11 Felmont

10 Felmont -- 11 Felmont -- 12 Felmont

Felmont 3Y21 - Discord logs

## Day Two In the Gloom

Once enough of you have slept and woken up to decide to wake up the others, it's about time to get back to traveling. Gylfi's sitting with their notebooks and map, cross-referencing. Once enough people are awake, they gesture to the map and say, ""The Shadar-Kai said the Fortress is in a mountain to the north... but I don't know of any mountains in that direction. However, there is the possibility that like the villages here, the entire mountain was also brought here... which would be a weird thing to be missing in the middle of the Fytulk and people would have probably noticed... unless it was covered by something else."" They point at the big lake that sits in the middle of the Fytulk north of Manavik."

"[12:05 AM] Seirixori: Seir passes a berry to everyone, ones she made the night before, and looks over in confusion. ""How does an entire mountain go missing without people knowing?"" She moves to look at the map, ""The missing cities in Ardabeh at least make sense because of the Everstorm. ...Though I think that might be more destroyed than missing... not that anyone can actually find out.""

[12:10 AM] Urrak: ""It's not th' mountain th' Titan was in... Right?"" Urrak pops the berry in her mouth.

[12:11 AM] Seirixori: Seir gives Urrak an exasperated look, ""There is a map, that is being pointed at, for a reason.""

[12:15 AM] Urrak: ""Like a map from a place I barely know on th' Material plane is gonna help me in this gloomy mess, "" Urrak rolls her eyes at the look, ""Jus' point me in th' right direction.""

[12:17 AM] Seirixori: ""I know you can read and if you're going to comment on it, then please at least pay attention.""

[12:19 AM] Brimeia: ""I can't even read that,"" Brimeia chimes in pointing at the map without even looking at it, ""but I still heard the part about it being missing. The titan mountain was most definitely not missing. Unfortunately.""

[12:22 AM] Seirixori: Seir chuckles, ""Could you imagine a titan just sitting there and people acting like it's normal?""

[12:24 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh stays quiet as the others talk about the Titan. Then she says to Gylfi, “So you think the lake is where the mountain was?”

[7:19 AM] DM: They blink a little like they'd been zoning out during the conversation. ""Hmm? Well, I think I spent about 350 years wandering around looking for anything that might be strange and I don't remember a big crater or flat-topped piece of land that might indicate a missing mountain, and I certainly don't remember a mountain being there, so yeah... that's my guess.""

[11:14 AM] Seirixori: Seir briefly looks nauseous when she tosses the berry into her mouth. Once it passes she quietly murmurs, ""Well now I kind of want to go to it and swim down."" Louder she says, ""How long of a walk is that?""

[11:27 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh opens her mouth to say something, but when Seir speaks she closes it and goes back to being silent.

[11:58 AM] DM: ""In the Fytulk, it's about two or three days. I'm not sure how long it would take here. We might need to go around some misty places or avoid other hazards. Hopefully not too long.""

[12:05 PM] Seirixori: ""And we'll pass through Alptaver again? Or do we plan to avoid that?""

[12:06 PM] DM: ""We'd pass by it, yes, unless we need to avoid it, but it would take longer to do so.""

[12:10 PM] Seirixori: ""Maybe through or around...I am kind of an idiot and didn't think about the fact that there's a possibility that Moki could have gone to see... whoever it was the creepy guy said was his lord.""

[1:40 PM] Urrak: ""Either way we'll end up getting stopped by somethin'. Gettin' there quick might have to be th' priority, given th' circumstances. ""

[7:18 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “You don’t know where Moki entered though - do you?” Ry asks Seir.

[7:20 PM] Seirixori: ""The exact location, no. Only the last place Takara knew he was around.""

[7:24 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “And was that near Alptaver?”

[7:29 PM] Seirixori: Seir nods.

[7:30 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Then I don’t see why we can’t go back. Although I’m not sure he’ll be so... kind this time. What’s to stop him from forcing us to go see his ‘lord’?”

[7:36 PM] Seirixori: ""I was thinking of maybe you guys asking while I fly around to see if I can find him. Or rather magically find the direction he might be in.""

[8:40 PM] Brimeia: ""That sounds like splitting up. Splitting up here seems like a bad idea.""

[8:49 PM] Seirixori: ""I don't have to go alone.""

[8:52 PM] Urrak: ""We're not splittin' up,"" Urrak folds her arms, ""There are way too many things that could kill ye out here. ""

[9:05 PM] Seirixori: ""There are things everywhere that can try. And walking around on foot to find him is a waste of time.""

[9:17 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Well, we aren’t here to find him. We’re here to ask questions of the Raven Queen, and if we stumble upon Moki along the way - then great, but if we don’t then you need accept that.” Ryleigh’s tone is matter of fact, yet she sighs after saying it. “For once, I agree with Urrak. Splitting up here is a bad idea.”

[9:27 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “I don’t care if we have to pass Alptaver but I’d rather avoid taking to that guy again... if we can.”

[9:42 PM] Seirixori: Seir nearly snarles, ""You aren't here--"" she barely manages to stop herself. She grits her teeth and walks out.

[9:44 PM] DM: Gylfi looks back and forth. ""That's... not ideal."" They start packing their notebooks and maps away again, quickly.

[10:18 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh runs after Seir. “Seirixori!” She shouts. “You agreed back at the guild hall that finding Moki was secondary to the reason why we came here.”

[10:21 PM] DM: Rukiya sighs and follows. ""Ry, yelling isn't going to help her.""

[10:23 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “She can’t just walk out on us in a place like this,” Ry says over her shoulder to Rukiya.

[10:43 PM] Urrak: Urrak sighs, ""She walks out on us all th' time, Ryleigh. Let her go. She clearly can't be convinced otherwise,"" she laces her fingers together and places get hands behind her head, ""She'll come back when she feels like it.""

[10:43 PM] DM: Gylfi looks up from packing their things. ""Are we not leaving? I thought we were traveling.""

[10:48 PM] Urrak: ""We're...debating,"" Urrak says shaking her head, ""Old group struggles. Old wounds. Seirixori has a tendency to run off as much as I have one t' stick my foot in my mouth. Some things take a while t' change.""

[10:56 PM] Seirixori: The grove doesn't really have walls, and the fog isn't fog to everyone here, so it's easy to see Seir pacing on the edges of it. Or rather cave bear Seir.

[11:03 PM] Urrak: ""Ah crap she's a bear, too.""

[11:04 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: And you can see Ry following her, although what she’s saying is likely muffled."

"5:31 PM] Seirixori: Seir doesn't stop pacing but she looks in the direction of the rest of the group and then starts heading in the direction they need to go. She begins pacing again as she waits only a little farther away.

[5:32 PM] DM: ""Think she disagrees..."" Gylfi finishes packing their things away, patting their pockets to make sure everything is where it should be, then heads in their direction.

[5:35 PM] Urrak: ""Off t' a good start,"" Urrak starts walking over towards Seir and Ryleigh

[6:04 PM] Urrak: ((3 for d20 roll))

[7:42 PM] DM: You head back in the direction of Alptaver. Are you avoiding it, paying it no mind, or headed through it?

[7:54 PM] Seirixori: Around it, probably. Though Seir will unshift when they are close and cast locate creature, then shift again into her big dire wolf form."

## Past Alptaver

"[11:34 AM] DM: Gylfi leads you all through the forest so you don't actually see Alptaver, though as they do, they point out a solid looking wall of fog. ""That's the mist I meant when I say don't go into the mist."" They pause and frown, then turn to Seir-wolf. ""Best I can tell, they're barriers to demiplanes, so a lot of your magic won't work to cross through them... but also I've only ever heard of maybe one person who escaped the mist after going in. I know it's not what you want to hear, but if your friend went through it, he's probably lost, if not dead.""

[1:06 PM] Seirixori: Seir's ears tuck down and close to her head as a small whine leaves her throat. For a brief moment her gait falters, then she picks up the pace again, moving ahead of everyone, her ears still down.

[1:15 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh sighs, then hums a song. ((casting calm emotions on Seir - if she resists its a CHA 16 save))

[1:27 PM] Seirixori: There's no change in her body language. ((uh 23 lol))

[1:34 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh's shoulders fall a little, and she takes Rukiya's hand.

[1:38 PM] Urrak: ""I get the feelin' he's still out there. Moki is a Champion, an' a powerful one at that. He'll be alright.""

[5:32 PM] Seirixori: Seir still doesn't react and continues walking."

"2:22 PM] DM: Continuing through the ashy, shadowy, dark forest, you walk until you're tired and manage to avoid the creepy things in the 'Fell. Gylfi sets up the dome for you all to rest safely and spends time going over their notes and maps.

[4:06 PM] Seirixori: Seir, if time permited, is still a wolf and lies down near the edge of the bubble, and will stay that way until she eventually falls asleep.

[4:06 PM] DM: Inside?

[4:07 PM] Seirixori: ((yeah))

[9:55 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: When Seir falls asleep, Ry will go over, drape a blanket over her, and place a pillow under her head. She presses a kiss to Seir’s forehead, then returns to Rukiya’s side. Once there she pulls out her journal and starts writing."

[6:26 PM] DM: Rukiya just kisses Ry's cheek and starts going over her own notes.

## Day Three in the Gloom

I'll need another d20 roll.

[6:32 PM] Seirixori: ((18))

[6:34 PM] DM: As you're traveling, following Gylfi's directions, they suddenly stop and gesture for the rest of you to stop as well.

[6:39 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh does, and whispers as quietly as she can, “what is it?”

[6:43 PM] DM: You hear Gylfi speak in Elven in not much louder than a normal speaking voice. ""We are friends of the shadow-kin, traveling to the Fortress.""

[6:46 PM] DM: There's maybe a couple seconds pause before three grey skinned elves appear around your group, each holding a jagged weapon or chain. ""You seek the Queen?"" ""For what purpose?"" ""Do you have an offering?""

[7:15 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh answers in elven, “We do, and we’re seeking answers.”

[8:13 PM] Seirixori: Seir's face scrunches as she tries to figure out what is being said and starts mumbling to herself trying to figure it out.

[8:30 PM] DM: One of the elves peers at Seir. ""What is wrong with this one?"" ""Are they casting a spell?"" ""May be Afflicted.""

[8:31 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Seirixori, they think you're trying to hurt them, please stop mumbling,"" Ry says to her common.

[8:33 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Turning her attention back to the elves, Ry explains, ""She doesn't speak elven, but she's been learning and she's just trying to work out what's being said. She isn't trying to harm any of you, and she's not afflicted.""

[8:36 PM] Seirixori: ""Sorry,"" she mutters, kicking the ground a little, just for something to do.

[8:40 PM] DM: ""Travelers who speak to themselves tend to be Afflicted."" ""Lose themselves."" ""Become sorrowsworn.""

[8:49 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Since they used common, Ry does too. “I assure you she’s just learning elven and trying to figure out what we’re saying - it’s just how she learns. Our group has been extremely careful to avoid becoming one of those... things.”

[8:54 PM] DM: Gylfi: ""We stayed the night with a village back that wa-- it was that way, right?-- anyway... although I know what direction the Fortress is in, if you know of any places nearby to avoid to expedite our travel, we would appreciate it.""

[8:57 PM] DM: Two of the three look back to Gylfi while the third continues to look at Seir, their eyes barely visible behind the wooden mask. ""Avoid the mist."" ""Dangerous."" ""Travelers go in, don't come out.""

[9:00 PM] Seirixori: Seir gives a small wave to the one looking at her, trying not to seem anxious.

[9:19 PM] Brimeia: Bri leans toward Seir. ""So did you figure out what they were saying earlier?"" she whispers.

[9:21 PM] Seirixori: Seir almost jumps at Brimeia's sudden question, ""Oh... no. Something about having something, I think.""

[9:25 PM] DM: ""Having an offering,"" the one looking at Seir says. ""A gift for the Queen. You are full of gifts.""

[9:32 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry frowns at the comment, then asks, “We know to avoid the mist, but is there any on the path we’re currently on?”

