3 Ropamont

2 Ropamont- 3 Ropamont- 5 Ropamont (Back to Logs)

### Major Events

Devil's Food went to Ry's Apartment to discuss ascension things. Ry opened up about her past. Devil's Food went to Bellbury to take Valris and the others to their new homes.

## Ry's Apartment

9:24 PM] DM: Rukiya had told Ry there were some new developments, so you'd have known that it was a 'Ry's apartment' sort of conversation until you've decided to share with the rest of the class. So you show up sometime after Seir's woken up, Rukiya's having her coffee, Gunnloda made breakfast for the 30 people living in the guildhall for the night.

[9:29 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh's dressed comfortably, clothing resembling workout attire. She's a little sweaty, and her cheeks are pink. She's drinking her coffee, while holding Rukiya's free hand and a stupid smile on her face.

[9:36 PM] Seirixori: "Well, that's an improvement," Seir says when she catches Ry's smile.

[9:36 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Hush," Ryleigh says, her tone serious but her eyes dancing with humor.

[9:43 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh looks at Rukiya, just to make sure she's okay with Ryleigh sharing. "We had a good evening," she says to fill the silence.

[9:44 PM] DM: Rukiya and Gunnloda both chuckle.

[9:44 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Momentarily confused, Ryleigh quickly amends her statement. "That's not what I meant!"

[9:45 PM] DM: Rukiya smiles into her coffee. "Still true, though."

[9:45 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh blushes.

[9:46 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: It takes her a few seconds to recover, then she says, "I meant because we exchanged tokens of commitment last night."

[9:49 PM] Seirixori: Seir laughs, teasing, but also excited, "Of course that's how you would say it." Seir waits a beat and then pulls both Ry and Rukiya into an enthusiastic hug.

[9:51 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh rolls her eyes, before hugging Seir back.

[9:53 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "So what's going on with refugees? Are we escorting them to Bellbury or just sending them on their way?"

[9:54 PM] Seirixori: "Oh!" Seir steps back, her excitement shifting, "I was going to help them get there and maybe a little settled for the day and then come back!"

[9:56 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh looks like she wants protest, but doesn't. "Ok, just... be careful."

[9:57 PM] Seirixori: She grins, "Nah."

[9:58 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Again, Ryleigh rolls her eyes. "You could at least pretend to humor me."

[10:00 PM] Seirixori: "I could."

[10:02 PM] Seirixori: Seir moves away and makes herself comfortable as she sits on the floor, "So, what's the other news?"

[10:03 PM] DM: Rukiya: "It's not much, so I hope you didn't get too excited."

[10:05 PM] Seirixori: "I'm actually a little worried about other things related to it, honestly."

[10:05 PM] DM: Rukiya: "What do you mean?"

[10:07 PM] Seirixori: "The uh, timing of the..." She frowns, "'new'? Moonborn."

[10:09 PM] DM: Rukiya frowns, and you can almost see the gears turning in her head. "You think Vydea wanted to spy on her?"

[10:10 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh's brows furrow.

[10:14 PM] Seirixori: Seir shrugs, "I don't know. Maybe? I don't know much about Vydea, so I can't say for certain.  It's just... Something to think about."

[10:15 PM] DM: Rukiya: "She does value knowledge." She frowns a little more then shakes her head. "I don't know."

[10:17 PM] DM: Rukiya: "What I did find was two instances in Omphalos of people trying to gain divinity. Divinity, not immortality. Immortality is... vampires, liches, undead."

[10:19 PM] DM: "One was related to the the Cult of Vol that you had me look into before. The other was in Ascus during the..." She looks like she's fishing for better words than she has and finally, looking a little defeated and with an apologetic look to Seir, says, "the conquest of Omphalos."

[10:22 PM] Seirixori: Seir scrunches her face in distaste at the reminder of the event, "I really should have taken some books from that place before Kola made us leave."

[10:22 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Maybe that's why she made us leave," Ryleigh says, her forehead scrunched in thought.

[10:26 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "You talked to Takara about it and she said she'd talk to Betrex about it. Maybe Betrex knew what happened at the temple of Vol and what was hidden there... what if her champion showed up to stop us from learning about divinity."

[10:28 PM] Seirixori: Seir groans and she leans back a bit, "We already knew she was hiding something."

[10:28 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "You think that's what it was?" Ryleigh asks, her mouth pulled into a frown.

[10:31 PM] Seirixori: Seir just tosses up her arms for a moment, "It could be. Just like everything else. There are all these possibilities and I keep picking at the bad ones because why not."

[10:32 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "*Homashoc*, this isn't exactly an easy subject. Don't be upset with yourself..."

[10:32 PM] DM: Rukiya: "If it helps, I haven't found evidence that the Cult's experiments actually succeeded..."

[10:33 PM] DM: "Though, again, I've only found mentions so far. I'll need to do a lot more digging."

[10:34 PM] DM: "The other one... well... I think it might be linked to the Decimation."

[10:36 PM] Seirixori: "Well, that sounds fun."

[10:36 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh's mouth does an "oh" and she looks mildly surprised by the information.

[10:36 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Please don't make me go back to Ascus so soon," she mutters, only half joking.

[10:40 PM] DM: "When Asten and the others swept across the continent, the elven god that was here before was killed. I think... the elves might have tried to replace him. There's no real link between that and the Decimation, just that the timing works out, but I've been following a trail of scraps about it."

[10:42 PM] Seirixori: Seir's face scrunches a little as she starts thinking of their time in Ascus, "Uh... would that... would it be weird to think about that may be why that forest is creepy...creepier?"

[10:44 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "That's probably a question for Takara. The Fytulk is part of her domain."

[10:44 PM] DM: "It could be. Places where gods are killed are often... weird."

[10:45 PM] Seirixori: "She said it was getting worse."

[10:47 PM] DM: Rukiya: "I don't know. Most of what I can find out is stuff that's already happened. Not what's happening now."

[10:51 PM] Seirixori: "The elves didn't look right," Seir mumbles, but doesn't continue, feeling it's not really necessary. "Well, at least it's something, I've only been told what happens when gods are killed or people lose faith in them."

[5:20 PM] Seirixori: Seir pulls her knees to her chest, resting her chin on them, "Did you have a chance to find anything out that would- that would help my Mama?" She asks quietly.

[5:29 PM] DM: Rukiya glances away for a second. "I'm sorry, Seirixori... I just don't know enough about what's going on with her. There's so many variables. And after I turned the contract over to one of the tomekeepers I trust to look into, I got distracted by the other thing.

"All I can tell, for now, is that she seems to be working for the Queen of Air and Darkness. She's... a very powerful fey queen, powerful enough that she'd have to act through agents like the gods. Her specialties are murder, darkness.. and illusions. My best guess is that she's being affected by some powerful magic that's messing with her perceptions or her memories. Maybe both."

[5:40 PM] Seirixori: She let's out a defeated sigh that's followed by a long moment of silence as she tightens her arms around her legs. "Okay," She finally whispers.

[5:41 PM] DM: Gunnloda puts her hand on Seir's back and kisses her shoulder.

[6:03 PM] Seirixori: Seir leans into her touch and takes a deep breath. She turns focus to Ryleigh, her gaze apologetic, "I gave you time, *issui’as*. Will you talk about Sir fuck face... and about what he said?"

[7:32 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh visibly stiffens and nearly drops her cup of coffee. "W-what about what he said?"

[7:39 PM] DM: Rukiya takes her hand, but doesn't say anything.

[7:46 PM] Seirixori: She sighs and doesn't respond, just continues looking at Ryleigh.

[7:50 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I..." Ryleigh takes a shuddering breath, and says in a very small voice, "I don't want to talk about it."

[8:01 PM] DM: Rukiya: "Talking might help you heal... and you won't find a safer place than here with us."

