(Regional Quest) Will of the Defiler

[Vondra Valencia]

It was a large crowd, the bustling, shouting and roaring told her that much. It reminded her a tavern. The though making her snicker a bit, leave it to one of the few meetings Ravok held to sound like utter chaos. But people were swiftly organized and she heard the silence fall even if she could not completely hear the voice from where they were. She wasn’t sure why they were even there, she had only been dragged along by her mama, insisting this was a sight to end all sights, insisting it was important business. Rather than wait she felt her mother push forward a bit, her hand insistently tugging but her ears only tuned into the only voice now speaking. Politics. Of course. It was always politics with her mama. Who was doing what (or who), where Rhysol was during the storm, whispers of some people and something to do with the sun rising. And as if on cue a voice hissed in her ear rapidly, Vondra’s lips falling open, “You will go on this quest.” She was not given a chance to reply, instead a finely manicured but obviously worn covered her lips so she could hear the rest of the announcement. It was a quest of some sort, something to do with Syliras (she couldn’t even remember where that was supposed to be!). The reward sounded nice but exactly what she could do she wasn’t sure. The cheers that followed soon after left her reeling, she knew her mama had already signed her up. Probably had an inkling of what was going on. Or at least she pretended well enough. “Mama...I'm not doing this. I don't even know what's it for!” “The rewards are worth it.” Her teeth gnashed but again her mouth was covered, “You will do this because it will be good for you. You do this for our God—“ “He is—“ “You will do this because it pleases me.” It was a tone she recognized well. It brooked no argument and told her she would not win this battle of wills or wits. A odd sensation churning in her stomach, she could already feel the icy disappointment if she denied her mama. But she couldn’t actually want her to do this! But the feel of her mama’s hands swiftly grew cold, alerting her to the fact that she was now alone. Vondra could only gape as she heard a voice telling her where to sign her name and thanking her for joining the cause. Had really just joined some ridiculous quest to Sahova? Where in the Gods name was Sahova?!

[Ariadne]

Rumors had been flying in Ravok of the Ebonstryfe's recruitment efforts, and naturally they made there way to the little thief's ears. Despite that the news seemed to be on everyone's lips, no one seemed to know what exactly the mission entailed, just that it involved great rewards. Ariadne enjoyed rewards - especially if they were great - so she couldn't really stifle the curiosity that brought her to the Vitrax. As they were waiting for more details of the mission to come forth she scanned the courtyard, finding some of the faces there to be familiar and others a complete mystery. When Gru'tral (and wasn't it just a shock to see him) emerged and addressed the crowd she listened intently, anxious to know what exactly this was all about. Rhysol wanted a powerful artifact located in Sahova? Where the Nuit resided? Oh, and don't forget about the Syliran Knights are aiming for the same artifact. And they're coming in force. This just had too much potential for death written all over it for Ariadne. The thief turned to leave the Vitrax. She preferred life over rewards. "A sum of five thousand gold mizas, or a single item of your choice from the Ebon Vault." Ariadne stopped in her tracks, physically unable to move. Five thousand gold mizas? That was a lot of coin. More than she had ever imagined before. Or an item from the Ebon Vault? 'Is it worth my life?' Ariadne thought to herself, a slight frown curving her lips down. For a moment she battled with indecision; on one hand rewards beyond comprehension. On the other - assured survival (at least as assured as one gets in Ravok). She gave herself time for frank consideration; recently her faith in Rhysol had wavered following the storm last Spring. Maybe it was time to regain it, and this might be just the thing to do it. Besides, how could she possible turn down the prizes? Decision made.