Session 31

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This session was played on November 7, 2017. It lasted 4 hours 44 minutes.

## Synopsis

The Moonstreams host a dinner party in the main hall of the mansion with Gunnloda preparing the feast. Seir and Urrak are a little unprepared for such fancy events, but they have Gunnloda and Ryleigh to guide them through.

Nolanos appears with Malica, a half-elf who asked him where she might find Urrak. Ryleigh lets her sit next to Urrak, giving her an encouraging nudge.

There’s tension at the table though as Seir feels ignored after the group had gone in after the component without listening to her warnings. However, once it comes out that Nolanos was forced inside and the others were only trying to rescue him, her anger is shifted to Poni instead. Gunnloda tries to get her to calm down.

The feast commences, Cae pulls out the good wine, and Rav chats up Malica a little, but she seems really shy and uncomfortable.

There’s more build-up to Novaphine and eventually half the party gets up to help clear the table and do the dishes. There’s some slight discussion with Kendall about Gunnloda having a place in the group and more Rav/Malica talk before Kendall excuses herself and Novaphine becomes too much for Urrak and Malica to listen to.

Ryleigh catches Kendall sneaking away and Kendall asks her to give a message and a sending stone to Gunnloda, telling her that if she needs her, she’ll be there.

While Kendall’s teleporting back home, Gunnloda’s giving her old ring to Seir, explaining that they’re spell components to help keep Seir safer. They have a moment until Ryleigh delivers Kendall’s sending stone to Gunnloda, then Seir disappears upstairs.

Everyone leaves to go back to the Cask after a while and find Malica and Urrak chatting outside. They’re discussing how bad a liar Urrak is, though the rest of the group can’t hear them. Malica tells Urrak that Ryleigh had threatened her, but that it was her own fault. Urrak takes her to the Cask where they run into Novaphine and Urrak makes a big deal of sleeping in separate rooms for some reason.

Novaphine has a moment on the way to sleep in the grove where Nolanos admits that he likes Rav, but Rav is unsure of pursuing the relationship, so she puts it on hold.

A little later, Urrak leaves her own room to talk to Malica about Ancy, unable to sleep. Malica tells her about how she knew Ancy… under the name Ravana, she’d come to the guild where Malica was working, trying to find info about the Onyxward guild which had gone dark.

In that time, Malica had fallen for the elf while they pieced together information and clues. When Ancy/Ravana discovered that the Gray was behind it, she revealed that she had crossed them before, when she worked in Onyxward, and she had fled to Nampuli to try to find safety. That was where she met Urrak.

Malica tried to act on her romantic desires with Ravana, but Ravana then revealed herself to be Ancy and still in love with Urrak. When Malica “messed up again,” Ancy left, saying she didn’t want to see Malica ever again.

Knowing that the Gray were vampires and that they’d never left a person alive, Malica assumed the worst and left, taking Ancy’s face and heading south to try to leave the country.

Seir, meanwhile, has been up in Misha’s room trying to learn more about her ring and the place she was being held. After a quick comparison of Misha/Caruhm vs Devil’s Food, Seir finally gets frustrated and charms Misha. When that doesn’t work, she changes into a giant spider, sticks her in a web, and tries to take the ring off herself.

Misha’s screams bring a somewhat drunk, very protective mama Cae running from where she was having a pleasant evening flirting with her wife thankyouverymuch and she slams Seir against the wall, demanding answers. Seir eventually slips free and shifts into a tiger, making a run for it.

## Trivia

* Some of the Malica related perception checks were to spot the ring of swimming that she had forgotten to take off after she took it from Ryleigh before the vampire frat house. Only Ravaphine ever rolled high enough to spot it, but she apparently didn’t recognize the importance of it.

## Transcript

[5:14 PM] DM: DAY 7, BELLBURY, 6 PM

It's been a really long, really trying day. Some of you came face to face with people who love(d) the people you love(d), some of you almost died when you got trapped in a tomb, some of you got betrothed to creepy dudes or bit by werewolves and told there is no cure. Really, it's just been one shit-awful day... but you're gathering here in the Moonstream's mansion to feast on a dinner prepared by Gunnloda to... "celebrate" your successes.

[5:19 PM] DM: The Moonstreams came downstairs and took their spots at the head of the table while Gunnloda brought the food out (kinda helped by Seir).

Eloise: "Thank you for joining us. It's trying times, but in these times, you find your staunchest allies and friends. I'm glad that no matter what it is we face due to this catastrophe, the gods have seen fit to grace us with your help."

[5:20 PM] Seirixori: Seirixori scoffs to herself quietly.

[5:21 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak awkwardly raises her glass in a quiet toast. She finishes the water quickly

[5:23 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Ryleigh nods her head in acknowledgement.

[5:23 PM] Ravaphine: Ravaphine seats herself a little further from the group and offers a small smile to the moonstreams

[5:23 PM] DM: Gunnloda: "Well... let's eat."

[5:27 PM] Seirixori: Seir kind of stares at all the food on the table and suddenly realizes she has no idea how this works, "Hey uh..." she leans over and whispers to Gunnloda, "How...does this work, exactly?"

[5:27 PM] DM: Gunnloda chuckles a little. "We eat, dear." She helps pass around and serve to those seated next to her.

[5:32 PM] Seirixori: Seir pouts a little, "I know that," she whispers. "Thanks." she mutters poking at the food. She's hungry, and it smells great, but there's this festering anger from earlier and she can't seem to rid herself of it.

[5:25 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Ryleigh starts to fix her plate.

[5:25 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak follows behind, watching and mimicking the actions of the paladin. Feasts she understood, but this? This felt like something completely alien to her.

[5:27 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Ryleigh leans over and whispers to Urrak, "are you alright, you look uncomfortable."

[5:28 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Ah, I suppose well, t' be honest I've never been t' an event quite this..." she leans in a  bit and whispers  to Ryleigh "...fancy"(edited)

[5:30 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Ryleigh smiles, "oh, I see. Well, think of it like any other dinner, just more utensils and fancier clothes."

[5:32 PM] DM: To be fair, this is pretty much just a family style meal. Nothing actually fancy for those of you who didn't grow up in a forest or orc stronghold.

[5:32 PM] Ravaphine: Ravaphine waits for everyone to finish making their plates. "Everything smells wonderful, Gunnloda" she says very quietly, still feeling the tension

[5:33 PM] DM: Gunnloda: "Thank you, dear. Is something wrong? Why are you sitting so far away?"

[5:34 PM] Ravaphine: Rav averts her eyes away from Seir and looks at her thumbs. "I uhh...I have big elbows"

[5:34 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak sits with a bit of a sharp exhale. The damage the ghost caused earlier is still lingering a bit in the marrow of her bones. She begins to eat slowly, saying nothing, but listening intently.

[5:34 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Ryleigh notices Seirixori picking at her food, "Seir, the food is great, why aren't you eating?"

[5:36 PM] Seirixori: Seir just looks at Ryleigh, like really? "It's nothing that can't wait." she mutters, shoving a fork full of food in her mouth, not even noticing what it is.

[5:37 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Ryleigh raises an eyebrow at the subtle aggression but doesn't say anything further about it.

## Nolanos

[5:16 PM] DM: So you remember that there was a dinner planned. You remember you felt like you really had to do what Poni asked and went through the portal, but you were teleported back to Dirasa for a couple hours. Now, you're back in Bellbury's town square. Before you get really settled, you're approached by a woman, fair skin and dark wavy hair.

"Excuse me?"

[5:18 PM] Alex - Nolanos: "Um. Hello... is there something i can help you with?"

[5:20 PM] DM: She smiles and holds out her hand. "Malica. I was wondering if you might know where... I think her name is Urrak? She told me she'd show me around later."

[5:22 PM] Alex - Nolanos: Quick insight check? ((12))

[5:25 PM] DM: She seems pretty straight-forward. You haven't seen her around before. Maybe she's a new arrival.

[5:27 PM] Alex - Nolanos: Nolanos takes a moment, before deciding "Sure. I think I know where she might be right now." He holds his hand out, "My name is Nolanos by the way."

[5:28 PM] DM: She smiles. "Thanks. I just... don't want to be a bother."

[5:28 PM] DM: Roll a perception check for me real quick

[5:28 PM] Alex - Nolanos: ((16))

[5:34 PM] Alex - Nolanos: Nolanos leads Malica to the Moonstream mansion, a little awkwardly. He doesn't know this person and it's a little weird since he can't help but think she was possibly... um. led on by Urrak.

[5:36 PM] DM: Nolanos enters followed by a woman, pale skin, shoulder-length dark, wavy hair. She hesitates when she sees what a Thing this appears to be, but enters anyway.

