Session 90

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This session was played on November 18, 2018.

## Synopsis

Picking up on the path to execution with guards' bodies at their feet and red sparks hanging in the air, the group immediately sets off walking to the south, off the path to avoid guard reinforcements. They find a cave where Ryleigh interrogates Brimeia while Seirixori asks Rukiya to rescue Danai.

Brimeia explains that she had a dream where she and Astara had sex, but that she didn't remember killing her. She also hasn't heard from Eya in a while.

Rukiya rescues Danai and Gunnloda contacts Kendall to take Danai out of Shasem. Seirixori tries to use the medallion Danai gave her to contact Hestia, but there's no answer.

Ryleigh and Seirixori have a chat that doesn't really solve anything, but Seir is determined to shoulder the weight of the party to ensure she finds her mother and Ryleigh's too pissed and unsure of herself to be able to help.

## Trivia

* The open space was a red dragon lair where the guards of Miteia have been sacrificing criminals to the resident red dragon so that the dragon would leave the town alone.

## Transcript

2:33 PM] DM: 23 Gishmont 3Y20

Morning.

Just outside Miteia, formerly of Shasem.

[2:34 PM] DM: You woke early to get back aboard the Delphin and continue your journey to Halolis, looking for information about Brimeia's bloodline. Instead, you found yourselves embroiled in a murder investigation.... though that word is used lightly. Astara, captain of the Delphin, was found in her room, dead. Kallias, the owner of Poseidon' Beard claimed it was Brimeia he saw leaving her room in the night.

[2:35 PM] DM: Ryleigh, and to some extent Urrak, threw fits about Brimeia's treatment and the three of them were taken off "for execution." Seirixori managed to stall the head guard with Bri until the group caught up.

[2:36 PM] DM: Now, you're standing here, five dead guards at your feet, red sparks hanging in the air to signal for more guards to come to their assistance. You're on a rocky path up the side of a mountain with few trees, certainly not enough for cover, though the terrain is full of large boulders.

[2:37 PM] DM: Down the path is Miteia, the town where you're certainly not welcome anymore, the Delphin's captain-less crew, and Danai at the Poseidon's Beard. Up the path is where Bri, Ry, and Urrak were meant to be executed.

[6:07 PM] Seirixori: Seir turns to Gunnloda, dropping the dino form, “Please send Danai a message and let her know we'll come get her soon.” She starts heading up the mountain looking for anywhere they can veer off to hide better. “Let's go,” she says to everyone else, her tone a little harsh.

[6:10 PM] DM: The path isn't exactly tight. You can go off anywhere you like, but it would involve more climbing or skirting around boulders. The easiest walk is along the path itself.

[6:09 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "We should try to make for the nearest border," Ryleigh says, pointing in the general direction they should go.

[6:11 PM] DM: Gunnloda does send the message and follows Seir.

[6:11 PM] DM: Rukiya returns everyone's weapons, and the bag and shield to Ry.(edited)

[6:12 PM] Urrak: "Y'know fer once it'd be good t' not be a wanted criminal in a new country..." Urrak grumbles under her breath as she straps her sword to her back. "Well let's get on before th' other half of the town's guard is on our asses."(edited)

[6:13 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh takes the bag of holding and her shield, with a muttered thanks to Rukiya, then walks in the direction Seir's heading.

[6:16 PM] Seirixori: Seir turns and heads in the direction Ryleigh pointed, but doesn't say anything.

[6:16 PM] DM: The mountain range's peaks are to the south, so heading up the path is the direction she pointed. Are you going up the path or going off the side?(edited)

[6:17 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: ((Off to the side))

[6:17 PM] Seirixori: (( yeah off to the side))

[6:18 PM] DM: Ok, it's a bit rougher terrain here, you're traveling at half speed at best, but you'd be harder to find by anyone who answers the call of red sparks.

[6:19 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: ((Cool, we'll keep walking that way for a while))(edited)

[6:20 PM] DM: After a few more minutes, you start to reach the first crest of the nearest mountain.

[6:23 PM] Urrak: "How are we gonna get back t' Danai? I'd be surprised if they haven't snatched her up already..."(edited)

[6:25 PM] Seirixori: Seir goes to investigate an area nearby as she answers, "None of you are going to do anything. Rukiya, myself, and Gunnloda are."

[6:26 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "We need to get away from those sparks," Ryleigh answers, pointing behind them, "then we need to find a spot safe enough to wait for them to return with her."

[6:27 PM] DM: So Seir starts veering east?

[6:28 PM] Seirixori: ((Yes))

[6:28 PM] DM: Eventually you all see what looks kind of like a bowl shape- several mounds of boulders surrounding a flatter area in the center.

[6:29 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh's a little hesitant. "Seirixori, I think we need to stay heading south."(edited)

[6:30 PM] Seirixori: Seir stops and points at the metal posts in the clearing, "Is that... a bad thing?"

[6:31 PM] Urrak: "With our luck, I'm sure it is."

[6:31 PM] DM: There are seven metal posts in the ground in the center of the clearing, six of them in a rough crescent shape with one set in front of them.

[6:33 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I don't think we should be here." Ryleigh lays a hand on Seir's shoulder. "This might have been where they were taking us - for execution - which means the guards could be heading here. Come on."

[6:36 PM] Seirixori: Seir shrugs off Ryleigh's hand, "Alright," she starts heading south again.

