S: Ryfika

## Pre-21

[9:15 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh leaves and goes to the slums

[9:15 PM] DM: roll a perception check for me

[9:20 PM] Ryleigh: ((19))

[9:22 PM] DM: Great! You think you saw a shadow move through a window up ahead.

[9:27 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh draws her battleax and moves to the door of the place where she saw the shadow.

[9:28 PM] DM: If you're trying to be sneaky, roll a stealth check.

[9:29 PM] Ryleigh: ((16 stealth))

[9:30 PM] DM: Ok! You sidle up to the door. It's cracked open just a little.

[9:33 PM] Ryleigh: In one motion Ryleigh pushes the door open, with her ax prepared to strike if needed, and lunges into the house.

[9:34 PM] DM: You hear Safika's voice from the other room. "It's just me."

[9:36 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh lets out an audible breath, "thank the gods, I thought you had vanished with the rest of the townspeople." She also puts away her ax.

[9:38 PM] DM: She comes out, dusting her hands off on her pants. She's wearing the dark colored leathers and cloak you've become accustomed to seeing her in. "They were gone when I got here. It's a lot harder to find out about things when there's nobody to talk to."

[9:39 PM] DM: "Also... you make a lot of noise. You know that?"

[9:43 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh chuckles, "well, heavy armor isn't the best when trying to step in silence, but it seems to get the job done." Ryleigh closes the door to the house and turns back to Safika, "So you're alright?"

[9:43 PM] DM: "Yeah, why? Did they send you to check up on me? How sweet."

[9:50 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh quirks her head to the side and gives Safika a slight smile, "I'm aware that you don't need anyone to check up on you, but we were worried for your safety with all the rumors surrounding this place and rightfully so." Ryleigh sighs heavily at the thought of the vanished townspeople.

[9:54 PM] DM: She leans against a wall and smiles. "You're always so serious. You should learn to lighten up a little. Anyway... I found some paperwork in Eloise's files. Had some names I'm looking into, but I've got a whole lot of nothing so far."

[10:04 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh nods in agreement, "I should, but forgive me, I've always found it to be a difficult task when innocents are paying the price for their leaders mistakes. Of course, I can't be sure the leaders here are at fault just yet, but I will eventually. I assume nothings turned up because there's no one to confer with?"

[10:08 PM] DM: "Yeah. I've got names and addresses, but nobody to talk to but the couple people who came to Riverrun to complain. I ran into a couple of the out-of-towners  that are trying to figure out the.." she waves her finger around to indicate the bigger issue. "Thought I'd use the chance to get a head-start before Eloise got back. I'm guessing she is?"

[10:12 PM] Ryleigh: "Yes, the out-of-towners rescued her from a drow prison, i believe. I spoke with her before heading here. She seems sincere in her distress for her people, but then again, nothing seems to be a solid lead."

[10:16 PM] DM: "Drow prison, huh? Ouch. Yeah, I'm honestly glad to hear you say that about her though. I don't want to believe she's mixed up in any of this. From what the guys were saying, it could've all been a middle-man situation. Supervisors taking from the little guy and the baroness none the wiser." She looks at you for a second then pushes off the wall. "Anyway, I'm here. I'm fine. You supposed to head back?"

[10:31 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh looks at Safika, her features soften, her voice becomes gentler, "I'm glad you're alright. When I arrived I was worried you had been expelled from the city along with the townspeople." Ryleigh then straightens her posture, her voice returning to its normal tone, "I am technically supposed to report back on your safety and the situation here. However, my duty is to the people of this town, to uncover the truth, and to do that I need to help these out-of-towners fix their teleporter. So no, I won't be returning just yet. There is work to be done here."

[12:34 AM] DM: She nods. "I'm going to poke around a little more, but I'll see about getting word back." She cringes a little when she remembers something. "I... might have fucked up my cover. Told them I had a message from the queen... but I'm not sure I really want Eloise to see me. Any ideas on how to get out of that one?"

[12:44 AM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Ah, that was mentioned to me when I asked Eloise about you." Ryleigh thinks for a moment, her hand coming to rest on her chin, "You could simply avoid Eloise, you're excellent at becoming a shadow, and i'm not sure she'll be leaving the mansion anytime soon, she seemed busy. As for the out-of-towners....I'm not sure. You could lie? Tell them you already delivered you message. Or maybe they won't ask." Ryleigh sighs, realizing she's probably not being helpful. "Excuse my rambling."

[10:50 PM] DM: She chuckles. "I'll figure it out. I'll let you know before I leave, or at least leave a message, in case you need to send word back for anything."

[5:59 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh gives Safika a subtle nod, "I'll take me leave, then. And Safika... don't be a stranger." She turns to leave the house.

[6:02 PM] DM: She chuckles. "It's all I know how to be."

[6:08 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh looks over her shoulder as she opens the door to exit. She says, "it doesn't have to be that way" and flashes a bright smile, then leaves and heads up the street to the wrecked house.

 Session 33

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[2:51 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh walks into the alleyway, "Yeah, well..I was hoping I'd be able to find you again. Something has happened and I'm not sure what to do about it. I suppose I need to not only report back to Whispers, but maybe share? If that's alright?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[3:26 PM] Ryleigh: "There aren't any left here. The teleporter transported her somewhere where they still exist and she was bitten before we could pull her out..." Ryleigh is silent for a moments, looking at Safika, "we should tell Whispers, right?" but then Ryleigh breaks eye contact, "I know she's a threat, but she's also wife and a mother and she's done nothing wrong..." Ryleigh looks back at Safika, uncertainty etched on her face.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[4:45 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh winks at her, totally NOT denying the comment, "you too, step in silence."

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

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

## Session 36 secret

[8:00 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh heads to slums, back to the spot where she last saw Safika.

[8:02 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh digs around her bag for a piece of parchment and pen.

[8:08 PM] Ryleigh: S,

> The spell douches are here and the group I've been helping has been 'relieved' of their duties. We've decided to go to Riverrun and research the 'furry little problem' we spoke about last time. I'm sorry I won't be here to chat with you, but duty calls. I hope all is well and while it may be in vain, don't be a stranger.
>
>

> -R
>
>

[8:09 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh walks back to the cask.

 Session 38

*[*8:16 PM*]* Ryleigh - Nicole*:* Ryleigh leaves the Moonstream's mansion with a heavy heart. She walks towards the slums, hoping she can find Safika.

*[*8:19 PM*]* DM*:* You can find her easily enough. She actually starts following you quietly as you walk around, trying to see how close she can get before you notice her. She taps on your pauldron.

*[*8:23 PM*]* Ryleigh - Nicole*:* Ryleigh turns at the touch, her hand gripping Dawnbringer, before she sees who it is, "S-sorry, I was caught up in my thoughts."

*[*8:23 PM*]* DM*:* Safika grins. "It's ok. I probably shouldn't sneak up on armed, jumpy people anyway."

*[*8:27 PM*]* Ryleigh - Nicole*:* "I'm not jumpy" Ryleigh quirks an eyebrow "I just was, right then, but I'm not usually. I just have things on m-" she stops suddenly and takes a deep breath, "Sorry." She gives Safika a half smile. "I was looking for you, did you get my note?"

*[*8:28 PM*]* DM*:* "I did. Did you drop in on Berolt?"

*[*8:30 PM*]* Ryleigh - Nicole*:* "More like he dropped in on me. I wanted to do some research before I spoke with him, but he showed up before I could. Now I owe him a full report within the next few days...that's all the time I could buy us, at least we'll know whether or not she's feral in a few days." Ryleigh looks a little guilty.

*[*8:35 PM*]* DM*:* "A few days is probably the best we could ask for anyway. We've had new arrivals. Katarina sent more people. There have been some patrols through the town, checking houses. There aren't many, still, so it's slow going, but more eyes, more ears, more tongues."

*[*8:39 PM*]* Ryleigh - Nicole*:* Ryleigh nods, "I expected as much, I just came from the mansion. Lady Cae and Baroness Eloise were discussing their options, then I showed up and gave them more bad news. We're going to escort Lady Cae tomorrow to some local ruins for the transformation." She shuffles her feet a little bit, "I just wanted to keep you informed..."

*[*8:42 PM*]* DM*:* She tilts her head a little bit. "Why do you look so... is that nervous? Guilty?"

*[*8:45 PM*]* Ryleigh - Nicole*:* Ryleigh doesn't meet Safika's eyes, "I'm conflicted...."

*[*8:50 PM*]* Ryleigh - Nicole*:* "I came here expecting to find a leader who was abusing her power. Instead, I find a woman that has made solid efforts to help her people, someone who seems to actually care for her people." Ryleigh pinches the bridge of her nose and flinches a little, forgetting that it was broken 2 days ago. "I feel guilty for withholding the information from Whispers, but I feel like it was the right thing to do." She finally looks at Safika, realizing for the first time that she actually cares what this woman thinks of her.

*[*8:52 PM*]* DM*:* Safika: "I'm not going to argue that point with you. I was the one who asked you to let them take the lead on it. Not everything is as black and white as it seems. Sometimes all we can do is pick our favorite shade of gray."

*[*9:00 PM*]* Ryleigh - Nicole*:* Ryleigh lets out the breath she was holding and mumbles out, "it's been a rough few days...." then straightens her posture a little bit, "thank you, sometimes I forget that the right thing and dutiful thing don't always coincide. He asked about you, I told him you were fine and just keeping an eye on things here, will you go back to Riverrun now that things seem to be moving along?"

*[*9:04 PM*]* DM*:* Safika sighs and looks conflicted herself. "I don't know. I'd like to get to the bottom of the reason I came out here in the first place, but it might be a moot point."

*[*9:10 PM*]* Ryleigh - Nicole*:* Ryleigh takes a step foward and places a hand gently on Safika's shoulder, "honestly, that's not any fault of yours. Who would have guessed an entire town could be teleported away? And after everything that's happened, I think the people of Bellbury are just going to be happy to be home. I'm not sure they'd talk to you. Of course..." Ryleigh smiles mischievously and puts her hands up, "I'm sure you have your ways, just like I have mine." Her smile changes to a normal one and she tries to causally add, "if you need any help, just let me know?"

*[*9:24 PM*]* DM*:* "I'll stay until you come back at least. Keep an eye on what's happening while you're gone. I'll let you know then what I decide."

*[*9:26 PM*]* Ryleigh - Nicole*:* Ryleigh puts out her hand, "I will and don't be a stranger." She flashes a toothy grin at Safika.

*[*9:27 PM*]* DM*:* She smirks and takes your hand.

*[*9:28 PM*]* Ryleigh - Nicole*:* As Ryleigh starts to walk away she looks over her shoulder and says, "I can feel that you want to be my friend too." She winks and leaves.

## Session 38 campfire

*[*11:11 PM*]* Ryleigh - Nicole*:* Ryleigh starts to jog down the street, she's having a good time with others and it hit her that maybe Safika was lonely and might want to join.

*[*11:13 PM*]* DM*:* You can find her, just reading a book in the house you found her in before.

*[*11:14 PM*]* Ryleigh - Nicole*:* Ryleigh knocks as she opens the door, "You didn't sneak up on me this time."

*[*11:14 PM*]* DM*:* She looks up with a smile. "I wanted to finish the page."

*[*11:15 PM*]* Ryleigh - Nicole*:* Ryleigh rolls her eyes and she's breathing harder than usual, "do you want to come to a gathering? right now."

*[*11:16 PM*]* DM*:* "A *gathering*?"

*[*11:17 PM*]* Ryleigh - Nicole*:* "Well, it isn't a party because there's only 4 people. Including me there's 5. So I'm not sure what to call it? Gathering seemed appropriate." Ryleigh is tapping her chin while talking, trying to make sure that all made sense.

*[*11:18 PM*]* DM*:* "Are E-- the Moonstreams part of this gathering?"

*[*11:20 PM*]* Ryleigh - Nicole*:* "No, I don't think they'll be another 'social gathering' with our group. It's just 4 of the people I've been traveling with. We're just sitting around a campfire, eating and talking. We were laughing and smiling and well, it occurred to me that you've been stuck out here alone for a few weeks. Maybe you wanted to have some company?" Ryleigh tilts her head and smiles at Safika.

*[*11:21 PM*]* DM*:* "Oh. ...that's sweet of you. You know they'll ask how you know me."

*[*11:24 PM*]* Ryleigh - Nicole*:* "They may, but they already know I was looking for someone when I first arrived. And honestly, they don't ask too many questions. I'll just tell them we're friends and I met you the same way I met them. Adventuring."

*[*11:25 PM*]* DM*:* She smiles. "Well... I hadn't thought about it 'til you mentioned it, but it would be nice to be around people again."

*[*11:25 PM*]* Ryleigh - Nicole*:* Ryleigh smiles so big, damn near all of her teeth are showing, "so you'll come?"

*[*11:26 PM*]* DM*:* "I will." She puts the book back in the shelf. "I can find out what happens to Barnes the Bastion tomorrow."

*[*11:27 PM*]* Ryleigh - Nicole*:* "I promise I'll be better company than that book." Ryleigh grins stupidly, "come on, we better get back before Ravaphine eats all the food."

*[*11:28 PM*]* DM*:* She'll follow you.

*[*11:28 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh is walking back to the party, but she has someone with her.

*[*11:29 PM*]* DM*:* If you met her before, you recognize her as Safika, the dark-skinned half-elf. She's in dark leather armor and a dark grey cloak.

*[*11:30 PM*]* Seirixori*:* "Ooh I don't think she liked much last we saw her." Seir whispers.

*[*11:30 PM*]* Nolanos*:* "Oh um. Hi there...?"

*[*11:31 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh grabs 2 sausages and takes a seat, motioning for Safika to sit next to her and handing her a sausage on a stick.

*[*11:31 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* Ravaphine stands up. She sends over a small wave. "Greetings"

*[*11:32 PM*]* Seirixori*:* "Hello, Safika." Seir waves a little hesitantly.

*[*11:32 PM*]* DM*:* Safika: "Hello. I hope I'm not intruding."

*[*11:32 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* "By all means, everyone is welcome here" rav smiles while sitting back down

*[*11:33 PM*]* DM*:* She takes a seat next to Ryleigh with a smile. "I hope you'll forgive me, but I'm not sure I know all your names."

*[*11:33 PM*]* Nolanos*:* "I don't believe we've met; I'm Nolanos," he says standing for a moment to offer his hand to Safika.

*[*11:34 PM*]* DM*:* She shakes it. "Safika."

*[*11:35 PM*]* Nolanos*:* "Its a pleasure to meet you." He sits back down next to Rav

*[*11:36 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh points to each person, "Gunnloda, Seirixori, and Ravaphine. If you forget, ask me" she smiles broadly at Safika.

*[*11:36 PM*]* Seirixori*:* "I am totally not at all the same tiefling from the other day. That was a different pink tiefling with the same weird horns." Seir mumbles.

*[*11:36 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* "Ravaphine. Nice to meet you again."

*[*11:37 PM*]* DM*:* Safika: "I'm sorry if I was short with you before. I was confused and that always puts me in a bad mood."

