Hydran Warrior Bonfire

From FiranMUX

Piarres comes into the Warrior's Lodge -- Main Chamber from another area.

Firistan has arrived.

Firistan comes into the Warrior's Lodge -- Main Chamber from another area.

Gondarus bows toward Rodiste upon entering, and sits under the flickering torches.

Dryphus looks a touch surprised by Rodiste's words but nods and doesn't do anything further. He looks to the door as more people arrive. Nodding to those who are also common, he bows as soon as Firistan enters. Otherwise he remains quiet, standing off to one side as he watches the people.

Rinzik comes into the Warrior's Lodge -- Main Chamber from another area. Rinzik has arrived.

Piarres treads in with his, verily, slow tread, and he treads slightly wincingly at that. But it is but slight. He is here, he is in his robes, and his hands are clasped together almost casually. If his bows to the nobility present are less casual.

Firistan makes his way into the lodge, wearing the robes of a Warrior. His guards are similarly dressed seeing as how they're all Warriors as well. Pausing briefly to look about the room, the proxy proceeds into the lodge slowly, nodding here and there to those present.

Rodiste is standing, dressed in the long and flowing navy robes of the warrior, near the fireplace in the large warrior chamber. His robes, however, are lined with a bright cyan thread that denotes he hasn't attained the status of a full warrior yet.

Adeem comes into the Warrior's Lodge -- Main Chamber from another area.

Adeem has arrived.

Ameer has arrived.

Ameer comes into the Warrior's Lodge -- Main Chamber from another area.

Rinzik fiddles with the sleeves of his robe, his hood down against his shoulders. He stands quietly to the side and folds his hands at his back.

Adeem puts on his Navy Blue Warrior Hooded Linen Robe with Cyan Lining.

Dryphus smiles to Ameer and Rinzik as he sees the two enter. The man stays where he is, off to the far side as he mulls some things over. Clearly a little lost in his own thoughts.

Adeem hastily puts on his own warrior-to-be attire and sighting Dryphus, makes his way over to his relation, taking note of who else is in the lodge.

Dryphus bows to Adeem as the man approaches and canting his head to one side, he listens to his softly spoken question. Nodding, he answers in kind before leaning back a touch. "How have you been my lord?" *Firan*

Ameer enters the lodge wearing the customary attire for such an evening. Somber, strong, and Hydran. The man holds his head proudly, though not prideful manor. Another year older, and not a hint of weakness to the elderly man. A polite bow is given to the nobility as he enters, and Dryphus receives a nod of acknowledgment as well. Adeem though, receives a slight wink from the elderly man .. though he tries not to make it obvious. As more and more people enter, Lord Rodiste steps foward and nods to a young warrior-to-be who blows on a curved horn in a low and guttural tone. The room begins to grow quiet.

Adeem makes an extreme effort to hush his loud raspy voice as he speaks with Dryphus. He glances around though as Dryphus speaks aloud. "I have been excellent, though I cannot say the same for that poor yellow house. Grandfather is here." he says with a smile and hushes up as Rodiste calls the meeting to some order. *Firan*

Firistan was never really anything but quiet. As the horn is blown, he moves to a hard and straight-backed chair, where he takes a seat. His guards meld into the crowd, here to take part in the meeting rather than simply guard their charge.

The Warrior Lodge is dark as always; a couple of wall sconces lit with small candles that barely cast enough light across the entire chamber. The spartan room is slowly beginning to fill up and standing near the fireplace is Lord Rodiste N'Gato, dressed in the robes of a warrior-to-be. A picture, of Lord Regent Rodellos N'Gato, is setup next to Rodiste on an easel and faces those congregated. The noble soldier, looking a little under the weather, nods towards the young boy after the horn is blown and turns towards all of those gathered and then says, "Warriors, those in training and the son's who will follow in our footsteps; welcome to tonight's meet of "The Lodge" which will include a much needed Warrior Bonfire.. Please be seated. Tonight, we convene to discuss the death of Lord Rodellos N'Gato, honoring his memory through due diligence and duty. We have some organizational matters to discuss and then we will leave "the lodge" and do the ceremonial lighting of the bonfire and punish one of our own who failed to follow the chain of command on a most recent mission."

Dryphus smiles and nods to Adeem's words before letting a hand trail over his robe for a moment. He quiets immediately, and follows Firistan's lead by taking a seat in a nearby, stoicly straightbacked chair. His hazel eyes regard Rodiste then as he waits to see how things will progress.