[6:37 PM] DM: Perception checks, please.

[6:37 PM] Urrak: ((6))

[6:38 PM] Seirixori: ((13))

[6:38 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh's brows furrow as she looks after Seir. ((17))

[6:39 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "We definitely need to get out of here." Ryleigh starts walking back towards the direction Seirixori went(edited)

[6:40 PM] DM: The ground shakes beneath you, some rocks tumbling down, and in the far distance, faaar to the east, you see what looks like a fiery geyser spout, then disappear again.(edited)

[6:41 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: (We totally keep walking, yo. DONT WANT NONE OF THAT)

[6:42 PM] Seirixori: Seir only glances in that direction but keeps walking.(edited)

[6:43 PM] DM: Avoiding further interaction with the weird area, you continue walking until Seir manages to find a small cave that looks mostly hidden from sight that should be safe enough from prowling guards for a chance to rest.

[6:44 PM] DM: The ground shakes again.

[6:46 PM] Urrak: "It's like this whole bloody island is out t' get us," Urrak steps into the cave and crosses her arms. "So it's clear y'have a plan, Seirixori. I...I'm glad yer takin' Rukiya with ye.  Those guards don't fuck around."

[6:47 PM] Brimeia: "Um. I'm guessing the rumbling is bad. The cave's not gonna fall is it?"

[6:48 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I think we'll be fine," Ryleigh answer Bri.

[6:48 PM] Seirixori: Seir doesn't answer anyone and asks Gunnloda and Rukiya to follow her off to the side in order to not be overheard.

[6:49 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh follows them with a soft, "wait."(edited)

[6:50 PM] Seirixori: "What?" Seir doesn't turn around to look at Ry.

[6:52 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Biting her lip to stop herself from snapping back, Ryleigh calmly asks, "Why the sudden need for secrecy? We know you're going back, but if something goes wrong, we should know what you're planning on doing."

[6:52 PM] Seirixori: "Because I want to keep it secret."

[6:54 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "That's not an answer, Seirixori."

[6:55 PM] Seirixori: "It is for now."

[6:55 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "You and Rukiya are not leaving this cave without telling me what you plan to do!" Ryleigh shouts at her.

[6:56 PM] Urrak: Urrak just watches the exchange, arms folded. Her eyes dart from Seir to Ry and back again.

[6:57 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia just shuffles awkwardly and tries not to stare.

[6:57 PM] Seirixori: Seir turns quickly and with a low growl, whispers, "No. I'm not going far, unless Rukiya needs help, but right now... right now you're all going to sit here and shut up!"

[6:58 PM] DM: Gunnloda reaches out and takes Seir's hand.

[7:01 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "What did you want me to do back there? They were going to take her," Ryleigh says, gesturing at Brimeia, "You don't understand what these places do to people like you. This isn't Vyon."

[7:04 PM] Seirixori: Seir hardcore glares and grits her teeth, "I don't understand!? You--!" she huffs and shoves Ryleigh, "Fuck off!" She leaves the cave.(edited)

[7:05 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh looks caught between following Seir and staying put.

[7:05 PM] DM: Gunnloda follows Seir (to her private room)

[7:05 PM] Urrak: "Ry, let her go. She's in good hands." Urrak says softly

[7:05 PM] DM: Rukiya intercepts Ryleigh, hands on her shoulders.

[7:07 PM] DM: Rukiya: "She needs a minute. I'll look after her. You keep them safe. If something happens, keep heading south. We'll meet at Apollo in Halolis."

[7:08 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh stops at Rukiya's touch. "Okay," she whispers, "be safe and keep her safe too."

[7:09 PM] DM: "Of course," Rukiya smiles. She lifts herself up on her toes to give Ry a kiss before heading out to meet Seir.

## Seir, Gunnloda, and Rukiya

7:06 PM] Seirixori: Seir's pacing just outside, ranting to herself in infernal.

[7:07 PM] DM: Gunnloda approaches. "Y'okay, *sor'odko*?"

[7:11 PM] Seirixori: She says something in infernal, that does not sound nice at all then closes her eyes and takes a deep breath. "This is such a mess"

[7:11 PM] DM: "When is it not, *v'do*?"

[7:12 PM] DM: Rukiya steps outside. "So what's the plan?"

[7:14 PM] Seirixori: Seir takes another deep breath, "I'm certain you and Gunnloda can go back without much issue. Or at least you can, I can... be invisible for a little bit if you need help." She says to Rukiya. "I want to get Danai out and to us..." she pauses, looking a little hesitant, "and then call Kendall to take Danai out of here."

[7:17 PM] DM: Rukiya looks between Seir and Gunnloda. "I see. Well, it'd be safer for her at least."

[7:19 PM] Seirixori: "I just... as much as I'd rather easily go to my mother..." Seir sighs as she rubs her red rimmed eyes, "We need to get out of this ourselves."(edited)

[7:31 PM] DM: Rukiya: "So I'm on rescue duty?"

[7:32 PM] Seirixori: "If you don't mind? Unfortunately none of us are very uh... quiet."

[7:34 PM] DM: Rukiya: "Where should I meet you? Are you staying here?"(edited)

[7:35 PM] Seirixori: "We can, yes. It's probably safer that way. I was going to offer to go, but it's probably best if I don't."

