S: Teleporter Plot 6

## Session 32

*[*8:18 PM*]* DM*:* So it's just before dawn Day 8. You're in Poni's basement and Seir just left. The component's on the counter with the others now.

*[*8:22 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* Ravaphine, not wanting to push Seir further out of her comfort zone, lets her leave without following her out. Instead of trancing, Rav takes a minute to look over Poni's notebook about the teleporter.

*[*8:22 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* She pulls out Poni from behind the books

*[*8:23 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* "Tell me more about the astromanic crystals, Poni."

*[*8:24 PM*]* DM*:* Poni: "They're blue."

*[*8:25 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* "That's...great. Can you show me Qarius' office at your old college?" Rav pushes the button

*[*8:28 PM*]* DM*:* The portal comes to life. It's near dawn there as well and the office is empty. There's a desk in the center of the room with a comfy chair on one side and slightly less comfy chairs on the other. The desk is mostly clear, except for what looks like a folded piece of paper in the center of it, open. There's a bunch of books in a bookshelf behind the desk, but that's about all you can make out from this angle.

*[*8:29 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* "Is this where you would get in trouble all the time?" Rav asks while chuckling. "Where did you find the crystals in the first place?"

*[*8:31 PM*]* DM*:* "Why should I tell you? So you can throw me about more or try to take them from me?"

*[*8:32 PM*]* DM*:* "I should just make you go get the next component. Teach you a lesson like that dragonscaled idiot."

*[*8:33 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* "Think of it as an insurance policy. This is our last crystal so if it breaks...that's kind of it for us...and I would love to fetch the next component but if I don't die from whatever creatures await for me, Urrak and Ryleigh will probably have my head"

*[*8:34 PM*]* DM*:* "Brutes with no sense of finesse those two."

*[*8:34 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* "But wow, are they strong" Rav stares off to space for a second thinking about how stronk Ryleigh and Urrak both are

*[*8:35 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* "And if not them, Baroness Moonstream will not be happy but I know how much you love her"(edited)

*[*8:36 PM*]* DM*:* "Are you just going to blather on about the people you know all night?"

*[*8:36 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* "My lips are sealed if you show me where I can find more crystals"

*[*8:37 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* "And then we will find the next component, promise"

*[*8:40 PM*]* DM*:* "I got them from his desk. I doubt you'll be able to do the same. Even if he still keeps them there, you would be spotted and found out."

*[*8:41 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* "It wouldn't hurt to try. Plus I have time before everyone wakes up. And I can find your old stomping grounds"

*[*8:45 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* Before Rav steps through the portal, she writes a note on a piece of parchment that says "Be back soon. Going shopping" and places it on the table.

*[*8:45 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* She takes a deep breath and steps through the portal

*[*8:49 PM*]* DM*:* The scene around you changes. When you look around in the pre-dawn morning, you see you're sitting at the point where two rivers combine into one. Ahead, you can see a squat sort of building, wide and short, but with seven towers that stick up from the corners.

*[*8:50 PM*]* DM*:* Not very far away. Maybe a five-ten minute walk.

*[*8:54 PM*]* DM*:* It... looks like a building. You don't see any movement outside. There are some windows along the outside. A couple of them have light coming from the other side, but as far as you can tell, along the road you're on straight to the building, there's nobody else out.

*[*8:56 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* "Ready Poni? Do you remember which building wing was Qarius'?"

*[*8:57 PM*]* DM*:* "His office is in the center of the building. What are you going to do when the Spellguard catches you?"

*[*8:59 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* "Cry probably" Rav gets up from where she is sitting and starts to walk towards the building, but hiding behind fixtures (trees? rocks?) every so often

*[*9:02 PM*]* DM*:* You don't see any motion on your way up the road. He replies, dripping with sarcasm, "What an excellent plan."

*[*9:03 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* "Are people not allowed inside? What if I wanted to pretend to...become a student" her voice becomes shy a little at the end

*[*9:04 PM*]* DM*:* "I don't know how someone so dull can possibly handle the arcane arts, but I've been with you quite a bit lately and you are quite possibly the worst liar I have ever met. And Qarius claims there is no necromancy wing."

*[*9:11 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* "I wouldn't be lying" she says quietly, "You're right, those spots in school should be saved for the ones who really deserve it. I'm a lousy spellcaster....I'll never be like you or my mother, you guys are so powerful. But I know, I know, I won't bore you with that"

*[*9:12 PM*]* DM*:*  There's a set of double doors ahead of you, up a short staircase flanked by gargoyle statues.

*[*9:15 PM*]* DM*:* Along this edge of the school, yes.

Poni scoffs. "Most of the assholes in this school are idiots too, and those that aren't are too short-sighted to understand greatness. Maybe you'd fit right in."

*[*9:18 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* Rav can't help but smile at that. "If becoming a student won't work out, I guess we have to sneak in. Let's hope those gargoyles don't shoot fireballs at me"

*[*9:19 PM*]* DM*:* Poni: "They only attack if you try to attack the school. Only certain areas are warded against any entry."

*[*9:21 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* "Wish me luck." Rav puts poni in her bag and casts invisibility on herself. She approaches the school

*[*9:22 PM*]* DM*:* You're invisible. Nothing happens.

*[*9:23 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* She looks for any sort of trap before trying the door

*[*9:24 PM*]* DM*:* You see no traps.

*[*9:24 PM*]* DM*:* The door swings open.

*[*9:24 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* She steps through and looks for a campus map

*[*9:27 PM*]* DM*:* The entry has stairs that go up and down, and a main hallway just goes straight through from the door towards the center. The hall also goes left and right towards corners of the building where the towers were. There are other halls that split off to the left and right down the main passage. It's still quiet, still before dawn, but you do hear some footsteps down some of the halls and there's a woman in armor, interestingly, walking down the hall in a rush. She's wearing a red tabard over scale armor and it has a gold emblem you can't quite make out from here on it.

*[*9:30 PM*]* DM*:* You haven't actually seen any doors yet. Not near where you are. The walls are just plain stone with the occasional tapestry to muffle echoes.

*[*9:31 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* Rav goes down straight the main hallway

*[*9:31 PM*]* DM*:* Invisibility makes you invisible but doesn't make you quiet.

*[*9:35 PM*]* DM*:*  You make your way down the hall. Down the smaller halls on either side you start to see doors, mostly wooden, set into the stonework. The hall ahead ends at a door and splits to either side. You hear Poni's voice, but this time in your head. "This is the center block for the boring bullshit of running a school that isn't related to actual magic, but there are still protections in place. They change, so I can't tell you where or what."

*[*9:38 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* Rav goes left

*[*9:43 PM*]* DM*:* You track around and you see a couple more people here and there. Most are in robes, but every now and then, you see someone in some form of armor with that same red tabard and gold symbol. From what you can tell, the school is a seven sided building, but this center part is squared. There are doors on each side of the block, but none appear to be any different from the others. The only difference you see, as you glance down the halls, is that the tapestries have different colors to them. One hall is green, one is blue, etc.

*[*9:44 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* ((does Rav remember what Poni's body was wearing and does that matter in this situation))

*[*9:45 PM*]* DM*:* He was wearing regular clothes. And, as you recall, he was no longer a member of the college, so it wouldn't really matter.

*[*9:47 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* Rav puts her ear to the closest door

*[*9:48 PM*]* DM*:* You don't hear anything.

*[*9:48 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* Rav pushes the door open just a crack and peers in

*[*9:50 PM*]* DM*:* Looks like everywhere else. You can hear a little more background noise here though. Sniffles, little coughs... just basic evidence of people being awake in the area.

*[*9:51 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* Rav goes inside of this hallway and closes the door behind her.

