The tall Scathachian Mirage sat in the dimly lit room and listened to her mentor Illea speak to a group of them. As the Scathachian leader conversed, however, it was clear that this was no simple laced chat. Unfortunately, most of the "chats" as of late in this room had not been simple. This evening's events had paved the way for this discussion of old foes. Foes of the darkest breed which had once again crawled out of every Scathachian's waking nightmares and begun to bear arms against them.

Rhydin had certainly, up to now, offered its fair share of dark forces and vengeful ne"er-do-wells to thwart their honest attempts at establishing a stronghold of justice here, but nothing could supplant the red skeletal emblem from any true Scathachian Sister's memories and teachings. So there Mirage sat, gently biting the calloused skin above her thumbnail, as Issy recanted the night's unsettling and violent dealings.

There was no way around it now. What Mirage had been uneasy about since her very first month here in this place, during her sudden exile on that ill conceived stormy night, and now upon her return to Rhydin had finally shown its diabolical visage. Temple Bhaal had forcefully stepped through the veil and once more sought to make war on the Scathachians and their allies, just as it had been throughout the ages.

The Judge intently looked at Illea when she paused in her talk. Mirage then inhaled and spoke with a concerned tone, "I knew it Illea. I knew it from the first go "round in this miserable place. I am willing to bet the entire blessed Sanctuary that they were behind all of those gruesome murders, assassinations, and bold attempts to publicly ruin your and our Sanctuary's name. All of those horrendous events leading up to that crazy, rainy night which scattered the lot of us! It had to have been the ram scum all along. I. Know. It. "

The Daughter of Scathach cracked her strong knuckles as she added, "Damn it Illea. We of all groups should understand that the Bhaalites won't stay buried. We as Scathachians can NOT count them as defeated until all of their followers are either locked up or executed...and you all know that I prefer the latter. And even then, who is to be sure" That secreted high temple of theirs seems to keep thrusting out new lunatics, miscreants, and well prepared armies faster than we can clean up after their previous chaos. Now Valkyrie suddenly arrives with our holy relics and talks of safety at the Island being possibly compromised. Top that off with you, Trix, and Val being assaulted and nearly murdered in public by these bastards" In public!?"

Mirage's anger was no longer concealed nor was her frustration. She had always new that this place would offer up some grim tidings and she was beginning to hate her blasted intuitions. "And now they have the great hammer...thank the goddess that some of our other loyal people were there to help stave them back. I don't know what we would have done at this point if anything permanent had happened to you three."

Her gaze fell directly on Issy.

She had a thoughtful pause before continuing, "Do we know anything else at all about your attackers" Did any of our allies recognize or have any information about this acrobatic woman you spoke of or of this "Fire Starter?" I'm quite sure no one is going to claim the undead knight as kin. We need even a small starting point if we are going to reclaim the relic and stop these monsters before they roll out of control. Like they always do.?

As she sat back in her chair and exhaled, Mirage looked at her fellow sisters here in this room. At that moment she swiftly realized that very possibly the last true night of peace she may ever know here in Rhydin was spent listening to the heavenly music played ever so harmoniously by the minstrel Wysteria in the back room of the Red Dragon only a few days ago. And right now, that seemed like an entirely different lifetime.

Cray had been sitting in a large backed chair near Issy, Valkyrie, and Trixie while they were getting looked after for their many wounds. Since she had arrived on The Calypso's Cruelty, the fiesty Scathachian warrior had taken quite ill here in Rhydin, which was in itself very odd given her extremely robust constitution.

After spending a good deal of time fighting off a pulmonary infection and finally being acclimated to this damnable place, Cray realized just how severe and grave things had gotten here. The bottom line for her: first the much-loved Lexia was slaughtered and now this absolute travesty outside of the Inn.

