10 Felmont

9 Felmont -- 10 Felmont -- 11 Felmont

Felmont 3Y21 - Discord logs

[2:01 PM] DM: 10 Felmont 3Y21

Around 4 am, somewhere outside Alptaver, Ascus in the Fytulk

You've come out here looking for a shadow crossing with Gylfi, a former Walker/acolyte of Vydea who studies the Shadowfell. They had you put away Dawnbringer and Ry's necklace that both create sunlight and use regular torches to seek shadows that don't hide from the light.

Rukiya was teleported away from the group and attacked near something that looked like a black, tendril filled rift in the center of a clearing/depression, but after beating up on the creatures, they and the rift seemed to disappear.

Ry and Rukiya are in a tree, tending to Rukiya's wounds. The rest of you start to gather. Gylfi asks, "Is anyone else hurt?"

[2:02 PM] Seirixori: Seir is standing next to the tree looking worried. "Nope. Only a little disappointed."

[2:03 PM] DM: Gylfi: "Disappointed?"

[2:03 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh hops down from the tree, and offers to help Rukiya down - ya know, since she just had her legs munched and mended.

[2:04 PM] Seirixori: "I've never used that spell before, didn't last very long."

[2:06 PM] Urrak: Urrak shakes the blood from her sword as she looks down at the bisected creature. "Fucker almost choked me out." She looks around at the group, "Glad everyone's ok...ish. I have a healin' potion if ye don't want t' use a spell."

[2:06 PM] DM: Gylfi: "It might have been what caused them to flee."

[2:07 PM] Ryleigh: "It's fine," Ryleigh says to Urrak. "I healed Rukiya... well, as best I could without proper light."

[2:07 PM] DM: Rukiya shrugs. "I'll be ok."

[2:08 PM] Seirixori: "Maybe one day you'll learn to see in the dark," Seir teases, looking Rukiya over to see if there's anything that was missed.

[2:08 PM] Ryleigh: "Why do I need to see in the dark when I wield sunlight," Ry drawls.

[2:09 PM] Seirixori: "Can't use it right now though, can you?" She grins.

[2:09 PM] DM: Gylfi holds out their hand. "Please don't wield it yet. We still need to find the crossing."

[2:10 PM] Brimeia: "So... all those things are just.. gone now? Will they come back?"

[2:10 PM] Urrak: "Dunno. Th' crossin' disappeared too, though."

[2:11 PM] DM: Gylfi nods. "Probably. They came from the 'Fell and fled to it, but they'll probably come back eventually. If not them, something else."

[2:12 PM] DM: They turn to Urrak. "That wasn't a crossing. It must have been someone's idea of what a crossing looks like, made into a 'real' illusion by the balhannoth. They're not too bright, so you can usually tell if it's an illusion if you know what you're looking at."

[2:12 PM] DM: "They create an image of the thing you want to lure you into their trap."

[2:13 PM] Urrak: "Fuckin'--great." Urrak rubs her temples with one hand, "Love that."

[2:14 PM] Seirixori: "Sounds... fun." Seir says a little distracted as she twists her staff in her hands. "Want me to ask the trees?"

[2:15 PM] DM: Gylfi looks around and sighs. "We're running out of time. We'll have to wait for nightfall again if we can't find it. It's up to you, if you feel like that's necessary. We can give looking a try. Maybe they were dumb enough to go straight to it," they gesture in the direction they fled, "but they all were capable of shadow teleportation, if not real teleportation, so it could be anywhere nearby."

[2:16 PM] DM: Gylfi: "I will suggest, though, that once we do find it and cross over, that we rest."

[2:16 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh rubs at the back of her neck, then picks up her torch... "Stay close to me, I'd rather you not disappear again," Ry whispers to Rukiya in elven.

[2:17 PM] Ryleigh: "Then let's get back to looking," she suggests, starting to walk around with her torch out.

[2:17 PM] Seirixori: "Hm..." Seir shakes her head and then shifts into a giant owl.

[2:18 PM] Urrak: Urrak takes the torch from her belt and holds it in front of her, "Alright, lead th' way."

[2:18 PM] DM: So as you all start looking again, give me Survival or Investigation checks.

[2:18 PM] Seirixori: ((23 surv))

[2:19 PM] Urrak: ((9 sur))

[2:20 PM] DM: Gylfi: 22, Rukiya 21

[2:21 PM] DM: Ry: 19

[2:21 PM] Brimeia: ((13 survival))

## Into the Unknoooooooown

[2:22 PM] DM: It doesn't take too long... maybe half an hour... but you find a large tree that's partially split and hollowed, and when a torch passes in front of it, the shadow doesn't move.

[2:23 PM] DM: Gylfi looks at it for a long moment. "Well... I suppose I should check it out first."

[2:24 PM] Seirixori: Seir walks up next to them and tilts her head.

[2:24 PM] DM: "Remember... stay together. Don't wander into the mist. Try not to let negative emotions overpower you." They step through the tree's shadow.

[2:25 PM] Urrak: Urrak takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly before she follows

[2:27 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh squeezes Rukiya's hand, and they follow after the others.

[2:27 PM] Brimeia: Bri steps through.

[2:28 PM] DM: Inside, the snow is gone, but the air is chilled and unsettling. The night sky has no moon, no stars. Just inky black sky and grey clouds. It's dark, and you notice that the torches that were lighting the area 20 feet out now only illuminate half that. What you can see within that range of light is grey and black. The trees and foliage around you have no color.

[2:29 PM] DM: I need everyone to roll a Perception check for me.

[2:29 PM] Urrak: ((3))

[2:29 PM] Seirixori: ((22))

[2:30 PM] DM: G 15 R 25 Ry 11

[2:30 PM] Brimeia: ((19))

[2:32 PM] DM: For once it would benefit you to low roll because for those of you who rolled above a 15, you notice something in the distance, a movement at the edges of your darkvision, something tall and black, of impossible size, especially for as little sound as you hear. The sight messes with your minds as you try to figure out exactly what it is you're seeing... and I need Seir, Bri, Gylfi, and Rukiya to roll Wisdom saves against despair in response.

[2:33 PM] Seirixori: ((21))

[2:33 PM] Brimeia: ((11))

[2:33 PM] DM: G- nat 20, Rukiya- 5.

[2:33 PM] DM: So Bri and Rukiya draw our first Despair Cards of the session.

[2:39 PM] DM: Gylfi: "Let's... move a little, just in case the balhannoth comes back, then if you can watch my back for a few minutes, I can make a safe place for us to rest."

[2:40 PM] Seirixori: Seir nods and follows along.

[2:40 PM] DM: Rukiya: "Do we need to sleep yet? We could just keep going. The sooner we find what we're looking for, the sooner we can leave."

[2:41 PM] Ryleigh: "That's true, but we promise Gylfi that we'd follow their lead... if they think it's best to rest, then we should."

[2:42 PM] DM: "It would be dawn in only an hour or so on our plane. I seem to remember you needing more sleep than us real elves," Gylfi teases.

[2:43 PM] Seirixori: Seir gives a little hoot from her very low flying, amused.

[2:44 PM] Brimeia: Bri looks around her, squinting into the gray dimness. "Yeah, let's get outta here. Those things might still be lurking around."

[2:44 PM] DM: Gylfi jerks their head. "Come on... we'll head back towards where Alptaver was for a bit, then rest. Get your owl her magic back."

[2:47 PM] DM: Gylfi leads the way back in the direction of Alptaver. Even if your sight wasn't limited by light (which only shines for 10-20 feet), even if it wasn't limited by darkvision, even if it wasn't limited by the grey trees that seems to crumble to ash or dissipate like smoke on the breeze when you touch them, even so, you wouldn't be able to see far into the distance because of the ever present mists floating between the trees.

[2:48 PM] DM: After about twenty minutes, they stop. "This should be far enough. Keep an eye out while I build us a home."

[2:49 PM] Seirixori: Seir does slow circles above to do just that.

[2:49 PM] DM: And go ahead and give me another round of Perception checks while Gylfi casts Tiny Hut.

[2:50 PM] Urrak: ((9))

[2:50 PM] Seirixori: ((25))

[2:50 PM] Brimeia: ((17))

[2:50 PM] DM: R 28, Ry 20

[2:52 PM] DM: A tense minute later, and suddenly there's a greyish dome around where Gylfi was walking in circles. They poke their head through it and say, "Come on in."

[2:53 PM] Seirixori: Seir plops in, shifting back as she does.

[2:54 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh pulls Rukiya into the dome. Then she asks, "Gylfi, do you want me to continue to hide Dawnbringer or would be alright to have her out while we travel? And, um, the same with my sun shard."

[2:55 PM] DM: Gylfi: "Real sunlight would be great to have if we have to fight... but just like the lights are dimmer, the light can be seen from farther away because everything is dark... so I suppose it's a judgment call for you to make."

[2:56 PM] DM: "You can have them out in here, though. Nothing can see into the dome from outside."

[2:58 PM] DM: The dome is transparent from inside, but opaque from outside. You can pass through freely, but nobody else can, and if Gylfi leaves it, it disappears.

[2:59 PM] Seirixori: "A lot handier maybe than mine," Seir says quietly, interested in the bubble.

[2:59 PM] DM: It's also warmer in here. Comfortable, rather than chilly.

[2:59 PM] Ryleigh: "Okay," Ry nods. "Dawnbringer can dim her light, but the sun shard can't. I'll only pull it out if we need to fight." She then pulls Dawnbringer from her back, setting her next to her. Ry then settles back against the dome, tugging Rukiya to lay down and try to rest.

[3:00 PM] DM: Rukiya rolls her eyes. "I'm fine, Ry. I'll keep watch for a bit while the rest of you rest."

[3:02 PM] Ryleigh: "You nearly had your legs taken off,"  she counters. "You should rest so they can mend."

[3:02 PM] Brimeia: "I can join you on watch."

[3:03 PM] Urrak: "Aye, yer lucky t' have legs. Take some time t' enjoy 'em." Urrak grins, "I'll take watch with Bri, so ye two can be t'gether."

[3:05 PM] DM: Gylfi: "Well, we're all gonna be 'together' while we're here. It's a cuddle pile.... so maybe try not to get too together unless that's what you want."

[3:05 PM] Ryleigh: "Ew," Ry mumbles.

[3:06 PM] Seirixori: Seir's eyes brighten at the cuddle pile comment and then she chuckles at the end.

[3:07 PM] DM: Gylfi chuckles and gives Rukiya a look.

[3:07 PM] Ryleigh: Ry huffs a little at Gylfi's look.

[3:07 PM] DM: Rukiya gracefully offers Gylfi a finger before lying down.

[3:09 PM] Urrak: "What would ye call this, Bri? Bein' a fifth wheel?" Urrak deadpans. She walks to edge of the hut to start watch.

[3:09 PM] DM: However it happens, you all manage to get a long rest in. Bri and Rukiya can roll their Key Skill from their Despair cards to attempt to overcome them.

[3:10 PM] DM: Rukiya: 27.

[3:10 PM] Brimeia: "Fun," Bri answers with a grin.

[3:12 PM] Brimeia: ((19 arcana, nat 20))

[3:12 PM] DM: Both overcome their despair! But because it's the end of a long rest, you don't get the boon. Sorry.

[3:14 PM] DM: But, as you're all getting ready to face the day, I need a Wisdom save. With a +4 because you're all within Ry's aura.

[3:14 PM] Brimeia: ((14))

[3:14 PM] Urrak: ((21))

[3:15 PM] Seirixori: ((31))

[3:15 PM] DM: G- 29, R- 19

[3:16 PM] Ryleigh: ((21))

[3:16 PM] DM: So Bri gets another card.

[3:18 PM] DM: When you were getting ready to rest, Seir pulled out her scrying flame... but could not get a read on Moki.

## Day Zero in the Gloom, Shadow Alptaver

[3:19 PM] DM: So. The day is night. It's weird to wake up and it still be dark. But Gylfi lets you all know that it's time to be moving on. Try not to let the darkness get to you. And they start moving towards Alptaver, the dome disappearing as they leave it.

[3:21 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh will ask Dawnbringer to dim as they walk, but if they get into an encounter to brighten.

[3:22 PM] Seirixori: Seir follows along glad that she at least isn't afraid of the dark.

[3:22 PM] Brimeia: Bri sticks close to everyone as they travel.

[3:23 PM] DM: After some time, those of you with darkvision see the walls of Alptaver appear. They look the same as the town you had been in previously, but colorless. As you reach the end of the wall, where there would be a gate, you can see that there are literal shadows of people walking around between buildings of shadow and ash, like a mockery of the people who live in the material plane. There are a few exceptions... some people who look more substantial, but almost seem to flicker in and out of existence. You also see a couple of the humanoids who look like those you fought the night before, dressed in rags, hunched with unruly hair.

[3:24 PM] DM: In all of what you see, with the exception of you and your belongings, everything is shades of grey as though all the color has leeched from the world.

[3:25 PM] Seirixori: "This is... great."

[3:27 PM] Ryleigh: "Are we going inside the city?" But before Gylfi can answer, her curiosity gets the best of her and she asks, "Are there shops and inns like in the material plane?"

[3:28 PM] DM: Gylfi: "There are... though I don't know how much of that you'll find here. You'd want to try Evernight or Gloomwrought for that, really. A small town like this... I would be surprised if there was anyone of 'substance' here."

[3:29 PM] Brimeia: "What do you mean by that? Are they real? Are they the ... same as people on the other side?"

[3:29 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia scratches her head.

[3:29 PM] DM: And almost on cue, as if to prove them wrong, at that moment, those of you with darkvision can see a human-looking person in a nice suit walking down the road directly towards your party. His dark hair is slicked back and his clothes are a sharply tailored suit.

[3:29 PM] Seirixori: Seir is getting more and more creeped out as the conversation unfolds.

[3:30 PM] DM: Gylfi mumbles, "Keep on your toes."

[3:30 PM] Urrak: Urrak balls her fists

[3:30 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh takes Seir's hand to comfort her, then looks around at Gylfi's words - a slight frown on her lips.

[3:32 PM] DM: A voice with the hint of an Ascan accent carries on the breeze. "Travelers to my small town. To what do I owe the pleasure?"

[3:33 PM] Seirixori: "You know, just looking around."

[3:35 PM] DM: "Looking around... for what? If I might be so bold as to ask."

[3:36 PM] Seirixori: Seir shrugs, not really having anything more than that.

[3:37 PM] Brimeia: "Uh... who are you exactly?"

[3:38 PM] Ryleigh: "This place is wild," Ryleigh says, allowing her accent to come out when she says it.

[3:39 PM] DM: He grins. "I suppose you could call me the mayor of this town. The name is Kozani. I help travelers find their way."

[3:40 PM] Ryleigh: "We're on our way to Evernight. Thought we'd stop here first," she adds with a grin.

[3:40 PM] DM: "Evernight is quite a long way away. Are you prepared for such a journey?"

[3:43 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh taps her chin, looking like she's going over some kind of invisible list. "Yup, I think so. We also have an excellent guide already." She smiles and winks at Glyfi. "So thanks for the offer of help, but I think we'll manage."

[3:46 PM] DM: Kozani smiles, but it looks strange, forced, almost plastic. He glances at Gylfi, then looks at each of the rest of the party in turn, his eyes lingering a bit on Ryleigh, before they settle on Urrak. "What about you? Anything you need?"

[3:53 PM] Urrak: Urrak can't seem to meet his eyes for very long, his smile raising the hairs on the back of her neck. Finally after a pause she manages, "Not from you."

[3:55 PM] DM: He gives her a mock pout and puts a pale hand to his chest. "You wound me." He sighs. "You must understand how dreadfully boring it is here with nothing to do but watch the shadows wander. Having such a... colorful group pass by is not something I could easily ignore."

[3:57 PM] Ryleigh: Making a show of looking around, Ry lets out a low whistle. "Yeah, I can't blame you. So why be the mayor of this place if it bores you so?"

[3:59 PM] DM: "You seem like the sort of person to understand duty. Someone has to watch. To bear witness."

[3:59 PM] Seirixori: "To shadows?"

[4:00 PM] DM: "To the crossing, to my lord, to the town, to the travelers who pass through."

[4:00 PM] Brimeia: "Your... lord?"

[4:02 PM] DM: He looks almost confused by Bri's confusion. "Of course. A mayor must answer to someone else."

[4:04 PM] Brimeia: "And that is...?"

[4:04 PM] Ryleigh: "It works just like in our world," Ry explains to Bri, doing her best to not sound patronizing. "Like how Eloise asked for aid from Riverrun because Katerina is who she answers too."

[4:04 PM] Brimeia: "Oh," she nods, still looking a little confused.

[4:05 PM] Seirixori: "It must have been a while since you've seen other colorful people if you're this interested."

[4:05 PM] DM: "Prince Rolan is his name. Lord in service of our Queen."

[4:05 PM] Ryleigh: "The Raven Queen?" Ry asks, her tone casual.

[4:06 PM] DM: "Not so long, though you are more numerous than most."

[4:06 PM] DM: He nods at Ry in confirmation.

[4:07 PM] Ryleigh: "Do you happen to know where she resides? I'd rather meet a queen then just wander a city."

[4:09 PM] DM: "If you'd like, I can send you to Prince Rolan, and from there he can provide the means to reach her Fortress."

[4:10 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh hums in thought then asks the others. "What do you think? Should we detour and visit this Prince Rolan?"

[4:11 PM] Urrak: "Unless ye want t' be stuck wanderin' around in this place...I say we see th' Prince."

[4:11 PM] DM: Gylfi catches Ry's eye and gives her a look that could be described as a warning to be careful.

[4:12 PM] Ryleigh: "You know Kozani, I think we'll have to pass and instead just be on our way. We really appreciate the offer though," Ry says, tilting her head and grinning at him.

[4:13 PM] Seirixori: "Yeah, it's more fun to... explore."

[4:14 PM] Urrak: Urrak sighs

[4:15 PM] DM: He doesn't hide his disappointment well. "I see. Well, I suppose exploring means meeting more of the local fauna and flora... though it does mean missing out on the Lady Feria's exquisite beauty. A shame, really, but I won't keep you any longer. Good luck to you."

