Session 83

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This session was played on September 25, 2018.

## Transcript

6:25 PM] DM: Ok! So everyone's gone to sleep. Let's get a perception check from Ry all alone on watch.

[6:25 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: ((4))

[6:26 PM] DM: The night deepens, with seemingly nothing out of the ordinary.

[6:28 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh gently shakes Seirixori awake enough to ask, "*Homashoc*, do you and Gunnloda want to take next watch?"

[6:30 PM] Seirixori: Seir mumbles a few incoherent things at first before blinking awake,  "Yeah, ok."

[6:31 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Reaching into her hair, Ryleigh withdraws the small knife she hides there and gives it Seir. "Hold onto this for me? I... I don't want to accidentally hurt anyone."

[6:34 PM] Seirixori: Seir nods and takes it, lightly fidgeting with it, "I'll try not to break it." She jokes.

[6:35 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh attempts to smile. "Please don't, it was given to me by someone special." She lays down on her back, still in her armor.

[6:37 PM] DM: Gunnloda also rises and sits next to Seir.

[6:40 PM] DM: Perception check, please, as well as anything else you want to do on watch.

[6:41 PM] Seirixori: ((18 and don't have plans for anything))

[6:43 PM] DM: The normal sounds of the forest persist for some time, but sometime a couple hours after you've started your watch, there's a sound in the near distance, back towards the river. It sounds like the whimper of some animal.

[6:47 PM] Seirixori: Seir looks in the direction of the sound, "Ok last night I thought maybe I was hearing things but it can't happen twice in a row, can it?" she says to Gunnloda, getting up.

[6:49 PM] DM: Gunnloda looks in that direction before following Seir's lead. "I don't know. The forest is your thing, *sor'odko*."

[6:54 PM] Seirixori: Seir laughs a little, "It is," she goes to search for where the noise is, trying to be quiet about it and out of sight.

[6:55 PM] DM: Gunnloda follows to the edge of camp, but when she sees Seir sneak, she stops and just tries to listen. (Roll Stealth)

[6:55 PM] Seirixori: ((3))

[6:56 PM] DM: And perception.

[6:57 PM] Seirixori: ((nat 1))

[6:57 PM] DM: The sounds of Seir crashing through the branches as she stumbles over a hidden root drown out any sounds she might otherwise hear.

[6:59 PM] DM: Gunnloda steps up to Seir to help her up. She whispers, "I saw some movement over that way." She points towards the river and downstream.

[7:02 PM] Seirixori: "Shit, fuck, ow," Seir groans and thanks Gunnloda. "I am not having the best days," she grumbles and starts off in that direction.

[7:03 PM] DM: Stealthily again, or just going?

[7:03 PM] Seirixori: ((let's just try stealth again, WHy NOT))

[7:04 PM] DM: As Seir sneaks away, Gunnloda casts Warding Bond on her and waits and watches. (Roll for it)

[7:04 PM] DM: Both.

[7:05 PM] Seirixori: ((11 stealth, 13 perc))

[7:07 PM] DM: Seir manages to at least not make extra noise as she moves through the heavy plant coverage towards the riverbank. After several minutes of searching where Gunnloda pointed, she hears a yelp further along the river. (Roll a d20 for me)

[7:09 PM] Seirixori: ((20))

[7:15 PM] Seirixori: Seir stops and tilts her head, "What...?" She frowns and takes a few steps back. She casts conjure animals and eight owls appear on the nearby trees, "Could you go check out that noise for me?" Seir asks them and gestures towards where she heard the sound.

[7:18 PM] DM: The owls take flight. They fly through and around the trees for a minute or two, three. But none sound any alarm.

[7:19 PM] Seirixori: Seir frowns and heads back to Gunnloda, keeping the owls around for now, "Someone or something is pretending to be an injured animal."(edited)

[7:22 PM] DM: Gunnloda frowns. "Did ya find 'em?"

[7:24 PM] Seirixori: "No, I sent out some owls, but nothing out of the ordinary, I guess." She takes Gunnloda's hand, "let's just head back. At least I know to keep an ear out." She starts heading back to the camp.

[7:25 PM] DM: Gunnloda goes with her.

[7:26 PM] DM: When Seir and Gunnloda return to camp, they see Courage leaning over Ryleigh who is tossing and turning with another nightmare.

[7:28 PM] Seirixori: Seir sighs and squeezes Gunnloda's hand and moves to Ry's side, "Careful, she's a little... out of it when she wakes up." Seir whispers to Courage.

[7:29 PM] DM: Courage startles a little and jerks backwards like she didn't hear Seir's approach.

"Ryleigh?" Seir takes her hand to Ry's shoulder to shake her lightly.

[7:29 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Please... don't take her... take me instead..." Ryleigh mumbles in her sleep, her face strained.

[7:29 PM] DM: Sleepers can make perception checks at disadvantage.

[7:31 PM] DM: @Urrak

[7:32 PM] Urrak: ((13))

[7:33 PM] Seirixori: Seir looks at Courage for a moment before focusing on Ryleigh again, "Ryleigh." Seir says a little louder this time, using more force to try and wake her. "I should figure out how to do this better."

[7:35 PM] DM: Urrak and Ry both wake up.

[7:36 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh gasps awake, her eyes landing on the person above her. She wraps her arms around Seirixori - but she doesn't realize that's who it is. "Clemency, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry..."

[7:36 PM] DM: Gunnloda casts Calm Emotions on the party. Charisma saves unless you are willingly failing.(edited)

[7:37 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: ((15))

[7:38 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh sobs, actual sobbing, into Seirixori.(edited)

[7:38 PM] DM: Courage mumbles, "She was talking about her in her sleep..."

[7:38 PM] Urrak: Urrak wakes and groggily wipes at her eyes, "Mmmn, what's goin'...on...?"

[7:40 PM] Seirixori: Seir freezes and it takes her a moment to respond, wrapping her arms around Ry, "You're okay, *ho-homashoc*." she adds the last bit hesitantly.

[7:41 PM] Urrak: Urrak watches the scene from her bed roll, unsure how she could help in the moment

[7:42 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I should have done more... I shouldn't have let them take you... " Ryleigh continues to cry, mumbling her words in between her attempts to breathe.(edited)

[7:45 PM] Seirixori: Seir mutters a curse in infernal, "Ryleigh?" She whispers, pulling back and wiping some of the tears off Ry's face, "Hey, I need you to focus, *na'auiy noaroaca*."(edited)

[7:47 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh's eyes are still a little hazy, like she's not entirely there yet, but she blinks a few times, trying to listen to Seirixori.

[7:50 PM] DM: The calming effect of the spell fades.

[7:50 PM] DM: Courage moves back, giving the two some space.

[7:51 PM] Seirixori: Seir grins, "Hey, I'm not a purple bear this time, so I know I might not be so easily recognizable."(edited)

[7:54 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Hesitantly, Ryleigh reaches out, her fingers ghosting over Seir's cheek. "Seirixori," she breathes and immediately looks ashamed.

[7:57 PM] Seirixori: "What's that face for?" She asks quietly, taking Ryleigh's hand.

[7:57 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I," Ryleigh looks away from her, "I'm sorry I didn't recognize you..."

[8:01 PM] Seirixori: "You weren't exactly awake." Seir shrugs, "Try and go back to sleep, yeah? Or at least lie down, you need some rest."

[8:02 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh looks likes she's going to say something more, but also notices the others watching them so she doesn't. Instead, she just nods. "Can... would you stay close to me?"

[8:04 PM] Seirixori: "Of course."

[8:07 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Laying back down, Ryleigh tangles her hand with Seirixori's, but she doesn't close her eyes.

[8:08 PM] Urrak: Urrak stands and slips her mithril on. "I'll take th' next watch, then. Try'n get some sleep ye lot." she walks over to the edge of their makeshift encampment and looks into the dark woods.

[8:10 PM] Seirixori: "Urrak, wait, come here for a second."

[8:11 PM] Urrak: Urrak plods back, her gait a little off as she tries to wake herself up, "Somethin' the matter, Seirixori?"

[8:12 PM] Seirixori: Seir motions for Urrak to lean down and whispers, to not be overheard, "We heard something earlier, don't go after it. I don't know if it wanted us away from here, or to get lost out there..." she shrugs, "Just...just stay here."

[8:13 PM] Urrak: Urrak lifts an eyebrow at her but nods her head, "Alright, will do." and she heads back to the edge of the camp(edited)

[8:16 PM] DM: Courage starts to head back to her tree, but hesitates. She asks in Infernal, "Is she going to be ok?"

[8:18 PM] Seirixori: "Eventually. She's a little stubborn sometimes."

[8:18 PM] DM: Courage nods and returns to the base of the tree where she'd been resting and curls up, closing her eyes.

[8:19 PM] DM: Gunnloda sits next to Seir, eventually moving to lay down and go back to sleep after a while.

[8:25 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia wakes up, grumbling sleepily, and joins Urrak on watch.

[8:25 PM] Urrak: Urrak nods when she sees Bri walk up to her.

[8:26 PM] DM: (Is Seir also going back to sleep eventually? If she stays up, she won't get her long rest reset.)

[8:26 PM] Seirixori: ((aaah yeah she will))

[8:27 PM] DM: Perception checks from Urrak, Bri, and disadvantage from Ry.

[8:27 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: ((2))

[8:28 PM] Urrak: ((14))(edited)

[8:28 PM] Brimeia: ((17))

[8:31 PM] Brimeia: "Hey.. do you see  that? Some kinda lights floating over there?"

[8:31 PM] Brimeia: She nudges Urrak

[8:32 PM] Urrak: "Lights...? No. But Seir said somethin' about some kinda thing in th' woods that's been tryin' t' call her over. She said it's best if we stay put."

[8:33 PM] DM: Assuming Urrak turns to look, she sees a glimpse of a white light, but it must pass behind more cover, because neither of you sees anything after that.

[8:34 PM] Brimeia: "Hmm. it just seems real weird." Brimeia frowns. "Well. If Seirixori says so..."

[8:35 PM] Urrak: "....I mean, at least one of us should see what it was...could'a been a torch or somethin'..." she worries her hands a bit, "I dunno, jus' in case..."

[8:36 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Seirixori told us to stay put," Ryleigh softly says to them.

[8:37 PM] Urrak: Urrak turns around with a smile, "Aren't ye s'pposed t' be sleepin', Paladin?"(edited)

[8:38 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia just chuckles.

[8:38 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh stays quiet, not responding.

[8:38 PM] Urrak: She turns back and chuckles too, "Alright, alright, we'll stay put."(edited)

[8:40 PM] Urrak: Urrak rests her arms on her knees and places her chin on top of them, propping her head up as she looks into the night, "Everythin' alright with you, Bri? Any visits from yer friend?"(edited)

[8:42 PM] Brimeia: "Whose friend?" Brimeia crinkles her forehead with confusion.

[8:42 PM] Urrak: "Yer head friend. Th'...devil." She says the last word quietly

[8:43 PM] Brimeia: "Oh. Uh... I don't think so. Not since..." Brimeia pauses for a moment to think.

