Next Stop (plot)

[Darastrix]

Once they'd arrived at the leader's home, Sunflower was barely allowed a moment to explain herself before the group was ushered inside and escorted to a rather large sitting room, where a trio of men set their cups aside and rose to receive them.

"Priestess Sunflower of New Anarlina, I presume," said one, who Sunflower would recognize as Lord Cross from her vision. He looked to one of his companions, a tall, dark-haired man with glasses who kept his own gaze on the priestess. "We've anticipated your arrival and need no explanation. I'm told you have a ring for me. And Lord Crawford here has one for you as well."

[Skittlebug]

Sunflower is shocked when they're escorted in, then when Lord Cross seems to know of her, then even more when she's told there's a ring for her. It takes her a moment to take in everything and lose the explanation she's had ready in her head. "I do have a ring for you, my Lord." She hastily pulls out one of the rings she was given and offers it to Edward, questions about hers could wait until she'd done her job.

[Darastrix]

"And I accept," Edward stated as he took the ring from Sunflower. "And you should know that many of the nations are aware of the task the Forces have given to you and others. Whatever assistance you need in reaching the rest of those chosen to wear these rings will be provided." With that, he slipped his on his finger.

Crawford stepped forward and held out a ring to Sunflower. "And you have been chosen by Lady Etaf to wear her ring." And he would finally be done with his part until the Starry Lady called for them all.

[Skittlebug]

Sunflower is about to thank Lord Cross when Crawford steps forward. She eyes the ring a bit nervously, a ring for her? Truly? But there it was right in front of her and she wasn't about to question her Lady's ring bearer, not with everything that's happened. A part of her is even excited that she of all people has been chosen, though she's sure she won't like what she has to do when it comes to it. She glances up to Crawford and nods, accepting the ring and slipping it onto her finger, waiting to see what happens.

[Kender Bard]

The ring flared to life, a brilliant blue color, and the stars whirled about the band until settling on a unique constellation of stars that almost looked like Etaf's holy symbol.

And then Etaf spoke. Not just to Sunflower and not just to Crawford--all of the individuals who bore her ring could hear her voice, loud and clear.

Thank you, Brad, for your dedicated service in delivering my rings quickly. I knew I could count on you, now and always.

My chosen, no doubt by now you have an understanding of what is at stake and are eager to know and hear what our plans are for you. My brethren and I are still working industriously to prepare for the upcoming battle. Make no mistake; it will be a monstrous war between the Forces and the refuse of the Abyss. We must tread with utter care and so with each passing moment we work towards setting the stage where our battle can take place safely. This is laborious work; and it continually diminishes our abilities and our Sight of the mortal world.

For each of you I have tasks, but you need not carry them out if you do not wish. All help is appreciated, but until all the rings have been delivered we are unable to move forward much more. For those of you who wish to journey to the final destination that all of our Chosen will be gathered, you need only close your eyes and think of me. Focus on the essence of Fate. Turn slowly in a circle. Your ring will guide you in which direction you must travel. This is unnecessary unless you wish to bring non-ring bearers with you; in the end, we will gather you all together instantaneously if you are not already where we wish you to be. That location will be the centermost spot of Naruta. Your needs will be seen to for as long as you remain in the sanctuary we have created for you.

For those of you who do wish to take on additional assignments, I have chosen work specifically for each of you.

Acqua, you are in a prime position to gather intelligence. What you learn, I learn, and with my Sight narrowed considerably, I need to learn as much as I can. You are tasked with gathering information on the demons, their strengths, locations, plans. Approach them with caution.

Amaro and Talon, both of you are warriors. Your task will be simple; hunt demons or help guard the weaker ring bearers from threat in their own assignments. I may call upon you, if you are near enough, to lend aid to an individual. Be prepared to answer my call if you choose to accept this task.

