2 Felmont

1 Felmont - 2 Felmont - 3 Felmont (Back to Logs)

Ry
--

[5:31 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh wakes slowly, probably because the emotion from the previous day was A LOT. Her eyes open to see Rukiya laying across from her, seeming to be peacefully sleeping. As carefully as Ry can, she'll slide out of bed.

[5:33 PM] DM: Rukiya is not a morning person, but she does sleep lightly, especially when she doesn't feel 'safe,' so she mumbles and reaches out without opening her eyes. "Running away?"

[5:39 PM] Ryleigh: Chuckling lightly, Ry will stop from getting completely out of bed, and thread her fingers with Rukiya's. "Never from you." She leans forward and presses a kiss to Rukiya's lips. "I was just going to meditate... see if I can connect better here. Are you worried about being here alone?"

[5:42 PM] DM: She adjusts her position a little and mumbles, "No, just worried about you. Be safe." She still hasn't opened her eyes.

[5:49 PM] Ryleigh: "I'll be back to get you up before breakfast, sun'frada. Get some more rest," Ry whispers, brushing her lips to Rukiya's forehead. She'll then get out of bed and quietly get dressed, selecting a warm dress and pants. Once her boots are on, she'll drape a cloak around herself and head out of the room.

[5:51 PM] DM: There's not much going on at this hour, and you don't recall there being many windows or balconies or the like besides one in Ragna's room.

[6:02 PM] Ryleigh: She'll make her way towards the entry of the castle, where the towers disconnect from each other.

[6:04 PM] DM: There's a little more activity on the floor below your rooms and on the ground floor as the castle's workers get started on their days, but you can reach the ground floor and head out into the courtyard without being confronted. Those you do see tend to bow their heads and move to the side respectfully.

[6:04 PM] Ryleigh: Ry will acknowledge them with a smile or head tilt as she passes.

[6:05 PM] DM: Outside, it's still cold, there's snow on the ground, but it's not particularly fresh, and as the sun comes up over the forest to the east, it will be in a clear sky.

[6:57 PM] Ryleigh: She finds a spot, facing the rising sun. Then Ry closes her eyes, inhaling and exhaling slowly. Eventually, as her  body stills and mind calms, Ry starts to sing. It’s a song mixed in melancholy and joy, a beautiful rhapsody that closes on a cheerful note.

[7:22 PM] DM: Everything happens as normal.

[7:31 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh heads back inside, and looks for a staff member.

[7:32 PM] DM: It's pretty easy to find someone in the kitchens and dining area as they prep for breakfast.

[7:36 PM] Ryleigh: "Excuse me," Ry says. "Could I get a hot chocolate? In a cup for the Prince."

[7:41 PM] DM: The staff seems apologetic. "The prince doesn't like hot food and drinks, your majesty. I can get you some apple juice for when he comes down, though."

[7:54 PM] Ryleigh: "Oh," Ry chuckles. "Thank you for sparing me that embarrassment." She taps her chin. "I wanted some kind of treat to take to him. Is there anything 'special' I could give him." Ry leans in her eyes bouncing from side to side like she's telling a secret. "I want him to like me."

[8:07 PM] DM: She smiles. "I'll get his favorite for you."

[8:08 PM] DM: She excuses herself to go back into the kitchen.

[8:13 PM] DM: After a couple minutes she returns with a chocolate covered pastry. "He will probably be down shortly."

[8:14 PM] Ryleigh: “Could you point to his room instead?”

[8:26 PM] DM: "I'm afraid I can't, your majesty. His room is in the secure area of the castle. You would have to ask the Radgivar."

[8:28 PM] Ryleigh: Ry thanks her for the pastry and asks, “No problem. Where could I find Radgivar?”

[8:29 PM] DM: "She is usually with the queen."

[8:30 PM] Ryleigh: “Oh, Heli?”

[8:31 PM] DM: "Yes, your majesty. Her title is 'Radgivar.'"

[8:33 PM] Ryleigh: “Right, I suppose it makes sense for her to have a title. Thank you so much.” Ry will also ask for a cup of coffee.

[8:34 PM] DM: With Ry's social intelligence and newfound perception, she notices the bit of surprise before the woman swallows it and says, "Right away, your majesty." She turns to head back to the kitchen.

[8:35 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh notes it but doesn’t say anything.

[9:34 PM] DM: She returns shortly with a tray complete with sugar and cream.

[9:35 PM] Ryleigh: "Thank you," Ry says, smiling at her and taking the tray.

[9:36 PM] Ryleigh: She'll then walk back towards the room she shares with Rukiya, and let herself in.

[9:41 PM] DM: The waitstaff was obviously not expecting you to take the tray but doesn't argue.

Rukiya stirs when the door opens.  "That you, Ry?"

[9:49 PM] Ryleigh: "It is, raisna'rila. I brought you coffee." Ryleigh places the tray on the nightstand, and sits on the bed beside Rukiya. "Apparently Avery's room is in a 'secure' area of the castle, so I need to go find Heli. The pastry there is for him."

[9:50 PM] DM: She smiles sleepily and sits up to take the coffee.  "I guess I won't eat it then."

[9:51 PM] Ryleigh: Ry chuckles, as she wraps it in one of the napkins. She leans over to steal a kiss. "I wanted you to have time to drink your coffee before getting ready. I'll be back shortly, and if I'm not... just head down to breakfast with the others - okay?"

[9:58 PM] DM: She raises an eyebrow. "Ok..."

[10:06 PM] Ryleigh: "Try not to worry," Ry says, cupping Rukiya's cheek and kissing her again. "I'll see you soon." And she'll move to get up from the bed.

[10:55 PM] DM: "Be safe."

[10:56 PM] Ryleigh: “Always.” Ryleigh exits the room and makes her way up in hopes of finding Heli.

[11:00 PM] DM: The floor above has a landing and two doors. You recall that one of the doors is the powder room where Heli let you compose yourself, then upstairs from here is the queen's room.

## Ry and Heli

[11:15 PM] Ryleigh: Ry will bypass the powder room and head upstairs.

[11:15 PM] DM: There is a door!

[11:15 PM] Ryleigh: She’ll knock.

[11:16 PM] DM: After a few moments, Heli answers the door. "Princess Ryleigh. I'm afraid the Queen isn't ready for visitors just yet."

[11:18 PM] Ryleigh: “I was actually looking for you,” Ryleigh says. “The staff couldn’t point me to my nephew’s room. I would like to surprise him with something before breakfast.”

[11:21 PM] DM: "Oh. Well, his room is in a secure area of the keep, but I'm sure he and his mother will be headed downstairs soon."

[11:23 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh’s eyes narrow. “Are you insinuating I’m a threat?”

[11:25 PM] DM: "Of course not, your majesty. Prince Avery's safety is a top priority, and as such the door to his room, as well as the door to this room, are well sealed by arcane wards. Unfortunately, you do not yet possess the knowledge necessary to access those areas, just as you have not yet learned to access your hereditary magic."

[11:26 PM] Ryleigh: ((Can I tell if she’s telling the truth))

[11:26 PM] DM: Insight.

[11:26 PM] BOT Avrae: Ryleigh makes an Insight check! 1d20 (6) + 7 = 13

[11:26 PM] Ryleigh: ((GDI))

[11:27 PM] DM: Seems to be honest.

[11:29 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh takes a calming breath, closing her eyes momentarily to show that she’s a little irritated. But when she speaks, her voice is even. “I understand.” Before she turns to leave, she says, “I’d like an audience with my grandmother after breakfast, whenever it suits her schedule best. I need to know what we might face up the mountain.”

[11:32 PM] DM: "Of course, your majesty. I'll let her know. I know she is eager to see you awaken your hereditary power as well as completing the circle up the mountain."

[11:34 PM] Ryleigh: She’ll tilt her head in acknowledgement. Then make her way back downstairs to her and Rukiya’s room. (She’s irritated)

[11:35 PM] DM: Rukiya's lacing up her boots when you enter. "What's wrong?"

[11:39 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh will walk to her and kneel down to finish lacing her boots. She doesn’t say anything at first then she says, “A fish caught on the shore dies, yes?”

[11:40 PM] DM: Rukiya hums in acknowledgment. You can see she has a dagger tucked into each boot.

[11:42 PM] Ryleigh: “If helped, it can return to the sea, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be lost in the ocean.”

[11:46 PM] DM: "I once saw a play about a fish who traveled the entire ocean to find what had been lost. With enough determination and knowledge, the fish will find its way."

[11:48 PM] Ryleigh: Ry smiles up at her, finishing the last lace on her boots, and leaning up to whisper against her lips. “I hope so, for their sakes and ours.”

[11:52 PM] Ryleigh: She’ll kiss Rukiya after saying it. It’s slow. Unhurried. And like she’s just taking her time enjoying her wife. Then she pulls away and offers her hand to Rukiya to leave. “We should make sure Seirixori is up. Mornings aren’t her thing... although... I suppose she could have a sleep in. It’ll be just us.”

[11:59 PM] DM: Rukiya stands, but before she can respond, there's a knock at the door.

[11:59 PM] Ryleigh: Arching an eyebrow, Ry drops Rukiya’s hand and answers the door.

[12:01 AM] DM: Clemency's standing there with Avery in her arms. He nearly shouts, "Auntie Ryleigh!"

[12:04 AM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh smiles, opening the door for them to enter the room. “Avery!” She says equally as excited. “I have something for you. I was hoping to bring it to you, but this will do.” As she says ‘bring it to them’ she locks eyes with Clemency, but her expression remains excited.

[12:05 AM] DM: Give me a perception check real quick.

[12:07 AM] DM: Clemency's lips only twitch in response, a schooled non-response.

Avery: "Is it your sword? You said I could see your sword."

[12:07 AM] BOT Avrae: Ryleigh makes a Perception check! 1d20 (18) + 7 = 25

[12:10 AM] Ryleigh: Chuckling lightly, Ry answers, “no, but...” she moves her cloak aside so Dawnbringer is visible.

[12:13 AM] DM: His eyes go wide. "Woooah."

[12:14 AM] Ryleigh: “I feel like my actual surprise might not be as exciting now.” She holds her arms out for him, if he wants to come to her.

[12:15 AM] DM: He reaches out for her and Clemency helps with the transition.

[12:18 AM] Ryleigh: Ry lifts him with ease and carries him over to the bed and sets him down. On the side table is Rukiya’s empty coffee mug and his pastry. She’ll hand it to him and whisper loud enough for Clemency and Rukiya to hear, “Don’t tell your mama, because this might spoil your breakfast. Or your auntie Rukiya, she almost tried to eat it.”

[12:22 AM] DM: He gasps and shoves the entire thing in his mouth at once, but there's a ring of chocolate around his mouth.

[12:22 AM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh laughs.

[12:24 AM] Ryleigh: “I think we may need to work on sharing,” she says pressing a swift kiss to his head. Ry will then attempt to wipe the chocolate away with a napkin.

[12:28 AM] DM: "I don't have to share. I'm a prince." Tiny bits of pastry fly out of his mouth as he talks because his mouth is too full to swallow.

[12:28 AM] DM: Clemency: "Avery..."

[12:30 AM] Ryleigh: “No one has to share,  raro a’o. But you should want to, especially as a prince. Do you understand what it means to be a prince?”

[12:31 AM] DM: He nods his head and swallows hard. "It means I'm the boss of everyone except grandma."

[12:34 AM] Ryleigh: Ry shakes her head with soft smile. “It does, but being a boss is more than just getting your way. One day... you might lead people, and it’s your job - as the boss - to take care of them. To love them and help them.”

[12:45 AM] DM: He narrows his eyes a little. "Why do you know what princes do?"

[5:57 AM] Ryleigh: “I don’t, but I know the type of person I would want to follow. The type of person that I would fight for. The kind I would die for to protect, and it’s someone who tries to care about me and doesn’t see me as someone to be ‘thrown away’.” She smiles at him warmly. “Your mama and I grew up away from here. In a place where the king is mean and didn’t care about us. I was a little older than you when I decided that one day I’d make sure he couldn’t hurt anyone else.” Sighing a little, she ruffles his hair and adds, “I’ll be able to explain more once you’re older.”

