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Chapter 1

A call went out several days ago for a group of skilled people to escort the noble Marshwood family to the Necropolis in Nubswood swamp. Those who passed the vigorous screening process have now been invited to meet their employer Lord Nicols Marshwood in his study at the private family estate. The tall gentleman dressed in black mourning is waiting behind his desk as his guests are shown into his room.

The sound of burlap swishing over leather is heard as a young, tanned woman is admitted into the Lord's chamber. Murmuring her thanks to the guard, she approaches the desk, head bowed, hands clasped before her. "Word has come to me of your loss, Lord Marshwood, and I came as soon as I was able." Her voice is soft, slightly distracted, as though listening to things outside of the room. "If it please you, I would very much like to accompany your people, and see that she finds the rest she deserves."

The girl is soon followed by a tall, ebon skinned figure that trails after her with an obvious swagger to his step. The obvious confidence he exhibits somehow matching the expensive yet servicable clothes he wears, with greatcoat, leather jerkin and bright red sash, which together with the ornate blades at his side- a rapier and Cutlass- mark him as a well-to-do sellsword and swashbuckler. Casting his golden gaze around for a mere moment, he soon focuses on the Lord and greets him with a respectful bow and a simple, 'Sir.'

Eben follows quietly behind the other two, his steps slow and steady as he attempts to make as little sound as possible. This failing though as the fabric of his black coat shifts about yielding a metallic clinking sound from within. He offers a simple, yet polite bow upon seeing the Lord, remaining quiet even still.

Lord Marshwood takes a seat and looks at a piece of paper and nods "Lady Silmeria, your presence would be most welcome on this journey." He glances at the other two and inclines his head, "Master Vazkor and Master Eben excellent everyone is here. Thank you for coming. Our journey is simple and your duty clear. You three are tasked with supplementing my guards to escort my family and the casket containing my late mother to the Necropolis in Nubswood. We will fly by airship to the edge of the swamps and then overland to the Necropolis city itself."

Silmeria inclines her head, closing her eyes for a moment. "It would be a pleasure. It has been long and long, since last I was favored to visit the Necropolis." As the others enter, she glances over her shoulder, smiling and bobbing her head in welcome. "Ah! Able aid indeed... Perhaps there will be more stories to collect upon this journey." Turning back to the lord, the girl tilts ehr head to one side. "Does your mother have a Speaker, sir, for the ceremony? If not, it would please me greatly to tell her story."

Vazkor shifts his gaze to the other two 'mercenaries', giving a polite smile and nod towards Silmeria, "Miss." before nodding as well to the more familiar Eben, "Sir Eben." Before refocusing his attention to Lord Marshwood. He keeps his expression and behavior fairly neutral, forgoing his usual theatrics and dapper rogueishness in exchange for a more professional air. He speaks up then, "Can we expect any trouble on the journey, my Lord?"

Eben dips his head a bit more as his name is offered by the Lord, keeping a straight face based on the whole premise of the situation, it's only respectful. "Thank you..I'm prepared to leave at any point." He remarks softly, gaze flicking towards Silmeria while trying to place if he knows her or not. Not placing her he shrugs and peeks back to Vazkor with another nod of greetings.

Lord Nicols stands back up and smiles softly, "Thank you Lady Silmeria, I had been planning to speak myself but with your presence I would be happy to step aside to let you speak for me about my mother." he looks arond and nods, "My airship will be departing shortly, please one of my servants will escort you to the ship." he gestures at one of his guards.

Silmeria curtsies deeply, setting her battered old pack to shifting on her shoulders, the hilt of her Gunblade clinking on the floorboards. "Thank you, Lord Marshwood, ever so much. I hope my questions do not pester you greatly during our journey." Straightening, she turns, smiling once again to swordsman and mage, and waits, evidently wishing to follow the others out the door.

Lord Marshwood smiles at Vazkor. "Not whilst In the air but the swamps of the Nubswood are quite dangerous places so I expect some trouble crossing them to reach the Necropolis."

Vazkor nods in understanding, and answers in a simple, matter-of-fact tone, "My blade is at your service in either case, my Lord." Followed by a brief bow before he then turns towards the guard, and motions with one of his dark hands, "Well, lead the way, my good man." And gets ready to follow the escort to the airship.

Eben gives a meek smile to Silmeria as she begins to move past him, turning at about that time to head at as well might cause his coat to open partially, showing within just the smallest glimpses of mechanical items like pistols, and potentially a few hand bombs. "Doesn't sound like we'll really be put to work until the swamp." He comments to himself mostly as he follows the others.

The guard shows the party onto the airship and too seperate cabins were they can stow their belongings. Up in the main lounge of the ship a large Casket is set, ebony wood and glistening with magical seals to keep what is inside safe and secure. Lord and Lady Marshwood and there three children are aboard and in no time at all the airship is lifting up off the ground and flying north....

Silmeria's pack is safely stowed in the cabins, her Gunblade kept to her back as she wanders the airship, drawn to the lounge before liftoff. The Lord, Lady, and children are greeted again, and at first she spends a moment circling the casket, eyes picking out the grain of the wood, the flow of magics keeping the body intact, and seems to find satisfaction in this. "I'm afraid I know little of you and your family, Lady," she says to the casket, not quite a whisper, but certainly not at normal volume. "I hope that by the time we place you to rest, that will have changed... I would prefer to do justice to your story."

Vazkor moves onto the ship with a certain familiarity that only comes with experience with such vessels. Only spending a moment in his cabin, not having brought much but the barest essentials, the swashbuckler soon moves towards one of the railings as the ship takes off, a faint smile crossing his dark features as he enjoys being on an airship again. Spending a few minutes like that, he soon enough turns around however to silently study the casket and Silmeria's activities around it, looking fairly curious.

Eben looks about the airship with a mildly trained eye, taking note of it's construction and any key defensive features it might have, etc. Unlike the others though, Eben stays in the cabin that was given to him, unpacking and sorting through his supplies...He's not to invade on a time of grieving with questions.

Lady Margalotta Marshwood stops by Silmeria and inclines her head, "My lady Silmeria it is good that you are here with us. It is a pleasure to have you aboard for this journey." Meanwhile up on deck Vazkor is approached by a sailor who bows and offers him a folded note. Down in his cabin Eben is interupted by a knock on the door swiftly followed by Vivienne the young daughter of the family slipping inside. "Can I have a word Eben?"

Silmeria chuckles softly, turning to bow her head to the Lady. "Of course, Lady Marshwood... I would do the same for anyone. The thanks must honestly be mine, for it's rare that my duties allow me to visit the home of Hades' followers on Ivalice. Truly, it is a treat to be afforded to me. Please, though... Tell me of the Matron? I would know who it is we commend to Hades' rest... the whole of her, if you well. Hades does not judge worthy or unworthy, and I shall not do the same."

Vazkor arches his brow at the approaching sailor as he stands there, casually leaning back against the railing. Taking the note one-handed and folding it open, his keen gaze quickly scans the contents, promptly causing another raise of his brow, before he looks back up at the man before him studyingly. After a moment he nods, idly tossing the note over his shoulder and across the railing, before he shrugs and casually states, "Tell your master I'll be there." Apparently he's atleast curious.

Eben is caught digging through a smaller bag he had brought along, full of what looks like a large amount of spare parts for weapons, or potentially random knick-knacks. The knock does catch his attention, causing him to step back to allow Vivienne room to enter to whome he gives another humble little tilt of his head to. "Of course, how can I be of assistance?"

Lady Margalotta begins to tell Silmeria about the Matron's life, "She was a good woman, a true believer in Hades and his work. She inherited after her oldest brother was choosen for the first duty and no longer able to inherit. She raised her children and saw them married and settled. She held a good life and a true one and was neither oppulent or over indulgent in her wishes and actions but a kind hearted lady who did what she could for others.

The sailor who brought the note bows and pads off on bear feet, seems Vazkor is in for an interesting voyage, meanwhile Lady Vivienne leans in close to Eben and smiles. "I am sorry to interupt, but... I am in terrible danger and may need your help, I was assured you would be able to help me. See my family intend to leave one of us to be the slave of the Necropolis! All for the duty of burying the old woman in the crypt there... a life of slavery and burying the dead against our will! If they try to choose me I shall be most greatful to the young man who helps me flee such a wicked sentance" She touches his cheek, "Please... you must help me if that happens."

Silmeria inclines her head, gesturing toward the nearest chair in the lounge. For herself, she settles on the floor nearby, folding her legs up well beneath her robes. "This is the story of a kind and gentle woman, Lady... Did she, perhaps, have any regrets? Pride? People she wronged, deeds she would wish remembered? Few manage to walk this life without touching others, after all..."

Vazkor ponders on the note some more after the sailor departs, following him with his eyes. He shrugs a bit to himself then, and turns back around to watch the land pass by below the ship and feeling the wind in his shaggy black hair. In the meantime deciding to not go to the meeting unarmed. He's had too much experience with noble intrigue to not bring atleast a dagger or a hold-out pistol to a mysterious meeting with a nobleman these days!

