Open Chronicles College of Elbion - Applicants Wanted!

[Elise Darkwater]

"You...You win...You snobby bitch...I know you can hear me!" She yelled with a gail of laughter before the sound of another needle driving into her silenced the laughter. " My name is....Elise.." She finally struggled out.
It had been hours. Needles, hooks and spikes littered her body. She was driven into the table like an animal skin hung to dry. The leather muzzle blocked her words, but the figure stopped a spike half way driven into her chest. A second rune flashed as the needles hooks and spikes seemed to retreat to their drawers on their own accord before each shut with rhythmic timing.
Being no longer pinned there she slid to the floor as her wounds began to bleed and close, She heard the sound of another drawer open. It heard the jester pick up something. It was a black branding iron. Already glowing red as it approached her slowly relishing in her fear.
" No... Stay back.."
Elise tried to crawl but felt a spike driven through her knee pinning her there as it melded to the stone. Three more appeared as they sank into her palms and second knee. She thrashed against them as she felt a padded hand gently gripping her chin as she stared onto the unfeeling painted on eyes of the mask.
"What are you.."
Elise gasped out.

It didnt respond as it calmly turned her head to the side and held her mouth open as a spike was savagely driven through her jaw pinning her face to the ground and leaving her neck exposed.
"Stop! No!..This isnt funny!"
She said chuckling nervously as she felt the heat of the brand before screaming as it made contact with her skin. Soon the pain was gone replaced by a burning throb in her neck. It had been two rune symbols. One for will, the other for lightening. It kicked her over so she lay face down in front of the door as it put away its new toys and returned with two rings.
One was a light silver with the rune for lightening on it. The other was carved from a black rock with the rune for will carved into it. Two needles flashed as they struck both runes and a drop of blood from each of the wounds landed on the rings. They glowed for a moment before it placed them on its fingers, and stood to the side. Its task was complete.
The guest was entertained, It got the name and now the guest would be more polite. With a wave of its hand the black ring glowed and Elise rose to her knees and held her hands behind her back like they were tied there
"I wont obey you..These runes are a joke!"
Elise said through gritted teeth as she struggled to fight the force controlling her will a white bolt of lightening suddenly arced up her spine. It was so strong she could see some hair smoking and the room smelled of ozone.
It made her sit quietly with her hands folded neatly across her lap like a well behaved school girl.
Every time she moved or tried to fight the control a bolt of lightening set her straight.
983 made sure Phillipa Ebonheart heard everything.

 

[Kara Orin]

Kara remained unmoved as she watched Eleanor Griffin cough up blood.

Then after not too long,

“Let’s go,” Kara told Quoril as she reached down to pick up Eleanor by one shoulder.

If Eleanor did not protest and there were no disturbances, Kara would have silently taken Eleanor back to the college and to the infirmary.

 

[Quoril]

Quoril nodded and leaned over Eleanor. Gently, he lifted her other arm and draped it over his shoulder. She was still coughing up blood and most certainly in a lot of pain. He then looked over at Kara Orin, waiting for her signal to lift. The elf hoped that Eleanor wouldn’t object and let them help her to the infirmary where she could get the medical attention she needed.

 

[Eleanor Griffin]

When Kara reached for her Eleanor shrunk back instinctually, still clutching the book. Every time she coughed she felt this violent pain wracking at her insides. Quoril leaned over and gently slipped her arm free. Her skin felt cold to the touch but she let him drape her arm over his shoulder, still clutching the book with the other hand. She let Quoril help her to stand, leaning on him heavily as they started back towards the infirmary.

 

[Kara Orin]

Kara paused when Eleanor Griffin pulled away from her. She watched Quoril pick her up to her feet.

“I’ll guide the way, then,” Kara told Quoril.

Leading the way back to the College, Kara did not attempt to start any conversation with Quoril or Eleanor. They passed by the front desk – still vacated from when Phillipa told the attendant of the breach in the College.

A masked being approached the trio and began to escort them to the infirmary. It would not take long before they reached it – finding quite a few empty beds that Eleanor could be placed upon.

 

[Eleanor Griffin]

Everything was a blur, Eleanor felt numb, her head swimming in a fog as they moved through the college. The only thing that really registered solidly in her brain was the pain in her hands where the brands were still healing and in her chest every time she coughed. Suddenly they were in the infirmary and she was being helped onto a bed. She lay down on her side, a vacant look in her eyes, unable to process what had just happened.