[7:37 PM] DM: Rukiya nods and hesitates, but says, "Ryleigh means well. You know her heart's in the right place. Give her a chance to apologize?"

[7:41 PM] Seirixori: Seir frowns, "... I know."

[7:42 PM] DM: She steps forward, but stops shy of actually taking Seir's hand. "You're allowed to be upset. I'm not telling you not to be. But there are healthier ways to deal with it."

[7:43 PM] DM: She nods at Gunnloda and turns back towards the town. "Tell Ry not to come charging in before I've been gone at least two hours. We'll be back in no time."

[7:45 PM] Seirixori: "Thank you," Seir whispers and watches her go before turning to Gunnloda and kneeling, pulling her into her arms.

## In the Cave

[7:11 PM] Brimeia: "So...we just waiting here?" Brimeia asks after a moment.

[7:11 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh leans against the wall towards the mouth of the cave for a long while after the others leave.

[7:14 PM] Urrak: "Aye, Bri, we are," Urrak paces a bit, thinking to herself. "Otherwise, we're liable t' get picked up, especially th' three of our clumsy asses." She sits on the floor and takes her pack off, allowing herself to rest a bit. "I'm glad yer ok, Bri. I jus' hope Seir will be too."

7:18 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "We need to chat," Ryleigh says to Brimeia, finally joining them. "I'm going to cast a truth spell, and you won't fight it's effects, you will answer my questions and I will know if you're lying."

[7:18 PM] Brimeia: "Uh..Ok? You could just ask real nice you know."

[7:19 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia makes an attempt to smile.

[7:19 PM] Urrak: "I think she jus' wants t' be sure, Bri. It'll be alright."

[7:21 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia shoots Urrak a glare but doesn't say anything.

[7:21 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh starts to sing, just soft enough that you guys can't make out the words but you can hear the tune. A shimmering circle appears around her as the song ends.

[7:23 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "When was the last time you saw Astara?"

[7:23 PM] Brimeia: "In my dream."

[7:24 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "What occurred in this dream?"

[7:26 PM] Brimeia: "We had sex. I put my hand on her neck. It felt good. Astara looked like she did too."

[7:27 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "How forceful were you?"

[7:27 PM] Brimeia: "Not enough to hurt her. She enjoyed it. She came."

[7:31 PM] Urrak: Urrak clears her throat awkwardly as she shifts a bit.

[7:31 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Was that the end of the dream?" Ryleigh's tone and expression doesn't change.

[7:32 PM] Brimeia: "Yes, that was all I remember before waking up in my room."

[7:33 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "So your dream ended after she came? There was nothing else."

[7:33 PM] Brimeia: "I don't remember anything else."

[7:35 PM] Brimeia: "Unless you want me to go back to an earlier part."

[7:35 PM] Urrak: "Well, gotta say, better than most o' my dreams. Those usually end way before that," Urrak chuckles a bit before remembering the gravity of the situation. "Erm..."

[7:37 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh glances in Urrak's direction, a condescending smirk on her lips, but she doesn't comment and turns her attention back to Bri.

[7:38 PM] Urrak: "If I asked her a question, would she have t' be truthful, Ry?  is it jus' you?"

[7:40 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Everyone is under the spell, including you. So yes."

[7:41 PM] Urrak: "Bri, when was th' last time yer head devil talked t' ye? Have ye seen her since we've landed 'ere on Shasem?"

[7:45 PM] Brimeia: "It's been a long while. Definitely not since we've come to Shasem. I'm worried what it means."

[7:49 PM] Urrak: "Damn," Urrak unfolds her legs and brings her knees to her chest, "Hmm, well, is that how most o' these dreams o' yours happen? I know yer devil is brought out when ye kill a creature...like some kinda reward fer yer efforts. But is it th' devil sleepin' with ye or jus' some random attractive woman?"

[7:53 PM] Brimeia: "Sometimes they're about sex, sometimes they're about killing people who say nasty things about people like me and Seirixori. Why?"

[7:54 PM] Urrak: "If this dream was somehow different, then...well maybe then we can tell if ye didn't kill her. But this whole thing is so fuckin' ambiguous it's tough t' say...godsdamn supernatural shits."

[7:57 PM] Urrak: "Sorry, Ry, didn't mean t' take over," she leans back on her hands.

[7:58 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh turns her attention back to Bri and asks, "How frequent are these dreams?"

[8:01 PM] Brimeia: "They're random. Sometimes I have a lot of them. Sometimes there's a while between them."

[8:08 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I'm sorry for what the guards said to you, and how they treated you," Ryleigh mumbles, finally taking a seat.

[8:09 PM] DM: The ground shakes again.

[8:09 PM] Brimeia: "Thanks. I appreciate that. I've never had people defend me like that before, besides Danai. I appreciate that too. I'm glad no one got hurt too seriously."

[8:10 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia looks a bit embarrassed but she doesn't retract or try to change her statement.

[8:13 PM] Urrak: "A'course, Bri. Yer part of our little team here, we couldn't leave ye t' th' wolves."

[8:13 PM] DM: Five minutes pass....

[8:14 PM] DM: Ten minutes...

[8:17 PM] Seirixori: Seir comes walking in, glancing in Ryleigh's direction, "She said to give her two hours before being an idiot."

