13 Felmont

12 Felmont -- 13 Felmont -- 14 Felmont

Felmont 3Y21 -- Discord Logs

"[7:20 PM] DM: 13 Felmont 3Y20

## Isonsall, Ry with Gescha and Aden

The next morning finds Ry waking to meet with Gescha to talk to some of the former castle denizens. I assume Seir and Rukiya will continue to sleep until woken.

[7:39 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “When did the people from the castle start showing up?”

[7:59 PM] DM: Gescha opens her office door, offering Ryleigh the seat behind the desk. ""We had a couple people who usually travel between the two, running messages or supplies, but they all came down last night, just before dark. Rolfe will be bringing Aden in momentarily. He was one of the higher-ranking servants at the castle, in charge of the hospitality staff.""

[8:13 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh shakes her head, declining the offer to sit behind the desk. “This is your town, you should be behind the desk. I’m only here to ask about what’s going on.”

[8:17 PM] DM: Gescha takes her seat and after a short time, Rolfe appears with a smartly dressed human man, possibly in his 50s, with greying hair and a well-trimmed beard. They both bow and acknowledge Ryleigh's presence. ""Your Majesty, Mayor, presenting Aden Trove, steward of the castle.""

[8:19 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Good morning, Aden,” Ryleigh says politely with a smile.

[8:20 PM] DM: ""Your Highness."" He stands, but keeps his head slightly lowered.

[8:23 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Please feel free to sit, Aden.” Ryleigh tilts her head towards the chair. “Gescha informed me that several of the castle’s inhabitants arrived here last night. I was wondering why?”

[8:27 PM] DM: Aden looks like he wants to refuse, but does sit. ""The Radgivar's orders, Your Highness. I believe there are no more than half a dozen  people there now, including the queen and the Radgivar.""

[8:28 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Heli asked you all to leave?” Ryleigh’s brows pull together. “Did she give any reason why?”

[8:33 PM] DM: ""None, Your Majesty."" Ryleigh can probably notice that he cuts himself off, like he was going to say more but didn't.

[8:34 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Aden, you may speak freely. I assure you there won’t be reprimands for your candor.”

[8:41 PM] DM: ""I've served your family for a long time, Your Majesty. Forgive my saying so, but... the Queen and the Radgivar have been acting strangely. Since the trip up the mountain when the Queen was injured, of course, but even more since your arrival. I worry that the Queen is unwell. The Radgivar is the only person she sees anymore. Well, and her apprentice, of course, but even the waitstaff and ladies-in-waiting haven't been to the queen's room in weeks.""

[8:46 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Heli’s apprentice?” Ryleigh asks.

[8:49 PM] DM: ""Yes, Your Majesty. A young wizard. Layla, I believe her name is. She doesn't speak to the rest of the staff often.""

[8:52 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “I see...” Ryleigh frowns slightly. “I’m planning on heading up to the castle later today. I wish you to be honest with me, do you feel that my grandmother might be in danger?”

[9:18 PM] DM: ""I don't mean to imply that the Radgivar might harm the Queen, Your Majesty. I do worry about her health and isolation. I have wondered about whether the decisions being made are being made by the Queen or not.""

[9:20 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh nods. “That was my worry as well.”

[9:22 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Did Ragna always act like this? Distant and content to remain so. Or just after she was injuries on the mountain?”

[9:27 PM] DM: ""No, Your Highness, though I would say that her biggest change occurred after the siege. The loss of her husband and daughter wounded her deeply. That said, she didn't withdraw until the unfortunate events of her last journey up the mountain.""

[9:46 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “I wish I had known them,” Ry says, then realizes a moment to late that that might have been over sharing and she clears her throat. “You knew my grandfather and mother?”

[10:12 PM] DM: ""Of course, Your Highness. My father was Lord Bannon's valet and Queen Taryn was not much younger than myself.""

[10:14 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Do you happen to know-“ Ryleigh stops herself. “Do you know why Taryn fled Tilman?”

[10:16 PM] DM: ""I'm sorry, Your Majesty, but I don't. There were rumors and theories, but it was all just idle chat and fantasy.""

[10:26 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Right, of course.” Ry stares down at Dawnbringer in thought. “We’re you two friends?”

[10:31 PM] DM: His reaction is clearly shock before he schools it back to his formal demeanor. ""No, Your Majesty. It wouldn't be appropriate for a personal relationship between Queen Taryn and myself.""

[10:36 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry shrugs, then chuckles as she sees his reaction. “I don’t think it would have been inappropriate. It’s not like she had siblings to play with. But I’m sorry, Aden. I didn’t mean to offend you... sometimes I’m too curious.”

[10:38 PM] DM: ""No, no offense taken, Your Majesty. Lord Bannon was adamant about rules of formality.""

[10:46 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Sounds lonely, but I’m not surprised.” Ryleigh smiles at Aden. “Is there anything else I should know before going to the castle? If you think I’ll be in any danger, I need to know.”

[10:54 PM] DM: ""I can't say for certain, Your Highness. As I said, the goings-on at the castle have been very odd, but I wouldn't anticipate it. The Radgivar spoke of your impending arrival with cheer and anticipation. We, on the staff, believed that the Queen was excited to see you again."" Again, Ry would probably catch a slight crease in his brow as he finished talking."

"4:54 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Then why the worried look?” Ry asks, her own brows furrowing.

[8:28 AM] DM: ""Not worried, your majesty. It just struck me as strange, what happened. The elder Master Avery leaving, your disappearance- when Queen Taryn arrived without you, and then the Sun King killed her, we assumed you were dead as well... but the Queen only ever talked about losing Lord Bannon and Queen Taryn. Now I realize it must be because you were never truly gone.""

[4:24 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “The only family I ever knew were my brother, Clemency, and her father. I didn’t know who my parents were until recently. I was unaware that Tilman laid waste to Isonsall or who the Alisdair’s were,” Ry says, her tone careful. “Avery never told me why we lived on the streets when I was child, but I can only assume he took me and fled out of fear - considering Tilman hunted down our mother.”

[4:29 PM] DM: ""My apologies, Your Highness. I didn't mean to bring up such a sensitive topic.""

[4:41 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “There’s no need to apologize, Aden. I appreciate your honesty.” She smiles kindly at him. “Do you know whether or not they’d be pleased to see me now?”

[5:04 PM] DM: ""I can't say, Your Majesty. I haven't seen the Queen at all and I've only seen the Radgivar maybe twice since your departure. Everything has changed in the last week.""

[5:07 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “I understand. Is there anything else I should know?” Ryleigh asks.

[5:12 PM] DM: ""I can't think of anything at the moment, Your Majesty.  If I'm not overstepping in saying, I am sorry that you don't have any knowledge of your family. If you have further questions, I will do what I can to answer them for you. I will be here until the Queen calls me back to the castle, whenever that may be.""

[5:19 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh nods, her smile a little sad. “Thank you, I truly appreciate the offer and I’ll take you up on it when I have more time to sit and chat.”

[5:21 PM] DM: He bows a little from his seat.

[5:22 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Did you need to ask anything Gescha?”

[5:28 PM] DM: ""No, Your Majesty, though if you don't need us for anything further, I was going to have him help me find appropriate quarters and work for each of our new arrivals.""

[5:30 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh tilts her head to both of them, and says, “That’s all I needed. Thank you both for your time. I’ll see myself out.” She’ll exit the office.

[5:30 PM] DM: They all stand as you walk away.

[8:06 PM] DM: On Ry's way back to the barracks to find Seir or Rukiya, she spots Gylfi leaned against a wall, chatting with a local. They give Ry a slight smile and nod as she passes.

[11:35 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry tilts her head and returns the smile, but unless she’s stopped, she’ll continue to where Seir and Rukiya are probably still asleep.

[11:37 PM] DM: Most likely, yes.

## Ry waking Seir and Rukiya

[11:39 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Grinning and shaking her head, Ry will start waking Rukiya first by pressing soft kisses to her face.

[11:42 PM] DM: It's probably 50/50 on a regular day if that'll get groans or giggles and pushed away. Today it's the former. She tries to bat Ry away and pull the covers up further.

[11:46 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry chuckles and let’s her. She moves to Seir next, slowly running her fingers through Seir’s hair and scratching her scalp while humming a soft song."

"5:59 AM] Seirixori: A few moments pass with Seir not responding. Then she groans and it turns into a quiet whine. She reaches up and it's not to bat Ry's hand away but to rub at the base of one of her horns. ""Itchy,"" Seir mumbles and then grabs Ryleigh's hand and places it where her own hand just was. Then she sighs happily and buries deeper into the covers.

[11:26 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “What am I going to do with you two?” Ry laughs, but she does scratch the base of Seir’s horns for a while, before switching back to trying to wake Rukiya - again with soft touches and kisses.

[11:28 AM] DM: Rukiya mumbles, ""Let us sleep?"" She does eventually rub her eyes and sit up. ""You know coffee works better than that,"" she teases.

[11:33 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Sometimes it does,” Ry says in elven, her tone full of innuendo, kissing Rukiya properly now that she’s sitting up.

[11:33 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Do I need to go find coffee and tea before we chat?” She asks them.

[11:34 AM] DM: ""Might wake me up. Does not make me want to get out of bed.""

[11:35 AM] DM: Rukiya reaches over and pokes Seir in a spot somewhere between kidney and rib.

[11:36 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Again, Ry chuckles lightly.

[11:39 AM] Seirixori: Seir squeaks and swats at the hand, ""Noooo.""

[11:43 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “You guys work that out and I’ll be right back.” She stands and will see if she can go find coffee and tea.

[11:47 AM] Seirixori: Seir lightly shoves Rukiya. ""Mean.""

[11:49 AM] DM: Rukiya chuckles and pokes her again.

It doesn't take long at all for Rolfe to realize the Princess wants something and gets it for her or with her, whichever she prefers.

[11:53 AM] Seirixori: Seir whines once more and swatts again, moving back just on the edge of the bed.

[11:58 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Not too long after Ryleigh leaves, she approaches with a small tray. “I don’t know if I’ll get used to the way people jump to help me here. It’s weird.” She sets the tray down so they can make their hot beverage of choice.

[11:59 AM] DM: Rukiya reaches out for the coffee. ""Suppose you'll have to get used to it.""

[12:01 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Or I’ll just be odd,” Ry says with a chuckle. “Why inconvenience someone when I’m perfectly capable?”

[12:03 PM] Seirixori: ""Sometimes people like to help..."" Seir grumbles as she throws the covers at Rukiya.

[12:03 PM] DM: ""You are... but you're supposed to be worried about the big picture, not where to find coffee. You pay other people to do the little things that take time so you can focus on bigger things. It's delegation... with pay.""

[12:05 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Oh... I didn’t think of it like that.” Ryleigh’s thinking face slips firmly into place.

[12:09 PM] Seirixori: ""Gives people jobs."" Seir moves to sit up now but because she was already so close to the edge she ends up falling to the floor. ""...Ow.""

[12:14 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “You okay?” Ry asks, walking around the bed and offering to help Seir up.

[12:16 PM] Seirixori: ""This is why the floor is better. No falling.""

[12:16 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry shakes her head at the response.

[12:18 PM] Seirixori: Seir takes Ryleigh's help to get up and she sits back on the bed after getting herself tea. ""Thank you,"" she mumbles around the lip of the cup.

[12:19 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Of course.” Ry leans in and presses a quick kiss to Seir’s forehead.

[12:20 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: She begins to pace in front of the bed. “So, Heli dismissed the castle staff without any explanation... and Ragna has refused to see anyone except Heli since we left a week ago.” It’s clear she’s worried.

[12:23 PM] DM: ""Any idea why?""

[12:26 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “None. Or at least Aden wasn’t given any and he isn’t the type to press for answers.” Ry sighs. “I know Ragna used me - used us - but what if Heli is on some kind of power trip? Why dismiss the staff, unless you’re hoping for less witnesses...”

[12:29 PM] DM: Rukiya furrows her brow. ""I don't think that makes sense. If she was planning to stage a coup, she could just keep people away and assume the role or just... have her die. In either case, keeping everything as normal as possible is the better option to validate your own rise... otherwise it just makes everything suspicious.""

[12:31 PM] Seirixori: ""They're all suspicious,"" Seir grumbles.

[12:32 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Then maybe they’re going to leave?” Ry suggests.

[12:34 PM] DM: ""To where? And why?""

[12:36 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh shakes her head. “Maybe Ragna wants to witness the Titan’s destruction firsthand. Maybe there’s nothing left here for them now that the Titan has been awakened. Maybe Ragna can’t stand to be here anymore, or live in the castle where Tilman killed her family. I don’t know...”

[12:40 PM] Seirixori: Seir tilts her head, ""It is big enough to have a seat on.""

[12:40 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “I know it’s stupid. I know she used me and it hurt, but I also understand what it’s like to lose everyone you love. I know what it’s like to want revenge and to hate someone so much it consumes you. I understand how loss changes someone... that doesn’t excuse her from hurting me... but...” Ryleigh sighs heavily and finally sits on the bed, her back to Seir and Rukiya. “I was angry and hurt and alone for 4 years... she’s been angry and hurt and alone for 18.”

[12:42 PM] Seirixori: ""That doesn't excuse her to do it to others either..."" Seir adds quietly.

[12:43 PM] DM: Rukiya sets her coffee cup down and moves over to wrap her arms around Ry.

[12:49 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Learning to love and let you in was so difficult for me,” Ry’s voice cracks and she takes a deep breath. “Because the more I loved, the harder it was to hold onto the bitterness and hate. Meeting you two, and having Dawnguard, saved me from Ragna’s fate.” She leans back into Rukiya’s embrace. “I feel like I should see what’s going on, but that also means I’m walking into a castle with 2, maybe 3, very powerful mages.”

[12:50 PM] DM: ""Three?""

[12:51 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Ragna, Heli, and apparently Heli has an apprentice.”

[12:59 PM] DM: ""Let's lay it all out then. We need to find a way to stop the titan. The Raven Queen will give us that information if we kill a nagpa. We might also be able to find that information through Ragna or Heli or in the castle. Maybe. Something weird is happening at the castle and you want to find out what because you see yourself in your grandmother. But it might be dangerous. Going to Tumulus might be how we find a nagpa. That's also dangerous."" She stops for a moment. ""Is that what we have?""

[1:01 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry nods.

[1:05 PM] DM: ""It's your call, minsriellu. We have to go by the castle to get to Tumulus anyway. Do you want to stop there? Do you want us all to be with you, just in case? Or do we keep going and hope to find a nagpa in the ruins?""

[1:08 PM] Seirixori: ""She won't be as powerful,"" Seir snickers quietly. ""We could always stop by after the fact, couldn't we?""

[1:13 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “We should find the nagpa... that’s what we came here to do...”

[1:21 PM] DM: ""Ok. Do we have any way to find one? Or are we just going up to Tumulus to see if we spot one in the wreckage?""

[1:24 PM] DM: ""Maybe we should get everyone together to plan.""

[1:25 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry nods again.