 

[Kara Orin]

After Eleanor Griffin laid on the bed, Kara turned to Quoril and told him, “Thank you for your help.”

Then, Kara examined the markings on Eleanor. She then looked around the infirmary – no healer in sight yet. Her eyes glanced over where the healer should have been sitting. It was a desk with many scrolls, a crucible with an unknown powder, and a few sharp looking things.

Turning to the masked being, Kara told the escort, “Could you inform Lady Ebonheart that I’ll start the ritual to remove Lady Griffin’s marks?”

Looking to Quoril once more, Kara added, “And would it be possible to give Lady Griffin some privacy? She won’t be presentable to the company of men during the ritual…”

 

[Quoril]

After laying Eleanor down gently on the first bed they reached, Quoril watched as Kara adressed their masked escort.

As per Kara's request he quietly left the room to wait out in the hallway. Quoril prayed that the ritual would be successful as he paced up and down the corridor.

 

[Eleanor Griffin]

Eleanor closed her eyes, the voices of Kara and Quoril droned on around her, as if through a door. Her head throbbed and every time she breathed in there was a sharp pain in her chest. The healer wasn't there but she didn't need a healer to tell her what was wrong with her. She knew what she had done. She had done the forbidden thing. She had taken of the life aura of another. Her body had filled with pure aura three times over, she had seen the fabric of the universe, but no one is meant to have that much aura at once. Then in the space of seconds, she had been stripped down to an aura bearly sustainable for life. The shock was more than her body could handle. She felt herself slipping in and out of consciousness again. She knew she needed a crutch of some kind if she was to remain conscious. But sleep sounded so good right now, no more struggle, no more fighting, just blissful sleep. But she knew that if she fell asleep now she might never wake up. Would that really be so bad?

'wake up girl, you made a promise,' the whispers hissed. Eleanor grimaced and opened her eyes. Reaching out with her senses she felt the faint resonance of those who had been in this room before. Sensing variations of pain, regret, and hope, all very powerful auras. Tapping into these she collected what she could. The pain didn't dissipate but she found she was able to find the strength to sit up.

 

[Phillipa Ebonheart]

Phillipa gave a brief nod in respect to the words Alexis spoke. Formality of introductions were not uncommon for the woman, and aside from her personal status as a noble, the title of professor for the college added a whole new title into the previous one.

"Lady Phillipa Ebonheart. Professor of Advanced Magical Applications and Hand of the Department of Acquisitions for the College." She gave her own introduction after Alexis had given hers. A small query popping into her thoughts.

"How would you prefer to be addressed if I may ask? Lady Armon? Lady Alexis? I prefer to be simply addressed as Phillipa, saves myself from the confusion of sorting out which Ebonheart my colleagues are referencing since my mother held these titles as well." She politely asked as the woman nodded to her arm. Something she still had yet to tend to. A small and dismissive smile appeared before she spoke.

"Injury is not an uncommon threat in my position with Acquisitions, but even the thought of alleviating me of the wound is appreciated." Phillipa gave her a polite nod. She began to explain the disconnect between herself and the magic she once wielded, a brow rising as she spoke in curiosity.

"A curious thing that coming here would be a significant enough change for a separation from your ability to perform magic so readily. I won't open a conversation about where you are from with only having just been introduced to one another, but a discussion pertaining to your place of origin along with the disciplines governing your magics may be in order to further understand the possible reasons for a disconnect between here and there." Phillipa almost mumbled as her thoughts formed into words.

It seemed a strange thing that coming to Arethil would have such significant ramifications on ones ability to perform magic, but then again, perhaps there were others means to perform magic that simply had not been entirely explored yet. A trouble for another time though as the woman spoke once more, expressing her interest in staying with the college and studying here to better understand that magics of this place.

"To be fair, darling. I use magic quite frequently and without much thought. Suddenly having that removed from my life would have drastic effects, that of which I am likely to completely think of in this instant. You, along with those involved with the assassin today are going to have a recommendation from myself should you apply to the college. Granted, yours will have to be amended to note that you have come in search of answers as well as studying to avoid possible confusion." Phillipa explained rather plainly.

"You should not place upon yourself any responsibility for the assassin that targeted you in regards to the attempted kidnapping of a fellow student. The College is solely responsible for it's staff, students, and material that are supposed to be kept safe within these walls. Do not fret, especially given the misfortune of being so removed from your magic." Phillipa assured the woman.