[4:16 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh does a one handed finger gun and winks at him. "Catch ya next time, Kozani." And she leads them away from him.

[4:17 PM] Urrak: Urrak quirks an eyebrow at Ryleigh once they get a fair distance away, "Catch ya next time? "

[4:18 PM] Seirixori: Seir does not react to Ryleigh's actions, more focused on trying to not be creeped out.

[4:19 PM] Ryleigh: "I know, maybe that was a bit much," Ryleigh admits, her tone back to normal. "Sorry, I was just trying to really sell the stupid blonde who's stumbled into the shadowfell."

[4:20 PM] Brimeia: Bri chuckles. "Nice try."

[4:21 PM] DM: Rukiya bumps Ry with her shoulder. "Maybe don't try so hard next time."

[4:21 PM] Urrak: "But also," Urrak looks around as she walks, "Y'think it's wise t' expose ourselves t' this place fer longer than necessary?"

[4:21 PM] DM: Gylfi: "Be wary of anyone who claims a lordship here. Many of them are beyond the mists, with demiplanes of their own where people are trapped for eternity."

[4:23 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh points to Gylfi. "And that is why I refused, Urrak." Then after a moment she asks, "Was I that suspicious?"

[4:23 PM] DM: Gylfi: "Well, you said we were traveling to Riverrun, so..."

[4:24 PM] Urrak: "Ye weren't exactly subtle..." Urrak grins

[4:24 PM] Urrak: "But aye, that tracks. Trust no Prince."

[4:25 PM] Ryleigh: "It was the first city name I could think of..." Ry says.

[4:26 PM] DM: Gylfi stops and looks around. "Well... I suppose we can pick a direction. We can aim for another shadow-town. Anywhere there is a settlement in our world, there is one here. We can aim for landmarks we know of in our own plane. We can just pick a direction and wander."

[4:27 PM] Seirixori: "Think I should try looking for Moki again?" Seir asks quietly.

[4:29 PM] Ryleigh: "I might not know the names of the cities here, but I am familiar enough with Ascus to get us to almost any city in our world. So maybe we should head the next nearest city... so maybe we should head south toward shadow Manavik?"

[4:29 PM] Brimeia: Bri shrugs. "Sounds good to me."

[4:31 PM] DM: Gylfi shrugs. "I should probably lead since you can't see."

[4:32 PM] Ryleigh: "Well maybe once we get there I should get something to help me see," Ry says, more sass in her voice than usual.

[4:32 PM] Seirixori: Seir chuckles a little, flipping open and closed her little item needed to scry.

[4:32 PM] DM: Everyone give me a perception check.

[4:32 PM] Seirixori: ((28))

[4:33 PM] Urrak: ((17))

[4:33 PM] Ryleigh: ((Ry: Nat 1 - 8 / Rukiya: 21))

[4:33 PM] Brimeia: ((17))

[4:33 PM] DM: G 13

[4:36 PM] DM: Seir and Rukiya catch sight of movement around the edges of what you can see, though it's difficult to tell what exactly it is.

[4:37 PM] Seirixori: "You know, I'm starting to think maybe bein able to not see is kind of an advantage." She tilts her head a little towards whatever it is.

[4:38 PM] Brimeia: "You could always close your eyes," Brimeia teases nervously.

[4:41 PM] DM: Rukiya runs her fingers over her daggers. "Be on your guard."

[4:41 PM] Seirixori: "That almost sounds worse."

[4:42 PM] Ryleigh: Ry huffs, clearly agitated at her lack of dark vision OR light that she usually has.

[4:43 PM] DM: Gylfi puts their hand on Ry's shoulder. Suddenly everyone has the ability to see in the darkness without maximum range. You're still limited by the trees and mist, but the darkness is no issue.

[4:44 PM] Ryleigh: "Whoa," Ry says. "I mean... thank you."

[4:44 PM] DM: And with that, I need everyone to make a Wisdom save, with a +4 and advantage thanks to Ry as you really get a chance to look around.

[4:45 PM] Seirixori: ((25))

[4:45 PM] Urrak: ((7))

[4:45 PM] Brimeia: ((19))

[4:47 PM] Ryleigh: ((Ry 21))

## Flanked

[4:48 PM] DM: The trees look even more menacing here than in the Fytulk, like their branches are jagged and turned in towards you. The bark seems to give the appearance of jagged teeth in gaping maws that want nothing more than to swallow you whole.  Black bushes with no leaves surround the area like stationary tumbleweeds. The mist curls in and out like a massive creature breathing- like the realm itself is breathing. And just beyond most of your original sights, you see two humanoids on opposite sides of you, watching. Waiting silently as though they don't know- or don't care- that you can see them.

[4:48 PM] DM: G 26, R 22

[4:48 PM] DM: Urrak draws a card. Let me know in your private room if you need assistance.

[4:49 PM] Seirixori: "I think I might prefer crystaled forest..."

[4:49 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia grunts indecisively.

[4:50 PM] Ryleigh: "Just be ready for an attack," Ry whispers, her hand on Dawnbringer's hilt. She'll continue forward.

[4:50 PM] Urrak: Urrak draws her sword with a long sigh

[4:51 PM] DM: Gylfi whispers in elven, "It only lasts 10 minutes and I can only do it so many times a day."

[4:52 PM] Ryleigh: "Then let's make the most of it while we have it. The next big city we come to, I'll see if I can find something to help me... since my sun shard shouting our existence to everything around us isn't the smartest idea."

[4:52 PM] DM: The two humanoids keep pace easily, and even if you strain your ears to listen for them so you don't look directly at them, you don't hear any footsteps.

[4:54 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh will continue to move the direction they're going, keeping an eye on the intruders. ((deception 23))

[4:55 PM] Urrak: "What's th' point? Ye didn't trust Kozani t' lead us t' a prince, but ye'll trust a shopkeep t' try an' dim Dawnbringer?" Urrak drags her sword along the ground a moment

[4:56 PM] Ryleigh: "What?" Ry hisses. "Of course not. I meant something magical that will give me the ability to see in the dark."

[4:58 PM] Urrak: "Why bother? These creeps teleport an' shit. An' I don't even wanna see what's hidin' in th' shadows."

[4:59 PM] Ryleigh: "Easy for the person with dark vision to say." Ry shake her head and continues moving forward.

[5:00 PM] DM: Perception checks, please.

[5:00 PM] Seirixori: ((31))

[5:00 PM] DM: And if you roll higher than a 10, I need a Wisdom save with +4 and advantage.

[5:01 PM] Urrak: "Even with darkvision, it doesn't matter. They probably outnumber us by th' hundreds." ((17))

[5:01 PM] Ryleigh: ((Ry: 15 / Rukiya: 22))

[5:01 PM] Seirixori: ((24 save))

[5:01 PM] Seirixori: "Be quiet, both of you. You're much louder when everything is quiet."

[5:02 PM] Brimeia: ((9))

[5:02 PM] Ryleigh: ((Ry: 24 / Rukiya: 23))

[5:02 PM] DM: G- 25/26

[5:03 PM] DM: A frenzied, panicked sound carries from somewhere to the left, like a creature crashing through the trees.

[5:04 PM] Brimeia: "What was that?" Bri says in a whisper loud enough for the others to hear.

[5:06 PM] Seirixori: "What if we just keep going and ignore it?"

[5:08 PM] Brimeia: Bri looks uneasy, but says, "If you're sure...", still keeping an eye out for whatever it is.

[5:09 PM] Ryleigh: "Unless something bursts out and attacks us, I say we just keep going."

[5:10 PM] DM: The sound gets louder and you can see motion in the trees.

[5:10 PM] Urrak: "Fuck it, might as well see what it is before it kills us," Urrak stops walking

[5:11 PM] Brimeia: "Urrak, no," Bri hisses.

[5:11 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh keeps walking, "Stay with us. You're going to get yourself killed."

[5:12 PM] Urrak: "And?"

[5:12 PM] Seirixori: "Human over there is gone," Seir whispers.

[5:12 PM] Brimeia: "Great..." Bri mutters.

[5:12 PM] Brimeia: "Let's just hurry and get where we're going."

[5:12 PM] Ryleigh: "Bye Urrak," Ry says sarcastically, as she continues to walk.

[5:15 PM] Urrak: Urrak stays behind a beat or two, "This is takin' too long," she turns and follows behind the group, not making too much effort to catch up.

[5:19 PM] DM: The crashing continues until you see the cause of it- a humanoid with what looks like a few too many arms that all end in long spikes. It moves erratically with wide eyes and terror permanently etched into its face.

[5:19 PM] DM: It sees the group of you and its arms open wide as if for the most terrifying hug you've ever been part of.

[5:20 PM] Brimeia: "Ah, shit. Think we can just get away from this thing?"

[5:21 PM] Seirixori: Seir swallows a scream but her entire body tenses.

[5:21 PM] DM: The creature's voice, cracking as if from disuse, calls out, "Please... don't... don't leave me."

[5:22 PM] Brimeia: "No, please. Let's leave it. Immediately."

[5:22 PM] Brimeia: Bri nonethless has her weapon gripped in her hands.

[5:23 PM] DM: And that will prompt another round of Despair saves- Wisdom, (+4, advantage if you're close enough to Ry)

[5:23 PM] Seirixori: ((24))

[5:24 PM] Urrak: ((15))

[5:25 PM] Brimeia: ((21))

[5:26 PM] DM: Ry Rukiya and Gylfi all save.

[5:27 PM] DM: It turns slightly, angling towards Bri, who happens to be closest, and starts running, arms widespread.

[5:30 PM] Seirixori: Seir does actually let out something of a cry as she slams her staff to the ground to try and use Wall of Thorns and surround the creature to stop it from getting closer. ((36dmg, DC17 dex save))

[5:35 PM] DM: The thorns pile up, grey and brittle, but still jagged and sharp and the creature moans in pain as the thorns catch on its skin, tearing big black scratches into it.

[5:35 PM] DM: And we can go ahead and roll initiative.

[5:36 PM] Seirixori: ((5))

[5:36 PM] Brimeia: ((10))

[5:37 PM] Ryleigh: ((Ry: 15 / Rukiya 25 / Gylfi 16))

[5:37 PM] Urrak: ((23))

[5:37 PM] DM: Rukiya's up first.

[5:41 PM] Ryleigh: Rukiya will scurry up a nearby tree to hide. She will also keep an eye on the humanoid, and if it moves to attack the group and is within range, she will throw a dagger at it. ((end turn))

[5:42 PM] DM: @Urrak !

[5:45 PM] Urrak: Urrak takes a second to take stock of the situation before running towards the creature. She hides behind a rock formation when she stops. ((end))

[5:45 PM] DM: If you're using your action to hide, give me a stealth check.

[5:46 PM] Urrak: ((17))

[5:46 PM] DM: Ok!

[5:46 PM] DM: Gylfi!

[5:50 PM] Ryleigh: Gyfli moves closer to the humanoid creature, but they're careful to stay within Ry's aura. With their whip in hand, Gyfli will prepare to grapple the being should it move within range. ((end turn))

[5:50 PM] DM: @Ryleigh !

[5:50 PM] DM: (Bri's next)

[5:51 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh pulls out the shard of sun from within her armor and takes a step towards the tree Rukiya disappeared into. As she move she withdraws Dawnbringer and attempts to spot any additional enemies. ((23 perception check - end turn))

[5:54 PM] DM: @Brimeia You can still see the humanoid to the right chillin' and the creature in the bush hurting.

[5:55 PM] Brimeia: Since they don't appear to be running away, much to Bri's dismay, she runs up and rages before smacking the creepy thing with her glaive.

[5:56 PM] DM: That is still only 5' range, right?

[5:56 PM] DM: It is not quite in range, though you could ready an attack for if it pushes through the thorns.

[5:56 PM] Brimeia: ((glaive has reach))

[5:56 PM] DM: Sure, I'll allow it with disadvantage then.

[5:57 PM] Brimeia: ((24 a, 15 d; 18 a, 10 d))

[5:58 PM] Brimeia: ((ancestors if hit))

[5:58 PM] DM: Those both do hit! No fire, though. It is definitely not a humanoid.

[5:59 PM] DM: Seir, give me that damage again, please.

[6:00 PM] Seirixori: ((33))

[6:01 PM] Seirixori: ((It might not hurt if it's not in the thorns?))

[6:01 PM] DM: The creature continues to push towards Bri, but its movements slow and with a final moan and a, "Please..." it stops moving.

[6:02 PM] DM: And we'll suspend initiative.

[6:03 PM] DM: Gylfi: "That's a handy trick."

[6:04 PM] Urrak: "She's saved our asses with it more than a few times," Urrak comes out from hiding. "What the hells is that thing anyway?"

[6:04 PM] Seirixori: Seir is breathing a little heavy and she swallows thickly. "Yep, sure is."

[6:04 PM] Brimeia: ((it wasn't the fire i forgot to click rage so i added it myself))

[6:04 PM] DM: (Just letting you know that hitting it didn't cause it to flame up)

[6:04 PM] Ryleigh: "What was that thing?" Ry asks Gylfi, sheathing Dawnbringer.

[6:04 PM] Ryleigh: Rukiya jumps down from her hiding spot in the tree to rejoin the group.

[6:05 PM] DM: Gylfi: "One of the lost souls of the Shadowfell. They're called Sorrowsworn. Creatures twisted by the negative emotions and lost to it. This one probably literally."

[6:06 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh's eyes grow wide as she looks at where the creature lies. "So... that could happen to us if we don't think positively?"

[6:07 PM] DM: Gylfi: "It's a bit more than 'think positive' but... yes."

[6:07 PM] Urrak: "Great."

[6:07 PM] DM: Rukiya: "I think we met one on the way to Isonsall, too."

[6:08 PM] Urrak: "That cryin' one..." Urrak shudders

[6:08 PM] Ryleigh: "Homashoc, are you doing okay?" Ryleigh asks, moving to take her hand.

[6:09 PM] Seirixori: Seir opens her mouth to respond, but only manages to nod quickly.

[6:11 PM] DM: Each of you with a card can attempt a roll on the Key Skill listed to attempt to overcome, since the creature is no longer a threat.

[6:11 PM] Seirixori: Seir's wall of thorns stays up the full minute.

[6:12 PM] Urrak: ((23))

[6:12 PM] Brimeia: ((6))

[6:12 PM] DM: Urrak overcomes hers and gets the benefit of the boon until you long rest.

[6:12 PM] DM: After the minute passes, the creature falls to the ground.

[6:14 PM] Ryleigh: When Seir doesn't seem to calm down she asks softly in infernal, "Do you need me to calm you down?"

[6:15 PM] Seirixori: She shakes her head, "I'm okay, really."

[6:16 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh presses a kiss to Seir's forehead and squeezes her hand. "Keep me posted, okay?"

[6:17 PM] Urrak: "Well, let's get goin' then, eh?" Urrak rests her sword on her shoulder.

[6:17 PM] Seirixori: Seir nods and sticks close to Ry.

[6:17 PM] DM: As you continue on towards whatever version of Manavik there is, with these two humanoids following from a distance, think that's a good place to stop for tonight.

"2:05 PM] DM: --------------

After resting in the dome and traveling to the shadow of Alptaver, the closest known outpost of 'civilization', you met someone named Kozani. Unenthused by his presence, Ryleigh promptly steered you into the forest towards Manavik, hoping to find more information there. Along the way, you found yourselves flanked by two humanoid-appearing persons who gave you space but followed at the edges of darkvision, and then were assaulted by one of the land's Sorrowsworn- a creature created by the heavy despair of the Shadowfell.

[2:09 PM] DM: Continuing on through the forest, after Ry's tucked the Shard back into her armor, who would like to roll a d20 for me?

[2:09 PM] Urrak: ((I'll do it))

[2:09 PM] Seirixori: ((20))

[2:09 PM] Seirixori: ((uh sorry lmao))

[2:09 PM] Urrak: ((nvm lol))

[2:11 PM] DM: You continue traveling for a short time, maybe an hour or so. Can I get perception checks, please?

[2:11 PM] Urrak: ((14))

[2:12 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ((Rukiya - 21 / Ry - 18))

[2:12 PM] Seirixori: ((19))

[2:13 PM] DM: (Gylfi- 12)

[2:13 PM] Brimeia: ((6))

[2:15 PM] Seirixori: ""That, that is strangely a much nicer thing to see than everything else,"" Seir says quietly.

[2:16 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""We just need to be on the lookout... in case they went for reinforcements,"" Ry whispers.

[2:18 PM] Urrak: ""Jus' be sure t' watch yer backs,"" Urrak says, rubbing her neck.

## Shadar-Kai

[2:21 PM] DM: As you continue to walk through the forest, you hear a voice. ""Stop there, travelers."" It's raspy and sounds like a woman who has seen far too many winters.

[2:22 PM] Seirixori: Seir stops immediately, without hesitation.

[2:24 PM] DM: Those of you with darkvision can see the source- a tall, thin creature in black leathers with a wooden mask over their face. They're gaunt with swollen joints and what skin is exposed is gray and limp with the paper-thinness and wrinkles of the elderly. They hold their hand out in a stop gesture from about 50' away, directly in your path, on the ground. Ry cannot see them.

[2:25 PM] Brimeia: Bri grips her glaive.

[2:26 PM] Seirixori: Seir closes her eyes briefly before speaking, ""...W-wh... Hello..?""

[2:26 PM] Urrak: Urrak swallows hard and keeps her eyes on the creature.

[2:27 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Squinting in the direction of the voice, Ry says, ""Who are you, and why should we listen to you?""

[2:28 PM] DM: Voice: ""Who are you and what are you doing here? This is no place for light-bearers.""

[2:30 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""I'm Ryleigh Alisdair. We're in search of answers that cannot be found on our plane.""

[2:30 PM] DM: ""You seek the Queen?""

[2:31 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Yes."" Ry glances at Gylfi just to gauge their reaction to the conversation.