She had vigilantly listened to Illea and Mirage speak on the topics at hand; and she had also paid attention to her Sister Delphinea's reserved, but adamant retort. As she firmly gripped the metal of her circular throwing weapon, Cray continued to go over the events in her head quite a few times. The sacred relics, a lethal acrobat, a crafty fire starter, and a massive death knight. It all sounded like some sinister fairytale gone terribly awry. And that mess was not the crux of it, for Temple Bhaal, the most dreaded foe of the Scathachian Nation, had stormed back into play with the flames of death surging at their iron boot heels.

"I agree wholeheartedly with Mirage and Phin." Cray said after the room had fallen to a contemplative silence. "These murderous monsters must be sent back to Hell with all due haste. It has been bad enough that this demon Renna has been stalking us with extreme prejudice and killing goddess knows how many innocents in the process. Now the Skeletal Ram is preparing to open the gates of war? This is not a favorable combat situation by any means. Not for us...and not for the unfortunate souls who may get stuck in the future crossfire. Our list of enemies is quickly mounting. "

Cray's powerful, muscular arms flexed of their own accord as she fastened her chakram back onto her leather belt. The tanned colossus was not used to being left out of the skirmish, and these past few weeks confined to bed had been a literal Hades for her. Meditation, prayer and rest were fine in moderation for this one, but it was the thrill of raw combat, the glory of hallowed victory, and the surge of punishing the black hearted scum of this world that brought this Judge up to her full potential.

"I'm sorry my family that I have been of no help as of late. That time of imposed sloth is now over. Be it this creature Renna or the very Ram himself, I will not stand idly by while more people, including my beloved Sisters are murdered. We have to acquire some information, and fast. If the Bhaalites and their homicidal allies have come here to Rhydin to make a power play, then I say we meet the bloody heretics head on. Win or lose it will please our goddess greatly to know that we have not lost our will to fight to the death."

"Are you sure these are the sisters you want to trust?"

Sitting in the silence of the chamber, Valkyrie knelt before a statue of the divine Goddess herself. Her hands rested closely upon her head even as her battered frame bent forwards. Dark hickory hair fell in her face and splayed out upon the floor while she prayed, or so it seemed. When her head lifted upwards, a soft glow glimmered along the rim of her pupils. However, her eyes turned up to the statue, stoic and silent as it could be, except for a voice, that seemed to silently drum in the depths of Valkyrie's head.

They did not fail me, nor have you. The Gavel will be recovered in due time, dear one. Do not lose faith. Believe in your sisters as you believe in yourself. Be at peace.

The small woman bowed her head again, her voice a mere hush against the walls. "As you wish it. Your desire is my command." Still there were a few things that the woman saw fit to keep from the helping hand.

As Valkyrie stood, she studied the room for which Vixen had let her rest in. It was proper for a Priestess of Vixen's status, clean, the smell of cinnamon however seemed out of place within everything, down to the tapestries. Although this was the sisterhood she had heard of, the temple that had done wondrous things, she couldn't help but wonder just how far the sisterhood here had strayed. Were the rumors true" Paranoia had proved to be a useful thing in her travels, thus her suspicious nature would linger unless there was proof that she should act otherwise.

Even though it had been a night, or two, she had mended at a speed of miraculous proportions. She had defied death on numerous times, but this event had shown her just how cocky the small woman had become. She had assumed herself safe, relaxed her guard, and lost the Gavel. If it was no small loss to the goddess, if she could see things that Valkyrie could not, Valkyrie did not understand. A holy relic only whispered of among the sisterhood as legend had gone missing because of her idiocracy. Worse, while she recovered the remaining relics remained hidden, hopefully safe, for more nights than she had intended them to be. She would defend them, it was her sworn duty, among other things, and she would die doing that duty' This fate was not escapable, it would only be a matter of time.

Have faith, my dear.

How those words echoed sickly in her ears. Prayer and faith had brought the death of countless sisters when she departed from the Den. How she clung to faith and hope was a miracle these long days. It had been" never mind. She couldn't think of that night, not yet.