[9:52 PM] Seirixori: ""Just what I wanted, to be full of gifts.""

[11:17 PM] Urrak: Urrak folds her arms tightly against herself, pulling her shoulders defensively inward. Her eyes move from masked face to masked face, as if checking for signs of a threat. ""Some gifts."""

"[12:41 AM] DM: ""We will show you a way. Come.""

[12:42 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh nods, then grins at Gylfi.

[12:42 AM] DM: Two disappear and the third, who had been looking at Seir, starts walking off.

[12:45 AM] DM: Gylfi shrugs and follows.

[12:45 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry will too.

[2:02 PM] DM: The Shadar-Kai lead you through a section of forest that turns swampy, but they point out the easiest paths to take and you end up cutting a day off your travel. The ground is unpleasantly soft and almost sticky, and the few times you stop paying attention to where your feet are, you ended up ankle or calf deep in an almost oily sludge that clung to your boots and made your feet cold and walking more annoying."

## Day Four in the Gloom

[2:07 PM] DM: You wake in this swampy area, atop a relatively solid mound, still within Gylfi's dome. The darkness and environment is starting to eat away at you, wishing you had more sunlight than just Dawnbringer lighting up the interior of the dome each night. I need everyone to make a DC15 Wisdom save for despair cards. Everyone benefits from Ry's aura (+4 and advantage)

[2:08 PM] Seirixori: ((26))

[2:08 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ((20))

[2:09 PM] Urrak: ((22))

[2:10 PM] DM: Gylfi: 19, Rukiya rolled a 7 first, then exactly 15. Thank Vydea for Ry.

[2:11 PM] Seirixori: Bri: 18

[2:11 PM] DM: As you gets tarted on your day, I will need a d20 roll again for the day's events.

[2:12 PM] Seirixori: ((8))

[2:15 PM] DM: You continue to walk, but it seems like a pointless endeavor. Everywhere you go, there's more swamp than dry land, your feet become slow and sluggish, coated with muck. Everyone gets a card.

[2:20 PM] Seirixori: ""A very large part of me wants to fly right now,"" Seir grumbles as she starts holding her tail so that it doesn't feel like an extra limb to drag through the gross stuff.

[2:22 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh sighs heavily. ""This might be worse than Isonsall's winter.""

[2:24 PM] Seirixori: ""No, just more gross.""

[2:25 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Hmmm,"" Ry hums, not really agreeing or disagreeing.

[2:27 PM] Urrak: ""My feet'll never be dry again..."" Urrak says as she plunges a foot back into the muck.

[2:27 PM] DM: Can I have another d20 roll?

[2:28 PM] Seirixori: ((14))

[2:29 PM] Urrak: Urrak stops in her tracks, ""D-did ye hear that?""

[2:30 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Nope.""

[2:31 PM] DM: perception checks

[2:31 PM] Urrak: ((14))

[2:31 PM] Seirixori: ((19))

[2:32 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry: 20

Rukiya: 21

Gylfi: 10 - nat 1

[2:32 PM] Seirixori: Bri:  4

[2:33 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh perks up a bit. ""I... think I heard something. Just now. Maybe.""

[2:34 PM] Seirixori: Seir starts grumbling, ""All I hear is my legs trying to get out of this crap."" She nearly falls trying to do so.

[2:34 PM] Urrak: ""I knew it! It's those vampire fucks. Whisperin' an' plottin',"" she draws her sword from it's sheath, ""Ye can't hide from me, demons...""

[2:37 PM] DM: The whispers get louder until you recognize them not as whispers, but as wings flapping through the dark sky.

[2:38 PM] DM: A deep growling voice echoes around you, but unless you speak Draconic, you don't understand it.

[2:39 PM] Seirixori: ""Oh... well I guess that also counts as something.""

[2:40 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh stands there, her eyes fixed upward at the voice.

[2:41 PM] DM: Gylfi grants everyone unlimited darkvision just in time for you all to see a living shadow in the shape of a dragon hurtling from the sky in your direction, jaws open. What do you do?

[2:42 PM] Urrak: ""Scatter an' find cover!"" Urrak yells as she bolts south

[2:42 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh tackles Rukiya to ground - right into the muck.

[2:43 PM] Seirixori: ""...I know I like dragons but uh, that is terrifying."" Seir tries to hide behind the closest thing she can find.

[2:44 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi runs in the complete opposite direction of everyone else.

[2:48 PM] DM: The dragon aims for the easy-pickings sitting still in the middle of the swamp and breaths a cone of necrotic flame over Ry. I will say that Rukiya is shielded by Ry's body, but that Ry has disadvantage on the Dex save because she is prone.

[2:48 PM] DM: So I need Ry to roll a Dex save and everyone else needs to roll initiative as it circles back around.

[2:49 PM] Seirixori: ((4))

[2:50 PM] Seirixori: Bri: 18

[2:54 PM] Urrak: ((14.16))

[2:55 PM] DM: That is 60 necrotic damage to Ry.

[2:55 PM] DM: Gylfi's up first.

[2:56 PM] DM: It is still flying and coming back around, still going for Ry.

[3:00 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi shouts, ""Run for it!"" They will then pull out their holy symbol and says a few words in elven. A sphere of twilight emanates from them. ((channel divinity - Twilight Sanctuary))

[3:03 PM] DM: A 30' radius of twilight- which is actually brighter than the darkness around you- springs up around Gylfi.

[3:04 PM] DM: Then it's Ry's turn.

[3:11 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh cries out in pain as the dragon's breath hits her. She stands with a groan, stepping in front of Rukiya's prone form and facing the dragon. ""Run, and hide,"" Ry breathes, withdrawing the shard from inside her armor and blasting the dragon with sunlight. ((29 H - nat 20 / 16 D radiant))

[3:13 PM] DM: The beam of light brightens the entire landscape for a moment and when it hits the dragon, it almost looks like it burns a hole right through its wing before darkness overcomes again. The dragon falters and falls from the sky behind the party in a heap. It stands with a growl, one wing tucked into itself.

[3:15 PM] DM: It looks at Ry, shining in daylight, and takes a moment, then spreads its wings and, despite the pain in its tattered wing, takes off and flees the area.

[3:15 PM] DM: End initiative.

[3:16 PM] Seirixori: Seir quickly rushes over to Ryleigh to make sure she's okay. ...Though quickly is slightly relative as she is moving a little slower than normal.

[3:17 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh falls to her knees. She's breathing heavy and is clearly hurting.

[3:18 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Hey homashoc,"" she says quietly.

[3:19 PM] DM: Gylfi approaches to heal Ry 23 points, but also removes all despair effects on players.

[3:20 PM] Urrak: ""Holy fuck, Ryleigh,"" Urrak also slogs over, ""Ye punched a hole right thought that thing's bloody wing!""

[3:20 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry gingerly stands, and smiles at Gylfi. ""Thank you.""

[3:20 PM] DM: Rukiya pulls herself out of the muck. ""Are you ok?""

[3:20 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Lucky shot,"" Ry says to Urrak, winking.

[3:21 PM] Seirixori: Seir wipes off some of the sludge and murmurs a few words in druidic. ((17 hp))

[3:22 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh nods and wipes a bit of nasty off Rukiya. ""I'm sorry for throwing you into the swamp. It definitely wasn't the smartest decision, but I thought it was going to try and eat us.""

[3:23 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: She then whispers ""thank you"" to Seirixori in infernal.

[3:26 PM] DM: Rukiya smiles. ""I'll forgive you this once.""

[3:30 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh grins, and presses a kiss to Rukiya's cheek."

## Day Five in the Gloom

After another day of travel, Gylfi stops short and their eyes grow wide. They mumble some words and grant everyone unlimited darkvision so that everyone can see what they see- It looks like a massive structure carved directly into a mountain. Every surface is covered in scrollwork and artistry, though it has all eroded and cracked over time. There's a definite elven influence, even if stonework is typically the domain of dwarves, but the most impressive part is that the top of the 'mountain' is carved to look like a massive spire with vines growing through and around it with a massive black orb like a shadow sun floating within the vine-like cage. The base is carved to look like hundreds or even thousands of huge representations of elves carrying the palace on their backs and shoulders. On one side, you can see what looks like an obvious entry- an archway that has glistening silver lettering in elven that reads Some memories never fade. As you get closer, you realize the kind of blurriness you thought you'd seen wasn't blurriness at all, but wisps of smoky shadow that swirl around the exterior of the palace, darting in and out of the carved openings like playful spirits playing hide and seek.

[3:36 PM] Seirixori: Seir's tone is flat when she says, ""That looks incredibly inviting.""

[3:38 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""I don't think anything here is supposed to look inviting,"" Ry says, with a hint of laughter in her tone.

[3:39 PM] Urrak: ""By the hells...,"" Urrak lets herself get lost in the carvings a moment

[3:40 PM] DM: Gylfi almost whispers, ""It's beautiful."" Then they say a little louder, ""Imagine it in a green forest, with pale stone and green tiling. The mythallar at the top shining like a beacon with pure white light. It's true. It's all true.""

[3:41 PM] Seirixori: ""Yeah, see, I would walk into something that looked like that."" She pauses, then adds, ""...okay maybe.""

[3:43 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh smiles as she continues to look up at it. ""I can envision that."" Then she shoulder nudges Gylfi and playfully asks, ""Do we need to leave you and the view alone for a little bit?""

[3:45 PM] DM: Gylfi smiles. ""This arouses entirely different parts of my being. Look,"" they say, pointing at the archway in the distance, ""that must be where the Trials take place.""

[3:47 PM] Seirixori: ""Yay...""

[3:47 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Oh I get it, I'm married to this one,"" Ry says, gesturing to Rukiya. ""And I'm sure we both know how she gets when there's something to solve and she figures it out."" Then she follows where Gylfi's pointing to.

[3:50 PM] DM: When you approach, the archway is standing in the middle of the open, nothing to either side, in front or behind. The stone is solid, and the silvery lettering faintly glows.

[3:50 PM] DM: Gylfi continues sketching and taking notes as they have done since first heading this direction.

[3:52 PM] Urrak: ""Elven stonework, incredible,"" Urrak says to no one in particular, ""Ye really don't see that these days...nothin' this elaborate anyway.""

[3:56 PM] Seirixori: Seir reaches out and runs her hand along the archway.

[3:57 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""It's so different than what I imagined it'd be like.""

[3:57 PM] DM: Just to feel or to investiGATE?

[3:57 PM] Urrak: ((ba dum tssh))

[3:58 PM] Seirixori: ((investigate))

[3:58 PM] DM: Roll it.

[3:58 PM] Seirixori: ((11))

[4:05 PM] Seirixori: Seir shakes her head and removes her hand quickly, breathing fast and there are tears in her eyes. ""There's--uh there's--"" Seir swallows thickly, ""some kind of barrier-- on the outside of it.""

[4:07 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh stops at the sound of Seir's shaking voice. She moves closer to her. ""Are you... okay? What did you see?""

[4:09 PM] Seirixori: Seir laughs a little, ""I'm guessing something related to the trials... So, no not really."" She does not say what she saw.

[4:12 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh takes her hand and gently squeezes it. ""I'm here if you need me.""

[4:13 PM] DM: Gylfi clears their throat as they tuck their notebook back into a pouch. ""You should know... the shadow-kin said that these Trials... if you fail them, you can lose yourself.""

[4:14 PM] Urrak: ""Lose yerself? Like...become one o' those Lonely or somethin'?"" Urrak says, clearly a bit on edge from the implication

[4:15 PM] DM: They nod. ""Exactly. They warned me that if I should fail the Trial, to heed the warning and walk away. Failing again would mean losing everything.""

[4:16 PM] Urrak: Urrak stops walking, ""Again?""

[4:18 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Yes, like if we fail on our first try we should walk away, because if you try again and fail you will lose everything.""

[4:19 PM] Urrak: ""Fuckin' hells,"" Urrak grumbles. ""Thanks fer th' advice.""

