Paladin on the Old Road

Serene's arrival is not particularly stealthy. The landing of a gryphon, particularly one the size of Silver, is not a quiet affair as his wings beat to arrest his final dive and afford his passenger a relatively gentle landing. His customary screech to announce his arrival doesn't help. Serene doesn't scold him, however. For one, she has bigger things on her mind.. and for another, it's simply the gryphons version of politeness. Like knocking on a door. She takes a moment to unstrap from the saddle, then slides off of it with practice ease before turning to scratch her partner under the feathers about his neck. "Go hunt," she tells him. "I expect I will be some time." Silver's response is to gently butt his head against hers, then he gives her time to step back before a mighty leap launches him high enough for his wings to catch the air and take him away.

The paladin watches his form shrink for a few moments, then turns towards the cottage.

The layer of mist is thinned at this altitude, though it may only make the humid heat feel even more oppressive. Perhaps for that reason, at least one of the cottage's occupants is seated in a chair upon the portico; there one can truly feel the utter lack of breeze without interference. For once, Verna is highly conspicuous against the grey: while her complexion is unchanged and may blend in, the cotton sundress she wears is a bright canary yellow accented with royal blue flowers. The small book that held her attention is set down upon her lap at the landing of the griffon, and her attention follows the dismounted Silverguard as she approaches.

One hand lifts in greeting, though she does not immediately call out. Verna suspects that Serene may not be visiting purely in effort to sample pie, scones, or another wonder from the kitchen within. Neither, however, would she fault her if she were.

It is the sound of the screech that draws Auranar out of the house. She is wearing blue dress which is sleeveless - a wise choice if the flour on her forearms and fingers is any indication of her activities inside. Which it certainly is. The dress falls into many layers around the hips, offering several layers of skirts which nonetheless remain relatively cool to wear. She dusts her hands off after opening the door to find out what the commotion is, and immediately spots the pair which consists of Serene and her mount. She lifts a hand in greeting.

GAME: Serene casts Endure Elements. Caster Level: 20 DC: 23

Serene is not particularly known for her social calls. Twenty two hours in a day is not enough to get everything done which she feels she needs to get done... taking time out for any sort of leisure at this point feels wrong to her. An hour spent over tea is an hour she isn't paying attention to the precarious balance the world is in. Particularly these days.

Understandable then, perhaps, that she always seems to look like she has places to be. The walks up to the foot of the porch, pausing there to regard the two women as she lifts her hand in greeting. "I apologize for intruding upon your peace today. I am set to a task that unfortunately requires me to seek out assistance, and I fear, Mourner Verna, you are perhaps best placed to offer it."

Verna looks to the door as Auranar exits, offering a warm smile to the syl. "Do try not to overheat yourself between the day and the oven, Love." As Serene reaches the porch Verna's attention returns to her. "Welcome to our home, and you need not apologize. You are not one to visit lightly." Her book is moved from lap to table before she gestures to a chair. "Please, sit. What is the task and how might I assist?"

Auranar's eyes darken slightly at Serene's words, and she nods to the paladin. "Verna is well versed in offering aid. I'm certain that she will be able to assist you." She takes a small breath and offers a smile to the pair. "May I make you some tea to share while you discuss what it is that brings you here?"

Serene shakes her head to both offers. "I appreciate the extension of your hospitality. For this task, however, it is best if I do not get comfortable. It.. likes to attack during moments of such distraction," she explains. Then she removes her sword. Not the holy avenger hung from the sword belt at her hip. Rather the dark hilted weapon kept sheathed in a rather plain looking scabbard suspended by the baldric over her shoulder. She leaves it sheathed, but unclips the scabbard from the baldric and holds it before her. "This is Discord. I have born it since the last encounter with Asumit, when reality was shattered and alternate versions of our party had been drawn forth to fight us. Versions from a.. darker time line. This weapon was borne by Seldan's alternate. For reasons I am unclear on, the weapon remained even after our doppelgangers were vanquished and disappeared."

The entire time Serene explains, her eyes never leave the weapon. "It possesses a will and an intellect. Much like Reunion, only this one hungers to unmake. I seek to either destroy it, or purge the darkness within it. But before I seek either path, I am cautioned to learn as much as I can about it. To simply toss it into a volcano, or attempt to sunder it... who can say what evils might be unleashed? It may very well be a prison. One I do not wish to unlock."

Verna's eyes shift to the indicated weapon and begin to widen at the initial portion of the tale. At the midpoint, however, they begin to narrow with wariness at it and her lips contort in to a firm frown. "Intriguing." Whether in deference to their guest's refusal or merely to gain a better vantage point, she rises from her seat as she examines... well, the hilt, given that it is sheathed. "The presumption would be that it is as vile as Reunion is benign? Objects with intelligence and will are significant, and such can readily come from some malevolent force bound within..."

She takes a moment to consider. "Determining which specific details apply to this item would require study of it and perhaps research besides. If it is some form of alternate version, such likely precludes its existence in any historical record." Verna then looks to Auranar with a questioning glance. Perhaps inquiring of her insight? Requesting permission? Wondering how the baking is progressing?

In spite of the inherit danger that the weapon - as a weapon and as an intelligent item which might cause other mischief - poses, Auranar does not excuse herself. The offer of tea is not taken, so she folds her slightly flour-ladened fingers over her middle and watches the exchange of information. "In spite of it being from an alternate reality, there might still be lore surrounding it." She offers in contrary to Verna's statement. "It may take longer to discern it however if the lore comes from another place. I would suggest that as a starting point myself. As well as research into the method of destroying such objects."

