Session 97

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This is a collection of sessions that were played between December 22 and January 18, 2019, including the meatspace game over Texmas. It encompasses all the events that took place between setting sail from Halolis and reaching Riverrun.

## Synopsis

Urrak and Seir discussed Seir's anger and Seir asked about whether her horns were 'ridiculous' as Affyria had said, but Urrak reassured her.

Later, while on watch in the crow's nest, Seir asked Rukiya about her mother, following up on what she'd mentioned at the Kraken before. They talked for a bit, then Rukiya tried to help Seir figure out what was happening with her own mother.

Seir (as a giant octopus) took Gunnloda out to the water to get away for a bit and had an awkward time trying to connect while one of them was a big jelly pile with tentacles.

Seir and Ryleigh made up after their fight had stretched out too long. Apologies were had. A prank pulled.

Ry checked on Bri before taking her watch at the brig where Bri has been locked up at night to prevent any undesired murder, where they shared a laugh over Seir's prank.

Then Eya appeared to Bri, offering her more power. When Bri refused, she threw a tantrum, causing Bri to experience an entire situation where her friends were forced to live through some of their worst fears and experiences just to watch them die at her feet. Eya then threatened Bri, telling her she needed to kill, to feed her souls, or she'd regret it. She burned her name into Bri's face as a mark of ownership just to remind her that Bri was hers and would never escape, no matter what they thought that contract would show them.

Ryleigh tried to heal the brand, taking the pain away, but the name Te'zural remained. The group got together to discuss what had happened and the next steps to take. They agreed to sail to Riverrun, resupply, let Kendall bring Danai to the guildhall, allow Rukiya to return to work, and teleport to Ardabeh to seek out Seir's things and answers from Mielikki. Seir also finally was informed that Affyria was working for the Queen of Air and Darkness under the same symbol that had flown over her family's bodies four years prior.

Seir, in parrot form, talked to Sariel for a bit, then returned to Gunnloda's side. Bri eventually asked to talk to her about her brand, comparing Seir's Mielikki brand to her own Te'zural brand. They also discussed the relationship Seir and Ry have after Bri mistakenly referred to her as her girlfriend.

Rukiya talked to Ryleigh about the heaviness she's feeling on the 2nd anniversary of the golem attack she took part in, then they discussed Rukiya's growing bond with Seir. Seir then interrupted to ask if Ryleigh was ok, also giving her reassurance, then they also discussed their relationship, clarifying that neither of them felt romantically interested in one another.

When the Revenge pulled into the first port along Dhog Lodir's coast, Seir took Gunnloda shopping, hoping to ease her anxiety about returning to her homeland and the place where she had died. She was recognized as a Frostbeard by someone, then left the marketplace, taking Seir to an open space to eat... and drink. Seir tried to reassure her about the souls she's helped reach their final destinations, but she was reluctant to believe that she'd done as much as Seir believed she had.

In time, Seir also left to talk to Takara about everything that had happened in Shasem. Takara told her that Mielikki might have more information about Affyria and the Queen of Air and Darkness, but she also had troubling information for Seir... if she wanted to hear it. She gave her a hypothetical question about what if she knew Ryleigh was going to be responsible for Seir's death, would she tell her, protect herself, or keep it to herself and just enjoy the last years they had together in happiness before the end. When Seir answered that she would leave to protect her wife, Takara revealed that it wasn't Ryleigh that was a threat, but Gunnloda that presented a threat to Takara. She offered to explain why Gunnloda is different, but to be sure it was what she wanted because that knowledge would change everything. Seir asked for time to consider.

She then returned to Gunnloda, heavy-hearted, while Gunnloda was happily drunk, working on forgetting all the pain and anxiety being back in Dhog Lodir had brought up.

## Transcript

### Urrak and Seir- Anger

[8:59 PM] Urrak: Urrak settles in the for journey, stowing her belongings in a corner until their sleeping arrangements were made. She slips her mithril off and places it over her pack. Out of the corner of her eye, she spots Seirixiori and her stomach flips. She knows she has to talk to her about what happened at the farmhouse, but is unsure how to bring it up in any kind of gentle way. Eventually she just says fuck it and walks over to the Tiefling. "Seirixori, can I talk t'  ye? Alone?" she looks up beneath her brows to see if Ryleigh is around to object.

[9:00 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh is, but Seirixori is her own person and makes her own decisions.

[9:04 PM] Seirixori: Seir looks over at Urrak and shrugs, moving towards one end of the ship where she stands and stares at the sea.

[9:08 PM] Urrak: Urrak leans on the side of the ship and follows Seir's eyes to the horizon. "I know yer in a bad place right now, an' it's fer that reason that I'm worried about ye. But, Seir," she shakes her head, "Seirixori. What...what \_happened back there? At th' farmhouse?"

[9:09 PM] Seirixori: Seir's eyes narrow and her jaw tightens, "I don't like bandits."

[9:11 PM] Urrak: "That much, I gathered," Urrak looks over to the pink tiefling, "But I've never seen ye so incredibly angry an' in so little control of yerself. T'be honest, Seirixori, ye scared th' hells outta me."(edited)

[9:16 PM] Seirixori: Seir let's out a disbelieving laugh, "You have seen it. Pieces of it. Hells, it's been directed at you." She shakes her head and a little growl escapes her throat. With clenched fists she says, "Everyone I knew, everyone was murdered, Urrak. With the exception of my m-mother and possibly one other. I didn't see it happen, but I found them after." She goes quiet. Her jaw working around as she tries to control her emotions. "So you tell me that you also wouldn't be angry after that? Angry enough to make an example out of a fucking asshole who decides he's going to steal and murder from people who just happen to be in his way or for fun? Or for any fucking reason."

[9:29 PM] Urrak: "Trust me, I know a lot about anger, an' a lot about keepin' trauma close. What I'm worried about is you lettin' yerself get so wrapped up in it y'start losin' yerself," she rubs the back of her head, "I'm truly sorry about yer people. What happened is inexcusable and disgustin'. Any time people we love die, it's like bein' run through with a hot sword. I'd never tell ye that anger ain't valid, but I will tell ye, it's addictive."  She leans on her crossed arms, her gaze returning to the sea. "My Pa was killed by bandits too, when I was small. Watched an arrow enter his chest as we pulled our cart. Had nightmares about it fer years. Findin' those fuckers was my main reason fer leavin' the Stronghold when I came of age. I hunted them fer years as I worked. But I never found 'em. It...eats at ye, and yer far too carin' and good t' be devoured that way."

[9:34 PM] Seirixori: Seir scoffs, but seconds later she's fighting off tears, "I don't like being angry, I was never angry until-- until..." she wipes at her eyes, but it's really no use. "I'm not kind though, not anymore. Mama said-- she was right. And I almost-- I almost killed her because-- becuase-- I almost killed her." she cries.(edited)

[9:36 PM] Urrak: Urrak moves closer to hug Seir but keeps her arms in the air, "Seirixori, ye didn't know it was her, none of us did."

[9:40 PM] Seirixori: "I should have known, I should have," Seir doesn't wrap her arms around Urrak, instead she face plants into Urrak's chest and clutches at the bottom of Urrak's shirt. "Instead I-- instead I-- I was so proud of myself for earlier. For doing what I'd been wanting to do for four years, for it working. I wasn't paying at--attention and she almost died because of me."

[9:48 PM] Urrak: "Seirixori," she keeps her voice soft and low as she wraps her arms around her. "Listen t' me, yer a good person, a kind person. This world's thrown up some big obstacles fer ye t'face and I know, I know that ye'll overcome 'em. Yer mother is alive, injured from all of us, not jus' you, but alive. An' maybe that hurts so much more than if she wasn't. Especially considerin' what she said t'ye before she escaped. But I know that somewhere, deep down, she knows what she said ain't true. " she plops a big hand on top of Seir's head, "It's gonna sound real stupid, comin' from this ugly mug but love...love is stronger than anythin'. An' a mother's love has got t' be some of th' strongest love out there. I bet she's just as confused an' scared as ye are, and if we ever see her again, know that we're all here with ye, wantin' t' help. Not just you, but her too. Because I know, even if it doesn't seem like it, she wants th' help. She needs it. She needs ye."

[9:51 PM] Seirixori: After a few minutes of quiet sobs, Seir quietly, and muffled by Urrak's chest, asks, "Do you-- do you think my horns are ridiculous?"(edited)

[9:54 PM] Urrak: Urrak chuckles and pets her head a little, "Seirixori, I can say, fer a fact, that I do not think your horns are ridiculous. In fact, I'd say they're one of th' best things about ye. I can't imagine ye without 'em."

[10:02 PM] Seirixori: Seir looks up and squints at Urrak, "Your inability to lie is in your favor right now."(edited)

[10:09 PM] Urrak: "Glad t'hear it's done somethin' good fer once." Urrak lets out a long breath " Please Seirixori, jus'... Talk t' us. I know we've had some real rough history but, I genuinely care about ye an' want ye t' be safe. Livin' recklessly ain't all it's cracked up t' be, trust me. Yer so much stronger than me, kid, I have faith that you'll come out th' other side with yer heart intact. Especially if ye ask fer help...okay? "

[10:11 PM] Seirixori: Seir looks back down and starts fidgeting with the edges of Urrak's shirt, "Okay."

[10:13 PM] Urrak: Urrak gently takes Seir's hands in her own. "Ye'll be alright. I know it. We're here fer ye."

[10:30 PM] Urrak: Urrak leaves, a small smile on her face, to go find a place to rest

December 23, 2018

## Seir and Rukiya- Rukiya's mom and Seir's questions

[4:38 PM] Seirixori: Seir accompanies Rukiya up the main mast and into the crow's nest as a ferret, knowing she'd never get up there otherwise. It's an even better view of the ocean than she'd imagine and shifting back to her tiefling form she stares out into it for a while before she quietly asks, "Yo-you don't have to tell me if-if you don't want, but...What was your mother like?"

[4:49 PM] DM: Rukiya smiles softly and leans against the railing, looking out over the water. "The first word that comes to mind is love. Everything she did was love. Kind, compassionate... she always knew when I was hurting and needed a little extra love to get me through. My dad and I... we'd get too caught up in what we were doing and she'd always have to save us from it." She chuckles a little. "My dad would forget to eat or sleep sometimes when he was trying to solve a problem. She always tried to remind him that he needed to keep his eye to the future, but his heart in the present."

[4:55 PM] Seirixori: Seir has a small smile on her face, "She sounds like a nice person..." She goes quiet again and she begins to ask another question but stops herself and shifts her stance, suddenly unsure of the next thing she wants to ask.

[4:59 PM] Seirixori: "Does it- does it ever stop-" Seir rubs her hands across her face and stops. Her shoulders drop and she sighs, changing her question, "Do you think we can help mine?"(edited)

[5:03 PM] DM: Rukiya frowns a little and puts her hand over Seir's, squeezing gently. "It doesn't. Not entirely, but it gets easier. Mostly." She pauses. "I don't know enough about what's happening to be able to answer. What kind of help she needs and how to give it to her..."

[5:14 PM] Seirixori: Looking down, Seir starts tp pick at a piece of her cloak with her free hand, "I-- we-- I found her and she needs help but, but..." Seir sniffles, "I- I feel like anything I imagined before now would have been better than for her to think I was just some...imposter." She starts to reach up to her horns but stops herself and brings her hand back down to clutch at the cloak.(edited)

[5:17 PM] DM: "Well... let's take it all apart and see how it fits together. She mentioned Kindness. Is that what Seirixori means?"

5:24 PM] Seirixori: Seir laughs a little, "No, no. It's a- like a-" Seir scrunches her face a little, as she tries to remember, "It's like virtue or concept-- or what someone strives to be or a word they embody, something like that, I think."

[5:24 PM] Seirixori: "The Kindness, not my name."

[5:26 PM] DM: She smiles a little. "I know some tieflings use virtue names. I meant is that yours? I've never heard Ryleigh use it for you."

[5:32 PM] Seirixori: "Oh... right, yeah- it- no." Seir frowns, like she's realizing a few things, "How do you do that?"

[5:33 PM] DM: "Do what?"

[5:40 PM] Seirixori: "Last time with the-with the thing that could have killed Ryleigh. I wasn't-- my-- I was all over the place but you ask one question and it's--" Seir frowns again, trying to find her words. "Like everything's all," she motions with her hands, "chaotic, but then it's  like you get it to- to focus?"

[5:44 PM] DM: She raises an eyebrow and smiles a little. "I'm really not sure what all that meant... I just look at things like a puzzle. I need to know what I know and start building from there until I can see the whole thing and how it all fits together. Focusing on the details helps me find connections so I can see the whole."

[6:02 PM] Seirixori: "You are very smart," she shakes her head, getting herself to get back on topic. "It's not mine. I didn't even-- I think I was just so- so overwhelmed that I just assumed it was something she-- something she thought." Seir rolls her eyes, "I never know what's going on!" She growls slightly.

[6:17 PM] DM: Rukiya tilts her head to look at Seir's eyes and squeezes her hand a bit. "Slow down and breathe." The corner of her mouth turns up. "She says you remind her of Clemency, but I think you might have more in common with Ry."

[6:25 PM] Seirixori: Seir smiles, her cheeks a little red, "Thanks..." She takes a deep breath, "No, no it isn't my virtue name.  I don't have one, my mama gave me my name and I've never wanted any other." She frowns, "I don't know why she used that name."(edited)

[6:29 PM] DM: "Did you have a sister?"

[6:31 PM] Seirixori: "No." Seir says immediately, but there's a slight hesitation near the end. She kind of laughs, "Not that I know of."

[6:35 PM] DM: Rukiya frowns in thought. "She was talking like she only had one daughter, and that daughter was dead... and she didn't recognize or remember you at all... was there anything else that seemed odd about it?"

[6:41 PM] Seirixori: "She never would have-- she never would have called my horns ri-ridiculous," Seir's breath hitches. "She-she always told me she loved them and they were-they were beautiful."

[6:55 PM] DM: There's a moment of silence before Rukiya starts speaking again in a soft, quiet tone. "There's something special about how mothers see their children. They don't see with their eyes, they see with their hearts." She looks at Seir again. "You are beautiful, and your horns don't change that, but not everyone will share that opinion... just like not everyone thinks that dark skin or blonde hair or tusks are beautiful. Everyone's entitled to their wrong opinion," she smirks. "Regardless of how she'd feel about your horns on a stranger, she loved them because they were yours and she loved you."

[7:07 PM] Seirixori: It takes Seir a moment to process, when she does she nods, but stays quiet.

## DF- water date

[7:29 PM] Seirixori: Before Seir had climbed her way down from the crow's nest she asked for the crystal from Rukiya. She finds Gunnloda and places it in her hands, but keeps her own there, "Can we-- will you-- I promise I have things to make sure you're safe-- will you go out in the water with me?"

[7:32 PM] DM: It takes her a second. "If I'm s'posed t'use this, I'd need t'attune to it... but I trust you."

[7:38 PM] Seirixori: Seir nods, "I need to rest for a bit anyway, I can't exactly get up or down that thing," she points to the crow's nest, "as myself." She grins a little. "And I could use a little time to make sure we both will at least be able to breathe if something happens." Seir sits with Gunnloda as she attunes to it and after feeling a little refreshed and able to shift again, Seir immediately starts a ritual for water breathing. Once finished she sits on the railing on one side of the boat. "Wanna jump in or would you like me to bring you down?"

