Author Topic: Chapter 3 - Forgive Us Our Debts  (Read 13183 times)

Offline skydragonknight

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Re: Chapter 3: Forgive Us Our Debts
« Reply #80 on: June 29, 2020, 05:44:46 PM »
"I see. I am little disappointed in you Nadja." Mist says. "The Red Guard is only interested in profit. The 'help' they want to provide Lady Anya will cost her over a thousand times what she paid for you to have your moment's enjoyment."

She walks up to Nadja, a stern look on her face and pulls her hand out like she is ready to slap her... But at the last moment her arm changes direction and it turns into a hug. "But you did good. You didn't reveal too much. You can be a good person too, worthy of love."

She leans in and whispers: "Even without a soul you can be loved and have a purpose. Talk to me later when we are alone."

« Last Edit: June 29, 2020, 06:26:25 PM by skydragonknight »
Hmm.

Offline Nanshork

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Re: Chapter 3: Forgive Us Our Debts
« Reply #81 on: June 29, 2020, 06:26:51 PM »
Niko rolls his eyes, again, and says very matter of factly,  "All this worrying about souls.  Some churches tell me that Peri doesn't have a soul, she's still family and knows right from wrong.  She's a good girl.  Anyway, I'm pretty sure I've hunted the ghosts of gingers and you need a soul to become a ghost."

Offline Skyrock

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Re: Chapter 3: Forgive Us Our Debts
« Reply #82 on: June 29, 2020, 07:28:27 PM »
Nadja seems both embarassed and hurt.

"I would have preferred to have been a real girl, enjoying the guidance of the Saints to know right from wrong without needing to rely on real people to relay their wisdom to me, but I was never offered that choice. Lucy knows what it is like when you get hated for things you had no control over, no matter how much you struggle to be a good girl even as you are kept in the dark about the right path to take and the Saints ignore your pleas. I don't know if she is playing straight with me, but... She understands me. She cares about me. But so does Tanya, even if she asks different things of me in order to be a good girl."

Nadja reciprocates Mist's hug, and seems intrigued by her whispers. She looks askance at Niko.

"My step dad always taught me that gingers like me have no soul. Maybe... it is something else that fuels the spectres of soulless gingers like me, like hatred or despair or something?"

Offline Nanshork

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Re: Chapter 3: Forgive Us Our Debts
« Reply #83 on: June 29, 2020, 08:46:22 PM »
Niko throws his hands up in the air, clearly containing some exasperation.  He tries a different tactic.

"Even if you do not have a soul, does it matter?  People with souls do bad things all the time!  You care about doing good things!  I have a soul, do you think I have never done bad things?"

He then pauses and looks uncomfortable.  "Look at Peri.  Peri is Peri even if she does not have a soul, and I do not care if she does or not.  She is still the best dog and has proved herself to me many times.  She is not less real if she has no soul, and neither are you.  Let those like Hank worry about souls, your soul only matters when you are dead."

He scratches Peri's ruff and tells her what a good dog she is.

Offline Raineh Daze

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Re: Chapter 3: Forgive Us Our Debts
« Reply #84 on: June 29, 2020, 08:52:44 PM »
If Fey (and thus Fuyuko) are soulless:

"Right from wrong..." Yuki says, sighing, "You don't need a soul for that. The most upstanding person I've ever met doesn't have a soul. They just remembered what they were taught. But I was raised on honour and obligations. 'Good'? Not important."

"If you want to be a good girl, just ask Fuyuko for advice."

If Fey (and thus Fuyuko) have souls:


"Right from wrong..." Yuki says, sighing, "Having a soul doesn't mean you automatically know, too many people obviously don't. I was raised on honour and obligations. 'Good'? Not as important, not like it is here. Even that is beyond thugs. Just learn better than them."

"If you want to be a good girl, just ask Fuyuko for advice."

Offline dman

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Re: Chapter 3: Forgive Us Our Debts
« Reply #85 on: June 29, 2020, 11:07:39 PM »
"Sweet Nadja, I am so glad you're ok, and I am proud of you for chosing to protect Lady Anya and share the truth even in the face temptation.  When you make a decision to move toward the light all manner of dark spiritual forces come out of the shadows to stop you." Hank puts a warm hand on her shoulder and looks directly into her eyes.  "You've suffered abuse and false teaching your whole life.  I know its confusing."

He motions to each of the party members as he talks.
"Mist is right when she says you can't trust the Red Guard. We're afraid Lucy is trying to take advantage of you to get to Lady Anya.  When someone tells you to keep secrets from your friends you shouldn't trust them.  Don't talk to her anymore. 

Niko is right when he says you can always choose to do good and that I do care about your soul. 