*[*9:56 PM*]* DM*:* There's some open doors as you go, and peeking in, there's some empty chairs in front of desks. One room has a gnome doing paperwork, wearing a white robe. There are some others that are closed. Some of those are marked with variations of the same symbol. It's what looks like a stylized dragon set over what might be hills or an open book. The space behind the dragon changes depending on which door you're looking at. One has stars behind it, another has a moon.

*[*9:59 PM*]* DM*:* You've never seen it before, but now that you've seen it up close, you can guess it's also the symbol the armored people had on their chests.

*[*10:00 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* Rav picks the doors with the stars

*[*10:02 PM*]* DM*:* Just to be clear, those are just a sample of the doors you see. Not all doors have symbols.

*[*10:04 PM*]* DM*:* You didn't get close enough to see if there was anything special about their symbols. You're just guessing from the vague shape that it was probably the dragon

*[*10:08 PM*]* DM*:*  There's one that looks like it might be in the middle of the area. The symbol on this one is the same dragon but it has a sort of sunburst behind it. It's smallish, but set apart from all the others with a ring of hallway around it and only one door.

*[*10:09 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* She puts her ear up to this door

*[*10:09 PM*]* DM*:* When you touch the door, your invisibility dissipates.

*[*10:10 PM*]* DM*:* You didn't open the door, but you don't immediately see anyone around you.

*[*10:11 PM*]* DM*:* You don't see or hear anyone moving around.

*[*10:14 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* Ravaphine sighs and attempts to open the door, knowing she is no longer invisible

*[*10:14 PM*]* DM*:* It opens.

*[*10:15 PM*]* DM*:* The door swings open, and you see the office you saw in the portal. A bookshelf, a desk, three chairs, and an opened letter on the desk. There's nothing else in the room.

*[*10:15 PM*]* DM*:* Nope.

*[*10:17 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* Rav closes the door behind her. She goes to the desk and opens a drawer because why not

*[*10:19 PM*]* DM*:* You find a lot of paperwork. Quills. Ink pots. Nothing terribly interesting.

*[*10:21 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* She reads the letter on the desk

*[*10:23 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* Rav gets a sudden wave of sadness that this will probably be the only way she can ever be at a wizarding school campus: unwanted and unallowed

*[*10:24 PM*]* DM*: Master Qarius,*

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

*-Baroness Eloise Moonstream*(edited)

*[*10:26 PM*]* DM*:* You recall seeing a similar letter, half-written on Eloise's desk, requesting aid from Qarius, so this does appear to be newer.

*[*10:28 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* Rav pockets the letter, and continues on her search. This time she looks at the bookshelf

*[*10:29 PM*]* DM*:* The books appear to be records, not spell-related.

*[*10:31 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* She sighs. "I think they're all gone, Poni. There's nothing here" she whispers(edited)

*[*10:31 PM*]* DM*:* There's no response.

*[*10:32 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* "Poni? I promise you're not in trouble or in detention" she nervously chuckles

*[*10:32 PM*]* DM*:* No response.

*[*10:33 PM*]* Ravaphine*: "Does magic not work in this room?"* she thinks to herself. She tries to cast light on something small, like a quill(edited)

*[*10:33 PM*]* DM*:* Nothing happens.

*[*10:34 PM*]* Ravaphine*: "Great. Seir will be happy to hear that we found a way to make poni stop talking"*

*[*10:39 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* Rav looks behind the bookcase one last time before giving up

*[*10:42 PM*]* DM*:* All you find back there is dust, but as you're standing there, tracing the edge of the shelf, you hear the door open and the dimness that was once dark is lit with warm light.

*[*10:47 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* Rav closes her eyes and readies herself to face the consequences.

*[*10:48 PM*]* DM*:* "Can I help you?"

*[*10:51 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* Rav clears her throat and tries to compose herself. "Hello, my name is Ravaphine and I apologize for barging into your office like this. I was wondering if you could help me. Are you Headmaster Qarius?"

*[*10:52 PM*]* DM*:* The man standing in the doorway is a high elf, tall, with long dark hair pulled into a slick ponytail at the base of his skull. He's wearing white robes with gold edging and holding a lantern. "I am. Why are you in my office?"

*[*10:57 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* "Headmaster. Hello" she bows in respect. Rav's instinct is to of course, lie, but she doesn't think she has it in her to lie to somebody like Qarius. "I want to be completely honest with you. I wanted to say I would like to inquire about becoming a student at your college, and while I would love to be a part of this institution if I was deemed worthy enough...I'm afraid it is much more than that"(edited)

*[*10:58 PM*]* DM*:* He steps inside and sets the lantern on the desk. "We have prodcedures for new admissions. Generally sneaking into my office and snooping about my desk is not one of them."

*[*11:01 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* "I do apologize for my unprofessionalism. But this doesn't have to do with admissions. It has to do with... Mr. Ningel. Sort of"

*[*11:02 PM*]* DM*:* He sighs and puts his hand to the bridge of his nose. "If I could go one week without hearing that name again. I received the Baroness's letter. The Spellguard will arrive later today. Did she really feel the need to send two messengers?"

*[*11:06 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* "She didn't send me, sir. I came here by myself to try to help the City of Bellbury. Poni created a disaster that caused the citizens of bellbury to disappear and I have a group of companions and myself to help search for them. We're kind of the search and rescue team"

*[*11:06 PM*]* DM*:* "And this explains your presence here how?"

*[*11:09 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* "In order to search for the people, we use astromanic crystals to help find them. I was wondering if you or your college had any to spare to help the people of Bellbury? If there is a cost, I'm sure Baroness Moonstream would be willing to help"

*[*11:13 PM*]* DM*:* He scoffs. "If there's a cost. Of course there's a cost. And I assume Mr. Ningel's responsible for the ones that went missing before he left. No, even if I had any to spare, I would not simply hand them over to you. My Spellguard will determine the best course of action and we will proceed from there. Why don't you scurry along now and tell her to calm her hysterics."

*[*11:19 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* "Mr. Ningel is gone sir. I'm just trying my best to help. I'm from Rodoza, across the ocean. I live a quiet life but I got sent to this town and I cannot go back home until we fix his mistakes. I didn't sign up for this," her voice breaks slightly as she tries to hold back tears. "Every hour. Every minute that passes, people die. I do not work for the Barroness, but you have to understand that I just want to get back home and get these people home safe."

*[*11:23 PM*]* DM*:* "As I said. My Spellguard will arrive later today. They are already preparing. They will assess the situation and we will find the best way forward. Perhaps you should let this all be a lesson in *meddling* with things beyond your understanding. Now. Should you choose to walk out of this building *immediately*, I will overlook this intrusion. Otherwise, it might be a great deal longer before you see Rodoza again."

*[*11:28 PM*]* DM*:* He's irritated.

*[*11:29 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* Rav looks down at her feet and nods. "Thank you for your time, sir". She exits his office and finds a quiet corner away from people

*[*11:30 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* "Did you get any of that, Poni?"

*[*11:30 PM*]* DM*:* "Let me guess. Anti-magic field."

*[*11:31 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* "You guessed correct"

*[*11:31 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* "You know, I think you might be slightly nicer than your old headmaster"

*[*11:31 PM*]* DM*:* "Qarius is an asshole. I didn't hear or see anything that happened once you went inside."

*[*11:32 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* "Just take me back to bellbury" she pushes the button

*[*11:32 PM*]* DM*:* You arrive back in the basement.

*[*11:33 PM*]* DM*:* It's been about an hour and the sun's first rays are starting to shine down from the gaping hole in the house above the staircase.

