"Let's keep up the pace...we're almost there."

The group had been travelling tirelessly for just nearly four days at this point - during which, they'd faced no shortage of problems. They'd been tracked by all manners of devils, faced nearly every environmental predicament that Avernus was capable of producing, and scaled terrain ill-fit for those had spent their entire lives on the first layer of Hell. Exhaustion was taking its toll on the group as well, Wake giving little room for rest during the tireless journey. They needed to reach Tiamat just after their contract with Bel had expired, the pace required to do so not leaving much room for error.

However, their travels had yielded success - as they scaled one last dust-laden hilltop scattered with bones of unknown origin, Wake could see the Tiamat's lair in the distance - and as he drew even closer, he could verify the presence of the planar portal within it. The archer doubted that the portal to Dis could change so unexpectedly, but when dealing with Bel in the manner that they were, it was impossible to tell just what they could trust anymore.

"Alright...Tiamat is sharp, perhaps even sharper than Bel. Do not try to lie...be misleading if you must. I do not know if she will have that power in effect when we enter, but it is best not to take chances with such things." Wake strode forward, the stray bones they saw on the hilltop growing ever-more numerous the closer they drew to Tiamat's lair. He could smell the scent of rot and decay that infected the area...Tiamat's prey. If they weren't careful with their words, that would be all that the Syndicate would be reduced to.

"And if you cannot think of what to say, best to remain silent, dearests." Thava walked beside them, the two's mental communication growing more and more frequent over the passing days. Wake couldn't tell if Zaelynir simply found comfort in this sort of hidden speech, or if the incubus really did trust him...worse than that, he didn't know which was more dangerous to be true. Wake had grown more and more uneasy about the frequent mental intrusions, responding less and less as time went on. He'd been told not to tell others, and he hadn't...he just didn't know if that was still the right call or not.

Once again, he felt the intrusion in his head. "I think you and I both know there's a good chance that this doesn't end well. Phyrra, Shavvir...they don't have experience in these sorts of things. Best we handle it again, right?"

Wake didn't respond...his suspicions were being confirmed. Zaelynir was a double agent, triple agent...it was impossible to tell just whose side the incubus was on at this point. Orcus, Bel, the Syndicate...it seemed like he had allegiances to all three and none at the same time. "How many others have you told to keep quiet about your little mind games. Why are you trying to pull this team apart?"

"Oh, dearie...you misread my intentions. I wish only to help us survive, not - "

Wake cut Zaelynir off, the two mental streams slamming into each other. "No. You're sowing distrust. I trust Phyrra with my life and Shavvir...enough. I trusted you to speak to Bel. It is in your best interest not to test that. Or would you rather we carry this conversation on with tongue, not with mind? I'm sure the rest of our companions would enjoy knowing you've either lied to all of us or hid this power from all of them."

For once, the usual confidence in Zaelynir's mental tone was gone. "That...won't be necessary."

"Good. Then use this communication channel as a last resort. It is a benefit we should not ignore, but your extended use of it has become tiresome and concerning." The archer waited patiently for any final words from Zaelynir, but the mental connection remained silent. Satisfied, he continued forward, the horrid scent of Tiamat's lair growing even worse as they made their way forward.

Wake looked back, knowing that the time was about to be upon them. "Everyone, on your guard...we may be walking into any number of traps."

As he finished speaking, they heard the rumbling of several voices speaking in unison, each a different tone but sharing the same guttural, hungering undertones as they spoke the language of devils. "Approach, flesh beasts. We smell your blood. Do not waste our time stalling. None come to us for idle banter."

Wake called out, quickening his pace as he did so. "We shall be swift, you have my word."

Though he couldn't see it, Wake could feel the five draconic voices easing up. "Ah...Wake. We do not quite recognize you by scent alone, but the time is not far away. What do you ask of us this time?"

At this point, they had reached the mouth of the cave, the number of carcasses swelling greatly as they entered the cavern proper. In the far distance, shrouded in darkness, Wake could see the glimmer of ten eyes, the five draconic heads looking no less predatory just because he'd seen them before. "We seek passage to Dis. Nothing more. And please, great Tiamat. May we speak in a freer tongue?" Wake gestured at the diverse set of companions behind him, speaking to the goddess in Common. "We would appreciate it."

