Strike a Chorus

Log Info

• Title: Strike a Chorus
• Emitter: Verna
• Characters: Verna, Aryia
• Place: Society of Progressive Arcanists
• Time: November 21st, 2021
• Summary: Verna is studying within the library of the Society, frustrated at what little progress she is making towards unveiling a mythical ritual that is being utilized by an dastardly foe. Aryia arrives, her looking into her past a bit, and encounters the Mourner. They discuss a bit about the current ongoings and trifles with a certain Duke, as well as what's potentially powering him. Seeing Verna was at a loss on how to proceed, Aryia throws a few suggestions out, one being to visit the Bard's College. It's a Chorus, so... maybe look into music? Verna notes that for later. After comissioning something from the Mourner, talks go to more lighthearted things, such as Verna's successful outing with a certain elf, and Aryia is overjoyed to hear how well it went. Verna returns to her studies, and Aryia poofs out.

The library.

No, not that one. The other one.

Very well, perhaps 'a library' would be the more appropriate term, as The Society has its own. While they are more lenient with the loaning of materials, they are also more selective in those allowed to borrow them. As well, there are undoubtedly magical protections upon the materials and perhaps even enchanted incentives for a timely return. It is much more difficult to study as a newt, for example.

Very similar to the other (or any other) library, Verna is present at a table, along with a number of tomes within reach. Some are open. In this instance, none appear to be of such topics as self-help, cuisine, nor fashion. Many have titles indecipherable to most, and some may have no markings at all.

It's not often Aryia is present in this library. She has no use for esoteric research material, nor any secrets of the land to unearth. Yet, it is only one of the few places she can actually get any real reading from for a certain used-but-still-dead language. However, this time around, she's not toting a book on that.

Walking through the aisles at a leisurely pace is the mute mul'neissa in her verdant jacket, a tome under an arm. She's about to walk out, but spots the Mourner in her natural habitat. She loops back around and approaches, the mute clearing her throat to announce her presence as she gives a little wave from the hip.

Yes, the wild Verna, comfortable in her natural habitat. Perhaps?

A phrase in oruch is muttered (growled? it can be difficult with that particular dialect) that sounds decidedly unpleasant; a tome is closed and shoved away. Not so far as to fall from the table or damage it, of course.

She only then registers the noise and presence, glancing over to catch the hip-level greeting. A pause is taken before she offers, "Ah. Good day to you."

The pugilist tilts her head to the side, pulled back hair dangling lazily behind her. "Good day. Everything okay?" she inquires, setting her tome down on the table and inviting herself to sit. Her own book was titled, 'Recountment of Historical Deals,' in Sildanyari. <Handspeech>

Verna doffs her hood, taking a moment after to pinch the bridge of her nose. "Other days have transpired more productively. Perhaps it is simply a sign that some respite is due." A slow inhale followed by a deep exhalation and she looks to her guest. with her hands not otherwise occupied, and possibly in need of some stretching, she signs an inquiry. "What brings you to the library today?" Then, perhaps, Aryia's tome is noted. "Stud of the past?"

Aryia's brows pinch slightly in concern. "Sorry to hear that. Breaks are good to have, yes." She glances down, then gives a slight nod as she returns the motions with her own hands. "Yes... I'm.... looking for mentions of my old house. Trying to jog my memory. It's a bit hard to find, it seems."

She glances down to the tomes strewn about. "And you? What are you wrapped up in?" <Handpssech>

"I am similarly stymied seek information that is hard to find," Verna responds with a gesture to the tomes. "We learned of something so obscure that even those aware of it considered it a myth. Now that it appears truth, and terribly so, I hoped to learn more of such as a means to prevent or unravel it."

"However," she notes with a fresh exhalation of frustration, "when most all others, present or past, were also unaware or believed such a myth, it was not a subject to be studied, much less documented."

Aryia scratches her head. "I see. What is the thing you found out? Or is it one of those 'can't talk about it aloud' kind of thing?" she asks, moving her book out of the way to rest her elbows on the table. <Handspeech>

"We learned that there is a ritual, by which a living victim is transformed into some manner of undead," Verna explains flatly. "Unlike reanimating a corpse of a deceased, this somehow binds the soul of the victim. From this binding, the enactor, or one on whose behalf the ritual is enacted, gains some great measure of power. It is referred to as The Chorus, which implies that one could acquire a collection of such bound souls, and commensurately greater power. Worse, the one actively utilizing this is one who already holds concerningly great power already."

