11 Takaramont

10 Takaramont-11 Takaramont-12 Takaramont (Back to Logs)

### Major Events

Seir tells Gunnloda about divinity, they tell Ryfika and Kendall. The group starts their investigations of the Moonborn rumors.

## Synopsis

Kendall goes home, Malica stays home, and everyone else gets ready to head south to investigate the missing people and murders connected to the Moonborn. Heading south on their cart and horses, they stop at Landharbor where they do a little information gathering, finding little useful information.

 Riverrun, Devil's Food Opener

Riverrun, Vyon, Dawnguard HQ

[5:43 PM] DM: Early the next morning, Gunnloda's sitting up in bed, writing in her journal.

[7:23 PM] Seirixori: Seir mumbles incoherently as she wakes up. She spots Gunnloda awake out of the corner of her eye, "Morning, tor beag."

[7:24 PM] DM: She closes her book and leans over to kiss Seir's forehead. "Morning."

[7:30 PM] Seirixori: "Interesting night?"

[7:33 PM] DM: "Yeah, I s'pose you could say that. We had a... long talk."

[7:35 PM] Seirixori: "S'it good?" She yawns.

[7:36 PM] DM: Gunnloda shrugs. "Lotta talkin' about all the things that've gone wrong lately."

[7:38 PM] Seirixori: She gives a heavy sigh, "That's a lot of things."

[7:39 PM] Seirixori: Seir closes her eyes, "Want to answer a hypothetical question?"

[7:40 PM] DM: "What's on your mind, darlin'?"

[7:43 PM] Seirixori: "If you had a choice between eternal darkness or living forever and..." Seir takes a shaky breath, "... well just living forever. Which would you choose?"

[7:46 PM] DM: Gunnloda frowns and looks at Seir. "That doesn't sound real hypothetical, sor'odko. Not when one is a real possibility for me.... why d'you ask? Plannin' on turnin' me into a vampire or somethin'?"

[7:54 PM] Seirixori: Seir laughs, "It is quite the opposite."

[7:57 PM] Seirixori: She sits up and turns to face Gunnloda. "This is... this is going to sound real crazy..."

[7:58 PM] DM: She takes Seir's hand.

[7:59 PM] Seirixori: Seir squeezes her hand, placing her other on top, "You're uh... the reason you were in that place when you died is because it's yours. It's your realm... Takara said you're uh, you're in the process of ascending... to be a goddess."

[8:03 PM] DM: She just blinks. Then blinks some more. Then laughs. "That's funny. Better'n vampires though."

[8:04 PM] Seirixori: Seir continues looking at her, serious.

[8:07 PM] Seirixori: "Gunnloda, I'm not making a joke."

[8:09 PM] DM: "I can't be a goddess. I have parents. I bleed. I died. That doesn't make any sense."

[8:25 PM] Seirixori: "I don't know how it works. Takara and Vydea aren't sure how it works."

[8:28 PM] DM: She frowns and lets her thoughts tumble over one another for a minute until she finally just takes a deep breath. "What-- what does it mean?"

[8:33 PM] Seirixori: "It means..." she shrugs, "... well it means that, I don't know. It's what's happening with you. It's... possibly going to be an issue, honestly."

[8:35 PM] DM: Gunnloda sits back against the bedframe, kind of slumped backwards. "I-- I'm tryin' real hard not t'just say I need t'let it sit... what kind of issue?"

[8:36 PM] Seirixori: "Do you know how a god survives?"

[8:38 PM] DM: "A bit... I did do a lot of research on them back when... prayer, mostly, I think. Faith."

[8:44 PM] Seirixori: "Takara told me that... that a new god threatens the current ones. Because--because any faith switching over could impact their livelihood... and while they can't interfere their champions can. And Betrex knows."

[9:01 PM] DM: "So if I see Kola, I should put 'er in a headlock?" she jokes. "What about Takara and Vydea? You said they know too? I-- I mean... Takara's... she's on your side, right? What... what 'sides' are there? Do I even have a choice in this?" She groans and puts her hand to her forehead. "I... I'd prob'ly do anythin' not t'spend eternity in that darkness, but... this is too much."

[9:33 PM] Seirixori: Seir chuckles at the joke, "Takara said she is, yes. I'm... I'm sorry that I don't know more, I was trying to find out more before telling you but... I- I didn't want to keep it from you. You could not, but I don't know how... but you'd be still in that darkness..."

[9:47 PM] DM: She shivers at that and one of her hands rubs her upper arm like she's subconsciously trying to warm herself. "So what... what do we do now?"

[9:52 PM] Seirixori: "I'm not really sure. I-I asked Rukiya if she'd look into if anyone's documented an ascension... but so far... I don't have anything but what's happening."

[9:55 PM] DM: She nods and bites her lip and says, "O-okay. Thank you.... for tellin' me."

[10:00 PM] Seirixori: "You're welcome," she whispers.

[10:15 PM] DM: She scoots over to lean against Seir and softly chuckles. "Figures this is why I kept fallin' for religious folks despite my disbelief. 's like our souls're lookin' for each other."

[10:28 PM] Seirixori: "Yeah," Seir manages, clearly choked up. She tries to stop it, but she starts sobbing despite trying not to.

[10:32 PM] DM: Gunnloda looks at Seir, confused. "It wasn't that good a line... talk t'me, sor'odko."

[10:35 PM] Seirixori: "You won't-- you'll f-forget."

[10:40 PM] DM: "Forget what, darlin'?"

[10:41 PM] Seirixori: She shakes her head, like she doesn't want to let it out, but she manages, "Everything."

[10:45 PM] DM: "Everything?"

[10:47 PM] Seirixori: She nods, wiping her face, or hiding, probably both.

[10:53 PM] DM: Gunnloda turns to fully face Seir and gently moves her hands so she can cradle Seir's face, brushing her tears away with her thumbs. "I could never forget you, sor'odko. Whatever else happens., I swear it.. and now... now I get t'love you for the rest of your life."

[10:58 PM] Seirixori: Seir manages a smile, and through shaky breath says, "I can make jokes about my wife being a goddess."

[11:00 PM] DM: Gunnloda smiles. "S'long as it doesn't mean we're actually related... that's just a cruel rumor 'bout Dharns."

12:35 AM] Seirixori: Seir snorts in laughter, "I don't think that's how it works. I also have no idea what the last part means."

[8:51 AM] DM: "Frostbeards are notorious about only marryin' dwarves so there's rumors we only marry family."

[7:16 PM] Seirixori: Seir moves so that she can sit behind Gunnloda and wraps her in her arms, pulling her back, snug against her. She rests her head on Gunnloda's and releases a soft sigh, "Well, if any were paying attention last week, they'd have definitely seen otherwise." She tightens her hold on Gunnloda, the promise to not forget her doesn't ease her fear.

[7:32 PM] DM: "Is this... y'said y'don't know anything else about it? How long we've got? Feels like you're 'fraid I'm gonna disappear any minute. ....... am I?"