[7:41 PM] DM: She takes the time to remove her armor and boots too so she's barefoot in her regular clothes. She peeks over the edge of the railing and reaches out to grab Seir's hand or arm or whatever she grabs first. "I don't want you t'let me go."

[7:51 PM] Seirixori: Seir smiles, and it's genuine, one that hasn't been seen in what seems like weeks, "I could never." Seir shifts into a giant pink octopus, her clothes dropping to the deck. She takes Gunnloda into one of her tentacles and makes her way down the side of the boat and into the ocean. She swims along side the boat briefly before veering off slightly and ahead, still easily in visual range.

[7:56 PM] DM: Gunnloda's not exactly relaxed, but she tries.

[7:57 PM] Seirixori: She keeps Gunnloda above water as well she can and after a few minutes she slows and sets Gunnloda in front of her, just keeping their place in the water.

[8:03 PM] DM: "Can't say I understand the appeal of feelin' so... untethered, but you're livin' up t'your title, sor'odko."

[8:15 PM] Seirixori: "I am a little invested in keeping you around," Seir jokes. "Do you... I can shift into the big dinosaur and you can sit on me, but I wouldn't be able to hold onto you. This was just easier to get off the boat-- I just want you to be able to feel as comfortable... as you can be."

[8:21 PM] DM: She grins. "Are y'asking if I'd rather ride you or have you wrapped around me?" She shakes her head and laughs at herself. "It's strange, talkin' to ya when you're like this. Either way is fine with me."

[8:32 PM] Seirixori: Seir's skin changes very slightly to a redder pink, and she does stay as she is, "It can get frustrating when no one understands me." She tilts her head a little, "Thank you, for coming out here with me."

[8:35 PM] DM: "If it made y'smile like y'did on the boat, it's worth it. Y've been... out of sorts a while."

[8:43 PM] Seirixori: "It's been... yes. And I'm- so-" Seir stops herself and her eyes close, "That's why I asked you to come out here with me. It might not be a nice forest with a lake, but... but it's peaceful, in a way. I don't feel... I don't feel so trapped."

[8:48 PM] DM: "I wish I knew how t'help." She seems to be having a hard time figuring out where to look and where to touch. "Wish I could see your beautiful face too, but... I s'pose not drownin' is a decent consolation prize."

[8:54 PM] Seirixori: Seir laughs, a series of small clicking noises are barely audible as she does, "We could walk on water but getting back to and in the boat would be a little difficult."

[8:57 PM] Seirixori: Seir goes quiet and she's spending her time looking at Gunnloda. After a few minutes she says, "Thank you." It's not really clear what she's saying it for.

[8:58 PM] DM: "For what, darlin'?"

[9:07 PM] Seirixori: "Everything. For combing back, for staying... for just being here. Even with everything that's happened lately. For loving me. For letting me love you." There's another laugh, "This is really weird talking like this without being able to..." One of her tentacles reaches up and it kind of ghosts over Gunnloda's cheek but doesn't quite touch it.

[9:10 PM] DM: "It is," she laughs. "First island or port we hit to resupply, we'll have to sneak off t'have some us time... in my favorite of your forms."

[9:20 PM] Seirixori: Seir laughs again and her skin turns even redder, "I can't wait."

[9:22 PM] Seirixori: She swims around contemplating her next words, "I found her. It went terrible and I almost killed her but... tor beag, she's-- she's-- I found her."

[9:26 PM] DM: Gunnloda smiles. "I know. I'm... I wasn't sure how ok you'd be after all that."

[9:29 PM] Seirixori: "I'm not-- not really but--," she kind of laughs, "Everyone's been...they help. I'm not- I'm not alone this time."

[9:33 PM] DM: "Never again."

## Seiryleigh- Reunion

December 28, 2018

[5:00 PM] Seirixori: "Ry-Ryleigh," Seir asks, a little hesitant. "Can... can we... can I um... can we go talk?"

[5:06 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Of course." Ryleigh gives Seir a worried smile then leads them from the bowels of the ship to the deck. "Is... there any place in particular you want to talk?"

[5:13 PM] Seirixori: Seir nods and leads Ryleigh over to the poop deck of the ship and sits down, nervously playing with her tail and her cloak. "H-hi," Seir's says, barely audible.

[5:17 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh also sits and immediately reaches out to stop Seir's nervous hands but she quickly catches herself, awkwardly leaving her hand in between them instead. "Hi."(edited)

[5:21 PM] Seirixori: Seir moves to sit right next to Ry, grabbing her hand in the process, squeezing it tightly. "I missed you."

[5:29 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I've missed you too, but it wasn't about me..." Ryleigh says, visibly looking relieved.

[5:35 PM] Seirixori: Seir shrugs, "I didn't know how to... I wanted to talk to you sooner but I..." she turns her head and rests her forehead on Ry's shoulder. "I want a churro."

[5:38 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: It makes Ryleigh smile. She rubs her thumb over the back of Seir's hand. "Churros from Ardabeh?"

5:41 PM] Seirixori: She nods, "Yeah, they aren't quite the same in Riverrun." Seir sighs and whispers, "These last few weeks have been terrible, but thank you for- for mostly listening to me... and I'm sorry for um... getting upset. It seems kind of stupid now."

[5:50 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I..." Ryleigh takes a deep breath. "It wasn't fair of me to say you didn't understand. I knew about your horn... I knew about the druids you lived with... I guess I just said that because..." she shakes her head "...it doesn't matter. What does is that I hurt you."(edited)

[5:55 PM] Seirixori: Seir squeezes Ryleigh's hand again, "It could matter, I think I might partially understand why." She's quiet for a few minutes. "We found my Mama, Ryleigh."

[6:02 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "We did," Ryleigh says softly, "I'm so sorry it turned out the way it did, homashoc." She shifts, reaching into the bag of holding and withdrawing the cloth they found on Laikos. "Rukiya found this on Laikos after she tried to kill him."

[6:14 PM] Seirixori: "Out of all the things I thought might happen..." Seir takes the cloth and it takes her a moment to realize what she's looking at. She sucks in a sharp breath, "No..." she says through clenched teeth, her hands clenching the fabric, almost like she's trying to rip it with her bare hands. She looks up at Ry sharply, and with barely controlled anger-more so than when she shoved Leodes onto a spike. "Whose is this?"

[9:53 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I assume it was your mothers?" Ryleigh looks momentarily baffled by Seir's sudden surge of anger. "Do you recognize this symbol?"

10:05 PM] Seirixori: Seir growls when she says, "There's no way she--" this time the cloth is stretched like she's actually putting effort into trying to tear it. "This, this is what I found when I went back after everyone was killed. This piece of shit flag was in the middle of dead bodies and burning tents. Whose fucking flag is this?"

[10:12 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "It was the cloth that was in Liakos’s mouth..." Ryleigh frowns, concern spreading across her features.

[10:12 PM] Seirixori: "She wouldn't-- something isn't right. She said-- she said," Seir pauses, like she's searching for something, "She said she went back and saw her kid dead. I was the only child, Ryleigh. No one was younger than twenty-something except for me. Who is fucking around with her head!?"

[10:17 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh reaches out and places her hand on top of one of Seir's. "I don't know, homashoc, but she was obviously not herself."

[10:26 PM] Seirixori: "I can't- I can't talk to anyone out here. I can't ask--" Seir releases the cloth with one hand and slams her fist onto the deck in frustration.

[10:41 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Seirixori," Ryleigh firmly says, squeezing Seir's hand hard enough to get her attention.

[10:46 PM] Seirixori: "What!?" Seir seethes through her teeth.

[11:14 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I can't imagine how frustrating all of this is for you, but you can't do anything about it right now. I'm... I'm so worried about you. You're constantly angry. You aren't eating." Ryleigh sighs, loosening her grip on Seir's hand. "When we get back to Vyon, I'll help you do whatever you need to get your mom back, but right now... I need you to care about yourself enough to let one of us take care of you, because I can't lose you too."

[11:41 PM] Seirixori: Seir closes her eyes and it takes her several deep breaths to not be quite so angry, "...I'm so tired, Ryleigh. I'm so tired of being angry but I can't- I can't stop it."

[11:53 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh pulls Seir into a hug, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "I understand, but you're tired because you're so angry. I'm not the best person to coach you on anger management... Rukiya told me that if I can't function with the anger that I might have to let it go. Maybe... maybe you should too."

December 29, 2018

[12:01 AM] Seirixori: "I don't know how," she clutches to Ryleigh like a lifeline. "It-it just feels worse because I don't know what's going on."

[12:07 AM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I don't know how to let the anger go either, homashoc," Ryleigh whispers. "I promise we will figure out what's going on with your mom, but we can't get those answers until we get back to Vyon."

[12:11 AM] Seirixori: "Okay," Seir whispers, leaning heavily into the hug. "Thank you..."

[12:15 AM] Ryleigh Alastair: Instead of responding with words, Ryleigh runs her hand up and down Seir's back, singing a soft, soothing tune.

[12:19 AM] Seirixori: "How come you sing when you cast things?"

[9:35 AM] Ryleigh Alastair: "In Ascus, there aren't a lot of safe ways for non-humans to express themselves." Ryleigh takes a deep breath. "Music was the way my family felt free or found hope. Clemency had the most beautiful voice and she spent hours teaching me how to breathe, to relax, to harmonize." Her voice shakes as she says, "Music is the only thing that stays when everything and everyone is gone."(edited)

[9:50 AM] Seirixori: Seir's quiet as she thinks about what Ryleigh said. "Ma-maybe you can teach me a song you like one day?" She asks with a little hesitation.

[9:56 AM] Ryleigh Alastair: It takes a few moments for Ryleigh speak, but when she does, it's said very softly, "I'll teach you anything you'd like to learn that I know how to do, homashoc."

[10:07 AM] Seirixori: Seir laughs a little, "I still want to learn how to use a sword better..." under her breath she mutters, "if only I remembered what I did with my shield."

[10:24 AM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh smiles and presses a kiss to the top of Seir's head. "We'll practice your handling and footwork while we sail to Vyon. It's not like there's a lot to do out here in the middle of the ocean." She hesitates, then says, "I've been practicing the basic infernal phrases you gave me. I might be ready for more."

[11:01 AM] Seirixori: Seir grins as a phrase comes to mind and says, "Horra' sa'rloarlos a llash a lloas oas nmoiy oas rliy nann rmaoc."

[11:14 AM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Horra'" Ryleigh pauses at the next word, "sa'rlearles?" then she clears her throat and says the rest decently, "a llash a lloas oas nmoiy oas rliy nann rmaoc."

[11:20 AM] Seirixori: Seir snorts into a giggle, "Close enough."

[11:27 AM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh rolls her eyes, a smile gracing her lips.

[11:33 AM] Seirixori: "Brimeia would love to hear it, I think. Can't be fun down there."

[11:38 AM] Ryleigh Alastair: Quirking an eyebrow, Ryleigh says, "I'm on watch tonight, maybe I'll run it by her."

## Bri and Ry

[9:42 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh walks down the stairs to the brig for her shift watching Bri. It's fairly late, so she doesn't immediately say anything as she peeks into the brig.(edited)

[9:43 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia looks up when she hears the door creak open. "Don't worry. Still here."

[9:46 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I'm wasn't worried that you weren't here. I just didn't want to wake you," Ryleigh says, leaning against the brig's door casually.

[9:47 PM] Brimeia: "Oh." Brimeia pauses, sounding a bit surprised. "Nah, hadn't fallen asleep yet."

[9:49 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Well, since you're awake. Horra' sa'rloarlos a llash a lloas oas nmoiy oas rliy nann rmaoc."

[9:52 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia stares at Ryleigh and blinks twice. Then she bursts into a hearty laugh. "Seirixori's teaching you Infernal, huh?"

[9:52 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh smiles like she's proud of herself for saying whatever it was correctly. "She is, how'd you know?"

[10:08 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia grins like she knows a secret. "Iya'au'mo nmoiy a'a', faau a's oa ra'so oarr faolloo iya'au oac Seirixori."

[10:08 PM] Brimeia: She laughs again.

[10:19 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Frowning slightly, Ryleigh says, "What does that mean?"

[10:22 PM] Brimeia: The grin is back. "You're pretty too, but it's a close call between you and Seirixori."

[10:23 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Wait, what did I say?" Ryleigh looks vaguely humored.

[10:26 PM] Brimeia: It takes her a few tries because she keeps bursting into suppressed laughter, but she finally manages to say, "Hello, sometimes I wish I were as pretty as my pink friend." She bursts into another round of laughter as soon as she finishes.

[10:29 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh rolls her eyes, but she's smiling. "She would give me something like that to say."

[10:35 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia chuckles as her laughter peters out. She's pretty sure it's the first time Ryleigh's actually smiled at her. In like, a good way. "You two talk it out, I take it?"

[10:41 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh looks a little hesitant to talk about Seirixori, but then she says, "For the most part."

[10:45 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia nods. "Good, I'm glad. You're real cranky when you two aren't talking."

[10:50 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "She's important to me," Ryleigh says simply.

[10:57 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia still isn't quite sure she understands but she nods again. "So I heard." Her voice is quieter and little more serious, though there's a small smile on her lips as she answers.

[10:59 PM] Brimeia: There's a pause before she murmurs, so quiet it's as if she's talking to herself. "I've never really had people care before. People to care about." She looks up at meets Ryleigh's eyes. "People who want to help even if they don't even like you."

11:08 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." Ryleigh's brows pull together. "I don't dislike you. We just walk different paths, and sometimes that makes us clash."

[11:23 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia chuckles a little at Ryleigh's answer. As dramatic as ever, though Brimeia thinks she's learning to appreciate it. At least a little. "Really? I always thought you hated me." She laughs a little again. "Well... thanks."

[11:26 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: The corners of Ryleigh's lips quirk up, but not enough to really constitute a smile.

[11:29 PM] Brimeia: There's silence before Brimeia speaks again. "I am selfish. I'm not sure I know how not to be."

[11:41 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Having something and someone to lose is a good start. It'll teach you that your actions result in consequences for us all, you'll learn what regret is, and how to ask for forgiveness."

[11:49 PM] Brimeia: "Ugh." Brimeia scrunches her nose. "Sounds terrible," she grumbles. There's a tiny smile as she adds, "Might need some lessons or something."

## Bri and Eya- The Offer

December 22, 2018

[8:46 PM] DM: So it's been three, four days at sea. Bri reluctantly allowed herself to be locked into the brig in the bowels of the ship at night while she sleeps to prevent any... sleepwalking incidents. And that's where she is now. In the brig. No weapons.

[8:47 PM] DM: It's kinda boring in here. Nothing really to do, and you can't read so there's no point in books. It's kinda just lay in your cot and wait for sleep, staring at the wood grain above you.

[8:49 PM] DM: Her eyelids get heavier as she stares, drifting off to uncomfortable sleep. Until the voice speaks.

[8:49 PM] DM: "I'm so... disappointed in you, my champion."

[8:50 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia startles, looking around for a moment in hazy confusion.

[8:52 PM] DM: Eya's standing there, leaning against a wall, her ankles crossed, arms folded over one another. "Allowing yourself to be chained like this... like he did. Kept in a closet like an animal..."

[8:54 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia frowns. "There's no choice. I killed someone. And I didn't even know."

[8:55 PM] DM: She smiles and pushes off the wall, walking forward until she can lean down to drag her finger down Bri's cheek and across her jaw. "Didn't you, though?"

[8:56 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia shivers a bit at the contact but shakes her head. "No." The answer comes out sharply. "And I didn't choose to. There was no reason for her to die."