Yuki is right when she says you need good teaching and to honor your obligations.  You may not like to hear it, but the truth is you do have a soul despite what you have been taught your whole life.  In a sense it has been robbed from you and just like all of us - even Peri when he was a puppy - it needs . . . you need help and training. 

While you're working with us, I think its best if you take some time of focused spiritual retreat.  This week you can share, study, and work with Cori, aside from her direction you should avoid talking with anyone else.  It will give you time to help you sort out the confusing voices in your head, protect the people you care about, reflect on what it means to be a child of the light, and help you be confident in becoming the good girl the Almighty plans for you to be. 

If you want to be a good wife and mother to your future husband your soul needs time to heal and you need to receive the supernatural revival of your spirit so you can be a source of strength for the people who need you most.  Even though it will be hard, I know you can do it."   

Hank turns to the group, grips his bow in his hand - tightly, and with sharp edge to his voice asks.  "So what can you tell me about this Brute? And what approach shall we take with Lucy?" 

Offline Skyrock

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Re: Chapter 3: Forgive Us Our Debts
« Reply #86 on: June 30, 2020, 12:13:15 PM »
Tanya pipes up. "Mhm. I think it would be good for you, Nadja, if you talked with Fuyuko a bit, she's a good and very caring soul." With that she shoves them together and a bit to the side of the group, waiting for them to chat with each other before speaking to the group in a low voice that won't be overheard by the other two girls.

"None of those two should be left alone at the inn, and neither should I for that matter.
Lusica is clearly interested into me, and I couldn't do much if they tried to coerce my secret out of me.
Fuyuko is too credulous and easy to mislead to make her good at keeping secrets.
As for Nadja, not only did they already target her, but..." She mimics drinking from a bottle. "Even if it isn't about the secret, being a lone and tipsy young woman walking into this place is like a lamb walking into a bear cave. I don't want anyone taking advantage of her in that state."

Offline dman

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Re: Chapter 3: Forgive Us Our Debts
« Reply #87 on: June 30, 2020, 07:25:23 PM »
"Which is why I suggested that Nadja stay with the Plamvashti Orli.  I have twenty-eight capable men and women who can watch over you all." Hank sighs, "If that's still not enough I suppose one or two of us could stay behind to guard you, but I can't say that sits well with me either."

Offline Raineh Daze

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Re: Chapter 3: Forgive Us Our Debts
« Reply #88 on: July 01, 2020, 12:13:47 AM »
"If Lusica comes knocking again, I could... stop her."

Offline Skyrock

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Re: Chapter 3: Forgive Us Our Debts
« Reply #89 on: July 01, 2020, 02:32:59 PM »
"So, should we three girls accompany you to Lusica, or do you think it would be wiser if we returned to the Frog & Egg inn and wait for you there?"

Offline dman

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Re: Chapter 3: Forgive Us Our Debts
« Reply #90 on: July 01, 2020, 08:37:26 PM »
Hank looks down. His usual beatific face replaced with a careworn expression. "I must confess, Yuki, that was my first thought as well. It infuriates me to think that Lusica would take advantage of Njada at this vulnerable point in her life." Hank heaves a long sigh, "I'm not that man anymore," he announces to himself. "An eye for an eye is fiercest demand of justice I can abide... No more." His hand relaxes on his bow.

"What if they hole up back at the chapel? It's defensible. We could disguise then as missionaries, and I could escort them back to check for scouts before rejoining you for our meeting with Lucy. I just don't trust having them around Jovak or Lucy."

Offline Skyrock

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Re: Chapter 3: Forgive Us Our Debts
« Reply #91 on: July 02, 2020, 01:12:06 PM »
Tanya gets a bit whiny. "I don't want to spend another night sleeping on a cold, hard pew, and I think Auntie Nadja also deserves better after what she has been through. Besides, what kind of noblewoman would prefer cheaping out like that to spending a few silver rubles for her comfort?
I wouldn't worry about Jakov, you made him listen to me, and I won't let him abuse Nadja."

Offline dman

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Re: Chapter 3: Forgive Us Our Debts
« Reply #92 on: July 02, 2020, 09:21:06 PM »
"You are free to do whatever you want. I'm only thinking of your safety, Tanya. At least let my people accompany you. They are kind and capable folk. I realize that we live in such dark times that that's an abberation that provokes distrust, but you can rely on them. Plus, I'm sure Jovak will appreciate the added coin of having free live music." Hank's eyes twinkle for a moment before he laughs out loud - his good cheer returning - as he remembers his last encounter with the embarrassed innkeeper.

