Session 65

Back - Next

This session was played on May 3, 2018.

## Transcript

*[*5:08 PM*]* DM*:* **6 GISHMONT 3Y20**

*[*5:08 PM*]* DM*:* **LA FANTASMA'S OFFICE, SEWERS, LIMAGANTE, RODOZA**

*[*5:10 PM*]* DM*:* You'd teleported into Ibanez Academy of the Arcane, the university in Limagante, seeking an elf named Valthana to deliver Rav's mom's journal. You were taken in for inspection and interrogation by black robed arcanists called Adumbrate and accused of assisting a terrorist cell referred to as Tegonia.

*[*5:11 PM*]* DM*:* The notebook Rav carried was encoded and revealed that Alugani Welwyse, Rav's mom, did know about Tegonia and that they were in the library/bookstore Rav grew up in.

*[*5:14 PM*]* DM*:* After a jailbreak led to the deaths of some of the Adumbrate, Ryleigh led you all to a cafe where you were taken into the underground and introduced to Quick Havoc, a tabaxi who smuggles people out of Rodoza into the nearby country of Kamire. After a city-wide chase to get you to the safehouse (and Seirixori's well-placed fireball), you spent the night with other people waiting to flee their home country.

*[*5:15 PM*]* DM*:* In the morning, Quick Havoc returned to inform you that Valthana, under the name La Fantasma, is still alive and wants to see you. Quick Havoc led you through the tunnels beneath the city to a small hideout. After Rav explained who you were (and used a name she doesn't use anymore) she led you to an office to speak.

*[*5:16 PM*]* DM*:* La Fantasma nods once, signaling for the explanation to continue while opening the book again, flipping through and scanning pages.

*[*5:21 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh begins to explain the cipher she discovered with the journal, the ties it has to La Fantasma, and how it drops the name Cidro repeatedly.

*[*5:23 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* Urrak looks around a bit nervously and crosses her arms over her chest.

*[*5:24 PM*]* Jaymes - Ravaphine*:* "Who is he? Was he the former leader of Tegonia?"

*[*5:26 PM*]* DM*:* La Fantasma: "I don't know him or anything about Tegonia besides what happened in Belnio."

*[*5:28 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* "I'll explain everything to all of you once we've left the country," Ryleigh murmurs to the others, to halt their questions of the journal.

*[*5:30 PM*]* Felicia - Seirixori*:* Seir's wrapped herself around Gunnloda as best she can and doesn't participate.

*[*5:32 PM*]* DM*:* She closes the book with a snap. "Well. What does she want from me? Why deliver this to me?"

*[*5:34 PM*]* Jaymes - Ravaphine*:* Rav looks down at her boots. "I... I thought she just wanted to say goodbye one last time. But I couldn't have been more wrong. It sounds like people are in danger."

*[*5:39 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* "I was hoping you'd be the one to tell us why." Ryleigh sighs before dropping her voice to a whisper, "It says you have knowledge that will help them access pertinent information on Cidro. I'm not capable of cracking this code, because I'm not - you."(edited)

*[*5:42 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* "Wait, yer tellin' me nothin' in there gives ye any idea as t' why she sent Rav here? How is that?" she wants to move forward, closer to the inner circle, but restrains herself.

*[*5:43 PM*]* DM*:* She scoffs. "Unless you'd like to sit here and wait while I decode every entry of the book, I couldn't tell you why she did. Alugani and I haven't spoken in centuries."

*[*5:44 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh looks at Urrak, her eyes angry, "Hush."

*[*5:47 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* "Ain't like we got much else t' do but decipher it. Cuz beyond that book, I don't think we have much else in the way of information. Unless folks are keepin' it under their hat..." she gives Ryleigh a look and adjusts her swordbelt.

*[*5:47 PM*]* DM*:* She looks at Rav again and sighs. She reaches into a pouch under her robe and closes her eyes for a moment. Several seconds pass before she opens them again. "I cannot reach her. Either she's on a different plane or in an anti-magic field."

*[*5:48 PM*]* DM*:* "Or she's ignoring me, but that seems unlikely."

*[*5:50 PM*]* Jaymes - Ravaphine*:* Rav pales for a moment. "I'm sure she's just preoccupied. Maybe she's in the kitchen or asleep." She forces out a laugh.

*[*5:50 PM*]* Felicia - Seirixori*:* "You're a terrible liar," Seir says quietly.

*[*5:51 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* "Rav...y'said she wasn't well..." she starts to twist her fingers. "Y'don't think...?"

*[*5:52 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* "One problem at a time you guys," Ryleigh says to Urrak and Ravaphine.

*[*5:52 PM*]* Jaymes - Ravaphine*:* She nods her head at Ryleigh's response.(edited)

*[*5:54 PM*]* DM*:* She sits back in her chair, frowning. "Have you eaten?"

*[*5:55 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh clears her throat, "No, we haven't eaten since...well, since we arrived here yesterday."

*[*5:59 PM*]* DM*:* She stands and heads back out to where the tables are. She looks around for a moment until she finds a halfling. "Landa, can you bring out some lunch for our guests?" She turns back to the rest of you. "You'll forgive me if I ask you to stay here until I've decided what to do with it all." She gestures at Ravaphine to follow her back to the office.

*[*6:01 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* "Of course," Ryleigh nods her head politely.

*[*6:01 PM*]* Jaymes - Ravaphine*:* She turns to Ry and waits for a nod of approval before following La Fantasma.

*[*6:02 PM*]* DM*:* Rav and La Fantasma disappear back into the office.

## Rav and La Fantasma

*[*6:02 PM*]* DM*:* Back in the office, she gestures to the only other chair in the room as she takes a seat and opens the notebook again.

*[*6:02 PM*]* Jaymes - Ravaphine*:* "Thank you," Rav says before taking a seat.

*[*6:07 PM*]* Jaymes - Ravaphine*:* "There might be a chance that Ma, Alugani, might not be here anymore," She fidgets with her sleeve. "When she sent me to come here over a month ago, she had fallen ill and I thought I could make my way back home before it was too late. From what Ryleigh and I have read in the journal, Tegonia is planning something and Cidro is probably one of the reasons why they're labeled as a terrorist organization. That can't be true, right?"

*[*6:08 PM*]* DM*:* "You haven't talked to her in a month?"

*[*6:14 PM*]* Jaymes - Ravaphine*:* She shakes her head. She crosses her arms around her torso, kind of hugging herself and contemplating how to proceed. "Forgive me if this sounds mad, but as I was on my way here about a month ago with this journal, a botched science experiment caused my companions and I to become transported to Bellbury, Vyon against our will. Except for Ryleigh. We're all from different parts of the world, but I don't want to trouble you with that nonsense. I'm sorry we were only able to come back now."(edited)

*[*6:23 PM*]* DM*:* "I ask because if you haven't, then you don't know what happened in Belnio." She pauses for a moment. "'Ma', is it?"(edited)

*[*6:26 PM*]* Jaymes - Ravaphine*:* "I'm afraid not. May I ask what happened? I can't believe so much has changed in so little time." She also takes a second to reign in her emotions. "And yes, that's her. That's my Ma," she says with a small, but sad smile.(edited)

*[*6:28 PM*]* DM*:* "Tegonia happened. I'm sure you knew about the issues people have had with the magocracy here. Alugani may have been college educated and a Welwyse, but she knew it was wrong."

*[*6:32 PM*]* Jaymes - Ravaphine*:* "She mentioned leaving home because of them, but never went into more detail than that. Starting to make more sense why she never sent me off to college," she shrugs. "Did you know her family?"

*[*6:36 PM*]* DM*:* She chuckles, but it's not a humorous sound. "Everyone in Limagante knows the Welwyse family. We were familiar a couple centuries ago. They are why I now answer to La Fantasma." She frowns again. "Tegonia blew up a sizable chunk of a crowd in Belnio. Hundreds were hurt."

*[*6:42 PM*]* Jaymes - Ravaphine*:* "Just...awful." Rav shakes her head while she looks down at her lap and closes her eyes. "All of that. So how are you and Alugani tied to Tegonia? According to the journal, there's information that she hid somewhere that only you have access to."

*[*6:44 PM*]* DM*:* "I'm not, and I have no idea what's been happening in her life since she left. I didn't know she had a daughter or even if she was alive. She left and left me to deal with her family's disappointment in her."

*[*6:49 PM*]* DM*:* She starts working through circling letters and making marks in the notebook as you speak.

*[*6:53 PM*]* Jaymes - Ravaphine*:* Rav goes silent. She takes a deep breath before speaking. "I wish I could apologize on her behalf, but I didn't know what her motives were or what she left behind here in this city. But you didn't deserve any of that treatment. I'm sorry for overstepping with all these questions of things you probably never wanted to unearth again. There has to be a reason why she sent me here."(edited)

*[*6:54 PM*]* Jaymes - Ravaphine*:* "If my companions and I can help, please let us know how we can. I don't want to put you in any more jeopardy that we already have. It sounds like Alugani left us all in the dark."(edited)

*[*6:56 PM*]* DM*:* "Whatever this is, I can't deal with it personally. I can't leave the city with everything happening, so if something needs to be done, it will have to be you who does it."

*[*7:04 PM*]* Jaymes - Ravaphine*:* "And my companions and I will do everything we can to protect you and take care of these issues. I'm incredibly thankful you were able to meet with me, given the circumstances of everything. I know Ma wouldn't have sent me here if it wasn't important."

*[*7:09 PM*]* DM*:* She smirks in a kind of patronizing way. "Your companions will... protect me. Do I strike you as someone who needs protection? Particularly of the variety you can provide?"

*[*7:11 PM*]* Jaymes - Ravaphine*:* "No no, ma'am," Rav eyes widen while she shakes her head, and her ears tinge pink in embarrassment. "I meant in the sense that we will protect your privacy here and try not to cause more trouble to draw any attention. Any information you send us off with, we will guard that."(edited)

*[*6:56 PM*]* DM*:* "How is it you didn't know what she was planning?"

*[*7:05 PM*]* Jaymes - Ravaphine*:* Rav adjusts herself in the seat slightly. "If I'm going to be honest with you, my whole life I thought she was a traveler who finally settled down and created her own library with stories and lessons of her travels. She took me in and taught me everything, but it was just basic magic and a whole lot of history and books. Otherwise everything seemed normal. It was only later on when she got sick is when she told me the truth."(edited)

*[*7:14 PM*]* DM*:* She flips to near the end of the book and starts working there. "Tell me about her."

*[*7:22 PM*]* Jaymes - Ravaphine*:* She finally lets out a breath while she waits for her heart rate go back down. "Ma?" Rav bites her lip while she thinks. "She is one of those people who just knows the answer to *everything*, but helps guide you to how to find the answer instead of just telling you outright. There was no easy way out. She can cook almost anything even if she doesn't have all the ingredients. She always made sure we had food on the table and made sure everyone around her was fed. She taught me how to read, and how to do magic, and made me fall in love with books..."(edited)

*[*7:23 PM*]* Jaymes - Ravaphine*:* Rav realizes she's rambling. "Sorry," she says shyly. "Was she much different before when she still lived here? She always spoke fondly of a woman she used to know."