[8:44 PM] Brimeia: "She did say she didn't send those devils that ambushed us before the temple. Can't remember if I told you that."

[8:46 PM] Urrak: "T' be honest with ye, Bri, even if ye did I wouldn't remember. Been real eventful since we left...." She straightens up and crosses her legs, "Well good, with Ry's nightmare's comin' back we don't need any more surprises."

[8:47 PM] Brimeia: "She had more?"

[8:47 PM] Brimeia: "And what do you mean... back?

[8:48 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I can hear you."

[8:52 PM] Brimeia: "Didn't know you were still awake, or I woulda asked you instead. Is that why you're still awake?"

[8:51 PM] Urrak: "I ain't sayin' anythin' th' rest o' these folks don't know, don't worry, Ry." she sighs, "It's...nothin' important. Jus' some memories comin' back I s'ppose. Hard old memories." she leans back on her arms, "Regardless, I'm thankful that devil's stayin' quiet. Fer now."

[8:52 PM] Brimeia: "You and me both," she replies to Urrak.

[8:56 PM] Urrak: "Well, jus' let me know if ye see anythin' else out there. Both o' ye." she leans forward again and crosses her arms.

[8:57 PM] DM: The rest of the night passes uneventfully and morning comes. Ryleigh, CON save.

[8:58 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: ((9))

[8:59 PM] DM: You have a level of exhaustion- disadvantage on ability checks (not attacks and saves).

[8:59 PM] DM: I forgot to do it when you went to camp, so can I have Seir do her survival check for navigation now?

[9:00 PM] Seirixori: ((2 or 3?))

[9:00 PM] DM: Just one.

[9:00 PM] DM: Advantage.

[9:01 PM] Seirixori: ((17))

## 18 Gishmont Returning to Riverrun

[9:01 PM] DM: So. Morning comes. You've stepped away from the river and are now heading east towards the Long Road/the Spine. If you aren't delayed- and you haven't gotten lost- you should reach Riverrun by nightfall.

[9:02 PM] DM: Everyone but Ry can reset hit points, regain up to 3 hit dice, spell slots, etc.

[9:04 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh remains unusually quiet as they walk.

[9:05 PM] Urrak: Urrak quickens her pace to walk beside Ryleigh. She stays quiet for a few moments before softly asking "Hey, ye doin' ok?"

[9:05 PM] Brimeia: "You don't look so good."

[9:08 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: When Urrak approaches, Ryleigh flinches away. She tries to shrug casually as she says, "Sure."

[9:08 PM] Seirixori: Seir stays in the back, not saying anything, just watching everyone.

[9:09 PM] DM: Courage stays in the back as well.

[9:10 PM] Urrak: "'Sure'. Glad t' hear it," she keeps walking a few more paces, "Did...was I in one o' yer dreams? Y'seem t' be real...jumpy around me...though I guess I can't blame ye." she chews the inside of her cheek, "Y-ye don't have t' say anythin'...if ye don't want t'."

[9:11 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Of course you were part of my nightmares, you attacked me when my back was turned," Ryleigh's tone is sharp.

[9:12 PM] Urrak: "I--understandable..." She awkwardly adjusts her pack, "S-sorry about...that."

[9:12 PM] Brimeia: Bri glances over with an 'uh oh' sort of look but doesn't comment.

[9:14 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Next time, you shouldn't mistake my silence for ignorance. And if you ever attack me when my back is turned again, it will be the last thing you ever do."

9:15 PM] Urrak: Urrak slows her pace, "Right...understood..." she falls a bit behind, ending up in the middle of the group

[9:15 PM] DM: Perception checks for the morning, Ry's at disadvantage.

[9:15 PM] Urrak: ((nat 20))

[9:15 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: ((2))

[9:16 PM] Seirixori: ((12))

[9:16 PM] Brimeia: ((6))

[9:18 PM] DM: Urrak seems to over-focus on the space around the group trying to take her focus off of Ry. She notices birds and small animals that take off as the group approaches, but nothing threatening.

[9:20 PM] DM: You continue walking through the morning and into the afternoon, Gunnloda handing out some of the leftovers from breakfast to nibble on along the way. Courage takes hers quietly and keeps to herself in the back of the group.

[9:20 PM] DM: Afternoon perception checks pls.

[9:20 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: ((4))

[9:20 PM] Urrak: ((3))\

[9:22 PM] Brimeia: ((20))

[9:22 PM] Seirixori: ((25))

[9:24 PM] DM: As you continue, Seir starts to notice the trees thinning out ahead until you finally get to the point where the forest gives way to the Long Road.

[9:26 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh continues to be silent as they come to the Long Road, leading the party down it and back towards Riverrun.

[9:27 PM] DM: And one last perception check along the road south.

[9:27 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: ((2))

[9:27 PM] Urrak: ((6))

[9:28 PM] Brimeia: ((18))

[9:28 PM] Seirixori: ((19))

[9:30 PM] DM: Seir and Bri both notice the caravan heading north, the Moonstream guards accompanying it putting their hands to their weapons at the sight of three tieflings traveling together with a very worn down looking paladin, but they continue moving without incident. As the sun sets and the night falls deeper, you enter the city walls.

[9:33 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh hands Seirixori the bag of holding. "I... the Blue Bulls identifiers are all in there, and make sure to give the widow the money we found on the bodies of her guild mates... your crystal is in there too."

[9:35 PM] Seirixori: "Okay," Seir says softly, "Will you come by if--" Seir hesitates, "-- if Rukiya's not around?"

[9:37 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh rubs the back of her neck nervously. "I'll check back in soon. If I don't... you know where to find me. Uh, actually... Gunnloda would you mind sending Rukiya a message for me?"

[9:38 PM] DM: Gunnloda nods. "O'course."

[9:34 PM] Urrak: "I-I can talk t' Cerina. No need fer all of us t' be there. Seir needs time with her crystal anyway, I'm assumin'. Magic an' all." Urrak crosses her arms and nervously taps a foot

[9:35 PM] Seirixori: Seir shakes her head, "The crystal isn't mine."

[9:36 PM] DM: Courage rubs her arm. "Thank you for helping me get here. I should be on my way."

[9:38 PM] Brimeia: "Of course, Courage. Are you sure you don't want to travel with us for a bit?" She flashes a wink at the pink tiefling.

[9:39 PM] DM: Courage ducks her head. "N-no, thank you."

[9:40 PM] Seirixori: "Oh hey, just a second," Seir says to Courage as she starts rummaging around in her backpack.

[9:40 PM] Brimeia: "Ah, well. Alright, then. Take care of yourself, ok?"

[9:40 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Please be careful," Ryleigh says to Courage, "even Vyon has its hesitations about your kind. And in case you're ever in Riverrun, we're called the Dawnguard. We have a guild hall that you can find us there - or a representative of ours. It's somewhere safe."

[9:41 PM] Urrak: "Aye, come back any time, Courage." Urrak says with a small smile

[9:42 PM] Seirixori: Seir pulls out some of her things and shoves them in the bag of holding. Then hands her bag, with a few supplies in it, over to Courage. "Might make it a little easier."

[9:43 PM] DM: Courage takes the bag, but hesitantly. "Thank you."

[9:46 PM] Urrak: "I'm headin' back t' th' Bulls guildhall. Anyone who wants t' come can follow," Urrak takes a deep breath, "Seirixori, could I...?" she motions towards the bag of holding

[9:47 PM] Seirixori: "Oh..uh yeah, just um...don't lose my stuff." Seir takes out the crystal then hands the bag over to Urrak.

[9:46 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: After whispering something to Gunnloda, Ryleigh walks west and away from the group.

[9:47 PM] DM: Courage also leaves, heading south.

[9:48 PM] Urrak: "I won't, don't ye worry." she takes out the items belonging to the fallen Bulls and places them in her own pack. "I'll see ye all back at the hall."

[9:50 PM] Urrak: Urrak heads off towards the Blue Bulls' guildhall

## Urrak and Cerina

10:04 PM] DM: Urrak heads to the Blue Bulls' guild hall. It's late, but the town isn't sleeping yet since it's the end of the week.

[10:05 PM] Urrak: Urrak knocks on the door of the hall, "Evenin'. Mind if I come in...?"

[10:07 PM] DM: Cerina's sitting at a table in the common room, looking over a ledger with a tired look in her eyes. She looks up as you enter, but her face falls when she sees who it is and the expression you're wearing.

[10:08 PM] Urrak: Urrak walks towards her slowly, stopping just a few paces from the other side of the table. "Th' little one sleepin'?"

[10:10 PM] DM: She nods silently, tears already welling in her eyes.

[10:13 PM] Urrak: "I...We found Walkar. The others too." she takes her pack off her back and pulls out the items one by one,  the last being Walkar's drum. "They were...well they're not sufferin' any longer. I-I'm sorry. I'm so sorry, Cerina..." she tries not to start crying as well.

[10:14 PM] DM: She reaches towards the drum, but her tears spill over and she just curls in on herself and sobs, shaking her head.

[10:18 PM] Urrak: Urrak walks around the table and reaches out a cautious hand, placing it lightly on her shoulder, "Please, i-if there's anythin' I can do t' help ye...I'm here. I came alone."

[10:20 PM] DM: She shakes her head, trying to stem the flow. "There's nothing to do."

[10:25 PM] Urrak: "Ye'll need funds, at least until ye can find others t' join yer band. At least let me help with that...," she digs into her side pouch and pulls out the small group of gems she'd pocketed from the temple. "Or if ye need help with the baby, I'm sure someone in our band knows a thing er two about 'em. Or even if ye don't want t' sleep alone, we've room in our hall. S-spare rooms, that is."

She wipes her face with her sleeve "I jus'...I wish I could do more. I tried t' bring Mikal back but...the way was too far to carry him home. But our cleric buried him proper, I promise ye."(edited)

[10:30 PM] DM: "I-- I've been... there's nothing for me here now. I'll have to move back to my family's home along the Moonrise. I... I appreciate the gesture and what you've done already, but... I was retiring from adventuring now that I have-- and your money, while kind, won't keep forever."

[10:31 PM] DM: A baby's cries can be heard suddenly and Cerina uses her sleeve to dry her face as best she can. "Excuse me." She stands and heads to a room that had the door propped open and disappears inside.

[10:34 PM] Urrak: Urrak stands by the table, unsure if she should stay or leave. Some large tears spill from her eyes, surprising her. She slaps a hand over her mouth to keep a sob down. "Sh-shit--Fuckin'...fuckin' hells." she sucks in a deep breath through her nose and tries to push the feelings down.

[10:36 PM] DM: The baby's cries soften enough that you can hear that both of them are crying now.

[10:37 PM] Urrak: After a few more deep breaths she decides to leave, not wanting to disturb them further. She closes the door softly behind her

## Seir and Brimeia

[10:03 PM] DM: So we'll keep everyone but Urrak here so when she comes back we're still in the right room.