[9:53 AM] DM: "Grandma says that king is a very bad man. That's why I get to learn magic!"

[11:57 AM] Ryleigh: “He is... he’s hurt a lot of people, and I’m going to change that,” Ry says with a sad smile. “But I want you to remember that being a prince means you have the power to do more than other people - not just because of magic. Our dad,” Ry gestures between herself and Clemency, “had so little, but your mama and him shared what they had with your daddy and me. Your grandpa and daddy were kind and caring. They loved fiercely and shared what they had with anyone in need. Be like them raro a’o.”

[12:00 PM] DM: His face scrunches up like he's thinking for a bit, then he breaks the silence with, "I'm hungry."

[12:01 PM] DM: Clemency laughs quietly. "We'll get there eventually," she says to Ry before scooping Avery back up. "Let's go get breakfast."

[12:46 PM] Ryleigh: Ry rolls her eyes, and stands. "After breakfast, and your hands are clean, I bet Dawnbringer will let you hold her." She takes Rukiya's hand and walks out the door.

[12:47 PM] Ryleigh: Casually, she'll brush Rukiya's hand to Dawnbringer's hilt.

## Tumulus, The Free State of Isonsall

After waking the next morning, everyone gathers in the dining hall for the morning meal.

[2:01 PM] DM: Eggs, sausage, fresh bread with fruit preserves.

[2:02 PM] Urrak: Urrak walks in, still a bit bleary-eyed, even though she rested quite well in the warm castle. She takes a seat and yawns, entirely too loudly. "Looks fantastic," she says to a servant, "Any chance ye have some coffee brewin'?"

[2:04 PM] Seirixori: Seir is extremely upset at herself for failing to get up earlier and is rather grumpy when she gets to the dining hall.

[2:04 PM] DM: The waitstaff says, "Right away," and heads back to the kitchen.

[2:05 PM] DM: Clemency, Ry, Rukiya, and Avery enter and take their seats as well.

[2:07 PM] DM: As each person sits down, the waitstaff place a dish in front of them.

[2:10 PM] Ryleigh: As they eat Ry says, "I think we should have a training session in the courtyard today. It's been too long since we've focused on each other's skills. It might benefit us to try each others weapons styles too."

[2:11 PM] Urrak: Urrak quirks an eyebrow "Now? After all this time?"

[2:11 PM] Seirixori: Seir briefly looks very confused before nodding and shoving bread into her mouth.

[2:14 PM] Ryleigh: "Worried I might be better at wielding that sword than you?" Ry teases Urrak. It's definitely a weird suggestion, something Ry wouldn't usually propose - but you all know Ry well enough by now to know that she doesn't suggest things without reason.

[2:15 PM] Seirixori: "You said you'd help me with swords months ago, I guess we do finally have a little time for it."

[2:16 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh grins. "I did, and I've made bad on that promise. Sorry, homashoc."

[2:16 PM] DM: Avery: "I wanna see the swords!"

[2:17 PM] Urrak: "You wish, paladin," Urrak grins. "You wanna see yer auntie get schooled, Avery?" Urrak winks at the little prince

[2:17 PM] Seirixori: Seir shrugs, still chewing on the same piece of bread, but her focus isn't entirely on the conversation, "You know I usually just use my mouth anyway."

[2:17 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia blinks a bit at the sudden suggestion but then grins. "Sounds good to me. You're all going down."

[2:20 PM] Ryleigh: "I think I might be able to convince your instructors to let you skip a lesson or two so you can watch, Avery." Ry reaches over and boops his nose. "Maybe I can show you a few things too, raro a’o, but only if you finish your breakfast and mind your mama." She winks at him.

[2:21 PM] DM: Avery smiles and shoves a big piece of jelly-covered toast in his mouth.

[2:22 PM] Ryleigh: "I'd like it if you joined us too, sasom."

[2:23 PM] DM: Clemency wipes a bit of jelly off Avery's chin. "Sounds like fun."

[2:23 PM] Seirixori: Seir's eyes immediately focus as she continues to eat little bits of her food.

[2:25 PM] Seirixori: "Wait, does this mean I can't be a bear?"

[2:25 PM] DM: Avery's eyes get wide. "A bear?"

[2:26 PM] Seirixori: Seir grins, "Or a dinosaur."

[2:26 PM] Urrak: "She's real scary as a bear." Urrak leans towards Avery and stage-whispers it

[2:26 PM] DM: "That sounds awesome!" He blinks. "What's a dinosaur?"

[2:28 PM] Seirixori: "Really big... lizard-bird..?" Seir pauses, "Something that doesn't exist anymore and can be huge!" She opens her arms to show how big.

[2:29 PM] DM: "I wanna see!!"

[2:30 PM] Urrak: "We might want t' be outside before she can actually show ye." she chuckles

[2:30 PM] Seirixori: "Or I could be a wolf, on fire." Seir is now just having fun listing things she can change into.

[2:30 PM] Seirixori: "Made of fire, really."

[2:31 PM] Brimeia: "Show off," Bri teases.

[2:32 PM] Ryleigh: "You can show him all your neat forms, but I really need to show you the basics of sword fighting."

[2:32 PM] Seirixori: Seir scoffs, "I guess."

[2:32 PM] DM: Avery doesn't seem to want to wait and says, "No! Show me now!"

Clemency: "Avery. Manners."

[2:33 PM] Seirixori: Seir looks at Avery, "No."

[2:33 PM] Urrak: Urrak takes a loooong drink of coffee

[2:34 PM] DM: Avery's face screws up at Seir. "You can't tell me no."

[2:35 PM] Seirixori: The corner of Seir's lip turns up as she tries not to laugh, "I am very much allowed to tell you no."

[2:36 PM] DM: Clemency: "Avery, stop. Now." Clemency's voice up until now has always been soft and quiet and even her statements often sound like requests, but in this moment, there is a touch of something harder in it.

[2:37 PM] Ryleigh: "Avery, remember I said that if you can't behave you have to do lessons today instead of watching us."

[2:37 PM] DM: Avery: "No, you can't tell me no. You CAN'T." He slams his little fists down on the table and I need everyone to give me a CON save.

[2:38 PM] Urrak: ((8))

[2:38 PM] DM: Clemency: ((6))

[2:38 PM] Brimeia: ((17))

[2:39 PM] Ryleigh: Ry: ((10))

Rukiya: ((11))

[2:39 PM] Seirixori: ((14))

[2:40 PM] Seirixori: Gunnloda:: ((19))

[2:41 PM] DM: The dishes on the table clatter, drink glasses tip over, and Urrak and Clemency take a single point of thunder damage as a very small burst of thunderwave erupts from his fists.

[2:42 PM] Ryleigh: Ry places her hand over his, and gently says, "Raro a’o, take a deep breath." ((Using calm emotions))

[2:42 PM] Urrak: "Whoa, shit!" she shakes the electricity out of her hands but stops mid-motion. Trying to save face she leans back and places her hands back on the table. "Sorry. Wasn't expectin' that."

[2:43 PM] DM: Clemency: "I'm so sorry, everyone. He's still learning how to control his magic."

Avery does calm. And pouts.

[2:44 PM] Seirixori: Seir's pierced eyebrow raises and she takes another bite of bread, not saying anything more.

[2:45 PM] Ryleigh: "It's okay to be upset when we don't get what we want, but it's not okay to hurt other people to get it." Ry will lift her hand off his.

[2:45 PM] Brimeia: Bri blinks with her surprise then shrugs.

[2:47 PM] DM: Clemency helps as the waitstaff come in to clean up the spilled drinks and clear finished dishes away.

[2:48 PM] DM: Avery just folds his arms and grumps in his seat.

[2:50 PM] Ryleigh: "You need to apologize," Ry says to Avery, her eyes sharp.

[2:51 PM] DM: Avery: "No I don't."

[2:51 PM] Ryleigh: "I am your boss. If grandmother were to die, I would be queen. So apologize."

[2:53 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia's eyebrows shoot up but she doesn't say anything.

[2:53 PM] DM: He kind of whines, "Aww, really?"

[2:54 PM] Ryleigh: "Yes, really." Ry motions for him to apologize to everyone at the table and the wait staff.

[2:54 PM] DM: He sighs and mumbles sorry.

[2:55 PM] Ryleigh: Ry leans over a presses a kiss to the top of his head, then meets his eyes, her expression more gentle. "Thank you."

[2:55 PM] DM: "How come you get to be queen?"

[2:56 PM] Ryleigh: "Because I'm older than you."

[2:56 PM] Urrak: Urrak chuckles

[2:57 PM] Seirixori: Seir looks slightly annoyed, just muttering under her breath.

[2:58 PM] DM: Avery: "Can we go see the swords now?"

[2:59 PM] DM: Clemency: "You have to go see your grandma first, raro a'o."

[2:59 PM] DM: Avery's face lights up. "Yay! Can we go now?"

[3:00 PM] Ryleigh: "Why doesn't everyone change into training gear and go to the courtyard," Ry says, raising from her seat. "I'll meet you all there."

[3:02 PM] Seirixori: Seir gets up quickly, nearly knocking over her chair in the process. She doesn't really even acknowledge the action and quickly makes her way to her room, not even waiting for Gunnloda.

[3:02 PM] Ryleigh: Ry will pick Avery out of his seat and toss him into the air. "Come on, let's go."

[3:04 PM] Brimeia: Bri gets up and heads out of the room.

[3:05 PM] DM: Is there anything anyone wants to do while getting ready to train?

[3:05 PM] Urrak: ((nope))

[3:09 PM] Seirixori: ((Nah, though I think Seir might be the last one to show up when they get there lol))

## Ry, Avery, and Ragna

[3:02 PM] DM: We'll put Ry and Avery here.

[3:04 PM] Ryleigh: "Why don't you go with Rukiya," Ry says to Clemency, her eyes conveying more than expression or tone. "I'll take him."

[3:05 PM] DM: Clemency nods. "Ok."

[3:06 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh will then walk toward their grandmother's room, occasionally holding Avery in a way that fun - upside down, or like he's flying.

[3:07 PM] DM: You can get up to her door without issue, and when you knock, Ragna's voice calls for you to enter.

[3:07 PM] Ryleigh: They will.

[3:08 PM] DM: Ragna's sitting up in bed, propped up on pillows. Avery squirms to be let down. "Grandma!"

[3:08 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh will let him down and follow him to her bedside.

[3:09 PM] DM: Avery runs and scampers up the side of the bed and sits right on Ragna's lap.

Ragna: "Ah, there's my boy. Did you have a good breakfast?"

[3:09 PM] Ryleigh: "He showed an impressive display of magic," Ry says before he can really answer.

[3:10 PM] DM: Avery nods with a big smile. "I knocked over the cups!"

Ragna smiles. "Oh? Was it on purpose?"

[3:11 PM] DM: Avery kind of looks away. "No... But it could have been."

[3:13 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh chuckles. "It was during a tantrum." After a moment she says, "I came along because I'd like to know more about our family's magic..."

[3:14 PM] DM: Ragna: "Oh? You want to unlock it?"

[3:15 PM] Ryleigh: "I'd like to, yes."

[3:17 PM] DM: Ragna: "The ritual would take at least half a day. I'd like you to be on your way up the mountain as soon as possible, but we can do it when you return."

[3:19 PM] Ryleigh: Ry hums in acknowledgment, her expression unreadable. "What awaits me up the mountain?"

[3:20 PM] DM: Avery: "BOOM BOOM BOOM!"

Ragna smiles and ruffles Avery's hair. "That's right. Giants." She looks back up at Ry. "But don't worry. They won't harm you."

[3:21 PM] Ryleigh: "Why not?"

[3:21 PM] DM: "Because they work for me."

[3:23 PM] Ryleigh: Ry quirks an eyebrow, a question on her lips. "The creatures that we ran into along the way... with the purple runes. Do they work for you too?"