*[*7:28 PM*]* DM*:* "Not from what you've said."

*[*7:29 PM*]* DM*:* "How did you enter the picture? Neither of us ever spoke of wanting children when we were young."

*[*7:29 PM*]* DM*:* The halfling from the front knocks and enters with a plate for Rav and some water before leaving again.

*[*7:36 PM*]* Jaymes - Ravaphine*:* Rav smiles at the halfling and whispers a "thank you" to her. She turns back to La Fantasma and looks a little guilty. "Um. It was a little bit of breaking and entering. When I was a child, I spent a lot of time in her library because I always wanted to learn how to read and I was usually good and left when she closed up. The weather got really bad one night and I decided to sneak inside after hours because I had no where else to go, and the next morning she found me. I tried to run off but she let me stay and gave me a home. I owe my life and everything I know to her."

*[*7:38 PM*]* DM*:* "What do you plan to do now?"

*[*7:43 PM*]* Jaymes - Ravaphine*:* "If everything was easy and normal, my initial hopeless romantic plan was going to come find you here and try and convince you to come to Rauvi with us," she half-laughs. "But since that was never the case, I just want to make sure my friends get home safe, even if I have to finish whatever the book wants and find Cidro myself. I brought them all here, but I didn't know how dangerous it is back home."

*[*7:48 PM*]* DM*:* She rubs her temple for a moment. "I can get you home. Or to Rauvi. I can finish decoding this, but I cannot go see what Alugani wanted myself."

*[*7:55 PM*]* Jaymes - Ravaphine*:* "I'm afraid to find out why Ma has all this knowledge about Tegonia, and what everything will unravel. What their motive is and how many more people will be hurt from all of this. What happened that made you need to go underground? Do I need to find the Welwyse family and give them a piece of my mind?"(edited)

*[*7:58 PM*]* DM*:* She answers dryly, "If you'd like to spend your life in the sewers after faking your own death, feel free."

*[*8:01 PM*]* Jaymes - Ravaphine*:* "It's not right. It's not fair to you. If I could bring Ma back over here and see what is happening, there has to be a way to fix this." Rav pounds her fist on her thighs softly. "In the beginning of the journal, she mentions something about writing music for you? Something about keys?"

*[*8:02 PM*]* DM*:* "Alugani was never skilled in music. That was simply a way to signal that there was more hidden within the journal than what was at surface level."

*[*8:03 PM*]* DM*:* "I can tell you what I know, and I can finish decoding, but whether you return to Vyon or to Rauvi is your decision."

*[*8:08 PM*]* Jaymes - Ravaphine*:* "I see. So we all are left in the dark then. This just doesn't seem like something Ma would do, if she only knew...." Rav shakes her head in denial and focuses back on the matter at hand. "La Fantasma, again, thank you so much for seeing me and allowing my companions to come. We will make sure to take care of these matters personally, and I will try to get to the bottom of this all."

*[*8:09 PM*]* DM*:* "Rauvi then?"

*[*8:11 PM*]* Jaymes - Ravaphine*:* "Will we be leaving now? Is it okay if I talk to my party first and ask what they want to do? I just don't know how I will communicate back with you, but Rauvi is much closer than Vyon."(edited)

*[*8:12 PM*]* DM*:* "I wouldn't expect you to be able to make decisions for the rest of them. I will continue decoding and send word if there is anything else of importance, but the final entry reads "four gallons," and... when we were young, we had a password we would use that was only for the two of us. If this is what your companion was referring to... it was valugani. Perhaps that will give you the entry you require of me."

*[*8:16 PM*]* Jaymes - Ravaphine*:* Rav nods. "Got it. I really do appreciate you taking the time to help me. Was there anything I could do for you? Any questions you need answered?"

*[*8:18 PM*]* DM*:* "When she left, she severed contact and anything else we had remaining between us. I will help out of basic decency and respect for the past, and because it costs me very little to do so, but I see no reason to bring it into the present."

*[*8:24 PM*]* Jaymes - Ravaphine*:* Rav's heart breaks a little, which causes her face to look a little upset, but she shakes it off and nods to her again. "I respect that. We will keep this all strictly professional. In the mean time, I will see what my companions want to do from here. Thank you, again." She stands up and bows her head in respect.

*[*8:27 PM*]* Jaymes - Ravaphine*:* While she is bowing her head, she breaks, squeezes her eyes shut and says, "Okay, this is very weird for me because I come from huggers, and all that is all I know. May I have permission to hug you goodbye? If not, that is totally fine too. I can pretend to be professional. Even if that's Ryleigh's job."(edited)

*[*8:28 PM*]* DM*:* She blinks, confused. "I'm walking you out."

*[*8:29 PM*]* Jaymes - Ravaphine*:* "Thank you." Rav slides out of frame like they do in Avatar.

*[*8:30 PM*]* DM*:* She walks past Rav and opens the door to lead her back to the rest of the group.

*[*8:31 PM*]* Jaymes - Ravaphine*:* Rav is silent the rest of the walk back.

## The rest of the party

*[*6:03 PM*]* DM*:* There are tables out here, but only a couple people are sitting out, eating or chatting. The halfling starts pulling things from a pantry.

*[*6:04 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* "And now we wait..." Urrak walks to the nearest table and takes a seat. She leans back in the chair and crosses her legs.

*[*6:07 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* "We have to give her time to decode the journal. I've looked over it for a few hours and gathered some information, but I've only just scratched the surface..." Ryleigh sits down at the table.

*[*6:08 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* "For we know these messages are centuries old, irrelevant. I got a bad feelin' about all o' this." she says quietly

*[*6:09 PM*]* Felicia - Seirixori*:* Seir moves to head to a different table but shakes her head and slowly sits at the same table.

*[*6:10 PM*]* DM*:* Gunnloda takes Seir's hand and gives her a questioning look.

*[*6:12 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh quirks an eyebrow at Seir's movement and whispers a short phrase in infernal to her.

*[*6:14 PM*]* Felicia - Seirixori*:* Seir blinks for a second, not expecting the words, but nods at Ryleigh.

*[*6:14 PM*]* Felicia - Seirixori*:* She squeezes Gunnloda's hand and whispers to her.

*[*6:14 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* "Why the bad feeling, Urrak?"

*[*6:16 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* "There's always some kind o' ulterior motive with roguish types. I can't place it but...well I'm just not lookin' t' get in th' middle o' someone else's war, is all."

*[*6:16 PM*]* Felicia - Seirixori*:* Seir snorts, but its half-hearted, "You mean teleporting here and getting questioned immediatley, nearly dying, and running away from questionable authority didn't give you a bad feeling?"

*[*6:17 PM*]* Kyris - Brimeia*:* Brimeia can't help a dry chuckle.

*[*6:17 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh give Seir a brief smile, "I grew up in a place like this, so no, it didn't."(edited)

*[*6:19 PM*]* Kyris - Brimeia*:* "You mean a place where you get interrogated for entering the proper way?"

*[*6:17 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* "We all know Ryleigh's used t' workin' on the underside o' things. This is just another day fer her."

*[*6:18 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* "An' there ye go." she sucks her teeth, "I'm ready t' be rid o' this place either way."

*[*6:19 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh eyes Urrak, "Is there anything else you'd like to say to me? Because being passive aggressive isn't a good look on you."

*[*6:20 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* "I'd like t' ask ye the same, Ry. Cuz ye've been up my ass since we got here."(edited)

*[*6:23 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh rolls her eyes at Urrak and says to Brimeia, "I grew up in a country where the government and its officials have absolute authority." She clenches her fists, "They do what they want, when they want, and the people who stand in their way are either punished or disappear."

*[*6:24 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* "That's what I thought." Urrak says under her breath

*[*6:24 PM*]* Felicia - Seirixori*:* "Smooth."

*[*6:26 PM*]* Kyris - Brimeia*:* Brimeia's lip curls at the description Ryleigh gives. "I can see why you left."

*[*6:27 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* "I didn't choose to leave."

*[*6:28 PM*]* Kyris - Brimeia*:* Brimeia lifts an eyebrow. "Why wouldn't you?"

*[*6:29 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* "Because Ascus needs someone who *will* stand up to the government."

*[*6:31 PM*]* DM*:* The halfling comes over with a pile of what looks like flaked meat and a loaf of bread. She drops it in the center of the table and leaves.

*[*6:32 PM*]* Felicia - Seirixori*:* Seir takes a piece of the bread and starts picking at it, but not eating any of it.

*[*6:33 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh takes a piece of meat and bites into it before whispering, "Seirixori, you should try to eat something."

*[*6:34 PM*]* Felicia - Seirixori*:* She shrugs and says just as quietly, "I'm not hungry."

*[*6:35 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* "I know, but you need something in your stomach," Ryleigh lays a comforting hand on Seirixori's shoulder.

*[*6:36 PM*]* Felicia - Seirixori*:* Seir frowns and stares at the bread but doesn't make a move to it eat it.

*[*6:37 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* "She's a grown woman, Ry. Ain't like she's yer kid sister. She can look after herself. " Urrak takes a chunk of the meat and a piece of bread, according eye contact with the table

*[*6:40 PM*]* DM*:* She returns with a stack of cups and two big flagons of ale before leaving again.

*[*6:41 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* "Urrak, you and I are not having a heated discussion right now. We're guests in this place, so remember your manners while we're here."(edited)

*[*6:43 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* Urrak just laughs and shakes her head

*[*6:34 PM*]* Kyris - Brimeia*:* Brimeia grins at Ryleigh's answer. "Maybe you're not so bad after all."

*[*6:35 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh gives Brimeia a questioning look, "Thanks."

*[*6:43 PM*]* Kyris - Brimeia*:* Brimeia shrugs when she catches the look she gets from Ryleigh. "People in power are always bastards, in my experience. You seemed kinda uptight... and bossy. But you also seem familiar with fighting rings, look after Seir, and are willing to fight tyrants." She flashes a friendly smirk.

*[*6:44 PM*]* Kyris - Brimeia*:* She pours herself a full cup of ale and digs heartily into the food.

*[*6:45 PM*]* Felicia - Seirixori*:* Seir hands Gunnloda a cup of ale and gets one for herself, taking a drink, but then leaves it alone as she makes a face.

*[*6:46 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh doesn't reach for the ale at all, instead she smiles politely at Brimeia, "I'm multi-layered."

*[*6:47 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* Urrak's eyes train on the flagon of ale as she rests her chin in her hand. She swallows what little is left of the food in her mouth hard.

*[*6:48 PM*]* DM*:* Malica stands, squeezing Urrak's arm as she heads over to the halfling.