[7:44 PM] Seirixori: Seir shrugs, "I don't know. I don't think so. It could be five, ten years, or a couple of hundred... but I..." she stops. "You'll be all super fancy and wonderful and I'll just... be here, forgo--." With a painful whisper she says, "Why am I not meant to keep anybody?"

[8:48 PM] DM: "There's so much we don't know 'bout all o'this. Maybe it's not as bad as y'think. If... if it's true... if I'm a... If I'm a goddess, then why can't you come with me? I was only gonna live half your lifetime before... but now when yours is over, why can't you come back t'me?"

[9:30 PM] Seirixori: Seir snuggles closer to Gunnloda, like she almost wants to fall asleep again, "I... I'm not sure. My ...Mielikki might have an issue with that. I won't know until..." Seir sighs heavily, "She only knows I have a wife, Takara hasn't told her anything else." She kisses the top of Gunnloda's head, "Honestly... no matter her answer, I had a little over a week to think about all this." She laughs, "Even with the threat of- of losing either one of them, I was already set in making sure you wouldn't fade, even if you didn't remember me. I was planning on bugging the crap out of you until you talked to me, or took me as your champion, or anything really."

[10:01 PM] DM: Gunnloda squeezes Seir's hands when she mentions Mielikki. "I... I didn't think about... I don't want t'make y'choose." She closes her eyes for a minute. "Is it time t'let it sit yet? Does anyone else know? Ryleigh? Rukiya? Should they?"

[10:11 PM] Seirixori: Seir nuzzles Gunnloda, "I'm sorry for the overload, tor beag." She takes one hand and threads it with hers. She uses her other to lightly trace random patterns on Gunnloda's leg, "They don't, not the details. I'm sure Rukiya has put it together though. Or soon will. I... I didn't want to tell either of them before telling you. Ryleigh only knows there might be trouble."

[10:19 PM] DM: "Is this somethin' we need t'keep to ourselves?"

[10:30 PM] Seirixori: "I... I think so. I-I would like to tell at least them." She laughs a little, "You know the others are terrible with secrets."

[10:35 PM] DM: "What about Kendall? She's.... worried that I might've accidentally strayed from the path of what's right and that's why m'magic's gone all... dark. I... honestly don't know how she'd react t'this... but maybe she could look into it in Vatru like Rukiya is here. There's so many gods up there..."

[10:50 PM] Seirixori: "I... it might be good to explain to her, if only to reassure her that I really don't have a problem with the other thing. I'm... I'd be a little worried though, we don't have a way to get to her quickly, what if something happens because she's looking into it?"

[10:53 PM] DM: "Y'think she'd be in danger?"

[10:55 PM] Seirixori: "I really don't know. She-- maybe not because she's far enough away from us." Seir laughs, "I doubt either of us could stop her from doing it anyway if she believed us."

[11:02 PM] DM: She smiles. "No, prob'ly not. But we can at least tell 'er t'be careful who she talks to." She turns to look at Seir's eyes. "'Bout 'the other thing'..."

[11:04 PM] Seirixori: "Hmm?" She smiles and caresses Gunnloda's cheek.

[11:13 PM] DM: "Just want t'be sure you're sure. Y'promise you'll tell me if... if you're not happy or if... Y'told me you'd let me know if I was bein' foolish with m'heart.... bein' blind." She sighs. "Maybe now's not the time anyway."

[12:00 AM] Seirixori: "Gunnloda," Seir whispers and cups Gunnloda's cheeks, looking into her eyes, "I promise you. You make me happier than I could have ever imagined. Your love fills me with the greatest joy, how could I not want to share that? Seeing you happy, seeing you love, makes me happy. As long as you two talk before moving on, if she wishes, then there is no blindness. And time... some of us don't have as much as others, waiting will only bring more pain.

"Mo cuishle, my pulse," Seir leans over and kisses her, warm and soft. When she pulls away she briefly, gently, catches Gunnloda's bottom lip with her teeth and winks, "I love you and I can't think of anything better to be than your wife, your rock."

[12:09 AM] DM: Gunnloda smiles, tears in her eyes. "I love you so much, ko'dadir." She leans in and kisses Seir back and, if Seir's amenable, will likely not leave the bedroom for some time still.

## Ryfikennlodori (A five seat table from IKEA)

6:20 PM] Seirixori: Seir, instead of her usual braids, ends up pulling her hair into a high ponytail. She leans over to give Gunnloda a kiss, "Did you want to talk to Kendall now? She should still be here."

[6:30 PM] DM: Gunnloda's smile fades a bit and she sighs. "Can't hide from it forever.... can I?" she chuckles. "S'pose she should know before she decides t'head home though."

[6:32 PM] DM: "Did y'need help with your hair or is this a new style for ya?"

[6:37 PM] Seirixori: "Just felt like a little change today, something not so tight." She takes Gunnloda's hand and leads them out of their room, "Do you think we should tell all three of them at the same time?"

[6:39 PM] DM: "It might be easier that way... instead of repeatin' things... and the more minds we get thinkin' on it, we might have a better chance of figurin' it out."

[6:43 PM] DM: Kendall's likely in the kitchen, putting on a pot of tea.

[6:45 PM] Seirixori: Seir heads to the kitchen, "Might make it more believable. Or less."

[6:47 PM] DM: As Seir and Gunnloda enter the kitchen, Gunnloda chuckles, "I'm still not sure I do believe it."

[6:48 PM] DM: Kendall looks over from the chair she's standing on, two mugs in hand. "Do you drink tea, Lucky Charm?"

[6:49 PM] Seirixori: "I do, yes." She walks over, "Do you want any help?"

[6:50 PM] DM: Kendall waves her off. "I can manage."

[6:51 PM] DM: Gunnloda: "D'you want me t'Send t'Ryleigh, or should we go find them?"

[6:52 PM] Seirixori: Seir tilts her head, "Probably best if we go there, but uh, letting her know might be good too." She grins, "I may have come over a little too early the last few times."

[6:55 PM] DM: Gunnloda chuckles. She puts her hand over her holy symbol and mumbles some words before sending the message that they'd be heading over soon.

[7:06 PM] Seirixori: "Up for going for a walk, Kendall?"

[7:12 PM] DM: Gunnloda: "We've got some news and... it'd be easier t'tell all at once."

Kendall looks between the two of them, and shrugs. "Sure. Maybe I can see more of this town than the inside of this building," she laughs.

[7:17 PM] Seirixori: Seir grabs some tea, "Whenever you're ready. ...I'm taking this with me because she has coffee and it's gross."

[7:20 PM] DM: Kendall grabs her hat from the table. "Let's go ahead then."

[7:28 PM] Seirixori: Seir, also with her hat, leads them to Ryleigh's and knocks on the door once they arrive.

[7:31 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh opens the door, letting them all in. "I'm sorry, we might be a little cramped... I'm not use to having so much company at once."

[7:31 PM] DM: Kendall: "It's all right, dear. I don't take up much space."

[7:33 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Once everyone is inside, Ryleigh shuffles around everyone and back into the kitchen. "Coffee anyone? I'd offer food but we've been gone for weeks... and I didn't go for groceries this morning."