*[*11:38 PM*]* Seirixori*:* "I'm sure the fancy jokes weren't exactly helping."

*[*11:39 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* "We were all dealing with a little ambiguity then, but I do hope you were able to finish what you needed to do. You said you were from Vyon, right?"

*[*11:40 PM*]* DM*:* Safika: "This is Vyon. The name of the country is Vyon."

*[*11:40 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh raises a questioning eyebrow, "Seir were you poking fun at the fancys?" she laughs a little, "Ironic, now that you're with one." Ryleigh nods to Gunnloda.

*[*11:41 PM*]* Seirixori*:* Seir laughs, her face a little red, "Maybe."

*[*11:41 PM*]* DM*:* Gunnloda just shakes her head.

*[*11:42 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh laughs at Seir's blush, but addresses Ravaphine, "Out west is Dhog Lodir, where Gunnloda is from, and South of here is Ascus, the country I'm from."

*[*11:44 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* "I see. To be fair, I haven't heard about this place until about two weeks ago"

*[*11:45 PM*]* DM*:* Safika: "I understand. Now, anyway."

*[*11:46 PM*]* Nolanos*:* Nolanos pats Rav on the back, "I know what you meant its ok"

*[*11:46 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh leans over and says to Safika, "they're an odd bunch but they all have kind hearts."

*[*11:47 PM*]* Seirixori*:* "pfft I feel like I didn't know any other place existed until two weeks ago." Seir jokes, taking a moment to whisper something to Gunnloda.

*[*11:49 PM*]* DM*:* Gunnloda squeezes Seir's arms.

*[*11:49 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "I forget you were all brought here, that you didn't come willingly."

*[*11:52 PM*]* Nolanos*:* "It was... really weird. But," he looks at everyone around the fire, and fixes his gaze on Rav, "but it was worth it."

*[*11:52 PM*]* Seirixori*:* "I would willingly have, had I the means.. And stay."

*[*11:54 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* "We're just trying to get by day to day. How about you, Safika? What brings you back to town?"

*[*11:56 PM*]* DM*:* Safika: "Nothing important this time. Just passing through. How's the hunt going?"

*[*11:57 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "Would you like another sausage? or anything else?" Ryleigh asks Safika with a smile.

*[*11:58 PM*]* DM*:* Safika: "No, thank you. One was plenty."

*[*11:58 PM*]* Seirixori*:* Seir reaches back, once again trying to see if she can spear some citrus, this time without them falling on her.

*[*12:02 AM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh looks at Safika, "the hunt?"

*[*12:03 AM*]* DM*:* Safika: "They were looking for things to fix it, right? And people? You found the Baroness."

*[*12:04 AM*]* Ryleigh*:* "OH. The hunt for the components." Ryleigh facepalms herself.

*[*12:04 AM*]* Ravaphine*:* "We did. Did you get your message delivered to her?"

*[*12:04 AM*]* DM*:* Insight's more about gut feelings than learning specifics, but you don't really get a bad feeling from her. She's just someone sitting in the grove with you.

*[*12:05 AM*]* DM*:* Safika: "Ah, by the time she came back, it was too late for it to matter anyway."

*[*12:06 AM*]* Ryleigh*:* "The spellguard came to town and they decided they didn't the 'help' of amateurs. That's why we aren't looking for the components anymore."

*[*12:07 AM*]* Ravaphine*:* "We're all just kind of stuck here until they fix it" Rav says, shrugging.

*[*12:07 AM*]* DM*:* Safika chuckles. "I bet you all just loved them."

*[*12:08 AM*]* Ryleigh*:* "Snarky assholes, the whole bunch of them."

*[*12:08 AM*]* Nolanos*:* "They were so charming, how could we resist?" Nolanos jokes. "...Literally."

*[*12:08 AM*]* DM*:* She laughs at Nolanos. "You must have met Qarius then."

*[*12:09 AM*]* Nolanos*:* "Oh yes. What a fellow."

*[*12:10 AM*]* Ravaphine*:* "He's a wonderful man. Full of love and compassion" rav says with a heavy sardonic tone

*[*12:08 AM*]* Ravaphine*:* "So do you two work together?"

*[*12:11 AM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh shakes her head, "What's with the interrogation, guys? Safika and I work together in the same way I work with this group - adventuring brought us together and has kept us in touch. Except, unlike our group, sometimes I let her be the boss because she doesn't want to punch everything."

*[*12:21 AM*]* Seirixori*:* "I do not punch people." Seir says, still a bit distracted but felt the need to comment.

*[*12:16 AM*]* Ravaphine*:* "Considering you question the character of everyone we speak to, it only makes sense for us to do the same as the only interaction we've had with your companion over here didn't really get off on the right foot. No offense to you, Safika"

*[*12:21 AM*]* Nolanos*:* "We are nosey buggers," Nolanos laughs.

*[*12:17 AM*]* DM*:* Safika waves it off. "It's already forgotten. Ryleigh's generally an excellent judge of character, though."

*[*12:20 AM*]* Ravaphine*:* "I agree, but you can't blame us for being at least a little curious about some things" she says, giving ryleigh a look

*[*12:22 AM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh gives Safika a real smile at her compliment, but doesn't address it further. Instead she looks at Rav, "What is it Rav? What do you really want to know."

*[*12:27 AM*]* Ravaphine*:* "I just wanted to know her stance on our uh, furry little problem. Since sunrise is right around the corner"

*[*12:28 AM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh's eyes widen slightly like she wasn't expecting that question and she says, "she's aware, of the situation."

*[*12:29 AM*]* Ravaphine*:* Rav puts her hands up "That's all I needed to know. Apologies for making it sound like an interrogation"

*[*12:30 AM*]* Seirixori*:* Seir snorts, continuing her hunt for more citrus, "You think she'd bring someone over here with how well you lie?" she teases.

*[*12:31 AM*]* Ravaphine*:* Rav waves her hands around while saying "that's exactly why I was asking!" while laughing

*[*12:29 AM*]* Nolanos*:* "Is that why you're in town then? To help?" He asks, addressing Safika.

*[*12:30 AM*]* DM*:* Safika smiles and teases, "No. Ryleigh just likes to use me as a soundboard sometimes."

*[*12:31 AM*]* Ryleigh*:* For the first *ever* you guys see Ryleigh blush.

*[*12:31 AM*]* Seirixori*:* "Guess I'm not the only pink one around here after all."

*[*12:34 AM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh picks up a pebble from the ground and throws it at Seir.

*[*12:34 AM*]* DM*:* Gunnloda bats it away.

*[*12:35 AM*]* Seirixori*:* Seir snickers, "Careful my girlfriend might beat you up."

*[*12:35 AM*]* Ryleigh*:* "Damn you ~~M'lady~~ Gunnloda!" Ryleigh playfully looks upset.

*[*12:37 AM*]* DM*:* Gunnloda laughs. "No throwing things."

*[*12:35 AM*]* Ravaphine*:* "I'm glad I don't have to lie around you. That's not something you would have wanted to see"

*[*12:37 AM*]* Nolanos*:* "And I dunno, Rav, your lies have been pretty... spectacular on occasion," he jokes, nudging her side

*[*12:39 AM*]* Ryleigh*:* "Between you and Urrak, we have to the worst liars in Vyon travelling with us." Ryleigh says to Ravaphine.

*[*12:40 AM*]* Ravaphine*:* "What we lack in the ability to lie, we make up for with brute strenth" Rav says while flexing

*[*12:41 AM*]* Nolanos*:* Nolanos laughs and kisses her on the cheek as she flexes. "So strong."

*[*12:41 AM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh tries her best not to burst out laughing but epically fails and while laughing she chokes out, "I can't....I don't.....I have no words...." as Ravaphine flexes her noodle arms.

*[*12:42 AM*]* Ravaphine*:* Rav throws a wiener at Ryleigh.

Ryleigh puts her shield up as the wiener comes flying at her.

*[*12:43 AM*]* Ravaphine*:* "Miss 'I can throw a 250 pound person over my shoulder like a sack of potatoes' I'd like to see which one of us would win in an arm wrestling contest"

*[*12:37 AM*]* Seirixori*:* Seir gives Gunnloda a squeeze and a kiss before backing up and struggling to pull off the top half of her armor, she stops, a 'what the fuck' kind of look on her face like she realized she's being very dumb about something, "Hey Safika, ever see a dinosaur before?"

*[*12:38 AM*]* DM*:* Safika just kind of looks at Seir in confusion. "No? That's... not something anyone has seen?"

*[*12:38 AM*]* Nolanos*:* "You would think so. And yet, we have."

*[*12:38 AM*]* Seirixori*:* Seir pushes herself farther back and stands, grinning, "Want to?"

*[*12:38 AM*]* Nolanos*:* "It was amazing."

*[*12:40 AM*]* DM*:* Safika just puts her hand up in a 'go for it' sort of gesture.

*[*12:41 AM*]* Seirixori*:* Seir does a little excited move thing but then stops, "Oh uh... the big one or the little one?" she kind of addresses everyone.

*[*12:42 AM*]* Ryleigh*:* "The little one Seir, we don't need anyone running over here because a giant dinosaur showed up in the gardens."

*[*12:43 AM*]* Seirixori*:* Seir kind of pouts, even if it's what she was expecting. "'kay." and shifts into the tiny turkey velociraptor, her clothes also falling to the ground.

*[*12:44 AM*]* DM*:* Safika's eyes go wide. "How... is that real?"

*[*12:45 AM*]* Ravaphine*:* "Seir is full of tricks up her sleeve"

*[*12:46 AM*]* Ravaphine*:* "...figurative sleeves. As she will be naked pretty soon"

*[*12:47 AM*]* Seirixori*:* Seir runs in a circle a little, making tiny rawr sounds for fun, before shifting back and grabbing her cloak and tying it around her then taking the necklace and ring and putting them back on. "That might have just been an excuse to be more comfortable," she whispers to Gunnloda, taking her spot behind her again.

*[*12:47 AM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh is still recovering from laughing at Ravaphine but answer Safika, "they went on mission where their were dinos and well, Seir made friends with one of them and now she can shift into it. Pretty neat, huh?"

*[*12:49 AM*]* Nolanos*:* "And we didn't have to kill a single one the whole time," Nolanos says proudly

*[*12:49 AM*]* DM*:* Safika laughs. "That's a word for it."

*[*12:49 AM*]* Seirixori*:* "I healed a baby dragon!" She says excitedly, "... which is why I should not be in charge of that."

*[*12:50 AM*]* Ravaphine*:* "I smashed my head on some rocks and she healed a baby dragon"

*[*12:50 AM*]* Nolanos*:* "I think that was the exact right thing to do, Seir."

*[*12:51 AM*]* Nolanos*:* "And you nearly scared me to death with that, Rav."

*[*12:51 AM*]* Seirixori*:* Seir snickers, "... we're probably lucky we weren't there longer. I might have brought a friend home otherwise."

*[*12:52 AM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh whispers to Safika while the others reminisce. "You have a beautiful laugh. Life is better when you're laughing."

*[*12:55 AM*]* DM*:* Safika quirks an eyebrow up at Ryleigh and kind of smirks.

*[*12:55 AM*]* Nolanos*:* "That could've been fun, though who knows how the Moonstreams would've reacted..."

*[*12:57 AM*]* Ryleigh*:* "You act like Lady Cae would have allowed you to bring one back. She's almost as intense as I am."

*[*12:58 AM*]* Ravaphine*:* "Like she would have been able to react quick enough when we came back if we touched one"

*[*12:58 AM*]* Seirixori*:* "I wonder if they'd let me dig a thing for Stool." she says out loud, but is kind of talking to herself. "Oh.. wait... probably not."

*[*12:58 AM*]* DM*:* Gunnloda turns her head back. "A what, love?"

*[*12:59 AM*]* Seirixori*:* "Like a... like an underground thing. A bit more space than the basement in the Cask."

*[*12:59 AM*]* DM*:* Gunnloda: "A cave?"

*[*1:00 AM*]* Nolanos*:* "I'd be willing to help with that, Seir. Er, if you need help of course."

*[*1:01 AM*]* Seirixori*:* "...Yes. That." she flushes slightly. "Well... I mean I don't think they'll let me, to be fair, but we'll see, I guess."

*[*1:01 AM*]* Ravaphine*:* Ravaphine goes to lay down in one of the tents but with her head at the entrance so she can still enjoy the company of her friends. She may or may not accidentally fall asleep though

*[*1:04 AM*]* DM*:* Gunnloda laughs. "Don't be embarassed. I promise not to tease you about not knowing *underground things* like you tease me about the outdoors, *sor'odko*."

*[*1:09 AM*]* Seirixori*:* "You can tease me anytime, *tor beag*" Seir whispers.

*[*1:07 AM*]* DM*:* Safika tilts her head a little and says something in Dwarven to Gunnloda. Gunnloda smiles and replies in kind.

*[*1:07 AM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh smiles, "*that's not fair, I didn't know you spoke Dwarven*" she says in elven.

*[*1:08 AM*]* DM*:* She laughs again. "I speak a lot of languages."

*[*1:09 AM*]* Seirixori*:* "Oh no, now I really need to learn it." Seir says playfully dramatic

*[*1:09 AM*]* Nolanos*:* "*I have no idea what you guys are saying, but okay*," Nolanos says in Draconic

*[*1:10 AM*]* DM*:* Safika shakes her head. "That's one I don't know."

*[*1:10 AM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh starts to laugh and playfully nudges Safika shoulder, "look what you started, its like a language war."

*[*1:10 AM*]* Nolanos*:* "Nailed it," he laughs. "Draconic."

*[*1:11 AM*]* Nolanos*:* "You were all speaking different languages, so i figured I'd join in."

*[*1:11 AM*]* DM*:* She teases back with something in Halfling. Gunnloda counters with a chuckle, so Safika asks a question in something really harsh and guttural that sounds completely alien coming from her mouth and Gunnloda answers in kind.

*[*1:12 AM*]* DM*:* Safika, in Gnome: "*Yes, but do any of you know Gnomish.*"

*[*1:14 AM*]* DM*:* Ravaphine answers sleepily.

*[*1:15 AM*]* Nolanos*:* Nolanos smiles warmly at her.

*[*1:15 AM*]* Seirixori*:* Seir just sits there with a growing smile, running her fingers lightly on Gunnloda's wrist. "*I feel like I need to play along*" Seir says in Infernal, then switches to Abyssal, "*And yet not really, but I don't actually speak these often,*" she shrugs and switches into druidic, "*However now I need to know like 3 more languages...*"

*[*1:15 AM*]* DM*:* Safika puts her hands up in defeat. "Ok, you win."

*[*1:16 AM*]* Ryleigh*:* "I'm having fun." Ryleigh continues to laugh at everyone's language war.

*[*1:16 AM*]* Seirixori*:* Seir grins, "Sorry, didn't mean to, I just don't get to speak them that often."