[3:25 PM] DM: She sighs. "Ah... you must have encountered some of the rune-scarred. No. They've become addled by magic and turn into a hulk of a beast with no reason."

[3:26 PM] Ryleigh: ((can I tell if she's telling the truth?))

[3:26 PM] Ryleigh: ((23))

[3:27 PM] Ryleigh: Nodding a little, Ry asks, "How did you fail? I don't want to make the same mistake."

[3:31 PM] DM: "I lost some of the men I took with me to the heights. The stonework in places is not what it was. When you reach the final room, you'll have to pass through a magical aura. It is punishing and painful and if you fail... well, you see what happened to me. But you are strong. I have faith that you can endure."

[3:32 PM] Ryleigh: "It will unlock the magic of our ancestors. For me? Or for all of us?" She gestures to the three of them.

[3:35 PM] DM: "The power that will be awakened will be for everyone. Everyone who has ever been harmed by that wretch of a man and his kind."

[3:36 PM] Ryleigh: "But what kind of power is it?"

[3:39 PM] DM: Ragna sighs. "I can't say. The knowledge of what we protect has been lost to time, only that it is to be awakened when our need is great."

[3:40 PM] DM: Avery: "Can I come too?"

[3:43 PM] Ryleigh: Ry smiles at him. "Not this time, but one day I'll take you up the mountain, okay? After I've taught you how to fight, and when you're old enough to understand what all this means." She runs her hand through his hair.

[3:44 PM] Ryleigh: "I'll do it. I'll go up the mountain and unlock the magic there, but I want something in return."

[3:44 PM] DM: Ragna raises an eyebrow.

[3:46 PM] Ryleigh: "I want to take Clemency and Avery back with me to Riverrun. So I know they're safe and can't be used against me when I return to Ascus for Tilman's throne."

[3:48 PM] DM: Ragna reaches out and takes Ry's hand. "My girl, if you put that stone in the circle, you can do anything you want."

[3:53 PM] Ryleigh: Ry squeezes her hand a little and says, "I’ll do this, but they both better be okay and here when I return." She doesn't let go of Ragna's hand, but she fixes her with a blazing gaze. "Because if you thought Tilman’s wrath was terrible, and that your consuming need for revenge drives you... just remember that both his blood and yours runs through my veins and if you force me to give up everything, I will never stop. I will hunt you down and drag you to the pits of the hells, even if it means I go with you. So, grandmother, remember to ask yourself, 'will it be worth it?' before you make any decisions concerning their welfare. Because all 9 hells will have no fury like that of mine.”

[3:55 PM] DM: Ragna's eyes narrow a bit, then a slow smile crawls across her lips. "There's my girl."

[3:57 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh nods, and bows her head a little. "I'll inform the others. How long is the journey up the mountain?"

[3:58 PM] DM: "If you leave first thing in the morning, you should get there by nightfall. It is too dangerous to travel at night." She pauses for a moment. "I suppose Heli and I can do the ritual today if you'd like to unlock your magic. It is too late to leave now."

[4:01 PM] Ryleigh: "Okay. We'll leave first thing in the morning. I'm going to go prep my group. Call for me when you and Heli are ready." Ry takes a step towards the door and then asks, "Do you want me to take him?"

[4:01 PM] DM: "No. We have lessons, don't we little prince?"

Avery smiles and nods. "Magic lessons!"

[4:03 PM] Ryleigh: Ry will step back towards the bed and press a kiss to Avery's head. "Practice hard." Then she'll bow her head to Ragna and leave her room.

## Courtyard

[3:10 PM] DM: So everyone gets dressed in their winter clothes. Are you waiting outside or inside?

[3:10 PM] Urrak: Urrak is warming up outside, practicing her swings on invisible enemies

[3:11 PM] Seirixori: Seir eventually walks outside, but spends her time looking around, almost like she's looking for something.

[3:12 PM] Brimeia: Bri waits outside with the others, just toying idly with her weapon

[3:13 PM] DM: Gunnloda and Rukiya will be waiting inside where it's warm, thank you very much.

[3:16 PM] Urrak: "Hey, Bri! How about a quick spar before th' main event?" Urrak twirls her sword at her wrist and grins widely.

[3:18 PM] Brimeia: "You really want your ass beat that badly?" Bri smirks.

[3:18 PM] Seirixori: Seir rolls her eyes, "It went so well last time." She makes her way to the other side of the area, still looking around.

[3:20 PM] Urrak: "That's the spirit!" Urrak spins her sword again, "If it makes ye more comfortable, we can go at it unarmed."

[3:21 PM] Seirixori: Seir looks a little miffed about something as she starts muttering to herself.

[3:22 PM] Brimeia: Bri is distracted by Seir's mumbling. "You ok? Not letting a kid get to you, are you?"

[3:24 PM] Seirixori: "I'm fine!" She nearly yells in infernal.

[3:24 PM] Urrak: "I dunno what she said but she doesn't sound ok t'me..." Urrak says, dropping the jock act

[3:26 PM] Brimeia: Bri's eyebrows shoot up, but she just says, "Alright," calmly back in infernal, as if Seir hadn't just shouted.

[3:26 PM] Brimeia: Bri swats Urrak's arm and glares at her.

[3:27 PM] Seirixori: Seir kicks at the snow, trying to uncover the ground beneath. She kneels down and starts poking around at the ground.

[3:28 PM] Urrak: Urrak jumps a little at the slap "What th'--What did I say?"

[3:29 PM] Brimeia: Instead of answering, Bri pauses and watches Seir a moment.

[3:30 PM] Brimeia: "Hey, think you could take me as a bear?" Bri asks Seir in infernal with a playful tone.

[3:30 PM] Urrak: Urrak shrugs and goes back to practicing her swordsmanship

[3:32 PM] Seirixori: It takes Seir a moment to respond, poking at the ground in frustration, but when she does her head turns quickly, "Of course I can!" She pauses and stands and says in common. "...Maybe not just a bear."

[3:34 PM] Brimeia: Bri lets out a hearty laugh. "You're probably right. Sounds fun."

[3:36 PM] Urrak: "Ye should! I wanna see Bri tackle th' Bearseir! I-ixori. Seirixori." Urrak looks genuinely interested, almost like Avery when he talks about Giants

[3:37 PM] Seirixori: Seir waves them off, still poking around at the ground, only at a different section, "It wouldn't be a bear anyway, the wolves I can shift into are stronger."

[3:38 PM] Brimeia: "Huh. Wouldn't have expected that."

[3:38 PM] Urrak: "But th' bear...is bigger." Urrak offers

[3:39 PM] Seirixori: Seir looks over, confused, "The wolves I was while we were traveling here are pretty much the same size. Also... what does size have to do with being stronger?"

[3:41 PM] Urrak: "Big things are harder to grapple," she grapples an invisible foe, "but also, they're more intimidatin'. Though personally I ain't about t' fuck with wolves either."

[3:43 PM] Seirixori: "Grappling doesn't do anything. I can still bite you no matter what size or what animal or person."

[3:44 PM] Brimeia: Bri nods in agreement.

[3:46 PM] Urrak: Urrak shrugs again, "Hey ye wanted t' learn swordfightin', right? Why not start with th' basics until Ry gets back from talkin' t' th' Queen?" she walks over to a rack of wooden and blunted iron swords, "Here," she tosses Seir a wooden one and picks one up as well

[3:48 PM] Seirixori: Seir moves and watches it hit the ground, confused at the sudden shift. She kicks it towards Brimeia, "Fight with her, I'm... trying to plant a tree."

[3:49 PM] Urrak: "I don't get either of ye sometimes..." Urrak frowns and walks over, picking up the other sword. She walks it back to the rack and places hers back as well. "I'm gonna go warm up." she heads inside

[3:49 PM] Brimeia: Bri picks up the practice sword but blinks at Seir. "...A tree?"

[3:50 PM] Seirixori: Seir still looks confused, clearly wondering why Urrak asked to spar with both of them but has now gone inside.

[3:50 PM] Brimeia: Bri glances in the direction Urrak went with confusion too but doesn't stop her.

[3:50 PM] Seirixori: She looks at Brimeia, "Yep, a tree. But this mountain sucks."

[3:51 PM] Brimeia: Bri let's out a chuckle. "The mountain, huh? What, it's not good for baby trees?"

[3:52 PM] Seirixori: Seir taps her staff to the ground she just uncovered, a little more of a heavy tap than normal, and she frowns when nothing happens. "It's not good for any tree." Seir scoffs, "Ugh I want trees!"

[4:02 PM] Brimeia: "The dirt's not good... tree food?" She pokes a toe at the dirt in front of her.

[4:02 PM] Seirixori: "It is not," Seir looks both frustrated and upset.

[4:02 PM] DM: There is no dirt. It's practically solid rock.

[4:03 PM] Seirixori: ((how big is this area))

[4:05 PM] DM: The courtyard is probably 50 or 60 feet deep and 100 ft long?

[4:06 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh will walk into the courtyard, no long dressed in a dress, but in warm training attire. "Homashoc, you're up first." She'll beckon to Seirixori to come forward and then hand her Dawnbringer.

[4:07 PM] DM: Gunnloda, Rukiya, and Clemency come outside too.

[4:08 PM] Seirixori: Seir is half way to looking like she's about to punch the ground when Ryleigh shows up. She trips up and nearly smacks her face on the ground, "Fuck, shit!" Seir groans and makes her way to Ryleigh, taking Dawnbringer.

[4:08 PM] Brimeia: Bri brightens as it looks like training will actually start.

[4:11 PM] Urrak: Urrak walks out slowly, "Took ye long enough yer highness." she tries to sound upset but she's grinning from ear to ear. "Can't wait t' see this."

[4:15 PM] Seirixori: Seir sets her staff aside and switches Dawnbringer over to her left hand. She swings her a little, just trying to get a feel for it again.

[4:16 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh will roll her eyes and move Seir through some of the basics. "Widen your stance a little, but not so much that you're completely grounded."

[4:17 PM] Brimeia: Bri leans against a wall to watch with obvious interest.

[4:17 PM] Seirixori: Seir laughs a little, "I can literally be grounded if you want." Most of it is still a little awkward looking as Seir is too used to fighting as an animal.

[4:18 PM] Ryleigh: "Ha ha," Ry chuckles. After a few minutes of just basics, Ry pulls out her axe from the bag of holding. "Alright, hit me - if you can."

[4:19 PM] Seirixori: Seir frowns and looks at Dawnbringer and then at Ryleigh, "I'm not even good at that when doing what I do best." She sighs and swings anyway.

[4:20 PM] DM: Roll for it. d20+dex or str + prof if you have prof in short or longswords.

[4:22 PM] Seirixori: ((18-- 22 w/ prof bonus))

[4:23 PM] Ryleigh: Ry attempts to dodge, but Seir's wild swings that seem to have no rhyme or reason throws her off. Dawnbringer's blade shortens right before impact, as not to actually hurt Ry.

[4:24 PM] Ryleigh: "Chaos as a fighting style, huh?" Ry laughs.

[4:25 PM] Seirixori: Seir actually looks surprised that it would have hit. She laughs at Ryleigh, "Would you expect anything else?"

[4:25 PM] Ryleigh: "It worked this time, but it's not very efficient. We'll have to work more at it." Ry will hold her hand out for Dawnbringer.

[4:27 PM] Seirixori: Seir kind of pouts and hands her over, "I did get a club in case I don't have that." She points at her staff.

[4:29 PM] Ryleigh: "We'll practice more, I promise." Ry gestures for Rukiya. "Raisna'rila, you're up." There's a mischievous smile on Ry's face.

[4:30 PM] Seirixori: Seir grabs her staff again, giving a kiss to Gunnloda as she passes, and goes back to poking at the ground, this time picking up a rock, and staring at it intently.

[4:31 PM] DM: Rukiya shivers and sighs. "I guess. If you really want someone to show everyone how to put you on your butt."