[1:27 PM] Seirixori: ""I can use a spell to locate one. They just have to be in the vicinity.""

[1:28 PM] DM: ""How far?""

[1:29 PM] Seirixori: ""A thousand feet.""

[1:35 PM] DM: ""Ok... why don't we get ready and get everyone else together so we--""

## Gondor Calls For Aid

Rukiya's cut off by a bit of commotion out in the rest of the barracks. A couple voices are shouting for the guards who are resting to get up, banging metal on metal, possibly swords on shields.

[1:36 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh immediately jumps up, grabbing Dawnbringer and her shield and moving towards the commotion.

[1:37 PM] Seirixori: Seir follows quickly, only grabbing her staff and nothing else.

[1:38 PM] DM: There are two uniformed guards waking everyone up, even those who just got off duty. ""Come on, up! You can get sleep later if it's a false alarm. Flames are lit!""

[1:38 PM] DM: Rukiya throws a cloak at Seir as she goes.

[1:40 PM] Seirixori: Seir looks a confused briefly before fastening the cloak with a roll of her eyes.

[1:40 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “How much time do we have?” Ry asks one of the guards waking everyone up.

[1:43 PM] DM: Guard: ""Your Majesty! My apologies for waking you. We're just being called to guard the opening of the shelter. The flames on the castle have been lit. Most everyone should already be inside, though, so we're to be at the ready in case anything tries to enter.""

[1:45 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “You didn’t wake me,” Ry answers, giving the guard a reassuring smile. “Thank you for the information.”

[1:48 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh nods and returns to the place where they slept so she can put on her armor - dragging Seir with her so she can too."

"1:23 PM] DM: Rukiya heads out to collect the others, figuring Ry will bring her the few pieces of her armor if she doesn't make it in time.

[1:58 PM] DM: And as it is, you are all gathering up in a quieter space near Gescha's office, out of the way of the panicked locals and the hurried and harried guards at a time some of you might consider too early in the morning to be moving so quickly.

[2:00 PM] Seirixori: Seir is pouting. Normally it would be about the time of day but she's tugging at her armor, clearly unhappy that she had to put it on. As well as whatever extra depending on how cold it is.

[2:01 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh knocks at Gescha's office door.

[2:01 PM] DM: Gescha's voice, terse and sharp, calls out, ""What is it?""

[2:03 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh opens the door. ""Where do you need us?"" she asks. ""We can help.""

[2:05 PM] DM: ""Oh, Your Highness, my apologies. I didn't realize it was y-- I don't know. My scouts are out surveying. All we know so far is that the purple warning flames were lit at the castle- the signal to take shelter- and that there seems to be a storm coming down the mountain.""

[2:08 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""No need for apologies,"" Ryleigh says, her tone insistent. ""We'll be at the entry. I think we'll be most helpful there if anything tries to attack.""

[2:08 PM] DM: ""I'll keep you informed.""

[2:10 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh nods and shuts the door, turning to the others. ""Let's head to the entry...""

[2:11 PM] Brimeia: ""What do you think happened?"" Bri yawns as they head over.

[2:11 PM] Seirixori: ""...I know I did a thing with lightning when we made our way up but I am not prepared to do the same thing with snow...""

[2:12 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""I have an idea of what it might be..."" Ryleigh says, moving towards the entry.

[2:13 PM] DM: Gylfi comes up, straightening their armor. ""Well, it can't be as bad as anything we've faced in the last week, right?""

[2:13 PM] Urrak: ""Now you've gone an' said it,"" Urrak shakes her head and chuckles, ""Now it's gonna be worse.""

[2:14 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""You all remember the undead giant? I have a feeling his army is on the move.""

[2:15 PM] DM: Gylfi: ""Undead giant. Well, we faced a shadow giant. And this time, there's sunlight.""

[2:15 PM] Seirixori: ""Oh..."" Seir looks like she's about to add something but she changes her mind and instead says, ""...do you want me to go look?""

[2:16 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""No, Gescha said she has scouts already dispatched. I'd rather wait to see what they say.""

[2:17 PM] Seirixori: Seir grumbles something about being faster, but she does nod.

[2:17 PM] DM: Gylfi: ""Care to elaborate on 'undead giant army' while we wait?""

[2:21 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh grips Dawnbringer's handle a little tighter. ""When we went up the mountain last time there was a giant who I had... a disagreement with. Ultimately, he said he wanted destroy the puppet master - who I believe is my grandmother.""

[2:21 PM] DM: Gylfi raises an eyebrow. ""And how do we feel about dear grandmama?""

[2:22 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""It's complicated,"" Ry says.

[2:22 PM] Urrak: ""Not fer me it ain't."" Urrak grumbles.

[2:22 PM] Seirixori: ""Ryleigh took some acid to the face because she stepped in front of me when I went to attack her.""

[2:22 PM] DM: Gylfi kind of mumbles under their breath, ""Seems to be going around.""

[2:23 PM] Seirixori: Seir nudges Gylfi a bit at that remark.

[2:25 PM] DM: Gylfi gives her a bright grin.

[2:26 PM] Brimeia: Bri narrows her eyes playfully at the exchange.

[2:26 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh ignores both Urrak and Seir's comments, her face set in an impassive expression. Instead she focuses on the guards nearest the door, waiting for news from the outside.

[2:26 PM] DM: A minute passes...

[2:27 PM] Seirixori: ""So, not that I'm going to complain, exactly...but if that's what is coming do we want to meet them at the castle or let them do their thing?""

[2:30 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""I'm going to the castle,"" Ryleigh says. ""What you choose to do is up to you. I won't require any of you to follow. I wouldn't be surprised if you decided to stay.""

[2:32 PM] Brimeia: Bri snorts. ""So what, you're gonna stop an undead giant's army by yourself?""

[2:33 PM] Seirixori: Seir rolls her eyes and huffs and without waiting starts to head towards the castle.

[2:33 PM] DM: It's about that time when a couple guards come in, covered in snow with frost in the hair, shivering and holding their arms in tight against themselves. They start moving through the guards at the front to head towards Gescha's office.

[2:34 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh halts one of them. ""What's the news?""

[2:36 PM] DM: His eyes widen and he bows, still holding his arms in as close as he can. ""It's-- it's cold, Princess. Real c-cold. We can't get further up the m-m-mountain like this. The storm's 'round the c-castle, but I d-don't think it's coming f-further.""

[2:37 PM] Seirixori: Seir did not go much farther once thee reality of how cold it is hit her and now she's definitely barely being quiet about how much she hates it.

[2:40 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Okay, tell Gescha that I'm going to help the castle. Relay that I suggest everyone stay here and safe, but that ultimately the choice is hers on what action to take."" Ryleigh puts a hand on his shoulder. ""Thank you, you did good.""

[2:41 PM] DM: ""Thank you, Your H-Highness. T-take a c-coat.""

[2:41 PM] DM: He bows again and heads towards the office.

[2:42 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: She smiles at him, then turns to the party as he leaves. ""I kept our winter gear in here."" Ryleigh starts pulling out everyone's winter cloaks and such from the bag of holding.

[2:44 PM] DM: Gylfi disappears for a minute and comes back wearing a bulky coat, gloves that don't quite fit and a pair of sturdy winter boots. Everyone else is getting dressed warm, I assume?

[2:44 PM] Seirixori: Seir does so begrudgingly.

[2:44 PM] Urrak: Urrak tugs on her thick fur cloak and pulls up the hood, ""Oh boy.""

[2:45 PM] Brimeia: Bri tugs on the warmer clothes, sighing. ""Not looking forward to the cold again.""

[2:45 PM] DM: Rukiya chuckles despite herself. ""We did figure we were going up the mountain again. Maybe the mountain's being nice and coming to us instead.""

[2:46 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Ha ha,"" Ry answers, checking Rukiya over to make sure she has as many layers as she can without being completely impaired by the clothing. She puts on a pair of gloves, a scarf, and a heavy cloak. ""Okay let's go.""

[2:46 PM] DM: Is anyone not going up?

## Heading Up the Mountain to Alisdair Castle

[2:48 PM] DM: Then you set off, heading up the mountain. As soon as you're more than a few dozen feet from the shelter, the change in temperature is obvious. It reminds you of being on the mountain itself, bone-chilling cold. Flurries of snow are drifting down from high up above despite the sun shining behind you.

[2:49 PM] Seirixori: Seir looks a little wary with what happened the last time they were on this mountain coming down.

[2:50 PM] Brimeia: Bri wraps her arms around herself as the temperature drops. ""Ugh.""

[2:50 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Everyone roll CON saves!

[2:51 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Rukiya: 12

Ry: 15

Gylfi: 7

[2:51 PM] Seirixori: ((23))

[2:51 PM] Urrak: ((19))

[2:52 PM] Brimeia: ((23))

[2:53 PM] DM: Ok! So your first hour is ok. Let's do another round for the 2nd hour, with the DC increasing by 1 each hour.

[2:54 PM] DM: And a perception check, too.

[2:54 PM] Seirixori: ((how long did it take to get there again?))

[2:54 PM] Brimeia: ((29con))

[2:55 PM] DM: Rushing it will probably take 4 hours.

[2:55 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Rukiya: 23

Ry: 19

Gylfi: 5

[2:55 PM] Seirixori: ((28 perc))

[2:55 PM] Brimeia: ((2 per))

[2:55 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Perception

Rukiya: 30

Ry: 20"

"2:56 PM] Seirixori: ((nat 1 for that uh con check which is technically an 11 with everything lol))

[2:56 PM] Urrak: ((9))

[2:57 PM] DM: Gylfi starts shivering and has disadvantage on any Dexterity checks.

[2:58 PM] Seirixori: Seir, seeing this, walks next to them and pats their very cold cheek and casts protection from energy on them ((resistant to cold for 1 hr)).

[2:58 PM] DM: Gylfi grins and stutters out, ""Aaww, you d-do like me.""

[2:59 PM] Seirixori: Seir snorts but Gylfi can see the small grin on her face.

[2:59 PM] DM: Next hour's CON saves and Perception checks!

[3:01 PM] Seirixori: ((25 con, 32 perc))

[3:01 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Con Save

Ry: 24

Rukiya: 11

Gylfi: 16

[3:01 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Perception

Ry: 12

Rukiya: 27

Gylfi: 25

[3:02 PM] Urrak: ((13 con, 17 per))

[3:03 PM] Seirixori: Seir looks worried as she looks ahead, ""It sounds... not great.""

[3:03 PM] DM: And as a huge stone comes rolling down the path, I need all of you to give me a Dex save.

[3:03 PM] Seirixori: ((10))

[3:04 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry: 8

Rukiya: 31

Gylfi: 14

[3:06 PM] DM: @Urrak and @Brimeia ? Dex saves?

[3:06 PM] Brimeia: ((22))

[3:09 PM] Urrak: ((16))

[3:09 PM] DM: Bri Urrak and Rukiya nimbly get out of the way, pressing themselves against the wall. Gylfi nearly loses their boot but manages to avoid getting directly struck. Ry and Seir both take 10 bludgeoning damage as it smacks into a hand or rolls over a foot on its way past.

[3:10 PM] DM: And as you continue on the way up to the castle, I will need just one more CON save. DC 10 (5 for Ry).

[3:11 PM] Urrak: ((21))

[3:11 PM] Seirixori: ((18))

[3:11 PM] Brimeia: ((20))

[3:12 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry: 25

Rukiya: 6

Gylfi: 6

[3:14 PM] DM: Rukiya and Gylfi both start shivering. It's cold and cloudy up here. Snow is falling, occasionally hail. The thumping sound some of you heard is revealed now to be stones hurled at the castle walls. One of the towers has fully collapsed. A lightning bolt cracks through the air, but instead of coming from the clouds, it came from the top of the castle and struck somewhere in the distance, on the mountainside outside the castle walls.

[3:15 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ((But we don't see anything we can attack?))

[3:15 PM] Seirixori: ""Well, I guess we should help if we want to find answers in the castle."" Seir looks over at Gylfi and Rukiya and grins and jokes, ""Aren't you both lucky there's two tieflings with very warm skin around?""

[3:16 PM] DM: No, it's too foggy to see that far.

[3:17 PM] Brimeia: Bri can't help but chuckle about it.

[3:17 PM] Brimeia: ""I wouldn't say no to warming you up."" Bri grins.

[3:19 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Now is not the time,"" Ry says, her hand in front of her face as she squints toward where the lightning bolt hit. ""Bri, Urrak, and I are better on the ground. You three might be able to take refuge in one of the towers... but I don't know where the enemy is,"" she shouts over the wind.

[3:20 PM] DM: Rukiya: ""If I had to g-guess, probably towards where the l-lightning hit.""

[3:21 PM] DM: There is a chasm between the path you're on and the castle. There's the wooden bridge between you and the castle, but you'd have to either climb the castle walls or get over the chasm to get outside the walls on that side.

[3:24 PM] DM: Rukiya: ""But if you think you're going out there without me...""

[3:24 PM] Seirixori: ((Is there too much wind to fly everyone?))

[3:25 PM] DM: It's doable, maybe with a Strength save just for funsies.

[3:26 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh shakes her head, and even though her face is covered, Rukiya can hear the smile in Ry's words as she touches Dawnbringer to Rukiya. ((Using lesser resto))

[3:28 PM] Seirixori: Seir summons 8 giant bats. ""It's a little risky but this should be faster!"" If all are willing she will instruct them to fly very low and over the bridge so there's something there if anyone falls.

[3:29 PM] Brimeia: ""Guess it's worth a shot."" Bri hops on one of the bats and gives it a gentle pat.

[3:29 PM] DM: Gylfi: ""It's a shame you don't like the Shadowfell. I have a feeling you'd fit in there."" They follow Bri's lead and mount a bat.

[3:30 PM] DM: Where are you flying to? Castle or towards the expected enemy?

[3:30 PM] Urrak: With a little scritch Urrak climbs onto a bat

[3:31 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh looks hesitant, but follows the others by getting onto the bat.

[3:33 PM] DM: Rukiya does too.

[3:34 PM] Seirixori: Seir sighs, ""Are you all going to go into the fray?""

[3:35 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Yes,"" Ry yells over the wind.

[3:35 PM] Seirixori: She does not look happy at all, ""I will... go to the castle, though I might not be welcome but you're right, I can still help at that distance. Unless you think I should go with you.""

[3:37 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Now, I think it'd be better if you stayed at a distance... you can always join us if you need too.""

[3:38 PM] Seirixori: Seir makes a face but she nods and instructs the bats to take the rest to where they need to go.

[3:38 PM] DM: Ok! Let's get everyone's Strength saves to see if you manage to hold on to your bats the whole way.

[3:38 PM] DM: And then initiative.

