Session 84

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This session was played asynchronously from October 2 to the 10th.

## Transcript

Recap: It's been a long week. The 14th had the group head out to find the Blue Bulls and the Stonecaller Crystal.

By the 16th, you'd reached the temple, fought some undead, met Kola, champion of Betrex the Goddess of Death, fought some more undead with warlock powers, verbally sparred with Kola, physically sparred between Ry and Urrak, then headed back home.

The 17th you met Courage, a naked tiefling who followed you back to Riverrun, which you reached on the 18th after Ryleigh was unable to sleep the entire trip home thanks to severe nightmares. Urrak reported her findings to Cerina and left her to mourn her husband and her mercenary family.

The 19th was spent in recovery with Seir and Ryleigh taking some time to talk about things.

Now, it's the 20th and the last day of the weekend.

[6:08 PM] DM: Eventually you all gather back up in the Dawnguard HQ.

[6:14 PM] Seirixori: Seir hops around the table in her tiny sparrow form, no longer an unusual sight, instead of jumping to the floor she spends time trying to glide down to one of the seats and then attempt to get up.

[6:18 PM] Urrak: Urrak comes down stairs, quiet but alert. She holds her mithril with a crooked arm, the garment draped over it, and her boots in the other. She sits down at the table and watches Seir flit around for a little

[6:19 PM] Urrak: "Mornin' Seir." she says with a small smile

[6:21 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh opens the door to the guild hall, her hand in Rukiya's. Hearing the tail end of Urrak's comment, she says, "You know she doesn't like being called that."

[6:22 PM] Urrak: "And good morning Ryleigh," she grumbles

[6:22 PM] Seirixori: Seir tweets back a greeting but doesn't shift back yet.

[6:24 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Moving the table, Ryleigh pulls out a seat for Rukiya before sitting. "Keep trying, *homashoc*. You'll get it eventually."

[6:25 PM] DM: Rukiya thanks her with a smile and sits. "Looks cute anyway."

[6:26 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh tries to hide her smile at Rukiya's comment to Seir.(edited)

[6:27 PM] Seirixori: Seir stumbles a little, but she manages to not fall off the table.

[6:26 PM] Urrak: "Long time no see, Rukiya." she pauses a moment to slip on her mithril. "Been busy?"

[6:27 PM] DM: Rukiya shrugs. "As usual."

[6:29 PM] Urrak: "As usuaaaaal..." she holds a hand by the edge of the table when Seir stumbles, "Sh-- Gods please don't break all yer bird bones, Seirixori"

[6:31 PM] Urrak: She straightens up with a small sigh, "So, you comin' with us? T' Shasem?"

[6:31 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh just raises an eyebrow at Urrak.

[6:34 PM] Urrak: Urrak returns Ryleigh's look, "What?"

[6:34 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "What's with the sigh?"

[6:34 PM] Urrak: "Old bones an' a rough couple days, nothin' t' concern yerself about."(edited)

[6:35 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Right," Ryleigh says, looking unconvinced.

[6:35 PM] DM: Rukiya looks between the two. "There something that needs to be addressed before you move to the next big adventure?"

[6:37 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh's jaw tightens. "Not unless she's ready to talk, instead acting like a child."

[6:37 PM] Urrak: "Here we go..."

[6:38 PM] Seirixori: Seir hops along the table, moving to the edge and jumps down. She kind of glides but it looks terrible and doesn't really work and when she hits the ground the bird is gone and tiefling Seir is there, "That did not... that did not go as planned." Seir groans.

6:38 PM] Urrak: "Y'alright? That sounded rough," Urrak stands to offer her a hand up

[6:39 PM] Urrak: She talks over her shoulder back at Ryleigh and Rukiya, "An' t' answer yer question, yes. We do"(edited)

[6:40 PM] Seirixori: "I'm fine," Seir manages rolling so she's on her back. She waves off Urrak's hand, "I'm just gonna lie here for a second."

[6:41 PM] Urrak: "Suit yerself," she chuckles and goes back to her seat.

[6:42 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Does that mean you're ready to talk then?"

[6:42 PM] Urrak: "I've been ready t' talk Ry. Ye've been the one off cuttin' down trees."

[6:43 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Are you kidding me?" Ryleigh says exasperatedly.

[6:44 PM] Seirixori: Seir sits up, blinking away the spots from moving too fast, "Actually-- uh...nevermind." Seir mutters looking at her hands.

[6:45 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "You're the one who wanted-" Ryleigh stops mid sentence in her maybe argument with Urrak.(edited)

[6:45 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "What's wrong, *homashoc*?"(edited)

[6:46 PM] Urrak: "Wanted t' what?"

[6:47 PM] Seirixori: "I-- was just going to-- but-- the last time--" She glances between Ry and Rukiya. "I'm hungry?"

[6:48 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh ignores Urrak, her brows furrowed at Seirixori, trying to work out what she's saying.

[6:50 PM] Seirixori: "Yesterday, with the um... when I uh said something I shouldn't have."

[6:52 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Oh, oh *homashoc*... We've already discussed everything, so you're fine, you can speak freely."(edited)

[6:52 PM] Urrak: "What the fuck are th' two o' you on about?"

[6:52 PM] Seirixori: Seir shrinks back a little and doesn't answer.

[6:53 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh stands and holds her hand out to Seir. "Come on, you can tell me in the kitchen."

[6:54 PM] Urrak: "Fuckin'--fine. Fine," Urrak leans back in her chair and crosses her arms.

[6:55 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Gods, Urrak. Seirixori just doesn't want to say something in front of you. We'll be right back and then we can have our row, since you're incapable of talking like an adult."

[6:55 PM] Urrak: "Go ahead. I'll wait."

[6:56 PM] Seirixori: Seir takes Ryleigh's offered hand to stand and makes her way to the kitchen.

## In the kitchen

6:58 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Once they're inside the kitchen, Ryleigh patiently waits for Seir to start talking.

[6:59 PM] Seirixori: "Sorry, sorry I just-- I didn't want to-- she was..." Seir sighs and rubs at her face, "I didn't want to tell her what happened yesterday in case... in case you didn't want anyone else to know." Seir finishes with a whisper.

[7:02 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Oh, don't be sorry, *homashoc*. I don't mind if you tell the others... " Ryleigh rubs the back of her neck. "It's just something that happened."

[7:03 PM] Seirixori: "W--will you tell me if you don't want me to say something? I don't want- I don't want to mess that up again."

[7:03 PM] DM: Gunnloda comes up from the cellar with her arms full of potatoes. "Everythin' all right?"

[7:07 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh pulls Seir into a hug. "Yesterday was my fault, not yours. I'm the one who made the mistake at the temple."

[7:08 PM] Seirixori: "Okay," Seir whispers into the hug, again a little more clingy than she usually is.

[7:09 PM] Seirixori: "Hi, *llaro*," Seir grins, "Do you want any help?"

[7:10 PM] DM: "Was just gonna make some hashbrowns. I'll have food out soon enough."

[7:11 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh tugs Seir back into the main hall. "Thank you for asking this time, though."

[7:13 PM] Seirixori: Seir waves to Gunnloda before she's dragged out.

## Back to the fight

[6:56 PM] DM: Rukiya smirks as she sits back in the chair.

[6:59 PM] Urrak: "I'm th' child. Sure. Fuckin'--can ye see th' frustration here?" she motions to the door, looking at Rukiya. "Always vague, secretive, wrapped in a bow of fuckin' arrogance," she pinches the bridge of her nose, "I'm so fuckin' tired..."

