18 Felmont

17 Felmont - 18 Felmont -- 19 Felmont

Felmont 3Y21 -- Back to Logs

## Back in Bellbury

Seir, Gylfi, and Brimeia walk out of a tree in the orchard while Rae, Rukiya, Ryleigh, and RHava are preparing to do what they're doing in the Moonstream Mansion.

A guard from Riverrun named Delia and a handful of Dawnguard recruits showed up and were sent to Rae for orders.

DM — 12:09 PM

You all gather in the hall of the mansion!

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 12:11 PM

Ry, excited to see Seir, runs to her, picks her up, and twirls her around. "You're the best," Ry says.

Seirixori/Rae — 12:13 PM

Seir's eyes light up immediately and she laughs as she hugs Ryleigh tight, "I missed you."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 12:14 PM

Ry: "I missed you too, homashoc." She'll hold onto Seir until she lets go.

Seirixori/Rae — 12:17 PM

Seir doesn't for a while, long enough that a mouse crawls up onto her shoulder and sits there. Seir doesn't react to it. Finally she says, "Was anyone else killed? Anyone we know?"

Brimeia/Hava — 12:18 PM

Bri strolls in, smirking as usual. "Heard you called?"

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 12:20 PM

Ry: "it was an attack on... all the ?Moonstreams. So... Eloise."

Seirixori/Rae — 12:20 PM

"I know, I know. I meant here, specifically. Anyone else here."

Rae is speaking to Delia as she watches the others come in and converse. At Seir's question she speaks up, "They're in the cellar if you'd like to see if you can identify them."

Seir gives Ryleigh's hands a squeeze before she nods and heads down.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 12:25 PM

Ry nods to Gylfi and Bri. Then says, "Thank you for helping with the Titan..." As she looks around her brows furrow and she asks, "Where's Urrak?"

Brimeia/Hava — 12:28 PM

Bri shifts on her feet a bit. "Well.. uh. She left."

DM — 12:29 PM

Rukiya: "Left?"

Brimeia/Hava — 12:30 PM

"Or I guess I should say 'stayed'?" Bri frowns as she muses. "She said she wanted to stay behind and help rebuild." She shrugs.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 12:31 PM

Ry: "In Isonsall?"

Brimeia/Hava — 12:32 PM

"Yeah."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 12:36 PM

Ry nods, her face not really readable. "Whatever makes her happy I suppose.

Brimeia/Hava — 12:37 PM

"Seems like that's what she was hoping for."

DM — 12:38 PM

Rukiya: "Not to diminish all of this... but could we walk and talk? With the snow, I'm not sure we'll make it by nightfall."

Seirixori/Rae — 12:39 PM

Seir comes back up, looking relieved. "I only know one of them, they were the uh... the greeter person?"

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 12:40 PM

Ry: "Right, I'm sorry sun'frada. We should get going."

Brimeia/Hava — 12:43 PM

"Where to?"

DM — 12:44 PM

Rukiya: "We should talk once we're on the way. We have a guest in the other room."

Seirixori/Rae — 12:44 PM

"Why walk?" Seir grins, holding the little brown mouse in one hand and petting it with the other.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 12:45 PM

Ry walks out of the front door and as she does, she asks Seir, "New friend?"

Seirixori/Rae — 12:49 PM

Seir follows after her, quickly giving Rukiya a hug as they go, "Yeah! We went to Ardabeh to sleep and mom showed me a couple new things! It's kind of like using one of my shapes to keep around a little friend."

DM — 12:51 PM

Rukiya leads you along the road, then turns north once you're past the last building, just as Cae had so long ago, and once you're in the snow-dusted woods, she says, "There was a Reunifier here, waiting for them to come back. We're hoping they're at the keep, but if not... I'm not sure how to find them."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 12:52 PM

Ry stays uncharacteristically silent as Rukiya speaks.

Seirixori/Rae — 12:54 PM

"Oh! I'm pretty sure they are. Unless I'm misremembering what it looks like..." Seir frowns as she thinks. "I scried on Misha last night because I wanted to check in on her."

Brimeia/Hava — 12:57 PM

"So they're alright?" Bri glances over at Seir.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 12:57 PM

Ry: "That's... good right?" She asks Rukiya

Seirixori/Rae — 12:57 PM

"I can check again if you'd like?" Seir offers.

DM — 12:58 PM

Rukiya: "Let's get there, as soon as we can, and if they're not, we can see where to look next."

Seirixori/Rae — 1:01 PM

"I can teleport us to a tree nearby?"

DM — 1:02 PM

Rukiya stops. "I honestly forgot you could do that."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 1:02 PM

Ry stops and smiles. "Oh yeah."

Brimeia/Hava — 1:04 PM

"Handy. Let's go tree hopping!"

Seirixori/Rae — 1:06 PM

Seir snorts and teases, "I wasn't gone that long." She grins and gives one of Rukiya's hands a squeeze in understanding. She looks at Hava, "I'll ask who you are later." Seir will do her tree thing to take them close to the keep!

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 1:07 PM

Gylfi: "I can send once we get there. Although I'm not sure I'll get a response."

Brimeia/Hava — 1:07 PM

Hava looks a little nervous when the pink tiefling looks at them.

DM — 1:07 PM

Stepping through the tree, you all see the keep like you remember it, if you've seen it before... a partially destroyed small stone structure with partially crumbled, partially dismantled walls, all covered with a coat of snow.

Brimeia/Hava — 1:09 PM

Hava looks around as they emerge. "Looks... cozy."

DM — 1:11 PM

The snow covers the sight of sun-rotted and scavenger-picked remains that had been left in the courtyard, making the scene a lot more tranquil than it truly is.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 1:12 PM

Ry takes Rukiya's hand, a small shiver traveling through Ry.

Gylfi: "Give me just a moment." They pull their book up and start to write.

Gylfi opens their eyes and frowns. "Still nothing..." they say, this time a little worried.

Seirixori/Rae — 1:14 PM

"Do we want to take a look before I try the magical way?" Seir asks as she checks the area around them.

DM — 1:14 PM

Give me a perception check.

Seirixori/Rae — 1:16 PM

((uh nat 20- 33))

Seir moves forward as she looks at the entrance, "Someone has been here. Can't say for sure who, but..." she motions to the entrance.

Brimeia/Hava — 1:18 PM

Bri becomes more alert as the others start looking more concerned. "So... how worried are we?"

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 1:20 PM

Ry: "It doesn't matter how worried we are, we have to check the keep, that's where we told them to meet us."

DM — 1:20 PM

Rukiya starts walking towards the entrance, her eyes trained on the doorway.

Brimeia/Hava — 1:21 PM

Bri rolls her eyes. "I wasn't saying we won't. I was just trying to decide if I should be ready to lop the head off the first moving thing I see or not. "

Seirixori/Rae — 1:22 PM

Seir follows, making sure to keep an eye on their surroundings so they won't have any surprises. "Brimeia, just because Urrak's not here, doesn't mean you need to take her place in being too aggressive."

DM — 1:23 PM

Everyone who is proficient, give me Survival checks.

Seirixori/Rae — 1:23 PM

((19))

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 1:24 PM

Gylfi: 12

Seirixori/Rae — 1:28 PM

Seir frowns as she looks at the snow around them, "Either they didn't get here quite on time or Cae's hurt... possibly both. Assuming it's them." She picks up her pace to enter the keep.

DM — 1:29 PM

You enter and most of you are hit with the wave of memories of fighting your way into this building, rushing against time. The first room has a wooden door to the south, a broken wooden door to the west, and sacks of rotten food piled haphazardly in the corner.

Brimeia/Hava — 1:30 PM

Hava makes a face at the odor as they enter.

DM — 1:31 PM

Can I get a marching order, please?

Bri, Ry, Rukiya...

Seirixori/Rae — 1:33 PM

Seir will be last ((lol)).

Brimeia/Hava — 1:33 PM

Bri will go first. Hava will try to stick near the back but not last.

DM — 1:35 PM

Ok!

So are you following the path you remember or are you going to explore at all?

You should be able to see the map and control your tokens.

Seirixori/Rae — 1:36 PM

Exploring can wait! Follow the path we remember.

Brimeia/Hava — 1:37 PM

Bri will draw her weapon and ignite it on herself, then head forward.

DM — 1:37 PM

You head into the second room, remembering the portcullis in the archway to the west that is currently open and seeing the wooden door to the south with the splash of red.

Continuing west, you see a wooden door and an empty chest to the south. The bodies you remember being there are no longer.

Opening the door, you enter what you recall was a living area for the orcs. The bloody greatsword still hangs on the wall and piles of rotted food, refuse, and skins mark their sleeping mats.

Brimeia/Hava — 1:39 PM

Hava clasps their claws over their mouth.

DM — 1:41 PM

Continuing south, you enter the hallway with the collapsed section and swiftly through the other open portcullis into the room where you'd been ambushed by orcs on bats.

The door to the east is broken, and this one, again is full of detritus and filth.

Bri, give me a Perception check.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 1:44 PM

Ry: 25

Brimeia/Hava — 1:44 PM

((1))

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 1:46 PM

Ry grabs a hold of Bri's shoulder to stop her. "Wait, look." She points to a stone that's just raised above the others. "It traps us in here if you hit it - remember?"

Brimeia/Hava — 1:47 PM

Bri freezes when Ryleigh grabs her. "Oh. Right. Been a while." she answers sheepishly. She steps carefully around the place Ry pointed out.

DM — 1:47 PM

With Ry's warning, you can all step over the flagstone into the next room.

This room has the hall that leads to the stairs to the dungeon and the broken door that leads into the room with the now cold war hearth.

DM — 1:48 PM

Perception checks from everyone, please.

Seirixori/Rae — 1:49 PM

((27))

Brimeia/Hava — 1:50 PM

((Bri: 3, Hava: 26, nat 20))

Hava says quietly, "There's something moving through that door."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 1:52 PM

Ry: "Be careful, we don't want to accidentally hurt Cae or Misha."

Seirixori/Rae — 1:53 PM

"I got it," Seir sets her rat on the ground and has it go check out what's on the other side of the door.

"Oh weird," Seir whispers as she suddenly freezes with her arms slightly out to her side.

Brimeia/Hava — 1:55 PM

Hava watches everything with interest, then leans toward Rukiya. "You have very interesting friends," they whisper. "Even if some of them are a little scary."

DM — 1:57 PM

She just smiles and squeezes Hava's hand, her eyes trained on the spot where the rat vanished.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 1:58 PM

Ry is unusually quiet and still.

Seirixori/Rae — 1:59 PM

"You know," Seir whispers again, "It smells really bad in there."

Brimeia/Hava — 2:01 PM

Hava: "That.. is not encouraging."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 2:02 PM

Ry: "What did your rat say was in there?" Her voice is a little croaky.

DM — 2:02 PM

Rukiya lets go of Hava's hand and takes Ry's.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 2:03 PM

Ry's grip on her hand is a little tighter than usual.

Seirixori/Rae — 2:03 PM

Seir doesn't acknowledge that Ry has said anything, she looks very tense though. "There's a scraping sound... wow this is really creepy. I do not know if I like doing this."

Brimeia/Hava — 2:05 PM

Hava blinks for a moment. "Wait I think I can help."

They summon some floating lights and send them into the room where the rat went.

Seirixori/Rae — 2:12 PM

"Where the fuck did the lights come from?" Seir whispers again and her face scrunches like the smell is even worse.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 2:13 PM

"What's wrong with her?" Ry asks worriedly.

DM — 2:14 PM

You all hear a sudden thump and squeak from the room to the south.

Seirixori/Rae — 2:15 PM

"And what the fuck is that?" Seir blinks a couple times and looks around, whispering quickly, "Okay, I am not doing that again unless I can touch one of you because it turns out, can't see or hear. Also I don't know what the fuck that thing is in there but I don't like it and it isn't who we are looking for."

She pouts at the sound.

DM — 2:15 PM

You can now all hear the distinct sound of... chewing. Crunching, slobbering, slurping. And the smell is getting worse.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 2:16 PM

Ry looks relieved that Seir is 'back to normal'. "Surely Cae wouldn't leave something like that in the same place her and Misha are..."

Brimeia/Hava — 2:16 PM

Hava looks horrified. "We aren't gonna go in there are we?"

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 2:17 PM

"Not unless we have to. Let's go look at the cages." Ry starts walking that way.

DM — 2:17 PM

The sound stops. The dim light in the room casts faint shadows on the floor outside the door and you start to see movement. Horns. Lanky body.

Brimeia/Hava — 2:18 PM

Hava dismisses the lights as quickly as they can and follow.

Seirixori/Rae — 2:19 PM

Seir blinks a moment and quickly follows towards the stairs as well.

DM — 2:19 PM

Ok, so hurrying towards the stairs to avoid being spotted by the creature in the next room, you file into the hallway.

The room here is full of rotted food stores, sleeping mats, and a crude stone statue with black claws and red ochre smeared across the body. An archway to the north is smeared in red- a portcullis trap you recall trapped Rav and Nolanos- and the door to the west is open revealing more rotted food and sleeping mats.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 2:22 PM

Gylfi: "Ew, this place is disgusting."

Seirixori/Rae — 2:23 PM

Seir chuckles, "We may have, uh, killed what was using this place."

DM — 2:24 PM

After verifying the trap is still disarmed, you head north. This room once smelled of death and decay, but the grotesque altar has been cleared out and small piles of burning fragrant wood have at least covered, if not cleansed the stench.

You open the door to the west and continue. This room has rubble along the edges, evidence of attempts to start burrowing passages into the surrounding rock and soil.

Rukiya checks the last door for the fire trap and finding it still disabled, she opens the door. Beyond it is a long, narrow room dominated by cages in various states of disrepair. Two look still whole, but the other two have their doors broken off. And in one of those whole cages is a humanoid figure, lying in the bottom.

You hear Rukiya whisper, "Cae!" before she moves deeper into the room.

Seirixori/Rae — 2:27 PM

Seir rushes into the room at hearing that.

Brimeia/Hava — 2:28 PM

"Uh... why is your friend in a cage?"

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 2:28 PM

Ryleigh will follow and attempt to keep herself between Cae and Rukiya.

DM — 2:28 PM

Rukiya moves to open the cage door, but it's locked, so she gets her tools out and starts opening it.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 2:29 PM

Ry: "Rukiya, when the door opens... I want you to step back, please."

Gylfi looks equally as worried as Rukiya and also moved up to the cage with her and Ry.

Seirixori/Rae — 2:30 PM

Seir frowns as she looks through the cage at Cae. ((can Seir tell from out here if there' something else wrong?))

DM — 2:30 PM

Give me perception checks, anyone who wants to take a look.

Seirixori/Rae — 2:31 PM

((29))

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 2:31 PM

Ry: 23

Gylfi: 17

DM — 2:32 PM

The three of you can all see that she's lost a lot of blood despite a bandage wrapped around her midsection. She's lying in the fetal position, apparently unconscious.

Rukiya: "She needs help, Ry." The lock clicks and the door shifts.

Seirixori/Rae — 2:33 PM

Seir will try to squeeze in before either of them can.

Brimeia/Hava — 2:33 PM

Hava will move closer to look after hearing that Cae is injured.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 2:33 PM

Ry: "I know, but not at the expense of you."

Gylfi reaches through the cage and casts Cure Wounds. ((12 HP))

DM — 2:35 PM

Cae coughs, blood spraying from her mouth, but she doesn't open her eyes.

Seirixori/Rae — 2:35 PM

Seir will start to unwrap the bandages to get a better look at what's going on.

DM — 2:35 PM

Give me a medicine check.

Seirixori/Rae — 2:36 PM

((22))

DM — 2:36 PM

Rukiya: "Where's Misha if she's not here with Cae?"

You find evidence of the black poison in her wound- a wound that causes a lot of bleeding.

Brimeia/Hava — 2:38 PM

"How does she look?" Hava asks Seir.

Seirixori/Rae — 2:38 PM

"She was walking, with Cae's bow--" Seir curses before she can finish. "She's poisoned. I wonder if the w--" Seir's eyes catch Gylfi in front of her and then she looks up to see Hava and then she turns to Ry and Rukiya, "maybe it's helping not quite kill her?"

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 2:39 PM

Ry: "I don't know." Ry looks around, leaving the others to look after Cae. ((2 investigation))

DM — 2:42 PM

Rukiya: "Maybe she left Cae here in the cage to protect her while she went to find help?" She swears quietly. "We still haven't found a way to heal Malphon. I don't know that there's anything we can do to help her."

Seirixori/Rae — 2:42 PM

"Is it magical at all? Whatever this is?" Seir asks as she tries to think of some way to stop the bleeding at least.

