Session 33

Back - Next

This session was played on November 13, 2017 and lasted 7 hours and 40 minutes.

## Synopsis

The group came together after some individual shenanigans and found the Cask emptied. No food from Gunnloda, no music from Cyan. Ravaphine and Ryleigh discussed Cae as Seirixori morosely brought her stuff in from the forest, then Nolanos and Rav tried to talk to Seir while Urrak and Ryleigh pushed each other around and flirted a bit. Urrak confronts Ryleigh about the threat she made to Cyan. Ryleigh reveals a bit of her backstory and makes references to a deep aversion to mind-control magic, and Urrak stumbles into accidentally outing Cyan as a changeling. Ryleigh explains that she only reacted that way because she was charmed, but that she was no threat to her as long as she didn't do it again. Seir asked Nolanos to try to make a necklace out of the disc Gunnloda had left behind.

Eventually, Cae came out to check on them and keep an eye on the resident fugitive. As they went to teleport to the next component, Ryleigh stepped away from the group.

They teleported into a land where dinosaurs still exist, or maybe back in time to a time when they still existed. When caught in a trap by deinonychuses, Clever Girl Seirixori used Speak With Animals and Animal Handling to make friends with the fearsome creatures instead. They shied away and ran when a larger predator approached.

The group geared up to try to fight a tyrannosaurus, but couldn't quite get a hit on it until Seirixori realized it was an illusion because she couldn't understand what the tyrannosaurus was 'saying'. Once the prank was discovered, the faerie dragons went invisible and fled.

Finally, they reached the clearing where the nest was, discovering that it wasn't a dinosaur nest, but a prehistoric dragon nest. Nolanos tried to use Mage Hand to pull the component out, but the dragon was waiting for movement in the clearing and pounced on it. Cae shot the dragon in the neck, Ravapahine hit it with magic missile, then Nolanos put it to sleep. They retrieved the component, Seirixori healed the dragon, and then they went back to Bellbury.

While they were gone, Ryleigh talked to Eloise about Cae, getting permission to go to Riverrun for research. Once they came back, Ryleigh and Seir had a conversation and Seir asked Nolanos to make a necklace out of Gunnloda's crest.

Worried that Ryleigh might have gone looking for “Cyan” herself, Urrak rushes back to the Cask to find Malica. She tells Malica that Ryleigh knows and isn’t a threat and that she’d like the two of them to meet so she can see for herself.

She then leaves to get Ryleigh who does come in, unarmored with Dawnbringer left at the door, and they apologize to each other. They talk about bringing the rest of the group in on the secret if only because Urrak can’t lie to save her life. Ryleigh sees some of the affection between the pair and bounces, and then the sparks really start to fly, but not before Malica admits one last twist.

## Trivia

* When Urrak slammed Ryleigh into the wall, Urrak rolled double 20s on her check.
* Funny how perspective can change when one second you think it's someone charming you for funsies vs when you realize it's a matter of survival from a scared victim of heritage.
* There was a collection of several kinds of dinosaurs in the valley below from brachiosaurus (brontosaurus) to ankylosaurus, pteranodon to quetzalcoatlus. There was also the possibility of coming across two roaming allosauruses or a tyrannosaurus.
* Some of the perception checks were to spot the Young Green Dragon hunting for food for her soon-to-hatch wyrmlings.
* Had the group not left immediately, there were velociraptors (turkey size), the t-rex, and the young dragon that might have appeared.
* Once again Seirixori took what was intended to be a 2 day adventure and cut it down to half.
* The faerie dragon/t-rex encounter was a couple faerie dragons playing pranks. They used hallucinatory terrain to hide the river and major image to create the t-rex to try to push them into the river. One also used its Euphoria Breath to control Nolanos and the other tried to polymorph Seirixori into a velociraptor.
* All three of the 'people' Malica has been in Bellbury have been half-elves. This isn't a requirement, just a preference of hers. She can be any Medium sized humanoid.
* Malica was flirting with Urrak the very first time they met, though Urrak didn't know they'd met before. She is both genderfluid and bisexual, but prefers both to be in feminine bodies and partners who are women. She's particularly attracted to big, strong women who can protect her.
* This was the 15th combat encounter
* The highest attack roll for the night was +18 from Cae.
* The highest damage in one attack, one turn, and the session as a whole was Ravaphine's magic missile on the dragon with 13.
* Though the group encountered six creatures and an illusion, nothing was killed.
* The highest kill count across the campaign is Urrak's 9.
* The most team damage in one round was 25.

## Transcript

[5:01 PM] DM: Day 8, Wedan 12 Jaqmont 3Y20

A long night led to a late start the next day. It's about 2 in the afternoon. The sun is shining. The square is empty, the wagons having been unloaded and relocated. The Cask has its usual complement of sad sack drunks and people who just float from day to day hoping they might get to go home. Anyone who ate lunch basically had to go in the kitchen and make it themselves. There's a guard outside the Moonstream door, a human woman in leather armor with the Moonstream crest on her chest. She's frowning and staring into space.(edited)

[5:05 PM] Ravaphine: Ravaphine is also at the cask, sitting at the bar, eating some peanuts and drinking apple juice in a stein

[5:06 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak wakes from a fitfull, but much needed rest. The night prior plays over and over in her head. She may have offered to take the time for Seirixiori, but the reveal of the tiefling's secret doings still stung a bit, somewhere deep. Rising from the rented bed, she puts her gear on, the last bit being her sword belt and bandolier. The empty loop of leather still feels foreign. With a sigh, and a swift crack of her knuckles, she walks down to the main floor of the Cask.

[5:06 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Ah, Ravaphine. Didn't think I'd see y' here."

[5:07 PM] Ravaphine: She smiles at her friend. "Good afternoon, Urrak. I'm glad to see you finally got some much deserved rest"

[5:08 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Tell me about it. Felt like I was comin undone for a minute. Feels good t' finally sleep."

## Ryfika

So it's noon-ish, Day 8. Sun's shining. There's a guard stationed outside the mansion now, one of the ones wearing the Moonstream crest. It's pretty quiet though. You don't see any of the people you would know and all the drunks in the tavern are kind of just... there.

[2:36 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh, feeling conflicted and slightly stressed about the events from the previous evening/morning decides to try and find where Safika is staying.

[2:38 PM] DM: Last you'd seen her, she was down in the slums. When you go to the house where you'd last talked, you notice a sign. Probably near invisible to anyone who wouldn't know what to look for, but to you, she might as well have put a piece of paper on the door saying where she went. You can easily follow the signs and eventually you wind up at a small house. It's proportioned for humans and elves, but it's probably only got 2 rooms inside.

[2:39 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh knocks on the door.

[2:42 PM] DM: Safika's voice comes from behind you, not inside. "You are really loud."

[2:44 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh chuckles, "ah, I always hope my enemies are deaf or hard of hearing. Besides, I can't be both a shield AND be quiet." ((she is still totally facing the door, didn't seem too worried Safika was watching her?))(edited)

[2:47 PM] DM: She's leaning on her shoulder against the wall of a house behind you, tucked into an alleyway where she wouldn't be easily seen. Her hood is down and her arms and ankles are crossed like she's just casually waiting. "I was hoping you'd come by sometime soon."

[4:51 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh walks into the alleyway, "Yeah, well..I was hoping I'd be able to find you again. Something has happened and I'm not sure what to do about it. I suppose I need to not only report back to Whispers, but maybe share? If that's alright?"

[2:52 PM] DM: "Is it related to the sudden appearance of a guard outside the Moonstream place?"

[2:59 PM] Ryleigh: "It does." Ryleigh tries to relax her stance, "There's a group in town, they've been trying to rebuild a magical teleportation archway. That's why all the townspeople essentially vanished, this portal 'poofed' them out of the town. Anyway, one of them, assaulted the Moonstream’s daughter." She sighs deeply, "she did it for the right reasons but went about it the wrong way. The girl, Misha, she was wearing a cursed ring. The tiefling, Seirixori, she's now on probation until the archway is finished. Honestly, I feel the Moonstreams were gracious in their ruling, she's fortunate her punishment was not harsher..." Ryleigh trails off like she's been temporarily distracted by a memory.

[3:01 PM] DM: "Is the girl ok?"

[3:04 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh shrugs, "the cleric who came to help, she removed the cursed ring, and said that she's going to be fine, but I don't know anything more than that. I doubt the Moonstreams would acknowledge my concern anyway, because I'm associated with the tiefling."(edited)

[3:07 PM] DM: She stands up from leaning against the wall, a bit of a frown on her face, but after a moment, she looks up at you. "So the guard's there... to keep the group out? Or to protect Misha? Either way. What's your conflict?"

[3:16 PM] Ryleigh: "Probably a little bit of both." Ryleigh runs a hand through her hair, "Eloise seems to care for her people, for her family. She invited us into her home, we rescued her daughter and her wife. But Cae, Eloise's wife, was bitten..." Ryleigh hesitates for a beat, "by a werewolf. The group hasn't said anything to anyone, especially not after I told them the old stories. She's infected. We even had 2 clerics attempt a cleansing." She looks into Safika's eyes, "I'm not sure what I should do? If she transforms while around here, people could die."(edited)

[3:19 PM] DM: You catch the fear and worry in her eyes, but she's not exactly trying to hide it. "How? Where? There aren't any left."

[5:26 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "There aren't any left here. The teleporter transported her somewhere where they still exist and she was bitten before we could pull her out..." Ryleigh is silent for a moments, looking at Safika, "we should tell Whispers, right?" but then Ryleigh breaks eye contact, "I know she's a threat, but she's also wife and a mother and she's done nothing wrong..." Ryleigh looks back at Safika, uncertainty etched on her face.

[3:27 PM] DM: She's quiet for a moment, thinking. "What's their plan?"

[3:33 PM] Ryleigh: "Find a solution. But if that doesn't happen by the time of the full moon, Cae said she could be locked away." Ryleigh bites her lip unsure if she should say more, then nods decidedly, "she also seemed resigned that she'd need to die if there was no solution found."

[3:35 PM] DM: She thinks for another few seconds. "What's your read on them? Do you think they'd really go through with it if they had to?"

[3:40 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh takes a deep breath and closes her eyes, "I don't know Cae well enough to know her disposition, but I do believe Eloise wouldn't allow her people to suffer such a fate. She wouldn't allow the others to rescue her wife or child, she demanded we fetch the components so that we could bring her people back...." She opens her eyes, "Yes, I believe Eloise would."(edited)

[3:45 PM] DM: She nods. "I think so too, from what I've heard." She looks at the sky then back down at you. "The full moon is still days away and there aren't really a lot of people in town right now to be affected. I think... for now, we can let them take the lead on it. If anything changes, we can always adjust and... well, we both know what would have to happen if she..." she shuts her eyes and shakes her head, trailing off.

[3:52 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh moves forward and places a hand gently on Safika's shoulder, "I came to you because I needed to speak with someone that I could trust. I wasn't sure...I didn't know....I am trying to make this decision with my head rather than my heart." She looks down, "I hate seeing families break apart, but I know what must be done if..if she transforms."(edited)

[3:55 PM] DM: She just stands there for a minute, letting it all sink in. "Transforms? Wait... if she was infected somewhere else... maybe the curse doesn't mean she'll go feral. Maybe it can still be controlled."

[3:57 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh stares at Safika for a moment, "controlled how?"

[4:01 PM] DM: She shrugs. "I don't know... locking her away whenever the moon is full." Her mouth pulls to one side to think. "Maybe there are records of the ones before the curse went out of control." She sighs and drops her hands. "Maybe I'm just fishing."

[4:06 PM] Ryleigh: "You mean there could be the possibility that she won't stay transformed?" Ryleigh's eyes light up with hope, "it's worth a try, right? We could lock her up and then after the moon cycle we check to see if she transformed back?"

[4:08 PM] DM: "Maybe. I don't know that much about it. It was so long ago, all I know was what my father told me about them, and even that was still after the curse had gotten worse. It can't hurt to try to do some research about it though."

[4:12 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh purses her lips in thought, "I'm not the smartest, but I'm sure someone in the group, the one that I've been helping in, could research it. But do you think we could find information that old and where would even look?"(edited)

[4:15 PM] DM: "That's tricky... you'd have to try to do the research without anyone figuring out why. Well... there's the library in Riverrun. That's closest, at the temple of Vydea. That... that might actually be your best bet. Moon goddess and all. If not... the mage's college down south. Maybe one of the... group has connections. If I end up going back before you update me again, I'll see what I can find."

[4:19 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh nods along with the suggestions, then stops, "Are you planning on going back soon?"

[4:24 PM] DM: She takes a breath and lets it out slowly. "I don't know. I think my investigation is at a dead end unless the town comes back or I talk to Eloise... but I'm not sure I can do that. Especially now. I might be more help to the people here trying to find out more about Cae's condition. I saw a couple horses taking off for the east shortly after you arrived, so I'm guessing word's being spread through official channels about what's happening here. I'm sure Berolt's gotten the information from somewhere. I just... don't know what else I can do here."

[4:35 PM] Ryleigh: "We're close to finishing the archway and once that's done the townspeople should return. However, I suppose we must go where we're needed most." Ryleigh gives her a genuine smile, "Thank you. I wouldn't have thought about Cae's affliction possibly being different from our stories. I wouldn't know where to tell the others to search for information. And it's likely that I would've had to turn my blade on her.." Ryleigh's smile drops a little and there's a honest grief in her eyes, "I may still have to, but at least I'd know that we exhausted every avenue."

[4:37 PM] DM: "I hope you don't have to. Think you can meet me here tomorrow night? See what your people come up with and I'll decide whether to leave or not then."

[4:39 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh holds out her hand, smile back in place, "sounds perfect."

[4:40 PM] DM: She quirks an eyebrow and smirks, but takes your hand. "By the way... the sword? Super hot, but not stealthy at all."

[4:43 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh laughs lightly, "Her name is Dawnbringer and well, she doesn't like being sheathed. But I'll take that half compliment."

[4:44 PM] DM: She chuckles. "Somehow I'm not surprised you'd fall for a weapon. Be careful out there."

[6:45 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh winks at her, totally NOT denying the comment, "you too, step in silence."

[4:46 PM] DM: "I won't bother telling you the same."

[4:47 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh smiles and waves as she heads back up the street.

[5:08 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh walks into the Cask from outside. She waits a moment, searching the dingy inside for the others. Once she spotted Ravaphine and Urrak she approached the bar and takes a seat next to Ravaphine.(edited)

[5:10 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Ryleigh." Urrak nods to the paladin. She looks around the Cask a bit, like she's searching for someone "Has...anyone seen Seir?"

[5:11 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh shakes her head, "I haven't, granted I wasn't exactly looking for her, but I didn't see her on my way back into the cask."

[5:11 PM] Ravaphine: Rav also smiles in Ryleigh's direction. "I saw her before we all went to sleep at Poni's. But she left after that and I didn't want to push her any further with questions. She seemed a little sad"

[5:12 PM] Ravaphine: "Are either of you familiar with Spellguards?"

[5:13 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Can't say I am. Magic is...entirely unfamiliar t' me." She pauses a moment "Y'said she was at Poni's? Y' don't think she...left do ye?"

[5:13 PM] Ravaphine: "No, I have Poni with me"

[5:13 PM] Ryleigh: "I have, why do you ask?"

[5:15 PM] Ravaphine: Ravaphine hesitates for a moment before pulling out the letter from Eloise to show her companions. "She sent a letter to Qarius asking to send a Spellguard to Bellbury and one is coming today. I hope they can help"

[5:16 PM] DM: The letter reads:

*Master Qarius,*

*The time for requests is over. I must now demand that you send your Spellguard to Bellbury. Something catastrophic has happened thanks to your former student, Mr. Ningel, and we will need your assistance to remedy the matter. I expect to see Spellguard at my doors by the end of the week or the King will be notified of your failure to control your school.*

*-Baroness Eloise Moonstream*

[5:17 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Somethin' t' do with the effects o' Poni's machine I'm assumin'? We still need t' piece that damn thing back t'gether." Urrak reads the letter over "She really isn't one t' mess with....."