[8:19 PM] Urrak: "Hello t' ye too," Urrak rubs one of her eyes with the back of her hand.

[8:20 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh nods, so Seir knows she hear her, but she doesn't meet Seir's eyes.

[8:23 PM] Urrak: "Alright well do ye care t' elaborate so th' rest of us can know what exactly yer on about? Is Danai ok?"

[8:26 PM] Seirixori: "No." Responding to Urrak's first question.

[8:27 PM] Urrak: Urrak opens her mouth and closes it. After a moment she glances at Seir, "Ooo-kay. Fine."

[8:25 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Rukiya went to get her and we're not supposed to go after her for at least two hours."

[8:26 PM] Urrak: "Ah, alright then. Some good news, I s'ppose."

[8:28 PM] DM: Another tremble.

[8:31 PM] Urrak: "Two hours...," Urrak stands and paces, mumbling in orcish under her breath, almost prayer-like. "Ain't much we can do until then, eh?"

[8:31 PM] DM: Perception checks

[8:32 PM] Urrak: ((9))

[8:32 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: ((16))

[8:32 PM] Brimeia: ((6))

[8:34 PM] Seirixori: ((I can't get it to load atm))

[8:35 PM] DM: (16 for seir)

[8:35 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Everyone be quiet," Ryleigh says hurriedly, "I hear people." Ryleigh moves towards the mouth of the cave, hoping to hear what's being shouted, but staying hidden.(edited)

[8:36 PM] Seirixori: Seir curses under her breath, slowly standing.

[8:37 PM] DM: Another tremor.

[8:38 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh moves further into the cave and whispers to the others, "They're searching for us, be on guard, but stay quiet."

[8:39 PM] Urrak: Urrak nods and draws her sword, just in case

[8:39 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia nods.

[8:41 PM] DM: You all hear a voice, close to the mouth of the cave, close enough to hear it clearly, "Found a cave! I'm gonna check it out!"

[8:44 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Drawing Dawnbringer, Ryleigh is going to take a few steps forward.

[8:44 PM] Seirixori: Seir conjures two dire wolves at the foot of the cave.

[8:45 PM] DM: A man does appear at the mouth of the cave. Gunnloda immediately casts Hold Person, but it has no effect.

[8:46 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh is going to slash Dawnbringer at the guard. ((13H, 9D/26H, 16D))

[8:47 PM] DM: The second hits, and the guard takes Dawnbringer right in the gut.

[8:47 PM] Seirixori: ((Wolves attack the dude))

[8:48 PM] DM: The first wolf takes a bite out of his leg, but he doesn't fall (12), the second misses.

[8:50 PM] Urrak: Urrak also attacks ((14, 14 and 17, 13))

[8:52 PM] DM: The guard falls dead at the mouth of the cave.

[8:53 PM] Urrak: Urrak picks up his body to stash it in the cave

[8:53 PM] Seirixori: Seir stops her, "No."

[8:53 PM] Urrak: "No?  Do ye want t' get caught?"

[8:54 PM] Seirixori: She asks the wolves to take him and find the others to hopefully scare them away.

[8:55 PM] Seirixori: "It was just wolves, not people that got him," she adds for explanation.(edited)

[8:56 PM] DM: They scoop the body up in their jaws, fight over him a bit, and drag him out of the cave.

[8:56 PM] Brimeia: "Smart." Brimeia nods.

[8:56 PM] Urrak: "Fuckin' hells, this is a godsdamn mess...but aye, better this way."

[8:57 PM] DM: After a minute of straining your ears, you hear a shout and a yelp.

[8:58 PM] DM: There's a growl, and then the two wolves return, bloodied at the mouth, one with a crossbow bolt in their shoulder.

[8:59 PM] Seirixori: Seir walks up to them and gives them both big hugs and scratches as thanks.

[9:00 PM] DM: It's quiet for another few minutes.

[9:00 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh kneels down, pulls the bolt out of the one wolf's shoulder and pats it.

[9:00 PM] DM: Another ten minutes.

[9:01 PM] DM: Another tremor.

[9:01 PM] DM: There's another noise outside the mouth of the cave. Someone trying to be quiet, but several rocks scatter across the rocky ground.

[9:02 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Moving to the mouth of the cave, Ryleigh has Dawnbringer at the ready.

[9:02 PM] Seirixori: Seir sends the wolves as backup if Ryleigh needs it.

[9:03 PM] DM: A figure steps into the open mouth of the cave.

[9:04 PM] DM: Then you see the second figure silhouetted in the door, being pulled by the hand, and recognize Rukiya and Danai.

[9:05 PM] Urrak: Urrak lets out a breath, "Thank fuck."(edited)

[9:06 PM] Seirixori: Seir lets out a sigh of relief and has the wolves come back to her.(edited)

[9:06 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh relaxes, sheathing Dawnbringer and helping Rukiya with Danai.

[9:07 PM] Seirixori: "Gunnloda, if you could," She whispers with a nod and then starts walking out of the cave with her wolves.(edited)

[9:08 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I wish we could give you time to rest, but we need to get moving," Ryleigh says to Danai.

[9:09 PM] Brimeia: "Thank you, Rukiya," Brimeia says quietly.

[9:09 PM] Urrak: "I can carry ye, if yer legs are weak, Danai."

[9:09 PM] DM: Rukiya: "We saw the guards headed back to town."

