One Stone. Two Birds!

[Faith Augustin]

19th Ashan, 722

Faith was in Scalvoris for a meeting with Chancellor Manyon, in order to deal with things for the Order of the Adunih which, Faith believed, would change the world for the better. However, while she was there she had managed to arrange a time for her and Elisabeth to meet, in order for her to discuss the necklace Elisabeth had written to her about. So, she'd arranged for the two of them to meet in the University, in one of the student social areas.

Faith thought that she might actually still have an office here, but she didn't want to take advantage. She was also sure that, should she ask, Felicia DuWintre would arrange a room for them ~ but again, she had no wish to take advantage and no wish at all to feel like she was beholden to Ms DuWintre. So, she was quite happy to sit here. Faith had arrived, early, in order to make sure that she had everything she needed and she was able to give Elisabeth the time and attention required.

Since she knew what the nature of the meeting was, Faith had brought with her notes. She had the notes from each of Padraig's visits to the barriers, from her own. Information which was publicly available but, she was aware, rather specific, niche and ... frankly, difficult to find. So, she pulled it all together and put together a portfolio for Elisabeth.

Alongside that, she had with her all the information on dragons which she had been able to find. Her network of informants was unusual; many of them were dead , but they gave her a lot of information. Of course, alongside that information she had her own experience and she brought that with her, too.

Either way, Faith was happy to glance around and find a corner where they could sit which was quiet and where they wouldn't be interrupted. She got two cups of tea and waited for Elisabeth to arrive. When Elisabeth did, Faith stood and smiled, then gestured. "I got us tea," she said with a smile. "And lots of notes and pieces of parchment," she gestured to the very pile of paper she meant.

Sitting, she looked at Elisabeth and regarded her carefully. "How are you?" Faith asked, interested in the answer. How this meeting went would be 'driven' by Elisabeth and what she needed.

[Elisabeth Black]

Arc 722, 19 Ashan

The site of the meeting between her and Faith was to be the University, which made sense. Elisabeth had a little knowledge of how the woman’s mind worked, having borne witness to her organizational skills during the matter in Rharne. In truth, those moments, looking at the walls of the safehouse Faith had created, inspired a lot of what Elisabeth tried to do with Haven and how she looked to complete tasks. Yes, her own experience was in research, and she had a certain amount of knowledge about that, but Faith had shown her how to apply the skills she had in new ways.

Walking into the designated area Faith had indicated for their meeting, Elisabeth looked around for the dark-haired woman. She had come prepared for the meeting with an arm full of files, knowing Faith would want to look at everything she had on the necklace. The files, given to her by Professor Manyon, outlined all the research the University people had done on the necklace. Elisabeth had made a copy for herself, so the ones she brought were for Faith to do as she wished.

Finally spotting Faith, Elisabeth smiled brightly at the woman and swiftly made her way to her, greeted by the warm scent of tea. “Ah, lovely. Thank you! I made some cookies with chocolate bits.” Shaking a small tin in her hand gently, Elisabeth set down the files and opened the container, placing it in the middle of the table. While not an expert in baking, she had been learning from a few of the women in Haven. While the thought had crossed her mind to purchase cookies to bring, it hadn’t felt right. She wanted Faith to know that she appreciated the meeting, and home-baked cookies were a small way to accomplish that.

Smiling as Faith pointed out the notes and parchment, Elisabeth lowered into a seat and began to organize her own things. “I am well, thank you. And you?” It had been some time since seeing Faith, and the last time Elisabeth had, the woman had been a tree, having saved countless lives – including Elisabeth’s. In her case, for the second time. How did you begin to thank someone for that?

“Before we get started, I wanted to thank you, Faith.” Elisabeth’s words were sincerely said, and while she wasn’t sure how to say what she wanted to, she needed to try. It was tricky business, though, because it wasn’t only for saving her own life. “What you did in Rharne, the people you saved.” Nope. Elisabeth didn’t know the right words, so she stuck to the basics.

“Thank you, Faith.”

She made no mention of the necklace, or the files. That moment deserved it's own sentiment and attention.