[5:17 PM] Ravaphine: "Do you think that's something a spellguard can help with, Ryleigh?"

[5:19 PM] Ryleigh: "Ah, I know what they are, they help out if there's a rogue necromancer and such, but I'm afraid I don't know enough to know if they'll be able to help with arch."

[5:21 PM] Nolanos: Nolanos comes down the stairs and joins the group, still slightly bleary-eyed. Yawning a bit, he says "morning all. What'd I miss?"

[5:21 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Not too much friend." She chuckles a bit "G'mornin'."

[5:22 PM] Ryleigh: "Ravaphine, I was wondering if I could speak with you real quick...alone?"

[5:23 PM] Ravaphine: Ravaphine looks at her other friends before nodding and getting up. "Sure"

[5:23 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh gets up and leads Rav away from the others.

[5:26 PM] Ravaphine: "Is everything alright?"

[5:27 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh switches from common to elvish as a precaution "It's about Cae."

[5:28 PM] Ravaphine: Ravaphine's eyes widen like saucers and her mouth drops. "You speak elvish??" she whispers, also in the same language

[5:31 PM] Ravaphine: “What...what about Cae”

[5:32 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh smiles, "I do. I just don't want to be overheard, especially now. I spoke with my....with someone and it didn't occur to me that we may not be able to rid Cae of the virus but she may not turn feral. See, here we had a werewolf problem because they didn't transform back into themselves, but because Cae was bitten somewhere else...maybe...well, we may be able to research what werewolves were like before everything happened."

[5:35 PM] Ravaphine: “Like she has a different strain, like she’s a carrier but doesn’t show any symptoms” Rav nods. “Do you want to try to find a cure?”

[5:37 PM] Ryleigh: "I don't think a cure is possible and I think she'll still transform at the full moon, but I believe because she might have a different strain, she'll change back once the moon isn't an issue. Which means...she wouldn't have to die to protect her people. She'd just have to be locked up every full moon. Misha could still have both her parents and Eloise could keep her wife."

[5:40 PM] Ravaphine: “We’ll need lots of evidence for even The Moonstreams to believe, but we need to act fast before the next full moon”

[5:40 PM] Ravaphine: ((Can we tell what moon phase it is))

[5:43 PM] Ryleigh: "The next cycle is in a few days. I want you to come with me, to Riverrun so we can research this, but we have to wait until we fetch the next component. Since Seir's mishap, I'm positive we're being watched and I don't want them to think we're leaving without helping. We also need to keep this between us, just for the time being...I don't want to get anyone's hopes up and I don't want the others to abandon their search for the components."

[5:47 PM] Ravaphine: “I understand. But I’m not very good at lying so if anybody asks, we need to be honest with our team. There are far too many secrets kept already,” she says as she makes direct eye contact with Ryleigh

[5:50 PM] Ryleigh: "If that's your only condition then I'll agree, but only if they directly ask you Rav. Otherwise, we just had a conversation about the Moonstreams."

[5:52 PM] Ryleigh: "Also, if it comes to lying once we're in Riverrun, let me do it? Please. If others find out, Cae is dead."(edited)

[5:53 PM] Ravaphine: "Yes. I will not speak. But I do have to ask, who is it exactly that do you work for that brought you to Bellbury? The other night, it was a little upsetting to see you having to escort our friend to jail. Do you work for the Moonstreams?"

[5:57 PM] Ryleigh: "No, I don't work for them. I'm a paladin of Asten, the temple I'm assigned to is based out of Riverrun, Eloise is the sister of the Duchess of Riverrun. The other night wasn't about loyalties, it was about extending courtesy to the Moonstreams."(edited)

[5:59 PM] Ravaphine: "I just don't know who to trust anymore," she looks at the ground. "But I trust your judgement. We should head back to the others before they get suspicious"

[6:01 PM] Ryleigh: "I can understand how the other night looked, but I can promise not to do anything that directly puts any of us in danger." She then nods for Ravaphine to lead the way back to the others.

[5:23 PM] Seirixori: Seirixori walks in, head down, hands full with the studded leather armor and a few other things, and heads towards the back disappearing into the kitchen(edited)

[5:24 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Ah Seir--" she lowers the hand she'd thrown up to wave the woman down "Well....alright then."

[5:25 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak turns to Nolanos "Ye seem t' be better'n me at talkin'. Y'think ye could check on her? Girl seems crushed t' pieces."

[5:28 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: A small sigh escapes her. She knows the look the tiefling has painted across her pale pink face. It's a pain that most things in this world can't touch. She folds her arms and leans on the bar, eyes drifting to the kitchen doors

[5:36 PM] Nolanos: At some point, Nolanos just nodded off accidentally and rests his head on the table.  It happened pretty much as soon as he got downstairs

[5:34 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Eh, y'know what....I'll talk t' her." Urrak jumps the bar and walks into the back

[5:35 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak cautiously opens the doors "Seirixiori?"(edited)

[5:36 PM] DM: The kitchen's empty, but there's a door in the floor open that leads to stairs down.

[5:37 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak walks down the stairs "Well alright..." As she reaches the bottom she calls again "Seir....? Y'here?"

[5:38 PM] Seirixori: Seir tenses at the voice, she has her back to the stairs, "...yeah?" her voice is quiet and rough.

[5:39 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "I uh...I noticed y'walked right by us earlier. It's unlike ye. I know last night was rough for ye, more so than th' rest o' us, but..." She rubs the back of her neck "I just....wanted t' make sure ye were ok."

[5:40 PM] Seirixori: She's quiet again, focused on something in her hands, she still hasn't turned around. "... no, not really."

[5:41 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Do ye...want t'...talk about it?" Urrak shifts a bit to the side, trying to see what's in her hands. Cautiously, she walks closer to the tiefling

[5:42 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Slowly, trying not to startle the girl, she places a hand on her shoulder. "Cuz we can...talk. About it."

[5:45 PM] Seirixori: Seir clenches her hands around the disk she's holding, the one she used to find Gunnloda yesterday, "... I don't..." she clears her throat, trying not to cry again, "Maybe later."

[5:47 PM] DM: Stool wiggles out from behind the cask where their food pile sits and kinda nuzzles Seir's leg with their cap. "Why are you so sad, Seirixori?"

[5:48 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak sighs a bit and gives her shoulder a soft pat. "Ah, Stool's here!" she smiles at the sight of the mushroom child "Seir...might need some time t' tell ye about it, little one. Meanwhile, keep her company, will ya?" she gives a small wave as a way to say goodbye, and walks back upstairs.

[5:55 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: She finds Nolanos again. "I see y' might need a bit more rest, eh?" she playfully elbows him. A few moments later the levity leaves her "Seir's....in a bad place. I can feel it. See it. If ye still want t' talk t' her, ye can try but...I think right now she may need some space."(edited)

[6:01 PM] Nolanos: He wakes at the slight nudge, "hm? Oh right. Sorry. "  he wipes at his face a bit, "yeah, she needs time,  is all.  Getting in trouble is never fun,  but she knows were here and we support her. That's hopefully enough for now."

[6:02 PM] Ravaphine: Ravaphine makes her way back to the cask with Ryleigh behind her and has a seat next to Nolanos

[6:02 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Hopefully. I'm not overly worried. 'M sure Gunnloda can talk her off th' ledge" she clears her throat awkwardly "Figuratively, that is."

[6:04 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak turns to the returning pair "Y'know, you two leavin' reminded me....Ryleigh, before we head out again, you an me need t' have a lil chat as well." She says the last part with a facsimile of a friendly smile

[6:05 PM] Ravaphine: "Gross," Rav chuckles

[6:06 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak nudges Rav playfully "Mind outta the gutter, Elf."

[6:06 PM] Ravaphine: Rav falls to the ground from the half-orc's nudge

[6:07 PM] Ravaphine: "ow...." she rubs her shoulder slightly

[6:07 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Ah...sorry Rav. I ferget yer so...noodly" she offers a hand(edited)

[6:07 PM] Ravaphine: She chuckles and accepts the hand

[6:06 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh stops and then gestures to the door, "After you?" She smiles back.

[6:07 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: She pulls her up and heads out

[6:08 PM] Ravaphine: "Nolanos, how was your sleep last night? Have you eaten yet?"

[6:10 PM] Nolanos: "You okay? And i slept.. okay i guess." He lies kind of poorly. Oh well.

[6:10 PM] Nolanos: "A lot happened last night"

[6:12 PM] Ravaphine: "I'm sure you did, which is why you're falling asleep on the bar right?" she smiles at Nolanos. "Last night was heavy. And people are mean, but hopefully everything is happening for a reason"

[6:14 PM] Ravaphine: "I visited Poni's old headmaster this morning at the college" Rav whispers, "But he isn't too happy with the baroness and Bellbury so he's sending over a spellguard to check out the town. Something tells me we're probably going to be on our own for this so I guess we're on our last battery"

[6:16 PM] Ravaphine: Rav notices the dragonboy fell asleep again on the bar. She strokes his cheek a little before going into the kitchen to find more food

[6:17 PM] Ravaphine: She hears soft crying coming from the basement and goes to check it out(edited)

## Seir and Stool

Stool leans into your thigh, waiting for you to answer their question.

[12:48 PM] Seirixori: Seir sighs, tears welling up in her eyes, "I... Gunnloda left... she wasn't..." Seir closes her eyes and presses her forehead to the disc, trying to take deep breaths. "I-- I hurt Eloise's daughter. I didn't, I didn't mean to, I was just trying to help but...but I hurt her and Gunnloda left because ... I try to do all this stuff on my own because that's what I've always done." she whispers. "And I've hurt ... I almost hurt Urrak because I was angry and that's also new... *everything* is so new and *I'm trying*" she hiccups as she starts crying again.

[12:53 PM] DM: Stool: "Maybe she's just hiding, like a game. She was waiting for you, so she brought me back here. She looked really excited. I bet she was just going to go hide."

[12:59 PM] Seirixori: Seirixori laughs sadly, "I don't think she wants me to find her right now..." she sighs,  "I saw her after... she told me she was leaving with Kendall, because she wasn't sure... she wasn't sure of who I am. *I'm* not sure who I am... I wish I could have said so many different things. I should have kept the ring, instead I just let her leave." She chokes on a sob, "Why did I let her leave?"

[1:02 PM] DM: "Oh..." Stool plops down at your feet. They kind of bend over then straighten a little. "I know who you are! Will that help?"

[1:05 PM] Seirixori: Seirixori laughs through her tears, "You're always helpful." She hugs them. "Hey, if... if you wanted to see her, we can do that, ok? Not-- not right now because I think we have to go find something. And I can have Urrak or Ryleigh take you, ok?"

[1:06 PM] DM: Stool: "See her? But she'll be back, won't she? You're *family* now and family always finds each other."

[1:08 PM] Seirixori: "Y-yes, family. I hope you're right..." she whispers before she starts crying softly.

[1:12 PM] DM: Stool: "I am. You'll see. She talks to me about you sometimes."

[1:13 PM] Seirixori: "Sh-she does?"

[1:15 PM] DM: They perk up a little, wiggling like they're happy with the response, maybe even a little proud. "She said that I'm her favorite, but that you're her next favorite and that she had to go home to get a present for you."

[1:17 PM] DM: Stool: "Last night, when she brought me back here, she said that you get sad about things, but that everyone here loves you and we'd all help you not be sad anymore because we're all family now."

[1:23 PM] Seirixori: Seir hangs her head and sighs, hugging them again, "I hope, I hope she'll still want to give it to me if... when she comes back." She clears her throat, trying not to cry again, "I love you guys too," she whispers, "Thank you... you always make me feel better."

[1:25 PM] DM: Stool: "That's what best friends are for, right?"

[1:25 PM] Seirixori: "I guess so, the very best."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[6:20 PM] Ravaphine: Rav notices Seir hugging stool and retreats back into the kitchen

[6:21 PM] Ravaphine: She goes back to sit next to Nolanos and finally goes to read Seir's letter while everyone is preoccupied

[6:25 PM] Ravaphine: Rav casts comprehend languages to read the rest of the letter

[6:26 PM] Ravaphine: She can't help but let out a sob she didn't realize she was holding. She tucks the letter back into her bag(edited)

[6:32 PM] Ravaphine: ((can Rav hear the commotion outside))

[6:32 PM] DM: lol perception check.

[6:33 PM] Ravaphine: ((25, nat 20))

[6:36 PM] Ravaphine: Ravaphine thinks to herself, *"I wonder if Ryleigh and Urrak got into a fight, which one of them would win"*

[6:38 PM] Ravaphine: She gets up and peers her head out the door to make sure her friends didn't murder each other

[6:39 PM] DM: You see Ryleigh start walking away and Urrak grabs her by the back of her armor and starts talking in a tone a bit too low to really catch it all.

[6:41 PM] Ravaphine: Seeing that her friends are still alive, she goes back to the basement and just sits next to Seir

[6:46 PM] Seirixori: After a long silence of quieted sobs, Seir sniffles and shakily says, "I'm sorry for... for last night and this morning."

[6:49 PM] Ravaphine: Rav extends an arm out to Seir, welcoming her to lean against her if she wants. "Everything you did was for us. Even if they didn't understand that. Our biggest problem with this team is not communicating, but we're family now at this point so we need to keep each other safe. As fun as solo missions are"

[6:50 PM] Nolanos: Nolanos wakes up. "Dammit not again.. where did everyone even go?" He gets up, looking for some sign of where people might have gone and remembered that when Seirixori came in, she went straight to the kitchen, so that's where he tries first(edited)

[6:50 PM] Seirixori: Seir awkwardly leans against her, trying not to poke her in the face with her ridiculous horns, "...yeah."

[6:52 PM] DM: Nolanos can find them through the kitchen, down in the basement.

[6:52 PM] Ravaphine: Rav adjusts, making the position more comfortable for the both of them. "Are you doing okay? How's little stool doing"

[6:54 PM] Nolanos: "Hey..." he says approaching them

[6:55 PM] Ravaphine: Rav motions for Nolanos to come sit with them

[6:56 PM] Seirixori: "Hello," Seir whispers. She's chewing on her lip and fiddling with a disk in her hands. "No...Nolanos can you..." she clears her throat as her voice cracks a little, "Could you make a necklace with this? Without damaging it?"

[6:57 PM] DM: It's a mostly flat disc of metal with a symbol etched into it. It has a bit of blue ribbon that comes from the back off one side.

[6:58 PM] Ravaphine: "It's pretty. What is it?"

[7:00 PM] Nolanos: He sits with them, gently taking the disc and studying it. "I don't see any problems with that. I have an idea how to be able to do it."

[7:04 PM] Seirixori: "Maybe, when we're done today." She whispers, her tail starts fluttering about as the disk leaves her hands.(edited)

[7:06 PM] Nolanos: He hands it back to her, noticing how uncomfortable its making her not to have it. "Can i know what it is?"

[7:07 PM] Seirixori: "It's... " she sighs, "it's just something important to me."

[7:09 PM] Nolanos: "Okay." And he leaves the topic there.

[7:09 PM] Nolanos: "So how are you holding up, friend?"

[7:11 PM] Seirixori: Seirixori sighs again and then stands up, patting Stool on their little cap and starts to head up the stairs, "We should go, I don't imagine the Moonstream's will appreciate the time we're wasting."

[7:12 PM] Nolanos: "Oh, uh. Right. Sorry." He gets up, offering a hand to Rav when hes upright.

