The Eternal Sorceress

One day they woke me up so I could live forever. I always thought those tears had dried up long ago. If I'm alone, nothing will make me sad. I have my goal. I must find these things called: The Vessels of Sin (Indie RP blog for Elluka Clockworker from the Evillious Chronicles/Daughter of Evil)

[ishiraialostpeople]

Main Story, Act 1 (@the-clockwork-witch)

[the-clockwork-witch-blog]

ishiraialostpeople‌:

“The denizens of Syndicate……are a complicated bunch rather than an ordinary band of criminals.” Barnabas rubbed his chin. “You see, before they became Syndicate, the northern provinces of the Alto Republic helped repair Alto City quickly after the Shattering of Arcadia. However, it is unknown on what happened between Alto City’s nobility and the provinces but one thing is for certain: The northern provinces were disgruntled and severed their ties from Alto City. Without proper leadership, the provinces became a nest of criminal activity.”

"So... It's infinitely more scary than a place that may or may not house a few scattered clans." She sure does take things to a bit of an extreme, huh?

"I'm a little scared to go alone, but..." Elluka looks at the map as she contemplates.

"And either of these places could have the priestess, right? There isn't anyone who would know more about where to look? Or, I don't know, have any mystical armor to help me out like in video games?" While she's mostly made up her mind about how she will go about this odd task, Elluka would still rather be better prepared. Even if the last part was a joke, she still radiates an air of uncertainty.

[the-clockwork-witch-blog]

“Oh what a nice nap! I feel so refreshed now!”

“...”

“It’s been how long?!”

[ishiraialostpeople]

Main Story, Act 1 (@the-clockwork-witch)

[the-clockwork-witch-blog]

ishiraialostpeople‌:

“……Yes, hence why they are called barbarians.” Barnabas raised an eyelid for a moment. “Anyway, the Barbarians of the Howling Crags led many conquests against what was once the great Alto Republic. However, disorganized as they are, they were defeated every time by our more disciplined soldiers as well as the Ishirai. But now that the world has suddenly shattered, Alto City is all that is left. We do not know if the Barbarians survived but if they have, then there’s no doubt they’ll take the opportunity to strike again……if they even dare to.” 

"The definition of barbarian isn't a violent one, usually." Even so, her face is red from embarrassment. 

"So it could be, essentially... Empty. Sounds better than a city of criminals. And going onto that topic, what are the denizens of Syndicate like? I think that I'll visit whichever is the closest, then the other..."

[ishiraialostpeople]

Main Story, Act 1 (@the-clockwork-witch)

[the-clockwork-witch-blog]

ishiraialostpeople‌:

“Certainly.” Barnabas nodded as he sat down as well. “The Howling Crags are a mountainous region to the northeast, very arid and home to the Barbarians. They have their own unique culture and worship the Golden Goddess in their own violent way, believing that the spilling of blood will grant them her favor.”

"And these barbarians... Can you tell me more about them?" If she could Elluka would have written down what information she had. Instead, she summons a paperclip and clips the photo to the atlas, studying the map of the howling crags.

“They certainly sound barbaric.”

[the-clockwork-witch-blog]

batsunokurobako‌:

Punishment smirks. “Of course. I’ll make sure to tell you,” he says, taking a good look on the woman. Huh, green hair but not the same shade as his ‘mother’. “What’s your name, by the way? Because I sure as hell never saw you before.”

“Hanne Lorre, lead journalist for the Shuburg Newspaper. “

She’s a pretty lady, sort of tall and not very polite. 

[the-clockwork-witch-blog]

batsunokurobako‌:

Punishment’s complaint of the day:

Okay, this isn’t really a complaint but whatever, this blog is mine. Finally I’m being noticed by people. Thank fucking gods. You can bet your Evs that I will become famous. Haha, take that, Evil’s Servant! Your title as the most loved irregular boy will soon have a new owner: ME! HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!

“Tell me when you become famous so I can interview you.”

[ishiraialostpeople]

Main Story, Act 1 (@the-clockwork-witch)

[the-clockwork-witch-blog]

ishiraialostpeople‌:

“…………Well, I’ll let that slide since that’s how everybody reacts every time they first meet her.” Barnabas just shrugged as if that’s the most normal thing in the world.

…

……

………

The inside of the Library is……well, breathtaking to say the least. I mean, it leads underwater for crying out loud. It’s hard to imagine that all this is on a floating complex. Several areas are blocked off obviously due to the quarantine, leaving only a mostly empty reception area.

“Now then, if you wish, have a seat. As I have said before, I will do my best to answer any questions you may have. But do make haste for the plague continues to grip Alto City.”

"Okay. Explain the Howling Crags." Elluka looks around, then sits down at the comfortable looking, half-circle couch. She looks outside at the water around. After a moment, Elluka looks back to Barnabas.