[5:38 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak looks up from her food, mouth still working on a bit of meat and catches the eyes of the new arrival. Her stomach flutters a bit as she downs the morsel ungraciously.(edited)

[5:39 PM] Seirixori: "Nolanos brought a friend," Seirixori says, wanting the attention off her.

[5:39 PM] Alex - Nolanos: "Um. Hi guys..."

[5:39 PM] DM: Woman: "Sorry, I didn't realize... I can find you later for that tour if... sorry."

She starts backing towards the door.

[5:41 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak erupts from her chair suddenly "M-Malica! Wait!"(edited)

[5:42 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Ryleigh looks at Urrak, slightly concerned. Then asks, "you two know each other?"

[5:42 PM] Ravaphine: Ravaphine motions for nolanos to come sit by her

[5:43 PM] Alex - Nolanos: Nolanos gladly takes the invitation and sits next to her

[5:45 PM] Alex - Nolanos: "Hi Rav," he whispers, smiling at her "What'd I miss? Last thing I remember was that punk Poni making me go into the portal."He sort of grumbles the last bit.(edited)

[5:42 PM] DM: Malica: "I ran into her earlier. She said she could show me around, but I don't want to interrupt."

[5:42 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: A pang of heat courses down her midsection. "Aye, what the she said."

[5:43 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: She sits back down awkwardly

[5:43 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Ryleigh turns to the moonstreams and Gunnloda, "any objections to adding another?"

[5:44 PM] DM: Eloise: "Of course not. The more the merrier."

Gunnloda: "There's plenty to go around."

[5:45 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Ryleigh stands from her seat and moves her plate, "Malica, wasn't it? Here, take my seat since you clearly know Urrak." She moves the chair out to offer it to the other woman.

[5:46 PM] DM: Malica: "I... thank you."

[5:46 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Oh Ryleigh y' really don't have t'---Hi, Malica. Good t' see ye again."(edited)

[5:46 PM] DM: And she'll come sit too.

[5:46 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): As Ryleigh walks down the table she gives Urrak a wink and nudge.

[5:47 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak blushes a bit and twists the napkin in her lap in a tight twist. She turns to Malica "Have ye been...settlin' in alright?"

[5:48 PM] DM: Malica: "Can you really get settled in when all this is happening?"

[5:49 PM] DM: How about a round of Perception checks?

[5:49 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: She chuckles a bit, "Aye, I suppose yer right about that. But please, let any of us know if there's anythin' we can do to help make yer stay more...comfortable."(edited)

[5:49 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): ((5))

[5:49 PM] Ravaphine: ((13))

[5:49 PM] Nolanos: ((19))

[5:49 PM] Seirixori: ((16))

[5:49 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: ((14))

[5:51 PM] Seirixori: "Hey," Seirixori mutters to Nolanos, around another fork full of food.

[5:51 PM] DM: Malica nods and pushes her hair behind her ear nervously. She's a half-elf, you can now see. Gunnloda gets up to get a new place setting for the new arrival and says "Welcome, dear," as she sets it in front of her before sitting next to Seir again.

[5:51 PM] Nolanos: "Hey, Seir"

[5:51 PM] Ravaphine: Rav looks sadly at Nolanos. "The last place took a lot out of us. We can talk about it after dinner though. Things here might be a little tense though" she whispers while the exchange with Malica is happening

[5:52 PM] Ravaphine: "Hello, welcome to dinner" Rav says to Malica

[5:52 PM] DM: Malica: "Thank you."

[5:53 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "So, Nolanos, what have we learned?" Urrak says, eyes on her plate and fork in hand

[5:54 PM] Nolanos: "Poni is insufferable? I don't know."

[5:55 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak drops her fork a bit too harshly. She chuckles darkly "Of course not, kid."

[5:56 PM] Ravaphine: “Please, lets just. Enjoy dinner. We can talk about things afterwards”

[5:58 PM] Nolanos: Nolanos, feeling even more awkward than usual, just quietly gets a roll and fidgets with it.

[5:59 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Ryleigh  looks at everyone, "we can't really enjoy dinner until its all out in the open. We almost died back there, but what were we doing there anyway? Seir came back bloodied and tired. What were you thinking going in there you three?" She looks pointedly at Nolanos, Rav, and Urrak.

[6:00 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "The lizard boy got a real funny idea to walk mad wizard first int'a the portal" She points at Nolanos "He got....charmed or some shit by that gnome fuck."

[6:01 PM] Seirixori: "What?" Seir growls, her anger shifting from the rest of them to Poni.

[6:02 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Least that's what I gathered from Rav 'ere"

[6:02 PM] DM: Gunnloda reaches over and puts her hand over Seir's.

[6:02 PM] Ravaphine: “We wanted to make sure he was okay. I’ve heard that magical items can charm a person into doing things. But when we found out he wasn’t even in the portal...we couldn’t leave. We didn’t know why” she says as she just stares at her cup in front of her

[6:04 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "We were attacked by some small ghosts and one very large ghost." she puts a hand on her chest "Some o' that dark magic still lingers in 'ere."

[6:05 PM] Seirixori: Seirixori closes her eyes and takes a deep breath, squeezing Gunnloda's hand. "I hate him," she whispers harshly.

[6:05 PM] Nolanos: "I'm so sorry...." he says, tentatively placing his hand over Rav's. "I'm sorry you all were hurt because of me."(edited)

[6:06 PM] DM: Kendall: "There are places in the Underdark where the air is so full of chaos and evil that magic doesn't work right. You might have found one."

[6:06 PM] Ravaphine: “I can’t even begin to think about how many times Kendall saved me. And how you all fought so hard. I barely even remember half of the fight. But all that matters is that we are all here now and that we are okay. And I am sorry for getting you all into that predicament in the first place. I should have known better than to let somebody tinker with dark magic” Rav sighs and closes her eyes, trying to not let the tears fall(edited)

[6:08 PM] Seirixori: "I'm going to find a way to bring him back, and then I'm going to kill him again," Seirixori mutters, her shoulders sagging at her misplaced anger.

[6:11 PM] DM: Gunnloda takes Seir's hand and kisses her knuckles before holding it with both hands in her lap. "Just breathe."

[6:15 PM] Seirixori: Seirixori nods, a blush forming on her cheeks, "Yeah, okay, right, I can do that."

[6:10 PM] Nolanos: "You couldn't have known that... prick was going to react like that. It was my dumb idea to remove his batteries to try and preserve them anyway."

[6:12 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Ryleigh looks at the others, "there. Now we can actually enjoy dinner."

[6:12 PM] DM: Cae and Eloise are having their own quiet conversation at the head of the table.

[6:13 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak takes a deep breath. "Aye let's."

[6:14 PM] Ravaphine: ((What food is prepared rn lol))

[6:14 PM] DM: Roast, veggies, fresh baked bread(edited)

[6:21 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Ryleigh's smile starts to grow and she stands, "a toast: to making new friends" she lifts her goblet to Malica and Kendall, "to reuniting loved ones" she tilts her cup in the direction of the moonstreams, "and to the continuation of forging friendships, relationships, and battle buddies." She looks from Nolanos and Rav to Seir and Gunnloda, then her eyes land on Urrak and she takes a drink.

[6:22 PM] Nolanos: "Here, here, " Nolanos says as he raises his glass and takes a drink.(edited)

[6:22 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Here here" Urrak mumbles and downs her drink

[6:23 PM] Ravaphine: Rav raises her drink and takes a sip

[6:23 PM] DM: Everyone lifts their glasses, Gunnloda with her other hand so she can keep holding Seir's.

[6:23 PM] Seirixori: "I don't... understand the cup thing," Seir mutters but lifts her drink up with the rest.

[6:23 PM] DM: Cae: "Oh!"

[6:24 PM] DM: She stands and goes into the kitchens and returns with a bottle of wine.

Eloise: "The Dragonwyck?"

Cae: "Is there going to be a better time for it?"

[6:24 PM] DM: She pours everyone some of the good wine.

[6:26 PM] DM: Kendall leans over to Ryleigh. "Lovely toast, dear."

[6:28 PM] DM: Kendall then calls down to the other end of the table after taking a sip, "And lovelier wine! Thank you to our gracious hosts."

[6:29 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Ryleigh continues to smile and nods in thanks to Kendall.

[6:31 PM] Seirixori: Seirixori looks at the wine a little wearily, "It wasn't a good idea the last time I had a drink." she mutters, but takes a sip of it anyway.

[6:32 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Ryleigh also takes a few polite sips before placing the cup within Urrak's reach, "in case you want more."