[7:13 PM] Ravaphine: Rav accepts the hand and stands up too. "Seir, remember...one team one dream," rav says in Seir's direction

[7:15 PM] Seirixori: Seir just snorts at how ridiculous it sounds, but nods and her pace picks up as she reaches the kitchen and she doesn't slow until she's out of it.

[7:16 PM] Ravaphine: Rav tugs on Nolanos' hand to run after Seir. "Seir wait, I think Ryleigh and Urrak are having a moment outside"

[7:17 PM] Nolanos: He runs to follow

[7:17 PM] Seirixori: Seir stops just shy of the doors, "I just want to get this over with..."

[7:19 PM] Ravaphine: "I know. We all just want this to be over. Let's head out together and see if they're done making out" Rav starts making her way to the door

[7:19 PM] Seirixori: "What????"

[7:20 PM] Nolanos: "What???" He says almost in unison with Seir(edited)

[7:23 PM] Nolanos: "When did this happen?"

[7:24 PM] Ravaphine: "I'm pretty sure they would rather kill each other than kiss each other"

[7:24 PM] Nolanos: "Oh right. That was a joke..."

[7:25 PM] DM: You open the door and see Urrak talking to Ryleigh. She looks pretty upset.

[7:26 PM] Ravaphine: Rav does a small wave at the two as a way to ask if it's okay to approach

[7:33 PM] DM: Ryleigh smiles and they shake hands with each other.

## Urryleigh

[6:07 PM] Ryleigh: "Yes, Urrak?" Ryleigh gives her a toothy smile.

[6:09 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Bloody bold one aren't ye?" Urrak's voice lowers, a hint of a growl in her words. "All the confidence in the world."

[6:09 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh raises an eyebrow, but her smile doesn't falter, "well, go on."

[6:12 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Y'know" She shakes her head and curls her lip, her arms fold tight against her chest. "I find it rather odd t' hear of a Paladin goin' around town threatenin' murder t' common folk."(edited)

[6:13 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: She steps towards her slowly, eyes focused intently on Ryleigh's

[6:13 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh looks genuinely confused, "threatening to murder common people? what are you talking about?"

[6:14 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Cut the bullshit, Asten. We both know what I'm on about."

[6:16 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Or do I have t' refresh yer memory?" She steps closer again, trying to back her against the wall of the inn

[6:17 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh steps into Urrak space, her eyes changing from confusion to anger, "Listen, Orc. I don't threaten common people unless its warranted, I don't murder anyone who isn't deserving, and you don't know anything about me. If you did you'd know that I would never."

[6:19 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Yer right, Ry, I don't know anythin' about ye'. None of us do, and yet ye come in here like yer the spokesperson for this entire band o' fools. I didn't trust ye before, and I certainly don't now." She takes a hand and places it on Ryleigh's breastplate. She pushes back, hard, pinning the paladin to the wall "Cyan told me what ye said t' her. And here I thought I was jus' bein' some kind of jealous schoolboy. Now I know my gut was right about ye."

[6:20 PM] DM: Strength check from Urrak, Strength save from Ryleigh.

[6:20 PM] Ryleigh: ((10))

[6:20 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: ((25))

[6:20 PM] DM: Ryleigh's slammed against the wall.

[6:23 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh bears her teeth at Urrak and spits out, "did she also tell you she charmed me and Nolanos?! No one has the right to take away my control. I'm no ones puppet!" And she's going to try and push Urrak off her.

[6:23 PM] DM: Athletics vs athletics at this point since you're kinda grappling.

[6:23 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Y'often punish those tryin' t' protect themselves? Huh?" She pushes back

[6:24 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: ((7))

[6:24 PM] Ryleigh: ((21))

[6:24 PM] DM: Urrak's pushed off.

[6:25 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak steps back a bit and tosses her hand aside "She was only tryin' stay alive! Wouldn't you? If you were a---d-dfferent?"(edited)

[6:31 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh huffs, "I've done nothing but help this party since the moment I arrived. I'm the one that talked our way off of getting thrown into the ocean, I'm the one who talked us into Bleakmourne, I'm the one who kept us ALL out of jail last night. So don't come at me, because this 'band o fools' wouldn't be better off without me - I know it and you do too." she's breathing an heavy and moving closer to Urrak, "I will punish anyone who takes away my free will. Cyan did exactly that and I told her what would happen if it happened again." Ryleigh stops and collects herself, calming down, "I understand what its like to try and survive, I know what its like to attempt to stay in a world that wants you dead, but that doesn't give anyone the right to control me...I'll never be controlled like that...and you....you can't possibly understand what that's like..." then she says more to herself than Urrak, "I'll never be someone's puppet again." She turns to walk away.(edited)

[6:38 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak grips the back of her collar "We ain't done here, Paladin." she yanks her backwards so she's facing her. You can see the anger and the hurt plain her eyes "Y'wanna talk survival? Ye were ready t' kill Cae on the spot. Y' treat every abnormal sorta folk that way? In the name o' safety? Of your god?" she spits on the ground at the last word "Yer just some kid wrapped up in a blanket o' metal. Y've not seen the world as I have, as she has, as anyone not pink fleshed and bright eyed has." she pauses, taking a breath, "What would you do, if one of us was that way? Like Cae? Like Cyan?"

[6:45 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh shoves Urrak off her and laughs mockingly, "I never said I'd kill Cae, I said she was threat. And you don't know me, but I've lost everyone I've ever cared for to the prejudice you speak of." She sombers up for a moment,"I may not have pink or green skin, but I DO know what it is to be different and live in this world!" Ryleigh sighs and then says, "But Cyan is just a bard who put a spell on me, I don't understand WHY you're dragging her into the mix."(edited)

[6:48 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak stops, realizing what she's done. A small bead of sweat drips down her forehead. She averts her eyes from the Paladin and scrambles to find something to say. "C-Cyan is....she's..." She stumbling over her words now, the sound  of her heart beating in her ears is near deafening.  Gods, can Ryleigh hear it too? she thinks, "She's..." she balls her hands into fists, digging her nails into the pads of her hands

[6:50 PM] Ryleigh: "She's what, Urrak? I threatened her because she controlled me with  magic. It had nothing to do with her being a half-elf."(edited)

[6:52 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "She's not a half-elf!" She blurts out. Her gaze goes straight to the floor. She covers her head with her interwoven fingers locked tight. "She's...somethin' else altogether and I'm....I'm scared you'll hurt her for it." Though you can't see her face, you see a few tears hit the wood planks beneath her.(edited)

[6:57 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh sees the hesitation in Urrak's face, "do you know why I've been protective of Seir? because I was raised by a family of Teiflings. Urrak, I grew up on the streets and the only people who ever showed me kindness were the people who didn't look like me." She waits a beat, "I know what kind of world we live in and I'm a paladin of freedom because I choose to make it better, rather than excepting that this is just how things are...."

[6:59 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak takes a few deep breaths, her head still bowed. Slowly, she retracts her hands and looks up. Her eyes are red and filled with turmoil.  In a small, broken voice she whispers, "Promise me...ye won't hurt her."

[7:00 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh groans in frustration, "I only threatened her because she used control magic on me! If she doesn't do it again than I have no reason to hurt her. So, I'll only promise not to hurt her is she doesn't try to control me again."

[7:02 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh breathes, "Urrak, I'm not someone who's hell bent on hurting others. I'm determined to be the voice for everyone who doesn't have one. I won't hurt Cyan, I just didn't like being made to do her bidding."

[7:07 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak tries to collect herself "Ryleigh...I understand where yer comin' from. Truly, but this...well you've heard the stories no doubt, seen the reality." She looks away, chewing her lip "I've been protectin' her these past couple days, but...I can't do it alone. I can't...keep tryin' t' lie t' ye all, I'm not built for it." She turns back and looks Ryleigh dead in the eyes as a pang of uncertainty rips through her stomach. "Cyan...is a changeling. And she knew my wife. She can help me find her...but she's scared that you'll kill 'er...or...someone else will."

[7:10 PM] Ryleigh: You hear a sharp intake of breath, but then Ryleigh, seeing the turmoil in Urrak's eyes asks politely, "and you trust her?...why?"

[7:14 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "She's th' last person t' see Ancy alive. I don't have much of a choice. And I...I trust 'er beyond that. I don't expect ye t' understand, but I know somewhere, even though she's made more mistakes than I'll probably ever know, or want t' know about...I think she's more than what society thinks she is. "

[7:17 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh walks up to Urrak and places a hand on her shoulder, "I just wanted to know your reasoning, there's no need to be defensive. I've fought beside you and while I disagree with many of your actions, I believe you to be a good a person. I trust you, and if you trust her, than I'll help you with what you need."

[7:23 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Thank ye, I appreciate the offer." She wipes her face with a gloveless hand "Right now,  I just want her t' feel safe. T' know we won't hurt 'er or turn 'er in or somethin'. I still feel she's keeping some important information from me cuz of that fear. I'm hopin'...this'll help." She sighs and starts to pace. "I know I'm a mess. I know I started this talk ready t' beat yer head in. I know this whole situation is fucked beyond earthly reason but...y'have t' understand. I'd do anythin' t' find her, Ry. Anythin'. And if someone else needs my help along the way, I'd do anythin for them too."

[7:24 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "It's foolish, and it'll get me killed one day, but that's what I believe."

[7:26 PM] Ryleigh: "Love is a powerful tool and I have your back." Ryleigh notices the others...her demeanor changes.

[7:27 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Ry...?" she follows her gaze "D-do ye think...they..?"(edited)

[7:30 PM] Ryleigh: "No, I don't think they heard anything. Urrak, If you need to talk, or need me to talk to Cyan..I will, and I'll come out of armor and without weapons...well, actually..." She looks down at the glimmering sword in her belt, "Dawnbringer doesn't like being alone, so I'll bring her but I promise to leave her by the door."

[7:31 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "That's mighty kind of ye Ryleigh, but I think I'd best go with ye if ye wanted t' talk to Cyan. Plus, I doubt you'd recognize her without me. Fer now...battle buddies?" She holds out a hand

[7:33 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh gives Urrak a toothy smile and takes her hand, "definitely."

[7:37 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Let's get in there before they think we're makin out er somethin'" she chuckles and claps Ryleigh on the shoulder before guiding them both towards the group(edited)

[7:34 PM] Ryleigh: Once they get within earshot of the others, Ryleigh shoves Urrak playfully, "you know, when you're angry, there's so much passion in your golden eyes..it's kind of sexy." she bites her lip freely then winks at Urrak.(edited)

[7:35 PM] Nolanos: A second hand blush appears on Nolanos' face

[7:36 PM] Ravaphine: Rav makes a face

[7:37 PM] Nolanos: He leans over to Rav and quietly whispers, "wait, was it a joke?? I'm confused..."

[7:37 PM] Ravaphine: "You know....I'm not too sure anymore"

[7:38 PM] Ravaphine: Rav clears her throat in hopes the pair hears it

[7:38 PM] Seirixori: Seir just shakes her head and hangs in the back.

[7:38 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak just stands there and smiles

[7:39 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "I could say the same fer ye, Ry. Never knew a human could be so...forceful."(edited)

[7:40 PM] Nolanos: O.O

[7:40 PM] Ravaphine: "Please, we just had breakfast"

[7:41 PM] Nolanos: "Did we? I must've missed it. My bad."

[7:41 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh laughs at both Urrak and Rav's comment.

[7:41 PM] Ravaphine: Rav pulls out a citrus fruit and gives it to Nolanos.

[7:42 PM] Nolanos: "Thanks, Rav!" He smiles and happily begins to cut the fruit into wedges with his dagger(edited)

[7:42 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh falls back to walk with Seirixori.

[7:43 PM] DM: As you all are coming back together, Cae comes out of the mansion towards you all. She's wearing a green cloak over studded leather armor and has a beautiful white and gold bow in hand. Her expression reads more detached than irritated, but as the laughter reaches her, her eyes narrow.

[7:43 PM] Ravaphine: "So that's how you eat it"

[7:43 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Aye Rav, sometimes food needs preparin' first."(edited)

[7:44 PM] Nolanos: By the time Rav says this, he has a wedge in his mouth, the peel looking like his teeth as he grins. He nods, confirmimg her statement.(edited)

[7:44 PM] DM: Cae: "And this is who my wife is trusting to save her town."

[7:44 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak turns to Cae, her grin evaporating from her face

[7:45 PM] Ryleigh: "Only the best for Bellbury." Ryleigh says seriously, not looking directly at Cae.

[7:45 PM] Nolanos: When he sees Cae, he takes the peel out of his mouth, a bit embarrassed

[7:46 PM] Seirixori: Seir glances at Ryleigh and stays quiet as Cae shows up.

[7:47 PM] Ravaphine: "With all due respect, Lady Moonstream, we're all doing the best we can."

[7:47 PM] DM: Seir, by the way, is still in just her old leather armor, without her new armor or cloak.(edited)

[7:50 PM] DM: Cae: "Clearly."

[7:51 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Frankly, I don't see any other of yer townsfolk riskin' their necks t' help fix this mess." Pumped on her "talk" with Ryleigh, Urrak moves to stand directly in front of Cae. "I get yer on borrowed time, Lady Moonstream. But I think you'll find hasslin' us ain't gonna make this happen any quicker."

[7:51 PM] Nolanos: "Uhh... we should probably get going...?"

[7:53 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh facepalms.

[7:53 PM] Nolanos: "Urrak... "

[7:54 PM] DM: Cae's only about an inch or so shorter than Urrak and she just looks at her. "We'll see about who does or does not arrive to help. In the meantime, I thought I'd see just how well your friend repays my wife's kindness."

[7:54 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh steps in between Cae and Urrak, facing Urrak, "stop."

[7:55 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak looks over Ryleigh "I assure ye, the kid knows she owes her life t' ye. However, I think it best y' let her be"

[7:56 PM] Seirixori: "I'm right here," Seir sighs, "and it really doesn't matter. Can we just go?"

[7:57 PM] Ravaphine: "We all already know about the help Baroness has fetched to replace us. But we know for a fact they are not able to do it by themselves. You need us too"

[7:57 PM] DM: Cae looks at Ravaphine. "What do you know about any of that?"

[7:58 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "She had a letter, from Eloise t' someone named Qarius."

[7:59 PM] DM: She narrows her eyes at Ravaphine. "And how would you have access to correspondence between my wife and the Ebedine College?"

[8:01 PM] Ravaphine: "Because it's what we do. We do things to help YOUR town, YOUR FAMILY, and yet you have no faith in us."

[8:02 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh sighs, looking at the party, "Everyone stop. We need to find the next component."

[8:02 PM] Nolanos: "Yes please, that"

[8:03 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak steps back and folds her arms.(edited)

[8:03 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Ready when you are."

[8:04 PM] DM: Cae gestures with her hand. "After you."

[8:04 PM] Ravaphine: "Now please, just let us do our jobs so we can all get back to our normal lives, back to our families, and you can live happily ever after" Rav storms past Cae and makes her way to Poni's

[8:05 PM] Ryleigh: "Come on Seir." Ryleigh motions for Seirixori to follow her to Poni.

[8:05 PM] Nolanos: Nolanos follows Rav, concerned(edited)

[8:06 PM] Seirixori: Seir hesitates, but eventually follows Ryleigh.

[8:06 PM] DM: Cae takes up the rear.

[8:07 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak follows, feeling Cae's eyes boring into her back

[8:07 PM] DM: You get down to the basement. Seir's bow is still down there, broken. There's components on the bench.

[8:08 PM] Ryleigh: "Who has Poni?"

[8:08 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Rav should have the stick-man."

[8:09 PM] Ravaphine: Ravaphine notices the broken bow. She pulls out Poni. "Show us the next component, Poni" she says as she pushes the button

[8:12 PM] Seirixori: Seir leans against the counter near the components.