[4:21 PM] DM: Rukiya squeezes Ry's hand. ""We've come this far, right?"" She sounds nervous.

[4:27 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh pulls Rukiya's hand to her lips, and presses a kiss to it - trying to ease her own worry as well as Rukiya's. ""We have... but that doesn't mean you have to do this if you don't want too.""

[4:30 PM] DM: She closes her eyes and just pauses for a moment. ""I don't want to lose you... or have you lose yourself."" She opens her eyes. ""But we can do anything if we're together.""

[4:34 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Sun'frada,"" Ryleigh whispers in elven, pulling her close and pressing their foreheads together. ""I promise to come back to you... if I fail, I won't push, I'll stop... and we'll just have to figure out how to defeat the titan a different way.""

[4:36 PM] DM: Rukiya nods and leans up to kiss Ry, lingering for just a moment before she pulls away and takes a breath to center herself.

[4:37 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Together?"" Ry asks, still holding onto Rukiya's hand.

[4:39 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: She holds out her hand for Seir to take - if she wants.

[4:39 PM] Seirixori: Seir takes it.

[4:40 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh will walk them through the arch.

[4:40 PM] DM: They disappear within. Gylfi says, ""Here goes nothing,"" and follows them in.

[4:41 PM] Urrak: ""Alright. Let's do this,"" Urrak walks through"

## Rukiya's Trial: Trial of Indecisiveness

When Rukiya steps through the archway, Ryleigh's hand disappears from her grasp, and turning to see what happened, she sees that she's alone in a room. The room is not overly decorated, but extremely well crafted. There is a large table with a map laid out across it and small wooden blocks with flags on each. She steps forward, hesitantly, and sees one of the old scenarios her dad would present to her- which soldiers do you send on what will almost certainly be a suicide mission?

As she steps forward, her feet catch on the fabric of her dress-- Wait, I never wore a dress in this room. She looks down to see herself in a deep purple gown, the way she looks now, and when she leans down, she feels the weight on her head shift, and she reaches up, feeling a crown mounted there, in her hair.

She swallows hard, realizing that there is no higher authority to turn to, and when she looks closer at the table, she realizes the wooden blocks aren't wooden anymore. They're representations of people. One is a small image of Ryleigh in gold and purple, a blazing sun crown atop her head, Dawnbringer in hand. The other is the rest of the Dawnguard- Seirixori and Urrak and Bri and a tiny Gunnloda and Gayle. She shifts her attention north, to where the figures are looking and sees a monstrous being of darkness and shadow clawing its way out of the painted images of the Misty Wilds, and somehow she knows that the monster is headed for Riverrun- for the headquarters where Clemency and Avery and the rest of the people of the Dawnguard are, where Berolt and the other comrades she's made are, where Trouble and the other companions she's had are.

She knows she has to make a choice, and it's then, staring at the table, at the choice before her, that the figures turn and speak. (Any of you can engage with this trial, speaking through the pieces on the board.)

[10:59 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “You know it’s our responsibility to protect Riverrun... we can’t let it fall or let the people there suffer,” Ry’s figure says gently as it smiles sadly up at her. “One life sacrificed instead of many - choose me, sun’frada.” Ryleigh’s figure looks pained to say it, because she knows what she’s asking of Rukiya. “I’ll be waiting for you in The Athenaeum, where we can spend eternity together.”

[11:02 PM] DM: Rukiya's eyes fill with tears that fall heavily to the map, running ink. ""I watched you die once... I can't send you off to do it again.""

[11:07 PM] Seirixori: Seir's figure snorts, ""You know I'm the one with the highest chance of coming back. Not that it matters, it's me or it's them."" She motions to Riverrun. ""And I'm choosing this, they aren't.""

[11:14 PM] Urrak: ""Like hells we aren't! Yer all stuck with me, whether ye like it or not,"" She puts on a big grin that doesn't reach her eyes, ""What better use of my life than t' keep an entire city safe? Rukiya,"" she looks upward, ""Oh an'...thank ye fer being"" such a good friend t' Mal. Ye were a big light of her life.""

[11:16 PM] DM: She looks at Seir. ""I can't... I can't lose you, either, and I don't want to watch Ry suffer your loss.""

[11:17 PM] DM: Her breath hitches when Urrak mentions Malica. ""I should have been there for her. It was... I was supposed to be there.""

[11:25 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Raisna'rila, my life isn’t worth more than our friends and family in Dawnguard and the people of Riverrun. These are our people and this is my burden to bear. Let me go... you’ll have Seirixori, Clemency, and Avery to love and support you through your grief. I love you with everything I am, and I’ll see you in the afterlife. Just remember that death ends a life, not a relationship or the love we shared.”

[11:35 PM] DM: ""I can't... I can't do it. No matter what I choose, I'm hurting someone.""

[11:38 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “I know.” Ryleigh’s little figure tilts her head. “Remember when I promised you that I’d bear this burden for us? I’m doing exactly that... I’m telling you what choice to make, because I know you’ll survive and heal from my loss... because you’ll be surrounded by so many others who love you too. Please, Rukiya, let me do this. Point me. Choose me. You can because we can do anything together - including this.”

[11:55 PM] DM: She sobs for a few more seconds, tears streaming down her face. ""How are we supposed to do anything else together after this?"" She reaches out, but at the last moment, she shoves the Dawnguard tokens forward, then collapses to her knees, buries her face in her hands and just repeats ""I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry,"" over and over again."

## Brimeia's Trial: The Trial of Powerlessness

[10:03 PM] DM: Brimeia steps through the portal and she finds herself small, hungry, tired, on the streets of Shasem. The image in her head is fresh- Danai taking the blow that was meant for Bri- but this time, the memory is different. Danai fell and broke her neck on the table to protect Bri. There's a voice in Bri's head demanding, Why? Why would she give her life for someone so undeserving? She should have just let Lapis kill you. There's nothing you could ever do or will ever do to make her death worth it.

"[12:43 PM] Brimeia: There's a part of Bri that knows that this isn't real, but it feels so real it's hard to ignore, hard to remember what is real.

[12:44 PM] Brimeia: ""T-that's not my fault. I couldn't stop it.""

[12:58 PM] DM: You're weak, pathetic. You'll never be strong enough to protect yourself, let alone anyone else.

Suddenly the streets become red-tinged and hands are reaching up around her, grabbing, grasping, pulling her down. When she looks, those hands belong to people with familiar faces- the servants who raised her, then the people who treated her with kindness, then the friends she's made, then the people she's slept with, the faces shift into the people she killed under Eya's control- their fingers grasp at clothing, tear at skin.

You'll never be free. This is where you belong... Give in.

[1:13 PM] Brimeia: ""No, no! That wasn't my fault either. That wasn't me!"" She doesn't sound as confident as she wants to as she tries to shove the hands away.

[6:28 PM] DM: You couldn't protect them. You couldn't even protect them from yourself. Admit it. You're weak.

(And give me a wisdom save)

[6:39 PM] Brimeia: ((19))

[6:40 PM] Brimeia: ""Well... maybe. But I'm stronger with them. They help me.""

[6:40 PM] DM: That is a success. You can narrate pulling yourself free if you'd like.

[6:42 PM] Brimeia: Bri manages to wriggle free from the groping, clawing hands and runs until she can see the others again."

## Ryleigh's Trial: The Trial of Insecurity

"Ryleigh feels Seir's hand disappear, but she feels Rukiya's pull away. It's just the two of them here, in bedchambers fit for a pair of queens. The argument is fresh in Ry's mind- Ryleigh had found a letter in Rukiya's handwriting that detailed how Rukiya hated the fact that Ry had forced her to come out as the Moonborn, that she hated being queen and making decisions, how grateful she was to have the intended recipient to turn to when her wife turned down sex yet again and how she longed for the day when Ry would succumb to her humanity and let her be free once again.

Ryleigh hadn't approached her, hadn't demanded to know what it was about, but Rukiya had walked in to see her reading it. With the evidence of Rukiya's true feelings there in pen for Ry to see, there wasn't much point to denying it or trying to ease Ry's insecurities. Rather than using barbed words, Rukiya's just been silent, allowing Ry to come to her own conclusions.

[11:11 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: She’s standing by the fireplace with tears rolling steadily down her cheeks. She seems incapable of speech, and the letter that’s caused all this hurt is still clutched in Ryleigh’s left hand. “You could have told me,” Ry says, her voice stronger than she expected it to be. “I-“ she swallows. “We can do anything together... so why didn’t let us tackle this together too?” Ry asks, shaking the letter in her hand.

[11:25 PM] DM: Rukiya turns, but her face isn't the cool one seared into Ry's mind's eye. It's soft and warm and confused. ""Tackle what?""

[11:31 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “This,” Ry’s voice cracks. “Why couldn’t you talk to me about not wanting to rule? Why didn’t you tell me how much you resented me for outing you... and for-“ Ry covers her mouth to stop a sob. The next sentence is said through many tears and is almost choked out. “You promised to talk me if you were unsatisfied in the bedroom... you didn’t have to-to...” it’s obvious Ry can’t bring herself to say more.

[11:40 PM] DM: ""Ryleigh..."" she says, taking a hesitant step forward, her hand up like she's approaching a wild animal. ""We have talked about  all of that. We worked through it.""

[11:42 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh looks back down at the letter in her hand.

[11:47 PM] DM: It's all still there.

[11:49 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “But it’s your handwriting...” she looks back at Rukiya, her eyes searching Rukiya’s face for any of the cold indifference that was there. Ryleigh’s expression is still filled with hurt.

[11:57 PM] DM: She looks mostly confused until there's sudden pain in her eyes. ""I'm sorry..."""

"[12:06 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Not expecting an apology, Ry says, “I never meant to hurt you or to push you away. I believed in us and you so much that uniting Ascus and Vyon and ruling together felt - right,” Ry says, her voice soft and she drops the letter. She swallows hard and asks, “Do you still want our kingdom? Do you... still want me? Because... I’m not ready to let you go without hearing it from your lips... but if I’m just the chains bounding you to ruling and to monogamy - then tell me, please.”

[12:11 AM] DM: Rukiya's eyes are full of unshed tears. ""Ry... I just sent our friends to their deaths because I can't bear to lose you. You promised you'd always be there and you'd help me and you'd never make me watch you die again. I promised that you could trust me to talk to you if my feelings ever changed. Only one of us has tried to break those promises.""

[12:23 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Realization flashes across Ryleigh’s face and in the next moment she’s  crossing the distance between them. Except, instead of pulling Rukiya into a hug, she waits with her arms open, allowing Rukiya to decide if she wants it.

[12:32 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “I know you love me... and...” she hesitates for only a moment, before a look of determination replaces the hesitation. “I’m allowed to be happy with you, to love you and be loved in return.” ((27 - nat 20))

[12:38 AM] DM: Rukiya steps into Ry's space, her tears wetting Ry's shoulder as she clings to her. ""Then stop trying to sacrifice yourself.""

[12:42 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh sniffles, obviously she’s crying too. “Okay,” she whispers, holding Rukiya close. “I won’t leave you alone to do this... any of this.”"

## Seirixori's Trial: The Trial of Loneliness

"[10:14 PM] DM: Seir feels Ry's hand drift from hers and when she looks, Ry and Rukiya are happily walking along, bumping shoulders and whispering sweet nothings, almost like they don't even realize Seir is there and falling behind. They turn a corner and disappear from sight and in that moment, Seir realizes that she's standing in a pool of light surrounded by darkness. There are other pools of light- one has her Mama stringing a bow. Another has Jansaadi and Wonder looking at some artifact from the Everstorm. To the side is Moki and his elk, trotting happily through Takara's forests. And as she comes around full circle, she sees Gunnloda standing in a kitchen built for a halfling, retrofitted for a dwarf, baking pies in an apron.

[10:41 PM] Seirixori: Seir sighs heavily, ""I am not looking forward to this."" Her voice is barely above a whisper, the tears already forming. She watches Gunnloda for some time before trying to see if she can move, but instead of towards Gunnloda she tries to move towards her mama first.