[8:04 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I'm afraid of what you'll think of me."

[8:08 PM] Seirixori: Seir rolls her eyes, but there's a reassuring smile, "I think I've told you the answer to that before."

[8:11 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh's brows furrow, then she starts to talk, “I got on Sir Barton’s bad side after the public whipping. It felt like he and Daybrand, the Lord of the land, were out to get me, so naturally… I made as much trouble as I could get away with, but I wasn’t really getting away with it. After my sister was taken,” Ryleigh stops, biting her lip and huffing out a breath, “after she was sold to the highest bidder... I started looking for people who’d help me change things. My dad had been murdered by the ‘law’. My sister was sold as a songbird. And I had to watch as my brother eased his broken heart by self medicating.” She loosens her death grip on Rukiya’s hand, and gives her an apologetic look.

[8:14 PM] DM: Rukiya wraps her arms around Ry's waist. "You're ok."

[8:17 PM] Seirixori: Seir tilts her head, "What's a so-- sorry. I don't, what does that have to do with what he said?" She asks, not quite understanding.

[8:19 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I'm getting there..." Ryleigh answers, taking another deep breath.

8:28 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: “I did find like minded people. Most of them were non-humans wanting to bring about change. That’s when I learned elven… so we could speak in code,” Ryleigh’s tone sounds amused, like she can’t believe she ever thought elven wasn’t a commonly known language. “We organized a revolt... the adults didn't like that I was there, but they couldn't stop me. We were going to force change... we were supposed to overthrow Daybrand. I thought if I believed hard enough that it'd work, that we could birth a revolution and stop the suffering. I thought I was doing the right thing." She audibly swallows, and her eyes tear up. "It didn't. We failed, and some people got caught. The guards came to our door looking for a human who'd 'lead the revolt', and I knew I'd been caught."

[8:33 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Avery," Ryleigh smiles sadly, a few tears falling from her eyes. "He said it was him, that he wanted to overthrow Daybrand because they'd taken Clemency. They took him, but they also took me. I waited in jail cell for a few hours before Sir Barton paid me a visit. He told me that he'd caught many of my co-conspirators and had their families in custody. He also told me that he knew it was me and not my brother who'd played a role in 'this mess'."

[8:39 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "A few of Barton's guards died in our uprising, and I could tell he was out for blood." A tremble travels through Ryleigh. "He was going to kill their families... unless... he had a pound of flesh per life lost. I wasn't going to let innocent people pay our mistakes... my mistakes. So I agreed, because 1 life for many is a fair deal. I didn't know he didn't mean my life, or my flesh..."

[8:45 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I carved chunks of my brother's flesh off... and the crowd jeered while I did. Every time I wanted to stop because I couldn't take his screams, Avery encouraged me to keep at it... he reminded me that if I didn't - innocent people were going to die." Ryleigh's tears are freely flowing now, her hands come up to cover her face and her next sentence is a little muffled. "I tortured my brother, before they cut off his head... and Barton let me live..."

[8:47 PM] DM: Rukiya stands so she can pull Ryleigh into her chest and holds her tight. She presses a kiss to the top of her head and says, "His sickness isn't your fault, Ryleigh."

[8:50 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Maybe not," Ryleigh sobs, leaning into Rukiya. "But my brother suffered by my hand, and died because I made the wrong choice."

[8:53 PM] Seirixori: Seir doesn't say anything right away, when she does, her voice doesn't waver, but her eyes are burning with anger. Her fists clenching and unclenching at her side, "No matter the reason, do not let me go back into Ascus. Or I will not keep the promise I made you."

[8:56 PM] DM: Gunnloda doesn't know what to do in this moment, so she just takes one of Seir's hands in hers.

[9:00 PM] DM: Rukiya leans back enough that she can look for Ry's eyes. "Ryleigh... you have to stop blaming yourself for these things. You were a tool, not the cause. It may have been your hands, but it was his fault. You were doing what's right. Everything bad that came from that is just... the sickness in Ascus fighting back. Using the families of innocents is no different from using mind control magic. You are not to blame for the things you did because you were forced."

[9:09 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh's face contorts with pain, and she continues to cry. She literally chokes out, "I don't know how... it was still me, my hands..."

[9:39 PM] Seirixori: Seir gets to her feet, taking one step towards Ryleigh, "By doing what you originally set out to do. With a little bit more finesse and a lot more information. By making that change and not giving that *rla'hom raunnagh sha soaa* the satisfaction of hurting you any more. By getting rid of everything he's worked for. By taking back what he took from you. Your will. Your body. Yourself." She snarls, "because in that moment, they were not your hands, they were his."

[9:49 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Finally calming down a little, Ryleigh holds one of her hands out to Seir and she softly says, "*Homashoc*, please try to calm down... my apartment is too small to fit a bear and us three..."

[9:59 PM] Seirixori: Seir's eyes narrow briefly and then she blinks, "At least I'd be a cute bear." She mumbles, releasing Gunnloda's hand with a squeeze, and shakes out her arms like she's trying to get rid of the excess energy. When it doesn't really work she takes Ryleigh's hand and walks right into both her and Rukiya, hugging them both.

[10:02 PM] DM: Rukiya hugs both of them too, then adds, "Someday, we'll go back. Not for vengeance, but justice. To protect the others he'll do the same to in the future. And I'll be by your side when we do."

[10:07 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Thank you," Ryleigh says to both of them. "I've never told anyone about this. I feel a little better now that I have."

[10:09 PM] DM: Rukiya: "Good... and I'm so sorry for what you've been through, but we're here to help you recover from it."

[10:11 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh worries her lip, and nods.

[10:11 PM] DM: Rukiya smiles. "Haven't you learned not to doubt me yet?"

[10:16 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "What if... what if I don't recover?" Ryleigh voices the source of her doubt, then quickly adds, “And I know I can’t get stuck on the what-ifs, that I shouldn't focus on everything that went wrong, but I don’t know how to find meaning in the suffering... other than be angry about it, or seek vengeance. I'm worried I can't recover.”

[10:19 PM] DM: Rukiya: "You already are. You said it yourself last night that you're doing better. You'll never be the same person you were, but you can be better than you are."

[10:26 PM] Seirixori: Seir pulls away and moves back to Gunnloda  settling behind her and wraps her arms around her, "What she said and... sometimes... sometimes there isn't a meaning. Sometimes shit just sucks and we- we go through it and deal with it how we can and then... onto the next thing." Seir shrugs, "Or something." She mutters, feeling less confident with her words now that she isn't focused on her anger.

[10:28 PM] DM: Gunnloda finally speaks up. "Sayin' there was a reason for it sounds a whole lot like sayin' y'deserved it or needed it t'become who y'are."

[10:34 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I'm working on the 'I deserved it' thing... and I’ll keep trying to get better… I just don’t want to let anyone down. I've done enough of that already."

[10:41 PM] DM: Rukiya: "As long as you don't give up, you won't let us down."

[10:43 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh pulls Rukiya into her lap, and promptly kisses her. "Gods, I love you, *l'auorphiem*."

[10:46 PM] DM: She laughs and says, "I know."

[11:06 PM] Seirixori: "Not to bring the mood down again, especially from this part of... is it just like married or some other... the before that part? I don't remember the word, either way, do you want to know about the other thing?"

[11:11 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "The other thing?"

[11:12 PM] Seirixori: "What I spoke to Takara about."

[11:13 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Oh... that." Ryleigh nods. "Yeah... I guess I'm ready to hear what she had to say."

[11:23 PM] Seirixori: She frowns, still a bit hesitant and trying again to not be so blunt with her words, "He..." She stops and Gunnloda can feel Seir's arms tense. "I don't know how to say this without insulting him."

[11:24 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Insulting him, or me?" Ryleigh gives Seir a small smile.

