Episode 54

Anthos speaks to a mysterious woman. He is left alone on the dock afterwards, looking rather shocked. They all gather themselves before taking a carriage to another liceum. Anthos does not want to talk about his experience during the ride. They are eventually teleported back to Gaoli.

Many attendants are seen in the lobby. More than usual. As the party walks to the exit, they see three figures standing in the center of the liceum. Madame Emoi, a purple, bearded tiefling with black horns, and a tall slim man turn to engage with the group. They all wear teal and white robes with gold trim.

The tiefling steps forward and introduces himself as a Tarlie. The three are all Tarlies, and all work as Royal Alchemists. He acknowledges Ingred and states that she is not recognized as a Tarlie. He calls her a disgrace and demands that she hand over her Tarlie belt, under the international law of Aima, her queen and her high king, with the agreement of the Asurion Region, her king and high queen, and with concordance of the Tian Region and the Royal Court. He hands Ingred a scroll. It is a very long, very detailed legal document. Koates takes it and reads the entire thing as Anthos steps forward to defend her. The party asks how they know she isn’t a Tarlie and demands that they show proof. The Tiefling says that the belt will tell. He cuts his hand and puts blood on his belt. The spiral becomes animated and swirls slowly. Ingred copies the old man, but the spiral on her belt does not move. Ingred moves to put her belt in the bag of holding, but is stopped. She hands over the belt in a daze, and the Tarlies leave to return to Royal City. The Tiefling, before leaving, says that Rosa can be found in Royal City. He gives no specifics.

The Party makes their way back to Basalt. Ingred tries to leave, but is interrupted by Koates. She says that the scroll is legally correct. There’s no holes. The party is sent up to visit Mr. Press in his office. He enters looking unhappy, telling them to listen to him before speaking. He is strict. Press says that there is a theme of not solving their issues, and tells the party to apologize to Koates for their behavior. They all do. K is reluctant, but he apologizes as well. Press leads Koates out, mentioning something about talking to Briggs before he shuts the door, leaving Soulfire alone in the office. Marisol takes this opportunity to talk with the group about issues she’s been having. About leadership, goals, and teamwork. Everyone in the party talks back. It is an angry, annoyed, and sad conversation. At the end of it, Marisol punches K. He returns it.

Press walks back in and briefly mentions the Tarlie house. That matter will have to be looked into, but by-the-book. He tells the party that their actions have consequences. Koates would have been given a promotion if the day went smoothly, but she won’t be getting it now. In fact, her job may be entirely lost. He talks about problems that the team has been having in leadership. He asks if anyone has a problem with Lily being the leader. The party answers no, except for Marisol. It is mentioned that Marisol worships the Goddess of Death. She is not free from death despite being her follower, says Press. He goes on to talk about how the town of Posette no longer wishes to work with the party, or Basalt for that matter, after the foreman received a rude letter from Marisol. He is disappointed in her attitude, and tells her that she needs to be more cordial.

He speaks about trust to K, noting how it’s handled in his tribe. The only difference is that these ties don’t just involve survival. K’s day-to-day changes have led to relationships within the party. He needs to have more faith in his teammates. K talks about his frustrations in regards to his party members.

The ebony wings are brought up during this conversation. According to Press, he and Briggs have been doing research on the cult. They are good with manipulation, and have no more than 100 individuals. Well, more like 80 now, after their previous interaction.

Press looks to Seipora and says that she may have a lot of burdens on her shoulders, but none of them are her fault. She is free to talk with him about any concerns she may have, if she feels inclined to. He goes back to Marisol. Understand this, he says: you have to work with the inner workings of the group as it stands. Suck it up. Marisol defends herself, stating that she’s only trying to protect the group. She never doubted K’s abilities. She feels attacked. Everyone feels attacked.

Press adds that they need to work on their listening skills. Marisol requests an apology from the group, but is cut short by Press. He calls her out for mocking everyone, and says that there needs to be order. Soon. even if Lily is no longer wanting to be leader. The group will not be dissolved. The party is dismissed. Everyone leaves to do their own things for the rest of the night.