[4:31 PM] Brimeia: Bri snorts.

[4:32 PM] Ryleigh: She'll hand Dawnbringer to Rukiya, then put away her axe and withdraw 2 daggers. She takes a low stance, making her less of a target, and wielding the daggers in each hand. "So cocky," Ry says with smirk.

[4:33 PM] Urrak: "I wish we had some snacks or somethin', this is great." Urrak watches intently, ready to study Rukiya's moves.

[4:33 PM] DM: Rukiya: "You don't know this, but Dawnbringer and I have been practicing while you sleep."

[4:33 PM] Ryleigh: Ry looks aghast. "How dare."

[4:33 PM] Brimeia: "Ooooo," Bri calls dramatically from the side.

[4:34 PM] Ryleigh: Instead of waiting for Rukiya to strike like she did with Seir, Ry will move quickly toward her, trying to close the distance before Rukiya can escape.

[4:34 PM] Seirixori: Seir sits herself down, facing everyone, but she's still look at the rock in her hand and not the spectacle in front of her.

[4:38 PM] Ryleigh: Rukiya watches Ry close with her eyes narrowed and moves to spin out of the way just as Ry comes at her, but her foot slips on a bit of ice. Ry's arms come up around her, to catch her before she falls, and she'll sneak a kiss in. Then loud enough for everyone to hear, Ry says, "I win."

[4:39 PM] Urrak: "Boooo!" Urrak teases

[4:39 PM] DM: Rukiya laughs. "Yeah, let's see how you do when you're not cheating with all this cold."

[4:40 PM] Seirixori: Seir looks up, triumphant, the rock in her hand being held up in the air, "I made a wolf!" She looks at the scene in front of her, "...I mean... yaaaay Ryleigh?"

[4:40 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh laughs, bring Rukiya back up to her feet. She'll tuck the daggers away and take Dawnbringer from Rukiya.

[4:40 PM] Brimeia: Bri laughs at the conclusion of the "match".

[4:41 PM] DM: Rukiya scoffs at Seir. "I thought you were on my side!"

[4:41 PM] Brimeia: Bri glances over at Seir's handiwork. "Ooo that's neat."

[4:41 PM] Seirixori: In case anyone looks, it is... a very blobby wolf and you wouldn't have really known what it was except you can see it when Seir says "wolf".

[4:42 PM] Ryleigh: "Don't you know her favorite changes, sun'frada." Ry continues to chuckle.

[4:42 PM] Seirixori: Seir's eyes widen at Rukiya's exclamation, "I am! ...uh... Boooo!"

[4:42 PM] Ryleigh: Rolling her eyes. Ry calls for Urrak next. "Trade me?" Ry asks, holding Dawnbringer out to Urrak and asking for her weapon in return.

[4:46 PM] Urrak: Urrak quirks an eyebrow at being handed Dawnbringer, but takes her. She passes her sword to Ryleigh, "Ye think ye can lift that?" she grins

[4:48 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh lifts Urrak's greatsword, and swings it around a few times. Her swings are slower than with Dawnbringer, but her footwork is nearly perfect. "They taught us how to use most weapons during paladin training. But it's been a while."

[4:49 PM] Seirixori: Seir scrambles up from her spot and sits next to Gunnloda, excitedly showing her the blobby wolf rock.

[4:49 PM] Urrak: "She feels like a feather in my hand, it's weird," Urrak swings Dawnbringer a few times as well, "Reminds me of when I was little."

[4:50 PM] DM: Gunnloda grins at Seir and leans into her, not subtly trying to warm herself.

[4:51 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh stance is wide and very planted, like she's trying to be one with the earth. "Don't forget that I carried you out of the arena when Brimeia knocked you out." And she waits for Urrak to strike.

[4:52 PM] Brimeia: "Ooooooo," Bri calls, as though she's the audience at an arena.

[4:52 PM] Urrak: Urrak readies herself, holding Dawnbringer in both hands, "Yeah yeah," she chuckles, "Come on then!" she runs towards Ryleigh and strikes

[4:55 PM] Urrak: ((23))

[4:56 PM] Ryleigh: ((16))

[4:56 PM] DM: So how does Urrak win this contest?

[4:58 PM] Urrak: Urrak rushes towards Ryleigh, catching her off-guard. She sweeps her leg and topples Ryleigh to the ground. She holds the tip of Dawnbringer to Ryleigh's face, leaving it hanging there for a minute, before flipping her over and handing her back to Ry, "Yer stance a bit stiff, paladin Ryleigh."

[5:01 PM] Ryleigh: Ry will grin and get up. She hands Urrak back her sword. "You're just lucky it's been 4 years since I've practiced with a greatsword."

[5:02 PM] Urrak: "Whatever helps ye sleep at night," Urrak winks, "An' thanks fer lettin' me use her. She's a fine weapon." Urrak walks back to the side of the sparring area

[5:02 PM] Ryleigh: She'll dust off the sleet from her clothes and motion for Bri. "Come Bri, I'm dying to get my hands on that spear."

[5:03 PM] Brimeia: Bri hops up excitedly and hands over her weapon. "So that's what you're after huh?" she teases.

[5:04 PM] Seirixori: "You know what's funny, is both of those weapons kind of belong to me," Seir jokes.

[5:05 PM] Ryleigh: "Just because your mom made them doesn't mean they belong to you."

[5:05 PM] Seirixori: "Maybe not right now," Seir laughs.

[5:06 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh hands over Dawnbringer and takes Bri's spear.

[5:06 PM] Brimeia: "Well tell her thanks for the sweet gear."

[5:07 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia turns Dawnbringer over in her hands, examining it for a moment before holding it ready.

[5:09 PM] Brimeia: "She feels nice."

[5:09 PM] Brimeia: "This should be interesting," she says with a grin.

[5:09 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh moves lightly on her feet with the spear in her hands. Make swift jabs and sharp swings. Once she's satisfied with the feel she smiles and takes a loose mobile stance against Bri.

[5:10 PM] Ryleigh: ((25))

[5:12 PM] Brimeia: ((23))

[5:14 PM] Ryleigh: She doesn't wait like she did with Urrak. Ry's bolts from side to side, the tip of the spear dragging across the sleeted ground. She'll take a jab at Bri, who dodges like Ry anticipated. With another swift step, she'll lightly slap her upper arm with the blunt side of the spear.

[5:15 PM] Brimeia: "Aww. You got me. Next time."

[5:16 PM] Ryleigh: "I did a lot of training with pole arms," Ry says, smiling good naturally. "I'm sure if you had had Urrak sword instead, you would have bested me."

[5:16 PM] Brimeia: "Guess we'll have to try that next, heh. This is pretty fun. We should trade weapons more."

[5:16 PM] Urrak: "Not my fault yer scrawny lil arms couldn't hang!" Urrak laughs

[5:20 PM] Ryleigh: "You wish my arms were scrawny," Ry calls back. "That way you could feel less threatened by all of this." Ry gestures to herself, wiggling her eyebrows.

[5:20 PM] Urrak: Urrak squints, "All of what?"

[5:22 PM] Ryleigh: Ry just shakes her head. "Gunnloda..." she draws out her name. "Your turn."

[5:23 PM] DM: Gunnloda frowns. "Me? I don't need t'know how t'use your sword."

[5:23 PM] Seirixori: Seir snickers, "C'mon tor beag, take her knees out."

[5:24 PM] Urrak: "Yeah Gunnloda! Take her down!" Urrak pumps her fist, still high off of her victory.

[5:24 PM] Ryleigh: "Maybe not, but I wanna try out your hammer."

[5:25 PM] Brimeia: "Gunnloda! Gunnloda!" Bri pumps her fist and chants her name encouragingly.

[5:25 PM] DM: She reluctantly leaves Seir's warmth. "I didn't bring it down. Didn't figure I was gonna need it."

[5:25 PM] Seirixori: "You can use my staff, if you want, a thaisce."

[5:25 PM] Ryleigh: "Fine," Ry laughs. She'll withdraw her ax again and hands Gunnloda Dawnbringer.

[5:26 PM] DM: She takes Dawnbringer and swings her a bit. "How d'ya use a weapon that's got no heft to it? Feels like I'm just wavin' my hand around."

[5:27 PM] Brimeia: "Thank you," Brimeia agrees.

[5:27 PM] Seirixori: Seir laughs again.

[5:27 PM] Urrak: "Right?" Urrak adds, "She's like air in yer hand."

[5:30 PM] Brimeia: "That said, having a sharp hand is pretty fun too," she chuckles.

[5:30 PM] Ryleigh: Ry will advance head on, then suddenly she jump rolls over to Gunnloda's swing and taps her on the back with blunt side of her axe.

[5:31 PM] DM: Rukiya: "Quit stealing my moves!"

[5:32 PM] Seirixori: "Boo!"

[5:32 PM] Ryleigh: "Quit showing me all of them," Ry hollers back, laughing and getting back to her feet.

[5:32 PM] Ryleigh: She'll tuck her axe away and take Dawnbringer. "Thanks for being a good sport Gunnloda."

[5:33 PM] DM: "Thanks for not smackin' me too hard," she chuckles back.

[5:33 PM] DM: The door opens and Avery comes out, followed by an attendant. "SWORDS!"

[5:33 PM] Ryleigh: "Sasom," Ry says, just as Avery bursts out of the door.

[5:33 PM] Seirixori: Seir stiffens briefly before relaxing again.

[5:34 PM] Ryleigh: "Just in time, Avery. It's your mama's turn to face me."

[5:35 PM] DM: Clemency chuckles. "Homashoc, you know I've never been one for weapons."

[5:35 PM] Urrak: "Take her out, Clemency! Woo!"

[5:35 PM] Ryleigh: "Never too late to learn. Seirixori beat me with just one lesson... pleeeeease," she says, pouting a little.

[5:36 PM] Seirixori: Seir grumbles, "I know that should be a compliment, but you don't even have your armor on."

[5:36 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh chuckles.

[5:37 PM] DM: Clemency laughs a little. "All right, all right."

[5:37 PM] Brimeia: "Yeahhh Clemency!" Bri cheers.

[5:42 PM] Ryleigh: Handing over Dawnbringer to Clemency, Ryleigh will do the same thing she did with Seir. Pointing out how to stand and how to hold Dawnbringer's handles. "Now don't break your wrist okay? Keep it straight and she'll go exactly where you want her too." Ry steps away, and pulls out her daggers. She takes the same low stance she did with Rukiya. Then Ry rushes forward, and Clemency makes a silly face, causing Ryleigh to laugh and slip on the ice. She falls right on her butt at Clemency's feet. "You cheated."

[5:43 PM] DM: Clemency laughs. "I did no such thing."

Avery walks over. "Can I try?"

[5:45 PM] Ryleigh: "Of course, raro a’o," Ry says, standing elbowing Clemency playfully. She'll take Dawnbringer and hand her to Avery.

[5:45 PM] Seirixori: Seir is focusing on her rock again.

[5:46 PM] DM: Avery takes her in his hands and waves her around wildly, causing Clemency to move away so she doesn't get hit.

[5:47 PM] Ryleigh: Ry reaches out for his hand quickly, stilling his motion. "Like this," Ry says softly. She shows him how to stand and how to grip Dawnbringer's handle. Then she steps away to let him just swing her around.

[5:48 PM] DM: He'll play with her for as long as he's allowed to.

[5:49 PM] Ryleigh: After a good while, with a little correcting here and there, and the tiniest bit of sparing with him, Ry will insist they all go back inside - seeing that her wife is nearly a popsicle now.

[5:51 PM] Urrak: "Aye, sure sure. My socks are wet from th' snow anyway. Got too used to them bein' dry." Urrak walks inside

[5:53 PM] Seirixori: Seir excitedly shows Gunnloda her even slightly more detailed wolf as they go in.

[5:53 PM] Ryleigh: "Why doesn't everyone change, and we'll reconvene in the sitting room in 30 minutes?"

[5:54 PM] Brimeia: "Sounds good to me."

