S: Ryleigh Plot

## Pre-20

<redacted>

[3:00 PM] DM: So you set off. There was a sense of urgency. The people selected to leave were told in the late morning, and they had about two hours to gather supplies and get started. The first person you notice is a fully armored person in plate armor. They’re wearing a helmet with a face-guard, so you can’t tell who is inside, or even if it might be a suit of animated armor, particularly since they don’t seem to be moving. There are a handful of what look like trained guards in leather with crossbows and longswords at their sides, all human. There are a handful of people wearing less well-maintained arms and armor that are probably members of citizen militia. The man in charge, shouting out orders and checking his paperwork, is a human man in chain mail with the insignia of the Moonstreams on his tabard. He has a wicked burn scar across his jaw. When you approach the caravan, he notices you immediately. “You the Asten then?”

[3:01 PM] Ryleigh: "Yes."

[3:04 PM] DM: Captain: "Right. We're leaving as soon as the carts are full. Headed straight through the night. I'll watch these lot, but I assume you and the Mirranite there are responsible for yourselves."

[3:06 PM] DM: As he finishes talking, he gets a hand gesture from one of the men and he nods. "All right! Let's go!" The militia and guardsmen flank the caravan, 2 to the front, two to each side, and two to the rear. There's horses and oxen pulling the carts. The captain mounts one and takes the lead. The Mirranite marches at the front of the column, and there they all go.

[3:07 PM] DM: If you have any comments or questions for people along the way, feel free.

[3:14 PM] Ryleigh: "So, Mirranite. Is Bellbury your final destination? Or are you just passing through along your way elsewhere?"

[3:16 PM] DM: The armor's helmet shifts slightly in your direction as if to look at you, then straight forward again. "We all march to Bellbury." The voice sounds... young and feminine, but like she's trying to speak in a lower register.

[3:19 PM] Ryleigh: "Evasive answer. I can respect that. How long have you served Mirran?"

[3:20 PM] DM: She sounds almost offended. "It was not evasive. It was the obvious truth."

[3:27 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh tilts her head in amusement, "Ah it is the truth, but Mirranite, you failed to answer my actual question. Nevertheless, we don't have to discuss it further. I simply wanted to know the person I would be fighting along side this journey."

[3:31 PM] DM: She pauses like she was going to say more, then you hear an audible huff. "There may be nothing to fight."

[3:36 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh shrugs, "fair enough, Mirranite. If trouble does arise I'd rather not have to doubt those I'm traveling with."

[3:38 PM] DM: "If you would have doubts, it should be with the fisherman back there whose hands are shaking or the tailor who thinks she's too smart to be hurt in a fight. Not me."(edited)

[3:43 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh smiles slightly, "That is all the answer I needed, Mirranite."

[3:50 PM] DM: There's a long stretch of silence. "What have you heard?"

[3:59 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh raises an eyebrow at the question, "about Bellbury?"

[4:08 PM] DM: The helmet turns to you again and you get the distinct feeling she's judging you. "Of course about Bellbury. What else would we talk about?" You think you hear her say something under her breath about talking less, thinking more.

[5:34 PM] Ryleigh: Unperturbed by her companion's brash nature, Ryleigh looked through the helmet slits , where she assumed the other's eyes to be and responded, "I hear the situation in Bellbury is a troubled one."(edited)

[5:36 PM] DM: "You talk a lot for not saying anything." She pauses for a moment then says, "There was a boat from upriver. Said there were piles of fish sitting out on the docks, rotting. No people anywhere near. They didn't want to go ashore. Thought it might be haunted. That or everyone's dead."

[5:46 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh smirked and shook her head at the Mirranite's words, "maybe my talk is just a riddle designed to see who's really listening. So, what do you think its haunted?"

[5:48 PM] DM: "I don't know. That's what the sailor said... but sailors are superstitious. Father Kennet sent me to find out."

[5:52 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh nods, "well, good luck, Mirranite."

[5:53 PM] DM: She nods and continues on in silence.

[5:53 PM] DM: Rather than camping on the side of the road as it grew dark, the caravan kept moving, letting each person take a lengthy nap in the carts, full of food and supplies for the people marching and some supplies for the villagers of Bellbury, as they traveled. You might have tried striking up conversation with some of the other travelers, but they were either clueless or they didn’t feel like talking. It was mostly small talk and silence the whole distance.

Now though, walking past farms and fields, you’re struck by just how… empty it is. No farmers in the fields. No carts on the roads but yours. It’s even stranger as you reach the town square. A town this size should have dozens of people in the square. There are empty tents set up for merchants. Some even have goods that are largely untouched. There’s a drunk here or there, passed out against a building or against the fountain. There’s what appears to be a temple to Takara, a large mansion with the Moonstream symbol on it, a smith with a forge, and a tavern with the words “The Cracked Cask” across the front. There’s also a hand-made sign with an arrow pointing at the Cask in the square. The man in charge of the militia and guards tells his men to stay put with the carts and heads towards the mansion. The other paladin marches towards the temple. Everyone else stands uneasily by the carts.

[6:03 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh looks around for any type of gathering place, a tavern or someplace where more than 2 or 3 people are meandering about.

[6:06 PM] DM: There is a tavern to the north, The Cracked Cask, and that's where the sign is pointed. That's also the only place you hear any noise.

[6:06 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh walks towards the noise.

[7:13 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Speaking to Gunnloda Ryleigh responds, "I heard the situation in Bellbury is a troubled one, and I'm here to assist, but I'm also looking for a friend.."

[7:14 PM] DM: Gunnloda: "So word's out then? That's good. I'm sorry to say if your friend lived here, they're not likely to be here anymore. Not until the machine is fixed."

[7:15 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: "Who's yer friend? She an elf with pink hair?" Urrak says with a sardonic grin

[7:17 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): "No..." Ryleigh responds slowly, unsure of the orc's odd smile.

## Pre-21

[6:06 PM] DM: So it's about 8 in the morning on Mirdan, the 10th of Jaqmont in the year 3Y53. That would be the equivalent of Monday, near the end of spring and beginning of summer. You've just met a bunch of possibly insane people in the Cracked Cask, and they're talking about going out to do some shopping before getting on with their mission, but you figure this might be a good opportunity to slip away and complete your own mission.

[6:10 PM] DM: As you remember, there are eight guards, a mix of Moonstream guards and militia from Riverrun guarding the carts. The captain of the guard went into the fancy Moonstream building, and that Mirranite went to what looks like a temple of Takara across the way. The genasi and halfling headed in the direction of the temple, and the others keep walking in and out of the Cask for some reason.

[6:14 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh heads to the fancy Moonstream building.

[7:18 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh's expression softens slightly at Eloise's words, "I was curious if you had come across a half-elf woman by the name Safika?"

[7:19 PM] DM: She shakes her head. "No, apparently she asked some of the... I'm not sure what to call them, but my rescuers. They said she had a message for me from Queen Nyota, but I haven't seen her myself."

[8:10 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh starts walking in the direction of the slums.

[8:13 PM] DM: So you start walking south and... it's really disconcerting just how quiet this town is. As you leave the relative bustle of the town square behind, it's downright creepy how quiet it is. You walk down several blocks until the buildings start to change in style. Instead of the dominant Vyonese style, you start seeing houses that look elven or halfling or dwarf inspired... and then you find the burned out husk of what used to be a gnomish home. To the other side of the road, you can notice a distinct downturn in the quality of homes. They're small, in disrepair, and crowded together.

[8:39 PM] Ryleigh: A feeling of familiarity washes over Ryleigh, she'd been one of these people not so long ago.

[8:45 PM] Ryleigh: Before the feeling can bubble into anger, Ryleigh moves toward the burnt out husk to get a closer look.