*[*6:50 PM*]* Felicia - Seirixori*:* Seir pushes her cup towards Gunnloda as well, "I don't think I should have any of this..."

*[*6:51 PM*]* DM*:* Malica returns and shortly after, the halfling brings a big pitcher of water with her.

*[*6:52 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* "Thank ye, Mal." she says quietly.

*[*6:52 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* "*Thank you, for -*" Ryleigh says in elven, before she nods her head in Urrak's direction and gives Malica a genuine smile.(edited)

*[*6:54 PM*]* DM*:* Malica replies in Elven. *"It's not just for her."*

*[*6:58 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* With a slightly shaky hand, Urrak busies herself with pouring a glass of water. Afterwards, she places a hand on Malica's thigh and sweeps her thumb gently across it as she drinks.

*[*7:00 PM*]* DM*:* Malica covers Urrak's hand with her own.

*[*6:59 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh pours Seir a glass of water and pushes it to her before pouring herself one and taking a drink.

*[*7:02 PM*]* Felicia - Seirixori*:* "Thanks..." She says, her voice just as quiet as before. She takes a small sip and sets it down and starts playing with the glass instead of the bread.

*[*7:07 PM*]* Kyris - Brimeia*:* Brimeia leans toward Seir. "You ok?"

*[*7:07 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh runs a hand up and down Seir's back, concern etched on her face, but she doesn't press. "Has anyone here been to Kamire - the country they're taking us to."

*[*7:08 PM*]* Felicia - Seirixori*:* Seir shrugs at Brimeia.

*[*7:11 PM*]* Kyris - Brimeia*:* Brimeia frowns with concern but drops it for now.

*[*7:08 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* "Seems you're th' only world traveler here, Ry."

*[*7:09 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* "I've never been anywhere other than Ascus and Vyon. Now I've been here." Ryleigh says casually.

*[*7:10 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* "And yet y'seem t' have so many friends here. Curious." she takes a large gulp of water. "But like y'said. 'Multi-layered.'"

*[*7:13 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh smirks at Urrak, "I have friends everywhere, its called networking."

*[*7:15 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* "Oh sure, 'networkin'. Is that what the kids are callin' it? In my day we called it skullduggery."

*[*7:16 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* "Grease enough elbows and y'can have friends anywhere. Or did ye ferget I married a thief? You don't fool me, Ry. Ye never did. "

*[*7:16 PM*]* Felicia - Seirixori*:* "Will you just ask already, your passive aggressive bullshit is giving me a headache." Seir says, but there's not a lot of feeling behind it.

*[*7:17 PM*]* Kyris - Brimeia*:* Brimeia looks between all three of them, not at all sure what is happening and not entirely sure she wants to know.

*[*7:17 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* "Here I figured you were the one who forgot you married someone."

*[*7:19 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* Urrak stands abruptly "You watch yer fuckin' mouth, Paladin. Or I'll knock out every tooth inside it."

*[*7:18 PM*]* Kyris - Brimeia*:* "Look, if y'all are gonna have it out in a fight, just get on with it. Enough foreplay."

*[*7:23 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* "You're being awfully judgmental for someone who knowingly married a thief and who's currently with someone who can disappear with ease," Ryleigh leans back in her chair, unconcerned with Urrak's show of aggression. "I'm a survivor, Urrak. And I will survive no matter what, until my job is done."(edited)

*[*7:31 PM*]* Kyris - Brimeia*:* Brimeia nods and thinks maybe she's starting to like Ryleigh more and more. Well, at least this side of Ryleigh.

*[*7:32 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* "And yer bein' awful deflective. Call yerself what you want, but all this trip has shown me is that y'care about yer secrets more than any of us here." she walks quickly over to Ryleigh and leans over her, anger seething in her face, "I'm tryin' my fuckin' damnedest not t' lose it on ye Ry, and ye aren't makin' it easy. But," she straightens up and takes a few deep breaths. She lowers her voice as she continues "An old friend of mine told me t' thank her by bein' better. An' I'm gonna keep tryin' t' do that fer her." she walks away, shaking her head and sits back down.(edited)

*[*7:36 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* "You're wrong, Urrak." Ryleigh looks at her, no anger present in her face, "My secrets are the only reason we're all alive right now. I've exposed myself and the organization I'm associated with *because* I lov-" She swallows, "Think what you want, but my part in our safety is undeniable."(edited)

*[*7:38 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* Urrak just looks away as leans back in her chair. She folds her arms and crosses her legs.

*[*7:39 PM*]* Kyris - Brimeia*:* Brimeia looks a bit disappointed that nothing happened after all.

*[*7:41 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh stands from the table and goes to lean against a wall, a good distance from the others.

*[*7:44 PM*]* Felicia - Seirixori*:* Seir takes a piece of the bread she'd torn apart and chucks it at Urrak, "People are allowed to have secrets, Urrak."

*[*7:49 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* Urrak reflexively closes an eye as the bread hits her in the temple. She looks down at the table and is quiet a moment before she says quietly, "Think what ye want, I'm just tired of 'em, that's all."(edited)

*[*7:57 PM*]* Felicia - Seirixori*:* Seir stands, "Then what do you want to know? Because she isn't the only one with them. Do you want to know that when I was 8 I got held down and beaten up by not only children, but also full grown adults? One who was supposed to look after me but instead wanted part of my horn? Those kind of secrets? Or would you like the ones where I have almost left all of you *several* times because half the time I feel like you all treat me like they did in Limabey? Or did you want something juicier? Like me killing three or more people yesterday?" Seir's voice is even the entire time until she gets to the last few words. Once she's done she turns away and moves to another table, facing away from everyone.

*[*7:59 PM*]* DM*:* Gunnloda follows, and says something quietly to Seir.

*[*8:01 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* Urrak's face falls. "I-I didn't...I didn't mean..." she rubs her eyes, and sighs loudly, slumping in her seat.

*[*8:02 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh moves quickly from the wall she's leaning against and to the table Seir moved to, reaching out to take her hand.

*[*8:02 PM*]* DM*:* Gunnloda sits with Seir.

*[*8:05 PM*]* Felicia - Seirixori*:* Seir's not really paying attention, head in her hands and whispering something over and over.

*[*8:08 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* "Right, I'm always th' asshole. Fuckin' hells...what a mess." she rests her elbow on the arm of the chair and massages her forehead. "I just--godsdammit.." she gets up and walks off, trying to get as far away as she can.(edited)

*[*8:13 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* "Seirixori..." Ryleigh whispers, but she's momentarily distracted by Urrak moving away.

*[*8:17 PM*]* Felicia - Seirixori*:* "I'm sorry," Seir whispers continuously.

*[*8:20 PM*]* DM*:* Gunnloda wraps her arms around Seir and just tries to calm her.

*[*8:18 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* "Seirixori, I'll be right back, okay? I can't have Urrak leave the room." She presses a swift kiss to the top of Seir's head and tries to catch up to Urrak before she can actually leave the room.

*[*8:21 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* "Urrak. Urrak, wait." Ryleigh jogs over to her.

*[*8:22 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* Urrak stops but doesn't face Ryleigh. She clenches her fist at her sides. After a moment, she turns slowly before grabbing Ryleigh by the collar "What. Are You."

*[*8:27 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh lets Urrak grab her, "You can't leave this area. We're guests here and if we leave, it might look bad on our entire group." She pauses briefly, "I need you to calm down and only after that can we have a conversation, but not here because its not safe."

*[*8:31 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* "Godsdammit Ry, I fuckin' mean it. I-I can't keep doing this. I can't keep losin' my trust in ye, not when I've people t' keep safe." her fingers slip, causing the metal to squeak beneath them as she clenches her hands tighter, "I don't want t' hurt ye Ry...but if ye cross that line, I'm not gonna have a choice. I want to know everything. I want to know who yer workin' for and why. Th' others might be fine with secrets, but I know first-hand that they'll get ye killed more often then they'll keep ye safe. Please, Ry. Promise me."

*[*8:35 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* "I can't tell you who I'm working for, but I will tell you why. The secrets I keep aren't just to protect you guys, they're to protect my organization and me too. You have to accept that there are thing I can't tell you. Just because you're finding out I have connections, can pick locks, or disguise myself doesn't mean I'm not the same person you knew before. Please try to understand that my secrets are bigger than me, than us."

## Reunited and it feels.... not good

*[*8:35 PM*]* DM*:* Rav and La Fantasma reenter the room.

*[*8:37 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* Urrak lets her go. "I hope ye are, Ry. I really do." She walks back towards the group

*[*8:38 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh shakes her head and Urrak's dramatics before walking over to La Fantasma.

*[*8:41 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* "So?"

*[*8:45 PM*]* Jaymes - Ravaphine*:* Rav rejoins her friends, somewhat dejected. "We have a couple decisions to make. Turns out, there are far more layers to this issue than what we initially came into play with. La Fantasma has the ability to send you all back to Vyon. These are dangerous people, from both sides of the playing field and I'm not quite sure what to do or where to start. She gave us a start though, and managed to decode an important part of the book. She will keep the book here and decode the rest, then let us know if there are any other pressing pieces."(edited)

*[*8:47 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* "You said we have a *couple* of decisions to make, sounds like there aren't any for us to make?" Ryleigh questions, her eyes narrowing.

*[*8:49 PM*]* Jaymes - Ravaphine*:* "It's not safe here anymore. So our decision is, you can go back to Vyon where it is safe. Or you can come with me to Rauvi, where there could be more danger. I brought you all here, and I don't want any of you to get hurt."

*[*8:50 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* "Why are you needing to go to Rauvi?"

*[*8:50 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* "We're not leavin' ye, Rav. That's our decision."

*[*8:50 PM*]* Alex - Nolanos*:* "That's easy for me. I go where you go, love," Nolanos speaks up from the corner.

*[*8:50 PM*]* Jaymes - Ravaphine*:* "That's where Ma is," she says softly. "If she's still there, maybe she can answer some of these questions."

*[*8:51 PM*]* Kyris - Brimeia*:* "If it's dangerous, you're gonna need some backup. Y'know... to your own beefy arms." Brimeia winks.

*[*8:52 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* "Then we're goin' t' Rauvi. No one's leavin' ye behind."

*[*8:52 PM*]* Jaymes - Ravaphine*:* Rav flexes for Bri.

*[*8:52 PM*]* Jaymes - Ravaphine*:* "You don't think I can fend off the Tegonia and diet Spellguards by myself?"

*[*8:52 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh quirks an eyebrow at Rav and turns to La Fantasma, "I don't like walking into something blindly. I'd like to know the situation in Rauvi before we leave - or at least as much as you're willing to share."(edited)

*[*8:53 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* Urrak pokes at Rav's flexed bicep, and grins "Maybe after a bit o' weight trainin'."