[9:10 PM] DM: Gunnloda reaches for her pouch, but follows Seir out with a frown.

[9:12 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "They came looking for us, but the situation was contained." Ryleigh takes Rukiya's hand and presses a kiss to it, flinching as she does it. "We need to go," she repeats, tugging Rukiya in the direction Seir went.

[9:12 PM] DM: Rukiya doesn't move immediately. "Seirixori wants Kendall to take Danai."

[9:14 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Oh," Ryleigh mouths, stopping.

[9:14 PM] Urrak: "Can't say it's a bad plan..."

[9:16 PM] Brimeia: "Is Gunnloda alright with it?"(edited)

[9:18 PM] Urrak: "If Seir's askin' her, I'm sure she'll oblige. I just hope Kendall doesn't get sick of savin' our asses."

[9:19 PM] DM: Gunnloda returns to the cave, frowning a bit, but heads to the deepest part where she can still stand away from the walls.

[9:21 PM] Brimeia: "You ok?"

[9:21 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh mumbles something to Rukiya in elven.

[9:22 PM] DM: Gunnloda: "I'm fine. Just worried is all."

[9:23 PM] DM: After a couple more minutes, there's a slight flash and a pop and a familiar halfling in a samurai helmet and white robes is standing next to Gunnloda.

[9:25 PM] DM: Kendall: "This.... is not an upgrade from the last place. What kind of pickle are ya in now, love?" She has a thoughtful look on her face for a second. "Is... that ok again?"

[9:25 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Once Kendall arrives, Ryleigh leaves the cave to see if she can find Seir.

[9:28 PM] DM: Gunnloda shrugs. "We're in Shasem, and we have a favor to ask. We have a new friend, but she's not suited t'the kind of travel we do. We were hopin' y'might take her home with ya til we get back t'Riverrun."

[9:32 PM] DM: Kendall: "I don't see why not."

[9:36 PM] Brimeia: "Thank you, Kendall."

[9:36 PM] Urrak: "Aye, thank ye, Kendall. It'll be a weight off our minds," Urrak walks towards the two of them. "An' Danai will appreciate the rest, I imagine." she sighs softly, "Even when we aren't on th' run from townsguard, this trips been taxin' since th' start."

[9:38 PM] DM: Kendall nods, casting a concerned glance back at Gunnloda. "So who's the friend?"

[9:41 PM] Brimeia: "This is Danai, my old... caretaker. "

[9:42 PM] Brimeia: She smiles at Danai as she waves a hand toward her. "She helped me when I was only a child."

[9:45 PM] DM: Kendall walks over to Danai and takes her hand. "Well, dear, how would you like to take a vacation in Vatru for a bit?"

[9:46 PM] DM: Danai, who has looked kind of conflicted about this whole thing, says, "If you're sure it won't be a hassle. I know I'm slowing these folks down quite a bit."

[9:47 PM] Urrak: "Ye survived a run in with a Hydra. Can't say that of most women yer age. Or men. And what Bri said. It's more fer your safety than our convenience"

[9:46 PM] Brimeia: "We'll come find you after this is all over, promise."

[9:47 PM] DM: Kendall: "Just ring me up and I'll come deliver her right to your doorstep... or wherever Gunnloda's standing," she chuckles.

[9:48 PM] Urrak: "Yer a godsend, Kendall. Truly," Urrak smiles

[9:49 PM] DM: She chuckles, "Well, that is my job, innit?"

[9:51 PM] Urrak: "An' ye do it well," Urrak kneels so Kendall didn't have to strain her neck to look at her, "Anythin' we can give ye fer th' trouble?"

[9:53 PM] DM: Kendall: "Don't you worry about it, us two old ladies'll find plenty to chat about." She shifts her eyes to Gunnloda before saying, "But you let me know if there's anything else you need."

[9:57 PM] Urrak: "Sounds good, Kendall. An' don't worry, I'm sure we'll find ourselves in some more trouble soon enough." she sighs and stands. "Jus' pray fer th' lot of us, I s'pose. We can use all th' help we can get...Fer some reason this trip is stressin' Ryleigh out t' th' edge an' Seir," she looks over to Gunnloda a moment, "Well, she's strugglin' too, it seems. An' th' gods know I ain't equipped t' help either of 'em."

[9:59 PM] DM: Kendall: "Well, I can certainly do that."

Danai: "Me, too."

[10:00 PM] Urrak: "I appreciate it, truly."

[10:01 PM] DM: Gunnloda walks over and leans down to give Kendall a hug and says, "Thank you for coming. When we get back to Riverrun, I'll send you a message and... we can catch up."

[10:05 PM] DM: Kendall: "Just say the word." She turns to Danai. "You ever teleport before?"

Danai nervously giggles. "No?"

[10:05 PM] DM: Kendall: "Just don't let go of my hand, dear. You'll be fine." She waves to the rest of you. "See you next time."

[10:07 PM] Urrak: "See ya, Kendall, Danai. Safe travels."

[10:08 PM] DM: They both disappear.

[10:10 PM] Urrak: Urrak walks back towards the mouth of the cave and sits. "Well, now we wait fer those two t' come back, I guess."

[10:12 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia sighs. "What a mess. And it seems like it's all my fault."

