Ivan eventually tucked Azalea away into the Shroud. She curled up into a little ball beside Tanya's grave with her lantern pole leaning atop her. Azalea had looked around just once before sitting down, and resting, her eyes lingering on the new door, and the strange window that she too could make out in the Shroud. Ivan shushed her, and got to his feet.
He looted the remaining Knights, and worked with Myrn to more or less shovel all the loot inside. They cleared the barrack houses, and their basic loot chests inside. Each of the four chests produced something like the 'fresh' chest amount of loot they had found in the dead end courtyard. They had found two more like it searching the maze, and together with Ivan's Plunder ability they had gathered a startling amount of loot.
Azalea peeked and watched as loot literally tumbled into a pile from her little comfortable ball state. It took her a few minutes as the group gathered together once more, but eventually she started dragging the loot pile apart and sorting it. Ivan bathed her in an aura surge of honest appreciation. The tired demon spirit squirmed under the affection and praise a little, too humble for her own good most of the time, before she got back to sorting the loot for Ivan.
Marvin was on his feet, stretching his arms and feeling out his armor. Some of his leftover stuff with basic enchantments no longer felt enchanted, a sort of tingly potential that plain items didn't have. That mostly meant his ragged looking boots, his belt and pants, and a dozen other little armor pieces for the most part. Searching him with his mystic senses made Ivan turn them back on himself and check his gear.
He rubbed his head, hissed after touching a big goose egg where his head had bounced when he lost his helmet. Ivan grimaced and tucked away a light and long lasting recovery healing tonic. The fast acting ones were great, but as with most rapid healing effects they had a certain backlash. The slower ones really didn't backlash much at all which was great for tending stable patients or keeping the group going through skirmish fights. But big battles like this had torn through Ivan's stock of good fast healing mixes. He'd have to work to store them up again.
Layla's little garden would help with that, and Tila would be excited to hear about the boss fight. Though they would have to carefully swing the story to exclude the demons most likely. Meeda probably wouldn't buy it, but if they had the loot maybe he wouldn't argue. Ivan ran his fingers through his hair and sighed.
Still though his gear was shot after that battle. He poked a loose banded plate that had been battered and torn at so badly it hung only by the glue of the leather pressed to it now. The plate came loose and dropped to the floor with a clang drawing everyone's eyes. Davian looked over his gear. Some of it was alright, and just in need of a good wash, but his plainly unenchanted gear was about shot after the solid beating he had taken in the fighting. Myrn's gear was in the best shape by far, but she still looked like she had rolled down a dusty road.
Andy's gear looked great, since most of it was the new enchanted armor set of chitin, but he also looked dead tired. He smiled, meeting Ivan's eye, and held up his weapon for Ivan to see. The blade of the weapon was chipped, the thick armor piercing spike broken, and the enchantment was actively dying before their eyes. Small sparks of magic, like glittering shards wept from the broken ends, and where the shaft had cracked. Andy looked sad, and cradled the halberd in a gentle two handed grip.
“Ivan...I know it probably can't be fixed, but could you hold onto it for me? I know it's not really anything special, but my sister had it made for me. I'll hang it in a room somewhere and talk about it when I'm old and gray.” Andy asked, offering the haft of the weapon to Ivan.
Ivan nodded and took the broken weapon into the shadow of his Shroud. Azalea took up the weapon, and to Ivan's surprise stepped into the armory room. She found an old felt lined glass case taller than most wardrobes and put it inside with care.
“Is it alright to use this room Master? I thought if anything, Master Andy's weapon should rest here.” Azalea asked, looking up at the room's high ceiling.
Ivan wondered, but nodded.
“That's fine Azalea. Thank you for your care.” Ivan answered her.
Andy blinked, but then put two and two together.
“She can hear you?” Andy asked.
“She can hear and see everything I do. Penelope is especially adept at sensing things I usually can't while using my aura senses too.” Ivan answered.
Andy raised his eyebrows so high they disappeared into the rim of his helmet.
“We'll need to go shopping though. After we sort the loot.” Ivan commented rather casually poking the exposed leather flap and hole in his armor.