*[*8:56 PM*]* DM*:* La Fantasma: "I don't know much about Rauvi itself. Tegonia appears to have been based there, but they were in Belnio, at the Damasceno College, when they attacked. Hundreds were hurt, many killed. It was considered to be both anti-university and an attempt on the Archmagister's life. They failed on that count. Other than that, I'm not sure what I can tell you, but where I'll send you will have a local agent who may be able to provide you with more information."

*[*8:59 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh nods in understand to La Fantasma. She look at Rav, "Ravaphine, I know your mother is in Rauvi, but what questions are you wanting answered and are they worth risking your life?"

*[*9:05 PM*]* Jaymes - Ravaphine*:* "I just want to know why she lied to me my whole life. Why she sent me here blindly when she knew something was wrong. More people could get hurt because of that Cidro guy and if we leave, then what? I can't go back to Vyon knowing that my home won't be here anymore and that more people could die."

*[*9:07 PM*]* Jaymes - Ravaphine*:* "But if it's as dangerous as we think, maybe we shouldn't go back to Rauvi."(edited)

*[*9:11 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* "She lied to you to protect you. Think about how much worse everything would have been if you had known what that journal held. And what if she's not there? Didn't La Fantasma say she couldn't reach her earlier? I'm not afraid of a fight and I don't fear tyrannical governments, but I'm not willing to risk our lives on *if* your mom is there. Because Ravaphine, people die in revolutions. There is no victory in rebellions without sacrifice."

*[*9:15 PM*]* Jaymes - Ravaphine*:* Rav is mostly silent, minus the shallow breathing. She nods her head. "You're right," she whispers. "We need to focus on the present. What do you think will be the next best step?"

*[*9:20 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* "I don't have enough information to make that decision," Ryleigh says. "I just want you to understand what's at risk if we go to Rauvi."

*[*9:24 PM*]* Jaymes - Ravaphine*:* "I would like to stay here and help. I think going back to Rauvi will take us to find more information about Cidro. The *secret sanctum* ma was talking about in the journal. I know there are a lot of risks involved, I just don't want any of you to get hurt because of it."(edited)

*[*9:25 PM*]* Felicia - Seirixori*:* Seir finally walks over, having been listening for most of this "Would you..." She clears her throat and addresses La Fantasma, "Are you capable of getting a message to someone in Riverrun... Vyon, quickly?"

*[*9:27 PM*]* DM*:* LF: "I don't believe I know anyone in Riverrun. Or Vyon for that matter. My reach is limited to Rodoza."

*[*9:28 PM*]* Felicia - Seirixori*:* Seir sighs and rubs her face, cursing in infernal and sits back down, leaning into Gunnloda.

*[*9:29 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh gives Ravaphine a measured look, "It's likely we will get hurt and I'll stand with you if this is your decision. Can you shoulder that responsibility?"

*[*9:32 PM*]* Jaymes - Ravaphine*:* Rav puts a hand on Ryleigh's shoulder. "Someone wise once told me, 'There is no victory in rebellions without sacrifice'. I need to protect my home. But we need to ask everyone else what they want to do first."

*[*9:33 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* "I'm with ye, wherever ye go." she looks over to Malica, "Ye don't have t' follow me, if ye don't want to."

*[*9:34 PM*]* DM*:* Malica smirks. "And let you get out of offering to protect me?"

*[*9:35 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* Urrak smiles back, "My ego thanks ye, *raxo*."(edited)

*[*9:38 PM*]* Jaymes - Ravaphine*:* Rav looks over to the others. "We've all dealt with what seems to be, everything under the moon. And I'm forever thankful you are here with me. I don't know how dangerous the rest of this trip is going to look like, but I won't be able to sleep knowing that Rodoza is a mess. I pretend like I can do this by myself, but I know I won't be able to. If you can stay, I owe you everything I have. But for safety as well, I don't want to see anyone hurt so please let us know and we can head back to Vyon."

*[*9:42 PM*]* Jaymes - Ravaphine*:* "How many days do we have left, Seir?"

*[*9:43 PM*]* Jaymes - Ravaphine*:* "I know we had two things to catch that were within the next few days."

*[*9:47 PM*]* Felicia - Seirixori*:* "I don't think it matters at this point." Seir says through her hands. "I don't think we can get back here quickly without being held up again. At this point I'd settle for just asking Rukiya to let them know I can't make it but..." She groans and curses in infernal again.

*[*9:50 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh moves over to Seir, "They'll understand, Seirixori."

*[*9:52 PM*]* Felicia - Seirixori*:* "I just wanted to make sure she'd come back."

*[*9:53 PM*]* DM*:* La Fantasma clears her throat. "I'm sure this is all very important, but I do have work to do. I am offering one trip to Rauvi or Riverrun. Otherwise, I must ask you to deliberate elsewhere."

*[*9:54 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* "Rauvi," Ryleigh answers for the group.

*[*9:54 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* "Aye, Rauvi."

*[*9:55 PM*]* DM*:* "This way, then." She leads you all down another tunnel to an empty, square area where she pulls a piece of chalk from a box and starts drawing on the floor.

*[*10:00 PM*]* DM*:* She finishes up and stands again. "This will take you to a safehouse. Tell them I sent you and they should be able to offer at least some information on the city's current situation. You will have to find your own way home, but I will send word if there is anything else of importance in the notebook."

*[*10:01 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* "Thanks," Ryleigh nods to her.

*[*10:01 PM*]* Jaymes - Ravaphine*:* "Thank you."

*[*10:01 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* Urrak takes Mal's hand in hers.

*[*10:05 PM*]* DM*:* You all step into the circle, La Fantasma does the incantation, and you appear in a different set of tunnels under a different city.

*[*6:07 PM*]* DM*:* After teleporting into another set of tunnels, you were greeted by a water genasi who introduced themselves as Shiver. They explained that now was really not a good time, but they assured you that they mean no disrespect towards La Fantasma and her guests. They walked you through the tunnels to the open air of a harbor town and suggested that you take rooms at a nearby inn by the name of Nightstand, informing you that whatever has them flustered should be cleared up by morning and please do speak to Carver behind the bar in the morning to make contact again.

## Seir/Urrak

*[*8:08 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* Urrak sits a table far from the bar. She watches the patrons with a slight bemusement, but is silent. She takes the dagger from the loop of her swordbelt and spins it in her hands.

*[*8:09 PM*]* Felicia - Seirixori*:* Seir goes to Urrak, head down and shuffling her feet nervously, "Hey can I, uh, I wanted to... can we..." Seir sighs and slumps a bit, tired and annoyed at her lack of ability to speak in complete sentences. "Can I sit here?"(edited)

*[*8:12 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* Urrak looks up, surprised at Seirixori's voice and confused by her question. She places the blade on the table with a small clatter and rests a hand over it. "A'course, Seir. Please." she motions to the empty chair across from her before wincing, "Ah, I mean, please, Seirixori, uh, sit."

*[*8:17 PM*]* Felicia - Seirixori*:* Seir does, still a little hesitant. She pulls her tail into her lap and starts to rub the tip of it to try and calm her nerves. "I'm... I'm sorry for-- for earlier I didn't mean to... I was upset, but at myself and I-- I took it out on you."

*[*8:21 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* Urrak looks over at the nervous tiefling with a bit of worry in her brow. "Ah, it's--it's ok. I deserve it most o' th' time..." she slides the dagger back into it's loop. "These past few days have been rough on all o' us," she pauses for a moment, stares at her hands that are laying on the table. "I'm a bit glad though, considerin'. I'd hate t' have made ye upset again."

*[*8:28 PM*]* Felicia - Seirixori*:* "You did... but not... I still shouldn't have done that. I know what you meant, about the secrets, but I... I just wanted to make someone else feel like I felt. I don't know, I don't know how any of this works. I know we've," her breath hitches slightly as she tries not to cry, "I know we've all been together now for a couple months but this... I've never had friends before and I'm still learning how this works and I'm sorry." Seir takes another quick breath, just trying to get it all out before she can stop herelf, "I'm so used to being picked on and hated that the moment I feel a little hurt, or left out, or ignored I feel like it's like before and I lash out at you guys... you more than anyone else."

*[*8:34 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* "Seir, I...I wouldn't worry about that. Yer not th' only one that does," she swallows a bit and looks down. "A-an' that's fine. I can take it. I know I've been a real arsehole t' th' lot o' ye anyway but," she looks up from the groove a nail had been making in the table and into Seirixori's eyes, "Please know that I'm tryin' too. I care about ye, and all th' others a'course but....I know I'm th' last person ye want t' be around most days but, if ye ever wanted t' talk about these things, ye can always talk t' me." Urrak folds her hands together, "An' I mean that sincerely. Even with our past."

*[*8:38 PM*]* Felicia - Seirixori*:* Seir shakes her head, but it's in disbelief, "How can you--why do you forgive me so easily? I'm.. I haven't even forgiven Ravaphine yet and I still sometimes..." she wipes at her eyes, "I still sometimes get upset when I remember what you--what you said to me when I...with the Misha thing."(edited)

*[*8:44 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* Urrak pinches the bridge of her nose at the memory. "Aye, I...I wasn't kind t' ye then. Or frankly much afterwards. I'd be a hypocrite if I didn't fergive ye. " she rests her nose on the bridge of her interlocked fingers and sighs, eyes closing half way through. "I'm sorry that I upset ye so, Seirixori Truly."(edited)

*[*8:51 PM*]* Felicia - Seirixori*:* Seir digs through one of the pouches on her belt and sets Urrak's earrings on the table with a nod. "I... you helped me save Gunnloda from drowning in that damn place and... and," Seir bites her lip again, looking away and takes a deep breath, "You saved me yesterday. I...I really did mean it when I said I was glad you didn't listen to me for once. I um... I don't think I'd have been alive when you found us otherwise, so um.. thanks."

*[*8:52 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* "Seir...a'course I--" she looks at the earrings in almost disbelief. "I--Are ye sure?"

*[*8:57 PM*]* Felicia - Seirixori*:* Seir nods and goes back to fidgeting with her tail, "I don't think I...I'm not sure I've done a very good job lately of being um... kind, I guess, and I'm not sure I really deserve to have the decision of deciding when you get them back but... despite all the times I've gotten mad at you, you still try to help me...so..." She shrugs and starts to pick at the table.

*[*9:00 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* Urrak threads the earrings into the lobes of her ears as she speaks. She marvels a moment at how heavy they seem after so long an absence. "I try t' help ye cuz it's what friends do, Seirixori. It's...somethin' I'm learnin' too." she leans down a bit in hopes to catch her eyes, "Hey..."(edited)

*[*9:06 PM*]* Felicia - Seirixori*:* Seir pauses her nervous fidgeting to sheepishly look at Urrak, "yeah?"

*[*9:07 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* "Thank ye. Fer this an' everythin' else." She hesitantly places her hand over Seir's "This means more t' me than ye know."