*[*1:20 AM*]* Seirixori*:* "Well... I might have... had a tiny bit of rebellion when learning spells because those are in Abyssal. Which kind of forced Mielikki to teach me some instead of the other druids." she laughs a little remembering their frustrations... and that they totally deserved her sass.

*[*1:22 AM*]* Nolanos*:* "Wait, as in the Goddess?" Nolanos asks in awe. "How many do you know, exactly, Seir?"

*[*1:23 AM*]* Seirixori*:* Seir nods, "Um... I mean... a lot now," she snickers tapping Gunnloda, "...but I've only talked to two of them."

*[*1:24 AM*]* DM*:* Amused, Gunnloda says, "Oh? Name two of the nine."

*[*1:30 AM*]* Seirixori*:* "Olladra," Seir says pretty confidently, and then hesitates, "Uh...Arw... Araw...something." she mumbles.

*[*1:31 AM*]* DM*:* Gunnloda chuckles. "That's better than I was expecting. Arawai."

*[*1:31 AM*]* Nolanos*:* "You tried," Nolanos chuckles

*[*1:34 AM*]* Seirixori*:* "Hah, well, you did mention one yesterday with the churros..." she frowns, "We should have gotten more to take with us."

*[*1:37 AM*]* Nolanos*:* "Oh wait!!" Nolanos gets up and rummages through his bag for a moment. "Aha! I don't know if these are still any good, but i kept the extras from last night."

Seir reaches for one of the churros, "Oooh yes! Did you want one Ryleigh?"

*[*1:41 AM*]* Ryleigh*:*  "no thanks guys."

*[*1:43 AM*]* Nolanos*:* Nolanos puts a churro on the stick he used for his sausage a nd earns up the sweet over the fire

*[*1:44 AM*]* Seirixori*:* Seir does the same, breaking it in half once it's done and offers it to Gunnloda.

*[*1:44 AM*]* DM*:* She takes it happily.

*[*1:45 AM*]* Nolanos*:* Nolanos makes sure to leave a churro for Rav when shes awake later.

*[*1:36 AM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh smiles at Safika and says, "I'm probably going to turn in soon, would you like me to walk you back? I don't mind."

*[*1:37 AM*]* DM*:* Safika smiles and pats her on the arm. "I'm sure I can manage, thanks."

*[*1:37 AM*]* Seirixori*:* "We have an extra tent if you like sleeping outside." Seir offers.

*[*1:37 AM*]* DM*:* She stands and shakes her head. "No, thank you. It was nice meeting you all, but I should probably get back. Thank you for letting me join you." Ryleigh stands too,

*[*1:39 AM*]* Nolanos*:* "Oh. Well, it was great meeting you, Safika."

*[*1:39 AM*]* Seirixori*:* "Sleep well!"

*[*1:41 AM*]* DM*:* Safika bows her head to Nolanos. "You , as well."Nolanos bows his head in return.

*[*1:42 AM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh walks Safika to edge of the campfire light, "I'm glad you came." She smiles, "I'll see you around."

*[*1:42 AM*]* DM*:* Safika leans in a little closer to say something quietly to Ryleigh. "Next time, if you want them to think we're 'together' let me know in advance."

*[*1:45 AM*]* Ryleigh*:* You guys see Ryleigh shuffle awkwardly, the rub the back of her neck, she replies and when she comes back to the campfire shes blushing.

*[*1:46 AM*]* Seirixori*:* "Feeling ok there, Ryleigh?" Seir grins, eyebrow raised, clearly teasing.

*[*1:47 AM*]* DM*:* Gunnloda: "I think the word you're looking for is 'flustered.'"

*[*1:47 AM*]* Nolanos*:* "So. Ryleigh. You two seem very close..." he grins good naturedly.

*[*1:48 AM*]* Seirixori*:* "So it *can* happen, who knew."

*[*1:50 AM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh smiles at them all and shakes her head, "we're just friends you guys, you're reading into it too much." Her eyes narrow playfully at Seir, "Gunnloda won't always be around."

*[*1:51 AM*]* DM*:* Gunnloda squeezes Seir's arms with her own. "Always."

*[*1:52 AM*]* Seirixori*:* "Hah!" Seir sticks her tongue out at Ryleigh.

*[*1:52 AM*]* Ryleigh*:* "You're disgusting, it's adorable." Ryleigh smirks at them, "goodnight everyone."

*[*1:55 AM*]* Nolanos*:* "Night, Ryleigh."

"Night, Ryleigh!" Seir says, turning back and poking at the first with one of the sticks.

 Session 42

*[*7:02 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh knocks on the door as she opens it. "Hey" she smiles tiredly at Safika as she enters the house and closes the door.

*[*7:03 PM*]* DM*:* Safika grins and shuts her book around her finger. "You look like shit. Cae's back though, so I guess you did it."

*[*7:07 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "You're being polite, I'm positive I look worse." Ryleigh shakes her head, grinning, and takes a seat. "We got to the stronghold and there were orcs everywhere" she puts her face in her hands, "Cae tried to convince us to let her die taking them out....but I just...I couldn't let her. We don't know anything about the strain of the virus...but we got her locked up and I've been up all night, I made her a promise that I wouldn't let her hurt anyone." She finally looks up at Safika but bites her tongue instead of saying anything further.

*[*7:09 PM*]* DM*:* Safika frowns. "Orcs?" She sighs heavily. "How many do you think?"

*[*7:11 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh's screws up her face, like shes trying to think, "we took out about 10 if not more, but there were more that we didn't kill. After being up all night, most of us were drained."

*[*7:12 PM*]* DM*:* "Probably preying on the hunters camps and travelers, but a group that large could start threatening small towns. They'll need to be taken care of, though I'm sure Cae's already come to that conclusion herself."

*[*7:15 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh nods, "I already told the others I was going back, with or without them. They're too close to Bellbury, the people here could get hurt if they're left at the stronghold. Some of them didn't like the idea of going back, but I have a responsibility to these people - especially now that I know the Orcs are there."

*[*7:19 PM*]* DM*:* She nods then smiles and sits back in her chair. "Well, if you need an extra pair of hands, let me know. I'm sure Cae won't be leaving any time soon."

*[*7:21 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh genuinely smiles, "Yeah? You'd come with me?" She coughs a little, "I mean, a helpful hand would be great. If you mean it. Like if you want to go. But you don't have to." Ryleigh facepalms, "I don't know why I can't words around you."

*[*7:30 PM*]* DM*:* She just laughs. "I'll go as long as Cae and Eloise aren't. Misha's birthday's around the corner, so if it's soon, I doubt they would." She pauses and looks at Ry for a moment. "Why aren't you with the rest of them? Celebrating or something?"

*[*7:36 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh raises an eyebrow at the word vomit of the moonstreams lives but doesn't comment. She shrugs, "they all have...their own things to do." Ryleigh's eyes focus on the wall, "I'm different from them, maybe too different. I'm not sure I belong. I just...you seemed really concerned when I told you about Cae, so I just wanted you to know. So you didn't worry."

*[*7:38 PM*]* DM*:* "That's sweet of you. I actually saw her come back a few hours ago, but I can't be everywhere all the time. Thanks." She pauses and adds, "If you need a place to rest, I'm willing to share. You look like you could use it."

*[*7:41 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "I really do," Ryleigh sighs heavily. "Are you sure? I don't want to intrude..." She rubs the back of her neck, "I'd be nice to actually sleep and not have to worry about overhearing anything that I don't want to hear....."

[7:43 PM] DM: She laughs. "You usually like overhearing in our line of work."

[7:56 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh chuckles nervously, "You got me there. But Urrak is loud when caught up in a moment of passion and hearing her mangled Elvish makes me cringe." She's quiet for a moment then says, "They barely know each other, and I just don't get how you can trust someone so easily with that part of yourself...it baffles me."

[8:01 PM] DM: "Oh that kind of overhearing. Gotcha." She pauses like she's thinking then shrugs. "To each their own, really. Nothing wrong with it. Or you."

[8:05 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh meets Safika's eyes, "I didn't...I mean...I wasn't judging. I've just never..." she gestures in a 'done the thing' way, then blushes and chuckles nervously again, "By the Gods, what's wrong with me?! I'm sorry for making things awkward...that seems to happen only around you."

*[*8:07 PM*]* DM*:* She shrugs. "I'll take it as a compliment." She winks and smiles. "Believe me, I've had my share of awkward moments myself."

*[*8:14 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "Please do take it that way, you're beautiful." Ryleigh says it casually - like the statement it is. "I don't think anyone has ever made me as nervous as you do though. It's a different kind of nerves than the ones I get before a mission or during battle." She looks pensive, like shes thinking, and then says bluntly, "I just know that I enjoy your company and I want to spent time with you." Ryleigh shrugs and smiles at Safika, "That's why I'm here and not with the others. You don't make me feel like an outsider."

*[*8:16 PM*]* DM*:* "I know that feeling well. Why aren't you fitting in with them?"

*[*8:20 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "They're irresponsible, they're careless, they act like a bunch of children without reason, fueled by emotion - its going to get them killed and when I say anything about it they look at me like...." Ryleigh runs a hand through her hair, "like I have a stick up my ass." She remains silent for a few seconds and the next phrase comes out harsh, "and sometimes I do, but its because I'm jealous that they have no responsibility to anyone but themselves." Ryleigh claps a hand over her mouth, eyes wide, she didn't mean to say it out loud.

*[*8:22 PM*]* DM*:* She scoots her chair closer. "I don't know what they teach you in those... paladin schools.... but... don't be afraid to feel. Your emotions aren't the enemy. They're part of you and trying to hold them in... it won't end well."

*[*8:33 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh looks into Safika's eyes and recites part of her credo, "*Emotions must remain controlled*, a thorough understanding of evil must be had, while body and will must both be honed to perfection to punish the greatest possible evil." She breaths out, "sometimes I feel like my emotions muddle what I know *needs* to be done." The thing she wanted to say earlier comes bubbling out, "Cae asked me to kill her when we got to the holding cell. She gave me knife and pressed her back against the bars. She told me that she *needed* to die and for a moment, the briefest of moments....I almost did kill her. Because she is a threat, maybe not this time, but what about next time? The time after that?" Ryleigh's eyes are filled with unshed tears, "but I couldn't kill someone out of fear...where's the honor in that?...her family needed her and I couldn't watch another family be ripped apart, but what if I made the wrong choice? My emotions, my heart, told me not to kill her, but my logic, my brain, told me to do it...."

*[*8:38 PM*]* DM*:* There's a flash of anger and possibly pain across her face. "Fuck honor. Your emotions were right." She takes a breath and steadies herself. "You brought a wife and mother home to her family so they don't have to bury her."

*[*8:45 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "That's what I told her...." Ryleigh sounds defeated, "she fought me the entire time and every time she did I thought *that* would be the moment that my heart wouldn't win the fight, that I wouldn't be strong enough to say no." Ryleigh stands abruptly, "I'm sorry for upsetting you...I shouldn't have...." She shakes her head and chooses her words carefully, "You seem very invested in Cae, Eloise, and Misha." Ryleigh doesn't press further but quickly adds, "I don't need to know why and I won't...give it further thought. I want you to trust me. To share if you need to. I'm sorry for upsetting you."

*[*8:49 PM*]* DM*:* She sighs and shakes her head. "Sit *down*, Ryleigh. It's not about *them*. It's about every person left at home while their loved one dies for a stupid reason like honor."

*[*8:53 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh sits back down quicker than she meant to, "Someone you loved di.." she clears her throat instead of finishing the sentence, "do you want to talk about it?" She adds lamely.

*[*8:55 PM*]* DM*:* "No."

*[*8:56 PM*]* DM*:* She lets it sit there for a second then adds, "I don't want you to be that person. Why are you all like that? Do they only accept broken, guilty people for training?"

*[*9:06 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "I think its us broken, guilty people that seek out the training, more so than them seeking after us." Ryleigh's voice is softer than it usually is, "I became a paladin because I was unhappy with the world. I feel the difference between what the world is and what I could make it." She pauses, then continues, "My brother was executed for a crime I committed when I was 15. It broke me, and I'm still trying to mend. I don't think I'll ever get over the guilt though."

*[*9:10 PM*]* DM*:* "I'm sorry about your brother." She sighs. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have snapped like that. I've seen this before, though... the guilt and the need to put the world on your shoulders. To *fix* the world. To fix... *something*. To make it worth something. It won't bring him back. You can't change the past."

*[*9:22 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh reaches out and sets her hand on Safika's, her voice is patient and soft, "You can be upset. And I know it won't bring him back. I know I can't change the past, but I *can* make a better future." A watery smile appears on Ryleigh's face at the memory of Avery, "it was our dream - a better tomorrow, but he was the brains and I was the emotion." She squeezes Safika's hand, "Someone has to try to fix the world, and I...won't accept that this is how things are. I'm sorry that you lost someone to 'honor'..to 'duty'...because I understand too well what it's like being left behind. It *is* hard." Ryleigh lets go of her hand, "but I'm not careless with my life, that would be an insult to his memory. Until I've changed this world for the better, I refuse to let them win, I refuse to die." She pauses then continues, "I *won't* be that person."

*[*9:26 PM*]* DM*:* "Then don't be. Remember the people you kill... some of them have people they'll leave behind too. Sometimes it can't be helped, but..." She sighs. "I'm glad they still have Cae. Family is important."

*[*9:36 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "It is important." Ryleigh leans forward and says, "thank you, for...being my soundboard" she echoes Safika's words from a few days before, "for everything. I don't know how long you've been alone or on your own, but I'm here for you - if you ever need to talk, or anything." She gives Safika a smile, "it's been 5 years since someone has reprimanded me, other than trainers, it's refreshing. And for the record, I'm glad Cae is still around for her family, even if she's a stubborn ass to us."

*[*9:41 PM*]* DM*:* She chuckles. "I can yell at you more if you want. You're welcome and... someday, maybe. It's dangerous information to tell and to hear."

*[*9:47 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh hums in understanding, "you never have to tell me, you know? I've been operating on a 'need to know basis' for a long time and if I don't need to know, I trust your judgement, but I'll be there for you regardless." Her gaze is intense, "You remind me that I can be the person he always saw, not the person other people see...." Ryleigh stands, "*if* I'm still welcome, I'd like to stay - I'm physically and mentally exhausted now."

*[*9:50 PM*]* DM*:* "Of course. Take the bed, if you like. It's through there."

*[*9:57 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh starts to walk to the bedroom but stops before she gets there, "uh, I just want you to know that sometimes I..." She shifts from foot to foot, not sure she *wants* to say anything but she also doesn't want another Urrak incident, "I get nightmares sometimes, after stressful encounters. *If* I do have one, don't try to wake me from it, I become violent if I'm forcefully woken." She avoids eye contact while talking, but looks up just to make sure she was heard, "you can also just... ignore it."

*[*9:58 PM*]* DM*:* "If you say so. Is there anything I can do to help?"

*[*10:02 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "I don't know...I've never been asked that." Ryleigh rubs her neck. "Maybe talk to me. Your voice might..I'm not sure, pull me back?" She shifts awkwardly again, "but please, don't feel obligated to comfort me." Ryleigh waits a moment and says, "I just...I don't want to hurt you." And when she says it, she means it in a double entendre.

