2 November 2021 - Two Promises
Before the party made their way to the old tavern in a town, they rested up at the Siren’s Roost.
As Xan sipped a drink and rested her weary injured head, a powerful looking god-like woman walked into the bar and faced the Oracles Chosen. She stands looming over them and utters some not so vague threats. Alke speaks up as the woman, apparently named Yala, declares war upon the group.
Hipofilius addresses her - she is not the only child of Sydon, but she responds she is the only that matters. Yala looks down on Xan, and says through little words that she is not one of the oracle's chosen and is free to leave. Xan sits back in her seat - staying by her friends although she is not confident as the conversation continues and Braz makes some vaguely confusing political statements way above Xan’s understanding. Theo brings the conversation down to a level or Xan’s understanding, and as Yala warns the party of them thinking of their consequences, Xan laughs - she never does. War is coming, apparently.
Xan thinks she is a fool, announcing her intentions. While Hipofilius suggests she did it as the Chosen are a threat. They discuss their plans and what they should do. The Oracle is upon their mind.
“Xan was not there”
The Oracle tells the Chosen that her first vision did not show her Xan, but she says The Fates may have intervened. The Fates may bicker, or they overlook others.
The Oracle suggests that the best protection for Xan is to join the oath. Before it is spoken, Braz says - we should change our name, we are no longer the Oracles… we are just The Chosen.
As they begin the ceremony, they get into baths and hold hands in a circle. The water swirls around and reminds Xan of her birth, a warm and comforting water.
"I am Xanthia, and I swear upon my life and my honor that I will uphold the oath of fellowship with the warriors who stand at my side."
A swirl of smoke surrounds them as the oath comes to a close.
Calliope pipes up, “Didn’t you want to ask the Oracle?” a cold shiver runs down Xan’s back. She cannot ask her, for she knows the answers she will get will cause a rift in her newfound fellowship.
Xan makes desperate and frantic excuses to leave and see people at the Satyrs Tail (she is heading to Moxena). As she leaves she hears Theo muttering about sailing and shouts something back in the affirmative as she quickly walks down to the exit.
A promise from an old name
She heads straight for the warehouse and walks immediately towards Moxena in the midst of the sculptures.
She enquires about how the succession works. Acastus is governed by Vallus, but he is politically active too and popular.
If Acastus was to die, a dragon lord would have picked a ruler based on bloodline. It is now a choice of Vallus or a leader of the council. An heir would simplify things. It would be strengthened by Anora in Estoria. This would have to be acknowledged by the parent. The only way he would do this is if he saw something being gained.
Not much escapes his ascent. He knows what is going off and is benefiting or profiting from it. His dragonlords in his name, his dragon. The only other people are his knights and Gaius.
Xan speaks to Moxena about the favour, asking her to keep an eye on Acastus and Vallus and let her know if they make any moves. Moxena is hesitant but she says she will put people on it. She reminds Xan of the Oracle's Chosen’s promise to help her get back on the throne. Xan was not sure of the promise, but she thinks that if Moxena is aware of this it must be at least half true. She silently questions if their name change now changes their promises.
Moxena tells her of the rumour that there is a war brewing and they should get out of town.
Xan is already in the dust.