Eben can't help but arch a brow at Viviene's statements about being potentially left at the Necropolois in payment "They're going to leave you, one of their daughters? That just won't do I think.." He murmurs with a soft sigh and shake of his head "Isn't there a family servant that could be left instead? Or is it required to be family itself." He murmurs, not pulling away as the lady touches his cheek. "I'll try to help as I can, though."

Lady Margalotta Sits down as does Lord Nicols, "She used to say she regretted the chance her brother was given. To become a Mortician in the true sense of the word. She also used to feel quite some pride in our family and our tradition. Unbroken for seventeen generations now in serving the Necropolis and the church of the lord Hades."

Lord Edward is waiting for Vazkor when he arrives and smiles, "Ah Master Vazkor good, i will keep this brief. My father may attempt to leave me in the Necropolis as payment. I will see you rewarded by 5000 platinum pieces to break me out of there and get me back home to Emberstrand if they do not pick my sister or my other brother. It is a simple task, get me back to safety and civilization and you will be rewarded."

Vivienne shakes her head, "Alas not, it is a stupid and outdated tradition, no longer sensible in our age. They may pick one of my brothers and we are meant to "Accept" our task willingly and with grace but if they try to leave me you must help me escape" She touches Eben's wrist, "Thank you... I must go we cannot be seen together too much or they will suspect!" She leaves the room then and is soon gone....

Silmeria nods quietly. "It is a good thing you do, indeed, serving the Lord of the Dead, and I am glad that it warms her heart. But of course I must ask... why does she regret her brother's service? Did she wish it to be herself to tend the garden of bones? Did he wish it so? Please, Lord, Lady... it is important."

Vazkor is glad he finds no cause to have to stab or shoot a nobleman on something as relatively inescapable as a moving airship. He simply listens to the proposal, studying the man before him, before he cocks a smirk, "5000 Platinum? For that amount of coin, I'd likely break you out of the underworld itself." The swashbuckler showing some of his mercenary nature, and even treating Edward more as an equal, being a noble's son himself. If only a bastard one!

Eben nods softly in return to Vivienne's explination "Well, I'll see what I can do then, hopefully it doesn't come to anything like that though." He smiles and turns back to his work as she departs, not really knowing much about the Necropolis or what sort of guards and defenses it might have within.

Margoltta smiles "She always spoke how in her heart she had hoped it would be her to be called to service. But she always tried to do her duty as the Lady of the House instead of the Servant of the Necropolis." The days pass as the journey moves on, many facets and information about the departed Lady Helena are imparted by the family, servants and crew of the Marshwoods. Of the clandestine meetings little else is seen by either Eben for the rest of the journey. Edward smiles and nods to Vazkor, "I have been saving for this and should it not come up I will still impart with 1500 platinum for you to remain silent on the matter. We would not want the old folks upset with me." Edward soon takes his leave and the rest of the journey is quiet and uneventful until finally the ship is coming in for a landing at the shore of the Nubswood.... the twisted trees and dark swamps of the country leading off toward the seer towers of stark brown granite in the distance

Shrugging her pack into place, Silmeria steps off the airship landing with a smile, breathing in deep of the murky swamp air, eyes turning toward the granite towers beyond the marsh. One hand reaches back, undoing the catch securing her Gunblade in place, and she bows her head toward the towers. "Soon, Lord Hades, we will commend another soul to rest, in your garden of bones... May our journey be swift."

Vazkor has taken position at what has been his usual spot by the railing as they reach the swamp, the swashbuckler looking out over Nubswood below with a keen gaze. One hand subconciously touches the hilts of both his blades as he mentally prepares himself for the adventure up ahead, spurred on further by the promise of increased pay. And in the meantime silently thanking himself for the foresight of packing more pragmatic and sturdy footwear then what he usually wears in the city as he thinks upon the mud and grime of the swamps.

Eben, upon hearing that the airship was to be letting them off quickly gathers up his supplies and equipment, hopefully ready for the trials that may be upcomming. This time a gun holster is visibly worn along the outside of his coat, the weapon most likely ready to be pulled at any time. "So then...I've never travelled through a place like this." He murmurs as he prepares to leave the airship himself.

The party are ready to travel, the casket is hovering in mid air, being led by Lord Nicol's magic and they set off across the swamp. The path is a winding one and the Lord leads it as if he is familiar with it. Mud sucks at their boots and sometimes they have to walk with it up to their ankles but otherwise the journey for the first day goes well. Camp is made and that night all seems quiet until a strange howling piping noise from the woods has everyone up and on alert. The cry goes up and Lord Nicols appears with a large rifle in hand, more a blunderbuss. "Nubswood crickets! Arm yourself and defend the casket they come for the dead!"

Throughout the journey through the swamp, Silmeria has alternated between pleasant silence, or speaking with the children of the Lord and Lady. Asking questions of their grandmother, their own life in the Marshwood family, telling them some of the tales she has collected throughout her years in service. That night, as the alarm is raised, she is on her feet with a put-upon sigh, Gunblade drawn from its sheath and readied. Standing before the head of the casket, she runs her fingertips over the blade of her weapon, murmuring a blessing as her eyes flick here and there, out into the darkness.

Vazkor has been mostly silent himself throughout the trip, content with just trying to limit the damage the mud might do to his proudly immaculate appearance as he travels along near the back of the profession. His slumber is peaceful that night, until the cry of impending danger goes out, the swashbuckler soon appearing wide awake with his Cutlass firmly in hand, briefly wondering as to the nature of these 'crickets'.

Eben is awake a few moments after the warning cry goes up, the man getting up and attempting to prepare himself for some upcoming foe he has no clue what might be. "Crickets? Aren't those things small?" He asks in confusion as he fumbles for the gun at his side, eyes scanning about the area to see what might be coming.

The cricket that leaps into the clearing onto one top of Eben is about twice the size of the Casket. Lord NIcols; fires at it witha BOOM from his Blunderbluss "They are not small Mister Eben." he says helping him back up then spinning to shoot another one. They are leaping into the clearing from all directions. One of them lands on the casket, two in front of Vazkor and Lord Edward and another lands by Lady Vivienne who backs up and then stumbles with a cry!"

Silmeria looks back over her shoulder as the tremendous insect thumps to a landing atop the casket. Spinning on her heel, she sweeps the weapon around in a shallow arc, the heavy cutting edge rising to take the insect from beneath, finger tightening on the trigger. If timed just right, the weapon would be very likely to hurl the bug off the casket, if not slaying it outright.

Vazkor amps up his situational awareness as the bugs all spring into view and the fight errupts around him, feeling the sudden rush of adrenaline hitting his system as a vicious grin springs up on his suddenly tensed features, his gaze meeting the two giant insects before him. Cutlass at the ready, the swordfighter springs forward with almost gleeful speed and purpose, the damast blade in his hand arcing down towards what must be the head of the left creature in a swift precision strike. Wasting no time to attack.

Eben is caught quite by suprise as the /giant/ cricket leaps out and pushes him to the ground, metal tools clanking heavily as he hits the ground. "Well, I can tell now." He growls out, hands finding his gun much more quickly now that he has been helped back up. It only takes him a moment longer to rotate about and first level the gun at the insect perched upon the casket, but seeing Silmeria take care of that one, quickly turns about to the one facing Vivi. Holding his gun slightly lax he lines up a shot with the creatures side and fires off a bullet matching the sound made by Nicol's rifle.

The camp is in uproar, the bullets slam into the cricket about to leap on Vivienne and is beaten back. Harold the youngest son runs screaming under the casket and hides as a cricket chases him. Lady Margalotta sweeps out of a tent and thrusts out with a mages staff and fire incinerates the bug. Vazkor's cutlass slices through the left bug easily, killing it and Lord Edward takes down the right hand bug with a well thrust lance of flame from his upraised hand. The guards are rallying, pulling back to back in groups as the family converge around the casket fighting off bugs. As Eben saves Vivian she pulls out a pair of daggers and goes low and slashes out at them, moving in to cover Silmeria as she is yet again faced with another bug atop the casket as the one already on it is blown off and explodes!

Silmeria's face is grim as the bug is blasted off the casket, determined, but neither angry nor exultant at the need for battle. As the younger noble stands beside her, she nods. "I will defend your Gran, child," she says quietly, "see to my back, and let none by." Her 'blade lances outward, this time, its tip seeking to pierce the creature's chitin, and burst its innards with the shock of her weapon's report.

Vazkor seems to revel in the violence, as men of his ilk should, the bladeslinger swashbuckler moving around and meeting the giant crickets headon wherever they appear to cut and slice and hack with expertly wielded blade. His movements swift and economical, yet carrying that vicious grin and intensely focused expression throughout.

Eben quickly prepares his pistol for another shot at a nearby insect, not taking too much heed to his own safety or what might be a threat to him as he fires the weapon at the insect atop the casket in turn. Determained in his own way, it's easily told that this man isn't used to combat as well as the others seem to be, movements a tad sluggish.

The fight is over all too soon, soon enough things are quiet and Lord Nicols is looking out at the siulent swamp. "Break camp... we go now... I do not want another attack like that. Let us get to the Necropolis by dawn" The guards nod and hurriedly begin to break down the camp as the Marshwoods draw together near their hired help. "we must push on through the swamp until dawn. If the crickets are out worse is likely to be abroad."