[10:47 PM] DM: You can move... but as you do, you realize that you're not getting any closer, and then, just as you're about to give up and stop moving, she stiffens, grins, and draws an arrow, moving out of the light and disappearing into the darkness.

[10:52 PM] Seirixori: Even with expecting something similar to happen the pang in her chest still hits hard. Seir swallows and clenches a hand at her side, the other hand gripping the end of her tail. She can't stop herself from walking towards Jansaadi and Wonder.

[10:55 PM] DM: Again, you walk and walk and walk, but never come closer. There's a voice in Seir's mind that whispers Just stop trying.

[10:57 PM] Seirixori: ""Shut up,"" she whispers, this time turning and moving towards Moki.

[11:00 PM] DM: It looks like you are actually getting closer to Moki... until you realize he's riding past you, your pools of light never even intersecting. You will live a long, long life... completely alone.

[11:03 PM] Seirixori: ""No."" Her voice still a whisper, the tears now falling and she tries to run to Gunnloda.

[11:04 PM] DM: Give me a Wisdom save.

[11:08 PM] Seirixori: ((19))

[11:13 PM] DM: Seir breaks into a run, pushing past the fear of the pain it would bring if she were to watch Gunnloda walk away again and before she knows it, she's practically tackled Gunnloda into the stovetop. She hears the familiar chuckle. ""Watch yerself, darlin'. Don't need y'trippin' over yerself right into the stove."" She turns around to face Seir, a warm smile on her face. ""I've missed you, ko'dadir.""

[11:17 PM] Seirixori: Seir immediately starts sobbing and can't even manage to get words out. She doesn't trust anything and can't bring herself to touch Gunnloda, though her hands betray her and reach out for her anyway.

[11:26 PM] DM: She's sturdy and squishy and soft and warm. Her hand reaches up to cup Seir's cheek. ""It's ok, darlin'. I'm always with you. Y'may not be able t'wrap your tail 'round me always, but I""m here."" She puts her other hand on Seir's chest, over her heart. ""You're never alone."" She grins a little, ""But you know, if y'need someone t'wrap around, it's ok. You can love more than one person. Someone very special t'me told me so.""

[11:31 PM] Seirixori: Laughter mixes in with her crying, ""I don't know if I want to. I--"" it takes her a few moments to speak again but she's also trying to rush because she doesn't know if this is even real or how long it will last. ""It's cold. When I wake up."" She shakes her head, ""I don't know what to do.""

[11:47 PM] DM: ""Do what makes you happy. Whether that's your friends or a lover or a nice heavy blanket. Y'might have a long, long life t'look forward to, but y'never know when it'll be over. Don't die wishin' you'd spent more time bein' happy."" She sighs. ""I spent too long not bein' happy. I didn't know how much I needed it 'til you came 'round. Y'made me happier'n a rusty in the armory. Don't know if I ever told y'that."""

3:04 AM] Seirixori: Seir wipes at her face with a small giggle, "Mmm, those exact words, no. I think I would have remembered a silly phrase." Seir pulls Gunnloda tightly to her, still crying but with a smile on her face. She pulls back just enough to see Gunnloda's face and there's a brief moment where her eyes unfocus and then she nods. "Good," she whispers and then rests her forehead on Gunnloda's. "And for you, tor beag, you'll always be in my thoughts and even if it's just me, I think I have enough faith to keep you around." She looks like she wants to say more but she can't bring herself to as she soaks up the feeling of holding Gunnloda one last time.

## Urrak's Trial: The Trial of Selfishness

"[10:19 PM] DM: Urrak walks through the archway and she's standing back in her house in Nampuli that she shared with Ancy. There's a letter on the table, stuck there with her knife. The letter that told Urrak she was leaving and not to follow. She hears bells ringing outside and when she looks, she sees Ry and Rukiya in a carriage, leaving to be happily married somewhere. She sees Seir flying through the air as a phoenix until she comes to rest at Gunnloda's side where she shifts back into a tiefling and four small pink children come running to greet them. She sees Bri heading out on another tour, thrilled to be traveling and fighting in shows as Omphalos's most famous gladiator and sleeping her way around the continent between bouts.

[11:22 PM] Urrak: Urrak reaches out to the dagger, her fingers sliding from the pommel to the grip, and grasps it tightly in her fist. ""No...""   tears start to form in her eyes, ""No...not again."" She pulls the dagger from the table and scoops up the note into her fist, crumpling it. ""Why do I...what did I do t' deserve this? Why... Am I the one...who has t' be so...?"" The tears break free and flow down her cheeks, ""Gods--fffuck-!""

[11:22 PM] Urrak: She throws the dagger at the opposite wall with all her might

[11:28 PM] DM: It hits sideways and clatters to the floor, not nearly as hard as you'd expect. In fact, the exertion caused a twinge in your side and you realize your knees ache and your back's killing you, and the hand you used is covered in sagging, wrinkled skin."

"1:22 AM] Urrak: Urrak holds her throwing hand out in front of her, surprised by its weakness. ""What in th'...?"" She looks over her hands, sees the deep wrinkles in them mirror  those of the Aunties back in the Stronghold. ""Alone, old... Fuck. I've wasted so much time..."" Her joints creak and pop as she walks towards and reaches down for the dagger, even more so as she straightens up again. It felt heavier than she remembered.

Holding it loosely in her knobby fingers, she fixes her eyes on the weapon. ""An' fer what?""

[6:37 PM] DM: A series of images flashes through Urrak's mind. Malica, Brennys, Tanjura, woman after woman that even after you no longer recognize their faces, you recognize as being women you thought you loved. Women you thought you could replace Ancy with. Women you realize you never knew, never got to know, never realized they didn't want what you wanted. Women Urrak was too selfish to notice had their own lives and desires. What were they to you but trophies to display as you continued living your own life? Have you ever done anything truly selfless? Or are you just going to watch life pass you by, so desperate to do what you want that you never forge any true connections with the people around you? Old and alone with nothing but a dagger to keep you warm at night.

[9:47 PM] Urrak: ""No I...I never... Thought,"" Urrak grips the sides of her head, ""I never... Thought about it... That way."" She falls to her knees, ""Fuck.,"" she looks down at the dagger again, turning it in her hands slowly, ""I've been so focused on myself and what I thought I wanted... I've been ignorin' everyone else. Everything I think I am... I'm not that at all."" She sinks the dagger into the floor and stands back up. "" But I'm not done, it ain't over. I'm better than I was yesterday an' I'll be better as th' days go on. I don't..."" She walks over to and hunches over the table, ""I don't want t' be selfish, or reckless in th' name of glory when really all I was hoping fer was praise or a quick end. I want to truly know my friends... And fer them t' know me."" She picks up the crumpled note once more, "" I...I don't want to be alone! I want t' live, really live! I won't be ruled by this pain anymore!""  She tears the paper in half and lets the pieces fall to the floor.

[9:48 PM] DM: Give me a wisdom save

[10:42 PM] Urrak: ((nat 20))

[10:47 PM] DM: Everything happens just as you said.

## Meeting the Raven Queen

"2:06 PM] DM: The next thing you know, you're all standing, a few feet apart, inside a building that seems to be made of stone, though every time you move, you hear whispers and they seem to be coming from the floors and walls. You all have splitting headaches from experiencing multiple realities at the same time, and those memories of the times you just spent within the Trial feel both real and vivid as well as illusory like you can't tell what was real and what might have been imagined or how it happened.

[2:07 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh moves to Seir and hugs her tightly, she's almost on the verge of tears.

[2:08 PM] Seirixori: Seir is grinning despite the headache and the results of one. She hugs Ryleigh tight and pulls back to kiss her forehead.

[2:08 PM] DM: Gylfi's standing a bit apart from everyone, tears streaming down their face. Rukiya doesn't reach for anyone, hugging her arms to herself, also with tear-streaked cheeks, avoiding everyone else's eyes.

[2:09 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: She gives Seir a soft smile, then moves to Rukiya and gently wraps an arm around her. Then she whispers something in elven. "I know how difficult that was for you, but remember - you're brave, you're good, and you had to make a decision."

[2:10 PM] DM: Gylfi tries to clear their tears with the heel of their hand and pulls out their notebook to write.

[2:11 PM] Seirixori: Seir walks over to Rukiya, carefully pulling her arms away from her body and holds her hands. ""Hey,"" she says quietly. ""Look at me."" She asks just as quiet, a smile in her voice.

[2:12 PM] DM: Rukiya's hesitant, and before she does, she whispers, ""I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.""

[2:13 PM] Urrak: Urrak shakes her head, trying to free it of the voices. She looks at her hands, youthful again, and feels the life come back to her body. ""Holy hells..."" she rubs her face, ""Fuckin' madness, this is.""

[2:17 PM] Seirixori: ""Don't be."" Seir pulls up Rukiya's hands and places a light kiss to them before pulling her into a hug. ""It was the only choice where I wouldn't be upset."" Seir laughs a little, ""Though I don't think that makes it any better.""

[2:17 PM] Urrak: She looks around the group, as if seeing them for the first time, ""Is everyone...alright?""

[2:18 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""See, sun'frada... no one blames you for your decision."" Ryleigh presses a kiss to Rukiya's temple.

[2:22 PM] Seirixori: ""I'm great,"" Seir replies as she pulls away from Rukiya. Her answer is genuine and the is no sarcasm present like you might expect. She looks at Rukiya a little longer with a soft smile and nods before looking over at Gylfi. ""And you?""

[2:23 PM] DM: Gylfi doesn't look up. ""I'd rather not talk about it."" They finish their note and pop the book shut, tucking it away. ""Are we ready to continue?""

[2:24 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh takes Rukiya's hand, then says, ""Yes, let's go.""

[2:26 PM] DM: Although the exterior looked massive, like thousands or tens of thousands of elves may have lived here, from where you are now, there appears to be only one passageway that leads forward, and at the end of the passageway, you can see it opens into a large room, though you can't see into it from this distance.

The walls and floor continue to whisper with every step you take and the wisps of smoky shadow that flittered about outside continue to dart in and out through the walls, some playfully laughing as they circle your ankles or avoid your touch, others with bone-chilling screams of fear or grief before withdrawing back into the stone-like substance.

[2:28 PM] Seirixori: ""Nope. I'm going to pretend I cannot hear.""

[2:30 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""If you need to close your eyes, just hold onto me,"" Ry says seriously.

[2:30 PM] DM: As you reach the end of the passageway, it opens into a cavernous room.  In this room is a throne that appears to be made of glistening obsidian and full of jagged points, and behind this throne is an enormous 20' tall raven, its wings outstretched in either direction.  On the throne is a figure dressed in all black with a plain white mask, perhaps ceramic or alabaster.

[2:31 PM] Seirixori: Seir cannot help that sound of awe and a little excitement she makes at seeing the giant bird.

[2:32 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh will continue to walk towards the person sitting in the throne.

[2:32 PM] Urrak: Urrak takes in the scene, ""Gotta say...it's about what I expected."" she folds her arms, more out of comfort than cockiness. She follows behind Ryleigh

[2:34 PM] DM: As you approach, you get about 20' from the throne when you hear a feminine, but powerful voice say, ""That is close enough."" The figure raises a hand. ""What do you seek?""

[2:35 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""We seek answers,"" Ry says as she bows.

[2:36 PM] DM: ""Everyone seeks answers.""

[2:37 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: As Ry stands straight again, she asks, ""I wish to know how to stop an ancient being - a titan that rose up out of a mountain.""

[2:39 PM] DM: There's almost an amusement to her voice when she says, ""This is the source of great destruction in the overworld. I have received a great deal of memories recently. What would you offer in return for such knowledge?""

[2:39 PM] DM: Gylfi clears their throat. ""If I may?""

[2:40 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry nods and gestures for Gylfi to go ahead.

[2:41 PM] DM: Gylfi steps forward. ""I do not offer my own memories, like many before me may have, but rather answers you seek. I have reason to believe that I know where it is you come from and why you are here.""