[11:25 PM] Seirixori: "Him. Definitely him."

[4:31 AM] Seirixori: "There's a chance some of Takara's own feelings are... are fueling my own. He's..." Seir purses her lips with a frown, still trying to find better words. She finally exhales with a sound of annoyance. "Mostly in her words; he's an invader, a drain on her domains, their stupid ass invasion meant that she lost- she lost," Seir's jaw clenches as she stops the bubble of emotion in her throat. "he's part of the reason she lost someone. Also something about claiming humanity as his own. And, and, apparently an arrogant, tiny man-child who pouts and hides for several hundred years because he lost a fight and she won't let me provoke him so I can punch him in the face." She finishes, leaning back and crossing her arms and pouting herself. "I bet Aella would have talked to me. I could have had four moms." The last part is mumbled and she makes a face like she suddenly doesn't know how exactly she would feel about that.

[9:00 AM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh takes Rukiya's hand, idly rubbing circles with her thumb as she thinks. "Claiming humanity as his own..." Ryleigh repeats, sighing deeply. She's quiet for a few more moments, then says, "Takara said he hasn't been around for a few hundred years? What... what does that mean? Vyon declared its independence from Ascus and he just... left us?"

[11:32 AM] Seirixori: "She said he went back to his realm..." she stops only now fully understanding what Takara had said about that. She leans forward, wrapping her arms around Gunnloda again, "I... it's possible he isn't interested in..." Seir doesn't continue.

[11:46 AM] Ryleigh Alastair: “In what?” Ryleigh pushes.

[11:59 AM] Seirixori: "In what's happening here."

[12:12 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: “Maybe there’s another reason he’s been gone for so long? Maybe he’s stuck in his realm or something...” Ryleigh says, her brows furrowing. “Maybe that’s why things are so bad and everyone is misusing Asten’s name... because he isn’t around, and he doesn’t have a champion to set things right...”

[12:21 PM] Seirixori: "It... could be possible." Seir releases a soft sigh, using Gunnloda to hide her face momentarily. "*Issui'as*... I'm sorry."

[12:51 PM] DM: Rukiya squeezes Ry's hand. "If he did have a champion, I'd bet on it being one of the royal family or someone close to Tilman. He's too eager to paint himself Sun King to have competition."

[12:52 PM] DM: She kind of winces. "That... wasn't helpful, was it? Sorry, just thinking out loud."

[1:31 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh’s quiet for a while, worry lining her features. Finally she asks, “I wonder if there’s a way to  speak to a god while they’re in their realm. Without being a champion.”

[3:11 PM] Seirixori: "Maybe even just talking to his champion, but... I really don't think it's going to change much either way."

[3:33 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: “Of course you don’t think it’ll change anything, but for those of us who aren’t related to a god, or could possibly be one…” Ryleigh bites her sentence short. She closes her eyes, collecting herself. “I need to know why he’s gone and what happened. I don’t believe that he willingly abandoned us, or that he’s okay with how Ascus is... he’s the god of freedom, of light... something’s got to be wrong.”

[3:47 PM] Seirixori: Seir stiffens and even with the change in what Ry was saying, she doesn't relax, she only nods in response.

[4:22 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I know you all think I'm ridiculous..." Ryleigh says, moving Rukiya off her lap and getting up. She walks to the kitchen and starts making tea.

[5:15 PM] Seirixori: "...it doesn't matter what I think." Seir sighs, "I'll help you."

[6:18 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "It does matter what you think!" Ry half shouts, there's the sound of a cup breaking and she groans. "That's why it hurts that you think I'm being stupid about this. Why can't you understand... I swore an oath, Seirixori. It's more than a promise and if I break it..." She sighs.

[6:20 PM] DM: Rukiya: "Then what? You're a terrible person for not doing what was expected of you? For learning and growing and changing your mind?"

[6:25 PM] Seirixori: Seir shrinks back slightly and doesn't say anything. She looks down and starts to rub her thumb across her finger.

[6:35 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Is it really that hard to believe that Tilman has manipulated Asten's name to his own ends? Believe it or not, I'm not the only Asten who's like this. There are more of us... like my mentor, and Lydia."

[6:38 PM] DM: Rukiya softens her voice and walks close to Ryleigh. "You're not ridiculous for believing in him, but I worry you put too much of your worth in him. You don't have to prove he's good for you to be good."

[7:15 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: As Rukiya approaches, Ryleigh's shoulders fall at her words, she's a little ashamed. "How can I represent goodness and freedom and light, if He isn't any of those things?"

[8:01 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: “I'm sorry..." She says to the room. "I've been doubting my 'faith' in Asten recently, and it feels like I don't know who I am anymore. I'm scared. What if Asten isn't who I think He is?  If he's not... then I won't believe anymore... and I'll never see them again... I'll never get to tell Avery how sorry I am... or tell Kizer how much I loved him, or that it meant everything to me that he took us in. Asten could strip me of His power, and then I wouldn't have the tools I need to stop people like Barton, or Daybrand..."

[8:03 PM] DM: Rukiya just steps forward and wraps her arms around Ryleigh.

[8:08 PM] Seirixori: "You can always get it from someone else," Seir says, barely above a whisper. "I know that isn't- that doesn't help with the- the other stuff but..." She shrugs, still not looking directly at Ry. "but I'm sure there's someone who would give you that power..." She let's out a little laugh, "not that you need it, but I know it helps."

[8:35 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh's arms come up around Rukiya. She whispers something in elven to her and kisses her. "Thank you for thinking I don't need it, *homashoc*..." Ryleigh smiles "...but this power isn't just to stop them, it's also so I can protect the people I cherish."

[8:39 PM] Seirixori: "I know, it was kind of a little joke. Something I've said before."

[9:11 PM] DM: Rukiya: "You don't need to make any decisions right now. We'll figure it out. All of it."

[9:18 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "You keep saying that..." Ryleigh says, cupping Rukiya's cheek.

[9:21 PM] DM: Rukiya: "It's what I do. Learn. Wait. Analyze. Act when the time is right, when I have the knowledge I need. Figure it out. Have patience, *minsriellu*. We're not going anywhere and apparently he isn't either."

[9:35 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I'm human remember?" Ryleigh half smiles. "Patience isn't one of my strengths, but... I trust you. So if waiting and learning and having patience is what you need, I'll try."

[10:15 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh let's go of Rukiya and walks over to Seir. She holds her hand out. "*Homashoc*."

[10:21 PM] Seirixori: Her gaze is still focused on the ground, "Yeah?"

[10:24 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I'm sorry for yelling..." Ryleigh says softly, kneeling down. "I know you're trying to help, but it's not an easy decision for me... and every time we talk about this it feels like I'm disappointing you by not walking away from Asten."

[10:33 PM] Seirixori: "You--you're not," She whispers with conviction, finally looking up, her eyes a little watery. "I'm- I want- I'm frustrated because I know, I know it isn't easy, but I- I don't want to see you hurting more about this, and I want to skip to the after part."

[10:40 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh looks over at Rukiya, then back at Seir. "We're going to figure it out. And in the mean time, when I struggle just be there for me, as best you can, because I can't do this alone... I need you."

[11:06 PM] Seirixori: She nods and finally takes Ryleigh's hand. "I'll be here."

[11:13 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh pulls Seir up and into a hug. “I’ll try not to lose my temper next time, but just remember that what you think always matters to me.”

[11:25 PM] Seirixori: "Okay," she tightens her arms around Ry. "Okay."

[11:28 PM] Seirixori: She pulls back and gently grabs Ryleigh's wrist to look at the bracelet there. "This is really pretty, by the way."

[11:29 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: “Unsurprisingly, Rukiya has good taste.”

[11:32 PM] DM: It's a gold braided chain with a silver disc set in the center.

Rukiya: "Flatterer."