[7:02 PM] DM: Rukiya just raises an eyebrow to add to her smile. "Sorry, I'm not really the person to talk to about that."

[7:07 PM] Urrak: "Sure, sure. No use complain' about a spy t' a--someone she loves.  Ye've been gone anyway, no context. Still..." she ties up her hair, "I...I dunno. This is all a mess."

[7:14 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ry reenters the room, dragging Seir along with her. She lets Seir go once they're back to the table. Ryleigh sits back down next to the Rukiya.

[7:15 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Okay, so... where were we..."

[7:16 PM] Urrak: "You were callin' me a child and then started to say I wanted somethin' and then ye left t' go talk t' Serixori. Real bad way t' start a conversation by th' way, but we'll drop that fer now."

[7:16 PM] Seirixori: "So is punching someone, yet here we are."

[7:17 PM] Urrak: "Here we are."

[7:19 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh shakes her head. "I'm sorry you feel that your needs out weigh everyone else's," she says to Urrak. "I was going to say you were the one who wanted to fight the champion of the goddess of death without thinking of the repercussions or that we had just expended ourselves destroying everything in the temple."(edited)

[7:27 PM] Urrak: "I wanted t' stop a person who was clearly lying an' most likely under th' orders to take somethin' of some kind o' value to her patron, yes. I wanted my companion t' keep me in th' loop with any o' her suspicions so I wouldn't have t' make an ass out of myself t' try an' get my point across. I also really wanted t' bean ye in th' back o' th' fuckin' skull fer treatin' me like I'm too much of a fuckin' idiot t' understand yer motives. Luckily, it was half-hearted and yer shiny armor didn't even get a scuff," she takes a breath, "Look, I'm sorry fer that an' maybe...maybe ye don't know how ye sound t' others, or how ye act. But as much as we've butted heads we've helped each other out, an' I'm just tryin' t' get th' point across that godsdammit we're on th' same fuckin' side,  an' yer not my general. We're peers. Treat us like it. I get ye've got yer own secrets, but when it pertains t' us, let us know. Makes things easier."

[7:28 PM] DM: Rukiya raises her eyebrow again when Urrak mentions attacking Ryleigh.

[7:32 PM] Seirixori: Seir stops hovering and sits near Rukiya and Ryleigh, pulling out the little wire puzzle and starts messing with it, not wanting to... interrupt.

[7:32 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "It didn't take much to realize Kola was hiding something, Urrak. You made an ass out of yourself because you're impatient and rash, not because I wasn't communicating with you. And I wasn't willing to have a conversation about Kola with her standing 10 feet away. There wasn't some grand plan that no one filled you in on, it was simply perception, which is why Seirixori knew I wanted to speak to her."

[7:37 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "You keep saying 'You're no general Ry'... Guess what, Urrak? I didn't want to lead this group, and yet, all of your lives - not just my own - have fallen on my shoulders. That's a responsibility you'll never be able to understand. The decisions I make effect all of us, not just myself, and I make the tough the decisions and live with the consequences so none of you have to carry that burden."

[7:38 PM] DM: Rukiya puts her hand on the small of Ryleigh's back, the gesture almost hidden by the table and chairs themselves.

[7:39 PM] Urrak: "Ye've taken those burdens upon yerself, Ry. No one asked ye to. We survived just fine before ye came t' Bellbury. I get th' feelin' ye like the pressure. Y'like the responsibility. Makes ye feel like at least somethin' in yer life is under control," Urrak's voice drops, "An' trust me, Ryleigh, I know plenty about makin' tough decisions."

[7:44 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh slams her fist on the table and points an accusatory finger at Urrak. "You have no idea what it's like to sacrifice for the greater good. You may make tough decisions but you'll never know what it's like to make them and have people die because of the choice you made. And you only look out for yourself, completely disregarding what others need - unless they're sleeping with you."(edited)

[7:48 PM] DM: Rukiya's hand slides up to Ryleigh's shoulder.

[7:51 PM] Urrak: "Sure, Ryleigh. I'll remember that next time y'have a nightmare. I'll remember tryin' t' step between you and Serixori so you could stab me instead o' her. I'll remember jumpin' after ye when yer need t' kill the dead overrides yer senses and almost gets ye killed. I'm only thinkin' of myself? Fuck off. At least I can say when I'm wrong. I don't hide behind some god and proclaim myself above it."

[7:55 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh rolls her eyes. "Above what, Urrak? I admit when I'm wrong and when I've made mistakes. I was reckless in the temple, but nothing you did made me think twice about slaying any of those undead. In fact, I think it was your idiocy that got you bitten, and got you into a situation you wouldn't have been able to manage without me."(edited)

[8:02 PM] Urrak: "There's nothin' I can say t' ye that'll wrench yer head from outta yer ass, so what is it that ye want from me? I've apologized, I've tried t' be better, I've tried t' be kinder, more thoughtful, more careful...and still, I'm treated th' same. Things turn out th' same. T' keep tryin' is the definition of insanity. I offered t' leave an' ye all wanted me t' stay, I offer t' stay an' ye wish I'd fuckin' fall in line. I'm sorry I'm not fillin' some kind o' hole in yer heart like Seir is, but godsdammit Ryleigh let me in. I'm tryin' my best here."

[8:03 PM] Seirixori: "You've tried?" Seir growls.

[8:05 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I guess sucker punching me is trying," Ryleigh says through gritted teeth like she's trying to control herself.

[8:06 PM] Seirixori: "Really? Because every time, every time something happens you get something up your fucking ass and suddenly we aren't good enough. Suddenly we're all terrible people and wasting your time."

[8:07 PM] DM: Rukiya's hand drops back down to her own lap.

[8:14 PM] Urrak: "Just like ye'd run off t' th' orchard an Ryleigh runs off t' hack at trees. Like I said, we've all been shit to each other, an' ye can't say otherwise. This entire lil adventure has takin' us all out of our old lives and put a shit-ton of stress on each and every one of our shoulders.  I'm not perfect, I fuck up, but yes even if ye don't want t' fuckin' believe me, even if ye want t' gloss over all th' times I haven't been th' apparent worst person in the realms, it's th' truth. Out of any of us here, I've been fightin' and fightin' t' change myself fer th' better. An' ye all act like it's the easiest thing. T'change everythin' ye are, t'become a new fuckin' person...takes time. An' there'll always be stumbles along th' way. But fuck I care about ye cunts so much that it's makin' all this pain worth it. At least, I think so." she runs her hands down her face. "I understand yer frustration, jus' know I feel it too. I'm frustrated with m'self far more than either o' ye could be. Say what ye want, feel what ye want. But know that I'd step in front o' a fuckin' runaway carriage fer th' lot o' ye."

[8:17 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "You have to stop being so aggressive," Ryleigh says simply.

[8:18 PM] Urrak: "Trust me, I know, but fuck Ry, I'm half a fuckin' orc. That's like tellin' Bri t' cool down. Sure, it's probably possible, but it ain't an on/off switch."

[8:20 PM] Seirixori: Seir looks on confused, "I don't understand what Brimeia being a tiefling has to do with cooling down."(edited)

[8:20 PM] Urrak: "Y-ye run hot don't ye? That's...somethin' I've heard...."

[8:22 PM] Seirixori: "I mean, I guess, but that... how does being aggressive compare to just a-- a thing our bodies just...do?"

[8:22 PM] Urrak: "It's hard t' explain, but orcs are always fight first ask questions later. It's as natural t' me, as that is fer ye."

