Fourth Adventure 03: Trial's End, Al-Korinth, and Z

Those who chose to undergo the Temple's Trial have emerged, whether in success or defeat. Those below are unawares, enjoying the facilities and amenities, and admiring the view.

Zeiss emerged from the purple Star. All his memories came back. And now he felt... disappointed. But soon, that feeling was submerged by another. To calm himself, he touched his neck. There was nothing there. But he still could remember what he just experienced. He looked nervously around. At this moment, he needed to find a place where he could sit a few minutes.

He sit there for a long time, not really looking at anything, and thinking. A little more than an hour passed before he finally decided to get back on his feet. And while he walked towards the exit, he looked one last time at the Purple Star. And he whispered to himself :

"I'm never coming back here."

He left the Temple.

Rory stood stiffened, his jaw locked. As he looked back up at the stars, he felt an overwhelming desire to see them explode. Since when was it a failure to adopt someone's philosophy? There was nothing wrong with what he was doing, no reason he should deserve what he was told he did. Frell this place.

he sighed, letting the anger pass. "I'm done with temples."

Still, it wasn't a total waste of time and thought. It had shown him something that he had forgotten--though he could not fathom how he had. "Riton, Holtburg," he mumbled.

Snarg remains still, staring straight ahead for a good minute. Then, his eyes furiously dart around for a moment before his face wretches in to a snarl. He angrily stomps over to the pad and leaves.

Ashakel emerged from the Star. In a second, it all came back to him. His real memories. But now... He felt prepared. Prepared to face whatever was written in his stepfather's journal with calmness that he didn't have before. He turned to the star, bowed his head and murmured: "Thank you."

Hanuel steps out from the star, and after a few moments, drops to their knees, an arm quickly rising to cover their face as tears stream down their cheeks. Hanuel attempts to summon Dara, unable to stand under their own power, emotionally drained from the trial.

Dara springs to life, instantly and happily, feeling more revitalized and enthusiastic then you could ever recall it being. It quickly positions itself in a way to both comfort and support you, half holding you up and half tight hug.

*He steps out of the star. It takes a second to take it all in, but as soon as he does, his eyes go wide, and his breath quickens visibly. After about three seconds of staring bug-eyed into nothing, his eyes dart around the room. They finally lock in on the nearest Order official. He moves quickly, and with unwavering purpose, right up to him, and, trying hard not to shout...*

"What that real!? Was what i just saw in there real!?"

The Banderling in long green robes tries to comfort Higaide as well as he can. "I know, I know it's shocking, fear not. What you saw did not actually happen, it was purely within."

*Or was it? He couldn't chance it.*

"I need to speak with Adjudicator Crilfu of Blackwater, or failing that, Executor Gremlock. How do i make it happen?"

When he overheard the Banderling's words, Rory got in the two person line formed by him and Higaide so far. When it came his turn to speak, he asked, "Does that mean none of it is true? Can we trust that the trial, real or not, speaks truthfully?"

The representative looks at you, confused. "I'm sorry sir I have no idea who those people are, aside from their titles so I assume they're part of the military. Perhaps you should try and find someone who works with the Third Wing?"
It occurs to you that your best bet for a quick answer... relatively speaking given the time it takes to return to the base of the Tower... would be to find Zeiss.

The man in green robes turns towards Rory. "What you saw was a potential... past, present, or future. It would not deceive you per say, only show you what might be or what is. There is no real way to know, in most cases."

*Oh, great, just what he needed.*

"Uh, thanks."

*He walks off to do the last thing he would ever want to. Find Zeiss.*

Snarg walks up to Gwydo, a slight snarl on his face. "Best be gettin' ya wagon ready. We ain't be stickin' 'round this rock kissin' place much longa I'm thinkin'." smacking his jaw several times, he heads off towards a large gathering of merchants.

Spoiler:

Snarg:
From your knowledge of the region you realize there is in fact a road, not as well paved nor designed as the Gold Road, that stretches through Al-Korinth, which is an oasis city, eastwards towards Al-Jalima. It connects to the Gold Road just north of Al-Ferin. You also do not find any magical items of note for sale.

Rory hesitated for a moment, then asked, "My insight fails me at the moment. Could you, or maybe someone else, help me understand?"

Rory:
The Banderling nods kindly. "Would you like me to get an Ibrexi for you? People having difficulties after their Trials are not uncommon, and I'm sure it would only be a wait of a few minutes."

Rory simply nodded. "Is there a place where I can sit? My mind is heavy."

Snarg purchases and fills several waterskins and purchases half-a-dozen trail rations from the marketplace. He gives a handful of gold coins to the tithing jars. "Maybe that'll be gettin' ya temple some help, hm?" he mutters as he drops the coins in.

Spoiler:

*Finally spots Zeiss at the market. Better just keep it simple. He approaches.*

"I need that Order coin."

Zeiss was looking for alcohol. There was nothing strong enough for what he wanted. Then he heard Higaide talks to him, which surprised him a little. He didn't know why he needed the coin and he didn't care. He looked in his pocket and gave it to him.

After that, he browsed another stall.

*Examines the coin, to see if anything stands out. He tries pressing it, see if anything will happen.*

"Executor?"

Higaide:
There is a bit of a pause before you hear a rough Dwarven voice come out of the coin. "Yes? This is Executor Gremlock, what is it?"

Rory:
"Sit anywhere you would like, it is most comfortable to rest." He gestures at the empty space around you.