Brimeia/Hava — 2:43 PM

Hava brightens. "Are you talking about the black poison?"

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 2:44 PM

Ry: "I think Cae would have told Misha to stay somewhere safe. Maybe there's a hidden room or something that she's in."

Seirixori/Rae — 2:44 PM

"Uh," Seir looks at them curiously, "I guess, it does look black."

Brimeia/Hava — 2:44 PM

"Then, yes. Likely magical in nature. At least partially."

Seirixori/Rae — 2:46 PM

"There was a symbol on a wall. a beast head with a maze symbol behind it. That's what I saw last." Seir says to Ryleigh. "I-I can look again." She sounds hesitant, wanting to try and fix whatever this is.

She looks back at Hava, "So... do you think trying to dispel it might help?"

Brimeia/Hava — 2:47 PM

"No. No curing or restorative spells have any effect. Nor do dispelling magics."

Seirixori/Rae — 2:47 PM

"What about burning the wound closed?"

Seir looks up quickly to Ryleigh, "Definitely the room we avoided, give me a second, I'll try and find her again."

Brimeia/Hava — 2:49 PM

"We... haven't tried that. It's possible it could work since it's not attempting to counteract the poison in anyway and is instead causing harm."

Seirixori/Rae — 2:49 PM

"I just want to try and stop the bleeding, at the very least."

DM — 2:49 PM

Gylfi scribbles furiously in their notebook, then slams it shut after a moment.

Seirixori/Rae — 2:51 PM

Seir takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly, "Well, you don't think it could make it worse, do you?"

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 2:51 PM

Gylfi groans, then checks back into the conversation. "I'm sorry... you want to burn Cae while she's already unconscious?"

Brimeia/Hava — 2:52 PM

"Do I think--" Hava stops abruptly as Gylfi starts to talk.

Seirixori/Rae — 2:52 PM

"Do you have a better idea?"

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 2:53 PM

Gylfi's eyes narrow, almost disbelieving. "Don't make the mistake of thinking you're the only person in this room who cares for her. If it doesn't work then what? She's even worse off than when we started."

Brimeia/Hava — 2:55 PM

"Worse than an unhealable, bleeding wound?"

Seirixori/Rae — 2:55 PM

Seir's brow furrows a moment, "I didn't--" she sighs, stopping herself from arguing. "I'm not trying to make it worse, I'm just trying to close it."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 2:56 PM

Gylfi: "If it's unhealable then what makes you think burning her alive is going to help?"

DM — 2:57 PM

Rukiya walks out.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 2:57 PM

Ry follows.

## Brief Ryfika

DM — 2:58 PM

Rukiya starts walking the walls of the room, trying to look for clues through watery eyes.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 2:59 PM

Ryleigh lays a hand on Rukiya's shoulder, and if she allows her... she'll pull her into a hug.

DM — 2:59 PM

She does, though she regrets it instantly as her control breaks and she sobs into Ry's shoulder.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 3:00 PM

Ryleigh holds her, softly rubbing her hand up and down Rukiya's back.

DM — 3:16 PM

Rukiya cries for a while before pulling away slightly and wiping her cheeks, frustrated with herself. "They're both so scared and upset and frustrated."

DM — 3:24 PM

She kicks at a rock and when it clatters across the floor, a hand flops out from beneath the rubble- a pale humanoid hand. Rukiya jumps a little in surprise.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 3:27 PM

Ry chuckles a little, not being able to help herself. She continues to rub Rukiya's back, and says, "Maybe we should be thankful that we have people with us who care. It feels good to not... be alone."

DM — 3:28 PM

Rukiya doesn't seem to be listening and starts trying to uncover the body.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 3:29 PM

It takes Ry a moment longer to understand why Rukiya is moving the rubble, and she goes to help.

DM — 3:29 PM

It takes about ten minutes to do so..

And in the end, you don't find Misha, but two pale skinned humans in leather armor that look like they were mauled by some kind of creature with deep claw marks in their arms and torsos and their throats torn out.

## Back to the Others

Brimeia/Hava — 2:57 PM

"Because... that isn't healing? Admittedly there is no guarantee it will work."

Hava turns to Seir. "How bad did the bleeding look?"

Seirixori/Rae — 2:59 PM

"It's bad." Seir looks less sure of herself, especially now that Ry and Rukiya walked out and Gylfi suggesting otherwise.

One of her fingers is tapping nervously on her thigh before long her eyes narrow and she looks at Hava. "Do you have a dagger?"

Brimeia/Hava — 3:00 PM

"Yes?" They look puzzled but take it out.

Seirixori/Rae — 3:03 PM

Seir takes the pointy end and immediately lights her own hand on fire that's holding the dagger. She doesn't look at Gylfi as she says, "If you aren't going to help, you can leave too. But the bleeding has to stop or she will die."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 3:04 PM

"Fine, I can't watch this," Gylfi says, and they walk away, looking around the room for any hint of where Misha could be or what happened.

Brimeia/Hava — 3:04 PM

Hava's eyes widen, but they don't flinch or move away, curious to see if it will work.

DM — 3:05 PM

Give me a medicine check.

Seirixori/Rae — 3:05 PM

((lol could hava help at all))

DM — 3:06 PM

If they help, yeah. Advantage, but they'd have to do something, not just watch.

Brimeia/Hava — 3:08 PM

Hava will try to position Cae's body better for Seir to reach and try to press the wound closed as best they can.

DM — 3:09 PM

Go ahead.

Seirixori/Rae — 3:09 PM

((17))

DM — 3:11 PM

There's the smell of roasted flesh, and Cae's body reflexively curls, causing Hava to have to try to hold her legs down. Seir has to keep heating the blade to go bit by bit by bit... I'll offer you the choice... are you sticking to the outside, or going inside at all?

You would know that the bleeding is mostly coming from something severed inside, so sealing the outside wouldn't necessarily stop it, it'd just turn to internal bleeding, but sealing the inside could be damaging to other parts of her body in the long run.

Seirixori/Rae — 3:13 PM

((fuck it, the inside too))

DM — 3:15 PM

Ok. Bit by bit by bit, you think you've got the damage contained. In the end, the bleeding has slowed considerably, but she's still not conscious and hopefully you didn't ruin anything that can't be fixed with magic if you can figure out how to neutralize the poison.

Seirixori/Rae — 3:16 PM

Seir will try to stabilize her best she can, even tossing in a low healing word to see if it helps any.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 3:16 PM

At some point towards the end, Gylfi comes over and starts slowly healing what they can.

DM — 3:17 PM

You don't see an effect.

Brimeia/Hava — 3:17 PM

"Well, that should at least buy some time."

Seirixori/Rae — 3:18 PM

((8 if it helps any))

DM — 3:19 PM

No effect.

Seirixori/Rae — 3:20 PM

Seir glances towards Gylfi and once she's done she sighs, clearing her throat and briefly wiping at her eyes. She wipes the dagger off on the bottom of her pants and hands it back to Hava. "Thank you."

Brimeia/Hava — 3:21 PM

"You're welcome. .. What was your name?"

Seirixori/Rae — 3:25 PM

"Seirixori," She says quietly. She starts pulling something out of her bag and moves out of the cage, waiting for Hava before she closes it, but keeps it unlocked.

Brimeia/Hava — 3:26 PM

Hava steps out. "Hava. That was daring. I'm glad it worked."

Seirixori/Rae — 3:28 PM

"She might die later, but at least it won't be now." Seir's still quiet and she sits down, opening her tool and starts to scry on Misha.

DM — 3:29 PM

And it takes ten minutes to scry...

Seirixori/Rae — 3:33 PM

Seir frowns, "Well, she's still alive and I... I can only hope it's here. We need to find her, quickly."  Seir stands, tucking away her scrying item. "Hava, do you want to look after Cae or will you join us?"

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 3:34 PM

Gylfi: "I can look after her... if you don't want to stay here alone."

Brimeia/Hava — 3:35 PM

"Is it a good idea for anyone to be alone in this place?"

Seirixori/Rae — 3:38 PM

"If this were yesterday I would tell you neither of you would be safe here with her." Seir shakes her head, "I--," Seir looks down at her hands, she hasn't looked at Gylfi since the small glance earlier. "You can both stay, I'll come back and get you if we need more help." Seir starts to head towards everyone else in the other room.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 9:38 PM

Gylfi quickly gets up. "Seirixori," they say, rushing to her. "I know you were just doing what you felt was best." They look over at Cae. "She's one of my oldest friends and that makes me... emotional. I'm sorry that I made you doubt yourself in a moment when you needed support. It... just wasn't something I could give you."

Seirixori/Rae — 10:02 PM

Seir turns and looks at Gylfi as if she’s searching for something, it's easy to see that she has things she wants to say. Her head lowers momentarily as she lets out a soft sigh. “Several months ago I made a promise to myself that I would do anything to keep Cae alive. That has not changed. And honestly? I think all I did was prolong the inevitable. Finding Misha is the only thing we can really do right now." With that said Seir heads into the other room, not waiting for a response.

Ry and Rukiya are standing in the room outside the cages, looking at a pair of humans who look like they were mauled to death and covered by rocks.

Seirixori/Rae — 12:19 PM

Seir doesn't wait. As she walks into the room where Ry and Rukiya are she says, "We need to find Misha. Now." She then immediate shifts into a large wolf and starts to head back up to where they were previously.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 12:20 PM

Ry glances at Rukiya with a worried look, then takes her hand and follows Seir.

DM — 12:21 PM

Are Hava and Bri both coming or are one of them going to stay with Cae and Gylfi?

Brimeia/Hava — 12:24 PM

Hava is a scaredy-dragon and will stay behind.

DM — 12:25 PM

Ok, so as you start back up the stairs, let me get a marching order and perception checks.

Seirixori/Rae — 12:27 PM

Seirolf first. ((32 perce hearing/smell moreso than sight))

DM — 12:27 PM

Well, you definitely smell that the thing is nearby and you also definitely wish you weren't smelling it quite so well.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 12:32 PM

((We're going back the way we came right? where the nasty thing is?))

Seirixori/Rae — 12:32 PM

((yeah))

Brimeia/Hava — 12:32 PM

Bri will go behind Seirolf.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 12:32 PM

"We're probably going to have to fight that thing, unless we can sneak by it," Ry whispers to the others.

DM — 12:34 PM

Rukiya pulls one of her many daggers from her belt.

Brimeia/Hava — 12:35 PM

Bri nods, glad for a problem she knows how to handle.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 12:36 PM

"Peek around the corner, just to see where it is," Ry whispers to Bri.

DM — 12:37 PM

Seir called first dibs, and as a large creature in a 5' hallway, she's blocking passage currently.

Seirixori/Rae — 12:37 PM

Seir heads into the other room and near the other doorway, but will let Bri look into it first if it's still there.

Brimeia/Hava — 12:38 PM

Bri leans carefully and peers around the corner.

DM — 12:50 PM

Seir, when you reach the end of this little hall, you can see that the creature has made its way into this room. And now that you can properly see it, it's even more disgusting than you thought. It has crusted eyes, maggots wriggling in open sores, and a reek of rotten meat that follows it wherever it goes. And as you see it, it sees you.

Let's roll initiative.

Seirixori/Rae — 12:51 PM

((17))

Brimeia/Hava — 12:52 PM

((4))

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 12:56 PM

((18))

DM — 12:57 PM

Rukiya's first, but has nowhere to go and doesn't want to draw its attention so she readies a dagger in case she sees anything in range.

The demon gets first drop on Seir and will snarl and instead of walking forward, it leaps and swings its barbed tail at her. That is 6 damage and I Need a CON save from Seir.

Rukiya's eyes go wide but she throws her dagger with disadvantage and still manages to hit it and with her sneak attack (thanks Seir) does 28 damage.

Seir's fine!

@Ryleigh/Gylfi

It is blocking you into the hall, and you can't move up.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 1:03 PM

Ry also throws a dagger at the creature. ((nat 20, 24 damage))

DM — 1:03 PM

Ryleigh, I also need you to make a CON save.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 1:03 PM

((13))

DM — 1:04 PM

That is exactly the creature's remaining hp. What does it look like? (Also exactly the save you needed)

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 1:06 PM

((Super lucky me lol)) Ry takes careful aim at the creatures throat and her dagger manages to pierce the creatures neck. Blood blood, DEATH.

DM — 1:07 PM

It tries to squeal, but can't thanks to the dagger in its windpipe and it just gurgles and falls over.

End initiative

Seirixori/Rae — 1:08 PM

Seir gags and coughs several times and quickly jumps over the yucky to go to the room with the face door to see if she can pick up Misha's scent.

DM — 1:09 PM

If anyone would like to roll Religion to identify it, you can, otherwise we will continue with Seir in the other room.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 1:09 PM

((Ry can try))

DM — 1:10 PM

The next room has the big carved head on the wall, currently swinging free, open.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 1:10 PM

Ry glances at the body as she walks by. ((religion 1))

DM — 1:11 PM

Rukiya pulls the daggers from the creature and hands Ry's back to her. "Nice aim. You must have had a good teacher."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 1:12 PM

Ry grins. "She's pretty good... when she doesn't get distracted," she answers, with a wink.

DM — 1:13 PM

Rukiya says to the rest of you, "It's a demon. We should be careful. There could be more, a rift, or a summoner nearby."

Seirixori/Rae — 1:13 PM

Seir tries to pick up the scent of Misha over the thing from the other room as she sniffs around. ((29 perc))

DM — 1:13 PM

It's practically impossible to smell anything other than the stench of rot.

The next room is where the war hearth from the orcs once burned, where your team had once argued and rested, where a flameskull nearly caught you off guard enough to roast you.

Brimeia/Hava — 1:15 PM

"Ugh. Think she's still in here?"

Seirixori/Rae — 1:15 PM

She'll check the corners then go into the room where the door with the face is.

DM — 1:17 PM

A smaller, cold firepit is in this room along with the old orc nest from the chieftan that had once had his people here. A tapestry on the wall depicts demons standing over a maze, tormenting people within it. Rukiya says, "That's Baphomet's face on the door... and his realm is a giant maze."

Give me perception checks, please.

Seirixori/Rae — 1:17 PM

((32))

Brimeia/Hava — 1:17 PM

Brimeia groans. "Are we gonna have to do a maze?"

((nat 1))

Seirixori/Rae — 1:19 PM

Seir tilts her head and then grabs the bottom of the tapestry with her mouth and pulls real hard.

DM — 1:20 PM

The tapestry falls from the wall, revealing an open space that leads to another staircase.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 1:20 PM

((15))

"Good job, Seirixori."

Seirixori/Rae — 1:22 PM

Seir start to head forward, her tail wagging a little, before she stops and turns and starts to push Brimeia forward.

Brimeia/Hava — 1:26 PM

Brimeia shrugs and heads in first, igniting her glaive as she goes.

DM — 1:28 PM

You all file down the stairs and it opens into a stone room that's mostly circular with two everburning torches lighting a pool of water. There's a carving on the wall that depicts a woman drinking from a fountain and being healed, but looming over the whole scene is Baphomet's evil grin and his carved maze stretches out on either side, encircling the room.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 1:34 PM

Ry reaches into her bag and pulls out a leather flask. "I hate to accept any help from a demon, but... maybe this will help Cae?" She holds up the flask and points to the fountain.

Seirixori/Rae — 1:34 PM

Seir nods, having thought the same thing.

Brimeia/Hava — 1:35 PM

"I thought that dragon person said that healing magic didn't work? But I suppose it couldn't hurt to try at this point."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 1:36 PM

Ry will carefully dip the flask into the water to fill it.

DM — 1:38 PM

When you reach for it, the liquid seems to siphon away, the maze illuminating in a blue glow as if the water had filled the spaces in between the walls until it gathers again in an illusory pool in a section of the maze.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 1:40 PM

((So it's fake?))

DM — 1:40 PM

Yes.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 1:41 PM

"Of course it couldn't be that easy." Ry tucks the flask away. ((So the water filled a map of the maze? is that what happened))

Seirixori/Rae — 1:41 PM

((and pooled to where it actually is, I believe))

DM — 1:41 PM

Yes, that.

Brimeia/Hava — 1:42 PM

Bri groans loudly. "Why did it have to be a maze?"

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 1:43 PM

((did everyone see that? lol))

DM — 1:43 PM

Yes.

Seirixori/Rae — 1:43 PM

Seir huffs and starts to continue her search for Misha.

DM — 1:44 PM

Rukiya examines the maze wall. "I wonder if this is representative of the corridors."

Seir, give me a perception check. There are two ways out of this room.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 1:44 PM

"What do you mean?" Ry asks Rukiya.

