Characters in this post
View character profile for: Elizabeth Ellington
View character profile for: Mr. Sung Shun Shi
View character profile for: Vor'Aster
Vor's Information
Jp with Redsword, LucianNepreen and Cindy
As Sung finished a knock on the door, was heard. "Enter," Elizabeth responded.
Vor entered in a slightly disheveled state, his clothes being in better condition than their wearer. He had failed to do anything with his hair besides keeping it out of his face and his eyes made it evident he had been working late.
“Greetings My Lady, Master Sung. I happened to spy a few of the others on my way here, was there an attack?”
"Yes, down at the docks. One of Lemaire's monsters. Quite a few of us were involved but fortunately everyone survived, except the monster, just likely sore for a few days." Elizabeth explained. "Our investigation, it seems, is headed into dangerous territory we are asking everyone to take extra precautions when they go out."
Vor nodded with a mix of relief and understanding.
“Excellent news, the teams wellbeing I mean. What is it you need of me then?”
"I wanted to check on how your research is going and give you some information, I found today, that you might want to look into." Well, attempt to look into. Given the lack of information on the Children of the Sea, it wouldn't be surprising if there was little on Sokratis or anything she and Cronk discovered today.
Here he looked down with a furrowed brow, still unsure of his own findings. Deciding it best to be as forthright as possible, he looked back to Elizabeth.
“My notes from the library at headquarters presented much information, though some of it seems rather disturbing for the moment.”
Here he brought forth his growing stack of notes and sketches showing symbols and artifacts.
“Their practices and rituals were known well enough, though for starting in a small fishing village they seemed to gain traction rather quickly. Historically they have almost nothing to their name, but in terms of religious power they established themselves far quicker than most.”
Vor sifted through the papers to find the one that had disturbed him during his research.
“I even learned of the founders, many of little note, but one name stuck out to me. I’m not sure if it is mere coincidence, but,” Vor pointed to the most important signature," Dr. Lemaire might be more invested with the cult than we initially thought.”
Elizabeth looked at the name. Dr. Laurent Lemaire, Sr.. "Dr. Lemaire senior? The cult was formed over 80 years ago, I'm guessing this might have been his grandfather." And educated guess at best.
Elizabeth then turned to the sketches. She pointed to one, of the same half octopus/half human creature that had been on the statue Cronk had retrieved from Sokratis. "Mr. Cronk had managed to retrieve a small statue like this, unfortunately it was broken in the fight. And I also saw one today." She didn't explain, just yet, how that came to pass.
Elizabeth then saw that same round odd design. "This design was where I was, I didn't get to ask Mr. Cronk if he also had seen it."
She realized then, that she might want to explain where she had been. "I will explain where Mr. Cronk and myself were earlier but I first want to ask, as an artist, can you interpret anything from these images. And please feel free to take a seat, if you wish."
Vor had been trying to answer that question since he found it, trying to find any clue or message in the filigree.
“Unfortunately not, My Lady. I can only see the usual aquatic iconography, further showing their veneration of the ocean. There could be something in it, but I would need more information to know their meaning, same with the statue. I have no idea what the… thing is.”
"It is all a puzzle," Elizabeth said, half to herself. "Today Mr. Cronk and myself came across a Mr. Sokratis Staniadis. While Mr. Cronk was speaking to Mr. Staniadis, I was able to sneak into another area which turned out to be an underground temple for The Children of the Sea. There was another statue of that creature." Pointing toward the half-man/half-octopus. "And that symbol." Pointing to the odd round shaped item. "I certainly believe now that the cult is not gone, maybe more driven underground. If that is the case, it is deeply concerning."
Sung eyes widen some. Sung did not put it together until now."The half-man/half-octopus I have seen that before on a ship and with some of the crew. It was on my way to Britain escaping Japan and the government changeover that was 20 years ago," said Sung looking the sketches over. "I did not talk to them then. I did not know English well enough. But is there a chance maybe the docks hold more information than we think?" inquired Sung.
Vor looked at Sung with serious curiosity. The man brought up an excellent point.
“At best, it is the perfect place for an ocean worshipping cult to thrive. Right in plain sight. Even if we aren’t that lucky I agree, sailors and dockworkers know more about the water than most.”