Silmeria nods once, wiping the ichor from her weapon with a patch of rag tugged from one of the side pockets on her traveling pack. "The trail to our rear is where they will come," she says, to the Lord, his family, and her companions. "Death may stalk ahead of our path... but death will draw more in our wake. If one other will aid me in guarding our rear, it would be a kindness."

Vazkor finally stands still as all foes are vanquished, and with a simple flick of his wrist he clears his blade of the same ichor before smoothly sheathing the weapon once more, his fingers guiding it at the scabbard. Taking a single deep breath, letting some of the previous exhilaration leave him, calming himself once more, he soon looks over at Silmeria and nods firmly, "I shall aid in guarding our rear. Then men with firearms will do more good at the front, from whence we can see our foe coming." He glances at Eben.

Eben remains quite on edge for a while longer even with the current onslaught of crickets fended off. "So these things, are going to come for the casket?" He asks quietly with a quick glance about before scooping up the rest of his belonging nearby, his gun remaining out of it's holster for now. At Vazkor's glance he nods quickly and moves nearer the front of the group, gun still held at the ready.

Lord Nicols nods his head "That and anyone who falls they are drawn to the dead. It is a test come we must carry on!" Soon the party is moving through the woods together as one... walking in a single file, leaving the wooded grove behind and out onto the flats of the swamp. Ahead the glimmering lights of a great towering metropolis rise, glittring in the distance! As the night passs they are attackjed, fron the front, the sides, the rear.... crickets and worse in the flickering shadows of the night! But the party persever... pushing onwards step by step!"

Silmeria backs down the trail at the rear of the party, Gunblade held loosely in hand, eyes flicking left and right in search of the creatures to come. When the monsters descend upon the party, she fights with some skill, the sheer weight and force of her chosen weapon doing much to cover her lack of pure mastery. Watching her, it would seem the fight is a chore, to be borne in silence and finished as swiftly as can be managed.

Vazkor is quite the opposite, still reveling in the fight whenever they pop up, and wielding his light-weight damast cutlass with obvious expertise (he doesn't own a fencing school for nothing!) Chopping through the creatures that get into his blade's reach, and even not yet worrying about the insect blood and swamp grime that splatters his clothes with each skirmish.

Eben doesn't do too much from his spot nearer the front of the line, well, nothing spectacular anyways...Firing his pistol at any insect that might pop up in the way, reloading when it's needed and in general just trying to not get in the way of the other more experienced people near the front.

The night as all nights must come to a close... as dawn is lighting the far horizon the monster attacks drop back and they leave the swamp.. walking along a paved road now toward a mighty archway. A group of people, pale skinned and wearing tattered black velvet clothing meet them. One of them at the head an elderly man bows. "Welcome Lords and Ladies, I am the Moulder of the Necropolis Nubswood, please be welcome within our silent halls. Who do you bring to inter?" Lord Nicols nods to Silmeria to do the introductions.

Silmeria steps to the front of the group, a wide smile splitting her tanned face. "Kind Moulder, how pleased I am to hear your voice. The Lord and Lady Marshwood seek to bring their Matron to rest with her family, and find her peace in Hades' ashen realm, and if it please you and He, I would serve as speaker for the ceremony. ...Also, I'm told that one of their family has been chosen to serve under your number."

Vazkor remains near the back of the group, momentarily busying himself with studying the stains upon his clothes with a look of distaste, before his attention manages to be focused on the ritualistic greeting before him instead. He listens with an idly perked ear, and soon glances briefly towards Edward, remembering their arrangement should the young man be picked to serve.

Nicols bows to the Moulder, "We as is tradition have nominated one of our own to take up a place at your sides as Apprentice. We have nominated Harold!" The causes a gasp from Harold the portly younger son staring at his father. Vivienne and Edward look relieved and seem to lose some tension. Then Harold screams. "WHY ME! What did I do!" Nicol blinks, "You are the only one of my children who expressed interest, I would not nominate one who did not wish..." he gets no further as the boy shoves past the moulder and runs up the gates, "NEVER! Never!" He flees into the city and around a corner and there is pandemonium for a moment as everyone tries to work out who should be following the boy... Then there is a howling SHRIEK that buffets everyone with wind and tosses even the hardiest soul to the ground.

The moulder picks himself up and grimaces, "The boy has fled into the Catacombs....." he looks at Nicols, "He has been nominated as apprentice and he fled into the to city, this is acceptance under the oldest tradition. If he had fled out he would not have been accepted..... but he has enterred the catacombs which means one or more of your party not of the family must seek him out."

Silmeria picks herself off the ground, frowning and brushing at her robes. With a quiet sigh, she nods slowly at the Moulder's revelation, turning to the Lord and Lady. "I am sorry for this trouble, sir, madam... If you don't mind...I will follow. It's been long since I walked the hushed maze, but much of its turnings, I remember. Any who wish to join me would of course be most welcome...?"

Vazkor arches his brow at the whole situation, watching Harold run off, followed by that demonic shriek. Considering it wasn't Edward however, he feels no immediate need to intervene... But as Silmeria offers to follow the boy, he ever so quietly sighs before stepping forward to do the proper thing as a gentleman, raising his voice, "You shall have my sword, whatever good it may do in that haunted place..."

Eben seems to have been daydreaming for a bit as he witnesses the great city before him...Luckily the great screeching instantly snaps the man back to attention, eyes narrowing as he's knocked down. Picking himself up quickly enough he sighs and shakes his head "I'll go, if the other two are..." He murmurs after hearing what's taking place.

As the party gather themselves Edward bows and offers to Vazkor a strange silver and copper lantern. "Take this to light your path." To the Moulder Nicols sighs and nods "I understand... my brother did the same... we shoul dhave been expecting it." He looks at the group of heroes and bows. "The trials of the Necropolis, to see if my Son will serve as an apprentice or be taken to serve in the Catacombs. If you can find him and bring him back he will live a long life as an apprentice and a happy one. If not then he will have been claimed by the Path of Shale.... good luck and walk wisely" One of the Morticians bows and offers to shwo you to the Catacombs, leading you to the tall doors of bone in the clifftop above the city...

Chapter 2

Where last we left uor heroes they had been shown into the catacombs of the Nubswood. The heavy stone and bones doors have shut beind them and the only light is from the eerie green glow of Vazkor's lantern given to him by one of their employers. The chamber they are in is carven out of the very stone itself, the walls coated in enscriptions in ancient languages. Six tunnels radiate out of this chamber a hush hangs in the air.... Silmeria stoops, one hand reaching out to brush the stone of the catacombs, a quiet frown on her face. "Poor child," she murmurs, "lost and afraid..." Her eyes flick back and forth, scanning for signs of his passing. "Do not fear," she says over her shoulder. "This is a place of quiet and rest, and the Moulder has allowed you to enter. All we must do is find the child, and our way back, and we will be upon our way."

Vazkor watches Silmeria for a moment, listening to her words. And despite having some trust in her statement of things being safe, considering her apparent nature, the swashbuckler however keeps his Cutlass out within his dominant hand. The other holding aloft the lantern. He nods some, and quietly speaks up, "Well, lead the way, and we shall follow." Glancing at Eben.

Eben has absolutly no idea on what to expect from this place, and makes a mental note to touch nothing, lean on nothing, and avoid doing anything that might put anyone in danger...A good thought to go by, and much more easy to think than actually do! He does look around in turn though, taking note of the passages and the general contour of the room, although he remains quiet to not draw attention.

The passages are clear, there is no dust in these chambers right up on the surface by he doors. The marble floor rings with their footsteps and 7 paths stretch out before them all descending into gloom...

Silmeria rises, sighing and shaking her head. "...I'm afraid I can't tell which way he may have gone... I'm sorry. Perhaps one of you may fare better? I will hold the lantern, if you'd prefer?"

Vazkor flashes her a brief smile, before stepping over to hand her the lattern, and slowly getting getting to work, moving past each tunnel entrance and studying the floor and walls. Sadly, his keen gaze seems to fail him, and he shrugs, returning to the other two, "I'm afraid tracking isn't my strong suit... I hired other people for that, in my pirate vanquishing days."

Eben doesn't help much himself, or, is incapable of helping when it comes to tracking people besides just a glance down each of the tunnels with a hopeless shrug. "I didn't think to bring, or make a device to track people..Sorry." He murmurs with a small shrug and sigh "Think he would probably run to the one directily opposite the door...Or at least, I would if I were scared."

Silmeria smiles, bobbing her head as she takes hold of the lantern. "Oh, no need to apologize... After all, it's not as if lives *depend* on it, there's nothing here to harm anyone--oh, that's a *wonderful* idea, Master Eben! See? Already, another way to go." Shining the light on the door directly opposite the entrance, the young woman smiles. "Shall we?"

Vazkor chuckles some, looking between the two before he nods in agreement, "Then the middle tunnel it is." He pauses for a moment, not able to keep the playfully rogueish grin from curling his dark lips as he adds on after, "Shame I didn't think of that. But then again, not like I'm ever afraid." He winks at Eben, before heading for the tunnel.

Eben just shakes his head, apparently not in the least amused, or happy to be in a place like this. "Lets just check that way...Either of you know how big this place could actually be? What if we're wrong, we may never find him." There's a soft sigh from the man as he starts to approach the tunnel.