[2:31 PM] DM: Gylfi is watching intently, curiosity written all over their face.

[2:32 PM] DM: Voice: ""You are going the wrong way.""

[2:32 PM] Urrak: ""Can ye lead us to her, then?""

[2:33 PM] DM: ""Lead you? No. Point, perhaps.""

[2:34 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry opens her mouth to reply, but when she's cut off my Urrak, she stops and frowns.

[2:35 PM] Urrak: ""An' how can we be sure yer 'pointin'' us in the right direction?"" Urrak quirks an eyebrow at the voice. When she sees Ryleigh's frown, she looks away. ""Sorry. Go ahead.""

[2:38 PM] DM: Rukiya: ""I think they'd be more interested in seeing their Queen receive our offerings than watching us suffer needlessly."" She says something else in elven, apparently to the masked figure.

[2:39 PM] DM: There's some slight jingling in the trees around you and those of you with darkvision see a handful of other grey-skinned, black clad masked figures drop from the trees, each holding a staff, a spiked chain, or a blade. None of them appear hostile.

[2:40 PM] DM: The voice speaks back in Elven. ""Set the sun.""

[2:41 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh moves Dawnbringer to her back, beneath her cloak, plunging them into darkness.

[2:42 PM] DM: Gylfi whispers and you all have unlimited darkvision again as the figure in the front approaches the group.

[2:42 PM] Seirixori: Seir's sharp intake of breath is noticeable at the sudden shift of light.

[2:44 PM] DM: They close the difference with more agility than would be expected from a creature that seems by sight and sound to be extremely old. ""You have met our kind before. Do you know you are being followed?""

[2:46 PM] Urrak: ""Unfortunately."" Urrak grumbles as she folds her arms

[2:47 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""We have, and yes. The things following us haven't been hostile... so I thought it was best to leave them be.""

[2:47 PM] DM: ""Do you know why they follow you?""

[2:48 PM] Seirixori: ""Because they suck and like creeping us out?""

[2:48 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry chuckles.

[2:48 PM] DM: There's no humor in their voice when they say, ""You are more correct than I believe you know.""

[2:49 PM] Brimeia: ""So what... they're trying to scare us and feed on our bad feelings or something?""

[2:49 PM] Seirixori: ""... there are few times I don't like being right, this is one of them.""

[2:50 PM] DM: ""They are vampires.""

[2:50 PM] Brimeia: ""Oh. That kind of suck.""

[2:50 PM] Urrak: ""So ye want t' scare us. It probably helps ye all gain power or some shit. Well bring it on, I've already killed one o' ye fer tryin' t' string me up. An' vampires? Been there, done that."" Urrak cleanches her fists.

[2:53 PM] DM: There's a ripple of movement from the figures around the group. The shadar-kai tilts their head at Urrak. ""You have killed one of us?""

[2:53 PM] Brimeia: Bri swats at Urrak

[2:54 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""No, we haven't,"" Ryleigh says. ""The Shadar-Kai have been helpful in our journey so far and we prefer not to end life where we can. She meant that we've killed vampires.""

[2:57 PM] Urrak: ""Aye, not Shadar-Kai. Some other freaky shadow creature. Teleports."" Urrak huffs

[2:58 PM] DM: The figure vanishes and reappears at Urrak's side. ""Like this?""

[2:58 PM] Urrak: Urrak jumps, ""Fuckin'!---yes. Like that.""

[2:59 PM] Seirixori: Seir giggles.

[2:59 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""No-"" Ry says again, more urgent this time, feeling the atmosphere change. ""Wait, she's mistaken. We fought creatures at the crossing but they didn't look anything you.""

[3:00 PM] Urrak: ""Can barely tell left from right in this place...""

[3:01 PM] DM: Gylfi: ""We were attacked by meazels at the crossing, along with a balhannoth.""

[3:02 PM] Seirixori: Seir looks at Urrak, ""I don't know, they,"" she motions to the Shadar-Kai, ""are a lot nicer to look at than anything else we've seen here.""

[3:03 PM] Urrak: ""Can't argue with ye there...""

[3:03 PM] DM: Shadar-Kai: ""I can point. Nothing more. I will not lead your trackers to our village. Turn around and go north to seek the Fortress. The towers that surround the mountain offer Trials that must be completed to gain access to the Queen.""

[3:06 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Thank you, for the guidance and warning of the things tracking us,"" Ry says, her tone relieved. ""Is there a town near the Fortress? In case we get turn around again?""

[3:06 PM] DM: ""Not that you would know, Ascan.""

[3:08 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""I may not know, but our guide might."" She gestures at Gyfli. ""They've been studying this place longer than I've been alive, and may know where it is.""

[3:09 PM] DM: The Shadar-Kai moves away from Urrak towards Gylfi as if to examine them more closely. ""You are fading, elf.""

[3:11 PM] DM: Gylfi nods slightly. ""I have been seeking answers here for a long time, but have been unable to venture far. I believe we are distant kin, safar, and would eagerly accept any invitation to see a village and speak to any of you at length.""

[3:12 PM] DM: The Shadar-Kai tilts their masked head again. ""If you rid yourselves of your trackers, I may be able to arrange that. Otherwise, perhaps your paths will cross with others on your journey.""

[3:16 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Okay,"" Ry says. ""They're back that way about 100ft away."" She casually nods in the direction of the vampires.

[3:18 PM] Urrak: ""I'm always ready t' kill vampires."" Urrak unsheathes her sword, ""Let's make it quick.""

[3:18 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Seriously? You have no tact. I just told you they're 100ft away. Why don't we make our back towards them then attack - assuming they don't flee or withdraw.""

[3:19 PM] Seirixori: Seir mutters something under her breath with a roll of her eyes."

"3:21 PM] Urrak: Urrak sighs, ""Whatever ye say,"" Urrak twirls the sword by it's tip on the ground.

[3:23 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""We'll be back shortly,"" Ryleigh says to the Shadar-Kai. She turns around and walks several feet in the direction of the vampire, making sure to keep her eyes from meeting theirs.

[3:24 PM] DM: None of the Shadar-Kai make any motion to follow or stop you.

## Vampires

[3:26 PM] Seirixori: Seir follows Ryleigh. ""I can do the thing with the trees and stuff again, but they'd probably move out of it."" She says quietly.

[3:29 PM] Urrak: Urrak follows, further behind than the rest. She's not showing it on her face, but her heart is racing. ""I'll kill th' lotta ye...I'll make sure yer nothin' dust on th' bevel of my sword..."" she mutters under her breath

[3:30 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia frowns and glances back at Urrak. ""You good?""

[3:30 PM] Brimeia: ""We should really stick close in here.""

[3:31 PM] DM: Rukiya: ""Do we have a plan besides 'hit them real hard'?""

[3:31 PM] Seirixori: ""Nice burst of sunlight?""

[3:32 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh grins at Seir. ""Read my mind, I was hoping that once we're in range I'll pull out my light shard and shoot sunlight at one of them.""

[3:33 PM] Urrak: Urrak closes the gap, ""Sounds good t' me. Fry th' bastards.""

[3:36 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Just make sure not to meet their eyes, or they'll know we can see them. Keep our conversation light, like we're just passing through...""

[3:36 PM] Seirixori: ""Do you think I should ask if they know where Moki is?""

[3:36 PM] DM: You notice as you start closing the distance, they start moving to the sides to let you pass and give you distance.

[3:38 PM] DM: As you walk past a cluster of shrubs, Rukiya peels off and hides.

[3:40 PM] DM: You all notice your unlimited darkvision is starting to fade back to normal.

[3:40 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Once they're within movement distance, Ry will withdraw the sun shard and fire a burst of sunlight at the vampire on the left.

[3:40 PM] DM: Go ahead and roll that, and then everyone roll initiative.

[3:41 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ((28 to hit / 15 damage - 30 because its undead))

[3:41 PM] Seirixori: ((gdi you didn't waaait lmao))

((1))

[3:42 PM] Urrak: ((10))

[3:43 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry: 13

Rukiya: 23

Gylfi: 20

[3:48 PM] DM: Ok, so everyone ends up squinting a little as Ry pulls a shard of the sun from beneath her armor, casting the entire area in sunlight, then a bolt of pure sunlight fires into the distance and you hear a hiss of pain from that direction as the vampire is hit.

[3:48 PM] DM: Rukiya's up first.

[3:51 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Rukiya, following the burst of sunlight, throws 2 daggers at the vampire from her hiding spot. ((14 H/ 35D - 10/nat 1 H/ 21D))

[3:51 PM] DM: Unfortunately, the bright light must have been fucking with her aim because she misses both.

[3:51 PM] DM: @Brimeia

[3:51 PM] DM: (Are you ready or do you need us to do your turn?)

[3:53 PM] Brimeia: Bri will move toward the area they are attacking and rage.

[3:53 PM] Brimeia: ((I can't see them yet lol))

[3:53 PM] DM: The same one as Ry or do you want to go in the direction of where you remember the other being?

[3:54 PM] Brimeia: ((same one))

[3:55 PM] DM: Ok, you are within one move action of reaching the wounded one from there.

[3:55 PM] DM: You have an action left.

[3:55 PM] Brimeia: ((meaning i could move up to it but wouldn't be able to hit, right?))

[3:56 PM] DM: Right.

[3:56 PM] DM: Or you can ranged attack.

[3:57 PM] Brimeia: Bri will chuck her weapon at it.

[3:57 PM] Brimeia: ((24a, 12dmg, 27a, 8 dmg, ancestors on hit))

[3:59 PM] DM: Just as a point of order, you did specify it was a glaive before, which means you'd have to use a bonus to shift it, so no rage bonuses. Both do hit for a total of 20 damage though, and the spear returns to your hand, but without ancestors.

[4:00 PM] DM: @Seirixori Give me a DC 14 INT save.

[4:01 PM] DM: With a +4 for Ry's aura.

[4:01 PM] Seirixori: ((11))

[4:01 PM] DM: Seir takes 24 psychic damage.

[4:02 PM] DM: Gylfi!

[4:04 PM] DM: Oh and Seir should draw a card.

[4:04 PM] Seirixori: Seir screams in pain, bringing a hand up to her head.

[4:07 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi looks in Seir's direction and moves to her. Laying a hand on her shoulder, they say, ""By Vydea's grace, embrace her healing."" ((Cure Wounds lv 3 - 17 HP back to Seir - end turn))

[4:09 PM] DM: The wounded vampire flies towards Bri, staying outside of the brightest parts of Ry's light and attacks Bri three times.

[4:10 PM] DM: It fails to hit with its sword or its grapple.

[4:12 PM] DM: @Ryleigh Alisdair

[4:15 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh moves to the vampire on the right, and holds the shard out sending a bolt of sunlight at it. ((28H / 24D, double bc undead))

[4:16 PM] DM: It hisses and shies away from the sunlight coming with Ry.

[4:16 PM] DM: @Urrak

[4:17 PM] DM: You are 30' from the one on the left and 55 from the one on the right.

[4:19 PM] DM: The first hits.

[4:19 PM] Urrak: Urrak sprints towards the vampire Bri is entangled with. She raises her sword above her head and attacks ((25a 13d, 13a 17d, 12a 17d))

[4:20 PM] DM: The vampire steps out of the way of the second and third swings.

[4:20 PM] DM: @Seirixori !

[4:20 PM] Seirixori: Seir looks at the vampires, and without any acknowledgement or thanks to Gylfi, Seir sinks to her knees, dropping her staff and shield and holds her head in her hands. ""Why-why do I keep trying?"" She whispers. ((end))

[4:20 PM] DM: Rukiya

[4:24 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Rukiya takes careful aim this time, her eyes adjusted to the bright light, and she throws her dagger with perfect precision - finding its mark. Her blade lodges itself deep in the vampires eye. ((21H / 25D))

[4:25 PM] DM: It falls, but weirdly according to expectations, doesn't turn to mist or dust.

[4:25 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: She'll then sneak her way around the bright light and hides in another tree.

[4:26 PM] DM: @Brimeia

[4:26 PM] DM: Your target is dead. There's another one illuminated in the light just beyond Ry's shard, 90 ft away.

[4:27 PM] Brimeia: Bri will run that way, igniting her spear, and throwing it when she's within range

[4:28 PM] Brimeia: ((23a, 12p + 6f, 24a, 8p + 1f))

[4:32 PM] DM: It falls to its knees, gasping in pain. ""Wait! Stop! Spare me and I'll tell you what you want to know!""

[4:32 PM] DM: Gylfi!

[4:36 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi will unlatch their lasso and says, ""Come forward, and we'll see whether or not you speak the truth."" ((when it moves close enough, they'll attempt to grapple the vampire - no damage though))

[4:37 PM] DM: @Ryleigh Alisdair

[4:42 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh withdraws Dawnbringer, moving her blade under the vampire chin so it looks up at her. ""Why are you following us?""

[4:42 PM] DM: @Urrak You are 85' away.

[4:42 PM] Seirixori: ""They say they know about Moki,"" Seir says, not really moving from where she is.

[4:43 PM] Urrak: Urrak will dash towards the sound of the other vampire's voice"

"4:43 PM] DM: With move and dash, you are just out of arm's length from the kneeling vampire.

[4:46 PM] Urrak: Urrak's blood feels like it's boiling, her arms and legs are exhausted, her heart is beating so fast...but she pushes on using her last bit of strength (Action Surge) to lunge forward and run the vampire through with her sword.

[4:48 PM] DM: Give me an attack roll at disadvantage because you're not actually in range, but it sounds cool.

[4:48 PM] Urrak: ((27))

[4:49 PM] DM: It is run through and also does not mist or dust. The body slides off the end of Urrak's sword and collapses.

[4:49 PM] Urrak: Urrak stands with his body still speared on her blade, panting. Her eyes seem focused on his face and nothing else.

[4:50 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Damnit Urrak,"" Ry says, keeping her tone low.

[4:50 PM] DM: Perception checks, please.

[4:51 PM] Seirixori: Seir sighs, dejected, ""I don't know why I ever thought you'd care about anyone but yourself.""

[4:51 PM] Urrak: ((14))

[4:51 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry: 11

Rukiya: 21

Gylfi: 10 - nat 1

[4:51 PM] Seirixori: ((I don't think Seir is actually close enough to be heard now that I think about it lol))

[4:51 PM] Brimeia: ((20, nat 20))

[4:51 PM] Seirixori: ((24))

[4:52 PM] Brimeia: ""Um.. something is flying this way. Something BIG.""

[4:52 PM] Seirixori: Seir laughs a little and just continues to stay where she is.

[4:53 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh immediately tucks away the sun shard and Dawnbringer. ""We should move, and hide.""

[4:54 PM] Urrak: Urrak pulls her sword from the corpse with an audible squelch before shaking the blood from her blade and sheathing it. Her breaths are slower and quieter as the seconds pass.

## Abhorrent Overlord

[4:55 PM] DM: I'll give you guys a round to hide if you so choose. Give me stealth checks if you are.

[4:56 PM] Urrak: ((23 nat 20))

[4:56 PM] Brimeia: ((15))

[4:56 PM] Seirixori: ""Not really any point to either of those things,"" Seir mutters, still kneeling and not moving.

[4:56 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry: 9

Rukiya: 23

Gylfi: 12

[4:57 PM] Brimeia: ((Can bri try to grab Seir and shove her behind a bush or something? lmao))

[4:58 PM] DM: Sure, you're close enough to try. Give me a strength check.

[5:03 PM] DM: @Brimeia Strength check?

[5:03 PM] Brimeia: ((27))

[5:04 PM] DM: That is enough. Seir is shoved to the ground behind a bush because she is too noodly and too apathetic to try to resist.

[5:04 PM] Seirixori: Seir lets it happen with very minimal fighting but she does say, ""Ugh, you're wasting your time.""

[5:07 PM] DM: A large creature with great leathery wings descends right in front of Bri with a deep laugh. ""Indeed. You cannot hide from me."" It inhales deeply through its nose. ""You have one chance to drop all your gold and leave... or I will strip it from your bones.""

[5:08 PM] DM: @Seirixori It's your turn.

[5:09 PM] Seirixori: ""Yeah, okay. Not the first time."" Seir takes her pouch and... well turns it upside-down and lets all the gold spill out. ""But... I don't think I have gold on my bones, so that wouldn't... I guess it doesn't matter, you could do it anyway I guess.""

[5:10 PM] DM: Anything else?

[5:10 PM] Seirixori: ((nope))

[5:10 PM] DM: Rukiya

[5:12 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Rukiya will try to hide from this thing, listening and watching. ((23))

[5:12 PM] DM: @Brimeia

[5:14 PM] Brimeia: ""Ah.. shit,"" Bri grumbles. She gives Seir a confused look, before deciding that if they can't hide, they probably have to fight.

[5:15 PM] Brimeia: She'll rage and smack the thing.

[5:16 PM] Brimeia: ((16a, 17p +8f?, 25a, 12p+1f?))

[5:17 PM] DM: No fire, it is not a humanoid type, but that definitely does hit both times. It growls and starts beating its wings like it's going to take off.

[5:17 PM] DM: Gylfi!

[5:21 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi summons a spiritual weapon that looks like a sickle. ((19H - 10D force)) They move closer to the group. ((end turn))

[5:23 PM] DM: @Ryleigh Alisdair

[5:24 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh takes a step toward the voice, withdrawing the shard and Dawnbringer.

[5:26 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Once the light shines on the creature, Ryleigh points Dawnbringer at it, moving closer and shouts, ""Flee now, and you can leave with your life!""

[5:27 PM] DM: It doesn't even look in Ry's direction.

[5:28 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ((15H, 18D))

[5:28 PM] DM: The ray of light misses it.

[5:29 PM] DM: @Urrak You are 40' away.

[5:32 PM] Urrak: Urrak will walk up to the winged creature, sword in hand. ""Ye can pry my coin from my cold, dead hands, fucker."" she'll hold her attack unless he tries to attack her.

[5:35 PM] DM: It will try to fly up and away. Bri, Ry, and Urrak can take an AOO if you'd like.