There was no way for the concern on the pugilist's visage to be hidden, worry filling Aryia's eyes. She closes them, absorbing the information and trying to figure what to do with it rather than express fleeting hopelessness.

Perhaps it's growth.

"I have a feeling I know who you speak of," she motions slowly. Then, perhaps, insight? "Makes sense from all the people I rescued. I guess they were being supplied for that. If it's called a chorus, maybe there's some way to silence it? Or maybe a song that unmakes it?" <Handspeech>

Verna nods in agreement with some or all of that. She may offer some reassurance as she notes, also in gesture (perhaps it is more easily discussed in this manner, especially given the location), "We interrupted such a ritual at a tower in Charn some days past. That is how we learned of its existence. We destroyed another ...thing that was present: a victim of a past use, I suspect. Still, there is no reason to believe there will not be more. I hope to prevent or at least unravel such. The victims deserve rest, at the least, and he certainly does NOT deserve such power."

The reassurance was welcome, Aryia relaxing some as she gives a light sigh. "I'm glad to hear that there is progress being made. Any step closer to my sister being free is welcome news..."

She nods in agreement. "He deserves death. Permanently. For everything. I think if there's one person that can figure out things with the soul, it'd be you." <Handspeech>

A brow flickers at that. There were some general, perhaps vague mentions before, and even less than that, at times. That would explain a fair number of things. Curiosity or not, she does not inquire further.

Instead, the brow lowers and shifts with the now-creasing brow and she speaks aloud, if softly. "I agree that he must be removed permanently, in whatever manner such may be brought about. I thank you for your confidence in me, and would consider myself more informed on that line of study than most, yet... My progress has been limited, at best."

Aryia has gotten quite better about the subject matter. Though, it still didn't remove the longing look she held for the briefest of moments. In. Out.

Right.

She reaches out hand out, scarred and calloused fingers patting the Mourner's. "That's okay." Then, a thought. "... have you spoken with any of the bards in their college about this? If it's called the chorus, then... maybe there's something related to it there in a song or something?" <Handspeech>

Verna may not have considered that aspect. In fact, it is all but certain as she responds to the suggestion, with some surprise, "I had not considered that. While the bardic style of magic rarely delves into most aspects of necromancy, it is a valid line of inquiry."

She exhales a sigh of annoyance, perhaps at not having thought of that avenue. "Thank you; for the assurance and the ideas. It is simply.. frustrating."

Aryia gives a light smile, honestly glad she provided a suggestion that was actually useful. "You're welcome."

She leans back, and rests an arm over the back of her chair. "I can understand that. I used to be like that when that Ashwing would come around. I'd get scared and run away. Frustrated that I couldn't do anything. Now I ran up to her and put her in her place." Yeah, she's still, uh, riding that high, and was quite cocky about it.<Handspeech>

"I very much wish to put him in his place or," Verna corrects with a firm scowl, "rather, deliver him swiftly to my Mistress for Her judgement, if he even qualifies for such; if not, directly to the Void. Still, the desire remains. He has terrorized or slain far too many. It cannot continue. There may not be a perfect solution to be found. In which case, imperfect options are the next best."

Aryia gives a lopsided smirk and lightly smacks the table in front of her. Leaving behind a moonlit handprint that slowly fades away. "Exactly! If he's going to play dirty with this kind of stuff, then you're going to have to find some weird shit he isn't expecting. See what those bards know. Might give you more headway. And might leave you better prepared."

She eyes the simple band on her thumb: half onyx/half alabaster circle of stone. "Speaking of being prepared... you... make things? Right?" <Handspeech>

Verna does not startle at the smack, per se, though the brief noise may make others glance over. She nods affirmation before her head tilts slightly. "Make things?" Her eyes then follow Aryia's to her thumb and the circle there.