*[*11:34 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* Rav takes her note she left and crumples it up then throws it at the wall. She puts poni safely on the table and curls up into a little ball in the corner of the basement, ready to sleep

## Session 33

[5:01 PM] DM: Day 8, Wedan 12 Jaqmont 3Y53

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

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

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

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

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

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

## Ryfika

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[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 <redacted>, 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."(edited)

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

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

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

[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 <redacted>, right?" but then Ryleigh breaks eye contact, "I know she's a threat, but she's also wife and a mother and she's done nothing wrong..." Ryleigh looks back at Safika, uncertainty etched on her face.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[4:45 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh winks at her, totally NOT denying the comment, "you too, <redacted>."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*Master Qarius,*

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

*-Baroness Eloise Moonstream*

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

## Seir and Stool

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*[*8:22 PM*]* DM*:*

> *I’m sorry. I know I messed up, I should have…*
>
>

> *I shouldn’t have done anything, but I wanted to be sure before I said something.*
>
>

> *I guess it doesn’t matter now.*
>
>

> *I left the things I was given. Please take care of Stool for me, maybe find a way to get them home. ~~I should have never brought them here.~~*
>
>

> *Urrak, I’m sorry I won’t be around if you need to punch something.*
>
>

> *Ryleigh… thank you for your words. I don’t think you know how much they meant to me. However, I think I might have proven I don’t deserve them.*
>
>

> *Ravaphine I was mad at you earlier for doing something stupid, and I’m sorry for that. I know you told me the truth but I know it still hurt you.*
>
>

> *Nolanos… take care of them for me, yeah?*
>
>

> *I know they want nothing to do with me, but I am sorry, Eloise, Cae, Misha... I didn’t mean to cause your family more grief, but I am part devil after all, no matter how hard I tried not to be*
>
>

> *Please don’t bother looking for me, I didn’t leave anything you could follow and the people of Bellbury are more important.*
>
>

> *I… if you’re reading this that also means I left something else with it.*
>
>

> *Please understand I only wanted to hold onto it for a few moments before we were done, I just wanted to say goodbye before we all went back… I guess I’m saying goodbye sooner than I thought.*
>
>

> *If she stays… please look out for Gunnloda, I promised Kendall I would. I guess I need to find a way to apologize to her too…*
>
>

*[*8:24 PM*]* DM*:* There's more below, but you don't understand it.

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

*[*8:25 PM*]* DM*:*

> *I was angry at Poni for all of this happening, angry for what he did to everyone else. But I was also happy, so happy because it brought me you guys. He gave me a family… and I hate that I’m glad this happened.*
>
>

> *I didn’t… I don’t have anyone. ~~No one back in Limabey wants me there~~*
>
>

> *You were my home, my family and even if you hate me…*
>
>

> *Thank you...for giving that to me, even for a short time.*
>
>

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

## Urryleigh

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[7:40 PM] Nolanos: O.O

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[7:53 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh facepalms.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

## Ryleigh in the mansion

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

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

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

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

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

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

Usan: "What is it, Asten?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[9:03 PM] Ravaphine: Rav gulps

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[9:33 PM] Ravaphine: Rav follows Seir

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[10:43 PM] Ravaphine: Rav flexes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[10:49 PM] Ravaphine: rav follows east

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[11:13 PM] Nolanos: invisible

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[11:24 PM] DM: Urrak approaches.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[11:46 PM] Nolanos holds on

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[3:30 PM] DM: How long would you wait?

Like 20 min

[3:31 PM] DM: Yeah there's no indication that anyone's showing up in that amount of time.

[3:35 PM] Seirixori: Sighing Seir starts writing in her book and tears it out when she's finished. "Could you give them this at least?... Please." She holds out the potion and the note.(edited)

[3:36 PM] DM: She takes it reluctantly.

[3:37 PM] Seirixori: "Thanks," Seir whispers and heads off to the citrus grove.

## Urica and a side of Ry

[4:44 PM] DM: It's somewhere between four and five Day 8. You just got back from dinos and dragons and when Cae was called away by a messenger from her wife, you realized Ryleigh still hadn't returned... and the conversation you'd had about Cyan ran through your head, so you took off for the Cask. You basically followed Cae back to the square, splitting off from her as you came to your different destinations. Everything seems pretty much the same out here. There's a woman guarding the outside of the mansion still. The Cask is still quiet, only a handful of commoners left in the place.

[4:45 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak walks upstairs, her pace quickened slightly. She returns to the room Malica had been in the night before. She knocks rapidly. "M-Malica? Y'there?"

[4:46 PM] DM: The door opens a bit, then further once she sees you. "Is everything ok?"

[4:47 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "A-Ah, yes. Everything is...great. D'ye mind if I come in?" Her breath is labored as she speaks, but she puts on  a small smile when she sees her.

[4:48 PM] DM: She opens the door to let you through. "Of course. Please."

[4:49 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak walks, and tries to keep herself from wringing her hands. She looks down at the floor and then to Malica. "So...there's been a few developments as of late. Y'mind?" she again motions to the bed, as she feels her legs begin to tremble.

[4:50 PM] DM: She shakes her head and gestures to the bed. She looks nervous at your demeanor.

[4:52 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: She takes a deep breath before she begins. Her armor feels so much heavier on her body at this moment. "I spoke with Ryleigh earlier. About uh....y'bein'...what ye are."(edited)

[4:52 PM] DM: Her eyes go wide and her face pales even more than it was.

[4:53 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak shoots up and goes over to her, arms outstretched "E-easy now. It's alright. She's...alright. She won't hurt ye."

[4:55 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "She wanted t' see ye and talk. She told me she'd come unarmed and unarmored." softly, she places her hands on Malica's shoulders

[4:57 PM] DM: She looks like she has about 40 things running through her head at once, but it's mostly fear and worry you see. "Are-- Do-- She won't?"

[5:00 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Malica, please, try t' calm down." she takes her face in her hands, remembering days with Ancy and the bouts of panic she would have. She catches her eyes "She won't hurt ye. I promise. If she even looks at ye funny, it'll be the last thing she sees. Do ye trust me, Malica? Truly?"

[5:04 PM] DM: She reaches up with one hand and puts it over yours and nods slightly. "If you... ok. I'll do what you think is best."

[5:07 PM] DM: She seems to be everything you see. Frightened and panicked but calmed by your reassurance and presence.

[5:10 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak moves her hands away with a small smile. "I just...wanted t' let you know. I hope yer not angry with me." She sighs "I feel...I feel like the rest of the group'll be fine as well. An' havin' all that support, hopefully will help ye too. I've noticed...since ye became Malica, y've been a shell o' yer former self. I just...need t' know. Is this...the real you, or just another face?" she pauses "Figuratively speakin' a'course."

[5:16 PM] DM: She kind of huffs a half-laugh and looks away. "They're... they're all *faces*. I... I am who I need to be." She rubs her arms. "I'm not even--" She sighs and looks at you. "You want to know if I'm just manipulating you. Making an ally in case I need one."

[5:18 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "I think any allyship requires a degree of trust and understandin', sure. I'm not tryin' t' accuse ye of anythin' I just...I been taken advantage of before. As ye know." she looks away as the last words leave her lips. She folds in on herself a bit, crossing her arms across her chest, the mariner's plate clinking awkwardly as she does.

[5:29 PM] DM: "To be honest, I... don't know how to turn it off. Even if I wanted to just 'be me', whatever that means, I wouldn't know how. I... I've been as honest as I can be since I showed you who I am. I don't mean..." her voice drops to a near whisper. "I can't help what I am." She looks back at you, right in the eyes. "I am scared, yes. I am... uncomfortable being here where I can't leave. I'm worried that any moment I could disappear and be caught in the wrong body. I don't think I'm doing anything more than what anyone would do when someone as good and pure and strong as you steps up for them, but if I was, could you blame me?"