*[*9:14 PM*]* Felicia - Seirixori*:* Seir nods as her face reddens with embarrassment, "You--you're welcome." She clears her throat, "Um... I know I've kind of yelled at you about the hero thing, and you do kind of need to stop doing that cuz it *will* get you killed, but do you think you could..." Seir starts picking at her nails this time, unable to stop herself from her nervous habit, and silently cursing herself for not replacing the trinket Nolanos had given her, "When we go to Ardabeh and to-- to Limabey... I've..." She takes a steadying breath, "I've never been able to stand up to people there." It's not even a question, but she hopes Urrak gets what she's trying to say.

*[*9:18 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* "Y'want me t' show ye how t' be a "hero" eh? Stand up fer yerself?" she folds her arms over her chest and smiles slyly. "I mean, Seir, I think ye just lack confidence. When yer wronged, ye can be plenty frightenin'."

*[*9:19 PM*]* DM*:* Malica appears with three cups of water and a plate of something that looks like finger food. "I hope I'm not interrupting. I can wait if..."

*[*9:21 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* "No, Mal, please, join us." She looks up at her and smiles. Her eyes a bit glassy as the earrings tap lightly on the skin behind her ear. "Sorry I've been a bit off since we arrived."

*[*9:24 PM*]* Felicia - Seirixori*:* Seir takes the cup of water and takes a drink of it, "Thank you, Malica," she says, "I've always... it feels like I've always been kind of alone. Even-- even when my mother tried to be there for me. It's just always been safer to let them say things to me than to react..." she taps at her broken horn, "most of the time."

*[*9:29 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* "There comes a time when ye can't keep takin' th' abuse though, Seirixiori. A person can only take so much before it starts it...fester inside o' them. Ain't like they wouldn't deserve some retribution, anyway. Especially th' arsehole who violated ye by breakin' yer horn. Folks can be right cruel t' folk they feel t' be different from 'em. I understand what ye've gone through, seen it from both sides. Hopefully I can help mend that with these 'toughness lessons'," she smiles and winks at Malica before taking a sip of water. "Those bastards won't know what hit 'em."(edited)

*[*9:31 PM*]* DM*:* Malica tilts her head. "Was this before you could... be animals or use magic? They might not bother you if they knew you could kill them."

*[*9:33 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* Urrak chokes a little bit on another sip of water "A-Aye that's--I mean ye certainly ain't wrong." she clears her throat, "But I'm sure ye can deal with schoolyard type bullies with somethin' a little less er, murdery."(edited)

*[*9:36 PM*]* Felicia - Seirixori*:* Seir laughs a little, "Before.. I was um... I was eight. But you're probably right... oh, I can't wait until I can figure out the other dinosaurs."

*[*9:36 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* "I'd suggest one that can make a quick getaway." she laughs and leans back in her seat.(edited)

*[*9:40 PM*]* DM*:* Malica smiles and puts her hand out towards Seir, but pulls it back quickly. "I um... I know what it's like to be alone, by choice or not... to be afraid of... well, everything. If you..." she glances at Urrak, almost like she's second-guessing herself, but turns back to Seir. "I'm here, if you need to talk to someone who understands. I-- I know we haven't really talked and you have everyone else, I just--" She frowns and looks into her cup.

*[*9:44 PM*]* Felicia - Seirixori*:* Seir blinks, surprised, "Oh I..." her brows furrow as she thinks, "I'm... thank you... I... I feel like I've ignored you since we met and I never uh meant to." She blushes, remembering *why* she ignored her at first, "It-- it would be nice to talk about some time."

*[*9:50 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* Urrak slides a hand over Malica's shoulders and begins to rub small circles on her back, "I'm sure th' two o' you could talk about a lot o' things. It'd be good fer ye t'have someone t' better relate to, Seir an'...well, it'd be nice to see ye be a bigger part o' th' group, as well, Mal."

*[*9:52 PM*]* DM*:* "And maybe if I talk to someone besides just you, you can stop looking at me like you expect me to disappear any given moment?"

*[*9:53 PM*]* Felicia - Seirixori*:* Seir chokes on a laugh, causing a small coughing fit.

*[*9:55 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* She stalls her hand, "Ah...yes. I suppose that would be good fer me." she runs her tongue across her teeth, "Ain't like y'need my protection, whether yer next t' me or far away. I can't keep treatin' ye like yer some small, fragile thing."(edited)

*[*9:58 PM*]* DM*:* "I appreciate the gesture, though, and... I'm not suited to combat. If I can't run... it's all I have. It's why I picked y--" Malica's cheeks turn red and she looks at Seir like she just realized they're not alone. "Sorry."

*[*10:00 PM*]* Felicia - Seirixori*:* Seir finishes her coughing fit and shrugs, "I don't mind... um, unless you want to be alone, I can uh, go?"

*[*10:03 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* "Is there anythin' else ye wanted t' talk t' me about?" Urrak grips Malica's shoulder lightly, running her thumb across it absentmindedly, "I don't want ye t' feel like I'm kickin' ye out or ignorin' ye."

*[*10:06 PM*]* Felicia - Seirixori*:* Seir shrugs again, "No, I don't think so. Maybe cool it with trying to get people to open up to you in very public places." She teases with a smile.

*[*10:10 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* "I'll keep that in mind," Urrak grins crookedly at her.

*[*10:17 PM*]* Felicia - Seirixori*:* Seir stands and quickly gives Urrak an awkward hug and turns to Malice and gives a quick wave of her hand, unsure of what else to do. "Um thanks and sorry again. I uh...need to talk to Gunnloda actually so um... yeah." She leaves them and heads upstairs.

## Urica

*[*10:22 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* Urrak watches Seir awkwardly leave. The further she gets, the smaller her smile becomes. She pulls her arm back and places it on the table with the other. "So, ye picked me, then."

*[*10:23 PM*]* DM*:* "I-- Yes?"

*[*10:28 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* "Was I an easy mark?" She twists her fingers a bit, eyes downcast.

*[*10:30 PM*]* DM*:* Malica pales. "Oh." There's a pause, then she says, barely above a whisper, "Maybe we should go upstairs."

*[*10:31 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* Urrak nods and stands

*[*10:35 PM*]* DM*:* Malica leads them up to the room they're staying in. When she turns to shut the door behind them, she stays there with her back turned for a few moments. "I-- I thought--" She's silent for a while, trying to figure out the words she wants to use.

*[*10:36 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* "Mal, relax. I'm not angry at ye." Urrak reaches out and rubs her arms lightly, "I promise ye I'm not."

*[*10:40 PM*]* DM*:* "I thought you knew that... when this started, it was self-preservation." She turns, with a somewhat panicked look on her face. "It's not anymore, I hope you know... that." She frowns and looks away.

*[*10:46 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* Urrak chuckles a bit grimly, "I...suppose I can be a bit slow in matters o' th'...heart." she slides her hands up to cup Malica's face, "I meant what I said so, I'm glad it's not...*that* anymore." she brushes a thumb across her cheek before she lets her go. "Does it worry ye? Scare ye? Thinkin' about, well, a less lonely future? Even though I'm not sure about--well ye--godsdammit."

*[*10:51 PM*]* DM*:* "I just don't know how to *talk* without... it feels like I'm just pulling the strings, saying the things I know you need to hear to get you to feel the way I want you to feel and I just... I can't turn it off. I want you to trust me." She huffs a bit in frustration. "I'm... yes. No. No, it doesn't scare me because I know what's coming. I know you. I know... who and what I am and who your heart belongs to. I just... want to hold onto it for as long as I can."

*[*10:55 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* "An' what if that...what if that means a year, five years, a...lifetime?" her voice gets quiet as she finishes. "I don't blame ye fer it, Mal. I don't know everythin' about yer past but I can what it's turned ye into. It's not yer fault, bein' born th' way ye were. Havin' t' do what ye had to just t' stay breathin'." she bites her lip and takes Malica's hands in her own. "I trust ye, Mal. Y've given me no reason not t'."

*[*11:12 PM*]* DM*:* Malica looks down at their hands for a long few seconds. When she starts speaking again, it's in spurts, her voice starting strong and faltering as she pauses each time like she's losing her courage. "I have. I've lied. I've... used you, used things I know about you. It was... easy. Almost too easy. Pretty, but not too pretty because that would be obvious." She starts speaking faster like it's just falling out of her. "Quiet, withdrawn, scared because you needed someone to protect. A touch of guilt to make you feel like you had a choice, but the constant reminder that she left *you* so you wouldn't be too scared to act on it. And always, always, sex as a distraction."

*[*11:13 PM*]* DM*:* She looks away again, clearly wrestling with saying more.

*[*11:20 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* Urrak grips her hands a bit tighter, runs her thumbs over top of them, and swallows hard. "I don't blame ye. I'm not upset at ye. There's been more than enough occasions to slip away, and yer life would've been much easier for it. I...care about ye, beyond all that. I don't know how much of any o' this was what ye'd call 'real', but it was more than enough fer me. Y've been there when sh--when I needed ye. Though I will admit it does sting a bit t' realize I can be so easily read..."

*[*11:23 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* She takes a breath, working up courage, and folds their hands together so they're clasping tightly. She steps forward, into her space a half-step. "But ye didn't answer my question, Mal. What if it meant a lifetime? What if...ye were my first choice?"

*[*11:35 PM*]* DM*:* Her eyes start to water. "I'm not sure I'd believe it." She grimaces again. "Sorry, I'm sorry, I just... I don't know how to stop and I hate it. I tell you all these terrible things because showing my methods makes you trust me more because now you know, but I stop myself from telling you that because if I explain that, it's just cushioning the blow. But because I didn't, it looks like I'm pushing you away before you can push me, but all the while, it's forcing you into making some grand dramatic, romantic claim to make me feel better and how can you trust me when I can't even trust me?" Even though it's circular and hard to follow, she says it in a way that shows the complexity of the strings she sees in her head and how every conversation can be twisted and manipulated to suit her. The tears start flowing freely and she's almost manic in how she continues. "How can I trust you when you dance so beautifully under my fingers? How can you trust that I love you, and how can I know it's what you feel and not just... what I've made you say. I'm sorry... I'm sorry... I hate it."

*[*11:45 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* "Malica," she hugs her close, her hand brushing along her spine in a soothing gesture. "Malica, I love ye. I...We can figure it out t'gether. It's as new fer ye as it is fer me" She pulls back a bit so she can tilt Malica's chin up with the tips of her fingers. "Anything can be held up t' a mirror an' twisted t' look ugly, but...I dunno, I--I can't help but feel that it isn't all fer some ulterior motive. Some escape plan. Some protection."

*[*11:53 PM*]* DM*:* She sniffles and tries to calm herself for a moment. "Do you remember when I told you that I could be anyone for you? You asked me to be her... I hesitated because... because I thought it would push you too far towards guilt. I asked if you were sure... but I did it because you were so sure and I didn't want to give you reason to doubt my intentions. But it *hurt.* I didn't think it would hurt. It had... I've had sex with people who thought I was someone else. I've been in intimate situations like that with others... but... that was when I realized that it was different. *You* were different. It hurt too much to pretend. Sometimes the pain's the only way I know it's real."