[8:47 PM] DM: There are some walls still standing, but the majority of the house is collapsed in on itself and turned to charcoal. Luckily the other buildings seem to be unaffected. The rubble's been cleared from a stairway headed down into the basement and there's also a round hole in the ground on the other end of the house.

[8:49 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh walks toward the hole in the ground.

[8:50 PM] DM: You can see down into the basement below from here. There's a strange metallic base on the floor directly under the hole, the same kind of pearlescent metallic coloring as the rod that had insulted you before.

[8:52 PM] Ryleigh: She stands and walks towards the basement to investigate further.

[8:53 PM] DM: Once downstairs, you realize you’re in a mage’s workshop. There are shelves and benches full of arcane and metallic contraptions and books. Most of them are in pieces, some half built, some half un-built, some appear to have been blown up. Against the wall on the far side is one of the latter. A huge scorch mark marks the wall in the shape of an archway, but whatever once stood in that space is gone. Only a base remains, about four feet wide and two feet deep, made of a metal that seems to shimmer through the different colors of the rainbow. There are a handful of matching pieces sitting on one of the tables nearby.

[8:57 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleighs walks up to the handful of pieces and reaches out for them.

[8:58 PM] DM: They don't bite. lol

[9:01 PM] DM: They look like they've been set here, mostly just haphazardly piled.

[9:09 PM] Ryleigh: She continues to move around the basement, seeing if there's anything the other might have missed.

[9:11 PM] DM: There's a shelf of books and all the other stuff previously mentioned. The floor is remarkably clean compared to the clutter on the shelves. You'd think an explosion would mean debris, but there really isn't any besides the stuff that fell down the stairs from the fire.

[9:13 PM] DM: You also figure that this is probably the teleporter, and the others will probably be headed this way soon, so unless you're ready to follow them wherever they're going, you should probably vacate and come back later.

[9:15 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh leaves and goes to the slums

[9:22 PM] DM: You think you saw a shadow move through a window up ahead.

[9:27 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh draws her battleax and moves to the door of the place where she saw the shadow.

[9:30 PM] DM: Ok! You sidle up to the door. It's cracked open just a little.

[9:33 PM] Ryleigh: In one motion Ryleigh pushes the door open, with her ax prepared to strike if needed, and lunges into the house.

[9:34 PM] DM: You hear Safika's voice from the other room. "It's just me."

[9:36 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh lets out an audible breath, "thank the gods, I thought you had vanished with the rest of the townspeople." She also puts away her ax.

[9:38 PM] DM: She comes out, dusting her hands off on her pants. She's wearing the dark colored leathers and cloak you've become accustomed to seeing her in. "They were gone when I got here. It's a lot harder to find out about things when there's nobody to talk to."

[9:39 PM] DM: "Also... you make a lot of noise. You know that?"

[9:43 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh chuckles, "well, heavy armor isn't the best when trying to <redacted> but it seems to get the job done." Ryleigh closes the door to the house and turns back to Safika, "So you're alright?"

[9:43 PM] DM: "Yeah, why? Did they send you to check up on me? How sweet."

[9:50 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh quirks her head to the side and gives Safika a slight smile, "I'm aware that you don't need anyone to check up on you, but we were worried for your safety with all the rumors surrounding this place and rightfully so." Ryleigh sighs heavily at the thought of the vanished townspeople.

[9:54 PM] DM: She leans against a wall and smiles. "You're always so serious. You should learn to lighten up a little. Anyway... <redacted> I've got a whole lot of nothing so far."

[10:04 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh nods in agreement, "I should, but forgive me, I've always found it to be a difficult task when innocents are paying the price for their leaders mistakes. Of course, I can't be sure the leaders here are at fault just yet, but I will eventually. I assume nothings turned up because there's no one to confer with?"(edited)

[10:08 PM] DM: "Yeah. I've got names and addresses, but nobody to talk to but the couple people who came to Riverrun to complain. I ran into a couple of the out-of-towners  that are trying to figure out the.." she waves her finger around to indicate the bigger issue. "Thought I'd use the chance to get a head-start before Eloise got back. I'm guessing she is?"

[10:12 PM] Ryleigh: "Yes, the out-of-towners rescued her from a drow prison, i believe. I spoke with her before heading here. She seems sincere in her distress for her people, but then again, nothing seems to be a solid lead."

[10:16 PM] DM: "Drow prison, huh? Ouch. Yeah, I'm honestly glad to hear you say that about her though. I don't want to believe she's mixed up in any of this. From what the guys were saying, it could've all been a middle-man situation. Supervisors taking from the little guy and the baroness none the wiser." She looks at you for a second then pushes off the wall. "Anyway, I'm here. I'm fine. You supposed to head back?"

[10:31 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh looks at Safika, her features soften, her voice becomes gentler, "I'm glad you're alright. When I arrived I was worried you had been expelled from the city along with the townspeople." Ryleigh then straightens her posture, her voice returning to its normal tone, "I am technically supposed to report back on your safety and the situation here. However, my duty is to the people of this town, to uncover the truth, and to do that I need to help these out-of-towners fix their teleporter. So no, I won't be returning just yet. There is work to be done here."(edited)

[10:34 PM] DM: She nods. "I'm going to poke around a little more, but I'll see about getting word back." She cringes a little when she remembers something. <redacted>

[10:44 PM] Ryleigh: <redacted> Ryleigh sighs, realizing she's probably not being helpful. "Excuse my rambling."

[10:50 PM] DM: She chuckles. "I'll figure it out. I'll let you know before I leave, or at least leave a message, in case you need to send word back for anything."

[5:59 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh gives Safika a subtle nod, "I'll take me leave, then. And Safika... don't be a stranger." She turns to leave the house.

[6:02 PM] DM: She chuckles. "It's all I know how to be."

[6:08 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh looks over her shoulder as she opens the door to exit. She says, "it doesn't have to be that way" and flashes a bright smile, then leaves and heads up the street to the wrecked house.

[6:08 PM] DM: So you leave the house and the slums and head back towards the burned out husk... where you find that flame-haired genasi from before, on the main road.

## Session 24

[5:52 PM] DM: You dream that night of axes. Body after body felled by the swift swing of an axe. You see the young guard at the gate, flustered and nervous, then his head at his feet. You see Hux, his face guarded but grateful… until his head falls to his feet. You see your brother smiling at you and nodding, and his head at your feet. You reach out to him, but it’s your own hands holding the axe. The world starts to spin and head after head rolls past your feet as your arms turn to a blur. Captain Seifer, a bandit, a golem from the town you failed to save, the wizard that created it, Lord Daybrand, a mercenary, a guardsman, your hands run slick with the blood. That genasi from the tavern, the elf and dragonborn who stole your bed, Gunnloda, Zunis, Rukiya. You struggle to keep moving and when you look around, you realize you’re waist deep in a river of blood, surrounded by the heads of everyone you’ve ever known. You try to drop your axe, but your fingers are curled too tight around it. Suddenly, there’s a sharp tug at your ankle, another, and then, you’re dragged under by a tentacle wrapped around your legs.

[6:15 PM] DM: You wake up in a cold sweat, but little other effects beyond that. Once you look around the room, you realize that Zunis is sitting on the bed, near the same place he was when you fell asleep, getting into his armor.

[6:17 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Trying to shake the nightmare away from her memory, Ryleigh inhales and exhales a few breaths very slowly. She starts to stand, "would you like help with Lord Zunis? I know getting my armor back on is a pain when alone."

[6:32 PM] DM: He glances over at you and shrugs. "I can mostly handle it. My armor's not quite as complicated as yours, though if you need a third or fourth hand, I'd be glad to help."

[6:34 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Ryleigh smiles, "that would be excellent, thank you." She moves to put her armor on.