[9:00 PM] DM: "Oh, but there was... and while I could tell you all about how delicious she was, I think you know that already."

[9:01 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia scowls. "I don't appreciate being used without my knowledge or permission."

[9:01 PM] Brimeia: "You're the reason I have to be shut in here in the first place."

[9:03 PM] DM: Eya actually laughs this time, her eyes dancing with delight as she stands upright. "Permission? I don't need your permission, but I have it anyway, or don't you remember agreeing to be my champion?"

[9:04 PM] Brimeia: "You never said I'd be forced to kill people in my sleep."

[9:07 PM] DM: She stops laughing and raises an eyebrow. "Does it matter? What are they to you? Those who have mocked you, trapped you, abused you, threatened you... those who would call you friend and lock you away, who would use the strength and power you have for their own benefit before casting you aside? What are they really worth to you in the grand scheme of things?"

[9:08 PM] DM: "What are a few lives in exchange for the power to do as you wish? To take what you want? To kill those who have harmed you?"

[9:08 PM] DM: She waves her hand and Lapis appears, a sneer on his face.

[9:08 PM] DM: "What wouldn't you give for the opportunity to tear his throat out?"

[9:12 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia growls reflexively at the sight of Lapis. It takes her a long minute to grit out, "Not my freedom. My self." She finally tears her eyes away from the image of Lapis to glare at Eya instead. "Funny you should mention people using me and throwing me away. Isn't that what you're planning to do?"

[9:15 PM] DM: "Is that what you think?" She lifts a hand and Bri finds herself floating to her feet and backed against a wall. She walks forward slowly, her eyes traveling from Bri's feet to her eyes until she leans in close, her breath hot on Bri's neck. "No, my champion... I'm going to keep you forever."

[9:18 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia doesn't back down from Eya's gaze. "And if I don't want to be your champion anymore?"

[9:22 PM] DM: She drags the back of her fingernail up the center of Bri's chest, then fits her hand against the base of her throat, not squeezing, but it burns against Bri's skin. "It's far too late for takebacks. You're mine."

[9:24 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia shivers again, but not in the fun way this time. "Well, have fun with a locked up champion."

[9:35 PM] DM: She smiles, her hand lifting from Bri's throat to let her fingers trail down her arm. "You don't have to be locked up. All you have to do is reach out and take the power I offer."

She threads her fingers through Bri's from the back and lifts so that Bri's open palm is face-up. She moves to the side so that Bri can see the image of Lapis behind her, now accompanied by a small tiefling child and a much younger Danai. Lapis mutely screams at the child, then uses his fists against her, and when the child flees, he turns on Danai. She replays what happened to Danai when Bri left there in the room.

In Bri's palm, there's an orb, a black, glowing mote of energy, pulsing with a red interior, hovering over her hand. "All you have to do is take it."

The black energy flashes into the form of a greataxe momentarily before flashing back to the orb. The image of Danai on the ground disappears, replaced by Lapis with a bloody gash at his chest.

The orb flashes again and Lapis is on his knees, his body wracked with eldritch magic.

Eya leans in, her lips at Bri's ear, and whispers, "Take it."

[9:45 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia's whole body tenses, her free hand clenching into a fist as she watches Lapis beat her younger self, then Danai.

[9:48 PM] Brimeia: She knows she should say no, that it's probably some kind of trick, a trap, but the offer is tempting, especially as she watches history take a different course before her very eyes.

[9:50 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia's fingers twitch, and she starts to reach toward the crackling orb of energy... then abruptly draws her hand back.

[9:53 PM] Brimeia: "No! That's already done and gone. I can't change the past, and I'm not letting you use it to... to... trick me into whatever it is you want!"

[10:01 PM] DM: Eya clenches her hand into a fist, squeezing Bri's fingers between them hard enough to make her wince. She screams and for a split second, her face changes into something so terrible Bri's mind can't even process it before her mask is back in place. She leans in, her breath like flames on Bri's skin. "Your 'friends' find a piece of parchment and you think it means you have some sort of choice in all this? I want you to remember these words. You. Are. Mine." There's a searing pain at the side of Bri's face where her breath washed over Bri's cheek, and then she's gone. The force holding Bri against the wall is gone. The energy mote is gone. Lapis and Danai are gone. Eya is gone.

The pain at the side of her face remains.

## Meatspace

[2:09 PM] DM: Ryleigh opens the door to the brig and sees Brimeia standing there against the wall. There's a blistering burn along the side of her face.

[2:12 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: “What was that?” Ryleigh asks, Dawnbringer at the ready. When Dawnbringer’s light shines onto Brimeia’s face, Ryleigh’s brows pull together and she says, “What happened to your face?”(edited)

[2:13 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia, still looking dazed, mumbles without looking at Ryleigh, "Eya... I think she's mad..."

[2:14 PM] DM: Up on the deck, there's a commotion. You're woken by a sharp whistle. The deck starts to pitch back and forth. The crew is leaping from their cots, making sure to tie down anything loose, heading to the main deck to secure the sails. A sudden storm has caught the ship unawares. The first mate is at the wheel, wrestling against the waves.

[2:15 PM] Urrak: ((17))

[2:16 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: ((15))

[2:16 PM] Sariel: ((7))

[2:16 PM] Dempsy: ((16))

[2:16 PM] Urrak: Urrak jolts out of her hammock, confused as hell, but aware enough to grab her sword and pack. She follows the rush of crewmen to the top deck to see what the commotion is.

[2:16 PM] Seirixori: ((25))

[2:17 PM] DM: The first mate starts steering towards the island. "Maybe there's a sheltered harbor where we can ride out the storm!" The waves crash over the sides of the ship and the rain is coming down in sheets. The crew's shouting back and forth, trying to keep the sails from breaking free, keeping the gear from rolling around, keeping each other from falling overboard.

[2:20 PM] DM: The dock is bare, unused, but still whole. Trees and brush grow right up to the beach, and the beach is rocky and small. The rain has subsided, but the humidity has started causing a fog to form, rising from the ground between the bits of vegetation. The night sky is dark, the moon hidden behind thick, dark clouds.

[2:21 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh hangs onto the edge of the ship, the rocking getting the best of her.

[5:56 PM] Seirixori: Seir takes a step back, tears on her face, voice small, "Where did you go? You were gone? Why did you leave me?"

[5:57 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh cups Seir’s face, her eyes watery. “You couldn’t hear us or see us. We didn’t leave.”

## The Fallout

[10:56 PM] DM: With Urrak, Ryleigh, Sariel, and Seirixori lying unconscious on the ground, Ancy and the house fade into darkness in front of Brimeia and Eya appears before her. "This is just a taste of what will happen if you don't manage to keep me satisfied. I have needs and you exist to serve them."

[11:03 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia stares, bewildered at the sudden shift in scenery. "What?" she stammers, frowning. "What do you mean?"

[11:07 PM] DM: She puts her hand on Bri's jaw to hold her face stationary, keeping eye contact between them. "Listen well, my champion. You will serve me or I will destroy everyone and everything you care for. You will feed me souls of your choice or I will choose them for you."

[11:16 PM] Brimeia: "You didn't tell me I had to kill the 'right' number of them, or what that number is," Brimeia growls.

[11:21 PM] DM: She curls her fingers so her nails dig into Bri's jaw just enough to sting. "I didn't feel it was important. You don't seem to understand the situation in this relationship. You serve me. You keep me happy. I reward you when I'm happy."

[11:24 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia grits her teeth but maintains the force of her glare. "Hard to keep you happy if I don't know exactly what you wanted. You didn't exactly tell me I wasn't doing enough or whatever before you decided to ... do all this."

[11:36 PM] DM: "You're starting to annoy me. You're thinking above your station. You didn't need to know. All you need to know now is that I'm unhappy and you're starting to get on my nerves... thinking you can somehow escape me. You cannot. You will serve me by choice or by force."

[11:41 PM] Brimeia: "What do you want? I can't do something I don't know about," Brimeia shouts, frustrated.

[11:43 PM] DM: "Kill. Feed me souls. Every life snuffed by your actions is a soul that gives me power I can share with you.... if you please me."

[11:44 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia sighs. "Wasn't I already doing that? You got hungrier or something?"

[11:46 PM] DM: "Your impertinence is not amusing. If you were satisfying me, I would not have needed to use your body to find more."

[11:49 PM] Brimeia: "I'm not trying to be... whatever you said. I'm just saying I had no way of knowing!"

[11:54 PM] DM: "Now you do." She disappears and you find yourself back in the brig. Bri's face burns.

[11:55 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh opens the door to the brig and sees Brimeia standing there against the wall. “What was that?” She asks, but when Dawnbringer’s light shines onto Brimeia’s face, Ryleigh’s brows pull together and she says, “What happened to your face?”

[12:02 AM] Brimeia: Brimeia blinks as she regains her bearings. "My face? I.. don't know, but it hurts like hell." There's a pause as Bri's expression grows somber before she adds, "Eya was here. She's really pissed."

[12:05 AM] Brimeia: She finally turns toward Ryleigh and meets her eyes. "She said she'd destroy you all if I don't make her happy. Said I wasn't feeding her enough souls. That's why she made me kill that captain woman."

[12:12 AM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh's eyes quickly dart around the brig, like she's half expecting the devil to show herself in her presence. Satisfied that they're 'alone' Ryleigh steps forward, her hand outstretched, but before she touches Brimeia she asks, "Could I try to heal you?"

[12:17 AM] Brimeia: Brimeia tenses a little at Ryleigh's approach, not knowing what to expect. She blinks at the question, staring at Ryleigh's hand for a moment. "Oh. Yeah, sure,"  she murmurs, sounding a little confused.

[12:19 AM] Ryleigh Alastair: Humming a familiar tune, Ryleigh touches Bri's face in an attempt to heal her.

[12:26 AM] DM: The raw edges of the brand heal and the pain subsides, but now the burn's design is more obvious as a design rather than just a burn. It still looks like smoldering coals embedded in her skin and the letters of the Infernal language can be discerned, though Ryleigh can't read it.

[12:31 AM] Brimeia: Brimeia does her best to hold still. After, she touches her fingers to the side of her face gingerly. "It feels better." She remembers to add a "Thanks," after a moment.

[12:32 AM] Ryleigh Alastair: "It burned something into your face... but I can't read it." Ryleigh's features look concerned.

[12:32 AM] Brimeia: She frowns a little when she feels ridges instead of smooth skin, though she doesn't complain.

[12:32 AM] Brimeia: Brimeia's eyes widen. "What do you mean, something?"

[12:34 AM] Ryleigh Alastair: "It's infernal, but I can't read whatever it is," Ryleigh says apologetically.

[12:35 AM] Brimeia: Brimeia stiffens, panic flashing through her eyes. "Infernal? Are you sure?"

[12:39 AM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Yes..."

[12:46 AM] Brimeia: Brimeia's expression falls. "Eya said that I ... belong to her and that I can't ever escape. It burned when she got mad and yelled at my face."

[12:47 AM] Brimeia: There's another pause as Brimeia frowns in thought. "She knows about the contract."

[10:51 AM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh frowns, her brows pulling together in concern. "That was bound to happen eventually." She sighs deeply then says, "Hopefully the contract will tell us the stipulations you're under and there's a way to break or fulfill its terms."(edited)

## Team Meeting

[7:00 PM] DM: It's been four days since leaving Halolis. The Revenge has been taking a generally northward route while discussions are made about where you're going and which direction. The general feeling is that the group needs to have a group meeting to get everyone up to speed and on the same page, so you've all gathered here on the top deck to talk it out.

[7:05 PM] DM: Brimeia, when she arrives, has a fresh new look- a design burned into the side of her face that looks like glowing embers still pulsing with heat.

[7:08 PM] Urrak: "Alright then," Urrak turns to face the party as they all start to gather up. She folds her arms, " We're here. So what--the fuck happened to your face?"  she tilts her head as if to look closer at Brimeia, but doesn't move from her spot.

[7:14 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia frowns grumpily. "Not really sure," she grumbles with a shrug. "My favorite friend burned it or something."

[7:16 PM] Urrak: "Good gods, Bri. She must be real pissed about that contract..." Urrak clicks her tongue, "Fuckin' hells. Is it painful?"(edited)

[7:17 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia shrugs again. "Not anymore. Ryleigh did her best to heal it."

[7:18 PM] Seirixori: Seir groans when she sees Bri's face, "Well, I guess we didn't need the contract to find out her name. Brimeia just needed to piss her off enough."

[7:19 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh is unusually quiet, she's paying attention but not contributing to the conversation.

[7:19 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia's eyes widen at Seir's words. "W-what? Her name?"

[7:22 PM] Urrak: "So who are we dealin' with, Seirixori?" Urrak asks

[7:22 PM] Seirixori: "We already knew who, it's just now all over Brimeia's face."

[7:23 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia frowns another moment before asking quietly, "What's the name?"

[7:24 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Te'zural of Phlegethos," Ryleigh replies.

7:26 PM] Brimeia: "Does it... help to know it?"

[7:26 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Not really. It's not its true name."

[7:28 PM] Urrak: "Is the true name on that contract, then?" Urrak shifts her weight, a bit uneasy "We gotta get that thing looked at...You think anyone in Riverrun could read it all?"

[7:28 PM] Brimeia: "What's a true name?"

[7:29 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Its true name wouldn't be on the contract, it'd be too dangerous for the devil to use it."

[7:30 PM] Urrak: "Too dangerous? How do ye mean?"

[7:33 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh gives a deep sigh and half shrugs. "All you need to know is that it would be dangerous for the devil to ever use its real name."

[7:34 PM] Urrak: "Fair enough, I guess." she rubs the back of her neck, "So, what's th' next step then? If th' devil is this pissed off now, I'm sure it'll get worse...an' quick."

[7:35 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh humorously laughs. "Please, it knows we're not a threat - not truly."(edited)

[7:36 PM] DM: Rukiya nods. "If she wanted to, she could kill us all without breaking a sweat. This is... something else."

[7:37 PM] Urrak: "That's...comfortin'."

[7:39 PM] Seirixori: Seir laughs a little, "My... mother might have an issue with that."

[7:40 PM] Brimeia: "Huh?"

[7:41 PM] Seirixori: "Nothing, it isn't important."

[7:37 PM] Sariel: Sariel smothers a sudden laugh.

[7:37 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia glances toward Ryleigh with a questioning look.

[7:39 PM] Brimeia: When Rukiya speaks, Brimeia looks toward her, then down at the floor. "She... got really really mad when she told me take the power ball thing and I didn't."

[7:42 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia frowns but decides it's probably not the time, though she gives Seir what she hopes is a sympathetic look.(edited)

[7:45 PM] Urrak: "Right...well if we're just gonna push Bri's little problem t' th' side fer a moment, then maybe we can figure out where we're headed and what we're doin'. Danai is still with Kendall, Seirixori's ma is back in Halolis an' actin' off, not t' mention that strip o' fabric we found on Liakos before Gunnloda brought him back. We've a few loose strands t' tie up I feel."

[7:47 PM] Seirixori: "Yeah, well, knowing who the fabric belongs to would go a long way," Seir huffs angrily.

[7:49 PM] Sariel: Sariel pipes up for the first time, feeling like she may have something to contribute, "Liakos said it was linked to the Dark Fey."

[7:52 PM] Urrak: "Liakos said it was th' 'Queen o' th' Unseelie Court'."

[7:53 PM] Sariel: "Right."

[7:55 PM] Seirixori: Seir's quiet for a few moments as she thinks about the research she'd done before. She scowls and her thoughts are confirmed with Urrak's words, "The Queen of Air and Darkness." She clenches her fists in anger.