The door opposite is a motif of carven bone... the passage is lined with spheulchers and plaques full of inscriptions, epitaphs and words of wisdom and the names of those who have departed. The path slopes down.. down... and there footsteps echo and crack off the stone flooring. After thirty minutes they reach another circular chamber. The tunnel back up awaits them and two closed doors barr there path. One of the doors is ajar however and a glowing sphere of amber the size of Vazkor floats in the centre of the room, lights dancing around inside it. The skip and flicker and flare and glisten.....

Silmeria holds out a hand to the others as her eyes fall upon the sphere. "Careful," she says, her voice barely louder than a whisper. "The spirits within the tomb have been disturbed... probably by the boy's passage." Nodding to the door on the other side, she starts to edge around the wall of the tomb, eyes on the sphere before her. "Take care, it is... impolite... to disturb the peace of the restless."

Vazkor is more than glad to halt his step as Silmeria stops them, eyeing up the sphere ahead with some suspicion breaking through his natural levity. He nods in response then, and starts to follow the girl along the very edge of the room, his Cutlass still held in one hand. Though he somehow doubts its usefullness against spirits and other such beings.

Eben nods himself and glances off towards the door "Must be where he went, I assume the regular attendents wouldn't leave something like that open." He murmurs softly to not disturb those spirits further before he also follows in turn aroudn the outside of the room...His gun has been re-holstered so that he doesn't offend the dead.

Around the edge of the chamber they go, there is in fact now they are walking along it a very very narrow walkway. A seperation from the stone circle that makes up most of the room and the band of Lapis Lazuli around the edge. They are doing very well, Silmeria is mistress slink sliding along the edge of the room, Eben as well is quite good sliding along stealthily keeping to the path... Vazkor however stumbles about midway along, just a couple of steps out into the circle of the room but the sphere flares and small motes of amber light rush around him! Flickering and whizzing and taking shape until the spectral form of several elderly ladies hang there. "SO! Another one! With a weapon! Look sisters he comes armed! A mortal disturbing us again! Such a cad, such wickedness! No please may we enter your chamber, no polite manners! After the other one we think? probably and his two friends, oh think we can't see you just because you walk the path! Come over here now all of you!"

Silmeria tenses as Vazkor stumbles, face screwing up as though expecting enraged shrieks and promises of torment everlasting... and actualy seems *relieved,* when the spirits prove to be a pack of offended old ladies. "My apologies, honored ladies," the girl says, stepping forward and curtsying deeply. "We'd hoped not to stir your rest more than was necessary, and wished simply to leave you in your peace. Pray tell, good spirits, how we may return peace to you?"

Vazkor isn't sure how he managed to stumble like that, usually being the nimble kind. As it is, he arches his brow in some surprise as the resulting 'threat' reveals itself, and soon can't help but put up a slightly amused expression. Straightening himself, he smoothly slides his blade into its scabbard, and steps forward as he goes for the sheer charm offensive, approaching the spirits with a deep, flowery bow and his nicest smile, "Ah, I apologize, ladies! I meant no harm, to be sure, though I readily admit my brandishing of a weapon to definately be rude in present company. I hope you will not hold it against a young man such as me, yet inexperienced in the ways of the world?"

Eben erps lightly as he takes note of Vazkor stepping out of the pathway as fear seems to grip at him for a few short moments. That's untill he sees the old ladies float out from the sphere with a trace amount of confusion, he usually though of dead interacting with people in the form of horrible aberations of undeath, not innocent looking old-folk. He does step forward when asked though and tilts his head in a bow.

They are very innocent looking ladies, in a variety of sensible garments with their hair done up in buns. "Well dearie as you have gone and woken us all up. You may as well go and place your hands on the sphere. That'll enable us to quieten back down properly."

Silmeria smiles gently, raising her hands to rest upon the sphere. "Then rest, good ladies," she says, her voice gentle, soothing. "Your lives have been long and good, and Hades awaits your presence in the great Abyss." As she speaks, the wing-shaped patches on the back of her robe begin to shimmer, unfolding, her skin fading to stark white. "Rest your weary bones, find peace in the long sleep, for the Lord of the Dead welcomes you with open arms, and will grant you the quiet you deserve, after the toil of life..."

Vazkor falls quiet again as the old women seem to focus on Silmeria, and watches the ensuing ritual with a curious gaze, stepping back just a bit to afford the girl some room should she need it. He's glad atleast the women didn't turn into horrible old witch crones and tried to eat them. Been there, done that.

Silmeria's words hang in the air and the old ladies bow their heads. "Well that sure is nice of you dearie!" The room spins... there is a flash from the orb and it goes dark... just a lump of dark crystal. The doors are gone as is one wall.... there is now just a staircase leading down into darkness......

Eben ponders if putting one's hands on a sphere full of dead people is the best of plans and in fact, takes a step a bit further from the center of the room less it claims them or something as silly, in his opinion. The show from Silmeria catches his attention, confused at the changes to her skin color.

Silmeria's words hang in the air and the old ladies bow their heads. "Well that sure is nice of you dearie!" The room spins... there is a flash form the orb and it goes dark... just a lump of dark crystal. The doors are gone as is one wall.... there is now just a staircase leading down into darkness......

The ash-colored wings at Silmeria's back flex once, stretching out to their fullest... which isn't, in fact, very large at all, not much bigger than the patches they've supplanted. Folding back, they seem to melt into the burlap, as the girl draws in a deep breath. Her skin darkens, returning to its original tan, and her smile is sad as she turns to her companions. "It always upsets Lord Hades so, when the restless dead can't find their way. He worries, you see, for he can rarely reach beyond to the world of the living to set things right."

Vazkor peers at the wings some, before shifting his gaze to look at Silmeria herself as she speaks to them. He looks somewhat curious at her words, and seems to assess her for a moment afterwards before he speaks up himself, "Well, I'm glad you seem to know what you're doing, miss. I doubt I would have entered this place without your knowledge to guide us." He shrugs, "Not for what I'm actually being paid, anyway."

Eben continues eyeing those wings he feels are out of place on a regular Hume as they vanish once again, potentially a bit more hesitant about moving further into the place. "So you know how to set er...Make the dead restful once more?" He asks with a glance to the now blackened crystal with a frown and shake of his head "We should find the boy, then maybe talk about this later I think.." He glances off towards the stairs that have appeared then. Speaking of the boy they are quite alone....the platform has no door, no sign of a branhc just the stairs. A wide fan like descent of shale steps, pale cream in colour descending into the darkness.... The part can just make out another set of steps in the distance and then another and another. They twist and turn and merge and break apart again descending into the silent darkness and there on one stairway... the figure of young Harold Marhswood walking downward......

Silmeria tilts her head, smiling brightly. "It's a task I'm happy to do for Lord Hades," she replies to Eben's question. "There's often so much unfinished business left in the world, but I do whatever I can for them." Turning, she lifts the lantern high, picking her way down the stairs with care, but no sign of fear. "Harold?" she calls, "Young Harold, are you down there? I know you're scared, but I know you'd rather not be lost, too...! Please, follow my voice!"

Vazkor turns towards the staircase, peering down into the darkness as he steps up next to the girl, ready to follow should she start to descend. His blade once more sheathed, he however sets his hand idly upon the hilt, perhaps not really liking the look of that staircase much, "Does he hear?"

Eben nods a bit solemnly in Silmeria's direction "It's a task that must be done, I admit, just didn't know you were one such person to help quell the the dead." He hms and glances down towards the stairs again to notice Harold moving downwards, at least they won't be in here too much longer if they've gone and found him already, he hopes! He doesn't seem to hear, continuing to descend the staircase he is upon. It looks like it will intersect your staircase about seventy to a hundred steps down... perhaps the party could intercept him.

Silmeria sighs, shaking her head. "Come, then... We'll catch him as he comes down." Stepping up her pace, she hurries down the stairs, light held up to pierce the darkness about them, and follow the boy's path as he descends his own starway to the intersection.

Vazkor follows after the girl, carefully descinding the steps as he thinks about his earlier stumble. He doesn't really want to go crashing down into the darkness to his likely doom!

Eben doesn't even want to think what might be down below there stairs as he moves over to follow the others in hopes to intersect the boy. "Sure these stairs are safe?" He asks while avoiding looking down.

Chapter 3

Where last we left our adventurers they were heading down the steps of Shale... deeper into the dark abyss below the worlds of the living.... into the quiet non light of Hades' realm. Silmeria hefts the lantern, eyes tracking the child as he makes his way down the staircase. For herself, her steps are quick but sure, the ambience of the Abyss upsetting her not at all. "Harold?" she calls. "Harold you need to stop once we've met up, okay?" While it's not certain her words are heard or heeded, it never hurts to try.

Eben advances down the stairs at a slower pace than Silmeria, worrying more about tumbling into the dark abyss below instead of catching up to the boy. But all the same, he moves after her towards the point of intersection, eyes tracking the boys movement to see if anything might be odd or inhibiting his ability to hear the pair.

The party move down the steps... their lights bob and sway and they slowly but surely approach the intersection Howard should meet them at. The stairs are wide and broad and not easy to fall off... the incline is gentle and they pass the intersection at the end about 30 feet below... the staircases intersect but pass under one another... Howard continues to walk down... and all they can do is watch....