[8:23 PM] Seirixori: "... I really don't think it works like that," Seir mutters.

[8:23 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh holds Urrak's gaze. "It's something you train out of yourself. And it doesn't take a lot of time when you work at it." Her voice is steady, but it's soft.

[8:25 PM] Urrak: "I'll do my best, ye two. Alright? I promise."

[8:27 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh nods. "I'll hold you to it."

[8:28 PM] Urrak: "Please do. We all square, then?"

[8:29 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Yeah," Ryleigh says, reaching a hand across the table.

[8:31 PM] Urrak: Urrak gets up a bit to reach and shakes her hand. "...Did ye bring Rukiya over fer back up cuz ye know and she knows that I know she could kick my ass?"

[8:32 PM] DM: "Ryleigh doesn't need back up. I came to help you research."

[8:32 PM] Urrak: Urrak chuckles, "Good."

[8:32 PM] Seirixori: "She's smarter than Ryleigh," Seir says absentmindedly, her focus back on the wire in her hand.

[8:33 PM] DM: "I didn't know that you two were fighting *again*."

[8:33 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh leans over and presses a kiss to Rukiya's cheek, she whispers something soft in elven.

[8:34 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia shuffles down the stairs to where the others are, yawning and rubbing her eyes before asking, " 'morning. Did I miss anything?"

[8:38 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "An argument," Ryleigh says, "but if we're done... can we discuss Shasem and what the plan is so we can do some research before we go?"

[8:40 PM] Seirixori: "I figured we could go to Cusmasir. Brimeia said that's where she was born."

[8:41 PM] Urrak: "Good a start as any, do we know if there's any teleportation circles there? Or are we travelin' th' old fashioned way?"

[8:42 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia frowns at the mention of her birth town.

[8:42 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "So we're going to Cusmasir to figure out more about Bri's family in order to find the link to the devil that she's in association with."(edited)

[8:45 PM] Brimeia: Bri sighs. "Damn, you, ancestor... though that's probably already happened, huh."

[8:46 PM] Seirixori: "Yes... to both of those things."

[8:47 PM] Seirixori: "Oh! Uh... do you want me to talk to Takara before we go?"

[8:49 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I think you should, and would you ask her about the Blood of Vol? She may know. Does that mean you don't want to come to the temple with us?"

[8:50 PM] Seirixori: "I can, I just-- I forgot you wanted me to ask her some things. I can do it after the temple."

[8:57 PM] Brimeia: "Temple? What's there?"

[8:52 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Okay, then let's head out," Ryleigh says as she stands from the table, her hand in Rukiya's.

[8:56 PM] Urrak: Urrak slips on her boots and stands, "Ready when ye are."

## Temple of Vydea

[8:57 PM] DM: You all head out towards the temple where the Spine of the World meets the road to Bellbury. As you approach the massive, stepped pyramid that is the Temple of Vydea, Rukiya stops and says, “Wait about ten minutes, then come in.” She leaves you at the base of the hill leading up to the temple and disappears from sight.

[8:58 PM] Seirixori: "More fancy temples."

[8:59 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh makes sure the group stops before turning to them and saying, "I need you all to not ask questions once we see Rukiya inside - okay?"

[8:59 PM] Urrak: Urrak nods

[9:00 PM] DM: Time passes. You walk up the hill, up the steps, and into the base of the pyramid. A familiar androgynous half-elf in blue robes and a silver moon-shaped medallion approaches and greets you. This was the same acolyte who helped you when you were researching Cae, though they don't seem to recognize you. “Good day, friends. Welcome to the Temple of Vydea. Can I help you find something?”

[9:02 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Yes, we we're looking for books on holy symbols, preferably older ones."

[9:03 PM] DM: They tilt their head in a nod. "Of course. Right this way. Are you familiar with the procedures within the temple? I can assist you in finding books, but you must be escorted while within our walls and may not remove books from the rooms you are assigned."

[9:04 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Yes. We're familiar," Ryleigh responds.

[9:04 PM] DM: They start walking deeper into the temple, expecting you all to follow behind. After a short time, Rukiya appears, wearing her own blue robe and moon medallion. “Ah, Dellynn. There you are. The Tomekeeper needs you to fix a shelf in the geology section. There’s been a minor catastrophe. I can help these people for you, though.”

[9:04 PM] DM: Dellynn’s face falls a bit at her description but bows their head. “Thank you, Rukiya.” They turn and excuse themselves from your party with a nod before turning and walking in the direction Rukiya came from.

Rukiya turns back to the group with a bright smile. “My name is Rukiya. Please, allow me to lead you to a private study room and I will be happy to assist with whatever research you need.”

[9:05 PM] DM: She leads you all through the library to one of the private rooms like you were in when studying Cae’s affliction. It has a selection of writing materials along the wall as well as a table and chairs. She gestures for you all to enter and shuts the door behind her. “So… what’s first?”

[9:07 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I want to know more about the Blood of Vol. It has something to do with the temple we found. I'm hoping we'll be able to figure out what Kola was trying to hide."

[9:08 PM] DM: Rukiya nods. "Anything else?"

[9:08 PM] Seirixori: "Are there books on auras? Or... I don't know, being the child of a god?" Seir snorts, rolling her eyes at her own question.

9:10 PM] DM: Rukiya's eyebrows raise slightly. "There probably is. I can look. What exactly do you want to know?"

[9:10 PM] Seirixori: "Uh... which-- which part?"

[9:11 PM] DM: "Both? I'm sure there's something about detecting auras, and there's sure to be books about the supposed heritage of the Moonstreams, but is that what you're looking for?"

[9:13 PM] Seirixori: "Oh, no, the god thing was... more of a joke. Unless there's something very specific about a half-devil half-celestial..."

[9:14 PM] Seirixori: "If there's anything about aura's changing, however, that would be useful."

[9:14 PM] DM: She chuckles. "Well, there's Zariel, but I don't think she'd be of particular use to you."

[9:16 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "No," Ryleigh says seriously, like that name is taboo, before she quickly changes the subject, "We also need books on devils. How their contracts work, weakness they have, and how to destroy them. And anything on the families of Shasem, specifically Cusmasir."(edited)

[9:17 PM] DM: "Ok, let me get started on those and we'll see where to go from there." Rukiya reaches out and squeezes Ryleigh's hand before leaving, shutting the door behind her.

[9:19 PM] Brimeia: "I'm glad you know what to look for," Brimeia mumbles.

[9:20 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Well, you could be more helpful by telling us everything you know about your family."

[9:20 PM] Urrak: "Wouldn't ye need a surname t' look up Bri's family history? Bri, do ye have a surname?"

[9:20 PM] Seirixori: Seir sits up, "You can do that?"(edited)

[9:22 PM] Urrak: "Look up family histories? I suppose some. Important ones. Or if a village keeps a book, or older folks what know pass it down."(edited)

[9:22 PM] Brimeia: "No, I meant...," Bri groans. "I'm glad you know what to look for because I wouldn't even know where to start."

[9:23 PM] Brimeia: "I've spent my whole life trying to get away from all that and now..." She sighs again.

[9:23 PM] Seirixori: "I didn't know you could do that..." Seir whispers with a little awe and wonder.

[9:26 PM] Urrak: Urrak looks to Seir, "Aye, th' *uivdao* would keep the tales of prominent bloodlines in livin' memory. But I'm assumin Cusmasir is a hells of a lot bigger than D'Akshi."