[2:44 PM] DM: The figure on the throne bursts into dozens of ravens that fly from the throne to directly in front of Gylfi, then coalesce back into the figure, a pale hand grasping Gylfi's jaw at the throat. The mask sits on the throne, forgotten, and the face is that of an elf, timeless, full of otherworldly beauty that is almost difficult to bear looking at. ""The last person who thought they bore the answers was scattered into a million pieces by my flocks. Pray you do not suffer the same fate.""

[2:45 PM] Urrak: ""H-hey now, they mean no harm!"" Urrak reaches out a hand

[2:45 PM] Seirixori: Seir takes a step towards them, like she wants to do something but pauses, remembering where they are.

[2:45 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh holds up hand to stop the others from moving closer.

[2:46 PM] DM: Could you be more specific about Urrak's reaction?

[2:46 PM] Urrak: ((she's essentially reaching out but staying put. Like a 'hey hey stop' kind of gesture))

[2:47 PM] Brimeia: Bri stares wide-eyed, unable to look away but not daring to move closer.

[2:52 PM] DM: Gylfi swallows hard, difficult because there's a hand on their throat, but continues, ""I do not intend to upset you. I... I am descended from those who once followed you in my homeland, before you came to the Shadowfell. Before you became the Raven Queen... when you were our queen. Your majesty, I believe you were fighting a noble war against an invading force, one that had destroyed the god we followed... and in fighting that war, you sought to take the god's place. But something went wrong and you and your people were brought here and changed and made to forg--"" their voice stops as the Raven Queen's hand squeezes slightly.

There's a brief pause and then the Raven Queen bursts into the ravens again, appearing near her throne, her back to the party as she picks up the mask and replaces it.

[2:55 PM] DM: She turns back to the group, her impassive white mask back in place, and she walks slowly forward. Gylfi kneels and lowers their gaze. ""I offer my knowledge, the years of study I have performed, the connections I have made. I offer them freely as a gift to the one who should be the rightful queen of my people... but I could only reach this place and offer this knowledge because of the help of these companions of mine and they seek to stop a great destruction that will affect our shared homeland.""

[2:59 PM] DM: She stops in front of Gylfi and puts a hand out over their head. Smoky tendrils of shadow seem to wisp out of their head, appearing like mist rising from their hair, coiling up and around her hand, washing over her, then flying through the air to join the others in the walls. When it stops, she lowers her hand and pauses for another moment. She addresses the party. ""If you seek knowledge to stop this creature, you will perform a task for me."""

"[3:00 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""What is it you request from us?""

[3:01 PM] Seirixori: Seir raises her hand a little, ""And if there was something else we, I, wanted to ask as kind of a little side thing?""

[3:02 PM] DM: ""I offer trades. For answers, I accept memories. For the answer of stopping this destruction, I require the memories of one you call 'nagpa.' For other answers, other offerings will be required.""

[3:03 PM] Seirixori: ""Cool, great, thanks."" She pauses, ""Uh now or... after we do this other thing?""

[3:04 PM] DM: ""Ask your question.""

[3:06 PM] Seirixori: Seir looks very conflicted, but comes to a quick conclusion with a heavy sigh, ""I want to know if Moki is alive and if I can get to him and take him home whether he is alive or not.""

[3:07 PM] DM: ""Your offering?""

[3:08 PM] Seirixori: She hesitates again, ""Do I need to say what memories out loud?""

[3:09 PM] DM: ""You need only remember them.""

[3:10 PM] Seirixori: She nods, doing just that.

[3:15 PM] DM: The Raven Queen again extends her hand. As the wisps start to form and coalesce into shadow, Seir's face almost seems to lose some of the tension it normally holds. When the shadows stop, the Raven Queen lowers her hand. ""Your Moki went into the mists, attempting to save the Shadow Angel. He still lives, though perhaps not as he once did. To 'take him home,' you would need to destroy the lord that keeps that realm locked.""

[3:16 PM] Seirixori: ""Oh that sounds... Fun. Thank you."" She looks a bit relieved.

[3:17 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry steps forward and says, ""I also have a question. If a soul went to the hells, and was destroyed - is there a way to restore it?""

[3:19 PM] DM: ""Your offering?""

[3:19 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Are... are you going to take the entire memory?""

[3:20 PM] DM: ""It is an offering, not theft. I can leave the memory intact, numb the emotional attachment, or take it entirely. The choice is yours.""

[3:21 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Nodding, Ry closes her eyes and thinks.

[3:21 PM] DM: She raises her hand.

[3:32 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Shadows dance around Ry's head then depart through the air to join the others in the walls. There's a small intake of breath from Ry, but that's the only indication that she gives.

[3:36 PM] Urrak: ""S'pose I'll throw in as well,"" Urrak rubs her chin, ""I want t' know...th' secrets of this blade I wield."" she draws it from it's sheath.

[3:37 PM] DM: ""Destruction of a soul is specific. Short of a god recreating the soul, it is not possible.""

[3:37 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh swallows hard, and nods. ""Thank you.""

[3:38 PM] DM: The Raven Queen shifts her hand to Urrak. ""Your offering?""

[3:43 PM] DM: Once Urrak's misty shadow memories leave her, the Raven Queen raises her other arm and a wisp floats out, a scream on the wind. ""This blade is Thanifex, created through ritual sacrifice to Orcus by a mage named Javen Blunt. It is a powerful tool, but it is both a boon and a curse to carry unless you can summon and defeat Javen and cleanse it.""

[3:44 PM] Urrak: Urrak nods, and studies the blade, ""I see...""

[3:46 PM] Brimeia: ""Greaaat. More murderous magic people.""

[3:46 PM] Brimeia: ""No questions for me.""

[3:48 PM] DM: The Raven Queen looks at the party, then opens her hands. Smoky shadow tendrils flow out from her wrists and down her hands and fingers before swirling around and curling into each of you. ""I am granting you each a small amount of magical power. Use this magic on a nagpa, and kill it while it is affected, and all its memories will come to me. Do this and I will know if this one is correct. Do this and I will grant you the knowledge you seek to stop the titan.""

[3:49 PM] DM: And you each now have a spell you can use once per day with a bonus action that has a duration of 1 minute. Any creature killed while the shadowy influence lasts has its memories transferred to the Raven Queen's memory banks.

[3:50 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh nods, and bows her head again. ""We will return as quickly as possible.""

[3:50 PM] DM: She raven-flocks back to her throne.

[3:51 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Let's go,"" she says to the party, turning to leave.

[3:52 PM] Seirixori: Seir gives one of her small waves to the Raven Queen before following Ryleigh.

[3:52 PM] DM: The massive raven's wings fold in around the Raven Queen, and as they do, your sight goes black... and you open your eyes standing back outside the archway to the Trials.

## Outside the Trials

[3:53 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Do you think we'll have to do the trial again once we return?"" Ry asks, staring at the archway.

[3:53 PM] Seirixori: ""Oh, well that's handy."" Seir tilts her head as Ryleigh asks, ""I'm not sure they'd be as effective, unless it was some other subject.""

[3:54 PM] DM: Gylfi: ""I... don't know. I hope not. Maybe she'll recognize us as doing her work and let us through... though I've heard stories that she sees these tests as ways to force a person to become better by facing their fears and insecurities and overcoming them.""

[3:54 PM] DM: Gylfi blinks. ""I should have told you that before.""

[3:55 PM] Urrak: ""Perhaps, yeah."" Urrak laughs, ""But, in th' end I'm jus' glad we all made it out intact."""

"[3:56 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry half smiles. ""I'm not sure some of us would have had the courage had you told us that. Besides..."" Ry looks at Rukiya. ""I feel less insecure now that I've overcome the trial.""

[3:57 PM] Seirixori: Seir shrugs, ""I think I had an idea... though I was certainly surprised by the end of it."" She smiles, thinking of what happened.

[3:57 PM] DM: ""I'm afraid with no sense of time here and the exhaustion of that meeting I could camp now and head out in the morning, but I am unsure of whether it is late or early in the day and would not want to unnecessarily delay our journey.""

[3:58 PM] Brimeia: ""So... now we gotta find some of those... nap-whatevers and kill them?

[3:59 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""I think we could all use a break. My head is still pounding.""

[4:00 PM] DM: Gylfi casts the Tiny Hut to give you a safe place to rest, just a bit away from the archway so they can still look at the castle and take sketches.

[4:02 PM] DM: Gylfi: ""I believe the nagpa to be what is left of powerful mages who worked against the Raven Queen when she was attempting to gain divinity. They were banished from the Raven Queen's realm. They were also cursed. They can only learn new things from destroyed civilizations... which means we will need to find a place that had knowledge but was destroyed and hope that at least one of the thirteen is there.""

[4:03 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh sighs. ""I know a place...""

[4:03 PM] Seirixori: ""Well, I think they were fucking with us at one point while we were in the forest.""

[4:04 PM] DM: Gylfi: ""If the titan has destroyed Arolis, that would be our best bet, but I suppose we won't know until we return to the Material Plane.""

[4:06 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""If it hasn't, we can return to Isonsall."" Ry leans against the wall and its clear she's thinking.

[4:06 PM] Brimeia: ""Do we know how to kill them?""

[4:08 PM] Urrak: ""If it bleeds, we can kill it."" Urrak says as she sits

[4:08 PM] DM: ""Then we have a plan.""

[4:09 PM] DM: Rukiya sits next to Ry, leaning slightly against her, but has been very quiet since coming out of the trial.

[4:12 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh pulls out her journal, clearly putting it in view of Rukiya, and writes, ""Do you want to talk?""

[4:13 PM] Brimeia: ""We've met plenty of creatures that don't just die from smacking them real hard.""

[4:13 PM] DM: She shakes her head and says very quietly, ""Not here or now.""

[4:14 PM] Seirixori: Seir sits herself near Rukiya but also kind of near Gylfi wanting to offer a kind of silent comfort, in the end she summons a couple of puppies to rest near everyone.

[4:16 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Closing her notebook, Ryleigh pulls Rukiya into her lap and wraps her arms around her. She hums softly, load enough for the entire group to hear. ((casting calm emotions))

[4:17 PM] DM: So anyone who wants to fail the save and be calmed can do so.

[4:18 PM] Brimeia: Bri play wrestles one of the puppies with her hand.

[4:19 PM] Urrak: Urrak draws her blade and places it in her lap. Slowly she runs her fingers down it's length, ""Thanifex,"" she mumbles to herself

[4:20 PM] Seirixori: They are definitely wolf pups and Seir has several in her arms. She lets Ryleigh's spell come over her, despite not needing it.

[4:22 PM] DM: Rukiya sighs. ""Ry, do you think you and Gylfi could take a look around the area and make sure we're safe here? Take Seirixori too, if you need a pair of good eyes?""

[4:23 PM] DM: Gylfi: ""If I leave the hut, it will disappear.""

[4:24 PM] DM: Rukiya blinks like she's mentally smacking herself. ""Right. Ok, honestly I just need to speak to some of the group alone, so... you stay and we can go.""

[4:25 PM] Seirixori: ""Do you want bigger wolves to come with you?"""

"[4:26 PM] DM: ""It won't take long, I think, and we don't have to go far.""

[4:26 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Before she helps Rukiya off her lap, Ry leans in and presses a quick kiss to Rukiya's lips. ""Are you sure you don't want me to come?""

[4:27 PM] Seirixori: Seir nods but after a moment dismisses the puppies and summons a big wolf to follow them anyway.

[4:27 PM] Brimeia: Bri snickers to herself.

[4:28 PM] DM: ""At least one of you should stay, but it's up to you.""

[4:28 PM] Brimeia: ""Aww. Bye puppies.""

[4:28 PM] DM: Rukiya stands. ""Urrak? Brimeia? If you would?""

[4:28 PM] Seirixori: ""I'll stay.""

[4:28 PM] Urrak: Urrak stands, ""Aye, of course.""