[11:33 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh winks at Rukiya, while Seir continues to look.

[11:50 PM] Seirixori: Seir lightly traces her finger over it with a small smile. "Can I see yours?" She asks Rukiya.

[11:50 PM] DM: Rukiya shrugs and holds her wrist out. "Sure."

[11:52 PM] DM: She glances at Ry.

[11:56 PM] DM: Hers is silver herringbone, more delicate, with a golden sun charm

[12:04 AM] Seirixori: Seir moves to look at Rukiya's "They're so pretty." She lightly taps the charm, "I know this probably represents Ry, that's easy. What's the one she has mean?"

[12:14 AM] Ryleigh Alastair: “Silver is the balance between black and white... and that’s how I see things - in black and white, in terms of good and evil, right and wrong. Rukiya sees things in grey... like doing something wrong for the right reasons. My charm is a silver disk to represent the balance between us... how we compliment each other.” ((26 deception))

[2:40 PM] Seirixori: She takes it in for a moment and then gives a small laugh. "So kind of like the sun and moon? You should have gone with that explanation." She grins and winks at Rukiya. "The moon is prettier anyway." ((24 insight))

[2:43 PM] DM: Rukiya leans in and conspiratorially says, "I almost went with stars instead. It is the moon, because I'm from Vyon and she's from Ascus and we complement each other, but you know how extra she has to make everything sound."

[2:45 PM] Seirixori: There's a beat and then Seir bursts into laughter, throwing her arms around Rukiya, giving her another excited hug. "See, new favorite," She says to Ryleigh.

[2:50 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh's smiling but she rolls her eyes at them and moves to hug them both. "I didn't realize it was a competition," Ryleigh answers, humor in her tone.

[2:51 PM] DM: Rukiya laughs. "Of course not... because I'm winning."

[2:56 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "You usually do, *l'auorphiem*," Ryleigh says as she steps away from them, something soft in her expression.

[3:05 PM] Seirixori: Seir giggles, keeping an arm around Rukiya and reaches out towards Gunnloda, motioning for her to come. "I love you guys."

[3:06 PM] DM: Gunnloda takes Seir's hand and kisses it. She has a kind of strange expression on her face. Almost bittersweet.

[3:12 PM] Seirixori: Seir kneels, giving Gunnloda a swift kiss and whispers, "Later?" Then stands back up again.

[3:14 PM] DM: Gunnloda smiles and turns to Ry. "So... am I cookin' somethin' nice t'celebrate?"

[3:19 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh awkwardly scratches the back of her neck, and looks at Rukiya. "My cooking certainly isn't as good as yours..." but she doesn't directly answer.

[3:23 PM] DM: Rukiya rolls her eyes. "I think what she means is, 'that would be wonderful. Thank you.'"

[3:25 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh takes Rukiya's hand and presses a kiss to it. "When are you going to get back from Bellbury? Are you sure you don't want my help?"

[3:35 PM] Seirixori: She shrugs, "Today? Maybe tomorrow depending on how long it takes to get them settled. I wanted to give all of you some rest so I wasn't going to ask if anyone wanted to come... and," she sighs, "I didn't want... I wanted to," she frowns, the words not forming like she needs, "With-with what happened before- I didn't want anyone to- to speak for me."

3:44 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Oh," Ryleigh says, studying the look on Seir's face. "If this is something you want to do on your own, I understand. I didn't want you to feel like you didn't have help... if you wanted it. Maybe we can do dinner tomorrow night? That way there's no rush to get back - in case you need to stay to get them settled."

[4:04 PM] Seirixori: She nods, relieved she was understood, "That- yes. Thank you."

[4:31 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh steps back into Seir's space, and presses her forehead to Seir's. "I love you, please be careful, and..." She pulls back, smiling broadly "...don't forget to have fun."

[5:07 PM] Seirixori: "Yes, mom." She teases.

[5:08 PM] DM: Gunnloda: "Uh... speakin' of... when did y'want t'go do that?"

[5:13 PM] Seirixori: Seir groans, "I'm almost afraid to say I want to wait until after tomorrow...but after tomorrow. Unless you want dinner in Ardabeh... Though I don't know about where because I've only been to one place that uh let me in... So uh...yes."

[5:16 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I'd like Rukiya to be at dinner, considering its a celebration of sorts," Ryleigh says, laughing a little. "And I don't think she's planning on coming to Ardabeh with us. So if it's okay with you... could we wait until after tomorrow?"

[5:22 PM] Seirixori: "Oh, right. I knew that. Yes. Unless... Things come up... again."

[5:24 PM] DM: Rukiya: "I'm sorry that it got postponed last time, but I am... extremely grateful that you were there when I couldn't be."

[5:26 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh's brows furrow and she moves back to Rukiya's side, wrapping an arm around her and presses a kiss to her temple.

[5:32 PM] Seirixori: She nods again. "Of course."

[5:39 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I'm thankful too, *homashoc*... it would have been so much worse if you hadn't been there."

[5:42 PM] Seirixori: "Well, if I hadn't taken that bottle from you and thrown it away, I might not have been threatened to be turned into a shadow tree person, so..." She chuckles nervously.

[5:49 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh tries to laugh, but it's mostly fake. "It ended up working out okay though."

[5:56 PM] DM: Rukiya: "sounds like you had quite the adventure. "

[6:02 PM] Seirixori: "Something like that...I wish I could ask the druids or Mielikki about the creepy shadow trees." She purses her lips, "But that's about as terrible an idea as Ry's with the bottle."

[6:09 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Quirking an eyebrow at Seir, Ryleigh relents, "I get it, okay? It was a mistake." She walks over to the bag of holding and withdraws a different, full bottle of alcohol. "I'll bring it to dinner tomorrow."

[6:14 PM] Seirixori: Seir dramatically gasps and points at Ry, but with a smile on her face, "Devious."

[6:22 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh rolls her eyes and sets the bottle down on the kitchen counter. "Yeah, yeah."

[6:27 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Could I convince you to send one of us a message when you reach Bellbury? Just to let me know if you're coming home tonight or tomorrow?"

[6:28 PM] DM: Gunnloda: "I'll let y'know."

[6:29 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Thank you," Ryleigh says to Gunnloda.

## After they leave

7:48 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh closes the door behind Seirixori and Gunnloda. She takes a deep breath and turns back to look at Rukiya.

[7:48 PM] DM: Rukiya closes the distance and puts her hand to Ry's cheek. "You ok?"

[7:51 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "It was a lot. Especially with everything feeling so fresh because of Ascus." Ryleigh leans into Rukiya's touch. "I didn't mean to keep what happened to Avery from you..."

[7:54 PM] DM: Rukiya wraps her arms around Ry. "I get it. It's hard to talk about. I'm proud of you, though. Letting us in is a big deal."

[8:06 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh's arms come up around Rukiya. "Thank you. I shouldn't be surprised by now, but part of me is always worried when I share. I'm afraid you'll look at me with pity, instead of empathy. Or that you'll see how broken I really am, and decide it isn't worth it." She smiles, but it only makes it half way. "I'm slowly learning otherwise."

[8:16 PM] DM: Rukiya puts both her hands on Ry's cheeks and looks her in the eyes. "You're always worth it."

[8:19 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I believe you," Ryleigh whispers, not breaking eye contact. "I really am trying to hate myself less, *fefairrul*."

[8:22 PM] DM: She leans up and kisses Ry softly. When she pulls away, she raises an eyebrow. "About the 'bottle'..."

