Session 112

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7:35 PM] DM: When dinner comes, the Moonstreams are sitting at a table at the head of the room with Alarys, including Kamari, a 17 year old half elf, and Atieno, a toddler. There are a couple dozen assorted dignitaries and nobles attending the dinner with you all, your guests, and Yahya and Taji. You're treated to a splendid meal fit for royalty served on silver dishes by a small army of attendants.

Dinner starts with Ambrose introducing Alarys then leading a prayer to Vydea, asking for continued guidance and support for his family and the Moonborn that they may all do their part to bring forth her will. After dessert is served and the dishes cleared, after-dinner drinks are served and the socializing away from the tables begins.

[8:04 PM] DM: Once the plates are cleared, Rukiya whispers something in Ry's ear that makes her blush, then slips out of the room.

[8:08 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh, still blushing, watches Rukiya go and decides to stick close to Seir.

[8:10 PM] Seirixori: Seir pouts a little when Atieno is taken away, wanting to play with him and also use as a slight distraction. Instead of heading towards Alarys, she ends up watching her instead, trying to not nervously play with Gunnloda's hand.

[8:12 PM] DM: Gunnloda picks Seir's hand up and kisses her knuckles. She's on her fourth glass of wine, but barely has a pink tint to her cheeks. "What is it, darlin'?"

[8:14 PM] Seirixori: She shrugs, quietly eyeing the glass then focusing back on Alarys, "I wanted to talk to Alarys. Apologize really, but maybe poke around a bit for anything..." she trails off, shifting her weight.

[8:17 PM] DM: Gunnloda: "D'you want me t'go with you? Or I can ask if she wants t'come over here? Don't think I'll be needin' my spells t'day."

[8:18 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh nudges Seir with her elbow. "Yes, what she said," she agrees with Gunnloda.

[8:23 PM] Urrak: Urrak swirls her drink, doing more holding than drinking. "I uh... Could go ask her if ye'd like t' keep holdin on t' Gunnloda for support. Th' Queen is over that direction anyway."

[8:26 PM] Seirixori: Seir starts grumbling to herself, "That sounds dumb. I'm totally capable of going over there myself." She says aloud but doesn't make any move to do so.

[8:28 PM] Urrak: "Never said ye weren't, Seirixori." Urrak smiles a bit and hands her glass to the nearest waiter. "I'll catch back up with all o' ye in a bit"

[8:29 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh offers her hand to Seirixori, "But you don't have to."

[8:30 PM] Urrak: Urrak starts to head in the direction of the King and Queen

[8:32 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh shifts uncomfortably when she sees Urrak head towards their hosts. "Asten, I hope she doesn't say anything offensive, or we'll never find work again."

[8:34 PM] Seirixori: She hesitates in taking Ryleigh's hand, but she does eventually take it. "That might be asking for too much."

[8:35 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: A soft chuckle leaves her lips, then she says, "I'll walk you over and if you need me to leave, just... let me know. Okay?"

[8:36 PM] Seirixori: Seir nods.

[8:39 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh walks them in the same direction Urrak went.

## 8:32 PM] DM: -------------

8:34 PM] DM: The King, Queen, Prince, and Moonborn are talking at the head table. Alarys seems to be telling them some story about what had happened on the trip.

"--gave me a vision to find the right herbs to help cure the plague."

[8:36 PM] Urrak: Urrak steps meekly into the circle, "Evenin' Forgive me if I'm interruptin', yer Majesties, Th' Moonborn."

[8:38 PM] Urrak: "D'you mind if I join ye? I promise no awkward questions this time." She chuckles a bit, the tips of her ears turning a soft pink

[8:41 PM] DM: Alarys says, "Your Majesties, this is Urrak, one of the Dawnguard. She's a capable warrior and her sword was a welcome barrier between myself and danger."

Ambrose chuckles. "Yes, I remember from earlier. You're from Shetai?"

[8:45 PM] Urrak: "I am. Hopefully ye can forgive a homesick hurdao, it's not often I meet folks from home. And as I'm sure ye know, King Ambrose, that Shetai spirit is as recognizable as a white rock on a dark beach. " She takes a seat. " And thank ye for the praise, Alarys, but I think we made yer journey a bit more difficult than need be. We still owe ye cart, after all. "

[8:45 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: With Seir's hand in hers, Ry approaches behind Urrak.

[8:48 PM] Urrak: "Ryleigh and Seirixori here, however, were invaluable. If I was leadin' th' charge, we'd have been dead our first night in. "

[8:48 PM] DM: Alarys: "I don't think we'll be needing it anymore."

[8:49 PM] Urrak: Urrak laughs, feeling a little more comfortable, "Aye, I suppose not."

[8:52 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh bows to the royal family. “Your majesties, thank you for the fantastic dinner. It’s unlike any meal I’ve ever had,” she says politely.

[8:53 PM] Seirixori: Seir shifts again, almost stepping behind Ryleigh when Urrak mentions her name, but manages to stop herself from doing so.

[8:53 PM] DM: Ambrose smiles. "You're welcome. It's the least we can do."

[8:56 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: “Alarys, Seirixiori was hoping for a brief chat, if you’re willing, and if it’s okay with our current company?”

[8:57 PM] DM: Ambrose nods and Alarys says, "Of course," and stands to follow Seir back to main.

[8:58 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: “Do you want me to come,” Ryleigh softly asks Seir, squeezing her hand.

[9:00 PM] Seirixori: She shakes her head no and leads Alarys not too far away.

[9:08 PM] Urrak: Urrak takes a breath and looks to Ambrose, "Our mission to find th' Moonborn was a bit if a detour for us. It's been difficult especially fer Seirixori t' deal with, since we've been pushin' back a very important trip fer her. Which is partially why I wanted to speak with ye, yer Grace. " Urrak looks back to Ryleigh a moment and then back to the King, "I was wonderin' if ye knew anything about th' current political climate in Ardabeh, specifically areas near Limabey Forest? Our trip t' Rodoza left us in a unexpectedly sticky situation, so if we can avoid bein' caught off guard, we'd prefer it. "

[9:14 PM] DM: Ambrose raises an eyebrow. "Bellbury, Ascus, Rodoza... you manage to find yourselves in sticky situations a lot, don't you? Quite well-traveled as well, it seems. I haven't heard anything of import to Vyon out of Ardabeh."

Kamari, who is 17 and as tall as either of his parents speaks up. "It's not political, but the Everstorm's near there. You'll want to avoid it unless you're looking for it on purpose."

[9:20 PM] Urrak: "Ah, right th' Everstorm. One of our old members spoke about that quite a lot. His parents were studying it before they disappeared," Urrak taps her fingers on the table softly, "And thank ye, yer Grace, I know it's a bit of a large question t' answer. But anything helps when it comes to our line o' work. I never really traveled far outside Shetai an' Nampuli before th' Bellbury incident, but I'm grateful to be able t' see so much before I get too long in th' tusks. It's been real rewardin'. "

[9:26 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Rewarding," Ryleigh says with a grin, "that's certainly one way to put it."

[9:31 PM] Urrak: "Ye might feel otherwise, but despite everythin' I wouldn't change it fer th' world. I've gained some good friends who call me on my nonsense, and I've gotten t' see things I never would have. Could I do without almost dyin' every time we set sail, sure, but it's all part of the job. " Urrak reaches over to pat Ryleigh's shoulder, but stops herself halfway, slapping the table instead for emphasis. "It's been a crazy ride, s'far."

[9:34 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh smiles at Urrak, then turns her attention back to the royal family. "Speaking of Bellbury... has Baroness Eloise sent word to you about the situation there? Our group might have intervened - again."

[9:35 PM] DM: Ambrose tilts his head slightly as though this is news to him. "About what?"

[9:38 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "We escorted roughly 20 people that we met in Kinetas, then helped relocate them to Bellbury." Ryleigh scratches at the back of her neck. "Well, I say we, but it was Seirixori's idea."

[9:39 PM] DM: Ambrose: "Is that so? I'll have to ask her about how that worked out."

[9:43 PM] DM: Nyota stands and Ambrose immediately gets to his feet as well.

Nyota smiles at her guests. "If you'll excuse me, I must see to some of our other guests."

Ambrose takes her hand and kisses her knuckles briefly in a half-bow. "Of course, My Queen."

Once she leaves, Ambrose sits again. "So... tell me of the stories of the Dawnguard. I'm sure my son would love to hear of some tales of adventure and heroism."

For his part, Kamari does look interested.

[9:46 PM] Urrak: "I'm not much of a storyteller, but," Urrak straightens herself up, "We have had a great many adventures." She looks over to Ryleigh, " What do ye think, Ry, which tale is good enough fer our royal hosts? "

[9:49 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "When we were in Shasem, we fought a water beast with 5 heads, and everytime I cut one off, another sprouted in its place," Ryleigh dramatically tells the story of the hydra. "Oh! And it was accompanied by this flying creature who charmed half our party, commanding them to throw themselves into the sea. We narrowly escaped with our lives."

[9:50 PM] Urrak: "Was that the same trip with th' dragon that nailed ye twice with it's wicked lightning?"

[9:51 PM] Urrak: Urrak leans forward and loudly whispers, "She's indestructible this one. Took three spears t' th' chest like it was nothin'."

[9:53 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh's face pulls into a small frown as Urrak elaborates. "Not indestructible... I'm just, always in the front lines. It happens when you're the most armored..."

[9:54 PM] DM: Kamari listens enthusiastically.

[9:56 PM] Urrak: "We've been through a lot o' close calls. Wights an' devils an' mad sorcerers, " she leans back in her chair and looks to Ryleigh, "But, aye, we're not indestructible, which is why it's nice t'have folks who'll watch yer back when things get tough. "

[9:57 PM] DM: Ambrose frowns a bit at Kamari's excitement, then raises his cup. "Well, here's to finding a way to come home at the end of every trip. I'm sure it must be hard for those who care about you to worry for your safety."

[9:58 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh raises her glass at the King's words, her smile a little tight as she does, and takes a sip.

[9:58 PM] Urrak: Urrak finds an empty glass on the table and raises it, "T' th' ones we love."

[10:08 PM] DM: Ambrose takes a sip, then stands. "Thank you for your stories. I should go rescue my wife from whichever of those wolves has her ear."

He excuses himself and Kamari watches him walk away. "Please excuse my father. He's... still grieving for my brother."

[10:09 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: “There’s nothing to excuse, your highness,” Ryleigh answers, drawing in a deep breath as Ambrose walks away. “Losing family is difficult, and time doesn’t always ease the pain.”

[10:12 PM] Urrak: "I can't  imagine losin' a child. It's gotta be agony,"  she takes a breath, "How are you holdin' up, Prince Kamari?"

[10:21 PM] DM: "It's not easy, both losing him and trying to live in his shadow. It's difficult to know everyone wishes you were someone else." He closes his eyes and frowns. When he opens them, he sits more upright, more regal. "My apologies. My tongue got away from me for a moment. My brother is and was important to my family and my country, but I do my best to  honor his memory and do my duty."

[10:25 PM] Urrak: "I know how ye feel, in some way at least. It's hard livin' in someone's shadow. But I'm sure ye'll  make good on that promise, " she smiles at Kamari brightly, " Where ever Badru is now, I'm sure he's real proud of ye."

[10:31 PM] DM: He smiles a bit. "He's probably either in Vydea's study reading some impossibly large book on history or flirting with every celestial within her realm."