[6:34 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak's face flushes a deep red, "Th-thank ye, Ryleigh."

[6:32 PM] DM: As the wine and good food works its magic, the tension at the table starts to loosen and soon enough, people are calling for food from the other end and generally talking too loud and sharing too much. Cae's passing the bottle around to those who want more.

[6:34 PM] DM: Misha's trying to find just the right angle for her ring's shine. Cae and Eloise are whispering at each other, smiling.

[6:37 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: After a few good swigs of wine, Urrak starts to feel herself loosen up. Her eyes drift to Moonstreams and smiles slightly. A small pang of sadness thrums in her chest.

[6:37 PM] Ravaphine: Ravaphine places a citrus fruit next to Seir’s hand and continues to make conversation with the others at the end of the table

[6:40 PM] Seirixori: Seir grins excitedly at the fruit and takes a bite out of it. "Thanks," she swallows and then whispers, leaning so she can see Ravaphine around Nolanos, "Sorry for earlier, I thought..." she sighs, "I thought you guys just didn't care about what I said."

[6:43 PM] Nolanos: Nolanos slightly leans back, to make the eye-contact easier.

[6:45 PM] Ravaphine: “You were brave enough to come back from that place alive. It was dangerous, but when poni made Nolanos go in by himself, we couldn’t let that happen. I’m sorry for making it seem like we weren’t listening. We just wanted to make sure all our friends were safe” she says as she places her hand on Nolanos’

[6:47 PM] Nolanos: Nolanos gently squeezes her hand. He doesn't really know what to say, but he has feelings. Words are just hard.

[6:48 PM] Seirixori: Seirixori nods and turns to the Moonstreams, taking a piece of the citrus and setting it on one of the pieces of meat before shoving it in her mouth, "Does Takara take care of the Citrus Grove or do you guys have someone do it?"

[6:49 PM] DM: Eloise: "We have a full contingent of workers, both year-round and seasonal for the harvest."

[6:50 PM] DM: Cae chuckles. "Don't get her started. She'll never stop."

[6:51 PM] DM: She elbows Cae gently.

[6:51 PM] DM: Eloise: "The orchard is Bellbury's main export and the backbone of the economy here."

[6:51 PM] Seirixori: Seir grins, "Well, I would gladly thank you for the fruit, she's too smug for me to want to thank her about it."

[6:52 PM] DM: Eloise: "I can't really take credit, but you're welcome."

[6:54 PM] Nolanos: A small smile appears on Nolanos' face as he watches Eloise and Cae interact. He finds how they interact so sweet and, as he once heard someone say, he thinks to himself 'goals...'

[6:56 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: As everyone focuses on the Moonstreams or their food Urrak whispers to Malica "Are you alright?"

[6:57 PM] DM: Malica nods. "I'm ok."

[6:57 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak nods assuredly

[6:57 PM] Seirixori: "Oh! Hey, do you know who Moki? Takara mentioned them to me earlier when I went to ask her about..." she motions to Cae, "stuff."

[6:58 PM] DM: They look at each other, clueless, and both shake their heads. Cae: "Doesn't sound familiar."(edited)

[7:00 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "What are ye goin on about, Seir?"

[7:02 PM] Seirixori: "Oh, I went to talk to Takara about the werewolf thing and she said something about her own champion, Moki, wasn't powerful enough either." Seirixori shrugs.(edited)

[7:03 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak eyes Seir was an expression of deep confusion as  she finishes her glass(edited)

[7:04 PM] Seirixori: "What?" She asks at Urrak's look.

[7:00 PM] Ravaphine: Rav can’t help but be a little nervous and intimidated by the beautiful woman sitting next to Urrak

[7:01 PM] DM: Malica's keeping very much to herself right now, kind of closed in on herself and quiet, like a wallflower forced to be at the prom. She seems kinda nervous, always brushing her hair back behind her ears.

[7:03 PM] Ravaphine: Rav notices Malica's hesitation. "I don't think we've met before. My name is Ravaphine by the way." she reaches her hand across the table towards Malica

[7:04 PM] Ravaphine: "Are you a friend of Urrak's?"

[7:07 PM] DM: She shakes Rav's hand and kind of glances over at Urrak and back. "I just got here from Lughagen. She was the first person I saw."

[7:08 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Truly fortuitous."

[7:10 PM] Ravaphine: "Welcome to Bellbury," she nods slightly

[7:11 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Rav here's a real friendly type." she says with a small smile(edited)

[7:11 PM] DM: Malica: "Thank you."

[7:12 PM] Ravaphine: She blushes, feeling embarrassed in front of the beautiful woman. "I just want to make sure everyone who is here feels welcome" she says while avoiding eye contact

[7:13 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak notices Ravaphine's reaction and chuckles

[7:13 PM] Nolanos: Nolanos also quietly blushes, for some reason. 'You're just being dumb. Calm down, self,' he thinks

[7:15 PM] DM: Cae: "Misha, are you going to stop staring at that stone at some point in the next week?"

[7:16 PM] DM: Misha: "Don't be jealous."

Cae laughs. "Jealous. Right."

[7:17 PM] Ravaphine: "Ryleigh. You've been awfully quiet over there with your roast"(edited)

[7:22 PM] DM: Now that everyone's pretty much done eating, Gunnloda stands to start clearing dishes, but Kendall hops up. "Sit down, dear. You cooked." And Kendall starts clearing plates instead.

[7:25 PM] DM: Malica goes to help Kendall since she's little and starts piling dishes to take back to the kitchen.

[7:20 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Ryleigh looks at Ravaphine and moves to sit next to her, "I'm just enjoying listening to all of your conversation." She then leans around her to talk to Seir, "however, I do have a question....Seir, did I hear correctly...you said 'when you talk to Takara'?"

[7:21 PM] Seirixori: "Yes...?"

[7:22 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak has zero clue what is going on

[7:22 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): "Like she actually manifests before you? You have actual conversation with her - like us - right now?"

[7:23 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Sorry... Who is this Takara person?" Urrak asks raising her hand a bit(edited)

[7:23 PM] Seirixori: "Yeah... I mean she was a halfling once, but she changed to her normal look after I  was upset about something."

[7:25 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Ryleigh looks intrigued and lets out a low whistle, "that's incredible! You've had actual conversation with your god! Wow."

[7:26 PM] Seirixori: "Oh, no. She's not mine. Mielikki is.. well sort of. She says a lot less than Takara though."

[7:26 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "She talks t' what now? Did ye say gods?"

[7:27 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): "So you talk to more than one, regularly? But how?"

[7:28 PM] Ravaphine: Ravaphine follows into the kitchen with more dishes and plates

[7:29 PM] Nolanos: Nolanos gets up and decides to help with the dishes as well.(edited)

[7:30 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak looks up as she begins a new glass of wine. "Where's everyone headed off to....?"

[7:31 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "I guess I'll uhhh be right back then." She follows the others into the kitchen, slightly confused and slightly buzzed

## The Kitchen

Kendall thanks you both for helping bring dishes in while Malica gets started rinsing the plates.

[7:32 PM] Ravaphine: Ravaphine walks up next to Malica and starts to wash dishes next to her.

[7:33 PM] Nolanos: Nolanos finds a towel and dries the clean dishes

[7:33 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak walks in awkwardly holding her plate. "Why'd ye all run off like that?"

[7:33 PM] Nolanos: "Just being helpful i guess? I felt bad not helping."

[7:33 PM] Ravaphine: Ravaphine looks back and forth between Nolanos and Malica, "We wanted to help with the dishes"

[7:34 PM] DM: Kendall: "Rule one, never let the cook do the dishes."

[7:34 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "I see..." Urrak walks slowly to the sink and places her dish inside."I suppose yer right."

[7:34 PM] Nolanos: "Thats  a sound rule. Gunnloda works very hard, that's for sure."(edited)

[7:35 PM] DM: Kendall: "Sounds like she's found herself a place here, huh?"

[7:35 PM] Ravaphine: "We love her"

[7:35 PM] Ravaphine: "Not...not like that. But she is like a family member at this point"

[7:36 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Gunnloda's incredible. She's saved our skins more times than I can count."(edited)

[7:36 PM] Nolanos: "She's pretty amazing."

[7:37 PM] DM: Kendall: "She is."

[7:39 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Glad t' see you two gettin along." Urrak smiles at Rav and Malica

[7:40 PM] Ravaphine: Rav chuckles nervously. "Malica will fit right in with us here"

[7:41 PM] Ravaphine: "Did you come here by foot? What brings you to town?"

[7:41 PM] DM: Malica: "Magic, apparently. Urrak was nice enough to tell me about what was happening in town."