When Rodiste gives directions to sit, Rinzik waits a moment to see how other people go about the business of /sitting/ before following their example. He studies the painting on the easel with his usual solemn reserve.

Adeem follows the others' examples as well, clearly inexperienced in Warrior Lodge meetings.

As the lodge gets seated, the couple of candles near the painting of Rodellos cast Lord Rodiste's tan facial features in an eerie yellowish glow. The room is hot! And tendrils of a musty pine incense trickles out of urns that are hanging from the hour corners of the room. It smells like sweat, fire and pine inside. Rodiste has a serious expression across his face as he motions towards the painting, "Tonight meeting is bittersweet. We honor the passing of one of our own, a man that carried our clan through a tumultous time when His Honor Belik was no longer alive; but when His Honor Amenik was still to young to assume clan of his birthright. Through this loss, a new path has come to fruition out of neccessity...." and a dark scowl comes over Rodiste's face as he thinks long about the passing of his father and then after another moment or two he calls out in a loud and booming voice, "But first, Brother Piarres; will you lead the lodge in the opening prayer so that we can get started. We have much forgiveness to ask of The One True, judging by the hole in the True Temple." and with that the noble soldier steps aside to allow Piarres the floor to begin the praying.

Piarres lifts his head and also unclasps his hands as he does so, to better raise them and place them together in a prayerful point. "Zutiv, might thou guide us tonight as we meet together as warrior, as we meet together in the light of the terrible sign which you have shown us. We pray that we may know what penance we need undergo to be again in thy favor, that we may be strong in thy sight. We pray for the soul of Lord Rodellos, and that we may honor him, verily, with this meeting." *Firan*

Piarres closes his eyes mo mentarily as if in prayer.

Dryphus closes his eyes momentarily as if in prayer.

Firistan closes his eyes momentarily as if in prayer.

Ameer closes his eyes momentarily as if in prayer.

Adeem closes his eyes momentarily as if in prayer.

Rinzik closes his eyes just as piously as anyone else when Piarres begins the prayer -- really!

Gondarus closes his eyes momentarily as if in prayer.

Rodiste holds his head down in prayer, eyes closed for about a minute. After some time, he raises his head back up and opens his eyes.

Once the prayer is finished, Rodiste nods solemnly towards Piarres and with a slight limp, walks back in front of the unlit fireplace and clasps his hands behind his back. "Thank you, Brother Piarres." and a perfunctory nod towards the man before he then turns his dark blue eyes out towards those congregated and says, "As I said before, the death of Lord Rodellos N'Gato, which happened in my arms while I was in the evil Caldera City, City of Giants; could possibly have been prevented. We had the most accomplished Warrior Healer in the clan with us, and admitedly, his skills were not nearly as honed as they are Adeem frowns at something.

Ameer ever so lightly cocks his left brow, which returns to its normal stoic position almost immediately. His attention now goes from Rodiste, towards Dryphus.

Rodiste steps off, out of the dim candlelight, as Dryphus takes the stage.

Rinzik straightens slightly when it is Dryphus' turn, sitting up in his seat.

Dryphus walks slowly to the assumed front of the group, his hands clasped lightly behind his back as he moves to the front to speak. He looks out over the group for a brief moment before addressing them. "As most of you are likely aware, there are very few warriors who are also able to heal. So, I took it upon myself to fill that hole in the group that went to Caldera city. What basics I had learned, coupled with rather a lot of luck, enabled me to keep Lord Rodellos from dying immediately. The lord, in his pain, threw me and knocked me out, and being the only healer amongst the group, there was nobody else who could even attempt to save the lord's life." His hazel eyes drift to Rodiste and then to the picture of Rodellos. "I spent a lot of time thinking about what that meant for our clan, that a great man like Lord Rodellos would fall because the only healer had been incapacitated." His gaze sweeps over the assembled men. "It's an area that we are lacking, warriors who are able to fight and also tend to the wounded on the battlefield. As such, with Lord Rodiste's counsel, I've established a new warrior path and taken on my first cadet. Mer Rinzik, will be training under me to create the foundation of the path of warrior healers." He says formally before looking to Rodiste to see if he would like him to say anything else. *Firan*

Adeem raises an eyebrow of his own as he turns his head to regard Rinzik. He opens his mouth, but then closes it and continues to sit still and silent.