A gargoyle approached silently from behind her, having come from around the corner and focused on Phillipa. Even with it's silence, the woman turned to meet it as though well aware it was there. A small inquisitive sound came from Phillipa before it spoke in that eerily bland voice.

"Our guest has given her name and is minding her manners after having been made comfortable." It informed her, taking only a small break in between information. "The student Kara Orin wished to inform you that she is performing a ritual to remove the mark upon the one that was injured in the street." The gargoyle with Kara had not left, nor had it moved after she had spoken to it.

983 waited patiently to hear back from Phillipa, watching the woman silent and unmoving as it paused.

Phillipa tilted her head back and forth, as though to weigh exactly what she had learned. A small huff coming from her as she turned to Alexis.

"If you should have need of me any further, you can inform any one of the other professors or other staff around the college. They will have someone leave a note on my desk and I will find you when I don't have so many things to remove my attention from you. I do apologize for the short time that we have been allowed to speak, and you have my full curiosity in the matter that is plaguing you. Do not be afraid to ask for my time or attention, and do not be afraid to speak with your fellow students or other professors. Sometimes answers await in unexpected places." Phillipa informed her as she gave the other woman a small bow. "It was a pleasure to meet you all, and I do wish to spend more time in your company. Until then, I bid you farewell and safe studies."

She began to step away as a detail she nearly missed presented itself. She had watched the man, Saben Strahd, remove the assassin's gauntlets. If the woman were to be made useful to the College, she would have need of them. Never mind allowing someone who knew of the origin of those weapons to remain in possession of them. She pivoted effortlessly mid-step, facing the group once more as a smile appeared once more.

"I almost forgot to ask that you allow me to place the weapons the assassin was using under lock and spell, to avoid any future mishaps. If you would be so kind as to place them in the College's care." She waved off the gargoyle, an unspoken command as it returned from whence it came. She continued as though the being had not just left.

"I would also politely inform you that these are not the first, strange and powerful items, that myself or the College has dealt with. Extreme care will be taken in storing them in a secure place." Her tone left little to argue, and the smile held a dangerous edge to it, seeming to grow a touch wider as she waited. The gargoyle, or perhaps another returned, a box large enough to hold an assortment of thing within it presented and open. The interior was lined with a cushioned material, and runes adorned the entirety of material, and while not yet active, where hungry for power to be fed into them.

 

[Kara Orin]

Kara quietly stared at the gargoyle after Quoril left. A few seconds of awkward silence followed.

Turning to what should be the head healer’s desk, Kara walked over to it and picked up an ink vial and quill. She looked back to Eleanor Griffin – now sitting up. Kara looked at Eleanor with a slight frown. Her eyes drifted toward the book in Eleanor’s hands. Kara began to take steps toward Eleanor.

“The rune for this ritual must be applied on the back,” Kara told Eleanor – her sight not wavering from the tome.

In just a moment, Kara stood next to Eleanor’s bed. She took her eyes from the book and looked at Eleanor once more.

“Are you ready to begin?” Kara asked.

 

[Alexis Armon]

"I think being addressed as simply Alexis while studying here would be a nice change of pace, thank you for asking."

She listened when Phillipa spoke, nodding respectfully and paying close attention to glean any new information she could.
When the gargoyle approached and gave his report she became more alert.
She couldn't imagine these creatures being very skilled in conversation or earning trust to learn information, or even taking it the other way to issue threats or convince anyone with a louder tone, from this she determined that other methods of "persuasion" were used to merely get information that Alexis already had.
She couldn't imagine what methods of torture they could have used that would reach Elise, but she felt a pit in her stomach at the thought that she may have been responsible for her torture by not immediately resisting to keep custody of her.

She thought of the progress she had made with Elise before, now with the torture it was probably all gone and she again had an enemy, one that could be a real threat if given enough time.
But she held back for now and didn't betray her thoughts, smiling and standing up as well when Phillipa stood and bowed to take her leave.
But then Phillipa turned mid step to ask another question, requesting the gauntlets that Saben Strahd had kept wrapped in his cloak and under his arm, as if on que a gargoyle came forward with a box to hold the gauntlets inlaid with extensive script in the runic lettering.

Alexis looked at Saben and he returned her gaze evenly as if to say, "This is up to you, M'lady."