[8:32 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh immediately worries her lip. "I bought a bottle of alcohol after we ran into Barton on the road. But I had been thinking about it for a little while... I kept having nightmares, really terrible ones that mixed my past with present. I saw Clemency in a cage, but once I got closer it was Seirixori - they were taking her. In one I saw you... dead at Tilman's feet while a guard whispered about how they'd found the Moonborn. I started sleeping less because I couldn't stomach the dreams. Then Barton showed up and... he recognized me, asked me how it felt to hurt my brother, then took responsibility for my 'turn' to the right side." She goes to sit on the bed and puts her face in her hands. "Having control wasn't working, so maybe relenting  would... I hoped it'd numb the pain, let me forget... even if it was just for a night."

[8:55 PM] DM: Rukiya sits next to her and takes her hand. "I'm not going to pretend I know what you were feeling and I'm not going to lecture you. I thought you might need to talk about it in particular, maybe without... well, a fondness for over-indulging isn't uncommon in your group." She sighs. "I'm sorry. I know you don't want to hear it, and you won't accept it, but I need to say it anyway. I'm sorry for everything you've been through before and I'm sorry you relived it the last couple weeks. I'm sorry for my part in it and I'm sorry I wasn't there to help you."

[9:05 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I know you are, but I couldn't avoid Ascus forever." Ryleigh gently squeezes Rukiya's hand. "I always knew I'd have to go back... I just wasn't as prepared as I wanted to be, of course, I might have never been ready. I'm glad you weren't there... Ascus has always taken everything from me... I couldn't bear it if it took you too." She leans over and presses her forehead to Rukiya's. "I'm sure drinking that night would have turned out terribly..."

[9:07 PM] DM: "Maybe. But if you ever wanted to join me in a drink in the safety of... our apartment... just let me know."

[9:13 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Pulling back a little, Ryleigh's brows furrow in thought. "I... I might be more sad, or maybe more angry. I don't know... but, I'm trying to be less controlling and you're one of the only people I willingly give up control to..."

[9:18 PM] DM: "You don't have to do anything you're uncomfortable with. It's a suggestion, an offer, nothing more. I won't push you to drink. Gods know it's a delicate thing for a great many people."

[9:19 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh smiles, and leans in to press a kiss to Rukiya's lips. "Thank you, for offering and understanding. I'll let you know if I ever change my mind."

[9:20 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Is it weird? Saying our apartment, instead of mine?"

[9:27 PM] DM: She thinks about that for a moment. "Not... really. It's new, but... well, I've always lived in a shared space. That's not new. And being here with you isn't new either. It's the combination of the two that's new."

[9:29 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Okay, I just want you to keep me posted... I know it's sort of fast and a lot... all at once."

[9:30 PM] DM: "Are you worried I'll have second thoughts? Is that why you didn't accept Gunnloda's offer?"

[9:32 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I know you love me. I feel it in everything you do, but..." Ryleigh shrugs. "I didn't accept because I didn't know if you wanted the others to know... Seirixori took one look at my bracelet and knew it was the moon. I thought my explanation would deter her from thinking that. It obviously didn't."

[9:38 PM] DM: "My sentimentality is going to get me in trouble, isn't it?" she laughs. "The others can know what we mean to each other. They don't need to know about my past. Seirixori... well... I know how important she is to you. Loving you includes her and she's... very perceptive. Unusually so." She pauses for a moment then adds with a smirk, "Do you think she'd like to work with us?"

[9:42 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I love that you gave each of our bracelets something personal - they're perfect." Then Ryleigh huffs out a laugh. "Actually, I've been wondering the same thing lately. I'm sure Whispers would have more use for her than they do for me. At least next to her name they can put 'perceptive' instead of 'lies good, can lift a lot'."

[9:45 PM] DM: She laughs. "Even if they don't, I can definitely appreciate your ability to lift things.... people... me...."

[9:47 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh chuckles. "Noted."

[9:47 PM] DM: "The point is... we may not be able to keep it from her forever, but... I think I'm ok with that. She's part of you as much as I am and I wouldn't want to ask you to lie to her. But... if we could try to keep it to the four of us... if she figures it out, so be it."

[9:49 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Let's hope she doesn't figure it out, and if she does... we'll figure it out and handle it, together."

[9:50 PM] DM: "Like everything else. I just want you to know that I'm prepared for it, if it needs to happen."

[9:53 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh nods, and cups Rukiya's cheek. "Any other concerns?"

[9:54 PM] DM: "Besides in my questionable decision to put a disc on your bracelet and call it a moon anyway?"

[9:58 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Hiding in plan sight - it could work," Ryleigh jokes, her smile growing. "I almost told her that like the moon, you're my light in the darkest nights. So at least it was you and not me giving her more hints." She laughs lightly.

[10:03 PM] DM: "Maybe I've just had the War of Sun and Moon on my mind, but it's a little poetic, isn't it? Born in Vyon and Ascus, the spy and the paladin, the one who sticks to shadows and the one who carries a beacon of light. We're two sides of the same coin, different, but complementary. Maybe I should've leaned in and gone with the crescent anyway."

[10:22 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "It's certainly romantic, the way we fit together, but I might be biased." Ryleigh moves on the bed so she can turn to face Rukiya. "I'm sure a jeweler could replace the charms if or when we need them to. I would have loved it either way, *sun'frada*."

[6:52 PM] DM: She laughs softly. "I'm sure you would have."

[8:44 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "What's that supposed to mean?" Ryleigh's eyes narrow playfully.

[8:51 PM] DM: "Just that sometimes you're remarkably easy to please."

[8:57 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Yeah, I guess I am." Ryleigh grins and presses a kiss to Rukiya's cheek. "Do you want me to play hard to get sometimes?"

[9:01 PM] DM: She laughs. "I just want you to be comfortable. I'd worry that I'd take your 'hard to get' at face value."

[9:13 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I don't think I'd be successful at playing hard to get with you anyway." Ryleigh's smile falters, and she takes Rukiya's hand.

[9:14 PM] DM: She reaches up, putting her free hand on Ry's jaw and traces the corner of her mouth with her thumb. "What is it?"

[9:15 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I want to ask you something, but... I don't want you to feel like you have to answer me if you don't want to."

[9:20 PM] DM: "I get the feeling it's not about fantasies and bedroom talk," she says with a smirk before she says a little softer, "I've always trusted that if I said I couldn't answer something, you wouldn't pursue it. I don't see why you think that's changed."

[9:24 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Except that one time I forced you to confirm who you were?" Ryleigh's smile turns a bit sad, but then she asks, "Have you ever tried to talk to Vydea?"

[9:29 PM] DM: "That's a broad question with an obvious answer, but what are you actually asking?"

[9:38 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "It's been weighing on my mind lately. Ever since we found Alarys and she answered all the questions right. Asten's never answered me, and I was wondering if Vydea's ever answered you. Why would she abandon you when you're her family? Why would she suddenly decide that her champion doesn't need to be Moonstream? Why would she make you feel unworthy..."

[9:43 PM] DM: "If she did talk to me, it was either long enough ago that I've forgotten or subtle enough that I didn't recognize it as such. As for the rest... people expected me to be her champion, but she never promised it to me. If anything, I abandoned her when I left. Why she didn't choose Kamari, I don't know. Why she's chosen to pick someone unrelated, I don't know. Why she's chosen someone now, I don't know. They're all questions I've had since hearing about it myself, and I have no answers."

[9:50 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Maybe you should ask her," Ryleigh says softly, figuring she's touching on a sensitive subject. "She's like... your great grandmother or something, right?"

[10:05 PM] DM: She smiles softly. "Two greats." She sighs. "I don't know if asking would do any good. As far as I can tell, she's never answered an outright question I've asked, whether in prayer or in looking at the moon. She's the hints at the back of your mind when you're in study or the solutions that come to mind when you're sleeping and wake with inspiration. I was taught that she's always listening when we wonder. That she hasn't answered leads me to believe that she won't."

[10:25 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: “I’m sorry for asking, *l'auorphiem*.” Ryleigh pulls Rukiya close, pressing a gentle kiss to her temple. “I know you probably won’t believe me, but you didn’t do anything wrong in leaving. You did what felt right, and that’s not abandoning Vydea.”