[7:42 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "It's a jarring experience. Figured I'd let her know the situtation right away."

[7:43 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak starts to take the dried plates from Nolanos and places them on nearby racks

[7:44 PM] DM: You guys in here, roll some perception checks.

[7:44 PM] Ravaphine: "It's definitely not something I will ever get used to"

[7:44 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: ((9))

[7:44 PM] Ravaphine: ((25, nat 20))(edited)

[7:44 PM] Nolanos: ((16))

[7:48 PM] Nolanos: Nolanos just kind of focuses on drying things and tries not to look up at Rav or Malica too much

[7:49 PM] Nolanos: (And kind of fails a bit.)

[7:51 PM] Ravaphine: "What were you up to before," she pauses, "we lovingly call it 'poofing' here" she asks Malica

[7:53 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak starts to sweat a bit but continues stacking dishes

[7:54 PM] DM: Malica: "Just traveling. Nothing fancy."

[7:58 PM] Ravaphine: "Urrak over here has also traveled a bunch" ((insight check? they bein so shady lol))

[7:58 PM] DM: Sure. On who?

[7:59 PM] Ravaphine: ((Urrak))

[7:59 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Very true. Traveled nearly the whole continent. Sellin' this and that." She waves a dish in circular motion and continues stacking(edited)

[8:00 PM] Ravaphine: ((17 insight on Urrak))

[8:02 PM] Ravaphine: "Did you both happen to come across each other in your travels? That's a thing I never got to do. I got to read about all these far off places, but from the comfort of the library."

[8:04 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Oh no, though I've met folks like Malica before. Far from home." She stacks the last dish. "No I ran int'a Malica here right in Bellbury"

[8:05 PM] Nolanos: "We do seem to be doing a lot of traveling lately, though. If that counts for something."

[8:05 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "I was talkin' t' Cyan and she just poofed mid conversation---I dunno when she'll be back. I was headin' t' the Cask t' grab a pint when I ran int'a Malica."(edited)

[8:07 PM] Ravaphine: "This is true, we get to put all these adventures under our belt for free and at a fraction of the travel time"

[8:09 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Seems Poni's at least a little useful" She laughs to herself, relaxing as she leans on the sink

[8:12 PM] DM: Malica smiles a little. "Where are you all from?"

[8:13 PM] Nolanos: "My parents and I left Patauban when I was young, but I live in Ardabeh now. Or. Well. When I'm not here."

[8:14 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "And I'm sure anyone in this room could tell ye where I hail from" She smiles crooked, recalling old memories in the stronghold

[8:17 PM] Nolanos: Nolanos smiles, "Ah yes, the D'Akshi Stronghold, right?"

[8:17 PM] Ravaphine: "I come from Rodoza"

[8:17 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak winks and points a finger at Nolanos. She clicks her tongue "Bingo"

[8:18 PM] DM: Malica: "I've been in Alderrath for... as long as I can remember."

[8:18 PM] Nolanos: "What's Rodoza like?"

[8:22 PM] Ravaphine: "It's very green. Winters are very cold though, but I love the snow. Such a beautiful place," she pauses and looks at Malica before continuing, "But the only thing I miss about it is my mother. What is Ardabeh like?"(edited)

[8:32 PM] Nolanos: "It's pretty warm, usually. The city I live in is a college town, if you believe it," he laughs a bit. "We do research on a magic storm in the area."

[8:33 PM] DM: Malica: "You're near the Everstorm?"

[8:35 PM] Nolanos: "Yeah, I study it with my colleagues. It... doesn't always go well. I guess." As he says this last bit, he gets slightly more flustered.

[8:36 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Didn't think ye had it in ye t' do somethin' like that. Sounds mighty dangerous." Urrak folds her arms

[8:36 PM] Ravaphine: Rav's eyes light up at the mention of magic colleges. "I've always wanted to study at one of those. What do you study?"

[8:37 PM] Nolanos: "I have it in me to do a lot of things, trust me," he says playfully.

[8:38 PM] Ravaphine: "Maybe you can teach me a thing or two"

[8:39 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Riiiiiight then. Malica, would ye care t' join me outside?" Urrak stretches a hand out to her(edited)

[8:40 PM] DM: Malica: "Sure." And she follows Urrak out.

[8:39 PM] Nolanos: "And I mostly study tinkering at the nonmagical college. I try to think of things that could help people going into the Storm. And I've been trying to figure out how to truly animate clockwork familiars, like Reyes."

[8:40 PM] Nolanos: "I'm sure we can learn from each other.." Nolanos says, grinning a little

[8:43 PM] Ravaphine: "Oh no, everyone has left us. Shall we go reconvene with the rest of the group?"

[8:46 PM] Nolanos: "I uh.  Sure? If you wanted to. I mean. I enjoy spending time with you and. Uh. Yeah." Suddenly, Nolanos is back to being his super awkward self, and he inwardly curses his lack of social skills. So he just stands there, stammering slightly and fidgeting with a now slightly damp towel (from the dishes, of course).(edited)

[8:48 PM] Ravaphine: "Come on, let's get back to our friends." She smiles at the mumbling boy and grabs his hand to walk back into the dining room

[8:50 PM] Nolanos: "Yes, lets." He lets Ravaphine take his hand and lead him away, smiling and blushing ridiculously.

[7:32 PM] DM: Eloise takes her glass of wine over to her desk and Cae follows, sitting on the edge of it. People are starting to break off into their own smaller conversations.

[7:30 PM] Seirixori: "Um, yes? I... I don't know? They're just sort of... there." She shrugs, and kind of withdraws into herself, the attention making her nervous and she scratches a little at the base of her throat, "Mielikki... uh saved me. So she sometimes sits with me in her forest when I want to get away from the others. Takara's just... weird."

[7:35 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Ryleigh picks up on Seir's discomfort and gets up to put a hand on her shoulder, "Seir, its unusual for the gods to speak directly with someone. They must favor you." She smiles gently, "I must admit, I'm jealous. But if you ever want to talk about it further - I'd love to hear more."

[7:36 PM] DM: Misha takes the chance to slip away upstairs away from all the boring adults.

[7:38 PM] Seirixori: "Gunnloda told me it wasn't exactly normal, but I kind of forgot. I'm nothing special," she mumbles. "I'd rather they didn't leave a mark if they 'favored' me."(edited)

[7:43 PM] DM: Gunnloda half-chuckles and squeezes Seir's hand. "You're pretty special."

[7:43 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Her smile falters and she says determinedly, "No, Seir. Don't let the world deceive you, you are special." Ryleigh then sighs like the topic has gotten to heavy for the mood. She takes a few steps back, "I think I need some air" and goes to stand by the door.

[7:47 PM] Seirixori: Seir blushes from their comments, but frowns at Ryleigh's departure, "I... did I say something wrong?" she asks Gunnloda.

[7:47 PM] DM: Gunnloda: "I don't think so. Are you feeling better?"

[7:50 PM] Seirixori: Seirixori nods and hugs her, "Yes. I... thank you for ... for calming me down. I really don't like Poni."

[7:50 PM] DM: Gunnloda: "I know... he hasn't done much to earn being liked either, but there's not much we can do about it right now."

[7:53 PM] DM: When you look, she's talking to Kendall in the doorway.

## Ryleigh and Kendall

[7:49 PM] DM: You notice Kendall slip out of the kitchen and she heads through the doors you're next to outside.

[7:51 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Ryleigh clears her throat, "where are you off to?"

[7:51 PM] DM: Kendall: "Oh, just to go check on Rimands."

[7:52 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): "On who?"

[7:52 PM] DM: Kendall: "Rimands. My dog."

[7:54 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): "Ah, well I'd say be careful but I've seen you in combat so there's no need."

[7:55 PM] DM: She chuckles. "I'm far too rusty for combat. We're lucky I even had a spiritual weapon to call on."

[7:58 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Ryleigh smiles, "You saved our asses back there. We wouldn't have made it out without you, thank you for that, I have to much to do to die so young."

[7:59 PM] DM: Kendall smiles. "It's no problem, dear. Would you like to walk out with me?"

[7:59 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): "If you don't mind having the company? I don't want to intrude."

[8:01 PM] DM: She shakes her head and walks outside to where her big shaggy dog is. It's saddled and pants at her.

[8:01 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Ryleigh walks out and hold her hand out for the dog to smell.

[8:02 PM] DM: He sniffs you and kinda noses your hand. Kendall pulls a piece of meat out that she'd pocketed from the table and feeds him.

[8:03 PM] DM: "To be honest... I was thinking I was going to go home."

[8:04 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): "Any particular reason why?"