*[*10:13 PM*]* DM*:* She nods and before Ryleigh can disappear into the room, she says, "Thank you, by the way. For offering. I had to change a lot of things and... cut myself off from everyone I knew. It might be time to start letting people in again. Sleep well."

*[*10:14 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh smiles at Safika over her shoulder and gives her nod of understanding before going to sleep.

 Session 43

*[*2:41 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh sleeps hard for nearly 6 hours, but then she starts to stir. Images of herself driving a silver dagger into Cae flash in her mind and Ryleigh's eyes fly open. Her breathing is uneven and there's a light layer of sweat on her forehead. Shaking her head and trying to even out her breathing, Ryleigh walks out of the bedroom.

*[*2:50 PM*]* DM*:* Safika's got two chairs sitting facing each other, resting her head against the back of one and using the other for her feet so she can curl up to sleep. Her cloak's wrapped around her and she's sleeping, but you can tell she's still tense like she's ready to jump into action immediately if she's awakened.

*[*2:54 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh frowns slightly, unsure if she *should* wake the other woman, but she looks uncomfortable. So Ryleigh kneels down beside the chair and gently whispers, "Rukiya" hoping the sound of her real name won't cause her to stab Ryleigh in the face.

*[*2:55 PM*]* DM*:* She doesn't even open her eyes. "You're supposed to be sleeping."

*[*2:58 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "I know, but I'm awake now and I probably won't be going to back to sleep....bad dream." Ryleigh's voice is still gentle and low, "take the bedroom, you can't be comfortable here."

*[*3:04 PM*]* DM*:* She cracks one eye open. "Since when is comfort a priority?" She sits up and at this point, you're not even sure if she was actually asleep because she's not groggy or sleepy. "You ok?"

*[*3:13 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh looks away. "Yes" she replies too quickly, but then sighs and says, "I don't know." She looks back at Safika, "were you even asleep? you could have told me if you couldn't sleep out here..."

*[*3:15 PM*]* DM*:* She just grins. "Only a little. I heard you get up. I can sleep anywhere, but I'm a very light sleeper."

*[*3:24 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "I usually am too, but after being up for 2 days I slept hard." Ryleigh smiles back, then quirks a playful eyebrow, "so, do you need me to carry you to the bedroom?" She chuckles, "but seriously, I know its easier to sleep when you don't feel exposed." Ryleigh pauses for a moment and then corrects herself, "not that you feel that way, that was an assumption. I know you can handle yourself. I didn't mean it to sound like...I mean...I know..." she laughs at herself, "I'm going to blame this one on lack of sleep."

*[*3:38 PM*]* DM*:* She laughs softly. "Blame it on whatever you want, but fine. If you insist. Wake me before you go?"

*[*3:43 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "Of course." Ryleigh smiles and stands, offering her hand to help Safika up from the chair, "I thought I was going to have to forcefully carry you to bed - the bedroom!" She stutters and feels her face heat up at the implication.

*[*3:48 PM*]* DM*:* "Trying to tell me something, Asten?" she winks as she stands.

*[*3:52 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh covers her face with her hands and groans, "just, let me grab Dawnbringer so the light doesn't bother you...." still blushing.

*[*3:54 PM*]* DM*:* Safika intentionally flirting just to tease Ry aside, morning does come and she'll come out of the room as she's reattaching her cloak.

*[*3:56 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "Sleep good?" Ryleigh asks from one of the chairs.

*[*3:57 PM*]* DM*:* She shrugs. "Sleep is sleep."

*[*4:00 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh stands, stretching while she does. She's still in a loose cotton shirt and sleep trousers, "it's better than no sleep I suppose. Let me get my armor on and then breakfast." she smiles at her companion as she disappears into the bedroom.

*[*4:03 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh returns dressed in her armor, Dawnbringer at her side. "Alright, lets go to the Cask to get breakfast."

*[*4:04 PM*]* DM*:* She chuckles. "I can't wait to see how you explain us showing up together."

*[*4:06 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "Oh gods, that didn't occur to me." Ryleigh's eyes grow wide, "they already assume so much about us."

*[*4:07 PM*]* DM*:* "Can't imagine why."

*[*4:09 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh's brow furrow, "it's because I stammer and blush around you."

*[*4:15 PM*]* DM*:* She laughs as she gestures for you to walk out the door. "Of course. To most people that's a pretty clear indication of attraction."

*[*4:22 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh walks out of the door, straightening her posture, chin raised, looking more like the paladin she is, "well you *are* attractive and I *do* think you're beautiful." She says matter of factly as they walk to cask.

*[*4:23 PM*]* DM*:* She follows, just casually walking at her side. "You know saying that doesn't help their perceptions."

*[*4:25 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "I don't care what they think." Ryleigh laughs, "but I care what you think. Does it bother you?"

*[*4:27 PM*]* DM*:* "No... does it bother you that I flirt back?"

*[*4:32 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "It makes me nervous, which is new but not unwanted." Ryleigh shrugs, "I want to get to know you. I want to be around you. I'm not sure what any of it means, but I don't mind the feelings."

## The Keep

*[*6:35 PM*]* DM*:* Safika grins. "It's a good thing you brought me, then, isn't it?"

*[*6:38 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh's mouth pull into a thin line at the idea, "but I think we'll have a better chance fighting them outside..." she's quiet for a a few moments then replies, "ok, go check it out and come back, and be careful."

*[*6:40 PM*]* DM*:* "I'm always careful." Safika winks at Ryleigh before slipping around the wall. If you're watching carefully, you can see her darting between the bits of wall, almost like a shadow, until she creeps up on the single entry to the keep.

*[*6:42 PM*]* DM*:* She slips inside the door and you see nothing more.

*[*6:42 PM*]* Seirixori*:* Seir hums, "I hate this part. The waiting."

*[*6:42 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh focuses on Safika moving from spot to spot and then lets out a breath she didn't realize she was holding when she disappears into the keep.

*[*6:43 PM*]* Urrak*:* "Hope yer girlfriend knows what she's doin..." Urrak picks a bit of dried blood off the sheath of her dagger.

*[*6:45 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "We're just friends." Ryleigh replies, still surveying their surroundings, waiting.

*[*6:46 PM*]* Seirixori*:* Seir just starts randomly giving everyone flower crowns while they wait.

*[*6:46 PM*]* DM*:* A minute passes.

*[*6:47 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh shifts from foot to foot.

*[*6:49 PM*]* Urrak*:* Urrak places a hand on Ryleigh's shoulder "It'll be alright. She seems perfectly capable."

*[*6:49 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* "If we need to go in after her, I can help so the orcs can't see you"

*[*6:51 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh chuckles, "Oh, I *know* how capable she is. She's put me on my back plenty of times." A moment too late, Ryleigh's eyes grow wide at what she said and quickly adds, "WHEN SPARRING!"

*[*6:51 PM*]* Urrak*:* "Uh huh." Urrak pats her shoulder and grins

*[*6:51 PM*]* Seirixori*:* Seir starts laughing and nearly chokes on it when trying to keep quiet about it.

*[*6:52 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* "I don't think the orcs want to know about what happens in your bedroom, Ry" Rav whispers while chuckling

*[*6:55 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh groans at the blush creeping up her neck, "by the gods, that's not what I meant." She shakes her head and says to the others, "She's swift, silent, and completely deadly. I'm confident she can handle herself, that doesn't mean I don't worry. She's still a half-Elf and orcs seem to really hate them."

*[*6:56 PM*]* DM*:* A second minute passes, but then the door opens and Safika closes it behind her before jogging back to the party across the open field.

*[*6:57 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* "See, your girlfriend is fine" Rav jokes before Safika rejoins the group

*[*6:58 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh gives Ravaphine a *look* before returning her gaze to Safika.

## Rukiya goes down

*[*2:11 AM*]* DM*:* Safika is going to get in close so she doesn't accidentally stab a friendly, then uses the dagger to sort of spin the fang around a little so Ryleigh has a better angle on him. (Ryleigh gets advantage on her next attack) "Now, Ry!" (21a, 15d) The darkness fades as the orc's concentration fails.

*[*2:12 AM*]* DM*:* Gunnloda can't do much at the moment, but she'll come closer to the cluster i the doorway. The Fang really didn't like being stabbed. He slashes at Safika for 40 points of damage and she is on the ground.

*[*2:13 AM*]* DM*:* Ryleigh!

*[*2:19 AM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh lets a scream tear from her throat as Safika falls to the ground. Enraged, Ryleigh drops her shield and grasps Dawnbringer with two hands charging the orc and aiming to take off its head. ((26 hit, 20 dmg))

*[*2:20 AM*]* DM*:* Take off its head, she does. Dawnbringer pulses with the smite's energy and almost seems to feed off Ryleigh's righteous anger and the orc never even knew what hit it before Ryleigh baseball swings and hits a home run.

*[*2:20 AM*]* DM*:* End of initiative.

*[*2:22 AM*]* Ravaphine*:* Rav picks up Ryleigh's shield to make sure it doesn't get forgotten

*[*2:24 AM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh drops to her knees, her eyes brimmed with tears. She cradles Safika's face in her hands and she begins to hum a prayer, healing Safika for 10 HP, using the last of her holy power.

*[*2:26 AM*]* Nolanos*:* Nolanos silently goes into the room with the fire and slumps into the corner. It has been a long day and he just needs to *sit.*

*[*2:27 AM*]* DM*:* Safika's eyes fly open as she regains consciousness and she sees Ryleigh and realizes what must have happened. She covers one of Ryleigh's hands with hers. "See? Knew I'd be safe."

*[*5:57 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh smiles - its one of relief. She lightly brushes her thumb on Safika's cheek, "you scared me."

*[*6:00 PM*]* DM*:* "Don't be such a softie. You've got a reputation to uphold." She sits up with a wink that turns into a wince.

*[*6:04 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh chuckles, but its cut short by Safika's wince, "take it easy" She puts a hand on Safika's shoulder to stop her from moving further. "That thing" Ryleigh points at the headless body, with anger in her eyes, "knocked you out with one blow."

*[*6:06 PM*]* DM*:* "And you killed it and brought me back." She grins, "My hero."

*[*6:12 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh rolls her eyes but there's a ghost of smile on her face, "you're too much sometimes, I swear." She looks over Safika then offers her hand, "do you want to stand? I think it'd be best if we get you back in with the others so you can rest a bit."

*[*6:14 PM*]* DM*:* She lets Ryleigh help her up. "I'll be fine. Just... gotta figure out where all my daggers ended up."

*[*6:15 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "I know you will be" Ryleigh smiles at her "but that doesn't stop me from worrying."

*[*6:19 PM*]* DM*:* "I know." She smiles at Ryleigh, then goes inside to search the orcs for her daggers.

*[*6:20 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh huffs, "this group is going to be the end of me" she thinks as follows Safika into the room.

*[*6:28 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Once Ryleigh enters the room she sees how everyone's paired off, everyone except Urrak. She approaches her, "Urrak....are you alright?"

*[*6:29 PM*]* Urrak*:* Urrak keeps her eyes towards the fire. Her arms are crossed her and knuckles are resting on her lips. She asks in a low voice "She alright?"

*[*6:31 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "She's tough. And she's definitely hurt but she'll be ok." Ryleigh's eyes follow Safika as she wanders from body to body collecting her daggers.

[6:34 PM] Urrak: "Glad t' hear it." she looks over and gives a small smile. "I don't think I've ever seen ye so angry, Ry. It was...intense. An' I've been at the wrong end of yer dagger." she swallows, flashes of last night playing in her mind. Her face flushes a bit as she speaks. She hopes the paladin just thinks it's the heat from the war hearth.

[6:39 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh looks back at Urrak when she starts talking, "I don't usually react like that...its been a long time since I've been so...triggered." Suddenly, she realizes she doesn't have her shield and looks around for it, but spots it next to Ravaphine. "Urrak, why are you being weird with me today?"

[6:42 PM] Urrak: Urrak looks away quickly, her stomach turning at the question. "I-ah...Honestly Ry in th' face o' all this it seems a bit...trivial." She rubs at the back of her neck and furrows her brow.  After a moment, she looks over at the group, at Seirixori and Gunnloda, at Ravaphine, Brimeia and Nolanos, and sighs. "But i-if ye really want t' know we can talk...elsewhere. This room's a bit...crowded."

[6:44 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh raises a questioning eyebrow, "Urrak, I don't want to leave the others, we're not sure whats in here. We can stand just outside the doorway, but I won't go any further. Will that suffice?"

[6:46 PM] Urrak: "Sure, Ry. I getcha." she leads them to the door, and stands with her back to the open doorway, steering Ryleigh to stand in front of her. She takes a deep breath "Alright....this is gonna be...mighty odd."

[6:48 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh just waits.

[6:51 PM] Urrak: Urrak takes a small step forward and lightly grabs the sides of Ryleigh's face. She places a hasty yet lingering kiss on her lips, pausing only a few seconds before pulling back. The expression on her face is quizzical, almost confused. She taps her knuckles against her lips, thinking.

"Huh...well now it makes even less sense t' me."

[6:54 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh slaps Urrak hard across the face, "What's wrong with you!?"

[6:57 PM] Urrak: "Fuckin' hells woman!" she rubs the side of her face. "I was just wonderin' why Malica would think I'd want t' bed you. S'far as I figured we were jus' friends." she thinks for a moment, remembering past interactions.

"Apparently folks have another idea...so I s'ppose I wanted t' make sure." she sort of smooshes her hand into her cheek "Godsdamn, y'hit like a lead pipe..."

[7:05 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh pushes Urrak into the door frame forcefully, "how dare you, nothing gives you the right to kiss me without my permission." Her voice is raised and her eyes are angry.

[7:07 PM] Urrak: Urrak bumps her head a bit on the stone behind her "Ack! Easy, now!" she puts her hands up "I-I'm sorry! Nine hells yer strong"

[7:11 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh is mad, but through the anger something clicks in her head, "wait....what do you mean Malica thinks you want to bed me? Why were you talking about me?"

[7:13 PM] Urrak: "I wasn't talkin' about ye! She jus'...well when we went back t' her room in th' Cask she...offered t' be ye. And Cae. But that one....that one I get." She wriggles a bit, out of discomfort over the topic and her position against the rough stone "C-Can ye let me go, Ry? I'll keep me lips t' m'self, I promise." she forces a chuckle

[7:17 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh steps back and releases Urrak, but she remains silent. She's taking deep, calming breaths and suddenly walks away.

[7:18 PM] Urrak: "R-Ry? Where are y' goin'?!" Urrak follows her after a few moments of shock "Ry??"

[7:21 PM] Ryleigh: "I cant believe you! You have a wife and a girlfriend and now you just kiss me!" Ryleigh's voice is rising again, "Why Urrak? Why would you do that!" She's visibly upset.