Sorrow threatened to well up in the pit of her stomach as she stepped out of the room. The gauntlets on her wrists the night she arrived lingered; but she had replaced the lighter, weaker leather that graced her frame for thick chains of mail, armor, and plate all comprised of a gleamy silver material, Mitrhil. The cloak she wore that night had been replaced for her rank colors, a mixture of silver and black cloth in intricate knots and stitches. It was now, one of a kind and with each grace filled step she wore it proudly, no matter the heavy burden it represented.

The sound of voices drew her attention in her journey to seek out Isuelt. Silent, ghostly footsteps carried her to the meeting hall and the sisters within. Carefully her head tilted to the side as she listened in silence. It had been some time since she had heard the voices of sisters, or shared of their comfort. Now, she was wary of it. It would never be the same as it was before. The cargo she carried, placed her at a different standard to them, at least that's what she expected.

Finally, she stepped into the light of the fire and cleared her throat. "Time is wasting and I must secure the others." If the others were still there.

Sheryl was sitting down next to Cray, whom she considered her very best friend in the world. Throughout Cray's illness, Sheryl had been by her side nearly every moment, reading to her, talking to her. Until Cray had asked, through the mercy of Scathach, that Sheryl perhaps go and visit some of the exciting sights around town. In truth, Sheryl had been absolutely panicked that Cray would fall prey to the fever epidemic that had occurred with their arrival. Thankfully, that was not the case and her bunk mate was up and around and ready to fight. That was the Cray she knew and loved.

The Scathachian Archivist took in every one of her Sisters' words. As the chronicler of the Scathachian Nation, Sheryl was no stranger to the events between her Temple and that of Temple Bhaal. She could recount a number of stories stemming from the many wars and battles between the two factions. Today, however, she put down her storyteller mantle and listened. Sheryl had not been off of the Island like the others had, and she had certainly never seen battle firsthand. And while she was accomplished in her fighting skills, like all of her Sisters, she knew that her nerve would be tested soon.

Of all of the Scathachians, Sheryl had something to prove. She had several things to prove, in fact. The first was that she was deserving of even being here. As a member of the Order of the Archive, most of the Scathachians looked at Sheryl as nothing more than an overly scholarly librarian. But, she wanted to prove that she, too, was able to defend the ideals of their Goddess. And secondly, she needed to prove to her mother, the High Priestess Lenai, that she was not the disappointment that she was viewed as. Lenai's high expectations for all of her "Daughters" came harshly, but none more so than for her own biological daughter. Lenai, who's stern eye was always looking down her nose, fell most sharply on Sheryl, whom she viewed as a massive failure.

This impending war was far closer and far more intimate than they had first thought, although Sheryl viewed it as the perfect opportunity to demonstrate her prowess and her rightful place as a warrior and priestess of Scathach. After Cray finished speaking, Sheryl sat up straighter and voiced her opinions, "Skeletal Ram or Renna, indeed! I am with Cray. I say we take up our righteous and blessed arms and face these enemies head on. Or else, why are we here, Illea?" Her intelligent, wide eyes looked to Isuelt then. "War doesn't always ask permission before it walks through your door."

Chimera stood next to Chi who was seated in an armchair. Chimera listened to each of her sisters. She was new to Rhydin and new to such a horrific situation that she and her sisters now faced against the Bhaal. This must have been why she and Chi were compelled to come to Rhydin. She only wished that she could help and that she would be a valuable asset as each of them had become.

The Scathachian artifacts were just as important to her as to any of the others. Her mother, a Scathachian seer, would teach her about the ways of the Goddess. She considered everything surrounding the Goddess to be of the most holiest power. They must retrieve the artifacts. Tonight, she would continue to listen to her sister's ideas and suggestions, trying to learn as much as she could. Tomorrow, she would pray' they would need all of the help they could get.