[10:09 PM] Seirixori: Seir looks like she's about to go after Ryleigh, then Courage, then Urrak. Finally she sighs and her shoulders sag, "Let's go get some churros and then head back to our place. Figure out what we want to do."(edited)

[10:10 PM] Brimeia: "Ooo, is that the thing you guys are always talking about?"

[10:15 PM] Seirixori: Seir brightens just a little bit, "Yeah! They're really good." She leads them to the place and buys 6 of them so they can each have two.

[10:16 PM] Seirixori: As they start to head back Seir quietly says, through a mouthful of churro, "We should probably figure out the thing in your head."(edited)

[10:17 PM] Brimeia: "Thanks for the sweets," she mumbles around a mouthful. "They ARE really good."

[10:18 PM] Brimeia: "Mmm. Yeah, I guess." Brimeia looks a bit more somber now. "I.. I don't want anyone to get hurt if I lose control."

[10:23 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia kicks a small, stray rock. "Ravaphine said she'd look into it, and Ryleigh asked... whoever. What else can we do?"

[10:27 PM] Seirixori: "It would help if Ravaphine was here." Seir says a little gruffly. "I-- I don't know. Maybe look into it where you're from?"

[10:31 PM] Brimeia: "Yeah...Hope things are going ok over there."

10:32 PM] Brimeia: "In Halolis? 'cause I'm not from there... exactly."

[10:32 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia frowns. "You think she'd be from there too?"

[10:33 PM] Seirixori: "Where are you from then, because it would probably help to go there at the very least. See what we can dig up."

[10:35 PM] Seirixori: Seir starts on the second churro but she only nibbles on a tiny piece then hands it over to Gunnloda.

[10:35 PM] DM: "Not hungry, *sor'odko*?"

[10:36 PM] Seirixori: "No, not really."

[10:40 PM] DM: You all reach the hall about the same time!

[10:41 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia makes a face. "Well, nowhere really, but... if you really think it'll help, I was born over in Cusmasir." She gives a half shrug.

[10:42 PM] Urrak: Urrak comes walking up to the guildhall, a pensive look on her face. She snaps out of her thoughts when she sees Seirxori and Brimeia. "Ryleigh back yet? Or are we not expectin' her till mornin'?"

[10:43 PM] Seirixori: "I doubt she'll come by tonight." Seir sighs.

[10:46 PM] Urrak: "Well hopefully Rukiya's better at handlin' her..." She opens the door to the hall and walks in, "I dunno about th' two of you but I need t' sit a spell. Make some tea 'er somethin'...These past few days have been fuckin' exhaustin'."

[10:46 PM] Seirixori: "I was asking Brimeia where she was from, see if we should start there to look into her head case." Seir snickers a little as she sits down, pulling Gunnloda with her to cuddle up next to her.(edited)

[10:48 PM] Urrak: "An' where are ye from, Bri? I dunno if I ever asked ye," Urrak opens her waterskin and takes a large drink.

[10:51 PM] Brimeia: Bri sighs. "Shasem. Kinda all over."

[10:54 PM] Urrak: "Shasem," she leans back in her chair, and sighs "It's like Poni's machine pulled folks from the farthest corners o' th' world that it could." she thinks a moment, "Wait, are ye two really plannin' on headed that way?"

[10:56 PM] Seirixori: "I don't know how else to figure this out. What good would looking up her devil do here? Or possible things about her family?" Seir takes a second or two before continuing, her voice much quieter, "I-- there's something there for me too."

[10:57 PM] DM: Gunnloda squeezes Seir's hand.

[10:58 PM] Urrak: "Well, if ye'll have me, I'd like t' come along. Especially with th' two o' ye diggin' around in Bri's head. We've seen what she can do."

[11:03 PM] Seirixori: Seir's mood seems to shift suddenly, and she bites out, "I don't know, can you stop being an asshole?"

[11:06 PM] Urrak: "I can. I will. I...I don't want ye to--I'm trying to be better. I know it doesn't seem that way, but I mean it." She takes Seir's bow out of her pack, along with a quiver of arrows. "Thank ye, fer letting me use this. But I don't deserve it. Plus I'm just a terrible shot."

[11:09 PM] Seirixori: Seir takes the bow, hugging it to her body-- kind of like she didn't realize she'd missed it. "Still better than I've ever been." She mumbles. "We'll talk more when Ryleigh comes back." Seir sniffs a little and continues, "You're part of this thing we're doing so of course you're going. You were the only one talking about leaving."

[11:11 PM] Urrak: "True, true. I jus' didn't see another option. It's like...one part o' my brain wants t' do better an' another stops me."(edited)

[11:11 PM] Urrak: "I'm jus'...sorry. I dunno what else t' say..."

[11:16 PM] Seirixori: "I know you're older than all of us, but that doesn't mean you have to treat us like we're--we're stupid." Seir sniffs again, her eyes a little red, "we--we're supposed to be friends, or so everyone keeps saying."

[11:17 PM] Urrak: "Aye, we are. An' I've been a right shitty one," she runs her tongue over her teeth "I think we're all a bit rough with one another when the stress runs high."

[11:20 PM] Seirixori: "Yeah well..." Seir kind of flounders for a second, not sure what to say, "Let's try and head out to Cusmasir tomorrow," Seir gets up quickly, "I want to go see Stool. I miss them." She leaves the arrows but takes the bow with her as she takes off to the cellar.

[11:23 PM] Urrak: "Sure thing, Seir. Tell them I said hey." she runs a hand through her hair, "I'm gonna head upstairs. I'll see ye in th' mornin' Bri."

## Ryleigh at home

6:40 PM] DM: Ry heads straight to her apartment. Armor comes off or no?

[6:41 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Yes. Once she's in the "safety" of her own apartment she'd take off her armor.

[6:42 PM] DM: She probably paces for a while, trying to use the motion to keep herself awake, but at some point, her body rebels and she finds herself leaning, then sitting, then lying down asleep.

[6:46 PM] DM: The next thing she knows, she's watching, helpless, as Rukiya's past is exposed by Urrak's carelessness. She's watching as Rukiya falls to an orc's blade. She's watching as Rukiya is kidnapped by forces bearing the Maker's mark. In dream after dream, Rukiya is hurt, taken, killed and Ryleigh is powerless to stop any of it. Powerless to stop Urrak's recklessness. Powerless to stop the party's incompetence. Powerless to stop forces amassing against her. It's always just a little too late and she only manages to reach Rukiya's side a handful of times, and only after her body is still and lifeless.

[6:48 PM] DM: The next thing Ryleigh knows, she can hear Rukiya calling her name. Her voice is near panic and loud, coming from a few feet away.

[6:53 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Hearing the panic in Rukiya's voice, Ryleigh half realizes she's dreaming and forces herself to wake, her eyes shoot open.

[6:55 PM] DM: Ryleigh sees her own apartment, just as she left it, but from a strange vantage point... she doesn't usually find herself staring up at the ceiling from the floor. Rukiya's standing between Ry and the door, worry written in her eyes. "Ry? You with me?"

[6:59 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh presses the palms of her hands to her eyes and starts to cry. In between her sobs she says, "I can't make it stop. They won't go away."

[7:02 PM] DM: Once Rukiya's convinced that Ryleigh's awake, she hurries to Ry's side and gathers her up in a hug and tries to calm her by running her hand over Ry's hair and down her back. "Shhh... breathe first."

[7:07 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: She continues to cry, trying to breathe but each breath is labored or stutters with her sobs. Ryleigh clutches onto Rukiya, reassuring herself that Rukiya is there, and safe.

[7:10 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Eventually, Ryleigh's cries subside, her body stops shaking, and she seems to be calming down.

[7:12 PM] DM: Rukiya presses a kiss to Ry's temple. "Better?"

[7:19 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "A little..." Ryleigh pulls back just enough to look at Rukiya. She reaches out, her fingers ghosting over Rukiya's features, like she needs conformation that its really her. Ryleigh's eyes fill with tears again as she says, "I'm sorry, *l'auorphiem*."

[7:21 PM] DM: She takes Ry's hand in hers and puts it over her own heart. "Sorry for what?"

[7:23 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Worrying you. I tried to stay awake until you got here... but I must have fallen asleep. I haven't slept in a few days and every time I've tried... " Ryleigh blinks a few times, knocking the tears from her eyes.

[7:27 PM] DM: "You really need to work on coming home whole and healthy. What's causing it? Another curse?"

[7:30 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I don't mean to come back to you like this... I... " Ryleigh swallows, and takes a deep breath "...I don't know what's causing them. Ever since we left that temple I've had one nightmare after another."

[7:35 PM] DM: Rukiya smiles and brushes a stray hair from Ry's face. "I'll always prefer you come back in any condition than not come back at all. Maybe we should take you to your temple or a healer." She smirks a little. "You look terrible."

[7:38 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh gives a watery laugh. "I'm sure... but wouldn't I know if I was under a curse?"(edited)

[7:41 PM] DM: "I don't know... I was just hoping that they might know more about stopping nightmares or helping you sleep than I do... or at least helping you feel better. I know when I don't have the answers and I try to find the people who do."

[7:45 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "It's not unusual for me to have nightmares. Although, I did think I was getting past all this... it's been a while since I've had them so frequently and with this much intensity."(edited)

[7:48 PM] DM: She sighs. "You shouldn't have to live like this." She pauses, then looks at Ryleigh with slightly narrowed eyes. "You know your nightmares aren't a price to pay for your mistakes, right?"

[7:52 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh's brows furrow, and she looks away from Rukiya. "Everything I touch turns to ash... everyone I love gets hurt... the common factor is always me. I don't need the nightmares to remind me of that..."

[7:57 PM] DM: "Ryleigh..." The name comes out almost a whisper, weighed down by sadness and empathy for Ryleigh's pain. "It's not your fault, and I know you won't believe me yet, but I'm not going to stop saying so. Do you want to go ask someone for help or do you want to try to sleep? I'm with you, whatever your choice."

[8:07 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I dreamt it was you..." Ryleigh's voice wavers "...Rukiya, I love you so much, and I'm afraid you'll be next." She leans in, softly kissing Rukiya's lips. "You're so important... and what if... what if I am cursed and you pay the price like everyone else in my life has?"

[8:11 PM] DM: Rukiya shakes her head. "I'm not going anywhere." She smirks and her eyes dance with humor as she adds, "Any curse you have can't compete with my prophecy."

[8:18 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh chuckles, a few stray tears falling down her cheeks. "I'm glad it was you I fell for," She smiles, but its lined with fatigue, "You're always making me laugh."

[8:20 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: She presses her forehead to Rukiya's, softly saying, "I'd like to try to sleep with you here... if I have another nightmare, then I'll go to the temple."

[8:22 PM] DM: She replies with a soft, "Ok." Then she untangles herself and helps Ry off the floor before leading her to the bed. "I'll stay right here with you.... after we both remove all our weapons," she adds with a grin.

[8:31 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Rolling her eyes, and withdrawing the dagger from her hair, Ryleigh responds with, "All done."  She smiles from her seat on the bed, Ryleigh's eyes traveling over Rukiya's body. "I think it might take you a little longer though."

