Living tall tales

Jp with Lucian, Winteroak and Bandorchu

Tarmen found the thoughts dampening his mood, something he knew would happen and wasn’t sure if he would fight it or not.
Either way, glances to Gonyaul suggested the boy had his own thoughts bothering him. Turning to the others, he bowed with exaggerated grace.

“I have enjoyed the drink and the company, but it seems Gonyaul needs some air. My thanks, Ekero, for a host’s fine cheer and his finer spirits.”

Downing the rest of his drink with a toast, he left the conversation to find his way over the Gonyaul.

Ekero slapped Tarmen against the shoulder once again. "Think nothing of it boy." turning to Alexis once again he returned to address her last words.
"An Helian was chosen as the next Sister Locust? The new leader of the Ozainae?" He sounded incredulous.

Alexis just nodded.

“She was. I was there when she was presented to the people.”

He took another sip from his cup. "This is the stuff of legends lass." He said looking at the bottom of his cup. "They will be talking about this for ages to come. And now they march for war with a former enemy at their head...' he paused. Something was itching inside him for some reason. He was starting to believe this would be the war that would change Arcadia forever.
"What next for you and your friends?" He asked curious.

“We will return to Ostiarium for now. At least warn them on some details they might not know. After that… well. Still looking for that artefact. And the ones in possession of it will doubtlessly march on the city of stone. So one way or another, we’ll be in the thick of it.”

Though she didn’t know if the artefact would come out on the top of her priorities in the end…

"And who has the other half?" He asked his curiosity picked once more knowing that likely she carried the ancient holy artifact on her person.

Alexis gave a short bitter chuckle.

“Now that’s a fantastic story in itself. You see, there is this cult calling themselves the Brotherhood of the Black Hand. And they are opposing Sister Locust. In fact, they have been killing the penitents of the Wandering, trying to stop the transition of the prophetess’s spirit.”

She moved the cup in her hand, watching the liquid swirl.

“…because the prophetess has been integral in betraying their goddess. A goddess now shunned, forgotten and imprisoned.”

She looked up to Ekero.

“They need the artefact to set her free.”