"Ah, if you refer to enchanted items, yes." Another nod. "I scribe spells, as most magi do, and also craft rods and forge rings. The last would be of the most interest to you, I expect."

Aryia pays no mind to the errant looks, her mood has been too grand as of late to let such eyeing worm its way into the self-confidence like it used to. She gives a little nod, then leans forward, arms resting on the table. "Yes. I heard there's some kind of ring while I was getting this one that keeps you a little safer. I already have these-" she rolls her sleeves up, and unwinds a bit of the leather cords on her arms to show runes underneath the straps. Substitution for armour, it seems. "I was just wondering if you can make something like? I can pay for it. Just a little weary of all my near misses cutting my sides up." <Handspeech>

"I am familiar with precisely the ring you speak of," Verna nods, "as I only recently completed enchanting such a ring for myself. I would be happy to forge another for your use. It is simply a matter of time and cost. The most simple would require only a few days, while the most potent, equal to most metal armor yet without the weight, can take months."

"Only if it doesn't get in the way of your work!" Aryia quickly signs in preface, looking sheepish. "Your work is really, really important. It'd be nothing fancy. Just a touch stronger than something simple is all." <Handspeech>

Verna holds up a hand to pause or rebutt. "-Everyone's- work is important, Aryia. We all seek many, if not all, of the same goals. As you pointed out, -you- stopped a fiend. I have attempted to do so for the better part of two years, and died attempting so. Twice, nearly thrice. I would say that your work is as important, at the least, and your results far better."

Aryia rubs her neck as she's assuaged. "Right, yes, of course..." she gestures slowly, being reminded of the grim reality of facing such foes. Death. Something she's gotten close to a number of times. And yet Verna has went through the harrowing experience twice. She shudders. "To each their own strength. I'm not the one dealing with someone that managed to control the strongest person I know."

She rubs at her face. "Right. I'll give you the gold next time. I don't carry it all on me." Her expression softens some. "Thank you." <Handspeech>

"There are highs and lows, losses and victories," Verna notes. "A lost battle does not mean the war is lost. You suffered many such setbacks against the Ashwing, before, did you not? I was once controlled by a vampire, upon the steps of my own temple, moments after it tore apart the high clergy." She frowns.

"Obviously, it was not a productive nor proud moment for myself, but we endured. We perservered, we worked together, and, in time, the abomination was destroyed. Not by myself, but by others."

"I will begin work on it immediately. What helps you helps us all, and that holds true for you to others, as wel."

Aryia shifts a bit uncomfortably at the thought of Verna being controlled. She's seen the Mourner in action first hand, and she wouldn't want to be a part of that in the slightest. The words still meet their mark, and the mute bows her head slightly. ".. thank you, again."

And her visage relaxes. Thinking about something. For her to others. "... you do speak true on that. There's some people that wouldn't like it if something bad happened to me..." <Handspeech>

Verna nods, though her firmness of ...zeal(?) softens. "I consider myself in that group. As well, there are those you would protect; just as there are those I would. That is reason enough, to me, to perservere and continue."

"And that reason is what drives me further to keep pressing on," Aryia nods to herself, taking a deep breath in. Out. "Violet wouldn't like it if I came back grievously injured or worse. Hence... the ring." <Handspeech>

"All the more reason for me to make it with haste," Verna notes. Though now her thoughts and eyes drift somewhat past the fullblood a moment, not quite frowning though her lips purse. "Perhaps it best that I forge several..."

Aryia gives a soft smile, and reaches out once more to pat an arm. "That wouldn't be a bad idea at all. Maybe even give one to that elf you fancy just in case?" <Handspeech>

That breaks the pursed lips and draws out a slight smile, as well as pulls Verna's attention back to the immediate. She nods. "That is whom I thought of, yes. As well, my thanks, again, for the dress." A pause and perhaps some color to cheeks as they shift more with the growing smile. "She thought rather highly of it."

Aryia blinks. Then a slight smile plays her lips. Then, the hidden meaning made it grow fourfold. "The dress- oh! She got to see it- oh! You executed your plan!?" she quickly pieces together. The mute leans in, grinning foolishly with a tinge of youthful joy about her. "Tell me all about it! How did it go?" <Handspeech>

"It went very well, so far as I could tell." Verna is smiling. Still. "She was delighted at the opportunity to prepare her own familiar recipes, and it seemed that I acquired enough ingredients for her to do so." In truth, perhaps an order of magnitude more than enough, but more than sufficient is still sufficient!