[Faith Augustin]

19th Ashan, 722

It was rare that anyone brought Faith food; Faith thought that was probably because of her reputation as a chef. That meant that she appreciated it very much, though, and she smiled her thanks. "That's very thoughtful," she said. "Thank you." Putting the container down, she glanced and saw that Elisabeth had brought her own notes, and that was a very good thing as far as Faith was concerned. The more that they could put information together, combine what they knew - then the better they would be able to see the big picture.

"I'm well, thank you," Faith replied to Elisabeth's question of how she was. It was an honest answer, if rather lacking in detail - but that was Faith's way.

Faith understood the importance of gathering as much information as possible, and from a variety of sources . One never knew when just the right little snippet of information gave you the answer you were looking for. So, she was happy to discuss as much as they needed to. However, before they did anything else, Elisabeth had something to say, it seemed.

Elisabeth thanked Faith, for what she had done and for a moment, Famula's Champion wasn't quite sure what to say. She almost always knew what to say in any given situation, but in this one she was quiet for a moment and sat, her hands pressed together on the desk in front of her. "You may recall," she said, considering the first time she had met Elisabeth, "That I have a stock response to being thanked." It was, in fact, true. " What I do, I do because it is the right thing. I would ask that you do two things, if you are truly grateful for any action of mine. Firstly, pay the kindness forward. One trial, when you can. But the other is more immediate," Faith said softly and she repeated the words she had spoken before. "Volunteer with Isonomia or with the Order of the Adunih. We work with the poorest people and help them." Just as she had in Augustin's Boutique in Rharne, Faith smiled and shrugged slightly. She knew the reality of how often she said this - and the disparity between her saying it and people doing anything. "If, however, you find you have no time to do so, then please simply donate the amount you feel appropriate to either organisation."

That said, she motioned to the papers. "Shall we get started? Why don't you tell me what you've found out in the interim?"

[Elisabeth Black]

Arc 722, 19 Ashan

Faith was much like Elisabeth remembered her, which was a wonderful thing. It would be hard to explain to someone else, she thought, but as relentless as the passage of time was and all the changes it brought along for the ride, it felt comforting to be in the woman's presence, as if little time had passed between their first meeting in Rharne and the now.

Of course, neither were the same person, life exuding its demands and whims on each, in ways only they knew.

Elisabeth expressed her thanks in a simple, non-fussy manner. It was the right thing to do and needed to be said, but just as she had in Rharne, her companion's reaction was subtle and prompted nothing more than a smile from the young woman, for there were no more words needed in that regard. Yes, words were good, but sometimes words just ended up being words. Some others might have droned on and on, but Elisabeth was far more aware of how to interact with people than previously and knew it served little purpose.

Faith spoke the same words she had in Rharne. The young woman opened her mouth to explain how she had gone to see Gennadiya, to volunteer with the Order while in Rharne, and all the things that came after that but quickly closed it, realizing the folly of following that instinct.

Between Rharne and the present, Elisabeth had learned a compelling lesson. Something so simple, but in truth, not. Many people did not subscribe to the thought she was about to share, and the world was all the poorer for it.

Smiling, she nodded her head to Faith. Intentions were nothing without action, and Elisabeth would ensure she acted this time. "Time is made for the important things. This is important. I would be honored to volunteer my time in whatever capacity would be helpful to you. I lead a settlement here in Scalvoris, but I can offer a ten-trial block per season."

They moved on to the matter at hand – the necklace. Elisabeth handed over a file to Faith, explaining it as she did. "This is the research that the University did on the necklace. I've also made a copy for myself, if you'd like to go over it? And…"

A hand snaked into her bag and withdrew a piece of velvet material, which Elisabeth spread out on the table between them. Reaching for her neckline, she gently grasped the chain beneath, slipped the necklace off, and gently laid it on the velvet.

"Here it is." The gold chain and locket sat there, looking for all the world like nothing more than what it seemed, but Elisabeth knew better. The inscription was something none had been able to translate thus far, but due to the efforts of the University, they had a lead on what it was.

She handed another file to Faith – Elisabeth's own notes, which were fewer, containing only the information Balthazar and she had been able to uncover before the University's involvement. Due to the lack of volume, those were easier to convey verbally, but she had written out notes for Faith, so she wouldn't have to.