[7:34 PM] DM: Rukiya's sitting perched on a countertop to free up the few seats in the apartment.

[7:35 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh refills Rukiya's mug with a quick kiss to her cheek, while filling her own.

[7:36 PM] Seirixori: "I brought my own drink," Seir grins and sits on the floor.

[7:37 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Peering over to where Seir is, Ryleigh spots a drink in her hand. "Ah, right. I'll remember to pick up tea for you, Seirixori."

[7:38 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "So... what's all this about? I'm used to Seirixori stopping by, but..." she glances at Seir "...you brought everyone."

[7:44 PM] Seirixori: Seir raises an eyebrow, "This is definitely not everyone." She grins and starts twisting the cup in her hand. "It's about Gunnloda and what we've been trying to figure out."

[7:45 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Trust me, if I thought you were bringing Urrak or Brimiea here, I would have insisted we meet... elsewhere."

[7:46 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Does that mean you're ready to talk about it?"

[7:48 PM] Seirixori: She nods, "We figured it'd be best if at least some of you knew. To help, to be... aware."

[7:50 PM] Seirixori: She looks at Gunnloda, then her cup, and then to everyone else, "I know this is going to sound ridiculous, but it's what Takara told me and I have no reason to believe she's lying."

[7:50 PM] DM: Gunnloda listens, seemingly perfectly fine letting Seir take the lead on explaining.

[7:51 PM] Seirixori: She takes a deep breath and says, "Takara believes Gunnloda's in the process of ascending to become a goddess."

[7:52 PM] DM: Rukiya just quirks an eyebrow. Kendall is quiet.

[7:53 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh's brows furrow, and at first she doesn't say anything, but then she asks, "Can that... is that a thing?"

[7:56 PM] DM: Kendall says, "I've never heard of it," and it comes out almost bitter, like she doesn't see a reason to even try to believe it, but she winces and adds, softer, "but I've never heard of the darkness either." She gives Gunnloda an apologetic look.

[7:57 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "That might explain the bits of white in Gunnloda's aura..." she says more to herself than anyone else in the room.

[7:57 PM] Seirixori: Seir kind of laughs at Ryleigh, "Apparently, it can."

[7:58 PM] Seirixori: "It's... Takara said they think the darkness was her... realm. She just doesn't have the power to manifest it into anything yet."

[8:03 PM] DM: Rukiya: "That's why you wanted me to look into ascension."

[8:05 PM] Seirixori: Seir nods, "Yes. They... they aren't sure how it works, or how long it will take. Just that they can't directly interfere."

[8:06 PM] DM: Rukiya: "I'll see what I can find when I get a chance."

[8:07 PM] Seirixori: "Thank you," she says quietly.

[8:07 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Why did you say 'directly' like that?" Ryleigh asks with a raised eyebrow.

[8:08 PM] DM: Gunnloda looks to Kendall. "I was hopin' you might be able to see if anyone up north mighta written about it too... but Seirixori's worried about your safety."

[8:09 PM] Seirixori: "Because a new god is a threat to the current ones and there's at least three who know about this."

[8:09 PM] DM: Rukiya: "You're worried about their champions."

[8:10 PM] DM: Kendall: "I told you I wouldn't have ever stopped looking for an answer if I'd known. Of course I'll look."

[8:10 PM] Seirixori: "Only... one at the moment. I'm not worried about Takara and I don't know how much Vydea knows, other than Takara asked her if she remembered anything about ascending."

[8:11 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh's hand comes up to cover her mouth and her eyes grow wide.

[8:12 PM] Seirixori: Seeing Ryleigh's expression, Seir asks, "What is it?"

[8:13 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Kola. That's why she was so interested in Gunnloda when we were at the ancient temple. She never let her out of her sight. That was right after you talked to Takara about it the first time - right?"

[8:14 PM] Seirixori: Seir nods. "That's when Takara spoke to Betrex too."

[8:14 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "That's what she was hiding. She knew!"

[8:17 PM] Seirixori: Seir frowns, "I... maybe? I don't know if that's something she would have known immediately... Takara told me at one of the stops on our way here... I... she would have mentioned it sooner if she knew then. I... think."

[8:18 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "No, not Takara - Betrex - Kola."

[8:19 PM] Seirixori: Seir just shrugs, "It's possible that she knew and didn't tell Takara. I don't really know anything about her other than she's creepy."

[8:20 PM] DM: Rukiya: "Betrex? Or... is Kola her champion?"

[8:20 PM] Seirixori: "Both, from what Takara said." Seir laughs.

[8:23 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Seirixori liked Kola's cloak though," Ryleigh says, rolling her eyes.

[8:24 PM] Seirixori: "I liked her sword, you totally wanted her cloak."

[8:24 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Stop telling lies," Ryleigh teases at Seirixori.

[8:25 PM] Seirixori: "You know you loved the dramatic effect it has." Seir sticks out her tongue.

[8:23 PM] DM: Rukiya: "I don't know Kola, but Betrex is the goddess of death. She's usually depicted as skeletal or as a very thin, bone white person. There's not really much to know about her. She's one of the original gods, like Takara. Her followers usually end up running graveyards and cemeteries, doing the rituals to bury people."

[8:25 PM] Seirixori: She waves her hands at Rukiya, "Yeah, creepy."

[8:29 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "So what now? Rukiya is going to do some research, Kendall might do some in Vatru, but what are you hoping they'll find?"

[8:31 PM] Seirixori: "I..." Seir shifts a bit, "I wanted to know the process, if anyone knows, so we know and to maybe slow-slow it down."

[8:33 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Why would you want to slow it down?" Ryleigh cautiously asks.

[8:36 PM] Seirixori: Seir immediately looks down and starts playing with the now empty cup. She sighs heavily and starts to answer, but instead shakes her head, unable to, or not wanting to, voice it again.

[8:37 PM] DM: Gunnloda speaks up, softly. "She thinks it's gonna happen in a few years."

[8:38 PM] DM: Kendall frowns. "And if it does? If this is all true, wouldn't you have an obligation to fulfill your duty as a deity? Maybe there's a need that you're supposed to fill."

[8:39 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh watches Seir, her mouth pulling into a thin line, but she doesn't press.

[8:39 PM] Seirixori: "I guess I just wanted to be a little selfish," she whispers.

[8:42 PM] DM: Kendall opens her mouth to say something, then stops herself. When she does continue, it's in a soft voice. "I understand. Really, I do... but the matters of the gods are beyond our understanding. Beyond our ability to change. If this is all true, it's a great honor, but also a great responsibility to the world."

[8:46 PM] Seirixori: "Yeah, sure." Seir mutters, still not looking up, quickly wiping at her face.

[8:47 PM] DM: Gunnloda sits next to Seir and takes her hand.

[8:54 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "We don't know if it'll be a good or a bad thing yet, Kendall."

[8:55 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Gunnloda might have a responsibility to the world, or she may not be needed. What would she even be the goddess of?"