[10:30 PM] DM: The corner of her mouth turns up. "My father used to tell me that there's nothing wrong with asking an honest question."

[10:38 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: “He sounds like a smart man, but if you tell anyone I said that - I’ll deny it.” Ryleigh smiles. “Have you been missing them more lately?”

[10:46 PM] DM: "It comes and goes. It's a little easier here than in Shasem. It's strange... even though I know I was looking at the same moon there, it didn't feel the same." She huffs a tiny chuckle.  "I feel closer to my family when I look at it here... and maybe that's because of her."

[9:27 AM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh shifts so she's kneeling between Rukiya's legs. She takes both her hands and says, "I'm sure it is, maybe its her way of comforting you. When I was gone... the two nights I had nightmares near Aston, I went to the Asten temple seeking comfort." She frowns slightly, her eyes bouncing away for a few moments, before looking back at Rukiya's. "I found a small, secluded balcony and talked to Asten. It didn't make me feel better, it made me more angry, but then I looked at the moon and thought of you. I wondered if maybe you were looking at it too, and the anger faded."

[9:37 AM] DM: She smiles softly and lifts Ry's hands to  press kisses to them.

[9:51 AM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Does it bother you?"

[9:53 AM] DM: She tilts her head a little, confused. "What?'

[10:24 AM] Ryleigh Alastair: “That I believe I’d pick you over Asten, and my oath to you over my oath to him. I didn’t think to ask if that’s something that’d burden you.”

[10:36 AM] DM: "I just want you to be happy and healthy, however that happens. If you can find a way to serve Asten in a way that doesn't cause you to hurt, so be it. If you'd be happier without him, I'm happy to help you find a new purpose."

[10:48 AM] Ryleigh Alastair: “A new purpose that isn’t him... or you?” Ryleigh asks with a questioning eyebrow.

[10:55 AM] DM: Her brows furrow a bit. "You swore to protect me and my secret... and you said you love me and choose me... is there something I'm missing here?"

[11:10 AM] Ryleigh Alastair: “It just sounded like... never mind.” Ryleigh reaches up to cup Rukiya’s cheek. “I’m worried over nothing.”

[11:12 AM] DM: She puts her hand over Ry's and turns her head to kiss her palm. "Sounded like what? Talk to me, Ry."

[1:14 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: “I don’t know,” Ryleigh says, her mouth pulling into a thin line. “Maybe it’s not you. Maybe it’s me.” She runs her thumb over Rukiya’s cheek. “Maybe I’m worried about how dependent on you I might be if I walk away from Asten. And that makes me nervous that you’ll walk away from me because of it.”

[1:22 PM] DM: "Change happens, Ry. When it happens, everything is affected... we just have to adjust and find a new normal that works for both of us. Do what you feel is right. Do what's best for you. Don't let a fear of change hold you back."

[2:12 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: “Until recently, change only brought me more suffering.” Ryleigh sighs. “What would I even do? This is all I’ve ever wanted... the ability to protect the people I love and to punish the people who stand against me.”

[2:22 PM] DM: "Your options are unlimited, Ry. You just have to think about what you want, what you need, what would make you happiest, and what would make you feel fulfilled. You can change your mind. You can learn new skills. You can choose a new god. You can stay where you are. You can retire from it all and be a farmer if you want to. As long as it will make you happy, I will support you."

[2:28 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: “Retire,” Ryleigh chuckles it out.

[2:28 PM] DM: She laughs. "It's a long shot, but an option."

[2:36 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: “It’s really not. I don’t think I could be happy knowing there’s still people in Ascus, in Vyon,  who need help and have no one to turn to. People who are like me, but don’t look like me.” Ryleigh groans in frustration. “I really am weak if something like doubt has turned me into this babbling mess.”

[2:45 PM] DM: She shakes her head. "You are not weak, Ry. You just have bigger goals than most people do, and that means you are going to fail more often. You're facing a big decision, a big potential change. That would make anyone nervous."

[3:03 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: “Were you nervous? When you left. Was it difficult for you to find new purpose when you left? Or did you just... know you wanted to be a spy?”

[3:08 PM] DM: She chuckles a little. "Of course I was nervous. I still worry I made the wrong choice. I thought for a long time about what I wanted to do once I was gone. I thought I could just... have a simple life, but I wasn't ready for that. A place where people were used to having secrets, a place where I could use the talents and skills I had, a place where I could help people... I didn't become a spy because I wanted to be a spy. I did it because it matched what I wanted and needed and made me feel like I was doing something important."

[3:56 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: “I became a paladin because Olivia said I’d make a good one,” Ryleigh admits. “And it fits... doesn’t it? But I can’t be a paladin without serving a god... and what god would let a doubter like me become theirs?”

[4:06 PM] DM: She chuckles, "Well, off the top of my head, doubt and thought and wonder are kind of Vydea's thing, but I'm sure there are a few out there who would align with your beliefs... Witen, Vydea, Xilyra, even Takara might help."

[4:30 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: “Even considering following Vydea feels like a betrayal,” Ryleigh says, humor in her tone. “I’m sure it sounds silly... that I believe in what Asten stands for - truth, freedom, light, song - but that I’m losing faith in Him. I think that’s why this is so difficult for me to figure out... to talk about, because it still feels right to me.”

[4:40 PM] DM: "It's not silly, and it's very personal. Maybe you should talk to another Asten about it. Does Lydia believe in him the way you do?"

[4:46 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: “Yes. I believe so.”

[4:56 PM] DM: "Then maybe she can help you."

[5:10 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: “I was going to ask her for guidance eventually. I was just hoping I’d only have to admit this to you... or Seirixori. It’s a little embarrassing.” Ryleigh leans up and kisses Rukiya. “I’m thankful for you, you know.”

[5:16 PM] DM: She smiles. "I hope you know the feeling is mutual." She runs her finger over the sun on her bracelet. "Just like yours doesn't mean Vydea, this isn't Asten. It's you. You're the sun. The light of my life, the warmth in my heart."

[5:43 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: There’s a soft smile on Ryleigh’s face as she says, “It’s moments like this that I think I’m living someone else’s life.” She slowly pushes up and into Rukiya’s space, forcing her to move more onto the bed before placing a lingering kiss to her lips. “If you keep saying sweet things like that to me, we won’t get anything done today.”

[5:44 PM] DM: "Did you have other plans?"

[5:57 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: “I just need to talk to Lydia before I leave for Ardabeh, but that doesn’t have to happen today.” Ryleigh kisses Rukiya again, then says, “I just wasn’t sure if you needed to do Whispers things, or if you wanted to do something in particular today.”

[5:59 PM] DM: "Just soaking up the sun," she says with a laugh before pulling Ryleigh even closer.

## DF after Ry's

6:33 PM] DM: Gunnloda and Seir leave Ry's apartment to arrange all the transportation and get the people gathered up to head to Bellbury.

[9:16 PM] Seirixori: Seir swings Gunnloda's hand as they walk back to the guildhall to gather everyone so they can be on their way. "Is everything okay?"

[9:17 PM] DM: She shrugs a bit. "As 'ok' as they can be, I s'pose."

[9:21 PM] Seirixori: "Hmm," Seir nods. "Care to elaborate?"

[9:29 PM] DM: "It's nothin' new, really. Just tryin' t'get on, even though everythin's so uncertain."

[9:38 PM] Seirixori: She nods again and continues to lead hem. As the guildhall gets into view Seir stops and gently pulls Gunnloda so they're facing each other as she kneels. "I care about what you're feeling, even if it doesn't seem like anything." She bites her lip and her brow furrows. The look she always gets when trying to find her words. "I-- I don't know when to-- I want to--" she finally just sighs, "I'm here."