[6:48 PM] DM: Once he's got his armor on, he helps you with yours then picked up his book.

[6:50 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Ryleigh opens the door for Zunis and gestures for him to go first.

## Session 26

[10:45 PM] DM: You guys filter into the Cask following Urrak. Cyan’s in her customary spot, perched on the end of the bar playing her lyre. She nods to you all, but seeing your faces, she changes the tune to something more soothing.(edited)

[11:45 PM] DM: Cyan's song finishes.

[11:47 PM] Jaymes - Ravaphine: Ravaphine claps

[11:47 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: Urrak sighs, visions of her dream still swimming her head. She closes her eyes again, arms crossed on the bar. She bows her head for a minute, fidgeting her legs, and finishes the ale in front of her.(edited)

[11:54 PM] DM: Cyan hops down from the bar and heads over to your table, stopping next to Ravaphine with her hand on Rav's shoulder.

[11:54 PM] DM: Cyan: "Rough day?"

[11:55 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Ryleigh butts in, "better now."

[11:55 PM] Jaymes - Ravaphine: Ravaphine nods slightly

[11:56 PM] DM: Cyan smiles and holds her hand out to Ryleigh. "I don't think we've met. Name's Cyan."

[11:57 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Ryleigh smiles broadly and takes Cyan's hand, "Ryleigh. It's a pleasure to meet someone so talented."

[11:58 PM] DM: Cyan: "I appreciate the compliment." She glances over at Urrak. "Is... everything ok?"

[11:59 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): "It will be, Urrak is upset. She's been...rather difficult today, but she'll come around. I'm sure of it."

## Session 27

[6:09 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Ryleigh clears her throat, "Cyan, could I have a word?" She smiles and quirks an eyebrow, "alone?"

[6:10 PM] DM: Cyan: "Sure? Uh... we'll catch up." And she will step aside with Ryleigh.

[6:12 PM] DM: Once they move out of earshot of the others, Ryleigh steps into Cyan’s space, leans down to speak into her ear and seductively says, “if you EVER charm me again it will be the last thing you ever do, bard.” She pulls back and looks Cyan in the eyes, Ryleigh winks at her and walks back to the group.

Cyan takes an extra second or two to catch up, but she follows behind.

[6:13 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: "What in the nine hells is she grinnin' about...?" Urrak whispers to Ravaphine(edited)

[6:14 PM] Jaymes - Ravaphine: She shrugs. "I'm never too sure. Also what's gotten into you too Mr. Grumpy Gills?" she asks Nolanos

[6:15 PM] Alex - Nolanos: "Huh? Oh, uh. Nothing. I've been feeling off since Bleakmourne I think."(edited)

[6:16 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: "Well that feelin's mutual, friend. We understand."

[6:17 PM] Jaymes - Ravaphine: She hugs Nolanos. "It's been a little rough since Bleakmourne. But we're away from that town now and can forget about that darn Kraken."

[6:18 PM] Alex - Nolanos: Nolanos hugs her back. "Thanks, Rav."

[6:20 PM] Jaymes - Ravaphine: She hesitates before letting go and clearing her throat. "Anyways, we should head over to the portal. got some people to save!" She skips over to Ryleigh and Cyan

[6:21 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Ryleigh approaches, meeting Ravaphine in the middle, "I see I've missed the feelings exchange."

[6:21 PM] Jaymes - Ravaphine: "I could say the same" she winks

[6:21 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: "She's been real huggy as of late. I'm sure you'll get yer turn."

[6:22 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: "You two have a nice chat?" Urrak asks Ryleigh(edited)

[6:25 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Ryleigh looks bemused by Ravaphine's comment but turns to Urrak and answers, "Yes, we did" while raising her eyebrow in question.(edited)

[6:26 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: "Excellent." Urrak starts to walk towards Poni's "Let's go then, eh?"

[9:39 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): "YOU SERIOUSLY NEED TO LEARN SOME KIND OF TACT! You're going to get all of us killed!" Ryleigh stomps out of the basement in anger.

[9:39 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: "Wow I don't think I've seen her so angry...."

[9:39 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: "Without being cursed with apathy a'course"(edited)

[9:40 PM] Seirixori: "So... do you want to go talk to her?"

[9:41 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: She sighs, "I  probably should. She helped me." Urrak follows after Ryleigh, lightly jogging up to her(edited)

[9:43 PM] Alex - Nolanos: Nolanos runs after her as well "Ryleigh!"

[9:41 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: "Ryleigh. Wait."

[9:42 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): She turns around, attempting to collect herself.

[9:42 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: "Hey, hey, y'alright?" Urrak reaches a hand out

[9:45 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Ryleigh sighs in frustration, "our party is irresponsible and if we continue on this way, we'll all end up dead. We must think before we act!"

[9:47 PM] Alex - Nolanos: "I'm sorry for causing you distress and for being irresponsible but sometimes, you can't test things to absolute certainty, you just have to take the plunge."

[9:46 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: "I mean we certainly don't think before we speak sometimes, but we've lived this long" she attempts to joke

[9:50 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): "I have a duty, I took an oath, I made a promise that I must keep and in order to honor my duty, uphold my oath, and make good on the promise I made to my b..." she takes a deep calming breath, "if I perish, who will stand for those who have no voice? I value my life and the lives of those around me. We don't die for our friends, for our loved ones, we LIVE for them - death is easy. I refuse to die yet."

[9:51 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: "We won't let ye die that easily." Urrak rests a hand on her pauldron

[9:55 PM] Alex - Nolanos: "I understand and feel the same; living for our loved ones is far more valuable than dying for them. That's why I promise you the decision to go in wasn't taken lightly. As for tact in general, well. I tried my best."

[9:58 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): "When you entered that pool, you thought of only yourself and the immediate goal. What if we couldn't teleport immediately? How would we have escaped Nolanos? What if we had to fight? There were over 100 beings there, we could not have fought them all. You have to use your head, even when you're ruled by your heart." She glances at Urrak to as she finishes the last sentence.

[9:59 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: "Y'tryin' t' say somethin' about me?" Urrak moves her hand, looking into Ryleigh's eyes intently

[10:01 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Ryleigh meets Urrak's gaze, "No, I'm saying something about me, but I feel like you may need to hear it too."

[10:05 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: Urrak steps a bit closer, her body almost looming over Ryleigh

"I'm fine with the way I am. Even if it ends up killin' me one day. I'm  not wastin' precious moments worryin' about 'what if?'. When someone y'care about is in danger, every second counts."

[10:08 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Ryleigh doesn't back down and looks up into Urrak's eyes, "I agree, every second does count. And you should never be fine with the way that you are, there is always more to learn and ways to grow." She breaks eye contact and heads back to the others to give them the component.

[10:10 PM] Alex - Nolanos: Nolanos sighs lightly and returns to the group as well

[10:10 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: "Feh, some kid thinks she can lecture me?" Urrak crosses her arms as she watches them leave. Staying behind a beat or two before following.

## Session 28

[9:32 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): "Are you two siblings? You bicker as such." Ryleigh says to Seirixori and Brimeia.(edited)

[9:33 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: Brimeia blinks, pauses.

[9:33 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: ...

[9:33 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: "HAH"

[9:33 PM] Seirixori: Seirixori glares at Ryleigh.

[9:34 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Ryleigh realizes she must have said something offensive, "ah, I didn't mean to say anything rude but I think I may have..."(edited)

[9:35 PM] Jaymes - Ravaphine: "Not all tieflings look the same, Ryleigh"(edited)

[9:36 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): She whispers to Ravaphine, "They're roughly the same color and my brother and I used to bicker like that" she points between the two.(edited)

[9:37 PM] Seirixori: "Can we go? We're wasting time."

