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Post by Demetrius on Sept 13, 2020 8:09:08 GMT
Following the crude map Neera the Necromancer had drawn for him, Demetrius set out in search of the illusive temple. He read the directions carefully, making his way through the old cemetery as she had instructed, feeling like he was on track despite the vagueness of her notes.
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Post by The Forgotten God on Sept 13, 2020 16:20:40 GMT
It takes some doubling back but the instructions were vague for a reason. The Temple of Estos sits past the cemetery in a row of tenements that goes on for several hundred yards in a direction and appear to be constantly being rebuilt or torn down. The temple itself is ancient, poorly kept up, a two room building with a fountain not much larger than Neera’s own business. He sees some silver and bronze coins in the waters of the fountain which run clear despite the disrepair.
Inside an old woman sits, tending to a small fire with strange smelling herbs. She has a ratty cloak on but gives the impression of someone who is dressing down for the occasion. “That’s it,” she said in a raspy voice, “talk to me my lord. I shall do it. No sacrifice is too great my lord,” she continued, oblivious to his presence.
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Post by Demetrius on Sept 13, 2020 17:35:33 GMT
Demetrius walked over to the blind woman, folding a silver coin into the palm of her withered hand. He sat down before her and asked, “What does he say back to you?”
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Post by The Forgotten God on Sept 13, 2020 17:38:41 GMT
The crime turned to him with glassy eyes. “He tells me he has sent someone,” she said, and her voice steadily deepened and the lights dimmed a bit, “one who will bring his word to Innuria and beyond.” She blinked and the light returned to normal. “How can I help you my dear? Estos has clearly sent his blessing to you.”
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Post by Demetrius on Sept 13, 2020 17:47:33 GMT
Demetrius felt a shiver dance up his spine, “I came to learn his words, so I may better understand what he is asking of me.”
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Post by The Forgotten God on Sept 13, 2020 18:13:40 GMT
The old woman was silent a moment. “Prick your finger and drip your blood into the flames,” she said. “And he will speak to you himself. The Lord of Mists has a message for you I’m sure. And it doesn’t involve rotting in a forgotten house of worship collecting coins from a fountain.” He sees an awl nearby, sharp as an ice pick.
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Post by Demetrius on Sept 13, 2020 18:53:20 GMT
He did as he was instructed, pricking his hand without complaint, holding it over the open fire so that his blood could drip directly into the flames.
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Post by The Forgotten God on Sept 13, 2020 21:18:45 GMT
Green and blue and purple splattered as his blood hit the flames. It made a sound like a pot of water being boiled as he heard a low voice growl. “Demetrius...” it drawled out. “It’s time....it is time to come back.”
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Post by Demetrius on Sept 13, 2020 22:43:48 GMT
He felt heat radiate through him, like the voice in his head was made of fire. “Come back where?” He asked, struggling through gritted teeth. “What do you want from me? What am I too you?”
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Post by The Forgotten God on Sept 13, 2020 23:48:18 GMT
“You’re a human, which means you’re nothing right now,” the voice answered. “You must be more. Make them kneel. Come back to the Mist. Take up your rightful place as you punish the disobedient. You are my flail, my hammer, and one day my right arm. Hear this and obey.”
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Post by Demetrius on Sept 14, 2020 3:01:18 GMT
Demetrius resisted the voice in his head, fear taking over his impulses. He wanted to run, wanted to escape Estos and the hold he had over him, but he couldn’t seem to move. “What am I to do?” He asked, through shuttered breath. “What is your bidding?”
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Post by The Forgotten God on Sept 14, 2020 15:39:38 GMT
Estos spoke softer, in a voice not unlike a lover’s whisper, “My children have grown soft. I have no use for soft. Go forth and bring them into line and claim their powers as your own. They have lost their hunger and sit complacently among their ruins. I need my champions ever ready for the next big meal. Ready to devour.”
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Post by Demetrius on Sept 15, 2020 2:55:05 GMT
"The ruins..?" Demetrius asked, his eyes locked shut, "The ruins of Lake Arawn? Is that where you need me to go?"
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Post by The Forgotten God on Sept 15, 2020 3:07:15 GMT
“The ruins are your people’s relics, the dragon’s smashed cities and the squid’s ruined ports and meadows. They sit and they grow lazy. They have proven unworthy and so they shall be replaced. The Hunter and the Wolf and the Whale shall have their fill of conquest. What will the little man do?” Estos’s iron tones filled his ears. “If you seek answers speak to the tree of darkness in the Valley of Arawn. He knows what it is you’ll seek.”
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Post by Demetrius on Sept 15, 2020 6:13:37 GMT
Demetrius cupped his hands to his ears, as if it would somehow lessen the volume of the voice, "You speak in riddles! Why not answer my questions now?" He struggled to commit what he was hearing to memory. The Hunter, Wolf and Whale, were all names or monikers that were lost on him.
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