[8:04 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Ryleigh scratches behind the dogs ears.

[8:06 PM] DM: She sighs. "It's complicated. Could you do me a favor though?" She pulls a stone from her pouch. "Could you give this to Gunnloda for me? Tell her that if she needs me, I'll come for her."

[8:10 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Ryleigh takes the pouch, "of course, may your travels be safe." She pauses and then continues, "while I may not be much, I am indebted to you for rescuing us. If you ever need a sword, you shall have mine." Ryleigh gives a slight bow.

[8:11 PM] DM: She smiles. "You're going to be great some day."

[8:13 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Ryleigh just smiles and heads back inside to the others.

[8:13 PM] DM: Kendall and Rimands disappear.

[7:52 PM] Seirixori: Seir nods and looks at where Ryleigh is, "Do you think she'll talk to me?"

[7:53 PM] DM: Gunnloda: "Why wouldn't she?"

[7:55 PM] Seirixori: Seirixori shrugs, "I don't know, I'm not really good at it."

[7:56 PM] DM: Gunnloda: "Maybe later, when she's not busy again."

She looks at your entwined hands like she's thinking about something.

[7:59 PM] Seirixori: Seir nods and looks at her for a few moments before asking, "What is it?"

[8:01 PM] DM: Gunnloda: "Hmm? Oh... just wondering if now's the right time."

[8:04 PM] Seirixori: "For?"

[8:08 PM] DM: Gunnloda: "It's... I have a way to help keep you safer. But to do it..." She pulls the wooden box from her pouch, the one you saw her pull from her chest in the portal. When she opens it, there's two rings inside. "I'm not trying to pressure you or anything. It's not... it doesn't mean anything more than you want it to."

[8:13 PM] Seirixori: Seir blinks and stares at the rings, not quite understanding. "I..." She looks at Gunnloda and just stares some more, "I'm not... How does this help keep me safer?" Her voice squeaks, but she's smiling.

[8:15 PM] DM: Gunnloda chuckles. "They're spell components. We each wear one and I can help you not get hurt as much."

[8:16 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Ryleigh walks back inside. She's about to approach Gunnloda when she realizes Seir and Gunnloda are having a moment and instead hangs back for a little bit.

[8:21 PM] Seirixori: "Oh! Right that...that makes sense. Yeah, okay." Seir grins and hold out her hand, wanting Gunnloda to put it on her finger, "it would be my honor," she nearly chokes on her laughter.

[8:22 PM] DM: Gunnloda smiles and takes one of the rings and slides it on. It's small, but it magically resizes to fit.

[8:26 PM] Seirixori: "Neat." Seir leans over and kisses her, "So... I get to keep you around wherever I am?"

[8:27 PM] DM: She looks confused. "What do you mean?"

[8:30 PM] Seirixori: "I mean, just...something you gave me. And if I'm at...well in Limabey, there's like a little part of you with ... me? That sounded a lot better in my head..." She blushes.

[8:31 PM] DM: Gunnloda smiles and kisses her back. "Of course. Now we just need to fix this teleporter."

[8:32 PM] Seirixori: "Yes, that." Seir's smile falls a bit.

[8:33 PM] DM: Gunnloda: "I should find Kendall. The sooner I get back, the sooner I can come back here."

[8:34 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Ryleigh watches the exchange and eventually decides its safe to approach. She walks up to Gunnloda, "I'm sorry to intrude but Kendall gave me this for you.." she hands Gunnloda the pouch, "..and she said that if you ever need her - she'll come for you."

[8:35 PM] Seirixori: "She left???"

[8:35 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): "Yes, just a bit ago."(edited)

[8:37 PM] Seirixori: "Oh, I... wanted to talk to her..." Seir frowns.

[8:37 PM] DM: Gunnloda opens the pouch and pulls out a stone with intricate carvings. She puts the stone back inside before looking back up at Seir. "What about, dear?"

[8:38 PM] Seirixori: Seir blushes, "Oh, um... nothing important... just to thank her for... something."

[8:39 PM] DM: Gunnloda: "Well... she left a sending stone. If you can fit it in 25 words, you can use it to tell her."

[8:41 PM] Seirixori: "Oh! uh... maybe later." She turns to Ryleigh, "Are... are you ok? I didn't say anything wrong to make you leave did I?"

[8:46 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Ryleigh looks confused, "it wasn't you or anything you said. I hate the way you've been treated. I hate the way the world sees you." Ryleigh grits her teeth, "the way they see your kind."

[8:48 PM] Ravaphine: Rav and Nolanos come back to join the others

[8:49 PM] Seirixori: "Oh." Seirixori blinks, "That's..." she blinks back tears and shakes her head at the sudden rush of feelings, "...thanks."

[8:53 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Ryleigh waits until she's looking into Seir's eyes, "don't measure your self worth by their judgement, they're the ones who are wrong - not you." She places a hand on Seirixori's shoulder and sits down.

[8:55 PM] Ravaphine: Rav watches the exchange from the doorway just full of feelings

[8:57 PM] Seirixori: She just nods, stunned for a few moments, "That's... I'll try." is all she can manage to get out.

[8:57 PM] Nolanos: Nolanos hears Ryleighs last comment and just quietly absorbs that statement, subconsciously squeezing Rav's hand.

[9:01 PM] Seirixori: Seirixori stands quickly, "I'll... I'll be right back," she leans down and gives Gunnloda a kiss on the forehead before taking off.

[9:02 PM] Ravaphine: "She always leaves," rav says, sadly

[9:02 PM] DM: Gunnloda smiles. "I think she's just... used to dealing with things alone."

[9:03 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Ryleigh nods in understanding then realizes some people from their party are missing, "Where's Urrak?"

[9:04 PM] Nolanos: "Urrak went somewhere with Malica. Not sure where though"

[9:05 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Ryleigh smiles mischievously.(edited)

[9:06 PM] Ravaphine: "Maybe we shouldn't go find them" she chuckles

[9:06 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): "You read my mind."

[9:07 PM] Ravaphine: "Something tells me those two know each other very well."

[9:08 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Ryleigh shrugs, "maybe."

[9:09 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): "Perhaps we should head back and get some sleep. Today was long and draining."(edited)

[9:10 PM] Ravaphine: "I like the sound of that. Let's go say goodbye to Cae and Eloise first"

[9:12 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Ryleigh looks towards the moonstreams, "We should."

[9:13 PM] Ravaphine: Rav approaches the moonstreams. "Cae...Eloise. Your home is very lovely and we thank you tremendously for inviting us over for dinner"

[9:14 PM] DM: They look up from each other. Eloise: "Of course. Thank you for everything you've done."

[9:14 PM] Ravaphine: Ravaphine leans in to hug both of them

[9:15 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Ryleigh politely waves at the pair and heads out of the house.

[9:18 PM] Ravaphine: Rav follows to the cask

[9:18 PM] Nolanos: Nolanos waves in an awkward thanks and follows Rav and Ryleigh

[9:18 PM] DM: You guys do happen to catch sight of Malica and Urrak chatting on the way to the Cask.

[9:23 PM] Nolanos: "So that was a fun dinner, eh?"(edited)

[9:24 PM] Nolanos: "A bit slow to start. Awkward and what. But fun."(edited)

[9:25 PM] Ravaphine: "Kind of like all our adventures. Minus dying"

[9:25 PM] Nolanos: Nolanos laughs a little at this, "yes, exactly!"

[9:26 PM] Ravaphine: "Which, by the way, you dodged a giant bullet in that last adventure. I never want to fight another ghost"

[9:27 PM] Nolanos: "What even happened? I only got a slight glimpse of what it was like before I poofed out."

[9:30 PM] Ravaphine: "We thought...we thought something happened to you. Either that or you poofed away which is what i had hoped. You were charmed and went in by yourself like when seir went in by herself and she got really hurt. We all did, but we got the component. Thankfully Kendall was there to pray to her god to heal us all and keep us alive"

[9:33 PM] Nolanos: "It seems I have to thank Kendall the next time I see her. I don't know what I would have done if you were..." Nolanos lightly clears his throat, struggling for words. "I'm really glad you're okay."(edited)

[9:35 PM] Ravaphine: "I'm glad you are okay too. But now we know to never anger Poni ever again" she offers a small smile to Nolanos

## Urica

[8:43 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak walks into the crisp evening air, thankful for the reprieve "Gods that was close....What y' doin here Cy---Malica?"

[8:43 PM] DM: "I didn't know there was a whole thing tonight. I was just looking for you. You said you wanted to introduce me to everyone."