[4:29 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Thank you,"" Ry says to Seir, also standing. She offers her hand to Rukiya.

## Rukiya's Secret

[4:30 PM] DM: Rukiya takes it and heads out of the hut, leading the others a short distance away.

[4:34 PM] DM: Rukiya makes sure her back is to the hut when she stops. ""What you saw... before... I need you both to understand the gravity of it. We have chosen not to share the information with you before because... well, you,"" she says looking at Urrak, ""have a hard time keeping secrets to yourself and you,"" she says looking at Bri, ""had a devil in your head until recently. But now... you know anyway.""

[4:34 PM] Brimeia: Bri just nods and stays put.

[4:36 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""No one can know who Rukiya is... at least not yet. It would cause a lot of problems for Vyon... problems that could lead to serious consequences.""

[4:37 PM] Urrak: ""I understand. I won't say a word.""

[4:39 PM] DM: ""You three, Seirixori, and... Gunnloda are the only ones who know. Please keep it that way.""

[4:39 PM] Brimeia: ""Didn't see a thing.""

[4:40 PM] Urrak: Urrak thinks a moment and grins, ""Aye, we'll keep this safe, yer majesty.""

[4:40 PM] Urrak: She puts up her hands, ""Sorry, had t' get one in.""

[4:42 PM] DM: Rukiya doesn't grin when she says, ""I will stab you. For the sake of the safety of my people, they will never find your body.""

[4:42 PM] Urrak: Urrak visibly shrinks, ""I believe it.""

[4:43 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""You better,"" Ry says, equally as serious. ""This secret is about more than Rukiya or myself - or our lives being in danger.""

[4:44 PM] DM: ""I had to ask Ryleigh once not to make me choose between her and Vyon. The choice would be easier in this case."" She takes a deep breath and exhales. ""If you have questions, let's have them now before you pop in a worse time or place.""

[4:47 PM] Urrak: ""I mean, th' only question I can think of is, why not jus' come back? Th' people of Riverrun would be excited t' have their princess back, wouldn't they?"" Urrak worries the ring of spell storing nervously, ""Though I get if that isn't what ye want. T' be a ruler, that is."""

"[4:48 PM] DM: ""If it came out that I faked my death... my family would never be trusted by the people again. And... I didn't want to rule. I couldn't bear making decisions like the ones you witnessed. I couldn't ask people to die for me or watch them die because of me.""

[4:49 PM] Urrak: ""Do they know? That yer alive?"" Urrak furrows her brow

[4:50 PM] DM: ""My family? My parents do, yes.""

[4:53 PM] Urrak: Urrak nods, ""That's good at least,"" she takes another few moments to think, ""I've no other questions. Politics are a bit too messy fer me t' wade through. Jus' know, I swear on my life yer secret is safe with me."" she places a hand on her chest. ""An' if ye ever need anythin' from me, all ye need t' do is ask.""

[4:54 PM] DM: She nods. ""Thank you.""

[4:55 PM] Urrak: She walks closer to Rukiya , ""An'...don't put too much blame on yerself for Malica. This world...works in terrible ways. An' sometimes good people get caught up in it. All of that, an' none of it was yer fault.""

[4:57 PM] DM: She just nods.

[4:58 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: With the conversation about Rukiya obviously over, Ry asks, ""Could you two give us a few moments? We'll back inside soon.""

[4:58 PM] Urrak: ""O'course, Ry. Rukiya,"" she nods and heads back inside

[5:04 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh steps in front of Rukiya, still holding her hand. ""I know you don't want to talk about it right now. However, when you're ready to, I'm here."" Her other hand comes up to cup Rukiya cheek. ""But I need you to know that I don't blame you for the choice you made. And... I'm proud of you. You were so strong.""

[5:10 PM] DM: Rukiya closes her eyes and rests her hand over Ry's. ""Don't ask me to do that again. Please. I can't lose you, and especially not through my own action.""

[5:14 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""I won't. I was trying to think of it in numbers - 1 life for many. It was insensitive of me to ask that of you, and telling you I'm sorry doesn't feel like enough... so I intend to prove it too - one day at a time."" Ryleigh leans in and rests her forehead against Rukiya's. ""I realize now that I can't do this without you, and if that's true for me, it must be true for you too. I'm sorry for letting my insecurities get the better of me.""

[5:16 PM] DM: She presses a quick kiss to Ry's lips then looks at her with just the barest hint of humor. ""Do you think I scared them enough?""

[5:20 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Oh, you were very scary."" Ry grins. ""It feels like the more people we share this with, the more real it feels...""

[5:23 PM] DM: ""Yeah..."" She sighs. ""I hope I'm wrong and that the people understand and still trust my family after all this if we take Ascus.""

[5:25 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""We'll figure it out, together."" Ry quirks an eyebrow and matter of factly says, ""There's the possibility of spinning it as you've been working to overthrow Tilman and you couldn't do that if you were associated with the Moonstreams.""

[5:26 PM] DM: She kind of huffs a laugh. ""Come on. Let's get back.""

[5:27 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh smiles, and pulls Rukiya in for one more kiss. Then she leads them back inside."

## In the Bubble

"[4:30 PM] DM: Gylfi looks at Seir. ""Secrets, huh? Is it about how you're all secretly in love with each other?""

[4:31 PM] Seirixori: Seir looks confused, ""What?""

[4:35 PM] DM: Gylfi shrugs and grins. ""Kidding. I won't pry. As curious as I am, if Rukiya has her secrets, I'm not going to try to dig them out without her consent.""

[4:38 PM] Seirixori: Seir tilts her head, ""Well, now I'm curious. 'All' being...?""

[4:40 PM] DM: Gylfi shrugs. ""You and them or all of you together. Whichever."" Their expression kind of shifts and they narrow their eyes at Seir. ""You're the only one of us that came out of the trial cheerful. What did you see? ...if you don't mind sharing, of course.""

[4:47 PM] Seirixori: ""I can't exactly speak for everyone of course, Ryleigh is my person but I'm not romantically in love with her and Rukiya is..."" Seir looks like she's thinking about it for the first time and then stops, ""Well I love her as well, and I love them together and that's it.""

[4:48 PM] Seirixori: Seir smiles a little at the second question. ""Well, it certainly did start out with what I'm most afraid of, but it ended with being able to see my wife again and to say a goodbye for now.""

[4:59 PM] DM: ""Interesting.""

[5:00 PM] Urrak: Urrak steps back inside, ""Hullo.""

[5:04 PM] Seirixori: Seir nods to Urrak, but keeps her attention on Gylfi, ""Under normal circumstances I would have thought it wasn't real but... I don't know how to explain it.""

[5:10 PM] Urrak: ""That whole trial felt so incredibly real...It was...quite a lot. But in th' end I feel oddly better fer it."" Urrak joins them, a bit timidly, hoping she isn't entirely interrupting their conversation. ""Like a cleansin' of the mind.""

[5:10 PM] Brimeia: ""What's real?"" Bri asks, plopping into as comfy a corner as she can find

[5:11 PM] Seirixori: Seir grins like she isn't bothered at all, ""Seeing Gunnloda again.""

[5:12 PM] Urrak: ""Ye saw her?"" Urrak's tone is genuinely happy, ""That's great, Seirixori. I'm so happy fer ye. Did ye....did ye get t' talk t' her? Touch her?""

[5:16 PM] Seirixori: She nods, ""I did. All of those things. And while I thought at first it might just end up a memory or something I dreamed, what was said was neither. I might be more curious as to how but I think that will have to be a mystery.""

[5:16 PM] Brimeia: ""Woah."" Bri frowns a bit. ""So did you figure out where she ... went?

[5:18 PM] Seirixori: ""No but--"" Seir's face furrows as she starts to truly think about it. ""I wonder if... I-- What I'm thinking doesn't exactly seem possible, to be honest. Or rather how I may have ended up there, really.""

[5:25 PM] Brimeia: ""Well, maybe, but we've run into our fair share of 'impossible' since we all popped into Bellbury,"" she chuckles, trying to sound encouraging.

[5:27 PM] Urrak: ""Bri's right, my old life feels more impossible than the one I'm livin' now. We've seen some real weird shit,"" she chuckles

[5:28 PM] DM: ""How high on the list does today rank?""

[5:28 PM] Brimeia: ""Pff. 3 out of 5,"" Bri jokes.

[5:28 PM] Seirixori: ""Uh, you might need to ask the others because on my own list? Seems pretty possible.""

[5:29 PM] Urrak: ""I'll give it a solid 4.""

[5:30 PM] Seirixori: ""Considering who my mother is, impossibility is certainly... well kind of a weird thing. Anyway, I imagine she might have gone to her 'realm' and I ended up there. Which really doesn't seem possible, but I currently can't think of anything else.""

[5:30 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh and Rukiya walk in hand in hand.

[5:35 PM] Seirixori: Seir opens up her arms, as if asking for a hug as they walk in. The wolf comes in and presses against Seir. ""Welcome back.""

[5:43 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry chuckles and gives Seir a hug.

[5:44 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Did we miss anything exciting?"" Ry asks, sitting down next to Seir.

[5:46 PM] Seirixori: ""Depends on what you find exciting. A question of love or why I seemed to be the only one cheerful after the trial?""

[5:51 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry looks slightly confused then says, ""I suppose either could be exciting.""

[5:53 PM] Seirixori: Seir laughs and explains what happened with her trial and repeats her theory. ""I haven't really had time to think of anything else, though I'm not really putting much thought into it because it does seem a bit... out there.""

[5:54 PM] Brimeia: ""And she remembered you?""

[5:58 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Maybe its just the magic in this place. I saw Rukiya in my trial, but she wasn't her - not at first."" Ry shrugs. ""Does it really matter if it gives you closure and makes you happy?""

[6:04 PM] Seirixori: She nods to Brimeia, ""Yes, and that did make me pause but maybe she just hasn't finished the transition."" Seir then looks at Ryleigh. ""I suppose it doesn't, but... the thing is, the others were kind of like maybe how I imagined them. If it were a memory of my own, I don't think I would have placed Gunnloda where she was. Maybe I would, I don't know. I guess I can't really explain how it felt real instead of real enough but still fake. Does that make any sense?""

[6:06 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Sure,"" Ry says. ""I experienced that too. It feeling real, but also somehow putting together that it wasn't.""

[6:08 PM] Seirixori: Seir huffs a bit, ""That's the thing, everything before it felt like that, but not with her. It seems impossible for her to have been there, like that. Was-- did anyone else have people in theirs that weren't us? That were real and touchable?""

[6:09 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh shakes her head 'no'.

[6:10 PM] DM: (Also everyone can make a perception or insight check over here.)

[6:11 PM] Brimeia: Bri thinks a moment. ""No. Everything in mine wasn't real. It was all... twisted.""

[6:11 PM] Brimeia: ((5))

[6:11 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry: 14

Rukiya: 21

Gylfi: 12

[6:11 PM] DM: Gylfi: ""Not... really. I saw some other people but they weren't... normal. They didn't act entirely like themselves.""

[6:11 PM] Seirixori: ((28 perc))

[6:15 PM] Seirixori: Seir sends the wolf over to Gylfi, to lie next to them and Seir herself leans heavily onto Ryleigh. ""See, she wasn't any of those things. She was herself. And there's no way I could have even come up with what she said to me because I'm pretty sure it was a dwarven phrasing of some kind. I think anyway.""

[6:19 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Hmmm, I don't know, homashoc. Regardless, I'm happy your trial wasn't terrible.""

[6:22 PM] Seirixori: ""It was, at first, but-- I almost wanted to ask about that instead of Moki.""

[6:41 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""I'm sure you could have asked more than 1 question... I almost did,"" Ry adds hesitantly.

[6:46 PM] Seirixori: ""I suppose. It didn't feel right to do so, though."" Seir's tail moves to rest up against Ry and Rukiya. ""What else did you want to ask? If you don't mind me asking.""

[7:14 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry worries her lip a little. “I wanted to know what happened between my parents. What she did to make him chase her down and kill her.”

