Blood from Stone [AU]

[Marian Hawke]

"I th-think it's called the Free Outlands now?"

[Vigile]

"Is it? Well done for them- you, I suppose," Bright's His-paws-are-silent-but-his-growl-is-fierce-in-defense-of-the-righteous says with clear delight. "I take it then the Sovereignty has been rebuffed? I'm afraid my... previous hosts, if you allow, were not particularly forthcoming with current events. And prior to that, I was doing scouting and surveillance in limbo. Nasty slaad infestation you see."

[Coquette Blacquin]

"It... collapsed. A little over a millennium ago." The Scale looks puzzled, frowning a bit.

[Vigile]

"Yes?" Bright's His-paws-are-silent-but-his-growl-is-fierce-in-defense-of-the-righteous replies, looking puzzled. "Oh! Yes, mortal time. Going well then, I gather? From the little I saw, the city seems very large and fairly prosperous."

[Coquette Blacquin]

"I... suppose so."

The Scale looks about to say more, but he cheats a glance at Marian. "If you won't live at the hideout, and you don't like the temple, the only place we could bring you is our home. And you'd have to be sworn to secrecy. I will accept your vow, Vangalite, but you must make one. I won't have your loose tongue threaten our safety. Understood?"

[Vigile]

The pavitra studies her for a long moment, purple eyes deep and unblinking. "Very well. But I shall have a vow from you, the both of you, in turn," he says, voice a deeper, throatier tone. "That your work is, if not in Vangal's name or furthering His tenants, is at least not against His ideals."

[Coquette Blacquin]

"...Vangal is a Bright god, correct?"

[Marian Hawke]

Ruby flinches. "Yes. Protection, chivalry, service, valor, and protection. Vangal is the Everlasting Shield, Astea's sworn defender."

[Coquette Blacquin]

"We protect those who cannot protect themselves," says Silver, relieved to have recalled correctly. I can never remember which of them is Valshathe and which one Vangal. 

[Vigile]

The pavitra, who had stared, aghast, at the Scale seems almost rejuvenated at Ruby's explanation. Purring loudly, he drifts over to him and winds around her legs. "A fine summary for a layman," he praises him.

[Coquette Blacquin]

Ruby stiffens, swallowing hard. The Scale puts a hand on his lower back, steadying him. "Please do not startle my apprentice," he says, a little stiffly. "I need to get him home. I swear on Ciren's name that our mission is compatible with Vangal's tenants. We aim to reduce crime and put an end to the slave trade. And your oath?"

[Vigile]

"I-" He pauses. "Do either of you speak Celestial?" At their negative responses, he sighs. "The shared mortal tongue then," he says, tone a little sad. "Very well. I, His-paws-are-silent-but-his-growl-is-fierce-in-defense-of-the-righteous sworn to the service of the Vigilant Protector, HE-THAT-IS-VANGAL, give my oath that I shall not reveal your vigilante activities to any mortal authority save that He Himself doth command it, you break your oath just given or I am released from this vow."

[Coquette Blacquin]

"Acceptable."

[Marian Hawke]

I could think of a half dozen way to get around that, thinks Garrett dully, pressing his face to Cedric's shoulder. 

[Coquette Blacquin]

"Come. I must get you home. You are unwell." Cedric slings an arm around Garrett, helping him up toward the street. "His-paws-are.... Bright's. Do not be alarmed by our pet. She is named Whiskers and she is a fierce mouser, but I believe given time she will accept your presence."