[5:30 PM] DM: She looks away again, hugging herself. "I understand if... if you can't trust me. I'm used to it."

[5:59 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak looks at her, conflicted. Standing there before her was the woman who revealed to her the deepest secret she had...and yet there was also someone who could be anyone at anytime. Someone who might have used those gifts of shifting their form and face to their advantage in the past, with great effect. However, there was something in her eyes that told Urrak she was telling her the truth as best she knew it. Someone who needed her. Her heart beats hard in her chest...it'd been so long since she truly felt needed, and  while those feelings certainly don't help matters, they do solidify her goals in her mind. She pauses, breathes, unfolds herself and turns Malica's face  to hers with a soft hand to her chin "I trust ye, Malica. I truly do. Whatever face ye put on today or tomorrow...I trust you. All I ask is ye do the same fer me."(edited)

[6:05 PM] DM: She nods, tears starting to well up in her eyes. She pushes forward and throws her arms around your waist despite barely being as tall as your shoulder, if that. "Thank you."

[6:09 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak holds her close, her face turning a deep pink. She rubs her back softly "I'm gonna keep you safe, Malica. I swear it." she lingers longer than what feels appropriate, but soon she lets her go. She struggles to stop her face from betraying her feelings and turns away a moment. "I uh...I should...find Ryleigh. Th-that is if yer up t' seein' her this evenin'."

[6:10 PM] DM: She steps back. "Sorry... I just... got carried away. I'll do what you think is best. Will... you be there too?"

[6:13 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "A'course. I wouldn't let ye go through this alone." She smiles at her, laughing internally at her own foolishness "I'll be there. Don't worry." She looks around the sparse room a moment, "Is there....anythin I can bring back fer ye? Seems a rather dull hideout t' me"

[6:15 PM] DM: She shakes her head and shrugs a little. "I'm used to traveling light. I've got what I need and... if I need something else I have ways to get it. I don't want to trouble you."

[6:17 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak chuckles a bit "Aye ye...ye can take care o' yerself I'm sure." She lets a breath out through her nose, a sideways grin on her face. "Alright then, I'll be back a bit later on. Try not t' miss me too much" she winks clumsily and turns to leave

Urrak's leaving the Cask. Ryleigh's headed back to the square from south after checking to find the basement empty.

[8:21 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak walks into the square, she looks around, hoping to catch a glimpse of shimmering black armor among the common folk. Her heart is still racing a bit, but no longer out of fear. Now, it's full of hope.

[8:22 PM] Ryleigh: Once Ryleigh reaches the square she spot Urrak, "Urrak! You guys had all the fun without me!"

[8:23 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Ah, Ryleigh! There ye are." she smiles at the Paladin "We missed ye in there. I hope what ye had t' do was worth not seein' a couple o' dinosaurs and and dragon babies."

[8:25 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh chuckles, "ah, it was important. I'm still sorry I missed out..sounds like a good time. You were looking for me?"

[8:26 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Aye, I was. I spoke t' Cyan earlier and she's willin' t' talk t' ya. She's back at the Cask, upstairs." She fiddles with a strap on her armor, still unused to the heavy plate "If ye'd like, I can take y' to her."

[8:29 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh observes Urrak with a raised eyebrow, "You're nervous..." She then nods and reassures, "I already said I wouldn't hurt her."

[8:30 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "A'course I'm nervous, Ry." She sighs and knits her brows together "This...this could mean a great deal. T' both of us." after a moment she laughs lightly and shakes her head "I trust ye won't hurt her, cuz you know what'll happen if ye do." She winks and places a hand on Ryleigh's breastplate. "C'mon, she's waitin'."(edited)

[8:33 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh shakes her head but smiles regardless, "Lead the way."

[8:35 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak leads Ryleigh back into the Cask and ascends the stairs slowly. She's sweating, though this time it isn't from her armor. They reach the nondescript wooden door and with a slightly trembling hand she knocks softly. "It's me."(edited)

[8:36 PM] DM: There's a short pause, then the door opens a crack, then more fully, letting you inside.

[8:36 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak pauses at the door. She turns to Ryleigh and looks her up and down . "Our agreement?"

[8:37 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh unhooks the sword and whispers to it, "I'm right here in the room - you aren't alone." Then places it right inside the door.

[8:38 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak clears her throat comically loud "Yer armor."(edited)

[8:39 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh smiles, "I usually have a girl buy me a drink first." She turns around and suggestively asks, "would you?"

[8:41 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak laughs and shakes her head. The levity has made her hands steady and firm for a spell. She undoes the straps and helps to lift the breastplate over Ryleigh's head "Guess I'm just a charmer. No drinks needed."

[8:43 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh just laughs and shakes her head, she then undoes the claps on her leg armor and shimmies out of it. Placing it next the breastplate, "There, satisfied?" she spins in place.

[8:44 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak's eyes linger playfully on her "Very."

[8:44 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh rolls her eyes so hard they almost disappear into her head.

[8:46 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Slowly Urrak walks inside. The nerves slowly worm their way back into her brain. "Alright then..." She takes a breath and turns back to the paladin "Ryleigh...I believe y've met Malica, right?"(edited)

[8:47 PM] DM: She's standing behind the door, waiting for you both to enter.

[8:47 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh walks in, then addresses Malica, "we have, at dinner the other night."(edited)

[8:48 PM] DM: She closes the door once Ryleigh's inside too.

[8:48 PM] DM: She's got one arm crossed over her chest, holding her other arm, not really making eye contact.

[8:49 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: She nods. "Aye." Urrak walks over, placing a hand on Malica's shoulder and squeezing lightly. She asks in a low, soft voice "Could ye....show her?"

[8:51 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh holds up a hand, "you don't have to. If Urrak says you were who we called Cyan, I believe her."

[8:52 PM] Ryleigh: "You shouldn't feel more uncomfortable than you already are."(edited)

[8:53 PM] DM: In a very small voice she says, "I'm sorry... for what I did."

[8:59 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh sighs, "I appreciate the apology, but words are empty without action. I believe that in time your apology will prove true." She then runs her hand through her hair, "I hurt a lot of people once, people I was supposed to protect, because I was under someone's enchantment." Ryleigh looks at Malica, "You hit a sore spot when you charmed me. But I owe you an apology. In my line of work, the crime must fit the punishment and death isn't a fair punishment for a charm that caused no harm."(edited)

[9:01 PM] DM: Malica nods. "I understand."

[9:02 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak's grip on Malica's shoulder tightens a bit as Ryleigh speaks, but loosens once she finishes. "Ryleigh here's just...very dutiful. We're alike in a way, though our methods are bit different."(edited)

[9:03 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh's eyes don't leave Malica's, "I believe you have caused yourself more suffering than any punishment I could hand out."

[9:06 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak swallows "A-Aye. Perhaps yer right." She removes her hand but stays close, her hands find themselves a new place to rest, crossed and gripping her biceps. She looks to Malica to Ryleigh "So, where do we go from here?"

[9:09 PM] DM: Malica chews her lip a little and looks up at Urrak. "I can just stay here if it's easier on everyone."

[9:11 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Like yer some kinda prisoner? That ain't fair t' ye." she frowns "There's better options I'm sure."(edited)

[9:12 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh looks concerned, "easier for everyone, or do you mean easier for you?" She offers a small smile and says, "Malica, if I was your biggest concern, then what do you have to fear from the others?"

[9:13 PM] DM: Malica: "...everything."

