27 Jul 1999. Envoy and Scarlet are interviewed for a journey to Ashtoreth.
(Envoy) (Rephidim) (Scarlet) (Rephidim Temple)
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Rephidim Temple
Of the sights to be seen in the city of Rephidim, one of the most impressive (if not THE most impressive) would be the legendary Temple. More so than any palace or castle or fortress to be found on the surface, the Temple is an embodiment of ancient and almost timeless authority. Yet, it is also an embodiment of corruption, for anyone who knows any of the truth, and the state of disrepair of so much of the Temple is a standing testament to this. Nonetheless, Templars and Inquisitors and Auditors and Priests make their way through its gleaming corridors, tending to daily business and personal agendas. Like it or not, here can be found the driving force behind Rephidim … and much of Sinai at large.

The sun rises on yet another morning at the Temple. The Water Mage, Scarlet, has finally been requested to come to the Temple for her interview regarding the exploration of Ashtoreth. With her is Envoy the Aeolun, whom Scarlet had voiced an interest in having accompany her.

The two are politely led down the dizzying corridors of the Temple towards an unused office located near the rooms belonging to the Audit. They're each given a glass of tea and some biscuits while they wait for the interviewing Inquisitor.

"Did you get your wand back, Scarlet?" the alien asks as she nibbles on a biscuit.

"I am afraid not. I plan to ask what became of it and those who acquired it during this interview. I am hoping they will return it in hopes it will aid my exploration," Scarlet answers. The Aelfin takes a sip of tea and takes a moment to take in her surroundings.

It's a pleasant enough looking office with a few pictures of countryside scenes on the wall. The desk that the two are seated in front of is completely bare, not even sporting a token stack of papers or writing pen. Several torches keep the room brightly lit, in place of the Temple's typical humming lights.

"This isn't like other Audit offices I've seen," Envoy notes. "Maybe this one belongs to a new officer."

The Aelfin nods as she turns her head this way and that to review the paintings in turn. "Regardless, I must say the Temple is very impressive. I have never been inside it until now, and had only seen it from a distance. I wonder what form of magic powers all these strange contraptions," the Aelfin comments, turning once again to face Envoy.

The doorway rattles open and a lanky poodle with a spot around one eye shuffles in. "Sorry to keep you waiting, ladies. I'm Inquisitor Quid. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance." Somehow the poodle manages to juggle a small wooden box and an armload of rolled up parchments in his arms.

Envoy stands and bows to the Inquisitor. "It was no trouble at all, Officer Quid."

Scarlet smiles and inclines her head to the Inquisitor respectfully before putting her tea cup down and following Envoy's lead by standing. She offers her own greeting soon after climbing off the chair. "I am happy just to have your ear, regardless of the wait, Inquisitor Quid."

The poodle is a bit too overloaded to bow back and instead just bobs on his heels a little before staggering behind the desk and noisily dumping the whole mess on top of it. "Now then," he huffs in relief before settling down in the creaky padded seat. "You wished to join in the exploration party to Ashtoreth, Madame Scarlet? I so hope I got your name right; I fear that I'm terrible with Aelfin accents."

Scarlet retakes her seat and her tea and turns to face the Inquisitor. Tea in hand, she smiles a bit more and nods at the mention of the accent. "To my knowledge, many races find Aelfin accents difficult due to their racially deeper voice. Most however do not take the time to even attempt it, so I thank you for the courtesy." The girl sits up a bit more and places the tea on the table again before folding her hands in her lap and leaning forward slightly. "Yes, I would very much like to join the exploration party."

"And you, Madame Envoy. Do you share the Water Mage's interests?" The Inquisitor starts fussing with his papers as he tries to get them in some better order beyond 'big jumbled mess'.

Envoy smiles, and says, "I was made to explore alien worlds, sir. I am always interested in doing so."

The poodle nods his head, "Then that leads me to my second question. Why do you wish to do this?" He motions to the Aelfin to speak first just to ease confusion.

"I am a Water Mage. Ashtoreth is the celestial representation of my chosen sphere of magic. It has spiritual significance for me, as well as offering me a chance to see what magical functions might exist on the planet itself. Secondly, as one of the few explorers of my people, I wish to be successful in the eyes of Sinai. If I am allowed to name even one mountain or sea upon that planet, generations of my people to come will speak of Ashtoreth and how one of them was there – a legend and proof positive of what the Aelfin can do. And finally, I am an explorer. I did not leave my home to stay where I cannot further my studies and my quest for knowledge. Spiritual, social, and personal reasons," Scarlet answers in something of a small speech, even going so far as to gesture from time to time to make her point.