Andy nodded, and held out an open hand, his shield at the ready.
“Hand me the thing.” Andy said then.
It was Ivan's turn to raise his eyebrows.
“The thing?” Ivan asked.
“The thing.” Andy said with a nod.
Ivan got it after a moment, and reached into the Shroud to take out the weapon, barely able to heft it with one hand himself. Andy took the weapon up by its swept hilt, and patterned grip. The blade gem stone teeth along its blade glittered with almost palpable menace. Ivan raised his eyebrows and leaned a bit to the side to be back into Andy's vision as he lifted up the weapon before him like a sword and inspected it. It was a casual inspection, with no skills. Andy had the Student Job and it was hard for them to gain a proper inspection skill before going into the branching topic focused jobs most scholarly jobs broke into.
“Inspect Object.” Ivan chanted, giving Andy a curious look as their eyes finally met again.
Andy shrugged.
“It probably has some paired effect with the shield anyway, and I need a weapon. Just in case.”
“Uh huh.” Ivan said dryly, and turned his gaze to the scroll.
Inspect Object; Weapon, Inspection Complete.
Black Sapphire Macuahuitl of Cruelty; Enchanted Bronze Cudgel, Tier 4 Magic Item
The Owl like People of the Ancient World likely crafted a weapon like this as a gift for a valiant Night Watch Commander at some point, but it's not this one. This one is still a powerful piece of enchanted metal, its strikes will produce piercing force comparable to the amount of stamina spent on martial skills used with it, and is a difficult weapon to parry. Unfortunately it has an increased mana cost on attacks, but as a plus side it deals more damage to already damaged targets.
“It matches the armor and the shield at least. Really doesn't say anything about the set huh? I guess it is a Tier 4 enchanted item though. More damage, more durability. Maybe I should keep it, eh?” Andy asked, playfully clacking the weapon and shield together.
Ivan grinned imagining the wreckage the big man might dish out with the weapon, but took a moment to turn his attention to the inside of the Shroud. There was a lot of loot to go through, and they could stand here talking about it all day. He shot a gaze to the waiting gate, the large bronze key laying next to neat stacks of dungeon gold near Azalea. He wished again, somewhere deep in his heart that his goal was as simple as tackling this dungeon with his friends. He could pretend it was, for a little while longer at least, or he hoped so.
He had wanted to keep Penelope hidden, but perhaps it was good she was out in the open. Azalea would be free to join them in the dungeon now, and was already gaining levels from it. She had gained quite a few in fact. Penelope might be able to guide the others as well, and possibly direct their studies to more fruitful avenues of magic she had seen or studied in passing over her long existence.
They gathered up, corralled by Myrn mostly, and headed back down the main corridor of the huge hedge maze. Things were quiet for a little while, but it was a long walk. Ivan couldn't decide if that would help someone speak their mind or not, but he could feel their minds working, and building a little tension through Taps Upon the Web.
“I have an offering to do.” Ivan said calmly.
Everyone turned their heads to him to listen as they walked down the somewhat spooky silent hedgeways. Ivan looked at his feet bashfully.
“She's a Demon Beast, and the patron who's lent me this dagger as a sort of power.” Ivan told them, working off his ruined left gauntlet and tucking it into his belt. He rolled up his sleeve as much as he could manage quickly and showed everyone the tattoo.
“She'd take blood and darker offerings, but really likes the stuff I get from the Dungeon monsters when I kill or wound them with the dagger.” Ivan explained.
Marvin let out something of a grunt.
“So it is black magic, but you're trying to do it in a mostly right way?” Marvin asked.
Ivan nodded, but a cold and hard edge came somewhere underneath the elation of victory that still clung to them all.
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“I won't hold back against followers of Theadus, but yes. Maybe if they repent and renounce their faith or whatever, but I won't ask them to do that before...before I—well you know.” Ivan said, starting strong, but he lost his confidence as he felt the concern and minor rise of fear in his companions.
“You hate him...them...that much?” Myrn asked, her face and aura a complex tapestry of warmth and concern and regret.
Ivan nodded.