[7:57 PM] Urrak: "Aye, that was it.Th' Queen o' Air and Darkness. Apparently her ‘n Liakos' lady don't get along."

[8:00 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh moves to stand next to Seir and takes her hand.

[8:01 PM] Brimeia: "So... what's that mean?" Brimeia asks, looking between the other party members.

[8:06 PM] Seirixori: "Couldn't have told me that name in the first place?" Seir grits out. She takes a deep breath when Ry takes her hand. "It means that there's a problem somehow possibly worse than a devil... that doesn't affect all of us... That I know of."

[8:08 PM] Sariel: "...what?"

[8:08 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "You need to explain that better, homashoc," Ryleigh says softly, brushing her thumb over Seir's hand.(edited)

[8:08 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia hesitates a moment before saying uncertainly, "I'm sorry."

[8:08 PM] DM: Gunnloda chuckles and puts her hand on Seir's back.

[8:10 PM] Urrak: "Aye, I can't say I follow."

[8:14 PM] Seirixori: Seir frowns and chews on her lip, "It's... Brimeia's devil thing kind of affects us all, and has. My-- the Queen with my mother is... well, I would have never known about and it wouldn't have messed with us if I hadn't dug into it."

[8:16 PM] Sariel: "Wait the queen with who now? Dug into what?"

[8:23 PM] Seirixori: Seir looks at Sariel for a moment before pulling out the cloth she's had since Ryleigh handed it her and waves it around, "I found a flag with this on it four years ago, and everyone I knew was killed. My mother was gone. Now," Seir pauses and takes a deep breath, squeezing Ryleigh's hand and leaning into Gunnloda, "Now, this fucking," there's a string of words, some recognizable as infernal, the others a slightly deeper abyssal, "has somehow made my mother think that it was someone else's fault."

[8:30 PM] Urrak: "Even if ye didn't dig int'a it, I get th' feelin' it'd come back around one way or th' other, Seirixori."

[8:35 PM] Sariel: "Ok, so what is the new objective then?"

[8:35 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Again, Ryleigh just squeezes Seir's hand, to remind her she isn't alone.

[8:38 PM] Seirixori: Seir gives Urrak a look and then looks to Sariel, "Do you know how close Ardabeh is?"

[8:40 PM] Sariel: Sariel crosses her arms, "Yeah,  why?"

[8:43 PM] Seirixori: "I need to go there. Limabey Forest, specifically."

[8:43 PM] Sariel: "What's waiting for you in Limabey Forest?"(edited)

[8:44 PM] Urrak: Urrak looks almost proud at Seirixori's decisiveness. "It's where she's from, where it all happened."

[8:46 PM] Seirixori: "The rest of my things. And... more answers." Seir rolls her eyes, "No, probably just a fuck ton more questions."

[8:47 PM] Urrak: "Sounds about right," Urrak chuckles softly, "But, at least ye won't be alone this time."

[8:49 PM] DM: Gunnloda: "You think Mielikki might have ideas?"

[8:51 PM] Seirixori: Ignoring Urrak Seir kneels next to Gunnloda, "Maybe, I've never... I never asked her anything. So I don't know how much she'd answer considering how much she hasn't said to me."

[8:52 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Maybe it'll be different this time because you know who she is."

[8:55 PM] Seirixori: "Do I?" Seir rolls her eyes and lets out a deep sigh. "Maybe..." she says quietly,

[8:55 PM] Urrak: "At th' very least, ye have some o' th' right questions t' ask."

8:58 PM] Seirixori: "...this is great and all, but any objections or issues going there before heading back to Vyon? Or do we still need to go there first?"

[8:58 PM] Urrak: "Well, we've left Danai with Kendall...an' I think our rent might've been due fer Headquarters...but really Vyon was jus' a stoppin' point. A refuelin'."(edited)

[8:59 PM] Urrak: "An' I gotta say...it feels off leavin' Mal there alone fer so long..."(edited)

[9:00 PM] Sariel: Sariel looks around the group,"I don't really care where we go as long as we have a plan."

[9:00 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "We do have rent due, and Rukiya likely doesn't want to continue to travel with us. Donny should have our items ready too," Ryleigh says to Seir.

[9:01 PM] Urrak: "So we can head t' Vyon an' teleport t' Ardabeh. We've got enough tickets, if there's a circle."(edited)

[9:03 PM] Seirixori: "I'm sure there is, but I don't know most of the cities," Seir shrugs.

[9:04 PM] Urrak: "We'll find our way around. Ry, Rukiya, do ye know anyone out in Ardabeh?"

[9:04 PM] Sariel: "It's about the same distance from here to Vyon or Ardabeh, they're just in opposite directions."

[9:05 PM] Seirixori: "I do want my hat," she mumbles. "...Ryleigh's hat."

[9:06 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh raises an irritable eyebrow at Urrak.

[9:10 PM] Urrak: "Nevermind, I guess...Maps are a thing." Urrak cocks an eyebrow back at Ryleigh. "But aye, let's head back t' Vyon then. Seems t' be th' easiest option. Though Danai..."(edited)

[9:10 PM] Seirixori: "Will teleport to us in Vyon when Gunnloda asks Kendall to do so."

[9:11 PM] Urrak: "Easy enough. We've plenty o' space back at th' Guildhall."

[9:12 PM] Seirixori: "...Yes. That was pretty much the plan this whole time."

[9:15 PM] Sariel: Sariel keeps looking between everyone waiting for a decision to be reached, "So... Ardabeh, then?"

[9:15 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "No, we're sticking to the original plan and going back to Vyon."

[9:17 PM] Sariel: "Ok, so no change then, good deal."

[9:20 PM] Urrak: "How long until we make it there, Sariel?"

[9:21 PM] Sariel: "Several weeks, if we're lucky the wind will favor us."

[9:23 PM] Seirixori: "Great, anything else?"

[9:25 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh shakes her head, grateful for the conversation to end.

[9:26 PM] Urrak: "S'long as we know where we're headed, I've nothin' else t' ask."

## Seiriel and DF

[9:32 PM] Seirixori: Seir shifts into a purple parrot and shuffles over to Sariel and lifts her wings, flapping them a little, squawking, "Up."(edited)

[9:33 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh is going to wander off towards the back of the boat.

[9:36 PM] DM: Rukiya follows.

[9:36 PM] Sariel: Sariel raises her eyebrows in surprise before chuckling, squatting down low and reaching out her arm for Seir to hop on to.

[9:40 PM] Seirixori: Seir hops up to Sariel's arm... tries to, it takes her a try or two. She shuffles her way to Sariel's shoulder and squawks again, "Arr." She laughs.

[9:45 PM] Sariel: Sariel hangs her head in laughter before standing back up. "What's up, Little Bird?" she attempts to turn her head to look at Sier for moment  before realizing she's too close and turning to look out over ocean.

[9:45 PM] Seirixori: Seir whistles and clicks her tongue, "Sky."

[9:49 PM] Sariel: Sariel snorts, "Smartass." She gets quiet for a moment, before tentatively asking, "Hey, are you uh... are you ok? The last week or so has been kind of A Lot..."

[9:55 PM] Seirixori: There's a low whistle and a little laugh, "No." Seir shrugs and then flaps her wings a bit, "Months. A lot."

[10:03 PM] Sariel: Sariel grimaces, "Months? Dang. I can't even imagine what else has happened." She pauses, letting out a long breath, "I... I'm sorry. Sorry that you're having a rough patch in general, but more specifically... I'm sorry about your mom. That I attacked her." She shrugs her other shoulder half heartedly, "I didn't know."

[10:08 PM] Seirixori: "Okay." Seir clicks her tongue again, "Me either." Then she shrugs, "Thank you. For not killing."

[10:27 PM] Sariel: Sariel glances at Seir from the corner of her eye, "However complicated things are between you," Sariel takes a breath and turns back, "I'm glad she's alive." She pauses for a moment, unsure of what else to say, "I wish there was more I could do to make things suck a little less." She smiles a little sardonically, "Unfortunately, unless there's someone you desperately want to Pirate Attack, I'm a little out of my depth."

[10:36 PM] Seirixori: "Probably," Seir jokes. "Miss wife." Seir whistles again and hops off Sariel's shoulder, she looks close to gliding down but half way down she squawks and plummets, hitting the ground pretty hard, but not enough to be a tiefling again. "Ow..."

[11:06 PM] Sariel: Sariel laughs a little at Seir falling off her shoulder, "I would have helped you down, you know," she calls after her.

[11:30 PM] Seirixori: "Practice!" Seir parrots back to Sariel.

She chirps and hop-walks over to Gunnloda. "Hello pretty."

[10:36 PM] DM: Gunnloda laughs and helps Seir up to her shoulder. "Hello, pretty bird."

[10:38 PM] Seirixori: Seir whistles and puffs up a little bit. "Prettier than Ryleigh," she laughs.

[11:09 PM] DM: Gunnloda laughs again.  "I think so anyway."

[11:32 PM] Seirixori: She head butts Gunnloda, "Ryleigh thinks so too." She laughs again. "Taught her."

[11:34 PM] DM: Gunnloda smiles and sits at the mast, far from the railings. "Lookin' forward t'the day ya learn t'fly."

[11:37 PM] Seirixori: "Come with?"

[11:47 PM] DM: "Flying?"

[11:57 PM] Seirixori: Seir hops down, landing a little better, but still not graceful. She shifts back into real Seir and sits next to Gunnloda, wrapping her arms and tail around her wife, "Yeah, wanna fly with me when I figure it out?" She chuckles, "...and maybe test out carrying Urrak first."

[11:59 PM] DM: Gunnloda chuckles. "Maybe... dwarves don't breathe water... and I reckon we don't bounce well either."

January 4, 2019

[12:13 AM] Seirixori: Seir laughs into Gunnloda's hair, pressing her lips to her cheek when she pulls back. "You know if I can help it, I won't let you bounce."

[12:16 AM] DM: She chuckles.  "I'm not afraid of you... it's gravity that worries me."

[12:21 AM] Seirixori: "I can try and fight gravity." Seir snorts as she tries to stop laughing.

12:26 AM] DM: "I reckon some day you might," Gunnloda laughs.

[1:17 AM] Seirixori: After some welcome quiet, Seir says, "Ryleigh was weirdly agreeable to going to Ardabeh." Seir starts twisting the end of Gunnloda's shirt with her fingers. "It might not be a good idea, but... I want to get it over with." She sighs, "What could be worse than finding out my mother doesn't quite remember who I am and thinks that..." the same string of Infernal and Abyssal are said, "somehow has her doing her dirty work?"(edited)

[10:52 AM] DM: Gunnloda pulls Seir's hands up to press a kiss to them. "I've got your back, whatever happens."

## Bri and Seir- Branding

[3:59 PM] Brimeia: After some time just thinking to herself, Brimeia heads over to find Seirixori's distinctive horns above the rest of the people bustling about the ship. "Hey, Seirixori... do you mind if I ask you some stuff?"

[4:03 PM] Seirixori: Seir was lightly dozing with her arms around Gunnloda. She blinks away the tiredness when Bri speaks to her, "Uh, sure?"

[4:07 PM] Brimeia: Bri gives a small smile at the sleepy look Seir wears when she turns around. "Thanks. Think you can tear yourself away from your wife for a few minutes?" She jabs her thumb over her shoulder at an area of the ship with fewer people wandering around.

[4:09 PM] Seirixori: Seir pouts a little, but does get up and she heads over to where Bri motioned. "Something wrong?"

[4:13 PM] Brimeia: "Not anything more than it already is, but.." Bri scratches at her chin, frowning when her hand brushes past the ridges on her cheek, reminding her of the words now burned there.

[4:15 PM] Brimeia: "How did you get your mark?" Bri points toward Seir's collarbone before retracting her hand again like she's not sure she should have.

[4:22 PM] Seirixori: Seir absentmindedly rubs at her own mark, "I was..." Seir frowns thinking for a moment before she shrugs, "I was dying, a wolf found me, brought me to Mielikki, and then she," she presses her palm to her mark, "she took the pain, hunger, and thirst away for a little bit and this was left."

[4:26 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia listens quietly, though her expression shifts a few times. "Huh. And that's all? It doesn't... do anything anymore?"(edited)

[4:31 PM] Seirixori: Seir shrugs, "It itches sometimes, but that's about it."

[4:32 PM] Brimeia: "Oh ok. I guess I'm just worried mine'll... do something bad." Brimeia frowns as she touches her own cheek absently.

[4:33 PM] Seirixori: "It definitely looks more... fancy," Seir chuckles.

[4:35 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia manages a chuckle at the description. "Does it? Do I look cooler or at least more intimidating?"

[4:39 PM] Seirixori: Seir snorts, "None of you are very intimidating." She shakes her head, "I'd call it cool if it were different circumstances."

[4:42 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia smiles and shrugs without arguing the point. Her expression becomes more somber at the second part of her answer. "Yeah.." Bri's quiet a few moments before she speaks again. "She showed me Lapis. Offered me more power. Power to take revenge on him. To save myself. To break out of the brig. I kinda wanted to, but when I said no, she got really really mad."

[4:43 PM] Brimeia: "I don't want her to hurt everyone."

[4:55 PM] Seirixori: Shaking her head, Seir laughs again, "Well, at least this time you weren't being an idiot." She scoffs, "Also, we're on a boat? Where did she think you were going to go with more 'power'?" Huffing a little Seir sits down, "That's why we're helping you. So you don't hurt anyone else. Well, not the only reason."

[4:59 PM] Brimeia: Bri manages another small smile. "I'm trying not to be." She shrugs again at the question. "Who knows? Magical stuff maybe." Bri follows suit and sits down by Seir. "Oh yeah? What's the other reason?"

[5:04 PM] Seirixori: "You're our friend, we could have just handed you off to someone else way more equipped to handle something like this if you weren't."

[5:09 PM] Brimeia: Bri's silent for a bit before she looks up at Seir with a bashful looking smile. "I've never really had friends before. It's weird.. but nice too."

[5:10 PM] Brimeia: Bri pauses, expression growing serious again. "I think... Eya knows stuff about you. All of you. Stuff that you're afraid of."

[5:13 PM] Seirixori: Seir rolls her eyes, "Of course she does." She sighs, "Hopefully we find someone who understands that contract more. I haven't even heard of most of the words, let alone understand them."

[5:16 PM] Brimeia: "You mean you're not an expert on devil contracts?" Brimeia laughs. "I hope so too. She didn't just make me watch you all die.... she made me watch you all suffer first."

[5:20 PM] Seirixori: "...I'm sorry you had to watch it all. That doesn't sound fun."

[5:22 PM] Brimeia: Bri shrugs. "It seemed so real. I just don't want it to happen for real."

[5:22 PM] Brimeia: Bri sits up suddenly. "She couldn't really... could she?"

[5:28 PM] Seirixori: "Make it happen?" Seir shrugs again, "She's a devil, I'm sure she could. She'd probably make you do it too. What better way to fuck someone over than force them to do the dirty work, unable to stop themselves."

[5:29 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia frowns, silent for a moment. "She said I have to kill more or else she'd make it happen. Said that was why she made me kill in my sleep."

[5:35 PM] Seirixori: "I guess this is more pressing than we thought, but... the best we can do is just continue watching you I guess." Seir frowns, "I'm sorry we have to lock you up."

[5:38 PM] Brimeia: "It's ok. I get it. Better than waking up to guards hunting me down for murder I didn't even know I did."