She returned her attention to Phillipa, "My guardian has extensive knowledge of the cult the gauntlets originate from, and I'm sure you've seen he is very capable in combat situations. He may not look it, but he is the veteran of four wars that took place in our homeland."
She realized that would mean little to Phillipa as she wouldn't know anything about the history of the land her and her people came from.

She changed gears quickly, taking an apologetic tone, "Don't get me wrong, I am sure you have very capable people and systems for protecting these from theft. But don't think less of me for pointing out my case... The assassin did infiltrate this facility once already and nearly kidnapped a student."

She folded her hands in front of her, her face and voice revealed nothing but apology and sincerity, "I and my guard would be willing to work with you in this endeavor, but I deeply apologize for my current lack of confidence.
However if you have further assurance I may reconsider."

 

[Eleanor Griffin]

Eleanor looked at Kara, her face still streaked with blood that was starting to dry. She nodded and stood up and turning around so Kara could help her unlace the dress. looking down, she noticed for the first time that she was still clinging to the book. She stared at it, she could feel it pulsing with black aura but it seems weaker than before as if it was almost used up. A part of her wanted to fling the thing as far away from herself as possible, but another part was too terrified to let go of it. She didn't know why.

 

[Kara Orin]

After reaching the bed, Kara placed the quill and ink vial on a little table within arm’s reach. She sighed at the sight of Eleanor’s attire. In contrast, Kara wore simple commoner clothing. Less laces due to not having servants. Easier to move in. Minimal color.

Kara began to assist Eleanor Griffin. Not a minute in, Kara asked Eleanor, “You came here to join the College?”

Unlike earlier, Kara spoke in an informal manner with the noble Eleanor.

 

[Eleanor Griffin]

Eleanor froze at the question, tears welling up in her eyes again, a drop making its way down her face, clearing dirt and blood on its way down. "Terance came to join the college... I had considered applying myself but that was selfish of me. I never should have even considered it." She stifled a sob her grip tightening on the book. I belong... belonged in Alliria. If I-" She choked on her words unable to finish her sentence as she closed her eyes tight and fought to keep from breaking down sobbing.

 

[Phillipa Ebonheart]

Phillipa listened patiently, nodding at the knowledge of the man that stood as her guard. A veteran fighter, and one with extensive knowledge on the cult of origin for the gauntlets. Whose time may have been better spent elsewhere.

When Alexis pointed out that the assassin had infiltrated the college once already, a truly wicked smile flickered across her face before being brought back to the neutral smile she had worn just moments before. The apology for the lack of confidence was readily shrugged aside, but their assistance was kept closely in mind.

"The student Kara Orin has begun to remove the mark. Any further methods of removing the mark would be welcome in case of further incidents. So long as you are confident that magic will not be needed to subdue those gauntlets and the power within them, since your magics are currently unavailable to you, I will leave them in your care." Phillipa politely informed her. A small breath entailed more. "However, should anyone else be afflicted with a similar mark, you must understand that the college will do whatever it takes to either secure, or destroy the item, being, or person, responsible."

The hint of a malicious smile appeared as she changed topics.

"As well, the college acts much like a carnivorous plant, attracting would be predators instead of attempting to dissuade them from entering." Phillipa quietly informed her, beginning to turn around and head the other way before stopping and addressing her once more.

"None ever have trouble entering. It is leaving afterwards that is their downfall. We shall speak again, Alexis darling." She finished before waving briefly and leaving them to their business.

She went back downstairs, taking only a few moments to inform a gargoyle to keep watch over the group from afar in case the gauntlets acted up again. She entered the room Elise was in, giving her a sickeningly sweet smile.

"I see 983 has kept you good company. Even shown you how to sit properly. Now then, I had intended to make a business proposition, but in light of your stubbornness. Circumstances have changed." Phillipa quietly informed her, leaning against the wall and looking over the woman once more. She motioned for the gargoyle to come closer and extended her left hand, the rings slipping over to her before waving off the resident caretaker.

"I must admit, I have never had an assassin of your caliber in my pocket before and I find myself bereft of any tangible use for you just yet. However, I find it wasteful to allow you to change hands and become another of the college's quiet guards. So I tell you what we will do." Phillipa closed the distance to the woman and held herself just out of bite range.

"I'll call for you if I should have need of you, and you will come find me. And we can have a load of fun together dealing with whatever sort of fool has set themself against me. Understood?"