[9:27 PM] Brimeia: "Um... I guess... I grew up in the house of Lapis. Hipponax and his wife Shoshan Lapis were in charge around the place. No one ever said, so I don't know for sure, but I figure they must be my parents or something." She shrugs.

[9:27 PM] Brimeia: "Does that help?"

[9:28 PM] Urrak: "Ye...ye don't know if they're yer parents? You don't know yer parent's names?"

[9:30 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia shrugs again. "People usually aren't too eager to admit to being the parents of 'devilspawn'." She spits the word in a mockery of how she'd often heard it said.

[9:31 PM] Brimeia: "I'm just lucky they let me live, or so they often said."

[9:31 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I don't know my parents' names," Ryleigh says to Urrak like its not unusual.

[9:32 PM] Urrak: "Gods, Bri, I'm sorry. That's...that's fuckin terrible."

[9:33 PM] Urrak: Urrak looks to Ryleigh, "You too Ry, that's gotta be hard."

[9:34 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia glances over at Ryleigh when she speaks and lingers a moment like she's reevaluating before just nodding once.

[9:34 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh shrugs. "I was lucky, because I was loved by people who wanted to be family. What Bri has described, well, that's how most tieflings are treated in Ascus and being unwanted sounds worse.”(edited)

[9:34 PM] DM: Rukiya's back much faster than you probably expect with an arm full of books. She sets them down, explaining what they're for.  "Ok... we've got Blood of Vol here. Cult. Devils and contracts and how to best defeat them here... written by an Asten paladin because of course it was. And Shasem history, though I can probably narrow that down some more while you're working."

[9:35 PM] Urrak: Urrak hums, her mind elsewhere a moment, before snapping back to reality when Rukiya enters the room

[9:35 PM] Seirixori: "Ryleigh writes books too?" Seir jokes.

[9:36 PM] DM: "Only romantic poetry," Rukiya says with a wink.

[9:36 PM] Urrak: "Barf."

[9:36 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh shakes her head, but there's a blush on her cheeks.

[9:37 PM] Seirixori: Seir laughs, "Of course."

[9:37 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia manages a chuckle too.(edited)

[9:38 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Taking a seat, Ryleigh pulls the book on the Blood of Vol towards her, and the one on Devils.

[9:39 PM] Seirixori: "Does she really?" Seir leans forward to ask Rukiya, "Because she said some flowery things once when I uh...well one of the times I messed up."

[9:42 PM] DM: Rukiya laughs. "It's hard to rhyme with 'I haven't groveled enough,' but no... her tongue is more talented in other ways."

[9:42 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh's face darkens almost to the shade of Brimeia's skin before she props the book up in front of her face.(edited)

[9:43 PM] Urrak: Urrak tries not to burst into laughter at Rukiya's words

[9:43 PM] Seirixori: Seir starts laughing, at first trying to keep it quiet, but she isn't very successful at it.

[9:43 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia stifles an odd sounding cough, but doesn't manage to disguise her grin.

[9:39 PM] DM: "I thought you could get started and let me know if anything comes up that you want to look into deeper or new topics to help. I'll have to try some other topics to find the changing auras. I wasn't able to find anything immediately."

[9:42 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia looks over as Ryleigh starts flipping through the books. "I .. uh... can't exactly read, so... let me know if I can help some other way."

[9:44 PM] Urrak: Urrak takes a seat, "Y' can hang out with me Bri, I've nothin' t' look up. Nothin' that'll help, anyway."

## Blood of Vol research

[7:04 PM] DM: The book Ryleigh starts with was originally written hundreds of years ago by a Knight of the Silver Flame. It is a collection of the various "cults" that he'd come into contact with... usually blade first. His zealous nature comes through in his writings, the descriptions often being insulting or speaking about how he'd desecrated their holy sites or killed their people with the pompous air of a man who believes that anything he does is Right because his god empowers him.

"The Blood of Vol. Disgusting people. They dally about with the undead as though they were servants rather than corpses. Some of them call themselves "Seekers" but all they'll find is swift judgment at the end of a silver blade. Then there's their other branch, the Emerald Claw. They're even worse. Vampires, undead... they're obsessed with blood and think that within every person is a god waiting to break free. Absolute tosh. They probably just got confused when they felt the warmth of a real god within them... or ale. I broke up one of their so-called temples out near Ivapyl. Gruesome work, that. Torture and "research." They had a sacrificial altar that looked like it would collect blood, but when I made a claim about it feeding their vampire masters, they laughed. I didn't learn what it was actually for as I immediately silenced their laughter with a blade through the throat."

## Devil research

[5:20 PM] DM: The second book was written by a paladin of Asten, a woman who was compiling research from other sources for an assault on the Hells. The beginning outlines her plans-- she was looking for a way to stop an invasion by the forces of Dispater. Flipping to the end, there is no conclusion.

"Devils exist in a hierarchy. Each exists in a place in the infernal structure, but each is constantly trying to make their way higher. They do so by force or by subterfuge, but all must be done by their law. The corruption and possession of souls is extremely important to all their dealings, granting them more and more power the more they have. This causes a dilemma. I know the locations of several of the cults of Dispater in the area, but to slay them would be to feed his power. Dispater, as one of the Nine , is powerful enough that a few extra souls won't make much of a difference, but will make a world of difference to those innocents nearby who must deal with cultists and low-ranking devil incursions. Thus my path is clear, illuminated by the Lord of Light. I will start with the cults nearest innocents and send them to their Lord, then focus on the devil himself."

[5:20 PM] DM: Another section lists the Nine- the archdevils who each rule one of the Nine Hells. Zariel, Dispater, Mammon, Belial/Fierna, Levistus, Glasya, Baalzebul, Mephistopheles, and Asmodeus. Each has a preference for power and a way they prefer to corrupt or steal souls.

"The Lord of Dis rules from inside his castle, fortified by impenetrable armor, and deals in secrets. Killing him is likely to be impossible without the Lord of Light himself standing beside me. His cultists hide in the dark corners of the kingdom, but Asten's light will reveal all in time. We have disrupted their attempts at blackmailing the king and have destroyed a dozen cells operating near Thista. Unfortunately, it only rids us of the cultists. Killing the devil bastards themselves in our own plane only buys us time. They dissipate and return to the Hells to be reformed. Only by killing them in their home plane can we truly be rid of them."

[5:20 PM] DM: Another explains the hierarchy of devils. Lemures are barely even considered true devils. Lesser devils like imps, spined devils, bearded devils, barbed devils, chain devils, and bone devils are the foot soldiers. Greater devils include horned devils, erinyes, ice devils, and pit fiends and lead entire companies and battalions and armies of lesser devils. Archdevils are those that have been granted the title of duke, duchess, or archduke/archduchess by Asmodeus. Devils come to the Hells as former mortals who take the shape of lemures. Over time they can be promoted by archdevils or greater devils to serve a need and work their way from imp to bone devil. Only archdevils can promote lesser devils to greater devils, usually by proving themselves worthy, and Asmodeus alone can promote a greater devil to archdevil. Devils are demoted for failure or disobedience.

“The lesser devils I have come into contact with require a magical or silvered weapon to kill and, unsurprisingly, are immune to fire. They are also largely immune to poison and resistant to cold. They seem to be resistant to spells as well, but the Lord of Light’s radiant damage seems to work on these lesser devils at least. These creatures thrive in darkness, able to see even in the darkness they conjure, but Asten’s brilliance casts them into the light.”