[5:36 PM] Brimeia: ((29a, 13p))

[5:36 PM] Urrak: ((30, 37 crit))

[5:39 PM] DM: Ry: 27, 20radiant

[5:41 PM] DM: Because the two Sentinels hit it, it does not fly away, so it cannot move. It instead claws at Bri twice.

[5:42 PM] DM: That is... 15 slashing after resistance, plus 26 necrotic damage total.

[5:42 PM] DM: And it is Seir's turn.

[5:45 PM] Seirixori: Seir looks like she contemplates throwing a piece of gold at the creature for not taking it like they said, but instead just sighs and falls onto her back. ((end))

[5:45 PM] DM: Rukiya

[5:47 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Rukiya takes aim and flings two daggers at it. ((15H, 29D / 24H, 29D))

[5:47 PM] DM: The first misses, but the second slices right through the thing's neck, spraying hot blood all over Bri.

[5:47 PM] DM: @Brimeia

[5:48 PM] Brimeia: Bri will take the time to transform the weapon this time.

[5:48 PM] DM: That'll kill it. What's that look like?

[5:49 PM] Brimeia: ((19a, 13p+9f, 20a, 14p+5f))

[5:49 PM] Brimeia: Bri will take a mighty swing and lop it in half!

[5:51 PM] DM: Its much larger top half falls from the bottom before its legs also hit the ground, the gold of its armor pieces ringing against each other.

[5:51 PM] DM: End initiative.

[5:52 PM] Brimeia: Bri will scoop Seir's money back into her bag for her and hold it out to her.

[5:53 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh hides the shard away again, but keeps Dawnbringer out so she can see.

[5:53 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Rukiya will walk around and search for her daggers.

[5:53 PM] Seirixori: Seir sighs from the ground, ""You can keep it.""

[5:54 PM] Brimeia: Bri pauses for a bit before sighing and handing it to Ryleigh to put in the bag of holding.

[5:54 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Walking over to Seir, Ryleigh tilts her head. ""How are you feeling Homashoc?""

[5:54 PM] Brimeia: ""I think this place is getting to her.""

[5:56 PM] Seirixori: Seir shrugs, ""You know, fine."" She doesn't sound fine, just kind of despondent.

[6:24 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh kneels down and places Dawnbringer on Seir. ((Casting lesser restoration))

[6:54 PM] Seirixori: ((10 ins - nat 1))

[6:55 PM] DM: That does not succeed.

[6:56 PM] Seirixori: ""See, fine."" Seir says, in the same exact tone.

[6:58 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Frowning slightly, Ryleigh puts Dawnbringer away and pulls Seir up. She holds onto her hand as she says, “Should we see the Shadar-Kai are still around?”

[7:02 PM] Seirixori: Seir shrugs, ""You can if you want.""

[7:04 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Where I go, you go.”

[7:21 PM] Seirixori: ""I don't want to go anywhere. I don't know where Moki is-- Takara didn't even outright ask me to find him until I pushed her--, Gunnloda is gone, Mama doesn't want to see me. I don't know why I thought I could do this. The shadows are going to come here and there's nothing we can do to stop it."""

"[10:03 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh pulls Seir’s hand to her lips and presses a kiss to it. “I love you, but you’re wrong. We’re going to find a way - like we always do...”

[10:25 PM] Seirixori: ""I'm rarely wrong."" Seir says, her voice hanging onto the weird monotone sound.

[10:38 PM] DM: ""That's my line,"" Rukiya says, taking Seir's other hand. ""Come on. Let's get somewhere safer.""

[10:41 PM] Seirixori: Seir groans and will let herself be pulled along, (she won't start walking on her own) though it does come with grumbling.

[10:42 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Together Ry and Rukiya will lead Seir back to where they last saw the Shadar-Kai.

[10:43 PM] DM: They are still in the area. ""You are stronger than most travelers.""

[11:48 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh smirks. “It helps to have sunlight on your side in a place like this.”

[11:56 PM] DM: ""If you don't mind the light drawing more of them to you, I suppose.""

[11:57 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Is that what drew that flying beast to us?” Ryleigh asks, clearly that didn’t occur to her."

"[11:58 AM] Urrak: After a time, Urrak walks back towards the waiting Shadar Kai. She says nothing, but looks around at the masked group with wary eyes.

[11:59 AM] DM: ""It is likely. There is not much light here, so it shines like a beacon.""

[2:10 PM] Seirixori: ""They want to steal it,"" Seir says suddenly, her tone still the same as before but she's beginning to fidget. Her eyes darting around.

[2:18 PM] DM: ""The light? No, it just usually means food... or gold in the case of the overlord.""

[5:17 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Gylfi did warn me that it might be a problem... it’s why I keep it hidden, unless I feel we need it - or that I need it.”

[5:24 PM] Seirixori: Seir tries to pull herself out of Ryleigh and Rukiya's grip. Her eyes continue to frantically look around as she mutters something about things coming to take her, and not being able to do anything if they did.

[5:24 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ((Ry will attempt to stop her before she breaks her grip))

[5:26 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Hey,” Ry says when Seir struggles to get free. “I can’t see... I know you’re feeling down but I need you to be my eyes while Dawnbringer is away.”

[5:34 PM] Seirixori: Seir barely attempts to break the grip, giving up far quicker than she normally would.  ""I can't, I can't, I see too much. They're everywhere, they're going to come for me and--"" She sounds like she's panicking but it's weirdly mixed with an uncaring tone.

[5:38 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh pulls Seir closer and gets poked in the cheek by one of her horns. She flinches. Then sings a soft song in an attempt to calm her. ((Using calm emotions - CHA save DC16 if she fights it))

[5:49 PM] Seirixori: ((well she failed it but does that do anything to the other things lol))

[7:42 PM] DM: You can roll a despair save for one card with whatever skill is on the card.  DC15

[7:46 PM] Seirixori: ((15 perc. well that barely passed ok lmao))

[7:50 PM] Seirixori: Seir looks a little confused as she looks around, wondering what she was even talking about seeing. ""...if-- I can look for you, but I'm still not sure how that's going to help."" The worry about other things is gone, but she still sounds apathetic."

"[10:07 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh looks relieved. “Thank you,” she says softly.

[10:16 PM] Seirixori: The confusion on her face lingers as she lifts a hand to Ryleigh's cheek, carefully wiping away the blood. She doesn't say anything but there's a brief flash of worry across her face before it flickers back to a cool detachedness."

"6:27 PM] DM: The elves all disappear into the gloom at the edges of your sight except for the one who has been speaking with you. ""Come. We will take you to the nearest village."" They turn and start walking in a direction you might guess is east.

[8:39 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: With Seirixori and Rukiya basically leading her, Ry will follow."

"11:56 AM] Urrak: Urrak trails behind

## Shadar-Kai Village

[10:57 PM] DM: After an hour or so, you find yourselves headed into a small village. Everything is black and grey, but where fake!Alptaver was shadow and ash, the buildings here are solid. They look weathered, rotted, and like they've been dismantled and rebuilt several times with the same materials, but they're the first things in this place that you can touch that feels real.

The people walking around are real, too. Not like the shadows and flickering in and out of invisibility people from before. They're generally tall and thin, lanky even for elven standards, and wearing black and grey leathers. They all wear wooden masks with various designs and symbols on them, hiding their faces. Most are sitting or reclining. The few who are walking around do so with no real sense of urgency. The ones who came in with you peel off to go in their own separate directions. All except the one who has been speaking to you.

[11:19 PM] Seirixori: ""This place looks how I feel."" She pauses then adds, ""Like Bleakmourne but without..."" Seir sighs and doesn't continue, looking very much like she just wants to lie down."

"[11:06 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry squeezes Seir’s hand. Then asks the one they’re following, “Why do you all wear masks?”

[2:57 PM] DM: The elf replies in monotone, ""There is enough despair in this world without seeing ourselves reflected in each others' faces.""

[2:59 PM] Urrak: Urrak looks like she wants to say something snarky in response, but doesn't. She shifts her weight on her feet, a bit uncomfortable bring surrounded so many of the Shadar-Kai.

[4:03 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Oh.” Ry frowns a little. “That’s sort of sad.”"

"[2:15 PM] Seirixori: Seir raises an eyebrow and opens her arms, motioning to everything around them.

[3:03 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry rolls her eyes. “I know this isn’t the happiest place, but living here... I suppose I expected something different.”

[3:26 PM] DM: Shadar-Kai: ""Different from what?""

[10:40 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “I thought... perhaps you had adapted to the melancholy of this place, or found a way to thrive here.”

[11:04 PM] DM: ""And you now think we have failed in this endeavor.""

[11:32 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Haven’t you?” Ry asks, her tone genuinely curious. “Wearing masks so you don’t have to see each other doesn’t sound like thriving...” Ry taps her chin and says, more in thought to herself, “but, I guess the way you live here has to be different than in the material plane...”

[11:35 PM] DM: ""We are not Lost or Hungry or Angry or Lonely or Wretched. We do not fear that which lives in the shadows. We follow our Queen and hope that one day she will see fit to allow us rest.""

[11:36 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Hmm, and how long have you been waiting to - rest?”

[11:36 PM] DM: ""It is impossible to know.""

[11:38 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Oh right... because time works differently here.” Ryleigh makes sure to keep ahold of Seirixori in some way while she chats with the Shadar-Kai. “Do you have a name?”

[11:39 PM] DM: ""We are Shadar-Kai.""

[11:40 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry grins. “I meant personally. Do you have a name? Something the others call you.”

[11:41 PM] DM: ""It is impossible to know.""

[11:47 PM] Seirixori: Seir, who is not as noodly as she looks, might as well be when compared to her friends. So there's a bare minimum resistance every so often to Ryleigh's hold but it's more of Seir forgetting she is being held onto than trying to get away. ""Impossible...""

[11:54 PM] Urrak: ""Fuckin' hells,"" Urrak mutters under her breath. She folds her arms tightly against herself."

"11:04 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “So, is there anyplace we could stay to rest? Like an inn or something?” Ry asks.

[11:07 PM] DM: ""In what?""

Gylfi blinks out of their observatory state and interjects, ""I can create the same safe resting space as before.""

[11:18 PM] Seirixori: ""I can too... sort of."" Seir frowns and looks around, it looks as if she's going to continue speaking but after a few seconds pass, she stays quiet.

[11:24 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh squints through the darkness, only seeing a little bit. “But aren’t we in a... town of some kind?”

[11:26 PM] DM: Those of you with darkvision can see that there are buildings, but only maybe a dozen of them. They seem patchy- like there are sections here or there missing- an open wall here, what might be a window or a hole there. None of it looks particularly safe or inviting.

[11:26 PM] DM: Shadar-Kai: ""This is a village, yes."" The word is similar to the elven for 'village' though seems to be an older version.

[11:31 PM] Seirixori: ""The buildings are almost comparable to my tent in Limabey."" Her tone, again, doesn't change so it's hard to tell if f it's a joke or fact. Maybe both.

[11:33 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Oh.” Ry sounds slightly surprised, then it changes into an apology, “I’m sorry I’m not used to the darkness. It’s difficult for me to make things out without Dawnbringer’s light.”

[11:37 PM] DM: Gylfi looks at the group. ""I can set up the bubble later, if you'd like, but I have to stay in it for it to work and I'd like to talk to some people first, if you don't mind.""

[11:39 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Not at all. I think we’ll be relatively safe here. I just need Rukiya or Seirixori to guide me somewhere that’s not the middle of the street or someone’s house,” she says, her tone still light - she’s obviously  trying to maintain a level of perkiness that’s not really in character for her.

[11:42 PM] Seirixori: ""I can take care of it so you don't need to rush."""

"1:04 PM] DM: Gylfi pulls out their notebook and nods their thanks, already scanning the area for somewhere to start. ""I'd appreciate it.""

[1:23 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry squeezes Seir's hand and nods. ""Do your thing, homashoc.""

[3:02 PM] Seirixori: There is still a small bit of unease coming from Seir and the slightest bit of hesitation as she starts to look for a space large enough to cast her spell.

## Seir's Safe Space

[6:00 PM] Seirixori: When a space is found Seir starts the casting. As the minutes pass by, weeds and vines start to fill the majority of the area, the outside edges start to become dense with a thick fog and her hand passes over a few trees. One outside edge grows even thicker with pointy foliage, the single area under the effect of spike growth. After ten minutes she finally finishes, looking at it with a heavy sigh. ""It isn't exactly... inviting here."" ((...basically looks creepy af because shadow plants))

[6:14 PM] Seirixori: Seir leads Ryleigh through the fog and into the more center area. As she starts to sit the undergrowth inside forms to act as a seat, though it soon turns into more of a lounging seat as Seir is not quite lying down. The undergrowth forms as a seat or bed for everyone else as well.

[9:32 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Once Ry is inside, she shifts Dawnbringer out from under her cloak. “I’ve decided I don’t like not being able to see,” Ry says, again her tone more cheery than it usually is. Then in infernal, “This is great, homashoc. You did a fantastic job on this place, and it gives Gylfi some time to nerd out.”

[9:35 PM] Seirixori: ""I would prefer not to see here, I think."" Then there's a hint of a smile, ""It's something I've wanted to try. Something I wanted to do at home, but there isn't really a point to it now.""

[10:12 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “That’s not true... I think this place is just getting to you. Something like this would be perfect for when you want to sleep outside back at home, AND it’ll make me feel better knowing you aren’t just out in the open.”

[10:25 PM] Seirixori: ""The mistletoe would have to grow well, I don't have anymore with me."" Tears stream down her face, but it doesn't look like she notices. ""I suppose I'd have to sleep alone at some point.""

[11:01 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry moves closer to Seir and takes her hand. She presses a kiss to Seir’s forehead and pulls back enough to catch her eyes and softly say, “Rukiya and I have already told you that you don’t have to sleep alone unless you want to.” Ry gently brushes Seir’s tears away.

[11:19 PM] Seirixori: Seir hums in response, her gaze not really focused. ""There's always a limit.""

[11:20 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: With a slight frown on her face, Ry looks to Rukiya for extra support.

[11:35 PM] DM: Rukiya: ""A limit to what?""

[11:40 PM] Seirixori: ""To patience.""

[11:41 PM] DM: ""Patience?"" Rukiya asks, the corner of her lip turning up.

[11:43 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “What do you mean, homashoc?”

[11:48 PM] Seirixori: ""I have a difficult time believing you would let me for as long as I want."""

"[12:06 AM] DM: ""Do you trust me?""

[12:10 AM] Seirixori: There is a flash of confusion but no hesitation when she says, ""Yes.""

[12:12 AM] DM: ""Then trust me when I tell you that if I ever feel uncomfortable, or if I want things to change, I will tell you. Trust me when I say you are welcome to stay with us. Trust me to be honest with you and I will do the same.""

[12:13 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh smiles and pulls Rukiya close too, pressing a kiss to her cheek. “Exactly.”

[12:38 AM] Seirixori: Seir's eyes narrow, like she's trying to focus, but it vanishes quickly. ""We shall see.""

[9:44 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Rolling her a eye a little, Ry steps away, far enough to give Seir some space but close to be there if something goes wrong. She takes a seat and pats the spot next to her for Rukiya. “How are you doing with all of this?” Ry asks quietly in elven.

[9:45 AM] DM: ""Which part?""

[9:48 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry’s eyes sort of bounce between Rukiya’s, like she’s trying to find something in them. “Whichever part might be bothering you.”

[9:52 AM] DM: ""This place is... disorienting. Like I feel off-balance somehow.""

[9:56 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Yeah... for me it feels weird not knowing what time of day it is because there’s no sun.” Ry says, her false falsetto finally dropping. “The darkness here is... pressing. It makes me feel drained and tired.”

[10:07 AM] DM: ""Time of day, directions... I wonder how they know where they're going without the sun."" She leans against Ry. ""I should ask Gylfi.""

[10:11 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh smiles and shifts so they can be more comfortable. ""Speaking of Gylfi..."" there's a light teasing in her tone. ""Them and your aunt, huh? Is that awkward for you?"" Ry chuckles.

[10:14 AM] DM: ""Caught me off guard, certainly... but awkward? Not particularly.""

[10:19 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Your face certainly faltered, it's one of the few times I've ever seen you 'break character'."" Ry starts playing with Rukiya's hand. ""I'm not sure they like me... they give me strange looks sometimes when I say things.""

[10:20 AM] DM: ""Like what?""

[10:31 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry blushes a little. ""Um... it's silly really, but like when I said 'ew' about not getting 'too together' while we're all sharing the same tent. It's not like the look was unkind, it was just... it felt like they looked at you with a 'really - her?' expression. I'm not that boring, am I?"" Her tone is curious, not insecure.

[10:42 AM] DM: Rukiya kind of chuckles, then gives Ry a warm smile. ""No... they know me as a specific person from a specific time in my life. You're just challenging their perceptions of the me they know. When we were companions, neither of us wanted more than sex and an occasional conversation over drinks... and yes, the things we did together were more adventurous than things you and I do, but that doesn't make you boring and it doesn't make me feel unfulfilled. You are enough for me, whatever Gylfi thinks about it.""

[10:54 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""I know,"" Ry says, then she sort of frowns. ""I mean, I believe you. I was just... you know... making sure you were..."" Ry's blush deepens ""...fine,"" she finishes dumbly. Then after a moment of letting her own words sink in, she laughs lightly and shakes her head. ""Still sure about me?"" she jokes.

[10:56 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry doesn't wait for an answer, she just leans in a kisses Rukiya.

[10:58 AM] DM: She sighs contentedly into it, then suddenly pulls away, eyes wide. ""I am.""

[11:02 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry quirks an eyebrow in question. ""What is it?""

[11:05 AM] DM: ""I just realized why I feel off-center. I don't feel you or the others or... any other input. It's just me in here."" She looks at Ry again and smiles, and like she's saying it for the first time, she says, ""I love you.""

[11:08 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh's eyes skate over Rukiya's face, there's a few moments of concern that play on her face, but then she smiles broadly. Her hand comes up to cup Rukiya's cheek and she kisses her again.