[7:29 PM] Urrak: "Whoa now, Malica's not--" she tries to stop her walking forward with a hand on her pauldron "I-I'm sorry Ry, I...wasn't thinkin clearly. All this," she gestures to the space around her "Has just...thrown me fer a loop I guess. I'm not tryin' t' collect a harem here I just...I-I don't know what...I..." she looks down at the floor. The changeling's offer runs through her mind "What I want..." She collects herself, letting out a sharp breath. "I wasn't tryin' t' make y' upset. But that ain't my decision. I upset ye, it was wrong, an' I'm sorry. Please feel free t' beat th' snot outta me...Jus' watch the nose ok? Been broken enough" she tries to lighten the mood, but feels it failing.

[7:31 PM] DM: Safika steps into Ryleigh's line of sight through the door. "Ryleigh? Everything ok out there?"

[7:33 PM] Urrak: Urrak starts to sweat a bit at the sound of Safika's voice

[7:36 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh’s mouth is drawn into a line and her brows are furrowed, her eyes are glassy as she looks at Safika, "No. It's not."

[7:38 PM] Urrak: "Ryleigh..." she withdraws her hand slowly and follows her gaze to Safika. She tries to look as non-threatening as a 6 foot 3 half-orc can.

[7:41 PM] DM: Safika (who, for the record is a whopping 5'5) takes a step forward and, though she keeps her eyes on Urrak, she puts her hand out towards Ryleigh and says, "Wanna come back in? Or do you need something else?"

[7:44 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh says to Urrak, "this is my fault, I've mislead you on what this is. I can't deal with this right now...I'm sorry." Ryleigh takes Safika's hand, "I need to come back in."

[7:46 PM] Urrak: "R-Ry it's not--" she watches them walk away. She finishes her thought to herself "It's not yer fault..."

[7:49 PM] DM: Safika leads Ryleigh to an unused corner of the room before putting her back to a wall and sinking down to a seated position with another wince. "You ok?"

[7:52 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh places her face in her hands, "no, I'm really not." She tries to breathe deeply again before answering further. Ryleigh whispers, "she kissed me."

[7:56 PM] DM: Safika takes one of her hands in hers in comfort, then after a few moments, leans in to whisper back with just the faintest hint of humor, "Want me to kill her for you?"

[7:59 PM] Ryleigh: "No.." Ryleigh laughs lightly at the comment.

[8:01 PM] Ryleigh: "It's my fault," she breathes out.

[8:02 PM] DM: "Ok, you're gonna have to explain that one to me because where I come from, people are responsible for their own actions."

[8:06 PM] Ryleigh: "oh no, she is definitely at fault for kissing me without my permission. But...this has happened before. People I get close to misinterpret my intentions. I must have made her think that we weren't just friends."

[8:12 PM] DM: "That's still not on you." She thinks for a moment and frowns. "I'm not sure what to do for you, but you let me know what it is and I'll do it. From listening to hiding bodies," she adds with another wink.

[8:20 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh chuckles again, "thank you...for coming to get me. You are my hero" she smirks, then squeezes Safika's hand, but continues, "because I was about to have a melt down. I think I need a moment to sit before I face anymore emotionally charged things."

[8:23 PM] DM: "No problem. I couldn't quite make out the words, but I knew the tone you were using. Take your time. You should be resting anyway."

[8:24 PM] Ryleigh: "You should be resting too." Ryleigh finally relaxes against the wall.

[8:25 PM] DM: "I'll rest when I'm-- wait..."

[8:27 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh looks at Safika and shakes her head, "I'm glad you didn't finish that sentence, I'm not in the mood the lecture you right now."

[8:28 PM] Urrak: Urrak, creeps back in, proverbial tail between her legs. She approaches cautiously, eyes on Safika. She takes a few steps towards the two and takes a knee in front of Ryleigh. She gently takes her hand and places its knuckles against her cheekbone. "If y' get me right 'ere hard enough, y'can break the zyg'matic bone. It'll make it real unpleasant to eat, talk, smile, pretty much anythin' t' do with th' face." she tries to meet her eyes but falters a bit and drops her hand. "Ry...this ain't yer fault, ok? Y'know I'm a wreck an a half. I guess I jus' really enjoy diggin' holes to throw m'self in."

[8:36 PM] Ryleigh: "Urrak...I." She sighs exasperatedly, "I don't get you and maybe I never will, but hurting you won't make me feel better and it won't erase what you did." Ryleigh doesn't move to touch Urrak in any way, "I'm upset and I just need time to process what happened. We can talk about it more once we're done here and back in Bellbury, but Urrak...." she waits a few moments searching Urrak's face, "don't ever kiss me again, unless you have my permission, do you understand me?"

[8:55 PM] Urrak: "A-aye. Aye, a'course, Ry." She nods, swallows and awkwardly stands "I'll uh, leave ye be then. Both of ye." She rubs at the back of her neck "S-sorry again..." She walks off and sits, her back to the wall and her eyes to the fire. After a minute she brings her knees up, crosses her arms on top of them and rests her chin on her arms. Her eyes scan the flames, as if looking for answers within them.

 Session 44

*[*9:52 PM*]* DM*:* Safika approaches silently. "Alone time, or need to talk?"

*[*9:54 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh looks at her, not sure what she wants, "I think I need to be away from *them* for a little bit. You know that doesn't include you, I'm always happy for your company."

*[*9:56 PM*]* DM*:* Safika smiles. "Well, if you'd rather I left you to your true love, just let me know. I can make do."

*[*10:00 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh chuckles as she grips Dawnbringer, "She gets me in a way most don't. I think you both have that in common." She smiles at Safika. "How are you feeling?"

*[*10:00 PM*]* DM*:* Safika shrugs. "Like I got blown up. It'll be sore a while, but I'm ok. It's been... an interesting trip."

*[*10:04 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "I'm sorry its been....rough. This group tries my patience. They're so reckless it upsets me. They don't value their lives, it just feels like none of them understand the loss that death brings to those close to them - or they simply don't care."

*[*10:06 PM*]* DM*:* She nudges Ryleigh's arm with her shoulder. "You could always come back to Riverrun with me."

*[*10:11 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "Don't tempt me with that." Ryleigh smiles at the contact, "and technically, my job here is finished." She looks out over the keep for a few moments then back at Safika, "but we both know that the job is never truly finished. I wish I could, we always have fun when we're in Riverrun together." Ryleigh laughs lightly at the memories, "I'm glad it was me they sent."

*[*10:13 PM*]* DM*:* "Me too. You're the first person I've felt close to in... a while. I hope you come back soon. Or maybe I'll just have to stick around until you do."

*[*10:20 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh gives Safika a toothy smile, one that reaches her eyes, "same here. No matter where we end up, I'll always find a way to track you down - or maybe you'll just always hear me coming." She chuckles again. But then Ryleigh opens her arms, offering a hug *if* Safika wants one.

*[*10:21 PM*]* DM*:* She laughs and gives her a hug. "You couldn't track me if you tried."

*[*10:23 PM*]* DM*:* "You know... armor's not very huggable."

*[*10:26 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "I know, sorry...but it's the thought that counts right?" She grins and releases Safika from the hug, "I know I could never track you, but I just want you to know that I'm always here if you need anything. And I'll remember to hug you when I'm not armor."

*[*10:28 PM*]* DM*:* "I'll keep it in mind." She glances back behind Ry at the group, then back at her. "Have any idea how you're going to deal with that? Or are you going to stay out here and brood until you get back to Bellbury?"

*[*10:30 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "My mood has improved, seems that space from the others is exactly what I needed. I'll have to talk to Urrak eventually, its just not a conversation I want to have."

*[*10:33 PM*]* DM*:* "She's wounded. I could still take her out for you."

*[*10:37 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Laughter bubbles out of Ryleigh's mouth before she can stop it, "I know you can, but don't." She's trying to catch her breath, "but thank you...the offer means a lot." Ryleigh straightens her posture, a smile still on her face, "I guess I *shouldn't* brood. Shall we?" She gestures back to the group.

*[*10:38 PM*]* DM*:* "You go first," she says with a wink.

*[*10:39 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh does, smirking at Safika, because let's be honest - everyone *should* know that Ry always goes first.

*[*10:45 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh walks back to the fire too. Taking a seat silently.

*[*10:46 PM*]* Urrak*:* Urrak notices Ryleigh, but decides now isn't the time. "Excellent." she lets her smile fade a bit "You'll have t' show me some of those moves, Brimeia. Y'hit hard and swift. It's like yer two people in one body."

*[*10:46 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* Rav's smile fades as well

*[*10:46 PM*]* DM*:* Safika plants herself between Ryleigh and Urrak.

*[*10:48 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh tries to hide a grin as Safika pointedly sits between her and Urrak.

*[*10:57 PM*]* Nolanos*:* Nolanos takes the awkward lull as a cue to find something to do, so he starts pulling out items for identification, still keeping an ear on the conversation.

*[*10:58 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* “You don’t have to stop talking on our account.”

*[*10:59 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* Rav busies herself with the contents of the bag as well

*[*11:00 PM*]* Nolanos*:* "I'm... not good at conversation, and these should get looked at. I don't mean to be rude."

*[*11:02 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh nods, not believing that at all. She leans over and doesn’t bother whispering to Safika, “I’m so glad we came back to fire. This isn’t awkward at all.”

*[*11:03 PM*]* DM*:* Safika just smiles and bumps her with her shoulder again, holding back a laugh.

*[*11:02 PM*]* Kyris - Brimeia*:* "Are you sure you can *handle* seeing my moves?" Brimeia grins at Urrak.

*[*11:03 PM*]* Urrak*:* "Smug as always." she playfully elbows her "I can handle whatever y' throw at me."

*[*11:05 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh watches the exchange between Brimeia and Urrak with narrowed eyes, “sure, but don’t forget that we all saw how well you handled yourselves last time...or lack thereof.”

*[*11:07 PM*]* Urrak*:* Urrak turns to Ryleigh, surprised by her contribution to the discussion. She gives a small smile "Ha, well, *next time* I'll know what I'm up against." she flexes comically "Ain't no one beatin' me twice."

*[*11:09 PM*]* Seirixori*:* Seir walks up, grabs a couple rations and then goes right back to where she was.

*[*11:14 PM*]* Nolanos*:* Nolanos looks up when Seir walks by but doesn't say anything. He wants to say something, but also she *really* seems to like her alone time...

*[*11:10 PM*]* Kyris - Brimeia*:* Brimeia gives Urrak a skeptical look. "You keep telling yourself that. But you do have a good move or two yourself."

*[*11:12 PM*]* Urrak*:* "I'll show ye, jus' wait fer our rematch." she winks at her and shifts her position so one knee is up and the other is crossed. She rests her arm on the raised knee and watches the firelight flicker across her mended sleeve. She didn't realize how fine the fabric of the tunic was until this moment.

*[*11:13 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh explains to Safika, "I took them to Thormyr's in Riverrun. That one" Ryleigh points to Brimeia, "broke the rules and nearly killed that one" she points to Urrak. "It was such a great time for them, they want to relive it."

*[*11:15 PM*]* DM*:* Safika looks between the two of them. "I'm guessing he wasn't thrilled by that."

*[*11:16 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "I'm pretty sure I'm the only reason he didn't call the city guard."

*[*11:15 PM*]* Kyris - Brimeia*:* Brimeia rolls her eyes and gets up to walk over toward Seirixori.

*[*11:20 PM*]* DM*:* Safika leans back on her hands. "You guys all... really like each other, huh?"

*[*11:24 PM*]* Urrak*:* Urrak is hesitant to speak, but wants desperately to fill the silence "We've...got interestin' ways of showin' it at times but...I'd say so." she avoids eye contact with Safika, her tone slightly embarrassed and quiet.

*[*11:24 PM*]* Nolanos*:* "Normally, yes.... today was just... a lot, I guess," Nolanos responds quietly.

*[*11:26 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh knows she doesn't have to answer, because Safika already knows how she feels about the others. Instead, she focuses on the flicker of the flames.

*[*11:29 PM*]* Urrak*:* "We're...reckless an' impulsive an' just...*flawed* in a lotta ways but...I can't think of any one else t' do all this mad business with. It's...stressful. But we all try t'help each other. Even if that person's pissed us off t' no end. Seems we all come around..." she glaces sideways at Ryleigh "Eventually anyways." she worries her sleeve, rubbing the fabric between her thumb and forefinger

*[*11:32 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "Careless. You forgot that one." Ryleigh is still focused on the dancing fire.

*[*11:33 PM*]* Urrak*:* "Aye...Horribly so." she lets out a sigh and looks to the ground beneath her.

*[*11:35 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* Rav throws an orange at Ryleigh from her sleeping spot. “*lighten up*” she grumbles in elvish before falling back asleep

*[*11:37 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh slaps the flying fruit away and grumbles something in elvish in return. Afterward, she finally looks at Urrak and there's sadness in her eyes, but she chooses not to comment further. Instead, she reaches for Safika's hand - just to ground to herself.

*[*11:38 PM*]* DM*:* Safika takes it with a little squeeze.

*[*11:40 PM*]* Kyris - Brimeia*:* Brimeia takes her time walking back, not exactly eager to reenter the atmosphere she just left. Still, she strides purposefully over to Ryleigh as soon as she enters the circle of light and addresses the paladin without hesitation. "Seirixori wants to talk to you," she says simply before walking on to where Ravaphine is and settling in the bedroll next to her.

*[*11:44 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh looks taken aback for a moment, then says in elvish to Safika, "*I'll be right back...and come find me if they're too much.*" she gestures to the group. Ryleigh stands and walks in the direction Seirixori went.

## Session 45

*[*5:09 PM*]* Urrak*:* Urrak watches Ryleigh leave, shifting her gaze quickly when she feels the weight of Safika's presence now that she's gone. She shifts awkwardly and begins to dig through her bag. She pulls out the small statuette and turns it in her hands. The grain of the bone reflects the fire's light.

*[*5:11 PM*]* DM*:* Safika pulls a rag out of a pouch and starts cleaning each of her daggers.

*[*6:18 PM*]* DM*:* Safika mutters under her breath as she slides her last dagger back into place on her belt.

*[*6:18 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* "You can come too, Safika. If you don't hate us by the end of this all"

*[*6:19 PM*]* DM*:* She glances up at Rav, surprised to be addressed at all and suddenly wondering if she'd said what she did out loud. "I'm going to be headed back to Riverrun soon, but thanks."

*[*6:20 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* Rav nods, not surprised

*[*6:22 PM*]* Urrak*:* "You an' Ryleigh, a-are ye--" she struggles to words around Safika, afraid to step on the toes of a heavily armed assassin "Are ye in the same line o' work? I mean, I can see yer not a paladin but, workin' fer higher up folks there?"

*[*6:23 PM*]* DM*:* Safika raises an eyebrow and smirks. "Maybe I am a paladin."

*[*6:27 PM*]* Urrak*:* "Oh yeah? Y'serve his holiness, Asten, as well?." Urrak plays along, though she remains cautious of her words

*[*6:28 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* Rav just lays there in silence, hoping to not witness a murder tonight

*[*6:29 PM*]* DM*:* She shrugs. "In my own way, I suppose. But no, our paths tend to cross frequently, but she's attached to the Asten temple in Riverrun and I'm more of a freelancer."