Brad, the mystics and seers of the world will find that we are unable to answer their questions more often than not as our attention is drawn to our own work. I ask that you offer your assistance to any ring bearer who is in need of information from me. Your prayers will be heard clearly and I will answer to the best of my ability. Perhaps with more clarity than even you are used to.

Sunflower, as an Anarlinan priestess of Contrasta you are aware of the potent power of holy water on the taint that the demonic inflict, or you may have heard of it in passing during your lessons as a novitiate. Spread the word wherever you can so others will know how to be treated. Treat the infected where you encounter them. Pass on, too, the power of prayer within our temples and our homes.

To all of you, the rings allow instantaneous, clear, and widespread communication. It eases the burden of spreading news. But this communication is not one way--I can hear you far more clearly through these rings. And if any of you find yourselves in danger or need, call out to me and I will help however I can.

Go well, my children, my chosen. Gird yourselves for the coming battle.

Her presence and her voice receded.

[Skittlebug]

Sunflower's eyes widen as she hears Etaf's voice, looking far off as she listens. Once the presence is gone she glances from Brad to Edward, taking it all in. "Lord Cross, you need to tell your people that holy water and prayer within the temples can help heal any demonic taint."

[Darastrix]

Yes, my Lady, Crawford thought. That was no hardship; he'd likely fall into that role regardless.

Edward nodded. "Holy water was mentioned at the meeting some of the leaders had recently. I'll spread the word about praying in the temples as well."

"Don't assume that a temple is a completely safe place, though," the third man, who appeared to be considerably younger than the other two, spoke up. "A demon was able to enter the temple in Khelek and used a kind of venom on some of the priests."

[Skittlebug]

Sunflower nods, "Thank you my lord, I'll spread the word everywhere I still have to go as well."

[Devon]

"Well that made things easier," Darin said. Darin looked to Lord Cross, recognizing him from years ago. "Thank you Lord Cross," he said simply.

[Darastrix]

Edward merely nodded. He had a good deal to think about and plan for now--more than he'd had before--and his present interest was far from trying to place someone who seemed only slightly familiar. "Where are you bound next? If needed, I can ask a Mind courier to expedite your travel a bit."

[Skittlebug]

"We still have to go to the Beastlands, Acoia, Khelek, and Aluvar. I'm not even sure where that is, I hadn't heard of it before." A thought strikes her, considering Edward's position, why couldn't some of the others she's looking for be in similar ones. "We still aren't quite sure who the people we're looking for are though, aside from names and what they look like, perhaps you've heard of some of them? Thavan and Masego from the Beastlands, Farfello and Lucifer from Khelek, Neil from Acoia, and Osane from Aluvar."

[Darastrix]

"Thavan is the Packleader of the Beastlands," Edward replied. "I believe he stays in...Clan Poldora, was it?" He looked to Crawford, who nodded. "And Aluvar, I've heard, is a remote clan of the Beastlands located somewhere in the Great River. I imagine Packleader Thavan can assist with locating Masego and Osane; he's aware of the rings as well. I've not heard of Neil, but my guests here are quite familiar with the other two."

Crawford gave a faint, fleeting smirk and nodded. "Lucifer is Khelek's king and Farfarello is one of his personal guards, as we once were," he said, gesturing to include Nagi. "I am Khelek's regent, and this Nagi Kazimir, Lucifer's heir."

"It might seem a bit circuitous," Nagi said, "but I could bring you home to Khelek with us and then bring you back here or to Sensatia for another Mind to bring you to the Beastlands to find the Packleader."

[Skittlebug]

So many leaders...though Sunflower supposes she shouldn't be surprised, out of all the people for the Forces to call on they might be some of the best equipped. She smiles to Brad, obviously relieved at his offer. "We would appreciate that so much, thank you!"

[Darastrix]

"Whenever you're all ready to go, then," Nagi stated.

Crawford looked to Nagi. "I suggest we stop in Sensatia to make sure you have enough energy to reach Khelek, then we can go the rest of the way." And he could be home. "We thank you for your hospitality and cooperation, Lord Cross."