[8:46 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "I understand, I guess I shoulda clarified when...I had a feelin this dinner would be tense at the very least. Hard time for introducin' someone." She runs a hand through her hair. "Trust me when I say I'm tryin' me best t' keep this all under wraps, but Rav...she seems t' be  a bit more perceptive than the rest."

[8:46 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "I just...want t' make sure yer safe." She places a cautious hand on her arm

[8:48 PM] DM: She smiles a bit sadly. "You're not the best liar either. It might not be... sustainable. Most of them... I think most of them might be ok. Ryleigh worries me."

[8:50 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Aye, I never have been." She smiles a bit and nervously rubs her neck "And Ryleigh? Why's that?" she thinks a bit "Are ye worried she'll hurt ya?"

[8:51 PM] DM: She looks nervous, a little on edge. "She... kinda threatened me. When she whispered to me before you guys met the... the vampires."

[8:51 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "What'd she say t' ye?" Urraks brows furrow and her hands begin to clench

[8:53 PM] DM: She puts her hands out on your arm. "It's not... it was my fault. I was scared."

[8:55 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Malica..." she tries to catch her eyes "You'd tell me, right? If ye truly felt threatened?"

[8:57 PM] DM: "I've been on the run so long... I get scared, I make allies with my magic. Then I leave again before it  becomes an issue. I... can't leave here. I used my magic on Ryleigh and Nolanos in case you were mad at me. She was only reacting to that."

[8:59 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Y-y' didn't think I'd hurt ye, did ye?" Urrak's face falls

[9:01 PM] DM: "I didn't know what to expect. Most people... they think we kill for our faces. I was afraid you'd think I'd killed her. I mean... I-- I probably was partly to blame, but..." She stops talking, worried again.

[9:01 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak feels her heart leap into her throat "What was that last bit...?"

[9:08 PM] DM: She takes half a step backwards. "Not... directly. We were-- I told you I loved her. I did the wrong thing. She got mad. Told me about you. She was still so in love with you. She left. Alone. If I hadn't... maybe she wouldn't have left."

[9:09 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Please, for the love of all the heavens can ye just be straight with me." Urrak sighs, bowing her head and placing her interwoven fingers on top of it(edited)

[9:10 PM] DM: She hangs her head. "I'm sorry. It's... reflex. Defense mechanism, I guess."

[9:12 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak paces a bit "I...understand...well actually I don't but...I understand tryin' t' protect yerself." She looks over to her  and places her hands on her hips "I'm sorry."(edited)

[9:13 PM] DM: "I just... feel like I chased her away and it got her killed. I didn't want her to go at all. I wish I'd just kept my mouth shut."

[9:14 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Y'can't blame yerself. Ancy has always been very...independent. I'm sure it wasn't entirely your fault." She turns a bit to hide a couple tears. She quickly recovers, wiping her face with a sleeve. "We should...we should join the others."(edited)

[9:18 PM] DM: "I'm sorry. I don't... I don't want to hurt you. You must be a wonderful person if she loved you so much."

[9:19 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak laughs "Not as good as ye may think." she pauses and hears the group say their goodbyes to the Moonstreams and walk off. "Ah, I think they're leavin'."

[9:20 PM] DM: "How do you think we should handle this?"

[9:21 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "While I don't think any of 'em would mind truly...I wouldn't do anything t' put ye in danger" she folds her arms in thought(edited)

[9:25 PM] DM: "If I could just... leave. But I can't. I could just... be someone that you don't know. Keep to myself until this whole thing blows over."

[9:27 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Malica, please" she places her hands on her shoulders "Breathe. I promise I'm gonna keep you safe. And trust me, I'm not tryin' t' pull anything." She gives her shoulders a slight squeeze. "Will ye come with me t' the Cask?"(edited)

[9:28 PM] DM: "I... ok?"

[9:29 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Sorry, I've never been the best at...talkin 't' folks." She blushes a bit and fiddles with the empty loop of leather on her bandoleer "So, shall we?"

[9:30 PM] DM: She's confused, but nods.

[9:31 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak walks into the Cask, Malica in tow "Ah good, yer all awake..."

[9:32 PM] Ravaphine: "where have you two lovebirds been"

[9:34 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Oh n-no it's not like that." Urrak raises her hands in front of her "Not at all."

[9:34 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "I was just offerin' her my protection if some creep at th' inn tried t' pull anything funny"

[9:36 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak turns to Malica "Have y' any coin? I can spot ye for a private room."(edited)

[9:36 PM] Ravaphine: She turns to Malica. "Urrak will protect you. She protects all of us. You're safe here"

[9:37 PM] DM: Malica: "I have one. Thank you."

[9:37 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Excellent." Urrak nods a tad too furiously. "Well then, I think we should all get some sleep."

[9:37 PM] Ravaphine: "I don't think anyone is collecting any money for the cask, Urrak" rav jokes

[9:38 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak blushes a bit with embarrassment. How long  had she been sleeping here?

[9:39 PM] Ravaphine: Rav smacks Urrak in the arm. "Go get some sleep. We got a long day ahead of us"

[9:39 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Aye, that we do."

[9:40 PM] Nolanos: "Adventure awaits," Nolanos smiles.(edited)

[9:44 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Right...anyway." She turns back to Malica "Have a good night then...Malica." she smiles a bit. "Hope t' see ye soon."

[9:45 PM] DM: Malica gives her a smile back. "Thank you and... I'm sorry again. For everything. Just... everything."

[9:46 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Ye don't have to apologize, truly. But if it helps...I forgive ye." she gives her shoulder a quick squeeze before walking upstairs to sleep

[9:40 PM] Ravaphine: "I usually go rest in the citrus grove if you'd prefer to rest up here at the cask, Nolanos. I like the breeze" She gets up and makes her way to the grove and pockets a few more fruits on the way

[9:41 PM] Nolanos: "Ravaphine! Wait!" he jogs to catch up with her.

[9:45 PM] Nolanos: Nolanos lightly tugs at her hand when he catches up to her. "I um. I wanted to tell you something, and you don't have to say anything in return if you don't want to, but. Well."

[9:49 PM] Nolanos: He takes a breath, steeling himself a bit. This is surprisingly difficult for him, even though its a vital life function because wow his heart is just going. "Ilikeyou," he rushes out. "I like you" he repeats, exhaling. "Quite a bit, actually."(edited)

[9:50 PM] Nolanos: "Again, you don't have to say anything, I just wanted you to know. Um. Okay."(edited)

[9:53 PM] Ravaphine: "You...you do?" Ravaphine can't wipe the giant smile on her face. "I really like the way your mind works and we make a fantastic team. Let's just see where this goes okay? Right now, we need to worry about getting back home and getting the people of bellbury back. But I would love to talk more about this later"

[9:56 PM] Nolanos: "I do, yeah. " Nolanos smiles. "And yes. You're very right. We need to focus."

[9:58 PM] Nolanos: "I'll let you get some sleep then. Adventure awaits, and what not. Sleep well, or. Well. Trance well, heh."

[9:59 PM] Ravaphine: "Now come with me to the citrus grove. You need your rest (not really cause he didn't die with us but still)" She grabs his hand and she leads him to a big tree to sit under. She sits cross legged and puts a pile of clothes on her lap for him to lay on

[10:01 PM] Ravaphine: Rav's ears perk to the west. She swears she hears screaming, but closes her eyes and thinks nothing of it

[10:02 PM] Nolanos: Nolanos curls up and tentatively rests his head on her lap before eventually falling asleep.

## Later Urica

[10:58 AM] DM: So, you said good night, but... got restless? Couldn't sleep with thoughts of Ancy bouncing in your head? So you went to find Malica, which, it's easy enough to figure out which room she'd be in.

[11:01 AM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak, sick of tossing and turning, raises from her bed. She sits on the edge of it for a spell, debating if what she feels she needs to do is right, but eventually she gets up to find Malica's room.

[11:03 AM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: She leaves her own rented space, the lightness of her traveler's clothes feeling foreign after days of wearing heavy armor, and finds her door. She pauses, taking deep breaths, and knocks softly "Malica...?"(edited)

[11:06 AM] DM: There's a moment of silence, but the door opens just a bit and you can see Malica standing there, looking out. When she realizes it's you, she opens it a bit more to let you in. The room's pretty empty, the bed still made. There's a decent sized bag sitting in the corner, but that's the only indication that anyone's staying in the room.

[11:07 AM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "I'm...sorry t' intrude. I suppose I could come back later if it's better for ye..." she fidgets a bit, twisting and rubbing her fingers with her other hand.

[11:09 AM] DM: "It's ok. I can't sleep anyway. Do you... want to come in?"

[11:10 AM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak nods, and steps inside.  She takes another deep breath, "I'm sure ye can guess what I'm about t' ask ye...do you mind if I sit?" she motions to the bed.

