Taking matters in hand (not dated yet)

1629, Earth Season, Harmony Week ?(need the log posted to finish)


Context

Late night guarding while on the fringes of Prax. Lord Raven has returned, but things between him and his Wyter Priest are unsettled and Varanis has had enough. (Session Season 6, Prax 4).

Events

As they prepare to swap over guard shifts, Varanis pauses. “Berra… could I maybe talk to him a moment? I’ll try not to rile him up.” Her nod to the iron blade makes it clear which him she means.

Berra looks down at the sword. “Um. He’s in a mood. I don’t know if up is a way he even could be riled right now. He’s already there.” 1B: Do me an INTx3? V: 85. Nope. B: All is well!

“Dezar is still whimpering in my head most of the time, so I’m not surprised,” Varanis acknowledges. “I’ll be brief, if you’ll permit me to talk to him. But you may, of course, refuse.”

“Nah, he … yeah.” Berra unbuckles the named sword with care and offers it over with a bow of the head.

Varanis accepts with both hands outstretched, carefully avoiding the hilt.

“Good luck,” the little warrior says.

“Thanks,” Varanis replies. Torch, the light of Truth, is firm in her hands. She steps away, staying in her friend’s line of sight, but making space in case she is punished for her audacity. Then she kneels, setting the sword across her lap. She takes a few deep breaths.

Berra stares out into the darkness. The darkness does not stare back.

Placing her hand on the hilt, Varanis begins by reciting the prayer of offering and sharing her spirit with the Wyter.25 mp Her words are quiet, but steady.3POWx4, please? V: 34

There is a feeling of something within, a distant connection under her hand. What do YOU want? A voice without a body cannot drip annoyance, but he manages to ooze it.

“It’s not your fault and you have the right to be angry,” Varanis begins. 4She has another thing to say, but I’ll pause in case he’s feeling interrupty.

Patently.

“But don’t you dare take any feelings of guilt or rage out on her. I’ve done that to her enough before and it never goes well… she needs you, Lord Raven. And like it or not, you need her. Whatever you’re going through, you get through it together.” Varanis rushes the thoughts out silently, darting a glance towards Berra.5V: Interrupt partway if needed and I’ll adjust. B: Oh boy. V: Like I said… could be painful for Varanis. That’s all I intended to say, by the way.

Distantly, if such a thing can be, an answer comes. It is almost wistful. I found only one target, you know? There could only be one. She is not my enemy.

“I know,” Varanis replies. “But we can cut our allies and loved ones too. She is hurting, as are you. I’ll leave you to your thoughts, Lord.”

There is no answer save the sense of distance and hauteur, cold and judgmental.6So anyhow, he rolled pretty high on Air.

Varanis releases the hilt to take hold of the scabbard in both hands. She rises gracefully to her feet despite a brief shiver. Returning to Berra’s side, she bows to the sword and offers it back to the Wyter Priest. “Thank you.”

Berra nods, and takes the sword with her usual gravity, buckling it on with her usual grace.

“You’re right about the mood, but at least he didn’t blast me,” Varanis says. “My shift now? You can get some sleep.”

“Yeah. S’bin quiet out here. Nothing from Sartar, nothing from Prax.” Berra waves as she goes off towards her bed roll, just next to Maalira’s, but not actually touching.

Varanis begins a perimeter walk, silently offering reassurances to the alynx in her sword.

  • 1
    B: Do me an INTx3? V: 85. Nope. B: All is well!
  • 2
    5 mp
  • 3
    POWx4, please? V: 34
  • 4
    She has another thing to say, but I’ll pause in case he’s feeling interrupty.
  • 5
    V: Interrupt partway if needed and I’ll adjust. B: Oh boy. V: Like I said… could be painful for Varanis. That’s all I intended to say, by the way.
  • 6
    So anyhow, he rolled pretty high on Air.