[5:40 PM] Brimeia: "Guess I should tell your girlfriend about all that stuff too, huh?"

[5:42 PM] Seirixori: Seir looks incredibly confused, "My what?"

[5:43 PM] Seirixori: "You do know Gunnloda and I got married, right? Weren't you there?"

[5:45 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia laughs. "Yeah, I know. Ryleigh. That's not a thing? That's definitely a thing, right?"

[5:51 PM] Seirixori: Seir blinks at Bri and then starts laughing, "Oh, oh-- no. No, that is-- pff," she continues laughing and eventually has to wipe tears from her eyes. "That is definitely not a thing. Ryleigh's my... my person.  Other person?" Seir shrugs, "I love her, like I love Gunnloda, minus all the romantic and sex things."

[5:53 PM] Brimeia: Bri blinks as Seir as she laughs and explains. "So.. it is a thing. Just not a sex thing? ...Or a romantic thing. Wait, how does that even work?" Bri crosses her arms and scratches at her chin, brows scrunched.

[6:19 PM] Seirixori: Seir rests her chin on her hand, "It just does? She's-- I could call her my best friend, I could call her my sister, but none of those words sound or feel right. At least the way I understand them, it's not like I've had either of those things until now." She sighs, "Ryleigh is really affectionate with me, as you've noticed, but that's as far as it goes. I like holding her hand, I am okay when she kisses my forehead or my cheek, and without armor, she's nice to hug  and cuddle with. But I don't have a desire to make out with her or have sex with her, like I do with Gunnloda." She places her other hand under chin as well, leaning forward a bit, "I don't really know how else to explain it, it works the same as any relationship. It's just as serious, just as wonderful, has it's ups and downs, she completes me in a way I didn't know I needed and I want to spend the rest of my... her life with her. I don't want to imagine her not being a part of mine." Seir frowns, "I don't know if that made sense or if I just made it more confusing..."(edited)

[6:26 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia scrunches her brows as she listens carefully. When Seir finishes, she scratches her head and laughs a little. "I think it's a bit over my head. I've never really stayed in any place too long, so I've never really had.. what was it you said -- a person? But I'm glad it makes you happy."

[6:29 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia chuckles a bit. "It was pretty funny hearing the serious face paladin all, 'Horra' sa'rloarlos a llash a lloas oas nmoiy oas rliy nann rmaoc.'"

[6:33 PM] Seirixori: Seir practically giggles, "I thought you'd get a kick out of that."

[6:35 PM] Seirixori: "She's a good person, I hope you'll eventually think so."

[6:36 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia laughs again. "I did. We both had a good laugh about it."

[6:38 PM] Brimeia: "She's not so bad, I guess," Bri answers in a clearly exaggerated tone. "I can see why you like her," she adds with a grin. "Your girl-- uh, person."

[6:41 PM] Seirixori: "Careful, Rukiya might have words if you keep referring to Ryleigh as my girlfriend," Seir teases.

Brimeia laughs. "Right. Wait, does she know about that?"

 "Did you have any other questions? Sorry I don't really know about the mark thing. Yours uh, yours is definitely a lot more um... possessive." Seir frowns and looks down at her own mark, "... ok maybe just more evil."

[6:45 PM] Brimeia:  She gives a dry laugh and shrug at the comments about her mark. "It's ok. Might be a little of both. I'm not sure why she didn't just kill me."

[6:46 PM] Brimeia: "And, nah. You probably want to get back to your wife." Bri flashes a wink.

6:56 PM] Seirixori: Seir grins widely, "I do." Seir stands and stretches, "Feel free to come ask more stuff if you want, even if I don't know the answer." She heads back to Gunnloda.

## Ryfika

[9:37 PM] DM: Rukiya steps up next to Ryleigh, but doesn't touch her. "You ok, Ry?"

[9:39 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh just takes a deep breath and shakes her head 'no'.

[9:39 PM] DM: "What do you need?"

[9:40 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "To be away from everyone."

[9:41 PM] DM: "Do you want me to leave you alone? You can probably hide out where you modeled your armor."

[9:44 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I don't mean you, you're not everyone..." Ryleigh turns towards Rukiya just to make sure she knows that she means it.

[9:49 PM] DM: Rukiya takes Ryleigh's hand, appreciating the lack of heavy gauntlets. "I'm here for you. Whatever you need."

[9:51 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh threads their fingers together. "I honestly don't know what I need," her tone sounds distant and her brows pull together.

[9:52 PM] DM: "Do you want to talk, or a distraction?"

[9:59 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "There's nothing I can say that you don't already know." Ryleigh brings Rukiya's hand to her lips, pressing a soft kiss to it. "At least this year, I don't feel as terrible about it. I still killed those people, but..." she shrugs.

[10:03 PM] DM: "Your hands may have held the weapon, but it wasn't you controlling them."

[10:08 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh nods slowly. "I know. Or... I do now. But it still bothers me that I destroyed so many lives... so many families. They're mourning today because I failed them. Because I wasn't strong enough."

[10:16 PM] DM: Rukiya brushes her fingers over Ryleigh's cheek. "It's not that you weren't strong enough. It just that the magic was stronger. Saying you weren't strong enough is still blaming yourself. It's not your fault. It's his."

[10:23 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Leaning into Rukiya's touch, Ryleigh swallows hard and furrows her brows. "Rukiya... I-" she sighs heavily, like she doesn't know what to say.

[10:26 PM] DM: "Say it for me? Just once."

[10:37 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh's eyes gloss over with tears and she looks slightly panicked. She takes a deep breath and says, just above a whisper, "It wasn't my fault."

[10:38 PM] DM: Rukiya takes Ry's face in her hands. "One day, I hope you really believe it." Then she leans up and kisses her.

[10:59 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: A few of Ryleigh's tears escape down her cheeks as she let's Rukiya kiss her. "Someday... when I feel like I deserve it..."

[11:10 PM] DM: "You do. You deserve peace."

[11:20 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "When the people there think about what happened today, it's me, not the Maker they see. Why should I have peace when they can't." Ryleigh blinks, knocking a few of her tears free.(edited)

[11:22 PM] DM: "If they knew what happened, I believe they'd agree. You were the weapon but not the cause."

[11:25 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I hate that he used me," Ryleigh murmurs.

[11:31 PM] DM: "I do too, minsriellu."

[11:40 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh breathes deeply. "I don't know how you aren't tired of it yet."(edited)

[11:48 PM] DM: "You're worth the effort, Ry. I wish you'd believe that too."

[11:58 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I-" Ryleigh's hands clench and unclench at Rukiya's waist. "I'm learning to believe it."

January 4, 2019

[9:49 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Her hands settle and she leans in to kiss Rukiya, letting the kiss go longer than what's probably appropriate considering they're on the deck of the ship.  Eventually Ryleigh pulls away, saying, "How are you? You've been spending a lot of time on rooftops and in the crows nest."

[9:52 PM] DM: Rukiya chuckles lightly. "A lot of that has been with Seirixori. It's... odd talking to her. I spent so long not talking to anyone about any of it, then you come along and make it so I can talk about any of it... trying to figure out what I can and can't say again is... precarious."

[9:55 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I'm sorry for making it difficult for you again..." Ryleigh glances down, shifting uncomfortably. "Thank you for looking after her."

[10:01 PM] DM: She leans down into Ry's line of sight. "It's ok, Ry. Don't beat yourself up over it. I'm ok and navigating this is... it comes with the decision I made to leave. I knew it would be hard and I knew the easiest option would be to put up walls and never let anyone close again... but I've decided that's not the easiest option anymore... nor is it one I want to choose. I choose you... and that includes choosing not to close myself off to people who are important to you. I'm still not going to announce myself to anyone, but I can at least help a friend through a rough patch when I have faced similar troubles."

[10:22 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh nods. "Similar troubles," she repeats. "I don't know what it's like to lose a mother. I had Clemency... but it's not the same. Seirixori trusts you, and she likes talking with you. I'm glad you two can bond without it putting you at risk. You both need someone more equipped than me."

[10:27 PM] DM: Rukiya's eyes twinkle with humor as she slides her hands up Ryleigh's arms. "I'd say you're plenty well equipped... but I like her and it's good for people to have friends outside their People. I'd say maybe we might have been friends even in a world that didn't have you in it, but that world would suck."

[10:39 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: “Rukiya,” Ryleigh whines, as a blush tints her cheeks. “That’s not what I meant.” But a small smile plays on Ryleigh’s lips. “I’m happy I’ve made your world even the slightest bit better... because you’ve made living life so much more enjoyable.”

[10:42 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: As an afterthought she adds, "I should really thank Berolt for pairing us as sparring partners that day."

[10:46 PM] DM: Rukiya laughs. "It was a lot of fun watching you learn what the mat felt like.... and I got to learn that you looked really hot all sweaty and sprawled out on your back."

[10:53 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh surges forward, picking Rukiya up as she does and pressing her against the railing of the ship. She quirks an eyebrow and playfully says, "How did you contain yourself all that time?"

[10:54 PM] DM: Rukiya laughs. "I am a master of self-control, unlike some people."

[11:01 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Laughing too, Ryleigh presses a quick kiss to Rukiya's lips. "Thank you for this. You always know how to brighten my day. Even on days like today."

[11:03 PM] DM: She adopts a haughty accent. "'Tis my distinct pleasure to watch such a serious face be overcome with laughter and mirth."

[11:11 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh sets her down, but stays close and she's still grinning. "I love you..." and without really thinking about it she adds, "I had something made for you." Then she blushes profusely.

[11:12 PM] DM: She gives Ryleigh a very purposeful eyebrow raise along with a smirk. "Oh? I didn't know you had it in you to have something made that would cause you to blush like that."

[11:15 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Uh, I mean it's not... dirty, or anything. But it's something," Ryleigh stutters out, then facepalms.

[11:17 PM] DM: Rukiya chuckles and pulls Ryleigh's hand from her face. "I'm sure I'll love whatever it is. Is it a surprise?"

[11:19 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I guess it doesn't have to be."

[11:21 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Unless you want it to be."

[11:21 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Which I suppose I already messed that up."(edited)

[11:26 PM] DM: Rukiya smiles. "You're cute when you get flustered... and when you pout because 'I'm not cute.'"

[11:35 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh shakes her head, still grinning. "It's supposed to look like a scowl, not a pout." Shuffling her feet a little she says, "I'll tell you part of the gift, but the other part is a surprise. I got us sending stones... so we could check in with each other... so you wouldn't have to worry for days or weeks on end about me."

[11:40 PM] DM: For once there's no humor or sarcasm. She looks genuinely touched by the gesture. "Ryleigh... I--" Her hand comes up and brushes over the spot under her shirt where she keeps her ring before falling back down to take Ry's, but it seems purposeful, like she's sending a message she can't speak aloud. "That means a lot to me. Thank you."

[11:55 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh looks relieved, almost like she wasn't sure what Rukiya's reaction would be. "I commissioned them last month, but after everything that's happened... I didn't want to wait to tell you. I never want you to wonder if I'm coming home or not. You deserve to know."

January 5, 2019

[12:04 AM] DM: Rukiya wraps her arms around Ry and holds her there for a few seconds, burying her face in Ry's shoulder.

[12:09 AM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I love you and I don't want to be something else you unknowingly lose," Ryleigh whispers, holding Rukiya close.(edited)

[12:11 AM] DM: "I love you too."

[1:05 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh pulls back a little to press her forehead to Rukiya's. She doesn't say anything, content to stay close and hold Rukiya for as long as she needs to be held.

## Seiryleigh

[10:03 PM] Seirixori: Seir heads towards the back of the ship, her other favorite place, to see Ry and Rukiya embracing, "Hello, old favorite person and new favorite person."

[10:04 PM] DM: Rukiya chuckles and loosens her hold on Ryleigh.

[10:06 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh smiles at Seir, shaking her head slightly. She press a soft kiss to Rukiya’s forehead before asking Seir, “What’s up, homashoc?”

[10:11 PM] Seirixori: Seir shrugs, "I... I just wanted to see if you were ok. You uh, didn't say anything when I said I wanted to go to Ardabeh. But..." she motions to the two of them, "I can come back later."

[10:13 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: She holds up a hand to stop Seir from leaving, but asks Rukiya in elven, "Are you okay, l'auorphiem?"

[10:14 PM] DM: She chuckles and replies, "You were the sad one, minsriellu. Go ahead."

[10:16 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh kisses her, then says, "I'll catch up later."

[10:18 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Waving Seirixori closer, Ryleigh sighs a little. Building herself up for the conversation.

[10:19 PM] DM: Rukiya heads elsewhere, giving Seir a smile as she passes.

[10:21 PM] Seirixori: Seir gives a small wave to Rukiya as she goes, but there's a small frown on her face when she gets closer to Ryleigh, "You don't have to tell me whatever it is if you don't want to," her voice is quiet and a little hesitant.

[10:25 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I'd like to tell you... if you want to know."

[10:30 PM] Seirixori: "Of course I do, Ryleigh." Seir reaches for one of Ryleigh's hands but waits for Ry to take it, "I might be kind of... in my own world lately, but, well, you are part of that world, really." Seir scoffs, "I don't know what I'm trying to say, but I'm here to listen."

[10:44 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh takes Seir's hand, giving it a small squeeze. "I don't want to add to your burden, but I also don't want you to think that I wasn't paying attention earlier when you brought up Ardabeh." She sighs again. "I love you, and I need you to tell me if you just need to take care of yourself for a while."

[10:47 PM] Seirixori: "Honestly, I think I'd welcome the distraction. I want to go to Ardabeh to get this all over with. Taking care of myself right now just means asking myself thousands of questions I don't know the answer to... and we both know how much I love not knowing things." Seir gives a tiny grin.

[10:51 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Okay," Ryleigh says, her thumb sweeping over the back of Seir's hand. "Do you remember when I told you about the Maker and the flesh golems? That I destroyed a town of people? Today is the two year anniversary of that. I'm learning to accept that..." Ryleigh looks away briefly "...it wasn't my fault, but I'm not entirely there yet."

[11:01 PM] Seirixori: "Oh." Seir steps closer, "I sometimes forget it wasn't that long ago. So I'm glad you are trying. Not too long ago you didn't even want to think it wasn't your fault." She takes one hand and places it on Ryleigh's cheek, "I'll be here for whatever you need. I can even take you out there for a bit too if you want." She motions to the ocean with a nod of her head.

[11:08 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh leans into Seir's touch. "I started to think perhaps it wasn't all me after I nearly killed Rav in Rodoza under that control magic..." her eyes grow glossy "...I still feel like I failed those people. I'm not sure I'll ever feel like I'm not at fault in some way, because I should have beat his spell and I didn't and people died by my hand because of it."

[11:13 PM] Seirixori: "You might not ever think you deserve zero fault, but you didn't fail them. How could you? You never got the chance." Seir sighs. "Were you sent there by yourself?"

[11:14 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "It was my first solo assignment," Ryleigh answers.

[11:15 PM] Seirixori: Frowning Seir asks, "Did they know that stuff was happening?"

[11:17 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "With the information we had, my temple believed that I was equipped to handle the job..." Ryleigh looks away.

[11:18 PM] Seirixori: Seir continues frowning, "Even if that were the case... your temple is full of idiots."

[11:19 PM] Seirixori: "Sorry," she says quickly. "But... shouldn't someone have at least gone with to, I don't know, evaluate you or something?"(edited)

[11:26 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I had trained for that day since I was 15... and it isn't unusual for paladins to be sent on assignments alone. They thought I would be fine alone." Ryleigh's jaw tenses. "It wasn't my temple's fault that I couldn't handle the situation. They knew I tried, that I was in over my head, and that's why they transferred me to Vyon instead of completely dismissing me."