*[*12:04 AM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* "God's, Mal, I'm so sorry. I should never've asked ye t' do that." Her eyes go glassy, "It was right selfish o' me. Hurtful. Ye aren't--ye aren't somethin' t' used. I never wanted ye t' feel that way. Be hurt like that. Can ye fergive me?" She brushes a lock of Malica's hair back with the back of her hand, letting it come to rest lightly cradling the nape of her neck.

*[*12:16 AM*]* DM*:* "It's not your fault. I knew you would want-- I just didn't know I cared. That I wanted you to want me.... but I do. And... if it was just because I couldn't stand having your loyalties lie with someone else, it wouldn't hurt like that. It wasn't jealousy. I'm not... fishing for apologies or trying to hurt you by telling you this... it's... I'm telling you that this is how I know what I feel for you. I don't need you, not for protection or survival. If you told me to leave, I'd live. I have for this long. But I don't want to."

*[*12:21 AM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* "I don't want ye to either, Mal. I want ye here, with me, by my side. I want...I want to see a future with you. Whatever that entails. Ye may not need me, but I *want* you." She places a soft kiss on Malica's forehead. "Do ye trust me?"

*[*12:24 AM*]* DM*:* "As much as I can."

*[*12:28 AM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* "And hopefully that's enough. I mean," she stoops down to kiss her lips chastely, "Ye've followed me this far, eh?"

*[*12:29 AM*]* DM*:* She nods. "I just... need to stop thinking."

*[*12:35 AM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* "Aye, ye'll drive yerself mad thinkin' in circles. Give your mind a rest, fer a spell. Enjoy this with me." She smiles lopsidedly as she moves her hands to rest on Malica's shoulders. "At least...just fer a bit."

*[*12:37 AM*]* DM*:* She nods and leans forward into Urrak, putting her arms around her torso. "Thank you."

*[*12:44 AM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* Urrak holds her close. "A' course, Mal. A'course. Thank ye too. Fer everythin'"

## Seiryleigh

*[*8:20 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* After making sure everyone in the group is fairly settled. Ryleigh goes to Seirixori and Gunnloda's room to check on Seir. She knocks once she reaches their door.

*[*8:21 PM*]* Felicia - Seirixori*:* Seir opens it slowly and chews on her bottom lip when she sees Ryleigh. "Hi," she says quietly.

*[*8:23 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* "Talk to me? About your outburst earlier, please." Ryleigh shifts from one foot to the other outside the room, looking a little worried.

*[*8:34 PM*]* Felicia - Seirixori*:* Seir takes a breath and looks behind her at Gunnloda, deciding on something. It takes her a moment, but she finally opens the door enough to let Ryleigh in. She doesn't move from the middle of the room, just stands there fidgeting with the crest around her neck.

*[*8:36 PM*]* DM*:* Gunnloda's sitting on the bed, still in just her clothes, but she nods at Ryleigh when she enters.

*[*8:38 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh enters the room and shuts the door behind her. She stays hovering near it, unsure if she's intruding, but nods to Gunnloda. "What you did wasn't wrong," Ryleigh says, looking directly at Seir.(edited)

*[*8:40 PM*]* Felicia - Seirixori*:* "How could it not be? They hadn't done anything to us... I mean, that one guy yeah but... I don't know how to...I didn't mean to... I--I just wanted to get them to *leave us alone* I wasn't trying to..." she sniffles trying to hold back tears but isn't successful at it. "Please don't hate me," she whispers through her tears and its directed at Gunnloda more than Ryleigh.

*[*8:44 PM*]* DM*:* Gunnloda stands and takes Seir's hand. "Is that what you've been afraid of? Of course I don't hate you, *v'do.* I'm not upset with you at all."

*[*8:48 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* "Those men may not have done anything to us, but they certainly weren't innocent." Ryleigh doesn't step closer to Seir, but her eyes never leave Seirixori, "It was us or them... You protected your friends and that's nothing to be ashamed of."

*[*8:53 PM*]* Felicia - Seirixori*:* "But they, I *killed* them and it's... I didn't, I *shouldn't* have...it's like with those lizardmen all over again. We just pop in somewhere and I just do what I think is ok and don't ask anyone else. I keep messing up and it's always in-- it's never a small mistake. I... sometimes I think it's ..." she stops and kneels, squeezing Gunnloda's hand but almost afraid to do anything else.

*[*8:58 PM*]* DM*:* "If they had caught us, terrible things could have happened. It was the distraction we needed to escape, and... they may not even still be dead. They probably have people to attempt a raise. They know the dangers of the job."

*[*9:03 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* "You listen to me, Seirixori. You did what had to be done - without you they would have caught us and we would have been executed for treason or terrorism or any other number of things. This type of government and the people who work for them are guilty of crimes against the people." Ryleigh starts to take a step towards Seirixori but stops, "You didn't mess up, if anyone did, it was me for not disguising myself, I'm the reason they found us. *You* had to clean up the mess *I* created, so please... don't blame yourself for this."

*[*9:06 PM*]* DM*:* "I'd lay blame at the feet of those black robed men, m'self. We don't need to be blaming ourselves or each other for what we've done here."

*[*9:10 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh's eyes flick to Gunnloda as she speaks, but then she determinedly looks away.

*[*9:10 PM*]* DM*:* "Yes, I mean you too, Ryleigh."

*[*9:13 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* "It was my fault. I knew we carried sensitive information *and* I'm so used to blending in that I didn't think about-" Ryleigh shakes her head "-this isn't about me." She looks back at Seirixori and repeats her earlier phrase, "You did nothing wrong."

*[*9:17 PM*]* Felicia - Seirixori*:* Seir starts crying openly now, sobbing really, with relief and still a little bit of anguish, "It's hard to believe that," she finally manages to get out.

*[*9:22 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh finally moves into Seirixori's space, "It's not... You're a good person and good people feel guilty when they do something morally grey." She drops a quick kiss to the top of Seir's head, "Trust me, I'm a good judge of character."(edited)

*[*9:29 PM*]* Felicia - Seirixori*:* Seir snorts and it's pretty gross and a little snotty and she laughs through it, "ugh, sorry," She clears her throat, "Th-thank you, I'm ...I'm sorry if... I wish we could go back, I kind of also messed up someone's store."

*[*9:33 PM*]* DM*:* "You're too kind for what you've been through, *sor'odko.* It's one of the things I love about you."

*[*9:39 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* "Here," Ryleigh reaches into her vest pocket and withdraws a hankie, she hands it to Seir.

*[*9:46 PM*]* Felicia - Seirixori*:* Seir takes it and cleans herself up and shoves it into her pocket to clean later, "Thank you," she says again. Then takes Ryleigh's hand and tugs her so she has to kneel too and gives her a hug. "I'm going to kick your ass if you keep blaming yourself for yesterday too. Just so you're aware."

*[*9:49 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh looks a little hesitant when Seir doesn't give the hankie back, but quickly shakes her head and gives her a small smile, "You're welcome." She doesn't acknowledge the rest of Seir's statement, instead she hugs Seir back, a little tighter than usual.

*[*9:53 PM*]* Felicia - Seirixori*:* Seir's eyes narrow and she pulls back and bumps her forehead *lightly* against Ryleigh's, "I'm serious. It wasn't your fault."

*[*9:55 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* "I'll admit it wasn't my fault, if you admit you did nothing wrong with the fireball," Ryleigh whispers between them.

*[*10:03 PM*]* Felicia - Seirixori*:* "I did a little wrong." She mumbles, "...I'll try to remember that, but please try to not beat yourself up too bad over it. You don't deserve it either."

*[*10:11 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh chuckles at Seir's answer. "And I'll try not to blame myself for everything that goes wrong." She takes a deep breath, "It's going to be okay, you know. Making tough decisions, like choosing who lives and dies, never gets easier. But someone has to do it..."

*[*10:19 PM*]* Felicia - Seirixori*:* "Not alone. Not anymore. It shouldn't be like that."

*[*10:20 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* "I'd make that decision every time if it meant *you* never had to feel like this again."

*[*10:25 PM*]* Felicia - Seirixori*:* Seir gives her a grateful smile and another hug. "Hey uh, not to switch topics... But did you talk to your priests?" She asks quietly, but isn't really trying to keep Gunnloda from hearing it.

*[*10:28 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* "I did," Ryleigh says before sighing. "They've never heard of anything like it."

*[*10:31 PM*]* Felicia - Seirixori*:* Seir huffs a little, "Of course not. I'll... Uh... I should probably mention it. And ask Takara if she wants to... I kind of need to talk to my wife." Seir chuckles.(edited)

*[*10:35 PM*]* DM*:* Gunnloda raises an eyebrow.

*[*10:36 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh nods in understanding and stands. She walks to the door before pulling it open, "I need to talk to Urrak anyway."

*[*10:42 PM*]* Felicia - Seirixori*:* "I apologized to her earlier... Um she was with Malica." Seir tells Ryleigh as she walks her to the door, "We'll be down later for dinner?"(edited)

*[*10:44 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* "I'm sure she'll find me if I can't locate her. She's the one that wants answers," Ryleigh breathes deeply. "I'll see you downstairs," She closes the door as she leaves.

*[*10:56 PM*]* Felicia - Seirixori*:* Seir takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly as she turns to Gunnloda. "I'm...before I ... I'm sorry that I've been so... so sad lately. I just...we got married and then it's... it feels like everything just sort of went to shit after and I think I said that before, I don't even remember anymore. I think I might need to stop writing in my journal or at least show it to you because there are times when I don't know if I've said things to you that I want to or if I just get it out on paper and then forget to say something because I do want you to *know* but I try to get it out first so I don't start talking in circles or doing what I'm doing now and I... um... I..." She frowns as she loses her train of thought. "...And I'm sorry I keep feeling like I'm going to do something to make you leave. I know you promised to talk to me, for *us* to talk about things, but sometimes there's just something that keeps making me doubt it and I'm trying to ignore it.. and I...um.. sorry." She clears her throat and starts to fidget with her tail. "Sorry, that was probably too much."

*[*11:04 PM*]* DM*:* Gunnloda takes Seir's hands gently from her tail and holds them. "You're never too much. I'm here for you, y'know? Anything you need. I know... when I left before that's probably what makes you nervous, but... that was before. I've made you a promise and I plan on keeping it."

*[*11:11 PM*]* Felicia - Seirixori*:* Seir nods and falls to her knees, "I know, I know... it's-- it's hard. No one has..." Seir shakes her head, "Also, even if I ask, please don't let me do things alone anymore. It's um... yesterday should have ended *really* poorly for me." She clears her throat. "It's easier for me to slip into places by myself now but uh... I kind of don't want to die anymore so..." She let's out a nervous laugh, "Um, that was a stupid thing to say." she mutters.