[8:13 PM] Nolanos: Nolanos moves over to the workbench upon noticing a new piece and examines it, trying to figure out where it would be attached

[8:13 PM] DM: You do see where it would attach, right between two pieces.

[8:14 PM] Nolanos: ((So it would join them?))

[8:14 PM] DM: The portal fizzes to life and you can see what looks like a bird's nest with the component nestled between them.  Roll Perception all.

[8:15 PM] DM: Yes.

[8:15 PM] Seirixori: ((25))

[8:15 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: ((20))

[8:15 PM] Ravaphine: ((25))

[8:15 PM] Nolanos: Nolanos aligns the pieces and casts mending

[8:15 PM] Ryleigh: ((5))

[8:16 PM] DM: You now have two pieces instead of four. One is just under 6' and the other is about 3 and a half feet long.

[8:17 PM] DM: Those of you who are not making the arch or Ryleigh see that one of the eggs is kind of twitching.

[8:17 PM] Ravaphine: ((nature check to see what kind of eggs?))

[8:17 PM] DM: Sure.

[8:17 PM] Ravaphine: ((nature or history?))

[8:17 PM] DM: Nature

[8:18 PM] Ravaphine: ((14 nature))

[8:18 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: ((19 nature))

[8:19 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "That the biggest egg I think I've ever seen...."

[8:19 PM] Ravaphine: "The egg is twitching, maybe it's about to hatch"

[8:20 PM] Nolanos: "That... seems scary and promising"(edited)

[8:21 PM] Ravaphine: "Is the component...in the nest"

[8:21 PM] Ravaphine: ((can we wee how far up the tree is))

[8:22 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Good Gruumsh...I got a bad feelin' about this."

[8:22 PM] DM: It's not in a tree. It's just in a nest on the ground.

[8:22 PM] Nolanos: "I mean, it must be, right?"

[8:22 PM] DM: A dirt nest with some leaves and twigs and stuff tucked in.

[8:22 PM] Seirixori: "Can we go in now." Seir mutters.

[8:22 PM] DM: They're a darkish color, like greyish green.

[8:23 PM] DM: You do see the component in the nest.

[8:23 PM] Ravaphine: "I don't know what else lays eggs on the ground...We have to be careful okay guys?'

[8:24 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Alright, well let's get on with it." she turns to Ravaphine "Push the button, Rav."

[8:24 PM] Nolanos: "She did...?"

[8:24 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "A-Aye...whatever. Let's just grab it."

[8:24 PM] Nolanos: "But yes! Onward!"

[8:25 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh steps back from the party.(edited)

[8:25 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Are ye not comin' with us, Ryleigh?"

[8:26 PM] Ravaphine: "Ryleigh, where are you going?"

[8:27 PM] Ryleigh: "Since Cae is going, she can be your additional muscle. I need to take care of something. If you guys are still in the portal when I return, I will jump in."

[8:28 PM] Seirixori: "But..." Seir whispers, tense because shes pretty sure she just lost whatever buffer she had.

[8:28 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak puts a hand on Seir's shoulder. "Don't worry. She'll be back."

[8:28 PM] Ravaphine: Ravaphine shakes her head and just steps in

[8:29 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh looks at Seir with concern, "It's going to be fine, I promise. I'll be back in no time."

[8:29 PM] Seirixori: "Okay," she says quietly and walks in after Nolanos and Ravaphine.

[8:29 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Y'better be, Ry. Y'owe me a kiss" Urrak winks and walks into the portal

[8:31 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh rolls her eyes, "what kind of monster did I create." and walks up the basement stairs.

[8:29 PM] Nolanos: Nolanos follows and is immediately in shock.

[8:30 PM] Ravaphine: Ravaphine steps back a bit into Nolanos wondering what in the fuck are those

[8:28 PM] DM: The image around you shifts. Instead of the nest in the forest, you're up on a bit of a hill overlooking a valley and some sort of lake. There are huge reptilian creatures down in the valley below. Herds of beasts roaming from place to place, stopping at the lake for a drink, and continuing on. There are huge animals, bigger than even dragons on four legs with great long necks reaching up to eat from tall trees. In the distance you can see flocks of flying creatures fighting over something on the ground. And to the east, you see a hilly forest.

## Ryleigh in the mansion

[1:42 PM] DM: It's day 8, somewhere between 3 and 4. The others stepped into the portal and you could see the wonder and amazement on their faces, but you had other things to take care of.

[1:43 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh is going to walk up the street back to the Moonstream mansion.

[1:46 PM] DM: The same woman's standing there at the door in her leather armor and Moonstream crest.

[1:46 PM] DM: She's the only one you didn't see at the 'trial' the night before.

[1:47 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh clears her throat as she approaches the guard, "hello, I'd like to request an audience with Baroness Moonstream, if possible."

[1:50 PM] DM: She looks at you like you're interrupting a good daydream and rolls her eyes. She turns and ducks her head inside the front door and calls for Captain Usan who shows up after a minute.

Usan: "What is it, Asten?"

[1:50 PM] Ryleigh: "I'd like to request an audience with Baroness Moonstream."

[1:53 PM] DM: Usan looks you over with a frown. "What for? Certainly not to rehash everything from last night."

[1:54 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh chuckles lightly, "certainly not, but it is something important. I had an idea about a particular situation involving her and I'd like her input."

[2:00 PM] DM: He exhales and steps back. "Wait in there," he gestures to the room where you'd spent most of the night, where Eloise does most of her business. "I'll see if she's willing."

[2:02 PM] Ryleigh: "Thank you." Ryleigh steps into the room.

[2:05 PM] DM: It takes probably ten minutes, but Eloise does appear. She looks tired. She crosses the room and takes a seat at her desk before looking at you expectantly.

[2:06 PM] Ryleigh: "Baroness Moonstream, I have an idea.." but before Ryleigh continues she looks around the room to see who's around and possibly listening.

[2:06 PM] DM: Doesn't look like anyone else is in there.

[2:07 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh lowers her voice, "it's about Lady Cae's situation."

[2:08 PM] DM: She closes her eyes for a moment then looks at you again. "What about it?"

[2:10 PM] Ryleigh: "I'm sorry, I know you're under a lot of stress. Especially after everything these last few days. But I've been thinking about it and since she wasn't bitten here, perhaps she won't turn feral? Of course, I can't be sure but if you'd allow it - I'd like to take Ravaphine to Riverrun and research what they were like before the feral wars." Ryleigh looks hopeful.

[2:16 PM] DM: Her brow knits together for a moment like she's thinking. "The temple of Vydea. It's not a bad idea. I can get you access, but... I have to ask you to please use discretion. We have enough to deal with without adding a panic to the mix." She pulls a piece of heavy parchment from her desk and starts writing a letter.

Ryleigh's face breaks into a genuine smile, "We'll be discrete, I know how much is riding on this, thank you."

"Speaking of my wife, have you seen her? She said she was going to speak to your group."

[2:19 PM] Ryleigh: Her smile stays but is a little less enthusiastic, "I have, she accompanied the others to find the next component piece."(edited)

[2:20 PM] DM: She looks up from the letter, mid-sentence. "She what?"

[2:24 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh looks confused at the response and repeats, "She went into the portal..with the others...to retrieve the next component." And offhandedly adds, "Or to keep an eye on Seirixori? Either way. She's in the portal." She smiles slightly, like she's recalling a similar situation, "and based on your reaction I'd guess she didn't tell you." Ryleigh abruptly catches herself, and takes a slight bow, "my apologies, that was out of line."

[2:27 PM] DM: She sighs and finishes the letter, signing it and sealing it with a wax seal with the Moonstream crest. "Is there anything else?"

[2:29 PM] Ryleigh: "No, M'Lady." But as Ryleigh reaches for the paper she can't help but add, "if it isn't too bold, is Lady Misha alright?" Sincerity etched on Ryleigh's face.

[2:39 PM] DM: She hands the letter over and starts walking towards the doors. "She's not hurt, but she's very shaken. She's having nightmares every time she falls asleep."

Ryleigh walks with her to the doors, "I'm sorry about what happened to Lady Misha" knowing all too well the feeling of being greeted by nightmares rather than dreams at night.

She reaches the door and says to Usan, "Captain, could you send someone to Mr. Ningel's basement to wait for Lady Moonstream to return and let her know her presence is requested here?"

Usan bows and leaves to do as she asks, throwing a questioning glance in your direction.

Eloise looks back at you. "I know Asten isn't one for enforcing the word of law, but I do hope you can provide some measure of... supervision for them. Especially now that I hear Gunnloda's decided to return home."

[2:49 PM] Ryleigh: She takes a deep breath, "They're a band of fools. I have been trying to keep them in line, but it's a group packed full of hot headed, brandishing feelings like armor types." She looks at Eloise, "but I will do my best to provide a measure of supervision, because gods knows they need it." She gives Eloise a small smile before walking out the doors.

[8:31 PM] DM: Nature checks.

[8:31 PM] Ravaphine: ((22))

[8:31 PM] Nolanos: ((Cant roll quite yet))

[8:31 PM] Seirixori: ((5))

[8:31 PM] DM: Nolanos (20)

[8:31 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: ((19))

[8:32 PM] Ravaphine: "Those are....those are fucking dinosaurs"

[8:33 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Aye, that they are...." Urrak stands dumbfounded

[8:33 PM] Ravaphine: "Poni, did we go back in time?"

[8:33 PM] Seirixori: "What?" Seir says, it's quiet but she's in awe of what she sees.

[8:33 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Is that...possible?"

[8:34 PM] Nolanos: "oh... my god..."

[8:34 PM] DM: Poni: "I have no idea, but those should not exist. Maybe we're on a plane where they never went extinct."

[8:35 PM] DM: Even Cae is kind of staring, dumbstruck.

[8:35 PM] Ravaphine: "Wish us luck." she puts him safely back in her bag

[8:35 PM] Seirixori: Seir steps to the side, only a few feet away, closes her eyes and mutters something under her breath.

[8:36 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "What a story t' tell...if I get eaten by a bloody dinosaur..." Urrak walks around a bit, taking everything in "Well, let's find that hunk o' scrap."

[8:36 PM] Ravaphine: "My mother will never believe me"

[8:37 PM] Nolanos: ((what else is there to see?))

[8:38 PM] DM: Just the dinos in the distance below and to the north/west and forest to the east.

[8:38 PM] DM: Perception checks.

[8:38 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: ((18))

[8:38 PM] Ravaphine: ((18))

[8:38 PM] Seirixori: ((8))

[8:38 PM] DM: Nolanos: 20

[8:39 PM] Seirixori: "It's... through the forest." Seir says as she steps back, closer to the group.

[8:40 PM] Nolanos: "That sounds fun and not at all dangerous. Let's do it."

[8:40 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Excellent." there's a huge smile on Urrak's face "Is it bad t' hope we get to tussle with some o' these great beasts?"

[8:41 PM] Ravaphine: "Just stay together just in case we need an exit route"

[8:41 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak walks towards the forest, sword in hand

[8:42 PM] DM: Cae: "If you don't mind, I think I'd like to hold on to... Mr. Ningel."

[8:44 PM] Seirixori: Seir walks after Urrak, "Please don't hurt them if they leave us alone."

[8:44 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Don't ye worry, Seir. I don't attack what don't attack me." She smiles down at her and rests her sword on her shoulder

[8:45 PM] Ravaphine: "If it's okay, I would prefer to keep him for now in case of an emergency. We have a contingency plan worked out, and I can assure you I will keep him safe in all my power"

[8:46 PM] DM: Cae: "It's not him I'm thinking of. I don't want anyone to get any... ideas about conveniently forgetting to include me in the leaving."

[8:47 PM] Ravaphine: "It would not be advisable to backtrack and erase our progress. For our and Bellbury's sake, we just want to fix the portal"

[8:48 PM] Ravaphine: "We don't want to hurt Misha, or the baroness more than they have already suffered"

[8:49 PM] Ravaphine: Ravaphine follows urrak and seir into the woods(edited)

[8:51 PM] Nolanos: "We've had some.... misunderstandings, to say the least, but we do value you as a person and wouldn't leave you behind. What kind of monster would even do that on purpose?" Nolanos says to Cae.

[8:51 PM] DM: "You'd be surprised what people will do when they think they're doing the right thing." Cae puts the hood up on her cloak and follows, silently moving from tree to tree.

[8:52 PM] Nolanos: Nolanos stealths as well, and moves with the group.

[8:52 PM] Ravaphine: "On this team, no man gets left behind" Rav says over her shoulder

[8:52 PM] DM: Yep. Stealth checks.

[8:53 PM] Nolanos: ((26))

[8:53 PM] Seirixori: ((5))

[8:53 PM] Ravaphine: ((20))

[8:54 PM] DM: Cae (23)

[8:54 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: ((20))

[8:55 PM] DM: So you guys head east into the forest. Some of you are moving stealthily, others are just... tripping their way through the woods.  Perception checks.

[8:55 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: ((19))

[8:55 PM] Ravaphine: ((19))(edited)

[8:56 PM] Seirixori: ((10))

[8:56 PM] Nolanos: ((19))

[8:58 PM] Ravaphine: "Seir, please take this dagger. Where did all your stuff go?" she hands Seir her dagger

[8:59 PM] Seirixori: "I... have my staff." Seir looks at the dagger, slightly confused.

[8:59 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Guys. Shut it."

[8:59 PM] Nolanos: Nolanos quietly shushes the group(edited)

[8:59 PM] Ravaphine: She pauses mid stride and whispers to her group. "I think...we're being watched"

[8:59 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Aye" Urrak whispers and readies her sword "We ain't alone."

[9:01 PM] DM: Also, map change.

[9:03 PM] Seirixori: Seir grins for a moment, realizing she can do something. She whispers a couple words and then says to the group, "Do you think it's friendly?"

[9:03 PM] Ravaphine: Rav gulps

[9:03 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "I certainly hope so...but I ain't countin' on it." she grips her sword tighter

[9:05 PM] Nolanos: Nolanos quietly gets Rav's attention and smiles at her in what he hopes is a comforting way. He then motions for her, and the rest of the group to keep moving

[9:05 PM] Seirixori: "Well... let me... let me try something ok? Don't... don't do anything." Seir then clears her throat and speaks a little louder, "Hello? Can... we aren't here to harm you, can you come out here?"

[9:06 PM] Nolanos: "Dammit Seirixori what are you doing?!" he whispers in confusion.

[9:06 PM] Seirixori: "I jsut want to talk to it..." she mutters.

[9:07 PM] DM: Animal handling.

[9:07 PM] Seirixori: ((21))

[9:08 PM] DM: The one you all saw doesn't move, but from behind a tree next to Nolanos, a creature steps out. It's a reptilian creature, maybe shoulder high to most of you with sharp teeth, intelligent eyes, and razor sharp claws.

[9:09 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak looks at the beast "Seir...please tell me ye know what yer doin'."

[9:10 PM] DM: It steps forward, sniffing.

[9:10 PM] Seirixori: Seir nearly giggles in excitement, stepping towards it, slowly, "Aren't you pretty." She gets closer to it, and reaches her hand out, but doens't touch it, waiting to see if it'll come to her.

[9:10 PM] Nolanos: ((does it see me?))(edited)

[9:11 PM] DM: It's 10' from you. Actually... with your stealth roll, you could've edged around to put the tree between you if you want.

[9:11 PM] Nolanos: ((I want))(edited)

[9:11 PM] DM: The creature kind of tilts its head and sniffs at your hand.

[9:12 PM] Seirixori: Seir reaches more, and tries to pet it.

[9:14 PM] DM: It pulls its head back just a little, then pushes forward, sticking its snout right in your torso, sniffing more.

[9:14 PM] DM: Rav could move around the tree, but it's the same tree as the other one.