[10:32 PM] DM: His expression changes somewhat after he says that and turns softer and almost hopeful.

[10:36 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "You're your own person, Prince Kamari. While the loss of Prince Badru hurt your family, Vyon, and its people... there is light and potential in every individual." Ryleigh smiles in a comforting way at him.

[10:40 PM] Urrak: "Sounds like my kinda afterlife," she chuckles at the thought a moment, "An'  aye, yer grace, ye'll do great things. An' ye'll do them yer own way." Urrak stands and bows, "If ye'll excuse me, all this food has me feelin' a little sluggish. I think I need t'take a lap before I fall asleep at yer table.  Have a good rest of yer evenin'." She starts to walk away and then stops, "Ah, an' if ye need some air, Ry, yer welcome t' join me. "

[10:43 PM] DM: Kamari nods.

[10:46 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "If the Prince has tired of my company," Ryleigh says, her smile turing into a humored grin, "I'll certainly bow out now."

[10:48 PM] DM: Kamari chuckles good-naturedly. "You're far more entertaining than the people I usually have to entertain at these, but you're free to do as you wish."

[10:51 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Then I'll stay..." She leans in like she's telling him a secret, "and save you from the nobles who are waiting to bore you with another story about politics or economics."

[10:54 PM] DM: He laughs. "My hero."

[11:03 PM] DM: Kamari leans in. "Tell me more about the dragon, if you don't mind?"

[11:07 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: She smiles at the question, “which one?”

[11:09 PM] DM: His eyes grow wide. "There was more than one?"

[12:47 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh proceeds to tell Kamari about their adventure in the Badear Mountains, how they discovered a dwarven lair, and within it was a black dragon. She then tells him about their trip to an island in Rodoza famed for being a place where a god died, surrounded by a perpetual storm. “This blue dragon swooped down,” she makes a swooping motion, “and it attacked our ship, hells bend on sending us to a watery grave. We had to abandon ship, in the middle of a storm, and make a run for shore.”

[1:02 PM] DM: He listens, completely enthralled by her stories.  "You must have been terrified. Though I imagine it's less frightening with a blade like that at your side. May I?"

[1:30 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: “Certainly,” Ryleigh says, unsheathing Dawnbringer and handing her to Kamari. “We found her locked in a crypt. Her name is Dawnbringer.”

[1:34 PM] DM: He takes her, hesitantly touching the blade as Ryleigh hands it to him that way. "The blade's not hot at all." Then shock crosses his face. There's a pause, then he chuckles. "She's quite the treasure." He holds her back out to Ryleigh.

[1:41 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh takes her, smiling at the Prince’s reaction. “Did she say something? She’s usually shy.”

[3:43 PM] DM: He smiles. "She did.... but what is our secret."

[4:17 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: “I see how it is,” Ryleigh says teasingly. Then she feigns hurt as she looks at Dawnbringer, then adds, “Conspiring against me now, huh?” Her eyes are full as humor as she turns her attention back to Kamari.

[5:39 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: “Oh!” Ryleigh says excitedly, like she’s finally come up with something good to ask. “I’m sure you’re a fountain of knowledge, between being who you are and growing up in Vydenia. But, this is my first time here and I was wondering... if you could only spend a few hours here, what would be on your ‘must do’ list?”

[6:06 PM] DM: He thinks for a minute. "I suppose it depends on when those few hours are. The waterfront's nice in the evening or night. Music, food. You can't beat the sunrise over the bay. I know a great spot if you're looking for a guide. Breakfast on the cliffside?"

[6:35 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "You're sweet for offering," Ryleigh says, her smile authentic, "but I'm honestly not sure what time we're leaving out tomorrow... and I'm positive a cliffside, sunrise breakfast with you would make my girlfriend jealous."

[6:46 PM] DM: He chuckles. "Well, you can't blame a guy for trying. She's a lucky woman."

[6:56 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh tilts her head a bit and says with a silly grin, "I'm the lucky one." Then she reaches out, almost forgetting who she's speaking to, and remembering just in time. Letting her hand drop back to her lap, Ryleigh adds, "You have a lot going for you, Your Highness. You're a good listener, you're sweet and handsome... and I can tell that you have a good heart. One day, you'll someone 'lucky'."

[7:06 PM] DM: He smiles and stands, bowing slightly. "Well, Miss Alastair, it was a pleasure meeting and listening to your tales tonight. I see duty approaching once again, and I don't want to monopolize your night or make your girlfriend jealous."

[7:09 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh stands along with him. "The pleasure was mine, and if we ever meet another dragon - I'll make sure to tuck the details away for you," she says, bowing. "Enjoy the rest of your evening, Prince Kamari."

## [6:48 PM] DM: -----------

6:51 PM] DM: Malica sends the message Urrak gives her, and there's a pause, then Malica almost winces then tries to laugh it off. "She's... gruff. She says they didn't all die because you didn't come back, and she's fine. Well, what she actually said was 'I can still kick her ass,' but... I think that's what she meant."

[10:03 PM] Urrak: Urrak pauses for a moment, rolling her eyes, "Yep. Sounds like Ma." She kisses the top of Malica's head, "Thanks Mal. Sorry ye had to hear all that." She chuckles, but it's half hearted.

[10:20 PM] DM: She smiles. "Explains a few things, at least. You ok?"

[10:25 PM] Urrak: "Oh, fine," she smiles back, "Nothin' I haven't been dealin' with fer years. She's not th' warmest woman but I know she cares about me. Otherwise she'd have left me t' die in the forest somewhere. " She winces, "I--sorry that was morbid. Y'know what I mean. "

[10:27 PM] DM: Malica shrugs. "She could've chased you off with a broom and ran you out of town with the neighbors. Could be worse."

[10:31 PM] Urrak: Urrak looks at her a moment, "It'd be awful either way. Kids don't deserve fates that cruel." She takes her hands, "No matter where or who they come from."

[10:39 PM] DM: She looks down. "Maybe some do."

[10:51 PM] Urrak: "I don't believe that fer a second," she lifts her chin with a crooked finger, "An' I wish I could convince ye to think th' same. But I know it's hard t' heal wounds that deep." She places her hands on her shoulders, squeezing them lightly,  "Jus'...know I'm here for ye. An' that even if you don't love yerself, I do." She slides one hand up to cup her cheek, " It's not much...but it's something. " She smiles a little crookedly and shrugs. "I hope, anyway. "

[9:10 PM] DM: Malica smiles a little. "You're a terrible judge of character."

[10:18 PM] Urrak: "I am, but I couldn't give less of a shit," she chuckles, her smile wide, "I've made it this far stumbling through this world, poor judgement and all." She leans down and rest her forehead on Malica's, "I know the world has done ye wrong, and I know ye've done wrong in the world. But all I care about is here, this moment, these people, you." She straightens up again, sighing deeply as she does. "But I know how this conversation ends, so... Let's just skip all that and get some rest, eh? Long day of hobnobbin' with stuffed shirts... "

[10:22 PM] DM: "It's not that bad... but it is getting late."

[10:26 PM] Urrak: "Not bad, no. Th' Prince was refreshin' t' talk to. He's a good kid," Urrak runs a hand through Malica's hair, having it come to rest on her cheek once more, "May I kiss you?"

[10:28 PM] DM: The corner of her mouth comes up and she narrows her eyes. "Since when do you ask? Are you really you?"

[10:29 PM] Urrak: "I'm tryin' something new," she says with a grin

[10:33 PM] DM: Malica smiles, puts her arms around Urrak's neck, pushes up on her toes and says quietly in her ear, "And if I said I wanted you to do a lot more than kiss me?"

[10:35 PM] Urrak: Urrak picks Malica up so she's straddling her waist "As you wish, raxo. I live t' serve."

## 8:57 PM] DM: ----------

9:02 PM] Seirixori: Seir stops and shifts again, "Sorry to pull you away. I never really got the chance before now to speak with you."

[9:06 PM] DM: Alarys nods. "Well, if you want the truth, I'm grateful. I didn't realize how stressful it would be to just sit next to them. I'm pretty sure I told them that story earlier."

[9:08 PM] Seirixori: Seir laughs, "I've been to one other fancy party but I pretty much sat around watching. This is a little... more involved. And still strange."

[9:18 PM] Seirixori: "I wanted to... uh apologize for-for when we were bringing you back and I put you in a dangerous position instead of getting you out of it..."

[9:24 PM] DM: "All told, it was still better than it could have been without your help, and I can understand how a conflict of interests can lead to hasty decisions in a tough situation. Even Lucas didn't always make the most strategic or sound decisions."

[9:28 PM] Seirixori: She squints a little and then there's recognition, "Oh, right the uh... the first one? Or was that... someone else? Ugh, I don't remember what Takara said anymore."

[9:30 PM] DM: "Lucas was the first Moonborn, yes. Vydea's son and the founder of Vyon."

[9:30 PM] DM: "King Ambrose's grandfather, if you can believe that." She shakes her head a bit, as if in disbelief.

[9:37 PM] Seirixori: She rubs her fingertips against her mark on her shoulder briefly, "That's pretty crazy."

[9:38 PM] DM: "It seems like so long ago, but I suppose that's the difference between half-elves and dragonborn. That and the scales, anyway," she smiles.

[9:41 PM] Seirixori: "And you're prettier." Seir clears her throat, her cheeks red, "D-does that happen often? The Gods having children?"

[9:45 PM] DM: Alarys kind of nervously chuckles then immediately answers the question. "No, not that I know of. Lucas is the only one I've heard of, actually."

[9:51 PM] Seirixori: Seir furrows her brows, "Huh... is it- was there a reason?" She reaches up and starts rubbing the crest around her neck, somewhat nervous, "S-sorry, I'm curious and this isn't really something they teach you living around and in a forest."

[10:03 PM] DM: "A reason for Vydea? I don't know, I guess you'd have to ask her, but there are theories. I read a book once..." she lowers her voice and glances around. "I saved it from being destroyed. It talked about how the gods weren't able to intervene directly with most people, except their own blood. It claimed Vydea had a child because she could have more control over him than a normal champion."

The ridge above her eyes lowers for a moment, giving her the look of frowning in thought. "If that's true, I wonder why she didn't pick a Moonstream to be her champion again." She looks back at the table where the King and Prince are sitting and sighs.. "Have you ever felt really unqualified for a job?"

[10:11 PM] Seirixori: Seir frowns and looks off to the side for a moment, her mind racing. She shakes her head, and focuses back on Alarys, a small grin on her face. "Pretty much every day since getting this." Seir waves her fingers in the air briefly, little flowers falling around them.

[10:14 PM] DM: Alarys smiles.

[10:17 PM] Seirixori: "Do you still have that book?"

[10:21 PM] DM: "No, I'm afraid it got left behind in Ascus."

[10:35 PM] Seirixori: "I wonder if the library has something like it..." She sighs, "Oh well. Oh! Has Vydea given you anymore dreams? Or some other way to talk to you? I know you lost your pendant... uh sorry about that too." Seir smiles sheepishly.

[10:41 PM] DM: She laughs softly. "It's ok. I could make another, but the temple's given me another. It's... a bit extravagant," she says as she pulls the bright, shiny platinum chain from under her robe. A Vydea crescent hangs from it, beautifully made and very expensive looking.

[10:44 PM] Seirixori: "Wow, I'd be afraid I'd break it... Or lose it. It matches though!"

