S: Kethra Plot

## Session 14

[12:28 AM] DM: Cyan: "Any fun stories?"

[12:32 AM] Alex - Nolanos: "I dont know if you'd call it /fun/ exactly, but there was a certain element of... drama involved. Important decisions about who to trust and racism and such. I'm not sure where to even start"

[12:32 AM] DM: Cyan raises an eyebrow. "Racism?"

"And erm, yes, racism. Fun fact: Lizardfolk hate Dragonborns."

[12:35 AM] DM: Gunnloda: "Do they? I hadn't heard that one."

[12:35 AM] Alex - Nolanos: "and another fun fact: apparently it's reciprocated."

[12:36 AM] Alex - Nolanos: "It was news to me as well."

[12:37 AM] DM: Cyan puts a hand on Nolanos's shoulder. "I'm sorry to hear that."

 Session 26

[11:09 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: Urrak places her forehead in her hand as she rests her arm on the bar. She wipes a bit at her watery eyes, hoping no one notices. Slowly, the notes of Cyan's lyre start to reach her ears. She grips the handle of her stein tightly

[11:17 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: Urrak turns her head slowly towards the sounds of the lyre, her eyes closed and mouth clenched tight

[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."

[12:01 AM] DM: Cyan: "Any particular reason?"

[12:01 AM] Jaymes - Ravaphine: Rav whispers "I may or may not have tackled her which didn't help. We just came back from a weird city"

[12:02 AM] DM: Cyan grins at Rav, looking her up and down. "Tackled? That's quite a mental image."

[12:02 AM] Ryleigh (Nicole): "We just returned from a place that seriously affected the majority of us...and not for the better."

[12:04 AM] Jaymes - Ravaphine: Ravaphine flexes a noodle arm

[12:04 AM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Ryleigh chuckles and adds, "it was quite impressive."

[12:04 AM] DM: For the sake of the newbie(s?), Cyan's on the short side, especially for a half-elf and wears her hair in a bright blue pixie-cut. She wears what you'd think of with typical bar wench dress, off the shoulder white shirt with a leather corset type thing around her waist and a short skirt over leggings and knee-high boots with a rapier at her hip.

[12:07 AM] Seirixori: "Would it be a bad idea if I went and apologized?" Seirixori says quietly.

[12:08 AM] DM: Gunnloda: "Apologies are rarely a bad idea."

Cyan: "...unless you're apologizing for something they don't realize you did wrong."

[12:08 AM] Seirixori: "I mean... I kind of tackled her too. As a bear."

[12:08 AM] DM: Cyan: "Wow. I missed all the fun."

[12:10 AM] Jaymes - Ravaphine: "You're always more than welcome to join in our adventures"

[12:12 AM] DM: Cyan smiles at Rav. "Thank you. I'll try to remember that."

[12:14 AM] Seirixori: Seirixori gets up and slowly moves to Urrak and sits quietly beside her. "Sorry... for the bear thing." she says after a few moments of silence, fidgeting with an empty cup, "I... I don't know what's going on but..." Seirixori huffs, trying to find the right words. "I promise to try and get you home as fast as possible. All of you."

[12:18 AM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: Urrak tenses up at Seirixiori's presence. She knows her outbursts have been causing the tiefling grief. She clenches a fist on the bar and pushes her empty stein down the bar a ways. She is silent for a moment, turning to Seirixiori slowly. She reaches beneath her collar, under her armor and mail. She pulls a small bag on a rope off from around her neck. She places this bag on the bar and slides it towards Seirixiori. "Ancy."

[12:22 AM] Seirixori: Seirixori opens it up and sees a gold ring. "I... is she...missing?" Seirixori cringes, "Sorry I just, don't want to say the wrong thing," she strings together.

[12:27 AM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: "Missing? That's a way t' put it." Urrak runs a hand through her hair, a sad yet frustrated look on her face "No, she...She left. My wife left me and robbed me blind." she turns her gaze towards the table "Those dreams, whatever caused them, were nothing but her. Her face, everywhere her face...I thought I'd finally started t' forget. But all this," she gestures to the general area around them "This brought it all back. Every memory." She places her head on the bar and covers it with her hands. Her body shakes a bit with soft sobs. "...I've been so terrible t' all of ye..."

[12:30 AM] DM: Cyan glances between the scene at the bar and the people at the table, then sits at the far end of the table next to Gunnloda.

[12:31 AM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Ryleigh lets out a breath she didn't realize she was holding at the change in Urrak and Seirixori's body language. She then politely returns to her drink.

[12:34 AM] Seirixori: "What is wrong with people." Seirixori grumbles, her thoughts going back to the conversation with Gunnloda the other night. "How could they just... leave." she snorts. Seirixori reaches out her hand, pulls it back, and then reaches out again, placing it on Urrak's shoulder. "It's... it's ok. I... understand. Kind of? I mean... not exactly but I just." Seirixori rambles, "I'll be here for you, you could even beat me up if it made you feel better." She laughs a little, clearly uncomfortable, "I mean, as a bear. I'm a little bit hardier as that." Seir makes a face and says to herself, ~~"I should really not talk to people, wow."~~ yeah of course urrak can totally hear that if she wants

[12:36 AM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: "Th-thank ye..." Urrak says from under her arms. She takes a few deep breaths, working up the courage to show her face to the rest of the bar. She's worried she's made a scene.

[12:38 AM] Seirixori: Seirixori shrugs, "You... you helped me before... and you're.. you're my friend?" She questions it, still a little unsure.

[12:39 AM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: Urrak straightens up a bit, but still sits hunched. She turns to Seirixiori, tears still hanging in her eyes "...If you'll 'ave me."

[12:40 AM] Seirixori: "I've never had a friend before." She grins.

[12:45 AM] Alex - Nolanos: Quietly from the table, Nolanos had been watching with keen interest. As the conversation unfolds, his eyes grow larger and shinier and his heart is just experiencing too many feelings.

[12:59 AM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Ryleigh pats Nolanos's shoulder in comfort, and gives him a encouraging smile.

[1:00 AM] Seirixori: "Do you... want to go sit with everyone?"

[1:00 AM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: "S-Sure..." Urrak nervously walks over

[1:03 AM] Seirixori: Seirixori follows, sitting next to Gunnloda and whispers excitedly, "I have a friend."

[1:03 AM] DM: Gunnloda chuckles.

[1:05 AM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: Urrak sits at the table, her head hung. She attempts to avoid looking anyone in the eye.

[1:05 AM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: "I'm...sorry everyone."

[1:09 AM] Jaymes - Ravaphine: Ravaphine scribbles a note on a piece of paper and hands it to Urrak

[1:10 AM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: "Don't worry about it...I'm still surprised y'managed it, honestly."(edited)

[1:12 AM] DM: Cyan: "Well... this means everything's good then? Good."

[1:13 AM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: Urrak's head snaps up as she hears Cyan's voice. Her mind just now processing her presence at the table

[1:18 AM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Ryleigh notices Urraks head snap to Cyan and raises an eyebrow in question.(edited)

[1:20 AM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: "Yeah...hopefully everythings...good" she flushes a little and looks down again

[1:21 AM] Seirixori: "Getting there," Seirixori flicks a little water at Urrak and grins. "Hey did you guys want to go after another component today?"

[1:22 AM] DM: Gunnloda: "It is still morning."

[1:22 AM] DM: Gunnloda suddenly disappears.

[1:23 AM] Seirixori: "Noooo." Seirixori pouts.

[1:23 AM] Jaymes - Ravaphine: "I will never get used to this"

[1:26 AM] Alex - Nolanos: "I hope I never do."(edited)

[1:26 AM] Seirixori: "Well, now I wish I had something of hers so I could see that she's ok."

[1:26 AM] DM: Cyan frowns. "Is it selfish to be sad she's gone?"

[1:27 AM] Ryleigh (Nicole): "I think Seirixori would agree with you, so no."

[1:27 AM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: "Gunnloda's tough. she can handle 'erself. I think we'll all miss her in the meantime though..."

[1:27 AM] Seirixori: "Yeah, but...what if she can't?"

[1:29 AM] DM: Cyan: "She's just serving at a temple though, right? She's not in any danger. I'm just going to miss talking to her."

[1:30 AM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: "Aye. Out of all of us, Gunnloda seems t' have the safest home t' go to."

[1:30 AM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Ryleigh shrugs, "With Gunnloda gone that means you could join us, Cyan? If you'd like." She flashes a smile in Cyan's direction.

[1:32 AM] DM: Cyan smiles back. "I might like that."

[1:32 AM] Seirixori: "I think I'll ask her for something when she comes back." Seirixori says, still pouting.

[1:33 AM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: Urrak stands up quickly, nearly knocking her chair over "R-right then. Let's head out."

## Session 27

[5:46 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: "I seem t' have everythin'--" Urrak quickly pats her swordbelt and bandoleer and turns to start walking outside

[5:52 PM] Jaymes - Ravaphine: "Urrak, wait. Let me walk with you" Rav says as she also gets her bearings together to head over to wherever Urrak is headed

[5:54 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: "We'll be waitin' outside!" Urrak yells back as she exits the Cask(edited)

[5:54 PM] Jaymes - Ravaphine: Out of earshot she asks "why does that elf always get you so antsy all the time" with a slight chuckle(edited)

[5:56 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: "It's...complicated." Urrak whispers back. Once they reach the streets outside, she goes to stand by the horse tie down bars

[6:02 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Ryleigh gets up, "well shall we?" she gestures for Cyan to  walk with her.

[6:03 PM] DM: Cyan follows. "I should probably warn you, I'm not quite as useful as Gunnloda probably is."

[6:06 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): "I'm sure you'll contribute to our band of misfits."

[6:06 PM] DM: Cyan: "Are we headed to the teleporter?"

[6:07 PM] Jaymes - Ravaphine: Rav says bye to the horse and joins the rest of the group. "I've got Poni, let's head back to the teleporter"

[6:10 PM] Alex - Nolanos: Nolanos just sort of... blinks for a second. "what the hell..." he mutters to himself. He glances briefly at Cyan and, grinding his jaw slightly, follows Rav.

[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: What you guys see is Ryleigh step in close to Cyan and whisper something in her ear. Cyan's face flushes and Ryleigh winks at her before Ryleigh returns to you guys. 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?"

[6:26 PM] Jaymes - Ravaphine: Rav follows

[6:27 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Ryleigh follows too!

[6:27 PM] DM: Cyan follows at the back of the pack.

[6:27 PM] Alex - Nolanos: Nolanos also follows, subtly keeping his distance from Cyan.(edited)

[7:19 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Ryleigh walks over to Cyan and hands her a ring of swimming, "would you like this too?"

[7:19 PM] DM: Cyan takes it from Ryleigh and slips it onto her finger with an odd look. "Thank you. If I need the potion, I'll let you know. I don't really have anywhere to store it right now."

[7:20 PM] Seirixori: "That's... a good point."

[7:21 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Ryleigh whispers to Cyan, "don't be like that" and grins mischievously at her.

[7:24 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: Urrak eyes the two a moment, unconsciously digging her nails into her palms. "Alright..." She walks over to Ravaphine and places a hand on her shoulder. "Well, let's get on with it I suppose."

[7:24 PM] DM: Cyan: "Maybe I should just skip this one."

[7:26 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Ryleigh shrugs, "your loss, but I can understand wanting to avoid all of that" and motions to Urrak.(edited)

[7:26 PM] Jaymes - Ravaphine: "You sure you don't want to come with us?" she asks Cyan with a pout

[7:28 PM] DM: Cyan's eyes flick from Ryleigh to Urrak and back to Rav. "I don't want to cause any problems in there. It might be better for everyone if I wasn't around."

[7:29 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: "Problems? What problems could ye possibly cause? We're all...great." Urrak eyes Ryleigh

[7:31 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Ryleigh raises an eyebrow at Urrak's look, then comprehension hits her - she laughs.

[7:33 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: Urrak knits her brows at the sounds of Ryleigh's laughter and after a moment turns towards the commotion

[7:33 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Ryleigh strolls over to Urrak and says, "it isn't what you think."

[7:34 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: "I'm sure I don't know what yer talkin' about."

[10:47 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: "Yer right, Nolanos..." Urrak thinks a moment "Poni says it's somethin'...close to ye right? Somethin' personal?"

[10:48 PM] DM: Poni: "Yes, finally something gets through that thick orc skull."

[10:48 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: "I almost forgot y'talked..."

[10:48 PM] Seirixori: "I will break you when we're done."

[10:48 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: Urrak places her dagger on the table near Eloise. Once it's off her bandoleer, you can see it's much too small for her to actually  use in combat.(edited)

[10:49 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: "There, that should do..."

## Session 27

[12:12 AM] Seirixori: To see if Cyan or Gunnloda are around.

[12:14 AM] DM: You don't see either of them, but sitting in the back corner is a blonde human man, half in his cups, staring absently at a lyre on the table.

[12:15 AM] Seirixori: "Hey! Uh, have you seen Cyan or Gunnloda? Do you know who I'm talking about?" Seirixori says as she walks up to him.

[12:16 AM] DM: Man: "I-- no... maybe? Why?"

[12:16 AM] Seirixori: "Because I need their help? Unless you know... how to cure curses?"

[12:17 AM] DM: Man: "No... I'm sorry."

[12:18 AM] Seirixori: "Ugh the one time I want to go back to Limabey." Seirixori stomps into the kitchen, "Please tell me Gunnloda left something in here..." She says as she starts trying to see if she can find anything that might belong to her. "I don't even know what to look for, why am I doing this..."

[12:19 AM] DM: You find stuff.

