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THE EDGE OF AEPHIX - YZZAYT'S ABYSS - LATE AFTERNOON
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Nesseth walks with the guards that had been tasked with protecting Xochi during the last talk with Dyvrisse. He casts occasional glances over his shoulder at the Saurs that are all no doubt confused, and probably rather pissed off still, after the weird direction the duel went towards the end. He sighs a bit and shakes his head, turning to look back towards the camp as he picks up the pace a little to move up alongside Xochi. He doesn't say anything immediately, but he just watches her in profile, trying to discern her thoughts from expression alone for the moment.
Xochi seems rather downcast, uncertain of herself and the conclusion to these 'negotiations'. She has failed, for certain, but she does not know how she could have brought about a better conclusion. Her illusion is still gone, wings hanging uselessly down her back, brightly colored plumeage that ultimate made no difference.
Nesseth hums and quietly clears his throat as he takes note of Xochi's expression. "Well... that Dyvrisse was hard to get a read on, wasn't she? Sorry if I caused any issues by speaking out of turn back there..."
Xochi sighs, turning her head towards Nesseth with a faint smile, "No, I do not think you caused any issues there that were not already present. It simply saddens me that we could not find common ground. Or, even when we seemed to find common ground, she refused to give any ground. I suppose it should not surprise me that despite our contact with Usid and his clan, there is still much we do not understand of these Saur."
Nesseth nods a bit. "Yeah... the more we see and hear, the less they all seem alike. With how many differing views there are, what with Nyzai's fliers, Usid's raptors, and Dyvrisse's... followers, I guess? It's surprising they're even willing to unite under a Whisperer in the first place. But I guess that just shows how much we don't know yet."
Xochi: "It took a good deal of thinking before I decided it would be best to reveal myself to Dyvrisse, but I think it may have cost us more than it gained. I cannot say what her mind is. This Whisperer is indeed impressive to be able to unite such disparate tribes of people..." Her voice lowers into a bit of sorrow, "Or absolutely terrifying. The feats performed by my own blood make me fear what they would be capable of."
Nesseth sighs a bit. "I don't think it hurt to show yourself like that, but yeah... she's pretty inscrutable. Still, I would have figured she'd be a bit more open to compromise." He shrugs after a moment, "As for whoever their leader is... Louma made it seem like he leads through a combination of his station as Whisperer and possibly deception."
Xochi takes in a deep breath. "'You are no better than The Whisperer'. That is what Dvyrisse said. She said she cared for all life, but was so ready to throw away the lives take from Respite, to throw away her own followers. I fear any attempt to negotiate with the Whisperer would be an even greater folly."
Nesseth sighs again and tucks his chin against his chest for a moment, then shakes his head. "We saw her turn against her own out of nowhere, and cut them down without hesitation. I'll probably ask Fiora what happened once she wakes up again, but... That was a pretty callous display, coming off of what she'd said before the duel." He casts a sideways look at Xochi, "And... honestly, if you're thinking the Whisperer might be worse, it might be safer to stay back in case that suspicion turns out to be true."
Xochi nods, "Usid seems to hold fear of him. He did not tell me what, but it was some action of the Whisperer that turned him against his own people. And Dyvrisse also said his name with disdain. And the followers who were utterly faithful to him all killed themselves rather than know defeat. Whenever my thoughts turn to him, I sense only darkness. I do not know if it is some portent, or just my own fear, Nesseth."
Nesseth hums quietly. "I think I know the exact event, actually. It relates to Louma's escape, in fact." He grows quiet for a few seconds, then continues in a low voice, "One of Usid's clan was able to help Louma escape, gave Louma the knife she used to cut herself free of the net that was binding her when she was being transported to the Abyss after insulting the Whisperer. Somehow, the Whisperer found out who exactly was responsible for the escape. He forced Usid to execute the perpetrator, one of his own clan."
Xochi feels a chill run down her spine. "Usid... holds a strange respect for Louma. I do not know all that transpired between them either. He was glad she had survived her escape." She sighs, "So much misery and death..."
Nesseth nods. "If I had to guess, their Whisperer rules more through fear than benevolence, at least this time around." He pauses, "I don't know where that respect Usid has for Louma comes from, but I guess that might be between them, unless Louma decides to explain a bit more when we all get back."