[11:37 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""I love you, too,"" Ry whispers against Rukiya's lips, completely forgetting to use elven in the moment.

[3:56 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia makes an exaggerated gagging noise. ""Get a room."" She pauses a beat. ""A different room."" There's a tiny grin when she says it.

[4:41 PM] Seirixori: ""There isn't another room,"" Seir states.

[4:47 PM] DM: Rukiya pulls away with a chuckle. ""Sorry.""

[5:11 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry rolls her eyes at Bri and says, “I’m not sorry. If I have to listen to you flirt, then you have to listen to how in love with my wife I am.” She smirks.

[5:27 PM] Brimeia: ""Ugh."" Bri flops dramatically onto a clump of the creepy vegetation that twists itself into some kind of cushion

[6:04 PM] DM: ""Normally I'd agree, but if it's going to cause any negative emotions, it's better not to deal with that here.""

[6:26 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Fine,"" Ry relents, then mumbles teasingly, ""but what about my negative emotions.""

[6:30 PM] Brimeia: Bri coughs. ""Princess.""

[6:47 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Hello pot, I'm kettle.""

[6:49 PM] Brimeia: ""What? I'm not... oh. That doesn't count.""

[6:53 PM] DM: Rukiya chuckles. ""I don't know, Ry doesn't remember anything about that part either. Seems it's about the same.""

[6:54 PM] Brimeia: ""Pff. As far as everyone is concerned, I don't exist. I'm dead.""

[6:54 PM] Seirixori: ""Still the same, for the most part.""

[6:55 PM] Brimeia: ""How?""

[6:56 PM] Seirixori: ""Very small amount of people know Ryleigh exists... or rather that she is who she is.""

[6:58 PM] Brimeia: ""That entire town knows she exists. And listened to her. No one knows I exist. Or would listen to me.""

[7:00 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""They didn't listen to me because I'm a Tilman... and we aren't sure they did listen to me.""

[7:03 PM] Brimeia: ""And if you'd looked like me?"" Brimeia arches an eyebrow.

[7:05 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""The people of Isonsall don't care that I'm human. The people of Ascus... that's a different story.""

[7:06 PM] Seirixori: ""They listened to me. They would listen to anyone that showed some kind of leadership.""

[7:08 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry nods. ""Exactly. When you live in a place that's harsh like Isonsall it doesn't matter what you look like - what matters is how you can contribute."" There's a small frown on Ry's face now.

[7:10 PM] DM: Rukiya squeezes Ry's hand.

[7:13 PM] Urrak: Urrak slinks into the enclosure and takes a seat near the others. ""S'long as those contributin' are doin' it willingly."" She settles in a bit, undoing her sword belt and  the top clip of her collar. ""Thanks fer all this, Seirixori.""

[7:14 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh brings Rukiya's hand to her lip and presses a kiss to it.

[7:19 PM] Seirixori: ""This was not done for you,"" again, it's just a statement, no feeling behind it.

[7:21 PM] Brimeia: Bri stares at Urrak. ""Huh?""

[7:22 PM] Urrak: Urrak nods at Seirixori ""O'course not.""

[7:27 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Sorry, I was just worrying about Isonsall and how they're doing,"" Ry says quietly in elven to Rukiya.

[7:50 PM] Urrak: Urrak senses that Brimeia actually does want an answer, ""Don't worry about it, Bri. I'm just ramblin'. This place...I dunno. I don't feel quite like m'self. Not fully.""

[7:53 PM] Brimeia: ""Don't worry about the fact that you suddenly mentioned unwilling contributors? Are you sure there isn't something you need to say?""

[7:56 PM] Urrak: ""Merely speakin' from experience is all. Ask anyone in D'Akshi, they give their lives to the General willingly. But only because the alternative is worse."" Urrak sighs, ""O'course there's a large number that'd disagree with me. But like I said, I'm ramblin'. Caught th' tail end o' yer conversation. ""

[8:30 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia frowns. ""That doesn't sound willing. We were talking about it from the ruling end though.""

[8:36 PM] Urrak: ""Sorry, don't have much experience there, I'm afraid."" Urrak continues to remove her gear as she speaks

[8:46 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Because any of the rest of us do?” Ry ask, with a chuckle in her tone.

[8:48 PM] Brimeia: ""Oh yeah, we are brimming with experience,"" Brimeia teases back.

[9:00 PM] Seirixori: ""At least one of us does."" Seir's hand makes small movements in the air as dead flower petals float down from above her.

[9:02 PM] DM: Jfc. If Bri or Urrak want to make a perception insight or investigation check, you can.

[9:06 PM] Urrak: ((18 per))

[9:32 PM] Brimeia: ((5))

[9:47 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “You’re really starting to worry me, homashoc.” Ry lifts her hand to run it through Seir’s hair.

[9:54 PM] Seirixori: ""I'm sorry I--,"" There is another flash of some kind of emotion on Seir's face before it's gone again, faster than before, ""I should not have come here.""

[9:57 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “We couldn’t do this without you...” Ry says softly.

[9:58 PM] Seirixori: ""There's nothing I can do that will change anything.""

[10:02 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh gently shushes her, continuing to run her hands through Seir’s hair. She starts humming a familiar, calming lullaby.

[10:03 PM] DM: Seir can roll a despair save if she wants to.

[10:06 PM] Seirixori: ((26))

[10:14 PM] DM: No more apathy!

[10:18 PM] Seirixori: Seir's face furrows for a minute and then her eyes widen and she focuses on Ryleigh, ""I'm--thank you. I'm so sorry. I didn't mean any of that. I--"" She squeezes her eyes shut as she takes a calming breath and places her hand over Ryleigh's. ""Thank you.""

[10:39 PM] Seirixori: She looks around at 'her grove' and groans, ""This is even creepier looking than I imagined. ...but at least it's helping someone.""

[10:41 PM] Urrak: ""Don't worry. It's creepier on th' outside.""

[10:46 PM] Seirixori: Seir snorts, ""That would be comforting except I'm not sure that would keep anything here out...""

[11:08 PM] Urrak: ""We can still keep watches. Jus' in case.""

[11:09 PM] Seirixori: Seir grins, ""Oh it's more than just fog and vines. We'll be fine.""

[11:12 PM] Urrak: ""I am both reassured and terrified, thank ye,"" she responds playfully

[11:15 PM] Seirixori: ""The aesthetic I totally emit,"" Seir laughs. ""I more meant on staying out on looks alone.""

[11:39 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh smiles. “It’s good to hear you laugh again.” She continues to card her fingers through Seir’s hair. “Feeling better now?”

[11:44 PM] Seirixori: ""Yes. Much."" Her eyes glance towards Rukiya then back to Ryleigh. ""I'm sorry for what-- the things I said.""

[11:45 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: She shakes her head and shushes her again. “You weren’t yourself... there’s nothing to apologize for.”

[11:50 PM] Urrak: ""This place is already gettin' t' all of us. An' I suspect it'll keep happenin'. We just have t' remember Bleakmorne and how we got through all that.""

[11:54 PM] Seirixori: Seir snorts, ""If I recall, the same thing happened to me there too. Not really to the rest of you. And I had--"" Seir stops and closes her eyes and let's out a steady breath. ""Anyway, try not to kill things that might know where Moki is, even if they're probably lying.""

[11:59 PM] Urrak: ""O-oh right,"" she curls her knees to her chest, ""sorry I... I felt like...I had to."""

"[12:00 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Do you want to talk about it?” Ry asks Urrak.

[12:02 AM] Urrak: ""No. I don't.""

[12:07 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh sighs and shakes her head. She says something in elven and resettles herself so she’s leaning against Seir’s makeshift bed, while still keeping Rukiya close.

[12:13 AM] Seirixori: The vines extend to make Ryleigh's leaning more comfortable. ""I should try scrying on him again...""

[12:14 AM] Brimeia: ""You may not want to, but unless you're prepared to say that you're sure you won't off the next critter that could help us...""

[12:23 AM] Urrak: ""Th' only thing I can promise in this place, is that I'll do everythin' I can t' leave it in one piece. Physically an' mentally. ""

[12:25 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “With an attitude like that you aren’t likely to succeed. We have to stay positive and lean on each other when it becomes too much... or none of us are making it out of here alive.”

[12:27 AM] Urrak: ""What did she look like, Ryleigh?"" Her voice is low, but even

[1:05 AM] Seirixori: ""I assume like she did seconds before we took her out up top before she misted away to where Ryleigh and them finished it."" Seir pulls out her scrying item. ""If that's what you're alluding to anyway. If it isn't, you might need to be more specific.""

[10:17 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “When? Before or after I killed her?” Ryleigh asks.

[11:06 AM] Urrak: ""Aye, right when ye stuck that sunblade o'yours into her chest,"" she looks forward, unfocused, ""Cuz  t' me she just... smiled.""

[11:13 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Dust,” Ry says, her tone even. “That’s what she looked like after I plunged Dawnbringer into her heart.”

[11:22 AM] Urrak: ""Dust... Aren't we all?"" Urrak buries her face in her folded arms, ""Fuckin' hells...""

[11:54 AM] DM: Rukiya: ""Urrak, you know she wasn't herself in the end. We did what we had to do. I'm sorry you didn't really get to say goodbye, but that's not Ryleigh's fault.""

[12:18 PM] Urrak: ""I'm not blaming Ryleigh fer anythin'. I know she did what she had to."" Urrak told her head back up so her eyes are visible. They're glassy and a touch pink around the edges. ""I jus'... When I saw that vampire, I saw her, I saw her trying to play one of her tricks. And all I wanted... Was t' bury this sword so far in her chest, that her heart would be fuckin' cleaved in two. But afterwards, when I looked down at her... That smile. She'd pulled one last stunt. One last way t' make me hurt. "" She sighs again, ""Godsdammit...This realm is gonna tear us apart...""

[12:26 PM] Seirixori: Seir grumbles something under her breath in infernal and then sits up. She maneuvers herself so she's still leaning against Ryleigh and sets her 'sticks' down as she starts to try and scry on Moki again.

[12:41 PM] Urrak: Urrak gets up to find a corner to set up her bedroll, ""I can't help thinking that everyone'd be better off if I'd just have agreed t' let her turn me. Mal would be alive...Ancy would have me, and ye wouldn't have me here fuckin' things up at every chance I get. Selfish... "" She lays down, her back to the wall.  ""At least we're in here...I'd be a beacon of self-pity t' those creatures.""

[12:49 PM] Seirixori: Seir tenses and stops what she's doing and her head turns sharply to Urrak. ""I did not walk in to find both of your mangled and bloody bodies for you to say that. I did not move you both into a more comfortable position for you to say that, I did not turn yo-"" Seir's voice cracks and the tears start again, ""your head back into the right direction for you to say that. Malica would not be alive. I need you to realize that. She was dead the second she started looking into it. You know it. She got taken before anyone over there even knew you were here. She got involved before you even existed to her. I did not fucking keep you alive that whole time there for you to fucking say that!""

[12:58 PM] Urrak: Urrak rubs at the front her neck, ""My head..."" In hey mind she sees the flash of Ancy's wild eyes, her sharp teeth bared in a wild rage and then... A sickening crunch.

Urrak sucks in a breath, unaware she hadn't been breathing for a time.  ""I'm... I'm so sorry ye had t'... That ye found... Us. Like that."" She lays her hand fall away,  "" You're right. You're right...""

[1:14 PM] Seirixori: The vegetation around Urrak forms into a bed if she's lying down, or a seat, depending on what she's doing right now. ""Of course I am,"" Seir huffs, not any real feeling behind the words, and turns back to what she was doing. The purple flames on the stick light up but once again go out almost immediately. ""Fuck,"" Seir whispers softly in infernal. ""He better just be really good at not being seen.""

[1:15 PM] Urrak: Urrak mumbles a thank you before going quiet, her body sinking into the soft, mossy plant bed.

[1:32 PM] DM: Rukiya: ""Still no Moki?""

[1:36 PM] Seirixori: ""No,"" she says, clearly frustrated.

[1:58 PM] DM: ""We should ask Gylfi if the Shadowfell can affect that.""

[2:02 PM] Seirixori: Seir groans, ""I didn't even think of that. I feel like there are a thousand things I should have asked them, ugh.""

[2:02 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh nods. “Maybe it’s not him that doesn’t want to be found, but something in this place that doesn’t want him found.”

[2:06 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “They’ll be back after they’ve had a good look around and chatted with the locals.” Ry smiles as her eyes glance over to Rukiya. “This might be a learning opportunity of a lifetime for someone as interested as them.”

[2:13 PM] Seirixori: ""Well, at least there's some benefit to this.""

[2:15 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “It’ll be worth to us once we find the Queen.”

[2:17 PM] DM: Rukiya leans over and presses a kiss to Ry's cheek. ""Speaking of opportunity of a lifetime, I think I'm going to go join them for a bit. Will you be ok?"" Though the question is directed to Ry, she's asking about the group as a whole.

[2:18 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry turns her head and captures Rukiya’s lips. After a moment or 3 she pulls away, smiles, and says, “go.”

[2:19 PM] Seirixori: ""Have fun!"" Seir puts away her scrying tool and throws her arms around Ryleigh, getting more comfortable as she lies down again.

[2:21 PM] DM: She smiles and shakes her head, then steps out of the grove.

[2:22 PM] Seirixori: ""Do you think these trials are a thing we have to do alone or together? ...I guess the same could be asked for questions and answers...""

[2:24 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “I hope it’s together. The last time I did a trail by myself it... wasn’t pleasant. Although, I suppose that should have been my warnings not to do what I did.”

[2:27 PM] Seirixori: Seir laughs a little but doesn't comment on the latter half of what Ryleigh said, ""I suppose we just have to wait, ""she rolls her eyes, ""to find out.""

[2:28 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh nods.

[2:29 PM] Urrak: ""I hope we take 'em t'gether too. Give each other a chance t' be slapped back t' reality. But...I get th' feelin' it won't be that easy. "" She sits up on elbows, "" We should all ask as many questions as we can. Learn more about this place before findin' th' Queen.""

[2:30 PM] Seirixori: ""I think most of those questions should be left to the two already asking them. They're a lot more knowledgeable about anything here than we are. We'll just end up learning things they already know before getting to anything they don't know.""

[2:32 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “That’s why we have Gylfi. They’ve spent a large portion of their life studying this place. And Rukiya’s here to fill in any blanks before we reach the Queen and have to sacrifice our memories for information.”

[2:35 PM] Urrak: ""Which would you give her? To find out about th' Titan?""

[2:39 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry bites her lip. “I don’t know. Many of the painful memories I carry are mistakes I’ve made... and I know who I’d be without them being a constant reminder, but I don’t know if I deserve it.”

[2:40 PM] Seirixori: Seir pinches Ryleigh's arm at the comment.

[2:42 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Ouch,” Ry says, pulling her arm away. “At least I’m saying that ‘I don’t know’ instead of ‘I definitely don’t’ deserve it.” She glares pouts at Seir.

[2:43 PM] Seirixori: ""Mhmm, na'auiy noaroaca."" Seir grins.

[2:48 PM] Urrak: ""I understand the feelin', Ry. If that's any consultation.""

[4:44 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Will you stop feeling sorry for yourself?” Ry says, her tone slightly frustrated. “This isn’t the place to beat yourself up or wallow. If that’s what you’re going to do then the next time we see a crossing you need to leave.” She calms her voice a little and continues, “I’ve got too much live for and too many people counting on me to home. If I don’t come back with answers then that Titan will destroy everything and it’ll be MY fault. Mine. And that isn’t the legacy I’m leaving behind.”

[4:46 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: She sighs then says, “I have always been content to destroy myself. So others would never have the chance to. It’s easier to burn a house down, than to grow comfortable living in it. Don’t you see? Your heart is an arsonist too. We build bridges just to have something to burn, but we can’t live like that anymore. You’ve got to let your heart be content with this life.”

[4:58 PM] Urrak: ""Content? With these feelings? I'd rather die,"" Urrak rests her chin on her hand, ""I plan on makin' my life better. After all of this, somehow, someway. If there is an after..."" She rolls onto her back, ""Jus' help keep me alive long enough t' at least...tell Tanjura how I feel. And I'll do th' same fer the rest o' ye.""

[5:13 PM] Seirixori: Seir rolls her eyes and mutters several somethings in Infernal. Then turns her focus back to Ryleigh. ""You know if I didn't get slammed with the biggest piercing and invasive headache and had done what I planned to the vampire thing, I would not have been able to cast this."" She motions to the area around them. ""Silver linings. Just think about how cool it'll look at home.""

[7:08 PM] Urrak: ""It'll keep th' burglars out, that's fer sure, "" Urrak chuckles

[8:39 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Wait... tell Tanjura how you feel?”

[9:06 PM] Urrak: Urrak shifts uncomfortably, ""I...I find m'self feelin'...a type o' way about her.""

[9:11 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “And what type of way is that?” Ry asks, her eyes narrowing.

[9:21 PM] Urrak: ""I... Enjoy her company.""

[9:27 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Yeah, I do too... but I don’t feel the need to tell her about it.”

[9:30 PM] Seirixori: Seir covers her mouth as she tries to quiet her laugh.

[9:31 PM] Urrak: ""Sorry, I fergot yer a bit slow on th' uptake with stuff like this..."" She sighs and runs her hands down her face. She sits up, legs dangling off the plant bed, ""I have...feelin's for her. Romantic-type feelin's.""

[9:32 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry laughs - for a while.

[9:33 PM] Urrak: Urrak's ears turn pink ""Wh-what's so funny?""

[9:37 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh’s laughter dies away, but she’s still grinning. “As much as I would love to watch you explain your ‘romantic-type’ of feelings to Tanjura... not even I’m that cruel. She isn’t interested.”

[9:41 PM] Urrak: Urrak visibly slumps. ""Ah. Well...saves me some energy, I guess.""

[10:00 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “If it makes you feel any better, it’s not you. She’s just not interested in a romantic or sexual relationship with anyone.”

