Intermission #3: Etana
Etana pondered her sister's unusual request to transport a portal ring. The initial decision to bring Vina along had consumed a larger portion of her Divinity, more than solitary travel would have. Yet, with her Divinity now elevated to level 9 and a reservoir of over 450 points, the expenditure was not overly concerning. "I'm not sure, honestly. I've never tried transporting a large, rune-covered inanimate object. You're the first passenger I've ever taken. Let me try. Hold on." With those words, she stepped into the air, the fabric of space folding around her as she journeyed back to Randar.
Etana had contemplated Termily as an alternative destination but swiftly dismissed the idea, well aware of the rigorous safeguards surrounding the portal rings there. Randar, however, offered a familiar landscape to navigate, its streets and secrets mapped out in her mind from her extensive travels. She recalled the seven public gates peppered throughout the expansive city and the three private gates reserved for the Committee’s exclusive use. Her destination was set: the private gates. The thought of commandeering one of the public gates and causing widespread disruption, especially with Zel'alor potentially on her and Vina's trail, was a risk she couldn't afford. Keeping her movements clandestine was paramount.
Materializing in the Committee's backrooms, Etana found herself in the Traveler’s Wing of their subterranean compound – a place where the air hummed with the energy of constant movement and purpose. Her collaboration with the Committee members had been a delicate dance, one aimed at fostering trust between them and the Refuges of Trina within the city. Intelligence reports suggested several unbound aspects were hidden within the urban sprawl, a fact that piqued Etana's interest.
Ever since her bond with the Aspect of Names, Etana harbored aspirations of transforming the Committee's operations. She envisioned shifting their focus from the relentless pursuit of wealth to truly embodying Trina’s ethos. "One day, I'll bring my sisters here, and we’ll safeguard this city together," she contemplated, her thoughts a blend of determination and hope.
Her reverie was abruptly interrupted by an alert from her Aspect of the Senses. The bustling Traveler’s Wing, usually a hive of activity, was eerily deserted, save for the presence of a lone woman. The absence of the usual throng of travelers and staff struck Etana as profoundly unusual, a silent alarm echoing in the stillness of the wing.
“Lady Trina. Or is it Etana? Perhaps Keres? Which do you prefer?” the woman inquired, her voice calm yet carrying an undercurrent of intrigue.
Etana turned, her gaze landing on a woman whose appearance suggested late maturity, her long black hair a stark contrast against her pale features. Etana's aspect tapped into the woman's life, revealing a cascade of achievements and pivotal moments that defied belief. "Seassa Imala…” Etana uttered, her voice laced with disbelief at the staggering complexity and contradiction of what she perceived. The cost to erase such a figure from existence was beyond measure.
Seassa, stepping forward with deliberate grace, corrected her gently. “No, Seassa Imala is but one aspect of my being, not the identity I choose this evening. Yet, if it pleases you, address me as such. But I am curious—what name do you choose for yourself at this moment?”
“In here, you may call me Etana,” she responded, her tone firm. “I understand you are allied with Zel’alor.”
Seassa acknowledged with a nod, her demeanor unchanging. “Indeed, Etana. My path has long converged with that of The Supreme. Our objectives align, at least for now." Seassa turned slightly as she gestured toward a nearby portal ring, "Regrettably, the City’s portal rings are temporarily out of operation. I would advise against their use today; the risks are considerable. They should be functional by tomorrow. You ought to depart, but before you do, may I inquire if Vina remains within the city?”
“She has left. I will be leaving as well”, Etana said, her voice hard. As she moved towards the portal ring, her heightened senses caught the whisper of Seassa’s movement. In a blink, she felt the sting of a blade slicing her side and back with chilling precision. She was powerless to dodge or counter, her body betraying her with its slowness. Attempting to face her assailant only earned her more vicious cuts.
With no time to spare, Etana propelled herself forward, teleporting to a refuge of Trina she had once visited, only to find herself engulfed in scorching flames. Battling through the blistering heat, she managed another leap, arriving in a back alley she remembered. She hit the ground hard, rolling frantically to smother the flames devouring her dress. Gasping for breath, she rose, her body trembling from the ordeal.