[9:15 PM] Seirixori: Seirixori does giggle this time, letting it do as it pleases and pats it on the head, "We're just here to get something we lost and then we'll be on our way, ok? It's sparkles, have you seen something like that?"

[9:16 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Are...are ye talkin' t' that dinosaur, Seir?" Urrak, unable to move out of fear, looks in wonder at the tiefling's antics

[9:17 PM] Seirixori: Seir looks at Urrak with a big grin on her face and just nods excitedly.

[9:17 PM] DM: It nudges Seir in the chest and hisses.

[9:18 PM] Nolanos: Nolanos can't help but smile, seeing her so happy. It's a nice change, that's for sure, even though he's ridiculously worried she'll get hurt.(edited)

[9:19 PM] Seirixori: "Oh, okay, um..." Seir slowly reaches for her bag and pulls out all of her rations, "I have these."

[9:20 PM] DM: It sniffs at them and hisses again.

[9:22 PM] Nolanos: ((perception for any more around us?))

[9:22 PM] DM: Then it ducks down and moves to the side of Seir and hisses again.

[9:22 PM] DM: Sure.

[9:22 PM] DM: Everyone, actually.

[9:22 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: ((15))

[9:23 PM] Seirixori: ((17))

[9:23 PM] Nolanos: ((8))

[9:24 PM] DM: You guys, except Nolanos, see two more besides the one talking to Seir, one to the north and one to the south, but all three of them are starting to move to the southwest.

[9:24 PM] Seirixori: "Oh.. uh, guys there's something else...dangerous." She pats the dinosaur on the head.

[9:24 PM] Seirixori: "Do you want help?" Seir asks quietly.

[9:25 PM] DM: It ducks away and all three of them start moving away, quickly but quietly.

[9:26 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Uh...what'd it say t' ye, Seir? Y'said it needs help?"

[9:28 PM] Seirixori: "No, but we might if we don't leave, right now." She says and starts heading southeast, quickly and as quietly as possible.

[9:28 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak scrambles to follow her

[9:29 PM] DM: Stealth checks if you will.

[9:29 PM] Nolanos: Nolanos follows as well

[9:29 PM] Nolanos: ((11))

[9:29 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: ((16))

[9:29 PM] Seirixori: ((19 nat 20 tho))

[9:29 PM] DM: Rav: 16. Cae is apparently invisible in her cloak.

[9:30 PM] DM: Perception checks.

[9:30 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: ((9))

[9:30 PM] Ravaphine: ((23))

[9:30 PM] Nolanos: ((11))

[9:30 PM] Seirixori: ((16))

[9:31 PM] DM: There's a roar from the northeast, and when you look, you see a massive creature, 15' tall, standing behind a tree.

[9:31 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Good Gods..."

[9:31 PM] Ravaphine: "Giggling? Who is laughing" she whispers

[9:32 PM] Nolanos: Nolanos swears in Draconic under his breath

[9:32 PM] Seirixori: ((Seir's kind of heading in the direction of hte component but just a little south of it))

[9:33 PM] DM: The creature starts walking towards the group.

[9:33 PM] Nolanos: "Lets move" he whispers and follows Seir(edited)

[9:33 PM] Ravaphine: Rav follows Seir

[9:33 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak begins to sweat and grips her sword tight. She's frozen for a moment, but follows

[9:34 PM] Seirixori: "This way," Seir says as quiet as she can and heads more east than south.

[9:35 PM] DM: There's another roar and it looks like it's getting ready to charge.

[9:35 PM] DM: Roll initiative.

[9:35 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: ((14))

[9:36 PM] Nolanos: ((13))

[9:36 PM] Seirixori: ((0 I am crying))

[9:37 PM] Ravaphine: ((2))

[9:37 PM] DM: Nolanos, roll a Wisdom save.

[9:38 PM] Nolanos: ((10))

[9:39 PM] DM: The dinosaur takes a step forward and roars again.

[9:39 PM] DM: Urrak!

[9:40 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak takes out her Javelin of Lightning and aims it at the dinosaur

[9:40 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: ((18atk 10dmg))

[9:41 PM] DM: The javelin turns into a bolt of lightning but soars just past the dinosaur's shoulder and the javelin pins itself to a tree behind it.

[9:41 PM] DM: Move or bonus?

[9:42 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Ah, bollocks." Urrak stays put but keeps her eyes on the beast

[9:42 PM] DM: Ok! Nolanos. Roll a d6.

[9:42 PM] Nolanos: ((6))

[9:42 PM] DM: Make a Wisdom save.

[9:43 PM] Nolanos: ((..6))

[9:43 PM] DM: You don't move or take any actions.

[9:43 PM] Nolanos: ((ffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff ok)

[9:44 PM] DM: Cae is going to step up and cast Hunter's Mark at the beast, but she looks at her hand, confused, then fires an arrow. It flies wide of the dinosaur.

[9:44 PM] DM: Rav!

[9:46 PM] Ravaphine: Rav casts web at the dinosaur , between two trees

[9:46 PM] DM: What's the DC?

[9:48 PM] Ravaphine: ((14 DC))

[9:48 PM] DM: Move or bonus?

[9:48 PM] DM: Ok! Seir!

[9:50 PM] Seirixori: "How about don't eat us!?" Seir yells at, probably in vain. She makes a loud boom to the north of them.

[9:51 PM] DM: Ok. move or bonus?

[9:51 PM] Seirixori: ((away from it? I can't see the map tbh lol))

[9:52 PM] DM: Full move? Or just a bit?

[9:52 PM] DM: There's a tree kind of behind you.

[9:52 PM] DM: If you wanted to go behind it.

[9:52 PM] Seirixori: ((sure))

[9:53 PM] DM: Can you roll or do I need to for you? Perception.

[9:54 PM] Seirixori: ((20))

[9:54 PM] DM: Ok!

[9:56 PM] DM: Seir, make a Wisdom save.

[9:56 PM] Seirixori: ((19))

[9:57 PM] DM: Ok!

[9:58 PM] DM: Suddenly the ground behind you all isn't so much the forest floor you'd thought it was. It's a creek, maybe a small river, and quickly rushing down hill towards the water hole you'd seen before.

[9:59 PM] DM: The dinosaur steps forward out of the webs and stalks towards you, roaring still.

[9:59 PM] DM: urrak!

[9:59 PM] Seirixori: "What in the hells?"  Seir says as she looks at her feet.(edited)

[10:00 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak swings her greatsword at the dinosaur's head "Stay back!"

[10:00 PM] Ravaphine: "I don't know what's going on but I don't like it"

[10:00 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: ((20 at, 9dmg))

[10:00 PM] DM: The sword swings and you think it's going to hit, but then it steps back just enough for your attack to miss.

[10:01 PM] DM: Move or bonus?

[10:03 PM] DM: I forgot, so... another round of Perception checks.

[10:03 PM] Ravaphine: ((21))

[10:03 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: ((5))

[10:04 PM] Seirixori: ((15))

[10:04 PM] Nolanos: ((12))

[10:04 PM] DM: Ok! Nolanos.

[10:04 PM] Nolanos: d6?

[10:04 PM] DM: Yep.

[10:05 PM] DM: Wisdom save.

[10:05 PM] Nolanos: ((6 again for the d6))

[10:05 PM] Nolanos: ((14))

[10:07 PM] Nolanos: Nolanos shakes his head, as if clearing it, and moves around behind the dinosaur, using a bonus action to hide

[10:08 PM] DM: Ok! It does have a 10' reach, so it gets an opportunity attack... but it misses. Stealth check?

[10:08 PM] DM: (That's about as far as you can get.)

[10:08 PM] Nolanos: ((crit fail))

[10:09 PM] DM: Cae is going to fire another arrow at the dinosaur, but it flies past the creature's head. She swears.

[10:09 PM] DM: Rav!

[10:10 PM] Ravaphine: Rav casts magic missile at the dinosaur

[10:11 PM] Ravaphine: ((8dmg))

[10:11 PM] DM: Something strange happens when you try to cast it.... nothing.

[10:12 PM] DM: Move or bonus?

[10:13 PM] Ravaphine: "It's like there's some anti attack field protecting this thing. I keep on hearing laughter like someone is mocking us."

[10:13 PM] Ravaphine: Rav moves behind a tree

[10:13 PM] DM: Seir!

[10:14 PM] Seirixori: "Here's the thing," Seir says stepping out from behind the tree and walks right up to it. "I don't understand what you're saying. And I should. Which means, you aren't a beast." She says as she reaches out to try and touch it.(edited)

[10:15 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "We should get the fuck outta here..."

[10:15 PM] DM: Your hand passes right through it.

[10:16 PM] DM: You all hear giggles again and the dinosaur disappears. Perception checks.

[10:16 PM] Seirixori: "Hah! You scared my new friends away, damn it, show yourself."

[10:16 PM] Ravaphine: "I know we are all sleep deprived but what in the world"

[10:16 PM] Seirixori: ((25))

[10:16 PM] Nolanos: ((crit fail again??!))

[10:17 PM] Ravaphine: ((6, crit))

[10:17 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: ((Afk roll 4 me?))

[10:18 PM] DM: Urrak: 18

[10:19 PM] Seirixori: "Hey!" Seir calls out and walks back to the tree she was behind and looks up, "What was that for?"

[10:19 PM] DM: There's another giggle and it disappears.

[10:19 PM] Ravaphine: "Is that where the laughter is coming from, Seir?"

[10:21 PM] Seirixori: Seir scrunches her face in annoyance, "It *was*, it's gone now. "

[10:21 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "What in the holy hells...."

[10:22 PM] Ravaphine: "I guess we know that big brother is watching, now. Shall we get to the component and get out of here?"

[10:22 PM] Nolanos: Nolanos walks back and looks up in the tree in confusion

[10:22 PM] Nolanos: "Yes please."

[10:23 PM] Ravaphine: "Lead the way, Seir?"

[10:23 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak runs a hand through her hair and sheathes her sword. "Aye, let's grab that bloody chunk and get out."

[10:24 PM] DM: To continue east  towards where the component is, there's now a river in your way.

[10:24 PM] DM: It's only about 40' across.

[10:25 PM] Seirixori: "it's... Well across the river." She pouts, wanting to speak to the dinosaurs more.(edited)

[10:25 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "I suppose we can try t' ford it. I'm probably the tallest outta the lot, cept Cae by an inch. I could try to wade through it and see how deep it goes."

[10:25 PM] Ravaphine: "Do you want your toes bitten"

[10:26 PM] Ravaphine: "Urrak, help me with this treebranch with your sword please" she motions for her to follow her to the closest tree to cut off a thin, long branch

[10:27 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak follows. She swings her sword at the branch

[10:28 PM] Ravaphine: ((perception check in the water?))

[10:28 PM] DM: Go for it.

[10:28 PM] Nolanos: "Oh! I could go across, giving you guys one end of a rope and  you could use that to help get across?"

[10:28 PM] Ravaphine: ((8))

[10:29 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: ((...6))

[10:29 PM] Nolanos: ((11))

[10:29 PM] DM: Looks perfectly safe.

[10:29 PM] DM: It is fast moving, though, so it would require an athletics check to stay on your feet or swim if it's too deep to wade.(edited)

[10:30 PM] Nolanos: He doesn't really wait for a response before he starts digging in his bag for the rope

[10:30 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak hacks the branch off and hands it to Ravaphine

[10:30 PM] Seirixori: "Guys... I have a rope."(edited)

[10:31 PM] Nolanos: "Oh awesome! I seem to have lost mine."

[10:30 PM] Ravaphine: "Let's see how deep it is first" she says as she puts on her cloak and the hood

[10:30 PM] Ravaphine: She takes the branch and sticks it in the water to see how deep it is

[10:31 PM] DM: At the edge, it's only a foot or so deep.

[10:32 PM] Ravaphine: "Not too deep here, but my arms aren't long enough to reach deeper in"(edited)

[10:32 PM] Seirixori: "we can tie it around the tree and just go across."

[10:32 PM] Ravaphine: "One at a time yeah?"

[10:33 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Aye, jus' t' be safe."

[10:33 PM] Seirixori: "No, all at once." Seir rolls her eyes, but grins at Ravaphine.

[10:34 PM] Nolanos: Nolanos takes an end of the rope and ties it around his wrist, just to be safe. "Okay!" And he wades out into the water.(edited)

[10:34 PM] Ravaphine: She lightly punches seir's shoulder with love

[10:34 PM] DM: Actually, athletics regardless.

[10:34 PM] Nolanos: Before he goes in, he says, "Gillyweed!"

[10:35 PM] DM: A bubble pops up around his head.

[10:35 PM] Nolanos: ((12))

[10:36 PM] DM: Nolanos wobbles a little bit, but he manages to get across, disappearing under the water for a moment in the middle.

[10:36 PM] Ravaphine: "much deeper than we thought"

[10:37 PM] Ravaphine: "I'll try next" ravaphine starts to wade in the water and grabs onto the rope(edited)

[10:38 PM] Nolanos: When he gets across, he ties the end around his wrist around a tree instead.

[10:38 PM] DM: Athletics with advantage.

[10:39 PM] Ravaphine: ((3))

[10:40 PM] DM: Rav's feet slip, she loses grip on the rope, and takes 6 bludgeoning damage when she cracks her head on an underwater rock... and she starts getting swept away downstream.

[10:40 PM] Nolanos: "RAV!"(edited)

[10:41 PM] Ravaphine: Rav swims to the edge and pulls herself up on the other side(edited)

[10:42 PM] Nolanos: "Oh god are you okay?" he is a worried soul.

[10:42 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "She ok?" Urrak yells across the river

[10:42 PM] Ravaphine: "I really need to do more pushups" she says while wiping her head. "Still super tough though"

[10:43 PM] Ravaphine: Rav flexes

[10:43 PM] DM: There's a bit of blood trickling from above her temple.

[10:43 PM] Nolanos: He chuckles "Glad to see you haven't lost your sense of humor."

[10:44 PM] Nolanos: He reaches up and wipes off some of the blood, "Don't scare me like that.."(edited)

[10:42 PM] DM: Cae uses the opportunity to cross, easily.

[10:43 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak attemps to cross the river after her

[10:43 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: ((19))

[10:43 PM] DM: Urrak crosses easily enough.

[10:44 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak makes it to the other side. She sees the blood trickling from Rav's head and wipes it off with her thumb "Clumsy as always, elf."

[10:44 PM] DM: Seirixori unties the end of the rope and starts across.

[10:44 PM] DM: And with a 13, she pulls herself up on the other side and starts rolling up the rope.

[10:45 PM] Ravaphine: "It isn't a real adventure without a little blood!"

[10:45 PM] Nolanos: "This is true," he laughs.

[10:45 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Aye, careful with the poor boy. You'll break his heart." Urrak walks a little ways away, patting Nolanos on the shoulder as she does

[10:46 PM] Nolanos: He blushes at this. "I- uh"

[10:47 PM] Ravaphine: Rav pats nolanos on the hand, smiles, and stands up

[10:46 PM] DM: You're all on the right side of the river.

[10:46 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Well Seir, how close are we?"

[10:48 PM] Seirixori: "Still aways off but, at least I know it's East." and she heads that way.

[10:48 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak follows behind

[10:48 PM] Ravaphine: ((perception checks on this side of the river?))

[10:48 PM] DM: Go for it.

[10:49 PM] Ravaphine: ((6, crit))

[10:49 PM] Nolanos: ((17))

[10:49 PM] DM: Seir: 10.

[10:49 PM] DM: You don't see anything but trees.

[10:49 PM] Ravaphine: rav follows east

[10:50 PM] Nolanos: Nolanos follows the group, keeping an eye out for things lurking in the bushes again(edited)

[10:50 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: ((20))

[10:51 PM] DM: You guys travel a bit further, picking your way through undergrowth and up and down hills. This seems to be the foothills of a mountain range up further along, but it's not too terribly hard to traverse.