“I've seen what they've left behind in villages further west, and north of here. I've heard the stories of them selling people into slavers from beyond Drudesha. They've stolen, looted, raided, and raped their way into independent lands where people did little more than try to live long and happy lives near a Goddess who did her best to make sure they did the same. I won't ever forgive them for that.” Ivan said.
Myrn hugged herself, and Penelope came to her side, offering a potent comforting aura of confidence. Myrn blinked, and after a moment accepted Penelope's offered hand to hold.
“I have to believe there are good people left in the Forces of Light, and under Theadus's rule.” Andy said firmly, his eyes on Myrn.
They all knew that her parents were still captive, held somewhere in the prison camp north of town by the Army of Light. They generally didn't talk about it because there wasn't a whole lot to do about it. Nothing that wasn't reckless, and unlikely to do anything but make the whole situation worse. The idea seemed to settle on them one by one that growing stronger as they were might be a way to one day confront the Army squatting in the land they called home. It just wouldn't happen soon.
Marvin nodded, but his expression was grave.
“I'd like to see the Hero release the prisoners like the rumors said he was doing. Lots of people who surrendered came home, but just as many didn't. I've heard he's been working in the field and been all over the place. Even doing executions of those he's found guilty of breaking laws or otherwise organizing crime in his own ranks.” Marvin commented.
Ivan nodded.
“That sounds like Thomas. I- I liked him. The few times I met him... He thought I--” Ivan held his tongue before he said something foolish.
“He thought what?” Andy asked, voice kind and inviting.
Ivan had said too much. He hung his head.
“He thought Istania and Theadus had some sort of plan. He always thought he wasn't the grand warrior the Lord of Light might have for a hero. He's an artist, a pretty good one actually, and he loves to paint and explore, and see all sorts of people and everything they make and create. He would be a better champion of Zon or Rahammod than he would Theadus, but Theadus picked him.”
“He's kind too. He'll help anyone and everyone he can. Charming. Generally accepted by all the Gods really. Even Gram likes him apparently, but I don't know how true that one is.” Ivan admitted, rambling through old memories.
“And the plan?” Marvin asked, seeming curious.
“He thought-- well he thought Istania and Theadus were doing a sort of switcharoo thing with their heroes. Thomas was an artist, a cultured man, and not a warrior to begin with. I was the other way, the supposed champion and adopted son of Istania that fought in tournaments year after year, and planned on raiding dungeons and doing the typical warrior bit. He was convinced she was going to make me her Hero, a gesture to the world that she and Theadus stood together, that humanity stood together really if it was true. She did always make sure I was studying, and curious about the world in a way that Halspus would like.” Ivan rambled on.
He felt blood rush into his cheeks and he shrugged his shoulders. Emotions rolled somewhere in the back of his head, but a part of him felt okay right now. He was with friends. Things were out in the open and it was okay to share. Everyone seemed to take his rambling explanation well, and a rush of embarrassment turned to warmth that settled somewhere near the top of his chest as each of them nodded in understanding.
“Well.” Marvin stated calmly, turning a smiling gaze on Ivan. “He's not the only one that expected you to become Hero. I've seen you fight, and I think we even went toe to toe once or twice over the years. The more I think about it the more I remember there being a lot of talk about you. Many people were surprised when you showed up with the Paladin Job. There were lots of old folks going around trying to count how many Paladins of Istania there had been, a few Inquisitors maybe, but never Paladins. Just Priests, and maybe a Cleric here and there.”
Ivan stared at Marvin, but he had heard as much before somewhere. He was pretty sure Tanya had said the same at some point. He hung his head, wishing that she were there. He could imagine her laughing and joking with Myrn, or sassing Marvin for his dry attitude. He could see Jen and Ral covered in the best armor Ivan could get them, both of them bloodied, but smiling with their visors up, arms over each other's shoulders. Tears formed in Ivan's eyes as his mental picture faded away, and reality returned.
Myrn gave him a sympathetic look, and Davian let out a long breath, his charisma likely picking up on Ivan's sorrow.
“Sorry.” Ivan said to Davian.
“It's nothing to apologize for.” Davian said simply.