[10:37 PM] Seirixori: Seir snickers, "Imagine their faces if they knew that someone with Dispater's blood had a best friend who is a paladin of Asten."(edited)

[6:11 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh smiles at Seir with a quirked eyebrow. “*Homashoc*, tieflings aren’t devils, and just because you share blood with one doesn’t make you innately evil.” Her face turns serious. “Most people don’t understand that... you’re nothing like Dispater.”

[7:03 PM] Seirixori: Seir blinks and it takes her a second but she says, "Well, I certainly hope I'm not a paranoid asshole."

[7:04 PM] Seirixori: She clears her throat and it takes her a little time to get out what she wants. She turns to Rukiya, "Are-- are there books that give detailed descriptions of the nine hells?" She tilts her head, "Or even all the planes."

7:08 PM] DM: Rukiya: "Of course. The Hells are a popular subject matter. Is there something specific you want?"

[7:10 PM] Seirixori: "No, not really. It's more of a later scenario in case we need to go there... knowing the area even roughly would help a lot."

[7:12 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh stiffens.

[7:12 PM] DM: She nods then sort of double takes.  "Wait,  what?" She looks at Ryleigh. "The Hells?"

[7:20 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: “Yeah...” Ryleigh deflates. “I believe that Brimeia’s family has been sworn to a devil, it’s why she’s been hearing a voice in her head that tells her to do things. Eventually we may have to visit the hell it is in to destroy it and free her...”(edited)

[7:22 PM] DM: "If I didn't know better, I'd think you were joking."

[7:22 PM] Seirixori: Seir sinks down in her seat.

[7:27 PM] DM: Rukiya shakes her head.  "If you're curious about things, you can always come study with me... for these  *hypothetical*  missions. "

[7:29 PM] Seirixori: "Really?" Seir sits up, kind of excited.

[7:30 PM] DM: "If you give me time to arrange it and don't mind sitting in a room while I bring you books, sure."

[7:36 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: “She knows I’m not big on reading, or studying. I only research what I need to,” Ryleigh says to Seir.

[7:41 PM] Seirixori: "I've never been able to before," Seir grins wide and nods to Rukiya, "I will totally be fine waiting in a room for you."

[7:43 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: “I wonder if I should be worried about you two spending more time together,” Ryleigh says with a raised eyebrow and a small smile.

[7:46 PM] DM: Rukiya chuckles.

[7:46 PM] DM: "Anything in particular you want to start with today?"

[7:54 PM] Seirixori: Seir's face reddens but she doesn't respond to Ryleigh, "Just the-- the hells. Oh! And maybe the ... the um... " Seir's brow furrows. "The invasion? Of the Host gods? I think that's what Takara called it."

[7:56 PM] DM: Rukiya tilts her head and looks a little confused, but then realization dawns.  "Oh. I think I know what that is."

[7:57 PM] DM: "Be back soon." Then she leaves.

[9:24 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh reaches out for Seir’s hand, whispering, “Don’t worry, you didn’t say anything wrong.”

## Shasem research

[8:54 AM] DM: While you're all waiting for Rukiya's return, the third book she'd already brought is read. It's an overview of Shasem history, culture, and geography, written by Clytomedes, a scholar from Cusmasir about twenty years ago and appears to be written for visitors.

"One thing ties all experiences of Shasem in the visitor's mind. Beauty. From our clear, sparkling waters to the soaring sea cliffs and the stunning Liakos-era art to the people walking the streets, to gaze upon Shasem is as if to gaze into the Heavens. Surely Aphrodite has smiled upon us all."

Once you get past his flowery descriptions, you can start to pick out practical knowledge. The country is made up of city-states that are almost entirely coastal or connected to the coast by wide rivers. There are many islands that are also inhabited around the edges of the mainland. Most city-to-city travel is done by sea and the day-to-day life of Shasemites revolves around the sea. Judging by the charts in the back, a trip from Cusmasir to Halolis or the reverse would take about a week by sea, twice that by land. The interior of the continent is made up of inhospitable mountains and rough terrain, while pockets of the interior and the north of the continent are populated by the Amsu people.

[9:00 AM] DM: The art the place is famous for- marble busts and striking architecture- is far older than modern Shasem. The culture predates the country, much like in Vatru, where the city states were independent but shared ideals. This time is now referred to as Liakos-era after the sea elves that fled from the Decimation in Ascus and founded a sea-centered community of many races that would in turn develop the area.

Several hundred years ago, a cruel and savage human named Crotamis used force and cunning to bring the separate city-states into one country and named it Shasem. He ruled the country from his castle in Halolis and his descendants ruled as a hereditary monarchy through the next several hundred years. Clytomedes adds, almost bitterly, that the Crotamis line has corrupted the grand tradition of art and beauty with excess and gluttony. The art and aesthetics are, as he says, near universally considered inferior to the past.

[9:00 AM] DM: Rukiya re-enters as the information is being relayed and she frowns. "This isn't up to date. The Crotamis family was killed a few years ago. Maybe I can find something more recent."

[10:22 AM] Ryleigh Alastair: "What? The royal family was assassinated, by who?" Ryleigh asks Rukiya, something unsaid hidden in her words.

[10:24 AM] DM: Rukiya shrugs.  "I don't know. I'm not sure it's public knowledge... or the sort of thing we'll find  *here*."

[12:39 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh nods and silently jots down some things on a piece of paper before pocketing it. “Anything more updated would be helpful. I don’t want a repeat of Rodoza and teleport into another country on lock down.”

[1:01 PM] Seirixori: "But it was so fun."

[1:18 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I love being arrested... and nearly killing my friends..." Ryleigh tries to joke, but it comes out bitter.

[1:25 PM] DM: Rukiya squeezes Ry's shoulder before she sets the newest book in front of Seir. It's an overview of Omphalos's history- the continent now made up of Vyon, Ascus, and Dhog Lodir- written by a loremaster, one of the acolytes of Vydea whose function is to research, compile, and write tomes like this.

[1:31 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh runs her hand over Rukiya's, then asks Seir, "Why the research on the settlement of Omphalos?"

[1:37 PM] Seirixori: "When I was talking to Takara about Gunnloda she wasn't exactly a fan of The Host and I asked why. She mentioned the invasion and I was curious."

[1:40 PM] DM: Rukiya makes an odd face, somewhere between thoughtful and pained. "I'm not sure which she's referring to, but this book should have both the ones I can think of." She exhales in a humorless laugh. "I'm not surprised she'd consider both invasions though."

[1:41 PM] Seirixori: "*Both*?" Seir makes a wtf face.

[1:45 PM] DM: Rukiya half-shrugs. "Takara's been here since... the beginning of everything. Most of the others we worship here- Vydea and Asten included- came from the north thousands of years ago. And then a thousand years ago or so, when Ascus was formed, it was because the northerners decided to try to take what they thought they were owed. That one's the one more people know about."

[1:53 PM] Seirixori: "So many things," Seir whispers looking through the book.

[1:59 PM] DM: The book is separated into four sections. The first and last are the smallest, with the fewest number of chapters.

The first discusses thousands of years ago. There were many gods, though none as strong as the four that represented Life, Death, Land, and Sea- Takara, Betrex, Akthor, and Tricis. Elves, Humans, and Dwarves lived in harmony, each respecting each others' domains. The elves took to the forests to the south, the dwarves in the mountains along the west, and the humans in the lowlands towards the north.