[5:54 PM] Seirixori: "No clothes!" Seir shouts back. Then after a moment says, "...Oh, well some clothes I guess."

[5:55 PM] DM: Avery: "Can I see a dinosaur?"

[5:58 PM] Seirixori: Seir pauses and looks back at Avery. She is clearly debating whether or not to do so. She's close to just going inside, but she closes her eyes and sighs, "Yes, I think you can." Seir shifts into a deinonychus.

[5:59 PM] DM: "WOAH! THAT'S SO COOL!"

[6:03 PM] Seirixori: Seir walks towards him and bends down enough so her head is a little closer to his eye level.

[6:03 PM] DM: "Can I touch it?"

[6:05 PM] Ryleigh: "Her," Ry corrects, kneeling down next to him. "Hold your hand out, like this," Ry holds her hand out fingers up and palm out, "and if she wants to, she'll let you."

[6:05 PM] DM: He does what Ry says.

[6:06 PM] Urrak: Urrak smiles, "She'll only bite if ye make her mad, so...be careful."

[6:06 PM] Seirixori: Seir nudges Ryleigh's hand first, pressing into it for a second or two before she moves to Avery's and huffs out some air threw her nose as she touches his hand.

[6:07 PM] DM: He giggles. "It's so weeeeiird."

[6:08 PM] Ryleigh: "See, if you ask instead of demand, you might get more of the things you want," Ry says, lifting him up and setting him on DinoSeir's back. "Hold onto her neck right there, but not to tight."

[6:11 PM] Seirixori: Seir shifts a little as he settles, not used to someone so light. She makes a little screeching noise before lightly running around the area.

[6:12 PM] Brimeia: Bri smiles as she watches Avery enjoy dinoSeir.

[6:11 PM] DM: Avery has a good time riding around the courtyard until he slides off onto his butt, at which point he laughs and gets up to chase her around a bit before everyone gathers back up. We can go ahead and move into the sitting area now.

## Sitting Room

[6:14 PM] Brimeia: After changing and resting a bit, Bri heads to the sitting room and plops down to wait for everyone.

[6:16 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh stands next to the fireplace. The flames dancing across her white dress. She doesn't have pants under the dress or boots on. She lets out a heavy sigh and starts with, "I need to go further up the mountain to place this," Ry shows them an oddly shaped stone with a rune carved into it. "Whether or not you want to come with me is up to you."

[6:17 PM] Urrak: Urrak sits there, running her fingers over a new patch in her tattered traveler's clothes. "What's further up th' mountain? Some kind of temple?"

[6:18 PM] Brimeia: "What for?" Bri squints at the thing quizzically.

[6:18 PM] Seirixori: Seir is in her super comfy clothes from Nero, though the shirt is barely buttoned. "Why do you still bother adding that last part?"

[6:18 PM] Brimeia: Bri stifles a chuckle.

[6:19 PM] Urrak: "It's like yer expectin' any of us t' say no." Urrak smirks

[6:20 PM] Ryleigh: She answers Urrak and Bri first. "There are giants up the mountain, but we're going because there's some kind of circle that needs to be completed and this is the last piece."

[6:21 PM] Ryleigh: Then she says to Seirixori, "I add the last part because I never want any of you to feel like you have to come with me. We came here to find Clemency and we have... now I'm asking more of you and I just-" Ry sighs. "I want to make sure you know it's choice."

[6:21 PM] Brimeia: "There's not another asshole wizard is there?"

[6:21 PM] Ryleigh: "I don't know."

[6:22 PM] Seirixori: "Ry, we've been together long enough, I'd hope we'd know that by now."

[6:22 PM] Brimeia: "We know, Ryleigh," Bri says reassuringly.

[6:23 PM] Ryleigh: "It's different now though," she says almost desperately.

[6:23 PM] Urrak: "I think we can handle a few Giants," Urrak stretches her arms over her head, "I'm not worried."

[6:23 PM] Brimeia: "What's different?" Bri scrunches her brow.

[6:23 PM] Ryleigh: "The giants won't attack us," Ry says to Urrak. "They work for the Alisdairs."

[6:24 PM] Seirixori: "It isn't." Seir says. "Your... blood or whatever, doesn't change who you are to me-- us. The end goal is still the same."

[6:26 PM] Urrak: "Aye, what she said," Urrak folds her arms, "If we aren't worried about giants, do ye need all of us up there with ye? Not that I wouldn't go. I guess I'm jus' tryin' t' assess th' danger...if there is any."

[6:26 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh swallows a little hard. "I just don't want to seem like I'm demanding your allegiance or service."

[6:27 PM] Seirixori: Seir rolls her eyes, "Do you follow Mielikki?"

[6:27 PM] Ryleigh: "You know I don't."

[6:27 PM] Seirixori: Seir looks at Brimeia, "Do you?"

[6:28 PM] Brimeia: "No...?"

[6:28 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia looks increasingly confused.

[6:31 PM] Seirixori: "And yet, both of you have weapons that were made for people Mielikki trusted and gave power to. Gunnloda married me and when she denounced the gods she used to... work under, I told her she should find one she wanted to believe, not Mielikki. Not the god I get my power from."

[6:32 PM] Seirixori: "It doesn't matter who you are. Who you follow, what power you have. I am here because of you. I am here because I love you and because you love me and we want to help people. And if this is something you need to do, then I will be here and help you."

[6:33 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh crosses the short distance and sits next to Seir. She takes her hand and presses a kiss to her cheek. "Thank you."

[6:35 PM] Ryleigh: Then she'll say to the rest of the group, "From what I've gathered, the journey there is perilous and most of the danger lies in getting up the mountain. The most dangerous part is-" She purses her lips. "Is for me to do."

[6:35 PM] Urrak: Urrak nods, "I see."

[6:36 PM] Seirixori: Seir eagerly cuddles up next to Ryleigh, clearly missing their closeness even if it's only been a couple of days. "What happens when you complete it?"

[6:36 PM] Brimeia: "Someone's gotta watch your back...or front or whatever," Brimeia grins.

[6:36 PM] DM: Rukiya: "Define dangerous."

[6:38 PM] Ryleigh: "I have only what my grandmother has told me, but it sounds like it unlocks some kind of power," She answers Seir first, clearly avoiding Rukiya's question and her eyes.

[6:39 PM] Urrak: Urrak frowns, "This seems...off."

[6:39 PM] Seirixori: Seir's eyes narrow a bit and she pokes Ryleigh's side, "Answer your wife."

[6:39 PM] Ryleigh: "I have to do this... for them," she says to Urrak.

[6:40 PM] DM: The door opens and Heli, the woman who led you through the castle yesterday, is standing there. "Princess Ryleigh, I apologize for interrupting, but the Queen and I are ready for the ritual."

[6:41 PM] Brimeia: Bri glances from the woman to Ryleigh with a questioning look.

[6:41 PM] Seirixori: Seir grits her teeth at Heli's entrance.

[6:42 PM] Ryleigh: Ry squeezes Seir's hand, and stands. She'll walk over to Rukiya and presses a kiss to her cheek. "Later."

[6:42 PM] Ryleigh: Then she moves to the door and says to the group, "I should see you all again around dinner, but it might be during or after."

[6:43 PM] Seirixori: Seir pouts and gives really sad eyes the second Ryleigh moves.

[6:43 PM] Urrak: "See ye later then...I guess." Urrak mumbles the last bit and looks around the group

[6:45 PM] DM: And that's where we'll stop for the night for squishies.

[6:46 PM] Seirixori: Seir stands the second they leave she turns to Rukiya and without a sound mouths, "Tell me it's a bad idea to follow them and watch."

[6:48 PM] DM: She replies, but you're not really sure if she mouths "go" or "no."

[6:48 PM] Urrak: Urrak looks between the two and gives pointed looks

[6:56 PM] Seirixori: Seir says, out loud, "I'm gonna go see if I can find some dirt for a tree." Seir shifts into a spider and goes after Ryleigh.

[6:58 PM] Urrak: Urrak watches her skitter away and sighs, "Please don't be another Misha situation...."

## Ry's Ritual

[8:06 PM] DM: Heli and Ry head up the stairs towards the queen's room.

[8:12 PM] Seirixori: Seir follows a little way behind, along where the floor and the wall meet.

[8:49 PM] Ryleigh: “Is there anything in particular I should expect?” Ryleigh asks Heli, both her expression and tone curious.

[8:52 PM] DM: "It is very simple on your end, your majesty. You'll be asleep. When you wake, you'll be able to access the magic of your ancestors. You will need to learn to control it, but that will come with time and practice. "

[8:57 PM] Ryleigh: “Neither of which are my strong suit,” Ryleigh jokes.

[8:58 PM] DM: "I'm sure you will be able to pick it up quickly. You are quite capable."

[9:01 PM] Ryleigh: She chuckles. “Only because of time and practice.”

[9:05 PM] DM: She knocks and enters the queen's room, holding the door open for Ry. Ragna is sitting in a oversized chair, blankets covering her torso and legs. Heli moves to the side of the room where she picks up a bottle from a table, then holds it out for Ry.  "Drink this, then lie down."

[9:08 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh takes the cup and swirls it around. “What is it?”

[9:09 PM] DM: "A sleeping draught."

[9:10 PM] Ryleigh: “Okay,” she says and drinks it.

[9:12 PM] Ryleigh: Ry will lay down on the bed, and close her eyes, but she’s going to attempt to fight off sleep in case something is said.

[9:12 PM] BOT Avrae: Ryleigh makes a Constitution Save! 1d20 (13) + 6 = 19

[9:19 PM] DM: She can fight it off for a little bit, but all she hears is the sounds of things being moved and Heli moving around. As she starts to fade, she hears Heli say, "I'm ready, your majesty."

Ragna responds, "Proceed... and be careful."

## Seir's Sidequest

[9:23 PM] DM: What you see... is that Heli turns Ry over on her front, then shaves a bit of the hair at the back of her neck. Then you watch as Heli basically tattoos the back of Ry's neck, at the base of the skull.

[9:24 PM] DM: She and Ragna chant some kind of incantation as she does.

[9:25 PM] Seirixori: Seir's going to try and remember as much as she can of it so she can write it down later.

[9:26 PM] DM: At some point you can make an intelligence check to see how well you can remember it

[9:28 PM] DM: How long will you stay to watch?

[9:29 PM] Seirixori: As long as possible. The longest she can go is a little under 5 hours, just so she can get back to her room in time before shape runs out.

[9:32 PM] Seirixori: ((Int check is 15))

[9:37 PM] DM: It'll take only about two hours for the whole process. Heli turns Ry back over and covers her like she's napping.

Ragna: "You're sure you got the rune exactly right? If she becomes rune scarred, it'll be your head. I don't want to wait for the boy to get old enough."

Heli: "I followed your instructions precisely, your majesty, but should I have made a mistake, it will not affect her until after she's completed the circle. You'll have your revenge soon, my queen."

[9:38 PM] DM: Ry won't wake before your wild shape runs out, but they turn to their own devices to wait.

[9:39 PM] Seirixori: Seir will leave a little after that exchange and see if she can find Clemency.

[9:39 PM] DM: Where do you look?

[9:41 PM] Seirixori: Really only the places she's already been. Dining area, common area, the room (she'll check the door she didn't check last time if necessary).

[9:44 PM] DM: She is not in any of those places, but when you check the door next to hers, you find a decently sized room that appears to be Avery's.

[9:46 PM] Seirixori: Seir huffs a little, not surprised, and heads back to grab her journal and then find Rukiya. Though she does make it a point to unshift in her and Gunnloda's room, complaining about the lack of soil for her to make a tree.

[9:49 PM] DM: I think Rukiya's probably hanging out in there with Gunnloda.

[9:49 PM] Seirixori: ((perfect))

[9:52 PM] DM: Rukiya: "Closest trees are past Isonsall?"