 Session 27s

[1:24 PM] DM: You realize maybe you can trace her literal footsteps instead of wandering blindly and go back to Lin's shop. The area right in front of the door is understandably chaotic, but you do see a pair of small bootprints that head off in a much less used direction and into an alleyway.

[1:25 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak follows the footprints

[1:26 PM] DM: There's more chaos in the dust and dirt behind a couple of crates, and a single pair of larger bootprints that walk away.

[1:26 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "What in the world...?" Urrak follows the larger prints

[1:27 PM] DM: They circle around the building and back out onto the main road where you can't follow through the streets any further.

[1:29 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: A sense of dread creeps through her belly as the tracks end. Taking a breath, she continues down the main road, her pace quickened.

[1:30 PM] DM: They seemed to be going back towards the town square when you lost track.

[1:30 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: She goes back to the town square

[1:30 PM] DM: Everything's just the way you left it.

[1:32 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak walks deeper into the square, looking for anything unusual

[1:36 PM] DM: There's not really anything to investigate out here. The ground is too littered with tracks to make anything out. There's just the couple at the fountain and the guards out here.You can just barely hear the plunk of lyre strings being plucked, one. by one. by one.

[1:36 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak follows the notes as best she can

[1:36 PM] DM: They're coming from the Cask.

[1:37 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak walks briskly into the Cask

[1:39 PM] DM: It looks pretty much the same as it did before. In the corner, where you guys had been sitting before, is a man you must not have noticed before. Human, blonde, possibly drunk, kinda just... sadly plucking at a lyre that's on the table.

[1:40 PM] DM: You're not sure... but that *could* be Cyan's lyre.

[1:40 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak walks up to the man "You there! Who are ye and where'd y' find that lyre?"

[1:42 PM] DM: He startles and pushes back in his chair. "Wh- what?"

[1:42 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "The instrument y'been pluckin' at. Is it yours?"

[1:43 PM] DM: Man: "Y-yes?"

[1:44 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Alright calm down, mate I ain't here t' arrest or hassle ye. Considering y'can barely manage a tune I'm gonna say that drink ain't makin' y' truthful. Please, I'm lookin for a friend, she plays a lyre like this one 'ere. If it's hers, I'm hopin' ye can tell me where y' found it."

[1:45 PM] DM: Man: "A friend?"

[1:46 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Ah, aye, at least...at least I hope she could call me that. Honestly, I ain't been the best to 'er. It's complicated, and yer probably 3 sheets t' wind anyway, but please if ye have any leads..."

[1:49 PM] DM: He looks *really* conflicted. "You're... not going to hurt her... or me... are you?"

[1:51 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "I...what? N-no I'd never! Y've done nothin' t' me and neither has she...I may look it but...I promise ye I'm not some wild brute what swings her fists about t' get her way."

[1:52 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Cyan is...one of the nicest people I've met. She's funny an' charmin' and... *beautiful* and...I couldn't bear to hurt 'er."

[1:53 PM] DM: He bites his lip, thinking, then stands. "Come with me." And he starts walking upstairs.

[1:53 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Ah...alright..." She follows

[1:54 PM] DM: He leads you up to one of the private rooms upstairs with just a bed and a chair and opens the door, gesturing inside. There's nobody else in there.

[1:57 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak walks inside before realizing it's empty. She turns towards the man,"Uh...listen buddy I, I dunno if I gave y'the wrong impression but I don't uh...let's see...swing this" she gestures towards him "Uh...way..."(edited)

[1:58 PM] DM: He shakes his head. "Please. Sit?"

[1:58 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Cautiously, she does

[2:00 PM] DM: He steps inside and shuts the door behind him. He takes a deep breath, and you see his body almost... melt away into a smaller form and when he turns around, she's a familiar looking half-elf with blue hair almost swimming in the clothes she had on before. "Please don't hate me."

[2:02 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Cy-Cyan?!" She bolts up, hands  open near her sides. It takes every ounce of strength to keep herself from running up and embracing her "I thought...I thought ye'd..." She runs a hand through her hair "I saw some boot prints in the alley it-it looked like a struggle and I thought maybe ye'd..." She doesn't realize tears have started to form in her eyes and slowly drip down her cheeks "I thought some one had grabbed ye..."(edited)

[2:03 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "And I'd been so...horrible and selfish and distant to ye and I thought....Gods...I'll never see her again...she left cuz of me..."(edited)

[2:04 PM] DM: Cyan's got tears falling too and she almost whispers, "Like Ancy?"

[2:05 PM] DM: And... you've never been close enough to notice, but now that she's right there... she doesn't have Ancy's tattoos, but her face... she even has that cute little freckle above her eyebrow that you used to love.

[2:05 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "What...what did ye just say...?" Urrak steps closer, cautiously. "How do ye know that name..." She looks closer at her, her heart pounding in her ears

[2:07 PM] DM: She closes her eyes, almost flinching. "I... I didn't know it was you until a few days ago, when you said I looked like someone you knew."

[2:10 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak's eyes widen, her hands shaking wildly "Ancy... Ancy is that you...?" She kneels slightly brings her hands to Cyan's face, cupping it gently in her hands. She whispers softly through tears "Please...tell me it's true...Tell me I found ye..."

[2:12 PM] DM: She shakes her head. "I'm... I'm not her." She tries to pull back away from you like distance might keep her safer. "I knew her, in a way... and I understand. She was... wonderful and the most beautiful woman I'd ever met."

[2:18 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak slowly retracts her hands, a sob wracking her body. She falls softly to her knees. "I'm...I'm sorry I...I overstepped with the...touching..." She wipes the tears from her face with her sleeve. "It's just...she left so suddenly. Nothin' but a quickly scribbled note and our valuables in tow. It was most...painful thing I've ever experienced. It's been years, and while there is still some anger in me it's...mostly just worry now. She always told me she'd love me till the end of my days...how can I just...let go of that? There has t' be more to it there just--" she wipes her face again, taking deep breaths in hopes of calming herself down. "Do you...do you have any idea...where she could be?"

[2:22 PM] DM: She closes her eyes again, more tears dripping from her eyes. "She's-- She loved you. She still loved you. She was in Alderrath, using the name Ravana."

[2:23 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Ye keep sayin' 'was'...has she...?"

[2:26 PM] DM: Cyan presses her lips together for a moment, trying to hold herself together and shakes her head. "She was looking into the Gray. When I-- She left to go after them. Alone. Everyone who's ever looked for them disappeared. I couldn't-- She's gone. I'm so sorry."

[2:31 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak dips her head down, covering  it with her hands, no longer worried about what kind of scene she's making. She cries for the years with Ancy, the years without her, and for her anger stopping her from finding her again. She unravels, heaving sobs bouncing off the corners of the room. "I should've...I should've...I couldn't... I couldn't keep her safe..."

[2:32 PM] DM: Cyan hesitates, but she comes over and puts her hand on your shoulder to try to offer some small bit of comfort.

[2:37 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Gods...I'm sorry this all...this is a lot t' put on ye..." She attempts to straighten up, her face wet with tears, and eyes bloodshot. "I just...This is all..." she leans back on her haunches, closing her eyes tight to allow the last tears to fall, her mouth in a tight line. She takes a deep breath "Y'really do look so much like her...it's uncanny, almost frightenin'...I wasn't sure how t' be around ye. It was like...talkin' with a ghost..." She stands up, places her interlaced hands on her head and sighs, blinking away the remaining wetness in her eyes. "I...thank ye for letting me know. For showing me...who ye are. I'm sorry I've been such a...Gods, such a mess..."(edited)

[2:39 PM] DM: Cyan: "I didn't know it would hurt anyone. I'm sorry. I can... change, if it would help."

[2:41 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "No, no please...I couldn't ask ye t' do that." She fiddles with the loop again, hooking her thumb into it and tugging lightly "No, I'll be alright." she smiles softly, eyes still a bit red, "You're a great person, Cyan, never change."

[2:44 PM] DM: She shakes her head. "I'm not, really. And... I do change. It's who I am. It's... no trouble to me, really. I look like this because..." she pauses and tries to blink back new tears, "I loved her too. And she was so beautiful. Sometimes it's easier to survive when you're pretty."

[2:46 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "I see... well, y'got every detail right..." Absentmindedly, she goes to touch the freckle above her brow with her thumb, but recoils half way. "S-sorry."(edited)

[2:48 PM] DM: She nods, understanding. She closes her eyes and her features shift again. Still half-elf, still short, but without Ancy's face and with dark wavy shoulder-length hair. "This might be easier for both of us."

[2:53 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Aye...It just might." Urrak fixes her hair, straightens her swordbelt. She bows her head a moment. "Well then", she walks over to Cyan, stopping a respectable distance from the elf "Let's start fresh." She holds out a hand "Urrak, of the D'Akshi stronghold. Pleased t' make yer acquaintance." she smiles broadly, eyes full of their old light

[2:58 PM] DM: Cyan smiles and takes your hand, but her face falls almost immediately. "Thank you for not--" She stops and tries to find the right words. "People don't tend to like people like me. I mostly stay on the road, changing faces and names when I change towns. Maybe it would be best if Cyan "left", poofed back to Westband and I'm just... a new arrival. This is the face Ancy knew, and the name Malica. If... that's ok?"

[3:01 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Pleasure to meet ye, Malica. I hope Cyan's journey home is safe." Urrak places her other hand on top of the rest, and squeezes gently. "Come, Seirixori should be back soon. The others should meet the new you." She leads them both to the door, holding it open for her. "After you."

[3:03 PM] DM: She smiles, her eyes full of tears AGAIN for a different reason now. "I-- I'll catch up later. I have to go find my women's clothes again first. You must have found where I changed last time. I hope she found someone to cure the curse. She asked me earlier for Cyan, but I couldn't help."

[3:05 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak chuckles "Sneaky one, y'are." she turns to leave, but says before she goes "See y'soon...I hope."

[3:05 PM] DM: She nods. "We have a lot to talk about."

 Session 31

[5:16 PM] DM: So you remember that there was a dinner planned. You remember you felt like you really had to do what Poni asked and went through the portal, but you were teleported back to Dirasa for a couple hours. Now, you're back in Bellbury's town square. Before you get really settled, you're approached by a woman, fair skin and dark wavy hair.

"Excuse me?"

[5:18 PM] Alex - Nolanos: "Um. Hello... is there something i can help you with?"

[5:20 PM] DM: She smiles and holds out her hand. "Malica. I was wondering if you might know where... I think her name is Urrak? She told me she'd show me around later."

[5:25 PM] DM: She seems pretty straight-forward. You haven't seen her around before. Maybe she's a new arrival.

[5:27 PM] Alex - Nolanos: Nolanos takes a moment, before deciding "Sure. I think I know where she might be right now." He holds his hand out, "My name is Nolanos by the way."

[5:28 PM] DM: She smiles. "Thanks. I just... don't want to be a bother."

[5:34 PM] Alex - Nolanos: Nolanos leads Malica to the Moonstream mansion, a little awkwardly. He doesn't know this person and it's a little weird since he can't help but think she was possibly... um. led on by Urrak.

[5:39 PM] DM: Woman: "Sorry, I didn't realize... I can find you later for that tour if... sorry."

She starts backing towards the door.

[5:41 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak erupts from her chair suddenly "M-Malica! Wait!"(edited)

[5:42 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Ryleigh looks at Urrak, slightly concerned. Then asks, "you two know each other?"

[5:42 PM] DM: Malica: "I ran into her earlier. She said she could show me around, but I don't want to interrupt."

[5:42 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: A pang of heat courses down her midsection. "Aye, what the she said."

[5:43 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: She sits back down awkwardly

[5:43 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Ryleigh turns to the moonstreams and Gunnloda, "any objections to adding another?"

[5:44 PM] DM: Eloise: "Of course not. The more the merrier."

Gunnloda: "There's plenty to go around."

[5:45 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Ryleigh stands from her seat and moves her plate, "Malica, wasn't it? Here, take my seat since you clearly know Urrak." She moves the chair out to offer it to the other woman.

[5:46 PM] DM: Malica: "I... thank you."

[5:46 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Oh Ryleigh y' really don't have t'---Hi, Malica. Good t' see ye again."(edited)

[5:46 PM] DM: And she'll come sit too.

[5:46 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): As Ryleigh walks down the table she gives Urrak a wink and nudge.

[5:47 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak blushes a bit and twists the napkin in her lap in a tight twist. She turns to Malica "Have ye been...settlin' in alright?"

[5:48 PM] DM: Malica: "Can you really get settled in when all this is happening?"

[5:49 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: She chuckles a bit, "Aye, I suppose yer right about that. But please, let any of us know if there's anythin' we can do to help make yer stay more...comfortable."

[5:51 PM] DM: Malica nods and pushes her hair behind her ear nervously. She's a half-elf, you can now see. Gunnloda gets up to get a new place setting for the new arrival and says "Welcome, dear," as she sets it in front of her before sitting next to Seir again.

[5:52 PM] Ravaphine: "Hello, welcome to dinner" Rav says to Malica

[5:52 PM] DM: Malica: "Thank you."

[6:56 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: As everyone focuses on the Moonstreams or their food Urrak whispers to Malica "Are you alright?"

[6:57 PM] DM: Malica nods. "I'm ok."

[6:57 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak nods assuredly

[7:00 PM] Ravaphine: Rav can’t help but be a little nervous and intimidated by the beautiful woman sitting next to Urrak

[7:01 PM] DM: Malica's keeping very much to herself right now, kind of closed in on herself and quiet, like a wallflower forced to be at the prom. She seems kinda nervous, always brushing her hair back behind her ears.