[9:14 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Y've seen 'em, they'd take anyone int'a their band o' misfits." Urrak offers a half smile "You know they'd protect ye as fiercely as me or Ry." she looks to Ryleigh for confirmation.(edited)

[9:15 PM] Ryleigh: "The others won't care and if they do..." she looks at Urrak and smiles then back to Malica, "you have all the muscle on your side."

[9:17 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak walks over to her, an errant hand brushing a bit of hair behind her ear "It's frightenin' I'm sure but...I made a promise. You'll stay safe s'long as I'm around."

[9:18 PM] DM: "I just... whenever people find out, I have to leave and... I *can't* here. And what happens if you leave?"

[9:19 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Then y'have Ryleigh here. And if we let the others know, no matter which one of us leaves, someone else'll be there. I--w-we *want* ye here, Mal. Y'don't have t'leave."(edited)

[9:21 PM] DM: She looks down, tears welling up in her eyes.

[9:24 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh takes a step forward, but stops short, unsure of her place, "Living life on the run is no way to live. You're standing on a precipice, take the leap and trust us. I believe our group of misfits will surprise you where others have failed."

[9:25 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak straightens up a bit, remembering Ryleigh's presence. She coughs awkwardly "Aye, Ryleigh's right. We're all pretty surprisin'."(edited)

[9:25 PM] DM: She takes a deep breath and looks up at Urrak again. "I... I'll do what you think is best. I trust you."

[9:30 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh moves to the door, "I'll let you two discuss this further." As she opens it she looks back a Malica and says, "Stop punishing yourself...you deserve better than what this world has shown you." She pulls the door completely open and leaves.

## Seiryleigh

It's Day 8, about 5:30- 6.

Seir's playing Sad Flute Music ™  in the grove that catches Ryleigh's ear as she leaves the Cask, still tightening her armor's straps and reattaching Dawnbringer to her side.

3:59 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh continues to walk in the direction of the sad flute music, curious about who's playing it.

[4:02 PM] Seirixori: Seir's sitting in the Citrus Grove, near the entrance, leaning against a tree. The top of her leather armor is down, hanging from her waist, a kind of holey tank top hanging off her shoulders. Her eyes are closed as she continues playing her Sad Flute Music.

[4:04 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh spots her and her brows furrow. She walks over to where Seir is and sits down, waiting for her to finish the song.(edited)

[4:08 PM] Seirixori: Seir tenses and stops playing, she lowers the flute and clears her throat, her face a little red, "...hey..."

[4:11 PM] Ryleigh: "i didn't mean to interrupt. I just heard music and followed its sound." Ryleigh points at the brand, "why were you marked?"

[4:14 PM] Seirixori: Seir looks down, almost like she forgot it was there, "Oh, I don't... I don't actually know." She shrugs, "It was... after... I was close to dying, I think, it's all kind of muddled, and Mielikki... she healed me and that's what was left behind."

[4:15 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh stays silent for a moment, "I wanted to talk to you. About last night. If that's alright?"

[4:17 PM] Seirixori: She twists the flute in her hands and nods, "...I'm a little surprised no one else has yet."

[4:20 PM] Ryleigh: "I guess, I want to know why. What was your reasoning, what were you thinking when you forcibly entered Lady Misha's room?"(edited)

[4:29 PM] Seirixori: "I didn't *force* my way into her room." Seir growls, more at the accusation than Ryleigh herself, "I was... we were... talking about... the... the rings." Seir clenches her hand, "I just, I..." She groans, it shouldn't be this hard to explain, "It wasn't my intention, to do anything more than ask, and I wanted to make sure this time, unlike with Hux where I wasn't sure but I dragged you all along with me and we *all* could have been arrested, or something." Seirixori shrugs, "I didn't know if it was the ring, or a spell, or... actually true. But I asked her a few things and they didn't make sense and then she freaked when I asked for the ring...." Seir sighs, "I know I... I shouldn't have done what I did. But I... I wasn't *thinking*... and I..." she sniffs, "I messed up *everything*."

[4:35 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh nods and sighs, "I don't think you've messed up everything, but you definitely messed up." She waits a few moments then continues, "I want you to understand the magnitude of what you did. You assaulted someone from a royal family. I've been punished for less.." Ryleigh unconsciously rubs her shoulder, "you're fortunate that they didn't execute you."

[4:41 PM] Seirixori: Seir laughs harshly, "Oh, no. It was definitely everything." Seir tilts her head, "Do you know where I'm from?"

[4:41 PM] Ryleigh: "no, I just know you aren't from here."

[4:44 PM] Seirixori: "Do you know anything about Ardabeh, how... how unwelcome it is for someone like me?"

[4:45 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh raises an eyebrow in question, "it sounds a lot like Falberk, the city I'm from."

[4:54 PM] Seirixori: Seir hums, "This," she points to her broken horn, "this is because kids can be cruel, as well as their parents who decide to join them." She chuckles, "I was... forced to live in a forest with a bunch of people who don't want me there, who don't want to teach me what their goddess requested. My entire 'family' was killed, my mother taken, and I haven't found out why." Seir sighs, "So in a way, yes, I have messed up everything, because I let down the woman I... *she left* and I don't know if she wants to see me again. I made it so I can't come back here, I don't know if I'll see any of you again. And Stool..." she laughs through tears, "The Moonstreams might not know this, but killing me? Killing me would be a mercy."

[5:02 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh places a hand on Seirixori's shoulder, "I..am so sorry, Seir. This world is trying to break you because you're different, if you let them do it, then things will stay the same." Her voices changes from soothing to commanding, "There will never be change, there will never be progress, there will never be equality." She closes her eyes and takes a deep breath, "I know life can be hard. I also know the hurt that accompanies the loss of loved ones. Gunnloda cares for you, that's clear, wherever there is love - there is always hope."

[5:03 PM] Seirixori: Seir snorts, chuckling a little, joking "Read that somewhere?"

[5:09 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh smiles, a real one, "no, I feel it..here" and she points to her heart. She keeps her smile in place but continues, "You made a mistake, but it does not define you." Ryleigh looks away from you, "mistakes have the power to turn you into something better than you were before. Seir, you've been given great power, but the price of greatness is responsibility. I believe that if the drive behind one's actions is the thought for another, then it is never meaningless - you had Lady Misha's best interest at heart but you used your powers irresponsibly. As long as you learn from this, then you haven't messed up everything."(edited)

[5:16 PM] Seirixori: Seir just nods, not used to...whatever kind of talk this is. "We'll see..." She chews on her lip, "Hey will... will they let you talk to Eloise at all?"

[5:17 PM] Ryleigh: "Yes, I spoke with her earlier, when the rest of you went to get the component. Why do you ask?"(edited)

[5:22 PM] Seirixori: "I... I don't think I can take Stool with me. I don't know enough about myconids to make sure they stay safe." Seir sighs, "I asked before but she said they don't have any books here about them and now I can't go to where there are books... I was... I just want to make sure they have a safe place and that someone... someone they know keeps them company. Gunnloda was but..." Seir shrugs, "And then Kendall said something about the Bastion but I don't know what that is either..." She rolls her eyes, "I just want them to be okay... when we're... I'm gone."