[2:01 PM] DM: The second section starts with people from the north, what would now be called Vatru, who were seeking a new place where they could worship their gods without interference from the Sovereign Host or the Silver Flame. The Host and Flame had been embroiled in a long, bloody war of their own and those who wanted nothing to do with it left and settled at the northern tip of Omphalos.

[2:07 PM] DM: Over time, more and more people came to Omphalos, and with the bounty of land and food, they flourished and grew and expanded. When they met with others, they either enveloped them and converted them, pushed them to the edges of their land, or outright killed them, depending on who met who. The original humans of Omphalos were pushed towards the mountains. The last chapter of the second section refers to the Decimation. The new humans and old elves clashed within the Fytulk Timberlands, and in a great magical cataclysm, the ancient birthplace of the elves was lost. Many elves simply disappeared, some claiming they were vaporized, and only pockets of them survived. Their descendants, the Walkers of the Fytulk, still wander the woods looking for their lost homeland. Many other types of elves fled this plane, seeking refuge in the Feywild or their other places of origin.

[2:13 PM] DM: The third section starts with the northerners, again, what is now Vatru, making more and more demands of the people who had now taken Asten's name in an effort to claim themselves free of the Host and the Flame. Ascus, as they were called now, decided to permanently split from the north and the northerners who followed the Host attempted to lead a military campaign to retake Ascus. The people and gods of both the Host and the Divine Pantheon clashed in the forests to the north. Gods and men alike were killed, and the forests resist further settlement to this day. In the end, the Host was repelled and returned to Vatru. Ascus and the mostly underground Dhog Lodir were independent. The next several chapters speak about the history of Ascus as a country.

[2:15 PM] DM: The fourth and final section talks about the first Moonstream and his campaign for independence from Ascus under Vydea and follows through the history of Vyon itself.

[9:06 AM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh skims through the section about Vyon, a small smile creeping onto her face as she does. It abruptly falls away towards the end of the chapter.(edited)

[10:24 PM] Urrak: Urrak looks up from the wood table top and catches Ryleigh's face falling.

"Find somethin' troublin' in there Ry?" Urrak says quietly.

[10:28 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Closing the book with more force than necessary, Ryleigh responds with a short, “No. Just fools and their unrealistic expectations.”

[10:30 PM] Urrak: "Sounds like most of recorded history," she told her fingers on the table. "Same shit, different rulers, over an' over."

[10:31 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: “It doesn’t have to be that way. Things don’t have to repeat. People just have to try harder to break the pattern.”

[10:37 PM] Urrak: "Not sayin' it does, but that's the way it always seems t' go. One group gets singled out, destroyed er displaced an' another grabs whatever power they had an' takes it fer themselves. I knew orcs what made sport outta findin' and killin' elves. Anythin' t' feel like yer superior. Hard t' break a cycle that's turned int'a a way of life. "

[10:49 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh’s eyes flash with anger, but her tone is even when she says, “If people don’t like something, they should find the power to change it. I don’t accept the world as it is, because I know how it should be.”

[11:11 PM] Urrak: "'Persistence in th' face o' immense adversity is th' greatest offerin' a man can give. Above all lambs an' wheat and gilded coin'," Urrak says, almost to herself.

[11:21 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh raises a confused eyebrow at Urrak, but chooses not to comment further.

[11:34 PM] Seirixori: Seir frowns, "... Not everyone can find that power... and if they could," she nods her head in Brimeia's direction, "sometimes they shouldn't."

[11:53 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia ducks and shrugs sheepishly.

11:57 PM] Seirixori: "Or," Seir hesitantly motions to herself, "we could want a specific power but be given one that wasn't wanted."(edited)

[12:05 AM] DM: Rukiya shifts uncomfortably behind Ry before putting her hand on Ry's shoulder and saying, "It's a complicated and sensitive topic. Maybe we should move to the next research subject or think about getting out of here for the night."

[7:47 AM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh threads her fingers with Rukiya's, giving her hand an appreciative squeeze. "You're right," she concedes. "So, is there anything else you guys want to research while we're here? I’m finished for the night." Her free hand rubbing at her forehead, like she's read too much for one day.(edited)

[1:04 PM] Urrak: "Aye, let's call it a day. If anyone thinks o'somethin' we can always come back, " Urrak rises from her chair and pushing the heavy wooden seat back towards the table.

[3:09 PM] Seirixori: Seir looks a little hesitant, but she sighs with a nod and gets up, "I should probably go talk to Takara before it gets too late."

## Seir and Takara

7:58 PM] Seirixori: Seir makes her way to the park and into the trees. She pulls out the paper with the symbol from the temple on it and sits down resting against a tree. She touches the flower in her hair, "So, Betrex's champion is kind of creepy."

[8:02 PM] DM: There's a chuckle from next to Seir. Takara's halfling form is sitting against the tree next to her. "I've never understood why, of all the forms she can choose, she prefers one so unsettling. I'm not surprised to hear that it extends to her champion as well."

[8:17 PM] Seirixori: "She was... very adamant about us leaving the temple we were in." Seir shows her the drawing, "Do you know what symbol this is?"

[8:23 PM] DM: She looks at the paper for a long moment. "There is something familiar about it, but I don't recall what."

[8:26 PM] Seirixori: Seir laughs and teasingly say, "You don't have a super fancy memory to go with thousands of years?"

[8:29 PM] DM: She laughs. "I remember a lot, but this... I don't know. Was there anything else?"

[8:33 PM] Seirixori: "I think it has something to do with the Blood of Vol. We looked that up in the library and while there was some information, I don't think there was ever a conclusion to it."

[8:37 PM] DM: She snaps. "There it is." She mumbles something about keeping their nonsense to themselves. "Betrex and I had to send our champions to deal with some of them a long, long time ago. Experiments, undead... all sorts of unnatural things that flaunted both of our domains. Something about seeking immortality."

[8:44 PM] Seirixori: Seir's whole body shivers, "If I ever see another undead again it'll be too soon." She frowns, "and I don't understand wanting immortality either, not when everyone else around you dies."

[8:45 PM] DM: She smiles softly. "Those who seek it tend to value power over people anyway."

[8:50 PM] Seirixori: "Idiots," Seir mutters. Seir sighs and rests her chin on her hand, "Before the other thing, would you know if Betrex has plans for something? Her champion was... I don't know something seemed weird about it all. More weird than creepy undead and weird circles."

[8:51 PM] DM: "How so?"

[9:01 PM] Seirixori: "She was... very adamant about us not going back in or finding out anything. I grabbed a book before she showed up, because it was clear that whoever was in there was searching for something. But when she arrived she just took it and put it back... and then when I wanted to grab the person we killed and ask them what they were trying to do... I'm pretty sure Kola would have not been very kind about it had I ignored her and walked back in anyway." Seir frowns. "On our way back... my friend started having nightmares and any time I was on watch it was... it was like something kept trying to get me away from camp and when we got back we found out someone had cursed her. I don't even know if it's related to Kola or not." She continues with the stuff about Courage and following the scent. Then she grins sheepishly, "Sorry, that was um... a lot."

[9:04 PM] DM: She frowns through most of it, then offers a tight smile to wave off the apology. "Was she already there?"

[9:05 PM] Seirixori: "I don't know, I don't think so. We'd cleared out part of the top floor when she walked into the room I was in."

[9:11 PM] DM: Takara looks like she's trying to figure out a puzzle unsuccessfully, then she relaxes with realization. "I was confused why Betrex would need information about immortality, or why her champion just happened to be there, but she was there because of your wife, wasn't she?"