[11:11 AM] DM: She shuts the door behind you and shakes her head, gesturing towards the bed. "Go ahead."

[11:13 AM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak sits, her hands balling into tight fists as she tugs at the fabric of her breeches. "I need t' know. I need to know everythin'. Everythin' about...Ancy." She looks at the floor as she says her name

[11:16 AM] DM: She nods and crosses her arms in front of her, leaning against the wall opposite you. "Are you sure you're... ready to hear it?"

[11:18 AM] DM: For the sake of clarity, Cyan was always kind of larger than life, outgoing, cheerful, flirty... Malica, since she's changed, has been quiet, withdrawn, nervous, almost scared. Even now, she's folded in on herself and soft-spoken.

[11:21 AM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "I don't think I'll ever be truly ready but....I won't find peace without knowin'. I'm just...tired of wonderin'. The worry it...it feels like I'm being haunted. Buried under a mountain of 'what if's'." she grips the small leather bag on a rope around her neck beneath her shirt. Slowly she lifts her eyes to Malica.  In a small voice, completely unfitting of a half-orc fighter laden with scars, she whispers ,"Please."

[11:25 AM] DM: She nods and kind of looks away, rubbing her arms like she's cold. "I was in Lughagen when she came in. I was a face for the guild there... she said she had a message from someone in the Onyxward guild, but they'd gone dark. We hadn't heard from them in... a month or more by that time."

[11:28 AM] DM: She shrugs, a faint tint of pink crossing her face. "I wanted to help her. I volunteered to help her try to track down the people from Onyxward. We worked together for... months. Trying to piece together the clues. All this time, she was using the name Ravana. She never mentioned where she'd been or why she'd left Onyxward until we found something... evidence that pointed towards the Gray. Do... you know what that is? Do you know anything about Alderrath?"

[11:31 AM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: She shakes her head softly "I'm afraid my worldview's a bit limited. Before this all happened I'd never been much further than Nampuli."

[11:31 AM] DM: "She never talked about before?"

[11:31 AM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "As I'm sure ye noticed, Ancy never spoke too much about the past." she smiles slightly(edited)

[11:32 AM] DM: She half-scoff/half-chuckles sadly. "She... compartmentalized well.  It's... a good trait to have when you're in our line of work."

[11:33 AM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "I imagine so. It never mattered much t' me...when she was near me, that's all that mattered." her eyes begin to water a bit(edited)

[11:37 AM] DM: She lowers her head a bit, then continues. "When we found that evidence that the Gray was involved, she told me about when she was younger. She'd had a job that... something wasn't right. Somehow she wound up on the Gray's bad side. She was scared. The Gray... it's like... it's almost like a scary story you tell kids to keep them in bed at night. If you're bad the Gray will get you. Most people think it's a fairy tale... but she knew better. She left Alderrath altogether. I'm... guessing that's why she was in Nampuli. Trying to get as far away as she could, hoping she was safe."

[11:41 AM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "This Gray...it's some kind of guild?" she tries to recall any kind of mention of such a force, but comes up empty "Or...bandits?" Urrak's brow furrows as she tries to comprehend

[11:42 AM] DM: She shakes her head and there's just... fear written across her face. She's been soft-spoken this whole time, but she drops even further to a whisper. "Vampires."

[11:46 AM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: A chill shoots down her spine "Gods..." she runs a hand through her hair, eyes shifting around as she processes this revelation "And they...they found her then...when she....Gods I probably put her in so much danger tryin' t' keep her close..." she swallows hard, as a couple of tears fall from her eyes.

[11:49 AM] DM: Malica moves over to sit next to you and puts her hand on your arm. "You had nothing to do with it. They were... she thought they tracked her to Onyxward, but when they couldn't find her, they... she had a friend who sent her a Sending that the Gray was coming for them. Nampuli's sunshine would have been better for her than staying in Alderrath. Nowhere's safe there."

[11:52 AM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "And ye...yer sure they...caught up with her...?"

[11:58 AM] DM: She sighs, pulling her hand from your arm. "We were making a plan. She wanted to get closer. Try to find where they were headquartered or find out if anyone from Onyxward was still alive. We'd spent so much time together and... I must have read it wrong or... just saw what I wanted. I thought there was more than work between us. I messed up. I pushed too hard. That's when she told me about you. Told me that I--" she sniffles. "And then I messed up more. She... got mad and left. She took the information we'd gathered and walked out. Told me she didn't want to see me again."

[12:00 PM] DM: "In all our research, all the information we'd gathered, we'd never found any hint of anyone who had ever looked for the Gray and survived. Not one."

[12:07 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak places a hand on Malica's knee without much thought, "I...appreciate y' tellin me all this." she pauses a moment, lost in her memories "Y'did so much for her, and I know it came from an honest place." She looks Malica in the eye. "I just hope ye don't...it wasn't yer fault. Ancy is just...was just...a captivatin' woman. And workin' so close with someone fer  a time well...feelin's happen." she comes out of her wistful state suddenly and returns her hand to her lap "I...sorry. Again with th' touchin...." She chuckles to herself and shakes her head. "I'm just...a real mess these days."

[12:12 PM] DM: She shakes her head. "It's... fine. You're ok, and... I thought you should know. All of it. But you're wrong... about me. It was selfish. I was selfish. I shouldn't have... and now she's... gone and I'm here with you and neither of us is with her and..." She trails off and then you hear in the smallest voice, "there's nowhere to run."

[12:15 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Hey," she brushes a bit of hair behind Malica's ear "I meant what I said. That I'd protect ye. I don't make promises I can't keep." She struggles a bit to smile, eyes still red from recent tears "I'm gonna do everythin' I can t' make good on that. And as for Ancy..." she goes to fiddle with a loop of leather that isn't there "I...I might have a way t' find her."

[12:21 PM] DM: She looks confused for a moment, then her eyes widen in realization, then fear. "Poni? But... she... it's been months. And you might be able to protect me from the people here, but... if you--" She takes a deep breath to give herself time to string together more than three words. "If you go looking, you will find them... and you can't protect anyone from them. They will find you even if they have to go through everyone you love to do it."

[12:23 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "I...know it seems insane but. Well, it's hard t' explain but...I pledged my love t' her fer life" she sighs "I...have t' try."(edited)

[12:24 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "As long as there's a way...I have t' try."

[12:25 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: She sits silently for a bit, mulling over her thoughts, "Thank ye again, Malica. I needed t'  hear the whole story." She moves to stand(edited)

[12:28 PM] DM: She looks conflicted, but shakes her head. "I-- I'm sorry. I can't. My best chance is to just... keep moving. Keep changing. I can't help you... but... good luck? And... if you do somehow manage to find her... please just... tell her I'm sorry."

[12:31 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "I understand. I wouldn't ask me t' put yerself in danger." she places her hands on her hips "But...if there's anythin' else y' can tell about these Gray, t' give me some kind of idea of what I'd be dealin' with I'd appreciate it." she walks backwards a bit, slowly "For now...I think we both should get some sleep." she reaches the door, resting a hand on the rough wood "G'night, Malica."

[12:32 PM] DM: "Good night."

## Seir's Mistake

[9:02 PM] Seirixori: She's gonna go up the stairs and take a few moments to gather herself before looking for Misha.

[9:03 PM] DM: You've been in Cae and Eloise's room. There are several other rooms up here, but only one looks like it's of the same sort of stature. Most of them look more utilitarian.

[9:04 PM] Seirixori: Seir knocks on that door and calls out, "Uh... Misha?"

[9:05 PM] DM: She opens the door. "What... can I help you?"

[9:07 PM] Seirixori: "H-hi! Um..." Seirixori shuffles, not at all prepared for why she even came up here in the first place, "I.. I was wondering if I could see your ring! It... it looked really nice."

[9:08 PM] DM: Her face goes from kinda surly to bubbly in a blink. "It's so pretty, right?" She shows you the ring.

[9:11 PM] Seirixori: "Yeah! So, how'd, what was his name again? Prince Caruhm? Was it... nice?" She asks with fake cheer.

[9:12 PM] DM: "It was beautiful! And so many books to read and beautiful dresses and he's so nice and charming and handsome."

[9:15 PM] Seirixori: "That sounds... wonderful. It looks much nicer than mine! Would..." she hesitates, "...can I try it on? I'm sorry I just want to see if it looks good, skin color and everything, you know."

[9:16 PM] DM: She holds her finger out next to yours. "The ruby doesn't look very good against pink, I think... but your silver ring does. Where'd you get that?"