[5:26 PM] Ryleigh: "Have you ever considered that your actions from now until the arch is completed may have some impact on Eloise's decision?" Ryleigh purses her lips in thought, "I may be going to Riverrun to research Lady Cae's problem, while I'm there I can do additional research on myconids, but only under 1 condition - you stop wallowing and try to make amends - with everyone."(edited)

[5:32 PM] Seirixori: Seirixori snorts, "Sure... I'm allowed to wallow for a little bit." Seir mumbles. "Thanks..." she puts her flute away and stands, "Hey, you missed out on some dinosaurs, want to see?" She grins.(edited)

[5:37 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh stands also but the seriousness doesn't leave her face and there's worry in her voice, "Seir, please...just try to think about what you've learned through all of this..." She realizes the conversation is over because Seir is using deflection tactics, "sure, I'd love to see the dinosaurs."(edited)

[5:43 PM] Seirixori: "More than you know."  Seir mumbles before she tilts her head and shifts into the deinonychus she made friends with.

[5:52 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh jumps back in shock and burst into laughter, "it looks like a small, distant cousin of Nolanos." Once she's stopped laughing, she walks forward and pats Seir's head and whispers, "everything will work itself out eventually."

## Urica

[9:32 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Oh Ry--ah. She's gone." Urrak turns to Malica. "Well then. Tomorrow ok? For...meetin' everyone?" she asks awkwardly as she runs a hand through her hair. She didn't realize how much she was sweating...

[9:35 PM] DM: "You know where I am. Whenever you think is best."

[9:35 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak sighs a bit "Malica...y'know ye have a say in this as well. It's yer life. I'm not here t'...t' *control* ye."

[9:38 PM] DM: "I know. It's just... I walked in at the wrong time last night. I don't want to do that again."

[9:40 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak laughs a bit "Aye ye did. But don't worry, we've...no plans t' go back there anytime soon." she takes Malica's hands in her own "Just...meet us downstairs, mid-mornin'. They'll all be here." she gives her hands a light squeeze. "Everythin's gonna be alright. Just remember t' breathe fer me."

[9:41 PM] DM: "If we're going to do this... can we keep it small? Just the group? I don't... I don't want everyone to know."

[9:44 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "A'course. Wouldn't dare let it get past the group. We're here t' keep ye safe, not t' out ye t' all of Bellbury."

[9:46 PM] DM: She nods and squeezes your hands back. "Ok. ...thank you. I know you're doing everything you can think of to help. I appreciate it, even knowing why."

[9:49 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "I'm here fer anyone what needs help." Urrak lingers there a moment before she realizes what she's doing. She drops Malica's hands and begins to twist her own fingers, shame plain on her face. She knows she's already gotten far too close. "An...a'course. T' find Ancy" she swallows hard, her eyes flickering from the ground back to Malica.(edited)

[9:51 PM] DM: A sad smile flickers on and off her lips. "I don't want to make this harder for you. I'm sorry."

[9:54 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "N-no, it's" she puffs a sharp breath through her nose, its bridge now a deep crimson. "No, this is...all on me." She turns and paces a bit "It's...no matter what face ye put on....that connection is there. It's...difficult. But--" she turns back around "It's not yer fault, and my mission's the same as it was. Feelin's or no."

[9:55 PM] DM: She gives you just the faintest smile, the first hint of the person you knew as Cyan peeking through. "If it helps I could go back to Beiro. You weren't interested at all then."

[9:57 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Y-ye were Beiro too?" Urrak breaks down into hysterics "Son of bitch! Incredible..." she places her hands on her hips and shakes her head "Please...don't bring back Beiro. One encounter was enough" a great toothy grin is plastered to her face as she speaks "He was insufferable."(edited)

[10:00 PM] DM: She looks down and laughs in this nearly soundless chuckle. "He has his uses." She looks back up, still smiling just a little, and shrugs. "Honestly, though, I've always felt more comfortable in more feminine bodies. I'd rather not be Beiro either."

[10:05 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Glad we can agree." she wipes a few tears from her eyes and takes some breaths to quell the laughter. "Alright. I'll leave ye be...Unless..." she stops herself "No no, I'll leave ye be. Been a real hectic evenin' fer ye I can imagine." She walks backwards towards the door. "Might get a bit o' rest m'self. If ye need me...y'know where t'find me." She begins to open the door(edited)

[10:07 PM] DM: "...you know where I am too. Have a good evening."

[11:16 AM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak pauses the at the door, her back hunched from bending to reach the handle. Her other hand rests on the doorframe, gripping it tight as the heavy door squeaks ajar. She takes a deep breath, her mind running a mile a minute. Slowly, she closes the door. The soft thud is deafening. "Mal..." she begins, her back straightening, but still to Malica "...I'm scared."

[11:19 AM] DM: She takes half a step forward. "Of what?"

[11:24 AM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Slowly and silently Urrak crosses the room. Once she reaches Malica,  swift hands brush the hair from her face, cup her cheeks and pull her into a kiss. It feels like an eternity to Urrak but lasts but a few chaste seconds. She pulls away, her hands still cradling Malica's face. Her eyes flit this way and that, scanning Malica's expressions, gauging her reaction "Of *this*..." her voice is low and almost hoarse. She looks down for a second "It...terrifies me."(edited)

[11:33 AM] DM: She closes her eyes for a second, trying to gather her thoughts, and when she opens them, they're watery. "I am too." She lets out a breathy laugh. "I won't pretend that I'm built to last, but I don't want you to look back on me with regret. If... *this* is what you want from me, you have it." She tilts her head with a little shrug. "You have since I first met you."

[11:45 AM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Mal...I..." she closes her eyes and bows her head. Her hands drift down Malica's arms and hold tight "Mal I'm not...I'm not who ye think I am." She straightens up, lets her go, and walks a couple steps away, her back to Malica once more. "I'm not some...*knight* in shinin' armor..." she grips the back of a pauldron and tears it loose, soon, in a flurry of motion, she's done the same with the rest of her armor. As she throws the last bit in the pile, she turns back, "This is who I am. Just..." she walks towards Malica again, a hand clutching at the leather pouch beneath her tattered traveler's shirt "Just some confused fool."

She lets the pouch go , drops to her knees softly before Malica and looks up at her, tears not welling, but leaking from her eyes "I'm not principled like Ryleigh, or compassionate like Rav or...even as sensitive as Seirixiori." she wraps her arms around Malica's waist and buries her face in her stomach. "I'm just some brute with no control over her own feelin's. A bundle o' nerves in a bloody blue tunic." she laughs a watery laugh and breathes deeply. "I'm not as good and pure and strong as ye think I am...not by a long shot."

[11:57 AM] DM: She pulls back just far enough that she can kneel too, so she can look at your face. She puts her hand to your cheek and pulls your face back up so you're looking in her eyes. "The thing about always being on the run... I can pick out the good ones in a crowd. The ones I know I can trust. I saw that in you immediately. Even after everything I've told you, that you're here now... it's *everything*. I don't need a knight in shining armor... I don't need anything more than what you're already giving me."

[12:02 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: A sob wracks her body as she closes her eyes tight and grits her teeth. Her hand drifts up to cover the half-elf's "M-Malica...I" but she can't seem to get the words out. Her voice is stretched, scratchy, and so very unlike her in this moment. "*I..*." still the words won't come, but in their place she kisses her again. It is desperate, pleading, painful and yet, everything she's wanted these past few days.(edited)

[12:09 PM] DM: She melts into the kiss, subtly encouraging you to take what you want or need from her.

[12:16 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak breaks away, burying her face in Malica's neck. She kisses the skin there softly, but makes no further advances as her shame creeps down her spine. "Malica...I...can we not...tell the others...just yet? About...?" she hesitates to say "us" feeling as though it gives their situation too much weight all at once. Her breath is slightly laboured as she attempts to stop her tears. Her hands grip at Malica's back, wanting to hold her closer, closer, closer. Softly, almost child-like, she breathes "*Please*...?"

[12:18 PM] DM: She wraps her arms around you and tries to comfort you. "Of course. My life is nothing but secrets. I understand."