She takes a moment of consideration. "What makes you believe that it might be a prison of sorts? From my understanding of Reunion - it does not function as such."

"A precaution," Serene answers Auranar. "While what we faced were not polar opposites, they were twisted reflections. It may very well be that simply melting the sword down will end it. But I will not do so blindly. It would not be the first time in recent history where in the pursuit of vanquishing evil, a greater one was released. If it is able to exist free of this physical object, how much harder would it be to contain and destroy then?" The paladin hesitates for a moment, then finally looks away from the sword to regard the pair. There is a brief moment of Serene pulling the sword back a little at Verna's approach... which is then remedied by a scowl and a deliberate extending of the weapon again for the mourner's examination. "A part of me wonders, as well.. what we faced were possibilities. Of timelines where our champions had failed and given in to despair. What if the sword had once been like Reunion? If there is a chance to redeem it, I would see it done."

Verna notes Serene's guardedness and pauses her movement to assure, "I would not touch it, much less attempt to take it from you, Silverguard, without your consent." Her examination is purely visual, with Auranar's comment and questions causing her frown of concern to soften and invert. I can determine more details of its enchantments and, as Auranar noted, seek any provenance that can be found. However, I might not be the most thorough nor adept scholar present, and not the most familiar with Reunion." She steps back and looks to Auranar after the mention, gesturing to her in invitation.

Auranar herself peers at the weapon, but at a much 'safer' distance. She declines Verna's unspoken invitation to step closer with a slight shake of her head. If the paladin suffers issues with keeping such under control... it is best to stay clear of it. Besides, she doubts that a physical examination will lead to much more information. "You are wise to be cautious, I asked only because sometimes a gut reaction or instinct on such matters can be an important guide. It may also be wise to look into Reunion itself. As information on it may help inform about this weapon."

She hesitates a moment then looks at Serene. "The information may be long in the gathering. But I will offer what aid I might be able to in researching the subject. I may be able to locate a means for destroying it safely... Or redeeming it." She lifts a hand to tuck her hair behind one pointed ear. "I do have one other question though, does this weapon have one voice, or like Reunion does it have many? Also: How greatly does keeping it tax you?"

"You are the scholar I have the most trust for, Mourner," Serene tells Verna. "That is the most important qualifier." With the visual inspection done... as best as could be, without Serene being willing to draw the blade... Serene re-clips it to her baldric, ensures the peacebond is in place, then slips it back over her shoulder. "The sword has been quiet of late. I am not so fooled as to believe I have it cowed. More likely it is attempting more subtle influences.. which is why I do not entirely trust my instincts in regards to it. In fact, any suggestion of mine regarding the weapon absolutely must be considered potentially influenced or compromised."

With that warning out of the way, the paladin closes her eyes. "It.. is both? Perhaps? It is difficult to explain and my attention is usually focussed on retaining control when it does. As for how it taxes me... less than before. Yet.. knowing it lurks in wait is yet another drain. But to lock it away risks its influence leading someone lesser willed to retrieve it. Keeping it secure is my responsibility."

"I shall endeavor to justify that trust," Verna notes in return, "and, most fortunately, I am not alone. We will discern the information for you to determine the best path, Silverguard. It will take time, as Auranar noted. I also offer you any aid desired for its security in the interim; bolstering of your resolve or otherwise easing that burden. Such toils need not be done wholly alone."

Auranar glances aside at Verna. As if trying to silently tell her something. But they do not share thoughts and thus the sentiment may or may not actually reach Verna. Either way, Auranar turns her attention back on the paladin come to their doorstep. "The research at least can be done without the weapon present, but any spell would require the presence of the weapon for a period of time. You would be welcome to stay with us during that period of time so that you can remain in guardianship of it." She offers a small smile to the paladin. "Besides, even if you must remain stalwart in your duties you must eat sometime yes?"

Serene gives a short nod. Her visage makes it hard to tell, but there is gratefulness in that nod. Perhaps even a slight relaxation in the shoulders. "I will make myself available for any work which must be done upon the weapon. There ought to be safeguards when we do, however. I have seen what this weapon is capable of and it defies proper description." Her gaze moves past the pair of elfin women, to their abode. "I have not had an appetite for some time. But perhaps if the occasion calls for it."

Verna does note the side-glance and her eyes swivel to meet it. Perhaps something is conveyed in that brief moment. Perhaps there will be a subsequent meeting of minds on courses of action. Then back to Serene. "We will use every possible precaution for any interactions with the item. The intent is to remove the threat it poses, not exacerbate the same." Especially if they are hosting said interactions here.

The emergence of hostess hospitality, and possibly Auranar's smile in the process, causes Verna to likewise offer a smile. "The occasion should, as you would be our guest." Auranar smiles more broadly, her dark eyes twinkling with goodwill. "Indeed, I will have to insist. It would be rude for us to eat in front of company without inviting them to our table after all." She bows her head to Serene. "It seems we are decided. I will go to the library after I finish the bread I'm in the middle of."

She steps to Verna and offers a kiss to the other woman before heading toward the door. "Which means I really should get back to it. Goodday Serene." She offers the paladin a polite nod before ducking back into the house.

Serene gives another nod, though she doesn't smile. Such phenomena are rare enough that her face would likely crack were she to attempt one. "My deepest thanks to the both of you. I will inquire if Seldan will permit an interview of Reunion. Perhaps it will offer insight. I will be in touch." The paladin turns away, then, though she hesitates before taking a step. Her eyes go to the skies where Silver flew off.. but then she gives her head a small shake and opts to walk.

-End