[9:16 PM] Seirixori: "That is what she said," Seir shrugs, "And she kind of... stood around and watched us until we got to the last room." Seir sighs, "Maybe I'm being a little paranoid, I don't know."

[9:18 PM] Seirixori: "That's the other thing, Ryleigh said her aura changed, my wife's. She said it wasn't all black anymore that it... that it had some white in it now."(edited)

[9:24 PM] DM: Takara blinks at Seir, then returns to her normal expression. "Interesting. What's your plan now?"

[9:26 PM] Seirixori: Seir starts picking at one of her bracers and she doesn't answer right away. "... we're going to Shasem."

[9:32 PM] DM: She smiles warmly. "I hope you find the answers you seek there. If you happen to run into Artemis, send her my regards. If you run into Demeter... well, try not to," she laughs. "She can be... temperamental. I will speak with Betrex again. Perhaps there will be more to speak of when you return."

[9:38 PM] Seirixori: Seir laughs a bit, "I should just make it a goal to say hello to all the gods." She grins and adds as an afterthought, "I really want to say hello to Asten if only to tell my friend that I did."

[9:43 PM] DM: She raises an eyebrow.

[9:44 PM] DM: "You keep interesting company."

[9:50 PM] Seirixori: Seir tilts her head, "He seems very... uh dramatic. Or at least his temple is."

[9:52 PM] DM: She hums disapprovingly. "Yes, he has become quite fond of style over substance."

[9:54 PM] Seirixori: Seir grins a little, "Do I need to talk to my friends about the gods they follow?"

[10:04 PM] DM: She sighs and floats to her feet. "I do not wish to interfere with your life or your decisions. ... but be wary of the company you keep and the forces they choose to align themselves with." She pauses and leans down to nudge Seir's chin up with her finger. "This is of particular importance to you and yours." She then leans in and kisses Seir's forehead. "Be safe, sia um."

[10:14 PM] Seirixori: Seir looks a little perplexed at first but then a little bashful so she just nods and moves to give Takara a hug, "Oh, if I wasn't around my wife and I had your flower with me would you be able to hear me even in Shasem?"

[10:16 PM] DM: She thinks for a second. "I am not sure I've ever tested that, but I would not count on it."

## Ryfika's Extra Research

6:11 PM] DM: Rukiya and Ryleigh walk into the Whispers HQ and head to Berolt's small office- one of the few places with a door. He's sitting behind his desk, reading from a stack of papers.

[6:12 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Hello, Berolt. Do you have a moment?"

[6:14 PM] DM: He flips the papers over and sits back, rubbing his hands over his face. "What do you need?"

[6:15 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Why do you just assume I need something?" Ryleigh says with a charming smile.

[6:16 PM] DM: "Did you not just ask me for a moment? That's something."

[6:21 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "True, and I do need something. My guild is going to Shasem, and I was wondering what you knew about the situation there. I've already been to library, and Rukiya pulled some books for me, but the information was slightly outdated."(edited)

[6:21 PM] DM: Rukiya: "They were written before the assassination."

[6:23 PM] DM: Berolt sighs heavily like what you're asking for is just *so much*. He scoops up the papers on his desk and drops them inside a drawer before heading to a shelf and scanning the notebooks there. He pulls one out and flips through it. "What are you looking for?"

[6:26 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Who’s in power now? Has someone claimed the throne..." Ryleigh taps her chin in thought before adding "...do we know if the country in chaos, or if it's established independent governments throughout?"

[6:31 PM] DM: Berolt drops the notebook on the desk as he plops back into his chair. "I can tell you what I know, what I've heard, and I may be able to give you a local contact who would have more information, but I can't make guarantees. We don't talk much."

[6:36 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Anything you can give me would help," Ryleigh says, then her brow furrows, "Berolt, do you need help with anything? It's been a while since I've done anything for Whispers..."

[6:40 PM] DM: He shakes his head. "What I do is above your paygrade and if it's a not-too-subtle dig at my current appearance, it's a personal matter, not Whispers." He kind of clears his throat and stops short of rolling his eyes. "But thank you for your concern."

[6:40 PM] DM: He opens the notebook again and starts reading out from his notes. "The Crotamis family was murdered by unknown parties about 4 years ago. Since then, everybody and their brother has come forward with a claim to the throne, some city leaders included. Many of the cities have gone back to independence. Some are better off than others." He flips a few pages. "Where are you going?"

[6:43 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh offers Berolt a small smile and shakes her head slightly. "We're going to Cusmasir first, then we'll make our way to Halolis."

[6:48 PM] DM: Berolt flips through. "Cusmasir.... here it is. Hipponax Lapis is the archon. He was high in the Crotamis court and is one of the ones claiming the throne. Human. City's patron god is Apollo...?"

[6:48 PM] DM: Rukiya: "Sun god like Asten."

[6:51 PM] DM: Berolt shrugs and flips again. "Halolis was the capital under Crotamis. I don't have information on the current leaders. May not have any."

[6:58 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Nodding, Ryleigh commits the information to memory. "Thank you. I'm not sure I'll need it, but do you have any contacts in either city in case I do."(edited)

[7:04 PM] DM: "Not by individual name, but there is a group that calls themselves Daughters of Polymatheia. If the info is still good, you can find them by asking attendants at Apollo's temples." He frowns. "Be careful. I don't like that he's linked to both the state and these daughters."

[7:11 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I'll be cautious." Ryleigh rubs at her temples. "I appreciate all the help Berolt. And if you do need me for anything, don't hesitate to ask."

[7:12 PM] DM: Berolt: "How long do you think you'll be gone this time?"

[7:14 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh shrugs, a deep sigh escaping her. "I'm not sure. At least two weeks, maybe three. It could be four if things go sideways."(edited)

[7:19 PM] DM: He looks over at Rukiya. "You too?"

[7:20 PM] DM: Rukiya laughs. "Maybe I should, just to keep her out of trouble."

[7:23 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "We haven't discussed if she can be away that long," Ryleigh says with a smile.

[7:25 PM] DM: Berolt shrugs. "Let me know. You know the drill otherwise. Bring me back any info that would be useful. Scouting report or whatever you want to call it. This fuckin' notebook's practically useless."

[7:27 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh stands. "I'll bring back what information I can."

[7:30 PM] DM: He nods and waves you off as he pulls his papers back out of the drawer.

[7:31 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh offers her hand to Rukiya, before leaving Berolt's office

[7:32 PM] DM: She takes it and you both walk out.

[7:37 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Once they reach Ryleigh's apartment she asks, "Do you actually want to come with to Shasem?"

[7:43 PM] DM: Rukiya pulls Ry closer, draping Ry's arms over her hips and draping her own arms over Ry's shoulders. The corner of her mouth turns up. "Do I want to go to a beautiful place full of art and seascapes and intrigue with my girlfriend who I feel like I never get to see and who is apparently having trouble coming back to me whole and healthy?"

[7:49 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh's cheeks redden, but she smiles. "I know you have things here to do, but I'd love it if you came. I won't be in such a rush to get back home for once."(edited)

[7:50 PM] DM: She taps her chin in feigned thought. "Hmmm.... I'll have to ask my boss if it's ok."

[7:52 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Berolt already assumed you were coming along," Ryleigh says matter of factly.

[7:53 PM] DM: She laughs. "Bold of you to assume I wasn't talking about me."

[7:56 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Oh... right. Of course," Ryleigh stumbles over her words, her cheeks reddening further, "because you're your own woman."