"I can't do anything without any proper detail... Especially because I know absolutely nothing."

[ishiraialostpeople]

Main Story, Act 1 (@the-clockwork-witch)

[the-clockwork-witch-blog]

ishiraialostpeople‌:

“Oh yes. I almost forgot. Here is a picture of High Priestess Anima. She shouldn’t be hard to spot.” Barnabas nodded as he handed Elluka the picture.

…………Not hard to spot indeed. It is a picture of a young girl with abnormally long blue hair and blue eyes, daintily clad in a white sundress.

She studies the picture, blinking rapidly. 

"This is a child--" Elluka speaks immediately, blurting the words out. "This is an actual little girl. Wait-- How is her hair doing that? What-- What? And what kind of dress is this? That's way too thin...!" Ah, she sounds like a scolding mother.

“This poor girl is missing? I’ll definitely do what I can to find her...”

[the-clockwork-witch-blog]

batsunokurobako‌:

Punishment glares at Levia. Is she mocking him or what? He’s sure he made it obvious. “How do you think this makes me feel?” he snaps, gritting his teeth. “Aren’t you Miss Hysterical Psychologist or whatever the hell it’s called?”

"I'm detecting a hint of sarcasm." but that isn't gonna stop her slight snicker.

"Let me guess. Anger, frustration. But also loneliness and regret. You wish more people paid attention to you, thus your outbursts. You have a strong desire for companionship, but no desire to initiate it yourself. You hope that people will come to you, and not the other way around. You want to be the best you can be so you will be recognized and appreciated in the world. You're tired of being forgotten, left behind, and used." 

"You're distressed, too. Worried. Scared of being truly forgotten. Paranoid that you will be forgotten. And all of that piles together, bubbles in a can until it explodes into these outbursts. You're terrified of your own personality and self, and you project it onto others. If they don't like me, it's their fault and not mine. I'm not a ticking time bomb of emotion and anger, it's them that's the problem.”

“It would be pitiful if it were anyone else.”

[ishiraialostpeople]

Main Story, Act 1 (@the-clockwork-witch)

[the-clockwork-witch-blog]

ishiraialostpeople‌:

“Ah yes. Certainly. Unfortunately, since the quarantine is still in effect, there are areas of the Library in which nobody is allowed in. Therefore, let us have a proper talk at the reception area……and away from the sun.” Barnabas nodded as he turned to the other lizardmen manning the ferry. “Take us to the Library.”

“WHAT’S THE SUPER SECRET PASSWORD?”

“THERE IS NO PASSWORD, GENIUS.” Barnabas just shoved Fillmore aside before boarding the ferry. 

"He... Really isn't quite professional, is he..?" Despite her soft murmur, Elluka nervously follows Barnabas onto the ferry. 

She takes another glance through the atlas, then looks to Barnabas. 

"Oh, do you have a picture of the priestess? I saw you carrying a card of some kind..."

[ishiraialostpeople]

Main Story, Act 1 (@the-clockwork-witch)

[the-clockwork-witch-blog]

ishiraialostpeople‌:

“……Y-You’re welcome!” Laelynn felt flattered. At least she’s happy knowing that she helped out. “Do be safe, okay?” And with that, Laelynn started making her way back home hopefully.

“Oh this atlas will do more than just that.” Barnabas smiled a bit as he handed Elluka the atlas first. “With it, you will know every location within walking distance in all of Arcadia, even in this city. You will not get lost, I can guarantee you that. If you have any further questions, then please. Ask away and I will do my best to answer.”

The curious artisan takes a moment to look at the atlas.

"Okay. So.. She briefly covered it, but I would like more detail about those two locations. The crags, and Syndicate. I'd also like to know as much as possible on the priestess, so I can at least make an educated guess at where she ended up. And.. Do you have somewhere we can sit? I did a lot of walking."

The last part is partially a whine, and Elluka gestures to her heels. Not only is she tired, she's hungry too. She also needs to use a bathroom, but that's a question for later.

[ishiraialostpeople]

Main Story, Act 1 (@the-clockwork-witch)

[the-clockwork-witch-blog]

ishiraialostpeople‌:

“I……I’m sorry. That’s pretty much all I know. I’m not even allowed to journey outside of the city.” Laelynn sighed. “Mom and Dad probably know more but High Priestess Anima can explain the history of Arcadia better. You can read all about Arcadia when the Library reopens……but-”

“But, we are in the middle of a quarantine.” Barnabas had returned with an atlas and a picture. “Laelynn, it is about time you return back home. Your parents will be very worried if you don’t.”

“Uuuuuu……”

"I think you helped me a great deal, Laelynn. I've learned about two new places, and now I have a general idea about the Priestess. And it's all thanks to you." Elluka reaches out and pats Laelynn's hair in an oddly motherly way.