Silmeria sits down on the staircase with a heavy thump, frowning deeply. "Well... *that* was no good." Letting out a quiet breath, she looks from the lower staircase to Eben, and back again, tilting her head. "Perhaps he'd notice if we shined our light on him? It will probably be a very startling change for him, d'you think?"

Eben watches the boy pass by on a staircase not directly connected to theirs with a faint sigh. "Think we could maybe jump down? No, nevermind...Too dangerous I think." He shakes his head and peers back down then up again before reaching a hand in his coat. "You try the lamp thing..." He starts pulling supplies free, seemingly junk at first before he begins assembling them all together into what looks like a rather primitive firework launching device. The charge made up of a few spare pinches of powder he wrapped in a wad of thick paper. "If that doesn't work...I think I could shoot this in front of him." He explaines once finished "It's like a bomb, but just makes some light instead of anything dangerous.."

Down below Howard continues to walk, step by step... heading further down the dark Path toward were so ever he is intending to go.... quite lost in his thoughts. The light wavering in his eyes does not phase him... perhaps light does not pass through hr darkness so well....

Silmeria purses her lips, casting her eyes about the dingy no-light of the realm. After a moment, the girl nods, slowly. "This is still a between place... Lord Hades would be *most* unhappy if you were to attempt such a thing in the Abyss proper, but it should be fine here, I think..." As Howard seems to ignore the beam of light, on impulse Silmeria stretches out in her belly, arms hanging over the staircase, light trained on Howard. "Hello? Howard? Little Lord Marsh~wood~! It's fairly important, could you perhaps pretend like you hear me?"

Eben nods quickly as he watches Howard's movements "Well, if you say it won't cause any trouble, here goes.." The man murmurs before quickly lighting the fuse on the device and pointing it in Howard's general direction, not aiming at him of course, but so that it would detonate near enough the boy to get his attention. With a soft poof the device would launch off into the air in that direction, the charge burning brightly before detonating with a loud pop and flash of light, that is barring nothing would stop it from happening.

Vazkor hurries down the steps after the other two, having let them get ahead of him somehow. He slows down a bit again though when he's near enough and watches through the gloom as Eben pulls out and fires the device, his eyes soon following the projectile until the spot where it flashes bright, "What was that?" He asks as he reaches them.

The device fired from the impromptu flare gun spirals down into the darkness and then explodes ina brilliant FLASH! Much brightere then it should have been. Harold jherks and looks around, gasps, turns and starts to race back up the stairs running for it quickly. Then the screaming starts... HOWLS of anger, shrieks of pain and agony... the small Pop crashes back over the stairs like a thundercrash... the shale steps vibrate.... and all around strange whisps and spiritual shapes seem to stream past.. scattering in all directions and fleeing the source of the bright flare as it drops... it looks like these spirits were descending into the darkness.. hidden and secure but now they are panicking and scattering in every direction as the thunder crashes and the light burns... Harold is gone, vanishing back up the stairs toward the world of the living......

"Well.......... damn." Silmeria's face goes ashen as the world thunders around them, eyes flicking back and forth as she thinks quickly. "Papa's going to be furious," she murmurs, shaking her head and scrabbling to her feet. "Hurry, both of you." Passing the lantern to Vazkor, she gestures up the stairs. "Go back as quick as you can, I'll... try to do... something. I don't know."

Eben erfs as he takes note of the flare not doing exactly what it was he wanted it to "I-I must have used too much.." He murmurs apologeticlly, bracing himself as the shale steps vibrate from the echoing blast. "Uh." Is all he can manage as the spirits start fleeing in all direction causing the man to begin backing up the way they came. He simply drops the device on the stairs and makes a move back upwards, trying to usher Vazkor with him looking more and more nervous by the the moment.

Vazkor stares blankly at the loud flash, before looking just as blankly over at the other two, his expression unreadable- and as such quite accusatory in its blankness! He doesn't waste time pointing fingers though, not just yet, instead reaching out to take the lantern and nodding firmly at Silmeria. Simply stating, "Good luck." before he turns around and starts going back up the stairs at speed.

The problem with fleeing back the way they came... is a very distinct lack of stairs going up... there are like three of them and then darkness... The path back to the world of the living is always meant to be there, always clear and straight and right now it is missing. All around them the other staircases are shivering and twisting... blurring and blending and fading away... merging into the continuation of their own until there is just one and striding up the stairs is a dark shrouded figure......

"Ooooh, no," Silmeria breathes, closing her eyes for a moment. Drawing in a deep breath, she strides to the front of the group, standing silent and not at all calm... almost like a child who expects to be given a very, very stern lecture, and is not at all looking forward to it.

Eben is getting a bit nearer to panicing now that he notices that the staircase to their safety has vanished, along with all the others in the area. Around and around he turns for a moment as he looks for another way to go, but finding none he stands still and silent as can be, hand twitching a bit with anxiety, even moreso at the sight of the being heading up in their direction.

Vazkor manages to stop just in time as the glow of his lantern hits... Nothingness, only a step away himself from plunging into it. A low growl escapes him before he spins around back the other way, his expression showing some anger, and even annoyance as he holds the lantern aloft and watches the black figure approach. He briefly ponders kicking Eben down the stairs towards him as a distraction if things go south even more, but that's likely just anger and panic talking.

The figure doesn't take long to reach the top of the stairs, he turns out to be.. rather short and have a small golden crown floating above his head. He pushes back the hood of his brown cloak and stares at all three of them. The little crown stays firmly in place, in a voice that is mostly whisper and yet all thunder he speaks. "Just what... do you think you are all doing?" He points a hand and the glowing ball of light that is the flare, and it blinks out, darkness falls except for this small patch of staircase.... really it is a platform of shell that feels as if it is moving through the darkness which is still vibrating with the screaming of upset spirits. "You have defiled the sanctity of the passage between life and death! The souls of the departed scatter...." He whips a paw up... a knife... a simple plain knife in his paw pointed at all three of them. "You are coming with me..." That voice so silent, barely a whisper and yet it rings in their ears as if it was thundered from the heavens.....

Silmeria looks quite pitiful, now, tears standing out at the corners of her eyes, head bowed, hands fidgeting at the sleeves of her robe. "I'm so sorry," she whispers... whether it be to the spirit before them, or her companions, is unclear. Breathing deep to steady her nerves, she walks forward, following as bidden.

Eben doesn't know exactly what this creature is that they're facing, but he does know that he should be fearful, does know that he isn't worthy of it's presence. He lets out the smallest of squeaks but doesn't respond, or seem to take note of any other talking about him, including that apology from Silmeria. There's one last glance given back to where the flare had gone off and then it's back to trembling.

Vazkor isn't one to show fear in the face of danger, wether he actually feels it or not. Instead the ebon skinned swordfighter stands tall, crossing his arms and looking down at the crowned figure in silence, yet without overt defiance. After a few moments like that, he simply nods, and considering the state of the other two decides to take the first step, moving past them as he makes to walk down the stairs. Speaking up in a polite tone, "Lead the way, sir."

The platform continues to move as it glides through the darkness a giant 3 headed dog races past barking in triplicate! Racing around... herding things in the darkness. A soul shattering whistle explodes through the darkness and a giant mechnical device sleek and fast shoots overhead and then careens left, right and roars to a stop above the platform. It hisses gouts of steam and glistens with silver metal and darkness... it exudes anger and upset. The small little green king looks up at it. "Yes... we know.... I am taking them to the throne... it is not safe to pass.... return to Terra try and track them down." The doom train SCREAMS its whistle very loudly and chugs off quickly back into the darkness. Tonberry King glances around at all three of you again and shakes his head. "Do you have anything to say mortals?" He stares at Eben and Vazkor as the platform skims into an area of grey light and dead twisted trees..... the platform skims across it toward a clearing.......

"I should have known better," Silmeria murmurs. "It wouldn't have happened if I had said not to.... I'm so, *so sorry,* Lord Tonberry, I wish I could take it all back.... I...." She swallows, scrubbing at her eyes and standing straighter. "...I'll accept whatever punishment Lord Hades will give for all of us. It's my fault, I will pay the price."

Eben is absolutly petrified by by the great spirits that seem to pass by in their tasks and in their fury, barely able to comprehend them as he is as the train goes screaming by. Although at Tonberry's question he manages to stutter out a response "I...I didn't know." There's a small pause as he sucks in more air "I was--" His voice cracks and he ceases to speak.

Vazkor doesn't bother explaining himself just yet, doubting it will do much good in the current situation. What's he gonna say? It isn't his fault because they went and fired the flare without consulting him? Instead he just stands there, exuding some form of remaining confidence, and just briefly glances at the stupid kid who fired the flare! He's gonna be so pissed if that is what finally does him in after all his adventures.