[7:03 PM] Ravaphine: Rav notices Malica's hesitation. "I don't think we've met before. My name is Ravaphine by the way." she reaches her hand across the table towards Malica

[7:04 PM] Ravaphine: "Are you a friend of Urrak's?"

[7:07 PM] DM: She shakes Rav's hand and kind of glances over at Urrak and back. "I just got here from Lughagen. She was the first person I saw."

[7:08 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Truly fortuitous."

[7:10 PM] Ravaphine: "Welcome to Bellbury," she nods slightly

[7:11 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Rav here's a real friendly type." she says with a small smile(edited)

[7:11 PM] DM: Malica: "Thank you."

[7:12 PM] Ravaphine: She blushes, feeling embarrassed in front of the beautiful woman. "I just want to make sure everyone who is here feels welcome" she says while avoiding eye contact

[7:13 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak notices Ravaphine's reaction and chuckles

[7:13 PM] Nolanos: Nolanos also quietly blushes, for some reason. 'You're just being dumb. Calm down, self,' he thinks

[7:22 PM] DM: Now that everyone's pretty much done eating, Gunnloda stands to start clearing dishes, but Kendall hops up. "Sit down, dear. You cooked." And Kendall starts clearing plates instead.

[7:25 PM] DM: Malica goes to help Kendall since she's little and starts piling dishes to take back to the kitchen.

[7:28 PM] Ravaphine: Ravaphine follows into the kitchen with more dishes and plates

[7:29 PM] Nolanos: Nolanos gets up and decides to help with the dishes as well.(edited)

[7:30 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak looks up as she begins a new glass of wine. "Where's everyone headed off to....?"

[7:31 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "I guess I'll uhhh be right back then." She follows the others into the kitchen, slightly confused and slightly buzzed

Kendall thanks you both for helping bring dishes in while Malica gets started rinsing the plates.

[7:32 PM] Ravaphine: Ravaphine walks up next to Malica and starts to wash dishes next to her.

[7:33 PM] Nolanos: Nolanos finds a towel and dries the clean dishes

[7:33 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak walks in awkwardly holding her plate. "Why'd ye all run off like that?"

[7:33 PM] Nolanos: "Just being helpful i guess? I felt bad not helping."

[7:33 PM] Ravaphine: Ravaphine looks back and forth between Nolanos and Malica, "We wanted to help with the dishes"

[7:34 PM] DM: Kendall: "Rule one, never let the cook do the dishes."

[7:34 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "I see..." Urrak walks slowly to the sink and places her dish inside."I suppose yer right."

[7:39 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Glad t' see you two gettin along." Urrak smiles at Rav and Malica

[7:40 PM] Ravaphine: Rav chuckles nervously. "Malica will fit right in with us here"

[7:41 PM] Ravaphine: "Did you come here by foot? What brings you to town?"

[7:41 PM] DM: Malica: "Magic, apparently. Urrak was nice enough to tell me about what was happening in town."

[7:42 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "It's a jarring experience. Figured I'd let her know the situtation right away."

[7:43 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak starts to take the dried plates from Nolanos and places them on nearby racks

[7:44 PM] Ravaphine: "It's definitely not something I will ever get used to"

[7:48 PM] Nolanos: Nolanos just kind of focuses on drying things and tries not to look up at Rav or Malica too much

[7:51 PM] Ravaphine: "What were you up to before," she pauses, "we lovingly call it 'poofing' here" she asks Malica

[7:53 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak starts to sweat a bit but continues stacking dishes

[7:54 PM] DM: Malica: "Just traveling. Nothing fancy."

[7:58 PM] Ravaphine: "Urrak over here has also traveled a bunch"

[7:59 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Very true. Traveled nearly the whole continent. Sellin' this and that." She waves a dish in circular motion and continues stacking

[8:02 PM] Ravaphine: "Did you both happen to come across each other in your travels? That's a thing I never got to do. I got to read about all these far off places, but from the comfort of the library."

[8:04 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Oh no, though I've met folks like Malica before. Far from home." She stacks the last dish. "No I ran int'a Malica here right in Bellbury"

[8:05 PM] Nolanos: "We do seem to be doing a lot of traveling lately, though. If that counts for something."

[8:07 PM] Ravaphine: "This is true, we get to put all these adventures under our belt for free and at a fraction of the travel time"

[8:09 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Seems Poni's at least a little useful" She laughs to herself, relaxing as she leans on the sink

[8:05 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "I was talkin' t' Cyan and she just poofed mid conversation---I dunno when she'll be back. I was headin' t' the Cask t' grab a pint when I ran int'a Malica."

[8:12 PM] DM: Malica smiles a little. "Where are you all from?"

[8:13 PM] Nolanos: "My parents and I left Patauban when I was young, but I live in Ardabeh now. Or. Well. When I'm not here."

[8:14 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "And I'm sure anyone in this room could tell ye where I hail from" She smiles crooked, recalling old memories in the stronghold

[8:17 PM] Nolanos: Nolanos smiles, "Ah yes, the D'Akshi Stronghold, right?"

[8:17 PM] Ravaphine: "I come from Rodoza"

[8:17 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak winks and points a finger at Nolanos. She clicks her tongue "Bingo"

[8:18 PM] DM: Malica: "I've been in Alderrath for... as long as I can remember."

[8:18 PM] Nolanos: "What's Rodoza like?"

[8:22 PM] Ravaphine: "It's very green. Winters are very cold though, but I love the snow. Such a beautiful place," she pauses and looks at Malica before continuing, "But the only thing I miss about it is my mother. What is Ardabeh like?"(edited)

[8:32 PM] Nolanos: "It's pretty warm, usually. The city I live in is a college town, if you believe it," he laughs a bit. "We do research on a magic storm in the area."

[8:33 PM] DM: Malica: "You're near the Everstorm?"

[8:35 PM] Nolanos: "Yeah, I study it with my colleagues. It... doesn't always go well. I guess." As he says this last bit, he gets slightly more flustered.

[8:36 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Didn't think ye had it in ye t' do somethin' like that. Sounds mighty dangerous." Urrak folds her arms

[8:36 PM] Ravaphine: Rav's eyes light up at the mention of magic colleges. "I've always wanted to study at one of those. What do you study?"

[8:37 PM] Nolanos: "I have it in me to do a lot of things, trust me," he says playfully.

[8:38 PM] Ravaphine: "Maybe you can teach me a thing or two"

[8:39 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Riiiiiight then. Malica, would ye care t' join me outside?" Urrak stretches a hand out to her(edited)

[8:40 PM] DM: Malica: "Sure." And she follows Urrak out.

[8:43 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak walks into the crisp evening air, thankful for the reprieve "Gods that was close....What y' doin here Cy---Malica?"

[8:43 PM] DM: "I didn't know there was a whole thing tonight. I was just looking for you. You said you wanted to introduce me to everyone."

[8:46 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "I understand, I guess I shoulda clarified when...I had a feelin this dinner would be tense at the very least. Hard time for introducin' someone." She runs a hand through her hair. "Trust me when I say I'm tryin' me best t' keep this all under wraps, but Rav...she seems t' be  a bit more perceptive than the rest."

[8:46 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "I just...want t' make sure yer safe." She places a cautious hand on her arm

[8:48 PM] DM: She smiles a bit sadly. "You're not the best liar either. It might not be... sustainable. Most of them... I think most of them might be ok. Ryleigh worries me."

[8:50 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Aye, I never have been." She smiles a bit and nervously rubs her neck "And Ryleigh? Why's that?" she thinks a bit "Are ye worried she'll hurt ya?"

[8:51 PM] DM: She looks nervous, a little on edge. "She... kinda threatened me. When she whispered to me before you guys met the... the vampires."

[8:51 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "What'd she say t' ye?" Urraks brows furrow and her hands begin to clench

[8:53 PM] DM: She puts her hands out on your arm. "It's not... it was my fault. I was scared."

[8:55 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Malica..." she tries to catch her eyes "You'd tell me, right? If ye truly felt threatened?"

[8:57 PM] DM: "I've been on the run so long... I get scared, I make allies with my magic. Then I leave again before it  becomes an issue. I... can't leave here. I used my magic on Ryleigh and Nolanos in case you were mad at me. She was only reacting to that."

[8:59 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Y-y' didn't think I'd hurt ye, did ye?" Urrak's face falls

[9:01 PM] DM: "I didn't know what to expect. Most people... they think we kill for our faces. I was afraid you'd think I'd killed her. I mean... I-- I probably was partly to blame, but..." She stops talking, worried again.

[9:01 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak feels her heart leap into her throat "What was that last bit...?"

[9:08 PM] DM: She takes half a step backwards. "Not... directly. We were-- I told you I loved her. I did the wrong thing. She got mad. Told me about you. She was still so in love with you. She left. Alone. If I hadn't... maybe she wouldn't have left."

[9:09 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Please, for the love of all the heavens can ye just be straight with me." Urrak sighs, bowing her head and placing her interwoven fingers on top of it(edited)

[9:10 PM] DM: She hangs her head. "I'm sorry. It's... reflex. Defense mechanism, I guess."

[9:12 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak paces a bit "I...understand...well actually I don't but...I understand tryin' t' protect yerself." She looks over to her  and places her hands on her hips "I'm sorry."(edited)

[9:13 PM] DM: "I just... feel like I chased her away and it got her killed. I didn't want her to go at all. I wish I'd just kept my mouth shut."

[9:14 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Y'can't blame yerself. Ancy has always been very...independent. I'm sure it wasn't entirely your fault." She turns a bit to hide a couple tears. She quickly recovers, wiping her face with a sleeve. "We should...we should join the others."(edited)

[9:18 PM] DM: "I'm sorry. I don't... I don't want to hurt you. You must be a wonderful person if she loved you so much."

[9:19 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak laughs "Not as good as ye may think." she pauses and hears the group say their goodbyes to the Moonstreams and walk off. "Ah, I think they're leavin'."

[9:20 PM] DM: "How do you think we should handle this?"

[9:21 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "While I don't think any of 'em would mind truly...I wouldn't do anything t' put ye in danger" she folds her arms in thought(edited)

[9:25 PM] DM: "If I could just... leave. But I can't. I could just... be someone that you don't know. Keep to myself until this whole thing blows over."

[9:27 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Malica, please" she places her hands on her shoulders "Breathe. I promise I'm gonna keep you safe. And trust me, I'm not tryin' t' pull anything." She gives her shoulders a slight squeeze. "Will ye come with me t' the Cask?"(edited)

[9:28 PM] DM: "I... ok?"

[9:29 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Sorry, I've never been the best at...talkin 't' folks." She blushes a bit and fiddles with the empty loop of leather on her bandoleer "So, shall we?"

[9:30 PM] DM: She's confused, but nods.

[9:31 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak walks into the Cask, Malica in tow "Ah good, yer all awake..."

[9:32 PM] Ravaphine: "where have you two lovebirds been"

[9:34 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Oh n-no it's not like that." Urrak raises her hands in front of her "Not at all."

[9:34 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "I was just offerin' her my protection if some creep at th' inn tried t' pull anything funny"

[9:36 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak turns to Malica "Have y' any coin? I can spot ye for a private room."(edited)

[9:36 PM] Ravaphine: She turns to Malica. "Urrak will protect you. She protects all of us. You're safe here"

[9:37 PM] DM: Malica: "I have one. Thank you."

[9:37 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Excellent." Urrak nods a tad too furiously. "Well then, I think we should all get some sleep."

[9:37 PM] Ravaphine: "I don't think anyone is collecting any money for the cask, Urrak" rav jokes

[9:38 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak blushes a bit with embarrassment. How long  had she been sleeping here?

[9:39 PM] Ravaphine: Rav smacks Urrak in the arm. "Go get some sleep. We got a long day ahead of us"

[9:39 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Aye, that we do."

[9:40 PM] Nolanos: "Adventure awaits," Nolanos smiles.(edited)

[9:44 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Right...anyway." She turns back to Malica "Have a good night then...Malica." she smiles a bit. "Hope t' see ye soon."

[9:45 PM] DM: Malica gives her a smile back. "Thank you and... I'm sorry again. For everything. Just... everything."

[9:46 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Ye don't have to apologize, truly. But if it helps...I forgive ye." she gives her shoulder a quick squeeze before walking upstairs to sleep

## Later Urica

[10:58 AM] DM: So, you said good night, but... got restless? Couldn't sleep with thoughts of Ancy bouncing in your head? So you went to find Malica, which, it's easy enough to figure out which room she'd be in.

[11:01 AM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak, sick of tossing and turning, raises from her bed. She sits on the edge of it for a spell, debating if what she feels she needs to do is right, but eventually she gets up to find Malica's room.

[11:03 AM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: She leaves her own rented space, the lightness of her traveler's clothes feeling foreign after days of wearing heavy armor, and finds her door. She pauses, taking deep breaths, and knocks softly "Malica...?"(edited)

[11:06 AM] DM: There's a moment of silence, but the door opens just a bit and you can see Malica standing there, looking out. When she realizes it's you, she opens it a bit more to let you in. The room's pretty empty, the bed still made. There's a decent sized bag sitting in the corner, but that's the only indication that anyone's staying in the room.

[11:07 AM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "I'm...sorry t' intrude. I suppose I could come back later if it's better for ye..." she fidgets a bit, twisting and rubbing her fingers with her other hand.

[11:09 AM] DM: "It's ok. I can't sleep anyway. Do you... want to come in?"

[11:10 AM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak nods, and steps inside.  She takes another deep breath, "I'm sure ye can guess what I'm about t' ask ye...do you mind if I sit?" she motions to the bed.

[11:11 AM] DM: She shuts the door behind you and shakes her head, gesturing towards the bed. "Go ahead."