"She was quite the expert and my assitance was, for the better part, simply remaining out of her way while attempting to put portions to memory. It was somewhat overwhelming... and yet not uncomfortable?"

Aryia has her chin nestled in her interlaced fingers, idly kicking at the air under the chair with a warm smile on her face. She listens to all the details and nods along. "It sounds like you both had a very good time! The most important thing is that you two enjoyed yourselves. Did you find a hard time talking with her? Or did it feel easy?" <Handspeech>

Verna promptly nods, followed by a pause, followed by a slight shake of her head, followed by... a pause. This time to consider the questions, during which her smile dims, if more in thoughtfulness. "I enjoyed it immensely, and I believe that she did, as well. There were moments when conversation was simple: I would inquire of her actions or thoughts, she would respond and inquire in kind. Other times I was uncertain what to state, or the topics became somewhat ...uncomfortable."

Aryia silently chuckles. "Uncomfortable as some may be, what matters is that you enjoyed the time with her. Though, if spend more time with her, I'm certain you'll know how to maneuver the conversation better. Regardless of that, I'm happy for you. And you seem to be too! You're smiling so much!" she teases. <Handspeech>

Verna is nodding with the explanation, though blinks at the last. She even goes so far as to lift a hand to her cheek to confirm. "Does it appear... odd? I do not wish to have appeared unusual to her." Fortunately for her, the concern solves the smiling issue as her countenance returns to a more normal quasi-frown.

Aryia giggles. A strange, breathy sound as she covers her mouth with the back of her hand as she does so. "No, no, not at all! You look really happy is all! Genuinely happy! If you were smiling like that with her, I'm she enjoyed seeing it." <Handspeech>

Verna pauses to take a breath or two, perhaps to calm her own, sudden self-consciousness. In. Out. Possibly something learned long ago, possibly recently gained from observation. A nod. "I was. I am. If I did, then perhaps you are correct."

"As I mentioned, she did enjoy the dress," a positive, though her lips purse slightly, "yet I was distracted by the conversation and company that I did not remove my robes until we tended to the dishes." An error. "She insisted that I wear it at the outset when we next share a meal..."

A pause at a thought before she recalls aloud. "She distinctly stated 'when' rather than 'if...'" Her eyes shift to Aryia's, conveying inquire before it is voiced. "Does that imply an invitation to or expectation of another?"

Aryia beams at the mention of the dress. Good! People liked her work! That certainly stroked Zilstrae's ego.

A micropause. That was weird.

She recovers easily, then shrugs her shoulders. "It's okay. Just means next time-" The mute blinks, then smirks. "That just means she wants to spend more time with you!" she gleefully motions. "Regardless of that! Maybe you can ask her when the next meal is? Put the onus on her?"

Hypothesis confirmed. Thus a renewed smile is born, along with further lines of thought, if her shift of focus is any indication. After a moment, she nods. "She should select the details of the next meal, and at her leisure. She is heavily invested in a resolution to the current threats; it is quite a personal matter to her and I do not wish to detract from that." While the details of that topic may be less than pleasant, the discussion of her is quite so.

She exhales a breath, though this time the sigh is not frustration, nor even unpleasant. "I should resume my efforts, as well. My thanks to you, once more. I will inform you as soon as your ring is complete."

Aryia smiles warmly as she sees a similar return to the Mourner. "Yes, but even that, people still need respite in a storm. And if my gut is correct, her personal matters may include you now. So you may not detract from it in the slightest.

She reaches over, pats Verna on the shoulder, and flashes a, "You did great. I'm happy for you."

A long sigh, and she looks down at her book. She scoops it up, and rises. "Thank you again. See you around." The mute snaps a finger gun at her, the click making a little spark of light before the pugilist stills with one torch-bright eye closed in a wink.

And the image of her fades away. And another one a few rows down, turning. Before that one, fades, too. <Handspeech>

-End Scene-