[11:43 PM] Seirixori: "Okay," Seir says, not wanting to continue pushing. "Sorry, I just... sorry." She removes her hand from Ryleigh's face and looks down. "I'll-- I'll be here to help you when we run into a dick who can't do their own dirty work, you know that already."

[11:48 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh catches Seir's hand as she withdraws it, not allowing her to get far. "Don't be sorry. I'm not trying to make you feel bad for asking questions... but I won't let anyone but myself and the Maker carry the blame. And I'm slowly giving him more and more of it."

[11:57 PM] Seirixori: "He deserves all of it," Seir remarks. She takes a deep breath, "Did you want to go out and hang out in the water? Or just go be with your girlfriend?" Seir chuckles after she says the word. "Your other girlfriend." She continues laughing.

January 6, 2019

[12:00 AM] Ryleigh Alastair: "My other what?" Ryleigh looks blindsided and confused.

[12:01 AM] Seirixori: Seir tries to stop laughing, "Bri-Brimeia thought you were my girlfriend."

[12:02 AM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh doesn't laugh, instead she shrinks a little and hesitantly asks, "Y-you don't think that though... right?"

[12:07 AM] Seirixori: Now it's Seir's turn to look confused, "What? No, of course not. You might be just as important to me as Gunnloda is, but the thought of kissing you, like romantically speaking is... no. Just no, I'm good."

[12:14 AM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I... I just wasn't sure if... Urrak kissed me because I'm affectionate and you and I, we've never talked about our relationship... I never thought about you thinking it could be - romantic." Ryleigh looks like a typical scared 20 year old girl as she says all this.

[12:23 AM] Seirixori: "Ryleigh," Seir pauses and gently takes Ryleigh's face in both her hands. "If I didn't find it a little weird using your sister's word... homashoc is exactly what you are to me. I do love you, but it's never occurred to me to think of it any more than... well I wish you were around when I was telling Brimeia what you were to me. I don't have any feelings for you in any vein close to romantic. You're... you're so much more than just a best friend, and," her nose scrunches in what could be mild disgust, "I have absolutely no desire to kiss you like I kiss Gunnloda or like you, now, kiss Rukiya... that's gross, Ryleigh."

[12:34 AM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh looks relieved, the tension in her face fading, the panic leaving her voice. "Thank the gods..." she sighs out, leaning in to press her forehead against Seir's. "I love you too, and don't worry... I don't want to kiss you either. I just got worried that..." she shakes her head, because it doesn't matter.

[12:40 AM] Seirixori: "If anything were to change with that, I'd tell you. Maybe... ok maybe I wouldn't. But you know I'd ask first anyway. Besides," Seir grins playfully, "Rukiya's prettier and cooler."(edited)

[12:42 AM] Ryleigh Alastair: "She'll also live longer," Ryleigh adds practically.

[12:46 AM] Seirixori: Seir inhales sharply, but tries to grin through it, "Yep. Bonus points."

[12:49 AM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I... Shit homashoc, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that to you."

[12:55 AM] Seirixori: Seir shrugs, "It's ok, I know you didn't mean it to hurt me. It's... just something I don't like to think about."

[1:01 AM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh cups Seir's cheek. "I'm not leaving you anytime soon. I promise." After a few seconds she says, "Thank you for coming to talk to me. Between you and Rukiya, I don't have a lot of brooding time. You both make me see things differently."

[1:06 AM] Seirixori: "Well, good." Seir grins, leaning into the touch, "Everyone needs different perspectives... and brooding can end with terrible ideas."

[1:11 AM] Ryleigh Alastair: "By the way, I'm going to make you pay for the 'Horra' sa'rloarlos a llash a lloas oas nmoiy oas rliy nann rmaoc'," Ryleigh says playfully.(edited)

[1:14 AM] Seirixori: Seir sticks her tongue out a little and laughs, "I thought it was good."

[1:19 AM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I'm sure you did." Ryleigh rolls her eyes, and pulls Seir close. Her arms loosely drape around Seir's waist as she presses her forehead to Seir's. Ryleigh stays there, not saying anything else and just wanting the closeness.

[1:33 AM] Seirixori: "Rukiya is also really nice to hug." Seir mumbles quietly, falling silent after.

[11:58 AM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh lightly laughs. "Yeah, she's pretty amazing. I'm lucky."

## DF Date in Hogh Toruhm

January 11, 2019

[9:15 PM] DM: A week and a half or so after leaving Halolis, the Revenge pulls in to Hogh Toruhm, a coastal city on the far west side of Dhog Lodir, for resupply. While the crew is off getting drunk or shopping, everyone's free to do as they please, but expected back on the ship by dawn.

Seirixori notices some nervous tension in Gunnloda's demeanor. She seems conflicted about something and is finding it difficult to avoid glancing out at the port.

[9:23 PM] Seirixori: Seir's got her leather armor hanging from her waist, she kneels next to Gunnloda, "...did you want to stay on the ship, tor beag?"

[9:26 PM] DM: Gunnloda huffs what might be a chuckle, might be a sigh, but there's a slight tremble in her hand when she takes Seir's. "No. Not at all... I've never wanted t'be on solid ground more..."

[9:32 PM] Seirixori: Seir lifts Gunnloda's hand to press a kiss to her palm, "Just maybe not this specific ground?" She gives a small grin.(edited)

[9:36 PM] DM: She shakes her head slightly. "I haven't been back here since..."

[9:41 PM] Seirixori: "Anything you need me to do, llaro?" She presses her other hand to Gunnloda's cheek. "Did you... want to try and avoid people or just... go with it?"

[9:53 PM] DM: She leans into Seir's hand, closes her eyes, and takes a deep steadying breath. "I don't rightly know... I don't know why I'm so nervous 'bout all this. There's nothin' t' be afraid of here. They ain't even got proper mountains this far west...." She opens her eyes and looks into Seir's. "But I told you that first time we came t'port, we'd find some us time.... n'maybe this is a better first step than it would be later, 'less I'm just gonna avoid the whole damn country for the next four hundred years."

[10:07 PM] Seirixori: Seir chuckles, "Yes, we can give the proper mountains a go some other time." She stands, her tail taking it's normal place, "Well, 'us time' means all the bullshit the last couple of months... and several decades ago, doesn't exist for at least a few hours."

[10:09 PM] DM: "I hope it's that easy, sor'odko."

[10:17 PM] Seirixori: "We'll just have to find out," Seir squeezes Gunnloda's hand. "Time to get off a boat, mo cuishle." She tugs Gunnloda forward, lightly, not enough to pull her, but enough to give Gunnloda the opportunity to walk with her or to stop.

[10:20 PM] DM: There's a slight hesitation, but she does follow Seir down the gangplank and onto the pier.

[10:23 PM] DM: The town is not nearly as large as Riverrun, closer to Bellbury from what you can see, but there aren't really encroaching wilds either. There are a lot of buildings, but like Gunnloda mentioned, no mountains. There are rolling hills covered in trees in the far distance, but nothing tall. Even the buildings tend to be short, and looking at the people around, it's not hard to tell why. The majority of people walking around are dwarves, gnomes, even some goblins. There are still humans, and a goliath carrying a heavy load on his shoulder, but by and large, this is a place designed primarily for shorter people.

[10:29 PM] Seirixori: "...talk about standing out even more, now." Seir mutters as she looks around. "Any place you want to go? I was good for getting off the boat, but now I'm lost," she laughs.

[10:33 PM] DM: "I... don't know this town. If I've been here, it was when I was very young... I can tell y' that it's a port town- that's what the Hogh means- and that there's bound to be a marketplace, a temple to Akthor, and an entrance to the underground part of the city somewhere, but... that's all I know."

[10:38 PM] Seirixori: Squeezing Gunnloda's hand in excitement, Seir says, "Oh, buying things! I was thinking that uh, while it doesn't exactly help me all the time, that maybe I should get a shield again. And some paint!" She grins, "And maybe something to eat... that we can take to eat outside."(edited)

[10:39 PM] DM: Gunnloda smiles. "We could find real dwarven tarts too."

[10:41 PM] DM: Seir and Gunnloda manage to find the marketplace after a short time wandering and looking at signs. It's a stone building, like most of the buildings in the town. The ceilings are high enough that there's no worry of Seir bumping her horns, but it's obvious that the building was made primarily for people much shorter than her. Everything on display is below her eye level.

[10:43 PM] DM: There are multiple stalls inside, each with a vendor of various items from weapons to clothes to food. The air is thick with the warmth- and smell- of bodies intermingled with the smell of strong spices. As they enter, Gunnloda holds Seir's hand just a little tighter.

[10:45 PM] Seirixori: Seir bites the inside of her lip, keeping as close of an eye on Gunnloda as she can while she looks for a vendor with shields first. "Are you okay?" She asks as they walk.(edited)

[10:51 PM] DM: Gunnloda nods, but says, "Just... don't let me go." She gestures towards a sign written in Dwarven. "That way."

[10:52 PM] DM: Two rows down, Seir can find a small selection of wooden shields.

[10:57 PM] Seirixori: "You know I won't," Seir heads to the shields and starts poking around, looking for one that she can use, she digs a paper out of her pocket looking at it and the shields, to see if any have enough space on them to put what she wants on it.

[10:57 PM] DM: You can find one that will suit your needs for 12 gp.

[11:00 PM] DM: Gunnloda smiles a little. "Y'know how t'use one a'those?"

[11:03 PM] Seirixori: Seir laughs, "Sort of. I usually like my hands free." Seir gets it for herself and looks to Gunnloda, "Know somewhere I can get a little paint?" Seir places a kiss on Gunnloda's forehead, "Then some food and we can get out of here, unless you need something too."

[11:08 PM] DM: There's an entire section of the market dedicated to crafts. Much of it is carving, sculpting, and other arts regarding stone, but there are several options for paints as well. I'd say enough to cover the shield in whatever colors you want would run 5 sp.

[11:09 PM] DM: Gunnloda: "I can't think of anythin' I need."

[11:17 PM] Seirixori: After buying the paint Seir swings their hands a bit as she leads them towards the good smelling things, "I think you would be glad to know that I am actually really hungry."

[11:28 PM] DM: Gunnloda chuckles. "I don't want you t'be hungry, but I'm happy your appetite's back, kodadir." She smells the air and smiles. "We should go'n see if they have kread coqa'krar."

[11:32 PM] Seirixori: "Sure, let's find some..." Seir opens her mouth to attempt the word, but stops part way through and I stead says, "...some of that."

[11:32 PM] DM: She leads Seir towards the smell of food, her mind seemingly well enough distracted for the moment, until she finds what she's looking for and orders whatever kread coqa'krar is. "D'you want ale or somethin' less alcoholic?"

[11:33 PM] DM: "There's a sweet mead y'might like," she says, reading the list over the counter.

[11:38 PM] Seirixori: Seir shrugs, "I'll try the sweet mead. I... should be okay with a little bit." She laughs.

[11:42 PM] DM: She orders a few things from the vendor who packs it up for her in a basket. As she hands over the payment, he waves her off. "No need, bor'mak."

She puts the coin on the counter anyway, takes the basket and Seir's hand, and heads straight back towards the entrance. Not rushing, but purposeful.

[11:45 PM] Seirixori: Seir bites her lip again and waits until they're closer to the entrance to ask, "Can I ask what that meant?"

[11:49 PM] DM: "It's... a title. He thought I was-- it's my family."

[11:51 PM] Seirixori: "Oh." Seir stays quiet and lets Gunnloda lead her to wherever she's headed.

[11:59 PM] DM: Once they're outside, Gunnloda slows slightly, taking a deep breath, then following signs through town. "Sorry, sor'odko, I just... needed t'be out of there."

[12:06 AM] Seirixori: "You don't need to apologize for that, tor beag. I might know a little about needing to leave places quickly," Seir jokes. The she winces, "Sorry, that was... terrible."

[12:13 AM] DM: "I dunno if he just guessed or if there's some way he knew, but bor'mak is a title people use for people in my family that don't have a position or if y'don't know it."

[12:22 AM] Seirixori: Seir tilts her head, "Huh... that, uh, sounds interesting. Would... it be bad if more people recognized you?"

[12:27 AM] DM: She shrugs and turns down another road. "I'm not in exile or anythin' like that. It's just... memories. Who I was and why I'm not."

[12:31 AM] DM: Before too long, Seir can start to make out an open space, devoid of buildings, with a few small clusters of trees. It's less like a park and more like the edge of town, but it's the most trees they've seen since Halolis.

[12:32 AM] DM: " 'Fraid I don't know of any wooded glades with sacred pools here, kodadir, and I don't think I'm up for a trip to Akthor, but a picnic might be nice."

[12:37 AM] Seirixori: "You're with me, it's pretty quiet and away from everyone. It's perfect." Seir smiles with all her teeth, "I know what a picnic is, but I've never had one!"

[12:44 AM] DM: Gunnloda smiles and leads her to a spot in the sun near some of the trees. She starts unpacking the basket, opening folded boxes and jars, setting out a bottle of mead and a bottle of something stronger. "This," she says, holding up a small breaded nugget of something, "is kread coqa'krar. Some people prefer it with this," and she points towards a greyish-white substance, "but if you like a kick, you can try it with gu'otorrv." She gestures to a bright red jelly.

[12:51 AM] Seirixori: Seir, instead of doing either of those things, leans forward and takes a small bite of the breaded nugget. She chews for a second and then takes a tiny bit of the red jelly and puts it in her mouth. "Oh, neat."

[12:54 AM] DM: Gunnloda chuckles and dips another into the jelly, popping it in her mouth. "You prob'ly won't find this anywhere in Vyon."

1:03 AM] Seirixori: "That is a travesty." Seir dips one into the other into the grey stuff and takes a bite. She makes a face soon after, "It isn't bad, but I think I like the other stuff better..."

[1:04 AM] DM: "I'm not surprised y'like it spicy," she chuckles.

[1:10 AM] DM: Gunnloda shakes her head and laughs softly. "I wasn't actually expectin' you t'like it, but I got this too." And she pulls out another folded box that she unfolds to reveal what Seir would recognize as a salad, even if she couldn't actually identify many of the ingredients. There's a lot of mushroom and cubed bits of something that looks like a root vegetable.

[1:14 AM] Seirixori: Seir immediately takes the vegetable she doesn't know and sniffs at it before plopping it into her mouth.

[1:16 AM] DM: "Vuso. Not very flavorful by itself, but it has a lot of nutrients and it can be paired with pretty much anything."

[1:20 AM] DM: "This can all be grown underground."

[1:24 AM] Seirixori: Seir takes some more of the salad and almost as an after thought she takes some of the jelly and puts some on the bit she eats. She grins after she swallows, "Oh! Do you think Stool would want some? After it gets all gross?"

[1:25 AM] DM: "Maybe. You want t'save it that long?"

[1:28 AM] Seirixori: "If we can, yes!" Seir scrunches her nose, "I don't know where we'd keep it, but I'd like to bring them something."

[1:31 AM] DM: "I'm sure we can find a place. I bet they'd appreciate the novelty."

[1:38 AM] Seirixori: Seir takes more of the jelly, eating it by itself, "gu'otorrv." Seir parrots with a little laugh, though it almost sounds abyssal when she says it, not quite taking it seriously.