Rodiste calls out, from the darkness, "What will the training be like? This will not be a path for the weak...." and he clears his throat, "A warrior is a warrior is a warrior... but we will not be making boys into weak womenly medics. Tell the lodge how our warrior healers will be different." *Firan*

Rinzik leans forward as Dryphus gives his account, hands gripping his knees through the robe. He nods slightly at mention of his name, as if affirming something to himself. He glances over at the weight of Adeem's gaze, eyes dipping in a brief, lesser nod as he waits for an answer to Rodiste.

Firistan doesn't react at the words being spoken. He simply sits there impassively, though he seems to show some interest in Rodiste's questions, his attention focusing in on Dryphus, eyes narrowing slightly.

Dryphus nods and addresses Rodiste's point. "We will all be fully trained with the blade and the bow, in addition to the knowledge of mending wounds." His hand strays to the long bow slung across his shoulder even as he says it. "If anything, the warriors that follow this path will be the most versatile. Able to deal with a threat up close, at a distance and the threat of wounds inflincted upon our fellow warriors." He pauses for a moment and looks at them all again. "I would be fighting side by side with Lord Rodiste or any of you, and the only difference is, that if one of you were knocked unconcious from a blow to the head or bleeding out from a goat's sword wound. Mer Rinzik, myself or any of the other members of this path would be able to keep you from dying. A dead warrior doesn't help the clan." He says in simple conclusion. *Firan*

"I see merit in this plan." Firistan murmurs, shifting his weight slightly in his chair, gathering his robes about him as he stands to speak. "A Warrior's utimate goal, ultimate blessing is to sacrifice himself for the clan. To die in battle against one's foe is the greatest honor one can attain. Honor to oneself, the family, the clan." he pauses here, briefly, "However, there is always time to die. There will always be war, always be death and violence. To hope for peace against our enemies is folly. We need Warriors to forever fight. A healer works with the grace of the Almighty and should God wish to take a Warrior to His merciful breast, then the healer will fail. For those whose time is not up, a Warrior Healer will be essential."

The lodge is silent for the most part after Dryphus finishes. The heat is thick and the smell of sweat and incense permeates through the room. Lord Rodiste walks, slowly, back into the light and then says, "Thank you, Mer Mageeran." and the eldest child of Rodellos and Yolette N'Gato turns again to face those congregated, "Once you are a Warrior. You are a Warrior for life. But, there are several pathes to follow...." and Rodiste motions towards his brother, "The first path of a True Warrior is best embodied by Lord Proxy N'Gato, Sir Elachi Kenirugrik, Commander Kasikonus Jessamyn. A powerful man skilled in a variety of weapons; their opponents pray in battle not to go face to face with them." and the noble soldiers eyes flicker across the lodge. "The second path is the best embodiment of the stealthiest of our warriors. These are the men that provide the information for everyone else ont he battlefield. A Warrior of the second path is able to live on the land, provide reconniesance on the enemy and help conduct raids in and our of enemy territory. Myself, and the well known warrior-to-be, Lord Adan N'Gato, are members of this path." and then Rodiste motions with each hand towards both Rinzik and Dryphus, "And now with the Third Path of the Warrior, we have a full portfolio of disciplines for any man in this clan to fit into. While no one /has/ to choose a path; it is a way to give back to the clan that has raised you and thus teach our younger generations skills that will be /critical/ to our survival." There is a slow and drawn breath of air as Rodiste then says, "Alright, now, back to the reason we are here. Lord Rodellos N'Gato. While I will speak last on his death and some of the circumstances surrounding it, I would first like to speak on his life. Captain Ameer Mageeran, would you please step forward to address the lodge and share you experience with my father." and with that Rodiste turns on a hell, his dark blue and cyan robes billowing out behind him as he again disappears into the darkness.

Rinzik squirms in his seat as he tries to sit mostly still and mostly silent, a slight rattle sounding from his quivers and bow. Well started on his particular path! He forces himself still again when Rodiste gestures for Ameer.

Dryphus bows slightly to Firistan as he speaks in support of the plan and then again to Rodiste before moving to retake his seat. His attention is fully focused on Ameer, as he is called forward and without much more outward recognition of the words he spoke, he folds his hands in his lap and waits.

Asik comes into the Warrior's Lodge -- Main Chamber from another area. Asik has arrived.

