. That she has been carrying this burden for so many years.   Corvus asks her why his mother is not welcome in the Rookery. Cissa explains that it’s not that she’s not welcome, it’s more that it’s not advised. She explains that Luscinia is a Bird like Corvus. She has no power in her song. Which is ironic as she has the most beautiful voice of all the Birds. The Nightingale. She collects pebbles, like Corvus.   Cissa then explains that the reason why Corvus only felt the positive impact of the pebble was that the effects accumulate. And when he returns to the Rookery, he will receive it in full force.   At the time, Luscinia’s accumulation would have had dire consequences… and then she found out that she was pregnant. She and Svecica fled the Rookery. And Corvus was born without the presence of the Duchess.   With this in mind, Corvus asks how Svecica died. Cissa explains that his death was an accident. The Duchess would give any Bird their freedom if they didn’t wish to stay in the Rookery. But they are not to take a child with them.   Svecica was trying to keep them from taking a 5 year old Corvus back to the Rookery. He was killed in the scuffle.   Corvus asks about how some Birds have Svecica’s feather and some don’t. Cissa explains that the Birds who disagreed with the course of events stand with Luscinia. And Luscinia approached each of them and presented a feather.   Corvus at that moment decides to cast Sending to Luscinia. He says that he’ll be escorting one with a feather and asks if the road is dangerous. He also says that he’s doing this to save Myranna.   After a brief silence, a soft female speaks back in almost a whisper. She tells him that the road is perilous but that the bearer of the feather knows this. That she is also seeking a way to help Myranna. And that it’s good to hear his voice   Cissa gives Corvus an awkward hug and is happy to see that Luscinia spoke with him. The two then head down from the roof to the University to grab a book. Corvus then goes back to the place and Cissa to the Spire of Inspiration.   Somewhere in the night Vence leaves the Inn and shifts into Emir to stay with Cissa in the Spire of Inspiration.     Mia and April   The next morning, a message is sent to the group by Wrogar to join him in a meeting after breakfast. As everyone is about to leave, Mia arrives at the Inn to see if they replenished the chocolates on the pillows. She bumps into the group as they are about to leave. She looks a bit worse for wear after all of the drinking from the night before. She asks April for the “Hair of the Dog”. April doesn’t have anything on her so she asks Almentash for help. Mia clarifies to Almentash that she had “the Good Stuff”. He presents a vial to her that might help. April takes a sample to see if she can recreate it.   On the way to the palace, April and Mia chat some more. Mia notices that April looks tired and April explains that she had to sleep on Silmer’s floor while she’s hiding from her grandfather. Mia is shocked that April is sleeping on the floor and offers her room in the Inn because she won’t really use it. April graciously accepts and suggests that the two hang out sometime. Mia jumps on this and suggests going out for drinks and doing each other’s hair that afternoon.   Malak then approaches Mia. Mia pretends she can’t see him while he apologises to her for the day before. He tells her that she shouldn’t be angry at Corvus but has every right to be mad at him. He then also explains that he told Jurian about her because he had promised him to never withhold information with him. And he also told his wife but did not give Mia’s name.   Mia then replies by saying that Malak really knows how to weave beautiful words together. But, for her, actions speak louder than words. And she does not trust him. She’s watching him.     Make Up   They arrive at the palace where Corvus and Jurian meet them. They are taken to the meeting room and briefed on the mission.   The information matches that of Nesza’s, with the addition that Tatalla will be transporting them. Some more in depth information is still missing but Wrogar or Conrad will brief the group before they leave in two days.   He then asks Malak to join him at the Spire of Knowledge.   April, Silmer and Nesza decide to go back to the Inn while Cissa and Vence decide to go to call on Kleris Godfried.   Mia, Corvus and Jurian head to Corvus’ room as Corvus asks to speak with her. He first apologises and tells her that he will stop asking so much of her. Starting to cry, he then tells her about his day. That he found out about his father. About Luscinia. About Cissa. About the feathers   He sings Flight of the Silver Bird to Mia and tells her that he will be by her side when she goes to visit Atratus in Flamekeep. Mia embraces him, telling him about how Luscinia was on her mother’s airship. That she didn’t realise that Luscinia was Corvus’ mother and that she’s having drinks this afternoon and Corvus should totally come too (they’ll be doing their HAIR and Corvus is SO good at that).   Jurian is haphazardly invited too and they head down for drinks.     The Heart of the Spire   Malak and Prince Wrogar head to the Spire of Knowledge, escorted by a couple of soldiers. Wrogar does not speak with him the whole way.   When they enter the Spire and are greeted by Molly, Wrogar guides Malak to some heavy oak doors on the ground floor. Two soldiers open the doors for them and they enter onto what seems to be an elevator that is illuminated on the inside by a small everbrite lantern. The soldiers do not follow them and close the door.   Wrogar pulls at a lever and the elevator descends. Minutes pass before Wrogar finally tells Malak that he needed to be sure that no one was listening. He explains that they are not going to a place that has books, scrolls or any documentation. He is taking Malak to the Heart of the Spire. Here he will have access to any information ever put to pen and paper. Malak cannot believe his ears.   The elevator stops and the doors open into blackness. Wrogar takes the lantern from the elevator and leads Malak in, footsteps echoing in the cavernous chamber. Malak cannot see the ceiling, nor can he see the walls (other than the one with the elevator). But the floor is beautifully tiled with mosaic so he assumes that he’s still in a building.   He is very excited to start but Wrogar stops him. He explains that the Heart gives each person 3 requests for information in their whole life time. And the Spire then weighs the request, considering what this information would be used for and the resolve of the person requesting it. The Heart cannot be lied to.   As such, it may deny a request for information. Malak will need to consider his questions carefully.