“You've lost a great deal more than I can imagine. I'm sensible enough to say I don't know if I would handle it any better if the same thing happened to me. I also know enough to say that I'm not sure if what you're doing with demons is right, but there is a clear rule in this world--” He swallowed, and turned a little gray, apparently stumbling on his curse with just that much mention of being from another.
“There's a clear rule that I've learned in my travels and life here. Power changes everything. That's true anywhere you go. If you have power you can make changes, and if change for the better is what you seek I won't discourage you from exploring options. We can never tell what will work until we try.” Davian went on, swallowing again as he pulled at his collar and checked his leather gauntlets.
“Penelope?” Ivan asked, turning the question her way.
She seemed surprised for just a moment, content in a whispered conversation with Myrn, but immediately perked up and snapped her eyes to Ivan on mention of her name.
“Yes my darling master?” She purred.
Ivan rolled his eyes at her.
“What do you think? Am I making the right decision? Will the power I gain through what you can teach me allow me to change the world, and make it closer to the place I want to live in?” Ivan asked.
Penelope considered Ivan for a moment, her expression showing very little until she nodded and took on a sober expression.
“I cannot replace your Goddess, and will not teach you to raise the dead. I cannot mend time or fold its pattern back through the steps of years, and nor would I if I could. I will help you make the world you desire however as best I know how, and as best I can manage help and favors from others. That world I can help you make will not be the same light filled, and sweet summer dream Istania offered the world, but one of security and comfort in darkness.”
“A world where the monsters the world once feared now serve you indirectly by watching overs, teaching, and fighting alongside your subjects and their children. It is possible with the right terms and contracts, and by the lure of power the court and its members will gain by coming to your service and looking after mortals. They will see as Azalea grows in power at your side. They will see when you free Quixla from her bonds and bring her here master. They will see when you are ready to summon the young champion of the Ek'Thun I have prepared for you to summon thereafter, and they will tremble in your presence knowing the favor you carry.”
“You will have favor in turn to pay, but it will be to Samiel, and myself. Samiel will be content to make a business of it, and you will both profit in favor and power at his hands. I will ask for something more dear when it is time, but it is something I hope you will gladly offer me when the time is right.”
“The power you help Azalea and the others gain will bring them to your call, and they will gladly tame their urges and sign themselves to contracts sworn to your desires. And as happened before, when we assembled, and made up our rules-- those rules will become our new reality. As beings of spirit we are mutable, as easily changed as the perception of magic upon each world. If you make a role for demons to become guardians and protectors here, they will become it in truth as much as by contract given time. The more oaths they swear, the closer they are bonded to each of your subjects and your will, the more they will become that thing as they gather strength and power from it.”
“They will do so to survive at first, and then they will do so because coming so close to mortal life will make them feel alive again. Appearing here, watching over, and being summoned as familiars even if we are split a dozen or more times over is a joy I cannot readily explain. To feel a heartbeat in our chest, and to fill our lungs once again...it is bliss.”
Penelope took a deep breath of the dungeon air, her eyes watering at the edges and her voice practically trembling by the end of her little speech. She let out the breath, gaining back the cool and sultry control of her emotions before she went on a little longer.
“There are many of us that are formed of regret, like Azalea. Many do not understand or have forgotten their regret, and what purpose made them either run or violently escape from the Pathfinders and their Judges along the road to the Gate. We are ghosts in some ways, spirit things that are twisted and angry most of us, but there are many who wish they could be more, or to have a chance to live again.” She said, and though she showed very little sign other than the softness of her voice it seemed the admission pained her.
Myrn seemed to look at Penelope in a new light. Myrn's hold of Penelope's hand shifted to taking her arm, and walking closer with her. Penelope let out a little laugh, leaned over, kissed her cheek, and then resumed walking with her wing casually draped over Mryn's shoulders.
Marvin looked like he didn't want to buy it looking at Penelope, but he gave Ivan a glance, and then one for his Shroud before nodding. Andy actually had to wipe a tear from his eye. Ivan gave him an incredulous look, but Andy missed it, busy sniffling before wiping his nose with a hanky. That huge new mace looted off the dungeon boss hung at his hip looking huge and intimidating for all that.