[8:35 PM] DM: Rukiya quirks an eyebrow. "Ryleigh Alastair. Are you flirting in your condition?"

[8:40 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Can you blame me? Look at you." Ryleigh's grin widens as she scoots to the edge of the bed. "Do you want help?"

[8:47 PM] DM: "How can I resist a smile like that?" Rukiya steps forward and ducks her head down to meet Ryleigh's lips with her own as she takes Ry's hands and sets them on the clasps to her armor.

## Seirixori's Late Night Adventure

6:08 PM] DM: So Seir decided to go for a walk later that night, heading back to the Long Road entrance to Riverrun, back to where the party had split up to go their separate ways, back where she expected the men who Courage had mentioned should have passed through. Hoping that they might have stopped just inside the walls after a long journey, she poked around the bars and inns, looking for a group of human men that seemed to fit the description.

[6:09 PM] DM: She found lots of human men, lots of men in beards, lots of men being rowdy and bragging about one thing or another, but it'd be hard to really pin down any one person or group based on Courage's very vague description.

[6:11 PM] DM: What isn't vague at all is the backpack Seir sees down one particular alleyway. It's just a block or two south of the intersection where the group had parted ways with Courage, on the west side of the Spine. It isn't open, hasn't been rifled through or anything stolen from it. It seems to have just been dropped unceremoniously along one of the walls.

[6:18 PM] Seirixori: Seir frowns and shifts into a black cat and sniffs around her bag and the area to try and get a smell on Courage.

[6:22 PM] DM: You find her scent easily enough, recognizable from the time you spent walking with her over the last two days. The scent trail heads further down the alley towards the west, then disappears. However, where it disappears, you smell a strong, pungent odor. It's a strange mixture of fire and earth... sulfur and the smell of the deep forest and the rot of vegetation that your nose is accustomed to.

[6:26 PM] Seirixori: Seir cautiously walks further down the alley trying her best to be a cat and figure out what's going on.

[6:29 PM] DM: The smell continues west down the alleyway until it reaches the next road. Once there, it heads back towards the north. It smell is clearly following the edges of the road, staying out of the way of pedestrians as much as possible which, luckily for Seir, makes it easier to follow without it getting lost in all the traffic.

[6:31 PM] Seirixori: Seir will continue to follow it.

[6:42 PM] DM: It continues north for a block or two until it regains the street where you'd separated, then heads west.

[6:50 PM] Seirixori: ((Still in the city?))

[6:50 PM] DM: Yes.

[6:53 PM] Seirixori: Seir continues her merry little way getting way too curious.

[6:56 PM] DM: She follows and follows and follows, and eventually the smell gets stronger and then a different, more swampy smell is added to the mix. But as you head west, you start to get a familiar feeling about the part of the city you're walking through. As you pass through the other northern gate and head north, you realize that you're heading in the direction of Ryleigh's apartment.

[7:04 PM] Seirixori: Now a bit worried she picks up her pace.

[7:06 PM] DM: As you follow the scents, the roads start to narrow some and the scents become harder to follow. The smell of hot steel and sweat and blood from the various mercenaries and fighters and soldiers and blacksmiths who work and live in the area starts to mix with the others until it's too difficult to pick out from the crowds.

[7:10 PM] Seirixori: Seir growls in frustration and then heads to Ryleigh's just to check out the immediate area, then she'll head back.

[7:10 PM] Seirixori: And put her bag in the bag of holding.

[7:11 PM] DM: Are you able to roll a perception check? Or would you rather I did it for you?

[7:13 PM] Seirixori: ((13 gdi))

[7:15 PM] Seirixori: ((Ok wait if I can do it by smell its technically at advantage lol))

[7:15 PM] DM: ok

[7:16 PM] Seirixori: ((20))

[7:17 PM] DM: You do smell whiffs of the smell around Ry's apartment, strangely strongest near a back wall with no doors or windows. But you find no visual signs of anyone or anything out of the ordinary, and you don't hear anything.

[7:19 PM] Seirixori: Seir will hang out for about a half hour then head back.

[7:21 PM] DM: It's late at night by now, hours after you last saw Ryleigh, hours after you last saw Courage. And you don't see or hear or smell anything else odd in the time you sit there.

## Ryleigh's in the morning

7:30 PM] Seirixori: Seir willingly gets up early and can barely wait until after sunrise before heading to Ryleigh's. She does wait a little longer...outside the door just hovering and not wanting to wake anyone up so early and ends up anxiously pacing. After a good fifteen minutes go by Seir gives up and gives a few hesitant knocks.

[7:34 PM] DM: Rukiya opens the door, rubbing her eyes, wearing little more than one of Ryleigh's shirts. "Seirixori? What's wrong?"

[7:43 PM] Seirixori: Seir blinks, not really sure what she was expecting, "Uh, h--hi. Sorry I didn't mean to--to wake anyone up but I was worried and I followed someone last night around here and got more worried and I tried waiting but I'm really bad at that, but um I can just sit out here and wait if you want to go back to sleep?"(edited)

[7:46 PM] DM: She kind of squints at Seir for a moment before turning and walking back into the apartment, leaving the door open. "I need coffee before those words make sense. Ry's still sleeping."

[7:49 PM] DM: She scoops up a pair of pants on her way through to the small kitchen where she sets a pot to boiling and dresses a bit more.

[7:51 PM] Seirixori: "S--sorry," Seir whispers stepping in and closing the door behind her. She stands awkwardly inside a moment before heading towards the kitchen and hovers there instead.

[7:55 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh starts to stir as Rukiya moves around the apartment. Without opening her eyes she mumbles, "*L'auorphiem*, come back to bed. It's early."

[7:56 PM] DM: Rukiya pours three cups of coffee before moving to Ry's side to kiss her temple. "You have company, sleepyhead."

[8:00 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Co- co- company?" Ryleigh yawns, her eyes opening and spotting Seirixori. She sits up and hurriedly says, "What's wrong?"(edited)

[8:01 PM] Seirixori: "N--nothing!" Seir says quickly, with a small frown. "Why is that the first thing someone asks when I go to them?" She shakes her head, "S-sorry I was worried, that's all and I got um... impatient. I--I can come back later?"

[8:02 PM] DM: Rukiya hands one of the cups to Ry and sips on her own.

[8:05 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh takes it gratefully, giving Rukiya a quick kiss to the cheek, before turning her attention back to Seir. "Sorry, Seirixori, I just wasn't expecting you so soon. I thought maybe something happened." She takes a sips from her coffee, still looking fatigued, bags still present under her eyes. "I'm sorry for worrying you, *homashoc*."

[8:10 PM] Seirixori: Seir shrugs, "Something always happens." She clears her throat, "I wanted to see h-how you were doing and I'm kind of an idiot because I know you need more sleep."

[8:12 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "You're not an idiot," Ryleigh says with a smile, "and I do need more sleep, but you know I always have time for you."

[8:16 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh motions for Seir to take a seat on the bed, "You can sit, if you want. I know there's not a lot of space, but it's enough for me." She grins before adding, "For us."

[8:17 PM] DM: Rukiya chuckles. "There's chairs in the kitchen too."

[8:18 PM] Seirixori: "I want to make a joke but I think it'd backfire on me." Seir laughs a little nervously, more because she worked herself up and is trying to calm down and sits on the edge of the bed.

[8:20 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "What's got you all worked up, *homashoc*? I know it can't just be worry for me... Gunnloda knew Rukiya was coming over, so you knew I wasn't alone."

[8:24 PM] Seirixori: "I know, but that doesn't stop me from worrying and weird things have been going on lately and I seem to always just miss whatever it is and we were talking about going to where Brimeia is from and I think I'm having a really long drawn out breakdown."(edited)

[8:27 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh sets down her coffee and moves to pull Seirixori into a hug, whispering, "I'm not exactly okay, but I'm doing better than I was yesterday."

[8:30 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Why don't we talk about one thing at a time so it doesn't feel overwhelming?" She rubs her hand up and down Seir's back. "Let's start with the 'weird things' that's been going on - other than my consistent nightmares."

[8:35 PM] Seirixori: "Aside from the Kola thing?" Seir smiles and relaxes slightly, "The weird stuff in the forest. I really want to know what was going on but it seemed just out of my reach every time I got close and it's driving me crazy that I can't figure out what it was, or who it was."

[8:38 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Releasing Seir when she feels her relax. Ryleigh's brows furrow together, like she's putting something together, then she says, "You woke me each time... from the nightmares... it was always on your watch..."(edited)

[8:41 PM] Seirixori: "I know! The last time I couldn't tell if someone wanted me away from the camp to get to you guys or they just wanted me and I am really frustrated about it." Nearly her entire face pulls into a pouty frown.(edited)

[8:43 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Wait... what do you mean you were away from camp? Like you left the campfire during watch?"

[8:45 PM] Seirixori: Seir cringes slightly, "Uhhh, yes. Not-- not too far, but I didn't want to wake anyone in case it was just a case of an animal having dinner."

[8:50 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh closes her eyes and exhales through her nose. "We're going to stick a pin in that and come back to it later. What was it that drew you away from camp?"

[8:56 PM] Seirixori: "A-a noise mostly. Of an animal in distress, but the second time it-- it sounded more like an imitation than an actual animal. I sent some friends to go looking but they didn't notice anything strange. I--it's why I think maybe they wanted me away from camp because I don't-- of course I would go--" Seir grabs her tail and starts twisting it in her hands, "What the fuck is going on!?"

[8:59 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Then Courage shows up the next day," Ryleigh says, reaching out to take Seir's hand so she stops nervously twisting her tail.

[8:59 PM] DM: "Who?"

[9:02 PM] Seirixori: "A tiefling...who claimed a group of human men took all of her things." Seir sighs. "And we came back with her...who said she was going South."

[9:03 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh quirks an eyebrow. "You don't believe her?"

[9:04 PM] DM: Rukiya chuckles. "You did? You don't believe anyone about anything."

[9:05 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Biting her lip, Ryleigh picks at the blanket on her bed.

[9:07 PM] Seirixori: Seir starts chewing on her lip, "N--not anymore."

[9:08 PM] DM: Rukiya rolls her eyes and stands. "I'll make breakfast since you're both so eager to chew on something."

[9:09 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh rolls her eyes, but catches Rukiya's hand before she gets too far and brings it to her lips, letting go a moment later.

[9:09 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: She turns back to Seir. "What do you mean not anymore?"

[9:15 PM] Seirixori: "Um... she was hovering over you the other night, before I came back. And then last night..." Seir trails off with a sigh and reluctantly continues, "I needed to do something last night so I went to see if I could maybe over hear anyone talking about taking stuff from a tiefling but when that didn't work out I wanted to see where Courage went and I found my bag in an alley...and her scent led me here." She ends in a whisper.(edited)

[9:21 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh's mouth opens and closes a few times, like she's at a loss for words. Eventually she looks away from Seir, and turns her head to Rukiya. "*L'auorphiem*, when you found me yesterday... you didn't happen to see anyone hanging around in the hallway or... or anything did you?"