[8:58 PM] DM: Kendall looks confused for a second when Ry says 'good or bad' but then her eyes widen and she looks at Gunnloda with something akin to fear in her eyes. "Your magic... are you..."  She makes a gesture that everyone's reasonably sure is supposed to be a warding of some sort, not magical, just a superstitious practice.

[9:00 PM] DM: Gunnloda's expression turns worried and her eyes get watery. "Y'think I might be like the Six?"

[9:01 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "The what?"

[9:01 PM] Seirixori: Seir frowns, "The what?"

[9:03 PM] Seirixori: When she looks up, it's clear that there are tears on her face.

[9:03 PM] DM: When Gunnloda doesn't immediately explain, Kendall does. "She was worried because her magic's been dark. Hurtin' people. The Six, the Dark Six, are the gods that stand opposite the Host. Death and Decay, Rage and Ruin, Wave and Whelm, Betrayal and Bloodshed, Magic and Mayhem, Chaos and Charm... just because they are gods doesn't mean they are good."

[9:05 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: “That’s not what I meant by good or bad.” Ryleigh shakes her head.

[9:06 PM] Seirixori: "I... I don't really know, but I don't think so. Takara doesn't know what she'll take over. If she takes over anything. But I... no."

[9:09 PM] DM: Gunnloda looks like she's having trouble keeping herself together at this point. She's scared, seconds from crying. "What if it's true? I-- M'magic's been off lately. Half the time, I don't even know what I'm doin' 'til it's done. I never learned magic t'make people weak or sick. I don't want t'do that."

[9:10 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: “No,” Ryleigh says firmly. “Your Magic has also saved lives. You brought someone back after they died with a healing spell. That’s not dark magic, Gunnloda. Just because it’s unexplainable now doesnt mean it’s dark or evil.”

[9:12 PM] Seirixori: Seir moves quickly, taking Gunnloda's face in her hands, "No, mo cuishle." She grins at Ryleigh's words, "Ry's right. Just because it's different doesn't mean it's automatically bad or-or evil."

[9:16 PM] DM: Gunnloda: "But what if it is? What if that's what I'm supposed to do? I-- I don't want that. I'd--" she closes her eyes and tears fall from their corners. "I'd rather be in the dark. Please don't let me become like them."

[9:19 PM] Seirixori: "You won't," Seir says fiercely, wiping at Gunnloda's tears. "I told you already I was going to bother the crap out of you when it happens, that includes whatever path you may or may not take. For all we know, you'll get to choose."

[9:22 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Even if you don't, I'm sure you won't become the evil you fear. Seirixori won't let that happen..." Ryleigh gently says, her brows furrowing as the words leave her mouth.

[9:23 PM] Seirixori: "Yeah, I have... connections." She jokes.

[9:24 PM] DM: Gunnloda: "Connections that I might hurt."

[9:28 PM] Seirixori: Seir sighs heavily, "Yes, well, Takara's helping anyway, even though she lost someone she loved to another god coming in so..." Seir shrugs, "We'll figure it out, I swear it."

[9:30 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh takes Rukiya's hand and stays silent.

[9:32 PM] DM: Kendall: "I'm sorry, love. I know you'd never want to hurt anyone that didn't deserve it."

[9:34 PM] DM: Rukiya speaks up for the first time in a while. "Maybe we need to get everything we know in the open so we know what we're starting with. We figure out what to expect, then Gunnloda can decide what she wants to do with it. If she can choose or slow down or not go through with it or if it's all going to happen without any action on her part at all."

[9:37 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Nodding, Ryleigh says to Seir and Gunnloda, "We still know too little right now."

[9:40 PM] Seirixori: Seir presses her forehead to Gunnloda's, "Okay?" She whispers.

[9:41 PM] DM: She nods a bit, but takes Seir's hand and grips it.

[9:50 PM] Seirixori: "I've got you," she says, kissing Gunnloda softly before facing everyone again. "Ascending to become a goddess. Threatens other gods because if people lose faith in them, they die. She'll forget everything. Champions will probably become an issue if more gods find out. If she doesn't ascend, forever darkness and I won't be able to pull her out of that." Her eyes narrow and she mumbles something that definitely sounds like "but watch me."

[9:54 PM] DM: Rukiya just raises her eyebrows. "That's... a good start. And as far as you know, Betrex, Vydea, and Takara know, but that's it?"

[9:55 PM] Seirixori: Seir nods.

[9:56 PM] DM: Kendall takes a deep breath. "Researching without any champions catching on might not be so hard... there's only so many of them, but the gods themselves?"

[9:59 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Even if they do catch on, there's only one champion per god, there are 5 of us, sometimes more everywhere we go. We just have to be vigilant about newcomers."

[10:00 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "And by we, I mean everyone else, because I don't trust anyone new."

[10:03 PM] DM: Kendall looks at Ryleigh. "You're not worried about how your god might feel about you trying to keep him from something?"

[10:05 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "No," Ryleigh answers. "Asten doesn't speak directly to me. I believe he only granted me power because we have... similar goals."

[10:05 PM] Seirixori: "Oh, uh and I was going to tell my m-- Mielikki. If... if that's ok?"

[10:10 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "About that..." Ryleigh says, pushing her hand through her hair. "I need us to postpone our trip to Ardabeh."

[10:12 PM] Seirixori: "But it's... why?"

[10:13 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I need to find out why people who look like the Moonborn are going missing."

[10:17 PM] Seirixori: "...it can't wait a week? Or-or two?" She groans, "I don't know where we'd teleport to."

[10:21 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "A dozen innocent people have gone missing in the last few weeks... this is pressing and..." Ryleigh sighs heavily. "I'm sorry, Seirixori... but there's no time constraint on going to Ardabeh, and you know we're never gone for just two weeks. I can't risk us leaving Riverrun and coming back a month or two later. By then..." Ryleigh looks at Rukiya, and sets her jaw. "I have to do this."

[10:24 PM] Seirixori: Seir looks conflicted, "But... I... I can just go by myself. I want my things, I don't know how much longer they'll leave them alone... if they haven't already gotten rid of them. I need to talk to my mother, Ryleigh."

[10:28 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I know you do," Ryleigh looks at the ceiling. "Don't you think I understand what I'm asking of you?" Her throat bobs, then she looks back at Seir.

[10:35 PM] Seirixori: "I can- I can catch up with you? See if she'll, if she'll talk to me once I get there? A day, two at most." She says, kind of desperate, but also knowing the answer.

[10:36 PM] DM: Gunnloda squeezes Seir's hand.

[10:37 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "We just sat on a ship for weeks for no reason... when we could have teleported back... but we can't wait another couple of weeks to go to Ardabeh? Innocent people are dying, homashoc. And I can't let it reach Riverrun."

[10:38 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "And you know I can't let you go home alone. It might not be safe... something could go wrong."

[10:38 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Please... don't make me choose."

[10:46 PM] Seirixori: Seir takes the hat off her head and places it on Gunnloda's and then stands. Her eyes narrow and her lip curls slightly, but her voice is calm, "Fine. Why don't we just go to Nampuli or wherever the fuck Urrak is from afterwards." She heads to the table and shifts into a bird once she's there. Chirping angrily as she hops around, it continues as she tries to fly down to the chair and then back up again.