"And you?" Inquisitor Quid turns to look at the Aeolun.

Envoy blinks. "I might not be given this chance again. I need to test the quantum flux on different worlds, and also try to discover the function of this system of worlds. I also need a chance to distract myself from too much introspection."

The poodle carefully smoothes down the pile of papers that have somehow managed to coat the entire top of the desk. "That leads me to a more deeper question." His eyes fall upon the Aelfin again. "Why should we let you be part of the expedition?"

Scarlet's ears perk lightly and she wiggles them nervously for a moment. The girl considers the question, and then answers, "I am a Water Mage, suited to the planet itself. I have survived in the forest without the convenience of a city most of my life. I can identify, track, and explore rather well. I have, in the assistance of Lord Kurai whose play you may know of, tamed a three-headed dragon who was threatening the Sylvanian countryside. I eat lightly, travel lightly, and require but an assistance in paying my debt to the College, and my wand returned. I have also spoken with an Abaddonian and have some idea what possibly to expect."

Again the Inquisitor focuses his attentions on the Aeolun for her reply to his question.

"Well, I would be an asset. I never forget anything, I can cover long distances, I don't require much food or sleep, and I heal fast. I also have experience in contacting aquatic alien species," Envoy offers. "Plus, I wouldn't be around to cause problems for the Temple."

"This is not an exile, and if you consider being sent away from the Temple as being some sort of temporary banishment or the Temple's attempt to gain some sort of reprieve, then I would beg to differ." The poodle's brow pinches together and he turns his attentions to Scarlet again. "And what is it you expect on Ashtoreth?"

Ears wiggle again and the girl tries her best to smile at the man who, true to his title, inquires of her. "I expect to gain insight into my magic and a new world, the respect of my people and some shekels for my debts. And of course, the excitement of adventuring somewhere no Aelfin has ever been," she answers.

"So the Abaddonian you spoke with told you that there is a great deal of information on magic, respect, and excitement on Ashtoreth?" The poodle's fingertips trace over the oblong box.

Scarlet shakes her head slightly and traces a suit of armor in the air. "He said there are many great machines and relics upon Abaddon. I saw his armor, which is as unusual as the armor I have seen on your finest warriors. He also mentioned the Silent-Ones, and as I am sure you know, they may possibly have some connection with the Sifras – the legendary creators of magic itself. None of what he told me applied to Ashtoreth, but I can hope Abaddon is not the only planet to have such things. All of this leads into what I told you, one way or another."

Inquisitor Quid pulls out a sheet of paper and studies it. "Both of you have less than spotless records … although Envoy has been rather well-behaved as of late. We recently had an incident with Madame Scarlet attempting to perform some sort of magic upon her with an artifact."

Envoy smiles at the perceived compliment.

Scarlet frowns slightly, but does her best to answer anyway. "It was a test of a gift from Lord Kurai. I am afraid I was a bit carried away in my studies of Ashtoreth and the item in question. I asked Envoy if she would assist me in an experiment, and she agreed. Nothing became of it."

"Can you give me a more detailed assessment of what occurred, Madame Envoy? You do have a well known mind for details, after all." The poodle steeples his fingers.

Envoy says, "Well, Scarlet wanted to duplicate my wings for herself. She thought her wand would be able do it, and she tried a quick ritual… but it only produced a few sparks. It wasn't like any ritual I've seen before, though. None of those involved magical artifacts."

Scarlet nods a bit and adds, "Wings being useful for navigating waterways and most terrain."

Envoy says, "Nothing happened though, except for some sparks."

"I see… " Quid examines his papers a bit more. "… which finally leads up to the ultimate question. As both of you have run afoul of the Temple, why should we trust you on an important mission such as Ashtoreth? We've already lost one man due to greed or distraction… How can I be sure that you two will not fail in your duties?"

"In an alien environment," Envoy says, "you cannot expect anyone to be predictable. Therefore, you send people that have shown an ability to deal with unpredictable situations."