Xochi manages a short chuckle, "I am sure a reunion between the two will be very interesting to see. Though, something tells me that Captain Louma will be neither happy to see Usid, nor all that willing to be alone with him." She thinks, "Dyvrisse was quick to condemn us for allying with Usid... but to what alternative? Are we wrong for accepting his aid? Without him, we would not have retrieved the prisoners so swiftly."
Nesseth lets out a quiet chuckle of his own. "Yeah... I doubt Louma will be all too happy to see Usid. Though I guess the same could be said for a lot of folks." He crosses his arms for a moment as the two continue their semi-slow walk back to camp, also thinking, "He might have been an enemy, but he came to us under a white flag, and the efforts of his clan have been a huge help, not just in combat, but in just about every aspect of this expedition. Dyvrisse can condemn us all she wants, but it doesn't change the fact that we managed to come this far by working with some of the Saurs, instead of holding all of them as hostile."
Xochi brightens a bit, nodding. "He came offering aid and asking mercy. Perhaps we would have been justified in putting him to death, after all that has transpired. But that should not be our way." She sniffs a bit, then shakes her head. "But I remain rather naive, perhaps. One who desires peace who slithers along with a band geared for war."
Nesseth lets out a quiet sniff of his own. "Heh... hardly naive, Xochi. I've never seen war, myself, only heard of it... but something tells me you coming along, even to at least attempt peaceful negotiations, was a good thing. It gives the rest of us pause, and a reason to keep hold of our senses."
Xochi lifts her head towards the sun and smiles. "Then I am glad." She hisses, laughing, "And I am glad that revealing myself has not changed our rapport, Nesseth. I am sure that back in Respite, Doctor Plume is smiling at the removal of the restraints upon my wings."
Nesseth finds himself smiling in turn as he glances back at Xochi's admittedly beautiful wings. "Like I said before, Xochi. I was getting pretty curious about how your wings looked. I'm sure if I told my past self I'd be stepping in front of a coatl to protect her, I'd have called myself mad." His smile shifts to a cheerful little grin, "And you're probably completely right about Plume. And if not now, then definitely when they find out."
Xochi lifts a hand to her face, dipping her head towards Nesseth, "I certainly did not expect such a strike, though I believe no harm was intended or she certainly could have caused me such. I did not expect you to step to my defense either. But I should have. You are not mad, Nesseth, you are simply a good friend. And I appreciate you."
Nesseth furrows his brow just a touch as his grin slips for a moment. "Well... I guess in that moment, I was pretty ready to deal with her myself if she tried hitting you again. That's not how one should treat an unarmed, unarmored negotiator, after all." He tilts his head curiously, "How's your shoulder, by the way? Should we let the healers give it a look, just in case?"
Xochi rolls her shoulder cautiously, but nods, "A small pain, a bruise perhaps, but no lingering damage. I am sure the healers will be busy enough with the freed prisoners and Fiora."
Nesseth hums grimly and nods at that. "True enough... Fiora took a hell of a beating during that fight. Pretty sure she broke something when Dyvrisse's tail caught her, too. You don't fall that hard in that sort of armor without a good reason...." He looks over towards the camp, "I hope the prisoners aren't in too bad shape, after this long..."
Xochi nods, "As do I... perhaps I will head to the healer tents. Not to be checked upon, but to see if I can help. Hannah has helped me learn some basic care, at the very least I can try to offer comfort. I know several of Usid's people have been helping as well, so they may be... shorthanded, if they choose to seperate them from the prisoners for now."
Nesseth tries to give a bit of a reassuring smile. "It might be best for that, just in case. The prisoners have been subjected to a lot by the Saurs in the Abyss, so I can't imagine they'd be all too happy to see some tending their injuries..." His smile falters after a moment, though, "I just hope they're able to see sense before too long, though. The healers from Usid's clan are just there to help them."
Xochi nods. "I hope so as well." She grins. "But here we are, a Coatl and Lizard, proof that such wounds can be mended in time."
Nesseth chuckles and smiles again. "Exactly. I just hope there aren't any major issues once we get back to Respite, though. Usid's clan just wants peace and a place where they're treated like everyone else, but they were also our enemy right up until a couple of weeks ago." He scratches a frill for a moment, "Let's hope grudges don't run too deep with the townsfolk..."