[9:22 PM] DM: Rukiya shakes her head from the stove. "No. And the door was still locked."

[9:29 PM] Seirixori: "It-it-- the smell--was strongest at a back wall, but there wasn't anywhere to go, no doors or windows."

[9:30 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh buries her face in her hands. "Damnit. I was so tired that I didn't think to take an alternative route home, or bother to check if I was being followed. Then the other night... I... I shared with her because I... she looked so much like Clemency I just... I forgot myself."

[9:31 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I accidentally fell asleep while I was waiting for Rukiya to get here... Gods, I'm such an idiot. Maybe she's the reason I was having nightmares."

[9:34 PM] Seirixori: "I didn't... I didn't want to tell you because I didn't want you to," Seir fishes around for the right words, "I didn't want you to beat yourself up over opening up to someone."

[9:34 PM] DM: Rukiya sets breakfast on the table and gives Ryleigh a sympathetic look.

[9:38 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "There's a reason I don't open up and this is it. Any detail I share is something someone can and will use against me," Ryleigh says, her tone caught someone between hurt and anger.

[9:43 PM] Seirixori: "I don't think it would have mattered." Seir whispers, taking Ry's hand and helping her up to bring her over to the food. "Someone could watch--someone might have been watching us for a while now. How else would they know the easiest way to pull me away?" Seir frowns, "Sorry, that probably doesn't help."

[9:47 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh allows herself to be pulled over to the food, but she doesn't take a seat, instead motioning for Rukiya and Seirixori to. Choosing to pace rather than eat. "She was definitely a tiefling... I used my divine sense in the forest to make sure."(edited)

[9:49 PM] DM: "Is it only tieflings that look like that?"

[9:53 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "No, any kind of fiend would glow red." Ryleigh sighs and leans against the wall. "I didn't think to question her fear... or the supposed humans who attacked her, or of me... I just..." Ryleigh groans in frustration before whispering "... what's wrong with me."

[9:56 PM] DM: Rukiya stands and hugs Ry, resting her head on Ry's shoulder. "There's nothing wrong with you. You aren't at fault."

[9:57 PM] Seirixori: Seir let's out a dry laugh, "People lie all the time."

[10:00 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh deflates at Rukiya's touch, a lot of the tension leaving her body. She takes a deep calming breath. "It's my job to know when people are lying."

[10:03 PM] DM: Rukiya leans back a bit to catch Ry's eye and pointedly says, "And you're *very* good at it... but that doesn't mean someone else isn't better. Stop beating yourself up, have some breakfast and put some clothes on so I can think better, and we'll all figure this out."

[10:04 PM] Seirixori: "She's smarter too." Seir teases with a grin, bringing up their previous conversation.

[10:07 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh chuckles at Rukiya's comment, her face relaxing in process. "I'm not exactly naked," she says moving away from Rukiya's embrace to put on a shirt and pants, so she isn't parading around in her under garments.

[10:08 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Switching languages Ryleigh says something to Rukiya in elven as she dresses, but her tone is light and playful.(edited)

[10:12 PM] Seirixori: Seir mutters to herself while pushing around the food on the plate in front of her, something about elven and dwarven.

[10:12 PM] DM: Rukiya replies with a smirk before returning to the table.

[10:15 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh blushes, her cheeks reddening significantly. Unable to find the right words, she just sputters and doesn't reply. Instead, Ryleigh walks over to the food and elbow nudges Seir. "She's also a good cook, you should eat."(edited)

[10:18 PM] Seirixori: Seir takes a bite and frowns slightly, but doesn't say anything.

[10:19 PM] DM: Rukiya laughs softly, "No, it's probably not as good as your wife's."

[10:20 PM] Seirixori: Seir's face reddens, "S-sorry it-- it isn't bad. I'm just not that hungry."(edited)

[10:23 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "*Homashoc*, you need to eat. You haven't really eaten anything since... " Ryleigh’s face screws up like she's trying to remember when Seir actually ate a decent sized meal last "...how long has it been since you’ve eaten?"(edited)

[10:27 PM] Seirixori: Seir looks down at the food in front of her, still moving it around haphazardly, "I--I've eaten. You know Gunnloda wouldn't let me not eat."

[10:31 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "A few bites of jerky or a sandwich isn't eating Seirixori." Ryleigh's face is concerned. "What's going on with-" before she can finish, Ryleigh remembers "-oh... oh, Seirixori. I'm... I'm so sorry, I completely forgot. I was so wrapped up in my nightmares and lack of sleep."

[10:39 PM] Seirixori: She puts the fork down with a sigh, "It's okay, really. I wasn't sure I wanted the company and Gunnloda was there to listen to me cry about it."

[6:45 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh moves to Seir's side, resting a hand on her shoulder. "Is that why you were quiet on the trip back? Why you haven't been eating? Because of the anniversary."

[6:47 PM] Seirixori: "Mostly, yes."

[6:52 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Not taking care of yourself isn't what they would have wanted, *homashoc*."

[6:56 PM] Seirixori: Seir shrugs, "Maybe, but I think they'd be okay with the fact that it's better than before."

[7:01 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Will you at least eat what's on your plate?" Ryleigh shuffles a little before leaning in to press a kiss to Seir's forehead and whispering, "I need you..."(edited)

[7:05 PM] Seirixori: "I'll try," Seir manages, as her eyes tear up. She slowly moves the food around taking a small bite for now. "Do you think maybe Courage was just making sure you were okay?" She asks quietly after finally managing to swallow the food.

[7:10 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh quirks her head, her eyebrows drawing together. "W-why would she?"

[7:17 PM] Seirixori: "I don't know, she asked a few times if you'd be okay." Seir continues to push around her food, "and I don't want to be like everyone else, thinking she's automatically doing wrong..."

[7:25 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I..." Ryleigh sighs "...I want that to be true."

[7:27 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Maybe I want it to be true because I don't want to admit that I was wrong about her..."

[7:30 PM] DM: Rukiya puts her hand on Ryleigh's shoulder. "Then we should figure out what's happening. What do you know?"

[7:35 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh takes Rukiya's hand, lacing their fingers together. "I wouldn't even know where to start. Seirixori said the trail ended."

[7:38 PM] Seirixori: "It was kind of hard to pick out once I got over here. She wanted to head South though, but I-- I don't really know more than that. I-- I wasn't there if you guys talked to her when we camped out."(edited)

[7:39 PM] DM: "Start from the beginning."

[7:47 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "We stumbled upon a tiefling in the woods on our way back from the temple. When we made camp, she mostly asked questions and I answered. I didn't question her because..." Ryleigh shifts uncomfortably "...you both know it comes off like an interrogation, and she had already made it clear that she was afraid of me."

[7:47 PM] DM: "You said you used your divine sense on her?"

[7:49 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Yes, but I'm not sure how that'll help us."

[7:55 PM] DM: Rukiya shrugs. "You were worried about her not being who she said she was. I can't help if I don't know everything. Why did you use it if you trusted her?" She smirks a little. "Or were you just spying on your friends again?"

[8:00 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I didn't trust her. I just believed that she was attacked by a group of humans. Of course, I would believe that... without question. And that's what makes me worry."

[8:02 PM] DM: "Was there anything strange about your meeting?"

[8:04 PM] Seirixori: "She said she hid when she heard us coming. And she had nothing on her." Seir says around another bite of food.

[8:05 PM] DM: Rukiya scrunches her eyebrows a bit. "Is that a tiefling thing?"

[8:06 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh chuckles.

[8:06 PM] Seirixori: Seir starts laughing.

[8:07 PM] Seirixori: "I-I don't think so."

[8:07 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I can't speak about all tieflings but the ones who raised me didn't usually walk around naked."

[8:09 PM] DM: "She was naked, and she said that it was because humans attacked her? Who takes someone's clothes?"

[8:13 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh brings Rukiya's hand to her lips to press a kiss there. "Worse things happen to tieflings where I'm from, but I suppose that is odd. When people rob someone, they don't normally take their clothes."

[8:14 PM] DM: Rukiya nods solemnly. "Unless there's a reason for it."

[8:14 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "You mean like she was wearing enchanted armor or something?"

[8:17 PM] DM: Rukiya just gives her a look like oh sweet summer child. "It's possible."

[8:17 PM] DM: "...but you also wear clothes under your armor."

[8:18 PM] DM: "However, if I was wearing clothes that said something about myself that I wanted to hide, I'd have to remove them. It's why I don't wear anything with symbols on it."

[8:20 PM] Seirixori: "We could always go back and check the area? I--" Seir frowns, "I wish I'd followed her instead of going back and talking about where we should go next. This got strangely complicated."

[8:24 PM] DM: Rukiya laughs. "Isn't everything with your group?"

[8:25 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Gods it feels like it," Ryleigh says, smiling.

[8:26 PM] DM: "Did she tell you anything about herself?"

[8:27 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Just that she was attacked by a group of humans who took everything from her and that she was headed south once she reached the Long Road."

[8:28 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "...although... she didn't know that the Long Road is also called the Spine of the World. I thought that was weird."

[8:29 PM] DM: "Did she do anything out of the ordinary?"

[8:33 PM] Seirixori: "Aside from the backpack thing, not that I can think of."

[8:35 PM] DM: "You said she was hovering over Ryleigh?"

[8:36 PM] Seirixori: "Oh, yes. That too. That's... that's when I started to get a little more um... when I started paying more attention."

[8:40 PM] DM: "Like... flying, hovering?"

[8:43 PM] Seirixori: "Sorry, no, she was just leaning over her," Seir tilts her head, "But... she was surprised when I walked up and said something. And that's... actually, that's probably the weirdest thing."

[8:44 PM] Seirixori: "Like she didn't hear me."

[8:44 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh's eyebrows draw together again.

[8:46 PM] DM: "Did you see her use magic at any point?"

[8:47 PM] Seirixori: "I don't believe so. It was pretty quiet on the way back."(edited)

[8:50 PM] DM: "And you said you thought you were being lured away from camp?"

[8:52 PM] Seirixori: "I think so. I don't know why else someone would pretend to be an injured animal."

[8:52 PM] DM: "But you didn't find anything."

[8:55 PM] Seirixori: "It happened before we ran into her too. I didn't know what it was then, either." Seir shakes her head, "No and I sent out a bunch of owl's too, but nothing."

[8:58 PM] DM: "What happened when you got back to Riverrun?"

[9:07 PM] Seirixori: "We... we kind of split. Ryleigh came here, Courage went South, Urrak went to talk to the lady about the people we found in the temple, and the rest of us went home." She shakes her head, "We got churros then went home and I was asking Brimeia where she was from so we could maybe go there next." Seir starts pushing the food around again, "I--I was worried about Ryleigh and Gunnloda said you were here but I was too anxious and had to do something so I wanted to see if maybe I could find the guys Courage mentioned. Just to point them out later, but when that didn't work I tried to see what direction she went in and that's when I found my bag and followed the scent here."(edited)

[9:07 PM] DM: "You knew her scent?"