"It shall be as you request." One of the five heads swooped forward, Tiamat's red draconic visage now visible from the light that shone in from outside. When it spoke, none of the other four joined it. "And what business do you have in Dis this time?"

Wake continued walking forward, the group now wholly within the Dragon Queen's presence. In the dim light they could make out the black, white, green, and blue heads within the darkness, as well as the gargantuan crimson-scaled wings and body that blocked the way forward. Wake could sense the portal beyond the deity - getting to it would only happen through her cooperation, or the work of several gods.

"I'm working to right the wrongs Bel has wrought across this land, starting with working to remove him from his throne of power. Dis is a vast city - within its walls, I am confident I can find what I need. We signed a contract with him, one that has now expired. He thinks that we are here to strengthen his hold on the realm...but in fact we intend to shatter it."

The blue head swung lower now, both it and Tiamat's main red head now eyeing the archer hungrily. "Interesting strategy, mortal...you flirt with powers and devils that could crush you with a single thought. However, to the matter at hand... when that throne is empty...just who do you believe is fit to rule it?"

Wake angled his words carefully, unsure if the truth was being forced upon him or not. "The thrones of hell are not mine to fill, Tiamat...but you have filled one before. You were chosen for a reason then, and I have heard of nothing that would change Asmodeus' reason."

The red head smiled, the black now swooping down with a disapproving glare. "You have come at a poor time, mortal. We have let others through, those that serve Bel...and not under the false pretenses that you carry."

"Who were they? Bel spoke of them, but seemed intent on not giving us any information."

The black head seemed to grimace, anger and mistrust still boiling in its eyes. "I am unable to say...they carried a contract of secrecy. All I know is that I was required to let them through to their destination, and ask no questions."

Phyrra responded before the others could. "Surely there is room within the contract...something you can tell us. We believe we seek opposite goals of them...any information you can provide us will aid in that. We believe they seek to eliminate a key enemy of Bel...something that would further strengthen his hold within Avernus."

The white head swung forward now, an unnerving, icy gentleness in its voice. "We can say that we did not trust them, that we would have turned them down if we could. We are under order from Bel to comply with his contracts, and we are unable to break that order. We do not know much about them. We cannot tell you any more."

Wake nodded. "Understood...back to the matter at hand. As for our contract...or rather, what was once our contract. Our mission was to eliminate Zariel from contention, but that is not our goal. We believe she has information on Bel that would be useful to bring about his - "

He was immediately cut off, all five draconic heads lunging towards the archer as puffs of fire, ice, lightning, and acid were set free. "Silence! We know of Zariel's intentions, that she wishes to rule a throne that she is not fit to occupy. You speak as if you wish to create an empty throne. It sounds as if you already know whom you wish to fill it with."

Thava stepped forward, hands held up high as if in praise. "Impressive. I believe you've sealed our fate." The sidelined glare from Wake was ignored, Thava responding to the deity - as a dragonborn, her deity. "Oh great Tiamat...only you - " Thava felt her throat hitch, his words staggering...his deceit being blocked. Quickly he attempted to fake a cough, an action clearly noticed by the deity before him. "Your power is great, and your claim to as Lord of the First is undeniable. We wish only to see you returned to your rightful place. Zariel also seeks Bel's throne, yes...but we intend to use that to our advantage. Learn what we can from the filthy angelspawn to remove Bel from where he now sits. Then, and only then, can ancient wrongs be righted anew."

Tiamat's green head snaked closer and closer to Thava, the massive draconic skull soon inches from the dragonborn's head. "We sense your lies...smell them, even. You stink of devil, not dragon, and your lies of your mouth are as tainted as the lies of your flesh. I give you one chance, and one chance only." The dragon reared its head back, a gout of poisonous vapors pluming from its nostrils as the eyes turned to daggers. When it spoke again, gone was the language of the Material plane, instead replaced by Tiamat's preferred tongue - the language of dragons. "Is your intention to secure us the throne of Bel, and restore our rightful place, a place none other is worthy to reside, as Lord of the First?"