*[*11:14 PM*]* DM*:* She smiles softly and kind of chuckles through her nose before leaning in to kiss Seir. "Few people *want* to die, *v'do."*

*[*11:28 PM*]* Felicia - Seirixori*:* Seir leans into the kiss and pulls away as she nods at Gunnloda's words and starts to lightly chew on her lip, "So uh, I didn't really want to bring it up until I knew the reason but I also don't like keeping things from you. And I'm not really sure... I really don't understand and telling you isn't really going to do anything and I don't want to hurt your feelings or whatever it'll make you feel but ... I... Takara..." She frowns and tries to organize her thoughts.(edited)

*[*11:36 PM*]* DM*:* She just draws her eyebrows together like she's confused or worried and tilts her head to show she's listening.

*[*11:49 PM*]* Felicia - Seirixori*:* "They can't see you." She finally says. "The-- the gods, or whatever they are, they can't..." Seir sighs, "Takara didn't show up to our little ceremony because when I called to her, you were with me and she didn't hear me. It's... it's kind of like you're this... I don't know, a blind spot to them. And that sounds terrible and I'm sorry, I kind of want to take you to her but I don't know if you'd want to see her or if she would let me and I just... I hate it." Seir huffs and starts getting annoyed at the situation, "I love you and I think you're one of the most amazing people I've ever met and if they can't see you then that sucks for them because they're missing out on someone who can make people feel better just from the smell of her food alone and smile... and the accent and... and um..." She flushes as she catches herself in her rant. "Um... Yeah.. All--all of that."(edited)

May 9, 2018

*[*12:00 AM*]* DM*:* Gunnloda goes on a whole face journey during the course of Seir's explanation, but eventually settles on the same mildly worried confusion it was before. "They can't... *see* me?" She's quiet for a moment as it sinks in, then she kind of scoffs. "Well... all this time thinking they don't exist... when it's me. I reckon it makes more sense to be me that's... wrong than every person who's ever talked to a god or died and came back." She frowns and you can almost *see* her thinking and theorizing.

*[*12:27 AM*]* Felicia - Seirixori*:* Seir huffs, "Maybe it is *them*, maybe... maybe you're just *too* amazing and they're blinded by that." It sounds ridiculous even to her, but she keeps going. "And *I* could be wrong. Takara could be wrong. Or something... " her words trail off as she loses steam. She tilts her head as something else comes to mind and she starts laughing. "Hey, this means we can do what we did in Vecbony at other holy places *and they won't know*. Well maybe not water this time. Even though it was like 90% nice to us, unlike every other time we're around a large body of water..." Seir's face flushes a little. "Sorry that was uh, not the point of this."

*[*12:31 AM*]* DM*:* Gunnloda's pulled out of her thoughts with a chuckle, then she sighs. "It's a lot to think about, but... thank you. For telling me."

*[*12:36 AM*]* Felicia - Seirixori*:* Seir nods, "Of course. I'm not a fan of keeping things from you so I'm sorry if um... if maybe it's too much sometimes." Seir shrugs. "Hey would uh... would you like to meet them? Not--not because they're gods or because of what I just said, but because of...because they've taken care of me when--when I couldn't. Not that I am good at that now..." She says to herself, "Um... I mean, I don't know if they'll agree to it but I ... like I said before, I just want people I think as family to meet you and you them..."(edited)

*[*12:38 AM*]* DM*:* "If they're important to you, then of course I would. ....do you think... would they just think you were pointing at a make-believe friend?"

*[*12:43 AM*]* Felicia - Seirixori*:* "I don't... uh, I don't know, to be honest." Seir gets off her knees and sits and pulls Gunnloda into her arms, feeling like she can relax for the first time in the last couple of days, "But I guess we could find out. It wouldn't be the first time someone thinks I'm making something up like that."

*[*12:45 AM*]* DM*:* "Oh? Pretend girlfriends who just happened to live in another forest?" she teases before giving Seir a lingering kiss. "I'm glad you're feeling better."

*[*12:52 AM*]* Felicia - Seirixori*:* "Yeah, exactly that." Seir laughs. "...so am I. All this up and down is wearing me out." She kisses Gunnloda again, tucking a stray hair behind her ear and watches her tail wrap around Gunnloda's arm. "Well even if the gods are dumb and can't see you, I'm glad *I* can see you...and all the other benefits."

## Devil's Food

*[*4:48 PM*]* Felicia - Seirixori*:* Seir's wrapped around Gunnloda as usual and playing with the edge of Gunnloda's shirt. "Hm... did you have any idea what you wanted to do about getting another holy symbol and maybe a different tabard?" Seir kisses the top of Gunnldoa's head, "Although I guess with what I mentioned it might be a little bit more difficult... I have great timing."

*[*4:52 PM*]* DM*:* Gunnloda smiles. "It's part of your charm, *sor'odko.* I don't know. I've used holy symbols before, so it's not like... *that* changes anything."

*[*4:58 PM*]* Felicia - Seirixori*:* "Right, right. Are there any other gods you know of that you might like... uh, what they stand for, I guess? I'm not really sure how that works depsite uh...well despite everything."

*[*5:03 PM*]* DM*:* "I don't think y'need a lecture on divinity, but it's enough to say it doesn't really matter, 'least I don't think it does. Serving the Host was... mostly cosmetic. Now, I can't be sure about any of this, it's just how I figure it happened, but I think I get my magic from the source of life... the concept of it. Most clerics get it from a god who channels that power to their followers, but since I-- the symbol's just there to channel the power itself when necessary. I don't think it matters whose it is."

*[*5:07 PM*]* Felicia - Seirixori*:* "Oh well, I guess that's good. Also kind of neat. Like you don't need them anyway to do what you do." Seir grins and adds cheekily, "See, I was right, you are amazing."

*[*5:08 PM*]* DM*:* Gunnloda blushes a little and kisses Seir. "Flatterer."

*[*5:13 PM*]* Felicia - Seirixori*:* Seir laughs and kisses her back, "For you, always." She tilts her head and her eyes widen, "Oh! Maybe we can get one *made* specially for you! Like whatever you want on it and get it... uh well I don't know how it *becomes* a holy symbol but I'm sure we can do it."

*[*5:14 PM*]* DM*:* She pauses, thinks for a second. "You know... that might just work. I could ask someone how they make the symbols others use."

*[*5:21 PM*]* Felicia - Seirixori*:* "Yeah!" Seir says excitedly. "Maybe even Nolanos can make it for you, or we can make it. Or uh, someone maybe a little more knowledgable." Seir shrugs.

*[*5:25 PM*]* DM*:* "It's worth a shot." She looks at Seir for a moment. "You'd rather I had something of my own instead of Mielikki's or Takara's?"

*[*5:30 PM*]* Felicia - Seirixori*:* "Yeah?" Seir says, her face scrunching in confusion, "Just because they're my... sort of family and I like them doesn't mean I want to *make* you follow them or something. I'm not even really uh... I don't exactly treat them like they're goddesses or *really* follow the whole religious aspect." Seir's quiet for a second, "I uh... well that might actually be a reason some of the druids don't like me, to be honest."

*[*5:33 PM*]* DM*:* The corner of Gunnloda's mouth turns up slightly. "I love you. ...y'know that, right?"

*[*5:35 PM*]* Felicia - Seirixori*:* "Yes?" Seir laughs nervously. "How could you not?" Seir jokes, out of habit than anything else.

*[*5:47 PM*]* DM*:* "Well, y'didn't give me much choice in the matter."

*[*5:51 PM*]* Felicia - Seirixori*:* "Because I kind of followed you around and awkwardly talked to you?" She laughs.(edited)

*[*5:57 PM*]* DM*:* Gunnloda uses her fingers to turn Seir's jaw so she's looking at her. "Because I could see you. The you behind the pain and anger and deflection and fear. Once anyone *sees* you, how can they not love you?" She pauses just long enough to let Seir know she's being completely sincere, then releases her jaw and says with a grin, "Besides... the one time I tried to ignore it, you hunted me down and reminded me."

*[*6:04 PM*]* Felicia - Seirixori*:* Seir blushes hardcore, "I uh... well, yes. I just uh... you know, not exactly a patient person." Seir laughs a little. "I'm glad I didn't wait. I, uh, well..." Seir shuffles, kind of embarrassed, but she's smiling.

*[*6:07 PM*]* DM*:* "It all worked out. There's nowhere I'd rather be than where you are."

*[*6:11 PM*]* Felicia - Seirixori*:* "Even if it's outside... without a tent?" Seir teases with a drawn-out kiss.

*[*6:20 PM*]* DM*:* "Even outside, in Bleakmourne, without a tent."

*[*6:27 PM*]* Felicia - Seirixori*:* Seir let's out a full laugh, tears coming to her eyes, "Imagine telling everyone we're doing that?" when she stops laughing she smiles wide at Gunnloda, "And to think, before Bleakmorne I thought I was going to have settle for just being friends."

*[*6:35 PM*]* Felicia - Seirixori*:* "But now you're my wife and it's the best thing."

*[*6:38 PM*]* DM*:* "It is."

*[*6:40 PM*]* Felicia - Seirixori*:* "So, uh, before you distracted me... not that it's difficult to do, I was also wondering if you wanted to get a new tabard or something?"(edited)

*[*6:47 PM*]* DM*:* "I'm not sure. I wore it as a sort of uniform to show who and what I was. I'm not sure it's necessary now, but... it had a certain style to it, didn't it?"

*[*6:56 PM*]* Felicia - Seirixori*:* "I think so, and you did like to use it when you cooked." Seir grins, "Maybe get it to match with whatever you decide you want on your symbol. Or... well, I did mention before you do look *good* in purple. Even matches our little Dawnguard thing going on."

*[*7:00 PM*]* DM*:* She laughs. "Do I? Barring future teleportation mishaps, I don't plan on cooking in my armor anymore. I wouldn't've in Bellbury if not for the constant danger of being taken somewhere without it. I'm far more comfortable in just my clothes, but then all I need is an apron."

*[*7:04 PM*]* Felicia - Seirixori*:* "You really do." She smiles, "Hmm maybe we can get some new clothes when we get somewhere a little safer, or just back in Riverrun. I think I should probably get a new top at the very least." Seir says tugging at the tank-top she's wearing, that's definitely seen better days.

*[*7:10 PM*]* DM*:* "I think a nice, quiet, domestic sort of day is exactly what we need."

## Urryleigh

*[*4:25 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* After leaving Seirixori and Gunnloda's room, Ryleigh walks downstairs to the bar area. Not spotting Urrak or Malica, she unwillingly heads to their room. Once she reaches it, she knocks.

*[*4:26 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* Urrak's attention snaps to the door. She loosens her embrace, but keeps a hand on Malica's arm. "Er, hello?"

