Last Stop(Dara/Kender)

[Darastrix]

"They have people traveling around delivering rings to their Chosen," Dart replied, blinking. "Master Libre's been chosen by Thuoth, and one of the reasons he's been away is because Flame has to deliver Soahc's rings."

[Kender Bard]

~Good, then I won't need to explain much.~ He put his hands on his friend's shoulders. ~The men who are here are ring bearers of Efil.~ He gave him a serious stare. ~She has chosen us.~

[Darastrix]

"Efil?" Dart repeated, glancing down at the sign she'd blessed him with years ago. "Why me? I can understand her choosing you; you're a healer. I'm just a tailor."

[Kender Bard]

~I haven't the faintest idea~ Mikasi admitted. ~I don't think these messengers do either. But I know for one thing, I could never deny Efil's plea for help.~ He held up his own ring then. ~I just thought you might want to hear it from me instead of from strangers first. They're downstairs waiting for you now.~

[Darastrix]

Dart touched Mikasi's ring lightly with his fingertips. "I don't think I can say no, either," he said with a half-smile. "It'd be a poor way to repay her for the sign she granted me. Thanks for the heads-up," he said, giving Mikasi a hug and a quick kiss on the cheek. "Let's go down so I can accept it."

He drew back and turned to head back down the stairs.

[Kender Bard]

Mikasi couldn't help blushing lightly (and grinning like a fool) at the kiss but he nodded and followed his friend down. ~Gentleman, I've briefed him. Feel free to present him with our lady's token.~

[Devon]

Sage nodded and gave the ring to Dart. "I think the last time I saw you was when I first took the job as Reave's ambassador to Sensatia. I'm not sure what happens next but yours was the last ring I had to deliver," Sage admitted.

Ryo sat back quietly and politely waved. He was only here to keep Sage safe after all and now the job was done.

[Darastrix]

"I thought you looked familiar," Dart commented with a small smile. "I don't spend much time around the embassy; foreign relations isn't really my area." Though, sometimes it seemed like that would be an easier job than dealing with their own people. Thanks for that, Thelon.

He took the ring from Sage, and, after looking it over and noting that it didn't look like Mikasi's, slipped it on his finger.

[Kender Bard]

Dart's ring melded to match that of Mikasi's--golden band, silver writing.

There was a warmth and then a brief flash of light. Efil's voice rang in their heads, but it was soft and hurried.

Chosen, my dear children. Our task is still not complete and more rings still need to be given out, but things are progressing rapidly. Danger has only increased considerably. Unlike my brethren I have no tasks for you. Look after yourselves and help all those around you. This is a time of great suffering. Man MUST join together against the threat.

Those of you who fear danger or have been injured by demonkind thusfar, I encourage you to seek the shelter of our sanctuary. Think of me and let your rings guide you. They are your beacon and your protection. If you feel your ring warm, a demon is near. Beware! And finally, if you have great need of me, call on me. I will listen.

For those of you who do want active tasks, and can think of no way to help, pray. I will whisper a task to you.

You will not hear from me again for a time. I will call out to you again if my rings are delivered before Soahc's, but otherwise I will see you all when we Forces are finally ready for the great battle. That day draws near.

My chosen, my beloved mortals. I am with you with every beat of your heart and every tear you shed.

[Devon]

"I guess that means we can go home now," Ryo said slowly. Sage wasn't sure what happened next for him either. "I suppose you're right," Sage replied.

"Good luck to both of you, if you need anything we'll still be in Sensatia for a few days resting," Sage said.

[Darastrix]

Dart nodded at the pair of them. "Thank you," he said. "I hope you gentlemen enjoy your stay."

Glancing at Mikasi, he asked ~Are you going to ask what Efil has for you to do? Or go to the sanctuary she mentioned?~

[Kender Bard]

Mikasi rubbed the ring, frowning. ~I'm not sure. I want to be of aid, but I'm almost afraid to ask. What are you going to do? Take your family to the sanctuary?~

[Darastrix]

~I'm not sure, either,~ Dart admitted. ~Sensatia was safe during the last invasion, though most of the defenses that helped back then have been taken down.~

It was kind of funny, in a not-so-funny way. Sensatia had just been established, and he'd only just met Mikasi and had been mentioning how he though the defenses were overkill when the announcement came that they'd turned back a demon. Now things were apparently worse this time around, and all they really had constantly was the wall and moat.

[Kender Bard]

~I wouldn't be surprised if the defenses were going to be brought back, once the manpower is found to put them into use~ Mikasi speculated. ~It's just taking some time.~

[Darastrix]

~I haven’t heard anything about it,~ Dart said, ~but that’s not really my area. Xavier or Sandra would know better. Still, I’ll need to stick around for a few days, at the very least. Libre has announcements to make, and I need to see how well people take them to decide if we need to do any damage control.~