[9:17 PM] Seirixori: "Oh, Gunnloda gave it to me! The... the dwarf downstairs." Seir smiles.

[9:22 PM] DM: "Are you betrothed too?"

[9:26 PM] Seirixori: Seir hesitates to answer, but she shrugs, "Sure. Definitely. She's great and really nice and she makes really good food..." Seir trails off, stopping herself, because this was not at all what she came up here for, "Anyway... so uh... what's this Prince like anyway?"

[9:27 PM] DM: "He's just... perfect."

[9:27 PM] Seirixori: "Perfect? That's... it?"

[9:28 PM] DM: She shrugs. "How would you describe yours?"

[9:31 PM] Seirixori: Seir opens her mouth to respond, but closes it when words don't come out, "Yeah, that's... That about sums it up."    She clears her throat, "What uh, where does he live?"

[9:32 PM] DM: "Well, he has a castle, but he's not always there. He was traveling."

[9:38 PM] Seirixori: "Ok, but... like what ... kingdom is he part of? Princes have kingdoms right?"

[9:39 PM] DM: She thinks for a second. "I don't know. I didn't ask."

[9:41 PM] Seirixori: "Right..." Seir just looks at her disbelieving. "You'd like to see him again, right?"

[9:41 PM] DM: "Of course. He'll find me, I'm sure. He's so powerful."(edited)

[9:42 PM] Seirixori: "That's... great." Seirixori takes a deep breath, "Well, I can find him for you, if you'd like. But... I'd have to borrow the ring for a few minutes, if that's ok?"

[9:43 PM] DM: "Can you really?" She lights up, but then frowns. "I don't want to take it off, though. What if you drop it or it gets lost or he can't find me?"

[9:47 PM] Seirixori: "I swear I won't lose it, I'll treasure it like my own. It will come to no harm." Seir sighs, "And... if he's as powerful as you say, he'll be able to find you anyway. That's how.. how uh... love works right?"

[9:48 PM] DM: She pulls her hand back, shaking her head, a furrow in her brow deeper than before. "I don't want to take it off."(edited)

[9:49 PM] Seirixori: "What's wrong with taking it off?" Seir pulls her own ring off, "It's... nothing happens to it see?" She waves it around a little and then slips it back on.

[9:50 PM] DM: "I don't want to, ok? Just... maybe you should leave."

[9:51 PM] Seirixori: "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset you, are you sure you don't want me to find him?" ((gdi listen she's going to use her damn last spell to cast charm lol))

[9:51 PM] DM: (You cast it?)

[9:51 PM] Seirixori: ((yeah))

[9:52 PM] DM: "I don't need you to find him. He'll find me. He said so."

[9:55 PM] Seirixori: Seir curses under her breath, "Yes well, none of this even sounds right! I hope this works, why do I keep doing these things?" Seir takes a breath before shifting into a giant spider... and attempts to use web on Misha.

[9:56 PM] DM: What's the DC?

[9:56 PM] Seirixori: 12

[9:56 PM] Seirixori: Str

[9:56 PM] DM: She is restrained.

[9:58 PM] Seirixori: Seir goes to take the ring off her finger.

[9:58 PM] DM: When you start pulling it, Misha starts screaming out in pain.

November 8, 2017

[3:54 PM] Seirixori: Seirixori stops and looks confused, before reaching for it again and pulls at it, but only to see if happens again.

[3:55 PM] DM: It does. Seems like trying (and I say trying because the ring's not moving) but trying to take it off causes immense pain.

[4:00 PM] Seirixori: "I knew there was something weird happening, but what the hells do I do about this?" she grumbles. "Shit, shit, shit, this won't even budge." Seir tries to ignore the scream of pain but it's too much and she just stops, "Why do I do these things by myself all the time!?!?!"

[4:01 PM] DM: Misha's just crying, stuck inside this web. "Please, please stop. It feels like you're taking my finger off."

[4:02 PM] Seirixori: "I'm sorry, I'm sorry. Goddess that might even be an actual option," Seir whispers to herself, "But this isn't normal, can't you see that?"

[4:04 PM] DM: "Maybe it's just too small, but whatever it is... please? Please stop."

[4:07 PM] Seirixori: "It wouldn't hurt that much if it was too small," Seir starts pacing, unsure of what to do now. "You need help and why the hell do we keep running into fucking assholes!?"

[4:07 PM] DM: Roll a perception check

[4:08 PM] Seirixori: ((24))

[4:08 PM] DM: You hear very rapid footsteps coming down the hall.

[4:10 PM] Seirixori: "Oh... right, this could be very good or very bad..." Seir cringes but goes to the door and opens it.

[4:12 PM] DM: Cae's rushing up and when she sees you, she skids to a stop. Her face is flushed, more than it should be from just coming upstairs. "What are you doing? Where's Misha?"

[4:14 PM] Seirixori: Seirixori takes a deep breath and starts talking, very fast, "Ok, ok, this isn't what it looks like. Or maybe... no. I thought something was weird with the ring and then I asked her about the Prince and she doesn't even know what he's a Prince of and then I tried to get her to give me the ring but she wouldn't so I tried to take it and she started screaming and there's something wrong with that ring and...and I don't know what to do."(edited)

[4:18 PM] DM: She just pushes forward into you so she can look in the room, and when she sees her daughter, trapped in a web and crying in near hysterics, she spins around and shoves you back against a wall, pinning you with a forearm across your collarbones. (Do you want to resist?)

[4:18 PM] Seirixori: ((no))

[4:21 PM] DM: "You come into my house and assault my daughter? You shouldn't even *be* here."

[4:24 PM] Seirixori: "Of course I shouldn't be here! But your wife waited too fucking long to do something about the asshole gnome so I am here and I saved your gods damn wife, and you, and I'm telling you something is wrong with that damn ring on your daughter's finger and it's going to get her killed!" She's breathing hard and it's taking her everything to not get angrier.

[4:30 PM] DM: She slams her hand into the wall next to you and looks down at you, near growling herself. "You don't get to talk about my family like that, tiefling. You don't get to come into my house and put your hands on my daughter--"

About this time, you hear Eloise's voice coming from the stairs. "Cae! What are you doing?"

Cae doesn't take her eyes off you, but she says to Eloise, "Misha's room. Go help her."

[4:35 PM] Seirixori: "You're not listening" Seir shakes her head, she can feel it this time, now that's she concentrating so hard not to lose herself to her anger, "if you don't believe me, you try to take it off! And I'll leave your stupid family alone and never come back here if I'm wrong." she growls.

[4:40 PM] DM: Eloise slips past the two of you into MIsha's room and you can hear her... very vocal reaction to what she sees. There's a brief pause where you can sort of see her trying to free Misha, over Cae's shoulder, and she comes back out, tears in her eyes. "Let her out of there. Now."

[4:43 PM] Seirixori: "Try to take off the ring first," Seir growls, still staring at Cae, "You won't have to see me again if you just try it, just once."

[4:47 PM] DM: Misha: "Please don't. It hurts so much."

Eloise: "Be careful, Cae. She's... angry and turns into animals."

Cae's lip curls a little. "Then we'll have something in common. I believe my wife, my *gods damn wife* as you said, told you to do something and when the Baroness tells you to do something, you fucking listen. Release her."

[4:52 PM] Seirixori: Seir continues to stare, her breathing more labored, but she isn't angry, she's trying not to cry, "Fine." Her breath hitches and the tears spill down her face in spite of her reluctance to let them, "Fine...fine." She looks to Eloise. "Let-- let your family die then. What do, what do I care." She hiccups and struggles to get out of Cae's grasp.

[4:54 PM] DM: Roll athletics or acrobatics, whichever's better.

[4:54 PM] Seirixori: ((17))

[4:55 PM] DM: You slip free of her grasp.

[4:57 PM] Seirixori: "I'm sorry, I was just... I just wanted to help you, shit." Seir mutters, wiping her eyes, "Why do I try?" She runs out of the room.

[4:58 PM] DM: You hear Cae and Eloise both shout after you, "Stop!" and "Get back here!" And you can hear one of them, probably Cae, giving chase down the hall.

[5:01 PM] Seirixori: Seir shifts into a tiger and takes off.

[5:01 PM] DM: I assume out of the mansion? Where to?

[5:02 PM] DM: When you burst out of the doors, you see Gunnloda just kind of waiting at the fountain. She looks up, confused.

[5:05 PM] Seirixori: Seir pauses, whimpers, and gives Gunnloda a small and a lingering stare. She takes off again, towards the grove, making her way as far back as it goes, staying in her tiger form, hoping that if anyone comes looking she can hide from them.(edited)

[5:07 PM] DM: As far as you can tell... you get away. For now.

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