The room is dark and smells like pine incense and fire. All of the navy robed warriors are seated. An easel with a drawing of Lord Regent Rodellos N'Gato is next to the fireplace. Lord Rodiste sits off to the side in the darkness; Ameer Mageeran has just been called to speak to those congregated. This part of the evening does interest Firistan greatly and, in an uncharacteristic display of emotion and curiosity, he clearly leans forward to hear what Ameer has to say. His eyes bore down on the man and he's paying full attention to the words that Ameer speaks when he does. Asik steps into the lodge, clearly unhappy that he's not in dark navy. He pauses by the door, allowing his eyes to adjust to the torchlight inside, and finds a seat somewhere as unobtrusively as possible.

Ameer stands swiftly, showing no sign of his aging body. With stiff military type movements, he nods his head respectfully to Rodiste as he walks towards the front to speak. A moment of silence follows while he looks out into the eyes of the many warriors, and those who will soon become one. " Lord Rodellos was a man of honor. I knew him for many years. We spoke many nights of his concerns for this GREAT clan. He cared deeply for the people, and wanted what he felt was best. On one of these occasions he informed me that I should run as delegate, and represent my fellow man. I was a little hesitant at first, as I was little more than a farmer at the time. My family had lost everything, including many plots of land to a Shamibelian raid." (20 plots or so, actual number forgotten) "He was a true visionary, and found a way to bring out the best in those who knew him. In me, he realized the potential for politics, and urged me in that direction. Through his guidance and influence, I found myself becoming interested in the law, and soon became a Judge for the republic. Lord Rodellos was a man of action, a man of honor, and a man to trust. He was a Warrior." Ameer finishes his piece, looks out to the crowd for a moment, and then heads back towards his seat. *Firan*

Lord Rodiste nods slowly, seeming pleased as the words and he stands up once again, walking back into the light, "Thank you, True Warrior." calls out the noble soldier as he turns once again towards the lodge. "I address the lodge; is there a man among us that would like to step up and share a brief anecdote about my Lord Father before I share the story of his death and we move as one outside to the ceremonially lighting of the fire?"

Dryphus didn't know him in life, so he remains silent and listening attentively.

Adeem remains silent.

Asik fidgits a little in his seat. He, too, didn't know Rodellos enough to say anything, so he just glanced around the lodge at everyone else.

And after a couple of more seconds, Rodiste nods and begins, "Very well then. While a full account of the mission can be found in our archive, a few words should be spoken here about the circumstances surrounding his death. I will keep it short." and Rodiste narrows his dark eyes and glances across the large and spartan chamber, "Lord Rodellos was kidnapped about 6 years ago. Well armed thugs took the guards at House N'Gato by suprised and managed to kidnap both my mother and father. It would be years until concrete evidence would surface and in the end, Lord High General Katarus N'Gato, my great uncle, led a force of warrior's to the Caldera City in an attempt to track him down and rescue him." There is a long pause from the lithe figured noble, "We failed. While we were gone for over a month, much of it was spent tracking down dead-end leads.... it was not until the last week that things began to heat up." and a deep breath of air through the mouth and then exhaled through the nose before Rodiste says, "We tracked my father down to the library. He had been brainwashed. Forgotten his clan, his family, his status in life. But, he wore his wedding necklace still and was in possession of a variety of things that were indeed, his. Solle he called him, which is the last five letters of Rodellos, backwards. At anyrate, we brought him back to the Inn we were using as a makeshift base of operations and he began to grow sick. he began to remember parts of his old life, we think. For instance, he recognized my name. Rodiste. And he seemed to remember my mother, Lady Yolette. But, the more we talked ... the sicker he got and suddenly he went into.... umm. The word Sentry Dryphus used was...." and Rodiste begins to snap, "Uh.. oh yeah; shock. He was going into shock. Some sort of poison. Sentry Dryphus was able to save his life through the first round of convulsions; but was inadvertantly biten and kicked in the process and inadvertantly was knocked out. The second time Lord Father Rodellos went into shock; we couldn't save him." and Rodiste holds his head down in respect, "He died in my arms. A moment later, Mayor Iberik arrested us for his murder and while we were in jail, sentanced us to death."

Piarres has left. Piarres has arrived.