[9:19 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh laughs lightly, watching the exchange between Seirixori and Rukiya.

[9:20 PM] Seirixori: "Yes? I uh-- I mean, uh... I can do that?" Seir's brow furrows, "Wait, no." Seir groans, "*raunn a oarl oa acaa*'." She runs her hands down her face, and keeps them there, "It wasn't her. I lost it, her smell, it changed, but I knew the smell." Seir starts cursing to herself in infernal before she continues again, "I knew whatever it was, and I followed it and then it kind of changed again, but more like something was added to it." Seir's eyes tear up and it's a mixture of frustration and anger at herself, "*raunn*, I'm fucking everything up."

[9:21 PM] DM: Rukiya reaches out and covers Seir's hand with hers. "Hey. You're doing great. The more you can remember, the better, but you're not at fault here either."

[9:22 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "She's right, *homashoc*." Ryleigh reiterates. "What was the scent and how'd it change?"

[9:28 PM] Seirixori: Seir's face reddens just slightly, "It was-- I mean, I... I was just more familiar with the smell, not-- it was fire and earth, sulfur and the smell of the deep forest and the rot of vegetation...and later it got more swampy."

[9:30 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Sulfur?" Ryleigh says aloud, her mind working furiously. "Didn't the guy who hired the bull blues to take on that mission say that the woman who hired him smelled like sulfur and decay."

[9:32 PM] DM: "It's not an uncommon smell when dealing with pure fiends and those who work with or for them. Tieflings don't live in the Hells or the Abyss, so they don't retain the smell as much... unless they have a particularly strong affinity for using hellfire."

[9:34 PM] DM: Rukiya sighs. "There are a lot of creatures that can change their shapes. Depending on how they do it, it could change their smell as well."

[9:36 PM] DM: Rukiya thinks for a minute. "Ryleigh... your dreams. Were they different from the ones you usually have?"

9:38 PM] DM: "Like did they seem implanted from someone or like something you were already afraid of?"

[9:39 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh sighs, shaking her head. "They were things I'm already afraid of."

[9:41 PM] DM: "So it was more a trigger than a mind control or dream spell."

[9:42 PM] DM: "And you're the only one who was affected?"

[9:43 PM] Seirixori: "No one else said anything..." Seir trails off, thinking.

[9:45 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Yes and I'm pretty sure it was just me. They were definitely triggered nightmares - always relevant to something that happened that day or that I talked about."

[9:47 PM] DM: She nods like it's confirmation of a thought rather than new information. "I think... if I were a fiend who wanted to corrupt someone, you'd be the juiciest target. They like holy people, whether by choice or blood, but those who are faithful are the biggest targets. Something about the depth of the fall."

[9:48 PM] DM: "And if I were able to shape shift to cover my smell and make myself seem more innocent so that I could get closer to you... but I didn't have better clothes, I'd probably ditch them and come up with a believable story why I'm in the woods naked. Or at least a sympathetic one."

[9:48 PM] DM: "And if I thought you were able to sense auras, I'd want my aura to match my costume."

[9:50 PM] Seirixori: Seir's tail starts wrapping around the chair she's sitting in, "...do you think it has anything to do with Brimeia?"

[9:51 PM] DM: "I don't think so, but," she says, turning back to Ryleigh, "I think you may want to talk to Lydia or Gunnloda about a protection spell. You might have caught the eye of a night hag. Or a coven. The other two could have been trying to pull the party away from camp to get to you."

[9:52 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh rubs her hands over her face. "But there's nothing special about me... why would anyone target a low level paladin."

[9:53 PM] Seirixori: Seir rolls her eyes, "*Na'auiy noaroaca*."(edited)

[9:56 PM] DM: She shrugs. "You might have just walked by at the wrong time. My... father used to tell me stories about them... they'd give you nightmares so you couldn't sleep until you either snapped and did something terrible that corrupts you or you die and they keep your soul. "

[9:57 PM] Seirixori: "Do you not remember the temple of undead things where you decided that you were suddenly *the* paladin of Asten and killed everything?"

[9:58 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Dropping her hands, Ryleigh's eyes widen.

[9:58 PM] DM: Rukiya looks at Ry with an eyebrow raised.

[10:00 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: She glances between them both and groans. "I did kill everything though and I didn't get that hurt."

[10:00 PM] Seirixori: "Not everything."

[10:00 PM] DM: Rukiya just gives her a look. "Ryleigh..."

[10:00 PM] Seirixori: "And I still think you just got lucky."

[10:00 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Okay, Gunnloda and I killed everything."

[10:01 PM] Seirixori: "Again, not everything. We don't know for sure what Kola was doing or what the person in there was doing. The wards were gone."

[10:03 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "*L'auorphiem*, it isn't... it wasn't..." Ryleigh stops and exhales "...I was trying to explain to Seirixori that destroying undead is what paladins do, I'm trained to do exactly what I did at the temple."

[10:03 PM] Seirixori: Seir crosses her arms and gives Ry a look, "Would you like to tell her the other thing, or do you want me to?"

[10:05 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "You mean that we saved a unicorn and fought some devils on the way?" Ryleigh looks at Seir hopefully.

[10:07 PM] Seirixori: Seir grins, and leans forward, "Rukiya, if you found a room with a table in it and a circle surrounding it on the floor with different symbols drawn around it... and a creepy undead person tells you to jump on the table... would you?" Seir's eyes don't leave Ryleigh's.

[10:09 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I got caught up in the moment," Ryleigh urgently says, "and it didn't matter because we finished her anyway."

[10:14 PM] DM: Rukiya's voice drops to a near whisper and her brows draw together, sadness and hurt in her eyes. "... you didn't... Ryleigh... you..." She closes her eyes for a moment, then apparently decides that's not enough, so she stands and walks away from the table.

[10:15 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Fuck," Ryleigh whispers, her hands covering her face again.

[10:16 PM] Seirixori: "Sorry," Seir whispers. "Mostly."

[10:18 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "It's not your fault... it's mine," Ryleigh mumbles to Seirixori, adding, "would you wait in the hall for a moment, please?"(edited)

[10:21 PM] Seirixori: "Okay," Seir moves to the hall and sits on the floor and starts to anxiously pick at her fingernails

[10:24 PM] DM: Rukiya's sitting on the far edge of the bed, pulling her boots on.

[10:26 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh moves to her, kneeling down in front of her, she's careful not to touch Rukiya. "I was reckless. I know... I know this is a soft spot for you, but please don't leave. Let me explain."

[10:29 PM] DM: She looks up from her boot. Her eyes are red with unshed tears. "I'm not leaving. *We* are. I can't be mad at you while you're still in danger, so we're going to go talk to Lydia or Gunnloda or whoever can protect you. *Then*..." She trails off, her voice catching in her throat. "Ryleigh, you promised me."

[10:36 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "And I came back to you, I always will, because I have you to come back too." Ryleigh sighs heavily. "I made a mistake, *l'auorphiem*; and trust me, Seirixori already scolded me for it. I admit that it was reckless, and she already yelled at me. I promised her I'd be more conscious about it in the future."(edited)

[10:38 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I got caught up in being 'the Asten paladin' ... I'm sorry."

[10:40 PM] DM: "I know what you do... what we both do comes with some risk. Don't add to it. I can't bear to lose you too."

[10:42 PM] DM: "You already come home in pieces more often than not."

[10:46 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh reaches out to cup Rukiya's cheeks. "I know, *l'auorphiem*. I'm sorry, I'm so sorry. I won't be so impulsive next time... I just got carried away. It won't happen again, because I can't bear to leave you."(edited)

[10:49 PM] DM: Rukiya leans forward and wraps her arms around Ryleigh, holding her like she might slip away.

[10:56 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh's arms come up around Rukiya, whispering, "I'll fight tooth and nail to get back to you, because I made you a promise, because I swore an oath to you, and I'm not going anywhere," Her tone lightens, "At least not until you grow tired of me and my stupidity."

[10:58 PM] DM: She stays like that for several moments before sniffling and pulling back saying, "Get dressed. You've left Seirixori in the hall long enough. But I'm still mad at you."

[10:59 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Okay, I'll grovel more later," Ryleigh says with a small smile, before moving to get dressed.(edited)

[4:40 PM] DM: So a dressed Ryfika comes out of the apartment. The evidence of upset is all but gone from Rukiya's face unless you know what to look for. Where are you going?

## Temple of Asten

4:42 PM] DM: Ryleigh leads the way down the road and through town to the Asten temple. The group teleported here from Rodoza, so the temple with the large everburning torch outside is at least recognizable if not familiar.

[4:45 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Let's talk to Lydia first, then if she can't help me, we can see if Gunnloda can," Ryleigh says walking into the temple.

[4:49 PM] DM: Inside, the temple is warm and lit with a golden glow that seems to come from everywhere and nowhere at once. There are sculptures set into the walls and columns, most of which depict a handsome man. Many have crowns of glowing golden light or magical burning torches. As you walk through, you can also see a large fresco covering one wall of Asten, sun-crown blazing as he rides his pegasus in battle against the forces of literal darkness.

[4:50 PM] Seirixori: "*Fancy*," Seir whispers as she looks around.

[4:51 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh chuckles as she looks around for Lydia.

[4:53 PM] DM: As you enter, a woman wearing white and gold robes with the same symbol Ryleigh wears on her skirt steps out of a room near the altar and smiles towards Ryleigh. She's human with golden hair braided around her head as if mimicking the sun-crown on Asten's. "Ryleigh. Glad to see you've returned."

[4:59 PM] Seirixori: Seir leans over to whisper to Rukiya, "Do they have a... look going for people who follow Asten?"(edited)

[5:00 PM] DM: Rukiya laughs.

[4:55 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "It was an eventful trip," Ryleigh answers, smiling, "that's actually why I'm here. I wanted to ask about the temple we found and some strange things that have been happening to me since we left it."

[4:58 PM] DM: Lydia: "Of course. Would you like to sit?"

[5:00 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh still looks fatigued and has dark circles under her eyes. "Yes, I'd like to sit."(edited)

[5:02 PM] DM: She leads you all to the back where there's a table and chairs for the acolytes and gestures for everyone to sit.

[5:03 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: As they all take a seat, Ryleigh says, "I'm sorry, I've forgotten my manners. This is my friend Seirixori and my girlfriend, Rukiya."

[5:04 PM] Seirixori: Seir gives her usual tiny wave.

[5:04 PM] DM: Lydia smiles and nods at each. "I am Lydia, the Lightbearer here."

[5:09 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "We stumbled upon a temple in the woods north of here. It was very old and covered in holy symbols I'd never seen. It had been desecrated and was infected with undead. My guild destroyed what evil was there, but we couldn't get more information on the place because Betrex sent her champion to 'observe' us."(edited)

[5:11 PM] DM: Lydia: "Was it Betrex's?"

[5:12 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "No, or if it was, it wasn't marked with her symbol. I'm convinced that if we had tried to dig deeper on what the temple was or why it was there, her champion wouldn't have let us."(edited)

[5:15 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh pulls some parchment towards her, taking a pen and drawing the symbols she saw around the temple. "This is the symbol we saw at the temple."