Xochi hums, "Yes. I shall see, and do my best to mediate if necessary. For now, once we are sure they are able to travel, if we can send as many people back to Respite as possible before we move towards the Pinnacle... that shall be best for now. As well as sending work to Respite of what has occurred thus far."
Nesseth nods. "Yeah, I think that's going to be the ideal plan. We can't move too effectively with a lot of injured so sending them back early makes sense, but at the same time, I'm not sure about leaving our back open to Dyvrisse and her followers..."
Xochi sighs, "Likely a valid worry, considering how everything has played out, yes."
Nesseth hums quietly. "We'll see what the captains decide. Much as I don't like reducing the amount of capable fighters on the way to Yzzayt's Prominence, it's probably best that there's a decent enough force to protect the injured on the way back."
Xochi nods to Nesseth, "That is more your expertise than mine, my friend. Whatever you and the Captain's decide, I shall do my best to support."
Nesseth smiles at Xochi. "Then... once the meeting is over, I'll let you know what the decision was as quickly as I can." He looks around as the group approaches the tents, "But for now, I think it's best we get to our duties, hm? Here's hoping you, Hannah and the other healers are able to patch up everyone without too much trouble."
Xochi smiles back, bowing her head, "I shall do whatever I am able. Good luck, Nesseth. Thank you for the talk, as always."
Nesseth dips his head respectfully and grins as he starts to head off with the rest of the guards to make their reports. "And thank you, as well, Xochi. For the talk, and for all the help you've been giving all over camp."
Xochi waves, heading towards the healers to do whatever she can to help, somewhat buoyed in her confidence after feeling like she has failed so substantially.
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THE EDGE OF AEPHIX - YZZAYT'S ABYSS - LATE AFTERNOON
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Narrator: In the aftermath of the duel and talk with Xochi, Dyvrisse returns to Yzzayt's Abyss. There is an eerie and unnatural silence around the place, one that Dyvrisse isn't sure she's truly heard before. She notes the lack of guards as she walks through the camp around the Maw, eventually finding the blood and hidden bodies of those killed. he reaches down to one of the bodies, gingerly placing a hand on it with a heavy sigh. After a brief moment of contemplation and perhaps respect, she stands. She walks towards the mouth of the Abyss, dropping her maul haphazardly and stripping her armour as she walks, leaving it scattered along the ground and revealing the full extent of her injuries, blood smeared everywhere.
Usid rides in alone towards the Abyss atop his raptor. He glances about, looking for the guards, but finds not attending to their duty. There is an air of despair to the whole place as he rides in unchallenged, spying the shed weaponry and armor, he dismounts, and follows after the trail left behind by Dyvrisse.
Dyvrisse's blood along the ground as she walks is easy enough to follow. Dyvrisse continues down the shaft of Yzzayt's Abyss, noting the darkness. Perhaps abusing her gift, she charges up her breath a small amount to shoot at the smothered torches, re-lighting them once more as she continues. She looks to the fallen guards as she continues deeper, her curiously, or perhaps guilt, driving her to know what happened.
Usid continues to follow down into the mines, the presence of the Keeper is obvious. As she bends down to examine one of the fallen guards, he approaches behind her, making no attempt to mask his presence as he raises his voice at last, "Keeper. Paying respects?"
Dyvrisse's body twitches in surprise at Usid's words, causing her to stand a couple of seconds later. "Do not call me that." Dyvrisse responds, without turning back. "Why are you here, Usid?"
Usid nods his head, "Dyvrisse then. Usid... does not know. Usid has always respected Dyvrisse, you are strongest of all of us. Yet always your choices seemed strange to Usid. Thought Usid finally understood some of them now, but now... after this... Usid still does not understand."
Dyvrisse continues to walk down the Abyss. "Because I have lied. There is no harm in admitting that now. My role is done." Dyvrisse pauses. "Tell me, Usid, what it is you thought you understood. Why I wanted prisoners."
Usid tilts his head. "At first? Usid thought you sought to punish them. The 'Ignorant ones'. Usid found them weak at first, the ones Usid brought you. Then, Usid began to see their strength. Thought perhaps you had seen the same before him."
