Before dawn even beckoned itself to the day. The party had already left the "free" city of Enver. An unconscious man getting carried around apparently not an unfamiliar sight in the city of mercenaries. Not turning back, the party carried their companion to the carriage where Gunnir and the grand duke were waiting. And thus unbothered and most importantly gone quickly.
The sun is high in the sky, covered by clouds. The carriage makes it way through the territory of "The Silver trading company." Only the sound of the rattling carriage persists as in the back lies Sol, the grand duke, and Cristal. The unconscious Sol is forced into quite an uncomfortable position as the small carriage continues onward. It would take another day for him to wake up, his head hurting either from the unsteady carriage ride or the pressure he felt before he lost consciousness. A spiritual presence, one he thought would never be used against him.
"Here drink something." Cristal says as she holds out a flask of water. The flask is eagerly grabbed since the desire to drink had only grown since he investigated the catacomb. Drinking more than half, he returns the flask. "I'm sorry."
"We have enough water. It's fine." Cristal replies before she knocks on the carriage wall thrice. Shortly after the carriage comes to a halt. The two doors are opened by Tika and Gunnir.
"Are we near Provokopjus?" Cristal asks.
"A few hours away." The arcane wizard replies as she quickly summons the map in her hand.
"Is it alright if we go there and rest your lordship? It would be better if the health of all our members are accounted for." The voice of the group asks the grand duke, looking the noble directly in the eyes.
"Very well." The rather simple response is immediately taken for its worth as Tika and Gunnir return to the front of the carriage going toward their new destination.
The carriage trip except for its continuous bumping has been as quiet as when Sol was unconcious. No words are spoken, between the three individuals, and outside they're at least not talking loud enough to be heard. Cristal looks outside whilst the old duke tries to sit in the most optimal position. Some bumps were more hurtful than other, especially felt by the older man. However, none of that compares to Sol's behavior. His normally fervent emerald eyes are cast down, never facing either of the two others traveling with him. The only times he slightly moves is when he moves his fingers. A faint aura accompanies it as he does so.
The party arrives at Provokopjus when the sun has already past its apex but still too soon to speak of its departure. As soon as they arrive, Hellas goes to find a place to stay the night. Speaking with the inhabitants as they all point the party toward a place called "Miesha's Mercy." Explained to be not a tavern but rather a resting place for travelers and those who look for shelter.
Following the directions of these women and children, they soon arrive at the before mentioned place. The party enters the building, the doors already open as they pass below the symbol of a blindfolded sun. Many prayers can immediately be heard as in this spacious entrance hall, women, and children pray. All look above as they speak their prayers. An elder woman is giving out soup before she notices the party and makes her way toward them.
"Greetings, I guess your travelers correct?" The older woman asks as she comes to shake everyone's hand. Offering and retracting her hand as she arrives by Sol, before offering her hand again. "I'm sorry, your aura flustered me." She says as they shake hands as well.
"You would be correct, priestess." Cristal replies putting her hand on her heart as she speaks.
"Ooh, a paladin. Such a pleasant sight."
"I'm not under the church's will, priestess."
"What does it matter? One bestowed by the goddess's blessing is a paladin. Not only the ones following the church's will." The elder priestess responds as she takes Cristal's hand, guiding them inside. "Come, the air grows cold, and the clouds want to weep. Dine with us, so your travel can continue under Asariel's gaze." The party follows the woman as she goes toward the kettle filled with soup. The kettle hangs above a soft fire as the soup has regular bubbles appear in it.
The party dines with the older woman as she hands out soup to them. Whilst the others inside the building continue to pray. Kneeled in front of broken statues, the plaques nearly unreadable.
"What's going on here? Why is a temple in such a shape?" The grand duke, dressed as a less extravagant noble asks. Not touching the gifted soup.
"Deserters of the conflict in Ararazi came. Took all the valuables and most of the food." The older woman replies as she goes to give one of the praying children soup. The child ignores the old woman's offer continuing to mutter toward the roof and the sky past it.
"Where are the soldiers? They should have protected you!" The grand duke yells as he stands up. Walking toward the largest statue, the face has already broken beyond repair. The plaque underneath reads "As... The Su...Oddes.... Beyond those letters, the plaque is completely unreadable.
"They did... And so did the men…. And the women who resisted... And the children who couldn't watch their parents get killed in front of their eyes." Snobs become more audible in the prayers, some hearing the elder priestess's words. Cristal's armor glows slightly as she clenches her fist tightly.
"They came 3 days ago. Men and women who had already abandoned their honor. That day they abandoned the rest of their humanity." The grand duke goes and sits down again, his head in his hands as the old man weeps.
"How? What is the grand duke of Norka doing? Why didn't he send more soldiers?" He asks his head still in his hands, his droplets of tears falling on the temple ground. Not the first of this turbulent week and most likely not the last.
"Thank you for your tears. Unfortunately, the grand duke of Norka is preoccupied. The slave drivers of Sytrich are constantly sending hunters into the duchy's territory. If it continues war will break out." The elder priestess says as she goes to face the main statue. Muttering prayers of her own. "Please, take any room that's free. Empty bedding is such a waste." She says with a smile on her face before she returns to her duties. Healing the masses of a gaping wound.