*[*6:34 PM*]* Urrak*:* "I'm not one t' put too much faith in gods m'self. When yer patron deity doesn't care fer ye like he does his purebred children y'tend to form a grudge. Wouldn't trust a god as far as I could throw 'em." she takes a breath, finally meeting Safika's gaze "'M glad y'came with us. Y'really helped us outta some rough spots. Though, I'm sure after almost bein' sliced in half perhaps yer experience wasn't th' best." she runs her hand over the shaved side of her head nervously

*[*6:39 PM*]* DM*:* "I thought Ryleigh could use an extra pair of hands and these orcs needed to be dealt with. My wounds will heal, but I knew Ry would have my back."

*[*6:40 PM*]* Urrak*:* "Y'can always count on that from Ryleigh." she looks away quickly as if saying the paladin's name was a slur. She coughs awkwardly "W-well thank ye, in any case."

*[*6:46 PM*]* DM*:* She hums an acknowledgment.

*[*7:15 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh takes her seat next to Safika and whispers, "I see you didn't have to kill anyone while I was gone." Nudging her shoulder playfully.

*[*7:16 PM*]* DM*:* Safika grins and replies in elvish, *"I'm pretty good at self-restraint."*

*[*7:19 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh quirks an eyebrow and mumbles something back in Elvish, before turning her attention back to the group.

*[*8:24 PM*]* DM*:* Gunnloda finishes her prayers and heads over to Seir. Safika appears from behind one of the walls and heads to Ryleigh. "Nothing in the immediate area."

*[*8:25 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "Thanks for checking" She smiles at her. "Alright everyone, are we ready to head out?"

*[*8:26 PM*]* Seirixori*:* "Hey want to arrive on a horse and look all fancy and heroic?" Seir asks Ryleigh, grinning just enough to show that she's mostly kidding.

*[*8:28 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh chuckles, "I suppose my black armor isn't fancy *or* heroic looking."

*[*8:28 PM*]* Seirixori*:* "Nope, not at all."

*[*8:29 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "Good, it's meant to be intimidating rather than heroic."

*[*8:29 PM*]* DM*:* Safika chuckles. "And here I thought it was to pretend you were stealthy."

*[*8:31 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh's eyes widen in mock surprise, "shhhhh. Stop telling all my secrets." She jokes.

*[*8:54 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh announces to the group, "I need to go let Eloise know that we're back and that the keep has been cleared." She turns to Safika, "do you...where are...are you going back to the house or the cask?" she finally gets the words out of her mouth.

*[*8:56 PM*]* DM*:* Safika: "Depends. Do you wanna get away or would you rather stick around here? I'll stay til you get back if you want me to."

*[*8:58 PM*]* DM*:* Gunnloda heads into the Cask and starts pouring drinks for people since there's no real need for food.

*[*8:59 PM*]* Urrak*:* Urrak shifts awkwardly in place as she watches Ryleigh and Safika speak. She's unsure of which conversation she's dreading more now that they're back in town.

*[*8:59 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "I don't know." Ryleigh taps her chin in thought, "I think I should at least try to be around the others, but if you aren't comfortable you don't have to. I just wanted to know where you'd be once I get back from the mansion."

*[*9:00 PM*]* DM*:* She smiles. "I'll stick around for a bit then. You can let me know how the talk goes."

*[*9:01 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh nods and gives her a small smile, "alright." And head to Moonstream mansion.

*[*9:01 PM*]* DM*:* Safika heads into the Cask and takes a seat at the bar to wait.

*[*10:06 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh walks into the cask and spots Safika. She moves immediately to her, "Eloise is stopping by here before night falls. She wants to give the group a reward."

*[*10:13 PM*]* DM*:* Safika nods to Ryleigh. "I should probably go before she gets here, but I can stay a little while. Hide behind the bar if she shows up," she laughs. "Everything ok?"

*[*10:16 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh chuckles. "I'd be funny to see you vault over the bar and hide behind it, but I'd rather you not have to do that." She nods, "Yeah, she just wanted to know what happened...the night Cae" Ryleigh looks around and whispers, "changed."

*[*10:17 PM*]* DM*:* Safika nods. "Did you see either of the other two?"

*[*10:18 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "I didn't, but I did tell Eloise that I was happy her family was together. I hope I didn't overstep." Ryleigh rubs the back of her neck.

*[*10:19 PM*]* DM*:* Safika chuckles. "Eloise isn't nearly as stuck up as some of the other Moonstreams. Her sister's the one to watch out for."

*[*10:25 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "I've never met Duchess Katarina." Ryleigh says to Safika, "So I'll keep that in mind." She relaxes a little bit.

*[*10:49 PM*]* DM*:* Safika leans forward on her elbows. "So, what's next for your plucky little band of adventurers?"

*[*10:51 PM*]* Seirixori*:* "I get to meet Moki and find a cave!" Seir says excitedly to Safika, too excited to realize she should explain herself.

*[*10:52 PM*]* DM*:* Safika laughs. "I'm sure that's very exciting news."

*[*10:53 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh takes a drink of water and laughs lightly into her cup at Seir's outburst.

*[*10:53 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "Who's Moki?"

*[*10:54 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* "Are they related to Loki?"

*[*10:55 PM*]* Seirixori*:* "Who?" Seir asks, but quickly brushes it off, "I... okay I don't really know who Moki is. Takara said Moki was her champion and that they would show me to a cave tomorrow that might be a good place for Stool!"

*[*10:57 PM*]* Nolanos*:* "Stool is finally getting a permanent home? How'd you manage that?"

*[*10:57 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "That's awesome, Seir. Stool is that myconid you were telling me about, right?"

*[*10:58 PM*]* DM*:* Safika: "Wait, you know Takara?"

*[*10:58 PM*]* Seirixori*:* "Yes! They were with us at the dinner. I don't think you really talked to them much though." She nods to Safika. "Uh.. yes?" her voice raises in pitch near the end.

*[*10:59 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "Seirixori actually talks to the Gods, neat huh?" Ryleigh says to Safika.

*[*11:00 PM*]* DM*:* Safika raises an eyebrow. "Talks to gods, changes into dinosaurs. Is there anything you don't do?"

*[*11:01 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh smiles broadly at Safika's comment, but is watching for Seir's reaction.

*[*11:01 PM*]* Kyris - Brimeia*:* "Sneaking, perhaps," Brimeia chuckles.

*[*11:02 PM*]* Seirixori*:* Seir glances at Gunnloda at Ryleigh's comment and then blushes at Safika's, "Um... that... you... dance?" Seir finishes lamely.

*[*12:06 AM*]* DM*:* She moves forward to Safika, reaching into the box again, but Safika interrupts. "I'm not actually part of their group, Baroness."

Eloise stops short, but finishes pulling the coin out anyway. "Oh, that's... I'm sorry, have we met before? You look very familiar."

*[*12:08 AM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh shifts nervously in her seat and hopes no one notices. She also glances at Safika, trying to determine how uncomfortable the woman is by the question.

*[*12:09 AM*]* Urrak*:* Urrak watches their interaction, a quizzical look on her face. She pays close attention to how Eloise reacts.

*[*12:10 AM*]* DM*:* Safika doesn't seem fazed by the question at all. She just says, "No, though you did see me here in the morning before we left."

*[*12:11 AM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh relaxes a little once she realizes Safika is fine. She takes a drink from her cup to compensate.

*[*12:18 AM*]* DM*:* Eloise looks at her for a moment longer, then seems to accept that statement.

*[*12:16 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* After Eloise leaves, Ryleigh nudges Safika with her shoulder and says, "I need to talk to Urrak. I won't sleep good tonight if I don't..."

*[*12:17 PM*]* DM*:* Safika nods. "Do you want me to stick around?"

*[*12:19 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh thinks for a little bit, "you can if you'd like, but its also alright if you want to head back to the house. I can always find you there and its....probably likely I'll need to be somewhere safe later..." she looks a little downcast.

*[*12:21 PM*]* DM*:* Safika reaches out and takes her hand. "Hey... you didn't do anything wrong, ok? Come find me after."

*[*12:24 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh takes comfort in the contact and nods, "i will." She stands and walks over to Urrak. Ryleigh reaches out a hand to get Urrak's attention out of habit, but pulls it back almost immediately. Instead she clears her throat to Urrak's attention.

 Ry's Breakdown

*[*5:29 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh walks away from the temple, shoulders back and eyes forward, all bravado but it’s all a farce. She can feel herself fraying at the edges. She passes the Cask and her step falters. The others, they confuse her. They tell her she’s family and that she’s welcome to join them; but she can also see that they fear her, that she doesn’t fit in, and it kind of hurts. She picks up her pace, walking quickly by the Cask and heading to the slums.

Ryleigh’s always been brash and has always spoke her mind, but she also chooses her words carefully. She tries to build others up, motivate them to be the best they can be, she rarely uses words to cut people down. Is that why she lessened the blow to Urrak? She starts to lightly jog to her destination. She was considering reporting back to Riverrun and then returning to help the group on their adventures, because they do need her. “Always needed but never wanted” she thinks to herself.

She breaks into a run. It’s all too much. Cae’s request, Eloise’s kindness, the other’s recklessness, Urrak’s kiss, Safika crumbling to the ground - it’s left Ryleigh feeling raw and vulnerable. She reaches the door and knocks before staggering into the room. She’s started to crack. Ryleigh suddenly feels restricted by the armor that usually gives her comfort, its heavy and she needs it off because it’s hard to breathe. Without warning she starts grabbing at her armor in attempt to remove it. There’s blackness at the edge of her vision. She’s dizzy and falls to her knees.

*[*12:01 AM*]* DM*:* There's a cool hand on Ryleigh's forehead, then swift fingers find the clasps and buckles of her breastplate, helping to pull it off. Once it's on the floor, Safika takes one of Ryleigh's hands in hers and puts her other hand on her back. "Breathe, Ry. You're ok. Just breathe."

*[*12:05 AM*]* Ryleigh*:* Once the breastplate is off Ryleigh feels some relief but her heart is racing. She manages a very shaky, "I....can't...." before her eyes fill with tears - she's scared.

*[*12:07 AM*]* DM*:* She squeezes Ryleigh's hand tight, but not enough to hurt, just enough to make her feel it, and maneuvers around in front of her to catch her eye. "Hey, look at me, Ryleigh. You're safe. Nothing's going to hurt you here. Breathe with me. In.... out...."

*[*12:14 AM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh's eyes find Safika's and she starts to breathe with her, squeezing Safika's hand to ground herself. It takes several minutes of this before Ryleigh's breathing finally starts to regulate, but she's still shaking and trying desperately not to cry.

*[*12:16 AM*]* DM*:* Safika gently brushes a bit of hair from Ryleigh's face, unsure how much touching is ok. "What do you need, Ry? Can I hug you?"

*[*12:22 AM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh doesn't answer, instead she falls into Safika's arms. And it's been so long since she's sought out physical comfort that she's shook by how much she needs it, by how much she wants it - the tears finally come.

*[*12:25 AM*]* DM*:* Safika holds her and alternates between rubbing her back and running her hand over the back of Ryleigh's head. She just keeps repeating, "It's ok... you're ok... let it out... I've got you..."

*[*12:30 AM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh cries for several minutes, letting everything that's happened over the last week wash over her. She finally quiets but doesn't pull away, "I felt like I was dying....I don't know what happened...."

*[*12:33 AM*]* DM*:* She makes no move to pull away if Ryleigh doesn't. "That's what happens when you don't let yourself feel... when you bottle it too long and it explodes."

*[*12:37 AM*]* Ryleigh*:* "I don't know how else to be..." Ryleigh's voice is small.

*[*12:40 AM*]* DM*:* She sighs and decides that this isn't the time for a lecture and just holds Ryleigh for as long as she wants to be held.

*[*12:45 AM*]* Ryleigh*:* "I'm sorry if I scared you. After my talk with Urrak...everything just felt like to much. It...I guess it all overwhelmed me." She's quiet for a while, realizing this is the first time she's found comfort in someone else since Avery died, she swallows the lump in her throat and her voice crack as she says, "thank you."

*[*12:47 AM*]* DM*:* "It's no problem. What are friends for if not to help them through breakdowns and hold back their hair while they puke?"

*[*12:53 AM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh lets out a watery laugh and reluctantly pulls away from the embrace. "I wouldn't know what friends are for, I only had my family and then I didn't even have them. Most people just see someone scary in black armor. You're the first person who's ever looked past that."

*[*12:56 AM*]* DM*:* "Well that's just silly. I don't think you're scary at all."

*[*1:01 AM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh raises an eyebrow not believing the other woman, "really? you don't think I'm scary at all?"

*[*1:02 AM*]* DM*:* She just huffs a little chuckle. "No? Should I?"

*[*1:12 AM*]* Ryleigh*:* "Yes." Ryleigh bites her lip, because she doesn't want to push Safika away but she also wants to be honest, "I'm afraid of myself sometimes. When the orc at the keep hit you and I saw your body crumble to the ground...I couldn't think of anything other than killing it...I wanted it to die and I wanted to do it. I took its head clear off with one swipe. That rage helps me survive, but it scares me too. It was the first time the others saw it and you saw how they were at the campfire, the awkwardness. I can't help thinking its because they saw the monster inside of me."

*[*1:20 AM*]* DM*:* She smiles in this almost patronizing way. "Ryleigh... they all killed dozens of those orcs. I put a dagger through one of their eyes. They were awkward because of what happened between you and the big one... and maybe a little afraid of me because they don't know anything about me except that I would stab any of them for you." She grins at the last bit to show she's *mostly* joking. "You don't have a *monster* inside you. It's just anger... anger and guilt and... whatever else you have in here," she puts her hand on Ryleigh's chest, "that you don't let out in a healthier way."

*[*1:36 AM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh's worry instantly vanishes when Safika begins to speak. She lets the other woman's words wash over her and takes a breath she didn't realize she was holding when Safika places her hand over Ryleigh's heart. "I..." She pauses, unsure of what to say. "I want to believe you, but..." Ryleigh looks away not wanting to see disappointment on Safika's face.

*[*1:40 AM*]* DM*:* She pulls her hand away and leans over a little to try to catch Ryleigh's eye. "Hey, I know something buried this deep in you is going to take more than one conversation to make it sink in. I'll remind you again and again until you learn to accept it. You might not have had anyone for a while, but you've got me now, whether you like it or not."

*[*1:53 AM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh does look at Safika as she beings to speak, unconsciously nodding along with what she's saying. "...and you've got me, whether you like it or not." She takes Safika's hand and looks into her eyes, "there aren't words in any language I know that can fully express how much I needed this or how much I need you." Ryleigh's eyes fill with tears of gratitude, "thank you falls short and feels lackluster, but thank you."

*[*1:55 AM*]* DM*:* "Any time." She pauses again, then asks, "Is now a bad time to ask what happened? I assume it didn't go well."