"Nadja, please, talk with Cori, no drinking, and all of you limit your conversation to the people you see with us now. It seems we can't trust even the nicest people outside of our circle for now."

Or perhaps even within it. Hank thinks to himself.

"What do you think, team? Should we escort them back?"

Offline Skyrock

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Re: Chapter 3: Forgive Us Our Debts
« Reply #93 on: July 03, 2020, 10:56:49 AM »
The trip to the Frog & Egg Inn is uneventful. Tanya makes sure that Nadja is seated in the middle and makes it clear to Fuyuko that no one is to take advantage of her drunken state.

It's close to Compline by the time you return to the Cardinalesse's Guards Inn. It's bustling with Red Guards, but there is no sign of Lusica. The clerk at the desk is helpful. "Inspector Lusica? Ah, she assumed you wouldn't show up, she has already retired to her room. Number 316, up on the third floor."

As you ascend, there is some coming and going, and there is also a Red Guard stationed at every floor. If you plan to teach Lusica a lesson, you would need to get tricky to do so without raising hell. There are muffled voices inside Room 316 as you approach. As you knock and announce yourself, you hear Lusica's muffled reply: "Ah, wonderful. Just a couple of minutes, please." This followed by three more minutes of muffled voices.

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Lusica steps out of the door frame, dressed only in a night gown and slippers. She holds a coin bag and a scroll case and gives you a warm smile.

"My apologies, I went already to bed and had to slip something on.

We've analyzed the relic, and my mistress is very pleased. You did the right thing bringing it to us, some heads will roll in the White Guard over this. Here is your just reward, 535 gold krovas, and the two scrolls you have requested. I hope you'll notice that I only deducted 25 gold krovas per scroll, the special price I reserve for people who I consider to be friends."

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Offline skydragonknight

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Re: Chapter 3: Forgive Us Our Debts
« Reply #94 on: July 05, 2020, 12:15:12 PM »
Mist takes the scrolls, while handing the money to someone with a larger carrying capacity for safe keeping.

"Indeed it is a pleasure doing business with a friend." Mist says with a smile. "And speaking of my friends, how is Zilla doing these days?"
Hmm.

Offline Skyrock

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Re: Chapter 3: Forgive Us Our Debts
« Reply #95 on: July 05, 2020, 12:32:55 PM »
"Oh, Zilla? She's been set free, as we had agreed upon this morning. As far as we know, this White Guard group has been assaulted by parties unknown, and would have harboured enough sin to justify the attack anyway, so she isn't of interest to us anymore."

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Offline dman

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Re: Chapter 3: Forgive Us Our Debts
« Reply #96 on: July 05, 2020, 11:46:18 PM »
"Dear tender, capable, Lucy. I am so glad to hear that we are friends. We couldn't help but overhear that you were discussing the importance of honesty.  A timely subject...
Indeed 'Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come. It would be better for them to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around their neck than to cause one of these little ones to stumble.'

Perhaps we could come inside and continue the lesson. You could demonstrate how you inspire honesty on a table with wine and rose oil, and we could listen to you explain what could possibly motivate you to take advantage of one of our little ones knowing how protective we are. I know we would also like to hear how a smart woman like you plans on restoring our wounded relationship and regaining our trust, particularly considering that while it is my deep desire that we be reconciled, forgiveness comes easier to some of us than to others and trust is hard won in the face of betrayal."

Offline Skyrock

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Re: Chapter 3: Forgive Us Our Debts
« Reply #97 on: July 06, 2020, 12:25:38 PM »
Lusica tenses up at the suggestion of going inside, like a bear mother facing a threat to her cub.

"I think we have a misunderstanding. I'm your friend, and Nadja is a friend of yours, so by extension she is also my friend. I just wanted to do something nice for her, but she seems to have gotten it into her head that she owes me something and that no one can do something nice for her just for the sake of doing something nice for her. Pity that she hasn't accompanied you, we could then clear this one up in no time.

Poor little thing, she had a really twisted upbringing. What kind of parent - or step parent - would keep hammering into their child that their hair colour makes them less than a person and that they don't deserve nice things to happen to them?"

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Offline dman

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Re: Chapter 3: Forgive Us Our Debts
« Reply #98 on: July 06, 2020, 10:37:14 PM »
"Ah, I see. Well, no need to have her here. If you've done everything right then I don't see what's stopping us from going inside and learning how your kind and careful ministrations have been executed to the benefit of our dear little one. We could all learn from your example."

Offline Skyrock

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Re: Chapter 3: Forgive Us Our Debts
« Reply #99 on: July 07, 2020, 09:51:24 AM »
Lusica yawns and rubs her arms. "Look, it is already late, and I am too tired and cold. Some other times, perhaps?"

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