CH. 04 - Written in Blood

[Daos]

The following day, the party meets up in the Palace of Exile to receive their new orders from Arayat.  Upon arriving, however, they find Arayat is not alone.  Another human man is with him.

He's an older man with dark skin and eyes, but grey hair and beard.  With the exception of Seeboe, the group recognizes him.  He was one of the Speakers of the Ancestors who presided over Sangsorn's trial.

"Ah, here they are now," Arayat says as the group enters.  "This is the group I told you about.  They're inexperienced, but have proven themselves quite capable so far."  He looks to the party.  "Allow me to introduce Speaker Ellis Greyshore of Godsbreath."

"Good to meet you, good to meet you," Ellis says with a warm smile and a deep, baritone voice.  "Got a little job for you all.  Today begins the Awakening Festival over on Godsbreath.  Little religious ceremony we have there every year.  You know, singing, music, good food, good folk, the whole nine yards.  It's customary for the Citadel to send some Shieldbearers to help keep an eye on things.  Sometimes folk get a bit too rowdy, but I'm sure a bunch of drunken farmers won't prove too much for you lot.  Just keep an eye out for trouble.  And have a bit of fun while you're at it.  It is a festival, after all."

Arayat nods.  "The mission is simple.  Take the Jasper Concord Gem to Godsbreath and head to the settlement of Promise.  Just keep an eye out for any trouble, help anyone who asks, and remember, you're representing not only the Shieldbearers but the Radiant Citadel.  So try and make a good impression.  You are to depart at once.  Any questions?"

[sarcastiksh0rtee37]

"During our travels to Siabsungkoh, we had complications. We would have preferred to contact the home office for advice but had no means to do so. Do you have anything that could help with that?"

[Daos]

Arayat shakes his head.  "Communicating through planes of existence is no easy task.  It requires very powerful magic.  But I wouldn't worry.  You've all proven yourself before.  You don't need me holding your hand every step of the way.  Use your own judgment, and I'm sure you'll be fine."

[HorizonsDream]

"It seems simple enough," Ha Yun says. "And I'm looking forward to hearing what kind of music they have."

[Daos]

With that decided, the party heads to the Passage of Respite and boards the jasper Concord Jewel.  Like previously, it lifts into the air and planeshifts.  The green swirls of the Ethereal Plane are replaced by a bright sun and clear skies.  The Jewel lands about a mile outside of Promise, a large settlement on this world.  They find themselves in a zone of fertile crimson soil that cuts a wide swath through the grey-brown plains right down to the coastline.

As they are disembarking, they spot a familiar face among the crowd.  The young woman who waits tables at the Elemental Plate.

[sarcastiksh0rtee37]

Habitually, Vulpi will check for dangers while disembarking:
perception - okI4vkWP1d20+21d20+2

[Bishgada]

Chispa stands by Ha-Yun and gives a small nod of recognition to the waitress, remembering the interesting and creative dishes they had.

[HorizonsDream]

Ha Yun looks to the waitress. "I remember you. Are you visiting here?" She asks the waitress.

[Daos]

Vulpi can see no sign of any danger on the road to Promise.  Looks like clear skies ahead.

"Oh, hey, y'all," the waitress says upon seeing the party.  "Y'all here for the Awakening Festival?  I never miss it."

[Igordragonian]

Zencho has decided to let go and not to be pressured about the glory his family has demanded.
"Well, to have fun and celebrate is the ONE thing I am good at!"

* * *

"Well, now that I see you are here, I know I shouldnt miss it!" Zencho try to flirt.
"But I understand that you exprience around here, so maybe you could guide us and give us some.. umm tips. Yeah."

[Bishgada]

Chispa looks around. The color of the soil, the plains and the coast. She tries to imagine bird view of the landscape and then considers it as an artifact in the forge of Quetzalcoatl. She then returns to listen to the conversation.

[Daos]

"Well, sure, sugah," the waitress says.  "What do y'all know about the Awakening Festival already?  I'll try and fill in any gaps."

[Igordragonian]

Zencho lean in 
"Well, just this is a fun place to be at- our job to keep it fun AND safe. So you know." he try to brag.
"Just being heroes of society, so to hear and see you talk would be.. umm.. great." 

[Daos]

The waitress tilts her head, trying to decipher what Zencho is talking about.  "Ookay, so y'all don't know anything about it all, I take it?  I guess the quick and easy explanation is that the Awakening Festival is a way to remember our past.  Everyone sings parts of the Awakening Song, which tells the stories of the gods and how Godsbreath was founded and catalogues the families and their histories, as well."

[Igordragonian]

"That sound intresting. But what part as foriegners can we take in the celebrations then?" Zencho ask