[10:14 PM] Urrak: "Knowin' Ryleigh an' Seirixori, it's not. Well, not entirely. I'm sure th' lot of us have done somethin' at sometime that they're holdin' close t'their chests, but all o' this...I dunno, it feels deeper than our little quarrels."

[10:16 PM] DM: Rukiya's standing at the mouth of the cave, leaning against the wall with her arms and ankles crossed.

[10:16 PM] Brimeia: "I don't mean that I mean...everything. This whole...all of it. Having to come here, Eya, the guards..."

[10:17 PM] DM: Gunnloda quietly says, "You're not the only reason we're in Shasem."

[10:18 PM] Urrak: Urrak looks over to Gunnloda "She isn't?"

[10:20 PM] DM: Rukiya: "We're looking for Seirixori's mother, too."

[10:21 PM] Brimeia: "She's...here?"

[10:21 PM] Urrak: "Shit, you're right. All this craziness...Well then it's no wonder th' woman's runnin' herself ragged."

[10:23 PM] DM: Gunnloda: "Takara said she's in Halolis."

[10:25 PM] Urrak: "I feel like th' closer we get, the worse it'll be fer her," Urrak says in a low, soft tone. "I...I'm worried about th' two o' them, Gunnloda. But I don't know what any of us can even do."

[10:27 PM] DM: Gunnloda: "I am too, and I don't know."(edited)

[10:29 PM] Brimeia: "Huh. Seirixori's mom in the town I was living in before. What are the chances?" she mumbles to herself.

[10:32 PM] Urrak: Urrak leans back against the cave wall, "Aye, small world."

## Seir outside with Gunnloda, then Ryleigh

9:12 PM] Seirixori: She says, "I'm okay, I just need some air... I'm... I'm trying not get anymore angry than I am."

[9:15 PM] DM: Gunnloda nods. "D'you want me t'stay, or go? Knowin' we're 'bout to have some comp'ny."

[9:17 PM] Seirixori: Seir closes her eyes, "Go, please, I... I want to try something." She looks at the small medallion Danai gave her and snorts. "I don't know what I'm doing." Seir brings her hands up to press them against her eyes, trying to force the tears to stay where they are.(edited)

[9:18 PM] DM: Gunnloda puts a hand on Seir's arm and squeezes, but heads back to the cave.

[9:22 PM] Seirixori: After she goes, Seir heads a little bit farther away, unsure of the distance she needs, keeping her wolves with her as a sort of look out and just starts talking, "This is so stupid, I don't even know who you are. Takara only mentioned Artemis and..." Seir frowns, "Goddess I don't remember." Seir sinks to her knees, "What am I doing?"

[9:26 PM] DM: There's no response, but you hear Ryleigh's armor clanking around a bit.

9:31 PM] DM: Ryleigh clanks around the rocks, softly calling for Seirixori for a couple minutes.

[9:32 PM] Seirixori: One of the wolves makes a small bark, Seir's off to the side, kneeling and staring at a small medallion in her hand.

[9:35 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Seirixori, I'll leave you alone if you need me to, because... I was wrong to push and I'm not going to make that mistake again, but I'm here to talk whenever you're ready."

[9:38 PM] Seirixori: Seir closes her eyes with a deep breath and pockets the medallion. She doesn't move from where she is, just starts drawing circles in the dirt with her tail, "Aren't you though?" She stands and turns, her eyes rimmed with redness. "I told you not to aggravate people who don't like people like me, and you know, you know despite what Urrak says she follows your lead. They all do." She shakes her head, "And yet... you did it anyway."

[9:39 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "What did you want me to do? Let them take Brimeia?" Ryleigh says defeatedly. "They don't need a reason to execute people who look like you here, but they won't kill me in the middle of the street - because I look just like them."

[9:41 PM] Seirixori: "Yes!" Seir says harshly, "Yes! Because they might not kill you but they will kill us. Just because you interfered. If it had gone on..." Seir sighs. "I don't know how to get you to understand... Ryleigh, had that been me..."

[9:45 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Do you think I'd let them take you! I was only as calm as I was because it was Brimeia. I let them cuff me and take Dawnbringer, because that meant only one guard could focus on Brimeia instead of 3. If it had been you... they would have died before they had the chance to pull a blade," Ryleigh growls out the last bit.(edited)

[9:47 PM] Seirixori: "That's the problem!" Seir barely manages to keep her voice down. "That's the problem," She says softly. "We can't do this, not in this place. I'm going to do what I should have done before you ever showed up... at least while we're here because you can't control yourself here. And it'll get us killed." It's clear she isn't talking about Ryleigh.(edited)

[9:50 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "You're wrong, Seirixori. It's not a problem. This place... it's like Ascus. It throws them off when another human steps in." Ryleigh sighs and steps closer. "Tell me what you mean by that."

[9:51 PM] Seirixori: Seir doesn't bother responding to the first part, just shakes her head. She then lets out an exasperated chuckle, "Be the face."