[10:52 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Guys, be careful. I thought I saw a pair o' leathery wings up in the canopy, just north o' here."

[10:53 PM] Ravaphine: "Let's hope it's just another illusion"(edited)

[10:54 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Agreed." She turns to Seirixiori "We gettin' close?"

[10:55 PM] Seirixori: Seir stops and tilts her head. "It's about 80 feet away, but if have to... Um castthespellagainifweneedtobemoreprecise." She says very very quickly.

[10:56 PM] Ravaphine: "Cast a spell? what spell?"

[10:56 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Y'understood that...?" Urrak stops and folds her arms

[10:57 PM] Nolanos: "80ft? Thats really close. Well done, Seir."

[10:57 PM] DM: (Map change.)

[10:57 PM] Seirixori: "Yep, 80 feet."

[10:59 PM] Nolanos: "Should we keep going then?"

[10:59 PM] DM: Perception checks.

[10:59 PM] Nolanos: ((3 jfc))

[10:59 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Can't see why not. Keep yer eyes on the skies, Cae." Urrak continues forward(edited)

[11:00 PM] Ravaphine: ((17))

[11:00 PM] DM: Seir: 11, Urrak 14.

[11:00 PM] DM: Cae got a 10.

[11:02 PM] Ravaphine: "Looks like there might be more of a clearing up ahead"

[11:04 PM] DM: Cae melts into the trees just south of you, her cloak almost seeming to change color to meld into her surroundings.

[11:06 PM] Nolanos: Nolanos follows suit and goes stealthy, moving toward the clearing

[11:07 PM] DM: Stealth check

[11:07 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak follows

[11:07 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: ((7))

[11:07 PM] Nolanos: ((NAT 20 rly 28))

[11:07 PM] DM: Nolanos is practically invisible.

[11:07 PM] Ravaphine: ((5))

[11:07 PM] DM: Seir: 10

[11:08 PM] DM: As you move closer, you see a clearing and the nest. The component's sitting inside, but where there were four eggs... now there's three and a shell.

[11:09 PM] Ravaphine: "uh...oh"

[11:09 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "That...can't be good."

[11:09 PM] DM: Perception checks.

[11:09 PM] Ravaphine: ((how far is it?))

[11:09 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: ((12))

[11:09 PM] Seirixori: ((12))

[11:09 PM] Nolanos: ((20))

[11:09 PM] Ravaphine: ((21))

[11:10 PM] Ravaphine: "Everyone, link arms or touch someone. This might have to be a quick one again"(edited)

[11:10 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "The faster we outta here the better." Urrak grabs onto Rav

[11:10 PM] Nolanos: Nolanos casts mage hand to reach for the component

[11:11 PM] DM: Mage Hand won't reach. It's more than 30' away.

[11:11 PM] Seirixori: "But I want to talk to it," Seir says quietly, pouting again.

[11:12 PM] Ravaphine: Ravaphine whispers "there is a...green dragon. I've never seen one before but it loooks like it can fly. and move fast. I think we found mama"(edited)

[11:12 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Dragons too now? Gods this place...We'll have t' get closer if Nolanos wants t' use his mage hand...so we should at least be careful."

[11:13 PM] Nolanos: he moves up close enough to cast it, keeping cover

[11:13 PM] Nolanos: "Stay here," he whispers

[11:13 PM] DM: Invisible hand or no?

[11:13 PM] Nolanos: invisible

[11:13 PM] Ravaphine: "Please be careful"

[11:15 PM] DM: Nolanos creeps forward and reaches his hand out, and the component, probably about a foot in length, starts to slowly rise out of the nest.

[11:17 PM] DM: The dragon spots movement and leaps out of its hiding spot, flying towards the component and tackling it in mid-air, and bites it once it's on the ground, like a cat with a chewtoy.

[11:17 PM] Seirixori: "Well... so much for that."

[11:17 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Shit."

[11:18 PM] Nolanos: He throws another branch in the complete opposite direction, hoping to distract it from the component

[11:18 PM] DM: It hears voices and looks up at you with a hiss. Roll initiative.

[11:18 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: ((20))

[11:19 PM] Ravaphine: ((11))(edited)

[11:19 PM] Nolanos: ((21))

[11:19 PM] Seirixori: ((2))

[11:21 PM] DM: You guys watch as an arrow comes streaking out of a treetop somewhere. It catches the dragon right in the neck. (18a, 12d)

[11:21 PM] DM: Nolanos!

[11:21 PM] Nolanos: Nolanos casts sleep on the baby dragon(edited)

[11:22 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Damn, I can see why Eloise married 'er..." Urrak mutters as she unsheaths her sword

[11:23 PM] Nolanos: ((17effect))

[11:23 PM] DM: You cast the spell, but nothing happens.

[11:23 PM] Ravaphine: "Everyone, stay close together please. Just in case we need to get out of here quick"

[11:24 PM] DM: (Cae is up in a tree somewhere, not close.)

[11:24 PM] DM: Urrak!

[11:24 PM] Nolanos: He stays where he is, and uses a bonus action to hide

[11:24 PM] DM: Urrak approaches.

[11:25 PM] DM: Dash and get in range or just stay at 30'?

[11:25 PM] DM: Stealth check, Nolanos

[11:25 PM] Nolanos: ((24))

[11:26 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak runs up to the dragon and steels herself, sword raised

[11:29 PM] DM: Ok. The dragon's gonna bite.

[11:29 PM] DM: It snaps at Urrak's leg for 10 piercing damage and 1 poison damage.

[11:30 PM] DM: Rav!

[11:30 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak yelps in pain but stays strong

[11:32 PM] Ravaphine: Rav casts magic missile at the dragon

[11:33 PM] Ravaphine: ((13 dmg))

[11:33 PM] DM: The dragon takes the three missiles right to the chest and cries out.

[11:33 PM] Ravaphine: she moves to the tree next to nolanos

[11:33 PM] DM: Ok! Seir!

[11:33 PM] Seirixori: "Wait, wait, wait! Please don't kill it. It's just a baby." Seir makes her eyes to try and get its attention while she pulls out some rations to see if she can tempt it with those and get it away from the component.(edited)

[11:35 PM] DM: Make an animal handling check.

[11:35 PM] Seirixori: ((25))

[11:36 PM] DM: It shrinks back a bit, hurt, but tilts its head, looking at Seir. I'd say you have a bonus left.

[11:39 PM] Seirixori: Seir tosses two of the rations towards it and moves a few feet closer to the dragon.(edited)

[11:40 PM] DM: Another arrow streaks out of the trees, but it hits the dirt next to the dragon and embeds itself in the dirt there. The dragon shrinks back away from the arrow, hissing.

[11:40 PM] DM: Nolanos!

[11:41 PM] Nolanos: ((is the dragon away from the component?))

[11:41 PM] DM: No.

[11:41 PM] Nolanos: He casts sleep again

[11:41 PM] Nolanos: ((22effect))

[11:42 PM] DM: The dragon falls asleep. Urrak almost does too, but she shakes it off.

[11:42 PM] Nolanos: "No one hurt him or he'll wake up."

[11:43 PM] Nolanos: He carefully walks up and geeeeeently takes the component

[11:44 PM] DM: You have a component.

[11:44 PM] Ravaphine: ((still in initiative?))

[11:44 PM] Nolanos: "There we go," he murmurs softly. "Sleep well, little friend."(edited)

[11:45 PM] DM: Not for now.

[11:45 PM] Ravaphine: "Cae, where are you. We need to get out of here" Rav readies poni in her hand and gets closer to her friends

[11:45 PM] DM: Cae hops down out of the tree and approaches, bow still drawn on the dragon.

[11:45 PM] Nolanos: Holding the component, he heads back to the group

[11:46 PM] Ravaphine: "Everyone, grab onto each other"(edited)

[11:46 PM] Nolanos: "There's no need for that, C-Lady Moonstream"

[11:46 PM] Seirixori: Seir joins them and reaches out and touches Urrak, healing her.

[11:46 PM] Ravaphine: "Everyone here?"

[11:46 PM] Seirixori: ((lol URrak gets that 8 hp))

[11:46 PM] Seirixori: Seir also mutters under her breath and heals the dragon jsut before they leave.

[11:46 PM] Ravaphine: Rav pushes the button

[11:46 PM] Nolanos: he holds on

[11:46 PM] DM: You all show up in the basement again.

[11:48 PM] Ravaphine: "You guys did fantastic with those dinosaurs"

[11:48 PM] Nolanos: "Well I'd consider that an all around success"

[11:48 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Ah, thanks fer the healin Seir." She reaches down to rub her leg

[11:48 PM] DM: Cae tucks her arrow back into her quiver.

[11:49 PM] Seirixori: "You didn't have to shoot it," Seir mumbles.

[11:50 PM] DM: Cae: "It was a risk, approaching like that. It could have used its breath weapon on your group."

[11:50 PM] Nolanos: "It didn't though, and it was just a baby."

[11:50 PM] DM: Cae: "A baby *dragon*."

[11:50 PM] Nolanos: "It was *terrified*. You would be too, in a similar position."(edited)

[11:51 PM] Seirixori: "I had it, it was fine." she mumbles again, going to grab her broken bow.

[11:51 PM] DM: Cae: "Did you see it grab the piece right out of the air? That could have just as easily been you."

[11:52 PM] Nolanos: "It was playing, that's all."(edited)

[11:51 PM] Ravaphine: "Seir, hold up a second. I saw that earlier, would you like me to fix it?"

[11:52 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Everyone calm down. We're safe and we got the component. That's all that matters. "

[11:53 PM] Ravaphine: "The baby dragon will be fine"

[11:53 PM] Seirixori: "Oh... um...I'm not entirely sure it matters, I can't use it anyway." Seir fidgets with it, "I'm pretty sure it doesn't need to be whole to work for Poni..."

[11:53 PM] DM: A man pokes his head down the stairs from above. "Excuse me, Lady Moonstream... the Baroness asked me to wait for your return and tell you she requests your presence."

[11:54 PM] DM: Cae looks around at you all, then heads for the stairs. "Excuse me."

[11:54 PM] Ravaphine: Rav casts mend on Seir's bow anyway

[11:55 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "See ya round then..."

[11:55 PM] Nolanos: Nolanos walks over to the workbench and tries to see where the new piece would fit in.

[11:57 PM] Seirixori: "Thanks, I guess." Seir pulls it around her. "Nolanos could you... uh..." she pulls out the disk and motions to it, "try to... the necklace." she stumbles through.

[11:57 PM] Nolanos: "Yeah, of course. Give me just a moment though."

[11:58 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak looks around, wondering where Ryleigh might've gone. She thinks back to their conversation and a chill runs down her spine. "I-I should go. I'll catch up with ye later." She walks quickly out of the basement and towards the Cask

[11:58 PM] DM: Int check.

[11:58 PM] Nolanos: ((me?))

[11:58 PM] DM: Yes.

[11:59 PM] Nolanos: ((22))

[11:59 PM] DM: You do see that it fits onto the end of the shorter piece.

[11:59 PM] Nolanos: He lines it up and casts mending.

[12:00 AM] DM: There's about 5 and a half feet left to go.

[12:00 AM] Ravaphine: Ravaphine walks up to Nolanos' work. "It's looking great" she runs her hand along the arch

[12:01 AM] Nolanos: "Thanks," he smiles.

[12:00 AM] Nolanos: "Okay. So Seir, do you mind if I see that seal now? I'm sure I could fashion something for you..."

[12:02 AM] Seirixori: "Yeah," even though she asked she still hesitates when handing it over. Her tail twitching behind her.

[12:02 AM] Ravaphine: "I didn't know you could talk to animals like that, Seir. That's incredible!"

[12:03 AM] Seirixori: She smiles, "they're a lot nicer than people."

[12:03 AM] Nolanos: He notices this again and says, "This is safe with me, promise. I'll get this back to you as soon as I can."

[12:03 AM] Ravaphine: "That I definitely agree with. I wonder if we can get a pet companion somewhere around Bellbury."

[12:04 AM] Seirixori: "Please, I know you'll be careful, but... Please be really careful."

[12:04 AM] Nolanos: Reyes sort of draws attention to herself at Rav's comment.(edited)

[12:05 AM] Seirixori: "Maybe in the Grove, it's pretty big."

[12:05 AM] Ravaphine: Ravaphine pets Reyes' head. "You are more like part of the team, more than just a pet."

[12:08 AM] Nolanos: Reyes' chest puffs out a bit happily and leans into Rav's petting.

[1:29 PM] DM: Ok... so NOW it's just after 5, after reluctantly leaving Nolanos with the disc. After several requests that he please not break it, he reassured you several times then started talking to himself with plans and ideas and eventually wandered out towards the forge with his tinker set.

[1:32 PM] Seirixori: Seir goes to grab the studded leather armor and the greater healing potion Eloise let her keep and heads to the general store, she peaks her head in, "Uh... L-Lin are you here?"

[1:33 PM] DM: She's sitting behind the counter, reading a book. "Oh, can I... help you?"

[1:35 PM] Seirixori: "Um..." Seirixori walks in and places the armor on the counter, "I wanted to... give this back." She clears her throat, "Do you have a j-journal or something I can write in? Oh and something to write with?" Her tail nervously flicks behind her.

[1:38 PM] DM: She puts the book down and stands, moving around the counter to walk to a different part of the room. "Does it not fit? The Baroness said she'd pay for anything you wanted and I'm more than happy to help after what you did for me and Vardalon. Here you are." There's not a huge selection, but there are a couple simple, empty books and a small selection of charcoal, pencils, quills, and inks.

[1:40 PM] Seirixori: "No I... they, she, doesn't like me very much right now and I just... I don't feel right keeping it."  Seir reaches for one of the books and charcoal. "This... this is perfect." She clears her throat, "How-- how are you and Vardalon?"

[1:44 PM] DM: Lin smiles a little. "It's... good and bad. His fathers aren't here to talk about what a bad choice I am or worry about my influence on him, but... well his fathers aren't here. And neither is anyone else." She starts tearing up a little. "Do-- do you think they're ok? Will they come back?"

[1:49 PM] Seirixori: "We-we're trying. That's why we're all still here. We're trying to get them back." She nods to herself, "How..." she clears her throat, "Do you..." Seir starts getting frustrated with herself, "How do you make... it better if they're mad at you? Disappointed? Upset... Probably all three." she mutters near the end.

[1:51 PM] DM: Lin: "Hemisal and Many? I've given up trying to prove myself to them. Vardalon loves me and that's all I need."

[1:53 PM] Seirixori: "No I mean... I mean Vardalon. Or if you're ever mad at him... Or upset at something he did."

[1:59 PM] DM: Lin: "Oh... well, there's apologies, of course. Last time I was mad at him, he tried to write me a poem." She laughs at the memory. "It... was not very good, but it was cute and he tried so hard. But... really, I just wanted him to show me he meant it when he apologized. We were fighting about something stupid... complaining about reading too much or something."

[2:05 PM] Seirixori: She sighs, again, a little more dejected, "I'm not sure how to do that, if she..." Seir shakes her head, "Thank you." She turns to leave, but turns back before getting to the door, "Oh! Sorry, how much for these?" she goes to the book and charcoal.

[2:06 PM] DM: Lin: "Don't worry about it. Are you sure about the armor? It might help with saving everyone."

[2:11 PM] Seirixori: "Th-thank you. And yes, I'll be ok. The Baroness doesn't need to waste her money on me." Seir says before walking out and heading towards the mansion.

There's a woman out front. She wasn't one of the people you recognize from the 'trial' last night, but she's wearing the Moonstream symbol on her chest. When she sees you approach, she stands a little straighter, a little more alert.