*[*2:04 AM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh gives another watery laugh, "it didn't go *too* badly. I asked for explanation and she said that everyone thought we had feelings for each other and to see if she did - she kissed me. I told her she could have just asked, but..." she shrugs "she didn't. So there's nothing I can do about that. I told her I wanted to mend what friendship was forming between us, but if I'm being honest" Ryleigh sighs "it hurt because I thought she understood me and her kiss just reminded me how different I am...from everyone."

*[*2:06 AM*]* DM*:* She tilts her head a little and asks, with just a hint of teasing, "This isn't *the monster* again, is it?"

*[*2:15 AM*]* Ryleigh*:* "Gods no" Ryleigh actually laughs. "Everyone just...." her mouth pulls into a thin line while she thinks, "everyone I know has sex or has the urge to, and I don't. I know how attraction works, I understand how to seduce someone, but I guess I don't understand the difference between platonic and romantic behavior. I think she mistook our physical interactions as a come on, but it wasn’t...” she sighs, frustrated.

*[*8:32 PM*]* DM*:* "I'm sorry... I know a little something about being different too. Sometimes it catches you off-guard when you're reminded. It can sting. But... unless you're going around telling her to kiss you or... I don't know why she'd think that's acceptable."

*[*8:43 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "I didn't ask her to," Ryleigh responds almost immediately and quickly looks away, a light blush on her cheeks. "She did apologize for not taking my feelings into consideration *and* for taking what she wanted..." uncertainty evident in her voice. "I don't know why I gave her the power to hurt me. I should have known better."

*[*8:48 PM*]* DM*:* "You can't go through life with your insides as armored as your outsides, Ry. It's not good for you."

*[*8:59 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh reaches out her hand, hesitating long enough for Safika to pull away, before gently placing her hand on Safika's cheek, "I'm trying with you...." there's a tenderness in Ryleigh's eyes as she says, "and maybe you should take your own advice."

*[*9:05 PM*]* DM*:* She smiles. "Believe me, I know. If there was another way to do what I needed to do, I'd have done it. My walls are... more important than to just me."

*[*9:15 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "I understand what it's like to operate on a need to know basis. I don't have to know to be here for you, Rukiya." Ryleigh brushes her thumb across Safika's cheek, before letting her hand fall.

*[*9:24 PM*]* DM*:* "I appreciate it... and I don't want you to think it's because I don't trust you. I know you'd do your best to keep my secret... but you know what they say about how two people can keep a secret. I'd hate to have to kill you," she adds with a smirk.

*[*9:37 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh starts to laugh, "if that's the case than maybe I should be thanking you for not telling me all of your secrets." Her laughter begins to die out but there's still a smile on her face as she blurts out, "I love you." Ryleigh's eye widen as she realizes what she said and quickly corrects herself, "being around you! I love being *around* you."

*[*9:38 PM*]* DM*:* She just raises an eyebrow and grins. "Trying to tell me something, Ryleigh?"

*[*9:41 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh audibly groans as a blush creeps up her neck. She pinches the bridge of her nose and is suddenly aware of Safika's proximity to herself. "I say the stupidest things around you. Anyone who saw us interact would never believe I seduce people to get information."

*[*9:47 PM*]* DM*:* She laughs. "Well, for most people, I'd say that's probably because you like me more than you realize... but I'll admit I'm not really sure how all of that works for you. Before you go and get all weird on me, let me add that I am perfectly content being your friend and I'm not uncomfortable with your affection so don't feel like you need to change. I'm not going to test boundaries or anything else. You let me know where your lines are and I'll stay on the other side of them."

*[*10:00 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "I'm not entirely sure how it works for me either" Ryleigh grumbles out, still mentally slapping herself. She takes a breath before meeting Safika's eyes, "...thank you," she says it slowly and tries to put some feeling into the phrase that does quite fit her level of relief. "I was worried that maybe this" she gestures between them "would change because of what I said. All of these feelings are new to me and I'm not sure how to work them out, but I promise to let you know where the boundaries are."

*[*10:02 PM*]* DM*:* "Nope. You're stuck with me. Well... our respective missions allowing, anyway." She frowns, remembering that she *did* have a mission here before Ryleigh showed up.

*[*10:04 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh notices her frown and asks, "What is it?"

*[*10:06 PM*]* DM*:* "I'll have to get back eventually. It'll be weird with you gone."

[12:19 AM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh takes Safika's hand, "Why don't you stay? Just until the arch is complete." She realizes how vulnerable she probably sounds, but decides not to care. "Then we can go to Riverrun together, because Berolt will want a full report on everything, and you know the things I don't and visa versa."

*[*10:22 PM*]* DM*:* "Well, I still haven't finished my investigation. I'm at a bit of a standstill. Leads and theories, but nothing solid. And now that I've been face to face with Eloise, maybe my worry was unfounded. Not that I'd like to repeat that."

*[*10:29 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "I'd ask why, but it's not necessary that I know. But I'm sorry about that, it was partially my fault. I should have told you to go but I wanted you to stay."

*[*10:33 PM*]* DM*:* "You can always ask. I may not answer. And you did warn me. It was my choice to stay. Long, very interesting but entirely off-limits story short, I was afraid she'd recognize me from the life I had before."

*[*10:41 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "Not that you *needed* a good reason but that sounds like a good reason to not want another interaction with Eloise." Ryleigh realizes she's still holding Safika's hand and loosens her grip, letting Safika decide if she wants to break the contact. "Let me know if there's anything you need me to do to make sure it doesn't happen again."

*[*10:46 PM*]* DM*:* She shrugs. "I can handle it if it comes up, and it's not like either of us can control the Moonstreams. It's actually Misha I'd be most worried about, but I don't think she's been seen out of the house since the thing happened. But thanks for offering anyway."

*[*10:53 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "I think Eloise is being very 'mama bear' about both Cae and Misha right now. Rightfully so, they've been through a lot in the last 2 weeks." Ryleigh audibly swallows before asking, "You can say no, but could I stay here tonight? The thought of being at the Cask and possibly running into the others is something I can't deal with right now." She waits a moment before quickly adding, "I'll take the chairs tonight *if* I can stay."

*[*10:57 PM*]* DM*:* "You're welcome to stay. I'd even say we can share, if that's not too weird for you, but I'd rather not be stabbed in my sleep either. If you'd rather, we could always go find a house with two beds. It's not like there's a shortage. In fact... I know of one."

*[*11:08 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh chuckles at the stabbing comment, "I don't want to stab you by accident either. I think its safer for the both of us to find a different house." She stands and looks at her scattered armor, she picks it up and places it in a corner of the room, she grabs Dawnbringer. "Lead the way" she smiles and holds the door open for Safika.

## Session 46

*[*7:17 PM*]*Ryleigh*:*Ryleigh drops her shield in surprise and it clatters to the floor. She slowly backs away from the golem, eyes wide.

*[*7:18 PM*]*DM*:*Safika: "Ry? You ok?"

*[*7:20 PM*]*Ryleigh*:*Ryleigh startles, forgetting the others were there. "I.." she looks into Safika's eyes and says, "no" before her taking her hand in comfort.

*[*7:24 PM*]*Brimeia*:*"I'm fine. Ryleigh, you good to get out of grab one of the magic people and get out of here or you need a minute?"

*[*7:27 PM*]*Ryleigh*:*"I'm...I'm fine." Ryleigh says and she lets go of Safika's hand and grabs the human in heavy armor.

*[*7:46 PM*]*Ryleigh*:*Ryleigh walks away from the closet and towards the south door. She peers down the hallway.

*[*7:47 PM*]*DM*:*It looks like an empty hallway.

*[*7:49 PM*]*DM*:*You go to flip through the books and the first thing you notice is that they're leather bound... but it's not like... cow leather. Inside are instructions, the history of construct creation, and a journal from the person who made these... or at least one of them.

*[*7:52 PM*]*Ravaphine*:*Rav looks very uncomfortable but she pockets the stuff anyway, along with the potions, scroll, and pack

*[*7:50 PM*]*Ryleigh*:*Ryleigh shifts uncomfortably.

*[*7:51 PM*]*Urrak*:*"We got th' component? Let's get th' hells outta here."

*[*7:51 PM*]*Ryleigh*:*Ryleigh steps into the hallway.

*[*7:53 PM*]*Brimeia*:*"You found it? Then let's get out of here! Where's the paladin wandering off to?"

*[*7:53 PM*]*Ravaphine*:*"Ryleigh, we got the component. It's time to go. As much as I would like to see what else this place has around"

*[*7:54 PM*]*Ryleigh*:*Ryleigh looks over her shoulder - torn. She knows what she *should* do and what she *wants* to do. She takes another step down the hallway.

*[*7:55 PM*]*DM*:*Safika walks up to Ryleigh, but doesn't touch her. "Ry? Where're you going?"

*[*7:56 PM*]*Urrak*:*Urrak looks over to Ryleigh and Safika, watching their interaction

*[*7:56 PM*]*Brimeia*:*"Hey! Weren't you getting all mad at us for wandering off recklessly last time?"

*[*7:57 PM*]*Ravaphine*:*"Talk to us, Ryleigh. You know this isn't fair. If there is something you need to check out here, we can help. Just talk to us"

*[*7:59 PM*]*Ryleigh*:*Ryleigh swallows and her step falters at Safika's voice, "I..." She looks at the others and then back down the hallway. Ryleigh closes her eyes and takes a breath. She steps back into the room, silently lifting the armored human onto her shoulder, "lets go" she says, looking at none them.

*[*8:02 PM*]*Ravaphine*:*She picks up the body and makes sure everyone is touching, before pushing Poni's button

*[*8:06 PM*]*Ryleigh*:*Ryleigh puts the body down and walks over to Safika, taking her hand to ground herself.

*[*8:12 PM*]*Ryleigh*:*“I’ve seen the brand those golem wore. They were attacking towns in Ascus.” Ryleigh’s staring at her and Safika’s hands as she offers this information to all of you.

*[*8:13 PM*]*DM*:*Safika squeezes Ry's hand.

*[*8:14 PM*]*Brimeia*:*Brimeia turns at the sound of Ryleigh's voice, surprised. After a pause, she responds, "Something personal, then? Something pretty bad?"

*[*8:15 PM*]*Urrak*:*"If we can, we'll go back." Urrak walks over to a table and exchanges the fancy lute for Malica's lovingly worn one. "Anyone have a potion or somethin' I'd rather not be this beat up before walkin' int' another dungeon."

*[*8:17 PM*]*Ryleigh*:*Ryleigh looks like shes about to answer Brimeia but decides not to once Urrak has spoken.

*[*9:47 PM*]*Ryleigh*:*Ryleigh looks baffled again, "Yes, I'm not sure what they thought was so funny. The one man, Emerson, he said it was a place to spend time with lovely ladies." She glances back at their table perplexed.

*[*9:47 PM*]*Ravaphine*:*"Must be a sorority of some sorts. Gal pals and the like"

*[*9:47 PM*]*DM*:*Safika smiles. "Oh you sweet, innocent child."

*[*9:48 PM*]*Urrak*:*Urrak can't stop herself from laughing now "Ry, it's a bordello. A brothel. A whorehouse. Ladies of the night are the main attraction."

*[*9:50 PM*]*Ryleigh*:*Ryleigh is half way through saying, "We're the same age!" to Safika when she hears Urrak's words and her ears turn pink. "What?!" Ryleigh's eyes go wide. "Oh my, well that explains, wow." She nervously rubs the back of her neck.

*[*9:53 PM*]*Ravaphine*:*"I vote no brothel, unless you feel we can get more information there"

*[*9:53 PM*]*Urrak*:*Urrak takes a moment to get serious. "I think we should head there. Ask around. T' make sure th' offender was really Mal."

*[*9:54 PM*]*DM*:*Safika laughs. "I'm sure that's why you want to go there."

*[*9:54 PM*]*Urrak*:*Urrak gives Safika a look, but says nothing further

*[*11:06 PM*]*DM*:*Safika does as well.

*[*11:06 PM*]*Ryleigh*:*Once there outside Ryleigh says, "Safika found a small opening in the wall of malica's cell - at least *one* of you did something while I distracted the guard with teleportation." She's clearly teasing them.

*[*11:07 PM*]*Urrak*:*"Usually y'fill people in on plan if ye want it t' go off without a hitch..."

*[*11:07 PM*]*Ravaphine*:*"He probably would have gotten suspicious if we all left"

*[*11:12 PM*]*Ryleigh*:*"I was hoping the plan would be to secure her release by proving she couldn't help that she teleported, but...that's why Safika and I make a good team...I'm the distraction and she's the brains." Ryleigh winks at Safika. "Alright, let's go bail her out."

*[*11:12 PM*]*DM*:*Safika: "You just have to touch, right?"

*[*11:12 PM*]*Ryleigh*:*"That's right."

*[*11:14 PM*]*Ravaphine*:*"Yes, if we can get her hand through, we can bring her back. The only downfall is that Bellbury will be her new home"

*[*11:15 PM*]*DM*:*Safika leads you around the back of the prison. There's a space in the back, between a couple bushes, where you can see a gap, almost a horizontal slit like a high window, in the wall. "I had to climb up there and use my mirror to make sure it was hers."

*[*11:15 PM*]*Urrak*:*"Th-thank ye, Safika. I--we really appreciate th' effort."

*[*11:17 PM*]*Ryleigh*:*"Unlike me, she's *actually* good at sneaking around." Ryleigh's smile is a mixture of pride and contentment.

*[*11:18 PM*]*DM*:*"You're welcome. Now you just need to figure out how to get her to reach to the window."

12:02 PM*]*Ryleigh - Nicole*:*"I...." Ryleigh shuffles uncomfortablly. "There's something I need to look at, and...I might owe you an explination about my behavior back where the...the flesh golems were."

*[*12:06 PM*]*DM*:*Safika shakes her head. "You don't *owe* me anything, Ryleigh... but if you want to talk, I'll listen."

*[*12:12 PM*]*Ryleigh - Nicole*:*Ryleigh swallows, "I almost put us, put you, in more danger back there..." she looks away, a little ashamed, "let's just go back to the house..."

*[*6:39 PM*]*Felicia - Seirixori*:*Seir makes her way up from the cask basement and gives a quick hello to Gunnloda before taking off to find Ryleigh. Making it easy on herself she shifts into the husky puppy she used before and smells her way to her friend outside of Poni's. She shifts back when she gets close, "Hey, uh, can I talk to you, Ryleigh? Um, somewhere a little more private? I mean, Safika can come if she wants but... I just don't want the others to overhear."

*[*6:44 PM*]*Ryleigh - Nicole*:*Ryleigh squeezes Safika's hand, which she totally hasn't let go of since they arrived back in Poni's basement, "I'll catch up" she says and finally lets go. She turns to Seir, "Do you have someplace in mind?"

*[*6:45 PM*]*DM*:*Safika gives her a smile. "I'll be in the one from last night, just in case." Then she heads off.

