Wick's First Flame
Description
DescriptionFrom the ashes of Trophis's threats, Vixia forges an alliance separate from both Lady Aurelia's control and the Gloaming Guild's chaos. She names it Wick—a small candle that might yet burn down houses—bringing together the Ivy Guard elves (Sariel and Captain Durian) and mercenary Tarn Savage in common cause against the Church's encroachment and the capital's tyranny. The Ivy Guard provides safe passage through elven territories, military expertise in terrorism and infiltration, and legitimate grievance against noble investigation of sacred sites. In exchange, Vixia offers her connections within the capital, her ability to operate under the Church's nose, and coordination for activities she cannot personally execute due to her short leash. This is Vixia's first independent power base, neither Aurelia's tool nor the Guild's operative, but a leader of her own small resistance.
Key Figures (10)
Timeline
The Prophet's Shadow
In the aftermath of Trophis's terrifying confrontation and demands, Vixia addresses the gathered elves and Tarn Savage with a proposition for mutual alliance. She names their organization Wick, secures the Ivy Guard's cooperation through appeals to shared interests, and transforms from isolated operative into leader of a revolutionary cell independent of her usual handlers.
Champions and Calamities
Vixia's alliance with the Ivy Guard faces its first test when Captain Durian reports construction delays: a walking calamity moves through the Fruist, a human woman muttering about 'Katrina' and messages from shadows, killing everything in her path. The Mother forbids elven creatures from harming this entity, but Vixia as an outsider might intervene. Durian suggests this could be an opportunity for Wick to prove its worth.
Flames and Formulas
Vixia establishes formal partnership with Lufrana the alchemist, securing someone who can create flames that float atop water for use in Vesmer's drowned environment. The healer's revolutionary sympathies align with Vixia's goals of cyclical reconstruction through fire. They establish logistics for transporting volatile compounds and sharing revolutionary resources.
The Lord's Shadow
Under supernatural duress from Caelum's Fear spell, Durian reveals critical details about Wick: it operates as cover using legitimate activities (orchards, beehives, distillery) while serving other purposes. He mentions an important tree at the farmstead but refuses to say more, suggesting Wick's operations center on something the wood elves desperately want kept secret.