The following day, news of the Deamhain Sect's envoys deaths, and the disappearance of the owls they had gathered spread through the entire Miris Sect.
An investigation into what had occurred began imdiately but no concrete evidence ca to light.
Nearly everyone that was even remotely strong enough to kill the two guests from another sect had been accounted for during the ti of the murders.
So had suggested using the powerful group of rcenaries that had accompanied Maeve as scapegoats, but their entire group had miraculously been in a very public setting when the cri had occurred.
Soon enough pressure from the Deamhain Sect ca down upon the far weaker Miris Sect. Uriah was one thing, being only a lower ranking elder within the sect, but Osvaldo was a part of Diod's inner circle. He would lose too much face if he allowed the death of soone with such a high rank within his organization to go unpunished.
Panic quickly proliferated to everyone within the Miris Sect's territory. Those that did not have a concrete connection to the sect packed up and prepared to leave. While those that were too entrenched within the sect did everything that they could to try and strengthen their positions for whenever the Deamhain Sect's reprisal ca.
Naturally a certain party was also planning on leaving posthaste.
Evelyn, Lucia, Bylur, Rehni, and Aralee swiftly began putting their affairs in order the mont that the report of Osvaldo's and Uriah's deaths had reached the masses.
They made sure to play up their own fears about the situation, and the mont their contract had expired they prepared to head out.
However, before they could leave, Vivienne asked to et with them one last ti.
'Wow, she looks like she's aged several decades.' Evelyn thought upon seeing the grand elder of the Miris Sect.
This was the first ti they had t since the incident involving the Deamhain Sect mbers and the owls had occurred.
The vibrant woman that had appeared to be in the pri of her life now had heavy bags under her eyes and nurous wrinkles marring her brow.
Her previously lustrous brown hair had also turned mostly grey and was frazzled.
Overall, Vivienne's appearance was so drastically different that she looked like a different person.
'I knew stress could age people, but this is pretty extre.'
Evelyn almost felt bad since it was her and her companions' actions that had brought about the calamity that was soon to befall Miris Sect, and Vivienne along with it.
Nevertheless, to destroy the Tyrannis Union, crushing Vivienne's ho was a necessary first step. If she was able to do it over a thousand tis, Evelyn would make the sa choices she had. She was resolved to leave a mountain of bodies in her wake if it brought her to her goal.
"I was a bit surprised to hear from you lady Vivienne, but we are glad to once again get to enjoy the company of the Miris Sect's Grand Elder." Lucia said, taking the lead since she was technically in charge of their group.
"Yes, it was difficult to make ti for this, but as things are going, this is my only option."
There was a desperate look in Vivienne's eyes as she spoke. It was clear that she was at her wits end and grasping for anything that might help.
She then turned to Evelyn and brought up the debt that she owed her for the abrupt request for a thod to enter the Miris Sect's largest entertainnt venue.
"To pay both Maeve and back, I want you all to take my grandniece away when you leave. I was hoping to provide refuge for her here far away from our family's struggles, but it seems that will be impossible now. At this rate, all that awaits her is a horrid fate. If she stays here, death will be the most rciful outco. In the worst case, I don't even want to imagine what might happen." Vivienne said, wearing a terrified expression.
While she had already accepted her own downfall, she wanted to save Maeve if at all possible.
Evelyn had to fight back a grimace at this proposition. She did not hate Maeve, but that did not an that she wanted to be responsible for the girl.
Having soone tag along with them would only impede their plans. Afterall, causing a schism between the Miris and Deamhain Sects was only the first step.
Before Evelyn could answer, though, Lucia responded in her stead.
"Very well, we will bring Maeve with us. It is the least that we can do to thank you for your assistance during our stay here."
Vivienne sighed in relief hearing this, and a great weight seed to be lifted from her shoulders.
'She's more caring than I thought. I figured that she cared for Maeve, but not to this degree. To think she'd prioritize her grandniece's safety over her own.' Evelyn thought, her opinion of Vivienne rising.
Feeling curious she asked Vivienne if she wanted to accompany them as well. If she left with them, it would be easier to hand responsibility of Maeve off to her once they left the Tyrannis Union.
Yet, despite being conflicted, Vivienne only shook her head.
"Maeve is one thing, she's only been here for a short ti. But this place had been my ho for decades now. If I abandon the Miris Sect, it will fall shortly afterwards. I'll then be hunted down by the Union's inquisitors. My only hope is to stay and fight. Ellison and I still have so allies to call upon. We might get through this yet."
After discussing her plan in more detail, Vivienne handed over a storage bracelet to Lucia.
Inside was practically a fortune in magic crystals.
"I know that this is not an official job, but please consider that as an advance paynt for keeping Maeve safe."
"Understood. We'll look after her in your place." Lucia responded resolutely.
Once their eting had wrapped up, Evelyn went to personally get Maeve while the others completed so last-minute preparation now that they would have another companion accompanying them.
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