DM — 1:44 PM

And then I'd like a marching order OR initiative.

Seirixori/Rae — 1:44 PM

((29))

Brimeia/Hava — 1:46 PM

((20))

DM — 1:46 PM

You can smell that a half-elf has been through here, possibly Misha... but she's crossed this room at least a couple times. You think the most recent scent goes to the east. You also spot a small mark made with chalk on the wall.

Seirixori/Rae — 1:46 PM

((19 init))

Seir points out the chalk to the others.

DM — 1:47 PM

You can just decide who will take point if you'd rather, and I can arrange your initiative as such, since this isn't actually based on speed of action.

Brimeia/Hava — 1:48 PM

"Hmm. You think Misha made that?"

Seirixori/Rae — 1:48 PM

((uh Seir currently can't see in the dark, tbh, so it might be better if Bri did go first unless we grab a torch))

DM — 1:49 PM

Rukiya looks over. "Maybe a way to find her way back? Or someone's anyway. It might not be a bad idea to mark our passage so we can find our way back and don't get lost in here."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 1:51 PM

Ry reaches into the bag again and pulls out some kind of writing item so they can mark they're way.

DM — 1:51 PM

So Bri first? You can go ahead and move your token.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 1:53 PM

(Ry will bring up the rear, so nothing gets them from behind as they go)

DM — 1:53 PM

Ok!

Seirixori/Rae — 1:54 PM

Seeing Bri's hesitation Seir will push past her and continue her little trek.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 1:56 PM

Seeing Seir start to push by Bri, Ry will place a hand on Seir and softly says, "I'm sure you're anxious, but we need to be careful in here. We need to be cautious and not rush as much as we can."

DM — 1:56 PM

At the intersection ahead, you can see that there's light to the left, but you can choose left or right.

And you can give me a perception check to see if you notice anything about either direction.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 1:58 PM

(excuse you, you didn't let Seir react to my shit)

Seirixori/Rae — 1:59 PM

((does Ry have the hat?))

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 2:00 PM

(I assume not, gylfi had it last. She hasn't gotten anything from you guys)

Seirixori/Rae — 2:01 PM

Seir sighs and shakes her head, trying to convey she'll be careful, tapping at her nose and ears with a paw and motioning to Brimeia.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 2:02 PM

Ry nods. Then she'll let Seir go.

DM — 2:03 PM

The corridors are weathered but definitely crafted stone, ten feet wide and fifteen tall. There are ceilings.

Seirixori/Rae — 2:04 PM

((19/29 perc))

DM — 2:06 PM

You can move your full movement, half if you want to sneak, or dash if you want to go fast. Then it will be the next person's turn to decide whether they want to follow exactly or go a different direction.

Seirixori/Rae — 2:07 PM

Seir will go left and then take a right where the light is. ((she'll sneak and go half her move 20ft.))

DM — 2:08 PM

Ok. Who's next? @Brimeia/Hava ?

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 2:09 PM

((Yup, then Rukiya, then Ry))

DM — 2:10 PM

Are you staying right on her tail? Sneaking?

Brimeia/Hava — 2:11 PM

Bri will stick pretty close to Seir.

DM — 2:11 PM

If you're sneaking, give me a stealth check, pls.

Seirixori/Rae — 2:12 PM

((17 iirc))

Brimeia/Hava — 2:12 PM

((15))

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 2:12 PM

((from me too?))

((22))

DM — 2:13 PM

Rukiya will also follow, but will come up alongside Bri behind Seir.

@Ryleigh/Gylfi are you also sticking right behind Seir?

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 2:15 PM

((No, I'm in the rear))

DM — 2:16 PM

I mean more of 'are you following exactly as she goes' or do you want to be able to deviate at will.

Seir, you said with your next move, you're going left then right where the light is?

Seirixori/Rae — 2:18 PM

((yes))

DM — 2:18 PM

As you turn the corner, you can see that there are two dead ends there.

Seirixori/Rae — 2:20 PM

She'll turn back and go right to check the wall for any more markings.

DM — 2:20 PM

Ok, give me a perception check as @Brimeia/Hava does her movement.

Brimeia/Hava — 2:21 PM

((19))

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 2:22 PM

((No, Ry will slowly bring up the rear. She'll hang back a little))

DM — 2:24 PM

Bri can also see the chalk X under the light now. Seir does spot a small x slightly to the left against the wall ahead of her. Rukiya comes up along the passage and will glance left towards Seir, but sneak right, peek around the corner, then come back towards the party with her dash.

@Ryleigh/Gylfi You see Bri slightly to the left, you saw Rukiya head down the other direction, but she's coming back towards you now.

Seirixori/Rae — 2:27 PM

Seir heads right and check the walls again to decide which direction to go, as well as still trying to smell out Misha.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 2:28 PM

"Nothing that way?" Ry asks Rukiya.

DM — 2:28 PM

At each intersection, you can give me a perception check to try to find new information.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 2:29 PM

((Also, yes that's exactly what Ry is doing, she's trying to be middle man for the group lol I didn't know how to explain that.))

DM — 2:29 PM

Rukiya shrugs. "Just another corner to try. I didn't want to get too far away."

Brimeia/Hava — 2:29 PM

((7))

DM — 2:30 PM

Rukiya catches back up with Bri and Seir. I assume Ry follows?

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 2:31 PM

((Yup))

DM — 2:32 PM

Ok, Go ahead Seir.

Seirixori/Rae — 2:33 PM

Seir kind of takes a step forward and shakes her head before turning left down the corridor and assuming that's a dead end straight ahead turns to the right.

DM — 2:34 PM

Ok, Bri.

Brimeia/Hava — 2:34 PM

Bri follows!

DM — 2:35 PM

Rukiya pokes down the hall Seir didn't choose and back to Bri's side to wait for Ry to catch up.

Ry!

Rukiya gestures at her ear and points down the hall, making a second motion to stay quiet.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 2:38 PM

Ry will quietly walk along, following the others.

DM — 2:38 PM

Seir?

Seirixori/Rae — 2:41 PM

Seir will go down that hallway, checking for any markings and sounds/smells.

DM — 2:41 PM

Unfortunately, nothing new. Or maybe fortunately?

Brimeia/Hava — 2:41 PM

Bri is still following.

((13))

DM — 2:42 PM

Everyone follows along. Go ahead again when you can.

Seirixori/Rae — 2:43 PM

((nat 20-33 perc))

DM — 2:44 PM

The hall is long and straight, and you come to another intersection with no exit to the north and a bigger, lit room to the south.

Seirixori/Rae — 2:46 PM

Seir heads back the way they came.

DM — 2:47 PM

Retreat! Ok. How far back?

You all head right back to where Rukiya had taken the first side-check to peek around the corner.

Seirixori/Rae — 2:48 PM

Near the room they started, though she looks at Rukiya and towards the area Seir didn't check.

DM — 2:50 PM

The sound you heard is stronger this way. Rukiya shrugs as if to say she doesn't know if there's anything that way.

Seirixori/Rae — 2:50 PM

Seir goes back into the room they entered from and towards the west hallway, mostly now checking for a smell she might recognize than anything else.

DM — 2:51 PM

Give me a perception check?

Seirixori/Rae — 2:51 PM

((32))

DM — 2:52 PM

It's a fainter smell that you associate with Misha, like she's crossed the area. But there's also a strange smell... it's almost like an absence of smell?

Seirixori/Rae — 2:54 PM

Seir huffs, kind of in annoyance and goes back and starts to head south,even though there's probably trouble that way.

DM — 2:55 PM

As you cross the room again, Rukiya says, "Should we split up? We can cover more ground if we go in pairs.'

Seirixori/Rae — 2:56 PM

Seir shakes her head, once again tapping her nose and motioning with her head towards the direction she's going to start walking in.

DM — 2:58 PM

So Seir heads south? Going that way, there's no choices to make, so you turn, and the noise definitely gets louder and the stench of... is that livestock?

As you get to the next corner, you can see a minotaur, easily ten feet tall with the head of a bull and a massive greataxe, sitting against the wall taking a nap.

Seirixori/Rae — 3:01 PM

Seir heads back up and around to see about passing it that way so they don't have to try and walk directly around it.

DM — 3:02 PM

Ok, you all follow her back to the north!

And as you reach THIS corner.... you see cowman snoozing. You also see a line of chalk across the floor with an x.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 3:04 PM

((So there's no way around the cowman? lol))

Seirixori/Rae — 3:04 PM

Seir continues to head south with her nose, not crossing the line for now.

DM — 3:05 PM

Since you are sneaking past him, in this section, I will ask for new stealth checks.

Seirixori/Rae — 3:05 PM

((23))

Brimeia/Hava — 3:05 PM

((9))

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 3:07 PM

((15))

DM — 3:08 PM

As Bri tries to follow Seir, the minotaur snorts and cracks an eye open as it repositions itself, but the fire catches its attention and it double-takes, looking right at Bri.

And I think that's initiative.

Brimeia/Hava — 3:09 PM

((14))

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 3:09 PM

((15))

Seirixori/Rae — 3:10 PM

((14))

DM — 3:10 PM

We'll say Ry can go first. You hear the snort of a creature waking from its slumber and the scrape of metal against stone as it starts to shift.

Sorry @Ryleigh/Gylfi

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 3:12 PM

((Where is the noise coming from?))

DM — 3:13 PM

Around the corner you're standing at

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 3:13 PM

((And I can't get to it because peeps in the way? lol))

DM — 3:13 PM

No, you can. The hall is wide enough to move around each other.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 3:15 PM

Okay, Ry will slowly move around the others, so she can see what's making the noise.

DM — 3:16 PM

There's a minotaur! Waking up from his nap, glaring at the tiefling that woke him.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 3:18 PM

Ry will withdraw Dawnbringer, point it at the miniatuar and command it to, "Flee." ((using command - DC Wis save 16))

DM — 3:18 PM

Ok!

Rukiya will step up behind her holding a dagger, but will hold it to see if anyone else attacks.

@Brimeia/Hava

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 3:20 PM

((I'm confused... did it not work? lol))

DM — 3:20 PM

(It acts on its turn)

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 3:20 PM

((OHHHH))

Brimeia/Hava — 3:22 PM

Bri will rage, walk up, and smack it with her flaming glaive. Juuust in case it doesn't flee.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 3:23 PM

((Wouldn't Bri know how this spell works, by now? She's seen Ry use it))

Brimeia/Hava — 3:23 PM

((22a, 18 dmg; 21a, 21 dmg))

DM — 3:24 PM

It is definitely hurt. @Seirixori/Rae

Seeing Bri head that way, Rukiya will go ahead and fling her dagger, figuring that if it's wounded maybe it will flee permanently to heal... or it will start chasing them once the effect runs off.

Seirixori/Rae — 3:28 PM

Seir will contmplate continuing on for a moment and decides to turn around and go take a bite out of crime the Minotaur. Seir takes a running leap over Brimeia, and grabs the minotaur by it's horn, dragging it down and clamping her teeth around it's throat and tugging it harshly to one side.

DM — 3:29 PM

Seir rips his throat out. Gross.

Rukiya recovers her dagger and takes Ry's hand. "I'm sorry. I know you tried to be merciful. I don't... think these are people, though. Not really, not anymore. Baphomet creates minotaurs for his mazes and anyone who is down here too long will suffer from demonic madness."

Seirixori/Rae — 3:32 PM

Seir then goes back to her search for Misha.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 3:32 PM

Ry sighs and nods. "It was worth a try... right?"

DM — 3:33 PM

Rukiya leans up and kisses her on the cheek. "Of course."

Seir, you sniff around that section of maze and find dead ends.

Seirixori/Rae — 3:35 PM

Seir huffs again in annoyance, and then goes back around to check the other south part.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 3:36 PM

"I know there's things in here but maybe we should call out to her?"

DM — 3:36 PM

To the south is a bit of an open area with light, and more corners.

Rukiya: "If we felt confident in our ability to control the battlefield, maybe... like if we could find a place to fortify so we know we can't get attacked in two directions?"

Seirixori/Rae — 3:39 PM

((20 perc))

DM — 3:43 PM

Ok, let's get a new round of stealth checks!

Seirixori/Rae — 3:43 PM

Seir passes the opening to her left and continues to head down.

((21))

DM — 3:44 PM

Rukiya gestures down the hall you pass with a SHHHH.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 3:45 PM

((26 / nat 20))

DM — 3:45 PM

@Brimeia/Hava Stealth?

Brimeia/Hava — 3:46 PM

((10))

DM — 3:47 PM

As Ry heads down past the hall, she catches the light of Dawnbringer's blade bouncing back from a pair of reflective eyes.

They weren't coming closer... yet.

And this section of the path is windy, but with no choices, so Seir continues on?

Seirixori/Rae — 3:49 PM

((yes))

DM — 3:50 PM

Ok, and as you have a choice to continue north or head west, give me another perception check.

Seirixori/Rae — 3:51 PM

((29))

Seir quickens her pace and heads north.

DM — 3:57 PM

Seir... give me a dex save.

Seirixori/Rae — 3:58 PM

((23))

DM — 3:59 PM

As Seir comes up to the corner to the north, an arrow flies out, but she manages to avoid getting hit by it and it clatters against the wall. Rukiya, unable to keep quiet, but trying not to draw too much attention, whisper shouts, "Misha!"

Seir can see her, drawing a new arrow, her hands shaking with what could be fear or exhaustion or both.

(We'll stop initiative here.)

Seirixori/Rae — 4:02 PM

Seir stops moving and lies down.

DM — 4:03 PM

Rukiya comes up to the corner, speaking in Elven. "Misha, we're here to help. Please don't shoot me."

Misha still draws back on her bowstring, aiming at the massive wolf. "Show yourself."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 4:05 PM

"Let me," Ry says, worry clearly on her face.

DM — 4:09 PM

Rukiya can't help the smile on her face as she shakes her head. "Misha was always too slow to catch me anyway... isn't that right, suira'il?" She steps around the corner with her hands visible to see Misha looking incredibly confused.

"Badru?"

Rukiya's smile grows even wider. "It's Rukiya now."

Before anyone else can react, Misha's practically tackling Rukiya in a hug, then she pulls back and looks at her for a moment before punching her in the arm. "You oassha'ro. You made me think you were dead!"

Rukiya rubs her arm. "Ow."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 4:11 PM

Ry smiles at the reunion.

Brimeia/Hava — 4:12 PM

Bri relaxes when the weapons are put down, smiling a little at the playfulness between the two.

Seirixori/Rae — 4:13 PM

Seir sits back up, moving towards the back of the group to watch the hallway.

DM — 4:14 PM

"Misha, I think you already know my friends... this is Seirixori, Brimeia, and my wife, Ryleigh."

"Wife?" She kind of remembers who she is and tries to regain some of her poise. "I remember. They've been heroes of Bellbury."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 4:15 PM

Ry half waves, a slight blush on her face.

Brimeia/Hava — 4:16 PM

Bri waves.

DM — 4:18 PM

Rukiya: "Are you ok? We found Cae upstairs. She's... still alive."

Misha kind of grimaces. "I was hoping the healing pool down here would help but... I got turned around somewhere."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 4:19 PM

"What if we go back to the pool and draw it out?" Ry suggests.

DM — 4:20 PM

Rukiya: "Like a map?"

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 4:22 PM

"Well, yeah." She scratches at the back of her neck, almost unsure of herself.

DM — 4:23 PM

Rukiya asks Misha, "Do you know if it's representative?"

Misha: "I think so... it's just hard to remember which way is which and not get turned around... especially if anything in here catches your scent and starts chasing you."

Rukiya: "We need to not be in life-threatening danger so we can catch up. Let's give it a try." She squeezes Ry's hand and says to Seir, "Can you remember how to get back to the entry?"

Seirixori/Rae — 4:25 PM

Seir nods.

DM — 4:27 PM

So you start heading back towards the entry, but in that windy corridor, you find yourself face to face with one of those abyssal orcs spouting what sounds like gibberish. Roll initiative!

Seirixori/Rae — 4:28 PM

((17))

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 4:28 PM

((12))

Brimeia/Hava — 4:28 PM

((17))

DM — 4:31 PM

The abyssal orc takes a swipe at Seir with its greatsword and bites at her for a total of 24 damage.

@Seirixori/Rae

Seirixori/Rae — 4:34 PM

Seir squeezes past it to get behind it and will return the bite. ((20a, 10d + 11a)) ((end))

DM — 4:35 PM

She knocks it prone and moves to its other side!

Seirixori/Rae — 4:35 PM

((Once it falls prone she takes another bite. ((14a, 8d +5 extra))

DM — 4:36 PM

@Brimeia/Hava ! It's prone so you have free advantage.