[3:39 PM] Urrak: ((19 str))

[3:39 PM] Brimeia: ((16str))

[3:39 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry: 9

Rukiya: 13

Gylfi: 13

[3:39 PM] Seirixori: ((20 str))

((1 init))

[3:39 PM] Brimeia: ((20init))

[3:40 PM] Urrak: ((21 int))

[3:42 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Int

Ry: 22

Rukiya: 13

Gylfi: 11"

"[3:43 PM] DM: Ry ends up taking a tumble and landing hard on a rock for 21 bludgeoning damage, but manages to get her bat to come back and finish the trip.

[3:43 PM] DM: Urrak, how close do you want your bat to get?

[3:44 PM] Urrak: ((within melee I suppose))

[3:48 PM] DM: So as you are all coming up on the scene, another rock goes flying through the air, hurled by a 20' tall giant with ice pressing through his skin. You recognize him as that same giant that talked to Ryleigh. The rock he threw is bluish tinted and as it smashes into the castle and bursts apart, you realize it was mostly ice, though there's definitely something not-ice in it. Heli's standing on one of the castle ramparts in heavy winter gear with Ragna floating behind her in her normal attire.

[3:48 PM] DM: Urrak, as you get close to the giant, you feel the cold press in even more on you, and you realize that if you stay close to him, you will probably take damage, but you can have your bat drop you wherever you like and take your turn first.

[3:52 PM] Urrak: Urrak guides her bat towards the giant and has it drop her in front of him. She swings her blade as soon as her feet touch the ground, only feeling the bite of the cold when she stops moving ((20a 15d, 13a 13d, 26a 11d))

[3:54 PM] DM: Two of those do hit! The giant looks down, annoyed, and stomps at Urrak, but it seems to be more of an intimidation tactic since it doesn't actually come close to hitting her.

[3:54 PM] DM: @Brimeia How close are you having your bat drop you off?

[3:55 PM] Brimeia: ((can she get the bat to go close enough for her to hop off dramatically anime hero style onto the giant?lol))

[3:55 PM] DM: Sure, give me an athletics check.

[3:55 PM] Brimeia: ((13))

[3:55 PM] DM: And your attacks.

[3:57 PM] Brimeia: ((15a, 19d;24a, 11d))

[3:58 PM] DM: Bri leaps off the bat and digs her glaive into the giant's back, nearly stumbling, but in the end tearing more of its icy flesh open until her glaive finally catches on something and she's left, barely holding onto the shaft, about twelve feet in the air, feet precariously perched on his waistband.

[3:59 PM] DM: Icrion growls. ""Where did you come from?"" He'll try to grab at Bri with his legendary action. Give me an athletics check again, please.

[4:00 PM] DM: @Brimeia ?

[4:01 PM] Brimeia: ((nat1, 9))

[4:02 PM] DM: Icrion grabs Bri and pulls her off of his back, throwing her to the ground where she takes 12 bludgeoning damage, but at least her glaive lands nearby.

[4:03 PM] DM: Another lightning bolt streaks from the castle walls and Icrion narrowly dodges it, taking only 16 electricity damage.

[4:05 PM] DM: A massive blue hand appears, turns into a fist, and punches the giant for 18 force damage.

[4:06 PM] DM: Rukiya, having seen Ry fall off her bat will circle back to make sure she makes it up ok.

[4:06 PM] DM: Gylfi!

[4:08 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi, from their bat, will point their finger at the ice giant and bells begin to ring around it. ((Toll the Dead - DC 17))

[4:08 PM] DM: He saves and takes no damage from it.

[4:10 PM] DM: @Seirixori! As you come flying up to the castle, you see Ragna and Heli, both of whom see you, but are too busy paying attention to the giant flinging things to actually care about what you're doing.

[4:11 PM] Seirixori: ((I can't..like prepare to cast another concentration spell if one is still up can I?))

[4:12 PM] DM: Like holding a spell? I think holding a spell is a concentration action.

[4:14 PM] Seirixori: Seir lands nearish to Heli and Ragna and casts shillelagh on her staff. Then she looks out at the fight and huffs, clearly annoyed and casts thaumaturgy 30' away from her and shouts-amplifying her voice, ""GET THE FUCK OFF THE BATS IF YOU WANT MY HELP!"" ((End))

[4:15 PM] DM: I need everyone to give me a Wisdom save as Icrion bellows.

[4:15 PM] DM: Also @Brimeia and @Urrak take 14 cold damage from being within his aura.

[4:16 PM] Seirixori: ((24))

[4:16 PM] Urrak: ((19))

[4:16 PM] Brimeia: ((10))

[4:16 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry: 20

Rukiya: 12

Gylfi: 14

[4:17 PM] DM: Ragna, Layla, Bri, and Gylfi are all frightened. A frightened creature has disadvantage on ability checks and attack rolls while the source of its fear is within line of sight. The creature can't willingly move closer to the source of its fear.

[4:22 PM] DM: He's going to look up at the castle and grumble. ""I tire of your games, Puppetmaster."" And he's going to cast Circle of Death on the castle. I need a CON save from Seir.

[4:23 PM] Seirixori: ((16))

[4:23 PM] DM: Heli and Seir fail and take 39 necrotic damage. Ragna takes 19.

[4:24 PM] DM: Ryleigh catches up!

[4:25 PM] Seirixori: ((24 con save for the spell btw))

[4:27 PM] Seirixori: Due to Seir having thaumaturgy up to amplify her voice you do hear a very loud yell of pain.

[4:32 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh flies just in front of the ice giant's face and shouts, ""What makes you think it's her who's the puppetmaster?"" As she flies down she'll jump and slashes Dawnbringer into his leg ((24A / 21D)). Once she reaches the bottom she'll cut into him again and Dawnbringer pulses with radiant energy. ((30 - crit / 70D - level 3 smite))

[4:34 PM] DM: When she lands, she's close enough to Bri's prone form that Bri is no longer frightened.

[4:36 PM] DM: Icrion staggers back a bit, then shouts in anger. ""You will not take this from me."" He inhales, then blows a cone of cold out towards Ry, which catches Bri and Gylfi as well, and I need CON saves from the three of you."

"[4:36 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry: 23

Gylfi: 23

[4:37 PM] Brimeia: ((17))

[4:37 PM] DM: Bri gets a faceful of cold and takes the full 37 cold damage. Gylfi takes 18. Ry takes 9.

[4:38 PM] DM: @Urrak ! You're watching your friends get blown on by cold breath!

[4:39 PM] Urrak: ""Fuck this,"" Urrak pumps herself up and tries to scale the giant. If successful she'll climb up his back and stab at his neck

[4:40 PM] DM: Climbing will be your action. Is that ok?

[4:40 PM] Urrak: ye

[4:40 PM] DM: Give me an athletics check.

[4:40 PM] Urrak: ((20))

[4:41 PM] DM: You climb up his back, past the torn, icy flesh from Bri's glaive.

[4:43 PM] Urrak: Urrak uses the last bits of her stamina to stab at the giant's jugular (using Action Surge) ((22a 14d, 27a 14d, 13a, 15d))

[4:44 PM] DM: Ok! Because that is a two-handed weapon, it'll mean coming back down at the end of this attack, but the first two do hit! One slash across his throat, the other a vertical drag down his body as you fall.

[4:46 PM] DM: He looks pretty ragged now, and he growls again. ""No... it will not end like this."" He looks up at the castle and raises a hand. ""Kill the Puppetmaster!"" The icy stones he'd been hurling at the walls start to shift and move and the frozen bodies from the top of the mountain, piled into icy grenades and lobbed by giant hands start to rise as frozen skeletons and zombies, staggering towards the upper ends of the castle.

[4:46 PM] DM: @Brimeia !

[4:47 PM] Brimeia: Bri groans and gets up and tries to hack at one of its ankles.

[4:49 PM] Brimeia: ((uh... how does the inspiration dice work again? lol))

[4:50 PM] DM: You can reroll a roll and just say you're using it

[4:52 PM] Brimeia: ((23a, 15d; 20a, 18d), use inspiration for that second roll lol)

[4:53 PM] DM: How do you want to do this?

[4:54 PM] Brimeia: Bri gets a good hit in on the ankle, and as it stumbles, she hops on it and stabs it right in the chest, landing with it in a huge thump.

[4:56 PM] DM: The ice crystals holding the giant together shatter and he falls heavily to his knees, then to the ground. Everyone manages to get out of the way just in time to avoid being squashed, and Rukiya flies up on her bat. ""Welp, my work here is done.""

[4:58 PM] DM: Everyone is unfrightened. Seir sees Ragna look down at the mass of undead coming up the walls and she floats up and over the ramparts to fire a thunderclap, knocking several of them off the walls onto the ground below.

[5:00 PM] Seirixori: Seir does actually yell, and everyone can still hear her, ""Go to the castle they said!""

[5:00 PM] Brimeia: Bri lets out a tired little chuckle.

[5:01 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Rukiya will fly up to where Seir is, and as she does, she shouts back at the others, ""Undead within the walls!"" She lands gracefully next to Seir and points out a few of the undead ((giving her advantage)).

[5:01 PM] DM: Heli's big blue hand will come brush a few more off the walls. ""I have nothing to deal with so many.""

[5:01 PM] DM: Gylfi!

[5:03 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi will whistle and their bat flies to them. Them jump onto it and fly over the undead, hovering while calling upon Vydea to help them. ((Using destroy undead))

[5:05 PM] DM: A burst of them explode into moondust. Between their turn undead, Heli's hand grouping them, and Ragna keeping them from climbing the walls, it's only a matter of time before all the undead are no longer an issue.

[5:05 PM] DM: And we'll end initiative there.

## A Conversation with the Queen

[5:06 PM] DM: Ragna flies back up to the ramparts and lands heavily in her chair inside her room.

[5:07 PM] Seirixori: Seir just looks extremely irritated and in pain while fingering the single bead hanging from around her neck.

[5:07 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh will hop on her bat and fly up to where Seir and Rukiya are. She dismounts once she's on the balcony and ignoring Heli - she walks into see if Ragna is okay.

[5:08 PM] Urrak: ""We need t' end this nonsense. I'm goin' after her whether Ryleigh likes it or not."" Urrak whistles for her bat and follows

[5:09 PM] DM: Ragna lifts a tired hand. ""You have excellent timing, my girl.""

[5:10 PM] Brimeia: Bri rolls her eyes and joins everyone.

[5:11 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Better late, than never,"" Ry answers with a grin, moving closer. ""We came once the scouts said an unusual snow storm was surrounding the castle.""

[5:12 PM] DM: Heli steps inside. ""I was unaware you were back in the area.""

[5:12 PM] Urrak: Urrak lands not long after Ryleigh and finds the Queen's chambers, ""Enough of this,"" she'll walk swiftly towards the woman, sword drawn.

[5:12 PM] Seirixori: The bats disappear quickly as Seir casts hold person... on Urrak.

[5:13 PM] Seirixori: ((wis save))

[5:13 PM] DM: In addition to that, Urrak needs a second Wis save because Heli will cast phantasmal killer on Urrak as she draws her sword."

"[5:14 PM] Urrak: ((3 for Seir and 14 for Heli))

[5:14 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh looks at Urrak, utterly alarmed by her behavior. She firmly stands in front of Ragna when Urrak draws her sword.

[5:14 PM] DM: That's 31 psychic damage as she's confronted with what Urrak sees as her worst fears, but she is also completely frozen and paralyzed.

[5:15 PM] DM: A paralyzed creature is incapacitated (see the condition) and can't move or speak.

The creature automatically fails Strength and Dexterity saving throws. Attack rolls against the creature have advantage.

Any attack that hits the creature is a critical hit if the attacker is within 5 feet of the creature.

[5:15 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Seeing that the others have her under control - for now - Ry says to Heli, ""We arrived late last night.""

[5:16 PM] DM: Heli: ""Is this one under your command, Princess?""

[5:16 PM] Seirixori: Seir just sighs and sits on the floor as she keeps her hold on Urrak.

[5:17 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""She is apart of my group, yes, but under my command... no.""

[5:17 PM] Urrak: Urrak tries to struggle but the only traces of it are small tremors in her muscles.

[5:18 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Seirixori, why don't you go down to the kitchens and make sure the others in the castle are okay - have Bri take Urrak."" It's said a suggestion but everyone knows Ry's not asking.

[5:19 PM] DM: Heli: ""There are no others. They were evacuated last night.""

[5:20 PM] Brimeia: Bri moves over to be ready to grab Urrak.

[5:20 PM] Seirixori: Seir groans at having to get up, because she does not look that great. ""Yeah, yeah I got it."" She waits for Bri to grab Urrak and heads out, ignoring what Heli said.

[5:20 PM] DM: The door to the room opens and a human woman is standing in it, stopped short seeing more people than expected.

[5:21 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh's brows pull together. ""Aden mentioned you dismissed everyone but a few staff - I wasn't sure how many people were left.""

[5:22 PM] DM: Heli rubs her temple. ""Go with them."" The woman nods and follows along.

## The Others in the Dining Room

"[5:22 PM] DM: -----------

[5:22 PM] DM: We'll have Seir and the others go here.

[5:22 PM] DM: Gylfi starts casting spells to heal Seir (and the others, using AoE heals) as they walk.

[5:24 PM] Seirixori: ""Thank you,"" Seir says softly to Gylfi, still groaning at the sickly feeling from before.

[5:25 PM] DM: Gylfi: ""It's what I'm here for, right? That and to cheer you all up with my incredibly charming style.""

[5:27 PM] Seirixori: ""Style?"" Seir chuckles, ""If that's what you want to call it."" She also does not let go of the the hold person on Urrak and lets it run it's course (it's just 1 minute).

[5:28 PM] DM: It doesn't take long to get to the bottom of the stairs and then to the kitchens. Everything is cold and empty and lifeless. And here Urrak will be un-froze, with the memories of her worst fears still in her mind, though the spell has run its course.

[5:32 PM] Urrak: Urrak feels her muscles loosen and give way, causing her to slacken in Brimeia's grip. She looks around, struggling against Bri's hands like she's trying to run, before suddenly stopping. She takes a few deep breaths and looks around, slowly realizing where she is. Her eyes dart straight at Seirixori, ""Why are ye defendin' her? She's an old hag that fooled Ryleigh int'a releasin' that Titan! We should be holdin' her down and makin' her talk right now!""

[5:32 PM] DM: (45 to seir and we'll say 9 to bri and 10 to urrak.)

[5:35 PM] Brimeia: Bri keeps a firm hold on Urrak.

[5:35 PM] Seirixori: Seir's sigh of relief from the healing is audible and she's about to address the stranger in the room but Urrak's words interrupt her. Seir doesn't outwardly react to anything Urrak says, only stares at her. ""I wasn't defending her, I was saving your life again.""

[5:38 PM] Seirixori: ""Don't think for one second I don't want that woman to pay for what she's done. But once again we are not at our best also,"" Seir points to the stranger in the room and it's now that Seir's words get heated, ""I'm pretty sure this one, who should probably not be apart of this conversation, is also someone we would have had to go up against. We aren't here to stop that fucking bitch, it's too damn late for that.""

[5:40 PM] Urrak: ""It's not too late fer revenge, fer all those people that thing killed or displaced. So much grief. An' fer what?"" Urrak shakes her head, her breath slowing, ""Ye can let go of me, Brimeia. I'm too tired t' try again.""