Dyvrisse: "And now?" Dyvrisse prompts, wanting to know Usid's true thoughts before revealing her intentions.
Usid frowns, lowering his head. "Now? That you wished to save them from Usid and Nyzai's bloodlust, perhaps?"
Dyvrisse: "You are correct." Dyvrisse replies. "Because of this, they are now free to return to their homes, instead of dead amongst the rubble of the destruction you and Nyzai wrought." Dyvrisse pauses. "And because of this. . .You have led them here." She stops at another of the Saur corpses, solemnly leaning over it. ". . .And more lives have been lost than if I had never convinced The Whisperer to begin with."
Usid places a hand at his waist, cradling the handle of the bloodied dagger in its sheathe. "Usid has much blood upon his hands. Those he called enemies, and those of his own clan, who died in their defense. The people of Respite, the walled city, they are strong as well, and fierce in their desires to defend their own. The Whisperer does not care for us. Usid has learned this first hand, now."
Dyvrisse: "Then I am glad I am no longer the only one who has seen his true colours." Dyvrisse replies. "But your new allies. I asked them for the life of the red-dressed one who escaped, who killed while doing so, in exchange for all those in the Abyss. Instead, they proposed a false duel and killed more, and label Dyvrisse as unjust. Are they any better than Xeilzrus?"
Usid chuckles. "Usid cannot say. For now? Yes. They do not seek death, where it can be avoided. But they are unwilling to sacrifice their allies, no matter the cause. Usid began to see this talking to the prisoner, Sister Louma. Usid respects their loyalty to one another... it is what Usid seeks to earn for his own Clan."
Dyvrisse: "They value life when it is only their own." Dyvrisse replies, moving on from the current corpse. She continues deeper into the Abyss, into the 'bad mines'. "Yzzayt is the spark of life. Life should be valued equally."
Usid hums. "They are 'ignorant ones', afterall. They know nothing of Yzzayt. Even our Sisters amongst them, Sister Louma, and this Sister Xochi who speaks for them."
Dyvrisse: "It. . .Fascinates me that Sister Louma and Sister Xochi exist." Dyvrisse admits, coming across the last of the corpses, kneeling over them with a sigh.
Usid hesistates, "The old stories say the Children of Yzzayt were scattered. Usid has never been one to put his trust in old tales, but... proof is hard to ignore. Sister Louma is a warrior, and strong. She deserved the freedom delivered to her. Sister Xochi is... I do not know." He lowers his voice, "She makes me feel... uncertain. There is power in her as well, but Usid does not understand it."
Dyvrisse: "Mm." Dyvrisse hums in response, falling into silence for a few moments, her blood pooling around her. With a solemn sigh, she speaks. "Usid. . .I struggle to admit it. But I am unsure of what to do now."
Usid takes a deep breath, "Usid knows this feeling. Usid feels... hollow. Usid's hands have killed his own kin. Usid's actions have killed Nyzai. Yet, Usid is still afraid... afraid of the Whisperer. Afraid for Usid's future. Usid... is... weak. A coward. Usid made a choice. There are those in Usid's clan who see Yzzayt's will is to join with these outsiders, and learn from them. Usid is unsure... but Usid wishes to see his clan grow stronger. Usid is forced to take uncertain steps forward. Trust the Respite outsiders. Learn their ways. Teach them ours. Both clans become stronger, together. This is Usid's hope now. But Usid's clan was always the weakest..."
Dyvrisse lets Usid's words linger, silent for several more moments as she thinks. She stands up, moving over to the last cart of explosive ore that had been mined, picking up one of the chunks in her hand and idly staring into it. "Why do they trust you, Usid?"
Usid chuckles, "Many do not, still, but Usid is used to have to prove himself." He crosses his arms, looking down the length of the mine. "The truth is... Usid does not know. Usid offered his life to them, to take in retribution for the harm Usid has caused, and only asked that his clan be allowed to live. Sister Xochi said... that she could see the truth behind my words. Usid does not understand how she can see this, but cannot deny it. Her word has given Usid trust amongst their leaders."
Dyvrisse: "I do not understand. You took their lives. I saved them. But I am the one with dead men." Dyvrisse pauses, "My efforts have been for nothing. I cannot go home." Dyvrisse sighs deeply, ". . .Perhaps the only thing left is for Yzzayt to judge me."