Health: 98747/99999
Shock and disbelief were written all over Etana's face as she struggled to comprehend the severity of the assault she had just endured. The damage inflicted by Seassa’s ruthless attack and the blistering fire was substantial – a staggering 1252 points. “Stay calm, Etana,” she murmured to herself, her voice a thin veil over her rising panic. “This is no worse than a minor scratch at level one. No need to lose your composure.” She took deep, controlled breaths, attempting to still the turbulent waves of shock crashing over her.
Though the loss of health was significant, Etana realized she was still adjusting to her newfound resilience. Inspecting her wounds, she found them akin to shallow paper cuts, tracing a fiery path down her body. There were spots on her skin that felt heated, yet they fell short of serious burns.
“She truly is a master with the sword,” Etana reflected, a mix of respect and realization dawning upon her. A direct confrontation with Seassa was out of the question. “To the public portal ring, then,” she resolved, and in a single stride, she traversed the expanse of the city.
But her arrival was met with immediate and brutal force. Something heavy struck her, driving her into the ground. Through the haze of impact, she caught a glimpse of Seassa, brandishing a massive two-handed curved sword. As the blade descended again, Etana, recalling a tactic she had seen Faer use, conjured a portal beneath herself. She fell through the ring, escaping the deadly arc of Seassa's sword, and landed back in the familiar safety of the alley.
Etana gasped for air, the shock of the sudden attack leaving her breathless. She glanced at her shoulder, where a fine line was beginning to weep blood. “How did she manage to reach me so quickly?” she growled in frustration. Her mind raced as she reviewed the travel logs and confirmed that no one had used a portal ring in the city within the last hour. Yet, she didn’t need the logs to tell her that; she would have sensed if Seassa had traveled. Somehow, Seassa had outmaneuvered her without using the portals.
With a sense of urgency, Etana hastened towards another portal ring located on the opposite side of town. This ring sat atop a hill, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the cityscape. However, the beauty of the view was lost on Etana, her focus solely on reaching the ring. As she approached, the picturesque backdrop faded behind her, giving way to a harrowing scene at the entrance. Several bodies lay strewn about, lifeless, their stillness a stark contrast to the city's distant hum. Seassa stood just inside the doorway, near the portal ring, her presence dominating the space, an ominous figure silhouetted against the dim light filtering in.
Upon noticing Etana, Seassa’s voice echoed with a mix of nostalgia and a hint of a warning. “The curved sword has always held a special place in my heart,” she mused aloud. “Its inherent power, beyond mere damage, can unbalance the unwary.” As she moved closer to Etana, Seassa fluidly drew a broadsword. “I see you’ve embraced a touch of grace this time, Etana. Forgoing abrupt entrances for a more traditional approach this time – commendable. Yet, be mindful, Etana. Another attempt to defy me, and we might just test the limits of your resilience.”
Confusion clouded Etana’s features as she fired off a barrage of questions. “Who are you, really? What’s your purpose? How can you move with such impossible speed?”
A mysterious smile played on Seassa’s lips, her expression mirroring Etana’s bafflement yet maintaining an air of unwavering calm. “You are already acquainted with who I am, Etana. As for the portal rings, as I've mentioned, they are presently non-operational. And my ability to match your pace? Some mysteries are best left unsolved.” She paused, her gaze narrowing slightly as she considered Etana's next potential move. “Tell me, is Vina capable of returning to Randar?”
Etana's response was firm, tinged with an underlying sense of resolve. “She won’t be back.”
Seassa, pausing to let out a deep, contemplative sigh, revealed her thoughts with a tinge of regret. “It seems I must be patient until she returns to The City of Halos. Intriguingly, I came close to collecting both your sisters. Ann, too, narrowly eluded me.”
Etana, taken aback, her expression a mix of surprise and apprehension, questioned, “How do you know about Ann?”
Seassa responded with a knowing chuckle, her tone laced with a hint of amusement at the revelation. “From Vina's painting, naturally. Initially, none of you held any significance to us. However, once Vina discovered Trina, your collective value skyrocketed. It's become increasingly clear that capturing you is a formidable challenge.” She sighed, a note of regret coloring her voice. “It's unfortunate that Adir was so protective of Ann, especially after her affliction with bonding sickness.”
Etana felt a sudden rush of anxiety, her voice tinged with concern. “How severe is her condition?”