[9:37 PM] Jaymes - Ravaphine: "Just trying to find humor in the situation," she whispers with a small smile, "Also, used to? Do you no longer bicker?"

[9:40 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Ryleigh solemnly shakes her head, she looks away, as if reminiscing "no, sadly we don't."

[9:41 PM] Jaymes - Ravaphine: Ravaphine notices the change in demeanor and decides not try to push further

## Session 32

"Change of plans. We need to go round up all of her... associates. Bring them to the mansion until things get figured out."

He nods at the guard who escorted you here and the Mirranite. "You two, go check the Cask. The half-orc and anyone else with her."

He points at the other three. "You go check the grove. Some of them were seen headed that way."

And as the others filter out, he steps up to you. "Where do your loyalties lie, Asten?"(edited)

[4:49 PM] Ryleigh: "I won't deny that I've been aiding them in restoring this city. That is why Riverrun sent me. However, I also won't draw any conclusions until I know the whole truth."

[4:51 PM] Ryleigh: "You said that MIsha was assaulted? Is Eloise in any mood to speak with me about the event? That is...if she is willing, of course."

[4:55 PM] DM: Usan: "It's not my place to ask her. I just need to know whether you are going into the room with or without your weapons."

[5:02 PM] Ryleigh: "I am here to do what is best for the people of this city, that includes the Moonstreams. I wish to know the truth about the events this evening. I can promise that I will not initiate any violence."

[5:05 PM] DM: Usan: "And if you're told to take them into custody? Lock them in that cell over there?"

[5:06 PM] Ryleigh: "If they are deserving of such punishment, then yes, for I also have a duty that is higher than my personal interest."

[5:09 PM] DM: He eyes you for a moment. "I want you in the dining hall. Just know I have my eye on you."

[5:11 PM] Ryleigh: She gives him a slight bow, "I would expect nothing less from you Captain." Ryleigh walks to the dining hall, taking a deep breath as she goes.

 All together now

[5:22 PM] DM: Ryleigh walks out of the side hall just in time to see Urrak, wearing just her traveling clothes, and Malica being escorted into the dining hall by the MIrranite and the leather-clad Moonstream guard who had summoned her.

There's a man in chain mail with the Moonstream crest on his tabard, Captain Usan, following Ryleigh in, and as you all enter, you see Gunnloda, still in her armor, but without her shield or weapons, looking distraught sitting in one of the chairs.

[5:23 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "I been standin' here long enough. What in the 9 Hells is goin' on?" Urrak looks visibly stressed

[5:24 PM] Ryleigh: "Urrak, you need to calm down. Misha was assaulted and since we were the last in the house, I assume they need to question us."

[5:24 PM] DM: The guard gestures for you to fully enter the room and steps aside. The Mirranite takes a position next to the door.

[5:25 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Misha was what now? Assaulted? By who? I'll kick their ass if it lets me sleep." She walks into the room as instructed

[5:27 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Gettin' yanked outta bed in the middle o' night... with--" she grumbles but stops herself

[5:28 PM] DM: Usan: "Might as well take a seat."

He glances at Ryleigh and the other paladin, giving the Mirranite a look, then exits the room.

[5:29 PM] DM: Malica walks over towards where Gunnloda's sitting and sits across from her.

[5:29 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak takes a seat and crosses her arms

[5:32 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh doesn't sit, she also doesn't immediately join the group, but choosing to stand a little ways from them, still armed and armored.

[5:31 PM] DM: After a few more minutes, another group of three, a guard and two militia members, escort Ravaphine and Nolanos inside. The armored woman steps forward and starts taking your weapons from Nolanos and Ravaphine, anything that's visible.

[5:31 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "I got nothin' fer ya." she holds her hands up in a kind of 'See?' gesture(edited)

[5:33 PM] Ravaphine: "What....what is happening. Why are you taking our things" Rav says, but complies

[5:34 PM] Nolanos: "Will someone please explain whats going on?"

[5:34 PM] Nolanos: Nolanos lets the armored woman take what she will and stands near a wall

[5:34 PM] Ryleigh: "Listen, because I'm positive I'll be more polite then they will. Misha was assaulted, and I'm assuming they need to speak with us, since we were just here." She waits, still separated from the group, "I promised that I wouldn't initiate any violence and if one of us is responsible.." she sighs, "I said I would uphold what punishment was handed out."

[5:35 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Well that's comfortin'"

[5:36 PM] Nolanos: "How did this happen? Wait, where's Seirixori?"

[5:36 PM] Ravaphine: "Misha?? Is she okay? This family has been through enough."

[5:36 PM] DM: You don't see the Moonstreams.

[5:37 PM] DM: Gunnloda: "Misha... will be ok. Come, sit."

[5:37 PM] Ryleigh: "They wouldn't tell me if she was or wasn't alright."

[5:37 PM] Ravaphine: Ravaphine pulls up a seat next to Gunnloda

[5:37 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh looks puzzled, "wait, how do you know that?"

[5:38 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "What kind of daft bastard assaults aristocracy? There's guards all over this place"(edited)

[5:38 PM] DM: Cae strolls in, a bow in hand and suited in her armor and cloak. She looks around and says, "None of them leave this room until I return."

[5:39 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh's eye narrow at Cae but she says nothing.

[5:40 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "I ain't tryin' t' be difficult but could ye just tell us who this idiot was so we can get him quick? I've had some fuckin' rough days and I'd like t' get back t' sleepin'." Urrak stands with her arms still folded(edited)

[5:41 PM] DM: Cae frowns. "Look around and take a guess." She turns to see Usan following her back inside the room. "None of them."  Then she walks out.

[5:42 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Look around what are ye'..." she does, and soon realizes who isn't there

[5:42 PM] Ravaphine: Rav surveys the room and makes eye contact with Urrak, knowing

[5:42 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "That daft, bleedin' de--Tiefling." her hands lower to her sides and turn slowly into fists

[5:44 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh sighs defeatedly, her suspicions confirmed.(edited)

[5:45 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Is there a fuckin' reason we keep dealin' with her bullshit?" She turns to the group, face getting visibly red "She's put us all in danger!"

[5:46 PM] Ravaphine: "Urrak please, we're all trying here. Maybe she was just trying to help in her own Seir way"

[5:46 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "She even dragged C--Malica int' all of this!" She attempts to calm herself a bit by pacing

[5:46 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "She's dangerous...unhinged."(edited)

[5:48 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "I'm not puttin' my life on the line for some kid with n-no impulse control!" she's visibly sweating as she yells(edited)

[5:48 PM] Ravaphine: "She does everything with a purpose!" Rav stands, trying not to escalate the situation. "Purposes we might not understand now, but she does it for all of us."

[5:48 PM] Ryleigh: "She's put herself in danger, Urrak. She's only inconvenienced us," Ryleigh places a hand on Urrak's shoulder, "We don't know what happened yet, try to calm down until the anger is warranted."(edited)

[5:49 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Well it'd be nice t' be informed once and awhile..." she tries to relax, but looks away from Ryleigh

[5:50 PM] Ravaphine: "It's frustrating not knowing. I doubt Seir is the only person who has secrets around here" Rav says as she sits back down(edited)

[5:43 PM] Ravaphine: Rav whispers to Gunnloda, "It's not true right? There has to be a misunderstanding? We all know how she likes to go off on her own sometimes"

[5:50 PM] DM: Gunnloda sighs, looking at her hands. "She... never came back after she left. I was waiting outside for her in case she'd gone somewhere else, when I saw a tiger burst out of the mansion doors, followed by Cae. Cae... she thinks Seirixori attacked Misha. Misha was charmed, stuck in a spider's web, and just... crying hysterically. She said the pink tiefling was trying to steal her ring."