[1:40 AM] Seirixori: "So... kind of on the topic of all of this," Seir waves her hands in the air, motioning to the area around them. And she looks slightly nervous bringing it up, "I know you were worried about um, about the people you tried to help when you were 'following' the host because of the whole gods not being able to see you thing..."

[1:41 AM] DM: She frowns slightly, but pops another nugget in her mouth, chewing as she listens.

[1:43 AM] Seirixori: Seir stops to collect herself and to slow her words down, "about whether or not that meant they also got lost in a...void. But, I think they were able to. At least, if what Danai said is true."

[1:44 AM] DM: "I don't... what?"

[1:53 AM] Seirixori: "Uh... ok, um... when Danai died, she said she was sitting near a fire, I think? And felt this warmness. Of..." Seir takes out the little token and stares at it like it will give her the name. "The goddess whose name I don't remember, that's not important. I-- you brought her back, and Cidro, and the guy my m-mama killed. So maybe Cae was just... not going to work. And-and it's um... even if-even if it's not the gods you go through, you still help people and it works." Seir shrugs when she's done, not even a little sure she conveyed what she was trying to.(edited)

[1:56 AM] DM: She frowns, confusion apparent on her face. "But... none of them were dead. I didn't... I healed them, but I didn't raise anyone. I haven't raised anyone. Ever."

[2:04 AM] Seirixori: Seir pulls herself to her knees, taking Gunnloda's hands in hers, "But you have, both Ryleigh and Danai said she died. She was in the presence of the goddess she believed in before you brought her back. I know I don't really know how raising anyone works but... I don't think just healing any of them would have helped."(edited)

[2:11 AM] DM: "I-- it's... it's a different kind o' spell. I couldn'ta done it by... by accident. Y'need diamonds and..." She trails off, then opens the stronger bottle and takes a drink of it. "I... need t'let that sit a bit I think."

[2:22 AM] Seirixori: "I don't know how it works, not really. I could just be really really wrong. Sorry, I was trying to... maybe make you feel better... I think it backfired." Seir mutters.(edited)

[2:30 AM] DM: "No," she says, scooching around so she can take Seir's hand in hers. "Don't... it's just this has all been so..." Her eyes get watery. "I try not t'think about it. About... here. About Kafar. About... I don't know what's happenin' with me... my aura... my magic. It's like... I don't know me anymore sometimes and... it scares me so I just... ignore it. Maybe it'll fix itself or go away. There's so much happenin' with you, with Brimeia, with everythin' that's happenin', I let m'self get distracted."

[2:41 AM] Seirixori: Seir nods, her own eyes get a little watery as soon as Gunnloda's do. "M-maybe I can- we can figure it out together? I won't... no matter what we find out, or don't find out, I'll be here to--to be your rock." She shrugs sheepishly, knowing how cheesy it sounds. "Whenever you're ready, or if you need a little push."

[10:33 AM] DM: Gunnloda nods and leans over, resting her head on Seir's shoulder. She doesn't make noise, but Seir can feel tears falling on her shoulder.

[11:15 AM] Seirixori: Seir closes her eyes briefly, letting her tail snake around Gunnloda's waist and squeezes her hand. She adjusts them both so she can put her arm around Gunnloda's shoulders.

[2:44 PM] DM: Gunnloda speaks again after a few minutes of quiet. "I... know y've been wantin' t' talk to Takara again. Y'should be able t'reach her from here."

[4:07 PM] Seirixori: "Really?" Seir tilts her head, "Did... did you want me to... Are... are you ok here, if I...go? I can leave some furry friends with you, if you want."

[4:13 PM] DM: Gunnloda sits up and shakes her head a bit. "I'll... I'll be ok. I'll just wait here. 'm sorry I make this such a pain."

[4:47 PM] Seirixori: Seir gently takes Gunnloda's face in her hands, "You don't. It's only a minor inconvenience and it's because I can't be with you, not because I can't talk to them." She gives Gunnloda a soft kiss and slowly pulls away. "I'll be back soon mo cuishle."

[4:50 PM] DM: Gunnloda nods and gives her an unsteady smile as she pulls away. "Take your time. I'll be ok."

## Seir and Takara

[4:55 PM] Seirixori: Seir kisses her forehead and with some reluctance walks away, taking the flower out of her hair as she does. She sighs and after some time, and what she hopes is a far enough distance, Seir sits on the ground, "Well, this has been a fun trip."

[4:59 PM] DM: "Are you lost? This isn't where I expected to see you again." The halfling's sitting in front of Seir like she's always been there, wearing a smirk.(edited)

[5:09 PM] Seirixori: Seir snorts, "Made a new friend who has their own ship." She sighs, "Taking the long way back."

[5:11 PM] DM: "Not a fan of ships?"

[5:18 PM] Seirixori: Seir chuckles, "My wife doesn't exactly like the ocean, we've had ...several bad run ins with not nice things."

[5:19 PM] DM: "How are you two getting along?"

[5:31 PM] Seirixori: "...I tried to make her feel better just now, but I think I did the opposite." She shrugs with a small smile, "Sometimes I don't know when to push something or to leave it alone."

[5:32 PM] DM: "It's never an easy decision. How was Shasem?"

[5:39 PM] Seirixori: Seir looks down at her hands, "Killed a bandit king, found the name of a devil, found-- I found her."

[5:40 PM] DM: "Your tone suggests it wasn't all you'd hoped for." She reaches over and puts her hand over Seir's. "I'm sorry."

[5:53 PM] Seirixori: Seir looks up with tears in her eyes, "I almost killed her. I didn't-- I wasn't paying attention and I didn't realize... she thought I was just some imposter." Seir sniffles and says quietly, "...said my horns were ridiculous."

[6:00 PM] DM: It'd be unsettling how quickly the halfling sitting in front of Seir becomes the more human-like woman pulling Seir into her arms if not for the warmth of her embrace. "I'm so sorry... I didn't know what you'd find."

[6:14 PM] Seirixori: Seir sobs into Takara's arms, like everything she's tried to keep in is spilling out. It takes her a couple of minutes to calm down, when she does Seir pulls out the cloth and shows it to Takara, but doesn't say anything, still trying to calm down.

[6:24 PM] DM: Takara rests her hand against Seir's cheek, brushing her tears away with her thumb, and just waits for Seir to collect herself.

[6:37 PM] Seirixori: Taking a shaky breath, Seir says, "She tried to kill someone, put this in his mouth... she--she thinks it was Titania that killed everyone. Said-said that she saw me-- her Kindness dead. But none of that happened."

[6:45 PM] DM: Takara narrows her eyes and frowns, the temperature drops a few degrees as she mutters, "Si'as is'hus..." She blinks and everything returns to normal. "I knew that is'hus was involved with what had happened, but I didn't know she'd... it doesn't surprise me though. It's very like her."

[6:51 PM] Seirixori: Seir doesn't really react to the temperature change, "Is... will I be able to help her? My Mama?"

[6:53 PM] DM: Takara refocuses on Seir. "She's working for... her?" She gestures at the flag. "Honestly, I don't know. I don't know how or why or in what manner."

[7:04 PM] Seirixori: "Oh..." Seir slumps, "...that... ok."

[7:12 PM] DM: Takara frowns at Seir's reaction. "I do not mean to discourage you, sia um. It's possible. I just can't make promises on such little information... but it sounds like she has your mother under her influence. Illusions and murder are her specialties." She pauses, reconsiders, and adds, "Mielikki might be able to add some insight as well."

[7:38 PM] Seirixori: Seir nods, wiping her face, "I guess it's a good thing we're going to Ardabeh after stopping to get a few things in Vyon."

7:50 PM] DM: Takara sighs. "Sometimes it is hard to see the clearing at the end of the path while you're still walking it... sometimes it's the hardest journeys that are most rewarding in the end... and sometimes everything is awful and nothing makes sense, but the one thing that I can promise is that all of this is temporary."

[8:00 PM] Seirixori: Seir gives a watery laugh, "Good to know that 'everything is awful and nothing makes sense' is temporary."

[8:03 PM] DM: Takara smiles gently. "Surely not everything is awful."

[8:12 PM] Seirixori: Seir grins, "No, not everything. I have friends now, and you, and-and a wife."

[8:19 PM] DM: There's a flash of conflict in her eyes- if Seir wasn't so perceptive she'd probably have missed it- then it's gone and her smile deepens. "Good. When things are at their worst, remember that."

[8:38 PM] Seirixori: Seir tilts her head and she studies Takara for a few moments, she bites her lip but nods.

[10:49 PM] Seirixori: "...What's wrong?"

[11:17 PM] DM: Her smile softens, then fades as she considers her answer. "Would you have rather lived in ignorance? Believing your mother had died, that Mielikki was someone who saved you once? Do you wish I'd never led you to the information that led you to her?"

[11:25 PM] Seirixori: Seir's face pulls into a frown as she thinks it over, but it doesn't take her very long to answer, "No. I... no. Even with all the mess, I'm glad I know something."

[11:33 PM] DM: She takes Seir's hand in both of hers. "I'm not like the others of my kind. Most of them have little to nothing to do with mortals. Besides their champions, they rarely even speak or appear to them, let alone develop relationships with them. Most of them think I'm foolish for caring... and maybe I am. Your lives are so short, so volatile... so bittersweet and full of pain. Your path is so full of thorns. It has been for a long time and will continue to be for a while yet. I didn't know which path would be clearer for you... but I thought it was your decision to make, and you couldn't make it without having the information you needed."

[11:42 PM] DM: "You've lost people before.... you're going to lose many more in the future, especially if you continue down the path Mielikki laid out for you. You'll outlive everyone you care about... tell me... if you knew something about your Asten friend... if you could see into the future and know that she would probably be responsible for your death... not 900 years from now, but maybe five... what would you do? Would you tell her, even though it would change things? Would you protect yourself, even if it meant losing her? Would you keep it to yourself and let it come,  and live for the happiness you have together now and forfeit those 900 years?"

[11:48 PM] Seirixori: Seir inhales sharply and her eyes immediately start tearing up again. Her first clenches in Takara's, "Could I do both of the last things?"

[11:51 PM] DM: She gives Seir a slight smile, squeezing her hand. "It's hypothetical, sia um. Just an example."

[11:54 PM] Seirixori: "I couldn't-- I couldn't tell her that. But I'd leave... but not to protect myself... to protect her. To protect my wife."

[11:58 PM] DM: "You must love her very much."

January 13, 2019

[12:02 AM] Seirixori: She nods, "I do."

[12:08 AM] DM: "Before the Invasion-- the second one-- there was another of us. Her name was Aella. She was the goddess of love. We were very close. Life and love." Her eyes tear up and the skies darken with clouds. "She was lost and she was never replaced in our pantheon. People turned to me as the goddess of fertility to fill that need and in time... it came to be my domain as well. Romantic, platonic, familial... what is life without love? Maybe it's why I find myself drawn to mortals."

[12:10 AM] DM: "I know you love her. I know you love both of them. I can feel it.... and it makes this harder."

[12:13 AM] DM: "It's not your friend who is a threat to you.... but your wife who is a threat to me."

[12:26 AM] Seirixori: Seir freezes, wide-eyed as she stares at Takara. "But..." She rests her forehead on Takara, not quite successful at hiding her cries. "Why?"

[12:28 AM] DM: "If you ask me again, I will tell you... and everything will change. Be sure you want that before you ask."

[12:31 AM] DM: "I know why your wife is different."

[12:36 AM] Seirixori: Seir quietly sniffles as she thinks. She closes her eyes and takes a deep breath, "Can I ask again later? Or is it an only now thing?"(edited)

[12:43 AM] DM: She chuckles softly and brushes her hand across Seir's cheek. "It is not an easy decision and one I am struggling with myself. You may ask whenever you wish... but you should know that I am not the only one who knows. I am not the only one who is threatened."

[12:53 AM] Seirixori: With a heavy sigh Seir nods, "I think I just need an... outside opinion. ...As much as I can get while giving very little information."

[12:57 AM] DM: "I understand. Obviously... I sought yours."

[1:13 AM] Seirixori: "This sucks," Seir sighs and hugs Takara. "But thank you, for... for letting me know if I ask."

[1:18 AM] DM: She leans forward and presses a soft kiss to Seir's forehead. "You know how to reach me."

[1:34 AM] Seirixori: Seir nods and after a few moments of just looking at Takara she heads back to Gunnloda.

## Drunkloda

[1:37 AM] DM: Gunnloda is lying on her back, looking up at the sky, the bottle of her liquor in her hand.

[1:40 AM] Seirixori: "You okay, tor beag?" Seir asks looking down at her with a small smile.

[1:41 AM] DM: "Sky's not s'bad."

[1:44 AM] Seirixori: "Not bad at all. Can I join you?"

[1:45 AM] DM: "Yes, please."

[1:50 AM] Seirixori: Seir grabs the sweet mead, opens it, and takes a heavy drink before lying down next to Gunnloda. "How long do you think we can hide away over here?"

[1:51 AM] DM: "Dunno. Said ship's leavin' at dawn. Sun went away."

[1:54 AM] Seirixori: "Dawn it is... if you want to sleep out here with me."(edited)

[1:55 AM] DM: It is still daytime... it just got cloudy and has stayed that way.

[1:55 AM] DM: "Are we hiding?"

[2:01 AM] Seirixori: "At least for now. I... just have some thinking to do. It helps that we won't be interrupted by anyone if we stay out here."

[2:03 AM] DM: "Mmk." She scoots over and puts her head on Seir's shoulder like a pillow. "You think. I drink."

[2:14 AM] Seirixori: "Okay, tor beag." Seir says softly. She is quiet for a while, but at some point she breaks the silence.  "If..." she starts but can't really find the words to finish and sighs heavily. "I don't want to think about this."

[2:15 AM] DM: Gunnloda lifts her bottle. "Want mine? Helps with not thinkin'."

[2:21 AM] Seirixori: Seir chuckles, "You just want me to call you pretty again."

[2:22 AM] DM: She rolls onto her stomach, leaning on Seir with a dopey grin. "Y'don't gotta be drunk t'call me pretty."

[2:42 AM] Seirixori: "Not anymore," Seir rolls them over so that she's looking down at Gunnloda again. She traces her fingers over Gunnloda's features before resting her hand against her wife's cheek. "I love you, mo cuishle."

[2:43 AM] DM: She giggles. "'s a funny word. I love you too.  So much."

[2:50 AM] Seirixori: "It is, isn't it?" Seir's eyes water again and she can't help but laugh at herself. "I feel like all I've been doing lately is crying."

2:52 AM] DM: "Nooo... don't cry." She laughs again. "You'll rain on m'face."

[2:59 AM] Seirixori: Seir laughs, the tears falling anyway and she leans down to kiss Gunnloda through her laughter. "Too bad."

[3:01 AM] DM: When Seir pulls away, Gunnloda chuckles. "Salty."

[3:10 AM] Seirixori: "How much do you think we can get away with out here?"

[3:14 AM] DM: She raises her eyebrow and smiles. "Don't know if y'know this 'bout me, kodadir, but m'family's kinda a big deal 'round here."

[3:17 AM] Seirixori: "That a nothing?" Seir grins, "Can't have a big ol' scandal the second you come back?"

[3:21 AM] DM: She shakes her head. "Other way. 'sides... who cares?"

[3:25 AM] Seirixori: Seir raises an eyebrow and grins, "Interesting. And you know I certainly don't care."

[3:27 AM] DM: She just pulls Seir down by her neck into a long kiss.

## Seir and Rukiya

January 13, 2019

[1:37 PM] DM: Gunnloda and Seir eventually make their way back to the ship by dawn and Hogh Toruhm disappears over the horizon as the Revenge heads north.