[10:47 PM] DM: Rukiya slips down off the counter to go to where Seir is, putting her hand on Ry's shoulder as she goes.

[10:48 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh's eyes fill with tears, and she moves to the door. "Help yourselves to anything you'd like... I'll be back in a little bit with food." And she leaves.

[10:49 PM] DM: She kneels next to the table and speaks so quietly that she might not be speaking out loud at all.... assuming Seir stops to look at her.

[10:50 PM] Seirixori: She does.

[10:56 PM] DM: Rukiya: "She's worried about me, even more than the fact that... if you go, I might be the last dark skinned half-elf in Omphalos by the time you return. I know you want to go home, but... there's a good chance she's going to end up back in Ascus doing this and I can't be there for her if she does. Please, for me, can you be there for her? I will spend all my time in the library doing this research until you return and Ardabeh can be your very next stop, but please... if it wasn't for the innocents dying, I wouldn't ask."

[11:03 PM] Seirixori: Seir chirps sadly and sits. She nods but doesn't shift back, softly chirping something else, even though she knows Rukiya can't understand her.

[9:04 AM] DM: Gunnloda watches, not able to make out what Rukiya says, but she hears what Seir chirps. She says a phrase in Dwarven that she and Seir had practiced on the ship.

[9:40 AM] DM: After a moment she shifts her gaze to Kendall.  "Y'look troubled."

Kendall sighs. "She's right. We need to learn more to find out what's happening and I will always do what I can to help you... but I don't feel comfortable acting outside the Host's design. I don't know if I can... I can't turn my back on who I am. What I am."

[9:58 AM] DM: Gunnloda nods. "I couldn't ask you t'do that. You don't have to look, but if y'do,  just be careful."

[1:48 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: After a while, Ryleigh opens the door to her apartment, carrying a few bags of groceries. She doesn't say anything to anyone as she puts the food away.

[1:54 PM] DM: Rukiya walks over and puts her hand on Ry's lower back, kissing the back of her shoulder. "You ok?"

[2:10 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh shrugs, but some of the tension leaves her body at Rukiya's touch. "I've been better," she says softly, her eyes glancing in the direction of bird Seir.

[4:10 PM] Seirixori: Seir waits a minute or two before shifting back. She places herself on the floor again. With a heavy sigh she says, "I'm sorry. I wasn't mad at you, not really."

[4:29 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I don't mean to make you feel unheard... or unimportant." She doesn't turn to look at Seir, it's like she can't bring herself to do. "I have responsibilities outside of the guild hall... I'm sorry for asking so much of you, but I have to do this, homashoc."

[5:08 PM] Seirixori: "It's fine, really. I was just mad at... all of this," and despite Ryleigh not looking at her, she waves her hands around, "You know I want to help."

[5:17 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh nods, still looking unconvinced that it's okay. She points to a cabinet. "Your tea is in here."

[5:34 PM] Seirixori: Seir gets up and goes to Ryleigh, she reaches out, but lets her hand drop, "I-I'm sorry. I... I wanted something to be, to just go..." her voice gets quiet. "I was mad at everything that's happened, everything that's happening, and I took it out on you."

[5:43 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "It's okay," Ryleigh says, her tone soft. "I know how long you've waited to go home. I know how much you want answers about your mom. And I know how worried you are about everything that's happening with Gunnloda."

[5:59 PM] Seirixori: She gives a small laugh, "Both moms." She takes a couple steps back, "I have... all the time in the world to talk to my mother." She gets that look on her face again, like she still can't quite believe the absurdity of it, "these people don't."

[6:05 PM] DM: Rukiya: "Thank you."

[6:07 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: “Thank you...” Ryleigh murmurs at the same time, and raises an eyebrow when Rukiya says it.

## The Rest of the Party

When Sariel, Bri, Danai, Malica, and Urrak wake and head downstairs, they find the downstairs room empty. No smell of coffee or breakfast or tea in the air. No sounds of cooking from the kitchen.

[7:02 PM] Urrak: Urrak comes downstairs slowly and heads to the main dining area. She looks around, intrigued by the quiet, and pokes her head into the kitchen.

[7:03 PM] DM: There's a teapot on the oven, but the water's cold and there are two empty, unused mugs on the counter.

[7:05 PM] Urrak: Urrak looks at the teapot. She touches it, realizes it's cold, and moves to pick up a mug and, not really knowing why, turns it over a bit to "inspect" it. After a few moments she opens the cellar door, calling for Gunnloda

[7:06 PM] DM: There's no answer.

[7:06 PM] Sariel: Sariel looks around curiously.

[7:06 PM] Urrak: She heads down and goes to talk to Stool. "Hey lil buddy, y'seen Gunnloda around recently?"

[7:09 PM] DM: Stool: "Last night? Is she gone again already? I missed her."

[7:10 PM] Urrak: "Usually she's up and makin' breakfast by now, bless her. Kitchen's cold. Y'didn't see her at all this mornin'?"

[7:10 PM] DM: Stool: "No, just Kendall. She was looking for tea. I like her."

[7:11 PM] Sariel: Sariel calls down to the cellar, "Did you find anyone down there?"

[7:11 PM] Urrak: "I like her too," Urrak smiles and pats their cap. She turns and yells up to  Sariel "No one but Stool, our lil' mushroom friend. They say they haven't seen Gunnloda since last night."

[7:12 PM] Urrak: "Come on down, they love meetin' new folks"

[7:14 PM] Sariel: Sariel walks down into the cellar.

[7:14 PM] Brimeia: Bri strolls downstairs lazily, frowning a bit when she notices the morning crowd isn't around.

[7:14 PM] Brimeia: She heads  toward the kitchen when she hears noise that way.

[7:16 PM] Brimeia: Bri heads down to the cellar as well.

[7:15 PM] DM: There's a mushroom, about two and a half feet tall, with little feet and a brown, spotted cap standing in front of Urrak. As you approach, they puff spores in Sariel's face, and then she hears in her head, "Hi, new friend! I'm Stool! Who are you?"

[7:20 PM] Sariel: Sariel sneezes, and then laughs, "Hello Mushroom Friend Stool, I'm Sariel. Sea Captain Extraordinaire."

[7:20 PM] DM: Stool: "Wow! .....what's a sea captain?"

[7:22 PM] Sariel: Sariel scratches at the back of her neck, "aaah, someone who travels the ocean?" She looks up at Urrak uncertainly, wondering if she'll have to explain the ocean.

[7:23 PM] Brimeia: "I see you met our lil friend, Stool," Bri says with a grin.

[7:24 PM] Urrak: Urrak laughs, "Aye, she has. If she ain't careful she'll be stuck in a long long game o' twenty questions."

[7:23 PM] DM: Upstairs, you hear Kendall and Gunnloda's voices enter.

[7:25 PM] Urrak: Urrak looks up when she hears them enter, "Well, that solves that."

[7:25 PM] Sariel: Sariel looks toward the cellar door curiously at the voices upstairs.