[11:13 AM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak sits, her hands balling into tight fists as she tugs at the fabric of her breeches. "I need t' know. I need to know everythin'. Everythin' about...Ancy." She looks at the floor as she says her name

[11:16 AM] DM: She nods and crosses her arms in front of her, leaning against the wall opposite you. "Are you sure you're... ready to hear it?"

[11:18 AM] DM: For the sake of clarity, Cyan was always kind of larger than life, outgoing, cheerful, flirty... Malica, since she's changed, has been quiet, withdrawn, nervous, almost scared. Even now, she's folded in on herself and soft-spoken.

[11:21 AM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "I don't think I'll ever be truly ready but....I won't find peace without knowin'. I'm just...tired of wonderin'. The worry it...it feels like I'm being haunted. Buried under a mountain of 'what if's'." she grips the small leather bag on a rope around her neck beneath her shirt. Slowly she lifts her eyes to Malica.  In a small voice, completely unfitting of a half-orc fighter laden with scars, she whispers ,"Please."

[11:25 AM] DM: She nods and kind of looks away, rubbing her arms like she's cold. "I was in Lughagen when she came in. I was a face for the guild there... she said she had a message from someone in the Onyxward guild, but they'd gone dark. We hadn't heard from them in... a month or more by that time."

[11:28 AM] DM: She shrugs, a faint tint of pink crossing her face. "I wanted to help her. I volunteered to help her try to track down the people from Onyxward. We worked together for... months. Trying to piece together the clues. All this time, she was using the name Ravana. She never mentioned where she'd been or why she'd left Onyxward until we found something... evidence that pointed towards the Gray. Do... you know what that is? Do you know anything about Alderrath?"

[11:31 AM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: She shakes her head softly "I'm afraid my worldview's a bit limited. Before this all happened I'd never been much further than Nampuli."

[11:31 AM] DM: "She never talked about before?"

[11:31 AM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "As I'm sure ye noticed, Ancy never spoke too much about the past." she smiles slightly(edited)

[11:32 AM] DM: She half-scoff/half-chuckles sadly. "She... compartmentalized well.  It's... a good trait to have when you're in our line of work."

[11:33 AM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "I imagine so. It never mattered much t' me...when she was near me, that's all that mattered." her eyes begin to water a bit(edited)

[11:37 AM] DM: She lowers her head a bit, then continues. "When we found that evidence that the Gray was involved, she told me about when she was younger. She'd had a job that... something wasn't right. Somehow she wound up on the Gray's bad side. She was scared. The Gray... it's like... it's almost like a scary story you tell kids to keep them in bed at night. If you're bad the Gray will get you. Most people think it's a fairy tale... but she knew better. She left Alderrath altogether. I'm... guessing that's why she was in Nampuli. Trying to get as far away as she could, hoping she was safe."

[11:41 AM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "This Gray...it's some kind of guild?" she tries to recall any kind of mention of such a force, but comes up empty "Or...bandits?" Urrak's brow furrows as she tries to comprehend

[11:42 AM] DM: She shakes her head and there's just... fear written across her face. She's been soft-spoken this whole time, but she drops even further to a whisper. "Vampires."

[11:46 AM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: A chill shoots down her spine "Gods..." she runs a hand through her hair, eyes shifting around as she processes this revelation "And they...they found her then...when she....Gods I probably put her in so much danger tryin' t' keep her close..." she swallows hard, as a couple of tears fall from her eyes.

[11:49 AM] DM: Malica moves over to sit next to you and puts her hand on your arm. "You had nothing to do with it. They were... she thought they tracked her to Onyxward, but when they couldn't find her, they... she had a friend who sent her a Sending that the Gray was coming for them. Nampuli's sunshine would have been better for her than staying in Alderrath. Nowhere's safe there."

[11:52 AM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "And ye...yer sure they...caught up with her...?"

[11:58 AM] DM: She sighs, pulling her hand from your arm. "We were making a plan. She wanted to get closer. Try to find where they were headquartered or find out if anyone from Onyxward was still alive. We'd spent so much time together and... I must have read it wrong or... just saw what I wanted. I thought there was more than work between us. I messed up. I pushed too hard. That's when she told me about you. Told me that I--" she sniffles. "And then I messed up more. She... got mad and left. She took the information we'd gathered and walked out. Told me she didn't want to see me again."

[12:00 PM] DM: "In all our research, all the information we'd gathered, we'd never found any hint of anyone who had ever looked for the Gray and survived. Not one."

[12:07 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak places a hand on Malica's knee without much thought, "I...appreciate y' tellin me all this." she pauses a moment, lost in her memories "Y'did so much for her, and I know it came from an honest place." She looks Malica in the eye. "I just hope ye don't...it wasn't yer fault. Ancy is just...was just...a captivatin' woman. And workin' so close with someone fer  a time well...feelin's happen." she comes out of her wistful state suddenly and returns her hand to her lap "I...sorry. Again with th' touchin...." She chuckles to herself and shakes her head. "I'm just...a real mess these days."

[12:12 PM] DM: She shakes her head. "It's... fine. You're ok, and... I thought you should know. All of it. But you're wrong... about me. It was selfish. I was selfish. I shouldn't have... and now she's... gone and I'm here with you and neither of us is with her and..." She trails off and then you hear in the smallest voice, "there's nowhere to run."

[12:15 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Hey," she brushes a bit of hair behind Malica's ear "I meant what I said. That I'd protect ye. I don't make promises I can't keep." She struggles a bit to smile, eyes still red from recent tears "I'm gonna do everythin' I can t' make good on that. And as for Ancy..." she goes to fiddle with a loop of leather that isn't there "I...I might have a way t' find her."

[12:21 PM] DM: She looks confused for a moment, then her eyes widen in realization, then fear. "Poni? But... she... it's been months. And you might be able to protect me from the people here, but... if you--" She takes a deep breath to give herself time to string together more than three words. "If you go looking, you will find them... and you can't protect anyone from them. They will find you even if they have to go through everyone you love to do it."

[12:23 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "I...know it seems insane but. Well, it's hard t' explain but...I pledged my love t' her fer life" she sighs "I...have t' try."(edited)

[12:24 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "As long as there's a way...I have t' try."

[12:25 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: She sits silently for a bit, mulling over her thoughts, "Thank ye again, Malica. I needed t'  hear the whole story." She moves to stand(edited)

[12:28 PM] DM: She looks conflicted, but shakes her head. "I-- I'm sorry. I can't. My best chance is to just... keep moving. Keep changing. I can't help you... but... good luck? And... if you do somehow manage to find her... please just... tell her I'm sorry."

[12:31 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "I understand. I wouldn't ask me t' put yerself in danger." she places her hands on her hips "But...if there's anythin' else y' can tell about these Gray, t' give me some kind of idea of what I'd be dealin' with I'd appreciate it." she walks backwards a bit, slowly "For now...I think we both should get some sleep." she reaches the door, resting a hand on the rough wood "G'night, Malica."

[12:32 PM] DM: "Good night."

## Session 32

[4:53 PM] DM: As you pause at the door to say good night, you hear the sound of armor outside and a door swing open. Before you can really place the sound, you hear a thumping at the door you're standing at. A metallic thump like a gauntlet on wood. Malica shrinks back at the noise.

[4:54 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak freezes, unsure of how to handle what she knows to be armed guards. All her equipment is in her room. She puts a hand to the door and turns "Malica," she whispers "Get in the bed."

[4:56 PM] DM: She looks confused for a second, but does.

[4:56 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: She opens the door a crack and puts on her best tired voice "Hullo. Can I help ye...?"

[4:57 PM] DM: Outside is the steel-covered woman you'd encountered before, outside the temple, and a guard in leathers with the Moonstream crest on her chest. The paladin moves to push the door open further. "You're wanted back at the mansion."

[4:58 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: She pushes back a bit on the door "Come now y've just woken me an' my wife ere and yer tellin me I gotta drop everythin' and head t' where did ye say? The mansion?"

[5:03 PM] DM: Tor pushes the door open. She shoves it open hard enough to push you back a bit and reaches for her sword, but doesn't draw it. "I'm only going to say it once more. You and your "wife". Mansion. Now."

There are no windows on the second floor.

[5:05 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Alright now, let's relax a bit..." she holds her hands out in front of her to distance herself from the paladin. She looks back at Malica, a look of concern on her face, "We'll come with ye. Just...don't hurt her."

[5:10 PM] DM: She steps back from the door and gestures for you both to move.

[5:10 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak holds out her hand to Malica, giving a reassuring nod.

[5:11 PM] DM: Malica follows, shying away from the very intimidating looking steel-woman as you pass her.

[5:13 PM] DM: The Moonstream guard takes the lead with the Mirranite walking behind you, watching you for threats, and they take you towards the mansion. Outside, there's a man in leather armor standing at the door to the mansion like he's on guard.

[5:14 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak looks around, taking in the whole scene, her mind working a million miles a minute to figure out what in the Hells is happening. "Can I ask what exactly's goin' on?"

[5:16 PM] DM: They lead you into the dining hall where you had dinner just a couple hours prior.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[8:29 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Aye, here's hopin' Kendall can work her magic and fix all this." Urrak sighs, taking a moment to think and goes back over to Malica for a moment

[8:31 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Guess I'm still a pretty bad liar, eh?" She says softly to Malica, a mischievous smile on her face

[8:32 PM] DM: She looks up, confused. "That you cared about her or that you didn't?"

[8:33 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "I do care about Seir, and truly I was angry with 'er. I was talkin' about the fiasco at the inn but, I suppose ye think I'm more cunnin' than I truly am."

[8:33 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "I'm...sorry ye got dragged int'a all this."

[8:34 PM] DM: Malica: "Oh... no, I don't think anyone would be fooled by the 'wife' claim. It's... ok. I just want to get out of here."

[8:35 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak laughs a bit louder than she expected "Yup, never was good at lyin'..." she takes a breath "I'll get you outta here. Don't worry. Then ye can go back t' bein'...low profile I suppose."

## Session 33

[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."

[11:58 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak looks around, wondering where Ryleigh might've gone. She thinks back to their conversation and a chill runs down her spine. "I-I should go. I'll catch up with ye later." She walks quickly out of the basement and towards the Cask

## Urica and a side of Ry

[4:44 PM] DM: It's somewhere between four and five Day 8. You just got back from dinos and dragons and when Cae was called away by a messenger from her wife, you realized Ryleigh still hadn't returned... and the conversation you'd had about Cyan ran through your head, so you took off for the Cask. You basically followed Cae back to the square, splitting off from her as you came to your different destinations. Everything seems pretty much the same out here. There's a woman guarding the outside of the mansion still. The Cask is still quiet, only a handful of commoners left in the place.

[4:45 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak walks upstairs, her pace quickened slightly. She returns to the room Malica had been in the night before. She knocks rapidly. "M-Malica? Y'there?"

[4:46 PM] DM: The door opens a bit, then further once she sees you. "Is everything ok?"

[4:47 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "A-Ah, yes. Everything is...great. D'ye mind if I come in?" Her breath is labored as she speaks, but she puts on  a small smile when she sees her.

[4:48 PM] DM: She opens the door to let you through. "Of course. Please."

[4:49 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak walks, and tries to keep herself from wringing her hands. She looks down at the floor and then to Malica. "So...there's been a few developments as of late. Y'mind?" she again motions to the bed, as she feels her legs begin to tremble.

[4:50 PM] DM: She shakes her head and gestures to the bed. She looks nervous at your demeanor.

[4:52 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: She takes a deep breath before she begins. Her armor feels so much heavier on her body at this moment. "I spoke with Ryleigh earlier. About uh....y'bein'...what ye are."(edited)

[4:52 PM] DM: Her eyes go wide and her face pales even more than it was.

[4:53 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak shoots up and goes over to her, arms outstretched "E-easy now. It's alright. She's...alright. She won't hurt ye."

[4:55 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "She wanted t' see ye and talk. She told me she'd come unarmed and unarmored." softly, she places her hands on Malica's shoulders

[4:57 PM] DM: She looks like she has about 40 things running through her head at once, but it's mostly fear and worry you see. "Are-- Do-- She won't?"

[5:00 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Malica, please, try t' calm down." she takes her face in her hands, remembering days with Ancy and the bouts of panic she would have. She catches her eyes "She won't hurt ye. I promise. If she even looks at ye funny, it'll be the last thing she sees. Do ye trust me, Malica? Truly?"

[5:04 PM] DM: She reaches up with one hand and puts it over yours and nods slightly. "If you... ok. I'll do what you think is best."

[5:07 PM] DM: She seems to be everything you see. Frightened and panicked but calmed by your reassurance and presence.

[5:10 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak moves her hands away with a small smile. "I just...wanted t' let you know. I hope yer not angry with me." She sighs "I feel...I feel like the rest of the group'll be fine as well. An' havin' all that support, hopefully will help ye too. I've noticed...since ye became Malica, y've been a shell o' yer former self. I just...need t' know. Is this...the real you, or just another face?" she pauses "Figuratively speakin' a'course."

[5:16 PM] DM: She kind of huffs a half-laugh and looks away. "They're... they're all *faces*. I... I am who I need to be." She rubs her arms. "I'm not even--" She sighs and looks at you. "You want to know if I'm just manipulating you. Making an ally in case I need one."

[5:18 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "I think any allyship requires a degree of trust and understandin', sure. I'm not tryin' t' accuse ye of anythin' I just...I been taken advantage of before. As ye know." she looks away as the last words leave her lips. She folds in on herself a bit, crossing her arms across her chest, the mariner's plate clinking awkwardly as she does.