## Ry's Golem Manual and Rukiya's Past

*[*12:20 PM*]*Ryleigh - Nicole*:*Ryleigh shuffles into the house, she hesitates for a few moments before deciding to take her armor off. She pulls the bag of holding open and reaches inside for the books. Once she's pulled them all out, she sits there - for a long time - not sure if she wants to open them.

*[*12:22 PM*]*DM*:*Safika leans silently against a doorjamb, quiet enough that you probably didn't realize she'd been there til she speaks. "Little light reading before bed?"

*[*12:24 PM*]*Ryleigh - Nicole*:*Ryleigh startles out of her thoughts and whips her head in the direction of Safika's voice. She tries to chuckle but it comes out as more of defeated sigh, "Yeah, because you know I'm such an intellect."

*[*12:29 PM*]*Ryleigh - Nicole*:*"These books may hold answers...answers to questions I've had for two years. But now that I'm here, I'm scared of what information they may hold." Ryleigh's eyes are on the books, but then she looks up at Safika, "sounds silly, me being afraid of books."

*[*12:30 PM*]*DM*:*Safika smiles and sits next to Ryleigh. "You know it's not the books you're afraid of."

*[*12:38 PM*]*Ryleigh - Nicole*:*"I did something terrible, before you met me, before I joined Whispers." Ryleigh rubs her face with her hands. "I recognized the symbol etched on that flesh golem's body, because it was the same symbol from that day..." She's quiet for a long time before continuing, "I'm afraid that these books won't give me the answers I want, that they'll confirm *I* killed all those people...that I wasn't under someone else's control...that I'm every bit the monster everyone sees."

*[*12:51 PM*]*DM*:*Safika sighs. "You're not a monster. And even though I know how much a person can change in a lifetime, I doubt you ever *were*. No matter what those books say, remember they were written by *people* who have their own biases. They're just as likely to lie as the person who wrote them."

*[*1:00 PM*]*Ryleigh - Nicole*:*Ryleigh swallows around the lump that's forming in her throat, "It felt like I was in a haze, but I...I was angry at the people because they avoided me, they made me feel like an outsider, and I was there to help them, to protect them." She bites her lip unconsciously, hard enough that she draws blood. "I killed them, I was covered in ash and blood, but....was the haze someone else's doing or just my own fury..." Ryleigh slaps her hand down on the largest book.

*[*1:04 PM*]*DM*:*"Have you ever felt like that before or since? That... haze?"

*[*1:07 PM*]*Ryleigh - Nicole*:*Ryleigh shakes her head, her voice is soft and small. "Not since. I also make it a point now to not have such angry thoughts - it's why I've tried to distance myself from the group, they make me so mad sometimes that I....I worry."

*[*1:11 PM*]*DM*:*Safika takes Ryleigh's hand. "There's a line between managing your emotions or protecting yourself and bottling them up to the point that you explode or break. Try not to cross it?"

*[*1:16 PM*]*Ryleigh - Nicole*:*Ryleigh takes a relieved breath as Safika's hand slips into hers. "I'm still learning where that line is." She takes a moment to rub her thumb across the back of Safika's hand before mumbling, "I don't know if I'm ready to face all this yet, but I need to look through these before the others do..." Ryleigh gestures to the books with her free hand.

*[*1:20 PM*]*DM*:*"Ok..." She slides the closest one towards herself. "What are we looking for?"

*[*1:21 PM*]*Ryleigh - Nicole*:*"I think we should start with anything that tells me who made the flesh golems or where that person might be now."

*[*1:30 PM*]*DM*:*You both start looking through the books. Different authors, different contents, all about the creation, history, or use of golems, necromancy and conjuration. After thumbing through a few of them, Safika gets your attention. "Hey Ry, look at this one. It's newer. Unfinished."

*[*1:33 PM*]*Ryleigh - Nicole*:*Ryleigh runs her hand over the books cover, she hums in thought before pulling it towards her and opening it.

*[*1:34 PM*]*DM*:*This is the diary of the spellcaster who was killed by the Spellguard, self-named "The Creator". She was trying to recreate the work of someone known only as The Maker, recognizable by the mark he used on every one of his creations, whether crafted of steel, stone, or flesh, and every person sworn to his service. That's the mark Ryleigh recognized on the inert golem.

*[*1:37 PM*]*Ryleigh - Nicole*:*"This is it, this mark. It's what all the flesh golems had on them that day." Ryleigh traces the mark in the book with her fingertips as she whispers, "The Maker."

*[*1:41 PM*]*DM*:*"It seems like anyone who would build one of these, let alone several, would have to be a powerful spellcaster. It's not unreasonable to think they'd be able to cast enchantments too."

*[*1:44 PM*]*Ryleigh - Nicole*:*Ryleigh's brow furrows. "I....yeah, you're probably right..." but she doesn't seemed convinced.

*[*1:47 PM*]*DM*:*She leans over and shuts the book. "Hey... listen to me. It doesn't matter. What's past is past. What happened, happened. What matters is what you do now and tomorrow and every day after that."

*[*1:57 PM*]*Ryleigh - Nicole*:*"Restitution." Ryleigh breathes out as she shifts her focus from the closed book in her lap to the woman sitting next to her - struck by the kindness in Safika's brown eyes. She cups Safika's jaw and lightly brushes her thumb over sculpted cheekbones before softly saying, "Thank you. For this."

*[*2:03 PM*]*DM*:*Safika just chuckles a little. "Always so serious. You're welcome, but I wasn't talking about 'restitution'. Just... leaving your past behind you and focusing on the future. If you let the past hang around your neck like a weight to be carried, you're going to end up with back problems," she adds with a smirk.

*[*2:11 PM*]*Ryleigh - Nicole*:*Ryleigh let's her hand slowly fall away from Safika's face as she chuckles, "I think the 80lbs of armor I wear regularly will give me back problems first." She looks at the scattered books around them and sighs. "It's a start" she says seriously.

*[*2:14 PM*]*DM*:*"And the end is...?"

*[*2:15 PM*]*Ryleigh - Nicole*:*"Do you really want to know the answer to that question?" Ryleigh's violet eyes bounce from the books to Safika's.

*[*2:16 PM*]*DM*:*Safika just gives her a look. "Yes. Then I know if I have to talk more sense into you."

*[*2:20 PM*]*Ryleigh - Nicole*:*"Vengeance." Ryleigh says, not looking away from Safika's eyes. "I'm going to destroy The Maker, everything he's built, and anyone who follows him. I'm going to make him pay for every life he's destroyed, for every family he's ripped apart."

*[*2:27 PM*]*DM*:*She looks into Ryleigh's eyes for a moment or three, then leans forward and kisses her forehead as she stands. "Don't let it consume and destroy you too, ok?"

*[*2:32 PM*]*Ryleigh - Nicole*:*Ryleigh's eyes close as Safika's lips press to her forehead. Her voice is just above a whisper, "that's my biggest fear..."

*[*2:50 PM*]*DM*:*"Some fears are worth paying attention to. Make friends, talk to them, and listen to us when we say it's too much. You don't have to walk alone, no matter what your "monster" tells you."

*[*2:55 PM*]*Ryleigh - Nicole*:*Ryleigh nods in understanding as grabs the thick fancy book. She hesitates before shes asks, "what you looking for here?"

*[*2:58 PM*]*DM*:*"Evidence, mostly. This house is owned by Ansirus Pfeifer, one of the orchard's supervisors named in the complaints I'm investigating."

*[*2:59 PM*]*Ryleigh - Nicole*:*Ryleigh hums in acknowledgement, "Have you found anything yet?" She's looking at the cover of the fancy book, turning it over in her hands.

*[*3:03 PM*]*DM*:*It's fancy, but it's kind of a feeling you get about it, not how it looks. It looks like it's been made by sewing together bits of flesh that have been written on.

"Not enough, no. If he was stupid enough to write down his dealings, he was smart enough to hide the papers well... and I haven't been able to get back into the mansion to check Eloise's ledgers again."

*[*3:06 PM*]*Ryleigh - Nicole*:*"She surprised me...Eloise did. I always thought everyone in power were like the leaders we have in Ascus, but she seems....concerned for her people." Ryleigh decides to open the book.

*[*3:08 PM*]*DM*:*And there's your 18 points of psychic damage that feels like something stabbing you in the brain as you try to read it.

*[*3:08 PM*]*DM*:*Safika just chuckles as she looks through a small bookshelf. "Not an uncommon assumption among Whispers, honestly."

*[*3:09 PM*]*Ryleigh - Nicole*:*Ryleigh drops the book and gasps in pain as she grabs her head. "What in the 9 hells!"

*[*3:14 PM*]*DM*:*"Ry?" She comes back over towards Ryleigh, taking a guess and shutting the book as she comes close enough. She puts one hand on Ryleigh's shoulder as she bends down to get a look at her face. "Are you ok?"

*[*3:17 PM*]*Ryleigh - Nicole*:*"It feels like something stabbed my brain." Ryleigh's eyes are watering from the pain. "I'm....I'm ok...when I opened the book, it...I don't know what it did - blasted me?"

*[*3:19 PM*]*DM*:*"Ok, maybe I was wrong about not being afraid of books."

*[*3:23 PM*]*Ryleigh - Nicole*:*Ryleigh rubs the temples of her head, "maybe...maybe that's enough of this for one night." She waits a few minutes for the pain to subside. "I caught what you said before the book melted my brain" Ryleigh tries to laugh but winces instead, "is it not an assumption you have too?"

*[*3:29 PM*]*DM*:*Safika pulls back as the question's asked and leans against the table instead, folding her arms. "I see things differently from most. There are those who think the Moonstreams have too much power... and maybe they're right. But I'd rather live under them than someone like Tilman."

*[*3:36 PM*]*Ryleigh - Nicole*:*"I still have my doubts about the other Moonstreams and I disagree with the amount of power they hold, but as someone who grew up under Tilman's tyranny - I'd have to agree. At least you can walk around without fear of being killed for being..." Ryleigh gestures to all of Safika. She stands and walks into Safika's space but doesn't move to touch her, "I've said something to offend you..."

*[*3:43 PM*]*DM*:*"No... not you," she says, unfolding her arms and putting her hands on the table behind her.

*[*3:48 PM*]*Ryleigh - Nicole*:*Ryleigh slowly reaches out a hand and brushes some hair from Safika's face, "I know you want the past to stay in the past, but I want to know you...and how can I when you lock everything away?"

*[*3:51 PM*]*DM*:*She looks down, avoiding Ryleigh's eyes. "Does it matter? The past is past."

*[*3:58 PM*]*Ryleigh - Nicole*:*Ryleigh leans over to catch Safika's eyes, "there's nothing you could tell me that would change how much I care for you." She's unsure of how much touching is ok right now, so she just continues to stand in Safika's space, unwilling to back up. "Rukiya."

*[*4:03 PM*]*DM*:*"It's not..." she sighs and looks back up. "I'm not *hiding* like I'm afraid of what you'll think. It's more complicated than that."

*[*4:12 PM*]*Ryleigh - Nicole*:*"Whatever it is, it burdens you. That's the only reason I'm asking, but I don't have to know or understand your reasonings to care for you." Ryleigh pauses, she cups Safika's face as she says, "I'm here, for *you*, whenever you need me."

*[*4:19 PM*]*DM*:*She puts her hand over Ryleigh's. "Thank you, really. And you know I'm here for you too, right? I-- I wish I could tell you because it *is* a burden. Have you ever had to pretend you were someone you're not for long periods of time? When you have nobody who knows the truth... it's draining."

*[*4:30 PM*]*Ryleigh - Nicole*:*Ryleigh steps closer and softly says, "I know *exactly* what that feels like. I'll leave it alone, for now. " She presses their foreheads together and continues, "you're not alone anymore, I'll always be here, if you let me."

## Session 49

*[*5:19 PM*]*DM*:*You head out to the residential area just north of Poni's place and find her in the same house, but she's just leaving as you come up.

*[*5:19 PM*]*Ryleigh*:*"We completed the arch, the townspeople might be back. I thought it'd be best to come get you."

*[*5:23 PM*]*DM*:*"Is that what that was?"

As you're standing there, you see a Moonstream guard ride up on a horse. "You there, everyone's been asked to gather in the square. If you see anyone else, pass the word please." He doesn't wait for an answer, he just continues riding, calling out for anyone who might hear him to gather in the square.

*[*5:25 PM*]*Ryleigh*:*Ryleigh raises an eyebrow, "that answers my question as to rather the townspeople are back. The Moonstreams will likely be in the square..."

*[*5:26 PM*]*DM*:*Safika pauses. "Right. I'll find you later?"

*[*5:27 PM*]*Ryleigh*:*"Of course, I have a room at the cask or I'll head this way later." Ryleigh hesitates for a moment before saying, "be careful, I'll see you later."

*[*5:27 PM*]*DM*:*Safika grins. "Don't worry about me. I'll be all right."

*[*5:28 PM*]*Ryleigh*:*Ryleigh rolls her eyes, "Yeah yeah." and she walks back to the square.

*[*7:51 PM*]*DM*:*"They wouldn't dare say anything to you with us around anyway," Gunnloda adds.

*[*7:54 PM*]*Ryleigh - Nicole*:*Ryleigh grins, "Gunnloda has a point. People fear the black armor and Safika has like 17 knives on her belt and gods knows how many more elsewhere..."

*[*7:54 PM*]*DM*:*Safika laughs. "Wouldn't you like to know."

Ryleigh's face starts to heat up at Safika's comment, but she smirks and manages to say, "Maybe I would." Before instantly looking away so she doesn't turn completely red.

*[*9:25 PM*]*Jonathan*:*"Do you know what your crew is doing next then?"

*[*9:26 PM*]*DM*:*"They're not my crew. One of them is... a friend of mine."

*[*9:27 PM*]*Jonathan*:*Elowyn stares at her for a long moment, and then chuffs. "Seems to me to be a bit more than that."

*[*9:29 PM*]*DM*:*She smirks. "Believe what you want."

*[*9:29 PM*]*Jonathan*:*"Well fine, I'm going to believe in a whirlwind romance that swept you off your bloody feet and now you're smitten but vaguely useless and you can't admit your feelings because you're proud."

*[*9:29 PM*]*Jonathan*:*"Anyway, how'd you wind up with them?"

*[*9:31 PM*]*DM*:*She rolls her eyes. "The something more is that we've worked together. Which is how I wound up with them. They were teleported here when the town was teleported out and Ryleigh, the one in the black armor, is my friend, so I pitch in here and there when they need it."

*[*10:23 PM*]*Ryleigh - Nicole*:*Ryleigh takes Safika's hand but says to the group, "I'll see you guys in the morning."

*[*10:24 PM*]*Felicia - Seirixori*:*"Goodnight, Ryleigh, Safika."

*[*10:24 PM*]*Jonathan*:*Elowyn nods kindly to those departing, "Goodnight."

*[*10:24 PM*]*Urrak - Kelsey*:*"Have fun, Ryleigh~" she laughs and looks at the group "We should all turn in. Get some rest."

*[*10:25 PM*]*DM*:*Ryleigh and Safika do walk off towards the town and disappear.

To Ryfika 2