[7:26 PM] DM: Stool wiggles their little cap. "Nice to meet you, Sea Captain Sariel!"

[7:26 PM] Sariel: Sariel smiles down at her new friend, "Nice to meet you!"

[7:27 PM] Urrak: Urrak heads back upstairs, "See ya later, lil buddy."

[7:28 PM] Sariel: Sariel waves a little to Stool and follows Urrak upstairs.

[7:28 PM] Brimeia: Bri decides to pause and check up on Stool. "Been a while, lil buddy. How have you been?"

[7:30 PM] DM: Stool: "Good. Malica brings me food from the taverns sometimes."

[7:33 PM] Brimeia: "Ah, that's good. Glad you had someone to keep you company and bring you some food. I'll see you later, Stool!" Bri gives them a gentle pat before heading up to join the others.

[7:31 PM] Urrak: Urrak heads towards the sounds of Gunnloda and Kendall, "Hey, good mornin', ye two. We were worried  there for a sec."

[7:32 PM] DM: Kendall: "Didn't mean to make ya worry."

[7:33 PM] Urrak: "Ach, no worries. Shouldn't have jus' assumed ye'd be up an' makin' food for us ungrateful jerks." Urrak chuckles and rubs her neck

[7:37 PM] Seirixori: Seir walks in not too long after. Her arms, and mouth, full of food. She sets most of it down on the table, a bunch of breakfast pastries and a few churros. She deliberately goes to Sariel and hands her a churro, then heads up the stairs, all without saying a word.

[7:39 PM] Urrak: "She wants ye t' try it. They're pretty good." Urrak finds a seat and stretches her shoulders.

[7:39 PM] Sariel: Sariel's eyes widen in delight at the churro and calls up, "Thank you!"

[7:40 PM] DM: Gunnloda: "I would have, but we had t'go elsewhere and Seirixori wanted t'bring pastries back."

[7:42 PM] Urrak: "Please, we're jus' happy yer alright." Urrak shoves a pastry in her mouth, suddenly starving

[7:41 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia brightens at the sight of breakfast and opens her mouth to say thanks, but Seirixori disappears up the stairs before she gets a chance and she frowns a bit as she tilts her head.

[7:41 PM] Brimeia: "Is... she alright?"

[7:42 PM] Sariel: Sariel sits down and munches on the churro.

[7:43 PM] DM: Gunnloda glances at the stairs. "She's... got a lot on her mind."

[7:45 PM] Brimeia: "Ah, right." Brimeia nods, though she still looks a bit worried as she glances up the stairs a moment too, before turning back to the rest of the party.

[7:45 PM] Brimeia: "How is it, Sariel?"

[7:48 PM] Sariel: Sariel hums contentedly, "It's delicious."

[7:49 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh walks into the guild hall, dressed in her armor.

[7:49 PM] Seirixori: "Good, I would hate to kick you out if you didn't like them," Seir jokes from the stairs in her raggedy tank top, and her hair in a high ponytail instead of the double braids she usually has.

[7:52 PM] Sariel: Sariel grins, "It'd be a pity to lose my membership so soon."

[7:50 PM] Brimeia: "Good, I'm glad." Brimeia plucks up one of the pastries and bites into it heartily.

[7:50 PM] DM: Malica comes downstairs and sits in Urrak's lap. "So... what's next on the big list of things to do?"

[7:51 PM] Urrak: Urrak wraps her arms around her and buries her face in Malica's neck, grumbling something filthy in her ear.

[7:51 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Taking a seat at the table, Ryleigh says, "I'm glad you asked, Malica, because I'd like to propose we check out the disappearances and murders south of here."

[7:52 PM] Urrak: Urrak looks up, "Th' Moonborn thing?"

[7:55 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "We're not investigating the ridiculous notion that the Moonborn lives," Ryleigh answers, a bit of heat to her voice, "but there are actual innocent people being persecuted simply because they look like he did."

[7:58 PM] Sariel: Sariel sobers, and munches quietly on a pastry.

[7:58 PM] Seirixori: "Are we going to leave today?" Seir asks softly, still by the stairs.

[8:01 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh's eyes glance in her direction, but then she looks at her hands. "I'd like to, but I know that it's sudden and I'd understand if you all wanted some leisure time. Regardless, I'm going with or without the group."

[8:02 PM] Seirixori: Seir hesitates briefly, nods, and heads back upstairs.

[8:03 PM] Urrak: "Sounds like th' answer's yes." Urrak smirks

[8:04 PM] Urrak: She stands  up, scooping Malica into her arms and spinning her before setting the changeling down gently beside her. "Come with us? It'd be good material fer yer set."

[8:07 PM] DM: Malica giggles and gives Urrak a long kiss. "As much as I'd love to spend more time with you... I'd really rather stay in a big city where I'm safer."

Urrak: "Alright, alright," she gives her a quick kiss, "Knock 'em dead out there, raxo."

[8:07 PM] Seirixori: Seir comes back down, this time with her armor partially on and in the process of braiding half of her hair. She sits near Ryleigh.

[8:07 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh moves next to Seir and offers to braid the other half of her hair.

[8:08 PM] Seirixori: Seir smiles and nods.

[8:09 PM] DM: Kendall claps her hands together once and says, "Well, I suppose that's my cue to get back to Vecbony. Was a pleasure seeing you all again."

[8:10 PM] Brimeia: "Thanks, Kendall. Safe.. travels?"

[8:10 PM] Seirixori: "You're welcome to come back whenever," Seir mumbles around a hairtie.

[8:09 PM] Urrak heads upstairs to grab her pack and sword and come back down to the dining room. "Leavin' so soon, Kendall?"

[8:10 PM] DM: Kendall: "Well, if you're leaving, there's not much reason to stay, is there?"

[8:14 PM] Urrak: "True true. Like Seirixori said, safe travels, Kendall." Urrak smiles and sits back down, waiting for the group to be ready and stealing a bit more time with Malica

[8:11 PM] Seirixori: Seir snorts, "You know you like teleporting to Gunnloda and finding us in weird places."

[8:12 PM] DM: Kendall chuckles. "Only if she knows I'm coming."

[8:13 PM] Seirixori: Seir looks like she's about to say something but just grins and keeps it to herself instead. "Be safe." Seir says, suddenly serious.

[8:16 PM] DM: Kendall nods to Seir with an, "I will," and she and Gunnloda walk into the kitchen.

[8:19 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: When she's finished braiding Seir's hair, she whispers something to her then says aloud, "I'd like to get on the road fairly soon... every minute we waste is precious in a situation like this..."

[8:21 PM] Urrak: "Ready when ye are," Urrak presses a kiss to Malica's cheek and stands.

[8:22 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia finishes off her pastry and grabs another to go.

[8:22 PM] Seirixori: Seir pouts, "Aww." She stands as well, "Shit," she runs back upstairs and returns quickly with her new shield, several symbols painted on it. "I almost forgot."

[8:25 PM] DM: Gunnloda disappears upstairs to get dressed as well, then comes back down to take Seir's hand.