[5:16 PM] DM: Lydia looks at it for a moment but shakes her head. "It doesn't look familiar to me."

[5:17 PM] Seirixori: "I can ask Takara later, if you want." Seir mutters, trying not to doze off.(edited)

[5:18 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "You probably should," Ryleigh says, handing the paper to Seir, "don't forget to tell her about Gunnloda's aura and Kola."

[5:21 PM] DM: Rukiya: "I can check them against the symbols of the gods of the north at the Temple of Vydea. If it was an ancient temple, they could be related."

[5:21 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "That'd be helpful. I know Kola was hiding something... I just don't know what."

[5:23 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Turning her attention back to Lydia, Ryleigh says, "When we left the temple and started our journey home, I began having nightmares. I had them every time I tried to fall asleep, and they were bad enough that I didn't rest for nearly three days." Ryleigh sighs. "That's actually why we're here. These two seem to think I might be under a curse or caught the eye of some evil while in the northern woods."

[5:25 PM] Seirixori: "I don't know about the others, but any time my watch came up there was always something that seemed like it was calling me away. And when I came back..." Seir motions to Ry.

[5:27 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "...I was always stuck inside a nightmare," Ryleigh finishes for her.(edited)

[5:27 PM] DM: Rukiya: "It sounded like a night hag to me. A fiend who caused nightmares and sought out a holy target."

[5:28 PM] DM: Lydia frowns and stands to walk to Ryleigh. "May I?"

[5:29 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh nods her permission.

[5:34 PM] DM: Lydia stands behind Ryleigh and places her hands gently on her shoulders and closes her eyes to say a prayer, just barely loud enough for anyone to hear. "Lord of Light, shine your truth into the dark corners of this world and show me where I might spread your warmth to help and heal."

[5:36 PM] DM: She opens her eyes and looks down, leaning back to better examine Ryleigh and narrows her eyes as they scan her chest. "I see the problem. I can help with the damage caused, though I cannot tell you what exactly caused it. I may be able to prevent it from happening again tonight. It appears your life force itself is being siphoned away."

[5:38 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh's eyebrows draw together in worry, she nods again. "Anything you can do to help would be appreciated."

[5:42 PM] DM: She places her hands back on Ryleigh's shoulders and says another prayer, again referring to the Lord of Light and his warmth. A golden glow spreads from her hands that slowly works its way across Ryleigh's body before melting into her skin. (and you can regain your normal max hp) She finishes her prayer with a request for protection against the dark forces that seek to harm one of Asten's own children, then raises her head and gives Ryleigh's shoulder a slight squeeze before returning to her own seat.

[5:45 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Feeling some of the fatigue leave her body, Ryleigh gives a faint smile before saying, "Thank you."

[5:45 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I know you can't tell me what caused the problem, but... is there something that usually causes it? I assume you've seen this before."

[5:49 PM] DM: Lydia shakes her head. "I've seen life drain, but it can have many causes from spells to monsters." She nods to Rukiya. "She may be right about a hag. I'm not well versed in fey."

[5:51 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Thank you," Ryleigh repeats to Lydia, taking Rukiya's hand in hers and lightly squeezing it before letting it go.

[5:51 PM] DM: Lydia: "Of course. Is there anything else I can do for you?"

[5:54 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh stands, shaking her head 'no' but stops. "Actually... have you ever heard of someone's aura changing?"

[5:54 PM] DM: "Aura?"

[5:55 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "The light in fiends, celestials, and such..."

[5:58 PM] DM: "Oh! ...well, no? It's all racial, isn't it? Unless you die and become undead." She narrows her eyes and looks up, thinking. "Some champions might develop one, but I don't know if that's a champion thing or if it's just that they were already celestial-born."

[5:59 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh nods and smiles softly. "I hadn't heard of it happening either, I just thought I'd ask you, since you're more well versed."(edited)

[5:02 PM] DM: As the conversation comes to a close and the three of you leave Asten's temple, Rukiya stops outside. "I'll go check the temple's library for the symbols for you."

[5:05 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh shifts from one foot to the other, unsurely asking, "Will you come back to my apartment when you're done?"

[5:08 PM] DM: Rukiya tilts her head at Ryleigh then takes her hand and with a soft smile that turns into a smirk by the end of the sentence, she says, "Even if I'm upset, I'm not going to let my sleeping buddy suffer."

[5:11 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Looking a little relieved, Ryleigh nods. "Okay. I'm going to make sure Seirixori gets home okay... she's not used to not getting sleep," she chuckles out the last part. Ryleigh pulls Rukiya close and presses a kiss to her forehead. "I'll see you soon."

[5:11 PM] Seirixori: "Hey," Seir says half-heartedly.

[5:12 PM] DM: "Sleep well, Seirixori," Rukiya says as she heads south.

## Seiryleigh

5:13 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Come on, homashoc, let's get you home." Ryleigh starts walking towards the guild hall.(edited)

[5:13 PM] Seirixori: "Okay," Seir says quietly as she follows.

[5:15 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: As they walk Ryleigh says, "Earlier... when you told Rukiya what happened the at temple... that wasn't your place."

[5:16 PM] Seirixori: "I'm sorry," it's quiet again, and you can tell it isn't from being tired.

[5:18 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I know you meant well. I know you were just trying to make sure I didn't do it again, but I literally went home and fell asleep. I hadn't had the chance to tell Rukiya anything and she had to hear it from you... it should have came from me."

[5:20 PM] Seirixori: "I--sorry." She repeats.

[5:24 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh sighs heavily. "I know you are, and I'm not trying to make you feel bad, I just want you to understand." She reaches out to take Seir's hand. "She's the only person I don't keep secrets from... I would have told her - eventually, but with more tact because... as you saw, she's sensitive about it."

[5:28 PM] Seirixori: Seir clutches Ry's hand once it's in hers, like it's a lifeline. "Okay."

[5:31 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Pulling Seir to a stop, Ryleigh hugs her close, whispering, "I've forgotten what it's like to have family, but I promise to be better and not do reckless things that worry you or her."(edited)

[5:34 PM] Seirixori: Seir chokes on a sob, clutching Ryleigh to her, "I'm s--sorry. And you-- you could have died and we wouldn't have known why."(edited)

[5:43 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh runs her hand up and down Seir's back, keeping her close. "It's okay, *homashoc*, I'm right here - alive. Rukiya was very adamant about making sure I was okay. She wouldn't have let me carry on with the nightmares..."

[5:46 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Not waiting for an answer, Ryleigh scoops Seir up and carries her the rest of the way to guild hall.

[5:47 PM] Seirixori: Seir only let's out a weak protest, not really able to do much more as she continues crying.

[5:49 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Once they reach the guildhall, Ryleigh carries Seir up the stairs and to her room, setting her down on her bed and taking a seat next to her.

[5:51 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: She gently runs her hand through Seir's hair, softly asking, "Do you want me to go get Gunnloda?"

[5:52 PM] Seirixori: "P-please," She manages but she keeps her tight grip on Ryleigh.

[5:54 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh leans down and presses a kiss to Seir's forehead. "I'll be right back okay? I promise." Waiting for Seir to loosen her grip.

[5:55 PM] Seirixori: Seir nods and it doesn't happen right away, but she does eventually let go.

[5:56 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Moving very quickly, Ryleigh heads to the kitchens, assuming Gunnloda is probably there.

[5:56 PM] DM: She is. Cleaning up after baking.

[5:58 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Gunnloda. Seirixori needs you... she's upset," Ryleigh says quickly, holding the door open for Gunnloda.

[5:59 PM] DM: Gunnloda follows as quick as her little legs allow. "Somethin' wrong?"

[6:01 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "We went to the temple of Asten and found out my nightmares were really a curse... a night hag or something... I could have died. I think it triggered everything that happened a few days ago for her," Ryleigh says, climbing the stairs and opening the door for Gunnloda.(edited)

[6:01 PM] Seirixori: Seir's on the floor now, on her knees hunched over and sobbing.

[6:04 PM] DM: Gunnloda keels next to her and wraps her arms around her, casting Calm Emotions.

[6:06 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh takes up a spot where she can run her hand up and down Seir's back or through her hair.

[6:10 PM] Seirixori: Seir's sobbing lessens but she's still crying, "I-- I'm s--sorry."

[6:11 PM] DM: Gunnloda: "Take your time, *sor'odko*."

[6:13 PM] Seirixori: "You you could h-have died and R-Ravaphine and Nolanos left and Urrak was going to l-leave. We-we're going to be close to my mother and I--what if, what if she doesn't--" Seir buries her face in Gunnloda's shoulder, "What if she doesn't want to see me?"

[6:14 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "That's nonsense," Ryleigh says, "of course she would want to see you."(edited)

[6:15 PM] DM: Gunnloda: "Why wouldn't she?"

[6:18 PM] Seirixori: "I don't know, I don't know." She continues crying, the spell helped, but she's in pretty bad shape. "I don't know anything."

[6:20 PM] DM: Gunnloda: "Worst case, you'll just have to settle for me'n'Ryleigh and Takara and maybe Mielikki as your family. Would that be so bad?"

[6:21 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh continues to run her hand slowly up and down Seir's back, but stays quiet while Seir works through things.

[6:26 PM] Seirixori: "N-no but..." she shakes her head, "I m-miss her, I miss her and there's so much..."

[6:26 PM] DM: "So much what?"

[6:32 PM] Seirixori: "So much I don't know." The tears are still there but she's breathing better, "Mi-Mielikki-- I was with her for-- for four years and I-- if I'd known I never would have-- I kept leaving."

[6:34 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "It isn't your fault she didn't tell you, *homashoc*," Ryleigh softly says.

[6:39 PM] DM: "Whatever their reasons for what they do, they are theirs and not your fault."

[6:45 PM] Seirixori: Seir nods like she's listening but she's still crying and pulls Gunnloda with her as she sits.

[6:48 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I don't think we should go to Shasem... you aren't ready and I won't lose you because you're distracted or hurt."

[6:52 PM] Seirixori: "No, no." Seir shakes her head, "If we keep-- if we keep delaying it I won't stop thinking about it." Seir sniffs, "I'm so tired of not knowing. Please, Ryleigh, I've been trying to find her for so long."(edited)

[6:59 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Looking unconvinced, Ryleigh bites her lips. "*Homashoc*, please... you've waited this long... what's another month?"

[7:00 PM] DM: Gunnloda looks over Seir's shoulder at Ryleigh. "Would it be so bad to start lookin'? It's not like we're gonna just teleport inta her kitchen."

[7:01 PM] Seirixori: Seir snorts into a laugh, "She wouldn't even be in one."

[7:04 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh looks mildly offended. "I would never let us walk into a different country without researching it first. I just... " she sighs.

[7:08 PM] Seirixori: "Ryleigh-- I won't-- honestly, I won't ever be ready. But at least-- at least this way it'll be on-- on my terms."  Seir takes a shaky breath, "Everything else has--has exploded in my face, I don't want this to as well."