Derinoe padded in on dirty, bare feet late for the party but in time to overhear Issy's commentary. She was still sweaty from her recent workout and she dragged the back of a hand over her face in an attempt to 'clean-up'. She was just a bit embarrassed by her appearance and hadn't been aware there was to be a formal gathering. De didn't interrupt Issy, rather she silently padded over to take a casual lean next to Cray. De looked over the other sisters, noting the wounded with a hint of surprise. She hadn't yet heard about their most recent run-in and assumed this must be what prompted the meeting and the speech Issy was in the middle of. De was curious, but held to decorum. She would find out what happened after Issy was done of this she was certain.

Derinoe knew about the ever-present threat upon the Goddess' Holy artifacts, she was also aware of the stolen hammer. And although the relics were of great import the presence of Bhaal in Rhy'Din was one of the primary reasons she was sent here. The rumors of corruption in the Rhy'Din Temple however De believed false and misleading. Basing her opinion on Issy's ongoing good deeds De had witnessed since her arrival and hearing Issy's speech only reinforced De's belief in her. Her expression was serious as she nodded in quiet agreement with what Issy was saying.

Locating the Bhaalites would not be easy. They were notorious for misdirection and evasion was a way of life for them. Murderers of their magnitude tended to lay low and stay out of the limelight with good reason. But sooner or later they would slip up and De was determined that they, (she and her fellow sisters') would be aware enough to catch it and prepared enough to destroy them when they do.

Street patrols were the key. While striving to keep the citizens' safe the Sisters could effectively have trusted eyes out on the streets night and day, eyes trained to notice the tale-tell signs of practicing Bhaalites. Two-fold the service for the patrolling Sisters'; protection of the innocent and seeking clues that may aid them in finding their most sinister of enemies'. It wasn't a job for the faint of heart. Bhaalites were a brutal and vicious lot; the remains they left behind were always horrific. But as appalling as they were they were also the best source of information.

Shame they would have to kill for the Sisters' to find them. But that is what they do best.

Unfortunately there was a grave drawback; Rhy'Din was a major portal for something called the Nexus Rhiannon had said. She'd taught De and the other Sisters traveling with them that anything and everything could pop up literally out of nowhere. De worried this could lend to the misdirection practiced by their mortal enemies. Rhy'Din was indeed the perfect location for the Bhaalites to setup their lair and it would only make the Sisters' jobs that much more difficult.

As Issy's speech came to a close, De stepped forward to catch her attention. She would share her thoughts with Issy about the street patrols and offer up her services as a trainer to keep the Sisters' stationed in Rhy'Din in tip top shape. If De had any say the Rhy'Din Sisters' would be a force the Bhaalites will regret ever messing with. At the very least, De can do her utmost to keep them all alive.

After listening to her fellow Sisters speak, Mirage stood up and folded her corded arms across her chest as Phin made the recommendation that they enlist the help of her new acquaintance, Kuori. Now, Mirage had never met this woman in the flesh, but she had heard of the giantess and the raw strength which she possessed.

A giantess...a real one in fact. The Judge really liked that idea, so long as this newcomer could be completely trusted. As this crossed her mind, Mirage then turned to Delphinea and spoke in an even voice, "Well Phin, being the no nonsense warrior you are, I know that if YOU vouch for this woman, then she must be the real deal. I personally would like to get some fresh perspectives on things and certainly some more muscle to back us up if we are going to be crossing swords with the forces of Temple Bhaal and trying to safeguard our holy relics. You, Derinoe, and Cray are probably the biggest chicks I have ever seen in my life. Marlah also notwithstanding! I for one wouldn't mind hanging out with a woman who made you four monsters look like Halflings."

With that Serena finally allowed her lips to twist into a small smile. She exhaled and realized that being here with everyone certainly created a wave of security of which she hadn't felt in a long while. It was quite nice to be amongst family, especially in these very dark times.

The Scathachian quickly continued, "I think we need to make a short, hard list of our most trusted allies and then limit any pertinent information to us and them. That way we keep a tight hold on who we let into our midst which should really help to cut down on the possibility of a betrayal or much, much worse. Does anyone else here have any trusted allies or friends in mind who are honestly willing to wholeheartedly throw in against the god of murder?"