Seassa's response was tinged with a semblance of regret, yet her tone remained matter-of-fact. "Adir was so desperate for her treatment, he resorted to dropping a building on me. It's unlikely your sister has much time left. Frankly, she may already have succumbed,” Seassa stated, her head tilting slightly in a gesture of somber reflection.
Etana knew she was wrong. She still had the quest telling her to keep her sisters alive. “I need to check on my sister, and I can only do it with a portal ring, Seassa”, Etana said. She was careful with her words to not trigger a deception notification.
Seassa, with a nonchalant shrug, conveyed her understanding yet remained unwavering. “We’re both aware you have the means to travel at will. However, exiting through a portal ring is not an option tonight. I am here under The Supreme's directive to ensure that. As for you, your role this evening might be of greater significance. Have you not noticed the smoke?”
Alarm etched on her face, Etana bolted from the portal building, her eyes immediately drawn to the cityscape. Plumes of smoke were slowly rising from various locations in the massive metropolis, painting a picture of unfolding chaos. Her mind raced with possibilities and implications. With the travel wing compromised by Seassa’s presence, she needed to find her fellow committee members at their fallback locations. Without hesitation, she teleported to the first safe haven that came to mind.
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Materializing in a room marked by its simplicity, Etana found herself facing Sairena and Vasuk, along with a few other members, gathered around a small, unassuming table. Sairena looked more disheveled than usual, her long black hair in wild disarray, a visual echo of her internal turmoil. Vasuk, his expression grave, stood ready, his leather armor and sword a testament to the urgency of the situation. The unshaven stubble on his face spoke of a day begun in haste.
“What’s happening?” Etana demanded, her voice heavy with urgency.
Sairena’s head snapped up, her eyes flashing with a mix of surprise and anger. “You!” she exclaimed, her arm sweeping forward in a swift motion.
Etana barely registered the unseen force that slashed across her face, her health dropping by a hundred points in a blink. Confused and reacting instinctively, she traveled right next to Sairena. Seizing her by the arm, she transported them both to the familiar back alley. Sairena, overcome by the sudden travel, retched violently. But Etana, driven by a mix of anger and purpose, forced Sairena’s face down into the mess with relentless strength. “Before you gave me the Aspect of Names, I would have ended you for this, Sairena,” she hissed. “There’s an apothecary at the end of this alley, turn left.”
Etana’s hand moved deftly over Sairena’s body, searching until she found her target. Conjuring a clear acid, she applied it around a stone embedded in Sairena’s body, prying it loose amid the woman’s cries of pain. The stone, once free, leapt from Etana’s fingers, finding a new home in her necklace.
You have been bonded with the Aspect of Air. Attunement 100%.
As the aspect’s knowledge flooded into her, Sairena’s agonized screams pierced the air. Etana’s relief at gaining a new power was shadowed by a pang of guilt, her heart aching with the pain she had inflicted. “I thought I was able to do this…” she murmured. “You’ll survive, Sairena. It’s just sixteen stacks of bonding sickness,” she added, her voice a blend of reassurance and self-reassurance. Gently lifting Sairena, she carried her to the apothecary, her mind a tumult of emotions.
Having arranged for Sairena’s care with The Professed and settled the costs, Etana returned to the meeting place. Her committee members were still there, her arrival now marked by an added stone in her necklace. “Let’s start over. What’s happening?” she asked, her tone more composed.
Vasuk inhaled deeply, steadying himself. “Trina had a confrontation with The Guild of Adventurers,” he began, picking up a scattered report from the cluttered table. “Eyewitnesses saw the guild attack a Refuge of Trina. They say Trina killed someone, saved another, fought a rock creature, among other things. One refuge was completely destroyed. Now, every refuge in the city and their allies are in open conflict with the guild. Trina’s people are losing. Badly.”
Etana cursed under her breath. “We need to intervene. What can we do?”
Vasuk shrugged noncommittally, “Our own organization has been targeted. The city’s portal rings are under guild control. We’ve lost several locations tonight, and our agents are now underground. We’ll wait out the storm and then regroup.”