[5:41 PM] Brimeia: Bri squints at Urrak for a moment, then decides she could just grab her again if needed.

[5:42 PM] Urrak: Urrak pulls away, ""Thank ye, Bri."" she'll find a place to sit and wait

[5:43 PM] DM: Gylfi whistles lowly. ""Happy thoughts in here."" They turn a little to the human woman and stick out their hand. ""Gylfi. You are?""

[5:43 PM] DM: The woman doesn't take their hand and just says, ""Layla.""

[5:44 PM] Seirixori: ""Revenge!"" Seir snarls letting her closeness with her druidic magic shine through. ""Why the fuck do you think we're in this at all!? Revenge will not stop what's happening, you're going to let more grief and more destruction happen--"" Seir snarls once more and walks away. Not out of the room just to the opposite end so she can pace the floor as she calms down.

[5:44 PM] Seirixori: And because you know the signs, Brimeia and Urrak can tell she's trying to not shift.

[5:46 PM] Seirixori: Except a few moments later that clearly doesn't work because now there is a cave bear pacing opposite of them.

[5:46 PM] Brimeia: ""Great. Now look what you did,"" Bri grumbles.

[5:51 PM] Urrak: ""She'll be fine. She's just as pissed about that old cunt as I am. As we should all be, frankly,"" Urrak says with a quirked eyebrow. ""I don't understand why Ry defends her, especially after all that's happened.""

[5:52 PM] Brimeia: ""Yes, but she knew not to just fling herself at her whenever the fuck she felt like it.""

[5:52 PM] Urrak: ""This time,"" Urrak says pointedly.

[5:54 PM] Brimeia: ""Yeah. So she got an earful too I'm sure. Doesn't mean you should do the same dumb thing.""

[5:55 PM] Seirixori: Seir comes back, not shifting back until she sits down near Gylfi. ""The same reason I'm sure you defend your mother and why you still felt the way you did about your wife despite already knowing it was too late.""

[5:55 PM] Seirixori: Seir looks at the stranger, ending further involvement in the current conversation and says, ""...Hello.""

[5:57 PM] DM: Layla raises an eyebrow. ""Hello.""

[5:58 PM] Seirixori: ""Are you going to stop me if I decide I need to go for a walk?""

[5:58 PM] Brimeia: Bri shakes her head.

[5:58 PM] DM: Layla: ""Should I?""

[5:59 PM] Seirixori: Seir laughs, ""No.""

[6:01 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi: ""Want some company on your walk?"" They grin.

[6:03 PM] Seirixori: Seir tilts her head, studying Gylfi for a few moments. Then with a matching grin she says, ""Sure.""

[6:04 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi stands and offers their hand with a flourish. ""Shall we?""

[6:06 PM] Seirixori: There is a very slight hesitation before Seir takes Gylfi's hand. But once she stands she leads them out.

[6:07 PM] DM: Layla will look between the two groups and follow Seir and Gylfi out, at a distance.

## Sylfi

"[6:08 PM] DM: Seir/Gylfi here.

[6:10 PM] Seirixori: Seir releases a small annoyed huff at realizing they're being followed and very quietly whispers, ""That is the opposite of what I wanted."" Louder she says, ""Welcome to a very boring castle in a place that is way too fucking cold.""

[6:11 PM] DM: Gylfi grins. ""Maybe she'll leave if we start making out.""

[6:21 PM] Seirixori: Seir is very much thinking about doing just that. ""... That is also why I said yes to you coming with.""

[6:23 PM] DM: Gylfi's surprise is quickly replaced with a smirk as they turn towards her, stepping into her space more. ""Is that enthusiastic consent?""

[6:30 PM] Seirixori: Seir steps forward as well, putting herself just shy of being flush against Gylfi, ""It is, especially because I cannot do what I want if she's here.""

[6:35 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: One of Gylfi's hands comes up to cup Seir's face. They lean in until they're a breath away from Seir's lips, but they don't close the distance immediately. Instead they hover for a suspended moment, building the anticipation, and then finally when Gylfi's certain Seir's going to become slightly frustrated, their lips brush against Seirs.

[6:39 PM] Seirixori: The frustration is clearly there as Seir lightly nips Gylfi's lip with her very sharp teeth. And despite Seir telling herself this is only to serve as a distraction to try and get Layla to go away,  it doesn't take very long for Seir to actually enjoy it, kissing back, though a little awkwardly at first.

[6:41 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: When Seir nips at Gylfi's lip, they let a out a soft groan of pleasure, and press themselves more fully into Seir.

[6:56 PM] Seirixori: Seir lets out a small squawk of surprise and stumbles back, pulling Gylfi with her. She is very much not used to doing this standing, let alone with someone taller than her.  Seir's tail wraps around Gylfi's calf and finds herself surprised at her own enjoyment. She's not even sure if throwing her arms over Gylfi's shoulders to pull them closer and run a hand through their hair is part of the distraction plan or because she wants to, but she also doesn't exactly care either way.

[7:19 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi’s hands drop to Seir’s waist and with a huge effort they pull back from the kiss, but their lips find the shell of Seir’s ear. “If you keep this up, I won’t want to stop,” they tease in a whisper.

[7:25 PM] Seirixori: Seir's breathing is rough and there is an obvious tremble in her voice, ""Then I probably shouldn't tell you that I surprisingly am not a fan of the fact that I have a different priority right now."" One of Seir's hands is still tangled in Gylfi's hair, scratching lightly as she looks out of the corner of her eye to see if Layla is still there.

[7:26 PM] DM: She is not.

[7:30 PM] Seirixori: Seir glances at Gylfi's lips before lightly pushing them away, but doesn't exactly let go. ""Though I suppose maybe we should let Ryleigh know that I kind of plan on being very nosy. If, of course, you are capable of sending to her.""

[7:38 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""I am not,"" Gylfi says, and catching Seir's gaze, they lean back in with a raised eyebrow, again their lips hover near Seir's lips but they don't kiss her.

[7:38 PM] DM: Rukiya comes down the stairs and sees the scene in front of her. She smirks and leans against the wall. ""Well... this is new.""

[7:42 PM] Seirixori: Seir was about to make a joke when she hears Rukiya's voice and jerks in surprise. Very close to smacking Gylfi with her horns. ""Uh... hi?""

[7:43 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi steps away, not wanting to get poked by Seir's horns. They chuckle lightly and says, ""Well - it's new to some of us.""

[7:46 PM] Seirixori: Seir eventually manages to say, ""...we aren't being followed now?""

[7:47 PM] DM: Rukiya laughs softly and pushes away from the wall to walk closer. ""I see. Ry and I use that trick a lot.""

[7:49 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""What ever would she do if you two got caught,"" Gylfi says in an overly dramatic way.

[7:55 PM] DM: Rukiya chuckles.  ""Making out? Not much. More? Die of embarrassment, probably. What are you two up to, if not actually this?""

[7:55 PM] Seirixori: ""I was going to, uh, go and be nosy like we kind of mentioned doing last night?""

[7:57 PM] DM: ""I'll cover for you... be careful. Heli knew you were down here, 'indisposed.' I'm not sure what she is and isn't aware of.""

[7:58 PM] Seirixori: Seir nods, ""Any suggestions of where?""

[8:01 PM] DM: Rukiya shrugs.  ""I was going to either check some of the rooms we hadn't looked in yet, or Heli's, but Heli asked to speak with Ry alone, so they might be in there.""

[8:03 PM] Seirixori: ""I did technically already check her room... and uh, I think it's usually locked with a password."" She waves her hand. ""I'll go check out the other rooms.""

[8:04 PM] DM: ""Be safe,"" she says with a wink toward Gylfi, before heading into the dining room.

[8:08 PM] Seirixori: Seir clears her throat as she forcibly removes her tail from around Gylfi's calf. ""Okay, so, uh, nosy time?""

[8:09 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Sure,"" they say with a grin. ""Lead the way.""

[8:12 PM] Seirixori: Seir takes Gylfi's hand (forcing her tail to wrap around her other arm so it doesn't get her into trouble) and pulls them along, intent on searching the random rooms.

[9:44 PM] DM: Are you staying inside the keep or headed outside to the towers?

[9:48 PM] Seirixori: ((I think maybe trying a couple of rooms in here that might seem interesting but ultimately outside if nothing interesting))"

[5:34 PM] DM: The first room you come to has an unlocked door. Inside are several crates and objects under tarps and sheets. It's apparently some sort of storage room.

[5:39 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “So, what are we looking for?” Gylfi asks as they enter the room.

[5:49 PM] Seirixori: Seir pokes around for anything interesting or out of place. "Anything? Everything? Something about the titan, something about this place, something about Ryleigh's mother."

[5:49 PM] DM: You can give me any kind of rolls, if you like.

[5:51 PM] Seirixori: ((31 perc))

[5:52 PM] DM: jfc.

[5:53 PM] DM: As you poke around the room, you can tell that most of this looks like furniture, crates of bedding, things like that. In the back of the room, you spot a small wooden box with the Alisdair crest embossed on it- the cloud-ringed mountain peak.

[5:55 PM] Seirixori: Seir's eyes brighten as she sees the box and she heads over to pick it up.

[5:58 PM] DM: music jingle "You got wooden box!"

[5:59 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi sort of lifts up the sheets here and there. “So, Ryleigh’s a princess, huh? I can’t believe no one bothered to fill me in... I had to learn it from a local.”

[6:08 PM] Seirixori: Seir of looking to open the box when she hears Gylfi's statement. Seir blinks, "Uh... surprise?" She clears her throat, "No one outside of here knows."

[6:15 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Of course no one would know outside of here...” Gylfi stares at Seir, looking for her reaction when they say, “because obviously she isn’t a princess outside of Isonsall...”

[6:30 PM] Seirixori: Seir actually giggles, "That sounds so weird." She looks back down at the box as she attempts to open it and she hums, "This is where your favorite phrase comes back into play. It's complicated."

[6:33 PM] DM: Give me an intelligence check.

[6:34 PM] Seirixori: ((17...also used an inspiration lol))

[7:00 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “The box is complicated or the answer to Ryleigh’s royalty is complicated?” Gylfi asks, as they intentionally stand IN Seir’s space to look at the box in her hands.

[7:31 PM] Seirixori: Her cheeks darken slightly as Gylfi gets closer. Because the box is keeping Seir's hands occupied she cannot stop her tail from wrapping around Gylfi's calf once more. "Uh... yes?"

[7:36 PM] DM: Seir slides a section of the box aside, rotates another piece, presses two pieces together, slides another, then the top pops open.

[7:40 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi places their hands on Seir’s waist again. “And earlier... if you didn’t want to be nosy - what would you have wanted to do.” Their voice is right against Seir’s ear, obviously ignoring or not caring about the box anymore.

[8:01 PM] Seirixori: Seir looks surprised that she even managed to open the box but she doesn't open it all the way yet. She sighs and quietly says, "I wouldn't have asked you to come with me." There's a pause before Seir continues, "But I don't mind that it happened." She turns around, the box between them, "And I don't know if I want more than what happened." Her eyes dart to their lips and while she has been trying very hard not to ramble, the overwhelming feel of the situation has taken over, "Wait, I mean sex, I don't know if I want that yet, but kissing you is nice. I'm very much okay with that. Are you okay with that? I have no idea where I'm going with this or what I'm saying anymore and uh--"

[8:39 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi removes their hands from Seir. They’re still grinning when they say, “Don’t get me wrong, I liked kissing you, but I think maybe you should let me know when are ready for sex.” They casually run their hand through their hair. “For me, kissing leads to sex, it’s foreplay. I certainly don’t want you to feel pressured because of my needs and I don’t want to accidentally get too wrapped up and push you into something you don’t want. I’d like to keep being your friend if or after we sleep together.”

[8:45 PM] Seirixori: There is the slightest hint of a pout when Seir nods. "Okay." She looks at them for a moment longer before finally looking at the box and lifting the lid. "I didn't actually expect to find anything..."

[8:49 PM] DM: Inside are a shard of ice that looks kind of like a dagger with a glowing blue rune inside and a beautiful ring with a piece of parchment rolled up inside it.

[8:51 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi lets out a whistle. “Nice.”

[8:55 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “How much time do you think we have to snoop around?” They ask.

[8:58 PM] Seirixori: "Oh, fancy." Seir's hand hovers over the box and eventually she closes it. "I don't really know. Probably not too much longer."

[9:09 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Wanna put it in here?” They ask, taking off their pack.

[9:12 PM] Seirixori: "Please." Seir hands over the box. "I should probably carry mine with how often I wander off."

[9:14 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi puts it into their bag. “Should we go back or continue on?” They quirk their eyebrow.

[9:28 PM] Seirixori: Seir chews on her lower lip. "That depends on whether we want to push our luck or play it safe." She chuckles and sighs. "Probably go back," she doesn't sound excited about it.

[9:30 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: They grin at Seir and offer their hand. “Then let’s go face the others.”

[9:32 PM] Seirixori: Seir takes it without the hesitation this time and they make their way back.

## Back to the Dining Room

[6:12 PM] Urrak: Urrak watches quietly as Layla slips away to follow them. She gets a bad feeling in the pit of her stomach.  ""Fuck...Seir's gone off again,"" she thinks.

[6:14 PM] Urrak: ((accidentally casting message to Ryleigh))

[6:25 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ((About to be on my way down Urrak hears))

[6:26 PM] Urrak: Urrak startles a bit, ""Ah, uh...Ryleigh's on th' way.""

[6:29 PM] Brimeia: ""What?"" Bri looks confused.

[6:30 PM] Urrak: ""I...I heard her say she's about t' be on her way...down.""

[6:31 PM] Brimeia: ""H- Wh- "" She sighs. ""Never mind.""

[7:26 PM] DM: Layla steps back into the room.

[8:09 PM] DM: Rukiya walks into the room like she's been holding in a laugh. ""I think Seirixori and Gylfi are about ten seconds from ripping each others' clothes off out there.""

[8:22 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia bursts out into raucous laughter. ""You serious?""

[8:26 PM] DM: ""I had to sneak by them so I wouldn't interrupt.""

[8:27 PM] Brimeia: Bri laughs even louder. ""So they were really going at it huh?""

[8:37 PM] DM: ""Well, you know Seirixori has no boundaries about who's around, and Gylfi... well, they're not shy.""

[9:06 PM] Brimeia: Bri laughs hard enough tears start coming out of the corners of her eyes. ""Guess I don't have to worry that she's too heartbroken."" There's a brief pause. ""Or should I? Don't really know how these things work.""

[9:08 PM] DM: Rukiya shrugs. ""Let them have their fun and if there are regrets we'll help pick up the pieces later.""

[9:09 PM] Urrak: ""At least something good came outta this,"" Urrak chuckles

[9:24 PM] Brimeia: ((9 insight))"

[9:34 PM] DM: A few minutes more of joking at Seir and Gylfi's expense later, the pair comes back into the room, hand-in-hand.