Brimeia/Hava — 4:37 PM

Bri moves up, rages, and smacks it!

((27a, 12dmg; 27a, 27d))

DM — 4:40 PM

Misha will fire a shot from her ~mom's~ bow at disadvantage from prone. She does 11 damage!

@Ryleigh/Gylfi !

You can get to melee and have advantage thanks to prone.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 4:46 PM

She does, pull Dawnbringer out and slashing her into the creature twice. ((19H / 28D ... 26H / 32D))

DM — 4:46 PM

The first one kills it!

So you head back to the entry, passing the dead minotaur on the way.

And because it's getting late in the day, we're going to abstract the fuck out of this. I need you to decide which two of you will be creating a map and one will roll with advantage.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 4:49 PM

((Ummm, what skill would it be?))

DM — 4:50 PM

Probably survival unless you have cartographer's tools proficiency. Or straight int

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 4:50 PM

((I vote Rukiya and Seir))

Seirixori/Rae — 4:52 PM

Seir will shift back to do map things.

DM — 4:52 PM

Roll Survival with advantage!

Seirixori/Rae — 4:52 PM

((25))

DM — 4:54 PM

Ok! So since you guys rolled so high on survival, you minimize the chances of encounters and in that, rolled only one with a tanarukk which you just proved is no challenge, so we'll just say you find the pool, gather some water, and head back up to Cae! And we'll squish til next time.

DM — 5:55 PM

Everyone heads back to the room where Cae was. Gylfi's sitting with Hava talking nerd shit outside of the cage.

Misha makes her way into the cage, ignoring the new people, and cradles Cae's head while she pours the water into Cae's mouth.

Seirixori/Rae — 6:06 PM

Seir starts to head in, but after a moment changes her mind and hangs out by the door instead.

DM — 7:17 PM

Rukiya takes Ry's hand.

DM — 7:55 PM

After a moment, Cae sputters, her eyes open and panicked,  and it looks like she might actually be spitting it out, but Misha keeps pouring it into her mouth until Cae has no choice but to swallow. Another few moments later, she pulls herself up to sitting and looks at a tired, scared, apologetic Misha. "Dalnashed... you should have let me go."

Misha throws herself at Cae, wrapping her arms around her waist and crying into her belly. "I couldn't. I couldn't lose both of you. I'm sorry, Mama. I'm sorry."

Seirixori/Rae — 7:59 PM

Seir let's out a breath she didn't know she was holding and smiles softly. She continues to hover in the doorway though.

Brimeia/Hava — 8:35 PM

So focused is Hava on their conversation about some obscure magical properties with Gylfi that it takes them a moment to notice what is happening in the cell.

But the moment they hear the sputtering, their intense focus shifts abruptly to the newly awakened Cae.

"You're awake," they note with surprise. Then without waiting for a reply, they look to Misha. "What did you give her? Where did it come from?" Their eyes gleam with curiosity and excitement.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 7:14 AM

Ry hugs Rukiya close, then says to Hava, "We'll explain in a little bit, Hava. Give everyone a moment to just... be."

DM — 8:07 AM

Cae kind of gingerly puts her arms around Misha and holds her as she cries... and anyone who wants to can roll Insight on the whole interaction.

Brimeia/Hava — 8:26 AM

Hava takes a rushed breath as if to say something, but they let the breath back out, unable to help the look of disappointment on their face.

Seirixori/Rae — 9:06 AM

((24 insight))

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 1:33 PM

((25))

Seirixori/Rae — 1:48 PM

Seir walks forward slowly and clears her throat to get their attention. There's a bit of hesitancy in her next set of words as she looks directly at Cae, "...I'm sorry." She isn't sure she can get across what she means with the apology but she tries to anyway.

DM — 2:00 PM

Misha doesn't even seem to notice someone says something, and Cae looks a little surprised or confused, but nods once in acknowledgment.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 2:07 PM

Ry presses a gentle kiss to the side of Rukiya's head. Depending on things, Rukiya can likely feel her remorse, but a few moment later its gone.

Seirixori/Rae — 2:25 PM

Seir looks down at her hands, at the dried blood she'd forgotten about. She stiffens and moments later she lets out a shaky breath and leaves the room.

DM — 3:00 PM

Rukiya disentangles herself from Ry, making it clear her intention to go talk to Cae and Misha and leaving Ry to decide if she'll follow or check on Seir.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 8:19 PM

Ry will give her time with her family and follow Seir to check on her.

DM — 8:49 PM

Rukiya moves over to the cages. "Aunt Cae... how are you feeling?"

Cae looks at her for a moment, considering. "I'm... fine. Alive. No pain."

Brimeia/Hava — 9:06 PM

((26 insight, nat 20, for Hava))

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 6:34 AM

Gylfi's expression is one of relief. "I'm glad your okay," they say, almost unsure.

DM — 6:50 AM

Cae's attention shifts and she looks at Gylfi with a slight smile and an eyebrow raise. "What in the world are you doing here?"

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 6:53 AM

"Let's just say its a small world." They glance at Rukiya with a sly grin, then back at Cae. "I'll give you the run down over drinks and dinner once you're feeling up to it."

DM — 7:11 AM

She nods and looks back at Rukiya as Misha sits up, wiping her tears from her cheeks with her hands. "And where have you been hiding?"

Rukiya: "Riverrun, mostly... but I was here while everyone here was gone. I'm...." She sighs. "Sorry doesn't cover it."

Misha: "Why did you go? And why didn't you tell me?"

Rukiya sighs and takes a seat. "Vydea. She... pushed me out. I was in too much pain to stay and... it had to be a secret if Ari was ever going to be considered legitimate."

DM — 7:33 AM

Cae snarls and Misha startles and looks at her as Cae says, "She knew, didn't she? She knew this would happen and she wanted you safe."

Rukiya drops her head and nods softly. "I didn't even realize it was her pushing me away until recently and... I don't understand why she couldn't have stopped it instead."

Cae says, "Maybe she didn't want to."

Misha puts her hand on Cae's arm. "Mama..."

Cae recoils from the touch at first, then stands abruptly, backing as far against the back wall of the cage as she can. "You shouldn't be in here with me."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 6:26 PM

"Why not?" Gylfi asks, titling their head in confusion.

DM — 6:27 PM

Cae:  "Because I'm a danger to everyone here. Even more now."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 6:31 PM

"What? Why?"

DM — 6:35 PM

Cae looks at them dead in the eye and says, "I'm a werewolf now indebted to the Beast Lord."

Misha starts to protest and Cae says,  "They clearly know you're still alive, as is the fucking Moonborn. so why mince words now?"

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 6:53 PM

Gylfi covers their mouth. "How? When? There haven't been any on the continent for more than 100 yesrs."

DM — 6:55 PM

Rukiya pulls her eyes from intensely looking at Cae and says,  "During the Bellbury Incident. She was sent somewhere else and infected." She looks back at Cae.  "Do you know what the water does?"

Cae: "Not exactly, but it's not in a demon lord's interests to hand out free healing."

DM — 7:13 PM

Cae takes Misha's arm and pulls her, pushing her out of the cage and shutting the door. "I understand why, but you were wrong."

DM — 7:24 PM

Rukiya puts her arm around Misha in comfort. "What option did we have? We can figure this out, but if we'd let you die, there's no returning from it."

DM — 7:35 PM

Cae: "Good. Go into the other room with the assassins. Search their brutally mauled bodies- the bodies I tore apart with tooth and claw- and find the daggers they intended to use on us and let me die."

Brimeia/Hava — 8:22 PM

"But...you don't know if the water will have a negative effect or even any at all yet." Hava looks bewildered.

DM — 8:31 PM

Cae: "Are you volunteering to go drink some for science's sake?"

Rukiya frowns. "Aunt Cae, I need you to calm down. We all just want to help. We came here to help you. To make sure you were both safe."

Cae slams her hands against the cage bars. The rattle echoes in the small room. She grimaces and looks down like she's either in pain or concentrating hard on something, hands gripping the bars.

## Seiryleigh

The room is empty and dark, save the light from Dawnbringer illuminating the other side of the doorway.

Half buried under rubble are two pale skinned humans in leather armor that look like they were mauled by some kind of creature with deep claw marks in their arms and torsos and their throats torn out.

Seirixori/Rae — 5:23 PM

Seir stops in the room, staring at nothing. After a few seconds pass she goes to the bodies and starts to remove the rest of the rubble and search for anything that is either of value or an identifier of sorts.

DM — 5:25 PM

Give me a skill and a roll.

Seirixori/Rae — 5:34 PM

((11 investigation))

Seirixori/Rae — 5:46 PM

Seir carefully sets aside two daggers. She then starts to situate the bodies on the ground and despite uncovering them, starts to cover them up again with the rocks.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 8:20 PM

"Homashoc?" Ry says from the doorway.

Seirixori/Rae — 8:23 PM

Seir doesn't respond, like she doesn't even hear Ryleigh.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 6:30 AM

Ry moves into Seir's line of sight and comes closer, until she's standing right in front of her. "Need to talk?" She says quietly, almost like she's worried Seir might bolt.

Seirixori/Rae — 6:46 AM

Seir stiffens once she notices Ryleigh, and it is clearly because she just noticed her there in front of her. There are tears on her face, ones she doesn't notice, and she stares at Ryleigh unseeing for a moment. "...Oh. Probably."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 6:47 AM

Ry gently tugs Seir into a hug.

Seirixori/Rae — 7:05 AM

Seir cries silently for a minute or two before she speaks. "I told Gylfi I made a promise to keep Cae alive. I think I even mentioned it to Eloise once, or Misha. I don't remember anymore." She falls quiet again.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 7:09 AM

Ry runs her hand up and down seirs back, pateintly waiting for her to continue.

Seirixori/Rae — 7:12 AM

"Knowing what it's like to lose someone... to lose a mother. I--" Seir releases a heavy sigh. "But I also know what it's like to not want to live. And for a split second in there, when I saw it again," her voice turns barely into a whisper, "I wanted to offer it to her."

She laughs then, dry, unfeeling, "The only thing that stopped me was the fear of anyone in that room hating me for it. But is it even fair to her? To expect her to live with what she hates. Or is it something that can be worked with so she can use it? So she doesn't have to be afraid of it?  But is even that fair?"

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 7:27 AM

"Did you consider it wasn't that she doesn't want to live... but that... maybe it has something to do with the price to be paid for taking the healing water?"

Seirixori/Rae — 7:29 AM

Seir laughs a little, "Yes. But it can also be both."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 6:31 PM

"Sure. I can't imagine..." Ry stops herself from continuing her sentence. "I'm sorry if I haven't been here for you as much... im worried about Rukuya - her safety, her well being, our future.. then finding out that my brother is responsible for the mass murders of my wife's family..." She sighs and runs her hand through her hair.

Seirixori/Rae — 7:17 PM

"It's okay. I understand. It's okay, " the first is for Ryleigh, the second is like she's telling a part of herself. "You all--" Her brow furrows, "Wait, your brother?"

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 9:06 PM

Ryleigh opens her mouth to reply but then she hers the cage rattle in the next room, and raised voices. "I'll explain in a moment." She takes Seir's hand and practically drags her back into the room where the others are.

## Together Again

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 9:07 PM

Ryleigh enters the room. "What's going on?" She says, her tone commanding as she takes in the scene.

DM — 10:31 PM

Cae's head snaps up. "Paladin. It's time to make good on that promise. Kill me."

Seirixori/Rae — 12:36 AM

Seir freezes very briefly and then she moves in front of the cage, turning her back to Cae and looks at everyone else. "Could I have a moment with Cae? Alone?"

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 8:27 AM

Ry holds Cae's gaze for a long moment. Then she looks at Rukiya and holds out her hand. "Let Seirixori have her say," Ry says.

DM — 10:05 AM

Rukiya's eyes bore into Seir for several seconds. It's like she's simultaneously reading Seir's soul and delivering a warning.

She quietly says, "Come on Misha. You need rest. We can come back to this." And though she's supposedly speaking to Misha, her voice makes it clear she's actually speaking to the room when she adds, "She's not going anywhere until you've both had time to rest, recover, and think about the situation clearly." She doesn't take Ry's hand, but she walks a tearful Misha out of the room, past everyone, and not just into the next room, but into the room beyond that where the scented wood was burned to cleanse the air.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 2:46 PM

Ry watches them go and then ushers Hava and Gylfi out of the room - leaving Seir alone with Cae.

Seirixori/Rae — 2:55 PM

Seir let's out a breath of relief, not quite expecting the ease of which everyone leaves. She turns to face Cae, laughing a little, "Part of me wishes for your to be able to speak abyssal." She looks at Cae's wound and raises a hand to use healing word but stops, "Do you... are you in pain still?"

DM — 3:17 PM

"No."

Seirixori/Rae — 3:52 PM

"That's... good. I may have, uh, burned you a little to stop the bleeding." Seir fidgets with her tail for a few moments before she realizes what she's doing and let's it go. "I'm sorry for not asking you, either time, about...not letting you die."

DM — 4:05 PM

She keeps her hands wrapped tightly around the bars, her head down.  "If you're looking for forgiveness, I have none to give."

Seirixori/Rae — 4:12 PM

"I'm not. I know what it's like to lose everyone in an instant, I was trying to stop that from happening. I still am..." Seir sighs, "If you want to die, tell me. Don't ask Ryleigh. They don't need that hanging over their relationship."

DM — 4:17 PM

"Then do it. It's only a matter of time before... fuck." She pushes off the bars and starts pacing as much as the cage allows.

Seirixori/Rae — 4:18 PM

"No. Not yet, at least. Will you allow me to try a few things? To try and find out if there's a way to at least have full control over the werewolf part."

DM — 4:29 PM

"There is no control. "

Seirixori/Rae — 4:50 PM

Seir sighs again, "We stopped looking, I don't even think we really started and that doesn't mean we can't try to find something."

DM — 6:20 PM

"You don't understand. There's no control. It's just an illusion. It's always there, waiting, clawing up inside me. I'm lucky I can push it down long enough to wait for the moon... but it's only a matter of time before I can't. Before I..."

Seirixori/Rae — 6:40 PM

Seir hits the cage out of frustration, "Let me-- fuck!" her jaw tightens and her eyes start to water, but she ignores it. "Will you give me a few minutes? At most an hour?"

DM — 6:46 PM

"For what?"

Seirixori/Rae — 6:49 PM

"I only asked Takara if we could get rid of it, I don't recall asking if there was a way she could somehow make it... well, to let you actually do it at will, I guess. Honestly, if you could manage more time I wanted to ask the Raven Queen."

DM — 7:19 PM

Cae stops pacing and takes a deep breath. "I don't know what that water did, but... the anger is closer. Easier to slip into and harder to resist." She sits and for the first time since she woke, she looks almost normal. "I don't want to die. I don't want Misha to lose both of us... but what kind of life am I giving her like this? Watching me turn into a nightmare... she must have let me out and I must have tried to kill her... and it's something she'll never forget and I can't remember." She puts her elbows on her knees and rests her forehead in her hands. "I hurt her all the time, just by existing. She deserves to be free. To keep the happy memories instead of remembering me like that."

Seirixori/Rae — 7:34 PM

Seir rests her head on the bars, eyes closed. After a few quiet seconds she takes a deep breath and slowly releases it. "I know it's probably dumb to even ask, I know it will probably result in nothing, but at least let me ask Takara and if she says there's nothing to do... then the time I'm gone will give you time to say goodbye."

DM — 8:10 PM

"I don't think I have much choice in the matter. Just... lock it. Before you go."

Seirixori/Rae — 8:18 PM

Seir nods, "I'll be back." She locks the door and leaves the room and pauses in the next room realizing who she is looking for is not there. "Hey, Brimeia? Make sure they don't kill her before I come back, okay?" She doesn't wait for an answer before she heads into the other room to find the others.

Brimeia/Hava — 8:23 PM

Brimeia blinks, bewildered, but nods.

## Not Cage Room

DM — 12:36 PM

Room outside the room outside the cages.

Rukiya takes Misha here to rest.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 2:48 PM

Ry, realizing Rukiya and Misha aren't in the room with the bodies, goes to the next one. "Sun'frada, do you want me to wait with the others?"

DM — 4:11 PM

Rukiya sits against a wall and pulls Misha down so she's got her head in Rukiya's lap.  As she runs her fingers through Misha's hair, trying to relax her enough that she can rest, she doesn't really answer at first. She half shrugs and when she leans her head back against the wall, Ry can see the tears in her eyes.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 4:31 PM

Ry moves into the room and sits next to Rukiya. She puts an arm around her and softly presses a kiss to her cheek. "It's going to be okay. She was like this that first time. Once she made it through the full moon, her attitude changed."