Immediately, Wake felt a prod on the mental connection, Zaelynir's voice far more frantic than usual. "Ask me a question that I can respond 'it is' to. Now."

"I...okay. Is your name Zaelynir?"

There was a pause, Tiamat's heads one-by-one lowering themselves to angle towards the very-defenseless dragonborn. "Something else."

Wake paused...that was not at all what he expected to get back. His next question was far direct - one he could only hope wouldn't bring another surprise with it...and if it did, there were far larger problems at hand. "Is Avernus the first layer of the Nine Hells?"

Thava nodded, responding in Tiamat's own tongue. "It is." The dragonborn looked Tiamat's head in the eyes, nodding. "It is."

Tiamat recoiled in seeming shock, the glow of fire and crackle of electricity dying down as the heads returned to a far less predatory position. "We are most pleased. You may not be a dragon in body...but you are accepted nonetheless.

"I thank you, great Tiamat." Thava bowed low to the ground in a mock display of fealty, further trying to signify that her intentions were true - it was clear to all that they were on thin ice.

"We have not given you our blessing just yet, mortal. You speak of this contract with Bel, that which has expired. Show proof of your disloyalty to the so-called 'Lord of the First'...show us those infernal papers."

Wake nodded, extending a hand with the contract in hand. Tiamat's massive draconic claw snatching the parchment from his hands. Tiamat's main head squinted, straining to read the words as she scoured the pages.

"Your statements lie true. However, you have delivered us no proof that you intend to do as you say. How are we to believe that you will not simply continue Bel's mission as soon as we let you through? You have not given us much reason to trust your intentions up until this point...your words may speak true, but your faces do not."

Thava responded. "My queen...we wish only to see the right rule that which they are meant to rule. Bel has spent far too long in this world...it is time for a change. There is naught that we can offer you that is worthy of the power that is before us...all we can offer is our word"

"And what value is your word to us? Your word does not grant us power, prestige, strength, or security. Your word is worth nothing unless you prove to us otherwise."

Before either Thava or Wake could respond, Shavvir stepped forward. "I am a devout of the Raven Queen. I have pledged my life to her, and follow wherever she leads me. I have been led here...and I have come to believe that it may be for this very moment. I, Shavvir Blackfire, give you my word, and the word the Raven Queen herself, that we shall promote your best interests while within Dis."

That put Tiamat to silence, the blue head slinking forward, eyes transfixed on the shadar-kai. "You are not the first of the Raven Queen's servants that we have seen...nor do we have reason to believe you shall be the last. We have had...varying degrees of satisfaction with her servants. Once again, we ask you for proof...you see, proof does much for us. Where is your token of service? If your deity truly values you, surely you have one, yes?"

Shavvir held out Everlife, the sword glinting off of the dusky lights that shone in from beyond the cave. "My sword, Everlife, has been my most prized possession since it was handed to me within the depths of the Shadowfell. It has never once left my side...and never shall, as long as I live."

"Let us see it...to verify your claims."

Shavvir nearly snarled, her knuckles turning white as she clutched her blade tightly. "I cannot...it shall not leave my side. If you wish to inspect it, you may do so while I still hold it."

The blue head smiled, the rest soon following suit. "You have answered correctly. We believe what you have to say...as we have said, we have interacted with the Raven Queen's zealots before. It is not us anymore that you have to fear...it is her. You have put your value on the line...and likely, your life."

Tiamat's wings beat with enough force to shake the ground around them, lifting herself into the air slightly as she maneuvered backwards, granting the Syndicate access to what lies behind her. "We anticipate great things shall come from the generosity we have shown you. Find our faith misplaced, and we shall decimate each and every one of you when our paths next cross."

Shavvir nodded, arms folded in front of her in a small bow. "We thank you for your compassion, Tiamat." Looking back at the rest of the Syndicate, a rare smirk formed on the shadar-kai's face. "Shall we?"