The King of Tonberry's looks at Silmeria and shakes his head, "That is not your choice to make. it is theirs and his." He turns and bows to the throne in the centre of the clearing. Were normally there should be a line of souls approaching judgement... now there is nothing just the dark figure in the throne. The king bows, steps back and then walks to the side of the throne. Another figure steps out of the shadows, this one dressed in a dapper blue uniform with a nice peaked cap atop his head. He looks at a watch then glances at the party and bows to the Hades. Death remains in his chair, silent, watching then they shift, the shadows curl and draw back and sat in the throne is a pale skinned young lady in black lace and long curled hair. "Approach Silmeria of my domain, Eben of the Creationary Bent and Vazkor, hero reknowned. You Eben of Emberstrand and Silmeria of my Domain stand accused of disrupting the passage between life and death. Of scaring the souls of the passing into scattering through out the domains and the mortal realm. You master Vazkor are not accused of anything but accompanying these two on this journey into our realm. We shall hear from the culprit Eben first... speak now and explain yourself." Her voice is soft, warm, but not friendly.

Silmeria bows her head, clasping her hands in front of her. As she has not been bidden to speak, so does she remain silent as Eben in commanded to give his accounting.

Eben can't help but bow in turn to Hades as the other spirits have along with Silmeria as he's called to explain himself. Only partially straightening to show his humble station to such a might spirit, any spirit in fact he attempts to respond but only silence comes for a moment. He's finding it quite difficult to gain his composure, to speak up and potentially face his fate. "I-I would first like to apologize for destroying the tranquillity of your realm, Lord." He squeaks rather quietly, sweat starting to glisten on his exposed skin "I was trying to get the attention of a boy, Harold was his name...To bring him back to the keepers of the Necropolis." He starts, hands clenching and unclenching as he tries to remain at least partially calm "I didn't know that the consequences would be the fleeing of dead and disturbing your realm.." He pauses to take a deep breath, trying to think of what else he could say to inform the great lord that it was meerly an accident. "It wasn't my intention to push the dead from their rightful path."

Vazkor stands back, in the same outwardly composed, arms crossed manner as before. Not yet showing his relieve at not being held entirely accountable, he just watches Eben's explaining himself, and quietly hopes the boy doesn't manage to piss off Death further. In the meantime the swashbuckler silently studies the spirit on the throne, awaiting his turn to speak.

The spirit on the throne listens to Eben then speaks. "I have heard your words.... Silmeria... daughther of my domain. You have commited the greatest of all sins.... you have failed your duty. Failed me... failed my domain. Explain yourself now before my throne."

Silmeria takes a couple, hesitating steps forward... then her legs seem to give out beneath her, and she falls to her knees. "I... I have no explanation. I *have* failed.... *Worse* than failed, I've made everything so much worse. I--" She pauses, looking up behind the fringe of her hair. "...I don't deserve what you've given me. ... ....I'm sorry." She turns and looks at Vazkor, "The accused have spoken, you who are not accused buyt their companion. You may now speak if you wish on their behalf then my judgement shall be spoken."

Vazkor steps forward confidently, and dips down into a respectfull bow himself, giving his voice the appropiate amount of polite charm as he speaks up, "Mistress Death, do not judge them too harshly. We were simply trying to reach a boy, lost and afraid, and set things to right. A boy, who by accounts of the priests above, should not have entered this place, as he went unwilling. I imagine it was an overriding concern when they tried to get the boy's attention like that." He quiets down then, and straightens himself again, ready to see what comes to pass now.

Mistress Death settles back in her throne, her skirts rustle and she regards all three of them with solemn eyes. "I have heard from all three and thus is my judgement. In the presence of the Psycopomp and the King of Kharma so do I rule." She turns to face Eben and is suddenly a taller, thinner, and her eyes burn. "Good intentioned as your actions were they resulted in the disruption of my entire realm and more the Balance of all realms. Your disruption has caused upset across a higher spectrum of order then is mine alone to Judge upon. The Council of Alexander shall summon you. Be prepared." She turns to Silmeria then and stands up..... and is suddenly a he. A very tall figured shrouded in a black cloak and cowl. A skeletal hand holding a sycthe he walks down and looms above Silmeria. "You for not acting, for not striving to protect our realm and Domain we hereby sentence you." He thrusts the scythe into her hands, "You shall never again return to this realm until all those who have become lost due to your dereliction are shephered on their way. It is denied to you until all who are lost are returned and the balance of your actions restored. You are lost in my eyes until that day, the Doomtrain, My Psychopomp shall answer the summons and be thy watcher and instructor until such time as they are gathered" The figure then turns... flesh and blood again, with long flowing white hair and a gentle smile. "Vazkor, hero of the flesh, champion of rights, rogue and swashbuckler. You are welcome within my realm, your actions this day did not cause this and your quest to find the lost boy did not impinge upon my realm. He has been restored safely to the Moulders of my Necropolis, I bid you welcome you may remain and pass on as all must do or return to your life with one small boon from my hand for the inconvinience caused this day. Thus is Kharma satisfied."

Silmeria falls back as the scythe is thrust into her hands, blinking up at the skeletal, robed Spirit... and for a moment, as favor is bestowed upon Vazkor, there's a flash of anger in her eyes... jealousy, that honey can fall from the Spirit's lips immediately after the sentence of exile is pronounced. But it's gone in a heartbeat, and she bows her head, tears falling down her cheeks. "...It's more than I deserve," she murmurs, picking herself off the ground and standing, eyes on the weapon in her hands. "...I will not fail you again."

Eben manages to glance upwards and take note of the fury swarming in Hades' eyes as she states that the Council of Alexander will be trying him next...He's at a complete loss for words and thought and doesn't speak again, simply bowing deeply once again and taking a step backwards, fear wracking his mind even moreso than before.

Vazkor feels sorry enough for the other two that he doesn't outwardly show his relief. But then again, he also isn't about to protest his good fortune out of some sense of allegiance. Perhaps he will try to aid them once they're out of this damn place. He dips his head towards Death, politely returning the smile, "If it would suit the Lady, I would remain in life above for a few decades yet. To see grayness touching my hair, and to not disappoint friends, family and lovers with my absence."

Hades makes no response to Silmeria but takes Vazkor's hand and touches it against one chill cheek. "Then return to life and live. Until we meet again." She returns to her throne, sits down and looks at them. "Be prepared, you shall be summoned when the Council is in session. Until then." The conductor steps forward and clicks his pocketwatch open. "All aboard....." There is a piercing shriek and he dissolves into a swirling cloud of mist that envelops the three and then they are back... in Emberstrand outside the Marshwood residence where Lady Vivienne, Lord Edward and their parents are busy overseeing the unpacking of their belongings. "Ah... you have returned." Lord Nicols walks forward and bows, "I want to thank you for rescuing Harold and returning him to the Necropolis. He was quite happy when we left, payment for your services will be with you promptly. I am glad you made it safely home."

Silmeria blinks sharply as the Marshwood estate resolves around them, hurriedly scrubbing her sleeve over her eyes as the Lord approaches. Bobbing her head in answer to his thanks, she manages a small smile. "Thank you, my lord... I am glad to know that he is happy." Setting the dark scythe on her shoulder, she absently runs a hand down the almost countless tiny silver studs set along its length, eyes distant as she thinks upon the task ahead. Eben only gives the smallest of glances towards Lord Nicols as he suddenly finds himself here once again after the trip. He's obviously not in much of a mood to talk to anyone and it's even more obvious that he's looking strained and nervous about the matter. He simply moves off and stands on his own.

Vazkor lets out a long breath as they materialize outside the estate, finally letting down some of his forced composure. Looking at the other two for a long moment, he ever so briefly ponders whapping Eben around the back of the head... But figures the boy is in for enough punishment as it is. Slowly switching his attention to Lord Nicols, the swashbuckler nods and speaks after a moment, "Thank you, sir. But if your family ever desires my company on a trip like that in the future... I will have to respectfully decline."

Lord Nicols nods his head and bows to them all, "Well I will not keep you, return to your homes and may the Lord Hades bless you."

Silmeria bows her head in return, and once the Lord takes his leave, she turns to Vazkor and Eben. "...I'm sorry," she says again. "It is my fault for allowing things to happen as they did. I... Eben. I do not know what will happen, but remember that the Spirits do not think like we do. Intentions count only among a very few, action matters more. It is likely... I cannot be certain, but it is likely... that you will be given a task. Or several. They will be hard, and you may despair of ever overcoming. But remember; if you do, they will know. And they will see it for the great thing it is."

Eben simply shakes his head as Silmeria speaks to him "I guess I should feel lucky enough that Hades didn't take me in then and there." He mumbles without turning about to face her, it would seem that he isn't upset towards her or place any of the blame on her in turn. "Instead I'm going to have some council I don't even know of using me to do tasks that most likely will be impossible and cost me my life." He remarks bitterly before he begins to walk off, apparently not in the mood to hold a conversation about what may be to come.

Vazkor just kinda shakes his head, before he turns towards Silmeria, dipping into a light bow, "I bid you farewell, then. And I wish you luck on the task your... Mother? set you, however arduous it might be. Perhaps we will encounter eachother again." With that, the swashbuckler starts to walk off as well, though not before calling after Eben, "If you're still alive after your meeting, lad, seek me out and I'll buy you a strong drink. I suspect you'll need it." And then starts to head home. In the meantime wondering what that promised boon would be.