[10:51 PM] DM: "I was a jeweler before all this. Not quite as fine as this, but despite appearances, I have gentle fingers."

[10:59 PM] Seirixori: Seir opens her mouth, but all that comes out is a strangled cough as she stops herself from responding with the first thing that comes to her. "I used to know a dragonborn who did little wood carvings from time to time, he tried to show me once. It didn't turn out well for my hands or the wood." She chuckles.

[11:01 PM] DM: "I'd suggest not getting into jewelry making then... it's the same tools as wood carving, but sharper and hotter," she grins. "Though I'm guessing the fire wouldn't be such a bad thing for you?"

[11:05 PM] Seirixori: "I'm good with sticking to animals, I think." Seir laughs again, "It really isn't. I stepped out of a burning tent once... more mad that whoever set it on fire woke me up than about the fire itself."

[11:08 PM] DM: She tilts her head and looks at Seir's 'necklace.' "Who made this?"

[11:12 PM] Seirixori: She briefly looks down at it, "I imagine someone in Dhog Lodir made the crest part, a friend of mine made it so I could wear it though. Oh! Dragonborn too! You're all very crafty."

[11:18 PM] DM: "The carving is exceptional. Very precise. It's especially hard to work with stone. At least without magic. It's unforgiving and almost has a mind of its own, like wood. Metal's almost easier that way. "

[11:27 PM] Seirixori: "Dwarves must be really good at it, then. They even use carving stone as a- as like a token for marriage! Or was that only the fancy ones? Well, not marriage, exactly, like a compatibility thing. I think."

[6:44 AM] DM: Alarys glances back at the table where Gunnloda's sitting. "How is she doing? I didn't know it could take so much out of a person to do that kind of magic."

[10:28 AM] Seirixori: "Better." Seir shifts on her feet once, twice, before she answers, "I don't think it normally does but uh... I think it might have been some kind of... test."

[11:07 AM] DM: "A test? From her... who does she follow?"

[11:22 AM] Seirixori: She frowns, "It's a bit personal but she's had a few issues with-with The Host and she might be uh, changing her... who she follows? It-It's part of the reason we're going back to my-where I'm from. If we ever get there." She rolls her eyes.

[11:26 AM] DM: "Ohh... sorry. I hope it works out. I kind of have an in with Vydea if she's looking for something new. Yahya seems to be enjoying himself..." She looks around until she spots him sitting at a table.  "I meant with his acolyte training, but also making moon eyes at the prince right now," she chuckles.

[12:13 PM] Seirixori: Seir lets out a small sigh of relief, "He seems very... exciteable. Maybe he should go talk to the prince." She laughs.

[12:16 PM] DM: "The prince seems to be enjoying himself talking to your friend, though."

[12:25 PM] Seirixori: "She tends to have that effect on people." She smiles watching the two briefly, not saying anything more. Her gaze travels to Gunnloda and then back to Alarys. "I'm a little surprised no one has asked to steal you away."

[12:54 PM] DM: She shrugs a little, but there's a sadness to it. "I'm not surprised."

[1:00 PM] Seirixori: Seir's eyes narrow and she's seconds away from putting her hands on her hips. "That's ridiculous, you're fun to talk to."

[1:03 PM] DM: "The people here aren't looking for fun. They're looking for power."

[1:04 PM] Seirixori: Seir makes a face, "Gross."

[3:43 PM] Seirixori: Seir reaches out her hand, pulls it back, then reaches out again and rests it on Alarys's arm. She gives it a brief squeeze, "I-if you ever want someone to talk to or anything, you can send me a message. Or a note, or whatever, you know where I live." She chuckles nervously. "In case you ever need a break from whatever your new job entails and a friend who will talk about mundane things, l-like animals and all their crazy things. I-I mean, we won't be there all the time but it can be like uh, catching up? You-you don't have to, just if-if you wanted--" Seir starts to say more but shuts her mouth quickly enough that they're an audible sound from her teeth.

[3:50 PM] DM: Alarys smiles. "I'd like that. I know we only met because of... well, at least I don't think you just want to talk to me because of what I am. I get the feeling that's going to be rare for me from now on."

[3:53 PM] Seirixori: Seir laughs, "Don't worry about that. I'm not from here so The Moonborn thing is... a little weird and I don't exactly get it. I like helping people and making new friends."

[4:10 PM] DM: "Well... I'm glad you found me. I hate to even think about what might have happened had you not showed up when you did... and now your group will be well known and I have a new friend."

[4:22 PM] Seirixori: She frowns, "...I did not think about the well known part." Seir shrugs and grins wide as she throws her hands up in excitement, "New friends!"

[4:28 PM] DM: Alarys looks confused. "Do you not want to be? I thought mercenaries liked being known."

[5:12 PM] Seirixori: "I guess it's good, we do need to pay for our place... I usually try to not be noticed but, well," she motions to her horns. "Being well known was never really a good thing for me, but this is different."

[6:00 PM] DM: "You become important enough, maybe they'll forget about the horns." She pauses for a beat, then says in a smaller voice, "I guess we'll see if they forget about my scales."

[6:11 PM] Seirixori: Seir puts her hands on her hips and there's a kind of fire in her eyes, "No. They're part of you and they're beautiful and if they are too stupid to see that then they can fuck off." She finishes with a small growl and then blinks, her cheeks reddening. "S-sorry I know what you meant but-but...uh..." She smiles sheepishly and shrugs.

[6:19 PM] DM: Alarys smiles. "I wish I had your ferocity. Tell people I am who I am, take it or leave it."

[6:23 PM] Seirixori: "I'm still working on it, honestly. It's easier telling my friends to believe in themselves. But I'll be around if you ever need a reminder."

[6:28 PM] DM: She smiles. "I should let you get back to your wife. She looks like she misses you," she chuckles, gesturing. Gunnloda's kind of zoned out, looking in Seir's direction with an almost dopey smile.

[6:33 PM] Seirixori: Seir grins at the sight and nods, "I should also let you go. I think maybe Yahya could use an introduction to the prince." She gives a weird hesitant wave, "Try and enjoy the evening, good night, Alarys."

[6:38 PM] DM: "Good night." She heads Yahya's direction.

[6:40 PM] Seirixori: Seir watches her go and then makes her way to Gunnloda with a soft smile. "Hello, llaro."

[6:44 PM] DM: Gunnloda smiles and makes grabby hands at Seir. "Didja have fun?"

[6:49 PM] Seirixori: Seir moves in close, cupping Gunnloda's cheek as she kneels, "I did." She laughs, "I only said a couple of dumb things."

[6:52 PM] DM: "S'good. Y'looked cute all pouty."

[7:09 PM] Seirixori: "If you say so," Seir grins and kisses her. "Having fun watching people?"

[7:12 PM] DM: "Jus' you," she grins. "Most of'em're borin' an' I can't read mou-- m-- lips like you."

[7:13 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh says her goodbyes to Kamari and then she walks over to where Seir and Gunnloda are, catching the end of Gunnloda's sentence. "Prehaps I don't want to join you," she laughs.

[7:18 PM] Seirixori: Seir had already been in the process of laughing at Gunnloda and she laughs harder when Ryleigh joins. "Don't worry, nothing indecent...yet." Seir grabs for a water and takes a drink then hands it to Gunnloda.

[7:18 PM] Seirixori: Looking at Ry she says, "Nice conversation?"

[7:19 PM] DM: Gunnloda sets the water down and takes another sip of wine.

[7:20 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Rolling her eyes a bit at Seir, Ryleigh answers with, "It was." Then glances back over to where Kamari is. "I'm glad Yahya is finally getting to meet him."

[7:21 PM] DM: Yahya looks nervous as hell and Kamari's being charming.

[7:22 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh's smile widens at the interaction, then she looks back to Seir. "Are you going to need help getting this one back to the room?"

[7:24 PM] Seirixori: Seir grins seeing Yahya and Kamari, "Awesome."

[7:25 PM] DM: Gunnloda pfts. "Don't need help."

[7:29 PM] Seirixori: Seir shakes her head at her wife, "We'll see, but you can come along if you want a reason to leave."

[7:31 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I just wanted to make sure you'd be alright before I go check on Rukiya. She wasn't feeling well and I don't see myself coming back."

[7:33 PM] DM: "She need s'magic?" Gunnloda asks, wiggling her fingers.

[7:36 PM] Seirixori: Seir laughs again, "Come on, tor beag. Maybe we can walk around outside for a bit before going back to our room." She looks to Ryleigh, unsure, "Uh... can we do that?"

[7:42 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh chuckles too.

[7:43 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I... I don't know, but I don't see why not? Usually there are gardens in castles."

[7:46 PM] DM: Gunnloda stands abruptly. "If y'wanna go outside, let's go. They won't say no t'me and if they do, I'll tell'em yes."

[7:47 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh laughs again.

[7:49 PM] Seirixori: "Uuuh..." Seir is stuck between trying to not laugh and looking a little worried, "You know I always want to go outside." Seir finally does laugh and she stands and takes Gunnloda's hand. "Do you want to come with, or do you need to go check on Rukiya?" She asks Ryleigh.

[7:50 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I'm going to go check on Rukiya... but if you get into trouble," Ryleigh drops her voice so Gunnloda can't hear her, "send me something like 'the crow flys at midnight' and I'll come help you get her to your room."

[8:04 PM] Seirixori: Seir nods, "Tell her I hope she's feeling better. Good night, issui'as."

[8:07 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh presses a quick kiss to Seir’s forehead. “I will.” And with that, Ryleigh leaves to head back to her room.

[8:22 PM] Seirixori: Seir takes the wine from Gunnloda and sets it on the table, "Outside time," she says leading her out.

[8:29 PM] DM: Seir and Gunnloda head out. There's actually a door right off the great hall that heads to a garden area that's been cultivated for guests- hedges, benches, lots of flowers. If she's looking for something more open, she'd have to wander a bit.

[8:42 PM] Seirixori: Seir's content with the garden, she swings their hands, humming to herself. Suddenly she curses and says, "I forgot to ask for the name of the book."

[8:44 PM] DM: "Book? S'a garden."

[8:47 PM] Seirixori: Seir laughs, "No, no. Alarys mentioned a book she had once. It was about gods not being able to intervene directly unless with their own blood. So Vydea had a child so she could have more control over him than a normal champion. She doesn't have it anymore though."

[8:48 PM] DM: Gunnloda frowns. "S'rude."

[8:49 PM] Seirixori: "What is?"

[8:50 PM] DM: "Havin' a kid jus' t'use 'em."

[8:54 PM] Seirixori: "Yeah..." She frowns. "I went in wanting to see if Vydea had mentioned anything to her and instead got more information about what I'm going to walk into."

[8:59 PM] DM: She frowns and thinks for a second... three... ten... "Think it's what she did?"

[9:05 PM] Seirixori: "Maybe. It's not really something I should be surprised about. I was always under the impression she would eventually ask me to do something for her." Seir shrugs, "I'll find out soon enough, I suppose."

[9:13 PM] DM: Gunnloda grumbles something that sounds like 'better not.'

[9:17 PM] Seirixori: Seir grins, "Gonna yell at her for me, llaro?"

[9:18 PM] DM: Gunnloda pouts a bit and shakes her head. "Can't, but I'll jus' keep ya where she can't get t'ya."