[5:29 PM] DM: "To be honest, I... don't know how to turn it off. Even if I wanted to just 'be me', whatever that means, I wouldn't know how. I... I've been as honest as I can be since I showed you who I am. I don't mean..." her voice drops to a near whisper. "I can't help what I am." She looks back at you, right in the eyes. "I am scared, yes. I am... uncomfortable being here where I can't leave. I'm worried that any moment I could disappear and be caught in the wrong body. I don't think I'm doing anything more than what anyone would do when someone as good and pure and strong as you steps up for them, but if I was, could you blame me?"

[5:30 PM] DM: She looks away again, hugging herself. "I understand if... if you can't trust me. I'm used to it."

[5:59 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak looks at her, conflicted. Standing there before her was the woman who revealed to her the deepest secret she had...and yet there was also someone who could be anyone at anytime. Someone who might have used those gifts of shifting their form and face to their advantage in the past, with great effect. However, there was something in her eyes that told Urrak she was telling her the truth as best she knew it. Someone who needed her. Her heart beats hard in her chest...it'd been so long since she truly felt needed, and  while those feelings certainly don't help matters, they do solidify her goals in her mind. She pauses, breathes, unfolds herself and turns Malica's face  to hers with a soft hand to her chin "I trust ye, Malica. I truly do. Whatever face ye put on today or tomorrow...I trust you. All I ask is ye do the same fer me."(edited)

[6:05 PM] DM: She nods, tears starting to well up in her eyes. She pushes forward and throws her arms around your waist despite barely being as tall as your shoulder, if that. "Thank you."

[6:09 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak holds her close, her face turning a deep pink. She rubs her back softly "I'm gonna keep you safe, Malica. I swear it." she lingers longer than what feels appropriate, but soon she lets her go. She struggles to stop her face from betraying her feelings and turns away a moment. "I uh...I should...find Ryleigh. Th-that is if yer up t' seein' her this evenin'."

[6:10 PM] DM: She steps back. "Sorry... I just... got carried away. I'll do what you think is best. Will... you be there too?"

[6:13 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "A'course. I wouldn't let ye go through this alone." She smiles at her, laughing internally at her own foolishness "I'll be there. Don't worry." She looks around the sparse room a moment, "Is there....anythin I can bring back fer ye? Seems a rather dull hideout t' me"

[6:15 PM] DM: She shakes her head and shrugs a little. "I'm used to traveling light. I've got what I need and... if I need something else I have ways to get it. I don't want to trouble you."

[6:17 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak chuckles a bit "Aye ye...ye can take care o' yerself I'm sure." She lets a breath out through her nose, a sideways grin on her face. "Alright then, I'll be back a bit later on. Try not t' miss me too much" she winks clumsily and turns to leave

Urrak's leaving the Cask. Ryleigh's headed back to the square from south after checking to find the basement empty.

[8:21 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak walks into the square, she looks around, hoping to catch a glimpse of shimmering black armor among the common folk. Her heart is still racing a bit, but no longer out of fear. Now, it's full of hope.

[8:22 PM] Ryleigh: Once Ryleigh reaches the square she spot Urrak, "Urrak! You guys had all the fun without me!"

[8:23 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Ah, Ryleigh! There ye are." she smiles at the Paladin "We missed ye in there. I hope what ye had t' do was worth not seein' a couple o' dinosaurs and and dragon babies."

[8:25 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh chuckles, "ah, it was important. I'm still sorry I missed out..sounds like a good time. You were looking for me?"

[8:26 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Aye, I was. I spoke t' Cyan earlier and she's willin' t' talk t' ya. She's back at the Cask, upstairs." She fiddles with a strap on her armor, still unused to the heavy plate "If ye'd like, I can take y' to her."

[8:29 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh observes Urrak with a raised eyebrow, "You're nervous..." She then nods and reassures, "I already said I wouldn't hurt her."

[8:30 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "A'course I'm nervous, Ry." She sighs and knits her brows together "This...this could mean a great deal. T' both of us." after a moment she laughs lightly and shakes her head "I trust ye won't hurt her, cuz you know what'll happen if ye do." She winks and places a hand on Ryleigh's breastplate. "C'mon, she's waitin'."(edited)

[8:33 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh shakes her head but smiles regardless, "Lead the way."

[8:35 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak leads Ryleigh back into the Cask and ascends the stairs slowly. She's sweating, though this time it isn't from her armor. They reach the nondescript wooden door and with a slightly trembling hand she knocks softly. "It's me."(edited)

[8:36 PM] DM: There's a short pause, then the door opens a crack, then more fully, letting you inside.

[8:36 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak pauses at the door. She turns to Ryleigh and looks her up and down . "Our agreement?"

[8:37 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh unhooks the sword and whispers to it, "I'm right here in the room - you aren't alone." Then places it right inside the door.

[8:38 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak clears her throat comically loud "Yer armor."(edited)

[8:39 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh smiles, "I usually have a girl buy me a drink first." She turns around and suggestively asks, "would you?"

[8:41 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak laughs and shakes her head. The levity has made her hands steady and firm for a spell. She undoes the straps and helps to lift the breastplate over Ryleigh's head "Guess I'm just a charmer. No drinks needed."

[8:43 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh just laughs and shakes her head, she then undoes the claps on her leg armor and shimmies out of it. Placing it next the breastplate, "There, satisfied?" she spins in place.

[8:44 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak's eyes linger playfully on her "Very."

[8:44 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh rolls her eyes so hard they almost disappear into her head.

[8:46 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Slowly Urrak walks inside. The nerves slowly worm their way back into her brain. "Alright then..." She takes a breath and turns back to the paladin "Ryleigh...I believe y've met Malica, right?"(edited)

[8:47 PM] DM: She's standing behind the door, waiting for you both to enter.

[8:47 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh walks in, then addresses Malica, "we have, at dinner the other night."(edited)

[8:48 PM] DM: She closes the door once Ryleigh's inside too.

[8:48 PM] DM: She's got one arm crossed over her chest, holding her other arm, not really making eye contact.

[8:49 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: She nods. "Aye." Urrak walks over, placing a hand on Malica's shoulder and squeezing lightly. She asks in a low, soft voice "Could ye....show her?"

[8:51 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh holds up a hand, "you don't have to. If Urrak says you were who we called Cyan, I believe her."

[8:52 PM] Ryleigh: "You shouldn't feel more uncomfortable than you already are."(edited)

[8:53 PM] DM: In a very small voice she says, "I'm sorry... for what I did."

[8:59 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh sighs, "I appreciate the apology, but words are empty without action. I believe that in time your apology will prove true." She then runs her hand through her hair, "I hurt a lot of people once, people I was supposed to protect, because I was under someone's enchantment." Ryleigh looks at Malica, "You hit a sore spot when you charmed me. But I owe you an apology. In my line of work, the crime must fit the punishment and death isn't a fair punishment for a charm that caused no harm."(edited)

[9:01 PM] DM: Malica nods. "I understand."

[9:02 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak's grip on Malica's shoulder tightens a bit as Ryleigh speaks, but loosens once she finishes. "Ryleigh here's just...very dutiful. We're alike in a way, though our methods are bit different."(edited)

[9:03 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh's eyes don't leave Malica's, "I believe you have caused yourself more suffering than any punishment I could hand out."

[9:06 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak swallows "A-Aye. Perhaps yer right." She removes her hand but stays close, her hands find themselves a new place to rest, crossed and gripping her biceps. She looks to Malica to Ryleigh "So, where do we go from here?"

[9:09 PM] DM: Malica chews her lip a little and looks up at Urrak. "I can just stay here if it's easier on everyone."

[9:11 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Like yer some kinda prisoner? That ain't fair t' ye." she frowns "There's better options I'm sure."(edited)

[9:12 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh looks concerned, "easier for everyone, or do you mean easier for you?" She offers a small smile and says, "Malica, if I was your biggest concern, then what do you have to fear from the others?"

[9:13 PM] DM: Malica: "...everything."

[9:14 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Y've seen 'em, they'd take anyone int'a their band o' misfits." Urrak offers a half smile "You know they'd protect ye as fiercely as me or Ry." she looks to Ryleigh for confirmation.(edited)

[9:15 PM] Ryleigh: "The others won't care and if they do..." she looks at Urrak and smiles then back to Malica, "you have all the muscle on your side."

[9:17 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak walks over to her, an errant hand brushing a bit of hair behind her ear "It's frightenin' I'm sure but...I made a promise. You'll stay safe s'long as I'm around."

[9:18 PM] DM: "I just... whenever people find out, I have to leave and... I *can't* here. And what happens if you leave?"

[9:19 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Then y'have Ryleigh here. And if we let the others know, no matter which one of us leaves, someone else'll be there. I--w-we *want* ye here, Mal. Y'don't have t'leave."(edited)

[9:21 PM] DM: She looks down, tears welling up in her eyes.

[9:24 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh takes a step forward, but stops short, unsure of her place, "Living life on the run is no way to live. You're standing on a precipice, take the leap and trust us. I believe our group of misfits will surprise you where others have failed."

[9:25 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak straightens up a bit, remembering Ryleigh's presence. She coughs awkwardly "Aye, Ryleigh's right. We're all pretty surprisin'."(edited)

[9:25 PM] DM: She takes a deep breath and looks up at Urrak again. "I... I'll do what you think is best. I trust you."

[9:30 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh moves to the door, "I'll let you two discuss this further." As she opens it she looks back a Malica and says, "Stop punishing yourself...you deserve better than what this world has shown you." She pulls the door completely open and leaves.

## Urica

[9:32 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Oh Ry--ah. She's gone." Urrak turns to Malica. "Well then. Tomorrow ok? For...meetin' everyone?" she asks awkwardly as she runs a hand through her hair. She didn't realize how much she was sweating...

[9:35 PM] DM: "You know where I am. Whenever you think is best."

[9:35 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak sighs a bit "Malica...y'know ye have a say in this as well. It's yer life. I'm not here t'...t' *control* ye."

[9:38 PM] DM: "I know. It's just... I walked in at the wrong time last night. I don't want to do that again."

[9:40 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak laughs a bit "Aye ye did. But don't worry, we've...no plans t' go back there anytime soon." she takes Malica's hands in her own "Just...meet us downstairs, mid-mornin'. They'll all be here." she gives her hands a light squeeze. "Everythin's gonna be alright. Just remember t' breathe fer me."

[9:41 PM] DM: "If we're going to do this... can we keep it small? Just the group? I don't... I don't want everyone to know."

[9:44 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "A'course. Wouldn't dare let it get past the group. We're here t' keep ye safe, not t' out ye t' all of Bellbury."

[9:46 PM] DM: She nods and squeezes your hands back. "Ok. ...thank you. I know you're doing everything you can think of to help. I appreciate it, even knowing why."

[9:49 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "I'm here fer anyone what needs help." Urrak lingers there a moment before she realizes what she's doing. She drops Malica's hands and begins to twist her own fingers, shame plain on her face. She knows she's already gotten far too close. "An...a'course. T' find Ancy" she swallows hard, her eyes flickering from the ground back to Malica.(edited)

[9:51 PM] DM: A sad smile flickers on and off her lips. "I don't want to make this harder for you. I'm sorry."

[9:54 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "N-no, it's" she puffs a sharp breath through her nose, its bridge now a deep crimson. "No, this is...all on me." She turns and paces a bit "It's...no matter what face ye put on....that connection is there. It's...difficult. But--" she turns back around "It's not yer fault, and my mission's the same as it was. Feelin's or no."

[9:55 PM] DM: She gives you just the faintest smile, the first hint of the person you knew as Cyan peeking through. "If it helps I could go back to Beiro. You weren't interested at all then."

[9:57 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Y-ye were Beiro too?" Urrak breaks down into hysterics "Son of bitch! Incredible..." she places her hands on her hips and shakes her head "Please...don't bring back Beiro. One encounter was enough" a great toothy grin is plastered to her face as she speaks "He was insufferable."(edited)

[10:00 PM] DM: She looks down and laughs in this nearly soundless chuckle. "He has his uses." She looks back up, still smiling just a little, and shrugs. "Honestly, though, I've always felt more comfortable in more feminine bodies. I'd rather not be Beiro either."

[10:05 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Glad we can agree." she wipes a few tears from her eyes and takes some breaths to quell the laughter. "Alright. I'll leave ye be...Unless..." she stops herself "No no, I'll leave ye be. Been a real hectic evenin' fer ye I can imagine." She walks backwards towards the door. "Might get a bit o' rest m'self. If ye need me...y'know where t'find me." She begins to open the door(edited)

[10:07 PM] DM: "...you know where I am too. Have a good evening."

[11:16 AM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak pauses the at the door, her back hunched from bending to reach the handle. Her other hand rests on the doorframe, gripping it tight as the heavy door squeaks ajar. She takes a deep breath, her mind running a mile a minute. Slowly, she closes the door. The soft thud is deafening. "Mal..." she begins, her back straightening, but still to Malica "...I'm scared."

[11:19 AM] DM: She takes half a step forward. "Of what?"

[11:24 AM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Slowly and silently Urrak crosses the room. Once she reaches Malica,  swift hands brush the hair from her face, cup her cheeks and pull her into a kiss. It feels like an eternity to Urrak but lasts but a few chaste seconds. She pulls away, her hands still cradling Malica's face. Her eyes flit this way and that, scanning Malica's expressions, gauging her reaction "Of *this*..." her voice is low and almost hoarse. She looks down for a second "It...terrifies me."(edited)

[11:33 AM] DM: She closes her eyes for a second, trying to gather her thoughts, and when she opens them, they're watery. "I am too." She lets out a breathy laugh. "I won't pretend that I'm built to last, but I don't want you to look back on me with regret. If... *this* is what you want from me, you have it." She tilts her head with a little shrug. "You have since I first met you."