[7:16 PM] Seirixori: ""Ah..."" Seir chews her lip, ""Well we will be going back, won't we?""

[7:31 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Yes,” Ry answers, playing with her hands. “But I don’t know what other memories I have that are worthy of the information.”

[7:32 PM] Seirixori: ""I can ask, if you'd like.""

[7:42 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry leans over and presses a kiss to Seir cheek. “Thank you for the offer, but it doesn’t really matter. It’s a selfish request and I’m sure the answers will just make things worse.”

[7:43 PM] Seirixori: ""You never know, there could be something that might help. Like she knew something he didn't want others to know.""

[8:02 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “I’m sure he’s hiding things,” Ry says darkly. “But there might be requests that I need make for the people Ascus - they come first.”

[8:27 PM] Seirixori: Seir hums in response with a small nod, ""I suppose so."""

## Rukiya and Gylfi Catch Up

"[8:31 PM] DM: At some point, when everyone else is asleep, Rukiya sits next to Gylfi and whispers in Elven. ""Do you want to talk about it?""

[8:37 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi shrugs, and grins. “Caught that look, did you?”

[8:39 PM] DM: ""You know I catch everything.""

[8:40 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Is... is that a bottom joke?” They tease.

[8:41 PM] DM: She smacks Gylfi lightly in the shoulder.  ""How dare you.""

[8:46 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi grins, but then it slips and they sigh. “You were in my trial, but maybe you know that already.”

[8:50 PM] DM: ""No... I don't think... I'm sorry. Did I hurt you somehow? I... I was in Ryleigh's but only in part of it. She has memories of things I didn't actually do. Maybe it was the same for you.""

[9:00 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Oh,” they say, running a finger over their journal.

[9:01 PM] DM: ""I don't remember being in yours, anyway... I'm here if you want to talk about it.""

[9:14 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “In my trial, I realized that all of my relationships are transient. The people back home wouldn’t welcome me anymore. I occasionally speak to Caelynn when her and her wife travel to Riverrun. I enjoy having different lovers, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want lasting friendships or people I can lean on.” Gylfi looks over at where Seirixori is sleeping with her tail wrapped around Ryleigh. “Seirixori said your wife is her person. It’s a concept I hadn’t really considered - having a friendship that’s deeper but not romantic in nature.” They look back at Rukiya. “I think I’d like to have someone like that.”

[9:38 PM] DM: ""I don't see why you can't."" She leans her head on Gylfi's shoulder. ""You're a good friend. You just have to find someone who wants the same thing as you."" Rukiya sighs. ""I never meant to hurt you, you know... I didn't really understand.""

[9:55 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “I know you didn’t.” Gylfi pats Rukiya’s leg, then withdraws it back to their own lap. “You don’t have the heart for malice.” They chuckle lightly. “I remember when you caught feelings for Ryleigh. How confused you were by her affections, whether or not she wanted more. I knew then that you weren’t like me... or her.” A few moments pass and then Gylfi says, “I’m happy we stayed friends.”

[9:58 PM] DM: ""Yeah? I'm glad."" She pauses, then says with humor,  'Ryleigh thinks you don't like her... that you think she's too vanilla for me.""

[10:05 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “She is too vanilla,” Gylfi jokes. “However, that doesn’t mean I don’t like her. She’s a bit surly and so serious.” They pull their face into a fairly good impression of Ry’s scowl.

[10:13 PM] DM: Rukiya laughs quietly. ""She is... she's gotten better, though. And I know you don't get it, but I love her. I can't help it.""

[10:26 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Can’t help it or don’t want to?” Gylfi says, a smile in her tone.

[10:43 PM] DM: Rukiya laughs quietly again.  ""Oh believe me, things would be so much easier if it was a choice.""

[10:46 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Easier? How so?” They ask, concerned.

[10:47 PM] DM: ""Us being together is... complicated.""

[10:55 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “I see,” they say, backtracking a little. “You’re right. I don’t get, but I do get that she makes you happy - that much is obvious.”

[11:13 PM] DM: ""She does. I... I didn't think I'd have this again. I know it's different for you, but I thought I'd have to go without. It'd be like if Vydea asked you to be celibate.""

[11:28 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “She would never punish me like that,” Gylfi says dramatically. They pat Rukiya’s leg again, a genuine smile on their lips. “I knew it was different for you with her. I suppose I didn’t know exactly how different until you started ditching Trouble and me.”

[11:31 PM] DM: ""It wasn't always for her. Sometimes it was work.""

[11:45 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Uh huh,” Gylfi teases. “I’ve been dying to ask... she’s sexy under all that armor, isn’t she?”

[11:50 PM] DM: Rukiya laughs and has to cover her mouth so she doesn't wake anyone. ""Gods yes. I mean I know you can see she's sexy in the armor but.... you remember that one girl from the Eislerix? Think that but more abs.""

[11:57 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi let’s out a soft whistle. “Ah, I get it more now,” they joke. “Bummer she’s not into having other people in your bedroom - I’d love to witness the abs first hand.”"

"[12:07 AM] DM: ""She has a lot of insecurity about it. She doesn't want sex like that, and she has trouble believing that I could be satisfied with her.""

[12:13 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi’s eyebrows raise and their eyes grow wide. “I have trouble believing that too. No sex? I- now I get why things between you two are complicated.”

[12:18 AM] DM: ""Not none, and that's not the complication. It's not that hard. I love her and it's important to her.""

[12:41 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Shaking their head, Gylfi says, their tone light, “I can’t imagine. It must be true love.” When they smile at Rukiya they say, “On a serious note, I’m happy for you. Truly.”

[12:48 AM] DM: Rukiya sits up long enough to thread her arm through Gylfi's and lays her head back on their shoulder. ""Thank you. If you want, I can keep my eyes open for someone who might want a person. Assuming Trouble or Brimeia don't qualify. ... is Trouble like you?""

[1:13 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi chuckles. “I don’t think so. Trouble is just a party girl for life.” Then as an afterthought, they say, “She probably needs therapy and parties to self medicate instead.”

[1:14 AM] DM: ""Looking for platonic life partner or Fuckbuddy For Life?""

[1:16 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Hmmm,” they look like they’re thinking. “I’m not sure. Would I get bored sleeping with one person forever? Or would I prefer someone who I can spend my life with but not have a sexual relationship with...”

[1:19 AM] DM: Rukiya chuckles. ""It doesn't have to be one. It's just whether you want a person you can also sleep with or if it's separate. Maybe find you an ace person and you can sleep with the rest of the world."" She giggles.

[1:23 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi grins. “That doesn’t sound terrible.” They gently squeeze Rukiya’s arm. “Thank you for this. I journaled about it, but it doesn’t talk back. I didn’t realize I needed to talk about it with an actual person.”

[1:26 AM] DM: ""Maybe you should talk to Ry or Seirixori about it. They'd know more about it than I do.""

[1:08 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “I think I will,” Gylfi says, looking contemplative. “How does their relationship make you feel?”

[1:27 PM] DM: Rukiya looks over at them and thinks about it before smiling. ""Just because she's my everything doesn't mean I have to be hers. I never feel forgotten or unloved. They're good for each other. I'm glad they have each other. I think we're better as a team than we would be otherwise."" She grins. ""Plus when I'm not here to watch out for them, I know Seirixori's making sure Ryleigh's not taking too many risks so she comes home safe.""

[1:34 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Yeah, the way she threw herself on top of you when that shadow dragon attacked was heroic and sexy, but also reckless. She doesn’t back down, and while thats admirable, it’s not good for self preservation.”

[1:45 PM] DM: She chuckles humorlessly. ""Yeah... I'm pretty sure it would have hurt less if she'd just not done that. She's very protective of me, often to her own detriment. Always looking for a reason to sacrifice herself for my sake which is not as romantic as it sounds.""

[1:54 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “I imagine not.” Gylfi sighs. “She seems to have her heart in the right place, good intentions and all that.” They wave their hand through the air, like they’re trying not to sound so negative about Ryleigh. “She’s certainly interesting... there aren’t many humans from Ascus who act the way she does.”

[1:56 PM] DM: ""You're not wrong. She means well... she's just... human."" Rukiya shrugs like it explains everything. ""She is getting better though.""

[2:19 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi chuckles lightly at the human comment. Then they turn a little more serious. “She knows how much it bothers you, doesn’t she?”

[7:10 PM] DM: Rukiya nods against Gylfi's shoulder. ""We've talked about it. At length. Hopefully the trials we experienced will really get it through to her, but... she thinks I'm so much more important than she is. That if one of us is going to die, it should be her. I don't know how many more ways there are to explain that neither of us have to."" She sighs again and sits up a bit, withdrawing her arm so she can play with her own fingers. ""Before I came to Riverrun, I lost someone very important to me. It's part of why I never thought I'd be able to love again. It was hard enough to go through it once. I don't think I can do it again.""

[7:29 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “I’m sorry you lost them.” Gylfi says, tilting their head to catch Rukiya’s eyes. “I believe that when it comes to loving someone, whether it’s platonic or romantic or sexual, it complicates things because you care. From what I’ve gathered you’re her first romantic and sexual relationship?”

[7:31 PM] DM: She raises an eyebrow and teases, ""You catch everything, too?""

[7:32 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “You know I’m more of a switch,” Gylfi jokes.

[7:47 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi pulls Rukiya’s hand into theirs. “I’ve been around a long time and I’ve watched people fall in and out of love. I don’t have the first hand experience, but it seems that there’s something special about that first time - that first love. She isn’t yours, but you are hers... and on top of being her first love,” Gylfi quirks an eyebrow, “and her first everything... she’s also aromantic and asexual. Have you thought about how that might make everything different for her? You are the exception for her. Her relationship with you likely challenged everything she thought she knew about herself. Put all that on top of being in love for the first time and...” they whistle softly. “I can’t imagine having all those feelings at once.”

[7:50 PM] DM: ""It's overwhelming sometimes........ I would guess.""

[7:55 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Smiling at Rukiya, Gylfi asks, “Hmm, that was a long pause. Want to share?”

[8:48 PM] DM: Rukiya pauses for a long moment, considering. ""You remember when... it seemed like I could read you and how you felt really well? You commented on it once.""

[8:49 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Yes. I thought that’s what made you so good in bed.”

[8:51 PM] DM: ""Sometimes I can feel what other people feel, especially if I'm close to them.""

[8:55 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Really?” Gylfi’s eyes widen and their fingers twitch like they want to grab their pencil and start writing down theories. “That’s handy. So, you feel how overwhelmed she gets, but that also means you know she feels your life is more important than hers.” Their face looks thoughtful. “Just so we’re clear - I’m not excusing her recklessness or the fact that it hurts you. I’m just trying to help you see it from a different point of view.”

[9:00 PM] DM: ""I know."" She rests her head against Gylfi's shoulder again.  ""It's nice to talk like this. I know this must all seem so weird... all these things you didn't know about me."" She pauses, then adds, ""It wasn't you.""

[9:10 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi shrugs. “It’s okay. I think your relationship with Ryleigh has made you more open with others. You were so closed off about your life outside the temple... and the bedroom.” Their hand still has ahold of Rukiya’s, they lightly squeeze it. “I’m here whenever you need to talk. I value our friendship, more so now, thanks to the trial.”

[9:14 PM] DM: She chuckles a little. ""I'm getting better, too."""

"[10:41 AM] DM: ""So... was it everything you hoped it would be?""

[1:02 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Lighting up, Gylfi’s face turns excited. “It’s SO much more. I mean, yes the Raven Queen grabbing me and threatening to make me bird feed was horrifying, but I’m one step closer to confirming my theories.” They look like they’re going to pop with excitement. “It’s all thanks to you and this group. I could have never gotten this far alone.”

[1:07 PM] DM: Rukiya grins. ""I'm just glad you were at the temple for once. For an acolyte you don't seem to spend much time actually working for your goddess."" It's clear she's teasing.