[10:06 PM] Urrak: ""Suppose it does."" Urrak gives her a small smile.

[10:14 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh grins back. “Good.”

[11:14 PM] Seirixori: Seir's brow furrows,  ""How..."" she starts but stops almost immediately, unsure about what she was going to ask.

[11:26 PM] Seirixori: ""I think I will save that for later,"" she continues, lightly rubbing the tip of her tail.

[11:38 PM] Urrak: ""It makes it so I'm not, I dunno,"" she rubs the back of her neck, ""Overthinking... Is the best way I can put it. "" She shrugs, ""If that helps any.""

[11:49 PM] Urrak: She sighs and plops backwards, ""I always have woodworkin'..."" she stifles a laugh with a loud ""pfft "" noise, ""I'm so sorry about that horse. It was hideous,"" she laughs fully now, ""I'll make ye a better one next year. Promise.""

[11:58 PM] Seirixori: Seir still looks confused, ""No that's not what I-- I mean it sort of was but not--"" Seir groans, waving it away with a hand motion. ""It gives you a disservice, and the other person, if that's what you try to focus on. You have other things, like you said. Woodworking, the lute if you still wanted that. Even helping to train horses, or work on your fighting skills, or even, I don't know, other things you might like to do."" She frowns again, like she's trying to think of a way to actually say what she means."

"[3:39 AM] Seirixori: “I hoped a little you might have seen the problem with going from one woman to the next. Not that there's anything inherently wrong with that, but for you…” Seir sighs, “You give off this weird vibe of wanting casual flings, but Urrak, that’s- that’s not you. You want the whole thing. You want the wife, you want the kids, you want the little farm in the small town. But that isn’t something that’s going to happen if you try to force it. I get that you might think you need to rush because of life-span bullshit, but I promise you, if you slow down, even just a little, it will be worth it.” She laughs, and it goes on for far longer than you’d expect. “Sorry, sorry, I’m laughing at myself, I promise. Anyway, I don’t know if you may have latched onto Tanjura almost immediately because she has kids and seems pretty settled and sure of her life, but that’s not fair to her or to you. Especially to you. Stop building up that future in your head, focus on right now, or you might miss someone who is right in front of you wanting the same thing, but you’re too busy chasing something you think you want. Hell, you might find someone that wants to go fast paced as you do, great, but let it happen naturally. Just be Urrak, no one here is going to tell you to be anything else. Because when you're not trying to put on a façade, you're-- you're one of the kindest people I know.""

[10:00 AM] Urrak: Urrak is quiet for awhile, taking time to process everything Seirixori had just said to her. She smiles ""I think that's th' nicest thing you've ever said t' me,"" she chuckles, ""I... Thank ye. It's true, all of it. After Ancy... I've been chasing that comfort, th' security in an established relationship. Ever since I've felt like I was on a flimsy raft in th' middle of th' ocean. Been clinging to any kind of 'safety' since."" She sighs, ""It's been a difficult habit t' break. But I do plan on getting lute lessons from Khalre, an' workin' on other pursuits. Honestly Ryleigh's ugly horse has made me want t' keep at it, t' get as good or even better than my pa. "" She moves so that she's on her side, propped up on an elbow, ""I'm hoping through some o' that... That I can figure out who I really am, deep down. I'll start with 'kind'. "" She wipes at her eyes, ""So, thank ye, Seirixori.""

[11:10 AM] Seirixori: Seir nods, still fiddling with the end of her tail.

[11:43 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh reaches over and takes Seir’s hand. In infernal she asks, “What’s wrong?”

[11:50 AM] Seirixori: Seir looks only a little startled, like she was lost in thought. ""Nothing, really. All those things I said Urrak wanted, I wanted with Gunnloda, but..."" She frowns a little. ""I didn't really want them any time soon, but it felt like I-- the second I knew the time with her was so much shorter than I thought..."" She sighs and shakes her head, ""That's not even really all of it. I'm trying to figure something out but the question I had earlier... well I'm still trying to figure something out, that's all.""

[12:01 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “You’re going to live for a very long time... you could always try to have those things with someone else...” she sighs. “What is it you’re trying to figure out?” Ry asks, softly rubbing her thumb over the back of Seir’s hand.

[12:15 PM] Seirixori: ""I know, again, it really isn't that."" Seir watches Ryleigh's thumb for a few moments while she gets lost in her thoughts again. Then she finally answers the question, unknowingly in common. ""...liking other people.""

[12:47 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Oh.” Ryleigh can’t keep the surprise out of her voice. “What’s bothering you about it?”

[1:30 PM] Seirixori: ""It's not bothering me. Exactly. I didn't think I...I kind of thought Gunnloda was just.. it. I'd never been interested in anyone before and I didn't think I would be after...""

[1:44 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh’s brows furrow. “Have you found someone you’re interested in... already?”

[3:38 PM] Seirixori: ""I don't know. It's different..for--"" she chews on her lip. ""When I said people, I meant multiple people. Like with Gunnloda and Kendall. Originally I thought that while multiple partners is great and I even pushed Gunnloda to get things at least...stable? again with Kendall I didn't expect for me to want that? I don't--"" she groans and rubs her cheeks. ""I don't know. I'm not interested right now, only... curious?""

[4:26 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Curious about being with more than one person - romantically or sexually? Temporarily or permanently?” Ry thinks for few solid minutes. “I’m probably not the one you talk to about this... I’ve never been curious like that. My feelings for Rukiya gradually grew and it took me a long time to want more with her. If something were to happen to her... there wouldn’t be anyone else for me. I’d have you and that’s all I’d need...”

[4:29 PM] Urrak: ""Ain't nothin' wrong with bein' curious,"" Urrak lays back down, ""S'long as ye keep yerself safe. I was in a similar way before Ancy. It's ok to just...experiment sounds off, it's ok t' jus' have fun. To let yourself be free, but not closed off if somethin' more serious does come along.""

[4:47 PM] Seirixori: She nods to Urrak, but answers Ryleigh. ""Yes."" She chuckles, ""That's why I'm trying to figure it out because I don't know if it's all of those things or only one of those things, or some of them. But... like you said, even if I didn't have any of those...I love what I have now."" She squeezes Ryleigh's hand. ""I don't need them but I'm trying to figure out what I want."" She pauses. ""Though again, I don't think right now is the greatest time to do so, not because of where we are but because I don't want to feel like I'm... Like she's-- well,"" she switches to infernal, ""I don't want to feel like I'm replacing her.""

[4:55 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry leans over and presses a kiss to her forehead. “I understand.” She sighs, squeezing Seir’s hand a little as she does. “Do you want me to send to Rukiya?” Ry holds up her sending stone.

[5:02 PM] Seirixori: She shakes her head, ""No, let her have fun learning things.""

[5:05 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Okay.” Ry rubs the back of her neck with her hand. “Sorry I’m not much help.”

[5:10 PM] Seirixori: Seir grins, ""You're helpful in other ways. Thank you for trying though.""

[5:11 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Always.” Ry says with a soft smile.

[5:12 PM] Urrak: After a moment they'll notice a soft snoring from the plant bed

[6:48 PM] Seirixori: ""It's weird to understand the concept of things but when put into practice I am very confused.""

[6:53 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry chuckles quietly. “No kidding. I’m lucky. Half the time I don’t know what I’m doing, but... Rukiya never seems to care and she’s always patient. I’d be willing to bet she knows other people who are like that if you want to... experiment.”

[7:02 PM] Seirixori: Seir giggle-snorts, ""She did have to tell me that I'm actually attractive.""

[7:13 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “You didn’t believe me when I told you?” Ry asks.

[7:16 PM] Seirixori: ""It's diff--"" she stops and looks confused. Her head tilts to the side but after a moment she shakes her head, ""I kind of forgot. Plus it's still a very strange concept to think about.""

[7:33 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh’s eyes narrow for a moment, then she says, “That happens when people put you down your whole life, but you are beautiful.”

[7:46 PM] Seirixori: Seir gives Ryleigh a warm smile, her tail finally settles and makes sure to keep physical contact with Ryleigh. ""Even if it isn't something I generally think about, thank you.""

[7:54 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “I might not want anyone but Rukiya, but I have eyes.” Ry laughs.

[7:58 PM] Seirixori: Seir grins, ""Are you sure you have eyes?"" She starts laughing mid sentence, barely able to finish it.

[8:02 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Ha ha.” Ry rolls her eyes. “Because I’m the only person here who can’t see in the dark. You’re so funny.”

[8:04 PM] Seirixori: ""I am. The funniest person you know.""

[8:05 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Nope,” Ry says, popping the ‘p’.

[8:06 PM] Seirixori: Seir gasps dramatically, ""How dare you know other people funnier than me.""

[8:07 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry just grins and shoulder nudges Seir. “I love you, homashoc.”

[8:11 PM] Seirixori: ""I love you too.""

[8:19 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia silently mimes gagging and sticks her tongue out.

[8:20 PM] DM: Gylfi's voice filters through the shadows. ""Are we doing group love already?"" They stumble in as if pushed as Rukiya follows with a grin.

[8:24 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Not that kind, Gylfi,” Ry says, her tone playful.

[8:26 PM] Seirixori: Seir doesn't move from where she is, but she does wave, ""Welcome to my very creepy grove.""

[8:28 PM] DM: ""At least yours has furniture."" They flop down dramatically on the nearest unoccupied bush.

[8:29 PM] DM: Rukiya sits next to Ry, taking her hand as she does.

[8:30 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Did you two have fun nerding out?” Ry asks, leaning over to press a kiss to Rukiya’s cheek.

[8:32 PM] DM: Rukiya:  ""I had to drag them away before we wound up resting without them.""

[8:37 PM] Seirixori: ""Maybe I should have made them make the bubble,"" Seir jokes.

[8:37 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Why would we need 2 sleeping quarters?”

[8:39 PM] Seirixori: ""I meant to make sure Gylfi came back. Instead of me making this,"" she motions to their surroundings.

[8:44 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “They have to be inside it for the dwelling to exist. So... they couldn’t have made it for us.”

[8:45 PM] DM: Gylfi:  ""Though if this is your way of asking for some privacy...""

[8:46 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh quirks an eyebrow at Seir and playfully says in infernal, “You did say you wanted to experiment.”

[8:48 PM] Seirixori: Seir's face flushes, ""I also said not right now.""

[8:50 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Rukiya said they only ever wanted sex from her.” Ry elbows Seir and chuckles.

[8:53 PM] DM: Rukiya narrows her eyes. ""What was that?""

[8:55 PM] Seirixori: Seir's face darkens even more, ""I hate you."" She days a few things in abyssal just because and shoves Ryleigh.

[8:57 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “She was saying she wanted to experiment and I was teasing her about going with Gylfi in their bubble,” Ry says, her eyes glancing over to Gylfi, knowing they understand her. “I’m obviously not being a good wing-woman.”

[9:01 PM] Seirixori: ""I am not fluent, but I know some of those words!"" She says in infernal and like she understands what Ryleigh said, but she absolutely does not.

[9:02 PM] DM: Gylfi chuckles.  ""The offer's open to anyone.""

[9:05 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “See, open to anyone...” Ry says in infernal teasingly. Then in common, “I’m only joking, homashoc.” A smile still on her face.

[9:10 PM] Seirixori: Seir grumbles good naturedly. ""I cannot believe you somehow managed to make me embarrassed about something I've not been embarrassed about before."" She gives Ryleigh another playful shove and sticks her tongue out, ""I don't believe you.""

[9:17 PM] DM: Gylfi snickers. ""I meant more in case you wanted a break from these two... Rukiya said you were off limits. ... though your word does overrule hers.""

[9:19 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Excuse me, we weren’t being gross.” Ry smiles but the look she gives Rukiya is totally mushy and gross.

[9:20 PM] Urrak: Urrak groans and sits up ""Ye are gross. But I can't say I ain't a little jealous.""

[9:22 PM] Seirixori: Seir reaches over and covers Ryleigh's eyes. ""No."" She looks at Gylfi, face still a little red, ""No, I have trained them into cuddle pile sleeping with me. ...and the off limits is..."" she tilts her head, "" temporary.""

[9:23 PM] DM: Gylfi quirks an eyebrow.

[9:26 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “You know... I might not be able see right now, but the last time I looked... Gylfi was good looking.” She feebly tries to pull Seir’s hands off her face.

[9:28 PM] Urrak: ""Ye two are gonna make them feel like a fine piece o' meat at th' market,"" Urrak chuckles

[9:28 PM] DM: Gylfi: ""That's the silver tongue I heard about? I expected better, lofieu.""

[9:29 PM] DM: Rukiya laughs.

[9:33 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “If I was trying you wouldn’t even know it, Gylfi.” She’s still struggling against Seir, but she’s smiling.

[9:37 PM] Seirixori: Seir had already started moving one of her hands to adjust and cover Ryleigh's mouth. ""You have said too many things.""

[9:38 PM] Urrak: ""Thank ye, Seirixori,"" Urrak pretends to be incredibly relieved ""Sweet silence.""

[9:46 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry grumbles, but then throws her hands up in surrender. She reaches into the bag of holding and withdraws a notebook so she can write for a bit.

[9:48 PM] DM: Gylfi: ""It's good to see you've all kept your spirits high so far.""

[9:49 PM] Seirixori: Seir lets Ryleigh go and snorts, ""Mostly anyway.""

[9:51 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry opens her journal and starts writing... smiling and elbowing Seir as she does. “We’re certainly trying. We have too much to live for and too many people counting on us,” she says, not looking up from her notebook.

[9:56 PM] DM: Rukiya rests her head on Ry's shoulder and, if she's not being secretive about it, looks at what Ry's doing.

[9:57 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: She’s not being secretive. There’s a few scribbles here and there on the pages she’s writing on.

"[10:07 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: The first thing writing on the page is: I jolt awake as memories of a nightmare still vividly dance behind my eyelids. There’s a thin layer of sweat clinging to my body and the sheets are twisted around me. Am I being foolish for having nights such as these. Nights where my broken bones aren’t metaphorical and my tears are simply fragmented dreams of what is, what could be, and what should have been.

Then there’s a few different doodles of their sun and moon symbol from when she was designing it.

She’s currently finishing up the following writing:

For all of eternity, the moon and sun have chased each other around the world. But for the smallest of instants each day, they pause in their chase. They pause and look back at one another, smiling as if sharing a secret. Two lovers that can never exist as one, except in that single, brief instant. And as quickly as a smile parts two lips, the two sky wanderers parted ways. The chase was on again. Night giving way to day.

That is true love... because no force but love can impel one to step willingly into the shadows so that the other may shine.

Long into the future, they will continue this chase, when the days merge into months and years into centuries, there will be a day when the sun cannot take the separation any longer and she shatters, engulfing the moon and everything else in a burst of light. Most will call it the day of final judgment. The end. To the sun and the moon, it will only be the beginning.

As Ry writes the last sentence she crosses it out with a sigh."

[10:02 PM] Seirixori: Seir goes back to playing with her magic, despite the unnatural appearance to any of the nature things she makes.  ""And too many things that need answers.""

[10:14 PM] DM: Rukiya says softly in elven, ""You ok?""

[10:21 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry turns her head a little to look at Rukiya. “I thought it was best to get the negativity out instead of letting it stew. Everything going on in Ascus is very much in my mind, which reminds me of us - and our... dynamic.”

[10:23 PM] DM: ""Do you want to go for a walk and talk?""

[10:24 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Can we do that here?” Ry tentatively asks.

[10:25 PM] DM: Gylfi chimes in,  ""It's questionable... though I suppose if we see your sword light up we know to come running.""

[10:26 PM] Seirixori: Seir sits up a little with a small frown but doesn't say anything.

[10:29 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry grins at Gylfi. “True.” She sighs again. “Homashoc, is it okay if Rukiya and I go on a quick walk?” Ry takes out her stone, ready to hand it to Seir.

[10:31 PM] DM: Rukiya:  ""I'll keep her safe.""

[10:33 PM] Seirixori: Seir pouts and jokes, ""But now I won't have sleeping buddies."" She waves her hand, ""You don't need to ask me.""

[10:34 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “We’ll be back before you fall asleep, and if we aren’t, we’ll make sure to snuggle you once we come back. And... I’m asking because I know you’ll worry and I don’t want to add to it.”

[10:40 PM] Seirixori: Seir pushes her gently, ""Go, go, I'll be fine.""

[10:41 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry nods, pressing a kiss to Seir’s forehead before she stands and offers her hand to Rukiya.

[10:48 PM] DM: Rukiya takes it and says, ""Half an hour, then you can come looking,"" before leading Ry out into the darkness.

## Ryfika

11:09 PM] DM: On the way out of the groove, Gylfi granted the party with unlimited darkvision again, though none of them would realize it. Rukiya leads Ry to a spot out of earshot of the others (and hopefully the elves) and presses a kiss to Ry's knuckles.  She nearly whispers, "What's on your mind,  minsriellu?"

"3:33 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh worries her lip. “Since we got here I’ve felt drained... weak. It feels a lot like after I died.” She looks away, not caring to to see the hurt that’s probably on Rukiya’s face at the mention of her death. “I’ve been trying my best not to dwell on things I can’t change... but my brain keeps coming back to ‘what if the Titan can’t be stopped’... what if I’ve brought about ‘the end’ of Ascus and Vyon.” Ry looks back at Rukiya, and swallows hard. “And even worse... what if... what if I take comfort in knowing that’d we’d be together for eternity if it is the end.” With a shake of her head, she recites, “the sun shatters, engulfing the moon and everything else in a burst of light. Most will call it the day of final judgment. The end. But to the sun and the moon, it will only be the beginning.”

[9:16 AM] DM: Rukiya rests a hand against Ry's cheek. ""We're going to figure this out. We're not even close to being done. We both have so much left to do in this life."" She drops her hand and takes Ry's, pulling it to her chest. ""We are not them. We have each other, now and always. For forever, too. You don't have to shatter or combust or even break for that to happen. I don't think it will do much here, judging by my feelings, but... I have my pin, if it will help you remember that. If it will ease your worries about what will come after.""