As Etana's gaze swept across the resigned faces at the table, her contempt was palpable. “Cowards,” she hissed, her voice dripping with disdain. “Don’t be here when I return.” With these final words, she stepped back into the city, her resolve steeling her against the chaos she anticipated. She hoped fervently that the refuge she had in mind had escaped the flames.
Upon arriving, she was greeted by a sea of faces, a crowd of frightened people seeking shelter within the building. Etana tried to scan the crowd for the person in charge, her height a limitation in the sea of anxious faces. Then, her eyes found The Professed of the refuge, Tavis. “Tavis, is the guild still attacking the refuges?” she asked, urgency lacing her voice.
Tavis, his face a mask of shock and recognition, nodded gravely. “Yes, Lady Trina. The adventurers are relentless in their pursuit, despite the brave defense mounted by many.”
Etana paused, weighing her options. Her eyes lowered to the scared yet hopeful faces looking up at her, seeking guidance and protection. Suddenly, she realized she was hovering slightly above the ground, a subtle use of the Aspect of Air. She gently descended back to the floor, grounding herself amongst her people.
A thought struck her – there was one other safe haven she knew. The Watch had always maintained a neutral stance towards both Trina’s followers and The Adventurer’s Guild, using the refuges as recruitment grounds against The Darkness. Termily would offer temporary sanctuary. “Gather close and place your hands on me,” she instructed them, her voice steady despite the urgency of the situation. “I can transport you to safety, but the journey will leave you temporarily ill. I apologize for the discomfort. If you’re not taken in the first trip, I promise to return for you.”
She transported the first group to a location near the refuge where Vina had received treatment, leaving them there to recover. She returned repeatedly, tirelessly emptying the Randar refuge. Alone in the now vacant building, she watched her divinity slowly recharge, but time was not on her side.
Moving from one refuge to the next, she lost count of the number of people she relocated. The guards of Termily were in disarray, but Etana was undeterred. She navigated the town with the familiarity of one who had walked its streets since childhood, strategically placing people in areas beyond the guards' ability to interfere. Her efforts continued relentlessly through the night and into the dawn of a new day.
As she moved closer to the heart of the conflict in the City of Randar, the grim reality became undeniable – The Adventurer’s Guild was systematically decimating Trina’s followers. Rage simmered within her at the thought of Zel'alor’s orchestrated violence against her people. Yet, she channeled her fury into action, rescuing everyone she could and removing anyone who dared to stand in her way.
That evening, Etana found solace in the familiar confines of the alley, her clothes a victim to the day's harrowing efforts – torn, singed, and stained. Despite the superficial cuts that marred her skin and the hunger gnawing at her, she remained mostly unharmed. As she waited for her divinity to replenish, her thoughts drifted back to the reason for her presence in this turmoil. “Vina…” she gasped, her resolve reigniting as she recalled Seassa's earlier words. Promptly, she made her way back to the portal ring overlooking the city and found Seassa still stationed by the entrance.
“Finally you return. My hunger is becoming quite bothersome,” Seassa remarked, her voice carrying a hint of jest. She scrutinized Etana with an appraising gaze. “It seems you haven’t quite reached Trina’s level of prowess,” she observed, taking in Etana's bedraggled state. “Ah, but what's this? You've acquired a new aspect. Let's hope it’s one of value.”
Approaching cautiously, Etana couldn't help but eye the broadsword at Seassa’s hip. “Are you still tasked with guarding the portal rings?” she inquired, maintaining a safe distance.
Seassa responded with a hint of casual dismissal, her tone light yet informative. “Oh, no, that task is completed. The Supreme's objective has been met. Most of Trina’s adherents have been effectively removed from the city. And you, Etana, played a part in this – my thanks. Shall we proceed inside? I hope you won't mind if I use the portal ring first. There's a journey I need to undertake.” With these words, Seassa stood up and made her way into the building, her movements graceful yet purposeful. Etana trailed behind, her caution palpable as the sun dipped below the horizon.
Approaching the portal ring, it sprang to life, casting a radiant blue glow. The portal whirled open, and two figures stepped through. Etana, instantly recognizing their names and life events, recognizing their connection to Vina, and leaving her engulfed in confusion. "What is happening here?" she queried, her voice laced with bewilderment.
