Blood from Stone [AU]

[Tethras Clan]

That gets a wan, almost sullen smile. "I do want to talk but you're not the only one that wouldn't mind hitting something very hard right now. Spar first, then we can talk about..." She rubs her face tiredly. "Outcomes."

[Carver Amell]

Carver nods, grabbing a stick and setting into a fighting stance. 

Over the next half hour or so, they both seek -- and find -- the release of combat, the adrenaline and the inability to dwell. Carver, true to form, is off his game; his anger pushes him to take more risks, be more impulsive, aiming toward wild swings and brash attacks. That just means he gets his butt whooped all the harder until he manages to calm down enough to start using strategy. Not that he minds. The pain is a wonderful distraction from his brain. 

Finally, when they stop by mutual unspoken agreement, he pads toward the house. "Lemonade," he pants, and it's mostly an offer.

[Tethras Clan]

Already tired from the raid, Aveline had fared less well than she might have on another day. If Carver had fought from the first as well as he did by the finish... "Lemonade sounds perfect right now." Wincing as she stows her shield away on her back, she moves to walk next to him. "You're getting damn good, you know."

Beka and Hunter lope over to them from where they had been rough housing in a less serious echo of their persons' duel Beka, perhaps too exposed to Sell, bumps herself against Aveline's leg in greeting, which causes the paladin to edge close enough to Carver that their arms brush as they walk.

[Carver Amell]

"Not as good as you," he pants, swallowing as she brushes his arm. Gods. Jass and I need to get on that whole fucking thing, pronto. It's been too long.

[Tethras Clan]

The kitchen is thankfully empty when they enter, allowing them to pour themselves drinks- and fill some dishes for the mabari- without interruption. Taking a seat at the table, Aveline shifts her armour into a light tunic and leggings. Still weighs and impedes her movements just the same, but far more comfortable while sitting down. Which is a concession she would normally never take around other people but Carver is among the privileged few she allows see her acting unprofessionally. "Go ahead and ask. At this point, the seal is thoroughly fucked."

[Carver Amell]

"Is he dead?" he asks, his tone low. 

[Tethras Clan]

"...the brewer is dead. His... diabolic patron..." Aveline sighs. "It's a Phistophilus, a contract devil. That's it really, all we were able to figure out." Even then, it's not completely certain. True, no other sceleratis type has the ability to create a geas or contract so binding to as to prevent their debtor's remains or writing to reveal their names, but it could be an Archdevil. This would be a shamefully small plot for one such as that though so... "Helene is still at the temple, working with some other Seekers to try and find out more. Doubt they'll be back tonight. Possibly not tomorrow either."

[Carver Amell]

"Is it here in Nyra?" he asks, struggling to speak past clenched teeth.

[Tethras Clan]

"Unlikely," Aveline says quietly, reaching across the table to rest her hand on his forearm. "The Lord Hand has ordered that all sceleratis be located in the city by nightfall. Any contract devils will be questioned." Her lips curve in a mix of sneer and snarl at the idea of allowing any of the sceleratis to remain unbanished or destroyed if possible. But then again, she is a Silver Paladin.

[Carver Amell]

"Any chance Helene will give us the list tomorrow?" he asks, before taking a deep breath, letting it out, shaking his head. "Sorry."

[Tethras Clan]

"No. Sorry Carver. I might get tapped for the follow up if it's tomorrow, after I can get some rest. But even that's unlikely. The Lord Hand has summoned a full score of paladins and clerics from Vangal, Junon, Alydra and Teris to act as the response team. Our part in the hunt is done." As she speaks, she watches him warily, worried about his reaction to being told he can't help anymore.

[Carver Amell]

"At least they'll die," he spits, then takes a deep breath, calming himself. He drinks some of his lemonade, lowers the glass.

"You went to Golden Shores," he says quietly, staring into the glass. "Just after we arrived. What was it like?"

[Tethras Clan]

Aveline sucks in her breath, eyes dancing away from his before she forces them back. "...ash. The first thing, the... thing that still sticks in my head is the scent of ash on everything. I've helped clean up fires before, one almost as big as... But this wasn't... natural fire. It was wrong. And the land itself felt ashamed for being touched by it."

[Carver Amell]

"Ashamed," he whispers, closing his eyes. "It smelt like smoke sometimes. Ash and ceder smoke, a little green -- not unless it was the dead of winter did anyone burn old logs, not when the trees were right close. But usually it smelt more like green things, broad flat leaves, and people, and dogs. And sheep, if you went out to the paddocks. Corn, growing in the summertime. It was never ashamed, not until we fucked it all up."

[Tethras Clan]

"Not you. Not your family. Someone in the village, yes, but don't take on that blame. It isn't yours." Without noticing, she begins to rub his hand with her thumb, eyes heavy with worry and sympathy. "And- and it's getting better. Have you... have you heard? Do you... keep up on news from there?"