Adeem follows this narration with keen interest, scooting forward in his chair, glancing from Rodiste to Dryphus and then back to Rodiste and then Firistan. He closes his eyes as Rodiste continues, nodding his head thoughtfully.

Dryphus bows his head to stare at the floor, he was there for all of this and as such he doesn't really outwardly react to most of Rodiste's words. Although, the man's shoulders do tense minutely at the mention of his own incapacitation and Lord Rodellos subsequent death.

Ameer hears the events, and thumps his chest hard with a fisted hand. A great sign of respect to a fallen Warrior.

Piarres furrows his great brow in his fashion when troubled. He settles himself the more solidly where he sits, and clasps and unclasps his hands.

Asik's brow is furrowed as he listens to Rodiste's words. He leans forward, catching every bit of this he could.

The glow of Zutiv's light starts to warm the dark skies.

And Rodiste's voice grows bolder; louder as he calls out to those gathered, "But we were /NOT/ guilty... in fact, we were setup and a pious Commander of the Caldera Guard, who had been a Hydran long ago, saw the truth in that city of lies. He allowed us to break out of the jail, without shedding a drop of blood and while our search and recuse team travelled back through Vahloria, through the Chimera lands, through Nelebam and the Bear lands, through Arinzik and across the river through our historic enemies, the Eagles... we arrived homes to lies and propaganda spread from Mayor Iberik. The Hydra Clan will be exonerated through the truth. The One True God watches over each and every one of us. And though we couldn't see the funeral pyre ourselves, tonight we will honor Lord Rodellos with a Warrior Bonfire." and then Rodiste turns towards the drawing and takes one knee, "To A Fallen Warrior!" he calls out.

A couple of warriors, normally stoic and quiet, call out, "To A Fallen Warrior!"

Firistan doesn't call out. He remains quiet in his seat, his face unreadable. He sat back when Ameer was finished speaking and resumed his stoic exterior. He allows Rodiste to shout and call out while he refrains, simply bowing his head for a moment or two before the ceremony and meeting continues.

Ameer stands, encouraging those around him to do the same as he turns to the front in a boisterous voice, " To a Fallen Warrior!" *Firan*

The sun comes out to greet a new day.

Asik follows Firistan's mode, instead of being all gung-ho, he simply bows his head silently.

After a couple of moments, Rodiste stands back up, "This meeting has ended. Please, grab some roast fowl and tea and gather around the wood pyre outside. We have the lighting of the bonfire and then Lord Proxy N'Gato will issue a punishment. I encourage each of you to go to the True Temple afterwards so that we can fix the hole in the ceiling."

Dryphus lifts his head at the mention of the commander and a smile appears on his face despite the stoic occasion. He stands simply and pounds a fist to his chest but refrains from calling out.

"To a fallen warrior." This hardly classifies as a call-out, as Piarres speaks quite quietly. But so it is. He gingerly pulls himself to his feet.

Asik rises, forsaking the food and drink, and heads outside quietly. He was all about quiet today.

Asik heads toward the Piety Street North.

Asik has left.

Dryphus starts following Ameer.

Rodiste nods towards those gathered and begins to walk, slowly, towards the doors. You head toward the Piety Street North.

Firistan comes into the Piety Street North from another area.

Firistan has arrived.

Firistan enters followed by 10 clan guards.

Piarres comes into the Piety Street North from another area.

Piarres has arrived.

Dryphus has arrived.

Dryphus comes into the Piety Street North from another area.

Adeem shouts, "To a Fallen Warrior!"

Gondarus comes into the Piety Street North from another area.

Gondarus has arrived.

The street has been cordoned off. In the middle of it, a large pyre of wood has been carefully constructed and is surrounded by a substansial amount of sand. There are barrels of water near the Warrior's Lodge and Lord Rodiste walks up towards it. "In honor of Lord Rodellos N'Gato, I use this flint and wood to create the gift of Lord Zutiv, One True God." and with that a couple of hits of the flint and finally a SPARK flies and lands on the kindling. It begins to spread, starting slowly, and eventually the bonfire is roaring more and more. The noble soldier, Rodiste, stares at the flames at at the pyre on the very top. While there is non body there, it is still a somber moment for those that knew Rodellos.

Ameer comes into the Piety Street North from another area.

Ameer has arrived.

Asik's face remains stoic and expressionless, looking quite spooky in the flickering firelight of the bonfire.