[7:57 PM] DM: Rukiya giggles and pushes up to kiss Ryleigh. "You're adorable. Would the rest of the group be ok with it?"

[8:04 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh's hands sneak under Rukiya's shirt, resting on the small of her back. "They all bring their girlfriends along, I don't see why it would be a problem." She dips her head, but before she can kiss Rukiya, Ryleigh adds, "Urrak will probably be on her best behavior with you around."(edited)

[8:09 PM] DM: "I'll clear my schedule then." She smiles and leans in to meet Ry's lips.

8:15 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: After a few seconds, Ryleigh pulls away and says, "Have I told you what a sexy a brain you have?"

[8:22 PM] DM: She grins. "I think I remember a few other things you've said were sexy, but I think this is a first for brain."

[1:19 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I don't know how you spend hours in the library." Ryleigh chuckles. "Vydea's blood must give you some kind of super power."

[1:25 PM] DM: Rukiya's smile fades. "Does it bother you? That part of me."

[1:41 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "What?" Ryleigh's brows furrow, each of her hands coming up to cup Rukiya's cheeks. "Rukiya... being a Moonstream is only one part of who you are, and no, it doesn't bother me. Has... has this been on your mind lately?"

[1:43 PM] DM: She shakes her head slightly. "No... you've just been talking about it a lot lately. I thought it was weighing on yours."

[1:46 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh sighs out a soft, "Oh." She deflates a little, looking slightly ashamed. "You mean my outburst in the library..."

[1:48 PM] DM: Rukiya takes Ryleigh's hands in hers. "You asked about being her champion and an acolyte, too."

[1:55 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I guess I've been trying to tell you that I want you to be able to talk about it... if you want. I want you to feel comfortable sharing that part of yourself with me and I'm not sure you are... or ever will be, and it worries me."(edited)

[2:05 PM] DM: She looks down at their joined hands. "It's... difficult to suddenly stop habits." She huffs a brief laugh. "Maybe I should ask myself if it bothers *me*."  She looks back up. "I'm sorry."

[2:19 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "You have nothing to apologize for." Ryleigh softly rubs her thumb across Rukiya's hand. "I don't want you to feel pressured to share... especially when you thought you'd never speak to anyone about this part of yourself. And *l'auorphiem*, it's okay if you never want to talk about any of it with me."

[2:26 PM] DM: "You said it worries you."

[2:36 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I know what it's like to have something hidden so deep inside you that it affects everything in your life... I don't want that to happen to you."(edited)

[3:11 PM] DM: "This isn't the only secret I've carried, nor will it be the last." She sighs. "I keep expecting it to be too much for you. The realities of who I was, what I've done... you accepted it all so readily even without knowing everything. I just worry that one day it will catch up, you'll open your eyes, unblinded by what you feel for me... and it will be more than you're willing to accept."

[3:23 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh releases Rukiya's hands to tug her close, her lips brushing Rukiya's temple. "I know you live in the shadows. I accept that there are secrets you may have to keep because we work for Whispers."

[3:29 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I won't hide that I don't like that your family has so much power. King Ambrose can wave his hand and change anything he wants to." Ryleigh pulls back to look into Rukiya's eyes. "I know the Moonstreams aren't like Tilman, but I can't help but fear that one day they could be. Ascus couldn't have always been a bad place to live, but bigotry has been normalized over the years by our leaders and now..." she shrugs.

[3:33 PM] DM: "I think you might be overestimating how much a king can really do," she says with a soft smile. It falls away again. "If it were that easy..." She trails off, looking away again.

[3:45 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh briefly smiles. "You would know more about that than I would." Her hand comes up to Rukiya's chin, tilting it slightly so she's looking at Ryleigh again. "I promise to talk to you if anything changes or if I start to struggle with who you were."

[4:04 PM] DM: "What you said earlier... I don't want you to resent me for having the power to change things and refusing it."

[4:21 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "You've told me your reasons leaving, and I know you don't do anything without thinking it ALL the way through. I read what they wrote about you in that book. How could they put all that pressure on a child." Ryleigh sighs and shakes her head.

[4:25 PM] DM: "If you truly believed that you could erase all the suffering in Vyon, wouldn't you be willing to do anything to make it real?"

[4:28 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh's brows furrow and her eyes narrow a little. "That's not fair... you already know my answer."(edited)

[5:06 PM] DM: "That's why I worry." She slips her hands free of Ryleigh's. "Sooner or later, you're going to realize that I chose myself over my duty. That I chose to leave instead of trying to use that power to make things better. That I let my brother shoulder all that responsibility because *I just didn't want to*."

[8:12 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Giving Rukiya the space she needs, Ryleigh says, "I know that's not the only reason you left. You wouldn't just run away. You care about Vyon, and if you didn't, you wouldn't feel guilty about not taking the crown. You wouldn't have joined Whispers to make a difference. And you would feel freedom from the burden of ruling."(edited)

[8:28 PM] DM: "Sometimes I look at you... practically killing yourself for a chance to make the world a little better. I think of... of Rinan. All he wanted was to do enough good to make up for the pain he caused. I think back to walking away and all I can see is how selfish it was." She reaches up and holds the ring on her necklace through her shirt. "I still have trouble justifying it."

[9:02 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh runs her hands up Rukiya's arms, one of them coming to rest on the one Rukiya has around the necklace. "You can't change what happened now, *l'auorphiem*."

[9:08 PM] DM: Her eyes well with tears and she steps forward and drops her forehead to Ry's shoulder as they start to fall. "I feel like I've just disappointed everyone, *everyone*, and for what? And now I'm just waiting for you to realize that you should be disappointed too."

[9:17 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I know I'm not tactful with my words when I'm talking about Ascus, or wanting to change things for non-humans, but you don't have to justify your reasons for leaving... not with me." Ryleigh's arms wrap around Rukiya. "I'm not disappointed. I don't blame you for leaving. And I'll remind you every time you have these thoughts."(edited)

[9:29 PM] DM: Rukiya wraps her arms around Ryleigh's waist and cries quietly into her shoulder for a few long seconds before she sniffles and says, "When you thought about me sharing, this probably wasn't what you were expecting, was it?"

[9:37 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh laughs lightly. "I didn't say how I wanted you to share, so this counts. I love you, Rukiya Moonstream... and I plan to love you for years to come."(edited)

[9:45 PM] DM: "I love you too... and thank you. I wasn't expecting that to all come out, but I've never spoken about it out loud, even to myself." She sniffles again and tries to wipe the tears away. "I guess there was more than I realized."

[9:52 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I think you needed to talk about it." Ryleigh pull back to press a kiss to Rukiya's forehead. "Someday... when you're ready, and if you want to... you can tell me about the ring you wear around your neck, or about Rinan."

[9:56 PM] DM: She nods but doesn't say anything.

[9:59 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Tell me what you need right now..." Ryleigh whispers.

[10:07 PM] DM: "A distraction? I just... want to stop thinking about it for a while."

[10:13 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Why don't we get comfortable, lay down, and I can tell you a story... or distract you in another way, if you prefer that." Ryleigh smiles softly, quirking her eyebrow.

[10:16 PM] DM: Rukiya laughs softly and pulls Ryleigh in for a long kiss. "What did *I* ever do to deserve *you*?"

[10:27 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "By being yourself... by being kind, gentle, loving and generous, and returning the love I feel for you," Ryleigh answers, before she pulls Rukiya towards her bed and gently pushes her down onto it, bringing their lips together in a deep kiss.

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