Seassa glanced back at Etana with a knowing smile. “Hmm? Oh, they aren’t my companions. But I am acquainted with one of them." She raised her voice, infused with a warm familiarity, "Greetings, Norimor! ”
Norimor looked stunned to see Seassa, and she didn’t immediately reply. She opened her mouth and barely made a sound “A…”
Seassa interrupted gently, her tone carrying a playful yet secretive cadence. “Ah ah ah, let's dispense with formalities in this company, shall we? It’s a delight to see you after such a long time, Norimor, though it appears you've strayed from your course.” Her voice dropped to a whisper, conveying both familiarity and an unspoken understanding.
Norimor responded with a nod, her gaze struggling to meet Seassa’s, a mix of respect and unease evident in her demeanor.
Seassa, observing this, shook her head gently and let out a soft sigh, imbued with an air of understanding and a hint of sadness. “It’s quite alright, Norimor. Should the weight of your burdens become too great, remember, the path to me is always open.” With these parting words, Seassa gracefully moved past Norimor, her movements fluid and assured. She expertly manipulated the portal ring's controls, and in a brief moment, it sparked to life once again. Without hesitation, Seassa stepped through the now-active portal, disappearing from view.
Etana eyed Norimor with a mix of wariness and curiosity. Her knowledge of Norimor's past, gleaned from Vina's life events, painted her as a formidable figure, though perhaps not as menacing as Seassa. Norimor's gaze lingered on Etana for a brief moment before she addressed her. “Etana, I am Norimor. I collaborated with your sister, Vina, under The Twelve. I orchestrated a mission to The City of Halos and struck a deal with Lord Halos to ensure Vina's safety. I’ve recently learned of your involvement with my organization. My intent now is to escort you to safety. Will you accompany me?”
Etana's gaze drifted to the young girl standing silently behind Norimor. The girl’s life events resonated with trauma, particularly those inflicted by Vina. Etana’s eyes traced the intricate web of scars adorning the side of the girl’s head, remnants of her painful past. “Your organization is nothing but a gang of bandits,” Etana replied, her voice laced with skepticism.
Norimor closed her eyes briefly, a gesture of weary acknowledgment, before meeting Etana's gaze again. “Yes, that’s the facade we maintain. But there's more to our story. I admit, I've neglected this branch, and it has spiraled beyond my expectations. Please, Etana, allow me the chance to demonstrate my sincerity.”
Etana studied Norimor's life events more closely, delving beneath the surface. She uncovered layers of a complex history that left her reeling. “You... You left my mother's letter at our doorstep when we were children. Why were you absent our whole lives, Norimor?” Etana challenged, her voice edged with accusation.
Norimor’s eyes flickered to Etana's necklace and then back to her face. “You know more than I anticipated. Abducting two children from Termily was too risky. The Watch would've intervened, likely with fatal consequences. I left Vina in The City of Halos for safety, but I've just been informed that Hakim has broken his promise. She’s in danger. Can you locate your sisters? We must act quickly to ensure their safety.”
Now convinced of Norimor's allegiance through her life experiences, Etana reluctantly responded, “Vina found Trina, but she isn’t in The City of Halos anymore. Ann is still there though. I’m taking this portal ring to Vina now, so she can take me to Ann”, Etana said, shaking her head at Norimor. She shook her head in disbelief. “I can’t fathom why you left Ann and me for so long. You had ample chances to intervene.”
A look of regret softened Norimor's features. “I apologize, Etana. I've been handling this alone for too long. I didn’t believe I could adequately protect you both from The Twelve. But we must hurry.”
Etana approached the portal ring, a sense of urgency propelling her. “Touch me, but brace yourselves for the consequences,” she warned. After they both made contact with her, she initiated the travel to where she last left Vina. To her surprise, Norimor remained unaffected, while the girl was bent over, succumbing to the disorienting effects of the trip.
They arrived in the dark cabin, devoid of any indication that Vina was present. Etana called out, “Vina!” her voice echoing in the empty space.
Norimor, already moving towards the door, suggested, “We’ll need to track her down.”
Etana turned to pick up the girl, but Norimor stopped her. “Leave her for now. We must go immediately.”
As they turned to exit, a notification abruptly appeared before Etana.
Personal Quest Failed: Keep your sisters alive for 6 months.