[9:42 PM] DM: Gunnloda reaches up and runs her thumb over Seir's lip, like a reminder not to chew on it. "I know y'are, *sor'odko*... Sometimes it feels like you're the only thing keepin' me anchored."

[9:57 PM] Seirixori: Seir smiles and looks down, feeling a little bashful. "I-- I just worry sometimes that I'll miss something."

[9:59 PM] DM: "Like what? I'm startin' t'think your eyes don't miss much of anythin'."

[10:05 PM] Seirixori: She smiles and shrugs, "I don't know, anything?"

[10:08 PM] DM: Gunnloda raises an eyebrow. "Must've been somethin' to be worried 'bout it."

[10:15 PM] Seirixori: She's quiet, clearly working out her words, "I... don't miss much of anything because bad things happen when I do. I don't want it to happen again."

[10:17 PM] DM: She frowns a bit. "It's not your fault that things happen, just 'cause y'didn't see them."

[10:19 PM] Seirixori: "No, but I can try to stop them."

[10:21 PM] DM: "Are you ok?"

[10:22 PM] Seirixori: She laughs, "I might be starting to get a little paranoid."

[10:23 PM] DM: "Hmm," she hums. "Care t'elaborate?" she asks with a chuckle.

[10:27 PM] Seirixori: She shakes her head with a smile and presses a kiss to Gunnloda's forehead, "What I said earlier, the timing of this Moonborn and knowing that Vydea is the only other one who knows of something. And Ryleigh's...stuff." She shrugs, "Well, that one was probably good to not know beforehand."

[10:31 PM] DM: "Y'know I'm not much for hurtin' people if there's another way, but I don't think it'd bother me much if I blinked and accidentally flayed him alive." She pauses for a moment, then cringes. "Maybe."

[10:39 PM] Seirixori: Seir snickers and then cups Gunnloda's cheek and kisses her briefly, "I love you. I guess I wanted to... remind you, I guess, that you can talk to me." She stands, threading her fingers through Gunnloda's again, "However, I imagine the bringing back of our friend is a discussion left better for not in the middle of the street or while we're with a group of twenty or so 'strangers'?"

[10:40 PM] DM: She chuckles and leans into Seir's side a bit before they start walking again. "That's probably a good idea."

## Bellbury

[4:16 PM] DM: So you get everyone moving towards Bellbury. It's getting late in the day by the time the carts pull in, but Eloise is waiting in the town square as goat!Seir trots up with a light red tiefling child on her back.  She looks much as you remember, long, silvery-blonde hair in a twist, a nice blue and silver dress, mangled fingernails from being chewed excessively. She spots Gunnloda climbing down from a cart and gives her a smile.

[4:42 PM] Seirixori: Seir shifts, holding Arkrus in her arms. "Hello, Baroness." She says with a big smile, "Th-thank you for this."

[4:50 PM] DM: She smiles. "I should be thanking you. You're still trying to help Bellbury after everything."

[5:39 PM] Seirixori: Seir looks behind her at everyone and then back to Eloise, "It wasn't Bellbury's fault. Nothing ever was."

[5:49 PM] DM: She gestures to the side where a handful of people are standing with papers. They step forward towards the newcomers.

"If you'll excuse me for just a moment..."

She steps away from Seir and raises her voice. "Welcome, everyone, to your new homes. I have some people here who will ask you each a few questions to help me get you situated in a home that will best fit your needs. We're mostly looking for farmers and orchard workers, but if you have any special skills, please let them know that as well."

[5:50 PM] DM: Everyone starts getting out of the carts, talking to the baroness's people, getting situated, and Eloise turns back to Seir. Gunnloda's made her way over as well.

"With such short messages, it was difficult to plan too much ahead of time."

[6:26 PM] Seirixori: Seir shifts Arkrus in her arms as she takes Gunnloda's hand. "Anything is better than where they were, Baroness."

[6:38 PM] Seirixori: "Thank you for giving them this chance."

[6:39 PM] DM: Eloise: "We still have more homes without people than with, and honestly, letting people move in is easier than cleaning them out."

On your way in, you'd have noticed that some of the farms have been left to themselves, given up on, but that there were a couple still being tended to.

[6:56 PM] Seirixori: "It'll be nice to see it filled with people." Seir sets Arkrus down, summoning a few goats for him to go play with around the fountain. She turns back to Eloise, her hesitation visible, "How-how is Misha doing?"

[7:04 PM] DM: Eloise: "Better. Fewer wakeful nights, at least. She and her mother are out on one of their field trips."

[7:10 PM] Seirixori: "That's good. I'm glad," she sighs, relieved. Seir tilts her head, now truly focused on Eloise. "And you?"

[7:17 PM] DM: She smiles a little, but it seems sad and her eyes look tired. "Better than most of those who lived here before the blast. Honestly, we're hanging on by our fingertips, though if this works, I may send word to Castin to try importing more volunteers. It's a solid idea, I just hope implementation is as easy as it can be."

[7:26 PM] Seirixori: She nods. "I'd be happy to help when the time comes. If I can." Seir glances around and quietly adds, "... that also still extends to the moon thing if I'm available and you need extra hands."

[7:47 PM] DM: "I appreciate the offer. We've been able to make-do so far, and if my suspicions are correct, more often than not, that's what their field trips include- making sure there are no surprises waiting when time comes."

[8:29 PM] Seirixori: "That's great!" She doesn't try to temper her excitement anymore, "Would you like any help with all of this?" Seir motions to the group.

[8:35 PM] DM: She glances back at the organized chaos behind Seir. "Well, would you like to see this one and his family to their new home?"

She asks Gunnloda, "The ones you told me about?" When Gunnloda nods, Eloise gestures to someone who walks over and hands her a piece of paper. She glances over it and nods in confirmation. "They'll be on the street just north of where Mr. Ningel lived. I'm sure you remember how to get there?"

[8:37 PM] Seirixori: Seir makes a face at his name, "I do."

[8:41 PM] DM: "How long do you plan on staying?"

[8:45 PM] Seirixori: "At least until tomorrow. I... We don't have anything too important just yet if you need more help."

[9:00 PM] DM: "We'll manage. Mostly it's just making sure everyone has a bed and food for the night, then we'll start working on... well, work. They're just in time for what harvest we can manage, so everyone's going to be chipping in on the farms and in the orchard at least for the first week or two."

[9:01 PM] DM: "Come by to let me know before you leave?"

[9:10 PM] Seirixori: "Of course."

[9:25 PM] DM: She nods to excuse herself to head towards one of the people who looks like he's having trouble.

[9:28 PM] Seirixori: Seir let's out a large sigh of relief, "That wasn't bad."

[9:53 PM] DM: Gunnloda chuckles. "Did y'expect it t'be?"

[9:58 PM] Seirixori: "Kind of the way of things lately," She laughs a little.

[7:45 AM] DM: She presses a kiss to the back of Seir's hand. "Shall we?"

[2:47 PM] Seirixori: Seir answers with a grin and leads them to Bliss and Valris, "Ready? We can show you to where you're staying."

[2:51 PM] DM: Valris grins and hands Morthus back to Bliss before hefting a large sack over his shoulder.  "Let's go!"

[2:59 PM] DM: Seir leads them to the street north of Poni's. At the house they'd been assigned, both Valris and Bliss stop short. It's a small house and the design indicates it was probably built for humans.

[3:00 PM] DM: Arkrus looks up at it with wide eyes. "Is that... ours?"

[3:02 PM] Seirixori: "It is." She places her hand on Valris' shoulder, "Welcome home."

[3:07 PM] DM: Arkrus runs up to the door and opens it wide before disappearing inside. Valris smiles at Seir for a second before chasing his son.

Bliss: "Feels like a dream. Just... waiting for someone to say that it's all a cruel joke and arrest us for trespassing."