[9:57 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "See, this is what I mean. You don't understand this place. You can't be the face here." Ryleigh frustratedly stomps to a tree and slams her fist into it. "I don't know what you want from me. If hadn't stuck up for Brimeia, I'd be just like the rest of them, but because I did you're upset." She hits the tree again. "It's. Like. I. Can't. Do. Anything. Right." Each word punctuated with another hit to the tree. Ryleigh's hands are bloodied from the repeated impact.(edited)

[10:05 PM] Seirixori: Seir watches her for a few moments before finally stepping in and gently taking her hands, casting a small healing word on them. "*Na'auiy noaroaca*, I can't be the whole time, you're right. But we only need a face for short bursts of time, and that I can do. Try to do..." She whispers to herself, though it's still audible. "You were trying to fight them Ryleigh. I said a shield not a sword. Get in the way, make it so they can't get to us, but if they already have us..." She sighs, "If they were going to kill us right there, that's one thing. But they weren't." She doesn't go on, just drops Ryleigh's hands and steps back. "You keep saying I don't understand how things work here. I would appreciate it if you'd stop."

[10:10 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "You don't know that they weren't going to kill Brimeia right there... you don't know that," Ryleigh says with tears in her eyes. "You aren't people to them. It'd be no different than squashing a bug," her voice cracks. "I'm sorry for hurting you. Hurting the people I want to help is what I've always done best." She turns and starts walking back towards the cave.(edited)

[10:14 PM] Seirixori: "But I do know, Ryleigh. I do. Why do you think I live in a fucking forest?" Seir says after her. "Do you know that after everyone I knew was killed, no one cared? Just me, I was the only one. Twenty-nine people, Ryleigh twenty-nine. And the guards who passed by looked at the graves I dug and didn't care." She scoffs and adds, "Sure, you can't do anything right, either. Shit." Seir curses after, not having any of the words she wants.

[10:21 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh turns around, opening her mouth to respond, but she doesn't. Instead she walks back to Seir, almost pulling her into a hug, she restrains herself, opens her arms and says, "I'm listening... talk to me."

[10:26 PM] Seirixori: "How could you say I don't know?" She manages to get out, barely, her voice cracking in the end. "I was eight Ryleigh. Eight, when I found out what happens to people who don't like tieflings. Sure I wasn't killed, but it was traumatizing. I didn't go into town for years I didn't leave my mother's side for years.  You get in their face and call them out for their bullshit and most of the time they back down, but you escalate..." She shakes her head. "That's not even what-- that doesn't even matter." She takes a deep breath, "I'm trying, I'm trying so hard to not-- to not get furious with you, with them," she nods towards the cave. "Because I swear to the gods I know, if any of you stop me from getting to my mother I--" she throws up her hands, "Fuck." she starts pacing, the anger from before returning.(edited)

[10:31 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "You're right... I had no right to tell you didn't understand. I... I projected my situation onto you, and that's... not fair. I lost them and sometimes it gets the better of me." Ryleigh looks down at her feet. "I know how important finding her is to you."

[10:34 PM] Seirixori: "So if you don't mind," She bites out, before taking another deep breath to calm down, "Let me do the talking and if it goes on for too long where I can't keep up the disguise, you can take over, but I can't trust that you'll stay calm if another situation happens."

[10:37 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh nods, her jaw set and her features schooled. "Okay."

[10:38 PM] Seirixori: "We can talk about... more of this when I'm not seconds away from turning into a bear." She tries to joke, but her voice is strained and Seir groans and starts heading back to the cave.

[10:40 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I'll meet you all out here, when everyone's ready," Ryleigh says, not following Seir.

[10:41 PM] Seirixori: Seir stops and looks over her shoulder, "Not if you're going to hurt yourself again." She points to her wolves, "I still have a couple friends for a little bit longer."

[10:42 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I'm not. I just... need a moment to collect myself."

[10:43 PM] Seirixori: Seir nods, but leaves one of her wolves anyway. Not just to keep an eye on things, but maybe comfort if Ryleigh needs it.

## Ryfika

6:08 PM] DM: Rukiya and Seir led the group south, then swung west around Miteia back to the coast after several hours of hiking through rocky hills. Ryleigh's been quiet, offering to watch flanks or bring up the rear, taking more than her share of watch, avoiding conversation.

[6:10 PM] DM: On the second or third day, Rukiya decides she's let Ryleigh sulk long enough. While everyone's making camp, she takes some of Gunnloda's bread and heads to the rocky outcropping where Ryleigh's decided to sit to watch for passing ships.

"I'm worried about you."

[6:12 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh turns to look at Rukiya and softly says, "I'm sorry for worrying you."

[6:15 PM] DM: Rukiya sighs and breaks the bread in half, holding one side out to Ryleigh. "I don't want an apology. I want to know what's going on. I want to know how I can help you. I don't want to watch you hurt anymore."

[6:22 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I..." Ryleigh starts to say, but pauses to take the bread. She picks a bit off and puts it in her mouth, chews for a little bit and swallows. "I poison everything, and I don't know how to be okay with that."

[6:24 PM] DM: Rukiya nudges Ryleigh over with her hip so she'll make space so she can sit next to her.

[6:25 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh scoots over, so she can.

[6:28 PM] DM: She sits and leans into Ryleigh, stopping just shy of resting her head on her shoulder. "You're not poisoning everything, but you're not helping matters by isolating yourself."

[6:34 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "It feels like I am... look at how I hurt Seirixori, look at what I put you through." Ryleigh's voice cracks, and she screws her face up in an effort not to cry. "At least if I'm alone, I can't hurt anyone but me."

[6:39 PM] DM: "Ryleigh..." Rukiya sets her bread down so she can pull Ryleigh's hand into her lap and hold it with both of hers. She's quiet for a moment, then she says, "You're not alone. You never will be."