DM — 5:52 PM

Misha sniffles. "She hates it... and she's going to hate me for it."

DM — 6:10 PM

Rukiya runs her hand through Misha's hair. "She won't hate you. She couldn't."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 6:41 PM

"Rukiya's right. She loves you so much." Ry worries her lip and asks, "but you said she hates it?"

DM — 6:55 PM

"She's always apologizing... for anytime she gets upset, for bringing me here, for having to teach me to protect myself... from her."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 8:31 PM

"Do you hate it?" Ry asks.

DM — 8:41 PM

"It changed her... took the best parts of her away... but she's still my Mama and I don't want to lose her."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 7:37 AM

"The first time she changed I told her that if she ever became a danger to the people that I'd return... to kill her. We don't know what the demon's water did to her but... I fear the worst."

DM — 7:46 AM

Misha pushes up off Rukiya's lap and glares at Ry through red eyes. "How can you speak so carelessly about killing my mother? You think I don't know- didn't know- that the water came with a price? That I don't know the danger she poses? I don't care. I just lost one mother- I haven't even been able to see her yet- I'm not losing the other. If you think you're going to take her from me, think again."

Rukiya puts her hand on Misha's. "Misha, nobody's taking her away from you. We came here specifically to make sure you were both safe. Right now, though, you need to rest. She'll still be here when you wake. I promise."

Seirixori/Rae — 8:37 AM

Seir's hovering in the doorway and once Rukiya tells Misha to rest she starts heading in the direction of leaving the keep. "I'll be right back, stay here." She says quietly.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 10:03 AM

Gylfi comes through the door a moment later, "Seirixori, do you want or... need company?"

Ry's eyes glance between the two of them. Her expression is a mixture of shock and something else, like she was about to ask the same thing and someone beat her to it.

Seirixori/Rae — 10:12 AM

Seir looks sightly surprised but there's also a biting remark on the tip of her tongue that she barely manages to hold in. She doesn't answer right away, instead she takes a long look at Gylfi, her eyes briefly cutting to Ryleigh before she turns away to leave again. "Go grab one of the daggers, can't hurt to ask about that either."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 5:46 PM

Gylfi nods and disappears into the other room, returning shortly with one of the daggers.

Ry gets to her feet and has softly asks in Infernal, *"Where are you going?"*

Seirixori/Rae — 5:52 PM

Seir wearily rubs her face, *"To talk to Takara."*

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 5:53 PM

*"Do you want me to go instead? I can insist,"* She says with a quick glance at Gylfi.

Seirixori/Rae — 5:57 PM

*"Yes,"* Seir says but shakes her head, *"but you need to be here. I already know I'm going to get an answer I don't want. Let them say goodbye. I have other things I want to try but for now..."* she trails off and shrugs.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 7:06 PM

Ry leans in and pulls Seir into a hug. *"I love you, homashoc. I'll break the news and take care of it, but not before you get back."*

Seirixori/Rae — 7:09 PM

Seir shakes her head, *"You won't, you can't."*

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 7:37 PM

Ry frowns. *"It's my promise to keep. My soul is already tarnished, no need to blacken yours."*

Seirixori/Rae — 7:42 PM

*"No."* Seir says a little harshly. *"I don't give a single fuck about your promise. And none of that means you should continue to 'tarnish' it."* She shakes her head again, *"No, Ryleigh, this has everything to do with Rukiya and in a way, Misha. I refuse to let you do that to your relationship."*

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 8:01 PM

Shifting uncomfortably, Ry purses her lips. *"Rukiya would forgive me. She understands that we have a bigger responsibility to keep our people safe."*

It's obvious from Ry's body language that she's defeated. *"But I know you and I know I can't win this argument if you've set your mind to it."*

Seirixori/Rae — 8:17 PM

*"Of course you can't. Especially because I told Brimea not to let you."*  There's a moment of silence and then Seir pulls Ryleigh into a hug. In common she says, "I'll be just outside if you need me, but I shouldn't be gone too long."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 8:22 PM

"Okay," Ry murmurs as she lets her go.

Seirixori/Rae — 8:25 PM

Seir steps away and waits for Gylfi before heading out of the keep.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 3:38 PM

Gylfi follows Seirixori.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 9:03 PM

Ry returns to Rukiya's side, looking troubled.

DM — 9:11 PM

Rukiya is just running her fingers through Misha's hair in a calming pattern. She doesn't look at Ry when she returns, though you know she'd at least have heard her own name and Misha's during that conversation.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 8:37 AM

"Do you want me to give you two space?" Ry asks, her tone gentle even though her question is blunt.

DM — 8:50 AM

Her voice is quiet. "If you want conversation, it might be best to seek it elsewhere.... she needs to rest and it seems all conversations result in argument right now."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 11:53 AM

"I just... don't know if you want my silent company or not."

DM — 3:20 PM

Her tone is almost apologetic as she whispers, "Not right now."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 4:15 PM

Ry leans over and presses a kiss to her cheek. "I'll be in the next room if you need anything."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 5:58 PM

She stands and moves to the other room.

## Too Much Awkward for Hava

Hava, having nothing better to do and wanting to avoid all these awkward conversations anyway, lingers in the middle room.
They inspect the bodies there before looking for the daggers that were mentioned earlier.

DM — 9:43 AM

The bodies have been partially re-buried under the stone. Give me an investigation check.

Brimeia/Hava — 9:45 AM

((23))

DM — 9:49 AM

The daggers definitely have been coated with the black poison. There is no blood or wipe marks indicating that they were used, though.

The bodies are most likely human, male, and pale-skinned. They have been torn apart and you would have thought that it wasn't even a wild animal but something with cruel intelligence... but now that you know Cae's affliction, it's easy to figure out how both those things can be true. Neither have any kind of identifying items with them.

Brimeia/Hava — 9:51 AM

Hava will collect some samples of the poison again, figuring it can't hurt to have more.

## Sylfi and Takara

Seirixori/Rae — 4:05 PM

Seir doesn't say anything when Gylfi returns. She barely looks at them as she heads outside. The tension that Seir holds whenever she is inside for much longer than she wishes seems to fade but whatever else she's holding in is still present.

She pulls her braid forward, her fingers brushing lightly over the petals of the flower she keeps braided into it. It's now that she finally speaks, "I might need you to go back inside soon. I don't know if she'll talk to me with you here."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 6:09 PM

Gylfi nods then says, "Seirixori, do you think we could talk? Not now, because there's obviously bigger things that need our attention. But, I'd like to talk with you."

Seirixori/Rae — 6:10 PM

"I don't know if you'll want to talk to me later," she says quietly.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 7:21 PM

"Why not? I don't like arguing with my friends."

Seirixori/Rae — 7:39 PM

"Because" Seir says and her voice cracks just barely, "Because if Takara tells me what I'm sure I already know and if we don't do something stupid like take Cae to the Raven Queen or even my wife, she cannot live."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 8:51 AM

Gylfi's eyes widen. "Because she's a werewolf?" They ask. "I remember what a problem that was..." They shift uncomfortably.

Seirixori/Rae — 11:28 AM

"No. Yes." Seir crouches down and presses her hands to her eyes, trying to stop herself from crying. "She can barely control it, especially now because of that fucking water. I tried so hard to-- It's kill her or find out eventually that Misha and probably the rest of Bellbury are dead or werewolves themselves." Her breath catches as she finishes.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 11:17 AM

"I see," they say, a slight frown on their face. "Well, when Caelynn sets her mind to something its difficult for anyone to change it... the one person who seemed to be able to is now gone."

Seirixori/Rae — 12:29 PM

Before she can stop it, a small whine escapes Seir's throat and she shakes out one of her hands, almost like she's trying to stop something. After a moment she takes a shaky breath and stands, holding out the same hand. "Yes, well..." she doesn't finish, unable to. But at least the frown on her face is now the one she gets from thinking than defeat.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 8:06 PM

Gylfi takes Seir's hand and gives it a slight squeeze. "I can do it. We have a history and better someone you were once close to - right?"

Seirixori/Rae — 8:18 PM

Seir looks at their hand in hers and she looks momentarily confused then she laughs softly, squeezing it back. "I suppose we can ask Cae. But, well... we'll see." She lifts up their entwined hand shaking it a little, "I actually wanted the dagger."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 8:21 PM

"Oh," Gylfi says, and for the first time, you see them blush. They totally try to play it off. "Sure you did," they add with a wink.

Seirixori/Rae — 8:26 PM

Seir shakes her head with a small smile, she steps forward and gives Gylfi a light kiss on their reddened cheek, "I'm not mad."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 8:27 PM

Gylfi grins and hands over the dagger.

Seirixori/Rae — 8:37 PM

"Thank you," she whispers, already back to thinking about the current situation. She gives Gylfi's hand one last squeeze before she lets it go and rests it on the flower in her hair and she whispers, "Takara."

DM — 8:43 PM

Typically when she appears before you, she does so in a casual way, stepping out from a hidden place or like she'd always been there. She often appears to you as a halfling, rarely as her human-like form. But as she appears in a flurry of snowflakes, beautiful white and blue flowers hanging from her like icicles, baby's breath appearing like floral frost that also appears to be braided through the fur of a massive bear at her side, she's never looked quite as... awesome.

Seirixori/Rae — 8:49 PM

Seir blinks and her eyes light up in excitement as her gaze immediately goes to the bear. "Oh you're beautiful," she whispers. She takes a step forward to interact with it, but she shakes her head and focuses back on Takara, curious, "Uh, sorry, did I interrupt something?"

DM — 8:51 PM

The bear rawrs softly. Takara smiles softly. "No. You are troubled."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 8:51 PM

((Is Gylfi still right there?))

DM — 8:52 PM

Yep

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 8:59 PM

Gylfi let's out a low, impressed whistle. "I am an acolyte of the wrong god." They pull up their journal and then stop with their pencil in their hand. "Do you mind if I sketch you? Not that I can do your beauty justice... well, I could if you wanted to spend more time togethed." They're voice is sauve and smooth.

DM — 9:04 PM

"I have been depicted in many works of art, but I am certain yours would rank among the best."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 9:04 PM

Gylfi looks ecstatic.

Seirixori/Rae — 9:05 PM

Seir groans loudly, "I am so glad I didn't take you when I went to talk to my mother."

DM — 9:07 PM

She chuckles softly.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 9:10 PM

Gylfi shrugs and winks at Seir then starts drawing Takara.

Seirixori/Rae — 9:11 PM

Seir sighs and her focus kind of turns back to the bear, her hand outstretched to pet it, "You wouldn't happen to know a way to... to give someone the ability to control being a werewolf?"

DM — 9:19 PM

"Your friend was unable to be cured? Perhaps with the greatest of magic or the personal intervention of a god, but I'm afraid I have nobody strong enough to channel that kind of magic through right now."

Seirixori/Rae — 9:21 PM

She tilts her head a little, "Can Moki do it?"

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 9:26 PM

"You can channel your magic through me any day," Gylfi says under their breath as their hand flies across the paper, continuing to capture Takara.

DM — 9:27 PM

"I'm afraid not." For the sake of our knowledge, that would be divine intervention (cleric) or wish (wizard/sorcerer) that she's referring to.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 9:29 PM

((Wait, can't Gylfi do divine intervention?)) ((They tried it on Cae with the poison... I forgot. Sorry))

"I tried asking Vydea to save her from the poison... it failed," Gylfi offers, their eyes roaming Takara's features before turning back to their journal.

DM — 9:33 PM

The bear's head nudges under Seir's hand, even though it has to duck significantly to do so.

"Should you find someone powerful enough to do so, I might suggest wishing for a cure, rather than control."

Seirixori/Rae — 9:37 PM

"Think if I try real hard, I can channel Gunnloda or my mom to do it?" Seir jokes as she scratches the bear's snout.

DM — 9:39 PM

"You, sia um, are very powerful, but you- like the majority who follow me- use a different kind of power than what is necessary."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 9:55 PM

Gylfi stops drawing and sets a hand on Seirs shoulder. "I'll try again."

Seirixori/Rae — 9:57 PM

Seir scrunches her face in annoyance and she sighs, "It's never easy." She nods to Gylfi, grateful and hangs her head and whispers, "I don't want anyone else to die."

She shakes her head and steps away from the bear, asking another question, like she didn't just say something, "Do you know anything about um... water? Cursed water?" She explains about what they found.

DM — 10:04 PM

"I recall... a labyrinth that was once in the area. Cultists of Baphomet, but it's been so long... I thought it was lost to time." She sighs. "Perhaps cleansing magic would help, or curse removal, but... demonic power can be stronger than spells. I would not want to give you hope only to see you disappointed."

Seirixori/Rae — 10:07 PM

Seir nods, "Thank you. Uh, one more thing, you wouldn't happen to know what this poison is made from would you?" She holds out the dagger. "We can't heal or remove it from people."

DM — 10:21 PM

She almost recoils from it. Her disgust is palpable- literally as the already cold air drops another 10 degrees. "That... is the antithesis of everything I am. Kola and I are not opposites but two sides of the same thing. That? That is corruption of the life cycle." She collects herself and the temperature returns to the former chill. "It is made of ichor distilled from the essence of many undead."

Seirixori/Rae — 10:26 PM

Seir freezes and nearly drops the dagger, like holding it could bring the undead to her. "That's..." she swallows thickly, "great. How the hells do you get rid of it?"

DM — 10:26 PM

"I cannot say."

Seirixori/Rae — 10:29 PM

Seir does actually drop it now. "Well, someone who is not me will figure that one out." She then takes a few steps forward and hugs Takara tightly.

DM — 10:30 PM

She returns the embrace with warmth.

Seirixori/Rae — 10:33 PM

"I still want to try and help Moki," she whispers.

DM — 10:35 PM

"Perhaps you will still find the opportunity."

Seirixori/Rae — 10:39 PM

Seir, not moving, content to stay in the hug, asks loudly, "Are you still drawing my aunt?"

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 8:29 AM

"I suppose I can be," Gylfi sighs playfully. They close their journal and grin at the scene.

Seirixori/Rae — 8:42 AM

Seir keeps the hug for a few seconds longer before breaking it and going to the bear to give it a goodbye pet. She steps back towards Gylfi and smiles warmly at Takara, "Thank you."

DM — 8:48 AM

She smiles and tilts her head. "I wish you luck."

Seirixori/Rae — 8:58 AM

Seir gives her a little wave and turns to Gylfi. "Do you want to talk now?"

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 11:56 AM

"Yup," they pop the 'p', still staring at Takara. With a small shake of their head they finally look away and refocus on Seir.

DM — 11:56 AM

After turning away, when Gylfi goes to sneak another peek, she's gone.

Seirixori/Rae — 12:06 PM

"Okay." She pauses, "So...?"

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 12:12 PM

"So," they say, rocking back and forth on their feet. "You're not mad. What are you feeling?"

Seirixori/Rae — 12:30 PM

Seir sighs and bites the inside of her lip, "I was just... hurt. I mean, not just by you, but..." She shakes her head, "It's okay, there's a lot of shit happening and I get it."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 12:35 PM

They take Seir's hand. "I won't press, but... I'm sorry for not supporting you. I believed you were going to do more harm then good. I should have trusted you."

Seirixori/Rae — 12:54 PM

Seir snorts, "I could have, I only sort of knew what I was doing. It's possible that I did make things worse, but it was...a risk I was willing to take because the bleeding needed to be stopped."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 1:01 PM

They hum a little - rather in agreement or not is unclear. "What else is on your mind?"

Seirixori/Rae — 1:10 PM

Seir's face scrunches a little in confusion, "What do you mean?"

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 1:17 PM

"Just giving you the chance to vent." They grin slyly. "That's what friends are for."

Seirixori/Rae — 1:32 PM

Seir huffs, "The same things that have been on my mind, my wife, Moki, other things I can't think of right now."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 1:40 PM

"Hey," Gylfi says softly. "One thing at a time, okay? Let's put out one fire before we move to to next."

Seirixori/Rae — 1:48 PM

"Yeah, yeah. I know, I know. But it's frustrating."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 2:11 PM

Gylfi chuckles. "You know," they say in a sultry voice, "you sound like you could use some stress relief... and we did just have our first fight." They lean in and brush their lips to the shell of Seir's ear. "That means make-up sex."

Seirixori/Rae — 2:18 PM

Seir stares at them from the corner of her eyes for a few seconds, "You are ridiculous. ... And lucky that we are outside."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 2:28 PM

"Wow, I didn't mean right now. Eager much," they tease.