Usid snorts. "Dyvrisse is too strong for such talk. Yzzayt shall judge all when their time comes. Usid sees no value in rushing to that time. Dyvrisse has dead men because Dyvrisse did not offer them a choice. Sister Xochi returned unable to guarantee their people's safety. They perceived Dyvrisse's words as threats. Did Dyvrisse have a choice? Could Dyvrisse have returned their people without deaths? Usid believes Respite would have given much for their safe return, but Dyvrisse asked for the one thing they would not give. The life of one of their own."
Dyvrisse: "The saurs around you. I make no claim that they were pure of intent." Dyvrisse replies. "Would your greatest warriors have simply released them without a fight?" Dyvrisse lowers the ore back into the cart gently, turning to face Usid for the first time. "What could Respite have offered them to placate them, if not revenge?"
Usid chuckles, "The warriors of Usid the Swift? The lowly scavengers, bottom feeders of the Saur, who are thrown the scraps of those greater than us? To placate my warriors, they needed only to offer us a chance. The only one Usid seeks revenge upon now is Xeilzrus. If not for him... none of this death, on either side, would have occured. The Outsiders are now trying to decide what to do, to approach the Pinnacle. They debate if negotiation is possible, or if they will be forced to fight. Usid no longer believes Xeilzrus to be the voice of Yzzayt, just as Sister Louma saw in her time there. They seek a way to protect themselves without taking any more lives then necessary. But Usid does not foreseee a way for them to achieve their peace without Xeilzrus dead."
Dyvrisse: "Yet when you first brought the prisoners to me, you said yourself that you did not understand why I wanted them alive. That you would have rather killed them for their ignorance." Dyvrisse replies, narrowing her eyes some at Usid. "And what of Nyzai? I have not seen her flyers in some time."
Usid sighs, lowering his head. "Usid did not understand at the time. Saw only weakness in the outsiders. Usid was a fool." He falls silent for a moment, then nods. "Nyzai is dead, along with her flyers. 'For the glory of Yzzayt', she took her own life, rather than be taken alive by the outsider. Though it was not Usid's knife that took her life, Usid feels her blood on Usid's hands as well."
Dyvrisse nods with respect at Usid, her eyes relaxing. "Xochi told me such. She told me that you came to negotiate with her. You say you feel blood on your hands. Did you offer her Nyzai?"
Usid shakes his head. "Usid warned them of Nyzai's ambush. When Nyzai came for them, they were prepared. Usid's clan was to attack in the confusion. Usid did not. Without Usid, Nyzai had no chance of victory. Usid does not say this out of ego, only out of fact. We had planned our assault together, but Usid had known since the moment the Whisperer had ordered us to kill the Outsiders that Usid would not do it."
Dyvrisse: "Then we are the same. You sacrificed the lives of the few for the lives of the many. Not just the lives of you and your clan, but the lives that you and Nyzai surely would have taken had you worked together. You say you tell me this not out of ego, but out of fact. I did the same when I asked for the red-dressed one. Out of fact." Dyvrisse sighs. "There. . .Is no life for me with these outsiders, Usid. Maybe there is for you."
Usid nods slowly. "Perhaps you are right. They are different from us, Dyvrisse. Usid sees worth in their strength, and shall see what it brings to his clan. But you have always walked your own trails. You have Usid's respect, regardless. And Usid's aid, should the day ever come that you change your mind, or find need of me."
Dyvrisse: "I do not blame you for any lives you have taken. That is the work of Xeilzrus and his gifted tongue. He must die for more lives to be saved, that much is certain. Respite will surely be a great benefit to you in this pursuit. But heed caution, Usid, of what comes after, for I have seen their deception." Dvyrisse replies. "Farewell, Usid."
Usid gives Dyvrisse a salute. "Usid will hold your words close in mind. ...Xeilzrus deceived and betrayed us. Usid shall remain cautious, lest the peoples of Respite do the same. Usid has a duty to his clan now. Farewell, Dyvrisse. Yzzayt guide you." He lowers his salute and nods once more, and begins his trek back out of the mine to return to the camp.
Dyvrisse gives another respectful nod back to Usid. Once the raptor is gone, Dyvrisse sighs and looks at the mines around her. What does she do now?