[6:47 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Maybe I should be..." Ryleigh's eyes are brimmed with tears that she hasn't allowed to fall, and when she finally meets Rukiya's gaze, she says, "No matter how hard I try, I only know how to destroy."(edited)

[6:54 PM] DM: Rukiya sighs. "Ryleigh..." She starts and stops several times, like she can't find the right words to say what's on her mind.

[7:02 PM] DM: "You'll never heal if you don't stop drinking the poison that hurt you. You choose to walk a path of violence and vengeance and anger." She frowns and bites her lip. "You'll lose yourself to it if you keep walking that line."

[7:09 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh uses her free hand to cover her eyes, attempting to hide her tears from Rukiya. She chokes out through her crying, "No, Rukiya... that path was chosen for me at my brother's execution."(edited)

[7:16 PM] DM: Rukiya stands and positions herself right in front of Ryleigh, gently removing her hand so she can cup Ry's face and meet her eyes. "It wasn't. You always have a choice. You just have to accept the costs of the other options."

[7:24 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "They... they made me... they forced my hand." Ryleigh's lip quivers as she sort of shakes her head no in Rukiya's hands.

[7:35 PM] DM: "You still have a choice, Ry. Every day, every action. You have a choice. You can't keep choosing actions that hurt you, that push you further towards that edge."

[7:50 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "What choice do I have," Ryleigh says, crying a little harder, "I've always been destructive, l'auorphiem."

[7:55 PM] DM: "It doesn't matter, Ryleigh. It's in the past. I told you once that you couldn't let the past hang around your neck. It will drag you down. You can't change the past... but you can choose a better future. I-- I know you don't want to hear it, I know it's been your whole world for years... but if you can't find a way to stop your anger and pain from controlling you, maybe you need to let it go."

[8:07 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh sort of rears back, confusion plastering her features. "Let it go? How can you ask me to let it go? You... you know they deserve to suffer!"

[8:09 PM] DM: Rukiya lets go of Ry's face and instead kneels and takes her hands in hers, looking up at her. "Do they, or do you?"

[8:18 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Don't I?" Ryleigh's face contorts with pain, tears continuing to fall. "Why did I live and they didn't? The world doesn't need my anger... It needs patience. It needs kindness. It needs warmth. I'm not worthy, that's why I deserve all of this."

[8:28 PM] DM: "You don't. Ryleigh, you are not the pain that's been dealt to you, and you do not have to reflect that back into the world. The people who killed your brother, the people who took your sister... they're at fault. Yes. And they should face justice. But look around, Ry... they aren't here. The only person you're hurting is you."

[8:51 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Please, Rukiya..." Ryleigh swallows hard "...I don't... How do I... Who would I even be without the guilt, without the anger?"

[8:54 PM] DM: "Wouldn't you rather find out than lose yourself?"

[8:58 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I don't know how..."

[9:10 PM] DM: "We can figure it out together... we can start with this: You are loved and deserving of that love. You are not alone... and everyone makes mistakes, but mistakes can be forgiven...... and you can stop calling yourself the Black Knight of Asten," she adds with a small smile.

[9:25 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh nods, pulling Rukiya up, and close. "How could you possibly love me after all this? After I pushed you... hurt you. Why would you forgive me so easily? Especially after my behavior the last few days."

[9:38 PM] DM: "You look at yourself and see nothing but cracks and broken pieces trying to remold themselves into what you think you should be. I look at you and I see beauty, strength, and above all, a desire to make the world better. I see you as you are, flawed and hurt, but I also see who you could be, if you'd only stop holding yourself back, weighing yourself down. Your presence in my life... the joys and pleasures have far outweighed the pain. Even pushing to know my truth... I think it will be a benefit in the end because I can share with you. When I'm hurting, you can be there and understand me and I don't have to hold it in or hide."

[10:19 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh's eyes fill with new tears and she gives Rukiya a watery smile, before cupping Rukiya's cheek and crashing their lips together in a kiss. When the kiss slows, Ryleigh pulls away just enough to say, "You know I love my dramatics, but I guess I can stop calling myself a black knight."

[10:23 PM] DM: Rukiya smiles and kisses her again before teasing, "Good, because you're very white."

[10:26 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Rukiya!" Ryleigh looks aghast. "It wasn't... that's not what I... it's because my armor is black."

[10:27 PM] DM: Rukiya giggles. "Is it? I never noticed."

[10:31 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Keep it up," Ryleigh says, pressing a kiss to Rukiya's jaw, "and I'll have to punish you later."

[10:36 PM] DM: She shakes her head, but can't stop her smile. "All that talk about not punishing yourself, and this is what you take from it."

[10:49 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh pulls back, her face serious, but the tension from the last few days is mostly gone. "Thank you, for this. I know I haven't been right since we got here. This place has opened old wounds. It's reminded me of things I can usually block out. I'm so thankful you're here."

[10:55 PM] DM: Rukiya smiles, takes a step back, holding Ryleigh's hand, then spins under Ryleigh's arm before taking her other hand too. "We're on a beautiful, moonlit beach all alone. Dance with me."

[11:03 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Grinning at Rukiya, Ryleigh gently says, "I'd love to," then softly starts to hum a tune for them to dance to.

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