Seirixori/Rae — 2:39 PM

Seir lightly shoves them, "Well, your loss then." She turns to head back inside.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 2:52 PM

Gylfi laughs and follows Seir. "I am learning so many new things about you. Sex outside does it for then?"

Seirixori/Rae — 3:00 PM

Seir rolls her eyes, her voice slightly teasing, "I have told you I prefer to be outside, what do you think?"

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 3:58 PM

"I get it. I prefer to be between your legs," they say, adding in finger guns.

Seirixori/Rae — 4:27 PM

Seir's pace halts slightly but she keeps going, the tips of her ears reddening. "You're the one that said later."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 5:41 PM

They chuckle. "I mean... we probably have time for a quickie. And... we could both use the pick me up."

Seirixori/Rae — 6:01 PM

Seir stops and tilts her head, thinking about it. She looks back with a small chuckle, "You know, I think I'll make you wait this time," and Seir heads inside.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 7:41 PM

"Tease," they playfully say and follow after Seir.

## Back Inside

Seirixori/Rae — 7:47 PM

Seir walks in with a small smirk on her face that drops the moment she spots Rukiya and Misha. She heads over to them and squats down. Her eyes briefly look over Misha before she focuses on Rukiya, "Hi," she says softly.

DM — 7:48 PM

Misha's eyes are closed. Rukiya looks guarded.

Seirixori/Rae — 7:51 PM

"I promise we aren't going to kill her. Gylfi and I-- well mostly Gylfi, are going to try to fix it. I could probably get Gunnloda and Kendall to try as well. Though that would mean Cae would have to come with us."

DM — 7:53 PM

"Where?"

Seirixori/Rae — 7:53 PM

"To the mountain."

DM — 7:58 PM

She inhales as a sigh, but says nothing, her brow furrowing slightly in thought.

Seirixori/Rae — 8:10 PM

"What is it?"

DM — 8:31 PM

"Traveling will be difficult."

Seirixori/Rae — 8:36 PM

"It will be, yes."

DM — 8:43 PM

"I... know that what's going to happen with Gunnloda is still unknown, but the risks of traveling with her like this... one mistake and we've sparked a new epidemic of lycanthropy."

Seirixori/Rae — 8:49 PM

"I know, but..." Seir chews on the inside of her lip for the second time today, "where could we leave either of them, that's safe?" She tilts her head, "I could... get us all to Isonsall and take Cae quicker while you guys..." She trails off, furrowing her brow as a thought occurs to her.

"Or I could go ahead of all of you and make a tree right by the entrance and then teleport you all there."

DM — 8:56 PM

"Or... we leave Cae, Misha, Gylfi, and Rae here, where Cae can be both protected and contained. Gylfi can try to help her while we see to your wife. Maybe call Kendall for assistance..."

Seirixori/Rae — 9:01 PM

"That... is an option. Though, didn't you leave... Rae? in Bellbury for a reason?"

DM — 9:03 PM

"Until reinforcements arrive. But I trust her, which is more than I can say for almost everyone who isn't in this building right now."

Seirixori/Rae — 9:11 PM

Seir's tail twitches behind her and she bites the inside of her cheek, "Right."  She looks down and sighs softly. After a moment she sets the dagger down, "Oh, Takara told us what the poison was made from."

DM — 9:14 PM

Rukiya's eyes narrow slightly at the reaction, but doesn't draw attention to the change of subject. She just waits for Seir to continue.

Seirixori/Rae — 9:28 PM

"She said it was ichor distilled from the essence of a lot of undead. The getting rid of it part of still a mystery but..." She shrugs.

DM — 9:33 PM

"...Tzobun."

Seirixori/Rae — 9:36 PM

Seir tilts her head, "What?"

DM — 9:40 PM

"A name that came up in our research. A necromancer... and the first place that comes to mind when I think about 'a lot' of undead is the Bog. I wonder if there is a connection."

Seirixori/Rae — 9:42 PM

"Bog? Of undead?" Seir's voice gets higher in pitch.

DM — 9:43 PM

"I won't ask you to go. It is a part of the swamp to the south that has been cut off from the rest by the road. Rumors abound about what can be found there."

Seirixori/Rae — 9:49 PM

"If we go to the Raven Queen beforehand... or uh, you know, um, get over it by throwing me to the wolves, so to speak." Seir looks like she's about to start sweating just thinking of it.

DM — 9:53 PM

She says Seir's name, quietly but with firmness. "It's ok. We don't even know if there's reason to go there, or if there is even right."

Seirixori/Rae — 9:57 PM

She closes her eyes briefly, "But if I'm not there and something happens... don't ask me to leave you guys, please. Not again."

DM — 10:03 PM

Her breath catches a little and her eyes flicker towards the door before returning to Seir's. "I won't."

Seirixori/Rae — 10:11 PM

"Thank you," she says, her relief visible and able to be sensed.

May 22, 2021

Seirixori/Rae — 8:50 AM

Seir grabs the dagger and stands, "I'll let Hava know what this is and then keep an eye on Cae. I can at least be useful in trying to force her to shift back if it's needed. Or just annoy the shit out of her."

DM — 8:51 AM

Rukiya: "She needs kindness."

Seirixori/Rae — 8:52 AM

Seir grins, "Of course she does, but it'll annoy the shit out of her, won't it?"

DM — 8:55 AM

Rukiya shifts a bit, carefully maneuvering her way out from under Misha's head and balling up her cape to use as a pillow. She stands and takes Seir's hand, squeezing it slightly. "Be gentle. I'm going to step outside. I need some air." She looks towards Gylfi. "Please don't let her wake alone."

Seirixori/Rae — 8:57 AM

Seir squeezes her hand back nodding. "Do you want some company? I can give you a couple animals to stay with you."

DM — 8:59 AM

"No, thank you."

Seirixori/Rae — 9:00 AM

Seir nods and heads to the other room.

DM — 9:02 AM

Rukiya starts to head out, but pauses as she passes Gylfi, putting her hand on their arm. "Thank you, for everything." Then she's gone.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 9:12 AM

Gylfi watches her then sits next to Misha.

## Seir and Hava (Before Finding Ry w/ Cae)

Seir comes in and frowns when she sees Ryleigh not in this room. She goes to Hava and sets the dagger down near them. "Hey, uh, I... figured out what this was. Ichor distilled from a lot of undead. Rukiya said something about Tzob...Tzo-somebody?"

Seirixori/Rae — 11:32 AM

Seir looks like she's going to hang around but she gets antsy and heads to the doorway to the room where Cae and Ryleigh are.

Brimeia/Hava — 11:58 AM

"How curious. Oh, yes, Tzobun. That make came up when I was researching magic that might have a similar effect as the poison."

It isn't until after they get no response that they look up and realize that Seirixori has walked off.

## Ryleigh and Cae (Eventual Seir entrance)

Ry comes in and waves at Bri and Hava. "I'm going to have a chat with Cae about the water." She points to the room next door. "And don't worry... I promised Seirixori I wouldn't do anything to Cae without her presence."

Brimeia/Hava — 6:14 PM

Bri nods but still looks a bit uneasy. "A...private chat?"

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 7:42 PM

"Nah, you can listen in if you'd like," Ry says, heading into the room.

Ryleigh walks in and over to the cage. "Lady Cae," Ry says. "How are you feeling?"

DM — 7:51 PM

She's sitting against the wall with her knees up, elbows resting on them, one hand propping up her head. She raises her head and drops her hand as you enter. "How is my daughter?"

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 7:52 PM

"Upset." Ry shifts slightlh between her feet. "Rukiya is ensuring she's resting."

DM — 7:54 PM

"Rukiya..." She says it like she's trying it on to see how it fits. She says nothing else.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 7:55 PM

"I'm happy Misha wasn't hurt during the assassinations. My wife has already lost too much."

DM — 7:57 PM

"We all have."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 8:20 PM

Ry hums and sits. "I'm sorry for your loss. I... cant imagine." She takes a deep breath. "Baroness Eloise was the first Moonstream that made me believe they cared for the people. Well," Ry tilts her head. "I thought she was, but I didnt know my best friend was a Moonstream at the time."

DM — 7:54 AM

"Who are they?"

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 8:19 AM

"The Moonstreams." Ry stares at her hands and continues. "I disagreed with how much power they had. I believed them to be like Tilman - selfish and greedy." She sighs. "I was wrong. They really did try to do what they thought was best..."

DM — 8:22 AM

"No. Who killed my wife? Who are the men in the other room?"

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 8:23 AM

"Oh." Ry looks up. "Ascans. Reunifiers."

DM — 8:27 AM

It doesn't look like surprise, more like confirmation, but she closes her eyes and Ry can pick up on the sound of her breathing- heavier than it should be, but almost rhythmic like she's trying to regulate it.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 8:28 AM

Ry watches her, but doesn't say anything. Her hand moves to Dawnbringers hilt, just in case.

DM — 8:40 AM

"Those people... your people... first they took everything from my people... our gods, our land, our numbers. Then they took my wife from me, and now they've taken everything from my daughter." She opens her eyes and meets Ry's, anger and hate simmering in every word. "Do not let me out of here, paladin, or I will die taking as many of them with me as I can."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 8:45 AM

She nods in understanding but then says, "They haven't taken everything from Misha, Lady Cae. She still has you... and now she has Rukiya."

DM — 8:50 AM

She scoffs. "Yes... a mother in a cage who is constantly on the verge of hurting her- if not physically then with cruelty- and a cousin who runs away when things get hard."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 8:55 AM

"That's my wife you're talking about," Ry says firmly. "You have no idea how much she hurts over leaving. If you want someone to be angry at, then be angry at Vydea. She let this happen - she's a god - and she allowed people to murder her children." Ry's disdain is obvious. "And if you can't be mad her, then be mad at me, but not at Rukiya - she doesn't deserve it."

DM — 9:16 AM

"You think I'm not angry at Vydea? Goddess of the moon and change? Who should be able to help me if not her? If not my wife's own blood? At least your blood-soaked god is open about his cruelty."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 9:19 AM

"I no longer follow Asten," Ry says simply.

"I know you're angry. Anger is something I'm intimately familiar with. Sometimes it still feels like there's something terrible trying to claw its way out of me. At least you have an actual aliment. I'm just..." She touches Dawnbringer's handle in comfort. "I won't allow you to hurt Rukiya more than she's already hurting. It isn't her fault Vydea forced her to leave - to abandon her family, her people, and her birthright. So please, focus your anger elsewhere."

DM — 9:29 AM

"Won't allow me? What are you going to do? Kill me?"

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 10:29 AM

"No." Ry quirks an eyebrow. "I'm not planning on killing you. You mean a lot to Misha and Misha means a lot to Rukiya. Killing you would hurt them both, and I'm not willing to hurt my wife. And you of all people should understand the level of protectiveness I have for Rukiya."

DM — 10:42 AM

"And what is it you stand to gain from such an arrangement? Power? Access? Money? Awfully convenient that you've attached yourself to her right around the time your people kill her family, clearing the way for her triumphant return with you by her side. Tell me, Ascan... how much does she really trust you?"

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 10:56 AM

Ry chuckles, it's incredulous. "I don't need her or want her for power, access, or money. I have my own." She relaxes against the cage behind her. "I don't doubt her trust in me. Not even a little bit. And I know many will, you aren't the first, nor will you be the last. I am Ascan, but not the first to have fallen for a Moonstream."

DM — 11:19 AM

"Do not insult me with that label. My people were there long before Ascus made its claim."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 11:25 AM

"True, but you weren't. You were born in the country of Ascus. So should Eloise have not trusted you? Could you help that you loved her?"

DM — 11:28 AM

"She shouldn't have. I couldn't keep her safe. I became a threat to her and Misha and she refused to see it. Look what that got her."

"She saw my secret as a threat to me and reduced the number of staff and security to prevent the secret from spreading... and leaving her vulnerable."

Seirixori/Rae — 11:34 AM

Seir leans against the doorway not announcing her presence but not hiding it either.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 11:35 AM

"The people who did this were the staff and security. Neither of you could have known that."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 11:42 AM

"She didn't die because you couldn't keep her safe. She died because Vydea allowed it. She died because Prince Aden managed to coordinate a strike against the Moonstreams."

"She died just like Ambrose and Kamari and-" Rys voice cracks a little. "Nyota. If they couldn't be saved, then Eloise couldn't have been either."

DM — 11:48 AM

"Misha is still at risk, isn't she?"

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 12:45 PM

"Yes. They were waiting for her in Bellbury." Ry meets Cae's eyes. "She won't be the center of their attention for long though."

DM — 12:50 PM

"What does that mean?"

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 12:51 PM

"Rukiya is convinced that Vydea wants her identity revealed." She sighs then says, "and soon enough people will find out who I am, too."

DM — 12:58 PM

"If you didn't want people to know you were Ascan, you might at least try to hide the accent."

Seirixori/Rae — 1:02 PM

Seir covers her mouth a little too late as some laughter escapes.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 2:24 PM

Ry looks over her shoulder at Seir, then back at Cae. She stands and says, "It's not my accent that I'm ashamed of. I'm ashamed of the blood that runs in my veins." Ry waves for Seir to join them.

Seirixori/Rae — 2:30 PM

Seir comes forward and rests a hand on Ryleigh's arm.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 3:47 PM

"Good news?" Ry asks.

Seirixori/Rae — 3:55 PM

"Well, in a way. It might take time, but it can be removed. Gylfi will try again tomorrow. We might be able to get Kendall to help again as well."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 4:19 PM

She nods. "Do you want me to go? I was just... chatting." Ry glances at Cae then back to seir.

Seirixori/Rae — 4:28 PM

Seir looks at Cae and then at Ryleigh, "Go keep Gylfi and Misha company." She says it softly and gives Ry a kiss on the cheek.

DM — 4:39 PM

Cae says under her breath,  "Already run off again."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 5:09 PM

Ry purses her lips and leaves the room.

## Other Room Once More With Feeling

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 5:15 PM

Ry enters the room. She looks mildly surprised to find that Rukiya isn't there. She whispers, "Where's Rukiya?"

Gylfi: "Said she needed some air." They look down at Misha. "She didn't want her to wake alone so here I am." Gylfi grins up at Ry from their spot on the ground.

Ry looks at the doorway that leads to the outside and she looks conflicted. "Did she mention wanting to be alone?"

Gylfi thinks back. "No. Just that she wanted to step outside."

Ry nods and whispers, "Then I'm going to check on her... assuming I can find her." And with that she walks outside to check on Rukiya.

DM — 5:19 PM

You head outside? It's cold, but that doesn't bother you. There's still snow on the ground once you get a couple feet from the entrance where many feet have melted or cleared it, and you can see the footsteps from Seir and Gylfi earlier that head out, then stop and turn around. You don't notice any others, though.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 5:38 PM

Ry frowns and looks up into the trees or anything else that Rukiys might be able to climb.

DM — 5:38 PM

Trees are pretty far from the entrance to the keep... the tallest thing near you is the keep itself.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 5:39 PM

Then she'll look up at the keep - if there's a roof type structure.

DM — 5:40 PM

It's partially collapsed, but there is a roof. Ish. You don't see her immediately, but you do see a way you might be able to climb up.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 5:40 PM

Ry will attempt to climb up onto the roof.

DM — 5:42 PM

I won't make you roll. You find her standing at the edge, leaning on one of the half-crumbled parapets looking out towards the forest to the southeast, her back towards you.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 5:43 PM

Ry moves closer. Once she's close enough, Ry takes off her cloak and drapes it around Rukiya's shoulders.

DM — 5:49 PM

She straightens and turns towards Ry. "I'm sorry. Misha's grief and fear and determination were so... overwhelming. It was hard to feel anything but what she felt."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 5:58 PM

"Are you sure that's the only reason you've been pushing me away? I  know you're hurting and I know it's hard to feel everyone else's grief alongside your own... I'm trying to be understanding but... I'm starting to worry that-" Ry shrugs "-I dunno."

DM — 6:00 PM

"That what?"

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 6:07 PM

Ry looks like she really doesnt want to say. But then she sighs and asks, "Are you drifting away from me? Because I don't want to add to your burden... I just-" She groans in frustration. "I'm sorry... I'm making it about me and it's not. It's about you and your grief, worry, and hurt."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 6:15 PM

"I don't want to press you but, Rukiya, I love you so much and I don't know what to do. One moment you're leaning on me and the next your determined to push me away. I don't know if you need me to follow you or leave you alone." Ry's eyes fill with tears. "I just want to help you."