[12:21 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Th-thank ye, Malica..." she lingers there, taking in the dusty smell of the room and the warm feeling of Malica's skin on her face. "I just...as ye know...this is all so..." she lifts her head and looks into her eyes "It's just...so very..." the words stick in her throat(edited)

[12:23 PM] DM: She laughs softly. "Complicated?"

[12:24 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak cracks a small, crooked smile "Horribly so."

[12:29 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: She leans back on her haunches, running her sleeve across her face to catch any stray tears. Her heart is pounding in her chest, violent and frightened. "So...horribly complicated." She looks to Malica, and takes her hands in hers, thumbs brushing the tops of them as she thinks. Her face falls.

"Where do we go from here?"(edited)

[12:33 PM] DM: She smiles, one side quirking up higher than the other. "Well we can't really *go* anywhere... that's part of the problem. But... anywhere. Whatever you want, whenever you're ready." She pauses and glances over her shoulder like she can see the bar through the walls and floor, then back at you. "Do you still want to tell them about me?"

[12:39 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Her mind goes to the worst places as she hears Malica talk of being essentially trapped here, in this room, until this is all over, but she banishes those thoughts for now. After a brief moment of contemplation, Urrak nods "Yes, absolutely. Tellin' the group...it ain't about me. It's about protectin' you. Havin' a group o' people who care about ye and will keep ye safe..." she tucks some hair behind Malica's ear, her rough fingers tracing its pointed outline "I can't lose ye...not now."(edited)

[12:40 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Also," she smiles warmly "I'm just a bloody *terrible* liar."

[12:41 PM] DM: She laughs softly and nods. "You are that. I like that about you though. I don't associate with many honest people."

[12:43 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Well I certainly hope you'll continue t'...*associate* with me." she looks down and chuckles, embarrassed by her own joke

[12:45 PM] DM: She leans in and kisses you, then pulls back. "For as long as you'll have me."

[12:50 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak moves to stand, offering a hand to help Malica do the same. She straightens her clothes, smooths her hair and looks over at the pile of steel plate she tossed near the wall. "I'll uh...pick that up." she turns to Malica. "The group'll most likely be back 'ere later on. I know I said tomorrow mornin' but...if yer up to it..." she rubs the back her neck, certain her face hasn't been it's usual shade of green since she first kissed her. "It's entirely yer decision."(edited)

[12:52 PM] DM: She lets you help her up and puts her hand over yours. "Like I said... whenever you think is best. You'll know better than I will and I trust you."

[12:58 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak brings her hand to her lips and kisses it softly. "Aye, alright." she walks to the side of the bed and sits down, taking a moment process what she's started. Her eyes look across the wood floor to the ragged rugs, to the base of the nightstand, worn by hundreds of clumsy boots, and back to Malica. "I'm-I'm not tryin' t' pull anythin' but...d'ye mind if I just...rest here a bit? Until the others come?"(edited)

[1:00 PM] DM: "Of course not. I feel safer when you're around."

[1:04 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Then would ye...would ye join me?" she can't look at her as she speaks, her face aflame with a combination of embarrassment and nerves, but a small smile stretches across her lips once she finishes.

[1:07 PM] DM: She smiles and walks towards you with her hands out to take yours. She teases, "This is you not pulling anything?"

[1:10 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak takes her hands and pulls her on top  of her. She wraps her in her arms and kisses the top of her head "Oh, you'll know when I'm tryn' t' pull somethin'" she brushes Malica's hair from her face, a smug grin playing across her lips "I'll promise ye that."

## Session 34

[6:24 PM] DM: (11/17)

Day 8, Wedan 12 Jaqmont 3Y53 , 6:30 pm

The sun's still hanging in the sky somewhere to the west. The woman guarding the mansion's doors is still on watch, though instead of staring stupidly into space, she's on edge watching an *actual fucking dinosaur* play in the fountain. Only the fact that the Asten paladin is standing there, completely at ease, prevents her from running inside in a panic. Nolanos is deep in his work at the forge, completely not paying attention to anyone, and Rav and Urrak have been MIA for the last couple hours except for those who have seen them.

[6:30 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh is chuckling lightly as Seirixori plays in the fountain, and finally says, "Seir, I think we should go find the others."

[6:33 PM] Seirixori: Seir turns quickly, her tail hitting the water and she shifts back into her normal self, watching as the water sails towards Ryleigh, "I suppose we should."

[6:35 PM] Ryleigh: It hits Ryleigh's armor and she casually brushes it off, "Sorry to ruin all of your fun." She smiles as she starts walking towards the cast.

[6:35 PM] Seirixori: "At least no one tried to shoot me."

[6:36 PM] DM: The Cask is still uncharacteristically empty. There's a handful of commoners from... wherever they're from sitting, drinking, sleeping. The kitchen's empty.

[6:36 PM] DM: Brimeia appears in the town square as Ryleigh and Seir are headed inside.

[6:40 PM] Seirixori: "Well, I know what Nolanos is doing, where did everyone else go?"

[6:44 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh unconsciously looks at the stairs that lead to the rooms, then focuses back on Seir "Why don't you go check on Stool? I think Urrak might be upstairs, I'll grab her."

[6:44 PM] Seirixori: Seir looks at Ryleigh, confused, "Can I not just stay here?"

[6:46 PM] Seirixori: "I mean, I am perfectly capable of walking up the stairs, too."

[6:48 PM] Ryleigh: "I mean you can stay here, you could come upstairs but..." Ryleigh hesitates and then clears her throat, "she's not alone, in her room."

[6:50 PM] Seirixori: Seir stares at Ryleigh again, and then starts laughing, "Ryleigh... I lived with a bunch of nomadic outcasts for sixteen years." Seir chuckles and heads up the stairs.

[6:51 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh jogs after her, "NO! wait, Seir."

[6:54 PM] Seirixori: Seir's still laughing but she stops at the top, and turns, "Despite what people may believe from last night, I don't normally go barging into people's rooms, there's this thing called knocking. Even I know that." She leans against the stairs railing, "So, what exactly are you stopping me from seeing?"(edited)

[6:57 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh sighs, "I'm not stopping you from seeing anything. I'm actually stopping you from ruining a surprise that involves Urrak. So please, just come back downstairs?"

[7:00 PM] Seirixori: Seir rolls her eyes and waits a good five seconds before she makes her way down, "Whatever you say, *can't even go up the stairs anymore*," she mutters to herself and flops down at one of the tables, crossing her arms like the big pouty baby child she is.

[7:01 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh continues up the stairs and knocks at a door and says, "Urrak, we're all meeting back up downstairs. So...stop whatever you two are doing in there and join us, please." She then turns around and walks back downstairs to sit with Seir.

[7:06 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak jolts up when she hears the paladin's voice, disturbing the sleeping woman in bed with her. "A-Aye I'll meet ye down there!" She apologizes to her dark haired companion and sprints out of bed. She ties her hair up and fixes her clothes. They look sweaty and a little torn. She turns to her bedmate, and motions for her to get up and out of the room.

[7:03 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: "Hello there," Brimeia begins to boom before dropping off to softer, "...friends?" at the sight of the deserted looking Cask.

[7:04 PM] Seirixori: "She's back, yay." Seirixori says in the most monotone voice when she hears Brimeia walk in.

[7:05 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: "Nice to see you too, Seirixori. Lovely as ever I see"

[7:06 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: After a few minutes, you see her come down the stairs. "Ah, hullo everyone. Brimea."

[7:08 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh takes in Urrak's appearance through narrowed eyes then looks at Brimea, "Hello, again."

[7:09 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak smiles nervously at Ryleigh, unable to hold her gaze for long. "I'm glad yer all here, in one place."