Wake nodded, walking forward along with the others. "Thank you, Tiamat. We shall not disappoint."

The group continued forward, now reaching the depths of the cave behind Tiamat. The filth faded instantly, soon the dull glimmer of gold now filling their vision. As they continued forward, they heard all five heads speaking at once. "We know every piece of our hoard. Every gem, every sliver of gold, every priceless artifact...we know each and every one. Should your hands touch any of them, it shall be the last action you ever perform."

As they turned the corner, the group saw just how glorious it was. Towers upon towers of gold littered with gems the size of fists, heads, and chests, interspersed with weapons and armor that practically glowed with magical potential. To put a value on the hoard in front of them would have been impossible...it was simply too vast, the magical power radiating from it too grand to give a value to. To say that there was no temptation to steal something would have been grossly incorrect - even the likes of Maul and Wake greedily eyed the swords, shields, and bows that protruded amidst the mounds and mounds of gold.

At the rear of it all, however, was the portal. A red swirling border sat inside of a stone circle, tendrils of black and orange spiraling into the center. This was what Wake had been sensing...this was their way forward. No words needed to be said as he marched through it, the others close behind him. They knew better than to test Tiamat...she had granted them the passage they needed. To test that was to flirt with death itself.

The group arrived in Dis...the plane, but not quite the city. They found themselves on the road just outside, what once was a sun above now just a beating, pulsing red sky. Before them, all they could see was the pathway beyond them, no hint of the city to be seen. The road was relatively empty - in the distance, they could see a devil walking the same path that they would, but Tiamat's watch over her portal was airtight.

Instantly, Wake turned to Shavvir. "Just what do you think you're doing? We had a plan...a plan that we now have to reconsider. Tiamat has no army that can support our goals...just whose side do you claim to be on?"

The shadar-kai smiled, a sideways glance at Thava occuring that didn't go unnoticed by the archer. "I will do what work I must to support what I have spoken...I expect it will aid far more than me. I can search for information on Bel that may prove useful in dethroning him - this is something that both Zariel and Tiamat would wish to procure. I am not stopping the rest of you from doing your - our duties. I simply wished to get us through the portal."

Phyrra frowned. "And what will your god think of this? You have pledged to Tiamat, and yet it sounds as if you intend to do as little as possible to uphold that pledge. I expected better of you...or perhaps of the Raven Queen."

The drow's frown was matched by Shavvir's instant snarl. "I am doing exactly as I must! I know my orders...they are not your concern."

"Except they are, Shavvir...they are. We don't have time for nonsense and detours like this...we potentially don't have any time left at all. For all of our safeties, it's best if you splinter off and keep Tiamat's anger at bay...but do coordinate with us before offering something like that again."

There was a tense pause, Shavvir glaring at both Wake and Phyrra. "Very well. I will assist you as necessary. Give me one of the Sending Stones...I shall be in contact when I acquire useful information."

Maul nodded, retrieving one of the two magically linked artifacts, granting the other to the shadar-kai. "Request granted. Communication channel established."

Shavvir rolled her eyes. "Good...at least someone is willing to be compliant. Once we...how long have we been at the gates?" The shadar-kai looked around, noticing that they were now standing at the gates of Dis. It had only been a few minute's walk...there certainly hadn't been enough time for the towering walls before them to have appeared on the horizon, let alone close the distance.

Zaelynir chuckled, having shed the form of Thava during the short journey as the incubi's wings flared out once again. "It happens...Dis wishes to be visited, sweetie. It is impossible to miss the city...and once inside, this exit is quite troublesome to find. Best get used to it...time moves slow here, thankfully."

"So that means we have time for things beside Zariel, right?" Lance looked imploringly at his brother, continuing. "We have a dangerous journey ahead of us. Purchasing supplies is going to prove useful."

Wake nodded. "And we shall. Not just for you...if anyone needs anything, now is the time to purchase it. We likely will not have an opportunity like this for the rest of our journey. The Shadowfell is the only potential...but even that does not have the supplies that we are about to see. You are free to correct me if I am wrong, Shavvir...but I do not believe I am."