Elizabeth also responded to Sung, "It is very possible, that the docks hold more information. Were the people on the ship British?"
"They were British, French, and Greek I was with that ship for months until I got to England. I do remember them chanting at times standing in a circle with the little statues in front of them on the floor." pausing Sung was in thought. " I did not understand any of it. I think it was Greek to me, no pun intended. I did get the impression that it was some form of worship or meditation. Now I wish I would have paid more attention to them." commented Sung.
“Είθε οι Γέροι να παραιτηθούν από τα στέμματά τους Είθε το Arundan να πάρει τη θέση που τους αξίζει Εκείνοι που ακολουθούν το λάθος θα αναγκαστούν στο σωστό”
Vor looked to Sung with an uneasy gaze as he spoke, not liking the connections being made. If this thing came from the depths, he could only imagine his people fearing it.
He hurriedly sifted through his notes for the prayer he had found and brought it to their attention.
“Would you remember if that sounds close to it? We might have a decent lead if so.”
Sung closed his eyes and took a few breaths his face showed focus and concentration. "I think so or it is close. It has been 20 or more years. Now thinking on it there could have been more than one chant going at the same time. Or, they were not saying it at the same time if that helps," said Sung still concentrating.
"What does that translate to?" Elizabeth asked Vor.
Her mind was trying to think of what the team needed to do next. How to go about the investigation, with maybe a little less danger involved. While also trying to piece together all the information that had been found out tonight.
"May the Eldren relinquish their crowns
May the Arundan take their rightful place
Those who follow the wrong shall be forced to the right."
Vor pointed to the inscription that showed this chant.
"They clearly saw my kind as superior, enough to make it one of their most important mantras. Either way, I do believe Master Sung's hunch is correct and the docks are our best lead at the moment."
Looking over the prayer, Vor could only feel disgust. While he believed many that lived solely on land had forgotten their origins and thus their true place in the world, he had never thought of his people's place as inferior. Not enough to begin such a sordid tradition.
"Maybe You and I should visit the Docks?" suggested Sung. "Mr. Vor you are more diverse than me in this area and know what to look for. I know you are strong in research and a powerful asset in the library," said Sung. He looked at Lady Elizabeth that is if that is ok with you and Mr. Vor." Sung got a grin and a mischievous look in his eye. "Mr. Vor do you think you can pass off as a follower of The Children of the Sea? maybe we can visit another place found by Lady Elizabeth." Sung suggested stroking his beard.
Elizabeth closed her eyes for a mere 1/2 second, after the translation was given. It sounded like the cult wanted those like herself, dead. At least it was clear Eldren weren't as safe as it was assumed by most.
Sung idea was a good one , however. "I do think those are good ideas but the decision is up to you, Mr. Aster" Knowing the idea put Vor into danger, it should be his decision.
Vor thought about the choice. While the sight of his comrades proved he would have no chance in a confrontation, he knew that the cult actively encouraged Araunda to join.
“It seems our best shot at infiltration. While I severely underestimated the dangers of this position when I arrived, I swore to work towards the cults end. Mitera herself would find nothing but contempt for such delusions.”
"Tomorrow, after lunch will be a meeting of those of us more on the, front lines in this job, so to speak. I would like you to attend. You are still welcomed to go to headquarters before and after that time. We just need a plan to keep everyone as safe as possible." Elizabeth said to Vor.
"That is a good idea, My Lady. Mr. Aster, what do you think?" asked Sung
Vor nodded to affirm his presence to the meeting.
"Would I still be accompanied by Ms. Ipsum? I would prefer to make the trip after the meeting so I have a clearer mind, but if that conflicts with her own schedule than it is no bother."
"Miss Ipsum, will be leaving in the morning for headquarters. She won't be at the meeting, as she's not among those that will be directly in the investigation. You will be driven to and from, so it would be no issue if you want to go after the meeting, instead of in the morning." Elizabeth explained. She didn't mean to exclude anyone, it was just that what would be discussed at the meeting wouldn't affect Lorem or Jackal that much.
Appreciative that he had more freedom in his plans, Vor began gathering his notes as he looked to Elizabeth.
"Perfect. Will that be all, until tomorrow's meeting?
"Yes, thank you." Elizabeth responded. "Will you please let Harold know to retrieve Dr. Jackal for me?"