[5:52 PM] Ravaphine: "That just sounds riddiculous. Knowing Seir, she was probably just trying to help Misha snap out of her charm but with a little bad luck thrown in"

[5:52 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Well it ain't like tigers grow on trees around here...Or pink folk for that matter." she bows her head "FUCK. I can't believe this shit."

[5:53 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh shakes her head, "she didn't strike me as the type to hurt someone for information..."

[5:53 PM] DM: **Gunnloda: "I'm sorry. It's my fault you're all here tonight. I just... I didn't want to believe it, so I offered to find her and... Cae must have thought I'd help her escape or something so she decided we needed to be controlled."(edited)**

**Ryleigh's stance shifts at the word 'controlled'**

[5:54 PM] Ravaphine: "Will Cae hurt her?"

[5:54 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "I'm certainly gonna."

[5:55 PM] Ravaphine: Ravaphine tilts her head and shoots Urrak a look

[5:55 PM] DM: Gunnloda: "I don't know. She's... how would you feel if you found your daughter stuck in a web, crying?"

[5:56 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Don't eyeball me wizard, this ain't the time!" she points a finger at Rav

[5:56 PM] Ravaphine: "Why are you so upset about this, Urrak. We aren't going to be hurt or injured. They just want answers."

[5:56 PM] Ryleigh: "let's hope thats all they want" she says to Ravaphine.(edited)

[5:57 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "I'm upset cuz unlike the rest o' ye, I have people t' protect. And t' do that, I need t' be breathin' which, if things keep goin' the way they are, I won't be cuz a certain pink fool dragged me int'a more trouble than I asked for."

[6:00 PM] Ryleigh: "We don't have the entire story yet and jumping to conclusions is getting everyone upset. We need to wait until Seir is here and hear what happened. The truth is somewhere in between the two stories."

[6:01 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: She turns to Ryleigh "The girl was a tiger last she was seen. She could be anywhere by now."(edited)

[6:04 PM] Ryleigh: "I have a feeling she didn't go far. Unless she is entirely guilty."

[6:05 PM] DM: Gunnloda stands up and moves to a seat at the other end of the table, away from all the yelling. She drops her head into her hand.

[6:06 PM] Ravaphine: "I wish we could go out and find her. Getting confronted by authority won't fare well"(edited)

[6:06 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak sighs "Aye, she'll just run from soldiers."

[6:07 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Maybe Gunnloda could..." she stops herself after looking over to the dwarf. "Er...perhaps Nolanos. He's the least threatenin'."(edited)

[6:09 PM] Ryleigh: "They wouldn't allow us to leave. They even took Gunnloda's weapons - trust is clearly in short supply."

[6:10 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh walks over to Tor and stands next to her.(edited)

[6:13 PM] DM: She doesn't move.

[6:14 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak walks over and sits next to Malica. She folds her arms on the table and whispers "Sorry..." but keeps her eyes on Ryleigh, trying to guess her scheme

[6:14 PM] DM: Malica pats Urrak's arm but stays silent.

[6:15 PM] Ravaphine: Rav walks up to the closest guard. "Excuse me, guard, may I use the restroom?"

[6:15 PM] DM: "No."

[6:21 PM] Ryleigh: Eventually Ryleigh moves from Tor and takes a seat next to Gunnloda, just silently being there.

[6:21 PM] DM: You all settle in mostly for a bit, quiet conversation and dozing in your chairs. You can count this as a short rest if you have anything that recharges. Usan comes and goes, sometimes telling some of the guards to go somewhere else or do something else.

[6:22 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak is 100% asleep on the table

 Seir

[6:23 PM] DM: After a few hours, there's motion at the door again as Seirixori, wearing nothing more than her clothes, walks through the door, Cae right behind her with an arrow nocked to her bow.

[6:23 PM] Ravaphine: Ravaphine starts to draw a smiley face on Urrak's face with her quill but it scratches her face and Urrak jerks awake

[6:24 PM] Ravaphine: She gasps lightly and sits back down.

[6:25 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Hmm? What's goin' on?" her vision snaps back into focus and soon she sees Seirixiori. She bolts up and says darkly "You."(edited)

[6:25 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh places a hand on Gunnloda's shoulder and whispers, "she's here." Then stands.

[6:26 PM] Seirixori: Seirixori flinches slightly, but her heads down and she doesn't look up.

[6:52 PM] DM: Gunnloda looks up, but doesn't move.

[6:53 PM] Ravaphine: Ravaphine looks over at Seir and Cae

[6:53 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak starts to slowly walk towards Seirixiori, rage plain in her face(edited)

[6:54 PM] DM: Usan holds out his hand. "Don't come any closer."

[6:54 PM] Ravaphine: "What's going on"

[6:55 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak stops. She huffs a quick breath out of her nose. "If ye live, we ain't done."

[6:55 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: She walks off again

[6:57 PM] Ryleigh: **Ryleigh looks past Seirixori and addresses Cae, "are we waiting for Eloise and Misha to join us?"**

[6:59 PM] DM: **Cae's eye twitches a little, like she was going to give Ryleigh a look but turns to Usan. "Captain, see that this one is put in the cell. I'll return shortly."**

[7:00 PM] DM: **Cae walks out, her cloak flashing out behind her. Usan jerks his head to Ryleigh. "Come on then. You heard her."**

[7:01 PM] Ravaphine: "Ryleigh, what's going on? Why are you doing this"

[7:03 PM] Ryleigh: **Ryleigh takes a deep breath, "I said I would do what needs to be done, but only if she were found guilty. She is clearly unarmed, there is no reason to jail her yet." She waits a moment then says, "I will escort her to where the trial will be held."**

[7:04 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak yells from the back of the room "She's a magic user! What's she need arms fer?"

[7:05 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh gives Urrak a look and turns her attention back to Usan.

[7:05 PM] DM: Tor takes a step forward. "Is there a problem, Asten?"

[7:06 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: \*a soft raspberry sounds in the distance\*

[7:09 PM] Ryleigh: **Ryleigh looks at Tor, "Law and order, Mirranite. We should hear testimony of the accusations against her. I will escort her to the jail IF we are not doing the trial here. Otherwise, does she not have the right to recount her side?"**

[7:10 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh does take several steps forward, arms open, in a non-threatening way.

[7:11 PM] Seirixori: "Ry- Ryleigh, please, just do it," Seir's voice is hoarse, "It doesn't matter, it... it just doesn't matter."

[7:11 PM] DM: Usan: "Lady Moonstream gave an order. It will be done."

[7:12 PM] Ravaphine: "Stay strong, Seir. Don't give up, please. We'll fix this."

[7:14 PM] Ryleigh: **Ryleigh grits her teeth, "Alright, I don't want any trouble. I just wanted to ensure her rights won't be forgotten because of Lady Moonstream's emotions for her daughter." She moves next to Seir and starts towards the direction of the jail.**

[7:15 PM] Seirixori: "I'm sorry," Seir says, looking up for the first time, but in Gunnloda's direction.

[7:16 PM] DM: She's still sitting at the end of the table, watching.

[7:17 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak just stares. She mumbles something to Malica, and folds her arms on the table again.

[7:19 PM] Ryleigh: **Ryleigh almost places a hand on Seir's shoulder, then stops, "Serixori, would you please come with me to the jail to await trial? I do not wish to take you by force."**

[7:20 PM] Seirixori: "I was just trying to help," she whispers, and then nods, going with Ryleigh.

[7:21 PM] DM: So you two head out of the room

[7:21 PM] DM: Usan follows after looking at Tor and jerking his head towards the rest of you.

## Session 32 secrets

So it's noon-ish, Day 8. Sun's shining. There's a guard stationed outside the mansion now, one of the ones wearing the Moonstream crest. It's pretty quiet though. You don't see any of the people you would know and all the drunks in the tavern are kind of just... there.