"It is impossible to say without seeing the bazaar here with my own eyes. There are markets within the Shadowfell, but their wares are often constrained to the resources of the Shadowfell itself. The reach of the Nine Hells extends far greater than its own plane...I expect that will not be an issue that we encounter here. Let us see with our own eyes, however...there is no need for blind speculation."

"No...no there is not." Wake eyed Zaelynir suspiciously, recalling back to the conversation they'd just had with Tiamat. There were unanswered questions...questions, for the incubi's sake, he wouldn't ask out loud. He slipped into the mental link the two had forged, knowing full well he'd just sworn off using it for unnecessary drivel...but just once more. "I feel like there are a few things that you're not telling me...telling us. How much are you hiding?"

The group began venturing into Dis proper, immediately being consumed by the sights, sounds, and smells of the massive city. Merchants peddled all sorts of wares while unsavory types slinked just on the outskirts of one's vision, the city's denizens comprised mostly of demons, but nearly every race in the multiverse had some form of presence within Dis's hold. It was all familiar to the incubi...here, he was safe. Here, Zaelynir was safe. "Oh dearest, I don't know what you are speaking of. Please be a bit more careful, will you?"

"I have no time for games, wretch. If your name is not Zaelynir, then what is it? Moreover, why have you decided to live under a guise for so long?" Wake's request was swift and simple, his words carrying the understanding that he did not have time for the incubi's usual antics.

"My name is Zaelynir, sweetie...as long as you're concerned. This is not the only form I have used during my life. When you do the sort of work that I do, - "

"And what sort of work is that, exactly?"

"Infiltration. Thievery." Wake could sense a genuine honesty in the mental link that he rarely had felt before, Zaelynir perhaps baring the whole truth to him on just this once occasion. "Yes. In this line of work, working for demons and the occasional devil, eventually people start to recognize you. Start to mistrust you. That's why Orcus likes me...I'm always able to put on a fresh coat of paint. Zaelynir is safe here...and even managed to form a few helpful bonds in Avernus, as you saw. Thava has made a...blunder or two in Dis. Enough that I'd rather not risk our success here on my reputation."

"And behind them all is a form that you're more than happy not to let anyone else know about?"

To his side, Zaelynir smirked. "It's best if nobody does. Keeps it safe that way."

"And what other forms have you gone through?"

"Sour memories, hun...but I suppose they're of no use to me now. Let me see...Valindra Velithor the elf, Dorana Thundersmith the dwarf, Hale Price the human...oh, I did love her, oh, and Sutha the half-orc. There are more, if you'd like. More than I should feel comfortable with."

"No...I think that's plenty. I apologize for the intrusion...but you certainly concerned me earlier. I trust that you know how to handle this...but you have made me curious just as to what you truly are, if the form of Zaelynir is not who you truly are."

"In many ways, it is...Zaelynir is who I have been for the longest extent of time. I have become careful with him and what he is willing to take on because I do not wish to lose this form. If it eases your mind to think of me as Zaelynir, you are close enough to the truth that the disparities are minute."

"Very well then...Zaelynir. I apologize for intruding after saying I would not...but it was not a question I wished to put in the public face."

"And for that, I thank you. Now, let us search for any sign of a clue, shall we?" There were multiple avenues that they could take in Dis. First and foremost, they needed to find Zariel. Bel hadn't given them any indication as to where to start. Secondly, and nearly is important, they needed to discover who else was here, what they knew, and who they were working for...with the bustle of the city, that would be an exceedingly challenging task. Thirdly, they needed to purchase gear as discussed. Wake knew of one merchant in particular that would be able to fashion his brother a focusing reticle for the necrotic bolts his revived state was capable of producing...there would be others, but the erinyes that ran the forge here knew her way around all manner of magic items and creations.

"Let's go to the market first. If we can acquire another pair of Sending Stones, I think splitting into three groups will be of use to us in gathering the information that we need. Shavvir will be in her own group...unless, of course, there is someone else that wishes to gather information on Zariel and Bel for Tiamat. I will head a second group that will attempt to locate whatever group is here before us, and try to put a stop to them as soon as we can. Lance, I think you should lead a third group that will attempt to acquire Zariel's location and infiltrate it if necessary."