[9:38 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi’s grinning as they walk in. They squeeze Seir’s hand and let go, winking at her as they walk over to where Rukiya is.

[9:39 PM] DM: Rukiya: "I haven't actually been into the kitchens, but I'm pretty sure I could find a glass of water for you two. I'm sure you're thirsty."

[9:41 PM] Seirixori: Seir went from confused about the mention of the kitchen to laughing, her cheeks once again a darker pink. "Thirsty. That's one word for it."

[9:47 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “I think we took care of our thirst already,” Gylfi says, their eyebrows wiggling playfully as they look at Seir.

[9:48 PM] DM: Rukiya catches Seir's eye in a way she recognizes as being an unobtrusive way to ask if she's ok.

[9:51 PM] Seirixori: With a small grin on her face Seir rolls her eyes at Gylfi and gives a nod to Rukiya. "Maybe, but now I'm hungry," she says, surprise coloring her voice.

[9:53 PM] DM: Rukiya: "I wonder what the plan is... it's late to head up the mountain now... It would be dark before we got there. I would guess we're going to camp here tonight, but... Ry still hasn't come down." Rukiya's voice is chipper, but Seir and Gylfi are both familiar enough with her to recognize a hint of worry in her eyes.

[9:56 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi pats Rukiya’s leg. “I’m sure she’s just caught up with royal things.”

[10:00 PM] Seirixori: Seir grimaces slightly at Gylfi's words, though she pretends to ignore it and starts removing any outer layer of clothing she can get away with not having on.

[10:02 PM] DM: The woman standing near the door says, "She is still speaking with the Radgivar."

[10:16 PM] Seirixori: After motioning to the end, as if trying to say everything is fine, Seir unhooks her scrying device and starts flipping it open and closed. "Do you think I should try seeing if one is nearby?"

[10:24 PM] DM: Rukiya: "Can you do that without knowing anything about them?"

[10:29 PM] Seirixori: She frowns, "What? ... Oh! No, sorry. I didn't mean with this." Seir waves the device a little. "I was thinking  about--" She shakes her head, but continuing the thought. "I meant the locating spell."

[10:30 PM] Urrak: "She said she was comin' down soon... But it's been awhile." Urrak half-mumbles

[10:33 PM] DM: Rukiya: "When? How?"

[10:36 PM] Urrak: Urrak taps her temple with a curled finger,  "I heard her. Once Seirixori an' Gylfi left."

[10:39 PM] Urrak: Urrak looks around, "It's uh, sword thing."

[10:40 PM] DM: Rukiya raises an eyebrow.

[10:41 PM] Seirixori: Seir frowns, but she doesn't say anything.

[10:46 PM] Urrak: Urrak sighs, stands up and walks a few paces. She places the sword on a stool and walks back to where she was. She holds out a hand while looking at Rukiya and then on to the rest of the group, "Usu."

[10:50 PM] Urrak: The sword then disappears from the stool and re-appears in her hand. "Sword thing. It's all...very new."

[10:52 PM] DM: Rukiya: "Sword thing."

[10:52 PM] Seirixori: "At least you won't lose it, I guess."

[10:53 PM] DM: Gylfi: "Trouble can do that trick, too."

[10:53 PM] Urrak: "It's pretty convenient."

[10:53 PM] DM: Gylfi chuckles. "Really convenient when you don't even have pants on."

[10:55 PM] Seirixori: Seir snickers.

[10:55 PM] Urrak: "I imagine anythin' would at that point," Urrak looks thoughtful a moment before shaking her head, "But regardless, what are we doin'? What, uh... Are they keepin' me here?"

[11:02 PM] DM: Rukiya: "I guess we're waiting on Ry to find out." Rukiya tilts her head like she's trying to figure something out. Her eyes flicker towards the stranger in the room, but she says, "You're lucky you weren't disintegrated, you know."

[11:05 PM] Urrak: "I got th' feelin'even I started seein' the hells incarnate behind my eyes," Urrak sheathes the sword and folds her arms. "I jus' can't wrap my head around it, Rukiya. Any o' this."

## Ry and the Radgivar

[5:23 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Once they're gone, Ryleigh reaches into the bag of holding and withdraws Heli's journal and spellbook. ""I believe these belong to you. I apologize... one of my party members has sticky hands."" She holds them out to her.

[5:24 PM] DM: Heli tilts her head a little in what might be surprise. She reaches out and takes them. ""Thank you.""

[5:26 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh shakes her head. ""I'm sorry that this is all I can return. We might not see eye to eye, but you take care of grandmother, and it wasn't my intention to leave on poor terms.""

[5:29 PM] DM: Heli: ""Why have you returned, if it wasn't because the castle was under attack?"" She turns and pulls on a tasseled rope that leads to the ceiling and the faint purple aura around the castle from the flames above dims and goes out.

[5:32 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""I wanted a written account of what happened atop the mountain. So we arrived last night and were prepared to climb the mountain today to Tumulus - so the aftermath could documented. That's why I brought a scholar along this time.""

[5:35 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ((Deception- 15))

[5:35 PM] DM: Heli: ""What a lucky turn of events.""

[5:37 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""A thank you for helping defeat that frost giant will suffice,"" Ryleigh says, her tone a little sharp. ""I spoke to Gescha last night and learned that you had dismissed the castle staff. After talking with Aden this morning, I felt it was necessary to stop by the castle to make sure everything was okay..."" at this Ryleigh's eyes fall to Ragna. ""But that question was answered once the purple flame was spotted.""

[5:38 PM] DM: Ragna's back to looking into her scrying portal centered on the titan.

[5:40 PM] DM: Heli raises her head. ""I am a diviner by specialty. Yesterday, I caught wind of a foul breeze, but could not determine the precise threat. I evacuated the castle to the town below for their safety.""

[5:42 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""That's clear now, but it wasn't at the time and I was worried,"" Ryleigh says.

[5:44 PM] DM: Heli: ""As a leader of people should be.""

[5:47 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Speaking of people... the ones in Isonsall are growing restless. Especially without word or guidance from the castle. Is there any way to reestablish communication? Gescha's mirror was destroyed when the Titan passed.""

[5:49 PM] DM: Heli: ""Yes... an unfortunate circumstance, but I'm sure Gescha is well-equipped to handle what she must. Perhaps in time you'll understand priorities and delegation. With this threat quelled, maybe there will be time to deal with that.""

[5:52 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Perhaps those are things I would have learned as a child had I not been abandoned,"" Ry says, her tone even despite her words.

[5:55 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh turns away from Heli and moves to Ragna's side, squatting down since Ragna is seated. ""Now that the threat has passed, and I know you're safe, is there anything you need before I head up the mountain again?""

[5:56 PM] DM: Ragna doesn't look away from the 'screen.' The titan is still walking through the forest, crushing hunting stands and cabins in the woods. ""The mountain? What would you want up there now?""

[5:59 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""I want to document what happened up there, and have drawings made of the ruins. I feel its something I'll need in the future. Stories are better when supplemented with art and I want future generations to know the power of the Alisdairs.""

[6:09 PM] DM: Ragna looks at Ryleigh. ""Indeed... That was an impressive attack on the giant. How is your magic coming along?""

[6:12 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh smiles, a look of pride on her face. ""I've unlocked a few more spells from our rune, but my attack on the giant was mostly divine magic - since it was undead that made the most sense to me.""

[6:17 PM] DM: Ragna's eyes kind of unfocus as she looks at Ryleigh and she almost seems to disengage from the conversation like she's lost in thought or memories. It's only for a moment, though, and she comes back to the present with a smile. ""You look so much like your mother.""

[6:20 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh's smile falters for a moment and she swallows hard. ""I'm sorry you lost her,"" Ry says, moving to take Ragna's hand. She squeezes lightly in reassurance then releases it. ""I'll let you..."" Ry nods to the mirror ""...get back to it.""

[6:25 PM] DM: Ragna turns back to the screen and sighs. ""I feel like I've been staring at this for three days. How long can it take to walk to a town?""

[6:26 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Are you making sure to rest between watching? It doesn't travel that fast.""

[6:28 PM] DM: Ragna waves her off. Heli replies, ""She has barely looked away from it.""

[6:30 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""You have to rest, grandmother. What good will it do to run yourself ragged waiting?"" Ryleigh is looking at Heli. ""You're smart, can't you calculate how long it'll take to reach a place. If it's already been a week and it isn't out of the Fytulk...""

[6:33 PM] DM: Heli's tone is even as she replies, ""It is not taking a direct path towards any given settlement. It is very... thorough. I cannot predict its movements.""

[6:37 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh deflates a little and nods. ""Sorry,"" she says to Heli. ""I didn't mean it to sound... I just worry.""

[6:38 PM] DM: ""About...?""

[6:39 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""About my grandmother."" Ryleigh stands, not saying anything more."

"6:41 PM] DM: ""You keep strange company for someone worried about her safety. Your companions are not exactly amenable.""

[6:44 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Yes, well... I've never allowed them to hurt her before - have I?"" Ryleigh answers. ""They're more concerned with my wellbeing than hers. And frankly, they don't understand.""

[7:07 PM] DM: Heli: ""Would you... walk with me? Alone?""

[7:11 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh walks over to Rukiya and presses a kiss to her lips. “You okay with that?”

[7:12 PM] DM: ""Are you?""

[7:21 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh nods. ""I have my stone if something happens."" Then she switches to common. ""You better go check on the others... hopefully they haven't wondered off too far.""

[7:25 PM] DM: Heli: ""Two are still in the kitchens. Your spellcasters seem to be... indisposed in the  entryway.""

[7:28 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Okay..."" Ryleigh blinks several times.

[7:30 PM] DM: Rukiya raises her eyebrows. ""That was... faster than expected."" She chuckles and leans up to press a quick kiss to Ry's cheek. ""Don't be too long.""

[7:36 PM] DM: She excuses herself.

[7:41 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh watches her go, then gestures for Heli to lead the way.

[7:43 PM] DM: Heli only leads her down one floor to her own room. She uses the password to unlock her door, a word Ry recognizes in Jotun, then steps through, gesturing for Ry to enter before she starts moving her hands and muttering some arcane invocation.

[7:50 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ry looks slightly uncomfortable, and out of habit she grips Dawnbringer's handle.

[7:52 PM] DM: When she finishes, she looks at Ryleigh. ""I wonder what it is that you want.""

[7:55 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""What do you mean?"" Ry asks, tilting her head.

[7:59 PM] DM: ""Just what I said. Where do your goals lead? What are your ambitions? Where does your path lead? What do you want.""

[8:05 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""I've always wanted the same thing - to help the people of Ascus. Now that I know of my birthright... I want to take the throne from Tilman, because I think that's the best way to help the most people.""

[8:15 PM] DM: ""How does the titan, Isonsall, and your grandmother factor into that?""

[8:31 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh laughs, but it lacks humor. ""Heli, I just found out who I was a month ago..."" She shrugs and says, ""I don't know how I'm going to fight the Ashlords or overthrow Tilman. What I do know is that the titan doesn't fit into that picture... but Isonsall and my grandmother do, because they're my people - my family.""

[8:47 PM] DM: ""And if you had to make a choice between Isonsall and your grandmother...""

[8:51 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""I don't know what I'd choose,"" Ry answers. ""Part of me wants to say the people of Isonsall. Because 1 life shouldn't be worth more than many lives... but I know, and I'm sure you do too, that there's a part of me that's more selfish than that. Unless you've forgotten that I let the people of Isonsall suffer so I could take my sister and my nephew away from here.""

[8:56 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ((nat 20 - 27))

[8:58 PM] DM: There's hesitation in Heli's response, and Ry can tell she's unsure of whether she should continue.

[9:01 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Why are you suddenly hesitant?"" Ry asks, her brows furrowing.

[9:02 PM] DM: ""Because I know you do not trust me.""

[9:03 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""To be fair - I trust like 3 people.""

[9:04 PM] DM: That actually gets a slight smile from the normally severe woman.

[9:05 PM] DM: ""Your grandmother has... changed. She wasn't always this singularly focused, even after the siege.""

[9:22 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Aden also mentioned that she's changed, but he clocked it up to what happened on the mountain."" Ryleigh sighs. ""I obviously didn't know her before, so would you mind elaborating?""

[9:28 PM] DM: ""She cares for nothing but watching the titan. She was a powerful force once, but I could only get her to fend off the giant by explaining that if the castle fell, she couldn't watch anymore. It's consumed her entirely."" Her eyes sweep across the room again, for the tenth time at least."

"[5:02 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh is clearly thinking and she rocks on her feet as she does. Then, obviously choosing her words carefully, she asks, “What do you think we can do to help?” It’s clear that Ry isn’t specific on purpose, like she isn’t sure which direction Heli is going with the conversation.

[11:29 AM] DM: She turns away, speaking towards her desk. ""The way you speak of helping the people- kindness, compassion, assistance- these words have never been associated with your family's line.""

""Power. Strength. Ambition."" She looks back towards Ryleigh. ""Traits you have within you, as well. Your family has ruled because lesser people need to be told what to do and how to do it or their lives are meaningless. They need direction or nobody would have food to eat. They need to be protected from themselves and outside threats. Even after the siege, even amidst heartbreak and loss, she continued to rule because she understood that it was necessary... but now... you said it yourself. Isonsall is drifting without direction. She has stopped being a ruler, content to sit passively and wait for her revenge to be delivered.""

She straightens her shoulders a bit, turns back around to face Ryleigh, and speaks more formally. ""My options are limited, even more by the need to be discreet. I don't know the cause... whether it is a disease of the mind or something more... nefarious."" She brushes a finger over the amulet she wears at her neck. ""I am concerned about possible outside influence. You do not trust me and I don't know if I can trust you, but as I said, my options are limited.""

[1:12 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “It’s striking how much I’m like the family I never knew... by birth I’m titled, but I’m not refined, I don’t know how to rule, and I still make selfish decisions that hurt the people I want so desperately to help, because I am one of the people.” Ryleigh inhales deeply and exhales slowly, then she meets Heli’s gaze and says, “I grew up without power. I had to learn how much strength I possessed. And the only tools I had were my silver tongue and a pretty face.”

Ryleigh’s lips quirk up momentarily. “My distrust of you is a combination of the power you have, the position you have, and my own intuition that you’re more cunning than you let on. However, I appreciate the risk you’re taking by having this conversation with me. You’re choosing to trust me - even though it’s only because your options are limited. So in return...” Ryleigh bites her lip in worry but says, “from the moment I arrived, I believed you were the one influencing her and that has played a large roll in my opinion of you.” Then Ryleigh gives Heli a bit more by adding, “I spent the last few days in the shadowfell and I’m here to find the nagpa so I can trade their knowledge to the Raven Queen for information I seek. Learning if Ragna’s being influenced by an outside source is something I can find out.”

[1:23 PM] DM: ""The... nagpa? I don't understand.""

[1:30 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “It’s my understanding that they’re powerful mages that collect knowledge from destroyed civilizations. I believe we’ll find one in Tumulus, and the Raven Queen has asked us to destroy the nagpa in exchange for information.”