*[*4:29 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* "It's me," Ryleigh speaks clearly through the door.

*[*4:31 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* Urrak makes a noise somewhere between recognition and irritation and takes a breath. She looks down at Malica, a little conflicted. "Ah, I...she wants t' talk."

*[*4:33 PM*]* DM*:* Malica nods and pulls out a handkerchief to clean up the evidence of her cry session. "You wanted her to talk to you, didn't you?"

*[*4:36 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* "I did, I just...Well ye saw how our last interaction went. I'm just," she runs a hand through her hair, "tryin' not t' lose my cool again." she takes her free hand and kisses it. "I'll be back soon."(edited)

*[*4:37 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* "Come on, Urrak," Ryleigh's muffled voice says through the door, then there's a pause, "please."

*[*4:37 PM*]* DM*:* "You can talk here, if you want. I can go."

*[*4:39 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* "It's alright, Mal, ye don't have to." she walks to the door and opens it slowly. She looks at the paladin a moment, and nods. "Hey, Ry."

*[*4:41 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* "Would you like to talk now? Or...are you busy?"(edited)

*[*4:43 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* Urrak chuckles a bit, "No, Ry, I'm not busy. C'mon." she walks past her and motions for her to follow. "Wherever ye think is best, we'll go."(edited)

*[*4:44 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* "My room," Ryleigh says quietly and leads her a few doors down.

*[*4:44 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* Urrak nods and follows her(edited)

*[*4:50 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh walks into her room and waits until Urrak is inside before sticking her head back into the hallway to double check no one else is around.

*[*4:51 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* Urrak crosses her arms and shifts her weight to one leg. She lifts an eyebrow at Ryleigh's cautiousness, but says nothing.

*[*4:52 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* Satisfied, Ryleigh closes the door and looks at Urrak, "I'll answer what questions you have to the best of my ability, but please understand that many of the secrets I keep aren't just to protect myself."

*[*4:54 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* "I...understand." She looks at Ryleigh intently, taking a beat to try and formulate her thoughts into words. She bites her lip, "Okay. Are ye really a paladin of Asten?"(edited)

*[*4:55 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh smiles, "Of course I am, you can't fake divine magic, Urrak."

*[*4:55 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* "Are yer associates also servants of Asten?"(edited)

*[*4:56 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* "Some may be, but none that I associate with. I'm...unique."

*[*4:57 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* "What is yer mission?" her tone is flat, her stare intensifies(edited)

*[*4:59 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* "Currently? To help Ravaphine."

*[*4:59 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* "Don't get cute with me Ryleigh, not now."

*[*5:01 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* "I'm not being 'cute' with you, Urrak. I go where I'm needed, when I'm needed, and if I'm not needed I can do as I wish."

*[*5:04 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* "I see," she quirks and eyebrow and sucks her teeth, "Who do yer 'associates' work for, if not fer Asten?"(edited)

*[*5:06 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* "I can't answer that," Ryleigh maintains eye contact, "but *we're* a part of a secret organization."

*[*5:06 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* "Do ye report to a superior in this organization?"(edited)

*[*5:07 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* "In a manner of speaking, yes."

*[*5:07 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* "Have ye been reportin' t' this superior about th' things this group has been doin'?"

*[*5:09 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* "They aren't concerned with escapades of a low level mercenary guild. So mostly, no."

*[*5:09 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* "Mostly?"

*[*5:09 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* "I was sent to Bellbury for a reason."

*[*5:10 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* "An' what is that reason, Ryleigh?"(edited)

*[*5:13 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* "Initially, to find a missing operative. However, when we returned to Riverrun I did let my superior know the situation in Bellbury. We were unaware that half the townspeople had been teleported elsewhere and strangers from foreign lands teleported in their place. Granted, I wouldn't consider that 'the things this group has been doing' - that information could have been gained by anyone passing through Bellbury."

*[*5:14 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* "Did ye find the operative?"

*[*5:14 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* "I did."

*[*5:14 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* "Who is th' operative?"(edited)

*[*5:14 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* "I can't tell you that," Ryleigh sighs, "It isn't my place to expose anyone other than myself."

*[*5:15 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* "Is Rukiya th' operative?"

*[*5:16 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh's gaze hardens, "I've already told you I can't tell you who it was."(edited)

*[*5:16 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* "Does Rukiya work fer yer organization?"

*[*5:17 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* "I can only speak for myself. If you want to keep pressing about Rukiya, our conversation is over."

*[*5:19 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* Urrak readjusts her arms, crossing them the opposite way. She takes a breath before continuing. "What is the over-archin' mission of yer organization and how does you stickin' with a 'low level mercenary guild' fit int'a it?"(edited)

*[*5:24 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* "We fight against oppression. Being a part of the guild is *my* choice, because... because I care-" Ryleigh looks a little uncomfortable for the first time since the conversation started "-for you, for Seirixori, for the others."

*[*5:27 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* "So, dependin' on how someone looks at it, yer either a group o' freedom fighters, or a terrorist cell. That...somehow makes a whole lotta sense..." she looks away, biting the inside of her cheek. "I-I care about ye too, Ry. But I need these answers. Fer my own an' everyone else's safety. Not everyone is keen on signin' up to fight a war they didn't know was happenin'."(edited)

*[*5:27 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* "What country do ye operate out of? Or are ye a global group?"

*[*5:33 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh stops fidgeting when she answers, "You do understand that I choose to take us to my allies in Limagante, risking exposing myself and the organization I work, in a country determined to punish anyone who opposes them. I knew they had the capacity to hide us and help us when we walked into a trap after teleporting here to Rodoza."

*[*5:34 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* "I understand, Ry, truly. All I'm askin' is fer ye t' take a step back and see if from my perspective as well. I'm...tryin' t' be a bit more cautious with me an mine is all"(edited)

*[*5:39 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* "None of you have unknowingly signed up to fight anything. You all volunteered to come here and help Ravaphine - remember? I was worried that we'd end up right where we did. I understand your suspicions, but have I not proven, time and time again, to value everyone's safety?"

*[*5:41 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh turns away from Urrak, "Unlike most of you, I've lived and suffered under the tyranny of a government just like this one. I've chosen to fight against it for everyone I lost, for everyone I left behind, and if it ever came down to it, I'd rather die than expose any of you."(edited)

*[*5:46 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* Urrak places her hands on Ryleigh's shoulders gently. "Ry, I know. I know what ye've done, and I know what we've gotten int'a. Ye've been through more'n a bloody 20 year old should ever've had t'. *I know.* I...I realize I said I'd lost trust in ye, but that isn't quite right. I *do* trust ye, I just...wanted t' put my reservations t' rest. T'know the whole truth."

*[*5:48 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* "Er, as much as ye can tell, that is."

*[*5:53 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* "I'm sorry I can't put your mind at ease," Ryleigh's voice is watery and a shiver runs through her, she's still not facing Urrak, "but this is bigger than me and I can't... I won't divulge their secrets, not for you... not for the others... not even for Seirixori. Please, understand, please."

*[*5:54 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* "Ryleigh, please, look at me."

*[*5:56 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh attempts to calm herself and school her features before turning to look at Urrak, but it's pretty clear she's trying not to cry.

*[*5:56 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* "Can I ask ye one more question, Ry?"

*[*5:56 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* She nods 'yes'.

*[*5:58 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* "I know what happened in that cell, what th' Adumbrate made ye do," she furrows her brow, trying to find the right words, "An' I know...how that affects ye. What it makes ye think, how it makes ye feel. How it relates t' yer past."

*[*6:00 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh visibly swallows, the tears threatening to fall, "I almost killed her, Urrak."

*[*6:02 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* "I know, Ry, I know," she places her hand lightly on the side her face, "Ryleigh...when--" she swallows hard, eyes watering, "When ye can't find a wall t' bloody yer knuckles on, do ye--do ye use me t' hurt yerself instead?"(edited)

*[*6:06 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* The dam breaks, Ryleigh's face contorts, her tears start to fall and she instinctually takes a step away from Urrak. She nods her head, "I'm so sorry, Urrak... you don't deserve that..."

*[*6:10 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* "It's..." she wants to say 'it's ok', but knows it truly isn't. "I'm just...learnin' how *simple* I am t'day. Easy enough t' push."

*[*6:12 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* "Don't. Don't do that," Ryleigh chokes through her sobs. She forces herself to step closer to Urrak, laying a hand on her cheek, "Don't discredit yourself because I've used you for my own selfish needs. That's on me, Urrak, not you."

*[*6:16 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* She laughs dryly, gently moving Ryleigh's hand from her cheek. "Y'know...you an' Mal--Ye two," she shakes her head. "I--thank ye, Ry. Fer tellin' me all this, fer apologizin'. I've...I appreciate it."

*[*6:22 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh drops her hand to her side and steps back, "I... I expected to give everyone an explanation once we got some place where I could. I wasn't trying to ignore the conversation, I just needed to postpone it because other people's lives were and are at risk. Especially here."

*[*6:30 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* "I'm--I'm sorry if I pushed ye and sorry that I've been a bit of an ass t' ye but, I need ye t' understand, if ye try an' use me like that again, we're done. I..." she wipes at her eyes quickly before any tears can fall, "I can't...I just want t' move forward with everyone on th' same level."

*[*6:34 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh shifts uncomfortably for a few seconds before crossing the distance between them and pulling Urrak into a hug, she mumbles, "I'm sorry I let you down... and that I hurt you."

*[*6:37 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* "Everyone makes mistakes, Ryleigh, even you." she returns the hug, holding on for longer than she originally intended. As she steps back, a slanted grin spreads across her face, "Damn, ye look so much smaller outta yer plate. It's weird."

*[*6:40 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* "It's hard being out of it, but...I'm learning I don't have to be armored all the time," Ryleigh's voice is soft and little vulnerable. She takes a deep a breath before smiling and saying, "But don't get any ideas, I can still take you on without it."(edited)

*[*6:41 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* Urrak laughs loudly and claps a hand on her shoulder. "Sure, Ry, sure. I'll keep that in mind."

*[*6:43 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh quirks a playful eyebrow and winks at Urrak, "Maybe one day you'll find out." She holds the door open for Urrak before second guessing herself, "But probably not, because I'd feel terrible if I accidentally killed you."

*[*6:45 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* Urrak shakes her head as she walks towards the door, a large smile still on her lips. "Jus' keep yer blades t' yerself an' we'll be alright."

*[*6:46 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* "I'll make no such promises," Ryleigh smiles too.(edited)

*[*6:48 PM*]* Nicole - Ryleigh*:* After a moment, Ryleigh playfully continues, "And even if I did, I don't think Rukiya would and you should fear her daggers more than mine."

*[*6:50 PM*]* Kelsey - Urrak*:* "Hey, now, I ain't messin' with yer oper--er, girlfriend." she winks and walks down the hall, back to her room.

Back - Next