"My upsetting the Temple was unintentional; I wish only the best of relations between us. Allow me to mend the mistake I made by aiding you," Scarlet responds. Her gaze now moves to the ceiling for a moment before she continues. "I am a Mage, but I am not an army. I cannot possibly do what you fear and live. Also, there would be no motivation for such treachery. Death does nothing to help one learn. Going against the Temple only leads to infamy."

The Inquisitor nods his head and focuses his gaze on the Water Mage again. "As I do not wish you to discover this suddenly when your expectations may be leaning in a different direction, I should tell you that there is a very good chance that your magic will be useless on Ashtoreth. Will this fact hinder your desire to explore the planet?"

Scarlet smiles, seeming not the least bit bothered by hearing of the fact her magic may be useless on Ashtoreth. "I am already aware that may be the case. I have heard it is the way of Abaddon, and thus, may be the way of Ashtoreth. It could be a learning experience to be without my magic, so as to study the natural occurrences of water, and to learn other ways of accomplishing my tasks so as to not make my magic into my crutch," she tells the Inquisitor.

"That does give me some measure of relief, I will admit." The poodle plucks at his lip. "Will you be requiring guards or workers? Supplies, perhaps?" This question seems to be addressed to both the office's occupants.

Envoy says, "I think light supplies would be best, since neither of us need as much food as a guard would. It might be nice to have someone with first aid experience at least, and who could evaluate technological artifacts."

Scarlet reaches into her pouch and removes a scroll and a black fruit. She pokes the fruit with her wooden pen so as to cause the juice to seep onto the pen and provide ink. The scroll is unwrapped and placed in front of her so she can write upon it. Once all this is done, she answers. "I would imagine so. I am not a warrior, and without my magic, unable to provide much in the way of defense. And though I am also a scholar, one more familiar with such things as machines and relics might be useful. Possibly well versed in mapping as well. An archaeologist. Finally, I would like to store my mage books and clothing at the Temple, and switch to clothing and tools more suited to exploration and scouting."

Envoy adds, "They shouldn't be adverse to swimming either."

"Very well then … although I would like to make one thing perfectly clear." The Inquisitor holds up a finger. "While you are there, you are servants of the Temple. Despite any personal glories or tokens you hope to get, you will be Sinai's ambassadors to whatever native and potentially sapient species live there. Is this understood?"

"Does this mean we get Temple uniforms?" Scarlet asks.

Envoy just nods. "I understand, sir."

"If you find them comfortable enough, although the water may ruin them." Quid taps the wooden box again. "Do you desire to wear Temple uniforms?"

"I would rather not, sir. No offense intended," Envoy says. "But in the off chance we do get into trouble, and me being an Exile and Scarlet from an obscure race, there really wouldn't be anything to connect us to the Temple or Sinai itself."

Scarlet nods slightly. "It would be much more impressive to any culture were we to seem advanced and well dressed, so long as the clothing does not hinder us. After all, if we are to represent the Temple, I would assume you wish to make a statement," Scarlet answers, left ear twitching slightly. "First impressions are important. Would you wish us to present ourselves dressed as a rag tag group?"

"I will concede the point, although do not expect to go there dressed in Astromancer robes. I believe that we have some Ambassador's uniforms that would suit the purpose nicely." The poodle dips into the desk and pulls out a silver coin. "You may use this to purchase supplies. It should be adequate."

Envoy asks, "I don't suppose there is a book on ambassadorial protocol we could study?"

"Just make an effort not to insult the natives, start a war, steal anything important, or hurt anybody, and you should be fine," Inquisitor Quid replies, smirking a little.

Scarlet giggles softly, shaking her head. "By the Star, no. I have seen a picture of the Astromancer's robes. I would be unable to stand to greet anyone in such a fine garment. It is impressive, but it looks rather weighty. And also as you can see, I already possess the robes of an arch mage. I simply wanted to be impressive in a way that would suit the Temple best."

Envoy blinks, and nods. "Of course, sir." Literal-minded, as always.

The Exile glances at the Aelfin. "There is something to be said for appearing cute and harmless, remember."

Scarlet giggles a bit more at the seemingly unintended pun of suit, all though she does her best to cover her giggle with a hand. She calms down shortly and moves her hand to ask another question before taking the silver coin. "If I may ask, what exactly is in that box?"