[11:45 AM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Mal...I..." she closes her eyes and bows her head. Her hands drift down Malica's arms and hold tight "Mal I'm not...I'm not who ye think I am." She straightens up, lets her go, and walks a couple steps away, her back to Malica once more. "I'm not some...*knight* in shinin' armor..." she grips the back of a pauldron and tears it loose, soon, in a flurry of motion, she's done the same with the rest of her armor. As she throws the last bit in the pile, she turns back, "This is who I am. Just..." she walks towards Malica again, a hand clutching at the leather pouch beneath her tattered traveler's shirt "Just some confused fool."

She lets the pouch go drops to her knees softly before Malica and looks up at her, tears not welling, but leaking from her eyes "I'm not principled like Ryleigh, or compassionate like Rav or...even as sensitive as Seirixiori." she wraps her arms around Malica's waist and buries her face in her stomach. "I'm just some brute with no control over her own feelin's. A bundle o' nerves in a bloody blue tunic." she laughs a watery laugh and breathes deeply. "I'm not as good and pure and strong as ye think I am...not by a long shot."

[11:57 AM] DM: She pulls back just far enough that she can kneel too, so she can look at your face. She puts her hand to your cheek and pulls your face back up so you're looking in her eyes. "The thing about always being on the run... I can pick out the good ones in a crowd. The ones I know I can trust. I saw that in you immediately. Even after everything I've told you, that you're here now... it's *everything*. I don't need a knight in shining armor... I don't need anything more than what you're already giving me."

[12:02 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: A sob wracks her body as she closes her eyes tight and grits her teeth. Her hand drifts up to cover the half-elf's "M-Malica...I" but she can't seem to get the words out. Her voice is stretched, scratchy, and so very unlike her in this moment. "*I..*." still the words won't come, but in their place she kisses her again. It is desperate, pleading, painful and yet, everything she's wanted these past few days.(edited)

[12:09 PM] DM: She melts into the kiss, subtly encouraging you to take what you want or need from her.

[12:16 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak breaks away, burying her face in Malica's neck. She kisses the skin there softly, but makes no further advances as her shame creeps down her spine. "Malica...I...can we not...tell the others...just yet? About...?" she hesitates to say "us" feeling as though it gives their situation too much weight all at once. Her breath is slightly laboured as she attempts to stop her tears. Her hands grip at Malica's back, wanting to hold her closer, closer, closer. Softly, almost child-like, she breathes "*Please*...?"

[12:18 PM] DM: She wraps her arms around you and tries to comfort you. "Of course. My life is nothing but secrets. I understand."

[12:21 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Th-thank ye, Malica..." she lingers there, taking in the dusty smell of the room and the warm feeling of Malica's skin on her face. "I just...as ye know...this is all so..." she lifts her head and looks into her eyes "It's just...so very..." the words stick in her throat(edited)

[12:23 PM] DM: She laughs softly. "Complicated?"

[12:24 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak cracks a small, crooked smile "Horribly so."

[12:29 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: She leans back on her haunches, running her sleeve across her face to catch any stray tears. Her heart is pounding in her chest, violent and frightened. "So...horribly complicated." She looks to Malica, and takes her hands in hers, thumbs brushing the tops of them as she thinks. Her face falls.

"Where do we go from here?"(edited)

[12:33 PM] DM: She smiles, one side quirking up higher than the other. "Well we can't really *go* anywhere... that's part of the problem. But... anywhere. Whatever you want, whenever you're ready." She pauses and glances over her shoulder like she can see the bar through the walls and floor, then back at you. "Do you still want to tell them about me?"

[12:39 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Her mind goes to the worst places as she hears Malica talk of being essentially trapped here, in this room, until this is all over, but she banishes those thoughts for now. After a brief moment of contemplation, Urrak nods "Yes, absolutely. Tellin' the group...it ain't about me. It's about protectin' you. Havin' a group o' people who care about ye and will keep ye safe..." she tucks some hair behind Malica's ear, her rough fingers tracing its pointed outline "I can't lose ye...not now."(edited)

[12:40 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Also," she smiles warmly "I'm just a bloody *terrible* liar."

[12:41 PM] DM: She laughs softly and nods. "You are that. I like that about you though. I don't associate with many honest people."

[12:43 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Well I certainly hope you'll continue t'...*associate* with me." she looks down and chuckles, embarrassed by her own joke

[12:45 PM] DM: She leans in and kisses you, then pulls back. "For as long as you'll have me."

[12:50 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak moves to stand, offering a hand to help Malica do the same. She straightens her clothes, smooths her hair and looks over at the pile of steel plate she tossed near the wall. "I'll uh...pick that up." she turns to Malica. "The group'll most likely be back 'ere later on. I know I said tomorrow mornin' but...if yer up to it..." she rubs the back her neck, certain her face hasn't been it's usual shade of green since she first kissed her. "It's entirely yer decision."(edited)

[12:52 PM] DM: She lets you help her up and puts her hand over yours. "Like I said... whenever you think is best. You'll know better than I will and I trust you."

[12:58 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak brings her hand to her lips and kisses it softly. "Aye, alright." she walks to the side of the bed and sits down, taking a moment process what she's started. Her eyes look across the wood floor to the ragged rugs, to the base of the nightstand, worn by hundreds of clumsy boots, and back to Malica. "I'm-I'm not tryin' t' pull anythin' but...d'ye mind if I just...rest here a bit? Until the others come?"(edited)

[1:00 PM] DM: "Of course not. I feel safer when you're around."

[1:04 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Then would ye...would ye join me?" she can't look at her as she speaks, her face aflame with a combination of embarrassment and nerves, but a small smile stretches across her lips once she finishes.

[1:07 PM] DM: She smiles and walks towards you with her hands out to take yours. She teases, "This is you not pulling anything?"

[1:10 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak takes her hands and pulls her on top  of her. She wraps her in her arms and kisses the top of her head "Oh, you'll know when I'm tryn' t' pull somethin'" she brushes Malica's hair from her face, a smug grin playing across her lips "I'll promise ye that."

## Session 34

[7:01 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh continues up the stairs and knocks at a door and says, "Urrak, we're all meeting back up downstairs. So...stop whatever you two are doing in there and join us, please." She then turns around and walks back downstairs to sit with Seir.

[7:06 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak jolts up when she hears the paladin's voice, disturbing the sleeping woman in bed with her. "A-Aye I'll meet ye down there!" She apologizes to her dark haired companion and sprints out of bed. She ties her hair up and fixes her clothes. They look sweaty and a little torn. She turns to her bedmate, and motions for her to get up and out of the room.

[7:03 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: "Hello there," Brimeia begins to boom before dropping off to softer, "...friends?" at the sight of the deserted looking Cask.

[7:04 PM] Seirixori: "She's back, yay." Seirixori says in the most monotone voice when she hears Brimeia walk in.

[7:05 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: "Nice to see you too, Seirixori. Lovely as ever I see"

[7:06 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: After a few minutes, you see her come down the stairs. "Ah, hullo everyone. Brimea."

[7:08 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh takes in Urrak's appearance through narrowed eyes then looks at Brimea, "Hello, again."

[7:09 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak smiles nervously at Ryleigh, unable to hold her gaze for long. "I'm glad yer all here, in one place."

[7:09 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: "And you as well, Ryleigh."

[7:09 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: At the sight of Urrak's state, Brimeia's eyebrows rise playfully. "Have a good night?" She winks.

[7:11 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak's face reddens as her body tenses "I didn't...It's not like that." she mutters(edited)

[7:11 PM] DM: Malica comes down the stairs shortly after, pausing at the bottom when she realizes the conversation she interrupted.

[7:12 PM] Seirixori: "See, it would have been fine." Seir mutters.

[7:12 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: "No need to be embarrassed, friend!" Brimeia answers with a friendly laugh

[7:12 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Ah everyone, this is who I wanted t' talk t' ye all about. I've good news." She speedwalks across the pub, and sits at a table in the far back. She motions for the others to follow

[7:13 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: Brimeia follows and takes a seat. "Well do tell!"

[7:13 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak looks over to the red tiefling "Bri, please." Something about her face and balled fists tells you she's serious(edited)

[7:14 PM] Seirixori: Seir follows, still pouting.

[7:14 PM] DM: Malica walks over and stands next to a chair next to Urrak.

[7:15 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh just watches the others.

[7:16 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: "What?" She shrugs, uncertain what's going on.

[7:17 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak looks around the table and to the Asten off to the side. She looks up at Malica and then to the group again. She takes a deep breath and begins "So, ye remember Cyan...?"

[7:18 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: "Yeah...?"

[7:18 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Well y've noticed she's been absent here these past couple days, right?"

[7:19 PM] Seirixori: Seir just motions for Urrak to continue.

[7:19 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: She looks to the side of Seirixiori, clearly embarrassed "And I told ye she poofed? Back t' Westband?"

[7:19 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: "I... haven't been around, so no?"

[7:20 PM] Seirixori: "Urrak, just say whatever it is and stop drawing this out."

[7:22 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak chuckles, dipping her head down. She interlaces her fingers and brings them to her chin. "Well that was a lie. Cyan never left. In short...and I'm gonna need ye t' keep yer bloody voices down fer this....Cyan is Malica. Malica is Cyan. She's--" she drops the tone of her voice "A changeling."

[7:22 PM] DM: For reference, most of you have probably heard stories about changelings. They're like the boogey man. Stories say anything from 'they murder people and steal their faces' to 'they steal and eat babies'.(edited)

[7:23 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: "A changeling."

[7:23 PM] DM: And she looks very nervous.

[7:23 PM] Seirixori: "Huh."

[7:23 PM] Seirixori: "Well, aren't you lucky it's me they're keeping an eye on."

[7:24 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak brings her hands down to the table, gripping them tightly together. She looks to the side, clearly upset "A-Aye."(edited)

[7:25 PM] Seirixori: Seir tilts her head, looking at Malica, "Does Gunnloda know?"

[7:26 PM] DM: She drops her head and shakes it. "No... I wasn't planning to tell anyone."

[7:26 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh remains silent, observing how the others take the news.

[7:28 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "I found out entirely by accident. I didn't want t' tell ye right away cuz I was afraid of how'd take th' news. So I told Ryeligh first....just in case...." she looks at the group from beneath her brow(edited)

[7:27 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: "So you're really Cyan?"

[7:28 PM] DM: "She's... one of my faces. One I--" she glances at Urrak. "I don't plan to use again."

[7:29 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: Brimeia looks thoughtful a moment. "That's a pretty neat trick."

[7:28 PM] Seirixori: Seir hums and sits forward, her elbow on the table, resting her chin on her hand, "...and...?"

[7:28 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "A-and?"

[7:29 PM] Seirixori: "Urrak..." Seir motions between herself and Brimeia, "We're tieflings."(edited)

[7:30 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "A-ah yes, I can...see that" Urraks face is a look of pure confusion. This is not how she thought this would go.

[7:31 PM] Ravaphine: Ravaphine peeks her head into the cask and sees her friends sitting down. She smiles and waves then takes an open seat

[7:31 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Oh, R-Rav you're 'ere."

[7:32 PM] Seirixori: "And we're... well I am, I don't know about Brimeia to be honest, treated pretty terribly. And while I generally don't trust most people because of that..." Seir just shrugs, "I'm not going to ... I don't know... be mad at someone else for... protecting themself?"

[7:32 PM] Seirixori: "If that's what's happening, anyway."

[7:33 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Well, that-that's great then." she looks up to Malica "*Right*?"

[7:35 PM] DM: Malica nods, slightly and smiles just a little at Seir. "It's like we have opposite problems. You get chased off right away and work your way into people's trust... I can be trusted at first, but once I'm found out... it's not usually such a... tepid response."

[7:34 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: "Oh. Were you expecting us to be bothered?"

[7:34 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Ah...y'know...a bit yeah." even in the relative dark of the pub you can see her sweating(edited)

[7:35 PM] Seirixori: Seir just shrugs, "Too much has happened lately that this is kind of... a nice change."

[7:35 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: "Oh, hello Ravaphine. I'm well, and yourself?"

[7:37 PM] Ravaphine: "I'm well" she smiles, "Got to visit my home again, but I was on the road when I poofed so I didn't get to  go back to visit mother. But being back felt nice"

[7:38 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: "That's a shame, Ravaphine. Still it's a pleasure to see your lovely face again." Brimeia winks

[7:37 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: "Fair enough, I suppose. Usually I do alright, but every once in a while I run into an unfriendly lot"

[7:38 PM] Seirixori: Seir grins, "Well, you haven't done anything to prove otherwise, that I know of." she just chuckles, "Don't worry, I'm sure I can do something stupid again and no one will pay attention to you at all."

[7:35 PM] Ravaphine: "Is everyone okay?" rav senses a little bit of weird energy between everyone

[7:37 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak interrupts their small talk, leaning over the table and loudly whispering "T'...bring ye up t' speed, Rav, Malica here's a changeling."(edited)

[7:40 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak continues "Y'know Cyan?" she points up "That's her. She's Cyan and Malica"

[7:40 PM] Ravaphine: Rav's jaw drops in an excited manner and she starts clapping softly, but regains composure. "That's so neat! I've only ever read about them and heard about them through stories"

[7:41 PM] Ravaphine: "Well, welcome to the family, Malica"

[7:40 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: This is going better than I thought,  she says to herself "A-aye. Neat.:(edited)

[7:41 PM] DM: Malica: "I... thank you all for your much kinder than normal reactions, but please... I don't want this to get out."