[8:26 PM] Brimeia: Bri looks in the direction Seir went with a quizzical look.

[8:26 PM] Brimeia: "That looks fancy," she says when Seir returns with the shield.

[8:27 PM] Seirixori: Seir looks at it for a second and then shrugs, "Not really, it's just a regular shield with some stuff I put on it."

[8:28 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia shrugs. "Still looks pretty neat to me."

[8:30 PM] Urrak: "Some new hardware, eh? Looks good, hope it helps," Urrak crosses her arms. "Well then, lead th' way Ryleigh."

[8:31 PM] Sariel: Sariel stands, but grabs the last churro for the road.

[8:35 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh exits the guild hall and walks to the side, where their horses and cart are. She leads the horses from the stable and to the cart, starting to harness them.

[8:36 PM] DM: As a reminder, your company does own two horses- a brown one named Monty and a grey/white doppled named Rainsilver- and an open top cart that will fit six riders- 2 up front driving and 4 in the back.

[8:36 PM] Seirixori: Seir, being Seir, starts talking to the horses like they're her best friends.

[8:36 PM] Urrak: Urrak will drive

[8:44 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: As the others finish harnessing the horses, Ryleigh starts singing a wild tune and after some time, a large black warhorse with a beautiful white mane and tail appears. Ryleigh smiles at her, rubbing her nose and then mounting her.

[8:45 PM] Seirixori: Seir practically yells, "You didn't tell me you could do that!?" Very much transfixed by the new horse.

[8:45 PM] Brimeia: "That's a neat trick."

[8:47 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "You never asked?" Ryleigh says to Seir with a smile.

[8:49 PM] Seirixori: "Rude," Seir teases and jumps in the back a little reluctantly.

[8:49 PM] DM: So Ry's on her mount, Urrak's driving. Are the rest of you in the back or is anyone riding up front with her?

[8:50 PM] Sariel: Sariel climbs in the back of the cart and tries to get comfy.

[8:51 PM] DM: Gunnloda squeezes in next to Seir.

[8:51 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Looking around the group, seeing they're ready to go, Ryleigh pats her horses neck and says, "Adventure!" Her horse neighs, pawing the ground at her name and starts to trot off in the direction they need to go.

[8:53 PM] Sariel: Sariel smirks to herself.

[8:53 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia hops into the cart.

[8:53 PM] Urrak: Urrak sets off, following Ryleigh

## Leaving Riverrun

[8:54 PM] DM: So you all head through Riverrun, pointing out landmarks for Sariel's sake- the large Castle Riverrun decorated with huge blue and silver tapestries with the Moonstream symbol. the Muyar and Blukress Rivers as you pass over them, the Riverfront where all the exotic foods and music are...

[8:55 PM] DM: And in time you head down the Spine of the World, past the city gates and through the farmlands surrounding this, the largest city on the continent. It takes a good hour, hour and a half to actually get across the whole city and into the wilds beyond, though "wilds" is a poor choice of words. There are occasional collections of trees here and there, but for the most part, this area is full of farms and grasslands.

[8:56 PM] DM: Let's get some perception checks, please!

[8:57 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: ((2))

[8:58 PM] Seirixori: ((23))

[8:58 PM] Urrak: ((13))

[8:59 PM] Sariel: ((23))

[9:01 PM] Brimeia: ((nat 1))

[9:02 PM] DM: Sariel and Seir both see a humanoid on foot, peering at each passing traveler ahead.

[9:04 PM] Seirixori: "Ryleigh," Seir calls out to her and points out the person,"Seem a little weird?"

[9:06 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Hello there," Ryleigh shouts to them.

[9:06 PM] Sariel: Sariel notices the bystander but says nothing.

[9:07 PM] DM: The figure raises their hand in greeting. "Hello. I'm looking for a human man with dark hair fleeing towards Riverrun. You haven't seen anyone suspicious on your way, have you?"

[9:08 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "We haven't, and we've been traveling for a few hours."

[9:10 PM] Seirixori: Seir watches them intently.

[9:10 PM] Sariel: Sariel narrows her eyes at the traveler, "Not sure it's any of our business who comes and goes from Riverrun."

[9:13 PM] DM: The woman looks past Ry towards the cart. She's a half-elf with tan skin, bright green eyes, and greenish-brown hair. She sweeps her eyes over the people within with a look then smiles at Ryleigh. "Well, thank you. Be safe."

[9:14 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh gives her a smile. "Good luck," she says and clicks her tongue for Adventure to start walking.

[9:15 PM] Urrak: Urrak nods to the woman and follows

[9:16 PM] Sariel: Sariel watches the woman as they ride away.

[9:16 PM] DM: She continues walking towards Riverrun, flagging down people traveling north as she goes.

[9:18 PM] Urrak: "Well that was weird," Urrak says, mostly to herself. "Wonder who she's chasin'."

[9:19 PM] Brimeia: "Chasing? She's just standing in that one spot though."

[9:21 PM] Urrak: "Well, followin' at least. Lookin' for." she shrugs

[9:22 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "There's a lot of travel up and down the Spine. It's the main trading route from Vydenia to Thista."

[9:23 PM] Urrak: "Easy enough place fer a bounty hunter er th' like t' ask for leads, then. Makes sense she'd stop there a spell."

## Landharbor

[9:24 PM] DM: As the sun starts sinking towards the horizon, there's buildings ahead.

[9:25 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "We should stop here, in Landharbor, for the night and then head out tomorrow morning," Ryleigh announces to the group.

[9:26 PM] Urrak: "Alright," Urrak nods "Sounds good."

[9:27 PM] Seirixori: "Landharbor," Seir says, "Were all the good names taken?"

[9:28 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh laughs. "It's called Landharbor because it sits at the edge of the swamp."

[9:29 PM] DM: So you continue into town. It does, indeed, sit at the northern edge of the Isolone Swamp and is mostly used as a traveler's stop for people coming in and out of the swamp or the Ebedine College to the west. It's a fairly small farming and trade community, but has more inns than a town of its size should reasonably require.

[9:32 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: As they walk through town, Ryleigh seems to pick a random inn for them to stay at and procures their stay for the evening.

[9:33 PM] Urrak: Urrak ties up the horses as Ryleigh gets the rooms, following the group inside afterwards.

[9:34 PM] DM: This particular inn is called The Disappointing Mage. It's of decent quality and will stable your horses and cart, and you can get a decent meal and drinks before bed.

[9:36 PM] DM: There's a half-elf man sitting on a stool in the corner, strumming a song about the Moonborn.

[9:37 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh rolls her eyes at the song.

[9:38 PM] Urrak: Urrak disappears for a moment and reappears with a cask of ale, "Mal wasn't kiddin'. It really is bein' talked about all over."

[9:39 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "The Moonborn was a big deal," Ryleigh murmurs.

[9:40 PM] Urrak: "Guess so," Urrak takes a large swig and keeps watching the performer.

[9:41 PM] Seirixori: "Better not have too many of those," Seir says to Urrak as she cuddles with Gunnloda.