[9:26 PM] Seirixori: "Good enough for me." Seir finds a spot to sit, not a bench, just the ground, and pulls Gunnloda towards her. "Which means I have to stay close to you all the time. That'll be so difficult," she teases.

[9:33 PM] DM: Gunnloda laughs and leans in to kiss Seir. "Never letcha go."

## [10:03 PM] DM: ------------

10:04 PM] DM: After a while, Seir gets Gunnloda back to their room and she falls asleep hard. Seir probably thinks about crawling in with her, but decides to head back out to the gardens for a bit first.

[10:08 PM] Seirixori: Seir finds a spot mostly covered and sits down, taking the flower from her hair and twirling it in her fingers. "I feel like I'm sneaking you in, but that's probably not how it works."

[10:10 PM] DM: There's a chuckle from beside Seir. The halfling's sitting there next to her. "Of course not."

[10:16 PM] Seirixori: Seir grins and turns her focus to Takara. "Do you know where Moki is all the time or only when you try looking for him?"

[10:17 PM] DM: "I'm not sure I follow. 'Looking' requires only a thought."

[10:22 PM] Seirixori: She shrugs, "I was wondering if--when we get to Ardabeh, if I should keep my distance from my wife... instead of just suddenly showing up at the druid camp."

[10:27 PM] DM: "Ah... I'm not sure if she would 'see' you. She might. You burn brightly, probably even brighter to her."

[10:30 PM] Seirixori: Seir tilts her head, "There's a difference in brightness?"

[10:39 PM] DM: "It's difficult to explain. Existence is different for us. When we manifest here, we see and experience things through eyes and ears. When we're not... it's different." She looks up like she's trying to find a way to describe it and sets her eyes on the night sky. "It's like that... almost. It's not really specks of light, but that's the closest thing I think your mind could understand. Some are more compelling, others are not. Your wife... she's not so much a void like a darkness against the night, just a blank space indistinguishable from the other blank spaces around it."

[10:45 PM] Seirixori: Seir looks up and it takes her a few moments, but she does finally nod. "Ah, okay. That's a lot better than thinking of it like a void."

[11:08 PM] DM: She smiles. "I'm glad you're away from the south, but this is quite a bit further away than I had expected."

[11:12 PM] Seirixori: She laughs, but there's nothing behind it. "It was very last second. We were invited."

[11:22 PM] DM: "You have places you'd rather be." She says it as a statement, not a question. "I wish you luck in Ardabeh. I hope... well. You know where to find me if you need me."

[11:28 PM] Seirixori: Seir sighs with a nod, "Thank you."

[6:31 AM] DM: Takara sets her tiny halfling hand on seir's and doesn't say anything else.

## [5:12 PM] DM: --------

5:52 PM] Seirixori: Seir lies in bed, staring at the ceiling. The combination of the uncomfortable bed and the onslaught of thoughts running through her head have left her with less than steller rest. She exhales audibly and mutters to herself, "I'm just going to be a wolf the rest of my life."

[5:54 PM] DM: Gunnloda chuckles sleepily, pulling her even closer. "That'd be a shame. This is m'favorite of your shapes."

[5:59 PM] Seirixori: Seir starts running her hand through Gunnloda's hair, pausing every now and then to scratch lightly at the back of her head. "I guess, for you, I'll not hide away in a forest forever."

[6:03 PM] DM: "Mmmkay... 'least not without makin' me a cabin t'stay with you." A couple seconds later, she inhales deeply and opens her eyes. "Y'ok, darlin'?"

[6:13 PM] Seirixori: Still looking at the ceiling, Seir shrugs, "Highly doubtful. I spoke to Takara last night. This morning? I was out there for a while..." She sighs heavily again, "There's a lot she doesn't say...but it says a lot, you know? I don't think I'm going to like whatever it is Mielikki wants."

[6:15 PM] DM: "If y'don't, we'll just bring y'back here. She won't be able t'do anythin' about it."

[6:26 PM] Seirixori: "Part of me thinks that I'll want to do whatever it is anyway..." She smiles, "but you're right." Seir sits up so she can look at Gunnloda comfortably, "Also, I'm happy to tell you that I was very wrong in telling you what the gods see you as, or don't see you as? Void was the wrong word. Blank space is more accurate. Not that it sounds nice but... Better than void?"

[6:34 PM] DM: She sits up too and starts pulling her hair back into her braid with a shrug and a slight wince. "Don't really see a difference t'that. Kinda the same thing, isn't it?" She rolls her shoulders a bit and mutters under her breath. Seir can recognize it as a spell- specifically the spell she uses after drinking the previous night.

[6:49 PM] Seirixori: "I don't know, void sounds...darker? Apparently there's also a difference in people's brightness, she kind of described it like you did." Seir's quiet after the spell is cast.

[6:54 PM] DM: "Suppose that makes sense." She finishes her braid and turns to give Seir a soft smile. "If y'want, I can try t'help y'sleep a bit easier 'til we have need of you."

[7:03 PM] Seirixori: "No," she says quickly. Seir closes her eyes and sighs. Then she leans over and kisses Gunnloda's forhead. "Thank you, but no. It'll only pause the mess in my head. Might as well deal with it now."

[7:07 PM] DM: "D'you wanna talk about it?"

[7:12 PM] Seirixori: She's quiet for a while and it's soft and tired when she finally speaks, "Can we go outside?"

[7:15 PM] DM: "'Course." She gets up and gets dressed and ready to go.

[7:18 PM] DM: "Lead the way, darlin'... but y'might want to at least look like you've got clothes on 'fore traipsin' about the castle," she chuckles.

[7:22 PM] Seirixori: Seir pouts, "No fun." She puts on underwear and her cloak, and looks longingly at her fancy clothes, "If I could wear something like that for armor I wouldn't mind wearing it all the time." She starts grumbling as she takes the cloak back off to put the rest of her clothes on. "Stupid spell, it won't last long enough."

[7:23 PM] DM: Gunnloda chuckles. "Should look at gettin' you somethin' that fastens in th'front 'stead of goin' over your horns. Takin' those off can be fun." She adds with a grin, "And less destructive."

[7:26 PM] Seirixori: Seir laughs, "Maybe next time we go shopping." She takes Gunnloda's hand. "Let's go find a cliff. Or near a cliff...or a big hill. I want to show you something."

[7:36 PM] Seirixori: She leads them out, making her way towards the nearest cliff-like place or hill.

[7:36 PM] DM: The castle has a fairly small footprint, as far as castles go, and builds up more than out since it does sit at the edge of a cliff. If they leave the walls, they can find cliff on either side.

[7:42 PM] Seirixori: Seir leads them out and towards the cliff. "I figured it out."

[7:45 PM] DM: "Clothes?"

[7:54 PM] Seirixori: Seir laughs. "No, no." She bows and lifts Gunnloda's hand to give it a kiss before she lets go of it. "Flying." With that she turns and runs for the cliff and jumps off. Appearing a few too many seconds later as a giant eagle, soaring just above Gunnloda.

[7:56 PM] DM: Gunnloda's look of shock and worry fades to pride and a soft smile.

[8:01 PM] Seirixori: She eventually lands, but doesn't shift back yet. She preens a little as she stands there.

[8:03 PM] DM: Gunnloda approaches with a chuckle. "Y'make a very pretty bird, darlin'."

[8:09 PM] Seirixori: She makes a couple high-pitched whistling sounds and then shifts back, grinning widely. "Prettier when I don't fall to the ground."

[8:09 PM] DM: "'m proud o'you. I knew you'd get it eventually."

[8:13 PM] Seirixori: Seir sits, reaching for Gunnloda, "Don't have to worry about falling anymore."

[8:15 PM] DM: Gunnloda sits with Seir with a chuckle. "It's not somethin' I normally worry about, bein' so close t'the ground and all."

[8:26 PM] Seirixori: "Just in case. I think I've got nearly all the possible bad stuff covered now."

[8:29 PM] DM: Gunnloda gives Seir a kiss. "I do appreciate your dedication t'our safety."

[9:05 PM] Seirixori: "Mhmm," Seir hums. She links her hands with Gunnloda's. It takes her some time to put together her words and it's a near whisper when she says, "I'm worried about... I know I..." She clears her throat, "Would it be too much to ask if I asked you to-to cut back a little on the drinking?"

[9:08 PM] DM: She just kind of chuckles. "There's nothin' t'be worried about."

[9:13 PM] Seirixori: "Isn't there?"

[9:17 PM] DM: "I'm not sure how y'missed it with them eyes that see everythin', but I'm a dwarf, darlin'. Might as well be ale in my veins 'stead of blood."

[9:22 PM] Seirixori: She laughs weakly, "Even so... It-It still seems like a lot. I'm... it's adorable at times but... but I-- what if something happens?"

[9:27 PM] DM: "Like what?"

[9:31 PM] Seirixori: "Anything? Does it matter? Just because you can get rid of the after effects so easily doesn't mean it's any better than when Urrak was drinking all the time."

[9:37 PM] DM: She frowns a bit. "Did I do somethin' wrong?"

[9:50 PM] Seirixori: Seir groans and rubs her face, "Yes. No. I don't-- maybe sometimes I want to spend time with you without worrying if I'll even be able to safely get you back. Or-or worried because I know you have a lot of stuff you don't talk about to me and all I can do is just-just sit around and act like nothing is wrong and I can't help because what do I even know? I don't even know other dwarves, so maybe I'm just worrying for no reason and it's a normal amount to be drinking."

[10:02 PM] DM: Her frown shifts from a worried frown to hurt. "Y'don't think I..." She pauses, takes a breath, and rewords. "I know we started off in a... difficult place, but I promised you that I'd answer any question y'asked. I've shared pretty much everythin' with you, but you don't trust me enough t'believe me? There's nothin' I wouldn't talk t'you about. Not anymore. Startin' t'think there's somethin' else that's botherin' you."

[10:21 PM] Seirixori: She laughs dryly, "It doesn't matter does it? I feel stupid for even bringing it up and now it's somehow my own insecurities, that I try so hard to not listen to, at fault. I do trust you. Just not with this and and I'm always so scared to talk about it, partly for this reason. I don't even know what I expected to happen. Nevermind, sorry I said anything. " Seir gets up and walks away. She doesn't go far, just closer to the cliff's edge.

[10:33 PM] DM: It takes a minute, but Gunnloda does eventually follow, not all the way to where Seir is, and still several feet away from the edge of the cliff. "M'sorry. Should'nta turned it around on y'like that. I never wanted you t'be scared t'talk t'me about anythin'. Sorry I made y'feel that way."

[10:36 PM] Seirixori: Her only response is a shrug as she wipes at her face. Seconds later she sits down and buries her face in her hands, her shoulders shaking a little.

[10:42 PM] DM: She takes a few more careful steps towards Seir. "Darlin', please don't cry on accounta me."

[10:57 PM] Seirixori: "I ca-can't help it," she barely manages through her cries. "I'm going to- to lose you no matter what I do and I don't want it to be because of th-this."

[11:12 PM] DM: Gunnloda takes the last few, careful steps to Seir and kneels next to her, putting a cautious hand on her back. "You're not gonna lose me... and definitely not t'this."

She sighs and drops her forehead to Seir's shoulder, then sits next to her, looking out over the bay, and hugs her knees. "Y'know Kendall cuts me off. Used t'think it was 'cause my accent would slip and she didn't like it."