[7:41 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak coughs and tries to make herself seem very serious "Aye. This cannae leave this table."

[7:41 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: "Why? Wh-oh for safety? Are you on the run or something?"

[7:41 PM] Seirixori: "Brimeia." Seir rolls her eyes.

[7:42 PM] DM: She laughs softly. "People like me always are."

[7:42 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: "What?" She shrugs in Seirixori's direction.

[7:42 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh gets up and walks into the kitchen, when she returns its with drinks.

[7:43 PM] Seirixori: "Nevermind." Seir looks at Malica, "Oh um... not that...she might not want to talk to me right now but... well does that include Gunnloda or...?"

[7:45 PM] DM: She shakes her head and gingerly sits in the seat she's been standing at, but on the edge like she's ready to take flight again. "Gunnloda's a good person. If I'd known this was going to happen, I'd have told her myself."

[7:45 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: "Ah, thank you, Ryleigh."

[7:46 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak places a hand on Malica's shoulder, occasionally letting her thumb brush the cloth there. "Gunnloda has my trust 100%, always."(edited)

[7:46 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: She turns back toward Malica-Cyan. "What happened?"

[7:46 PM] DM: Malica: "I don't usually tell people. At all. A secret's easier to keep when there's only one."

[7:46 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: "Suppose that's true."

[7:47 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh lifts an eyebrow, "and I'm sure you have plenty of them."

[7:48 PM] DM: She looks down. "I... meant one person to keep it."

[7:48 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak gives Ryleigh a look, her eyes flashing in the low light. "I reckon we all do."

[7:49 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh shrugs, not agreeing or disagreeing.

[7:48 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: Brimeia chuckles in Ryleigh's direction. "Guess you're the odd one out in this bunch."

[7:49 PM] Seirixori: "So... not to... make light of this or anything, but was there a reason for this...?"

[7:52 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak turns to Seirixiori with a sigh. "I've promised Malica here that I would keep 'er safe, s'long as she's here in Bellbury. And well...I can't very well do that if I'm poofin' out at random times." she rubs her eyes with the heels of her hands. They felt completely dry, tapped out. "So i figured if our group knew, then even if me or Ryleigh or Rav are gone, she'd have folks willin t' protect 'er."

[7:54 PM] Ravaphine: "Thank you for sharing with us, Malica. We will do everything in our power to make sure we all stay safe"

[7:54 PM] Seirixori: Seir laughs, ruefully, "I'm not entirely sure you'll want to hang around me if Cae keeps following me around."

[7:55 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Beneath the table you see Urraks hand move a bit. "We'll see...s'long as no one blows 'er cover, she should be fine." she looks tense, as if she's trying to restrain herself(edited)

[7:55 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: "Always willing to help a pretty maiden," Brimeia grins

[7:56 PM] Ravaphine: Rav slides her drink to Urrak. "You look a little green there, my friend" she chuckles

[7:56 PM] Seirixori: "Ugh," Seir rolls her eyes.

[7:56 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh rolls her eyes at Brimeia.

[7:56 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: She puffs a sharp breath out of her nose "Har har."

[7:56 PM] Ravaphine: "But are you okay? You seem more stressed out that she does"

[7:57 PM] DM: Malica: "Oh... Um..." She takes the ring off her finger and hands it to Ryleigh. "You should probably have this back. I'm sorry I didn't earlier. I forgot and then it was too late."

[7:58 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh takes it, "we weren't missing it." She then eyes Urrak then looks around the table, "well, now that that's over with - Urrak, could I have a word with you, in the kitchen. It'll be quick."

[7:58 PM] Ravaphine: "We'll be here for a while," Rav jokes(edited)

[7:58 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak looks at Ryleigh oddly but complies "I...sure Ry."

[7:59 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh stands and walks to the kitchen.

[7:59 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak follows behind

[8:01 PM] DM: Malica watches them leave and starts fidgeting slightly with her hands in her lap.

[8:01 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: "So... What should I call you now?"

[8:02 PM] DM: Malica: "I-- Malica is fine for now."

[8:05 PM] Ravaphine: "Don't you think that's a little too personal of a question. Sorry about our friend here" she points her thumb in Brimeia's direction

[8:07 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: "What? What did I say? I just asked what name I ought to call her. Figured that's important."

[8:07 PM] DM: Malica shakes her head. "It's ok. I use a different name for each... well. It just makes it easier for me to keep track."

[8:08 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: "Huh. Sounds confusing to me, but so long as it suits you."

[8:09 PM] Seirixori: "Everything is confusing to you." Seir mutters, finishing the second drink, "Nolanos needs to hurry up."

[8:11 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: "Not my fault no one bothers to explain," Brimeia shrugs.

[8:02 PM] Seirixori: Seirixori grabs one of the drinks, looks at it an shrugs, downing it. "Ugh, why do people drink this?" She coughs, before reaching over and grabbing the one Rav passed to Urrak, and drinking it... only a little slower than the other one, "there are too many things happening." she mumbles.(edited)

[8:04 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: "Ok, Malica," Brimeia confirms. She's distracted a moment later by Seirixori's mumbling. "What, like besides you getting thrown in jail? Are... you still under arrest?"

[8:05 PM] Seirixori: Seir stares at Brimeia, "...Are we all suddenly in jail and I didn't notice?"

[8:06 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: Brimeia shrugs at Seirixori. "Well, you did get brought in abruptly last time I saw you, so .. who knows?"

[8:10 PM] Ravaphine: "will you be able to join us for more component missions then, Malica?"

[8:12 PM] DM: Malica: "I hadn't thought about it, but... if you needed the help? It would be nice to get out of here for a little bit. It's starting to feel claustrophobic."

[8:13 PM] Seirixori: "Yes, well, we're down a regular, because I'm an idiot."

[8:14 PM] Ravaphine: Rav rubs Seir's shoulder

[8:15 PM] DM: Malica: "Are you ok? I'm sorry..."

[8:16 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: "Wait, we lost someone? Who?"

[8:17 PM] Ravaphine: "It's been a rough few days"

[8:17 PM] Seirixori: "We didn't lose anyone." Seir mumbles, fidgeting with the empty cup, "Gunnloda left. And I'm..." Seir shrugs, "I was... not fine earlier, but now I'm kind of mad about it so. Just peachy."

[8:18 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: "Hey, at least you're not in jail anymore. Seems like an improvement from last I saw you."

[8:20 PM] Ravaphine: "She'll be back. I mean, partly because she won't have a choice until the arch is fixed. But I feel it in my gut she needs us just as much as we need her"

[8:21 PM] Seirixori: "Woohoo." Seir says sarcastically, reaching for another drink, "I just want to talk to her, without there being other pressing matters. Which is why Nolanos needs to hurry up."(edited)

[8:21 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: "Hmm? What's he gonna do?"

[8:22 PM] Seirixori: "Making me a *fancy* necklace."

[8:22 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: "And why aren't you more excited to be out of jail? I imagine that'd be an obstacle to talking to Gunnloda if you were."

[8:22 PM] Ravaphine: Ravaphine heads to the kitchen and pours a glass of OJ in a beer mug. She sets it in front of Seir. "This'll taste better"

[8:23 PM] Seirixori: "Thanks..." She takes it but doesn't drink it, "Because, jail would mean they weren't going to possibly kill me if I mess up again."

[8:24 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: "Kill you? That seems harsh."

[8:24 PM] Ravaphine: Rav rolls her eyes and gets up to rummage through the liquor cabinet.

[8:24 PM] Seirixori: "Yes, well." She just shrugs, "I'll be right back," Seir gets up and walks out of the Cask towards the forge.

[8:24 PM] Ravaphine: She pours in a shot of some random alcohol in the OJ. "Better?"

[8:25 PM] Ravaphine: Rav pouts and drinks the OJ herself while shuddering

[8:27 PM] Ravaphine: "Can I get you two something to eat or drink while we wait for Ryleigh and Urrak to stop making out?"

[8:29 PM] DM: Malica: "Umm... no, thank you."

[8:32 PM] DM: She seems to be honest. She's clearly a little uncomfortable like this is new to her, but she's not doing anything that makes you think she's lying about anything.

[8:30 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: "Ha. I'd be glad for a bite and a drink or two."(edited)

[8:31 PM] Ravaphine: Rav gets up and pours a mug of ale for Brimeia(edited)

*[*8:33 PM*]* Seirixori*:* Seir rushes in and slams the door, now sporting a metal disc on a leather strap around her neck, and peeks through one of the windows. Then she walks to the table, "So there's... people sort of just popped in and went to the mansion, like... *fancy* looking people."

*[*8:34 PM*]* DM*:* Malica looks up, panicked for a moment.

*[*8:34 PM*]* Seirixori*:* "I'm going to get Urrak and Ryleigh...wait here," she mutters before making her way into the kitchen.

 Urryleigh

[8:01 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh stands with her back to Urrak once they enter the kitchen.

[8:01 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Ry...? What's goin' on?" Urrak flexes her hands at her sides. She focuses sharply on Ryleigh(edited)

[8:06 PM] Ryleigh: "You need to be careful. I don't want a fight, but I just want you to be aware of what she's capable of." She turns around and looks at Urrak, "don't blind yourself with feelings, be mindful. I know you trust her, and please don't mistake my words, but I don't - not yet." Ryleigh's stance is completely open, she's being sincere.

[8:07 PM] Ryleigh: "That doesn't mean I'll hurt her, Urrak."

[8:11 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "What are talkin' about *feelin's* fer Ry? It...ain't like that. I'm just keepin' her safe." She balls her fists and breathes deeply "An' I do trust her Ryleigh she...." She pauses, holding a breath, but soon releases it as she turns around to walk away "....ah, a kid like ye wouldn't understand."

[8:14 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "If you'll excuse me, I'm goin' back t' table. I'll ask everyone there if I *bloody asked* for your opinion. I certainly don't remember it".(edited)

[8:18 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh just shakes her head, "Are you trying to convince yourself or me?...I'm just trying to help Urrak. But go on, I have nothing more to say." Ryleigh walks out of the kitchen in huff.

[8:19 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "*this human and her lectures*" Urrak stomps after Ryleigh "Hey, we ain't done here!" she reaches out to grab at her collar(edited)

[8:22 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh turns around before Urrak can grab her, "I don't want to fight with you Urrak." She walks forward, forcing Urrak to walk backwards back into the kitchen.

[8:23 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak stumbles back a bit. "What's this mood suddenly?" she spits out her words, harsh orcish growls rising from the bass "Not two hours ago ye were tryin' t' comfort me"(edited)

[8:24 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "And now yer tellin' me y'don't trust her?" She's visibly upset but also a bit frightened. The paladin always had this imposing presence, even when she was 7 inches shorter than the half-orc.(edited)

[8:28 PM] Ryleigh: "Nothing's changed Urrak, I'm not going to hurt her and I can see that she has suffered. I believe that she has been hurt in the past by people who don't understand what she is. I told her back in that room that her words were empty to me, her actions will prove whether or not she's trustworthy. But you touch her in a way that isn't just 'friendly' and I can see that. I just want you to be careful. That's all." Her voice isn't angry, she not speaking like she's lecturing Urrak, she sounds younger and a little desperate, "You're kind hearted and I've seen people like you get used, I just, I'm just...I just want you to be aware of what could happen."(edited)

[8:31 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Y'think I don't know the risks, Ryleigh? Y'think I haven't thought of all the ways it go horribly wrong? There's so much of this ye just don't understand. I appreciate yer concern but ye....y'just don't understand." she crosses her arms.(edited)

[8:33 PM] Ryleigh: "I don't have to understand to be worried." She freezes like what she said caught her off guard then continues, "That's all this is Urrak, worry for one of the few people I know in this town."

[8:35 PM] DM: Seir barges through the door.

*[*8:35 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh looks at her with a raised eyebrow, "what's wrong?"

*[*8:36 PM*]* Seirixori*:* "Your faces." Seir says then pauses, "Sorry, I might have... had drinks." She clears her throat, "There's some people in red robes that popped into the town square and some dude in white robes walked into the mansion. Thought you should know."

*[*8:37 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh looks at Urrak, "we'll continue this conversation later." And leaves the kitchen.

*[*8:38 PM*]* Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter*:* "I-I--!" Urrak stutters and follows after Ryleigh. She's angry but now also confused as hell

[8:39 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh comes through the kitchen doors, walks past everyone, and out of the cask to see what's going on.(edited)

[8:42 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak follows blindly behind, her eyes hyper focused at the paladin's golden hair "Wait just a fuckin' minute!" she flings open the doors of the Cask, catching them in motion from Ryleigh's exit. She's about to yell again when she sees the robes. She stops dead. "What in the world...?"(edited)

[8:42 PM] Ravaphine: Rav follows and smacks into Urrak's back(edited)

[8:46 PM] DM: So once you come outside, you can see a collection of six people standing outside the mansion, apparently waiting for something. There's a half-elven man with salt-and-pepper hair wearing green robes edged in gold and a human woman with long brown hair in olive green robes with silver edging. Next to them are three men, an elf and a half-elf in studded leather, both with shortswords, and a dwarf in blackened scale armor with a warhammer at his waist. There's also a human woman in a breastplate with a mace with short black hair. All four of these armored and armed people are wearing red tabards over their armor with the same gold dragon symbol in a shield-shaped border on their chests.

[8:47 PM] Seirixori: Seir finally makes her way back out of the kitchen and towards the others, "...I don't think I want to be here right now." she mutters, leaning against the doorjamb.

[8:50 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Who the hells are these folks? Circus performers?"