[7:10 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "But is it on your terms? I know everyone wants to go to Shasem to figure out what's wrong with Brimeia... and if you can tell me that you honestly want to go for you and not for her, then okay, we'll go to Shasem."

[7:15 PM] Seirixori: "It's either there or Limabey. And I know Mielikki isn't going anywhere." Seir looks up and into Ryleigh's eyes, determined. "I may not know why she's there, and it's possible she won't be there when we get there, but this is the first lead I've had. So please, I want to do this."

[7:20 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh cups Seirixori's cheek, nodding her head. "Okay... alright. I don't like it, but it's not about me. I'm just worried for you."

[7:24 PM] Seirixori: Seir places her hand over Ryleigh's, "Thank you," she whispers, closing her eyes and sagging in relief and exhaustion. "I woke up too early."

[7:29 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Pressing forward, Ryleigh puts her forehead to Seir's briefly, before pulling back to say, "You should get back into bed and sleep. I know I need more of it."(edited)

[7:30 PM] DM: Gunnloda doesn't even say anything. She just crawls into the bed, sitting against the headboard, and makes grabby hands towards Seir to gesture for her to lay down.

[7:35 PM] Seirixori: "I know I said it already, but I really am sorry about telling Rukiya." Seir mumbles as she crawls into bed and to Gunnloda.

[7:38 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh stands, and gives Seir a smile. "I know you are, but please don't dwell on it, her and I - we'll work it out."

[7:38 PM] Seirixori: "'Kay," she mutters as she falls asleep.

[7:39 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh leaves, closing the door behind her quietly.

## Ryfika at the Temple of Vydea and Ry's Apartment

[6:39 PM] DM: The Temple of Vydea is a huge, pyramid-shaped structure with a light beam that pierces through the sky from the top. The temple houses the largest library on the continent staffed by blue robed acolytes of the goddess. The one who greets you today is a half-elf, as many are, and she smiles and leads you to the section of the library that contains religious texts and commentaries. She stands nearby, waiting to escort you once you're finished.

[6:40 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Rukiya isn't there?

[6:40 PM] DM: You don't immediately see her, but the section is large.

[6:41 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh wanders the section, hoping to spot Rukiya.

[6:44 PM] DM: After a few minutes, Ryleigh hears her familiar voice just behind her. "Didn't take you for the library type."

[6:50 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh chuckles at the comment. "I may not be the smartest, but I do read." She turns to face Rukiya and taps her own chin in thought. "Unlike *someone* there wasn't a lot of stress on my education."

[6:51 PM] DM: Rukiya's now dressed in the same blue robes as the acolytes here and the woman who was helping you is gone. "Can I help you find something?"

[6:55 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh looks around, then steps into Rukiya's space, leaning in to say, "A dictionary."

[6:56 PM] DM: She raises her eyebrow and tilts her head. "A dictionary?"

[6:57 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Just kidding, I don't need a dictionary because you already add meaning to my life," Ryleigh rushes to say with a smile, placing a quick peck to Rukiya's cheek.(edited)

[7:01 PM] DM: Rukiya rolls her eyes and smiles. "You know, you're not supposed to touch the acolytes." She nods her head, gesturing elsewhere. "I found something you might find interesting." She leads Ryleigh a couple rows over, pulls a book from the shelf, then leads her to a private study room-- much like the one the group had used when researching werewolves. She shuts the door behind her after Ryleigh enters.

[7:04 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "You already found something?" Ryleigh says, clearly impressed.

[7:08 PM] DM: "Not much... yet." She flips open the book and thumbs through a few pages until Ryleigh sees a symbol very similar to the one she saw over the altar. This one has a more fanged jaw and the red behind it is a droplet shape.

[7:09 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh looks over the page, reading what's written.

[7:10 PM] DM: All it says is "Blood of Vol." This is more a book of symbols than any sort of encyclopedia.

[7:10 PM] DM: It is surrounded by other symbols and names, none of which are familiar.

[7:12 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Jotting the names down and quickly drawing the other symbols, Ryleigh asks, "At least that's one of the symbols we saw at the temple. Blood of Vol..."

[7:14 PM] DM: Rukiya hums as she runs her hand over the small of Ry's back and leaves it there. "I was about to look for information on them when I spotted you. I thought you were going back to your place to sleep."

[7:17 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I probably should have." Ryleigh sighs and tries to shrug nonchalantly. "I'm a little scared to fall asleep. I figured my time might be better spent here."

[7:19 PM] DM: "Do you want me to take you home and I can look later?"

[7:20 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Is this your way of trying to tell me I'd be completely useless here?" Ryleigh chuckles a little.

[7:21 PM] DM: "No, this is my way of telling you that your well-being is important to me."

[7:27 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "*L'auorphiem*," Ryleigh whines, rubbing at her temples, "there's so much to do still... not just researching the old temple but now I need to get information on Shasem, because that's where we're going next. We have to be prepared..."

[7:31 PM] DM: Rukiya sighs. "It's your decision and whether it's holding you so you can sleep or handing you books as your personal acolyte assistant, I'm here. I'm just worried you're pushing yourself too hard. You need to recover and take care of yourself. Is there a rush on this trip?"

[7:38 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I'm not sure. I don't think so..." Ryleigh sighs heavily, pausing for several seconds. "You're right. I'm exhausted. I should get some rest... I'm just... I'm worried about falling asleep. I'm a little freaked out that something followed me back to my apartment."

[7:40 PM] DM: "My place is a little cramped, but we can go there instead, if it would help."

[7:44 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "No... thank you, but I need to get over it. I'm sure Lydia's spell worked and you even said that the door was still locked when you got to my apartment. I'm being stupid."

[7:47 PM] DM: She puts her hand to Ryleigh's face to turn her head so she can meet Ry's eyes. "You're not stupid. You've been attacked for the last few nights and it could have killed you. Whatever you need to do to be and feel safe is what we'll do."

[7:52 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh's eyes fill with tears, they don't fall, but she does nod and press a kiss to Rukiya's palm. "Are you sure I'm not interrupting your researching too much? I know you have other obligations... that you have things you have to do. I don't want to be a burden."

[7:55 PM] DM: "I don't have anything time-sensitive going on right now, and nothing more important than you."

[7:58 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Vulnerability passes over Ryleigh's features. "Take me home," she finally says.

[8:01 PM] DM: Rukiya pushes up on her toes to kiss Ryleigh's forehead. "Ok. I'll take you out to the front. Just walk slow up the road and I'll catch up after a couple minutes. And no touching outside this room 'til I do."

[8:03 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh nods and softly says, "I won't blow your cover... sorry for being so daring earlier."

[8:04 PM] DM: She smiles. "It's ok. Shalee was gone already anyway. Had it been an issue, I'd have announced myself from farther away and made it clear to play along."

[8:05 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Doing as Rukiya's asks, Ryleigh opens the door, letting Rukiya lead her out of the temple.(edited)

[8:06 PM] DM: Rukiya sets the book back on the shelf as they leave, she leads Ryleigh out to the front entrance, then heads back inside. After a couple minutes, Rukiya-- now dressed in her normal clothes and cloak with the scant bits of armor she usually has on-- catches up and takes Ryleigh's hand as they walk.

[8:10 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh brings Rukiya's hand to her lips, pressing a kiss there. She stays fairly quiet until they're inside her apartment.

[8:12 PM] DM: Rukiya does a thorough pass through the apartment once they're inside, checking the window and door for entry as well as anything else she can think of.

[8:15 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh locks the door behind them before sitting on the bed to take off her boots. She starts to remove her shirt, but stops. "Do you want to talk before my abs make an appearance," Ryleigh half jokes.

[8:21 PM] DM: Rukiya laughs. "Do you? I don't see anything out of the ordinary." She heads back towards Ryleigh, pulling her cloak off.

[8:27 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I want to make sure you're okay. You're so important to me and I never want to cut off communication because something's hard to talk about."

[8:31 PM] DM: Rukiya sighs and drops her cloak over the back of a chair. "I've said everything I need to. You know how I feel. Saying it again won't change anything. It hurt, but I'm not so petty that I'm going to let it stop me from being here for you when you need me... and I need you too."

[8:37 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh stands and steps into Rukiya's space. "I love you, and I'm sorry I hurt you earlier. I'll be better next time."(edited)

[8:41 PM] DM: She nods. "I know." Then she smirks a little and puts her hand on the waistband of Ryleigh's pants. "Does that mean the abs can come out now?"

[8:47 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Smiling at Rukiya, Ryleigh tugs her shirt off. She runs her hands down Rukiya's body, before lifting her and urging her to wrap her legs around Ryleigh's waist. Ryleigh whispers against Rukiya's lips, "I don't think I've groveled enough."

[8:50 PM] DM: Rukiya sighs over-dramatically. "If you *insist*... but then sleep. No more procrastinating."

4:29 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: After they've finished with their activities, Ryleigh props herself up on her elbow and asks, "Why were you wearing acolyte robes?"

[4:32 PM] DM: She rolls her eyes and pushes Ry's shoulder to make her lay down and pushes herself up on her own elbow. "*You* are supposed to be resting. I will talk you to sleep if I have to, but you have to at least try."

[4:34 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Fine," Ryleigh dramatically groans, a smile on her lips as she closes her eyes.

[4:35 PM] DM: "They're my robes... It was an easy enough cover to develop. I already had more training than a beginner acolyte would, so it was an easy choice when I got set up here. I do a lot of the research for Berolt when he asks."

[4:37 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh hums before saying, "I thought maybe you really were an acolyte." Her eyes open as she adds, "As a Moonstream, she's your god, right?"

[4:40 PM] DM: She shrugs and runs her fingers from Ryleigh's brow to her cheek, making her close her eyes. "She's why I have a white aura, if that's what you're asking. I don't serve her the way you serve Asten though. I don't even really worship."

[4:43 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I'm not really sure I worship the way I should. Asten and I have more of an agreement. I believe in what he stands for, but I don't spend time worshiping him in the same way a cleric does... it's my job to instill his will, by force, if needed."(edited)

[4:49 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "You know... Lydia said something that made me t-th-think," Ryleigh yawns. "She said some champions may develop an aura, unless they're already born with one and it made me think about Vydea's champion always being a Moonstream..."

[4:50 PM] DM: Rukiya hums her agreement.

[4:52 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Are you her champion?" Ryleigh asks, her eyes slowly drifting open.

[4:54 PM] DM: Rukiya lowers her voice, intentionally trying to make it softer so it'll help Ryleigh fall asleep. "I was supposed to be. Three times a child of Vydea, it was part of my birthright. I assume that it, like the others, has passed to Kamari in my place."

[5:00 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh yawns again. "Maybe... maybe not... " She's quiet for a long time, long enough that it may have seemed she had fallen asleep, but then she mumbles softly, "Thank you for staying with me. I don't know what I did to deserve you... but I hope I'll always be deserving..." the end sort of tapers off as Ryleigh finally falls asleep.

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