[2:36 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh, feeling conflicted and slightly stressed about the events from the previous evening/morning decides to try and find where Safika is staying.

[2:38 PM] DM: Last you'd seen her, she was down in the slums. When you go to the house where you'd last talked, you notice a sign. Probably near invisible to anyone who wouldn't know what to look for, but to you, she might as well have put a piece of paper on the door saying where she went. You can easily follow the signs and eventually you wind up at a small house. It's proportioned for humans and elves, but it's probably only got 2 rooms inside.

[2:39 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh knocks on the door.

[2:42 PM] DM: Safika's voice comes from behind you, not inside. "You are really loud."

[2:44 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh chuckles, "ah, I always hope my enemies are deaf or hard of hearing. Besides, I can't be both a shield AND be quiet." ((she is still totally facing the door, didn't seem too worried Safika was watching her?))(edited)

[2:47 PM] DM: She's leaning on her shoulder against the wall of a house behind you, tucked into an alleyway where she wouldn't be easily seen. Her hood is down and her arms and ankles are crossed like she's just casually waiting. "I was hoping you'd come by sometime soon."

[2:51 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh walks into the alleyway, "Yeah, well..I was hoping I'd be able to find you again. Something has happened and I'm not sure what to do about it. I suppose I need to not only report back <redacted>, but maybe share? If that's alright?"

[2:52 PM] DM: "Is it related to the sudden appearance of a guard outside the Moonstream place?"

[2:59 PM] Ryleigh: "It does." Ryleigh tries to relax her stance, "There's a group in town, they've been trying to rebuild a magical teleportation archway. That's why all the townspeople essentially vanished, this portal 'poofed' them out of the town. Anyway, one of them, assaulted the Moonstream’s daughter." She sighs deeply, "she did it for the right reasons but went about it the wrong way. The girl, Misha, she was wearing a cursed ring. The tiefling, Seirixori, she's now on probation until the archway is finished. Honestly, I feel the Moonstreams were gracious in their ruling, she's fortunate her punishment was not harsher..." Ryleigh trails off like she's been temporarily distracted by a memory.

[3:01 PM] DM: "Is the girl ok?"

[3:04 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh shrugs, "the cleric who came to help, she removed the cursed ring, and said that she's going to be fine, but I don't know anything more than that. I doubt the Moonstreams would acknowledge my concern anyway, because I'm associated with the tiefling."(edited)

[3:07 PM] DM: She stands up from leaning against the wall, a bit of a frown on her face, but after a moment, she looks up at you. "So the guard's there... to keep the group out? Or to protect Misha? Either way. What's your conflict?"

[3:16 PM] Ryleigh: "Probably a little bit of both." Ryleigh runs a hand through her hair, "Eloise seems to care for her people, for her family. She invited us into her home, we rescued her daughter and her wife. But Cae, Eloise's wife, was bitten..." Ryleigh hesitates for a beat, "by a werewolf. The group hasn't said anything to anyone, especially not after I told them the old stories. She's infected. We even had 2 clerics attempt a cleansing." She looks into Safika's eyes, "I'm not sure what I should do? If she transforms while around here, people could die."(edited)

[3:19 PM] DM: You catch the fear and worry in her eyes, but she's not exactly trying to hide it. "How? Where? There aren't any left."

[3:26 PM] Ryleigh: "There aren't any left here. The teleporter transported her somewhere where they still exist and she was bitten before we could pull her out..." Ryleigh is silent for a moments, looking at Safika, "we should tell <redacted>, right?" but then Ryleigh breaks eye contact, "I know she's a threat, but she's also wife and a mother and she's done nothing wrong..." Ryleigh looks back at Safika, uncertainty etched on her face.

[3:27 PM] DM: She's quiet for a moment, thinking. "What's their plan?"

[3:33 PM] Ryleigh: "Find a solution. But if that doesn't happen by the time of the full moon, Cae said she could be locked away." Ryleigh bites her lip unsure if she should say more, then nods decidedly, "she also seemed resigned that she'd need to die if there was no solution found."

[3:35 PM] DM: She thinks for another few seconds. "What's your read on them? Do you think they'd really go through with it if they had to?"

[3:40 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh takes a deep breath and closes her eyes, "I don't know Cae well enough to know her disposition, but I do believe Eloise wouldn't allow her people to suffer such a fate. She wouldn't allow the others to rescue her wife or child, she demanded we fetch the components so that we could bring her people back...." She opens her eyes, "Yes, I believe Eloise would."(edited)

[3:45 PM] DM: She nods. "I think so too, from what I've heard." She looks at the sky then back down at you. "The full moon is still days away and there aren't really a lot of people in town right now to be affected. I think... for now, we can let them take the lead on it. If anything changes, we can always adjust and... well, we both know what would have to happen if she..." she shuts her eyes and shakes her head, trailing off.

[3:52 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh moves forward and places a hand gently on Safika's shoulder, "I came to you because I needed to speak with someone that I could trust. I wasn't sure...I didn't know....I am trying to make this decision with my head rather than my heart." She looks down, "I hate seeing families break apart, but I know what must be done if..if she transforms."(edited)

[3:55 PM] DM: She just stands there for a minute, letting it all sink in. "Transforms? Wait... if she was infected somewhere else... maybe the curse doesn't mean she'll go feral. Maybe it can still be controlled."

[3:57 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh stares at Safika for a moment, "controlled how?"

[4:01 PM] DM: She shrugs. "I don't know... locking her away whenever the moon is full." Her mouth pulls to one side to think. "Maybe there are records of the ones before the curse went out of control." She sighs and drops her hands. "Maybe I'm just fishing."

[4:06 PM] Ryleigh: "You mean there could be the possibility that she won't stay transformed?" Ryleigh's eyes light up with hope, "it's worth a try, right? We could lock her up and then after the moon cycle we check to see if she transformed back?"

[4:08 PM] DM: "Maybe. I don't know that much about it. It was so long ago, all I know was what my father told me about them, and even that was still after the curse had gotten worse. It can't hurt to try to do some research about it though."

[4:12 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh purses her lips in thought, "I'm not the smartest, but I'm sure someone in the group, the one that I've been helping in, could research it. But do you think we could find information that old and where would even look?"(edited)

[4:15 PM] DM: "That's tricky... you'd have to try to do the research without anyone figuring out why. Well... there's the library in Riverrun. That's closest, at the temple of Vydea. That... that might actually be your best bet. Moon goddess and all. If not... the mage's college down south. Maybe one of the... group has connections. If I end up going back before you update me again, I'll see what I can find."

[4:19 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh nods along with the suggestions, then stops, "Are you planning on going back soon?"

[4:24 PM] DM: She takes a breath and lets it out slowly. "I don't know. I think my investigation is at a dead end unless the town comes back or I talk to Eloise... but I'm not sure I can do that. Especially now. I might be more help to the people here trying to find out more about Cae's condition. I saw a couple horses taking off for the east shortly after you arrived, so I'm guessing word's being spread through official channels about what's happening here. I'm sure Berolt's gotten the information from somewhere. I just... don't know what else I can do here."

[4:35 PM] Ryleigh: "We're close to finishing the archway and once that's done the townspeople should return. However, I suppose we must go where we're needed most." Ryleigh gives her a genuine smile, "Thank you. I wouldn't have thought about Cae's affliction possibly being different from our stories. I wouldn't know where to tell the others to search for information. And it's likely that I would've had to turn my blade on her.." Ryleigh's smile drops a little and there's a honest grief in her eyes, "I may still have to, but at least I'd know that we exhausted every avenue."

[4:37 PM] DM: "I hope you don't have to. Think you can meet me here tomorrow night? See what your people come up with and I'll decide whether to leave or not then."