[11:54 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh sighs heavily, and gently squeezes Rukiya’s hand. “It feels like something shattered in me in Isonsall, and that I dragged you into it. Even when I’m trying to do the right thing... it still turns out wrong.”

[11:56 AM] DM: ""Mistakes are part of life. We all make them. Even the gods make them. All we can do is keep trying because it's better than the alternative.""

[1:03 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “How many mistakes have you made that resulted in people’s deaths?” Ry says, a touch of anger behind her words. “Because almost all of mine do. I set loose an ancient power that’s going to kill thousands of people... all because I’m selfish and wanted to free my family while keeping Ragna happy.” She looks away, ashamed and clearly angry with herself.

[1:18 PM] DM: Rukiya doesn't stop Ry from looking away, and even pulls back a little, releasing her hand.

[1:20 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh looks at her when Rukiya pulls away.

[1:21 PM] DM: There's some hurt visible in her expression, but she's also visibly withdrawn into her head.

[1:36 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “I’m... I’m sorry,” she says, her tone expressing her sincerity. “That was insensitive of me. I-“ Ry cuts herself off, letting all of her ire fade. “What’s going on in that beautiful head of yours?”

[1:45 PM] DM: ""You're right,"" she replies, her voice soft and quiet. ""I could never make decisions where people would suffer. I could never decide who would live or who would die. It was what frustrated my father most. Right or wrong, at least you can make decisions. I ran from the crown once to avoid having death on my hands. What makes either of us think I can do it now? Oh... oh gods..."" She falters a bit, her knees wobble, and she bends at the waist, her eyes unfocused and not looking at Ry. ""What- what are we doing? We're going to cause a war. We're going to ask poor people to pick up knives and fight the Ashlords. So many people are going to die.""

[1:53 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh wraps her arms around Rukiya and slowly sets them on the ground. Once they’re seated, Ry cups Rukiya’s face in her hands. “Look at me...” she says softly. “Rukiya, focus on me - breathe. Just breathe.”

[2:19 PM] DM: She struggles to control her breathing and before long, there's tears falling onto Ry's hands. ""I- I can't.""

[2:29 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Taking Rukiya’s hand, Ryleigh presses it to her own chest. “Breath with me to calm down. In and out.” She repeats it a few times before letting the silence settle around them with only the feeling of their breathing in sync.

[2:39 PM] DM: It takes a minute, and the steadier breaths are still interrupted by the occasional sob or hiccup, but she calms considerably.

[2:55 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “The people of Ascus are already fighting a war. We wouldn’t be asking anything of them that they aren’t already willing to give...” Ry presses her forehead to Rukiya’s. “Do you know what’s different from when you left? Us - we have each other to share the weight of any decision and bear the consequences of any action. But I can’t overthrow Tilman or rule without you. I need you beside me, because what I lack you have and visa versa. You can’t do this... but WE can. You and I can do anything together.” Ryleigh bites her lip. “That’s why I’ve never succeeded... because I’m always trying to do everything alone - bear the weight so no one else would have to. But I can’t do that anymore... I need your compassion and your logic. And the people of Ascus need us... they need you. Don’t you see? I have to step into the shadows so you can shine.”

[3:06 PM] DM: She shakes her head. ""No. You can't do that. You can't say us then you- me. I don't want to shine. I don't want to ask people to die. I don't want to be responsible for their deaths. For your death. I don't want to create a generation of orphans. I'm going to ruin everything, just like I ruined my family. I ruined Rinan. I'll ruin you and Seirixori and Vyon and Ascus.""

[5:19 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “No, you won’t, and you didn’t ruin anything.” Ryleigh pulls Rukiya into her lap, so Rukiya can rest her head on Ry’s shoulder. “Vydea pressed you to leave and manipulated you and your family into agreement that that’s what was best. Rinan made a choice that cost him his life, you didn’t ruin him. I’m still saying that the only way to do this and be successful is to do it together. That the people of Ascus and I need you because you don’t want to be responsible for death or ruin.” Ry rubs Rukiya’s lower back as she frowns, unsure if she’s getting through. “We are two halves of the same coin. I’m dark, while you’re light. I’m harsh, where you’re soft. I’m a daughter of the sun and you’re a daughter of the moon.” She presses a kiss to Rukiya’s temple. “I’ll bear the weight of war and death and destruction so you don’t have to - if that’s what you need, then that’s what I’ll give.” Then she begins to hum, which turns into a softly, calming song. ((Casting calm emotions)) “This place is effecting you too...” Ry adds gently at the end of the song.

[5:35 PM] DM: She kind of sits up and blinks. ""...thank you. I... don't even know what to say. I'm so tired of not having control of my own feelings."" She leans in and rests her head against Ry. ""I'm sorry. I made it about me.""

[5:47 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “I’m happy you did... you so rarely do.” Ry rocks them back and forth slowly. “I love you, and if taking on Tilman isn’t something you want to do... my oath is to you and I’ll leave it alone, but I can’t promise I won’t do everything in my power to still help the people who live there - I’ll just find a different way to that.”

[6:21 PM] DM: ""I don't think this is the right time or place to figure that out... it might just be here.""

[7:45 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Thank the gods that you can only feel yourself while we’re here...” Ry presses a kiss to Rukiya’s forehead. “I can’t imagine what it would be like if you had to carry all of our emotions too.”

[7:56 PM] DM: Rukiya's eyes widen like she hadn't thought about that before. ""That would be terrible.""

[7:59 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh moves one of her hands to cup Rukiya cheek so she can look Rukiya in the eyes. “While we’re here if you start feeling like this again, you tell me, okay? I can help. I want to help. I don’t have the opportunity to take care of you nearly as often as you need to take care of me.”

[8:10 PM] DM: Rukiya kind of half-heartedly shrugs. ""It came on so fast, I'm not sure I could recognize it.""

[8:19 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “I’m sorry I triggered it. I should have been more careful with my words.” Ryleigh let’s her hand drop and says softly, “I didn’t get the chance to tell you how much it meant to hear you say ‘I love you’ earlier... after you realized it was just your feelings you were feeling.”

[8:23 PM] DM: She smiles a little. ""I don't have to be able to feel what you feel to know.""

[8:56 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry blushes a little. “Is there anything I can do to make you feel better?”

[9:00 PM] DM: ""This is good... though we're not exactly being very safe right now.""

[9:08 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “If it’s worrying you then would you like to go back to the shelter? Or we can talk some more... you’re still upset.” Ryleigh rubs her hand up and down Rukiya’s spine in a soothing way.

[9:27 PM] DM: ""We might want to... if only so we don't worry Seirixori. I think I'll be ok.""

[9:44 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “You saying ‘I think I’ll be ok’ isn’t convincing me... please, sun’frada... just talk to me. I feel like you’re burying it all again.”

[10:02 PM] DM: ""I don't know if what I'm feeling is accurate or if it's just because we're here. Things could be entirely different once we're back home.""

[10:38 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Yes, they could be, but that doesn’t change how you’re feeling now. You’re feelings are valid no matter where we are.”

[10:56 PM] DM: ""Are they?"" She sighs and rests her head against Ry's shoulder. ""I don't know. I don't know why I even said some of that.""

[10:59 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry continues to rub her hand up and down Rukiya’s back. “You spiraled. That’s something I have a lot of experience with. Panic attacks are really draining.”

[11:21 PM] DM: She's quiet for a little bit longer, then says, ""It is different, though."" She sits up a bit and looks at Ry. ""I love you... I ache for you when you're sad and your smile makes my heart race and I feel safe in your arms... but it is different. It's not as confident. I remember feeling like you were the answer to everything and we could do anything and now... I don't know if it's just this place making me doubt or if Vydea's pushing me towards Tilman. Maybe it's just realism creeping in or the realization that I've been focusing on the next thing so I don't have to think about what we're talking about doing.""

[11:42 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “I wish I could tell you that our love could conquer anything. Tilman. The Titan. Or anything else life throws at us, but...” She pulls Rukiya’s hand to her lips and presses a kiss to it. “I love you, and I believe that our love is the answer to sickness that is Ascus. If the moon can love the sun and the sun love the moon in return - then why can’t our love show them that things can be different.” Ryleigh clears her throat and says, “The people of Ascus are born of the sun. Which means we should burn out the old and dead, encouraging new life to grow from the ashes. So if the flames that precipitate the change necessary to ensure no future generation suffer as we have must be fed upon the pyre of a thousand years of tradition - then let’s be the spark that ignites it.”

[11:54 PM] DM: ""And all the innocents that will be burned through no fault of their own?""

[11:58 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “The innocents in Ascus are already suffering and dying...” Ryleigh tries to keep the bitterness out of her voice, but there’s still a touch of it there. “At least we’re offering them a chance for a better future.”"

"[12:04 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “I can’t promise you there won’t be losses. There will be, but it’s their choice to make. I know so many people who’d be willing to die on their feet than to continue living on their knees. You don’t understand the people of Ascus like I do... there is no neutral... it’s continue to live and die under oppression or fight and die for freedom.”

[8:53 AM] DM: ""I just... can't stop thinking about little Ryleigh or Avery or Valris's kids and how many more children will lose their parents, how many more families will be torn apart. How many Rinans there will be. I wish it were as easy as sneaking into the palace and cutting the head from the snake and everything built in his name would crumble and nobody else would need to risk everything. Nobody else would need to suffer.""

[10:57 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh presses a kiss to Rukiya’s temple. “I know... I wish it were that easy too.” She sighs. “Why does your indecisiveness on this bother you? It means you care and... you see people... not pawns in game.”

[1:05 PM] DM: ""My dad... he said that decisiveness is a quality that all leaders need to have. That you can't follow someone who doesn't know where they want to go. I just don't want to make the wrong decision. I don't want people to suffer because of choices I make."" She sighs and continues, ""My dad used to say that the world wasn't a puzzle I could solve. Sometimes there are no right answers. No good solutions. Sometimes people are going to suffer and it's up to me to decide who it's going to be.""

[1:05 PM] DM: She frowns. ""We had a big map that had a big scar on it. He used to point to it and tell me that sometimes not making a decision is worse than making the wrong one. There's this place down the road from Bellbury where a town stood called Yesa. We were in the middle of a discussion about sacrifice, about which soldiers to send against a threat from the Wilds. Experienced troops that could fight better or green troops that needed the experience. Rich troops that could afford their own weapons or poor ones with farm tools. Spellguard or militia. It was all just theory and I still had such a hard time with it... and this was before Rinan. I was ten or eleven. I saw experienced troops with kids of their own, green troops that still were kids, families and loved ones.""

[1:05 PM] DM: ""My dad was getting frustrated and a messenger came in, telling us that Yesa was under attack. We didn't know who or why, but we had to do something. My dad turned to me and wanted to know what I would do. I froze. He gave some orders, sent some guards, but it was too late for Yesa. It was completely destroyed. No survivors. He left the scar on the map to remind us both of the cost. You have to choose which soldiers to send to their deaths, or you're choosing the innocents,"" she says like she's repeating his words. She sighs again and says quietly, ""I don't think the lesson worked the way he expected.""

[2:24 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh’s quiet while Rukiya explains. “L'auorphiem, you were 10. Choosing between death and death isn’t a choice and being indecisive about it isn’t that unbelievable.” Ryleigh is clearly thinking, then she says, “When you found out about whispers were you indecisive about joining? When you met me - a human Asten from Ascus - with a questionable past were you indecisive about befriending me? You aren’t indecisive... you just don’t want to choose between death and death, which is completely normal.”

[2:37 PM] DM: ""He wasn't wrong, though. And I might have been ten then, but thirteen, seventeen... I still couldn't do it. Vydea may have forced my hand, but there's a part of me that felt unworthy. I can't ask people to fight or die for me. I can't ask people to risk everything on a choice I make. How can I ask people to trust me when I don't trust myself?""

[3:15 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “No, he is wrong,” Ry says fiercely. “It doesn’t matter how old you get - it speaks volumes about your character that you don’t throw the lives of others away.” She bites her lip and closes her eyes, letting out a calming breath. “If you can’t make those decisions then I will for us. I’ll bear the weight of that burden so you don’t have to. I already have so blood on my hands and I’ve made so many bad decisions that my soul might be damned.” Ry swallows hard at that, and hugs Rukiya a bit closer. “See... together we can do anything.”

[3:21 PM] DM: ""You're not damned... but I still can't ask you to--"" She stops mid-word and slumps. ""I asked Ari to do that. I left and left him to carry the burden that should have been mine.""

[3:26 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “You’re not asking me to do anything. I’m offering. If deciding who lives and dies is something you can’t live with, then that responsibility will be mine... just promise to be there for me when I make mistakes, because I know I will.”

[4:00 PM] DM: She's quiet for several moments. ""I can see that the titan isn't your fault. I know why you did it and what you were trying to do... and that's exactly the kind of decision I would have trouble making because I didn't have all the information. I would have stayed up there for days looking for something I might not have found. Long enough that something terrible might have happened to Clemency or our friends."" She adds, like something else she's repeating from an old lesson, ""Mistakes aren't the end of the world. They're just things we have to fix. There are consequences to our actions, and things that can't be undone, but doing is better than not."" She takes Ry's braceleted hand with her own. ""I promise that I will do my best to see all the solutions, to gather the information I can to make informed decisions... and when I cannot, I promise I will stand by you and love you and remind you that we did the best we could with what we had.""

[5:55 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh smiles at Rukiya - it’s warm and relieved. “In return, I promise to try harder not to let my mistakes destroy me... and learn that taking responsibility is different than ‘I deserve to hurt because I’ve caused hurt’.”"

"[12:29 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “How are you feeling? Any better?”

[12:41 PM] DM: She kind of nods, kind of shrugs. ""I'll get there... but we did come out here to talk about how you're doing.""

[12:47 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry cups Rukiya’s cheek and gently presses their foreheads together. “I’m fine.”

[12:49 PM] DM: ""Are you sure? Your writing was a little... dark.""

[1:09 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “It was, but... you’re what’s important to me right now. I’m worried about what’s going to happen with Titan. If the Queen doesn’t have any answers, then what? What if we don’t pass the trails? What if we do, then what memory do I give up? It’s just a bunch of unanswerable questions that don’t matter right now.”

[1:33 PM] DM: ""We'll figure it out. We can't answer the questions until we know what questions there are.""

[3:15 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “I know. That’s why it’s not important... what’s going on with you is though. I just want to make you feel better before we go back to the others...”

[6:54 PM] DM: ""Well... I don't want to risk getting even more distracted, or making anyone there uncomfortable so I suppose I'm as good as can be expected for now."" She grins a little and presses a quick kiss to Ry's nose.

[6:58 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “I think they were teasing us... but alriiiiight.” Ryleigh leans in to capture Rukiya’s lips in a slow kiss.

[7:01 PM] DM: She doesn't allow herself to like long at all and pushes Ry away gently. ""Seirixori would never forgive us if we allowed ourselves to be ambushed out here.""

[7:06 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Ugh, fine.” Ry stands with Rukiya in her arms. “Promise me something?” She asks, walking them back to camp.

[7:10 PM] DM: ""Hmm?""

[7:12 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Lean on me when you need while we’re here. Talk to me if something starts to bother you. Don’t let it bottle up... please.” Ryleigh holds Rukiya a little closer after saying this. “You’re so important to me and I don’t want to lose you to this place.”

[7:16 PM] DM: ""I will... you too. Don't try to hold it to yourself to protect me. We'll have each other.""

[7:20 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh looks at Rukiya and smiles. “Sounds perfect.”"

## Still in the Grove

[10:55 PM] Seirixori: Seir continues to pout as they leave. She eventually sits up and crosses her legs, now playing with her staff, making the tip of it sprout flowers. She suddenly grins, ""Ooh I can make wolves for more company!"" She pauses, ""... Except I don't know what they'll look like.""

[11:01 PM] DM: Gylfi: ""The fun is in finding out.""

[11:04 PM] Seirixori: Seir points at Gylfi like she wants to argue but she laughs instead, ""You're not entirely wrong and it's only undead people that freak me out."" Seir sets her staff down and taps her chin with a finger. ""The real question is two big wolves or eight normal sized wolves?""

[11:05 PM] DM: Gylfi: ""As long as you control them, it doesn't matter, but if I were to offer my expert opinion, I would think shadows, not undead.""

[11:11 PM] Seirixori: ""Shadows...Hm..."" Seir mutters, like she's trying to work something out. With a muttered word and a wave of her hand she summons two dire wolves.

[11:18 PM] DM: They appear, almost pitch black with piercing yellow eyes. They definitely look odd, though. Like their fur was replaced by jagged shards of darkness, without light even glinting off teeth that are likely black as night as well.

[11:25 PM] Seirixori: Seir reaches out to run her hands along one, studying it. ""Hmm..."" She eventually smiles, ""Still just big puppies."" She looks over at Gylfi, ""Want a sleeping buddy?...well okay not really. I can't actually keep them up if I fall asleep...and it's only for an hour. ...Want a temporary sleeping buddy?"" She laughs."

"[8:21 AM] DM: Gylfi grins and points to their ears. ""I don't sleep, but I appreciate the gesture.""

[9:21 AM] Seirixori: It takes her a moment or two to understand, ""Oh, right. I forgot about that."" Seir tilts her head, her hand still running over the wolf. ""That seems like it could get... boring.""

[11:00 AM] DM: ""Just means more time to do what I want in the day.""

[11:07 AM] Seirixori: Seir whispers softly to the wolves in druidic and the surrounding vines adjust as the wolves move to rest against her. ""I guess that's true. Did you learn anything exciting tonight? Today? ...Just now?""

[11:24 AM] DM: ""I did. They have the same kind of memory loss that is attributed to the Raven Queen- no memory from before they found themselves here- which is especially interesting because they are effectively immortal. If they die, the Raven Queen just brings them back here. I can't be completely positive because of the amount of time involved, but it is entirely possible that my theory that these elves are the same ones who went missing during the Decimation."" They sit up, obviously excited.  ""I think that's why everything here is more substantial. I think these are the same villages that were in the Fytulk thousands of years ago, and when they disappeared, they weren't destroyed, just transported here. I haven't found any evidence to disprove my theories."" They lean back and almost dismissively add, ""Oh, and I learned where the Fortress is.""