 

[Elise Darkwater]

"What you did to me... My master wont stand for this... he will-" She said in a pained groan muffled by the leather muzzle.
The wounds 983 had left were still closing slowly.
An arc of lightening arced up her spine as she tried to rise before she sank back to her knees as the black ring glowed and she bowed even lower close enough to almost kiss Phillipa's right shoe.
"...Understood...." She said through gritted teeth after a moment. She glowered at Phillipa like an animal keeping its savagery in check. Her glare met Phillipa's eyes for a moment before breaking the contact as she finally let her head hang in submission. The rabid dog brought to heel.

 

[Alexis Armon]

Alexis was caught a bit off guard as Phillipa walked away, there were many strange things to be expected in a collage for magic, but what she found strange about that woman went into the disturbing.
She placed her hands on the table and turned her attention to Saben, her gaze meeting his eyes, "I want to know everything you know about this cult, Saben. But first, what do you know about such marks that were found on that student?"

Saben approached the table and stood before his mistress, "I can tell you that mark is from the false god called Bastellen, he uses the mark to track those he wishes to be inducted into his services. Some succumb to the mark themselves, but others need to be retrieved and corrupted directly. I can also tell you that I know of no magic that can permanently remove the mark, those who are spiritually unprotected have no way to escape his influence one way or another once the mark has been placed."

Alexis sat down thoughtfully, "So unless she is already in the service of another spiritual being, or promised her soul to another, she has no chance of avoiding service to Bastellen?"
Saben nodded, "That would be accurate, M'lady. And it would follow that unless another such being more powerful than Bastellen could offer her freedom, she will soon succumb if she hasn't already."

Alexis folded her hands under her chin with her elbows on the table, deep in thought. "What about the gauntlets, Saben? what do you propose we do with them? Phillipa was correct that we have no magical means of securing them, and while I don't doubt your physical prowess, what can we do to keep them from doing anything untoward?"

Saben Strahd put a hand on the bundle in his cloak which held the gauntlets, "There is a way to destroy them which your brother showed me was possible when he was forced to wear them at one point. There is also a way to lock away their power following the same theory. I can do it, but I would advise against doing so as of yet. I can keep them in my care, I am confident I can handle anything they may attempt to do."

Alexis sighed and rubbed her temples, "Very well, I defer to your advise and will leave them in your care, but if they become a problem I want them destroyed, are we clear?" She spoke with finality and Saben bowed his head in acquiescence.
"Now, please tell me everything you know about the cult of Bastellen, start from the beginning..."

 

[Kara Orin]

As Eleanor Griffin answered, Kara remained silent for some time. Then, she picked the ink bottle back up and opened it.

The silence was broken with Kara saying, “Excuse me.”

Without any other words, Kara reached for Eleanor’s face with an extended finger. She sought to take some of the blood still on Eleanor’s face – now rewetted by her tears.

 

[Eleanor Griffin]

Eleanor took a deep shaky breath as her tears subsided. She realized that if she was going to get undressed then she would need to put the book down. Reluctantly she placed it down on one of the beds. Under different circumstances, she was perfectly capable of undressing herself but she thought she might vomit if she twisted around like that to undo the hooks and pins in the back of her bodice. Kara helped her with this and she took off the bodice. As Kara helped undo the laces of the corset she untied the overskirt and slipped out of the blue and cream silk. They continued taking off the corset and petticoats until she was down to a shift and pantaloons. When Kara reached for her face she didn't move, just stared back at her with vacant eyes.

 

[Kara Orin]

After a quick brush of her finger on Eleanor’s face, Kara then tapped the tip of her finger upon the lid of the ink vial. A drop of red liquid fell into the ink. Kara reached for the quill and began to stir. She eyed the book that Eleanor sat aside. A twitch of her eyebrow followed.

“Forgive me for asking, but,” Kara began as she looked to Eleanor Griffin.

Kara removed the quill from the vial.

“Do you plan to get justice for your brother?”

 

[Eleanor Griffin]

Eleanor froze. She felt a sharp pain in her chest as she sucked in her breath. She gasped and bent over hugging her chest her face contorted with the pain. She began coughing again. she covered her mouth. More blood on the palm of her hand. Her knees felt weak and she felt dizzy.

"Can we sit down while we do this," Eleanor asked weakly, avoiding Kara's question.