[8:50 PM] Ravaphine: “Wizards. All from Poni’s college”

[8:51 PM] Ravaphine: “We’re the circus performers remember?”

[8:51 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak chuckles. "Best and only circus in Vyon"

[8:51 PM] Ravaphine: Rav pulls out three citrus fruits from her bag and begins to juggle

[8:51 PM] Seirixori: "I make our costumes," Seir pipes up.

[8:52 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak points at Seir like "good job" with a huge smile. She calms down and gets serious "Are these those....spellguards?"(edited)

[8:52 PM] Ravaphine: “I think so. They look familiar from when I visited yesterday. Robes and all”

[8:55 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Maybe Seir shouldn't be here." she mumbles to herself, mulling it over for a second before "Malica!" Urrak whips around to find the half-elf

[8:55 PM] DM: You don't see her.

[8:56 PM] Seirixori: "I can just go to Poni's." Seir shrugs.

[8:56 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak stutter steps into the Cask "Malica?!" she looks everywhere

[8:57 PM] DM: You don't see her downstairs. There's only a few people still in there at all.

[8:57 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak sprints upstairs and goes to her door. She knocks "Malica are ye there?"

*[*8:58 PM*]*DM*:*She cracks the door open. "I'm here... I'm just... going to stay here a little longer. You know where to find me."

*[*8:59 PM*]*Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter*:*"Malica..." she puts a hand in the cracked door

 [8:58 PM] Ravaphine: "Seir, do you want to go to Poni's?"(edited)

[9:00 PM] Ravaphine: "Let's go help Urrak find Malica to make sure we are all accounted for" she says as she heads up the stairs to look for Urrak(edited)

[9:01 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh continues to stand outside.

[9:01 PM] Seirixori: "Maybe." Seir shrugs and turns to follow Urrak, stopping at the bottom of the stairs, "Urrak, you're very bad at not drawing attention to things."

*[*9:02 PM*]*Ravaphine*:*Rav walks up to where Urrak is

*[*9:02 PM*]*Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter*:*" Mal, wait..." she gently pushes open the door, without thinking she takes the woman's face in her hands and kisses her "Wait."

*[*9:04 PM*]*Ravaphine*:*"Ooops, sorry. I'll give you two some privacy" rav starts to walk backwards

*[*9:06 PM*]*Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter*:*Urrak whips around "R-Rav what're ye--?" Her face turns a deep crimson. "Shit." she looks at Malica, with deep concern "*Shit shit shit shit shit shit*. Stay here." She runs after the others

*[*9:08 PM*]*Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter*:*She shuffles after the elf "Rav, wait, wait..."(edited)

*[*9:13 PM*]*Ravaphine*:*"I'm so so so sorry for barging in like that. I just wanted to make sure everyone was accounted for" she says, kind of flustered

[9:14 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "N-n-n-n-n-n-no Rav. stop." She puts her hands on Rav's shoulders. "Please...don't say anythin'." she looks slightly down, into your eyes.(edited)

[9:17 PM] Ravaphine: "Is it...is that not allowed with your people? I know my mother loved a woman, and Seir and Gunnloda are also in love. We are a very accepting group if that's what you're worried about. You should know that by now, silly" she kind of pats Urrak's cheeks with both of her hands

[9:19 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Rav that's not...." she runs a hand through her hair "Ah, yeah Rav uhhh it's jus'" she stifles a laugh "It's jus' frowned upon. With...my people." she places her hands on her hips and shakes her head a bit

[9:20 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "So I'd appreciate it if ye didn't say anythin'...I'm not "out" here and I'm worried what other's'll think...." she tries to hide her laughs as coughs. "Let's get t' Poni's."

[9:21 PM] Ravaphine: "That still doesn't explain why you're so antsy right now," she tilts her head and gives her a questioning look. "Because your people are back home, not here"

[9:23 PM] DM: You are pretty sure she's lying.

[9:24 PM] Ravaphine: "We should. But we all know that we are both terrible liars. I'm not calling you a liar, but I'm not calling you a truther either"

[9:24 PM] Ravaphine: "What's wrong?" She asks, genuinely concerned

[9:26 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak sighs "Alright alright, y' got me." She crosses her arms "I'm askin ye, please...keep this close t' ya. Ryleigh would have my head if she knew". She starts to laugh until it occurs to her that that is an incredibly likely scenario.

[9:28 PM] Ravaphine: "I will. But...Any particular reason why?"

[9:29 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "T'be honest Rav, it's all...really complicated. Too much t' say now. We really should find the others." She looks over her shoulder and turns back to Rav, gripping her shoulders tight "I promise t' tell ye soon. Just...please? Let's go."(edited)

[9:32 PM] Ravaphine: "Okay....Let's head back to Poni's" she says, slightly agitated that everyone around her has so many secrets

 Ryleigh and Urrak

*[*5:02 PM*]* DM*:* Day 8, Late at Night.

Ryleigh came back with everyone through the portal and... it's dark. It's quiet. Everyone that was in the square is gone except that Moonstream guard. It's a different one now, the one that had brought you to the mansion when Usan summoned you all for the trial. Urrak didn't come through the portal with you all and now, an hour or two later...

*[*5:03 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh walks into the cask, and looks around.(edited)

*[*5:04 PM*]* DM*:* It's quiet. Most people have found beds somewhere and there's a couple people who are just passed out down here.

*[*5:05 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh goes upstairs, heading towards her room.

*[*5:09 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* She stops for a moment at Malica's door but decides to proceed to her room instead.

*[*5:12 PM*]* Urrak D'Akshi*:* You can hear muffled laughter and the makings of a casual conversation. After a time, loud foot steps can be heard walking across the room. The conversation continues until you hear the door creak open. "I'll be right back." you hear what sounds to be a horribly mangled elvish word at the end.

*[*5:14 PM*]* Urrak D'Akshi*:* She proceeds to close the door softly and make her way down the hall towards the stairs

*[*5:16 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh rolls her eyes at the *noise* from next door. Once it stops, she pokes her head out the door and sees Urrak walking down the hallway, "I hope you know what you're doing."

*[*5:18 PM*]* Urrak D'Akshi*:* Urrak stops mid step, her body tensing immediately. She turns to you, clothes disheveled, hair mussed, and a look of pure shame painted across her face. "Ryleigh..."

*[*5:19 PM*]* Urrak D'Akshi*:* "I...I..." she looks down at the floor and rubs at her neck, even in the dark, you can see a small dark mark when she pulls her hand away. "No, I'm...I'm tired of lyin'. Ryleigh can we talk...." she looks back towards Malica's room "Somewhere else?"(edited)

*[*5:21 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh walks back into her room for a brief moment, then steps fully into the hallway. As she reattaches Dawnbringer to her belt, she motions for Urrak to follow her down into the kitchen.(edited)

*[*5:23 PM*]* Urrak D'Akshi*:* Urrak eyes the blade, swallows hard and follows

*[*5:24 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "Don't worry, she just doesn't like being left alone." Ryleigh says casually - like it's totally not weird.(edited)

*[*5:26 PM*]* Urrak D'Akshi*:* "Well....alright then." she walks into the kitchen with Ryleigh and adjusts her breeches. They're old, tired, and near threadbare at the knees. Her tunic is just as well worn, with holes from rubbing against her belt at the bottom and a torn armpit. You can also see that she is is totally barefoot.

*[*5:26 PM*]* Urrak D'Akshi*:* "I'm sure y'have...a lot t' say t' me."

*[*5:29 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh pinches the bridge of her nose and sighs exasperatedly, "oh I have plenty of things I'd like to say to you" her eyes fly open and stare directly at you, "but you're an adult. I've said my bit, if you want to get yourself killed...." her stare is very intense, "I won't continue to try and stop you."(edited)

*[*5:31 PM*]* Urrak D'Akshi*:* "I....I understand. Ry, I...I really need t' tell you some things." She bites her lip and looks to the side of her "Before y'toss me aside completely." she looks into Ryleigh's eyes, her own appearing quite tired. Softly she adds "...Please."(edited)

*[*5:32 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "I'll listen to what you have to say."

*[*5:40 PM*]* Urrak D'Akshi*:* Urrak rubs her face, breathing deeply. She places her other hand on her hip for a spell. "Alright..."
She begins to tell you of the elf she fell in love with so many years ago. She was beautiful, intelligent, and highly skilled in all manners of deception and thievery. "She worked for a thieves guild, though I never caught its name. Her face, hands..." she pauses, remembering "Her body...were covered in these blue tattoos. Signs of status in the group." she tells of their marriage, and later of her departure. "Took everythin' what could catch some coin on the black market. All she left of her was a dagger, same dagger what pinned a note to the table." she stops to wipe a tear from her eye. " 'I'm sorry. I love you' that's all it said." She continues, skipping over her years of odd jobbing quickly as she felt they held no importance. Then "And then when I met Cyan....she....she looked just like her. Like a Ancy's ghost was there....mockin' me." she tells of how she found out about Cyan's abilities, of her transformation into Malica, and of the revelation of Ancy's whereabouts...or perhaps lack there of, and "The Gray. Mal said she was looking into the Gray before she left again." She attempts to explain how her and the changeling fell together, how the situtation became so incredibly entangled but feels like she isn't making much sense. "And so...here we are...I suppose."

*[*5:43 PM*]* Urrak D'Akshi*:* "I just....need everyone here t'...be on the same page. I'm so tired of keepin' secrets...and I hate that lyin's my first instinct, truly I do." she takes a breath "And...well..." she looks off and shakes her head. "I guess Ry, all I'm askin'...is for you--*us*--t' be...civil." She doesn't realize she's crying.

*[*5:53 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh walks over to Urrak and places a hand on her face, wiping away a few tears in the process. She quirks her head and gives a small smile, "Urrak, when were we not civil?..." she thinks back to tussle outside the cask, "well, except that one time you body slammed me into the wall" she laughs lightly then steps away Urrak.

"When we were in that tomb, with the specters, I made a mistake. I jumped into the that hole without thinking of the consequences, I forgot myself and made a rash decision. I should have paid with my life, but you jumped in after me...when you didn't have to. You took the hit the wraith intended for me..even if you didn't mean to." She inhales deeply, "I worry about you because its been a very long time since anyone has had my back." Ryleigh meets your eyes, "I don't trust her, but I do trust you. Only time will prove to me she has no ulterior motives. I don't approve, but I can tell that that doesn't matter."

*[*5:59 PM*]* Urrak D'Akshi*:* "Aye, Ry, yer opinion's never mattered much t' me." She winks clumsily through tears and mumbles after "*That's a total lie, by the way*" she tries to compose herself, tears welling in her eyes for a completely different reason now "I...I protect the people I care about. Whether ye want me or not." she elbows her like *yer stuck with me pal* "I just...I know it makes no sense t' ye. Frankly, it makes no sense t' me either. I mean, I don't know what t' even call it besides technically adultery but...and I don't know if y've felt this way or not," she runs a hand through her hair, as it passes, it falls to her chest, feeling for something that isn't there, "She makes me feel...*something*, and even if it's only for a short while...it helps."(edited)

*[*6:07 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "I understand the desperate need to feel something...to feel anything other than that all consuming sadness." She looks like shes trying hard to focus on the wall behind you "....I very much understand that feeling" but it isn't sadness you hear in her voice, it's darker than that, and you see her hand grip the sword on her hip. Ryleigh looks back at you, trying to refocus the conversation, "are you going to look for her? your wife."(edited)

*[*6:13 PM*]* Urrak D'Akshi*:* Urrak places a hand on her shoulder, offering some comfort. "Ancy left me, that's certain." She drops her hand and turns around, crossing her arms and stepping a few paces away as she does so. "That was...an intense hurt that I can still feel in me bones when I remember it." She hangs her head "Took me years of drinkin' and fightin' and hustlin' t' get any kind of ok with it." She turns back around, and looks to Ryleigh "I regret those years now...it was...time wasted. I should've gone after her. I should've at least tried." She walks back to the paladin "What Malica's told me....about Ancy, about the Gray...even with my recent" her face flushes "*indiscretions*...there's somethin' tellin' me t' try again. I feel that...if this Gray is as frightenin' and powerful as Malica claims, that I have to help her. I just have to." she rubs at her neck again, a look of frustration crawls across her features "I just...I don't know enough to be prepared yet. I'm not..." a few tears come again "I'm not strong enough...not yet."(edited)

*[*6:16 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh looks like shes concentrating, like she's wracking her brain to find something, "the Gray?"

*[*6:20 PM*]* Urrak D'Akshi*:* "Oh yeah...gods I skipped right over th' best part" the sarcasm is thick in her voice "The Gray...seem t' be a group of Vampires. Strong, scary ones. The kind o' group y' don't cross an, apparently...Ancy crossed 'em. Don't know how but...it explains why a such a fair elf was in Nampuli..." she passes a wistful breath through her nose(edited)

*[*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)

*[*6:44 PM*]* Urrak D'Akshi*:* Urrak watches her leave, surprised by her sudden departure "I...you too."

*[*6:48 PM*]* Urrak D'Akshi*:* She grabs an empty flagon out of the sink, rinsing it and then filling it with water. She exits the kitchen, and slowly ascends the staircase again. She makes it back to Malica's room "Sorry for takin' so long" she says with a small smile. She enters the room and closes the door softly behind her.

*[*6:53 PM*]* Urrak D'Akshi*:* After a moment she emerges again with a small scrap of paper. She slips it under Ryleigh's door. In some of the poorest handwriting you've seen, the note reads "Please tell Rav it's ok to talk about this. I'm sure she's makin' herself mental tryin' to keep a secret...and she's probably upset enough with me as it is." she signs the note *"BB"*.(edited)