"Thank you for helping me. Now why don't you head home?" She smiles, then finally stands to Barnabas.

"Laelynn gave me knowledge of two places - The Howling Crags and Syndicate. Will this atlas have both of them in it? I'll also have some questions for you about the priestess..."

[ishiraialostpeople]

Main Story, Act 1 (@the-clockwork-witch)

[the-clockwork-witch-blog]

ishiraialostpeople‌:

“The Golden Goddess~? Oh I admire her~!” Laelynn’s eyes brightened upon having that topic brought up. “The Golden Goddess Inanna, the ‘Queen of Heaven’, is one of two of the ruling physical deities of Arcadia! Eh, she isn’t a dragon goddess but she’s beautiful and powerful!”

“It’s a shame I’m not able to meet her in person. As far as I know, she only communicates regularly with High Priestess Anima……”

"Queen of heaven, ah..? I think Arcadia has it a little more lucky. Our goddess - Levia - is known under a much scarier name..." Elluka laughs softly, amused by the girl before her.

"Is there anything else you could tell me that might help? Anyone you know of who could help me, or anything about the land or history of Arcadia?"

She may as well milk Laelynn for all she's worth, while they wait for the lizardman to return.

[ishiraialostpeople]

Main Story, Act 1 (@the-clockwork-witch)

[the-clockwork-witch-blog]

ishiraialostpeople‌:

“High Priestess Anima? Um, there’s not much I can say about her……” Laelynn pondered. “All that I know is that she is the caretaker of the Library, with all the Lizardman being her attendants. She serves the Golden Goddess of this world and she wields healing powers. And it’s……weird that she still looks really young. Like, looking around my age?”

"...Ah? I wonder what her real age is..." There is curiosity in Elluka's voice. "Anyways, what is... What is this Golden Goddess everyone refers to? Is she a dragon goddess as well?"

If she is anything like Levia, then Elluka feels she has a real chance at finding her way home. Hopefully.

[ishiraialostpeople]

Main Story, Act 1 (@the-clockwork-witch)

[the-clockwork-witch-blog]

ishiraialostpeople‌:

“Y-Yeah, there are barbarians living in the Howling Crags.” Laelynn nodded a little. “My history teacher told me that they are enemies of Alto City for a long time. The two sides fought a lot but not as often nowadays due to the barbarians suffering many defeats at the hands of the Ishirai……”

She can see the motive for the crags, but finds that it would be more difficult to look into. A tall woman walking into a camp of barbarians wouldn't exactly be hard to spot.

"I see. Hmm... I guess I'll look around that Syndicate city first, then check the barbarian area. Now, what can you tell me about the priestess? Anima, correct? I believe she is one of these Ishirai."

[ishiraialostpeople]

Main Story, Act 1 (@the-clockwork-witch)

[the-clockwork-witch-blog]

ishiraialostpeople‌:

“……*sigh* I guess that makes sense……” Laelynn sighed a bit. “No I’m not mad. I’m just disappointed that I’m not doing anything while everybody else is wasting away……but if you’re going, then I guess it’s alright. You seem like a nice lady.”

“Let’s see…… Syndicate. I know that place is filled with a lot of bad people like thieves and others Mom and Dad don’t want to talk about. I read that those people used to be part of our city but a great earthquake happened and everyone argued after the disaster……”

"You are doing something, by helping me..." The ex-priestess speaks softly, then listens to what Laelynn says. Maybe she should find Caedus and learn more about the 'bad people' of Syndicate. Elluka finds interest in the earthquake, too, but feels it is irrelevant to the current situation. 

"So, Syndicate is a place with criminals. And what about the Howling Crags? You spoke of barbarians..?" Syndicate seems the better option, but she needs to know the shape of all her enemies before she makes a move. 

Elluka finds a small plan forming in her mind as she speaks with the girl.

[ishiraialostpeople]

Main Story, Act 1 (@the-clockwork-witch)

[the-clockwork-witch-blog]

ishiraialostpeople‌:

“…………” Laelynn looks clearly upset. But perhaps it is for the best. No way a child like her should be around here in the first place, let alone go off on a rescue mission such as this. “…………Fine. Which place do you want to know first?”

Syndicate

Howling Crags

"Please don't be mad, little Laelynn. But I'll have a daughter like you, soon... And it would be the worst pain in the world for me if she got hurt. I'm sure your mother must be horribly worried about you..."

Elluka speaks honestly, and sadly. She can't imagine what kind of pain Laelynn's mother would be in, should Laelynn get hurt. If Laelynn was her own daughter, it would tear at Elluka's heart until nothing but scraps remained.

"Tell me about Syndicate, first. Since you mentioned it. Then the crags."