[3:15 PM] Seirixori: Seir walks up, leaving plenty of room between them, "Um.. . Hi. Is... Is Elo-- the Baroness available?"

[3:17 PM] DM: She audibly groans and rolls her eyes. She dips her head into the door and calls for Captain Usan. After a minute he arrives at the door and looks at you with a frown. "What do you want?"

[3:20 PM] Seirixori: "Oh..." Seir sighs, "I wanted to give Elo-- the Baroness something back...and ask a question...?" She curses under her breath as her tail is clearly giving away how nervous she is.

[3:21 PM] DM: Usan doesn't move. "She's not to be disturbed at this time. I can relay a message when she returns."

[3:22 PM] Seirixori: "I... I can wait."

[3:25 PM] DM: He stands there, staring at you.... then just shuts the door.

[3:26 PM] Seirixori: "Well, that's familiar." She grumbles, turning to the woman, "... Can I wait here?"

[3:27 PM] DM: She glares for a moment then resumes her stare out towards the square.

[3:30 PM] Seirixori: "I should be used to this by now."

[3:30 PM] DM: How long would you wait?

Like 20 min

[3:31 PM] DM: Yeah there's no indication that anyone's showing up in that amount of time.

[3:35 PM] Seirixori: Sighing Seir starts writing in her book and tears it out when she's finished. "Could you give them this at least?... Please." She holds out the potion and the note.(edited)

[3:36 PM] DM: She takes it reluctantly.

[3:37 PM] Seirixori: "Thanks," Seir whispers and heads off to the citrus grove.

## Urica and a side of Ry

[4:44 PM] DM: It's somewhere between four and five Day 8. You just got back from dinos and dragons and when Cae was called away by a messenger from her wife, you realized Ryleigh still hadn't returned... and the conversation you'd had about Cyan ran through your head, so you took off for the Cask. You basically followed Cae back to the square, splitting off from her as you came to your different destinations. Everything seems pretty much the same out here. There's a woman guarding the outside of the mansion still. The Cask is still quiet, only a handful of commoners left in the place.

[4:45 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak walks upstairs, her pace quickened slightly. She returns to the room Malica had been in the night before. She knocks rapidly. "M-Malica? Y'there?"

[4:46 PM] DM: The door opens a bit, then further once she sees you. "Is everything ok?"

[4:47 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "A-Ah, yes. Everything is...great. D'ye mind if I come in?" Her breath is labored as she speaks, but she puts on  a small smile when she sees her.

[4:48 PM] DM: She opens the door to let you through. "Of course. Please."

[4:49 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak walks, and tries to keep herself from wringing her hands. She looks down at the floor and then to Malica. "So...there's been a few developments as of late. Y'mind?" she again motions to the bed, as she feels her legs begin to tremble.

[4:50 PM] DM: She shakes her head and gestures to the bed. She looks nervous at your demeanor.

[4:52 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: She takes a deep breath before she begins. Her armor feels so much heavier on her body at this moment. "I spoke with Ryleigh earlier. About uh....y'bein'...what ye are."(edited)

[4:52 PM] DM: Her eyes go wide and her face pales even more than it was.

[4:53 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak shoots up and goes over to her, arms outstretched "E-easy now. It's alright. She's...alright. She won't hurt ye."

[4:55 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "She wanted t' see ye and talk. She told me she'd come unarmed and unarmored." softly, she places her hands on Malica's shoulders

[4:57 PM] DM: She looks like she has about 40 things running through her head at once, but it's mostly fear and worry you see. "Are-- Do-- She won't?"

[5:00 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Malica, please, try t' calm down." she takes her face in her hands, remembering days with Ancy and the bouts of panic she would have. She catches her eyes "She won't hurt ye. I promise. If she even looks at ye funny, it'll be the last thing she sees. Do ye trust me, Malica? Truly?"

[5:04 PM] DM: She reaches up with one hand and puts it over yours and nods slightly. "If you... ok. I'll do what you think is best."

[5:05 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: ((insight check perhaps?))

[5:05 PM] DM: Sure

[5:05 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: ((17))

[5:07 PM] DM: She seems to be everything  you see. Frightened and panicked but calmed by your reassurance and presence.

[5:10 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak moves her hands away with a small smile. "I just...wanted t' let you know. I hope yer not angry with me." She sighs "I feel...I feel like the rest of the group'll be fine as well. An' havin' all that support, hopefully will help ye too. I've noticed...since ye became Malica, y've been a shell o' yer former self. I just...need t' know. Is this...the real you, or just another face?" she pauses "Figuratively speakin' a'course."

[5:16 PM] DM: She kind of huffs a half-laugh and looks away. "They're... they're all *faces*. I... I am who I need to be." She rubs her arms. "I'm not even--" She sighs and looks at you. "You want to know if I'm just manipulating you. Making an ally in case I need one."

[5:18 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "I think any allyship requires a degree of trust and understandin', sure. I'm not tryin' t' accuse ye of anythin' I just...I been taken advantage of before. As ye know." she looks away as the last words leave her lips. She folds in on herself a bit, crossing her arms across her chest, the mariner's plate clinking awkwardly as she does.

[5:29 PM] DM: "To be honest, I... don't know how to turn it off. Even if I wanted to just 'be me', whatever that means, I wouldn't know how. I... I've been as honest as I can be since I showed you who I am. I don't mean..." her voice drops to a near whisper. "I can't help what I am." She looks back at you, right in the eyes. "I am scared, yes. I am... uncomfortable being here where I can't leave. I'm worried that any moment I could disappear and be caught in the wrong body. I don't think I'm doing anything more than what anyone would do when someone as good and pure and strong as you steps up for them, but if I was, could you blame me?"(edited)

[5:30 PM] DM: She looks away again, hugging herself. "I understand if... if you can't trust me. I'm used to it."

[5:59 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak looks at her, conflicted. Standing there before her was the woman who revealed to her the deepest secret she had...and yet there was also someone who could be anyone at anytime. Someone who might have used those gifts of shifting their form and face to their advantage in the past, with great effect. However, there was something in her eyes that told Urrak she was telling her the truth as best she knew it. Someone who needed her. Her heart beats hard in her chest...it'd been so long since she truly felt needed, and  while those feelings certainly don't help matters, they do solidify her goals in her mind. She pauses, breathes, unfolds herself and turns Malica's face  to hers with a soft hand to her chin "I trust ye, Malica. I truly do. Whatever face ye put on today or tomorrow...I trust you. All I ask is ye do the same fer me."(edited)

[6:05 PM] DM: She nods, tears starting to well up in her eyes. She pushes forward and throws her arms around your waist despite barely being as tall as your shoulder, if that. "Thank you."

[6:09 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak holds her close, her face turning a deep pink. She rubs her back softly "I'm gonna keep you safe, Malica. I swear it." she lingers longer than what feels appropriate, but soon she lets her go. She struggles to stop her face from betraying her feelings and turns away a moment. "I uh...I should...find Ryleigh. Th-that is if yer up t' seein' her this evenin'."

[6:10 PM] DM: She steps back. "Sorry... I just... got carried away. I'll do what you think is best. Will... you be there too?"

[6:13 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "A'course. I wouldn't let ye go through this alone." She smiles at her, laughing internally at her own foolishness "I'll be there. Don't worry." She looks around the sparse room a moment, "Is there....anythin I can bring back fer ye? Seems a rather dull hideout t' me"

[6:15 PM] DM: She shakes her head and shrugs a little. "I'm used to traveling light. I've got what I need and... if I need something else I have ways to get it. I don't want to trouble you."

[6:17 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak chuckles a bit "Aye ye...ye can take care o' yerself I'm sure." She lets a breath out through her nose, a sideways grin on her face. "Alright then, I'll be back a bit later on. Try not t' miss me too much" she winks clumsily and turns to leave

Urrak's leaving the Cask. Ryleigh's headed back to the square from south after checking to find the basement empty.

[8:21 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak walks into the square, she looks around, hoping to catch a glimpse of shimmering black armor among the common folk. Her heart is still racing a bit, but no longer out of fear. Now, it's full of hope.

[8:22 PM] Ryleigh: Once Ryleigh reaches the square she spot Urrak, "Urrak! You guys had all the fun without me!"

[8:23 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Ah, Ryleigh! There ye are." she smiles at the Paladin "We missed ye in there. I hope what ye had t' do was worth not seein' a couple o' dinosaurs and and dragon babies."

[8:25 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh chuckles, "ah, it was important. I'm still sorry I missed out..sounds like a good time. You were looking for me?"

[8:26 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Aye, I was. I spoke t' Cyan earlier and she's willin' t' talk t' ya. She's back at the Cask, upstairs." She fiddles with a strap on her armor, still unused to the heavy plate "If ye'd like, I can take y' to her."

[8:29 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh observes Urrak with a raised eyebrow, "You're nervous..." She then nods and reassures, "I already said I wouldn't hurt her."

[8:30 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "A'course I'm nervous, Ry." She sighs and knits her brows together "This...this could mean a great deal. T' both of us." after a moment she laughs lightly and shakes her head "I trust ye won't hurt her, cuz you know what'll happen if ye do." She winks and places a hand on Ryleigh's breastplate. "C'mon, she's waitin'."(edited)

[8:33 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh shakes her head but smiles regardless, "Lead the way."

[8:35 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak leads Ryleigh back into the Cask and ascends the stairs slowly. She's sweating, though this time it isn't from her armor. They reach the nondescript wooden door and with a slightly trembling hand she knocks softly. "It's me."(edited)

[8:36 PM] DM: There's a short pause, then the door opens a crack, then more fully, letting you inside.

[8:36 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak pauses at the door. She turns to Ryleigh and looks her up and down . "Our agreement?"

[8:37 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh unhooks the sword and whispers to it, "I'm right here in the room - you aren't alone." Then places it right inside the door.

[8:38 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak clears her throat comically loud "Yer armor."(edited)

[8:39 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh smiles, "I usually have a girl buy me a drink first." She turns around and suggestively asks, "would you?"

[8:41 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak laughs and shakes her head. The levity has made her hands steady and firm for a spell. She undoes the straps and helps to lift the breastplate over Ryleigh's head "Guess I'm just a charmer. No drinks needed."

[8:43 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh just laughs and shakes her head, she then undoes the claps on her leg armor and shimmies out of it. Placing it next the breastplate, "There, satisfied?" she spins in place.

[8:44 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak's eyes linger playfully on her "Very."

[8:44 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh rolls her eyes so hard they almost disappear into her head.

[8:46 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Slowly Urrak walks inside. The nerves slowly worm their way back into her brain. "Alright then..." She takes a breath and turns back to the paladin "Ryleigh...I believe y've met Malica, right?"(edited)

[8:47 PM] DM: She's standing behind the door, waiting for you both to enter.

[8:47 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh walks in, then addresses Malica, "we have, at dinner the other night."(edited)

[8:48 PM] DM: She closes the door once Ryleigh's inside too.

[8:48 PM] DM: She's got one arm crossed over her chest, holding her other arm, not really making eye contact.

[8:49 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: She nods. "Aye." Urrak walks over, placing a hand on Malica's shoulder and squeezing lightly. She asks in a low, soft voice "Could ye....show her?"

[8:51 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh holds up a hand, "you don't have to. If Urrak says you were who we called Cyan, I believe her."

[8:52 PM] Ryleigh: "You shouldn't feel more uncomfortable than you already are."(edited)

[8:53 PM] DM: In a very small voice she says, "I'm sorry... for what I did."

[8:59 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh sighs, "I appreciate the apology, but words are empty without action. I believe that in time your apology will prove true." She then runs her hand through her hair, "I hurt a lot of people once, people I was supposed to protect, because I was under someone's enchantment." Ryleigh looks at Malica, "You hit a sore spot when you charmed me. But I owe you an apology. In my line of work, the crime must fit the punishment and death isn't a fair punishment for a charm that caused no harm."(edited)

[9:01 PM] DM: Malica nods. "I understand."

[9:02 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak's grip on Malica's shoulder tightens a bit as Ryleigh speaks, but loosens once she finishes. "Ryleigh here's just...very dutiful. We're alike in a way, though our methods are bit different."(edited)

[9:03 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh's eyes don't leave Malica's, "I believe you have caused yourself more suffering than any punishment I could hand out."

[9:06 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak swallows "A-Aye. Perhaps yer right." She removes her hand but stays close, her hands find themselves a new place to rest, crossed and gripping her biceps. She looks to Malica to Ryleigh "So, where do we go from here?"

[9:09 PM] DM: Malica chews her lip a little and looks up at Urrak. "I can just stay here if it's easier on everyone."

[9:11 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Like yer some kinda prisoner? That ain't fair t' ye." she frowns "There's better options I'm sure."(edited)

[9:12 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh looks concerned, "easier for everyone, or do you mean easier for you?" She offers a small smile and says, "Malica, if I was your biggest concern, than what do you have to fear from the others?"

[9:13 PM] DM: Malica: "...everything."

[9:14 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Y've seen 'em, they'd take anyone int'a their band o' misfits." Urrak offers a half smile "You know they'd protect ye as fiercely as me or Ry." she looks to Ryleigh for confirmation.(edited)

[9:15 PM] Ryleigh: "The others won't care and if they do..." she looks at Urrak and smiles then back to Malica, "you have all the muscle on your side."

[9:17 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak walks over to her, an errant hand brushing a bit of hair behind her ear "It's frightenin' I'm sure but...I made a promise. You'll stay safe s'long as I'm around."

[9:18 PM] DM: "I just... whenever people find out, I have to leave and... I *can't* here. And what happens if you leave?"

[9:19 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Then y'have Ryleigh here. And if we let the others know, no matter which one of us leaves, someone else'll be there. I--w-we *want* ye here, Mal. Y'don't have t'leave."(edited)

[9:21 PM] DM: She looks down, tears welling up in her eyes.

[9:24 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh takes a step forward, but stops short, unsure of her place, "Living life on the run is no way to live. You're standing on a precipice, take the leap and trust us. I believe our group of misfits will surprise you where others have failed."

[9:25 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak straightens up a bit, remembering Ryleigh's presence. She coughs awkwardly "Aye, Ryleigh's right. We're all pretty surprisin'."(edited)

[9:25 PM] DM: She takes a deep breath and looks up at Urrak again. "I... I'll do what you think is best. I trust you."

[9:30 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh moves to the door, "I'll let you two discuss this further." As she opens it she looks back a Malica and says, "Stop punishing yourself...you deserve better than what this world has shown you." She pulls the door completely open and leaves.(edited)

## Seiryleigh

It's Day 8, about 5:30- 6.

Seir's playing Sad Flute Music ™  in the grove that catches Ryleigh's ear as she leaves the Cask, still tightening her armor's straps and reattaching Dawnbringer to her side.

3:59 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh continues to walk in the direction of the sad flute music, curious about who's playing it.

[4:02 PM] Seirixori: Seir's sitting in the Citrus Grove, near the entrance, leaning against a tree. The top of her leather armor is down, hanging from her waist, a kind of holey tank top hanging off her shoulders. Her eyes are closed as she continues playing her Sad Flute Music.

[4:04 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh spots her and her brows furrow. She walks over to where Seir is and sits down, waiting for her to finish the song.(edited)

[4:08 PM] Seirixori: Seir tenses and stops playing, she lowers the flute and clears her throat, her face a little red, "...hey..."

[4:11 PM] Ryleigh: "i didn't mean to interrupt. I just heard music and followed its sound." Ryleigh points at the brand, "why were you marked?"

[4:14 PM] Seirixori: Seir looks down, almost like she forgot it was there, "Oh, I don't... I don't actually know." She shrugs, "It was... after... I was close to dying, I think, it's all kind of muddled, and Mielikki... she healed me and that's what was left behind."