[9:55 PM] Seirixori: "Yes, at least the ones I can use. I wanted to see if I could go check on Mie-- mom for a little bit, but getting back down there and back here will take too long." Seir starts writing in her journal. It starts off with whatever has happened the last couple of days, omitting anything that needs to stay hidden from prying eyes. She starts to draw on the side, mostly a few animals and a little sketch of Gunnloda and Rukiya.

[9:58 PM] Seirixori: She bites her lip for a second and then mouths a couple of words, they're related to the ritual, but she doesn't continue it as to not want to draw attention to it, instead she says, "The bakery we went to, the word is difficult. Amga- Alam- amalation?" She frowns and actually tries to sound out the word.

[9:59 PM] DM: Gunnloda:  "Amalgamation."

[10:10 PM] Seirixori: Seir frowns as she tries the word again, this time giving Rukiya a few more details. Finally she groans, "The word feels weird in my mouth." She flips to near the back of the journal where she's drawn her tattoo ideas and fixes them up a bit. She adds one or two new ones then kind of scribbles around the one she has labeled 'neck?'. She tilts it to show Gunnloda and Rukiya, "I was thinking of something fancy here, but considering you wouldn't be able to see it with my hair, maybe something simple. ...Uh actually simple, not like the rest of these." Seir laughs a little because literally none of her tattoo ideas are simple.

[10:16 PM] DM: Rukiya through Dawnbringer:  "She just drank it?"

[10:17 PM] Seirixori: "She did, it looked like she did, she might have tried to fight it but... she can't be poisoned right?"

[10:19 PM] DM: "I think she could be, but you said they were just waiting?"

She sits close and leans over to look at the sketches. "These are really good."

[10:23 PM] Seirixori: Seir looks pleased, "Thanks! Mama once said it was the only thing that could get me to sit still long enough for her to get anything done. Look. look! This one is Stool, the- the tattoo guy, oh no I can't remember his name. He said I should start small." She huffs a little, "I'm gonna get them anyway, then I could just wear what I'm wearing now!" Yes. I... I didn't think it would be wise to watch any longer and it seemed like they didn't have plans to do anything else.

[10:27 PM] DM: "They can't be brazen enough to hurt her, right? Not with all of us here."

"What's this one for?"

[10:36 PM] Seirixori: No. At least not on purpose. They want her to do this ritual on the mountain and I'm... I really have doubts about what it will do.

"This one is for my Mama and m-mom! I made the moon like a bow!" ((as I literally have to pull up the picture to remember what there is lol))

[10:39 PM] DM: "This one's for Ry?"

I have doubts about all of this... I trust Ry but I know she can be... idealistic.

[10:43 PM] Seirixori: Yes, and trying to prove herself...

"And you! I was going to get colors so it'd make more sense because right now it kind of just looks like the sun. I did have one that was kind of music-y for her...I haven't decided which one I like better."

[10:46 PM] DM: I just don't want her to have more regrets she'll carry forever.

"I like the sun."

[10:49 PM] Seirixori: Seir laughs, "Of course you do." She points at a small group of 4 wolf heads, "These are my fancy wolves! ...They'd make more sense with color."

I'm not sure in this instance it will be avoidable, not unless there's some way for us to learn very quickly about what this ritual actually is.

[10:53 PM] DM: Maybe there is. They must have records or something somewhere.

"Did you help Ry design her new symbol?"

[10:59 PM] Seirixori: I didn't explore too much. I tried to find Clemency to ask her a few things, but I only went to places I've been before.

Seir shakes her head, "No, but it is where I got the idea from. I have ...my aunt and Gunnloda here too!"

DF
--

[8:51 PM] DM: Anyway, she'll Send the message and when she's done, she doesn't look any more satisfied with the results and just grumbles something in dwarven.

[9:36 PM] Seirixori: Seir sighs, "I really want to ask what you aren't telling me."

[9:37 PM] DM: Gunnloda sighs and plays with her fingers. "I was hopin' y'wouldn't ask 'til I got it sorted."

[9:41 PM] Seirixori: Seir chuckles, "I'm surprised I managed to wait even this 'long'."

[9:42 PM] DM: "She... she loves you and she's happy for you and she wants what's best for you."

[9:50 PM] Seirixori: "Gunnloda..." Seir shakes her head. She frowns slightly and looks down. Her voice is barely above a whisper when she says, "Please."

[9:51 PM] DM: She sighs and looks pained when she says quietly, "She thinks the best thing for you is for her t'stay away."

[9:56 PM] Seirixori: "What? Why-- that doesn't even make sense!" Seir huffs.

[10:00 PM] DM: "She won't really say it outright, but I get the feelin' she's got some difficult feelin's about herself. I tried tellin' her that you don't like others makin' decisions for you, but... she just says she's your mama and she gets to."

[10:03 PM] Seirixori: Seir snorts, clearly annoyed. "Yeah, and what's going to stop me from looking for her anyway!?"

[10:07 PM] DM: "Nothin'... and I told her once you were done with this, that's prob'ly what you'd do. I was hopin' to convince her before then."

[10:23 PM] Seirixori: "The best thing for me," Seir mimics her own mother. "The best thing for me is to- is to--" she release a very annoyed yell/groan thing. Her eyes narrow and she huffs again, too annoyed to find the words.

[10:24 PM] DM: "I'm sorry I kept it from you. I didn't think it'd take so long t'get through t'her and I know you're dealin' with a lot here."

[10:34 PM] Seirixori: Seir grumbles for a few more seconds. After a final annoyed huff Seir wraps herself around Gunnloda. "It's okay... I'm just very bad at waiting and I think five years is long enough."

[10:36 PM] DM: "If we can't find a more long-form communication, maybe I can Send t'her to let her know you're watchin' and then she can explain herself."

[10:46 PM] Seirixori: Seir nods, her annoyance fading a little, "I want her to meet you and Stool and--" she sighs and shakes her head. "Too bad I don't know anything about making my own spell. Just use the trees or something."

## Ry Wakes

[10:21 PM] DM: When you wake, you're still lying on grandma's bed.

[10:23 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh blinks her eyes open slowly. She takes in her surroundings.

[10:23 PM] DM: Ragna: "Welcome back. You are a true Alisdair now."

[10:24 PM] DM: She's still sitting in the chair. You don't see Heli.

[10:25 PM] Ryleigh: Sitting up a little, Ry will take stock of how she feels before answering.

[10:26 PM] DM: Give me a perception check.

[10:27 PM] BOT Avrae: Ryleigh makes a Perception check! 1d20 (6) + 7 = 13

[10:28 PM] DM: You feel fine. Not groggy or anything.

[10:29 PM] Ryleigh: She’ll sit up further and respond with, “I’m still not entirely sure what that means, grandmother.”

[10:32 PM] DM: She gestures.  "Come. Help me back into the bed. We'll see if you are a quick learner."

[10:38 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh smiles as she stands, and hooks her arms around Ragna to move her back to the bed. She’ll fluff the pillows and help her get comfortable.

[10:42 PM] DM: "Now... sit here. Put your hands on either side of mine. I want you to focus. Think of a time when you suffered at the hands of Tilman and his men. How much you wanted to retaliate. How much you wanted them to hurt for the pain they caused you."

[10:47 PM] Ryleigh: Sitting and doing as she’s asked, Ry closes her eyes and remembers... she remembers the bolt through Kizer’s chest and feel of Avery’s blood hot on her hands. She remembers the anger she felt, the hurt, the want for revenge.

[10:48 PM] DM: Then I want you to roll a charisma check, no proficiency bonus.

[10:49 PM] BOT Avrae: Ryleigh makes a Charisma check! 1d20 (6) + 4 = 10

[10:49 PM] Ryleigh: ((SEROUSLY))

[10:51 PM] DM: Ry feels a spark of lightning leap from her fingertips into Ragna's hand. "Well done. Use that pain, that anger. Let it focus you. You are the storm that will cleanse this land."

[10:52 PM] DM: She sits back. "I grow weary. You should go eat. You have a big day tomorrow. "

[10:55 PM] Ryleigh: “I am the storm,” Ry repeats, but then she’s nodding and standing. “I won’t fail,” she says, then adds, “Should I send for Heli?”

[10:59 PM] DM: "She'll come when I need her."

[11:01 PM] Ryleigh: “Rest, tomorrow our luck changes Ry will bow her head, and as she reaches the door, she adds, “Thank you.”

[11:02 PM] DM: "You're welcome. Make us all proud."

[11:03 PM] Ryleigh: “I will.” With that, she’ll leave and make her way to the room she shares with Rukiya before heading downstairs to dinner.

## After Dinner Chat

[9:48 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh will walk with DF back towards the rooms. She seems distracted and isn’t really paying attention to whether or not Seir wants to chat, so she just walks towards the room she’s sharing with Rukiya.

[9:55 PM] Seirixori: "Ryleigh?" Seir calls out and worriedly chews lightly on her lip.

[9:56 PM] Ryleigh: She stops, and looks around at Seir and blinks a few times. “Yes, homashoc?”

[9:58 PM] Seirixori: "Can we-- did you want to be alone again?" It's clear it is not what Seir wanted to ask.

[10:06 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh’s quiet for a little bit, but Seir can tell she’s just thinking. “I didn’t want to be alone in first the place...” then she looks down at her hands. “I’m sorry if I made you feel that way.”

[10:12 PM] Seirixori: "What? No I just... I--" Seir moves closer and gently takes Ryleigh's hands. "I know even if you don't want the space necessarily, sometimes you need it." She laughs a little, "I just got really spoiled on the way here, is all."

[10:14 PM] Ryleigh: Chuckling a little, Ry squeezes Seir’s hands. “Our room or yours?” She asks.

[10:24 PM] Seirixori: Seir shrugs, "It doesn't matter as long as I don't have to wear too many clothes."

[10:25 PM] Ryleigh: “Yours then,” Ry says.

[10:29 PM] Seirixori: Seir leads them to her room. The second they walk in she takes off the outer layer of her clothing, only in whatever she knows Ryleigh and Rukiya are comfortable with. "How are you doing?"

[10:44 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh huffs out a laugh. “I honestly don’t know. It’s a lot. The ‘your majesty’ thing, the having a nephew thing, the family magic thing, the threaten your grandma thing because I just found them and I’m not ready to leave.”

[10:47 PM] DM: Rukiya raises an eyebrow but doesn't say anything.

[10:47 PM] Seirixori: Seir chews on her lip again, smiling a little, "Well, it's probably better that you threatened and not me."

[10:51 PM] Ryleigh: Ry gives Seir a look like a reminder they can’t speak as freely as they wish. “She was proud of me for it.”

[10:52 PM] Seirixori: Seir winks, "Gross."

[10:53 PM] Ryleigh: “...yeah,” Ry says hesitantly.

[10:55 PM] DM: Where is Ry in the room right now?

[10:55 PM] Ryleigh: (Is there like a sitting area or just the bed? She’s likely sitting somewhere next to Rukiya.)

[10:57 PM] DM: Rukiya probably would have guided her to the bed so she could uncharacteristically sit behind Ry like Seir does with Gunnloda.

[11:02 PM] Ryleigh: “She said ‘that’s my girl’ after I threatened her and it felt...” she stops, thinking how to explain. “Like she understood. Like she knows I meant it.  It wasn’t the reaction I was expecting and I couldn’t help but feel proud of earning her approval, or some of it.”

[11:07 PM] Seirixori: Seir looks unhappy and doesn't hide it.

[11:08 PM] Ryleigh: Rukiya can feel that Ry is ashamed for feeling this way.

[11:16 PM] DM: Ry can feel Rukiya press a kiss to the back of Ry's shoulder.

[11:28 PM] Ryleigh: That helps, and even though she can’t see it, Ry smiles a little at the comfort. Then she says, to clearly change the topic, “So we’re going up the mountain tomorrow. The journey should be the most dangerous part for you all.”

[11:29 PM] DM: Rukiya: "Yeah... I'd like to circle back to that 'dangerous for you' part..."

[11:33 PM] Ryleigh: “Right.” Ry finds Rukiya’s hand. “Try to remain open minded...” she says to them.