[11:19 PM] Seirixori: Seir shakes her head at Gunnloda's first comment. She doesn't lean into her touch, but she doesn't flinch away at it either. "Someone else who worries for you too." She starts picking at her tail.

[11:31 PM] DM: "Yeah... Startin' t'put that together." She sighs. "It's just... it helps sometimes... when everythin' feels like too much. And sometimes... sometimes it's just fun. It's nice t'relax and just feel young and unburdened again... but if it makes you uncomfortable or like you can't relax 'cause you gotta take care o'me, then it ain't worth it. I didn't realize it was hurtin' you so bad.... or at all."

[11:43 PM] Seirixori: "I'm sorry," she whispers, still crying. "I-I didn't know how to bring it up. If I should. It doesn't-doesn't always bother me. But then Ry-Ryleigh wanted to drown stuff out with alcohol and I didn't let her but I let you because-because I love you so much and I can't--don't know how to ask you to stop without worrying I'm going to say something wrong and I know it's dumb. I know, so then I just don't say anything at all because I should know better."

[11:53 PM] DM: "It's not your fault, darlin'." She turns towards Seir and drops her defensive posture, opening herself up but letting Seir decide if she's ready for touch. "M'sorry for makin' you worry and makin' you feel like y'couldn't talk t'me. I'll try t'do better. Try t'be more aware of where we are so y'don't have t'worry so much. Try t'remember not t'fight you so much if y'give me water," the corner of her mouth turns up a bit.

[12:18 AM] Seirixori: Seir shifts, her face a tad pinker than normal as she mutters, "I didn't think you'd notice that." She doesn't face Gunnloda, but she does reach out her hand. "I'll keep-keep trying to-to not think I'm bothering you."

[12:20 AM] DM: Gunnloda takes Seir's hand and presses a kiss to it.  "Just promise me one thing, darlin'."

[12:28 AM] Seirixori: "Yeah?" She turns her head finally to look at her wife, her free arm wiping at her face.

[12:30 AM] DM: "If we're gonna sit this close t'the edge I need you t'promise you'll catch me if I go over." She smiles like it's a joke, but Seir can see the discomfort underneath.

[12:37 AM] Seirixori: "S-sorry, we-we can move back." She doesn't actually get up, just scooches herself back a few feet, tugging Gunnloda with her. "Even if-even if I were upset with you, I'd never let you get hurt."

[12:41 AM] DM: "I know, sor'odko." Gunnloda sits close to Seir and rests her head on Seir's shoulder. "I trust you."

[12:57 AM] Seirixori: Seir's tail wraps around Gunnloda's waist moments before she puts her arm around Gunnloda's shoulders. She carefully tilts her head down to meet her wife's. "Thank you," she whispers. Then hesitantly says I love you in dwarven.

[6:42 AM] DM: "He na’pyi nimhe, sor'odko."

## [7:09 PM] DM: ---------------------

9:31 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Per usual, Ryleigh wakes around the time the sun rises. She takes a few minutes to simply wake up, calculating how much she can move without waking Rukiya. Eventually, her eyes open and land on the still sleeping woman laying in her arms. After several minutes, Ryleigh gets up, dressing as quietly as she can. She finds the bell in their room and rings it.

[9:33 PM] DM: The 'bell' is a series of ropes and pulleys and so on that disappears through a wall to some other location. It only takes a couple minutes before a woman is knocking at the door softly.

[9:35 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh answers it, and asks in a whispered tone, "I'm sorry to bother you, but... could I get two cups of coffee?"

[9:37 PM] DM: She smiles and says in a quiet voice, "Of course, miss. We've already got some brewing. I'll be back in a flash."

[9:37 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Thank you so much."

[9:38 PM] DM: She disappears as quick as she appeared, and as she said, it's only another two minutes or so before she's at the door again with a tray and another gentle knock.

[9:39 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Opening the door again, Ryleigh reaches to take the tray from her. "Bless you," she half jokes.

[9:40 PM] DM: She looks hesitant to let Ryleigh take it, but doesn't argue. "Will you need anything else?"

[9:41 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Oh," Ryleigh says, catching the woman's hesitency. "Sorry, I'm not used to being waited on... this is perfect, and thank you... again."

[9:42 PM] DM: "Of course." She bows a little and sees herself out. The tray is stocked with sugar, fresh cream, spoons, and cloth napkins in addition to the two mugs.

[9:44 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh softly closes the door, while balancing the tray. She sets it down on a nearby side table, then goes back to the bed and slowly wakes Rukiya by strategically placed kisses and touches.

[9:54 PM] DM: Rukiya squirms a bit, burying her face in the pillows. "Nnn... no fair..."

[9:56 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I had coffee brought in," Ryleigh whispers, getting up and going over to the coffee tray. She makes Rukiya's coffee and brings the mug closer, hoping the smell will get Rukiya to at least sit up in bed.

[9:58 PM] DM: There's a muffled, "That's cheating," but then she does eventually figure out how to sit up against the headboard.

[10:03 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh chuckles and hands Rukiya the coffee mug. "Good morning, sun'frada."

[10:05 PM] DM: She takes it gratefully and kind of cuddles with it for a minute. "Morning."

[10:07 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Did you sleep okay?" Ryleigh eases into conversation, knowing Rukiya needs several minutes and coffee to wake up.

[10:11 PM] DM: She nods and takes a sip, slowly opening her eyes. "You?"

[10:12 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh quirks a playful eyebrow. "What sleep you let me get was restful."

[10:16 PM] DM: That gets her attention and she smirks and takes another drink. "You seemed to enjoy it."

[10:18 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I have the marks to prove it," Ryleigh says, her cheeks slightly pinking.

[10:19 PM] DM: "The question is whether you're brave enough to wear them... or heal yourself before we meet the others," she chuckles.

[10:22 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh takes a slow sip of her coffee, a grin spreading across her features, and she dramatically says, "And to think I turned down a sunrise breakfast on a cliffside with the Prince only to be treated like this."

[10:25 PM] DM: The realization of Ryleigh's words is slow and she can watch them play across Rukiya's face, from the subtle narrowing of eyes to widening to the slow eyebrow raise. "You what?"

[10:28 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I might have spent some time talking to your brother, which may have resulted in the hopeful request of joining him in watching the sunrise while having breakfast." Ryleigh's clearly humored by Rukiya's reaction.

[10:31 PM] DM: There's another pause as the thought sinks in, then Rukiya laughs. "That was my line, but I suppose he can have it now."

[10:35 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh leans in, dropping her voice, "It's a very good line, and I would have been interested, but it came from the wrong Moonstream's lips." She follows that up with a lingering kiss to Rukiya's mouth.

[10:43 PM] DM: She melts into the kiss and when they pull apart again, she jokes, "Is it a personal goal of yours to flirt with as many Moonstreams as possible?"

[10:52 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Maybe..." Ryleigh chuckles lightly, "No, believe it or not, I just wanted to be charming enough that they liked me, which I think I messed up anyway."

[10:53 PM] DM: Rukiya stops just shy of rolling her eyes. "I don't think that's possible."

[11:01 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I wouldn't be so sure." Ryleigh takes another drink of her coffee. "Your dad asked about 'the Adventures of Dawnguard' and I dramatically told the story of the hydra and the harpy... but then Urrak chimed in. She jokingly asked if that was when the dragon nearly killed me, and followed that up with the time I took 3 spears to the chest." She sighs and sets her coffee down. "Your dad made a toast to always coming home... and how difficult it must be for those who love us."

[11:05 PM] DM: Rukiya sets her coffee down too and reaches for Ry's hands to pull her closer. "That sounds more like concern than dislike."

[11:09 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Allowing herself to be pulled closer, Ryleigh answers with, "Concern that I'll hurt you... or dislike that I might hurt you... but he's not wrong, is he? I've had so many close calls... and any one of them could have ended in..." She stops herself, knowing that finishing the sentence will hurt Rukiya.

[11:16 PM] DM: "Concern for you and anyone else who lives their life by risking it. I won't pretend he didn't also have me in mind, but... he values people's lives. Coming home is important... but so is what you and the others and the soldiers and guards and everyone else does. Especially when they, like you, are driven by a need to do the right thing. He understands risking a life to save many others." Her mouth pulls to the side and she lets out a short, dark chuckle as she adds, almost as an afterthought, a barely audible, "Understands it better than I ever did."

[11:25 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh gently squeezes Rukiya's hand, then brings it to her lips. "You okay?"

[11:26 PM] DM: She looks back at Ryleigh and nods. "I promise... if I understand why you do what you do, he definitely does."

[10:56 AM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Alright." A small sigh escapes Ryleigh. "I know you're busy, between your job and looking into things for Seirixori, and maybe finding leads on Clemency... but, we came across something in Ascus. Something that... that I think I created and I need to know more about it. Unfortnately, I don't think I'll have time to go to the library before we leave for Ardabeh."

[11:44 AM] DM: Her brow furrows.  "Something you... created?"

[11:55 AM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh pulls away, looking worried and feeling ashamed. "Do... do you remember when we were in Bellbury and you told me not to let my vengeance consume me? I let it." She pauses for several long seconds. "Barton showed up in Aston and it was so unexpected. I didn't know how to handle seeing him again. We had just been ambushed by a group of people, and I was angry. Angry that the guy wouldn't give me any information, angry that Barton was walking around like he didn't help destory everything I loved, angry that the man threatened to kill the Moonborn."

[12:02 PM] DM: Rukiya sits up further and takes Ry's hand.

[12:08 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I was reliving all the emotions surrounding Barton. So I wanted the man to hurt... I wanted him to suffer, because in my mind, he wanted to kill you." Ryleigh's voice breaks, and she can't bring herself to look at Rukiya, even though she allows her to take her hand. "I took him into the Fytulk, tied him to a tree, and cut him so the smell of blood would attract the things that live there. I left him to be consumed by the forest and its inhabitants."

[12:21 PM] DM: Rukiya is still and says nothing.

[12:55 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "When we came back up that road, he was there, but he was undead. It's been a long time since I've been that frightened. I thought that was it, Rukiya. I thought I was going to die... that thing kept attacking me, only me, and yelling 'suffer'. It was my fault... I know it was."

[1:08 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I'm sorry for... for being careless, for being so lost and angry it almost cost me my life. I'm sorry for having to ask this of you... but I need to know. I... I need to know how it happened. What I created, and what I destroyed that day." In a broken whisper Ryleigh says, "I brought evil into the world."

[1:19 PM] DM: Rukiya moves closer and puts her arms around Ry to offer some amount of comfort, but she's quiet for what, to Ryleigh, is probably an uncomfortable amount of time.

[3:14 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: “Please, say something,” Ryleigh pleads, not really relaxing into the embrace.

[3:36 PM] DM: Rukiya presses a kiss to Ry's shoulder. "I'm with you, Ry. You know that... I just... all these things you say you do, they're not you, you know? Avery and Myrka and... is this-- this isn't like them, is it?"

[4:19 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: “No... I could have let the guards take him. I could have let him go, and I didn’t. I chose to do that to him... to make him hurt, to make him suffer,” Ryleigh’s voice cracks, in a way that Rukiya would know she’s about to cry. “I did that. I became exactly what I feared I’d become, and I didn’t know how to tell you, because I’m so ashamed of it. I don’t have any excuses... he might not have been an innocent man, but he didn't deserve what I did to him.”