[4:39 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh holds out her hand, smile back in place, "sounds perfect."

[4:40 PM] DM: She quirks an eyebrow and smirks, but takes your hand. "By the way... the sword? Super hot, but not stealthy at all."

[4:43 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh laughs lightly, "Her name is Dawnbringer and well, she doesn't like being sheathed. But I'll take that half compliment."

[4:44 PM] DM: She chuckles. "Somehow I'm not surprised you'd fall for a weapon. Be careful out there."

[4:45 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh winks at her, totally NOT denying the comment, "you too, <redacted>."

[4:46 PM] DM: "I won't bother telling you the same."

[4:47 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh smiles and waves as she heads back up the street.

[5:22 PM] Ryleigh: "Ravaphine, I was wondering if I could speak with you real quick...alone?"

[5:23 PM] Ravaphine: Ravaphine looks at her other friends before nodding and getting up. "Sure"

[5:23 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh gets up and leads Rav away from the others.

[5:26 PM] Ravaphine: "Is everything alright?"

[5:27 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh switches from common to elvish as a precaution "It's about Cae."

[5:28 PM] Ravaphine: Ravaphine's eyes widen like saucers and her mouth drops. "You speak elvish??" she whispers, also in the same language

[5:31 PM] Ravaphine: “What...what about Cae”

[5:32 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh smiles, "I do. I just don't want to be overheard, especially now. I spoke with my....with someone and it didn't occur to me that we may not be able to rid Cae of the virus but she may not turn feral. See, here we had a werewolf problem because they didn't transform back into themselves, but because Cae was bitten somewhere else...maybe...well, we may be able to research what werewolves were like before everything happened."

[5:35 PM] Ravaphine: “Like she has a different strain, like she’s a carrier but doesn’t show any symptoms” Rav nods. “Do you want to try to find a cure?”

[5:37 PM] Ryleigh: "I don't think a cure is possible and I think she'll still transform at the full moon, but I believe because she might have a different strain, she'll change back once the moon isn't an issue. Which means...she wouldn't have to die to protect her people. She'd just have to be locked up every full moon. Misha could still have both her parents and Eloise could keep her wife."

[5:40 PM] Ravaphine: “We’ll need lots of evidence for even The Moonstreams to believe, but we need to act fast before the next full moon”

[5:43 PM] Ryleigh: "The next cycle is in a few days. I want you to come with me to Riverrun so we can research this, but we have to wait until we fetch the next component. Since Seir's mishap, I'm positive we're being watched and I don't want them to think we're leaving without helping. We also need to keep this between us, just for the time being...I don't want to get anyone's hopes up and I don't want the others to abandon their search for the components."

[5:47 PM] Ravaphine: “I understand. But I’m not very good at lying so if anybody asks, we need to be honest with our team. There are far too many secrets kept already,” she says as she makes direct eye contact with Ryleigh

[5:50 PM] Ryleigh: "If that's your only condition then I'll agree, but only if they directly ask you Rav. Otherwise, we just had a conversation about the Moonstreams."

[5:52 PM] Ryleigh: "Also, if it comes to lying once we're in Riverrun, let me do it? Please. If others find out, Cae is dead."(edited)

[5:53 PM] **Ravaphine: "Yes. I will not speak. But I do have to ask, who is it exactly that do you work for that brought you to Bellbury? The other night, it was a little upsetting to see you having to escort our friend to jail. Do you work for the Moonstreams?"**

**[5:57 PM] Ryleigh: "No, I don't work for them. I'm a paladin of Asten, the temple I'm assigned to is based out of Riverrun, Eloise is the sister of the Duchess of Riverrun. The other night wasn't about loyalties, it was about extending courtesy to the Moonstreams."(edited)**

[5:59 PM] Ravaphine: "I just don't know who to trust anymore," she looks at the ground. "But I trust your judgement. We should head back to the others before they get suspicious"

[6:01 PM] Ryleigh: "I can understand how the other night looked, but I can promise not to do anything that directly puts any of us in danger." She then nods for Ravaphine to lead the way back to the others.

 Urryleigh

[6:07 PM] Ryleigh: "Yes, Urrak?" Ryleigh gives her a toothy smile.

[6:09 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Bloody bold one aren't ye?" Urrak's voice lowers, a hint of a growl in her words. "All the confidence in the world."

[6:09 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh raises an eyebrow, but her smile doesn't falter, "well, go on."

[6:12 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Y'know" She shakes her head and curls her lip, her arms fold tight against her chest. "I find it rather odd t' hear of a Paladin goin' around town threatenin' murder t' common folk."(edited)

[6:13 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: She steps towards her slowly, eyes focused intently on Ryleigh's

[6:13 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh looks genuinely confused, "threatening to murder common people? what are you talking about?"

[6:14 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Cut the bullshit, Asten. We both know what I'm on about."

[6:16 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Or do I have t' refresh yer memory?" She steps closer again, trying to back her against the wall of the inn

[6:17 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh steps into Urrak space, her eyes changing from confusion to anger, "Listen, Orc. I don't threaten common people unless its warranted, I don't murder anyone who isn't deserving, and you don't know anything about me. If you did, you'd know that I would never."

[6:19 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Yer right, Ry, I don't know anythin' about ye'. None of us do, and yet ye come in here like yer the spokesperson for this entire band o' fools. I didn't trust ye before, and I certainly don't now." She takes a hand and places it on Ryleigh's breastplate. She pushes back, hard, pinning the paladin to the wall "Cyan told me what ye said t' her. And here I thought I was jus' bein' some kind of jealous schoolboy. Now I know my gut was right about ye."

[6:20 PM] DM: Ryleigh's slammed against the wall.

[6:23 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh bears her teeth at Urrak and spits out, "did she also tell you she charmed me and Nolanos?! No one has the right to take away my control. I'm no ones puppet!" And she's going to try and push Urrak off her.

[6:23 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Y'often punish those tryin' t' protect themselves? Huh?" She pushes back

[6:24 PM] DM: Urrak's pushed off.

[6:25 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak steps back a bit and tosses her hand aside "She was only tryin' stay alive! Wouldn't you? If you were a---d-dfferent?"(edited)

[6:31 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh huffs, "I've done nothing but help this party since the moment I arrived. I'm the one that talked our way off of getting thrown into the ocean, I'm the one who talked us into Bleakmourne, I'm the one who kept us ALL out of jail last night. So don't come at me, because this 'band o fools' wouldn't be better off without me - I know it and you do too." she's breathing an heavy and moving closer to Urrak, "I will punish anyone who takes away my free will. Cyan did exactly that and I told her what would happen if it happened again." Ryleigh stops and collects herself, calming down, "I understand what its like to try and survive, I know what its like to attempt to stay in a world that wants you dead, but that doesn't give anyone the right to control me...I'll never be controlled like that...and you....you can't possibly understand what that's like..." then she says more to herself than Urrak, "I'll never be someone's puppet again." She turns to walk away.(edited)

[6:38 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak grips the back of her collar "We ain't done here, Paladin." she yanks her backwards so she's facing her. You can see the anger and the hurt plain her eyes "Y'wanna talk survival? Ye were ready t' kill Cae on the spot. Y' treat every abnormal sorta folk that way? In the name o' safety? Of your god?" she spits on the ground at the last word "Yer just some kid wrapped up in a blanket o' metal. Y've not seen the world as I have, as she has, as anyone not pink fleshed and bright eyed has." she pauses, taking a breath, "What would you do, if one of us was that way? Like Cae? Like Cyan?"

