Accusations and Lies

Stark Explained all that had occured while Elbryan had been away.  The attack in Westbridge. The unusual activity of the Rok.  The Fact that No immortal was ever seen at any time by anyone But supposedly  Quaster. These things seemed a little too convenient for Quaster.  Trying to gain a bit of Favor from the public perhaps. The more Elbryan thought about it the More he hated Quaster. He would find any way to Make FLAME look bad.  Or discredit Kossuth's name. Elbryan Being one of Kossuths Chosen Surely would have been Privy to any Plans of an Open attack on Quaster. Elbryan Makes a mental Note of these things and Stalks off to find Quaster And have Words with him.

Meetings

Stark Explained all that had happened to him to Elbryan while they chatted in the Coffee Shop. The Collection of Information was indeed helpfull and Elbryan learned much from the Young one. But his encounter with Quaster was what had worried Elbryan. Quaster was either planning something or he knows something that Elbryan or the others do not. and that could prove to be dangerous with the trial aproaching.  Elbryan Scratches out a note to his fellow FLAME members to ensure that they be especially wary of quaster and his ways for the next little while.   Elbryan look sover the Amended maps of the City of Ice and ensures himself that the choice was indeed good.  It will make an excellent stagin ground for FLAME to begin it's campaign against the Church of Istishia.  Elbryan Thinks that perhaps he should wait untill after the trial to bring his plans fully into the open, but then decides that to delay would only bring complication. Better to do this while everyone is preocupied with the trial.

PreTrial: Aberrant Behaviour (end)

"By the flames of Kossuth, why would Quaster seek to aid me in any way... especially after going out of his way to attack me, some time ago, in Hilp.  Not to mention, his attacks upon my brethren." ponders Stark. "Something is horribly amiss.  He's surely up tosome deviant scheme."  His eyes slowly close, as the soothing warmth of the fire lures him into slumber.

Later, as he quickly makes his way to meet with Atandella and Elbryan to report on his mission, Stark is halted by a small mob of people crowded about a publicly posted proclamation.

Noting that the notice bears the scales of Tyr, Stark scans the document halfheartedly, eager to be on his way.  His eyes widen in shock as the meaning of the words spider their way into his brain; he rereads the message yet again.

Unrestrained, raucous laughter echoes about the Square, causing people to turn from their gossiping and level confused looks at the mirthful bird-man.

"No wonder." gasps Stark between bouts of fits.  "This trial is indeed going to be interesting."  He continues laughing as he leaves, ready to share the  joke with the others.

PreTrial: Aberrant Behaviour (pt 2)

Quaster looks upon the thief, "I think I can do something to aid you."  The wizard quickly intones an incantation ere waiting for Stark's rebuke.  The kenku shudders in discomfort as crackling energy and an icy shroud encase his form.

"Great, just what I don't need, more ice.", snarls the chattering voice in Stark's mind.  Recalling his leaders' dictates to remain civil, Stark whispers, "Um, thanks...", his breath clouding as it passes through the freezing shield.  "I suppose this thing will melt in time." he growls under his breath.

"No fire or magical flame shall remove that ice." explains Quaster.  He smiles and instantly disappears.

Stark mutters an oath about his ill luck, and silently praises Kossuth that he can at least again be on his way.  He quickly makes his way into the inn and collapses into a lush chair, his shivering form mere inches from the welcome blaze of the hearth.

The relief of keeping his information from Quaster's notice helps to calm his initial anxiety.  Soon this inner tranquility is replaced by profound curiosity.

PreTrial: Aberrant Behaviour (pt 1)

Absorbed in thought, Stark strode briskly down the  streets of Westbridge, his gait made somewhat  irregular as he subconsciously avoided the water puddles and mud ruts which criss-crossed the path.  It  had been some time since he had been able to return to town.  Stark looked forward to a hearty meal and a  seat close to the roaring fire of the inn to warm his  chilled bones.

Stark's mission was an important one.  Scouting the  depths of the frozen city, determining locations of  strategic importance and noting the everyday problems  which afflict the citizenry.  The pack on his back  contained some updated maps as well as information  which Lord Elbryan and High Priestess Atandella would  find most interesting.

His hasty walk is suddenly halted by the appearance of  a shrouded form that seemingly springs from nowhere.   Aghast, Stark's eyes take in the dark blue flowing  robes and emblazoned shield bearing the crest of  Istishia.  A low seething hiss escapes his beak.

"Just my luck to fall across the path of Quaster, yet  again.", Stark silently curses to himself.  He quickly  flourishes his cloak, concealing his damning cache of  documents, while leveling a heated gaze upon his  opponent.