He could see his brother's eyes widen. "You're okay with being split up, given our...condition? What if something happens?"

Wake nodded. "That's a risk I think we have to take here. Your skills lie in infiltration, mine in tracking. If it were any other way, I wouldn't even consider the option." Wake looked at the other three currently unassigned members. "Choose what you feel you will contribute most in. If that means I am to carry out this task alone, then so be it."

Zaelynir looked towards Lance. "Infiltration, you say. Well...just so happens we're both something of experts, dearest. I will so love to show you a few of my more...private tricks."

Maul turned to Wake. "Infiltration capabilities minimal. Adversary location recommended."

Finally, Phyrra. "I believe Dimension Door is of utmost use to infiltration...however, that will leave one person behind when performed. Still...I think it best to provide that utility in the event that it will be of necessity."

"No...come with me, if you will." Shavvir motioned the drow towards herself. "I could very well use an ally in this endeavor, if you are willing."

"What for?"

Shavvir grimaced. "I am seeking information...it is not my specialty, unfortunately. I have seen the sway you hold over individuals in times of necessity...I think that alone is great use."

The drow looked towards Wake, as if seeking confirmation. All she got was a subtle nod, a shift of his head towards the shadar-kai indicating both trust and assurance. "Okay then...I will see what I can provide."

Wake nodded. "Okay, then I believe it's settled. First, communication channels...one more pair of Sending Stones is necessary, two would be ideal. After that, unless anything else comes up, I think we split ways...we will reconvene at a location once we know more about our task. For now, however...the market."

Wake strode through the cities, the walls of Dis rather familiar to him - the deeper layers of the NIne Hells less so, but Avernus and Dis were places he'd traveled on many occasions. The city's maze-like corridors, bazaars, and buildings were etched into his mind, the first several times he was here teaching plenty of ways on how to incorrectly go about the city. Wake knew exactly where to go, how to get there...and most importantly, who to talk to.

The group rounded the winding streets until it opened up into a much larger complex, cloth draped over iron spears to create a plethora of stand-up shops while the outer walls of the market were lined with stone and steel buildings of shopkeepers that had proven their worth to gain permanent residence.

"If someone can handle the Sending Stones, there's a smith I need to go see." Wake looked towards his brother, continuing. "Sorry...that we need to go see. Come on...she's not too bad. Everyone else, let's meet back here as soon as we're done...stock up on whatever you think will be of use. It's our last chance."

The brothers wandered off from the rest of the group, Wake navigating the marketplace with practiced ease. "Come...there's someone you're going to want to meet."

"Who?"

"Fax'ul. She is a smith here, specializes in magical equipment. I made a deal with her long ago...I revoked my right to use any of her equipment directly, but in return she would forge whatever I asked of her...for a fair price, of course. I have kept my end of the contract...and knowing her, she will as well."

"How did you come to strike an arrangement like that? Seems...oddly specific."

Wake nodded, the memory still vivid in his mind. "She was being hunted, gods knows what reason they had...everyone here has plenty of skeletons in their closets. Didn't know who was after her, but knew that I would be able to figure it out. Gave me some of her tech to do it...I guess I did too good of a job in her eyes, but I don't see it that way. They got too close to her, and I slaughtered them like animals before they could do the deed. I didn't think devils could be squeamish, but I guess there's always room for exceptions. I made an impression on her, and I suppose not a great one. She still owed me though...I did save her life. She didn't want to see her tech in my hands ever again, but would sell to me anything I asked for."

Lance sat in silence for a few moments, mulling the thought over. "And what stops you from using them while she's not watching?"

Wake stopped in his tracks, cocking his head and looking at his brother. "Decency...decency is stopping me."

The rogue held his hands up, continuing to walk forward. "Just asking...just asking. Where is this Fax'ul?"

"Right over here."