Chapter 4

A normal day in Emberstrand, a day like most other days really right up to the moment the invitations begin landing on people's doorsteps. There is one for Eben, a large envelope with red edging from Mateus, Lady of Justice demanding Eben present himself at the Hall of Justice in the lee of Alexander that day at noon. Breaking the wax seal on the bottom of the letter will open the gateway for him. There is another message for Jak, informing him his presence is required at the request of Lady Andromeda as someone who can give a proper and true accounting of the summoned party. There are several other invitations sent, the most notable to Celeste. It's from her mother quite simply informing her to break the seal at noon and get herself to the place Lord Odin wants her to be to help with certain proceedings.

Upon receiving her letter, Celeste oggles it closely, and pokes at the seal. She shrugs her shoulders, and sets it down on the table in front of her, before picking up her bottle of rum once more. "I ain't und'stand why people keep 'sistin'on sendin' me mail," she observes, to nobody in particular. She puts the rum to her lips and takes a long pull, before holding up the bottle and sloshing about what remains in the bottom. "I'mm can't read! Whas'a point?" At last, she shrugs and picks up the letter once more. "Oh hell. Shiva's tits, I'mma ain't waitin' fer Alba." And so, at precisely ten minutes to noon, she breaks the seal open. "Maybe it'a be pictures," she mutters.

Eben wasn’t particularly enjoying waiting for this designated day to come in which he will be tried before a council of spirits, those who are close to him could put his feelings on the matter along the lines of dreading. So, the letter falling down atop the doorstep brings a conflicted sigh of relief from the man as he picks it up, and Jak’s letter in turn as they both landed at the same place. "Oh damn…" He simply sighs out as he turns back towards the interior of his home, seemingly aging a few years just from the sight of the envelope. He would quickly put both letters on the table and go off to find more presentable clothing to be seen in, which turns out to be a simple, and rather humble tunic and pants. "Hey Jak…It’s time.." He states simply towards where he might be.

When Eben brings in the invitations Jak walks over to pick up his and looks it over in admiration as it sparkles with pure starlight. "Yea.. I doubt that this is some gift given me for the shop... considering." With that the young man opens it up and begins reading over before he lets out a sigh and reaches up a hand to pinch the bridge of his nose lightly for a moment. "Well then... at least they're going to give me a chance to speak up for you.." he murmurs before adding a quieter mutter to himself, "Eben what horrible trouble you've gotten yourself into..." And at the proper time he, dressed nicely as if going to a tutor a noble brat, breaks the seal while holding his breath.

( Celeste breaks her seal early and thus winds up dumped rather ungraciously in a flower bed near the beautiful shape of the hall of Justice. Alexander looms off to the right sparkling brilliantly, the distant sound of hymns drifting down from the lofty spires. Off to her left on the path two more portals open and through them appear Eben and Jak. As the trio of mortals adjust to the sudden shift in positions a figure looms over them all, staring down with a stern expression from beneath his horned helmet. "Miss Celeste, when something says to be opened at noon obey it. A warrior must obey sensible orders at all time I almost lost you in translation." Odin turns and regards Eben and Jak then, "The council is sitting now. I decided to come collect you all myself are you ready?" ) [Spoofed By: Silvante]

Celeste lands on her face in a bed of flowers? Indeed! The mouse warrior grumbles and shakes her head as she sits up. Skull? Intact. Spear? Intact. Rum? ...Intact. Celeste puts the bottle back to her lips for another swig, just as Odin looms and soundly tells her off. She looks up at the spirit, both eyebrows rising at the sight that one just doesn't see every day; she gets up to her feet, and coughs softly. "Shiva's... uhm... mercy," she finishes weakly. "I'mma can't read, I weren't sure whatta do with it." She shrugs her shoulders helplessly, and glances over her shoulder at Jak and Eben. She flashes them a grin, before looking up at Odin once more. "I'mma guess I'mma ready. But... whaffor?"

Eben takes a few moments to right himself in his surroundings, the trip doing plenty to disorient the nervous man and drain the color from his face. He’ll never get used to traveling to the spirit realms, and he’s probably decided in the time since his actions that he would avoid doing so if possible. "Jak…You okay?" He would ask softly before taking note of the towering figure. Quickly enough though he takes notice to them and hushes up. "I believe I…We are ready." He states firmly, gaze flicking back to Jak briefly. He doesn’t return the grin to Celeste, far too nervous and well, to be honest fearful.

Jak opens his eyes and looks around, stilling for a few long moments before he looks over towards Eben and nods quietly with a faint smile. He turns his head towards Odin then and a hand touches his chest before he bows, "I thank you for seeing to us." Straightening then he walks over to help Celeste up, taking the opportunity to murmur to her quietly, "Eben's on trial for upsetting the balance.. also you really should learn how to read, would be bad if you drank poison by mistake. Not everything is marked with a skull and crossbones after all." He looks over at Eben, giving him a faint nervous smile before turning attention to Odin once more.

Odin stops and turns to look down at Celeste, "I suggest you learn how to read then Miss Celeste.... your mother would not be best pleased to learn you never bothered to learn." Stern, taciturn and brusque. He walks up the steps toward the beautiful marble fronted hall of Justice. Waiting for them is a spirit, he bows to Odin then turns to the party "Master Eben Kishara stands accused of disrupting the fabric of the universe, of breaching the depths between life and death. You are called to face judgement, this way please." He beckons Eben to follow him toward a door to the left. Odin looks at the other two and points at another door. "You two will be required to go through that door, Celeste you are here because I require a warrior who is mortal to give me reflection."

Celeste sighs heavily. "yeah yeah, learn to read," she grumbles as Jak helps her up. "Lemme just wrassle a Behemoth an' tame a buncha spiders ter make me look like I'mma queen while I'mma at it, right?" She takes one last pull from her rum, before plonking the bottle down amongst the flowers. "Guessin' I'mma ain't takin' that," she observes. She flicks her gaze towards Eben, and shrugs her shoulders a bit helplessly. "G'luck," she says, and flashes a grin and a thumbs-up, before heading towards the door Odin indicated. "A'ight, so, trial by combat, then?"

Eben doesn’t make mentioning of reading into thought at the moment, more worried about how he could even possibly defend himself against the claim of him destroying the balance in the universe. His face pales even further if it were possible as he’s asked to come, alone and without Jak at his side. He would look over towards the other man helplessly. With a simple sigh and shake of his head he turns back to the door on the left and when the gesture is made, begins to walk slowly towards it. Breathing deep, yet steady he gives one glance back behind him "Thanks." He murmurs before moving off towards that door.

Jak headtilts at Celeste, but decides that this really isn't the time to be lecturing her about the importance of reading. He looks after Eben then while sighing deeply and then he shakes his head. Edon's instruction is followed as he heads towards the other door indicated, though Celeste's question draws him up short and he shakes his head, "I would hope not or there is no chance for him. No.. I think we can expect a proper court proceedings here rather than the heat of battle." A dip of the head is given Odin then as he passes through.

The Spirit Odin quirks a brow, "No Miss Celeste, you are here to observe, learn and make any appropriate observations concerning the case you may have to me." He bows and is gone... the doors the party step through are on opposite sides of the room and yet they all end up in the same place. Stupid Spirit world and their ignoring the laws of Physics. Eben is ona a podium all by himself in the centre of the room facing a large bench. The others are sat in the galley behind the podium and from here everyone can see the Council before them. A beam of white light in the centre represets the chair Alexander, To either side are Lord Odin, Lady Andromeda, Lord Gilgamesh, The Sister Ray, the coiled bulk of the dragon of hope Valigarmanda, The sage Ramuh, The Kharma King Tonberry, Madeen and the Judge herself Mateus. Valigarmanda raises his head and regards Eben. "We are gathered here in formal session to hear the events surrounding the disruption of the Eternal cycle. Eben Kishara you stand accused of willfully firing a Flare into the Path of Shale and disrupting the balance of all that is. How do you plead?"

Celeste shrugs her shoulders. "Pity," she murmurs. "I'd'a fought for 'im." She follows through the doorway, and finds herself seated in the gallery; so she takes up a seat and waits while the proceedings begin. "Dunno how I'mma tell 'im what I'mma thinkin' from here," she observes. "But I'mma 'spose he figure that out a'ready."

Eben doesn’t truly meet the gaze of the council of spirits, in fact, his eyes remain fixed on the floor before the council, probably being something that helps him maintain what little cool he would have before such a large group. Hearing Valigarmanda speaking to him causes the man to lift his eyes gently, meeting with the large spirit. "Of these things, I am guilty.." He begins with a murmurs, gaze quickly lowering to the floor once again. His voice is somewhat soft with a humble tone behind it, trying to maintain his composure. "I also, regret horribly the direct consequences of my actions, I never wished to cause damage to the underworld and the souls within." He states rather quickly, trying to say something else before they decide to simply punish him for being guilty.

Eben would also add after a swift moment of silence "I did not know that my actions would cause such turmoil, or that my behavior would have disrupted the realms as they have." He tilts his head down further in a show of humility.

Jak flinches a little and looks down and then around before turning his attention to Eben and then the spirits. Ramuh gets a longer look given Jak's past with that particular spirit, but he looks on after a moment. Glancing at Celeste then he murmurs quietly, "well.. usually these things require the audience to remain quiet. At least in mortal courts.. this setting? I do not know about myself, I'm no summoner or priest." He quiets at the question and looks at Eben quickly while chewing his lip a little.