[4:15 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh stays silent for a moment, "I wanted to talk to you. About last night. If that's alright?"

[4:17 PM] Seirixori: She twists the flute in her hands and nods, "...I'm a little surprised no one else has yet."

[4:20 PM] Ryleigh: "I guess, I want to know why. What was your reasoning, what were you thinking when you forcibly entered Lady Misha's room?"(edited)

[4:29 PM] Seirixori: "I didn't *force* my way into her room." Seir growls, more at the accusation than Ryleigh herself, "I was... we were... talking about... the... the rings." Seir clenches her hand, "I just, I..." She groans, it shouldn't be this hard to explain, "It wasn't my intention, to do anything more than ask, and I wanted to make sure this time, unlike with Hux where I wasn't sure but I dragged you all along with me and we *all* could have been arrested, or something." Seirixori shrugs, "I didn't know if it was the ring, or a spell, or... actually true. But I asked her a few things and they didn't make sense and then she freaked when I asked for the ring...." Seir sighs, "I know I... I shouldn't have done what I did. But I... I wasn't *thinking*... and I..." she sniffs, "I messed up *everything*."

[4:35 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh nods and sighs, "I don't think you've messed up everything, but you definitely messed up." She waits a few moments then continues, "I want you to understand the magnitude of what you did. You assaulted someone from a royal family. I've been punished for less.." Ryleigh unconsciously rubs her shoulder, "you're fortunate that they didn't execute you."

[4:41 PM] Seirixori: Seir laughs harshly, "Oh, no. It was definitely everything." Seir tilts her head, "Do you know where I'm from?"

[4:41 PM] Ryleigh: "no, I just know you aren't from here."

[4:44 PM] Seirixori: "Do you know anything about Ardabeh, how... how unwelcome it is for someone like me?"

[4:45 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh raises an eyebrow in question, "it sounds a lot like Falberk, the city I'm from."

[4:54 PM] Seirixori: Seir hums, "This," she points to her broken horn, "this is because kids can be cruel, as well as their parents who decide to join them." She chuckles, "I was... forced to live in a forest with a bunch of people who don't want me there, who don't want to teach me what their goddess requested. My entire 'family' was killed, my mother taken, and I haven't found out why." Seir sighs, "So in a way, yes, I have messed up everything, because I let down the woman I... *she left* and I don't know if she wants to see me again. I made it so I can't come back here, I don't know if I'll see any of you again. And Stool..." she laughs through tears, "The Moonstreams might not know this, but killing me? Killing me would be a mercy."

[5:02 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh places a hand on Seirixori's shoulder, "I..am so sorry, Seir. This world is trying to break you because you're different, if you let them do it, then things will stay the same." Her voices changes from soothing to commanding, "There will never be change, there will never be progress, there will never be equality." She closes her eyes and takes a deep breath, "I know life can be hard. I also know the hurt that accompanies the loss of loved ones. Gunnloda cares for you, that's clear, wherever there is love - there is always hope."

[5:03 PM] Seirixori: Seir snorts, chuckling a little, joking "Read that somewhere?"

[5:09 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh smiles, a real one, "no, I feel it..here" and she points to her heart. She keeps her smile in place but continues, "You made a mistake, but it does not define you." Ryleigh looks away from you, "mistakes have the power to turn you into something better than you were before. Seir, you've been given great power, but the price of greatness is responsibility. I believe that if the drive behind one's actions is the thought for another, then it is never meaningless - you had Lady Misha's best interest at heart but you used your powers irresponsibly. As long as you learn from this, then you haven't messed up everything."(edited)

[5:16 PM] Seirixori: Seir just nods, not used to...whatever kind of talk this is. "We'll see..." She chews on her lip, "Hey will... will they let you talk to Eloise at all?"

[5:17 PM] Ryleigh: "Yes, I spoke with her earlier, when the rest of you went to get the component. Why do you ask?"(edited)

[5:22 PM] Seirixori: "I... I don't think I can take Stool with me. I don't know enough about myconids to make sure they stay safe." Seir sighs, "I asked before but she said they don't have any books here about them and now I can't go to where there are books... I was... I just want to make sure they have a safe place and that someone... someone they know keeps them company. Gunnloda was but..." Seir shrugs, "And then Kendall said something about the Bastion but I don't know what that is either..." She rolls her eyes, "I just want them to be okay... when we're... I'm gone."

[5:26 PM] Ryleigh: "Have you ever considered that your actions from now until the arch is completed may have some impact on Eloise's decision?" Ryleigh purses her lips in thought, "I may be going to Riverrun to research Lady Cae's problem, while I'm there I can do additional research on myconids, but only under 1 condition - you stop wallowing and try to make amends - with everyone."(edited)

[5:32 PM] Seirixori: Seirixori snorts, "Sure... I'm allowed to wallow for a little bit." Seir mumbles. "Thanks..." she puts her flute away and stands, "Hey, you missed out on some dinosaurs, want to see?" She grins.(edited)

[5:37 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh stands also but the seriousness doesn't leave her face and there's worry in her voice, "Seir, please...just try to think about what you've learned through all of this..." She realizes the conversation is over because Seir is using deflection tactics, "sure, I'd love to see the dinosaurs."(edited)

[5:43 PM] Seirixori: "More than you know."  Seir mumbles before she tilts her head and shifts into the deinonychus she made friends with.

[5:52 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh jumps back in shock and burst into laughter, "it looks like a small, distant cousin of Nolanos." Once she's stopped laughing, she walks forward and pats Seir's head and whispers, "everything will work itself out eventually."

## Urica

[9:32 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Oh Ry--ah. She's gone." Urrak turns to Malica. "Well then. Tomorrow ok? For...meetin' everyone?" she asks awkwardly as she runs a hand through her hair. She didn't realize how much she was sweating...

[9:35 PM] DM: "You know where I am. Whenever you think is best."

[9:35 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak sighs a bit "Malica...y'know ye have a say in this as well. It's yer life. I'm not here t'...t' *control* ye."

[9:38 PM] DM: "I know. It's just... I walked in at the wrong time last night. I don't want to do that again."

[9:40 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak laughs a bit "Aye ye did. But don't worry, we've...no plans t' go back there anytime soon." she takes Malica's hands in her own "Just...meet us downstairs, mid-mornin'. They'll all be here." she gives her hands a light squeeze. "Everythin's gonna be alright. Just remember t' breathe fer me."

[9:41 PM] DM: "If we're going to do this... can we keep it small? Just the group? I don't... I don't want everyone to know."

[9:44 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "A'course. Wouldn't dare let it get past the group. We're here t' keep ye safe, not t' out ye t' all of Bellbury."

[9:46 PM] DM: She nods and squeezes your hands back. "Ok. ...thank you. I know you're doing everything you can think of to help. I appreciate it, even knowing why."

[9:49 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "I'm here fer anyone what needs help." Urrak lingers there a moment before she realizes what she's doing. She drops Malica's hands and begins to twist her own fingers, shame plain on her face. She knows she's already gotten far too close. "An...a'course. T' find Ancy" she swallows hard, her eyes flickering from the ground back to Malica.(edited)

[9:51 PM] DM: A sad smile flickers on and off her lips. "I don't want to make this harder for you. I'm sorry."

[9:54 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "N-no, it's" she puffs a sharp breath through her nose, its bridge now a deep crimson. "No, this is...all on me." She turns and paces a bit "It's...no matter what face ye put on....that connection is there. It's...difficult. But--" she turns back around "It's not yer fault, and my mission's the same as it was. Feelin's or no."

[9:55 PM] DM: She gives you just the faintest smile, the first hint of the person you knew as Cyan peeking through. "If it helps I could go back to Beiro. You weren't interested at all then."

[9:57 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Y-ye were Beiro too?" Urrak breaks down into hysterics "Son of bitch! Incredible..." she places her hands on her hips and shakes her head "Please...don't bring back Beiro. One encounter was enough" a great toothy grin is plastered to her face as she speaks "He was insufferable."(edited)

[10:00 PM] DM: She looks down and laughs in this nearly soundless chuckle. "He has his uses." She looks back up, still smiling just a little, and shrugs. "Honestly, though, I've always felt more comfortable in more feminine bodies. I'd rather not be Beiro either."

[10:05 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Glad we can agree." she wipes a few tears from her eyes and takes some breaths to quell the laughter. "Alright. I'll leave ye be...Unless..." she stops herself "No no, I'll leave ye be. Been a real hectic evenin' fer ye I can imagine." She walks backwards towards the door. "Might get a bit o' rest m'self. If ye need me...y'know where t'find me." She begins to open the door(edited)

[10:07 PM] DM: "...you know where I am too. Have a good evening."

[11:16 AM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak pauses the at the door, her back hunched from bending to reach the handle. Her other hand rests on the doorframe, gripping it tight as the heavy door squeaks ajar. She takes a deep breath, her mind running a mile a minute. Slowly, she closes the door. The soft thud is deafening. "Mal..." she begins, her back straightening, but still to Malica "...I'm scared."

[11:19 AM] DM: She takes half a step forward. "Of what?"

[11:24 AM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Slowly and silently Urrak crosses the room. Once she reaches Malica,  swift hands brush the hair from her face, cup her cheeks and pull her into a kiss. It feels like an eternity to Urrak but lasts but a few chaste seconds. She pulls away, her hands still cradling Malica's face. Her eyes flit this way and that, scanning Malica's expressions, gauging her reaction "Of *this*..." her voice is low and almost hoarse. She looks down for a second "It...terrifies me."(edited)

[11:33 AM] DM: She closes her eyes for a second, trying to gather her thoughts, and when she opens them, they're watery. "I am too." She lets out a breathy laugh. "I won't pretend that I'm built to last, but I don't want you to look back on me with regret. If... *this* is what you want from me, you have it." She tilts her head with a little shrug. "You have since I first met you."

[11:45 AM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Mal...I..." she closes her eyes and bows her head. Her hands drift down Malica's arms and hold tight "Mal I'm not...I'm not who ye think I am." She straightens up, lets her go, and walks a couple steps away, her back to Malica once more. "I'm not some...*knight* in shinin' armor..." she grips the back of a pauldron and tears it loose, soon, in a flurry of motion, she's done the same with the rest of her armor. As she throws the last bit in the pile, she turns back, "This is who I am. Just..." she walks towards Malica again, a hand clutching at the leather pouch beneath her tattered traveler's shirt "Just some confused fool."

She lets the pouch go , drops to her knees softly before Malica and looks up at her, tears not welling, but leaking from her eyes "I'm not principled like Ryleigh, or compassionate like Rav or...even as sensitive as Seirixiori." she wraps her arms around Malica's waist and buries her face in her stomach. "I'm just some brute with no control over her own feelin's. A bundle o' nerves in a bloody blue tunic." she laughs a watery laugh and breathes deeply. "I'm not as good and pure and strong as ye think I am...not by a long shot."

[11:57 AM] DM: She pulls back just far enough that she can kneel too, so she can look at your face. She puts her hand to your cheek and pulls your face back up so you're looking in her eyes. "The thing about always being on the run... I can pick out the good ones in a crowd. The ones I know I can trust. I saw that in you immediately. Even after everything I've told you, that you're here now... it's *everything*. I don't need a knight in shining armor... I don't need anything more than what you're already giving me."

[12:02 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: A sob wracks her body as she closes her eyes tight and grits her teeth. Her hand drifts up to cover the half-elf's "M-Malica...I" but she can't seem to get the words out. Her voice is stretched, scratchy, and so very unlike her in this moment. "*I..*." still the words won't come, but in their place she kisses her again. It is desperate, pleading, painful and yet, everything she's wanted these past few days.(edited)

[12:09 PM] DM: She melts into the kiss, subtly encouraging you to take what you want or need from her.

[12:16 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak breaks away, burying her face in Malica's neck. She kisses the skin there softly, but makes no further advances as her shame creeps down her spine. "Malica...I...can we not...tell the others...just yet? About...?" she hesitates to say "us" feeling as though it gives their situation too much weight all at once. Her breath is slightly laboured as she attempts to stop her tears. Her hands grip at Malica's back, wanting to hold her closer, closer, closer. Softly, almost child-like, she breathes "*Please*...?"

[12:18 PM] DM: She wraps her arms around you and tries to comfort you. "Of course. My life is nothing but secrets. I understand."

[12:21 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Th-thank ye, Malica..." she lingers there, taking in the dusty smell of the room and the warm feeling of Malica's skin on her face. "I just...as ye know...this is all so..." she lifts her head and looks into her eyes "It's just...so very..." the words stick in her throat(edited)

[12:23 PM] DM: She laughs softly. "Complicated?"

[12:24 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak cracks a small, crooked smile "Horribly so."

[12:29 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: She leans back on her haunches, running her sleeve across her face to catch any stray tears. Her heart is pounding in her chest, violent and frightened. "So...horribly complicated." She looks to Malica, and takes her hands in hers, thumbs brushing the tops of them as she thinks. Her face falls.

"Where do we go from here?"(edited)

[12:33 PM] DM: She smiles, one side quirking up higher than the other. "Well we can't really *go* anywhere... that's part of the problem. But... anywhere. Whatever you want, whenever you're ready." She pauses and glances over her shoulder like she can see the bar through the walls and floor, then back at you. "Do you still want to tell them about me?"

[12:39 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Her mind goes to the worst places as she hears Malica talk of being essentially trapped here, in this room, until this is all over, but she banishes those thoughts for now. After a brief moment of contemplation, Urrak nods "Yes, absolutely. Tellin' the group...it ain't about me. It's about protectin' you. Havin' a group o' people who care about ye and will keep ye safe..." she tucks some hair behind Malica's ear, her rough fingers tracing its pointed outline "I can't lose ye...not now."(edited)

[12:40 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Also," she smiles warmly "I'm just a bloody *terrible* liar."

[12:41 PM] DM: She laughs softly and nods. "You are that. I like that about you though. I don't associate with many honest people."

[12:43 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Well I certainly hope you'll continue t'...*associate* with me." she looks down and chuckles, embarrassed by her own joke

[12:45 PM] DM: She leans in and kisses you, then pulls back. "For as long as you'll have me."

[12:50 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak moves to stand, offering a hand to help Malica do the same. She straightens her clothes, smooths her hair and looks over at the pile of steel plate she tossed near the wall. "I'll uh...pick that up." she turns to Malica. "The group'll most likely be back 'ere later on. I know I said tomorrow mornin' but...if yer up to it..." she rubs the back her neck, certain her face hasn't been it's usual shade of green since she first kissed her. "It's entirely yer decision."(edited)

[12:52 PM] DM: She lets you help her up and puts her hand over yours. "Like I said... whenever you think is best. You'll know better than I will and I trust you."

[12:58 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak brings her hand to her lips and kisses it softly. "Aye, alright." she walks to the side of the bed and sits down, taking a moment process what she's started. Her eyes look across the wood floor to the ragged rugs, to the base of the nightstand, worn by hundreds of clumsy boots, and back to Malica. "I'm-I'm not tryin' t' pull anythin' but...d'ye mind if I just...rest here a bit? Until the others come?"(edited)

[1:00 PM] DM: "Of course not. I feel safer when you're around."

[1:04 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Then would ye...would ye join me?" she can't look at her as she speaks, her face aflame with a combination of embarrassment and nerves, but a small smile stretches across her lips once she finishes.

[1:07 PM] DM: She smiles and walks towards you with her hands out to take yours. She teases, "This is you not pulling anything?"

[1:10 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak takes her hands and pulls her on top  of her. She wraps her in her arms and kisses the top of her head "Oh, you'll know when I'm tryn' t' pull somethin'" she brushes Malica's hair from her face, a smug grin playing across her lips "I'll promise ye that."

Back - Next