[9:42 PM] Urrak: "I'll be fine, thank ye, Seirixori." Urrak says over her shoulder

[9:44 PM] DM: The song's basically a history lesson of who Prince Badru was- Born early to our Queen as Vydea looked down during a silver-rimmed Muyar Moon, he was the great king of prophecy, stolen too soon by the Misty Wilds.

[9:44 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: As the song progresses, Ryleigh goes to the bar and orders 2 drinks, then comes back and hands one to Seir.

[9:44 PM] Seirixori: "Ry, what are the Misty Wilds?" She asks when Ryleigh returns and takes the drink.

[9:45 PM] Sariel: Sariel also gets a drink from the bar.

[9:46 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "You remember the Northern Woods where the Temple of Vol was? Where all that weird stuff happened? The Misty Wilds is another name for them."

[9:46 PM] DM: Drinks are not included in your room fees and you'll need to take 5cp each from your inventory to order them, but otherwise, feel free.

[9:47 PM] Seirixori: Seir nods and makes a face at her drink as it tingles her nose, but she drinks it. She shrugs and takes a few more drinks, "This is better than coffee, at least."

[9:48 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh smiles and shakes her head. "At least you like one Omphalos beverage."

[9:50 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Once the bard finishes singing his song, Ryleigh approaches him to ask a few questions.

[9:52 PM] Seirixori: Seir follows Ryleigh.

## Seiryleigh and the bard

9:53 PM] DM: The bard notices Ryleigh's approach and gives her a cocky smile. "You're far fancier than this mud soaked place. What's your business?"

[9:55 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: She smiles charmingly at him. "Taking my friends up and down the Spine, so they can better admire the beauty of Vyon." Ryleigh takes a seat near him and continues, "I couldn't help but admire your song. Rumor has it the Moonborn has been sighted south of here."

[9:56 PM] DM: Bard: "That's what they're saying, yeah. In fact... I have it on good authority that he's in Ascus, waiting for the right moment to make his move."

[9:56 PM] DM: He leans in as he's saying this like it's a secret he's sharing.

[9:58 PM] Seirixori: Seir watches, not sitting just yet.

[9:59 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Ascus?" Ryleigh gives him a 'oh really' look and looks excited by the news. "I've heard Tilman's people are hunting the Moonborn now..." she leans closer and whispers, "There's talk of kidnapping and murder."

[10:00 PM] DM: He raises his eyebrows. "Really? Well, I mean... it makes sense, but I'd heard he was hiding in plain sight in Tilman's court." He laughs a little. "Wouldn't have to hunt long to find him there."

[10:03 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh chuckles along with him, then gives him a polite nod, dropping 2 silver into his collection pot.

[10:04 PM] DM: He winks a bit. "You know... I'm always looking for someone to help warm my bed, if you're interested."

[10:05 PM] Seirixori: Seir comes up to Ryleigh, leaning heavily into her, "Ryleeiiigh, I'm bored."

[10:06 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I'm flattered," Ryleigh says, smiling politely. Then Seir comes over and her comment makes Ryleigh laugh. "Perhaps a shared song sometime instead."

[10:10 PM] DM: "You sure? I could regale you with the time I met the Prince myself... You can even bring your friend along with you."

[10:10 PM] Seirixori: "Oh, fancy." Seir laughs.

[10:13 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Rolling her eyes at Seir, Ryleigh continues to charmingly grin at the bard, trying to let him down with practiced finesse, "I'm sure, but please, keep playing - I've halted your wonderful music for too long." She then pulls Seir back towards the table where their group is.

[10:15 PM] DM: "I hate to watch you go, but love to watch you leave," he calls after her. Then he picks up his lute and starts another song.

[10:16 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh actually shakes her head, but there's a small smile on her face.

## Urrak and the grouch

[9:51 PM] Urrak: Urrak scans the bar, looking for anyone that stands out

[9:54 PM] DM: There's a lot of travelers and merchants and most are in small groups. Most have weapons among the groups, though some are obviously hired hands protecting unarmed, more wealthy patrons.

[10:01 PM] Urrak: Urrak tries to find a single, somewhat agreeable looking mercenary/adventurer

[10:02 PM] DM: Finding someone who is both those things is not likely, but there is a man sitting at the bar, eating alone, back to the room. He has a longbow on his back and a standard-looking longsword on his hip.

[10:03 PM] Urrak: Urrak sits beside him at the bar and orders another drink. She looks over at the man and nods, "Evenin'."

[10:05 PM] DM: He sort of grunts in response. He's human, bulky, hasn't shaved in a couple days.

[10:07 PM] Urrak: "Comin' er goin', *Kh'ladol*?" She asks as she sets down the coppers for her drink and his next round.

[10:09 PM] DM: "Both."

[10:10 PM] Urrak: "You a merc? Bodyguard?" Urrak takes a sip of her ale

[10:11 PM] DM: He glances over at Urrak and back to his food. "You don't seem to need my services."

[10:13 PM] Urrak: "Definitely not, friend. I'm more interested in gettin' some info," she leans a bit closer and speaks softer, "I'm lookin' fer this guy they call th' Moonborn. Y'seen him? Or heard anythin' about him?"

[10:14 PM] DM: He snorts into his cup. "'Course I've heard of him. Who hasn't?"

[10:16 PM] Urrak: "Yer tellin' me, seems everywhere I go I hear about him. But what's weird is he seems t' be everywhere at once, accordin' to average folks. But ye look like ye've been travelin', yer experienced. Any o' those theories sound more true than the others?"

[10:17 PM] DM: "You wanna know what's true? He's dead. The end. People gotta fuckin' move on."

[10:19 PM] Urrak: "Y'think so? S'ppose ye might be right, " she taps the counter as she stands, "Thanks, friend."

[10:21 PM] Urrak: Urrak heads back towards the rest of the group. "So, bard tell ye anythin' interestin'?"

[10:21 PM] Seirixori: "That he has the hots for Ryleigh."

[10:26 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh rolls her eyes at them.

[10:22 PM] Urrak: "Oh, another admirer?" Urrak chuckles "Cute." she crosses her arms, "Anythin' else? I talked t' a guy at th' bar that was no help. Says he thinks people should get over it. He's dead."

[10:28 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I believe the same thing. Unfortunately, rumored Moonborn sightings are causing *real, alive* people to go missing and show up murdered. So here we are."

[10:30 PM] Urrak: "Aye, here we are." Urrak sighs. "Well, guess we'll figure out more as we go on."

[10:31 PM] Brimeia: "So how are we gonna stop it?"

[10:32 PM] Seirixori: "Still need to really figure out what's going on before we can answer that," Seir says as she stands, "Night." She tugs Gunnloda with her, figuring she'll get filled in later if anything else is talked about.

[10:34 PM] Sariel: Sariel drinks the last of her ale and heads to her room. "G'night."

[10:34 PM] Urrak: "I'm those two, g'night ye all. See ya in th' mornin'." Urrak also leaves

[10:35 PM] DM: The night comes to a close, you all find your beds, and in the morning get ready to head into the swamp.

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