[4:29 PM] DM: She rests her forehead against Ry's shoulder. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry I pushed you to go to Ascus and that you had to face everything before you were ready. I'm sorry that you thought for even a second that I wouldn't listen. I told you that you just needed to keep trying and you are. You know it was... you know it was wrong. I'm not going to make you feel worse about it. As long as you don't give up, give in to it, I'm here for you, ok? Keep fighting. I'll do what I can to help."

[4:40 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh turns to face Rukiya, a few tears rolling down her cheeks. She cups Rukiya's face and presses a kiss to her lips. When she pulls away, Ryleigh says softly, "Please stop blaming yourself for asking me to go to Ascus. You couldn't go, and I wasn't about to let you carry the guilt of what was happening there with the 'Moonborn' thing."

[4:52 PM] DM: She shakes her head. "We could have-- should have-- let someone else handle it. You wouldn't be struggling with this, Seirixori could have been home by now. It doesn't matter now... what's done is done."

[5:18 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Settling against the headboard, Ryleigh pulls Rukiya close and presses a kiss to her temple. "I wasn't worried you wouldn't listen... I was scared. I already struggle so much with this darkness, and sometimes it feels like I'm taking one step forward, only to take two steps back. I'm learning that... that you're going to stick around - even when I mess up... and that you're going to love me through it. That's just... new for me, and I have to fight off the bad thoughts, like that you'll be repulsed by me."

[5:37 PM] DM: "Just promise me you'll keep trying. I'm not ready to give up on you yet, so you can't be either. Keep trying to fight the darkness, keep trying to come home whole."

[5:48 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I promise, and I'm sorry... this probably wasn't the best place to bring this up, or the proper time," Ryleigh says quietly. "I didn't mean to ruin your morning."

[5:50 PM] DM: Rukiya turns and looks up at Ryleigh, putting her hand on Ry's jaw. "I just wish you'd told me sooner so you weren't carrying it so long."

[6:05 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I didn't mean to keep it from you. Its been such an emotional ride since we got back. Talking about Avery, the Moonborn, our bracelets... I forgot about it until last night, when I realized exactly how many close calls I've had." Ryleigh covers the hand Rukiya has on her jaw. "I'd say I'll tell you next time... but there isn't going to be a next time."

[6:08 PM] DM: Rukiya leans up and kisses Ry then stands and starts looking for clothes to put on.

[6:24 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh picks her coffee up and takes a sip, cringing as the cold liquid hits her mouth. She sets it back down and watches as Rukiya finds her clothes. "Are you sure you're not having regrets now?"

[6:29 PM] DM: She finishes buttoning her pants and gives Ryleigh a look. "Most of the last couple years has been colored with some shade of regret. But about choosing you? No." She moves back to the bed and kisses Ryleigh. "I just thought you might want to see if that cliffside's empty before we have to go back to Riverrun."

[6:37 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Really?" Ryleigh asks at the prospect, a smile slowly making its way onto her face. "I'd love that..."

[6:38 PM] DM: "Assuming my brother didn't find someone else to take up there, anyway."

[6:42 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh grins and stands. "I did see him talking to Yahya before I left..."

[6:49 PM] DM: "We'll just have to be careful then... he doesn't know, but I'm sure he'd figure it out fast if he saw me. I don't want to hurt him like that."

[6:51 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "He misses you," Ryleigh says, taking Rukiya's hand.

[6:56 PM] DM: There's a slight sigh, almost imperceptible. "I miss him, too."

[7:02 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh pulls Rukiya into a hug. "We don't have to go if it'll bring back too many memories, if you're not ready." She waits a few moments, then jokes, "Did you know we can pull that rope over there and someone will come take our breakfast order."

[7:06 PM] DM: She smiles. "I did... and the memories are good. We can make more to add to them."

[7:09 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Okay, then lets go." Ryleigh steps away, offering her hand to Rukiya and motioning for her to lead the way.

## [7:19 PM] DM: ---------------

7:23 PM] Seirixori: Seir searches the deck for Ryleigh and Rukiya, when she finds them she bounds over. "Hey Ry. Rukiya can I ask you to look for a book when you have time?"

[7:23 PM] DM: Rukiya: "Sure."

[7:23 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh just grins and rolls her eyes.

[7:28 PM] Seirixori: Seir claps and then frowns, "Uh... I sort of forgot to get the name of it, but it has something to do with gods not being able to intervene directly unless with their own blood. So Vydea had a child so she could have more control over him than a normal-- a normal--" Seir's eyes widen and her mouth drops open. "What the fuck? What the fuck!?"

[7:29 PM] Seirixori: Her eyes dart between Ry and Rukiya for a while before she looks down and pulls at her shirt to look at the mark on her skin and then looks back at both of them. "When the fuck was someone going to tell me that Mielikki might want me as her champion!?"

[7:30 PM] DM: Rukiya raises her eyebrow.

[7:32 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh's brows furrow at Seir's words. "She's the goddess that gave you your druidic magic - yes?"

[7:32 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: She also casually rests her hand on Rukiya's lower back.

[7:33 PM] Seirixori: "Yes, and you know," Seir motions to herself, "Probably, possibly, my mother? What the fuck?"

[7:34 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh worries her lip.

[7:36 PM] Seirixori: "Why are you making that face?"

[7:37 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "It certainly explains the celestial aura..." she tries to shrug nonchalantly.

[7:43 PM] Seirixori: Seir points at Ryleigh, her eyes narrowing, "Listen here, hickey-bearer, that is not an answer."

[7:43 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh's cheeks turn pink.

[7:44 PM] DM: Rukiya tries- and fails- to keep a straight face.

[7:45 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: She playfully shoves Rukiya.

[7:45 PM] Seirixori: Seir stands there, glaring, hands now on her hips.

[7:45 PM] DM: Rukiya laughs. "Hey, you could've healed them. You knew what you were doing."

[7:46 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "You questioned my bravery," Ryleigh jokes, but then she coughs, her cheeks still pink.

[7:47 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: She turns her attention back to Seir. "You said this book claimed that the gods have power over their offspring... I don't like the idea of someone having power over you."

[7:50 PM] Seirixori: "Yeah well, Gunnloda isn't a fan either." She starts grumbling to herself and a lot of it is 'what the fuck' over and over again.

[7:52 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Whatever happens in Ardabeh..." she sighs "...I'll support whatever your decision is, I just don't know how I'll know it's yours."

[7:54 PM] Seirixori: ((1st insight: Nat 1

2nd insight: 17))

[7:56 PM] Seirixori: "Because you know me and will know if I decide I want to do something stupid?" She frowns. "Or maybe not stupid?"

[8:00 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "But..." Ryleigh looks a little uncomfortable. "Do you want to come back to Riverrun? I know... you didn't exactly choose to come to Vyon."

[8:03 PM] Seirixori: Seir gives Ryleigh an incredulous look, "Do I want--? What? Do I want to come back to a place that actually let's me go inside shops and libraries and castles? Do I want to come back to a place that has the only friends I have ever made that aren't animals? No, no I don't." She finishes and then groans. "Sorry, sorry that was...mean. I love you, I hate most people in Ardabeh, of course I want to come back here."

[8:06 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh's features don't really change as Seir gets frustrated. She sort of just stands there, then says, "Okay. So if you suddenly decide to stay, what do you want me to do? Drag you back to Vyon?"

[8:08 PM] Seirixori: "Yes. I... well unless there's something to do there. But... yeah, if I want to stay forever, don't let me." She rubs at her temples, not having thought about any of this until now. "What the fuck?"

[8:10 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh steps closer to Seir, reaching for her hand. "Maybe it's not what you think."

[8:13 PM] Seirixori: "How many times has it not been what I think?" Seir whispers, quickly taking Ryleigh's hand. "Takara... gods it doesn't matter." She starts laughing, "Holy shit, imagine if the new Moonborn was a tiefling . At least that isn't a thing in Ardabeh." She freezes, "I wouldn't even know if it were. Everything is awful." She gets a faraway look in her eye and then it's gone, "Do you think I could make the boat go faster?"

[8:14 PM] DM: Rukiya raises an eyebrow and leans over to Ry. "Did you follow that?"

[8:16 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Uhhh, even I have trouble speaking Seirixori," Ryleigh says back.

[8:16 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Homashoc, can you explain better than that?"

[8:18 PM] Seirixori: "Explain what? That everything is insane and absolutely ridiculous and makes no sense, but I still want to go!?"

[8:22 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh cups Seir's cheeks. "Hey, I need you to calm a little and explain what you mean but 'imagine if the Moonborn was a tiefling'   ... are you using Moonborn as a general term for champion?"

[8:24 PM] Seirixori: "No. Yes. Not really. It was more of a 'hey wouldn't it be funny if instead of a dragonborn it was a tiefling. Hey good thing there isn't something like that in Ardabeh. Oh wait! I wouldn't know even if there were!'...type of thing."

[8:25 PM] DM: Rukiya still looks confused. "I'm not sure I follow, but... a book about gods controlling their champions through blood. It might be hard to find, but I'll look."

[8:26 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Letting go of Seir's face, Ryleigh half steps back. "Where'd you even hear about this book?"

[8:26 PM] Seirixori: "Alarys, she's the one that told me about it."

[8:28 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh raises an eyebrow at that. "She read this book... in Ascus?"

[8:29 PM] Seirixori: "Yes. She said she saved it from... uh... I don't remember that part," Seir's cheeks turn a little pinker. "but that she didn't bring it with her."

[8:32 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "She probably saved it from a book burning. That type of content isn't allow in Ascus... Asten has," she scratches at the back of her neck. "He has supreme power there."

[8:33 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Saying that he'd need a champion to do his bidding and such would be blasphemous."

[8:35 PM] Seirixori: Seir clears her throat to stop a laugh. "Fun. So... thanks for coming to my freak out, I'm going to go now... and continue freaking out elsewhere."

[8:37 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh grabs Seir's hand before she can walk away. "Hey... you can freak out elsewhere, but you're welcome to freak out here too."

[8:39 PM] Seirixori: "No, no, I'm gonna go and jump over the side of the boat and freak out. Like a totally normal person."

[8:40 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Alright... I'm here if you need me... okay?" Ryleigh looks a little worried, but she lets Seir go.

8:42 PM] Seirixori: Seir gives Ry two thumbs up and turns quickly on her heel, speed walking away.

[8:45 PM] DM: -----------

[5:55 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: As Seirixori walks away, Ryleigh moves back to Rukiya, taking her hand and softly asking, "Do you want to talk?"

[6:00 PM] DM: Rukiya's face has been relatively unchanged throughout the discussion, but Ry can probably see some amount of turmoil in her eyes like she's trying to solve a puzzle. "I... don't know."

[6:08 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Bringing Rukiya's hand to her lips, Ryleigh presses a kiss to her knuckles. "We don't have to talk about it, but... if you want to brainstorm, or vent, I think we should go to the crow's nest, or our room." Ryleigh motions to the group chatting with Alarys further up the deck from them. "There are lots of ears around us here."

[6:15 PM] DM: At Ry's gesture towards Alarys, there's a flash of a frown, then it's gone and she nods. "You're right." Then she smiles, leans in, and kisses Ryleigh, lingering for a moment. When she pulls away, she takes Ry's hand and says, "Come on." Her troubled, thoughtful demeanor has been entirely transformed into flirtatiousness.

[6:20 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh softens at the kiss, and let's Rukiya choose their destination. Her face remaining neutral as they walk.