When they got to the dungeon gate Penelope kissed Myrn's cheek again before running to Ivan. She hugged him about the neck, nuzzling in after changing the shape of her horns so she wouldn't stab him in the eyes or various arteries doing so. Ivan let out a soft chuckle, hands wandering a little possessively over her as he pulled her close enough to put her back in the Shroud. She clung to him as if resisting with a look on her face that Ivan did the best he could to ignore before she vanished with a cackle of laughter.
Marvin and Davian raised their eyebrows at him and gave him disparaging looks.
Ivan shook his head.
“She's a succubus, what do you expect?” Ivan asked dryly.
Their disparaging looks only grew in strength.
Ivan rubbed his face with his hands in actual frustration before they both laughed.
He gave them a sour look that was enough to get Andy chuckling a little.
“I was worried. Really worried after a minute, but hey things turned out. Look at us!” Marvin said, lifting his arms and stepping back toward the empty maze.
“It may have taken all day, but look at that. We've cleared the first floor! Do you know how many adventuring parties come in here, week after week, clear a little here, clear a little there, and slowly grind up their levels and gear before moving on without taking out the boss? We've done it! Isn't that amazing? Can't you just imagine what we'll be able to do?” Marvin went on, actually spinning in his excitement.
He stopped, pointing right at Davian as he did.
“Dav. Daaaaav. I just had a thought. It involved lots of music, story telling, a bit of dancing, getting piss drunk and laid. We leave the loot for tonight and just live it up, celebrate! Whaddya say?” Marvin suggested, already embracing the mood he normally only got in while two or three cups in.
Dav blushed all the way up to his ears at the thought, but that was all the answer Marvin needed apparently. Marvin rushed him and shook him gently and encouragingly by the shoulders.
“Atta boy Dav. Andy you coming?” Marvin asked.
Andy gave Ivan a 'be patient with them' look, but nodded.
“Of course.” He said, and then shook himself. “Been staring at Penelope's bare ass and bare everything else all day. Think it best if I do something about it before I get rowdy and start a bar fight somewhere.”
Marvin burst out laughing. Andy chuckled a little, and gave Myrn and Ivan a smile as he went over to clap Marvin on the back hard enough to send him staggering forward with Davian still under his arm.
“Ow!” Marvin complained, before he started laughing again.
Mryn came to Ivan's side in a few pausing steps. She did it in that way that made it about as playful as it was hesitant. If she was trying to tell him something with that action Ivan's Taps Upon the Web didn't pick up anything on it, and her expression was mostly just a soft and tired smile.
Ivan offered her his hands as the others headed for the dungeon gate. Myrn took them after a moment and quickly stepped close. She put her forehead to his own and let out a soft breath. Taps Upon the Web tingled with something, but Myrn was focused now. It was difficult to read her when she was like that.
“Let's have a bath tonight. A long bath. And talk....-and make love. I uh..” She whispered. Her cheeks flushed bright red as her hair before going on quickly. “I have questions, and I want to talk to Penelope some more. If there's some kind of ghostly forest spirit demon thing I can summon or have tutor me I want to learn more about it. If you're going against Theadus...if it will help me get the power to get my parents back, and keep them safe....” She went on in a ragged whisper.
Ivan nodded his understanding so she didn’t have to keep on.
“Of course. We can do all of that. Probably not all at once, but Penelope probably isn't against trying. She does get annoyed when I don't pay attention when she's trying to teach.” Ivan whispered back.
Myrn fought not to laugh, but leaned her forehead against Ivan's and let out a couple little chuckles.
Ivan kissed her lightly on the mouth. She leaned into it and removed the 'lightly' part of the kiss for several moments. Ivan leaned his forehead into hers this time, a full smile on his face after the long kiss.
“Thank you Myrn.” Ivan said, his hands clutching hers tightly.
She nodded and turned, keeping one hand to guide him to the dungeon gate. Her teary smile held a lot of emotions, and he was pretty sure he mirrored her in that, but they were both happy.