[6:45 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh shoves Urrak off her and laughs mockingly, "I never said I'd kill Cae, I said she was a threat. And you don't know me, but I've lost everyone I've ever cared for to the prejudice you speak of." She sombers up for a moment,"I may not have pink or green skin, but I DO know what it is to be different and live in this world!" Ryleigh sighs and then says, "But Cyan is just a bard who put a spell on me, I don't understand WHY you're dragging her into the mix."(edited)

[6:48 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak stops, realizing what she's done. A small bead of sweat drips down her forehead. She averts her eyes from the Paladin and scrambles to find something to say. "C-Cyan is....she's..." She stumbling over her words now, the sound  of her heart beating in her ears is near deafening.  *Gods, can Ryleigh hear it too?* she thinks, "She's..." she balls her hands into fists, digging her nails into the pads of her hands

[6:50 PM] Ryleigh: "She's what, Urrak? I threatened her because she controlled me with magic. It had nothing to do with her being a half-elf."(edited)

[6:52 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "She's not a half-elf!" She blurts out. Her gaze goes straight to the floor. She covers her head with her interwoven fingers locked tight. "She's...somethin' else altogether and I'm.... I'm scared you'll hurt her for it." Though you can't see her face, you see a few tears hit the wood planks beneath her.(edited)

[6:57 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh sees the hesitation in Urrak's face, "do you know why I've been protective of Seir? because I was raised by a family of Teiflings. Urrak, I grew up on the streets and the only people who ever showed me kindness were the people who didn't look like me." She waits a beat, "I know what kind of world we live in and I'm a paladin of freedom because I choose to make it better, rather than accepting that this is just how things are...."

[6:59 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak takes a few deep breaths, her head still bowed. Slowly, she retracts her hands and looks up. Her eyes are red and filled with turmoil.  In a small, broken voice she whispers, "Promise me...ye won't hurt her."

[7:00 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh groans in frustration, "I only threatened her because she used control magic on me! If she doesn't do it again than I have no reason to hurt her. So, I'll only promise not to hurt her is she doesn't try to control me again."

[7:02 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh breathes, "Urrak, I'm not someone who's hell bent on hurting others. I'm determined to be the voice for everyone who doesn't have one. I won't hurt Cyan, I just didn't like being made to do her bidding."

[7:07 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak tries to collect herself "Ryleigh...I understand where yer comin' from. Truly, but this...well you've heard the stories no doubt, seen the reality." She looks away, chewing her lip "I've been protectin' her these past couple days, but...I can't do it alone. I can't...keep tryin' t' lie t' ye all, I'm not built for it." She turns back and looks Ryleigh dead in the eyes as a pang of uncertainty rips through her stomach. "Cyan...is a changeling. And she knew my wife. She can help me find her...but she's scared that you'll kill 'er...or...someone else will."

[7:10 PM] Ryleigh: You hear a sharp intake of breath, but then Ryleigh, seeing the turmoil in Urrak's eyes asks politely, "and you trust her?...why?"

[7:14 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "She's th' last person t' see Ancy alive. I don't have much of a choice. And I...I trust 'er beyond that. I don't expect ye t' understand, but I know somewhere, even though she's made more mistakes than I'll probably ever know, or want t' know about...I think she's more than what society thinks she is. "

[7:17 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh walks up to Urrak and places a hand on her shoulder, "I just wanted to know your reasoning, there's no need to be defensive. I've fought beside you and while I disagree with many of your actions, I believe you to be a good a person. I trust you, and if you trust her, than I'll help you with what you need."

[7:23 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Thank ye, I appreciate the offer." She wipes her face with a gloveless hand "Right now,  I just want her t' feel safe. T' know we won't hurt 'er or turn 'er in or somethin'. I still feel she's keeping some important information from me cuz of that fear. I'm hopin'...this'll help." She sighs and starts to pace. "I know I'm a mess. I know I started this talk ready t' beat yer head in. I know this whole situation is fucked beyond earthly reason but...y'have t' understand. I'd do anythin' t' find her, Ry. Anythin'. And if someone else needs my help along the way, I'd do anythin for them too."

[7:24 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "It's foolish, and it'll get me killed one day, but that's what I believe."

[7:26 PM] Ryleigh: "Love is a powerful tool and I have your back." Ryleigh notices the others...her demeanor changes.

[7:27 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Ry...?" she follows her gaze "D-do ye think...they..?"(edited)

[7:30 PM] Ryleigh: "No, I don't think they heard anything. Urrak, If you need to talk, or need me to talk to Cyan..I will, and I'll come out of armor and without weapons...well, actually..." She looks down at the glimmering sword in her belt, "Dawnbringer doesn't like being alone, so I'll bring her but I promise to leave her by the door."

[7:31 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "That's mighty kind of ye Ryleigh, but I think I'd best go with ye if ye wanted t' talk to Cyan. Plus, I doubt you'd recognize her without me. Fer now...battle buddies?" She holds out a hand

[7:33 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh gives Urrak a toothy smile and takes her hand, "definitely."

[7:37 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Let's get in there before they think we're makin out er somethin'" she chuckles and claps Ryleigh on the shoulder before guiding them both towards the group(edited)

[7:34 PM] Ryleigh: Once they get within earshot of the others, Ryleigh shoves Urrak playfully, "you know, when you're angry, there's so much passion in your golden eyes..it's kind of sexy." she bites her lip freely then winks at Urrak.(edited)

[7:35 PM] Nolanos: A second hand blush appears on Nolanos' face

[7:36 PM] Ravaphine: Rav makes a face

[7:37 PM] Nolanos: He leans over to Rav and quietly whispers, "wait, was it a joke?? I'm confused..."

[7:37 PM] Ravaphine: "You know....I'm not too sure anymore"

[7:38 PM] Ravaphine: Rav clears her throat in hopes the pair hears it

[7:38 PM] Seirixori: Seir just shakes her head and hangs in the back.

[7:38 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak just stands there and smiles

[7:39 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "I could say the same fer ye, Ry. Never knew a human could be so...forceful."(edited)

[7:40 PM] Nolanos: O.O

[7:40 PM] Ravaphine: "Please, we just had breakfast"

[7:41 PM] Nolanos: "Did we? I must've missed it. My bad."

[7:41 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh laughs at both Urrak and Rav's comment.

## Session 34

*[*6:28 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "Vampires" she breathes. "Urrak, I'm sure the group will be willing to help you look for her, after they've completed the arch." Ryleigh rubs her forehead, "I'm not sorry for what I said earlier, but I am sorry if my words hurt you. You may be a bad liar, but Malica lives a life of lies. I would know, I keep secrets too." She sighs heavily, "Just be careful."

*[*6:31 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* She looks up at you, "because..I like having a battle buddy."

*[*6:32 PM*]* Urrak D'Akshi*:* "Aye...once we complete the arch." she places a hand on Ryleigh's cheek, her rough thumb brushing it lightly. "I like havin' one too. We all keep secrets Ry. I just hope...if y'ever want t' unburden yerself from them, y'd come t' me." She drops her hand and smiles. "Or--anyone else in the...group. Obviously." she chuckles awkwardly(edited)

*[*6:43 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh gives you a sad smile, "you're sweet, but my nightmares follow me like a shadow." She grips the handle of Dawnbringer. Ryleigh turns her back to you but as she pushes the door open, you hear, "you might want to grab whatever it is you left the room for...and Urrak, thanks for the talk." Ryleigh then exits the kitchen.(edited)

## Session 36 secret

[8:00 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh heads to slums, back to the spot where she last saw Safika.

[8:02 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh digs around her bag for a piece of parchment and pen.

[8:08 PM] Ryleigh: S,

> The spell douches are here and the group I've been helping has been 'relieved' of their duties. We've decided to go to Riverrun and research the 'furry little problem' we spoke about last time. I'm sorry I won't be here to chat with you, but duty calls. I hope all is well and while it may be in vain, don't be a stranger.
>
>

> -R
>
>

[8:09 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh walks back to the cask.