Lucina,
We finally have arrived back at the residence I currently am upholding. A guest that Kiri grants a room. I must admit that my duties have been neglected lately. Rather it is not that I am neglecting my duties recently, but that I have been traveling with this group for too long. I should be leaving to handle my own duties, to be truthful. They’re strong enough to persist without any of my guidance. I had figured I would be more of a leader, instead I fell back to a follower. A loud and annoying follower that yells at people to execute better.
Forget my worries for now, let me tell you of what happened since the last letter. We met a Rogue who wished to meet with the Oracle, seeing as we had questions too we decided to enter the cathedral, climbed and journeyed through far too many rooms, of which the initial few were acceptable. I was told to make a joke, my humor is not great by any stretch, however my one attempt was considered poor. Everyone’s a critic. I would have dealt with that far more than I would the rest in hindsight. One floor in specific was horrendous… rather, two.
The first was a series of trials. Flesh walls, nonsensical trials, religious indoctrination compassed with some “profound” message trying to make you believe in their lies. At least what the Empire spouts does not ensure you follow our mold perfectly or else be shunned and punished. In a matter of statements alone, Lucina, dear, you’ll find that if you listen from the outside that what they want from you is always questionable at best.
The second floor of problems was… something I would have preferred never existed. Heart iconography everywhere, some strange song. Each step coalesced into a symphony I never heard before. Calia fell for it first and... I hesitate to even put this to paper. All of us except one were consumed by this song. We fought amongst each other, I believe by the awkward conversation at the end. Despite my signature door decimation technique, I was unable to escape before I fell under its sway. My mind clouded by thoughts of
We recovered after all but one fell, and I believe none of us wish to discuss the matter. I respect if you would not ask questions either. Perhaps I will investigate this matter further on my own time. After, the top was reached. Our companion was there to steal some saint or something; causing many deaths. Should he have failed he would certainly die. Remember that sometimes the correct path requires sacrifice with those you have a connection with.
Now begins the tales of my doubt in my ability to uphold any stance as a leader. Razza… has changed. With no proper method of communication between us it is a fruitless effort; not that I would wish to communicate in such fashion. We looked to sail back and return to the Jadespine manor. Of all the… Razza… he arranged transport on a cruise ship. Nobles and other busy bodies sailing to key cities and “getting into the mood” of the cities. He arranged this. Not I, only opening my mouth to arrange my own living quarters. He can’t even speak.
The cruise itself was uneventful, everyone had their own rooms except for me. I shared with Calia, though she slept not on the bed despite my insistence she could have it. I did return to Axis however, being on patrol once more was a welcome pace. Teaching those who barely know how to hold their knife at dinners a proper weapon stance before being savagely beaten by a giant lizard. Oh, and I had to cover the payments involving a certain shield fighter wishing to visit the arenas.
My old friend gave me a lead, in exchange I would assist with one of her cases involving drug running. We got off the cruise and went to the town, we needed information. Calia, as much as I appreciate her efforts, was highly successful in finding what we wanted, yet offered the homeless we obtained key information from something she could not give. Perhaps if SHE was the one who bedded Titania she would have been talented enough.
Instead her method was by assaulting the man with a mace, then even DARING to tarnish the Legislacerator reputation by claiming she was an undercover one, then an assistant. She was, but the assault was never sanctioned. I allowed her to be incarcerated temporarily whilst I gave Lucian some funds to use the newly acquired information to acquire proof of their possession of drugs. Then came time to handle what to do involving the assault. I leveraged the trouble they were having with Centaurs to have Calia released.
I investigated, nobody saw any centaurs. I spoke with the guards and my investigation came to a struggle. The rest of the party… they took to the tavern… I never thought about speaking with them for information. Perhaps I am too trusting in the work of the guards? My respect for their acumen grows. Many techniques I have learned from them alone. We followed a friend of the kidnapped individual they supposedly took and ended up meeting the centaurs. The Dame volunteered and left to speak with the leader, and she came with a lock of hair and an antler. All the pieces we needed, and I returned to speak about the leaders.
The chief didn’t believe me at first about the story, but the ridiculousness of the situation seemed to assist my claims. I could feel the judgement on the matter, but it is little issue. Curse vanished, we moved to eradicate some half trolls. They had elemental and acid breath, not too much of a threat. Although the acid did hurt plenty, Calia’s healing touch is always appreciated in times such as those. Annoying but manageable.
Then this tale repeats to the beginning of this message. There was some struggles at the manor upon arrival but not enough to write. My next messages shall hopefully discuss much more pleasantly involving my companions… I must eventually discuss with one of the members about events. After some drinks with Lucian, I suppose.
Judging as always, Leanne.