Her attention, however, was momentarily drawn to Faith's fingernails – black. Just like Balthazar's. Did she have the iron-clad memory too? No matter. Elisabeth had prepared for Faith like she would have prepared for anyone else. If the notes were redundant or not needed, so be it, but she wouldn't be caught unprepared.

"I was left outside the gates of Viden in Vhalar of 697. The physicians estimated I was one arc old at the time. All I had were some clothes and this necklace around my neck." Elisabeth had always thought there was more to her discovery than she knew, considering the dangerous weather conditions in Viden. It didn't make sense to leave a child like that or how a child could endure more than a few bits in that cold without any physical damage. Regardless, she didn't know anything beyond that.

"I've worn the necklace my entire life, and until Rharne, nothing came of my gentle inquiries on the language of the inscription. Then, I met Balthazar, who offered to help me try to find some clues."

For all the restraint she had shown during the early part of their conversation, Elisabeth knew she had to be thorough regarding the information conveyed to Faith. It occurred to her to explain why her attitude towards the necklace changed in Rharne. Elisabeth had gone from simply accepting the necklace as an heirloom and looking no further to realizing the greater responsibility she had to know what it was and try to figure out why she had it. The more she considered it, the less appealing the idea was. Faith didn't need to know her motivations; if she wanted to know, she would undoubtedly ask.

Elisabeth was well-aware she was headed into a tricky area. Immortals, marks, magic. However, any discomfort or hesitation with the subject matter needed to be secondary – It was vital for Faith to know.

Opening her own set of notes and writing utensil in hand just in case she needed to jot something down, she began explaining the encounters with the necklace. While she likely wouldn't need the notes, it was good to have them there, just in case.

"Balthazar used Attunement on the necklace, looking for, as I understand it, 'notes.' That was the first time the necklace reacted to anything. Immediately, it floated up and knocked him back. He told me that in the trills he had a connection, only a few notes were clear to him. The necklace and locket are ancient and have been handled by many people throughout their existence. He also said that three repeated frequencies suggested three people had carried the necklace multiple times. The three frequencies were incredibly messy and unclear to him as if something was interfering with the frequency. There were also gaps in the sequence of previous handlers and a frequency that was completely unreadable. The last thing he could sense before the connection broke was a single, intense frequency of pure defensive reaction."

Pausing briefly, she waited to see if Faith had any questions regarding that information before she moved on.

Then came Rynmere and the Labyrinth. Having a few more puzzle pieces, Elisabeth now understood a bit more about the necklace's reaction within the Labyrinth, but whether that had any bearing on the matter was still up for debate.

"During Saun of 721, I and others were taken to Rynmere by Raskalarn and tasked with tracking down Aukari cultists in the Labyrinth. Deep inside the maze, we came across these large eggs, for lack of a better term. I know that inside those eggs were insect-like dragonlings, but I didn't know that when I encountered them. I brushed one with my hand, and the necklace pulled towards the clutch, not how it responded previously. I'd describe the reaction as…curious?" Until the University's research, Elisabeth couldn't connect the necklace to dragons in any way, shape, or form - things began to clear up once she knew

"That's all regarding my experiences. I approached the Chancellor regarding the necklace, and he asked that I leave it with the University for a season. What they found is contained within the file I gave you. There was a brief overview of it in my letter as well."

Sitting back, she fell silent, simply waiting to see what questions or comments Faith would present.

[Faith Augustin]

19th Ashan, 722

Elisabeth offered a ten-trial per season and Faith regarded her for a moment and then nodded. "Thank you," she said. "I'm sure that there is lots to do here on Scalvoris and the Order here will be glad of it. Equally," she said, quite sure that was true. "We are starting a project in Rharne, and should you wish to help there, you would also be most welcome." If Elisabeth wanted to know about it, Faith had the information available - she'd brought the flyer for the Innovation Event, which she'd give to Elisabeth if the young woman wished to know.