[1:35 PM] DM: She blinks and then just sort of looks at Ryleigh. ""Mages. Destroyed civilizations. Here.""

[1:39 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “What?” Ry asks, clearly confused by Heli’s train of thought.

[1:40 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Then Ry’s eyes grow wide.

[1:40 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “You think that’s what’s controlling her?”

[1:43 PM] DM: ""Magic is capable of a great many things, and the more powerful a mage is, the more the rules don't matter. Magical influence is certainly on my list of fears, which is why I've taken to wearing this,"" she says, gesturing to her amulet. ""It seems too much to be a coincidence that she is hell-bent on destruction, allowing Tumulus, Isonsall, and even our castle to fall to ruin, against her normal nature, while there are mages in the area who want such a thing.""

[1:52 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “I’m such an idiot.” Ryleigh smacks her hand to her forehead. “I had a dream where I was told to ‘unbury the secrets I might find in Tumulus’... it must have been the nagpa. I played right into their plan.”

[1:54 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “The spell you did when we entered - it was to hide this conversation from prying eyes, correct?”

[3:05 PM] DM: ""Yes.""

[3:34 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Okay.” She studies Heli for a long moment, then obviously makes up her mind. “I don’t know where you stand on the titan, other than you clearly don’t like that it’s pulling Ragna’s attention from her duties, but...” Ryleigh takes a deep breath. “I intend to destroy it. I simply can’t allow my people to be ravaged by it, and when making that decision... I knew I might be burning the only bridge I have with my grandmother.”

[3:41 PM] DM: ""It is possible.""

[3:50 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: After a few moments, where it’s clear Ry is thinking, she says, “I’ll understand if that’s her decision. If she feels her revenge has been stripped away, but...” she tilts her head proudly before continuing with, “I’m going to kill the nagpa and get my answers. Once its dead, if it’s controlling her, that control should be lifted and she will hopefully return to being herself.”

[4:03 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Are you capable of sending me a message if she does? Or... I should ask if you’re willing to let me know if she gets better.”

[4:10 PM] DM: ""I can arrange for that. Though I am curious about why you would not just see for yourself.""

[4:19 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “I wish I could, but unfortunately, I think once we’ve managed to kill the nagpa our priority will be to swiftly return to the shadowfell for answers. If I can prevent any more cities from the devastation of the titan then I have to try and time is of the essence.”

[4:44 PM] DM: ""I understand.""

[5:00 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Heli,” Ry hesitates, but presses on. “Everyone seems really committed to Ragna and Isonsall... what...” it’s clear she’s struggling to find the right words. “How did she do it? What is it that keeps you here... caring for her, looking after the people in the castle, and watching over the in the city below?”

[5:00 PM] DM: ""How does she inspire loyalty, you mean?""

[5:01 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Yes.”

[5:15 PM] DM: She inhales and looks to the side a little, like she's considering the question or her answer. ""For the people down below, it is not a difficult answer to find. Shared hardship builds strong bonds. Those who don't, leave. Those who stay are proud of their resilience. That your grandmother suffered as much as anyone earned their respect, even if she hadn't had it before."" Her voice turns somewhat softer, almost wistful. ""Your grandmother was a force of nature. Literally, sometimes. I believe you used the terms 'silver tongue and a pretty face'... she could get anything she wanted through any one of several different means. She could intimidate a giant, charm a rival, or convince a king her daughter had no children. And when those failed her, she had her magic to fall back on."" It's clear as she speaks that she looked at Ragna with awe and respect, even if the words she uses are in past tense now. ""Taryn was the same way, and I suspect you have more than a little of that in you as well, waiting for the right experience and guidance to be fully accessible.""

[5:28 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: A smile slowly forms on Ry’s face as Heli speaks. Then, hoping she isn’t pushing her luck, she asks, “Were you two friends? My mother and you?”

[5:33 PM] DM: ""No. I was only here for a short time before your mother was whisked off to Thista. We did not exactly get along.""

[5:35 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Oh?” Ry laughs a little. “Is that why you don’t like me? I look too much like her?”

[5:39 PM] DM: She stiffens a little. ""I did not say I disliked her. As for you... I have not decided. I must admit that I find it difficult to predict your actions. None of that has to do with what you look like.""

[5:45 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Fair enough,” Ry says, a slight smile still on her lips. “Regardless of what you think of me, I want to thank you for coming to me with your concern for Ragna. I know it’s less about trust and more about your lack of options, but had we not had this conversation... I wouldn’t have put it all together, and I’d still think it was you vying for power. I know now that when I leave, and if I’m not allowed to return, that my grandmother and the people here are cared for.”

[5:48 PM] DM: ""Thank you... for listening.""

[6:07 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh nods, and asks, “Is there anything else you wish to discuss?”

[10:32 PM] DM: ""That is enough for one day, I think. Maybe the coming days will find us more likely to continue the conversation then.""

[10:36 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Grinning a little, Ryleigh nods and takes a step to the door, but then she asks, “It’s a little late in the day to head up the mountain now. Would you prefer we head back down to Isonsall and stay there for evening? I can relay that it’s safe for the castle staff to come back.”

[10:39 PM] DM: She considers that for a moment, then looks at Ryleigh. ""I will not attempt to stop you from staying in the castle or leaving. As far as the staff... what would you suggest?""

[10:44 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh thinks for a minute. “I think if the danger has passed then why not allow them to come back? It would alleviate some of the pressure on Gescha to find permanent sleeping arrangements for them in the already limited space. However, you’re the one sensed the impending danger. Do you feel it’s safe?”

[10:51 PM] DM: ""I can attempt to divine the answer, if necessary, but the ritual does take time.""

[10:52 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Roughly how long would you need to do it?”

[10:55 PM] DM: ""Half an hour. It is... not specific. I can only really gauge if something truly dangerous is coming soon.""

[11:04 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “If you’re willing, I think you should. The castle staff that I spoke to consider this place their home and Aden, in particular, was extremely worried when you sent them away.”

[11:06 PM] DM: She nods once. ""After I check in on the queen then, though I don't expect she's moved.""

[11:10 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Okay. We’ll be in the sitting room whenever you’re finished,” Ry says.

[11:11 PM] DM: ""Very well.""

[11:12 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh will leave Heli’s room, assuming Heli isn’t going to lead her out?

[11:13 PM] DM: No, but she does follow, uses the password to unlock the door for Ryleigh, and heads upstairs."

## To the Dining Room Again

"[11:14 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: The door opens and Ryleigh steps inside.

[11:17 PM] DM: Layla bows her head for a moment at Ry's entrance.

[11:20 PM] Seirixori: Seir, who has chosen to sit in the floor, gives a small wave to Ryleigh.

[11:20 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Thank you for keeping an eye on them. I appreciate it,” Ry says to Layla.

[11:20 PM] DM: She doesn't respond or correct Ryleigh.

[11:23 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: She goes to sit next to Rukiya, leaning over and pressing a kiss to her lips.

[11:25 PM] DM: Rukiya slips her hand into Ryleigh's. ""So what's the plan?""

[11:28 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “We’re welcome to stay here, since it’s too late to trek up the mountain.” Ry’s eyes fall on Urrak and then glance at Seirixori when she adds, “Assuming we can all behave ourselves. If we can’t, then we need go back to Isonsall for the evening. However, we’re going to wait for Heli to see if the danger has passed so the castle staff can return.”

[11:30 PM] Urrak: Urrak averts her gaze the second her and Ryleigh's eyes meet. ""Right.,""

[11:31 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “I need a better answer than ‘right’.”

[11:32 PM] Urrak: ""I'll keep my blade sheathed an' my nose clean."" She says

[11:33 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Seirixori?”

[11:36 PM] Seirixori: Seir has her scrying item on the ground, looking like she's about to start the process of using it. ""Oh, uh,"" She glances at Gylfi, ""behaving in the way that you're implying. I can do that.""

[11:39 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh is actively trying not to smile at Seir’s words. “Thank you, both of you. I know it’s difficult, but... I’m asking for your patience.”

[11:44 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “And I know that’s asking a lot, but... we don’t have the full picture.”

[11:45 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh will move Rukiya’s hand to the pommel of Dawnbringer.

[11:47 PM] Urrak: ""Has she said anythin'? Has Heli?"" Urrak asks with a tense expression, ""Do ye know anythin' new?""

[11:48 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Yes, I do.”

[11:49 PM] Urrak: Urrak nods, ""Good.""

[11:49 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “I promise to share when I can,” Ry answers.

[11:56 PM] Urrak: ""Well then,"" she rests her hands on her hips,"" I, fer one, ain't sayin' no t' warm bed in a guarded castle tonight."" She gives Ryleigh a sheepish smile

[12:01 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh smiles back and nods.

[12:04 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “So... I heard our spell casters were ‘indisposed’... have I missed all the teasing?” Ry says cheerfully. “Or are we giving congratulations instead?”

[12:06 AM] Seirixori: Seir groans, ""I don't know what you're talking about, I don't know how to cast spells. I only turn into animals.""

[12:09 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: A chuckle escapes Ryleigh. In infernal, she says, “Homashoc, you know I don’t care what you do with as long as it’s something you’re wanting.”

[12:17 AM] Seirixori: ""I know. Though, that's still up for debate at the moment."" Seir takes a few seconds to give a flower crown to both Gylfi and Ryleigh. In common she says, ""You can tease me about it later. I kind of want to look in on a couple people if we aren't going anywhere. Also maybe take a little fight around the castle and see if what we're looking for is close by.""

[12:19 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Heli’s ritual will take at least 30 minutes, so I don’t see why not.”

[12:26 AM] Seirixori: She nods, ""Well, depending on the wind and whether or not someone wants to come with, I uh, might need to rest a little longer. I might have had an... incident earlier.""

[12:26 AM] DM: Rukiya smirks. ""Is that what you're calling it?""

[12:28 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh stifles laughter behind her hand.

[12:35 AM] Seirixori: Seir's eyes narrow as she's trying to figure out what exactly is being implied, ""I could have said I had a slightly bear able problem. But if you meant it happening when I'm excited, that has totally never happened."" Her words slow near the end of her sentence as she suddenly starts to doubt herself.

[12:36 AM] DM: Gylfi leans back a little. ""Wait, that can happen?""

[12:42 AM] Seirixori: ""Uh, okay technically only once. I think. And to be honest, I'm not entirely sure it happens like that for anyone else.""

[12:43 AM] DM: Rukiya: ""I'm suddenly learning things about Gunnloda I didn't know before...""

[12:45 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi: “What did you turn into?” Gylfi asks with a sly smile.

[12:48 AM] Seirixori: Seir covers her darkening face with her hands, ""Oh my goddess. It was an accident, it had never happened before and it was like for two seconds.""

[12:49 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh blushes from second hand embarrassment.

[12:50 AM] DM: Rukiya chuckles. ""I hear that's really common.""

[12:55 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Wow, this is a conversation I never thought I’d be having,” Ry says, a blush still present on her cheeks.

[12:58 AM] DM: Gylfi: ""You know... I didn't hear an answer...""

[1:01 AM] Seirixori: Seir scoffs and says several words in Abyssal as her answer.

[1:04 AM] DM: Gylfi puts on a fake look of shock. ""Tentacles, really? Kinkier than I expected."" They lean in a little and say in a low voice, ""You know that's only going to make me want to try to find out.""

[1:08 AM] Seirixori: Seir's eyes narrow and before she can get the logical part of her brain to catch up, she says, ""I'd like to see you try.""

[1:16 AM] DM: Gylfi just sits back with a wide grin.

[1:28 AM] Seirixori: Seir groans realizing her 'mistake', ""You suck.""

[1:28 AM] DM: They laugh. ""Sometimes.""

[1:37 AM] Seirixori: ""I'm ignoring you now,"" Seir teases, turning her focus to her scrying item, intent on using it if they're going to sit around here for a bit longer.

[12:54 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “You can try to,” Gylfi says with a charming smile.

[3:07 PM] DM: I will let Seir know what she sees in her scrying sometime today, but she stares into the flames for a bit until about half an hour later, Layla says, ""The Radgivar believes the immediate danger has passed. However, it is likely that the castle's staff would not be able to make it back before dark at this point, so she asks that if you are in Isonsall before tomorrow, that you let Gescha know she can send them back when they are able. Otherwise, I will inform them in the morning. She also says that the guest rooms you stayed in last time are available to you, should you stay."" She pauses for a moment, as if to see if there are any questions, and if there are not, she will bow slightly towards Ry, then turn to leave the room.

[4:30 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Thank you, Layla. If you happen to see Heli would you tell her we’ve chosen to stay the night in the castle.”

[4:32 PM] DM: She nods, bows, and leaves.

[7:06 PM] Seirixori: For the first ten minutes Seir looks relieved but also a little confused. The next ten she has a soft smile and just as Layla leaves Seir groans in pain and blinks out of her last scry, holding her head.

[10:02 PM] Urrak: ""Find what ye were lookin' for?"" Urrak asks Seirixori

[10:18 PM] Seirixori: Seir groans again and leans over. ""Mama's still in Shasem. Stool's,"" she pauses rubbing at her temple, ""playing with Dak again, and I don't think I ever want to scry on 'Saadi again. I think she might be in the Everstorm.""

[10:39 PM] DM: Gylfi: ""The Everstorm? That's about as different from the 'Fell as I would guess any place could be.""

[10:47 PM] Seirixori: ""Though sightly similar in the fact that no one usually comes back out."" Seir takes a deep breath and releases it slowly, opening her eyes again, ""That was almost as bad as when I thought it was a good idea to look for magic on a fucking mountain made of magic.""

[10:57 PM] Urrak: ""Don't beat yerself up, Seirixori. Yer takin' on a lot that ye don't need t' right now,"" Urrak sighs and slumps against the wall. ""Ye should give yerself a break. Can't have ye burnin' out. Who'll save our asses then?"" She gives her a small smile

[11:22 PM] DM: Gylfi pulls a chair over to behind Seir and puts their hands out on either side of her head, but leans around to make eye contact and wordlessly ask consent to touch her before doing so.

[11:23 PM] Seirixori: ""I'm not, I just wasn't expecting it to hurt,"" She says to Urrak. ""Also, uh that was actually pretty selfish of me to do, but I figured or hoped that nothing else was going to happen today."" She chuckles and then winces at the act, ""The most fancy thing I can do for the rest of the day is take us to Limabey.""

[11:23 PM] Seirixori: Seir smiles at the gesture and nods to Gylfi.

[11:25 PM] DM: Gylfi pushes their fingers into her hair, massaging her scalp and spreading healing and calming magic through her.

[11:29 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “I was thinking about assessing the damage done to the castle, and anyone who’d like to is welcome to join me.” As she says this, she stands from the table.

[11:30 PM] DM: Rukiya: ""As long as you're going to warm me up when we get back.""

[11:36 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh chuckles and holds out her hand. ""Of course I will.""