[11:34 PM] Seirixori: Seir snorts.

[11:35 PM] Ryleigh: “When we reach the final room, I’ll have to pass through a magical aura of some kind. Ragna said that it’s punishing and painful and if I fail... well, you can see she’s now bedridden and it’s because she failed.”

[11:41 PM] Seirixori: "That's what you want to call open minded?"

[11:43 PM] DM: Rukiya doesn't say anything, figuring she'll let Seir get her emotions out first.

[11:43 PM] Ryleigh: “I won’t fail,” Ry simply says.

[11:49 PM] Seirixori: Seir grits her teeth and glares. "You don't even know what's going to happen."

[11:52 PM] Ryleigh: “I don’t, but I know that whatever it is - I can do it. I’ve lived the last 5 years of my life in pain and punishment... so I know I can handle whatever the mountain throws at me, because I don’t have a choice but to endure.”

[11:55 PM] DM: Rukiya asks quietly, "Ry... are you sure this is all worth what's being asked of you?"

[11:55 PM] Ryleigh: Ry shakes her head ‘no’.

[11:56 PM] Ryleigh: Then she takes Rukiya’s hand and casually places it on Dawnbringer’s hilt.

[11:57 PM] DM: Rukiya was waiting to give Dawnbringer back, so she doesn't but...

[11:57 PM] DM: because of how they're sitting, it's easy enough for both of you to be touching her.

[11:58 PM] Ryleigh: (Dawnbringer tells Seir and Rukiya that it’s the only way she can ensure Clemency and Avery can come back with them.)

[12:02 AM] Seirixori: Seir will relay that does not agree with that, being she could probably get them out with a little time, but also that she doesn't think the mountain thing is a good idea at all. Aloud she says, "There's always a choice."

[12:07 AM] DM: "Ry... we're with you, no matter what you choose to do... we just want you to make sure you're thinking about it."

[12:16 AM] Ryleigh: She’ll use Dawnbringer to say, “don’t you think I’m scared? I’m likely expendable and maybe that’s why I’m here. But I wont leave them and this looks like the only way she’ll leave us alone. I don’t need another mistake of mine to follow us home.”

“It feels like its all I can think about since we arrived. The mountain. My sister. My nephew. My grandmother. The people in Isonsall. If all this suffering could be stopped through a little pain on my end - why wouldn’t I do it.”

[12:22 AM] Seirixori: I have so many not nice words about her, but what I mean is, if what she told you happens, you're giving power to who knows how many people. To people who may not want it. To people who won't be able to control it. To people who shouldn't have it. How much damage do you think that will do? How much more?

"Because we don't know anything about it and the last time we went in not knowing, you lost your memory and got turned to stone."

[12:28 AM] Ryleigh: Ry stays silent, her lips pursuing at being reminded of what happened in Aradabeh. “Then what do you want me to do? She won’t let me take them without doing this and I’m not leaving here without them.”

[12:34 AM] Seirixori: "There has to be a way to research this. Something here. I can try-- I can try to see if I can reach Takara to ask her. I can even try and get Clemency to Ardabeh. Avery... Avery's a little harder because they actually want him here for the same reason you're here."

[9:09 AM] DM: Rukiya says aloud, "You know I always want to try to learn more about something before doing it. Do you think they have records or anything?"

[10:45 AM] Ryleigh: “I don’t know. Ragna said a lot of the information has been lost to time. Apparently it’s some type of ancient magic.” Ryleigh plays with Rukiya’s fingers. “If there’s any research to be done we need to do it tonight. We’re expected to leave in the morning.”

[10:57 AM] DM: "Well... are you up for seeing if any of the staff can point the princess to a library or study? If time is short, we may not have time to scour the grounds for it ourselves."

[11:00 AM] Ryleigh: Ry shifts so she can turn her and look at Rukiya. “You’re enjoying teasing me about being a princess too much,” Ry says with a smile and narrowed eyes.

[11:02 AM] DM: She puts on an overly-innocent look. "What? I was just referring to the fact that you have power here that we don't."

[11:12 AM] Ryleigh: “Mmhmm,” Ry says, pressing a kiss to Rukiya’s cheek. She’ll reluctantly stand, and look at the door. “Let’s see what we can find out.”

[1:58 PM] Seirixori: Seir grumbles something about putting clothes on, "I need to see if I can find a comfortable place outside. I..." Seir pauses, trying to find a way to phrase her words. "want to look in on Stool and see if I can get some... guidance." She kicks at a piece of clothing on the floor, "Unless you want me to help first? I can do that after if you want more hands researching things."

[2:44 PM] Ryleigh: Ry leans over and presses a kiss to the top of Seir’s head. “I think Rukiya and I can handle the research.”

[3:04 PM] Seirixori: Seir nods, then frowns for a moment and it turns into a pout rather quickly, "I can't take Gunnloda with me."

[3:06 PM] DM: Gunnloda: "You folks need a hand with readin'?"

[3:55 PM] Ryleigh: "An extra set of eyes and another brain can't hurt," Ry says.

[4:46 PM] DM: Rukiya: "Well, let's get going. Sooner we go, sooner we can get our rest before climbing tomorrow."

[4:47 PM] Ryleigh: “Okay.” They’ll make there way around the castle until they meet a staff member.

[7:02 PM] DM: It's not hard if you go to the main level where they're cleaning up from dinner and getting everything tidied before the end of the day.

[7:20 PM] Ryleigh: “Excuse me,” Ry says to one of the wait staff. “Is there a study or library in the castle?”

[7:22 PM] DM: This particular person is an older human woman. She stands from what she was doing and bows her head in deference. "I'm sorry, your highness, but it's not accessible anymore."

[8:41 PM] Ryleigh: “Why not?” Ry asks, it said kindly, just like she’s curious.

[8:43 PM] DM: "The library was in part of one of the towers that was damaged during the invasion and it was deemed too dangerous to try to recover. The queen was too worried that trying to unblock it would result in the tower's destruction. It's in one of the locked, off-limits areas of the castle."

[8:47 PM] Ryleigh: “Ah, I see.” Ryleigh smiles and tilts her head. “Thank you.”

[8:49 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh will then start to walk back towards the sitting room. She’ll wrap her arm around Rukiya so they can communicate via Dawnbringer. “Well... do you think it’s worth the risk?”

[8:53 PM] DM: Rukiya: "Well... there's no harm in looking... discreetly. Worst case, it really is impassable... but what's the likelihood that it hasn't been touched in 20 years?"

[8:55 PM] Ryleigh: “Unlikely. Knowing Ragna it’s a controlling thing, not an actual hazard.”

[8:56 PM] Ryleigh: When they come across someone else, Ry will casually ask about the castle, and where the library once stood.

[9:00 PM] DM: This will likely be a series of questions of various people on the grounds to move from place to place around the castle. Describe how you would like to do this (I assume discreetly) and give me a roll to see how well you pull it off.

[9:06 PM] Ryleigh: (Yes, she’ll be doing it discretely. Asking about what the castle was like before Tilman came, etc)

[9:06 PM] Ryleigh: (What kind of check do you want? Deception or persuasion?)

[9:08 PM] BOT Avrae: Ryleigh makes a Deception check! 1d20 (8) + 8 = 16

[11:54 AM] Ryleigh: Ry will walk around, like she’s casually exploring the residence of her family. Occasionally she’ll stop staff and ask what certain buildings were, and if the staff member is older she’ll ask what the castle used to be like, before parts of it fell into ruin. ((16 deception on her real intentions))

[12:10 PM] DM: Ok! You get a pretty good idea of how the castle is laid out (the majority of people who work in and around the castle are actually in the towers leading up to the keep and only the queen's most trusted stay in the keep itself) and where the library once was. It takes enough time that Seir actually manages to catch up with you as you find a locked door that should lead you to your eventual destination.

[12:13 PM] Ryleigh: ((Does it have a lock that can be picked?))

[12:19 PM] DM: It does have a keyhole.

[12:20 PM] DM: You've recognized that this is not an untraveled hallway, though, and that there could be someone that comes around the corner at any moment.

[12:29 PM] DM: Tell me how you approach the challenge and give me a roll.

[12:50 PM] Ryleigh: As they walked Ry will discreetly give Seir her sending stone. Then instruct DF through Dawnbringer to act like they just got “distracted” by one another somewhere in the hallway where they can keep look as Ryfika break into the library. “Don’t hang around once we’re inside. We’ll send if something goes wrong.”

[12:52 PM] Ryleigh: “Remember our escapades on the ship?” Ry says to Rukiya, a smirk on her face as she leans in close. “Wanna another go?” Her hands travel down Rukiya’s side with clear intent.

[12:53 PM] DM: Rukiya smirks. "Yours or mine?"

[1:08 PM] Ryleigh: "Hmmm," Ry hums, pressing a kiss to Rukiya jaw. "Yours." ((Stealth - 20))

[1:12 PM] DM: Rukiya grins and lets herself enjoy the moment for just a couple seconds before her hands are working on the lock behind her back. There's a quiet click, muffled by a soft inappropriate noise, and then she's opening the door, pulling Ry inside.

[1:14 PM] DM: Dawnbringer lights the area, and you can see that it's another hallway that leads to a staircase. The entire lower section of this tower has been marked unsafe, but you know the library once stood below you.

[1:16 PM] Ryleigh: "You're almost too good at faking it," Ry says, shaking her head a little. Then her expression turns a little more serious. "We should hurry." She takes Rukiya's hand and will watch their step just in case it's actually unsafe.

[1:25 PM] DM: "I was only faking part of it. I guess you'll have to guess which part."

You head down the hall and to the stairs. There is evidence of destruction here. Cracks in the stonework. When you get down the stairs, there's another locked door that's hard enough to pick that Rukiya comments it was probably magically locked.

[1:30 PM] DM: Beyond that door is destruction. Wood beams shoring up bits of stone that seem to be falling in.

[1:31 PM] Ryleigh: Ry's eyes scan the area as they cautiously walk through. "At least we know that this is actually unsafe and it isn't just to keep people out."

[1:34 PM] DM: Rukiya makes her way around some of the beams. "There's another staircase back here. What do you think we'll find that might be valuable?"

[1:42 PM] Ryleigh: "I don't know... I'm hoping we can find what will happen if I complete the circle," Ry does sound a little worried about the entire thing.

[1:50 PM] DM: You get carefully down the stairs, and this appears to where the library was. Shelves are scattered about the room, most standing, some knocked over. There are boxes and crates half-full of books and papers and scrolls that seem to have been gathered but abandoned. Some of the shelves along the furthest walls are still full of books. There are more thick wooden beams shoved between ceiling and floor or buttressed against the walls in an effort to improve stability.

[1:51 PM] DM: Let's do another check of your choice to describe how successful you are in finding anything of use. How are you going to do so amid a destroyed library in the time you have?

[2:08 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh will walk around to see if she can spot any theme among the shelves. But really she'll will let Rukiya take point, since this is really her realm of expertise. Ryleigh will ask Dawnbringer to shine brighter so they can cover more area. ((Investigation - 24))

## Devil's Food

7:17 PM] Seirixori: Seir waits until they're back in their room, her clothes immediately gone the moment they walk in. She sits on the edge of the bed, motioning for Gunnloda so she can help her out of her clothes. "Is it possible to see those... what did you call them? Tentacats? Without going somewhere you don't want to?" It's clear up close that Seir is thinking of something else, but the question is something she's genuinely curious about.

[7:55 PM] DM: "They're not usually too close t'the surface, and I'm not sure there's a connection to the deeper tunnels 'round here. 'Less y'mean just in general. Not sure I really want t'go that deep at all, no matter where we are."

[8:02 PM] Seirixori: Seir pouts a little, but is understanding, "I wonder if I could... burrow my way there and stick my head out to just see." She giggles at the image. "Maybe I can get get... Moki or Wren to show me."

[8:03 PM] Seirixori: Seir presses a kiss to Gunnloda's forehead and whispers as quiet as she can, "Do you think Kendall could help?"