They moved on to the necklace and Faith nodded appreciatively at the notes. As she took the offered necklace Faith saw Elisabeth's glance at her nails and she interpreted it as interest. "I have been most fortunate," she said quietly. Touching her fingernails, she said, "to be marked as a Champion to three Immortals. Vri, Famula and Moseke." She waggled her fingers. "As you know, these are Vri."

Listening to Elisabeth's explanation of what happened in 721, Faith nodded. "Padraig and I were taken to Quacia," she said softly. "We encountered eggs, and a dragon. Thankfully, it wasn't our first or our view of the race would be quite skewed,"

There was no doubting that this was true to Faith. But, still, they were here for a reason. First, she scanned the notes, quickly and efficiently. Then, she looked at the necklace. "Alright. First things first." Faith was who she was and, as a new recipient of Effigy herself, she had dragon essence in her blood. So, she physically examined the necklace first, looking to see how it responded to her. Then, she put a few drops of her Effigy-infused blood on to the necklace, again gauging reaction if any. She kept a close eye on it, making sure to observe and measure .

Then, with a smile, she said. "Apologies. As a fellow marked of Vri, I'm sure Balthazar has done some of what I'm about to do. But since I see no notes for such, I'd like to see it for myself,"

And, so, first she used her Bellinos-granted ability Vision of DemiseThis ability marks the Death on any person or object, revealing them to the marked. The Bellinos is instantly aware if any object has brought death, is intended to bring death, or has been created to bring death. While weapons are obviously made to slay, this ability allows a Bellinos to instantly recognize poison or a disguised concealed weapon. Magical items designed to kill will also immediately reveal themselves beneath the Bellinos' perceptions. A Bellinos can sense the amount of life any person they look upon has taken, measuring the shadows behind them or the blood dripping from their hands that only they can see. This ability cannot be ignored or nullified. Some Bellinos see this as a curse, forced to look on the active agents of death in the world, while others see it as an advantage to know whom to avoid and what items may promise unexpected peril. to see what, if any death was linked to this object.

Then, when that was done, she turned her attention to the item. "It belonged to others," she said, thoughtfully. Faith's eyes were ice white with speckles of red in them now. "Lets see who.". She smiled at Elisabeth. "This may end up being a little odd. You may see strange, ghostly shapes. You may not, it depends on a number of things." She smiled, and then she used her Famula-granted abilityEntreat With an object of importance to the dead, or at their gravesite, a Zuuda is capable of entreating the soul of the dead to arrive to them to answer questions on their terms. A soul called in such a way has the option to arrive or not. A Zuuda can force the issue, compelling a soul to arrive for interrogation, but this can create a hostile situation depending on the power of the soul summoned. A Soul will arrive from any place it currently is, even if it has already passed on. Unfortunately, the soul is only able to remember its life rather than any truths of what lies beyond death or where Vri leads you. A soul is perfectly cognizant when entreated and ultimately has the choice on which questions it chooses to answer. One can only Entreat during the evening, when the sun has left the sky ~ meaning that Entreat is able to be used at any time of the trial (day) during the ever dark of Cylus and can not be used at all during Saun. An entreated soul is only physical at the Zuuda’s behest and when it is, the body is made of fragile ectoplasm. Any severe exertion on the soul’s part will discorporate the fragile body it holds and end the ability. A soul can stay for up to one break when this ability is gained, three breaks at Exalted, and an entire evening for the Champion if they require it. to ask whoever it was to come and speak.

She thought it highly likely that only she would be able to see them, unless Elisabeth had the ability to see ghosts herself. But, being who she was, Faith thought it best to warn.

!

Message from: Basilisk

So, in order, it reacts to Faith's Effigy and Effigy blood the same way, like it's mildly curious but nothing more than that. Bellinos would show that it's not at all lethal. Entreat would call up some souls, but they would only know about the defensive reaction, not the curiosity about Dragons. None of the repeat handlers are there. However, Faith's Detection and Research skill would give her some hints as to the language on the necklace. First, it's not something she's seen in use anywhere in Idalos proper, not even the Ancient Language. Second, she knows there are languages beyond the Barriers that haven't made through. Third, because of Adalsteinn's book, she knows this is not the language used in Vetrarstig. Finally, when Faith looks at the language, she's reminded of Frosvinndur speaking to her.