[11:37 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: When they reach the door, Ry opens it, but before they walk out, she turns back to the group and says, ""I can't express enough how dangerous it would be to attack Heli or Ragna... please... don't test this.""

[11:38 PM] DM: Gylfi glances around. ""Ah shit, am I the grownup now?""

[11:39 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Gods, that's a scary thought,"" Ry says, her tone teasing.

[11:40 PM] DM: Gylfi keeps massaging Seir's scalp. ""It's fine. If they get too rowdy, I'll just distract them with an orgy.""

[11:41 PM] DM: Gylfi: ""Think that Layla might be down?""

[11:46 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh blushes and moves to leave but then says without looking at Seirixori, ""Homashoc, Gylfi can sleep in the room you and Gunnloda were in last time. They'll need to be shown.""

[11:41 PM] Urrak: ""Please don't."" Urrak chuckles ""People eat here, you know.""

[11:46 PM] DM: Gylfi raises an eyebrow at Urrak. ""Yes.... and? Eating is one of the best parts.""

[11:47 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh leaves, basically dragging Rukiya with her because she forgot they were holding hands.

[11:50 PM] Urrak: ""It's a real skill t' be able t' weave anything into a sex joke. I applaud yer skill, "" Urrak tips an invisible hat. ""An' I can't exactly disagree, "" she winks and finds a spot closer to, but not directly next to Seir and Gylfi.

[11:51 PM] Seirixori: Seir groaned softly the moment Gylfi started to ease her pain. She's been mostly ignoring the conversation, even barely noticing what Ryleigh said about the rooms until they're gone. ""Wait, what?""

[11:52 PM] Urrak: ""You an' Gylfi will finally be able t' get as 'indisposed' as ye like t'night.""

[11:55 PM] Seirixori: ""As if I ever cared about where I was."" Seir completely ignores the feeling of heat in her cheeks. ""Aw, I didn't get to tell Ryleigh I wanted to show her something.""

[11:57 PM] DM: Gylfi: ""They probably couldn't have gotten too far if you hurry. Unless they're just making out in the hallway.""

[11:59 PM] Urrak: ""Highly possible,"" Urrak nods, ""But I think Ry is actually concerned about this place.""

[12:08 AM] Seirixori: ""It's fine, it can wait until later.""

[12:09 AM] DM: ""Kind of takes all the fun out of sneaking around if there's nobody who cares we're doing it, doesn't it?""

[12:27 AM] Urrak: Urrak laughs, ""Gods, that reminds me of my first few relationships. I miss that feelin'. Sneakin' around, stealing kisses and touches whenever ye could. Made it feel almost dangerous."" She quirks an eyebrow, and smiles. ""If it helps yer foreplay I can pretend t' be offended by yer passion."" she says the last word with a dramatic air. ""Keep th' scandal fresh.""

[12:54 AM] Seirixori: Seir rolls her eyes, ""No one said anything about a relationship."" She looks a little uncomfortable, but it's hard to pinpoint exactly why, knowing Seir's never truly been uncomfortable talking about sex related things.

[12:59 AM] DM: Gylfi shrugs. ""For once I was actually talking about exploring.""

[12:59 AM] DM: ""... the castle. Not bodies.""

[1:02 AM] Urrak: ""I find that hard t' believe,"" she says to Gylfi with a smirk. She looks over to Seir, ""Ah, sorry I didn't mean t' suggest anythin--uh--'serious' is a bad term... involved.""

[1:10 AM] DM: Gylfi asks Seir, ""Can I take your hair down?"" before addressing Urrak again, their fingers still working on Seir's scalp. ""I don't do relationships. I'm not interested in 'stealing' kisses or touches, either.""

[1:12 AM] Seirixori: Seir tilts her head, curious about the request, ""Sure?""

[1:14 AM] DM: They find the end of her braid and untie it, then slowly unbraid the hair, working back up towards the scalp, and once there, move the massage to the back and base of her skull and her neck, still pulsing slight magical energy through her skin.

[1:17 AM] Seirixori: Seir's head leans back into it and she sighs softly. ""Don't tell Ryleigh or Rukiya that you're my new favorite.""

[1:32 AM] Urrak: ""Now there's a real scandal.""

[1:37 AM] DM: Gylfi chuckles. ""It's all part of my master plan.""

[1:51 AM] Seirixori: ""This is a way better way to relax than whatever the hells grung does.""

[9:40 AM] DM: ""Maybe, but try as I might, my magic fingers are not accessible by everyone.""

[9:44 AM] Seirixori: ""Unfortunate.""

[12:00 PM] DM: Gylfi leans down and says in a low voice, but still loud enough for the others to hear, ""There are other things that can be just as relaxing, when you're ready.""

[12:22 PM] Seirixori: Seir replies but it isn't loud enough for anyone but Gylfi to hear.

[6:46 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Do you want to talk about it with me? Or... maybe someone else?"" They say quietly, continuing to massage Seir's head.

[7:36 PM] Seirixori: After a few moments Seir laughs a little, leaning even more into them, ""I think if I tried someone else the result would still be to talk to you.""

[7:43 PM] DM: ""Well... you could always show me to my room. If you ask nice, I'll even continue the massage.""

[8:04 PM] Seirixori: ""Ryleigh did ask me to do that."" The hesitation is only due to the fact that she has to move. She stays there a bit longer before reluctantly pulling away. She stands, moving her hair over her shoulder, bringing it to the front. She offers get hand to Gylfi, and looks to Urrak and Brimeia, ""Don't get into too much trouble."" Then she heads out to the rooms.

[8:42 PM] DM: Gylfi will take it just enough to rise then return their chair to its spot before walking out with her, with a wink towards the other two."

## Ryfika Exploration

"[11:39 PM] DM: Castle Survey Team can go here

[11:48 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: They enter the hallway, and Ryleigh looks both directions. ""I think we should make sure the way into the castle is clear first, especially if the staff are returning tomorrow.""

[11:49 PM] DM: ""Good idea... it looked like the giant knocked some walls down. I hope it wasn't too severe.""

[11:54 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Me too,"" Ry answers. She leads them the way they first came into the castle - assuming she knows what way that was?

[11:56 PM] DM: It's not too hard to figure out. You've traveled that path a couple times now. As you're heading towards the tower that held the remains of the library, you do find a bridge that stops in midair and a collapsed pile of rubble where the tower once was.

[12:01 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""Okay, I guess that answers my question..."" Ryleigh looks around, frowning. ""Surely there are other ways in though - right?""

[12:03 AM] DM: There are other towers and other bridges between them, so it may not be completely impassable. However, as she looks down over the edge, she can also see that there are a lot of smashed, frozen body parts mixed with the rubble.

[12:06 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh takes notes of it, then will double back and try to find a different path. She'll also peek into any doors the pass along the way.

[12:06 AM] DM: Give me a perception or investigation check.

[12:07 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ((19 per))

[12:12 AM] DM: There are doors along the path. Most of them appear to be living quarters or storage. Using your best guesses about the layout of each tower from the exterior view, you do manage to find a path from the keep to the siege-destroyed gatehouse, though it does pass through a section of tower that looks like it's been abandoned since the siege and looks like it might be even more unstable now. There's also more body parts strewn in piles around the exterior sections.

[12:19 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ((Can Ry check to see if it's stable enough to walk on?))

[12:21 AM] DM: The floor's fine. It's just the walls that look like they might come down with all the floors above it if you breathe funny on them.

[12:28 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""This place is truly falling apart.""

[12:30 AM] DM: Rukiya nods and resists the urge to reach out and touch pieces. ""It must have been something to see before Tilman, though. Especially if you'd never seen its big brother up the mountain.""

[12:34 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""True."" Ryleigh leads them away from here. ""Although no one will ever see the Tumulus again."" When she says it, it's with regret.

[12:46 AM] DM: Rukiya takes Ry's hand and squeezes it.

[1:15 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: As they walk, Ry says, “Have you given any thought to what Dawnbringer said?”

[1:17 AM] DM: ""It makes sense. If they're cursed to only find knowledge in destruction, unleashing a titan is a pretty good way to do that. I think it's pretty interesting that the only tower that was actually destroyed here is the one that held the library, too.""

[1:37 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""On a plus side, that library didn't have much in it when we looked through what was there.""

[1:40 AM] DM: ""You know... if the nagpa's memories all go to the Raven Queen with this magic... maybe she'll know something about Tumulus. Something they learned in the last week, if they have found anything.""

[1:45 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ""I hadn't thought about that..."" then Ry's eye grow wide and worried. ""What if a nagpa shows up in Isonsall? The people wouldn't be able to fight it. I'm not even sure we can fight it...""

[1:46 AM] DM: ""Do you think there much to be gained there? It seemed like a pretty quaint town. I'd imagine most of the knowledge is held here between Ragna and Heli.""

[1:52 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh lets that sink in, her worry slowly fading. ""No... no you're right. It doesn't make sense. Sorry, I just have a lot on my mind. I need to recenter myself at some point.""

[9:37 AM] DM: Rukiya pulls Ry to a stop. ""There's still a little time before the sun goes down behind the mountain, if you need to take a break. I think I might like to go take a look at our friend the giant, too, while we still have the light.""

[11:37 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: She nods. “Yeah, that’s a good idea. Are you sure you’re okay to go take a look? It’s still fairly cold outside.”

[11:38 AM] DM: ""It's just over the wall. I'll scream if I need you,"" she grins.

[11:43 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Ha ha,” Ry says, shaking her head, but there’s a slight quirk of her lips. “Okay, let’s go. I’ll mediate while you look at the giant.”

[11:43 AM] DM: ""Hmm... I don't know... do you think you can get over the wall in all that metal?"" she teases.

[11:45 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh gives Rukiya a look of mock offense. “I’m not as graceful as you, but who needs grace when you have brawn!” She holds up her arms in a flexing position.

[12:02 PM] DM: Rukiya shakes her head with a smile. ""My hero..."" She steps into Ry's space, puts her hands on Ry's biceps, and pushes up on her toes to kiss her, lingering a bit until she feels Ry relax, then she pulls away and says, ""Race you,"" before taking off for the wall.

[12:03 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Cheater!” Ry shouts, sprinting after her.

[12:03 PM] DM: And if we really want to see who would win, you can roll a skill of choice and narrate how she goes over and we'll see who wins.

[12:04 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ((Let’s roll for it lol maybe it’ll go in Ry’s favor... otherwise we both know Rukiya would win lol))

[12:07 PM] DM: Rukiya sprints towards a section where the tower and the wall are close enough for her to kick off the edge of one tower to the wall and back until she's up high enough to vault over the top and land in a roll at the ground on the other side, powder clinging to the curls of her hair. ((26 acrobatics))

[12:27 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh runs at the wall looking for a foothold that she can launch herself up with, but at the last moment she stops dead in front of it. She’s completely distracted as Rukiya assassin creeds her way up it and realizes too late she’s loss her momentum. Groaning at her loss, Ryleigh scales the wall slowly, reaching the top and plopping down on top of it instead of dropping down in the other side. “Not fair.” ((8 ath))

[12:28 PM] DM: Rukiya grins and blows a kiss up to Ry. ""Next time, unsil'umun.""

[12:31 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Folding her arms and huffing, Ryleigh narrows her eyes - it’s obvious it’s playful. “Always giving me false hope.”

[12:41 PM] DM: Rukiya grins and starts making her way towards the massive corpse of the ice giant.

[12:50 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh watches her get close to the ice giant’s body, and then she attempts to ‘re-center’ herself - through breathing and the occasional song.

[1:19 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Surprisingly, it doesn’t take long for Ryleigh to scale dow  the wall and walk over to the corpse of the ice giant - and Rukiya. “Find anything interesting?” It’s clear from her tone and body language that she found a way to orient herself.

[1:24 PM] DM: ""I unfortunately didn't think about the fact that he likely fell on anything interesting.""

[2:15 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Hmmm,” Ry hums, looking for the best way to attempt to move or push a section of the body to let Rukiya look for stuff.

[2:38 PM] DM: She points to a strap he has slung over his shoulder- an indication that he may have a pouch or bag slung across himself. Between the two of them pushing and pulling and digging out the snow and ice, they manage to make enough space for Rukiya to wriggle shoulder deep into the crevice and see if there's anything inside.

Ry can hear her groan in disgust before she flings a couple things backwards, all wet with something glistening red, then she inhales sharply and withdraws, sitting back in the snow, holding her fingers with her other hand. ""Ow...""

[2:51 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Are you okay?” Ry asks worriedly, moving the items Rukiya is tossing her way.

[2:51 PM] DM: ""Yeah, just broken glass. I think he must have smashed some potion bottles when he hit.""

[2:53 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh pulls off her gloves and covers Rukiya’s hand with both of hers, she sings a soft soft of healing.

[4:16 PM] DM: Her hands are sticky with whatever liquids were coating the inside of the bag, but she smiles at Ry. ""Thanks.""

There are four potions, a book, a wand, and a piece of parchment rolled up, all coated with sticky, mostly red liquid, sitting in the snow where she had tossed them.

[6:08 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh grins back, then takes off her cloak, loads up all the stuff and folds it like a rucksack to carry it into the castle. As they walk back, Ry's look up at the castle and says, ""This might be the last time we're here...""

[6:09 PM] DM: Rukiya grabs some snow to try to wash the sticky off her hands as she follows Ry back to the wall. ""Why's that?""

[7:52 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “I might not be welcome after we accomplish what we came here to do...” Ryleigh looks back at Rukiya, then explains, “Heli said that my family is associated with power, strength, and ambition. All valuable traits that I also have, but she also recognized that I want to rule with kindness, compassion, and assistance.” Ryleigh tries to shrug but it’s slightly hindered by the ruck she’s carrying. “I can only hope that Ragna recognizes the power and strength it took to destroy it, instead of thinking me too kind.”

[8:45 PM] DM: ""Power, strength, and ambition have to be tempered by compassion or you end up with tyranny.""

[9:04 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh playfully sticks out her hand like she’s introducing herself, “Hello, my name is my Ryleigh and my father is Ray Tillman... you know, the biggest Tyrant on the continent.” She drops her hand and laughs humorlessly. “If anyone understands the danger of power, strength, and ambition - it’s me.”

[9:09 PM] DM: ""I'm not lecturing you, min sies. Just reminding you that you have a reason for choosing the path you are on.""

[9:18 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “I know,” Ry says, deflating a little. “I’m sorry... it’s just hard knowing that I come from such terrible people. I thought- I hoped my mother and her family would be different but they aren’t. They might not be evil but they aren’t kind.”

[9:19 PM] DM: ""Maybe you have a kind uncle who was the black sheep of the family,"" she jokes, nudging her with her shoulder.

[9:26 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “It just scares me.” Ryleigh glances at Rukiya. “If you were describe me in one word - it wouldn’t would be compassionate or kind.”

[9:27 PM] DM: ""Then you'll just have to keep me around to help remind you.""

[9:54 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “What happens if you aren’t around?” Ry asks, the obvious worry in her tone.