[3:16 PM] Seirixori: "Elois-- the Baroness is... kinder than most people I've met outside my own. She gave me a chance when she had every reason not to. It's real."

[3:24 PM] DM: Arkrus appears at the door again, slightly out of breath. "Mama! You could fit like... seven families in here."

Bliss chuckles and smiles at Seir. "Thank you." She tickles Morthus's cheek with a finger and says, "I suppose we should go see, hmm, *sraokira*?" Then she heads inside too with a gesture to invite Seir and Gunnloda inside as well.

[3:30 PM] Seirixori: Seir squeezes Gunnloda's hand and she hesitates very briefly before following Bliss inside.

[8:31 PM] DM: The house has three rooms- an open room with a table and chairs and cooking area with two bedrooms to the side. It looks like it hasn't been touched since whoever lived here was forcibly relocated, but there's a pile of foodstuffs in the kitchen- grains, potatoes, things that they can live on for a bit. Everything's worn and used, but it's a huge step up from the single room they'd shared before with nothing but a pot and a nest of blankets.

Valris is wrestling Arkrus from bouncing on the bed in one of the rooms and Bliss looks close to tears.

Gunnloda squeezes Seir's hand. "Y'did good, *ko'dadir*."

[8:57 PM] Seirixori: Seir looks near to tears herself and she struggles when she says, "Y-yeah."

[8:59 PM] DM: "Y'ok?"

[9:09 PM] Seirixori: She nods, wiping at her eyes, "It- it kind of feels like- like what happened when we met  Ra-Ravaphine's mom, but..." She shakes her head, "but that's so small compared to-to how..." Seir motions to herself, not really sure how to explain. "I'm- I'm happy."

[9:14 PM] DM: Gunnloda kisses Seir's hand, then mutters a few words, waves her hand, and 45 pounds of breads appear on every horizontal surface in the room. "We can pass these out for t'day... or I can do that and you can play," she chuckles.

[9:22 PM] Seirixori: Her eyes light up as she looks towards Arkrus and Valris, but she shakes her head, "I'll help, we can play later."

## Later

7:18 PM] Seirixori: Seir leans against a tree after her fey animal friends put together their little camp for the night. "I know we just got done with a lot of camping, but at least this isn't filled with scary shadow things."

[7:22 PM] DM: Gunnloda chuckles and picks up one of the ration packs they set out to nibble on. She sits near the fire and makes a grabby-hand gesture to call Seir over. "Feels a lot friendlier here, anyway."

[7:40 PM] Seirixori: Seir grins and makes her way over, cuddling up behind Gunnloda. "Wish we could do this all the time."

[7:43 PM] DM: "Campin' and cuddlin' is do-able... Changin' the lives of a couple dozen people and a town is prob'ly less sustainable."

[8:04 PM] Seirixori: "Maybe on a smaller scale then," she releases a contented sigh. "I never really had a purpose before. Not one that didn't involve finding my mother. You asked me once what I did and it never occurred to me before that that I could do things. I always wanted to help people, seeing other people happy... I was never given that chance, they were always afraid of me and now..." She shrugs, "...now I get to."

[8:16 PM] DM: She holds a berry from her pack up for Seir with a soft smile. "Helpin' people's what I've always tried t'do. Even when... Even when it felt like I was lyin' t'people, it still seemed t'help in the end, and feedin' folks that were hungry always felt like it was right. Didn't need a god's ear t'help fill a belly."

[8:17 PM] DM: "I knew you'd be the sort o'person who'd want t'help others, even in the beginnin', and I am so proud of what you've done here."

[8:32 PM] Seirixori: Seir takes the berry with her mouth, pressing a kiss to Gunnloda's fingers as she does. She gets a little flustered at Gunnloda's praise.  Cheeks darker than normal she mumbles a barely coherent, "thank you."

[8:35 PM] DM: She chuckles again and scoots up to press a kiss to Seir's extra-warm cheek. "M'favorite shade."

[8:43 PM] Seirixori: Her face darkens just a little more and with a cheeky grin Seir says, "You're always welcome to wear it."

[8:51 PM] DM: She chuckles again, turning to fully kiss Seir before sitting against her again with a wink. "Dinner first."

[8:54 PM] Seirixori: "I suppose," she laughs and finally grabs her own rations. "May I ask about what happened with Yahya?"

[8:57 PM] DM: "'bout which part?"

[9:00 PM] Seirixori: She shrugs, "When you revived him. It looked like... a lot."

[9:07 PM] DM: She nods, the mood becoming far more somber. " 'm guessin' you're not askin' about wantin' t'sleep for a week afterwards."

[9:11 PM] Seirixori: "Not really."

[9:29 PM] DM: She thinks about it, a bit of a crinkle forming between her brows. "I don't really know... it was the first time I've ever tried t'bring someone back, and... it wasn't the right kind o'spell for it anyway. It'd been too long. I was..." she frowns a bit, closing her eyes to try to remember. "It was like lookin' for a speck of light in a field of stars. They were flyin' by too fast for me t'see... and then I- I don't know how, but I had him. I asked if he wanted t'come back, and he said yes... and..." she shrugs. "That was it."

[9:32 PM] Seirixori: Seir tilts her head taking it in, "That's... really neat."

[9:36 PM] Seirixori: "Did it-did it feel weird?"

[9:37 PM] DM: "Flyin' through stars?" she chuckles. "A bit, yeah."

[9:43 PM] Seirixori: She's quiet for a brief second, and she whispers, "It scared me. I- I was afraid I might have pushed too hard."

[9:51 PM] DM: Gunnloda sets her food down and turns around, getting to her knees so she's eye to eye with Seir. "Don't feel guilty, *sor'okdo*. We're both just... tryin' t'figure things out. I know y'wouldn't try t'hurt me on purpose."

[10:01 PM] Seirixori: Seir nods. "I'll try." She smiles seconds later, "Told you you could do it."

[10:09 PM] DM: She chuckles and leans in to kiss Seir again, then sits back in her spot. "Barely, but yeah. Felt bad not bein' able t'help for a while, and would've felt worse if someone'd gotten hurt, but... he's alive. His sister has him back. They're out of Ascus. I'd say it was worth it."

[10:15 PM] Seirixori: Seir nods and starts lightly tracing random patterns on Gunnloda's arm, "It was."

[10:20 PM] DM: She leans her head back against Seir's shoulder. "Y'ok?"

[10:24 PM] Seirixori: Seir takes her time answering. "I think so." She laughs, "For now. I don't know if I've actually processed everything or if I've decided to push it aside. I'm... I feel like I'm waiting for whatever other news I'm going to get when we finally get to Limabey."

[10:28 PM] DM: "D'you know what you're gonna say? Or ask?"

[10:34 PM] Seirixori: "I think so. Part of me wants to not say anything at all. The other..." She shrugs.

[10:36 PM] DM: "Wish I could be there with you, but I'll be there for you after... no matter what comes of it."

[10:38 PM] Seirixori: "I wish you could too..." Seir laughs, "If Takara hadn't spoken to her I doubt she'd have even noticed I was gone longer than usual. I hope you guys will be okay waiting while I speak to her."

[10:40 PM] DM: "We'll be fine."

[10:43 PM] Seirixori: She chuckles, "You always are."

[10:51 PM] DM: "Usually," she smiles. "Are... do y'think you're gonna want t'stay for a while?"

[10:54 PM] Seirixori: She shakes her head, "No, not really. Mielikki's grove and the forest is pretty much all I know. Not much to do there."

[11:02 PM] DM: "Well, just in case... y'know I'll go with ya, wherever you want t'go, for as long as y'want."

[11:04 PM] Seirixori: "Then I guess you're stuck with me for a very long time, *tor beag.*"

[11:07 PM] DM: "Happily so, *v'do.*"

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