Sometime during the two weeks after Utiog was destroyed, the group is in the old Inn of the River Village for a meal. Alexis addresses Telosh.
“While I admit there was some intellectual interest in the idea of killing all the gods, you seemed particularly interested in the idea. Do you still that strongly?”
Telosh looks at Alexis with confusion then, his face settles.
“It was an exciting time…” he chuckles, a bit ruefully, and shakes his head slightly.
“Earyka is very compelling, but no, I don’t think she can kill a god, not even with That Sword…”
“I could feel it Alexis, it called to me when I was looking for her swords, you know to keep them safe for her and all…:”
Telosh winks at Alexis, and smiles.
Then he shivers a little.
“How are we going to break it?”
Alexis shrugs “create a machine that smashes boulders together with the sword in-between?”
…
“Earyka is very compelling, and I think she might be able to kill some gods. The question is, will you join her in doing so? There are a couple choice gods, or their minions, I’d be willing to see go, but I’m not in the god-killing business.”
Alexis looks at Telosh for an answer.
Telosh is a bit surprised and confused, he chuckles again slightly,
“We joined her in trying to kill Barra, that didn’t work out so well. I’m… skeptical that Earyka can kill a god, but I suppose, if she used The Sword… that worked for Barra…
Telosh is lost in thought for a moment, then shakes his head.
“Having left me for troll food, I suppose I can see why you are question my loyalty and motives Alexis… and perhaps I should leave you to wonder?”
The Westlander looks at the Sutheroni intently for a moment.
“No Alexis, I am not changing allegiances, nor am I in the god-killing business. Yes, I would try to kill Barra again, perhaps other… gods? too, but we need better tools, AND I am totally committed to breaking The Sword with you FIRST. It is undoubtedly best we do that before Earyka returns, I am certain she would want to use it her… quest. For other items though, she might be a… useful patron, don’t you think?”
“While there’s something suspicious about the Collegium, they do hold items for all humanity. Hard to know what they would think about some items going to Earyka. Next time I’m in Sutheron I should ask what they know of Earyka and who else like her is out in the wilderness also looking for items.”
“We told Earyka the sword was to be destroyed, and I hope she doesn’t get in our way.”
“But if she attempts to ‘steal’ the sword from us, I won’t stand in her way. From how Gus and Ethelred steer clear of the sword, and how nervous everyone is thinking about a repeat of what happened with the Eyes, I’m not sure any of us are going to be ‘taking control of it’ any time soon.”
“When I ask Red about breaking the sword, he doesn’t really answer me, but just mumbles that it should be easy.” Alexis gives a sunny smile and a shrug at that.
“If we have a plan to destroy the sword and need to someone to carry it there, I will do so. Know this though, It did call to me, and I suspect that IT will be in control if I do take it up…
“Either way, we NEED to find a way to break That Sword…”
“And there I was, feeling special because it called out to me.” Alexis gives a mock-sad shake of his head.
“Don’t you worry about us breaking that sword. We’ll find a way!” Alexis gives Telosh a wink. “Just might take a little while, and few people carrying it.”
Alexis rubs his hands together with a mischievous grin while he says “between you and me, I’m looking forward to a little ‘I told you so’ when Red tries to break the sword.”
Telosh nods and smiles as Alexis mentions the sword calling out to him as well, and looks a bit more relaxed as Alexis talks about breaking the sword.
“Whatever I can do to help I will.”