[10:00 PM] DM: She puts a very cold, slightly wet hand to Ry's face. ""I'm not going anywhere.""

[11:04 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Let’s get you back inside so you can put those ice cubes on me to warm up.” Ryleigh gives Rukiya a small smile. “Why don’t you get climb the wall so I can hand this up to you?”

[11:06 PM] DM: ""Wanna give me a boost?""

[11:10 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Of course.” Ry sets the makeshift bag down and leans her back against the wall with her hands in front of her ready to launch Rukiya up.

[11:11 PM] DM: Rukiya takes a couple steps of a running start and jumps up into Ry's hands, easily riding the push from Ry to the top of the wall, grabbing the ledge and swinging her legs up over the top. She holds her hands out. ""Ready.""

[11:14 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh tosses up her cloak bag to Rukiya.

[11:15 PM] DM: She catches it and sets it aside. ""Do you need me to find you a ladder?""

[11:22 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Ha ha.” Ryleigh will look at wall, finding any crumbling parts and using those are hand and foot placements to pull herself up the wall.

[12:11 AM] DM: Rukiya waits for Ry to pull herself up, but not quite over to lean down and kiss Ry before helping her up the last bit.

[12:13 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Thank you,” Ryleigh says, stealing another kiss once she’s sitting in the wall. “Do you want help down?”

[12:14 AM] DM: ""I can manage. Here... drop down and I'll drop the stuff to you.""

[12:18 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh does, and holds her arms out for the stuff.

[12:29 AM] DM: Rukiya drops it, but before she drops down herself, she freezes for just a second then grins before dropping down and grabbing Ry's hand. ""Come on."" She pulls her toward the keep.

[12:29 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Even though she looks slightly puzzled, Ryleigh follows without question.

[1:15 AM] DM: ---

## Sylfi Part 2

"[8:43 PM] DM: Seir and Gylfi here.

[8:52 PM] Seirixori: Seir's quiet while they're in the halls, clearly thinking. She pauses at the door to the room, hesitant. ""...Guess it's good that I don't associate this room with anyone.""

[8:56 PM] DM: They put a hand on the doorknob before she opens it. ""I'm not going to push. We don't even have to go in a room, let alone this one if it's uncomfortable. We can take a walk or whatever you need. I have a 'friendship beats fucking' policy when it comes to people I actually like talking to.""

[9:10 PM] DM: ""Especially if it means having a friend that'll stick around a few centuries.""

[9:15 PM] Seirixori: Seir smiles gratefully, ""It's too bad I'm not a fan of putting on more clothes because I'd much prefer to be outside."" She pauses and grins, ""Unless you don't mind being outside in this cold because I can basically set myself on fire.""

[9:18 PM] DM: ""I spent the first two centuries of my life outside, and that included snowy Ascus winters.""

[9:25 PM] Seirixori: Seir's eyes shine in excitement, ""You really are my new favorite."" She takes their hand again and leads them outside. As soon as the doors open she claps her hands together and casts fire shield. ""I'm just using all my resources for fun today.""

[9:32 PM] DM: ""Might as well. It's not like there are giants and crazy power hungry grandmothers around to be worried about.""

[10:05 PM] Seirixori: ""No of course not, that would be ridiculous."" Seir finds a comfortable place to sit. ""So...um..."" She tries to find the words she wants, ""I am not used to being uncomfortable about this. No uncomfortable isn't really the right word, um... unsure? No."" Seir groans in frustration, ""This is me nervous because there is new territory that I know nothing about.""

[10:06 PM] DM: Gylfi sits close enough to be able to reach out if they need to, but at a respectable enough distance.

[10:07 PM] DM: ""What kind of territory?""

[10:20 PM] Seirixori: She motions to them and says, ""I have had sex with only one person and your uh, body is very much an opposite in several ways and I have no idea what I'm doing.""

[10:21 PM] DM: Gylfi chuckles. ""Is that all? I thought it was going to be something serious like not knowing how to have sex without catching feelings.""

[10:36 PM] Seirixori: Seir puffs out her cheeks, ""Rude."" She shakes her head, ""Please, I already have feelings for someone I don't intend to ever have sex with, or anything else, and nothing has changed.""

[10:38 PM] DM: They smirk and lean over, far enough to be in Seir's space. ""Well, if it's just a matter of unfamiliarity, there is an easy fix... and I've been told I'm an excellent teacher.""

[10:50 PM] Seirixori: The only movement Seir makes is to tilt her head to the side, her eyes glancing down to their lips. ""I suppose there's really only one way to find out.""

[11:28 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Gylfi leans in, their lips ghosting over Seir’s but not really kissing her, and they say, “And you’re ready to learn?” It’s clearly meant to be a question that’s searching for confirmation of consent.

[11:57 PM] Seirixori: Seir responds by pressing her lips to theirs briefly and then whispering, ""Yes.""

[12:02 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: With a grin, Gylfi kisses her. It’s not rushed like earlier, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less passionate. This time Gylfi’s intentions are clear, their lips and tongue doing more speaking about what they want more than words ever could.

[12:38 AM] Seirixori: Seir nips their lips again, enjoying the response from last time and now that she doesn't have an ulterior motive she is very okay with taking her sweet ass time.

[12:44 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Just like last time Gylfi groans, and also pushes closer, moving so they’re practically in Seirixori’s lap. Suddenly, Ryleigh’s voice reaches their ears.

Ryleigh: “Looks like things are heating up between you two...”

[12:45 AM] DM: Rukiya has a wide smile on her face as she looks around in an exaggerated manner. ""Who are you trying to lose this time?""

[12:56 AM] Seirixori: Seir responds by pulling Gylfi completely to her and she reaches around with one hand to scratch lightly at the  back of their neck and the other to playfully flip off Rukiya and Ryleigh.

[1:00 AM] DM: Rukiya laughs. ""Ok, we'll let you get back to... this. Should we leave the door unlocked for you?""

[1:04 AM] Seirixori: Seir pulls away for a brief moment to answer. ""Uh, no, I don't think it'll be necessary tonight. Though there is something for Ryleigh in Gylfi's bag.""

[1:05 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Well are you going to stop long enough for me to have it?” Ryleigh asks, but unlike Rukiya it’s not playful, it’s just her normal tone.

[1:10 AM] Seirixori: Seir grins and leans into Gylfi so she can easily reach into their bag and pull out the box they found. She holds it out for Ryleigh to take. ""If for some strange reason neither of you can open it, I guess you can come find me.""

[1:13 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh attempts to give Seir a smile as she takes it, but it’s strained. She puts the box into the bag of holding.

[1:14 AM] DM: Rukiya shakes her head and rolls her eyes. ""Come on, you... and you two be safe."" She grabs Ry's arm and starts heading back into the castle.

[1:14 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh follows willingly, not glancing back.

[1:15 AM] Seirixori: Seir frowns as Rukiya tugs Ryleigh away, clearly worried.

[1:18 AM] DM: Gylfi runs their thumb across Seir's lip. ""Are you still ok?""

[1:20 AM] Seirixori: ""I am, yes... Ryleigh however..."" Seir sighs. ""Well that's going to bother me.""

[1:22 AM] DM: ""What is?""

[1:26 AM] Seirixori: ""Whatever is wrong with Ry.""

[1:29 AM] DM: Gylfi chuckles a bit and moves their lips to Seir's jaw before saying, ""She probably just didn't want to think about all the things we're going to do tonight... assuming you still want to.""

[1:34 AM] Seirixori: Seir doesn't look convinced but she lets it go for now. ""As long as we find a different room.""

[1:38 AM] DM: ""I'm pretty sure all the rooms are empty right now. How adventurous do you want to be?""

[1:45 AM] Seirixori: Seir laughs, ""I've had sex in a field very visible to other people and in the pools of... well I don't remember which god it was, but some holy place, and how ever many times outside. So, not adventurous at all.""

[1:49 AM] DM: They pull back just enough to look at her eyes to see if she's joking then grins. ""This is shaping up to be the beginning of a beautiful friendship.""

[1:55 AM] Seirixori: ""Can't wait. Now stop talking, you're supposed to be teaching me things.""

## Ryfika Part 2

"[1:29 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Once they’re out of earshot, Ryleigh says, “You don’t think Gylfi is... pressuring her, right?”

[1:30 AM] DM: Rukiya chuckles. ""Gylfi may be persistent, but they're not pushy. They are very adamant about consent.""

[1:31 AM] DM: ""Besides, that did not look like a cry for help or a desire for a rescue to me. Did it to you?""

[1:33 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “No, but... she just lost Gunnloda. Feeling something is better than feeling nothing... or feeling bad.” Ryleigh worries her lip. “But I feel better knowing Gylfi isn’t pressing it.”

[1:37 AM] DM: ""You have to trust Seirixori to know herself. Different people have different expectations and values and connotations associated with sex. For you, it's just me because it's about love and trust and connection. For people like Gylfi, it's just... fun. Seirixori could be anywhere in between you two, and you have to let her figure that out. If she makes the wrong decisions because she doesn't listen to herself, and she winds up hurting herself, then we'll help her figure it out, but Gylfi won't push. If Seirixori is even a little hesitant, they won't do anything.""

[1:43 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Rukiya’s words seem to put Ryleigh at ease. “You’re right, I’m being over protective. I just don’t know them very well, but you trust them, so I should try to also.”

[1:50 AM] DM: ""Or at least trust Seirixori. Besides... that means we have the room to ourselves tonight.""

[1:52 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “It does.” Ry chuckles. “Are you already making plans?” She smirks.

[1:53 AM] DM: ""I think we'll start with being topless and see where the night takes us.""

[1:55 AM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh’s smirk turns into a sincere grin. “I’ve been missing you too.”

[11:14 AM] DM: ""Then I guess the real question is... how curious are you about stuff compared to how much you've missed me.""

[12:45 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “I feel like that’s more a question for you sun’frada... than it is for me.”

[12:46 PM] DM: ""I didn't know if you caught the engraving on the box, and if it would bother you not knowing. When we do settle in, I just want to know I have your undivided attention."""

[3:28 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: "The box?" Ry asks, puzzled. Her eyes widen when she realizes what Rukiya's talking about. "Oh, the one Seirixori just gave me. I didn't look at the engraving... I was too distracted with worry."

[3:34 PM] DM: "It has the Alisdair crest on it."

[3:53 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh frowns a bit. "I'd like to see what's inside it first..."

[3:54 PM] DM: Rukiya smiles softly and leans up to press a gentle kiss to the corner of Ry's frown. "I thought you would. Come on." She continues up to where their room was before and steps inside, shutting the door behind Ry.

[4:40 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh puts her cloak filled with the stuff from the giant down and starts to take off her armor.

[4:43 PM] DM: Rukiya watches for a moment, then says softly, "Are you ok?"

[4:57 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Yes?” Ry says it more like a question. “Just thinking about the last time I opened a box with the Alisdair crest on it.” As she takes off the last of her armor, Ry reaches into the bag of holding and withdraws the box. She plops down onto the bed with it in her lap.

[5:02 PM] DM: It's a wooden box, about maybe a foot and a half long, a foot deep, and a foot tall. It has the Alisdair cloud-circled mountain engraved on it, and no obvious way to open it. You can roll an intelligence check to see if you can open it.

[5:24 PM] DM: Rukiya sits next to her and rests her head on Ry's shoulder. "Well, this time if there's a stone inside with a rune on it, we'll know not to complete ancient magical warding circles with it."

[6:07 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh chuckles. “True.” She turns the box over and under and sideways. ((Int 8)) “Maybe it’s just a box.”

[6:15 PM] DM: Rukiya points at a sliding piece and spends the next couple minutes helping Ry figure out the box when she gets stuck. The top unlocks.

[6:17 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “What would I do without you?” Ry asks, leaning over and kissing Rukiya’s cheek. Then she opens the top.

[6:20 PM] DM: Inside are a shard of ice that looks kind of like a dagger with a glowing blue rune inside and a beautiful ring with a piece of parchment rolled up inside it.

[6:23 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh reaches for the ring and parchment.

[6:25 PM] DM: The ring is beautiful and looks like it would fit a slender finger well. The parchment's been rolled tightly and slid through so the ring keeps it rolled.

[6:41 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh will carefully unroll the parchment and read it.

[6:41 PM] DM: It's blank.

6:44 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh turns it over and frowns. Then she says the Jutun word Heli uses to get to her room.

[6:44 PM] DM: A good idea! But nothing happens.

[6:47 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ((There anything on the ring that’s flat? Like she could press it to the parchment?))

[6:48 PM] DM: Running the ring over the parchment in any way you can think of also doesn't work.

[6:51 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh groans in frustration.

[6:52 PM] DM: Rukiya chuckles. "Your family is... gifted in the arcane. It's probably an illusion."

[6:55 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Disillusion yourself!” Ry says to the paper.

[6:55 PM] DM: Give me a Charisma check.

[6:58 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: ((19))

[6:58 PM] DM: Nothing happens.

[8:09 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Okay, I didn’t actually think that would do anything.” Obviously defeat by a scrap of paper, she rolls its back up and puts it back into the ring, setting them both back into the box. She’ll pick up the shard and take a look at it.

[8:11 PM] DM: It's cold to the touch and seems to be an actual shard of ice, but obviously hasn't melted in the box. In the center of the shard, beneath the ice, is a blue, glowing rune that Ry can read in Jotun- Ice.

[9:04 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: “Huh, it’s cold and the rune says ice... I wonder if it’s literally an everlasting piece of ice.” She sets it back into the box and closes the lid, tucking it back into the bag of holding.

[9:27 PM] DM: "Do you want to look at these, too... or is it topless time?"

[9:45 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh leans over and presses a lingering kiss to Rukiya’s neck. “The rest can wait. We don’t have too many evenings alone anymore... and you seem needy,” she says with deliberate snark.

[9:48 PM] DM: "Me? Needy? Never." She swings her leg over so she's straddling Ry's lap and drapes her arms over Ry's shoulders. "That said... it is a shame to have all of this," she nods towards Ry, "covered up for so long."

[9:51 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Chuckling softly, Ryleigh’s hands find Rukiya’s hips and she says, “All of Gylfi’s talk about my abs has you wanting to make sure they’re still there?”

[9:53 PM] DM: "I may... have talked about your physique a bit and it may have been on my mind the last few days since I haven't exactly had a moment to appreciate it."

[9:55 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh’s grin widens. “I don’t mind... it’s just acknowledging all of my hard work to keep looking this good.” She winks and raises her arms, inviting Rukiya to rid her of her shirt.

[9:59 PM] DM: Rukiya does, fairly quickly, wrapping the Shard of the Sun in her shirt so it doesn't blind her, but instead of going into full stare-mode, she puts her hands on either side of Ry's face and looks into her eyes. "I love you, unsil'umun."

[10:12 PM] Ryleigh Alisdair: Ryleigh runs her hands up Rukiya’s side, slowly moving her shirt further up, and responds with, “I’m with you, raisna’rila.”

12 Felmont -- 13 Felmont -- 14 Felmont

Felmont 3Y21 -- Discord Logs