Ameer is old, really old. No matter what he tries, he'll always look spooky unless he has a smile ... though what Hydran does that?

Piarres nearly shuts his eyes in an almost wince. Fire too recent, perhaps. Or, perhaps, his eyes have more than half lidded themselves in simple respect.

Dryphus stands near to the bonfire, his hands clasped behind his back as he stares pensively into the flames. At one point, he looks at Rodiste for a few minutes and then back into the flames without a word.

While the others are stoic, Adeem's face reveals his excitement by all of the commotion, the bonfire, the speeches inside, the tale of treachery. His eyes reflect the intensity of the bonfire as he looks passionately into the blaze. His eyelids raise as he looks further and further into the flame. "Praise Zutiv." he rasps out and smoothes down the warrior's robes he has temporarily donned.

Rodiste sighs a little bit and then after some time, turns towards the crowd and says, "In closing, I call upon Lord Proxy Firistan N'Gato to administer punishment for a Warrior-to-Be who failed to follow orders. And then, Brother Piarres will end tonight with a closing prayer." *Firan*

Piarres raises his hand flat-palmed. "Ah, which we will have to have inside, of course." His correction, or, merely, an unnecessary reminder, is given in a subdued voice. *Firan*

Having avoided being singed in the recent fire, Firistan doesn't seem concerned with the blaze in the street. As Rodiste speaks, he pulls a three-tailed whip from his belt and gives it a sound crack to draw attention to himself. "Noble or common, a man follows his superiors in times of military action. Noble or common, a man is expected to obey orders given without question, without thought, and without fuss. To fail in his duty is weakness. Both failure and weakness must be punished." another sharp crack of his whip and turns upon Rodiste to administer the blows.

Firistan removes his a Slash of the Summans Three Tailed Whip.

Firistan wields his a Slash of the Summans Three Tailed Whip.

Dryphus knew this was coming as well and a hand moves lightly to touch at his jaw. After a brief moment he nods, almost to himself, before watching the punishment being carried out.

Rinzik comes into the Piety Street North from another area.

Rinzik has arrived.

Ameer turns his attention once more to Rodiste, and then to Firistan as he watches the events. The man does not divert his attention, nor does he look to be offering his sponsor looks of encouragement. Instead, his is that look Father's sometimes give ... Don't screw this up..

Firistan whips Rodiste's back!

Adeem turns to regard Firistan, flinching briefly as he speaks of nobles and commoners, but then straightening up. A smile comes to his face as he watches Firistan's movements with the three tailed whip. He nods his head approvingly and watches intently as brother punishes brother.

Piarres lowers his hand and lowers his eyes a fraction, if lowering his eyes does not prevent him from seeing very clearly what is happening.

Firistan whips Rodiste's back!

Rodiste is looking terrible.

Rodiste bares his back, it has scars from lashes before, and then Rodiste holds his head down and grinds his teeth at the sentence is carried out. Sweat pours off of his face as the lash is administered and the noble soldier closes his eyes, opening them just in time when a SECOND lash is cracked across his now bleeding back. He holds his head down more and more and fists clench as he attempts not to cry out in pain.

Asik watches the punishment silently, and still stoicly. He doesn't aver his eyes, nor does he make any reaction. What a cold, heartless man.

Firistan doesn't shy from his duty. He doesn't hold back, nor soften the blows of the whip upon Rodiste's back. Nor does he seem like he's enjoying the process. He's neutral. "Three lashes, for each tail of the whip, each a fiery bolt from the heavens." and he lashes out a third and final times, replacing the whip in his belt when he is finished. *Firan*

Firistan whips Rodiste's back!

Rodiste is looking seriously bad.

Firistan unwields his a Slash of the Summans Three Tailed Whip.

Firistan puts on his a Slash of the Summans Three Tailed Whip.

There is a clear lose of power to his knee's as Rodiste falters at the third lash; but he catches himself before falling unconscious and through a pained expression, calls out, "Duty. And Honor." Blood drips down his back and begins to soak through the robes as he stands back up warily. The bonfire behind him is roaring now. He bows to those congregated; denoting the end of the meeting.

Rodiste turns, slowly, back towards the bonfire and just stares at it with a dark scowl across his face. Asik has left. Asik heads west.

The Warrior's Lodge dissipates like the smoke rising up from the smoldering bonfire! Dark navy blue robed men from the clan begin to walk quietly back towards their homes in the midnight air!