As eben finishes speaking there is silence for a moment then a soft chime... the shaft of white light moves... sweeping across the room from the throne and stops above Celeste. Shining down all around her and a presence enthuses her body.... a warm, gentle, harmonious light. "Celeste, daughter of the Saint Bellatrix hear our choir... you have heard what has happened. The mortal man Eben, did disrupt the very nature of reality. A bright light of a thousand suns within the depths of the darkest reaches of the Abyss, the honoured departed scattered to hauntings, fiend coalescence and lost wanderings across the face of terra. Over seven hundred honoured souls lost and abandoned, what sayeth you to this? What insight the mortal yet not in our court?"

The mouse warrior's eyebrows rise sharply as the beam of light comes straight for her, and she ends up illuminate for all to see. 'At least I'mma put clothes on b'fore op'nin th'letter,' she thinks to herself, though she doesn't voice this comment. "Err... well..." she mumbles, as she stands up and hooks her thumbs in her skirt. "I'mma think is hard ter say. Sure, th'fallout sounds bad. An' maybe it were 'gainst th'rules. But I'mma ain't gonna condemn no man wit'out knowin' the why, right? Maybe he did it fer good reason... But he said he didn' mean nothin, no harm by it. Y'oughta ask fer 'im ter justify it."

Eben falls silent, and thankful for a brief moment as the attention of the court is moved elsewhere. He even goes as far as sighing lightly before looking up towards where the beam of light has moved. He remains perfectly silent, assuming that speaking up without permission in a place such as this would be quite dire. He does wonder absently why he didn't explain with his opening statement why he did it.

Jak looks up at Celeste as she stands and speaks, a quick glance is cast towards Eben as well before he turns his attention to the spirits sititng in judgement. his eyes move among them quiet, likely trying to read their expressions, though not with much luck given the how foreign they are to him.

Most of the spirits are hard to read, just watching silently, observing Celeste, eyes turn back to Eben trhough and the light of Alexander flickers. "Speak Eben, say in all truth why you took this action and why you did not consider the consequences it might cause. Know that lying here will be known and your second entrance to the reralm of Hades will ensue."

Eben lets out a sharp breath at the mentioning of him being sent back to Hades, he didn't intend to lie but the mentioning of that fate puts him on edge, he tries to remember precisely what had happened. "There was a young boy wandering the path of shale, lost." He begins, his voice a few decibels louder than he would have liked it "We were asked to enter within and bring him back out from the necropolis he had ran into, which led to the path of shale." He glances up to those witnessing rather nervously "He was on a different path than us, and wouldn’t respond to us trying to get his attention." Another big swallow follows "The priests had wanted us to bring him back to the surface, so he could serve as an acolyte. And since we couldn’t get his attention the regular way I made that device to attempt to get his attention." His story seems a bit jumbled up, wordy, a sure sign of how nervous he actually is.

Celeste remains silent for the time being; the mouse warrior having finally found some motivation to shut up. Once the attention seems to be away from her for the moment, she sits down again, and devotes herself to picking at the cloth wrap she wears about her top. Her ears remain perked to the conversation, and the observant would see that she is indeed listening carefully; though others might thing she may have lost interest.

Jak shifts just a little, but having little to offer and no cause to speak the young man remians silent. Attentive to what is occuring, but silent nonetheless.

The court listen and then Andromeda speaks, "Your actions were well intentioned which mitigate the circumstances but it does not absolve you of blame. Destiny.." she pauses and smiles, "I can be fickle at times. but the destiny of those scattered has been destroyed, their just rest obliterated. I think we have heard enough of what happened and why... I would hear about Eben but first as Odin's representative, what say you miss Celeste, does this warrant the loss of his life? Or should the council consider other actions."

The black mouse's expression takes on a look of shock. She coughs softly, before finally rising back to her feet once more. The words 'Why y'askin' me?' perish on her lips, before she has a chance to say them. She clears her throat, and looks at Eben, then sideways at Jak, and then back forwards. "If'n he done 'er on purpose? Yes," she states. "But he didn'. He were tryin' ter save someone. Sure, it were an idjit thing ter do; no 'fense, mate. But that ain't th'point. I'mma ain't got patience fer mortal Judges, what only care 'bout actions. We can be better here, yeah? I'mma say it's intent what matter. He were tryin' ter do right. I say he oughta live."

Eben would have likely agreed with Celeste on the idiocy of his own actions, it was indeed a rash and hastily thought out decision. He stays quiet though in the court, attention flicking between those in the stands and those on the bench. He now takes a bit more time to examine the spirits if they’re looking elsewhere. He's not too sure on the whole spirit thing, so he doesn't respond to the later bit of the Mouse's statements.

Jak can't help but blink when the question is addressed to Celeste. He looks at her for a moment and then exhales and whispers quietly to himself, "he didn't even know what he did was wrong..." Shaking his head then the scholar forces himself to sit back and continue to wait quietly.

Odin seems to listen to the black mouse's words and then he inclines his head, "I accept the words spoken. I withdraw the application for life. I return judgement to Mateus." Mateus steeples her fingers and leans forward, the former Lucavite looks down at Even, her dark grey eyes boring into him. "I am the patron of humanity... yet i find your actions unbelieably stupid... and I know just how stupid humanity can be at times. You are the only species on Terra to build weapons of mass destruction just to see what they do.... I will not judge due to conflict. I pass this from myself to Valigarmanda, Ray and Andromeda as Tonberry King has already avowed the right to judge due to conflict of Domain" The dragon lifts his head and regards Eben. "I would know more about Eben... master Ramuh you asked an expert here?" Ramuh nods and stands, "Jak, of my Children stand and speak to us so we may know the mortal before us, before we judge."

Celeste takes her seat once more, and sighs softly, as her part seems to be finished, at least for the time being. She relaxes in her chair, and clasps her hands behind her head as she settles in to listen and observe -- though for just the most fleeting of moments, she regrets leaving her rum outside.

Eben lets out an inward sigh of relief, at least he isn’t going to be killed because of his stupidity. To Mateus’s response in regard to his action, he simply lowers his head in a humble manner. As the spirit changes who is in charge of his judgment he would look up to see the three put in charge of his fate, his hope rising slightly. Valigarmanda asking about who he is almost has him speaking again, until the focus is moved over to Jak. Turning slightly himself he watches, and listens for what he says.

Jak startles when Ramuh calls upon him, and what he calls him. He tilts his head for a moment then blinks, looks down then at Eben before he nods back to Ramuh and stands slowly. "As you like, Great Spirit." Turning his eyes to the rest of the spirits then he takes a breath, "Eben and I have been living together for a number of months now and I think it's given me a... unique perspective of him. He has a good heart and means well, but not always does he think before he leaps. I could give you examples.. the ruined ancient gun that I found and he attempted to clean. The fact I've banned him from the kitchen entirely after struggling my way through the surprise dinner he made. Truely, the man is thoughtful and caring, but he does not always think through what he does. Furthermore he has never had dealings with the spirits in great length and his knowledge of them is severely lacking." He pauses and then adds as an afterthought, "I know this wasn't asked for, but I will humbly beg your indulgence. I just wanted to say, that I believe he did hesitate before doing this and did ask before pursuing the course of action. That it still happened is deeply regretable though. Thank you."

Valigarmanda nods his head and glances at Ray, the lady pushes back the heavy cowl of her robes and regards Eben. "We know that you asked for advice, and I commend you for that. The fact Silmeria the Esper of the Domain of Hades did not stop you has been noted. Her punishment lies in the realm of Hades and has been handed to her." She regards Eben, "Sadly.... you still carried through and I cannot ignore those poor souls now scattered to the winds." She looks along the table of other spirits then back at Eben. "I think we have heard what we must unless anyone here now wishes to add more?"

Celeste watches the goings on, and lifts one hand to rub at her chin, and the tips of her protruding front teeth. Abruptly, the mouse jumps up out of her seat, and holds up one hand as she clears her throat. "'Scuse me!" she declares, projecting her voice into the courtroom. "Sorry ter... int'rupt, but I'mma wondering where this Esper lady's at? I'mma mean if'n she were there when all this mojo were goin' on, why ain't she here? Y'missin' yer star witness here."

Eben glances up towards Jak as he says all these embarrassing things that give away his personality in a nutshell and looks quite thankful that he were here to share his thoughts about him, as a person. At the mentioning of him still carrying out that dreadful action he simply nods, there’s no denying that. A thought flashes through his head in regards to asking if he could somehow help, but avoids bringing it up, thinking himself to cause more trouble than he might be able to avert. As such, he remains quiet and doesn't add anything even when Celeste calls out about Silmeria.

Jak retakes his seat, but he freezes and looks at Celeste for a moment before straightening in his seat while dipping his head lightly in agreement with her. "I too would request her. While we can only give ouer opion on the person and the actions she certainly would have a first person perspective."

The white light of Alexander dims for a moment and the council look toward it then all of them nod and Ray speaks. "So it has been decided. Court is Ajourned until Silmeria of the Domain of Death arrives. Celeste the Esper, Jak Gotung and Master Eben Kalasha, you may retire to the gardens. Enjoy the tranquility of Alexander and the hospitality of the Serenity Gardens."

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

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