Scarlet perks her ears and smiles at Envoy. "I suppose so, but how I appear is common for my people. We do not see it as cute and innocent. However we do see it in some that you would not feel the same way about."

Envoy nods.

"Of course I am totally harmless," adds Scarlet with a bit of a grin.

"I don't suppose that either of you have had experience with boats, have you?" The Inquisitor seems to start at the question. "Oh… this. Well, it's a gift for you, Mage Scarlet." He pushes the box forward and opens it carefully. The inside is lined with red velvet, and nestled in its center is a small lacquered globe of deep blue with some specks of green here and there – a small model of Ashtoreth.

Envoy leans over to inspect the bauble. "I've seen boats being built."

Of course, being so short, Scarlet needs to sit up a bit to see in the box. When she does, her smile increases even more and her eyes sparkle. "My! This is extremely pretty. And useful as well, though I hesitate to consider bringing it. I will be certain to keep it safe if at all possible. I cherish the gifts given to me. Of course, that includes my lost wand." She continues to stare at the grand bauble a while longer before turning to Envoy at her mention of ships. "Ships? I had wondered how we would reach Ashtoreth in the first place. Are we to sail there?"

"There is a gateway. You will be made known of its location after you fill out the appropriate forms. And a boat will be provided." The poodle closes the box and pushes it forward. "If you wish to take it when you return, you are welcome to. Is there anything else I can do before you start orientation?"

Envoy asks, "Do you have a diving sphere available, like the one on Little Rephidim West?"

"Hmmm. I can see if one is available. That would be useful." The Inquisitor smiles a bit, obviously finding the idea intriguing, if possible.

"I wonder if it is the desert gateway, but I heard that is guarded," muses Scarlet for a moment. "Anyway, how much of this may we mention openly? Also, will there be any others besides those we requested?" she asks now, this time to someone other than herself. That being the Inquisitor, of course.

Nodding, Inquisitor Quid says, "It is. And although I will not swear you to secrecy over this I would ask that you not tell every soul you meet that you are going to Ashtoreth either. Use caution."

Envoy asks, "Are there any departments outside of the Inquisition that we should avoid talking to before we leave?"

"I see. Common sense. The law of basic magery. I tend to be a bit too talkative for my own good, but I will endeavor to be more careful in my rambling," the girl replies to the Inquisitor. "I have no further questions at this time."

"None come to mind. We've had quite a few people coming back and forth over the exploration plans, so it is no secret in these halls," the poodle answers to the Aeolun before smiling at Scarlet. "Ah… then this trip may be beneficial to you in more ways than you can even perceive of now. Very well then. Your travel leaves in one week's time. I suggest you prepare yourselves."

Envoy turns to ask Scarlet, "I don't suppose you get seasick or airsick, do you?"

"Well I certainly hope so," the Aelfin tells the man with another smile before turning to Envoy to answer her question. "Airships have never bothered me. I do admit to being terrified the first time one lifted off, but I had never been on one before. As for boats, I cannot say. I have never been on anything much larger than a small raft."

Envoy nods and stands. "Perhaps you might want to look into some swimming exercises, just in case."

The poodle sits back in his chair, seemingly content to let the two potential explorers talk amongst themselves for now.

Scarlet follows Envoy's lead once again and rises from her chair. "Oh, I can swim just fine. It is popular recreation of the Aelfin to swim in the ponds of Aelfhem. I am simply not used to large ships. In fact, I cannot say I have seen one up close. Oh, and as a note, try not to laugh when I swim. I heard someone mention how odd Aelfin look while soaked."

"Taking your leave, ladies?" Inquisitor Quid tilts his head. "I wish you a good journey then."

Envoy blinks at Scarlet, then turns to bow to the Inquisitor. "I look forward to orientation, sir."

Scarlet makes a face at Envoy for a moment before turning to the Inquisitor and curtseying. "I believe I will head to wherever you keep your clothing, store my belongings, and change." She reaches over and closes the box, which she soon gathers into her paws and holds with both hands.

Envoy follows out after the Aelfin, and asks, "You aren't afraid of squid are you? We might encounter some… "

"What makes you think they would eat me first? You are the one with the golden hair, Miss Eat-Me-Beacon," jokes Scarlet as she walks out of the room, carrying the box as if it were made of the most fragile of glass.

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GMed by Zoltan

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