The two moved to a side alley, branching off from the main streets. As soon as they did, Lance could feel the temperature rise sharply, continuing to do so the further they went. The glow of what could only be Fax'ul's forge softly illuminated the metal walls. As they turned into the forge, Lance instantly saw the owner...she was quite the sorry mess. The erinyes had lost her left arm down to the shoulder, a metallic limb being used in its place. The limb looked far from refined, wires, gears, and screws barely held together, and a nasty rash forming where her pallid flesh tried to cling to the unholy metal. Her left leg was in a similar state of disrepair, the front of her thigh replaced by corroded metal that somehow let her walk, albeit with a very noticeable limp.

As soon as the duo entered her shop, Fax'ul's eyes trained on Wake's an immediate sense of relief and fear hitting her. "It's...you. You're back again...okay. I'm...well, for once, I'm not actually that busy. What can I do for you...and who am I doing it for?"

Wake looked towards his brother. "Fax'ul, this is Lance...I know I've spoken of him before. We've got an interesting predicament...I think it's best if we just demonstrate what's happening." Wake pulled out a dagger, looking towards his brother.

"Okay, okay...just please, no violence...we've been over this."

The archer nodded. "I remember, don't worry...I won't forget. But what's happening is - " Wake jabbed at his brother, catching the rogue by surprise as the necrotic bolt leaped from his body. Instantly Wake captured it, spinning it around in a tight circle a few times before directing it outside, letting it fly off into the sky. "That. That's what's happening."

The erinyes' interest piqued, taking a seat and leaning in, absentmindedly picking up her mallet. "Fascinating...and just what sort of trouble did you get in to cause that to happen? I've heard you've been...making moves, recently. That people can't find you."

Lance responded. "I was killed not too long ago...at least, we think it wasn't too long ago. My brother split his soul in half to revive me...mine was lost when I was killed. For some reason whenever those bolts are fired, only Wake is able to control their direction. He said you'd know how to fix it...if anyone could fix it."

"Well, your brother knows right, unfortunately...I'm sure I can fix it, and I'm obligated to. I can forge something that can concentrate his soul within you, effectively making it seem like you've got all of it. Now, you won't...at least, if I do this right, you won't. But it should fix the problem. I can't promise there won't be unforeseen side effects...tampering with souls tends to do that."

"That's fine...right brother?"

Wake nodded. "Yes...I think we can work those out as necessary. Fax'ul, how long do you think it will take you to construct such a device?"

The erinyes shrugged. "It's complicated...but I've made worse. Two days...perhaps one, if you pay me enough to turn away other customers in the meantime.

Wake looked towards Lance, his brother giving a nod. The archer looked back towards the smith. "We can do that...but we'd like some information as well, if you can. We're here looking for Zariel...and we've heard others are as well. Now, I'm not concerned with what you think of her, but we believe this other group is trying to kill her. Anything you might know about that?"

"Close the door."

Lance turned around, silently closing the door behind them, the three individuals alone in the shop.

Fax'ul nodded. "Yeah...I've heard something. More mortals, like you two, all dressed in the same sort of outfit. They've got some serious tech as well...stuff I've had rolling around in my head, but not something I've ever been bothered with putting together. Tell you what…" The smith smiled, tossing her hammer in the air. "The rush fee I'll keep in place...I have to make money, you know. However, get me some of their tech, and that's all you'll be paying me."

Wake nodded, reaching into his coin purse and tossing it to the smith. "Take what you think it's worth...I think you've told us plenty already."

"Oh, have I then? Well, in that case…" Fax'ul reached in, grabbing a few more twinkling pieces of gold for herself. "Alright, paid in full. The rest will come when you pick it up tomorrow…or a fitting alternative."

"Thank you once again, Fax'ul...we'll be on our way. Until tomorrow."

"Until tomorrow, Wake."

The two left the smithy, leaving the erinyes to her work. She waited a couple seconds, pausing until the footsteps of the duo were muffled by the din of the marketplace outside. Fax'ul reached down, picking up an Empyrean firearm in one hand as she idly tossed it about, holding a Sending Stone in her other hand.

"They're going to be looking for you...this is as much as you paid for. Stop by my shop if you'd like to trade for any more info..."