DM — 6:28 PM

Her eyes water too, and she steps forward into Ry's space, stopping short of wrapping her arms around her (and thus pressing against her cold armor).  "I wish I knew. I'm sorry... but know that any space I need is only temporary. I will always come back to you. I will always want you by my side."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 6:35 PM

A few tears fall from her eyes as she tries to smile. "I want you give you that space, but sometimes I don't know that you need it. You don't have to feel bad for asking for it, okay?" Ryy cups Rukiya's cheek with her hands. "You have nothing to apologize for... everyone handles grief differently. I feel terrible for having to ask what you need from me. I wish that I just... knew."

DM — 6:45 PM

"You're not a mind reader, Ry... I wish I knew so I could tell you. Sometimes it's hard to say it because I'm worried about hurting you."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 6:48 PM

"Don't be. I'm more worried about smothering you than the few seconds of sting from your words."

DM — 6:53 PM

She covers Ry's hand on her cheek with her gloved hand and turns her head to kiss her palm. "I love you..." She half- chuckles.  "Misha is not a fan."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 7:04 PM

"Cae isn't either. I'm sorry... I'm sure I've made it difficult for them to like me."

DM — 7:05 PM

"They're both just... upset. Give them time.  And maybe stop talking about killing Cae."

[7:08 PM]

"I'm worried about her. I've never felt so much hate and anger and pain."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 7:24 PM

"I didn't mean to upset Misha more. It was a promise I made with the best intentions." Ry bites her lip. "She was trying to make me lash out at her while I was trying to talk with her. I was surprised by own self control. I only let tbe irritation get to me when she made a comment about you."

DM — 7:41 PM

"She's not herself. Don't take anything she says to heart."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 8:29 PM

"Yeah... it's hard not to when she's saying things I'm worried about." Ry leans in and presses her forehead to Rukiya's. "I promise to get Misha to like me. She's important to you, so she's important to me too."

DM — 8:32 PM

"Don't try too hard. We're taught to recognize insincerity. She'll come around." She closes her eyes and just exists in Ry's space.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 8:49 PM

Ry smiles and does the same, eventually she starts to hum softly and slowly sways.

DM — 11:28 PM

Rukiya starts swaying too, after a few moments, taking both of Ry's hands in hers. She whispers,  "Thank you for trying. I'll try to be more communicative... but right now, I feel like this is exactly what I needed. "

May 23, 2021

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 8:24 AM

"Really?" Ry asks, her smile growing.

DM — 8:33 AM

"Mhm." She's quiet for another moment before tilting her head up to steal a quick kiss, still continuing to slowly dance with Ry. "Sometimes your emotions are so mercurial and volatile... but when it's just us... just being... when you sing, you become this oasis of calm and peace amid the chaos."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 9:10 AM

"I'm happy to be that for you." Ry leans in and kisses Rukiya again, slower this time. "I want to be your safe space, your peace and calm." She continues to sway.

DM — 9:19 AM

"Is it the singing that calms you? The dancing?"

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 10:03 AM

"Both," Ry answers. "When I was little, anytime something was wrong, rather I was hurting or angry or just upset, Clemency would sing to me or Dad would dance with me." She sighs, but it isnt heavy or sad. "The rest of the world disappeared, as did my anger and hurt, when were moving to the music..."

DM — 2:12 PM

"Thank you for sharing it with me."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 4:01 PM

Ry hums contentedly. "I wish I had more things like this to share with you."

DM — 4:11 PM

Rukiya tilts her head up and puts her hand on Ry's cheek. She gives her a lingering kiss and whispers, "It's enough... you're more than enough."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 5:39 PM

Ry smiles and her eyes glisten with tears. "That's all I want. You're all I want."

May 24, 2021

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 7:17 PM

After a little while, Ry softly asks, "Do you think a code word would help ease your discomfort?"

DM — 7:18 PM

"A code word?"

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 7:26 PM

"Yeah. Something you can say when you want me to know you need space but still love me." Ry pulls away a little so she can see Rukiya's face.

[7:28 PM]

Ry's hand come up to scratch the back of her neck. The thing she's started doing when she's unsure of something.

DM — 7:32 PM

Rukiya smiles softly. "Why does that make you nervous?"

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 7:36 PM

"I... it's okay if you don't want to use a code word. I was just trying to think of something that would help." Her hand comes away from her neck and instead finds purchase on Rukiya's hip. (edited)

DM — 7:42 PM

"I'm listening... do you have any ideas?"

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 7:55 PM

"Yes," Ry says, blushing a little. "Maybe we could use sa'oanam?"

DM — 8:04 PM

Rukiya smiles wider. "My wife's talented tongue. Sa'oanam, iya'honam."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 8:13 PM

Ry's blush deepens, and she chuckles a little. Her hands come up to cup Rukiya's face and she kisses her. "I'm glad you like it."

DM — 8:27 PM

She just kisses Ry again, but pulls away after a slight shiver. "As much as I'd love to just disappear into the night with you on this rooftop... it is very cold."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 8:30 PM

"Right. Sorry," Ry says, a little out of breath. Her eyes flutter open. "I forget about the cold. Especially now." She rubs Rukiya’s arms over the cloak she gave her. "Come on, let's get you inside."

DM — 8:46 PM

She gives Ry one more quick kiss before practically vaulting over the parapet, landing gracefully below.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 8:55 PM

Ry will not do that, she'll lower herself down using the path she took up and a bit of muscle so she doesn't look like a fool. (edited)

DM — 8:57 PM

Rukiya's waiting for her at the bottom with another kiss. "One for the road.... or the... cult sanctuary prison cell."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 9:01 PM

A chuckle escapes from Ry. "Thank you for waiting on me." She takes Rukiyas hand and looks like she's about to head back inside the keep, before stopping and staring at their hands. "Are you okay now? Or should i..." Ry lets Rukiya's hand go. (edited)

DM — 9:02 PM

Rukiya doesn't let her. "I'll let you know.... unless you have something you want to do while I sit with Misha. I... don't think I should see Cae for a little bit."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 9:04 PM

Ry nods. "Probably a good idea. It's okay to put yourself first sometimes." She presses a kiss to Rukiya's hand. "I'll stay with you until you tell me to go," She says, walking them inside.

## Seir bothers Cae with silly questions

Seirixori/Rae — 5:56 PM

Seir watches her leave and then she plops herself down in front of the cage, facing Cae and chooses to ignore the comment she made to Ryleigh. "So, do you like animals?"

DM — 6:00 PM

She's still sitting against the wall, and she rolls her eyes and drops her head backwards, against the wall, eyes closed. "Just let me be."

Seirixori/Rae — 6:04 PM

Seir's shoulders sag and she pouts, grumbling to herself, "No one ever wants to be comforted by an animal. You all suck... except for Brimeia."

DM — 6:23 PM

"I believe last time, you offered to let me ride you as a horse. We do not have that level of familiarity."

Seirixori/Rae — 6:28 PM

Seir snorts in laughter, absolutely having forgotten that, "Okay, that's... fair, but I can summon something and I won't be involved at all aside from that."

DM — 6:29 PM

"I still decline."

Seirixori/Rae — 6:42 PM

"Okay, well, let me know if you change your mind." Seir starts to wave her hand to summon something and she stops and her hand slightly changes motions and a couple of large goats pop up next to her and she leans against one and pets the other.

Seirixori/Rae — 8:23 PM

Seir lets silence fall over them for a time but eventually she quietly says, "May I ask you something?"

DM — 8:28 PM

She just hums noncommittedly.

Seirixori/Rae — 8:33 PM

"When... when we fix this and if you hypothetically decide that, with what you put her through, it's better for Misha if you left, would there be anything she could do or say to get you to come back?"

DM — 8:39 PM

She's quiet for a little while, possibly long enough that Seir doesn't think she'll answer, then she says quietly, "I'd have to know that my absence hurts more than my presence... but I would not have made the decision to leave lightly and I believe she would heal in time."

Seirixori/Rae — 9:02 PM

Seir pulls her knees up to her chest, causing her to lean more into the goat and she nods, "...I suppose she would."

Seirixori/Rae — 1:45 AM

Seir eventually dismisses the goats with a yawn, "Do you want anything to eat?"

DM — 7:03 AM

"No."

Seirixori/Rae — 7:14 AM

Seir completely ignores the answer and pulls out whatever crappy ration she has in her bag and tosses it into the cage, "Well, for later so you don't have to talk to me. I could probably go catch something if you want, you know, real food."

Getting up, Seir stretches and then she takes the time to check the cage Cae is in to make sure it's still sturdy. She hasn't really sat still for very long, always fidgeting with her tail or the very brief minute or two she pulled out a book to write in.

Once she's checked it over, mending anything if need be, she heads into the room with Hava and Brimeia.

"Hey, Brimeia, could you keep an eye on Cae again? You don't really even need to go into the room if you don't want. I'm going to go see about getting us something to eat. Any preference?"

Brimeia/Hava — 8:01 PM

Bri flashes Seir a thumbs up. "Oh, um...something hearty?" She gives a half shrug.

Seirixori/Rae — 8:13 PM

"Something hearty..." Seir chuckles, "Well, I'll see what I can do." She turns to Hava, "And you? Do you have any kind of food preference... that comes from a forest?"

Brimeia/Hava — 8:22 PM

Hava blinks, like they didn't expect to be addressed. "I don't often eat in forests." They hum. "Some...fruits or something?"

"What kind of food is there in this forest anyway?" They wonder quietly, like they're talking to themself.

Seirixori/Rae — 8:34 PM

Seir nods, "Might be a little tough to find fruit." Seir tilts her head, "Well, berries, generally, meat from whatever animal you can catch. Some other plants that are edible if you know what to look for."

She turns to leave but stops and turns back, "Can I keep the other dagger? Or are you going to need both?"

Brimeia/Hava — 8:42 PM

"Oh, whatever you find then." Hava looks startled all over again when Seir turns back around. "Hmm? Dagger? Oh, no it's alright. Keep it."

Seirixori/Rae — 8:47 PM

"Thanks," Seir takes the dagger back and then she looks at it and then down at herself. She pulls her armor so that it's hanging off her shoulders and then tears the shirt she has on underneath and carefully wraps the dagger in it and then ties it to her belt.

Brimeia/Hava — 8:48 PM

"Wait! How'd you know about Tzobun? And the ichor?"

Seirixori/Rae — 8:56 PM

Seir puts her hand on her shirt and mutters something under her breath and her eyes light up as her shirt starts to mend itself. It takes her a second to process Hava's question, "Oh,  I.... asked Takara?"

Brimeia/Hava — 8:57 PM

"Oh, are you an acolyte of Takara?"

Seirixori/Rae — 9:01 PM

Seir puts her armor back on and says, "...Yes."

Brimeia/Hava — 9:05 PM

"Oh! I'm an acolyte of Vydea. Nice to meet a fellow acolyte! I mean, I know there different goddesses, but...you know what I mean..."

Seirixori/Rae — 9:09 PM

"Of course, nice to meet you to." Seir clears her throat, "I'm going to go get the food now." She turns and starts to leave.

Brimeia/Hava — 9:16 PM

"Oh yes, of course." They look sheepish as they wave.

## Back to the Threesome (not like that)

As Ry and Rukiya return, Rukiya gives a grateful smile to Gylfi and whispers, "Thank you."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 9:14 PM

Gylfi: "No problem." They stand and grin at Rukiya. "She's out, let out the cutest of snores."

DM — 9:21 PM

Rukiya grins. "When was the last time you were with Cae, anyway?"

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 10:50 AM

They tap their chin in thought. "It's been a while. Obviously longer than you've been alive," they tease and shrug.

DM — 10:52 AM

She shakes her head with a grin. "Obviously."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 11:14 AM

Gylfi: "Why do you ask?" Gylfi narrows their eyes. "Remember that I didn't know she was your aunt. Although... that does make it an interesting story." They smile and chuckle. "Holy shit I slept with the moonborn."

Ry rolls her eyes and scoffs a little.

Gylfi smiles at her. "Oh. I meant... we slept with the moonborn." They wink.

DM — 11:18 AM

Rukiya just shrugs and says, "The tone you used about Misha was just interesting considering you could literally be her parent."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 11:19 AM

Gylfi: They quirk a playful eyebrow. "That didn't stop you."

DM — 11:20 AM

"No... but you also didn't sleep with one of my parents."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 11:21 AM

Gylfi: "Are you sure?" They say seriously, then a few moments pass and they laugh.

DM — 11:21 AM

A soft voice says, "Ew," as Misha's brow furrows and she starts to stir.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 11:22 AM

Ryleigh: "Yeah, ew."

Gylfi laughs a little more.

DM — 11:23 AM

Rukiya moves to Misha's side and kneels down. "How are you feeling?"

Misha pushes herself up to sitting. "A little better. Thanks." She puts her hand over her stomach. "I don't suppose you have food on hand?"

Seirixori/Rae — 2:32 PM

Seir walks in, adjusting her armor and grumbling something about being an acolyte. She stops abruptly when she sees everyone, "Oh. Hey. I was going to go find food, want anything specific? To this forest." She adds the last part as if talking to Hava made her want to clarify.

DM — 3:28 PM

Misha:  "I'm not picky. We were supposed to have been back by now so we didn't have enough supplies to last until now. I haven't eaten since... a while."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 3:41 PM

"I can make us food?" Ry suggests. "It's just a spell."

Seirixori/Rae — 3:46 PM

Seir shifts with a frown, her tail twitching a bit behind her, "Oh. I guess we can do that." She pauses and then adds, "...or I could go get some."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 3:46 PM

Ry turns to Misha and asks, "Would you like to wait? Or are you hungry now?"

DM — 3:48 PM

Rukiya: "Why don't we do both? Seirixori can see what she can find to supplement. Do you want someone to tag along?"

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 3:53 PM

Ry leans over and presses a kiss to Rukiya's cheek. Then she steps away and starts to softly sing. ((I can flavor later when I read the spell but she does whatever need to be done to make the food and water lol))

Seirixori/Rae — 3:59 PM

"Uh, if anyone wants to?" Seir shrugs, kind of indifferent, but she's becoming more visibly fidgety the longer she stands still.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 4:56 PM

A few moment later, several bread pockets appear and a vat of water. Ry smiles and says, "it won't be the most tasty meal but it should hold you over until we get back... or fill you if we come up short."

Seirixori/Rae — 5:03 PM

Seir almost looks offended by the coming up short comment. "Whatever we find will at least... add a little color."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 5:10 PM

Ry moves back to Rukiya and kisses her. Then she says in elven, "Keep an eye out. We don't know if they know where Misha is. And we aren't ready for people to know about us."

DM — 6:23 PM

"I should be telling you to be careful."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 6:41 PM

"I'm taking most of the muscle with me." Ry flexes and then nods her head in Seirs direction.

Seirixori/Rae — 6:44 PM

Seir lets out a little 'wooo' and grins as she inches her way towards the exit.

DM — 6:45 PM

"Take care of each other." She picks up two of the pies and sits next to Misha, handing her one.  "Gylfi... do you want to see if Cae wants one?"

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 6:52 PM

"Of course." Gylfi takes 2 of the pies and heads to the room with Cae.

## Seiryleigh Goes Hunting

Once Seir is outside, having barely waited for Ryleigh, she takes a deep breath. She stands there with her eyes closed for a good few seconds before tilting her head, "...Have you ever hunted before? Or gather anything? Why have I never asked before?" She asks, eyes still closed.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 9:20 AM

"Sort of," Ry answers. "When I left Falberk I had a few days worth of food, but then I had to rely on the Fytulk for food and water." She shifts uncomfortably. "I'm sure this is totally a shock to you but... I struggled being quiet. I always managed to snap twigs or trip over a tree root. There were several days I went hungry."

"I... um, thought you might want the company. Rukiya has been teaching me how to be lighter on my feet and pay more attention to my surroundings."

Seirixori/Rae — 1:58 PM

Seir laughs softly, "Mielikki had to save me the first time I was alone. I still can't manage to be quiet." She opens her eyes and faces Ryleigh. "I didn't want to do this because I wanted to be alone. I wanted-- needed-- to do something."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 3:17 PM

Ryleigh steps closer, her eyes full of empathy. Then they light up and she says, "We should go flying."

Seirixori/Rae — 4:54 PM

Seir pulls Ryleigh into a tight, long hug. "Yeah," she whispers and will shift into a giant eagle.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 5:49 PM

"Remind me to get the hat from Gylfi," Ry says. "Are you sure you don't want to go alone?"

Seirixori/Rae — 5:53 PM

Seir shakes her head and nudges Ryleigh's shoulder with her break. She squats down just enough to make it easier for Ryleigh to get on.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 6:12 PM

Ry hops on and grips onto Seir's feathers. "Okay, let's go."