[1:43 PM] Seirixori: Seir stays with Gunnloda for a time, unwilling to leave her side, but the urge to get an opinion is too strong and she leaves Gunnloda with a kiss and goes to find Rukiya.

[1:44 PM] DM: She's probably just hanging out, leaning against the railing, watching the coastline go by.

[1:47 PM] Seirixori: Seir approaches her, obviously conflicted, "Rukiya, could you, would you mind if-- can I ask for your opinion on something, but up there?" she points to the crow's nest.

[1:49 PM] DM: Rukiya looks up at Seir, her eyebrows coming together in concern. "Are you ok?"

[1:52 PM] Seirixori: Seir opens her mouth to answer, but tears fill her eyes and she shakes her head. She shifts quickly into a ferret and sits at Rukiya's feet.

[1:56 PM] DM: "Ok... I've got you..." She scoops Seirret up and scales the mast. Once she's up there, she dismisses the sailor on watch with a suggestion they go take a break and assurance that she'll keep an eye on things in the meantime. The sailor leaves and Rukiya sits on the bench, running her hand over Seir's head. "Take your time."

[2:06 PM] Seirixori: She doesn't shift back right away and when she does, Seir takes Rukiya's hand and she tries to say something several times before sighing, "...if there was something you were looking for, to help someone you love, and you finally had the ability to get it... but then were told that thing was a threat to someone else you love... would you still retrieve it?"

[2:09 PM] DM: Rukiya thinks for a moment. "I think... it would depend on how much help it would be and how much of a threat it was."

[2:14 PM] Seirixori: Seir laughs, "I can't--" She hangs her head and shakes it, "I don't know how to do this without saying exactly... how much about Gunnloda do you know? What's going on with her?"

[2:25 PM] DM: The corner of Rukiya's mouth twitches up. "That's a... very vague question. I speak to her sometimes and Ryleigh's mentioned some things, so maybe more than most? But I'm... not sure. Is someone threatening her?"

[2:34 PM] Seirixori: "No... yes? I..." Seir takes a deep breath, "Takara... Takara said she knew why Gunnloda was different." She looks like she wants to say more but is having trouble with it.

[2:37 PM] DM: "Her aura?"

[2:41 PM] Seirixori: Seir shrugs, "Probably, I didn't ask for the answer because she said Gunnloda was a threat to her... and to some others and everything would change if I knew and I wasn't... I wasn't sure I could know without-- without telling her or pretending I didn't know."(edited)

[2:44 PM] DM: "Keeping secrets from the people we love most is harder than anyone realizes. Try not to rely on that as your answer."

[2:55 PM] Seirixori: "But knowing-- and not-- and not telling her, whatever it is..." Seir sniffs, "but is it worse to know and not say anything or know that I could know and decide not to?"

[2:59 PM] DM: "They sound like the same thing to me... listening to her and having to stop yourself from telling her what you know... however incomplete your knowledge."

[3:01 PM] DM: "Knowing there is an answer can sometimes be like knowing the answer itself."

[3:11 PM] Seirixori: "...but not knowing the answer means I can't possibly change the outcome."

[3:17 PM] DM: Rukiya smiles softly. "Which is why I'm always trying to find as many answers as I can. I don't like operating half blind. I need as much information as possible to make informed decisions. Sometimes the things I learn are uncomfortable or make things harder, but it's never made me want to stop seeking them."

[3:21 PM] Seirixori: Wiping her tears, Seir groans, "I hate keeping things from her."

[3:22 PM] DM: Rukiya puts her other hand over Seir's. "I know the feeling."

[3:31 PM] Seirixori: Seir sighs, "Thank you... I'm... sorry for um...  I don't know, dumping this on you."

[3:35 PM] DM: "I just hope I helped."

[3:39 PM] Seirixori: Seir nods and throws her arms around Rukiya, "You did," she whispers.

[3:42 PM] DM: Rukiya hugs her back. "We can sit up here as long as you want. Just let me know when you're ready to head back down."

## Hogh Buldor, Seir and Takara

[4:18 PM] DM: A week of awkward interactions later, the Revenge pulls into Hogh Buldor, a small town that exists mostly for resupplying traveling ships. The above ground portion of the town is tiny and mostly full of goliaths and humans. The entrance to the underground is obvious and not far from the harbor, and the mountains rise majestically in the distance. There's a veritable forest not far behind the few buildings that exist separate from the harbor itself.

[4:25 PM] Seirixori: Seir heads off towards the trees. She finds one to sit under and takes the flower from her hair. She twirls it around in her fingers but she just sits for a long while without saying anything. Finally with a heavy sigh she speaks, "Part of me wonders if I should ask you or if I should ask Mielikki... but I don't know what she'll tell me about anything."(edited)

[4:26 PM] DM: "About which topic, sia um?" Her voice comes from behind Seir.

[4:27 PM] Seirixori: "My wife."

[4:28 PM] DM: "Mielikki... knows you have a wife... I've told her that you've married and that she makes you happy. Beyond that, she would not have the answers you seek."

[4:34 PM] Seirixori: Seir nods, "Glad I didn't wait. Will you tell me now? I can't..." Seir turns to face Takara, conflicted, but determined, "I need to know."

[4:40 PM] DM: She's standing in her human-like form, her hands folded together below her waist, a few feet away. She looks at once apologetic, sad, and compassionate. "I am sorry... for burdening you with the choice. In asking, I feel I forced your hand. I worried that had I not given you the choice, you would hate me for keeping it from you."

[4:48 PM] Seirixori: "I would have been angry at the very least..." Seir gives a tight smile, "but I have made it very obvious that I want to be given a choice and I don't like being kept in the dark. Yet now, a part of me wishes I didn't feel that way, but I can't."

[4:52 PM] DM: Takara nods. "There is no easy way to say this.... Your wife is in a transition period. If she comes into who she is supposed to be, she will ascend... as a goddess."

[4:58 PM] Seirixori: Seir blinks, "...what?"

[5:06 PM] DM: She frowns for a moment, trying to decide the words to use, but sighs. "I will answer any questions you have, but to explain it myself would only be... confusing and overwhelming for you."

[5:11 PM] Seirixori: "Wha-- how? What?" Seir continues staring at Takara, eyes wide. "How does- how does that even. That can happen!?"

[5:11 PM] DM: "Yes."

[5:20 PM] Seirixori: Seir goes through a series of facial expressions and starts to speak several times. It takes her time to finally say anything, "How... how is that... how is she a threat to you?"

[5:33 PM] DM: "Gods exist according to different rules from mortals. We do not eat or drink... we are sustained by belief. By the mortals who act in our names or pray to us. We can be killed, like Aella, by each other, but we can also fade or be minimized." She pauses for a moment, lowering her head, then looks up again and continues.

"Shii, for example, was the nature goddess who came with Vydea and Asten and the others in the first invasion. She attempted to assert her domain here... like the others. Betrex, Akthor, Tricis and I were the only ones strong enough to withstand their arrival. We lost... so many minor and lesser gods. They simply could not compete with the newcomers who already believed in their own gods. By the time we recognized the threat, it was too late to save many of them."

"Akthor and Tricis were able to hold their domains and their counterparts were defeated, largely thanks to their followers being geographically distant from the newcomers. Betrex and I were less successful. Shii and Xilyra still exist, but as lesser aspects of their former selves. They've been forced into smaller, less powerful domains."

"Coexistence is a... delicate matter. Any new divinity has the potential to upset the balance, and if she overlaps another's domains, they will be in direct competition for sustenance."(edited)

[5:44 PM] Seirixori: Seir kind of laughs, "I've been telling her she doesn't need to follow anyone. That she can do this herself and she could make her own..." She leans back so she's now lying on the ground. "Is there... a way to stop it from happening-- that doesn't involve killing her?"

[5:45 PM] DM: "Stop her from ascending?"

[5:45 PM] Seirixori: "Yes."

[5:48 PM] DM: "If she doesn't ascend, she'll live out her mortal lifetime to its end, whether natural or otherwise." She takes an awkward step forward like she was going to close the distance, but stopped herself, flowers blooming at her feet. "You remember I told you about our realms? The heavens we take followers to?"

[5:48 PM] Seirixori: Seir nods.

[5:50 PM] DM: "I think that's what she saw when she died. She just... doesn't have the power to manifest it. If she doesn't ascend..."

[6:02 PM] Seirixori: "Oh... and if she-- if she didn't ascend would she still be stuck there, when she dies?"

[6:03 PM] DM: "If that's what happened when she died before, I have no reason to believe it would change."

[6:06 PM] Seirixori: "So she can be stuck for eternity in darkness or one of you could no longer exist?"

[6:10 PM] DM: She tilts her head. "That is my current understanding." She closes her eyes. "There is... one other thing that involves you." She opens her eyes again, and the skies overhead become clouded again.

[6:11 PM] Seirixori: Seir's brow furrows and she sits back up, "What is it?"(edited)

[6:14 PM] DM: "None of those I have asked... remember their transition periods. Vydea and I think that these transition periods serve not only as preparation, but as defense... other gods cannot see or directly interfere with another's ascension, but we also have no memory of what came before to protect those to come in the future."

[6:20 PM] Seirixori: Seir stares at Takara, not really understanding, "Why would that--" her breath catches in her throat, "...sh-she wouldn't know who I am?"

[6:21 PM] DM: "I can't be certain, but I think once she ascends, she'll have no memory of you."

[6:24 PM] DM: "I don't know the details of ascension itself... not yet. I don't know how long it takes or whether she will even be of this pantheon... I don't know if she will retain her personality or if she'll manifest a physical form or... there is a chance that you could build a new relationship with her afterwards, much like you and I have, but... even if you do, it will be different."

[6:33 PM] Seirixori: Seir continues to stare at Takara, her eyes filling with tears again, she then looks down at her hands, and laughs,"I always knew I was going to lose her, but knowing she'd still..." She buries her face into her hands, sobbing.

[6:36 PM] DM: Takara's hand rests on Seir's shoulder. "I am sorry, Seirixori."

[6:37 PM] DM: She's kneeling at Seir's side.

[6:42 PM] Seirixori: She turns and throws her arms around Takara and lets herself cry.

[6:43 PM] DM: Takara's arms wrap around her, solid as the earth she's sitting on.

## Ry arrives

[7:08 PM] DM: Night falls and Ryleigh's gotten worried. Nobody's seen or heard from Seir since she left hours ago. Ry, Gunnloda, and Rukiya each take a direction to look through the forest surrounding the harbor.

[7:12 PM] DM: Holding Dawnbringer at full brightness, Ryleigh combs the woods looking for her pink friend and sees a figure standing near a large fern.

[7:26 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh approaches the figure cautiously, but doesn't speak to them.

[7:30 PM] DM: The figure looks human, identical to the form Seir had taken that day in Bellbury. She doesn't move, and is still a dozen feet away, but her voice, soft and quiet, reaches Ry's ears anyway. "You must be the Asten."

[7:33 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I am," Ryleigh says, her brows pulling together slightly, "And I take it you aren't Seirixori who's just in disguise?"

[7:35 PM] DM: "No... she's here. A bit... overwhelmed." She gestures towards the fern.

[7:36 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "May I approach?" Ryleigh asks.

[7:38 PM] DM: She raises a hand, palm up, in welcome. "I was wondering which of you would find her. I worried it would be her wife."

[7:43 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Putting  Dawnbringer into her sheath, Ryleigh walks forward towards the fern. "Seirixori told me that you couldn't manifest around her," she says softly, not wanting to startle Seir if she's upset or asleep.

[7:44 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Thank you for looking after her... I've been worried sick." Relief literally coats Ryleigh's words.

[7:44 PM] DM: Seir is wrapped in fern leaves, sleeping.

[7:46 PM] DM: "You need not thank me for that."

[7:50 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I apologize," Ryleigh says quickly to Takara, kneeling beside Seir. Her fingers gently brush over Seir's cheek. "She's been crying..."

[7:51 PM] DM: "She has."

[7:54 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh sighs, and looks up at Takara. "Is it more bad news?"

[7:55 PM] DM: "It depends on perspective... but for her? Yes, I believe so."

[7:57 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Looking back at Seir, Ryleigh says in a pained voice, "You can't catch a break, homashoc."

[7:59 PM] DM: "I am glad she has you to help her through trying times. She'll need you more than ever now."

[8:04 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh leans down and presses a kiss to Seir's forehead. "She has more than just me, but I'll be around as long as she lets me."

[8:06 PM] Seirixori: Seir stirs and wearily opens her eyes, "Ryleigh?" she rasps out.

[8:08 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Hey," she says softly to Seir. "We were worried, so Gunnloda, Rukiya, and I split up to look for you. Are you ready to come back to the ship, or do you just want me to watch over you until dawn?"

[8:12 PM] DM: The fern's fronds unfurl.

[8:14 PM] Seirixori: Seir looks around, momentarily confused and her eyes widen slightly, "Oh, sorry I didn't mean to stay out here for so long..." She touches the fern's lightly. "Can I... can we stay for a little longer?"

[8:17 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Taking a seat next to Seir, Ryleigh nods. "Of course, homashoc."

[8:20 PM] Seirixori: Seir glances behind her and nods, like she's affirming what she already knew and turns back to rest her head on Ryleigh's shoulder. "I was expecting more bad news... but not here."

[8:22 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Takara left when I arrived. If that's who you were looking for..."

[8:24 PM] Seirixori: She nods, "I didn't think she'd still be here."

[8:26 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I was surprised she spoke to me... considering what you told me about her disliking Asten, I half expected her to hide you from me," Ryleigh says, humor apparent in her tone.

[8:27 PM] Seirixori: Seir gives a strained smile, "She knows how important you are to me."

[8:29 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Why have you been crying?" Ryleigh whispers.

[8:34 PM] Seirixori: Seir's fists clench and she closes her eyes, "Because any time I want to know about something, it always has to be bad."(edited)

[8:37 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "It does seem that way..." Ryleigh places on of her hands over Seir's clenched fists. "I'm here if you want to talk about it, or if you just want us to sit here together."

[8:40 PM] Seirixori: "I don't know how to talk about it."

[8:46 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh runs her thumb over the back of Seir's hand, then presses a kiss to the top of Seir's head. "I don't know what you need, Seirixori. Do you want me to ask you questions to help get you talking, or do you need silence to collect your thoughts?"

[8:49 PM] Seirixori: Seir smiles, "It's not really that kind of situation. I... it's about Gunnloda and I don't know if I should keep it to myself or not." She snorts, "If anyone would believe me."

[8:53 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I can't promise you won't sound crazy, but I will always believe you. I didn't know until a few minutes ago that you truly speak to the gods, but I didn't need proof to believe you believed you were speaking with them."

[9:00 PM] Seirixori: She chuckles, "Of course." Seir sighs and takes Ryleigh's hand, "It's not even that bad for anyone but me. Mostly me."

[9:06 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh takes a deep breath, then says, "If it hurts you... it hurts me too. If it affects you... it affects me too. So if it's bad for you... it's bad for me too. And regardless if you tell me or not, I will love you, I will protect you, and I will stand by you."

[9:12 PM] Seirixori: Seir is quiet for a while, long enough that it doesn't seem like she'll say more. "She'll forget me." She whispers, her words barely audible.

[9:13 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Who will forget you?"

[9:19 PM] Seirixori: She shakes her head, not able to say more, not wanting to start crying again.

[9:21 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh wraps her arms around Seir, pulling her close as she starts to sing a soothing melody, while gently rocking her.

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