Just Around the Riverbend - Vices

[Ancelas]

"Would that be okay?" Vanya asked, looking over at Verdi. "I wasn't sure how everyone felt about taking those sorts of things. I had the impression that there was a sort of... preservation instinct among the group."

[CautionCat]

"Well... if it's something already dug out of the ground, I don't see why not..." Verdi rubbed their chin, and shrugged. "I've taken Tyl's things. Because... well, they looked more useful for your hands than his. Since he got sent to Hell. And all that. But if it's something like... well, the kobaloi ruins. I wouldn't have disturbed that very much, not the inscriptions, anyway. The other area was perfect for the little miconids."

[Ancelas]

Vanya smiled at Verdi mentioning the usefulness of the necromancer's items to her and leaned against him, bumping her shoulder against his. "That makes sense. I agree, he lost all claim on his wealth upon being sentenced to hell. Earlier, even - when he decided to make his home in a sacred space."

[CautionCat]

"He chose poorly..." Verdi chuckled, and sighed some... "Speaking of Hell, I need to get into contact with Kelevera. She's just out in the wilds now, and I... gave her something for temporary trade until we make a place for her."

He looked to Vanya, frowning, and rubbing the side of his head. "I know I was... charmed, but there's something about her. She told me a lot about tiefling origins. She helped us out a lot back there, too. She didn't have to- but no one seemed to like Tyl. I think, asking for a place in return, would make sense... I know deals with devils can be tricky. But... I guess being what I am, I feel kinship."

[Ancelas]

Vanya side-eyed Verdi as he looked to her and explained himself. She leaned back on her hands and stretched her legs out in front of her, eyes staring off into the distance as she weighed her words.

"...Edith never charmed me," she mused. "From the time I started working for her, she never made me feel any particular way about her, beyond the general guilt she makes everyone feel when she needs them to do something." She smiled faintly at the thought.

"When I found out what she was, I was terrified. I had only ever known one other like her, and on top of all the stories, there was little reason to trust her. But... I saw how she was targeted by her former sister, and how willing she was to leave her home to keep me safe, and after I reflected on her behavior... I decided to trust her."

Vanya sat up straight again and looked to Verdi, and then reached out to take his hand. "That does not mean my feelings toward hags has changed - particularly in light of the changes I've felt in myself. I have kinship with them, but it's a kinship that would damn me if I indulged in it.

"This Kelevera... she is a devil. She betrayed Tyl Regor to pursue her own goal, and she charmed you to encourage trust in her actions. That is all you really know of her. You are a good person, Verdi, but... I fear you may be too trusting. But if you still want to give her the benefit of the doubt, well... I can be the suspicious one and ensure she does not take advantage of you."

Vanya flashed a brief smile, but then winced. "Just... no more deals. Please."

[CautionCat]

"No... No no no more deals. Not with me, at least. I just... she was very open with me before she charmed me. I think she used that spell to keep in contact with me, while we went after Tyl."

He frowned again, and tilted his head. "It would have been nice, if she said something... But maybe she didn't think I'd trust that. Not sure. I'd... have to talk to her about it... I think... there is a way to summon her..." He furrowed his brows, thinking. He knew she said how-

"Oh!... Oh... She said the tallow from a sentient creature, made into a candle. Lit at a cross road... You say her name, and she will arrive."

He made a bit of a face. "I don't think we've got anything like that on hand. I'm not sure if undead count as sentient..."

[Ancelas]

Vanya couldn't help herself - she made a face. "Tallow from a sentient creature... Nnnno, I don't think undead would count. Maybe the ghouls... but even then, that is a... questionable... ritual."

She pursed her lips and sighed. "I wish I could have been there. When meeting with devils, one should always question their motivations - just like when one is meeting with the fey." She thought back to Sinna, and the entity's easy reliance on obfuscation magic to move about.

"Mn... I'm sorry. I know I sound very... distrustful. I mean, I am, but I don't want to sound so negative."

[CautionCat]

"It's... okay. I understand. Devils are the real deal, after all. Distrust, I am used to it. But I know you don't mean it in the same way, you're just concerned."
He puffed his cheeks, and tapped his foot some. It was a predicament, for sure. Verdi didn't have enough fat on his person to even volunteer. Why was he even thinking of that? Was talking to Kelevera that important?

"Eh... maybe tomorrow me will have an answer to that..." He shrugged, and leaned against Vanya's shoulder. "I'm sorry if I'm making you worry. Have distrust..."

[Ancelas]

Vanya closed her eyes as Verdi leaned against her, and she leaned against him, a smile touching the corner of her lips. "It's alright. I've always worried about you when you went off into the jungle. At least now I can be around to watch over you more often."