[6:24 PM] DM: Rukiya drags Ry along with a teasing, "You could at least play along." As they enter the spaces belowdecks, she glances around to make sure there's nobody watching before dragging Ryleigh down the hall and around a couple corners, looking like a girl trying to find a quiet place to make out with her girlfriend.

[6:33 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I am, this is what my face usually looks like when you want to do dirty things in public," Ryleigh argues.

[6:36 PM] DM: Rukiya laughs, an authentic laugh, and pulls Ry to her as she leans against a door. In a low voice she says, "Well, we won't be in public much longer, so kiss me."

[6:43 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh rolls her eyes and does kiss her, running a hand down Rukiya's thigh, urging her further up the door and pinning her against it.

[6:43 PM] DM: The hallway you're in is one not on the guest level and looks very official.

[6:50 PM] DM: An appropriate, or inappropriate, depending on one's perspective, sound escapes from Rukiya's throat before she's kissing back and putting her hands behind her. She deftly picks the lock and opens the door, leaving the two of them stumbling inside. She glances around and shuts the door, locking it again, then moves over to the large table in the center of the room and sits on the edge. Her demeanor's changed again, to a softer look as she holds her hand out for Ryleigh like it's a request.

[6:54 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I'd say I'm impressed, but I already knew you were talented," Ryleigh says with a smile, walking closer and taking Rukiya's hand.

[6:56 PM] DM: "It's just easier to explain why we're here as being an accidently unlocked door and looking for privacy than knowing what this room is and how to get into it."

[6:57 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh actually looks around the room at that. "Where are we?"

[6:59 PM] DM: "The King's meeting room. It's enchanted so people outside can't hear what's happening inside. Diplomatic talks and such."

[7:01 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Sneaky," Ryleigh says, using her free hand to cup Rukiya's cheek. "Talk to me, sun'frada."

[7:05 PM] DM: "What Seirixori was saying... everything makes sense, but makes no sense all at the same time. Why Vydea had a mortal son, why she's favored the Moonstreams, why she would choose us to be her champions... but then why Alarys? Is she Vydea's blood? She is silver..."

[7:07 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "If she was, she'd have an aura like yours, and she doesn't."

[7:09 PM] DM: She frowns. "Then if we assume it's true, why did she pick her? Not just me, but Ari, Misha, the king, Katarina, any of her kids... there's so many to choose from. Why a dragonborn in Ascus? Unless..."

[7:10 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Unless what?" Ryleigh prods.

[7:12 PM] DM: Rukiya chews on her lip for a moment, then she turns worried eyes to Ryleigh. "What if they're right. What if we're the problem? Why would she want a non-Moonstream Moonborn unless the purpose was to dismantle the Moonstreams?"

[7:21 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh sighs and her brows furrow. She cups Rukiya's other cheek and presses a soft kiss to her lips, then pulls back a little to say, "Perhaps, but I doubt that's it. Wouldn't dismantling the Moonstreams lessen her own power?"

[7:29 PM] DM: She thinks about that for a minute. "Maybe... but not if... not if they-- we're in the way. How often do the other Whispers talk about it? The extravagance and excess and the things the crown could be doing but isn't or won't. You can't tell me you don't see it yourself. What if the 'new age' is... that?"

[7:40 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I..." Ryleigh's hands drop from Rukiya's face to take her hands. "This is over the top... the ship... the castle... the feast... the staff. I won't argue that I disagree with all of it, but that's... beside the point." She squeezes Rukiya's hands.

[7:49 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I'm not the smartest person, but wouldn't it make more sense for Vydea to appoint your dad and have him change things? He has all the power anyway."

[7:54 PM] DM: "Maybe... if he's willing to do it. But maybe that's not even a concern? If Seirixori's worried about being controlled to the point that she can't even come home.." She groans in frustration and leans back on her hands, dropping her head backwards.

[8:00 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh stays put, her hands on Rukiya's thighs, she makes sure not to push into Rukiya's space, a little worried about crowding her. "That's what I'm getting at though, even if he wasn't willing to do what she asked, she'd still be able to make him because her blood runs in his viens. Just as it runs in yours..."

[8:07 PM] DM: "Right..." She pauses for a second, then lifts her head to look at Ryleigh. "That's what I was saying... what are you saying?"

[8:30 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "What if she controls or controlled you," Ryleigh says, like it's the most obvious thing.

[8:34 PM] DM: There's only a brief pause of a couple seconds before her eyes widen slightly and she says, softly, "No..."

[8:38 PM] DM: Her eyes start to fill with tears and she looks to Ryleigh.

[8:42 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh immediately closes the short distance between them, pulling Rukiya close and staying silent until Rukiya wants to share.

[8:45 PM] DM: "She did... she... why? Why would she..." Rukiya clings to Ry's shoulder and her words get lost in heavy sobs.

[8:50 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh moves her hand slowly up and down Rukiya's back in a soothing motion. "I'm with you, Rukiya... I've got you," she says, a little unsure of herself.

[8:52 PM] DM: Rukiya mumbles into Ry's shoulder, "Why would she make me leave?"

[8:55 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: That makes Ryleigh go unusually still, and after a long while she says, "I don't know, l'auorphiem. I'm... I'm so sorry."

[9:01 PM] DM: She cries for what probably seems like a surprisingly short time before she pulls away sharply and slams her hand down on the table. "Why? And for what? Is she just punishing me for something? She makes me leave, makes me hide, and then picks someone else to do the work anyway?"

[9:01 PM] DM: She squints and says in her thinking voice, "No, that's not... it's something else."

[9:06 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh's a little shocked at the emotion change, but she stays close. "I know that look. What are you thinking it is?"

[9:08 PM] DM: "I don't know..." She sounds almost far away when she says it, and she slips off the table and starts pacing and mumbling to herself. She stops and looks at Ryleigh, tear tracks still fresh on her cheeks, but no longer crying. "Do you ever get this... feeling when you figure something out? Like this... buzz."

[9:11 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Turning to face Rukiya, Ryleigh leans against the table, thinking for a moment, and then slowly says, "No."

[9:14 PM] DM: "My mom didn't either, but dad and I..." She pauses and closes her eyes, taking a steadying breath. "It's her. It has to be. It's... it's always been there. As soon as I put together the puzzle, I always know when I'm right because I can feel it. And I felt it as soon as I thought that it was her fault that I had to leave. She made me feel like I couldn't stay. But I don't know why."

[9:22 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Still hesitent to approach Rukiya, Ryleigh runs her hand through her hair.

[9:25 PM] DM: She's quiet for another few seconds, then she says in a small voice, "How much of my life has been her choice?"

[9:28 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: At that, Ryleigh walks forward and pulls Rukiya into her arms. "I doubt I was her choice," Ryleigh says, a touch of humor in her tone.

[9:31 PM] DM: She exhales heavily and relaxes into Ryleigh's arms, resting her head on Ry's shoulder. "Sorry, I know it's a lot and I probably didn't explain it all very well, but thank you for being here."

[9:36 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh presses a kiss to Rukiya's temple. "You have nothing to be sorry for, and I'll always be here. If Vydea thinks she can persuade you otherwise, I'll fight her."

[9:43 PM] DM: Rukiya chuckles, then is silent for a few more seconds before saying, "Why couldn't she just talk to me? Alarys said Vydea appeared in her dreams and told her to do things. Why... she made me feel terrible... Bad enough that... I thought there was no escape."

9:53 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Again, Ryleigh gently runs her hand up Rukiya's spine. "Do you... want to talk it?"

[10:05 PM] DM: "It felt like I was being torn in two. My whole life I'd been raised to be one person... but I couldn't stop feeling that it wasn't what I wanted. After Rinan died... everything felt wrong. I couldn't stand it. but I couldn't just turn my back on my duty. I knew my dad would never accept it. He'd tell me that leadership was difficult and painful, but that's why we have to do it."

[10:05 PM] DM: She pauses for a moment. "For a while I... my mom thought I was getting better. I wasn't the wreck I had been after Rinan. I wasn't up all night crying in her arms... because I was thinking about how nice it would be if I were to join him. No expectations, no pain...  just reading and Rinan. I didn't... Dad came to me once, before I'd ever... he'd been worried about me. Had dreams that I'd thrown myself from the battlements or the cliffside. That I'd poisoned myself in the stables."

[10:10 PM] DM: "I broke down... told him everything. The pressure of expectation, the pain of loss, the fear of disappointment, the fantasies of.... It was his idea. Faking my death. He'd rather pretend and know it was fake than see those dreams come true."

[10:12 PM] DM: "Now I wonder if those dreams weren't just her."

[10:30 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh pulls back a little, and presses her lips to Rukiya's forehead before saying, "I'm so sorry, sun'frada. I... know that probably sounds empty, but I can't imagine what kind of dark place you had to be in to contemplate ending your life."

[10:39 PM] DM: "And now... I should be outraged. Offended. Pissed. But all I can think about is why?"

[10:46 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "That might be a question that'll never be answered." Ryleigh sighs. "I want to know why she picked Alarys... why she's making you feel bad now."

[10:48 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Why she thinks she can hurt you like this," Ryleigh adds, some heat behind her words.

[10:52 PM] DM: Rukiya squeezes Ry a little tighter. "Don't pick a fight with her... I don't want to lose you too."

[11:01 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: For a few long seconds Ryleigh clenches her teeth, making the muscle in her jaw tense. Then she unclenches her teeth, and takes a steadying breath. "Okay, I won't," she finally says. "I just... I hate the idea that she can control your decisions... that she hurts you - whatever her reasons. Who does she think she is?!"

[11:06 PM] DM: Rukiya sighs. "A god?"

[11:08 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh leans back and says, in a serious tone, but humor in her eyes, "Do you want me to kill her for you?"

[11:10 PM] DM: Rukiya laughs at that and hugs Ryleigh a little tighter. "I think I might go lie down for a bit."

[11:15 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Do you want company? Or alone time?" Ryleigh asks, holding Rukiya close and for as long as she needs.

[11:21 PM] DM: She shrugs. "Your choice." She leans up and gives Ryleigh a quick kiss. "Seirixori might need you too."

[11:26 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "True, she was totally freaking out earlier. I'll go check on her and if she doesn't need me, I'll come back to our room." Ryleigh takes Rukiya's hand and starts walking towards the door.

[11:29 PM] DM: Rukiya kisses Ry again as they leave, just to make sure nobody's watching, then heads off to their room.

[11:29 PM] DM: ------------

[5:02 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: True to her word, Ryleigh walks back up the deck and looks around for Seirixori.

[5:07 PM] Seirixori: Seir's now perched on the front of the boat, pretending to add to the decoration, still as a giant eagle.

[5:13 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh walks over to her, puts the hat on her head and says the magic word. She reaches out to stroke her feathers. “I’m here... if you need me.”

[5:19 PM] Seirixori: They're isn't any movement, but Ryleigh hears, "I don't know why I didn't figure this out sooner."

[5:21 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: “You see a lot, homashoc, but sometimes it’s more difficult to your own things. You didn’t know you were part celestial until a month or so ago.”

[5:31 PM] Seirixori: Seir looks down, "That's different." She steps off the edge and back into the boat. After shifting back she sits on the deck, leaning into Ryleigh. "I almost wish I would have pushed Takara more for answers."

[5:43 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh holds her hand out for Seir, giving her the choice if she wants the extra contact or not. “Maybe she was trying to let you put it together.”

