The Amell Legacy: Transgressions

[Vigilant]

"A run sounds pleasant," he agrees. "Sparring can be a challenge thanks to our relative size differences."

[Aveline Vallen]

Vallen considers that for a moment, then shrugs. "Perhaps later then- I think practice in fighting mortals for you and smaller than average targets for me might be of use. But a run for now." She takes one last deep breath, then turns to face Vigile. "Thank you, Bright's His-paws-are-silent-but-his-growl-is-fierce-in-defense-of-the-righteous. I fear I would have done those two even more harm were it not for your aid," she says, that last coming out rather bleakly.

[Vigilant]

"I am certain you would have found a way to prevail. But... perhaps there is a reason I was in a position to accompany them after all." Vig's tail twitches a bit as he considers the possibility. "In truth, I have struggled at times to understand the Vigilant Protector's plan in putting me here."

[Aveline Vallen]

Aveline's eyes close as a well-worn but still achingly painful memory hits her. Pale grey arrow fletching, flecked with crimson. Cheers all around her, a single missing voice sending it all into disharmony. Sucking in a breath, Vallen squares her stance as if bracing for a blow. "It's not for us to wonder, I think. We do our duty and are grateful for having something to fill the void," she says distantly. "I'll... I'll go get my shield. Please, finish your tea. Have another if you like." How long does she need to get her shield..?

[Vigilant]

"Perhaps it is a difference between mortals and those like myself, but... I cannot help but wonder. Cannot help but strive to ensure I am where I am meant to be. Sometimes it becomes easy to assume that the place I am must be the correct one -- but at times, that can be the siren call of despair rather than the call of The Vigilant Protector."

[Aveline Vallen]

Vallen's shoulders tense and she grunts- though it would be understandable if Vigile is hard pressed to determine if it was in agreement, acknowledgement... or pain. Regardless, she quickly enters what must be the bedroom of the tiny cottage and closes the door behind her.

[Vigilant]

Vig settles back on the futon, tail curling around himself. Vigilant Protector, HE-THAT-IS-VANGAL, please guide my steps. Please let me help someone.

[Helene Dakesh]

When Lightsong follows Helene back upstairs to nir room, which ne shares with Varric, she is surprised at the changes the little samsaran has been able to make in the short time before breakfast.

Ne has pushed aside the bed, tucking it into the corner, and rolled up the rug, laying it atop the bed. The now bare floor is covered in chalk marks, with candles set at the appropriate places: the ritual trappings, to help increase the odds of success, even though ne is casting it the old-fashioned way. In the center of the casting array is a pool of water -- Bastion's element -- into which ne gently places Lightsong's holy symbol as a divine focus.

Helene indicates for Lightsong to sit on a pillow opposite from where Helene will be sitting, and for Varric to stand back and watch. Then ne takes nir place, closes nir eyes, and begins to cast.

The plan is to contact Bastion first, then follow up by asking Astea a similar list of questions, to ensure both deities agree that Lightsong can serve both. In truth, the latter is less necessary, but Helene insists it is no trouble. No trouble at all. Ne stuffs aside nerves, focusing on the cool, clear water before nem, the holy symbol, the paladin -- no, aasimar -- before nem. And, a moment later, as simple and easy as breathing, Helene feels the connection with Bastion settle into place.

"Greetings, Ray of Hope, He that is Bastion. This one contacts you not on this one's behalf, but on behalf of Imnííograiseachhghuaillíochhrairdeas, one that serves you. The questioner would like to know if she offend or break her vows if she continues to serve and worship Astea after her bargain is complete."

[NPCs]

The mind Helene feels nemself connecting to is not HE-THAT-IS-BASTION Himself, of course. Trying to do with with nir own patron deity, one of the Heptad, was risky and presumptuous enough. Doing so with a second Heptad so soon would be... well. Still, Helene had, in the hopes of not only getting truer answers but also perhaps to impress nir... friends, had reached high anyway. A wave of power, of an otherwordly and utterly alien intellect brushes against nir own, one that eclipses Helene's mind not by dint of raw 'intelligence' but because of the shear weight and absoluteness. For just a moment, the samsaran feels nir mind tremble, their will falter at the touch, then the outsider's reach gentles and all Helene can feel for just a second is a degree of forgiveness and acceptance for mortal flaws. 


There's a pause at nir question as the mind seems to consider things. Then... <<Potentially(unexpected outcome)>>

[Helene Dakesh]

"It is possible," translates Helene, ignoring the trembling. "Many unexpected outcomes may occur along this path. Please inform this one if any changes to the next question shall be made."

[Haliel Lightsong]

Haliel pales slightly, trying to figure out how to proceed. She starts a little at the touch at her shoulder, and turns her head to... "Is the practice itself a sin or offence to He-That-Is-Bastion?" she reads from the notebook Varric is holding out.

[NPCs]

A very faint hint of regret, almost chagrin. <<acceptable(agreeable)>>

[Helene Dakesh]

"It is acceptable. There is some small sorrow, but it is not itself sinful," reports Helene. "The next question: the querant wishes to know if she can swear vows to Astea without breaking her vows to Bastion?"

[NPCs]

As Lightsong tries to figure out how to hug a pavitra through a magical spell ritual when she can't even hug the ritual caster, Helene gets a response. <<Possible(careful/balance)>>

[Helene Dakesh]

"Again, it is possible. One must be careful to strike a balance, but it is possible. The next question: does the querant's life have value and meaning beyond service to others?"

This question, even Helene recognizes is sad -- incredibly sad. But it is not nir place to question the questions, only to act as a conduit, connecting Lightsong to the one power whose reassurance she would prize above all others.