Fall of Thuoth: Part II - Almost Home

[Kender Bard]

Thuoth pulled his cloak about him and sighed heavily, but with pleasure. He was home. He could almost taste the knowledge that lay heavily in the atmosphere and it sent shivers through his whole body.

Shaking off his reverie, he considered what to do. He was aware that his high priest had secreted the Scroll away somewhere and put it under very heavy guard. Normally he would have applauded the measures taken but it was counter-productive. He needed to speak with the high priest, but he felt he would need someone to vouch for his identity first.

And he had an idea who. He began to wander around, asking after "Brother Michael" though he took his time, finding an open desk and pulling out a scrap of parchment from his things, borrowing a quill and ink from another scholar and writing things down.

[Darastrix]

At length, Michael was located and he approached Thuoth with a somewhat puzzled expression. He didn't recognise the man at all, and had no idea why he would be looking for him. But he was the only Brother Michael in the temple at present.

"Ah, excuse me, sir?" the young priest addressed him, now robed in the colours of both Thuoth and Taed. "I was told you were looking for me."

[Kender Bard]

"Ah yes," Thuoth replied and held out the parchment to him. "Tell me, does this look familiar to you?"

The parchment held a letter of sorts. It said, "Hello Michael. I hope you're well; I see you took my blessing to follow Taed as well as myself. Soren would be proud to know that there's another to follow the path he walked.

Do you still remember the words I wrote to you a while ago, as you huddled in a hidden room deep within the basement of the temple? I told you that Etaf graced you and all mortals with free will, to do as you see fit. I'm giving you a chance to exercise that free will again. The man who handed this to you? That's me. Circumstances have forced me to rely on mortal means of accomplishing my goal. Will you help me, my child?"

It was in the same flowing, beautiful script that had been penned by Thuoth's hand on the Scroll of Thuoth.

[Darastrix]

Michael's breath caught in his throat as he read the parchment, his hands trembling slightly as he began to read it again from the beginning. Even if someone could have found this out to play a trick, the handwriting was unmistakable. He looked from the page to Thuoth, eyes growing wide.

"Y-yes, my lord," he said softly, bowing his head in reverence. "I'll help you however I can."

[Kender Bard]

Thuoth smiled widely as he reached out and put his hand on the man's shoulder. "I knew I could trust you. You're a bright, good man. I need you to vouch for me when I go to speak with Aeron. I imagine just walking into his chamber and going 'Hi, I'm your lord. I'm sort of stuck as a mortal now, could you just fork over the Scroll?' isn't going to fly well with him."

Of course he said this bit softly, just for Michael's ears.

[Darastrix]

"I'll vouch for you, of course," Michael murmured, though the expression he gave Thuoth was a mixture of worry and pained confusion. "Have...have we displeased you somehow? Is that why you wish it back?"

[Kender Bard]

"No, no, no," Thuoth said quickly, making a mollifying gesture with his hands. "Honestly I think my children have handled their gift admirably. You have asked intelligent questions but nothing that shouldn't be known to humanity. Moderation; it was a prudent choice." He sighed heavily. "No, I must take it back because, well." He blushed in sheepish embarrassment. "Etaf told me to. On behalf of the elements. It is too powerful a tool. I know those of Mentis know how to wisely use it, but there's always the risk that it will fall in the wrong hands. Particularly, Morilanta. They're looking to gain in power."

[Darastrix]

Michael bit his lip at that and nodded. "After what that Morilantan woman did to poor Soren...." He shuddered slightly. "I think I'd rather die myself than see the scroll in their hands."

[Kender Bard]

"Well, don't wish a death upon yourself but that outcome would be fairly likely if Morilanta were to gather all our gifts to them," Thuoth muttered darkly. "Could you take me to Aeron? It would appear better if you were leading me, then I you."

[Darastrix]

"Yes, lord," Michael said quietly, his eyes downcast. What Thuoth said made sense to him, but he did hate to see the scroll be taken from them. "I'll take you to him now."

He turned and began leading the way to Aeron's office. It was fitting in a way, he supposed. He'd found Soren, gotten the strange, spiral map from him, followed it and found the scroll, and brought it up to his fellow priests. Now he was going to be the one to vouch that Thuoth needed it back.

[Kender Bard]

Aeron seemed to be in deep contemplation as Michael and Thuoth made their entrance. He blinked and looked up from the spot on the wall he'd been staring at, and sat up straighter. "Brother Michael, is there anything I could help you with?"

[Darastrix]

"Yes, Learned One," Michael said respectfully, bowing to his superior. "There is a matter of grave importance regarding the scroll."

[Kender Bard]

Aeron frowned and stood, clearly alarmed. "Has something happened to it?"

Thuoth cleared his throat. "No, Aeron," he replied softly. "But I must see it. Touch it even."

Aeron frowns at the man. "And who are you?"

"I am Thuoth," he replied gently. Aeron is clearly less than impressed with the answer.

[Darastrix]

"I believe he is who he says," Michael told Aeron, offering the man the parchment Thuoth had given him. "This was written before I met him. And where else have you seen that same handwriting?"

[Kender Bard]

Aeron peered closely, frowning. True it did bear a strong resemblance but.. "Perhaps it is a forgery. There's no-"

Thuoth grabbed the parchment back, snatched a quill, and scribbled upon it: I AM THUOTH DAMNIT

Aeron blinked. "Um."

"Sorry," Thuoth muttered. "I'm just a little stressed." He delicately set the parchment back down.

Aeron just blinked again, unsure how to react. "Well then. Lord.. Thuoth." Either that or a great coincidence. "I admit I never suspected you had wings."

Thuoth grinned a little and fluffled them. "They ARE nice. I can see why Efil insists on them."