[5:46 PM] Seirixori: She takes Ryleigh's hand, tugging it a little, asking her to come sit down. "She wanted to tell me, but said Mielikki should tell me but..." Seir lets out a disbelieving laugh, "No wonder I kept going back."

[6:18 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Sitting with her legs crossed, Ryleigh rubs her thumb over the back of Seir’s hand. She waits patiently for Seir to continue.

[6:28 PM] Seirixori: "I would leave. The druids. I would just go, for weeks at a time. I didn't want to be there, they didn't want me there. But... there were so many times I'd go back and I didn't really know why. I did go back a few times because I wanted to, but..." Seir turns her head to rest her forehead on Ry's shoulder. "Why would she make me do that?"

[6:38 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh takes a heavy breath, the air sort audibly pushing out of her nose in an irritated way. “I don’t know, homashoc. Maybe she’s selfish and wanted you there.”

[6:46 PM] Seirixori: She laughs, "I have a very hard time believing that." She sighs, "Even after realizing this, I still want to go."

[6:50 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Why?" Ryleigh asks softly.

[7:01 PM] Seirixori: "Because there's so much I don't know. I could ask Takara all I want, but she's not going to know exactly what Mielikki wants or planned or whatever. She-she might know more about my Mama. It might even be her fault. I don't know." Seir moves to lie on her back, "There's a part of me that thinks this is kind of neat, but you know, that whole controlling thing."

[7:11 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh follows Seir's movement, laying on her back too. "Rukiya's going to look into it... maybe she doesn't have as much control over you as we think."

[7:14 PM] Seirixori: "I feel bad for asking her to look up so much stuff for me. I'm sure she has other things she needs to do."

[7:43 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: A chuckle bubbles out of Ryleigh. "I don't think you understand exactly how much she loves reading, or researching, or studying. Rukiya enjoys the feeling of answering a question, or solving a puzzle. She might even love it more than me," she says jokingly.

[7:52 PM] Seirixori: She lets out a long sigh, "I'm glad she does. I wouldn't know where to start and... well it's not like the rest of us are that great at looking for things."

[8:09 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "She has... a particular knack for it, but we didn't do too bad without her help that first time we did research in Riverrun." Ryleigh rubs her thumb over the back of Seir's hand again. "I'm sorry Mielikki kept so much from you."

[8:17 PM] Seirixori: "Kind of been a thing, it seems, with people close to me." She closes her eyes, "Do you think my mama knew?"

[8:26 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Knew what?"

[8:27 PM] Seirixori: "About any of this."

[8:28 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I'm pretty sure she knew you were Mielikki's daughter," Ryleigh says, with a tone of humor.

[8:32 PM] Seirixori: Seir opens her eyes, just to narrow them, "...okay I realize that was dumb. But what about the rest of it." She frowns, "Wait... if that's what happened who did Vydea have a kid with? Is that how that works with them? That seems kind of-- ... I'm going to stop. I'm going to stop because I don't care. I don't."

[8:44 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh laughs, but eventually her laughter dies. "Maybe your mama did know Mielikki's plans for you... maybe she didn't tell you because she was waiting until you were older... maybe she didn't know at all." She goes quiet for several moments, then adds, "That's the danger in leaving things unsaid... you always think you'll have tomorrow, but tomorrow isn't always promised to us."

[8:55 PM] Seirixori: She sighs once more, "I hate all of this. I hate not knowing things, especially when it's about me." Seir squeezes Ry's hand and her voice is quiet when she says, "All I want to do is get my mama back."

[9:08 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: At that, Ryleigh turns onto her side, leaning on her elbow so she can look at Seir. "We'll get her back, homashoc... I promise, if there's a way to get her back, we'll find it. When we get to Ardabeh, hopefully Mielikki will have answers for your questions." She plays with Seir's fingers for a moment, then smiles and says, "And if she doesn't want to give them to you, I'll fight her."

[9:15 PM] Seirixori: Seir chuckles, "Please don't. I don't think Findarris likes me that much to not fight for her."

[9:25 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Okay, okay." Ryleigh grins. "I'm sorry about eariler... questioning whether you wanted to come back to Riverrun. I'm so used to having to let people go, that I've been waiting for you to decide to leave once you have your mom back."

[9:34 PM] Seirixori: Seir lightly shoves Ryleigh, "You know I don't like people leaving, so why would I do that to you? Why would I do that to myself?"

9:41 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh shrugs. "She's your mom, and Ardabeh was your home. I know, all to well, that sometimes being left isn't by someone's choice... so when you brought up Mielikki, and her control over you, I just..." she sighs and shrugs again "...I was preparing myself to let you go."

[9:48 PM] Seirixori: "I didn't know there was anything outside of Ardabeh. I just wanted to be wherever my mama was. Maybe she'd be okay with living here. I don't know. And like I said earlier, Ardabeh might have a very pretty forest, but I can't go into town, I don't want to go back to that."

[10:02 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Well, you don't have to," Ryleigh says softly. "I'm sorry that the only forest near Riverrun is... unsafe."

[10:07 PM] Seirixori: "Well... mostly unsafe. Besides, I can always go to the grove in Belbury." She sits up and turns to Ry, "....so what exactly is the difference between a champion and someone who is like you and m- uh like you? We both have magic from them, is it just the god telling them things to go do? ...I should have asked Moki more questions."

[10:20 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh scratches at the back of her neck. "It's my understanding that a champion is favored by their god, so they have a special connection with them. Like how Vydea appears to Alarys in her dreams to give her direction. I was granted power because I requested it, and Asten found me worthy, but he doesn't guide my actions, and he doesn't communicate with me."

[10:24 PM] Seirixori: "Ugh. This feels like cheating somehow."

[10:35 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "What does?" Ryleigh asks.

[10:44 PM] Seirixori: "This champion thing. Alarys seems really excited. Nervous, but excited that she gets to help." Seir shrugs, "I guess I get to do that too but... it's the other part that makes it... less. Mielikki isn't evil or anything, she wouldn't make me do something bad, would she?" Seir frowns and starts to look worried.

[10:53 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh squeezes Seir's hand, hard enough to get her attention but not enough to hurt her. “We don’t know how much control she’ll have over you yet. Maybe the most she can do is plant an idea in your head. And you’d just accept her idea because your her blood. Maybe it’s just... manipulation, instead of control... although that line gets blurry fast. I don’t know, homashoc... I’m not the brains, I’m the brawn,” she says almost defeatedly. “I can fight for you and protect you and support your decisions... but the rest...”

[11:07 PM] Seirixori: "You're a lot more than that, issui'as." Seir sighs, leaning heavily into Ryleigh. "Well, I guess worrying about it isn't going to do anything but freak me out, I'll just do that after we finally get there."

[11:12 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Wrapping her arm around Seir, Ryleigh sighs too. "I love you, and we're going to deal with whatever Ardabeh is going to throw at you together, okay?"

[11:15 PM] Seirixori: "Okay."

[11:51 AM] Ryleigh Alastair: After several minutes of staring out at the ocean, Ryleigh finally mumbles, “I told Rukiya about what I did to the man in the grey cloak when we were in Ascus...” she doesn’t look at Seir when she adds “...I didn’t tell her you watched me do it.”

[3:16 PM] Seirixori: Seir tilts her head, "Why not?"

[4:23 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh shrugs. "Because I hurt him. I acted alone. I made a choice. And I, alone, will pay for it. I shouldn't have dragged you into anyway."

[5:04 PM] Seirixori: "And I watched you do all of it without stopping you." She chuckles dryly. "You're right... But only about the last part." Seir starts to fidget with the hand in hers, "And only because I don't think I'm very helpful with a situation like that... might even be making it worse."

[5:17 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: “I didn’t intentionally not tell her. I just couldn’t figure out how to not make it sound like I was blaming you or that you didn’t take care of me while we were in Ascus...” Ryleigh exhales deeply. “There’s no reason for her to be upset with the both of us.”

[5:24 PM] Seirixori: "Maybe not, but you know she'll find out eventually."

[5:41 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: “Oh, I know.” Ryleigh chuckles, but it’s strained. “I’m not keeping it from her... there just wasn’t a good place for me to say you were there too.”

[5:50 PM] Seirixori: Seir hums in acknowledgement. "You know we're terrible for each other." She kind of laughs. "Two people who both want some kind of... revenge on someone else."

[6:23 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh squeezes Seir’s hand and leans her head on Seir’s shoulder, then sighs. “I wish I could let it go... the anger, the want for revenge, but I want to make them pay for what they did. Then again... hurting that grey cloak didn’t make me feel better, it made me feel worse.”

[6:38 PM] Seirixori: Seir chews on her bottom lip, "Maybe... maybe making them pay is... I don't know, something other than the same thing they do."

[6:50 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: “But at least they won’t be doing it to anyone else,” Ryleigh says in a hushed, broken tone.

[6:56 PM] Seirixori: "I know... I know." Her gaze stays on the watery horizon, "But then... when does it stop? We keep-- we keep adding to it. It doesn't make you feel better but maybe..." she laughs, but it sounds empty. "I don't know, Ryleigh."

[7:01 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: “I don’t expect you to have the answers, homashoc. I just... needed to say it out loud.” Ryleigh continues to play with Seir’s fingers.

[7:32 PM] Seirixori: Seir brings their connected hands up, placing a kiss on Ryleigh's knuckles and then pulls their hands to her chest as she wraps her free hand around them, "Even so, I wish I had the answers."

[7:57 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh half smiles. “I don’t know how I managed everything alone all that time. Having you here, even if we just sat in silence, feels like... I don’t know, mending?”

[8:01 PM] Seirixori: She nods, "It feels." Seir laughs, "You're the easiest to talk to somehow."

[8:49 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh gives Seir a questioning glance. “How so?”

[9:05 PM] Seirixori: Seir looks down, looking at their hands, "Sometimes I'm afraid to talk to Gunnloda about things... still afraid she'll leave." She snorts, "I'm not afraid to tell you exactly what I think, I know I can be-can be too blunt, but you never left. You haven't blamed me for being afraid of that."

[12:40 AM] Ryleigh Alastair: “I...” Ryleigh’s quiet for a few moments, like she’s collecting her thoughts. “I understand you, in a way I don’t think Gunnloda can. I get the anger, the isolation... the self hatred.” It’s Ryleigh’s turn to pull Seir’s hand to her lips. “You’re my family... and I don’t intend on leaving you until you demand I do,” then as an after thought she says, “or death takes me.”

[12:43 AM] Seirixori: "Both of those options are terrible." She teases, but there's no heart in it. She lets the silence settle for several minutes.

[12:44 AM] Seirixori: "We had a... fight this morning," she whispers.

[2:02 AM] Ryleigh Alastair: “I’m sorry you two had a fight. What was it about?”

[2:25 AM] Seirixori: "Her drinking."

[9:55 AM] Ryleigh Alastair: “Ah,” Ryleigh says, wrapping her arm around Seir, while still holding her hand. “Do you... wanna talk about it? Or do you just need me to hold you?”

[11:12 AM] Seirixori: Seir sniffles as the tears start forming, "I thought I was done crying about it," she mutters, wiping at her eyes. She finally manages a "The second option, p-please."

[1:38 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: “Of course, homashoc.” Ryleigh pulls Seir closer, rubbing her back and singing a familiar soothing lullaby in infernal.

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