[11:26 AM] Seirixori: Seir blinks, taking it all in and grins, ""Is that all?"" She teases.

[11:27 AM] DM: ""Not remotely.""

[11:35 AM] Seirixori: ""Good."" She quirks an eyebrow, ""I'd have hated to waste, currently, my only use of this grove on just a little bit of information."" Seir stretches and for a moment tugs at her clothes, grumbling before addressing Gylfi again. ""So, the Fortress?""

[11:36 AM] DM: ""What the others are looking for. The Raven Queen. I feel like your priorities are slightly different.""

[11:41 AM] Seirixori: Seir bites the inside of her lip, ""Yes and No.""

[11:46 AM] Seirixori: ""While getting answers about the titan and--... is important and a higher priority, I am also here to find someone.""

[12:35 PM] DM: ""This Moki person. Is this related to this complicated love life of yours?""

[3:32 PM] Seirixori: Seir tries very hard to not laugh very loudly, ""No, no. And it's hardly complicated for anyone else. He's a friend, and Takara's champion.""

[3:47 PM] DM: ""A champion? Well, not usually one of them on the receiving end of rescue, is there? How did that happen?""

[3:58 PM] Seirixori: ""He was asked to look into the Shadowfell spilling out into everything and it growing. Then, well, he hasn't checked in. So she asked--ok she didn't really ask, I kind of, maybe, sort of, pushed to find out and then offered to find him.""

[4:00 PM] DM: ""You... speak to Takara. The goddess.""

[4:01 PM] DM: ""Well, I suppose that's not that uncommon. I speak to Vydea all the time. What I mean to say is she speaks back?""

[4:08 PM] Seirixori: Seir curses under her breath, ""Uuuuhhhhh....... no?""

[4:12 PM] DM: Gylfi chuckles. ""All right. Then I can divert and ask the other question I had... why did Rukiya say you're off-limits? Not that I'm trying to wiggle my way in, mind... it's just my curiosity gets more and more intense the longer I spend with any of you.""

[4:14 PM] Seirixori: Seir smiles gratefully. ""Um, it's possible that, and is also the reason I said not now, that... I... I lost my wife a few days ago. If it's for any other reason then I couldn't tell you. ... actually I'm a little fuzzy on the actual passage of time on it but...""

[4:16 PM] DM: ""Oh, shit... I'm sorry.""

[4:21 PM] Seirixori: She smiles sadly and shrugs one hand tightening on a wolf, ""it's okay.""

[4:24 PM] DM: ""Well... you're definitely determined if you're coming in here with that kind of trigger waiting.""

[4:47 PM] Seirixori: ""Oh, I definitely demanded we come here before knowing much of anything about it."" She laughs ruefully. ""And then continued to say we were even after, so I guess I am. There's also a small possibility the Raven Queen has some answers about what happened with my wife."" She shrugs, ""Can't hurt to try anyway.""

[4:51 PM] DM: ""I suppose. Is there anything in particular that makes you think she can help? It's strange for a being to have so little knowledge of the things closest to her and so many legends of her vast access to knowledge and memories.""

[5:06 PM] Seirixori: ""It may have something to do with the titan. That mountain was so full of magic that Takara couldn't see it...also if you ever visit do not try to detect magic, it hurts. A lot."" Seir hums as she thinks, ""Do you think the memory thing about--"" she stops and her brow furrows as she starts thinking of a possibility.

[5:08 PM] DM: ""You can't hook me like that, then leave me waiting.""

[5:08 PM] Seirixori: ""She was trying to become a god, right?""

[5:10 PM] DM: ""The Raven Queen? That's my theory, yeah.""

[5:11 PM] Seirixori: ""When gods become gods they don't remember their past life. So if she was trying maybe some of that took hold but not all of it?""

[5:16 PM] DM: ""Is that so?"" They sit back a bit, chewing that over in their mind and pointedly not asking how Seir knows that.

[5:23 PM] Seirixori: Seir chuckles, ""You can ask, there are just some people who probably shouldn't know. I don't think you're one of them. I wasn't sure it would be relevant to the conversation at the time.""

[5:38 PM] DM: ""Maybe I'll just let you decide what to share on that topic.""

[6:11 PM] Seirixori: Seir studies Gylfi, probably for the first time since being introduced to them. She nods and quietly says, ""Then yes, Takara speaks back to me. I tend to wander off, probably more often than any of them are comfortable with, to see her when we're up north. It became something of a familiar comfort being away from home. There's..."" She pauses, ""Some things lead me to ask her about how a god becomes a god and well,"" she waves her hand. ""She doesn't know and neither does Vydea, and...I can't remember if she asked Betrix, but that lead her to the conclusion that as a safety measure, the gods do not remember who they were before they ascended.""

[6:39 PM] DM: ""You seeking divinity?"" Though they ask, the tone clearly implies it's jokingly. ""From what I can see it doesn't work out real well.""

[6:45 PM] Seirixori: ""Actually... there was a brief period where I wanted to see if there was a way to stop it or slow it down.""

[7:51 PM] Seirixori: ""Anyway, my mother told me to seek a specific person out for more information, however all of this mess happened and it can't hurt to ask. Well, ...it could hurt but,"" she shrugs.

[7:52 PM] DM: ""So you're looking for information about where to find this person?""

[7:56 PM] Seirixori: ""I hadn't thought to, but it might be an easier question. I--honestly, I don't know what to ask her or how to ask her about,"" Seir sighs and rolls her eyes. ""About my wife.""

[8:07 PM] DM: ""What are you looking for about her? I don't mean to sound insensitive, but is she lost lost or like... gone lost?""

[8:18 PM] Seirixori: Seir is quiet again, her gaze focusing on the hand she has petting a wolf. ""I don't know. It's hard to know when she sank into a floor and then a few hours later the whole place fell apart and a giant titan emerged."" She sighs and turns to look at Gylfi, ""My wife is the entire reason for the questions about the ascension of gods.""

[8:21 PM] DM: ""That's... intense.""

[8:26 PM] Seirixori: Seir snorts, ""Just a bit.""

[10:09 PM] DM: ""I don't know much about the Queen herself. There's a lot of legends and rumors and I'm sure most of them are either entirely false or exaggerated. Like... I doubt she knows the memories of the dead... or that she's like Betrex for elves. Though I suppose with what the Shadar-Kai said, that could be more true than I thought."" They frown and pull out their notebook to write something down. ""Anyway, point is, I hope she can help, but I'm not sure how much faith I'd have. She might just be a crazy, really old elf with some weird resurrection power.""

[10:28 PM] Seirixori: Seir nods, ""Why not both?"" She laughs a little. ""I think the only hope I have is answers for stopping the titan. Maybe finding Moki, I don't know if scrying just doesn't work here or if something else is blocking it, because I can't see him. Assuming he's still here.""

[10:36 PM] DM: They hum. ""That's not a good sign. The mists I was talking about... they're borders between demiplanes. If he went into one of them, you wouldn't be able to scry.""

[10:46 PM] Seirixori: Seir groans, ""Fuuuuck."" She rubs her face tiredly, ""Is it just scrying or any magic to find someone?""

[10:47 PM] DM: ""Anything restricted to the same plane.""

[10:51 PM] Seirixori: ""Well, then my only restriction now is his distance from me...""

[10:52 PM] Seirixori: ""Really wish figuring out how to send people lengthier messages had happened...or that I could do it in general."""

"[8:48 AM] DM: ""Really would be nice to have some kind of immediate communication that wasn't so limited in the amount of information... I wonder if I could get the wizards at the temple to look into that.""

[1:14 PM] Seirixori: ""That would be amazing. It's very frustrating to be so limited...and I wasn't even the one sending or receiving the messages.""

[1:16 PM] DM: ""I know there are ways to do bi-directional scrying and the like, and some magic mirrors and other communication devices, but they're costly and generally you have to be in contact with the other person already. It wouldn't be very helpful in this case.""

[1:22 PM] Seirixori: ""No, and I technically can send a message with an animal but that is understandably limited."" A look of annoyance crosses Seir's face, ""I wonder if maybe you should meet with some friends of ours about that stupid assholes research""

[1:25 PM] Urrak: ""How is it ye can summon lighting, read minds and cure death but ye can say more than a sentence or two when ye send? I might not have magic abilities but that what's always struck me."" Urrak turns over and sits up. ""If yer uh, trying t' be close, I can go... Talk to a Shadar-Kai or somethin'. ""

[1:28 PM] Seirixori: ""Trying to be close?"" Seir looks mildly annoyed. ""Are you sure that's a good idea?""

[1:30 PM] Urrak: ""Isn't that what I should be askin' you?"" Urrak chuckles, ""I'm offering ye one less member of the peanut gallery just in case ye, I dunno, 'change the subject'. If that ain't th' case I'll gladly join ye in talking about all th' ways this realm is weird. "" She shrugs ""Options. ""

[1:37 PM] Seirixori: ""I meant--"" Seir lets out a frustrated breath. ""I don't care what you do. We're talking about spells, not veiled sentences about wanting to fuck each other.""

[1:39 PM] DM: ""Wait, we're not?"" Gylfi says, obviously teasing.

[1:40 PM] Urrak: ""Well alright then,"" Urrak raises her hands in surrender, ""Just tryin' t' hospitable.""

[1:45 PM] Seirixori: Seir rolls her eyes and grumbles for the fiftieth time in abyssal. She focuses back on Gylfi, ""Anyway, do you know anything about that whole incident in Bellbury?""

[2:03 PM] DM: ""Can't say I have. That's where Caelynn is now, right? Haven't seen her since she left Riverrun. Been meaning to drop in.""

[2:09 PM] Seirixori: ""Yes. She is... intense. There was a fucking asshole who decided to make a contraption that let you scry and teleport? Granted it displaced the entire town and others,"" she motions to herself and the others, ""and got most of them killed. It wasn't exactly accurate either but it was close. I wonder if he ever worked on anything else. I forgot who has his research but I know a couple people that were with us during it and might have taken some of it.""

[2:41 PM] DM: Gylfi chuckles at 'intense.' ""I might have heard a little about it. I didn't realize it was Bellbury. The Temple doesn't deal much with the Spellguard and I'm usually just doing my own research. I don't tend to get involved in things in Vyon. I just live there.""

[2:45 PM] Seirixori: ""The Spellguard! I can't remember if they took all his things or not. The guy's house kind of blew up too and I'd hope by now the people we brought to Bellbury have either gotten rid of it or rebuilt it. Anyway, maybe after we're done here I can send a message to... our friends and find out. Or even see if they want to try figuring out a spell themselves. Those colleges in Ardabeh I imagine are good at those things.""

[2:50 PM] Urrak: ""That thing pulled all of us from all over t' Bellbury. It was a fuckin' mess. Though...it's almost a shame his contraption didn't work like he wanted."" Urrak folds her arms, ""If only we could've, I dunno, bottled his mad spirit. He was insane but a genius as well. Could've given us some insight, maybe.""

[2:55 PM] Seirixori: ""Absolutely not."" Seir says harshly. ""He wouldn't have helped just out of spite and his fucking ego.""

[2:56 PM] Urrak: ""Yeah, can't say I disagree."" Urrak chuckles, ""What an asshole.""

[6:55 PM] Urrak: ""Gylfi,"" Urrak wraps her bed roll around her shoulders, ""Ye have all these questions about th' Shadowfell an' th' Shadar-Kai, but what would ye ask th' Raven Queen? If given jus' th' one chance?""

[6:59 PM] DM: ""I don't know... I enjoy the hunt for answers. I would like to present her with my theories and see if they're accurate, but I'm not sure I have any questions she can answer that I can't with enough time.""

[7:37 PM] Urrak: ""Well luckily fer you, ye've got plenty,"" Urrak smiles, ""I wonder how she'll react, t' bein' so heavily studied, that is."""

"[5:21 PM] Seirixori: ""No way to know until we get there."" Seir continues to pet the wolves, her focus switching between the conversation and the wolves periodically. ""Gylfi, how old are you?""

[5:38 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi grins. “How old do I look?”

[5:39 PM] Seirixori: ""...Like an elf.""

[5:39 PM] Urrak: ""That question's a trap and ye know it."" Urrak laughs

[5:40 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi laughs at Seir’s answer. “I’m 382 years young.”

[5:41 PM] Seirixori: ""So, a baby elf,"" Seir grins.

[5:41 PM] Urrak: ""Ye don't look a day over 376,""

[5:44 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi: “A baby elf - excuse you. I came of age 282 years ago. I remember when Vyon was still a part of Ascus.” It’s super clear Gylfi isn’t offended in least, they’re just teasing.

[5:46 PM] Seirixori: ""Sorry, a kid,"" Seir continues to grin.

[5:46 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi tilts their head in Urrak direction in thanks for the compliment.

[5:48 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi hums and quirks an eyebrow. “And how old are you, Seirixori?”

[5:57 PM] Seirixori: ""Over 2,000."" Seir giggles halfway through the number. ""21,"" she finally manages after being ridiculous and laughing at her own joke.

[6:50 PM] DM: ""Ah... a baby tiefling.""

[6:53 PM] Seirixori: Seir chuckles, ""And it'll only be fair for you to continue to call me one when I get to your current age.""

[6:56 PM] DM: ""Do tieflings live that long? I thought you were like humans.""

[6:56 PM] Seirixori: Seir smiles, there's a hint of sadness in it, ""Druids live a very long time.""

[6:59 PM] DM: They look like they're mentally slapping themself.  ""I should've caught that.""

[7:01 PM] Seirixori: ""I'm just super mysterious like that.""

[7:03 PM] Urrak: ""If only I had the time time ye two have,"" she sighs dramatically ""But, in a way, maybe that's fer th' best. I gotta cherish the time I have more.""

[7:34 PM] Brimeia: ""What on the shiny blue seas could you possibly want with all that time?"" Bri yawns. ""Me, I'm happy with however much... or little I get."" She shrugs.

[7:50 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh walks into the wooden grove’s entrance, carrying Rukiya in her arms. She walks over to where Seir is and sits down, with Rukiya in her lap and her arms placed loosely around her. “Did we miss anything fun?”

[7:59 PM] Seirixori: Seir looks at then, making sure everything is okay. ""Gylfi's a baby elf.""

[8:01 PM] DM: Gylfi: ""If entering middle age is a baby... but humans say you are as young as you feel, right? ""

[8:04 PM] Seirixori: Also Seir is currently flanked by two shadow dire wolves.

[8:10 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry chuckles. “Being middle aged is not being a baby, homashoc. You, Rukiya, and I - we’re babies in comparison to Gylfi.”

[8:21 PM] Seirixori: ""Nah, baby elf."" Seir grins, though her gaze continues to drift back to the wolves, like she's studying them.

[8:23 PM] DM: Rukiya: ""Are you flirting?""

[8:25 PM] Seirixori: ""...What? No?"" She pauses like she was only mildly aware that she might have been. ""I-- well now I don't know. I said not now. I'm confusing myself.""

[8:26 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry suppresses her laughter. “So we did miss fun stuff.”

[8:27 PM] DM: Gylfi smirks. ""I'm hard to resist.""

[8:30 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Uh huh,” Ry says, shaking her head a little at Gylfi.

[8:53 PM] Seirixori: ""Anyway,"" Seir grumbles, though she has nothing really to add.

[9:01 PM] Brimeia: Bri looks over at the wolves with their almost to dark to make out forms. She slowly scooches over toward Seir in a way that totally ends up being not subtle at all and whispers, ""Can I touch it?""

[9:10 PM] Seirixori: Seir looks over at Brimeia and nods, ""Yeah of course.""

[9:50 PM] Brimeia: With wide eyes, Bri reaches cautiously toward one and places her hand on it. ""Oooh, cold."" When it doesn't seem to mind, she lets her hand slide over it, still slow.

[9:58 PM] Seirixori: ""They're neat.""

[10:01 PM] Brimeia: ""So neat,"" she whispers back, like she might startle the wolves somehow if she didn't.

[10:04 PM] Urrak: ""Ye two have a nice walk in the...creepy ass Shadowfell?""

[10:05 PM] DM: Rukiya hasn't made even the slightest effort to  move from Ry's lap. ""Complete with self-inflicted panic attack. Perfectly lovely.""

[10:08 PM] Seirixori: Seir frowns, but addresses Brimeia. ""They won't bite... Unless I ask them to.""

[10:09 PM] Brimeia: Bri squints at Seir for a long moment but seems more relaxed when she starts petting the wolf again.

[10:17 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh tightens her hold on Rukiya and presses a kiss to her cheek. “Any walk with you, no matter where it is or what happens is nice.”

[10:18 PM] Urrak: ""Barf."" Urrak deadpans

[10:20 PM] Seirixori: Seir whispers to the wolves in druidic, one moves closer to Brimeia and leans against her. The other one moves to lie down at Ryleigh and Rukiya's feet. Seir then scoots over so she's leaning against Ryleigh.

[10:58 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh will take Seir’s hand and grin at her.

[11:01 PM] Brimeia: Bri mouths ""woah"" very quietly before ever so slowly wrapping an arm around the shadow wolf leaning against her, giant grin on her face."

"1:21 AM] Seirixori: Seir places her free hand on Ryleigh's forearm and lightly kicks Rukiya's foot with her own. 'Need anything?' she mouths silently.

[7:43 AM] DM: Rukiya gives Seir a soft smile and shakes her head. She mouths back, ""I'm ok.""

[9:51 AM] Seirixori: Seir studies her for a couple seconds longer while her tail settles between them so it can rest against her two people. With a small yawn she says, ""Sorry, Brimeia,"" and a split second later the wolves disappear.

[9:59 AM] DM: Rukiya pats her tail. ""Get some rest."""

9 Felmont -- 10 Felmont -- 11 Felmont

Felmont 3Y21 - Discord logs