[1:11 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi’s hand grabs their heart in mock hurt. “You wound me. Vydea knows I’m not the kind to just learn from books. I need to be out there, proving my theories... research can only satisfy me so much. I want to know the answers to the questions, and the journey to get them is equally as exciting.” Their passion is obvious, and they’re smiling broadly.

[1:15 PM] DM: ""I'm sure she approves of your dedication to the pursuit of knowledge,"" Rukiya says, smiling. ""But on a serious note, I'm really glad you came with us. I can't even imagine what would have happened if you hadn't. Wander into mist... get lost and take longer to do things... probably would've gotten our faces eaten by the Raven Queen..."" She glances over at Seir again. ""Her wife is usually the one who keeps the group healthy.""

[1:23 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi squeezes Rukiya’s hand and says, “I’m glad I could help, that we could help each other.” They also glance at Seirixori. “She told me a little about her. Possible ascension to divinity... that peaked my interest - obviously - considering I believe that’s what happened to the Raven Queen.”

[1:26 PM] DM: ""She did?"" she says, obviously surprised. ""She trusts you.""

[1:30 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Oh?” Gylfi smirks at Seir. “I’d say she’s interested in me but...” they look back at Rukiya. “I think she has her eye on someone else.”

[1:36 PM] DM: ""I'm not sure she knows what she wants or how she feels. That said, she's not limited to one love at a time, so you still have a shot,"" she teases, nudging them in the shoulder.

[1:42 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “She said she wasn’t ready - yet. Maybe she’ll seek me out once she is.” Gylfi refocuses on Rukiya. “The loss of her wife is still very fresh and I wouldn’t want to push anyone while they’re grieving.” Gylfi switches back to their teasing tone, obviously trying to lighten the mood. “She might burst into tears during sex and that’s a total libido kill.”

[1:43 PM] DM: Rukiya laughs softly. ""True.""

[1:45 PM] DM: ""Who are you kidding, though... you've never been the pushy type.""

[1:47 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Nope, I’m definitely not,” they chuckle out. “That’s why you like me so much. I let you keep your secrets.”

[1:47 PM] DM: ""Also true.""

[3:52 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “I still can’t believe you’re married,” Gylfi chuckles out. “It’s so bizarre. A year ago you were pining hard, trying to forget about your feelings with sex, and now you’re married to her.”

[4:42 PM] DM: ""It is kind of surreal.... but I don't recall you complaining at the time.""

[4:44 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Her loss was my gain,” Gylfi says with a smirk. “Did she ask, or did you?”

[5:10 PM] DM: She laughs. ""It's complicated.""

[5:21 PM] DM: ""Technically, she did, but she wasn't clear about it and didn't think I realized she was asking... then I did.""

[5:30 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “It’s seems like everything is complicated with you two.” Gylfi rolls their eyes. “Well, your matching armor is disgustingly cute, and the symbol is really beautiful.”

[5:37 PM] DM: ""Yes, yes, and yes. She drew it. She was an Asten paladin before. Asten, Ascus, Vyon, Vydea... sun and moon."" She pulls off her gauntlet so she can show Gylfi the bracelet on her wrist.

[6:53 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi takes Rukiya’s hand in both of theirs. They gently run their fingers over the bracelet. “It’s beautiful. Why bracelets? I thought humans typically gave rings?”

[6:57 PM] DM: ""She was raised by tieflings. It's something her family did.""

[7:14 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Was she? Well, that explains a lot.” Gylfi smiles as they look at Rukiya. “She’s really it for you, isn’t she?”

[7:19 PM] DM: ""That's the plan.... as she continues to remind me, though, she's human and probably won't live as long as I will. Between that and the way she tends to sacrifice herself, she also continues to remind me that she doesn't have to be my last if I don't want her to be.""

[7:43 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Do you want her to be your last? Because I’m sure there are plenty of options out there to prolong her life, if that’s something you want. I’ve also heard druids live for a very long time...”

[7:51 PM] DM: Rukiya chuckles. ""Losing my first was... terrible. Losing her was worse. I can't imagine how it will feel the next time.... and I don't think I'd want to go through it a fourth time. Having her with me the whole time would be ideal, obviously... but if she's not, I don't know, I might just see what you're up to again,"" she ends with a teasing nudge.

[8:09 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “You know I’d be there if you asked, but...” Gylfi’s smile is a little sad. “As an elf I’ve never bothered to look what kind of longevity spells, potions, and such are out there. But I’d like to look into it for you, if that’s okay.” They clear their throat. “I hadn’t realized she’d already died, but thinking back on it now, there was that time I saw you two making out in library - you looked tired and sad when you came in. You were buried in books, as usual, but then she joined you and said something to you that made your face light up. The next thing I knew you had thrown yourself on her. I seriously thought I was going to have to intervene to get you two to stop from fucking right there.” They chuckle.

[8:11 PM] DM: ""And here I thought we were always so discreet.""

[8:13 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Considering it’s the only time I’ve seen you two exchange more than a quick kiss, I’d say you are - usually.”

[8:17 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “But you didn’t answer me... is it okay if I look into for you?” Gylfi runs her fingers over Rukiya’s bracelet again. “If you want her to be there to the end, that is.”

[8:19 PM] DM: ""I'd be grateful... and I suppose you'll need something to occupy your time after we solve this mystery for you.""

[8:22 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Um, excuse you, I think you mean solve this mystery with me,” Gylfi says, returning their hand back to their lap. “And as a real elf I have more time to occupy.” They wink.

[8:28 PM] DM: ""Do you think you'll go back to the Fytulk after this?""

[8:35 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “You mean once we figure all this out?”

[8:37 PM] DM: ""Mhm... if we discover the secret of the Decimation and where your homeland disappeared to... will you go back? I always kind of figured the temple was just... a resource for you.""

[8:41 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi’s gets a distant look on their face, like they’re thinking. Then after a few minutes, they say, “I’m not sure. I think I’d like to, but I don’t know if the others would welcome me back. It’s more than just frowned upon to leave, it’s... well, it feels a lot like I banished myself. Even though all of this is for my people.” They look down at their hands. “I’ll try to return, but if they don’t accept me back then... I suppose Riverrun is just stuck with me.”

[8:41 PM] DM: ""We'd be lucky to have you.""

[8:43 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “I think you might be biased,” Gylfi says playfully. “Especially if we can’t find a way to extend your wife’s life.”

[8:46 PM] DM: ""I am biased, but not because of sex I might have in 70 years,"" she laughs.

[8:49 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi chuckles too, suppressing their laughter so they don’t wake anyone up. “I’m touched.” When their laughter fades, they continue to smile. “I’ve really missed having you around.”

[9:01 PM] DM: ""Me too."""

"[5:45 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Maybe you and your wife can hangout with me once we're back in Riverrun. You used to bring her to bars and such back when you were still 'just friends'.""

[5:48 PM] DM: ""We were 'just friends,' arc'tur.""

[6:22 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Who are you kidding? You and her were never 'just friends'... there was always something more there. When you were around she didn't look perpetually irritated, and you looked at her like she was puzzle you couldn't work out."" Gylfi grins, and elbow bumps Rukiya.

[6:24 PM] DM: She rolls her eyes even though she knows Gylfi can't see it. ""Those are not exclusive to non-platonic relationships. Anyway, I'm sure you'll have an open invitation to the guildhall as an honorary member of Dawnguard after this, if you like. I just haven't been at the bars lately because I've either been traveling with them or holed up in the temple library doing research... but I guess when she is home we can get out a little more.""

[6:28 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""All work and no play isn't fun. I think you could both use a break, cut loose for a little bit. If I remember correctly, you two enjoyed dancing - even before you were together.""

[6:39 PM] DM: Rukiya chuckles. ""Just because we're in doesn't mean we're working. I feel like I could just live in our bedroom when she comes back from an adventure whole... though more often than not, she comes back broken and..."" She trails off, then says quietly, ""Dancing is nice.""

[6:42 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi reaches over and takes Rukiya's hand in comfort. ""Live your bedroom, eh?"" They wiggle their eyebrows. ""Oh, do share.""

[6:56 PM] DM: ""She's not into sharing,"" Rukiya teases, almost automatically.

[7:20 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""You've made that abundantly clear, but its not my fault your wife is sexy,"" Gylfi says, their tone still light. ""You know I won't press, but I'm here if you need to talk about it, or if you want to.""

[8:09 PM] DM: ""I was there... when she died. She was killed in our room, before we moved to the guildhall. We were talking about our bracelets and why I was hesitant to use the word marriage."" She chuckles and it betrays the quiver in her voice. ""During the ritual, I told her she had to come back and marry me.""

[8:56 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “You were there?” Gylfi says with disbelief. “Rukiya...” They squeeze her hand. “I can’t imagine.”

[9:02 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi lets out a long breath. “Do you have any regrets about proposing while you were so vulnerable?”

[9:10 PM] DM: ""No... no... I had already given her the bracelet. We'd already acknowledged what we were... it was just the word marriage that I didn't like, but as I was saying that day, it was a stupid hangup. It didn't really matter then and for different reasons, it doesn't matter now. No regrets.""

[9:37 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi nudges Rukiya to look at them, and once she does they say, “Good, I’m happy for you. And I’m sorry if it sounds like I’m questioning your relationship.”

[9:57 PM] DM: ""I'm sure it looks like a whirlwind and out of character from your end.... It's complicated, and Vydea does it hurt sometimes, but I wouldn't give it back now. We'll keep choosing each other. Something we learned in our trials.""

[10:16 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Even though we aren’t sleeping together anymore it doesn’t mean I’ve stopped caring for you. I can see there’s something good between you two.” They lean back again, allowing Rukiya to take her spot on their if she wishes. “You’ve been very quiet since your trials. Are you going to be okay?”

[10:19 PM] DM: ""I'm ok. It was just more revealing than I expected and I had to figure out how to deal with the aftermath.""

[10:24 PM] DM: ""I have... an indecisive side. In my trial I had to sacrifice Ry or the rest of Dawnguard. Ry asked me to pick her, but I couldn't. I chose to send the rest of them to die instead, even though I knew how much she would suffer for losing Seirixori.""

[10:25 PM] DM: ""... and they were all witness to that choice.""

[11:04 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Oh. That’s... rough.” Gylfi’s thumb rubs over the back of Rukiya’s hand. “Shit, Rukiya, I’m over here crying about my lack of long term relationships and you’ve been sitting on this the entire time.” They let out a long sigh. “Do you think she was being noble? It sounds like something she’d do, but I also find it difficult to believe that she’d hurt you like that.”

[11:07 PM] DM: Rukiya sighs and leans on Gylfi again. ""She figured it out logically. I'm going to live longer than her anyway. I'd have Seirixori to lean on. It was her duty to do what needed to be done... one life for many. I know she thought she was doing what was right and noble and maybe in another life I would have agreed.""

[11:20 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi playfully whistles. “No wonder you fell for her... beauty, brawn, and brains, huh?” They squeeze Rukiya hand, and adds in a gentle tone, “No one could blame you for choosing her... not after losing your first love and having watched her die once before.”

[11:28 PM] DM: Rukiya sighs heavily. ""I just... have trouble making decisions where there is no right answer. No good choices. Someone's going to get hurt.""

[11:31 PM] DM: She tries to stifle a yawn then sits up. ""Suppose I shouldn't put off bed much longer... since I'm not a real elf and all. But thank you... for caring."" She leans in as she's getting to her feet and presses a kiss to Gylfi's cheek.

[11:37 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi grins up at her and says, “Thank you for letting me share and sharing in return. Get some sleep, more traveling tomorrow - yay.” They mock cheer with their hands, then reopen their journal and start to sketch.

[11:39 PM] DM: Rukiya smiles back then heads over closer to the others where she pulls off her armor and slides into place next to Ryleigh, repositioning her arm so she can 'little spoon'.

[11:58 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Even though she’s obviously asleep, Ry pulls Rukiya closer and nuzzles against her."

10 Felmont -- 11 Felmont -- 12 Felmont

Felmont 3Y21 - Discord logs