[8:06 PM] DM: "I don't know. It'd only be a short term solution."

[8:11 PM] Seirixori: "Ryleigh wouldn't be so worried." She sighs and mumbles, "Still too many variables. I don't like this. I don't see how any good will come of it."

[8:17 PM] DM: "As opposed t'everything else we've done?" Gunnloda grins.

[8:38 PM] Seirixori: Seir laughs, but her voice is low when she says, "This feels bigger." She moves back and pulls them onto the bed. She's quiet for a time as she goes over her own thoughts. She frowns, "This isn't a good idea, I can't see it. The only person I see benefiting from this is Ryleigh's grandmother." It is very clear that at this moment she doesn't give a shit if someone is listening. "Everyone else is a- a tool and whatever happens to them after doesn't matter as long as she has her revenge and she's using Ryleigh to do it, using Avery and Clemency. How can we-" Seir's voice cracks as her worry pushes through. "How can I do this when it feels like it will effect more than just them? More than just Ryleigh's family? How do I tell her that without making it seem like I'm okay with whatever would happen to them if we don't do this? Am I just overthinking it and worrying too much over the worst scenario?"

[8:49 PM] DM: Gunnloda sighs. "I wish I knew, darlin'. Best we can do is try t'keep our eyes'n'ears open and be ready t'stop her if it gets t'be too much. Tryin' t'have alternatives." She shrugs a little. "Maybe it won't be so bad. Maybe it'll be terrible. Maybe it'll happen with or without Ryleigh. Nothin's ever certain til it happens."

[9:05 PM] Seirixori: Seir groans and leans into Gunnloda. "I hate waiting."

[9:08 PM] DM: She chuckles. "I know y'do, darlin'."

[9:10 PM] Seirixori: "Hey," Seir clearly changing the topic in hopes of not dwelling on it more than she already is, "do you think you could make some kind of long-form, long-distance kind of communication?" She doesn't pause enough for Gunnloda to answer, "I think you can."

[9:14 PM] DM: "I wouldn't have the slightest clue where t'start. Makin' new magic is more of a wizard thing."

[9:26 PM] Seirixori: Seir groans, "I can't believe I'm going to say this, but where's Poni when you need him." She shudders and quickly focuses off that particular thought. "Y'know, I think if we looked up a few things ourselves you really can. I believe you could do anything."

[9:29 PM] DM: "How d'you have so much faith in me?"

[9:48 PM] Seirixori: "How could I not? With what happened to you, you could have hidden away, you could have put down anyone who believed in something you no longer did, tried to take away their own faith. Instead you decided to help them. Help them with the hope that they never would have to feel what you felt. That even if you didn't believe, they did and you weren't going to rip that away from them. You helped Danai, and Liakos you helped Ravaphine with bringing back Cidro, you helped Yahya, and Urrak. And I know you might not think you did anything special for any of them, but I know you did. None of them would be here without you. I don't think anyone in Kinetas has forgotten what you did for them. Just like all of the people you helped before I ever met you."

She laughs a little, "You know that time I went to find you because we had a wolf issue? The person I spoke to when I asked for you was so glad you had come back. That's not even to mention our friends here and back home and Stool and myself. So of course I have so much faith in you, but I can say with confidence that I am not the only one."

[10:06 PM] DM: She smiles a little, but it's tinted with worry. She says quietly, "I just... worry I'm gonna disappoint you is all. I don't know how t'do all that."

[10:47 PM] Seirixori: Seir moves so that she can cup Gunnloda's face and look directly at her. Her smile is soft and loving, "That worry alone proves how much you care. Even if there's something that goes wrong or just doesn't happen... I'll be there to help you through it. And you know, if it's not something you want to do, that's okay too. On the way here you guys said sometimes bad things just happen and there's no lesson to it or reason for it. And it's true, maybe something will happen where I will be disappointed but that doesn't mean I'll stop believing in you. I'll believe in you enough for the both of us. We'll figure it out as we go."

[10:57 PM] DM: Gunnloda leans in and kisses Seir. "I love you, sor'odko."

[11:07 PM] Seirixori: "And I love you, mi chuisle."

## Ryfika

[10:04 AM] DM: It takes a couple hours of shifting through things and looking through boxes. The two of you eventually reason that if things are boxed, it makes sense that they probably removed and relocated the most important things first. However, Rukiya does find a large sheet of parchment, half torn and ragged, that seemed to have fallen underneath some shelving.

"Ry, look at this..."

[10:05 AM] DM: It's a strange looking depiction- a rubbing made of a carving most likely- that shows humanoids worshiping a much larger hulking creature, giant in size.

[12:52 PM] Ryleigh: Ry’s brows furrow. “Ragna mentioned there were giants up there.” She sighs, a little defeated. “I was hoping to find more here.”

[12:58 PM] DM: "If I had to guess, anything we'd want was probably moved to the keep. Somewhere protected." She runs her fingers over the rubbing. "I wonder where this carving is... and what the missing parts show."

[1:00 PM] Ryleigh: “Maybe we’ll see if when we go up the mountain tomorrow...”

[1:04 PM] DM: She rolls the parchment and tucks it in the bag of holding, then kisses Ry. "We should probably get out of here before our babysitters check in."

[1:06 PM] Ryleigh: Ry contentedly sighs into the kiss. “Okay, lets go.”

[1:21 PM] DM: And give me one more check of your choice to describe how you return to your room without issue.

[1:24 PM] Ryleigh: ((Will roll Rukiya’s stealth? Since I’m laying in bed on my phone lol))

[1:25 PM] DM: Rolled a 5 for 18.

[1:29 PM] Ryleigh: ((I do want to have conversation once we’re back in the room, but it can wait for now because I think I’m going to nap))

[1:30 PM] DM: You do manage to get back without issue, as far as you can tell, which is not to say you were unseen but that nobody seemed to take issue with your presence.

[4:13 PM] Ryleigh: Once they’re back to their room, Ry starts to undress, clearly going to get ready for bed. “Rukiya...” she says softly, pausing in unbuttoning her dress. “About tomorrow-“ Ry stops, like she doesn’t know what to say.

[4:18 PM] DM: Rukiya steps in close and puts her hands over Ry's. She says quietly, "What do you need?"

[4:21 PM] Ryleigh: “Are you going to be okay?” She asks, continuing to stare at their hands.

[4:23 PM] DM: "Are you?"

[4:35 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh tilts her head up, to look into Rukiya’s eyes. “Of course,” she says confidently, but Rukiya can feel her worry. “I’m sure whatever the mountain has in store for me that I’ve endured worse, but are you going to be okay watching?”

[4:46 PM] DM: She closes her eyes, almost wincing. She's quiet for longer than you'd expect, like she's thinking too much.

[4:53 PM] Ryleigh: “I... I know it’s too much to ask of you.” Ry’s hands come up to cup either side of Rukiya’s face. “No matter what happens I’m coming back to you.”

[4:57 PM] DM: She opens watery eyes and whispers, "You'd better. I can't watch you die again."

[5:02 PM] Ryleigh: Ry leans in, pressing her lips to Rukiya’s softly. “That’s not going to happen... but I can’t promise my body won’t break or that you won’t hear me suffering.” Rukiya can feel that Ry is legitimately scared of what she’ll have to do.

[5:07 PM] DM: "Just... tell me this isn't you trying to punish yourself for not being here sooner. Tell me that if there's an alternative, you'll take it."

[5:15 PM] Ryleigh: “I’m not punishing myself, sun’frada... I’m moving past that. I promise this isn’t about hurting myself for past failures. I just don’t see another alternative.”

[5:23 PM] DM: She looks up into Ry's eyes and puts her hand on her cheek. "Ok. Then I'll be ok." She pauses a moment and then says, "Let me help you with your dress."

[5:25 PM] Ryleigh: “Please do,” Ryleigh whispers, leaning in to capture Rukiya’s lips.

[5:32 PM] DM: She melts into the kiss for a long few moments, slowly unbuttoning, then pulls away just enough to press a kiss to her shoulder, then she guides Ry to turn around. She presses another kiss to the back of her shoulder as she pulls the dress down, then brushes her hair aside to kiss her neck. Ry can feel her fingers brush against newly bare skin at the base of her skull, but as odd as that sensation is, it's not as jarring as when Rukiya pulls her lips away and then gasps quietly. She touches the back of Ry's neck tenderly. She whispers, "Does it hurt?"

[5:36 PM] Ryleigh: It takes Ry a good moment or three to register Rukiya’s words, simply because she’s enjoying the feeling of her wife’s touch. Her hand comes up to feel the back of her neck. “I don’t feel anything. What’s there?”

[5:43 PM] DM: She presses another kiss to the back of Ry's shoulder, but keeps her voice down. "A purple mark. Looks a lot like the ones we saw on the giant and troll on the way up here."

[5:48 PM] Ryleigh: Ry hums a little as Rukiya’s lips press to her shoulder. “It’s what unlocks our family’s magic. I saw Avery’s this morning.”

[8:00 PM] DM: "And? Did it work?"

[8:05 PM] Ryleigh: "Sort of," Ry answers. "She had me focus on vengeance and pain... and there was some crackle of power in my fingertips. But it was clear I struggled."

[8:08 PM] DM: Rukiya presses her forehead to Ry's back and wraps her arms around her middle. She says quietly in Elven, *"I worry about you."*

[8:16 PM] Ryleigh: Ry runs her hands over the ones around her middle. "Mhmm," she mutters, aware of the reason behind Rukiya's whispering. "You've been holding me a lot lately."

[8:19 PM] DM: "I realized recently I might not always be able to. Can't blame a girl for trying to get in as much as I can while I can." Ry can probably tell she's forcing herself to say it in a light-hearted teasing way.

[8:24 PM] Ryleigh: "L'auorphiem..." Ry whispers, pressing back a little into Rukiya. "Talk to me."

[8:34 PM] DM: "There's nothing to say. I can't ask you not to be you. I can't ask you to be safe when you have people to protect. All I can do is watch... and try to put the pieces back together after... and it has to be good enough. It is good enough, but it doesn't stop it from hurting. It doesn't stop me from wishing you didn't have to do all of this...." She moves back around so they're facing each other and Ry can see the tear tracks on her cheeks. "You and I aren't meant for safe, boring lives... but sometimes I wish we could be."

[8:44 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh's expression softens as she shimmies out of her dress. Then she gently cups Rukiya's face and wipes away what's left of her tears. She brings their lips together in a delicate kiss, but she doesn't rush it, and keeps it soft. When she pulls away, she stays close, and her hands drift away from Rukiya's face to help her get out of her dress. As her fingers travel over the buttons, she lets them brush against Rukiya's skin and softly asks, "What safe, boring life would you choose for us?"

[8:53 PM] DM: She sighs and closes her eyes for a moment. "Small town outside the city. You could be a farmer," she says, opening her eyes with a soft smirk. "Tank tops and muscles. I could teach or work at a temple. The most pressing decision we'd have to make is wheat or corn... and what to have for dinner."

[9:09 PM] Ryleigh: A chuckle escapes from Ry. "A farmer, huh?" She presses a kiss to the side of Rukiya's neck, then another one to her clavicle, and one more to her shoulder. "There's something nice about being able to live off the land, and creating life, instead of taking it." Ry's hands slowly slide Rukiya's dress off and quirks a playful eyebrow. "Putting my hands to use that doesn't require a weapon."

[9:11 PM] DM: Rukiya chuckles softly. "Figures you'd make my comment about wanting to see your muscles into something poetic."

[9:17 PM] Ryleigh: "It one of the many things you love about me - my talented tongue." Despite her words, Ry's expression is soft, like she's enjoying the idea of having a simple life with Rukiya. "Any life I'd get to live with you would be perfect in it's own way."

[9:25 PM] DM: Rukiya nods a little as she rests her hands on Ry's arms and says quietly, "Ry...?"

[9:31 PM] Ryleigh: "Yes?" she answers, equally as quiet.

[9:33 PM] DM: "Kiss me."

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