Seirixori/Rae — 6:19 PM

Seir takes off with a screech and flies them just above the tree line.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 6:20 PM

Ry giggles as they take off and after a few minutes in the air she whoops excitedly.

Seirixori/Rae — 7:10 PM

Seir flies around for a bit longer, enjoying it, but also enjoying Ryleigh's excitement as well. It takes a while before she actively starts looking for food, though she knows she'll have to land to find most little things.

Seirixori/Rae — 7:34 PM

Seir eventually dives down, nearly crashing into a tree as she completely misses grabbing a squirrel. She lands heavily and barely waits for Ry to get down before she changes back. "...I might need a little more practice as a bird."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 7:36 PM

Ry chuckles. "No problem." She pulls out the shortbow she has and says, "You find the game and I'll attempt to shoot it. If I can't, you get it. Sound good?"

Seirixori/Rae — 7:40 PM

Seir grins and readily points out where she saw a fox chasing a hare, "Think you can get both?"

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 7:41 PM

"We'll see, won't we?" Ry grins and will attempt to walk up on the rabbit and fox, at least enough to fire an arrow at the rabbit, then one at the fox.

Seirixori/Rae — 7:55 PM

Seir giggles as the hare bolts. Ry does manage to get the fox. "Well, at least you tried to get the one who would run first. Since we're going after more of them," Seir kneels next to the fox, mumbling something under her breath and tracing her finger across it's brow and nose. She carefully takes out the arrow and hands it back to Ryleigh. "Once you see one, or I point it out, you can't move. Just shoot."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 8:08 PM

"Okay," Ry says, with a grin. "Let's do it."

Seirixori/Rae — 8:39 PM

Seir picks up a few things as they walk. Some plants, mostly, every so often she grabs a couple of sticks and some dirt she mixes with the snow. "You're at least better than I was with that." She nods to the bow.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 10:37 AM

Ry shrugs. "Paladin training. They taught me how to kill and survive."

Seirixori/Rae — 10:41 AM

Seir snorts, "My mama tried to teach me to use that for... a long time. Never worked."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 10:54 AM

"There's nothing wrong with that," She says as she nocks an arrow. "Sometimes I wish I wasn't as good with weapons as I am."

Seirixori/Rae — 10:57 AM

"Well," Seir bends down near a bush and starts setting something up. "Maybe one day you won't need to be. Or we can all just move to Ardabeh and forget this side of the world exists."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 12:17 PM

Ry chuckles. "You know we can't. Rukiya and I have a responsibility to our people." Then she sighs. "If knowing how to handle weapons keeps the people I love safe then I don't mind being a tool of death."

Seirixori/Rae — 1:53 PM

Seir rolls her eyes as she stands back up. "Maybe you should start looking at it a little differently."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 5:06 PM

"What do you mean?" Ry asks, clearly curious.

Seirixori/Rae — 5:24 PM

"Being a 'tool of death' sounds like that's your... that's what you do. But you're trying for- for redemption so that should be your last resort. Which is great, because it also means you aren't a tool of death. How do you expect to- to start your path of being more of a pacifist if you keep thinking of killing first? Yes, it will have to happen, but that doesn't mean it should be your whole identity, because it isn't who you are."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 8:19 PM

"I didn't mean it like that. I'm just..." She shakes her head. "I just meant that being good with weapons means I can protect my people. Even though I wish I could use my hands for something other than taking life."

Seirixori/Rae — 8:28 PM

"Who says you can't do that?"

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 10:40 PM

"Really? What else have you seen my hands do? I... it's just what I'm good at."

Seirixori/Rae — 10:48 PM

Seir shoves Ryleigh's shoulder, "Fuck the hands. Your voice is your weapon, if you want to call it that. You shouldn't, but use it. You sing well, you speak well." She pauses, "Maybe stop thinking about any of this as a weapon. I told you before we needed a shield, not a sword. Be that shield, Ryleigh. Use your voice, use your... your body, you don't need your hands." Seir kind of looks a little like she lost the analogy.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 11:03 PM

A slow smile makes its way onto Ry's face. "You think I sing good?"

Seirixori/Rae — 11:06 PM

"Well, yes."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 11:10 PM

Ry blushes a little. "I suppose I've spent a long time comparing myself to Clemency's beautiful voice. I never felt that my voice was beautiful. Powerful, but not good."

Seirixori/Rae — 11:16 PM

"Ryleigh." Seir stops and turns to face Ryleigh. "Ryleigh," she says again, "You are not Clemency. You are not Ragna, thank fuck, you are not the asshole dick that helped make you, also thank fuck. You are not that absolute mother fucker who used you, who doesn't know to be afraid for his life if I ever see him again. You are not a monster. You are you. And I love you. The slightly younger you I met first, this current you, and the you that you will grow into. No one else."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 2:40 PM

Ry's expression shifts from uncomfortable to uncertain then to gratefulness. "Homashoc," Ry whispers, her eyes glossy with unshed tears. "I- but-" She swallows and smiles, knocking a few tears from her eyes. "I love you, too."

Seirixori/Rae — 6:12 PM

Seir smiles softly and pulls Ryleigh into a tight hug. "If you don't believe in you, I'll believe in you enough for the both of us."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 7:26 PM

"I'm trying. Some days it's harder than others. I messed up yesterday and... I was being a Tilman." She doesn't let go of Seir. "That ugly thing still shows up sometimes and it gets me down."

Seirixori/Rae — 7:44 PM

"I'll help you the best way I know how. I already told Rukiya you're not allowed to go anywhere without me again." She giggles a little, "That sounds creepy..."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 10:00 AM

"I missed you," Ry admits. "Nothing is the same without you."

Seirixori/Rae — 11:32 AM

Seir's breath hitches as her emotions briefly overwhelm her. "It felt--everything felt so... off."

Seirixori/Rae — 1:26 PM

Seir pulls back and turns Ryleigh's head as she whispers, "Not to take away from this, but, "she points out a hare barely visible near a bush. "Found it."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 10:16 PM

Ry chuckles. She turns, nocking an arrow as she does and releases it with a practiced hand.

Seirixori/Rae — 10:28 PM

Seir tilts her head and doesn't move, keeping a hand on Ryleigh so that she stays still, even as the hare falls dead. She waits and waits and then finally goes to the dead hare, doing her little ritual as she takes out the arrow. She hands the hare to Ry and walks back to where she set up a trap in a bush and a few second later comes back with another hare. "Two hares and a fox. Should go nicely with whatever it was you summoned. Might be able to save some for later too."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 10:44 PM

"It'll definitely taste better then my magic cottage pie," Ry says. "It's just meat and mashed potato... not the most tasty thing but filling." Ry ties the hares to the rope she has the fox on and tosses it over herself for safe keeping. "Are we walking back?"

Seirixori/Rae — 11:00 PM

"For now at least." Seir takes Ry's hand and leads them back towards the keep.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 10:35 AM

After several minutes Ry says, "I'm sorry I left you to pick up my mess... but I can't begin to thank you enough."

Seirixori/Rae — 10:38 AM

Seir shrugs with one shoulder, "Both things were important and neither could be put on hold." She squeezes Ry's hand, "...though let's get back to that... your brother?"

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 10:48 AM

Seir feels Ry stiffen slightly, and exhale a long breath. "Prince Adien... Tilman's second born, he's the one who orchestrated the assassinations with the reunifiers." She looks over and Seir. "I knew he existed, everyone in Ascus does. I just never dreamed my family would destroy Rukiya's."

Seirixori/Rae — 10:49 AM

Seir doesn't roll her eyes but you can hear it in her voice, "We didn't, some asshole did."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 11:24 AM

"You're right. I should have said 'my blood'." Ry scratches the back of her neck.

Seirixori/Rae — 11:33 AM

"Yep," Seir mimics the way Ry says it. "Well, that's... unfortunate and has nothing to do with you so take that out of your head. However, at least we know who it is."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 11:35 AM

"Yeah, it was a great way to meet my younger brother." Again she exhales slowly. "It's only a matter of time before everyone knows I'm alive and coming for Tilman's throne. It's going to put everyone I love in danger..."

Seirixori/Rae — 11:39 AM

Seir pulls Ry to a brief stop, "Ry... that's no different from every day, except we know where it's coming from. We'll just have to put everyone in the guildhall on alert... we can't do much more than that aside from taking care of the main problem."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 11:43 AM

Ry's eyes bounce away from Seir's. "If something happened to Clemency, or Avery, or anyone else at the guildhall... because of me..." She shakes her head. "It's always my fault, Seirixori. I can't carry that weight too."

Seirixori/Rae — 11:48 AM

"It's not. Unless of course you think everything that happened with the Moonstreams, Alarys's death, the other half-elves dying is Rukiya's fault."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 12:18 PM

"That's Vydea's fault," Ry says, a bitterness to her tone.

Seirixori/Rae — 12:24 PM

"Well, of course it is. I could also say the reason Mielikki was stuck for so long was because of me. I didn't do it, but it was partially done because I exist. Ryleigh, anything that happens won't be your fault, it will be the fault of the dick orchestrating all of this. Your dad's death was not your fault, your brother's death is not your fault. Clemency being taken was not your fault. Her being stuck where she was for so long was not your fault. None of this bullshit is your fault. None of it. You want to blame yourself for anything then sure, blame the revenant that killed you as something you did, because yes, that was you. But all this other shit, absolutely not."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 3:13 PM

Ry looks a little ashamed. "I'm working on believing it and somedays it's easy, but today it's hard. I'm sorry you're having to remind me... again."

Seirixori/Rae — 3:15 PM

Seir places a kiss on Ryleigh's cheek, "Don't be. We all need a reminder sometimes."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 3:17 PM

A smile spreads across Ry's face. "Thank you," She says.

Seirixori/Rae — 3:20 PM

Seir nods in reply with a smile and continues back to the keep, gently swinging Ryleigh's hand.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 3:50 PM

After a few silent minutes, Ry casually says, "So, you and Gylfi?"

Seirixori/Rae — 3:52 PM

Seir tilts her head a little towards Ryleigh with a small grin and a raised eyebrow, "Yes?"

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 3:54 PM

"What exactly is going on there?" Ry quickly amends. "You don't have to talk about it if you don't want to. I just... I worry for you."

Seirixori/Rae — 3:57 PM

"Friendship... and sex." She laughs a little, "They are very good at knowing when to be a distraction."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 4:01 PM

"And that's something you want? Friendship and sex?" Ry sounds slightly worried.

Seirixori/Rae — 4:04 PM

"From them? Yes. From anyone else I currently know, no."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 6:42 PM

Ry nods. "Okay. If that's fine with you, then it's fine with me. I just wanted to make sure it's want you actually wanted."

Seirixori/Rae — 6:52 PM

"It is. I'm not sure I know how to explain it, but it is."

## Cae and Gylfi

When Gylfi walks in with the shepherd's pies, Cae seems to be glaring at a ration pack set just inside the bars of her cage.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 5:48 PM

"I come bearing authentic Ascan food, because I know how much you miss it," They say sarcastically, holding up the pies.

DM — 6:09 PM

"Never ate the stuff before. Why start now?"

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 6:13 PM

"You only live once, why not try the bland food of the people that took everything from us." Gylfi sits across from Cae and holds out the food to her.

DM — 6:14 PM

She doesn't take it.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 6:19 PM

"Caelynn, don't be rude." Gylfi shakes it, shoving it through the bars.

DM — 6:25 PM

"No thank you."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 7:34 PM

Gylfi sets down the pie and scoots closer to the cage. "I've known you since your were a little girl. You've never been this... bitter or standoffish. What's going on? You know you can talk to me."

DM — 7:49 PM

She sighs and drops her head back against the wall. In Elven,  "I'm broken. Unbalanced. Tainted. Whatever word works best. I shouldn't have let El convince me to stay after I got bit."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 8:13 PM

"You know no matter what you said she would have pushed you and you would have eventually given in," Gylfi smirks a little. "I had never seen someone have such hold over you. Is death truly what you want? Even though your daughter lives?"

DM — 8:24 PM

"I'd have done anything for that woman..." She doesn't answer the question for a few moments, then she says, "When we came across rabid animals... we recognized that they were sick, dangerous. There was no recovery, only a merciful death before they hurt themselves or others."

DM — 6:30 AM

"I'm more beast than elf at this point... and it would be more merciful to put me down than make her suffer my presence."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 4:30 PM

Gylfi hums. Then says, "You didn't answer my question though. Does feeling like a beast mean you want to die?"

DM — 4:36 PM

"I don't want to die, but it is preferable to living like this. Knowing I will eventually be unable to control it. Fighting every hour of the rest of my life. El and Misha... I'd outlive both of them." She looks away. "I'd already decided that I'd only outlive them long enough to see them off."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 5:03 PM

"Caelynn," Gylfi sighs out. "I'm not going to sit here and convince you to live if you don't want too.. but I do think you should get through this moon cycle and go from there. You're hurting. And you haven't had a chance to grieve the death of your wife and your daughter is hurting too. Maybe just... cool it with the 'kill me' talk until you and Misha have some time alone to talk and grieve."

DM — 5:33 PM

"I can't!" Her body tenses and she leans forward. "I can't grieve, because everything that isn't nothing just turns to anger and anger is easy. It's always there on the tip of my tongue or the muscles of my arms. It's always waiting for me to let my guard down. Grieving will only lead to me hunting every one of those assholes down. Having alone time with Misha will only lead to hurtful words and painful memories she will have to bear the rest of her life." She groans and leans forward, putting her head between her knees and her hands on the back of her neck, fingers gripping at the short hair at the back of her head. She says through gritted teeth,  "I want it to end."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 5:58 PM

"Hey," Gylfi says, pushing themselves into the bars and reaching for Cae. "Caelynn, look at me."

DM — 6:09 PM

"Don't... don't come closer." She pushes back against the wall like she's afraid, but her expression looks like fury, not fear.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 6:31 PM

Gylfi doesnt, they stay right where they are. "You aren't the wolf right now. You're Caelynn Moonstream, wife to Eliose and mother to Misha, and my oldest friend. Look at me and hear what I'm saying to you."

DM — 6:36 PM

"I am the wolf, even when you can't see it," she growls, but she does look at Gylfi.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 7:47 PM

Gylfi sits back once Cae looks at her. "Give me until tomorrow, urn'llsaialn. I'm going to pray for Vydea to heal you."

DM — 7:50 PM

She snarls, "Fuck Vydea."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 8:11 PM

Sighing deeply, Gylfi says, "She's certainly on my shit list, but if I pray for her divine intervention and she cures you, she'll be lower on that list."

DM — 8:28 PM

"She won't. She doesn't give  a fuck about anyone except apparently her chosen." She spits 'chosen' like an insult. "A chosen just as selfish as she is."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 10:35 PM

"Rukiya is not selfish." Gylfi crosses their arms. "This isn't you. You knew her and she wasn't selfish then. I know her now and she's anything but selfish. Try to remember she's lost just as much as you. Her family, probably her faith, and her freedom." Gylfi stands from their spot on the ground.

"I care for you," they say. "And I wish you'd try to fight off all the hateful things you're thinking. But I understand that it's probably not that simple." Gylfi's expression is pained when they say, "If my prayer isn't answered tomorrow then I'll do it... but only after you talk to Misha about it."

DM — 10:45 PM

"We mourned her. All of us. The whole damned country. Misha was heartbroken." She pushes up off the ground and starts pacing in the small cell. Her voice is strained, but less hateful when she says, "Just go. Don't listen."

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 11:01 PM

"I'm staying," Gylfi says. "Whatever happens, and no matter what you say, I'm here... for you, Caelynn."

DM — 11:10 PM

"No.... I'm not strong enough... so fucking useless!" She slams her hands into the bars on one side, paces to the other side and slams them again. "Weak!"

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 11:16 PM

"Look at me, Caelynn." Gylfi says, keeping their distance. "You are anything but weak. You're strong. I know you and you've never given up. You didn't let the other elves tell you how to feel about Eloise. You followed her even though you knew it meant you couldn't go back home. You stayed knowing many of the Moonstreams don't like that you're an 'Ascan' elf. You're controlling that beast inside you even though you're heartbroken and tired. That's strength Caelynn."

DM — 11:43 PM

As Gylfi talks, she walks to the edge of the cage closest to them and grips the bars.They can see tears racing down her cheeks and as they finish talking, she slides down the bars, curling into a ball, sobbing.

Ryleigh/Gylfi — 10:55 AM

Gylfi's eyes are filled with empathy and they kneel down and reach though the bars. If possible, they'll run their fingers through Cae's hair a few times then they'll sit back, keeping Cae company for as long as they need to.

17 Felmont - 18 Felmont -- 19 Felmont

Felmont 3Y21 -- Back to Logs