[7:09 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: "And you as well, Ryleigh."

[7:09 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: At the sight of Urrak's state, Brimeia's eyebrows rise playfully. "Have a good night?" She winks.

[7:11 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak's face reddens as her body tenses "I didn't...It's not like that." she mutters(edited)

[7:11 PM] DM: Malica comes down the stairs shortly after, pausing at the bottom when she realizes the conversation she interrupted.

[7:12 PM] Seirixori: "See, it would have been fine." Seir mutters.

[7:12 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: "No need to be embarrassed, friend!" Brimeia answers with a friendly laugh

[7:12 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Ah everyone, this is who I wanted t' talk t' ye all about. I've good news." She speedwalks across the pub, and sits at a table in the far back. She motions for the others to follow

[7:13 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: Brimeia follows and takes a seat. "Well do tell!"

[7:13 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak looks over to the red tiefling "Bri, please." Something about her face and balled fists tells you she's serious(edited)

[7:14 PM] Seirixori: Seir follows, still pouting.

[7:14 PM] DM: Malica walks over and stands next to a chair next to Urrak.

[7:15 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh just watches the others.

[7:16 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: "What?" She shrugs, uncertain what's going on.

[7:17 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak looks around the table and to the Asten off to the side. She looks up at Malica and then to the group again. She takes a deep breath and begins "So, ye remember Cyan...?"

[7:18 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: "Yeah...?"

[7:18 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Well y've noticed she's been absent here these past couple days, right?"

[7:19 PM] Seirixori: Seir just motions for Urrak to continue.

[7:19 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: She looks to the side of Seirixiori, clearly embarrassed "And I told ye she poofed? Back t' Westband?"

[7:19 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: "I... haven't been around, so no?"

[7:20 PM] Seirixori: "Urrak, just say whatever it is and stop drawing this out."

[7:22 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak chuckles, dipping her head down. She interlaces her fingers and brings them to her chin. "Well that was a lie. Cyan never left. In short...and I'm gonna need ye t' keep yer bloody voices down fer this....Cyan is Malica. Malica is Cyan. She's--" she drops the tone of her voice "A changeling."

[7:22 PM] DM: For reference, most of you have probably heard stories about changelings. They're like the boogey man. Stories say anything from 'they murder people and steal their faces' to 'they steal and eat babies'.(edited)

[7:23 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: "A changeling."

[7:23 PM] DM: And she looks very nervous.

[7:23 PM] Seirixori: "Huh."

[7:23 PM] Seirixori: "Well, aren't you lucky it's me they're keeping an eye on."

[7:24 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak brings her hands down to the table, gripping them tightly together. She looks to the side, clearly upset "A-Aye."(edited)

[7:25 PM] Seirixori: Seir tilts her head, looking at Malica, "Does Gunnloda know?"

[7:26 PM] DM: She drops her head and shakes it. "No... I wasn't planning to tell anyone."

[7:26 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh remains silent, observing how the others take the news.

[7:28 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "I found out entirely by accident. I didn't want t' tell ye right away cuz I was afraid of how'd take th' news. So I told Ryeligh first....just in case...." she looks at the group from beneath her brow(edited)

[7:27 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: "So you're really Cyan?"

[7:28 PM] DM: "She's... one of my faces. One I--" she glances at Urrak. "I don't plan to use again."

[7:29 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: Brimeia looks thoughtful a moment. "That's a pretty neat trick."

[7:28 PM] Seirixori: Seir hums and sits forward, her elbow on the table, resting her chin on her hand, "...and...?"

[7:28 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "A-and?"

[7:29 PM] Seirixori: "Urrak..." Seir motions between herself and Brimeia, "We're tieflings."(edited)

[7:30 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "A-ah yes, I can...see that" Urraks face is a look of pure confusion. This is not how she thought this would go.

[7:31 PM] Ravaphine: Ravaphine peeks her head into the cask and sees her friends sitting down. She smiles and waves then takes an open seat

[7:31 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Oh, R-Rav you're 'ere."

[7:32 PM] Seirixori: "And we're... well I am, I don't know about Brimeia to be honest, treated pretty terribly. And while I generally don't trust most people because of that..." Seir just shrugs, "I'm not going to ... I don't know... be mad at someone else for... protecting themself?"

[7:32 PM] Seirixori: "If that's what's happening, anyway."

[7:33 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Well, that-that's great then." she looks up to Malica "*Right*?"

[7:35 PM] DM: Malica nods, slightly and smiles just a little at Seir. "It's like we have opposite problems. You get chased off right away and work your way into people's trust... I can be trusted at first, but once I'm found out... it's not usually such a... tepid response."

[7:34 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: "Oh. Were you expecting us to be bothered?"

[7:34 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Ah...y'know...a bit yeah." even in the relative dark of the pub you can see her sweating(edited)

[7:35 PM] Seirixori: Seir just shrugs, "Too much has happened lately that this is kind of... a nice change."

[7:35 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: "Oh, hello Ravaphine. I'm well, and yourself?"

[7:37 PM] Ravaphine: "I'm well" she smiles, "Got to visit my home again, but I was on the road when I poofed so I didn't get to  go back to visit mother. But being back felt nice"

[7:38 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: "That's a shame, Ravaphine. Still it's a pleasure to see your lovely face again." Brimeia winks

[7:37 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: "Fair enough, I suppose. Usually I do alright, but every once in a while I run into an unfriendly lot"

[7:38 PM] Seirixori: Seir grins, "Well, you haven't done anything to prove otherwise, that I know of." she just chuckles, "Don't worry, I'm sure I can do something stupid again and no one will pay attention to you at all."

[7:35 PM] Ravaphine: "Is everyone okay?" rav senses a little bit of weird energy between everyone

[7:37 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak interrupts their small talk, leaning over the table and loudly whispering "T'...bring ye up t' speed, Rav, Malica here's a changeling."(edited)

[7:40 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak continues "Y'know Cyan?" she points up "That's her. She's Cyan and Malica"

[7:40 PM] Ravaphine: Rav's jaw drops in an excited manner and she starts clapping softly, but regains composure. "That's so neat! I've only ever read about them and heard about them through stories"

[7:41 PM] Ravaphine: "Well, welcome to the family, Malica"

[7:40 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: This is going better than I thought,  she says to herself "A-aye. Neat.:(edited)

[7:41 PM] DM: Malica: "I... thank you all for your much kinder than normal reactions, but please... I don't want this to get out."

[7:41 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak coughs and tries to make herself seem very serious "Aye. This cannae leave this table."

[7:41 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: "Why? Wh-oh for safety? Are you on the run or something?"

[7:41 PM] Seirixori: "Brimeia." Seir rolls her eyes.

[7:42 PM] DM: She laughs softly. "People like me always are."

[7:42 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: "What?" She shrugs in Seirixori's direction.

[7:42 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh gets up and walks into the kitchen, when she returns its with drinks.

[7:43 PM] Seirixori: "Nevermind." Seir looks at Malica, "Oh um... not that...she might not want to talk to me right now but... well does that include Gunnloda or...?"

[7:45 PM] DM: She shakes her head and gingerly sits in the seat she's been standing at, but on the edge like she's ready to take flight again. "Gunnloda's a good person. If I'd known this was going to happen, I'd have told her myself."

[7:45 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: "Ah, thank you, Ryleigh."

[7:46 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak places a hand on Malica's shoulder, occasionally letting her thumb brush the cloth there. "Gunnloda has my trust 100%, always."(edited)

[7:46 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: She turns back toward Malica-Cyan. "What happened?"

[7:46 PM] DM: Malica: "I don't usually tell people. At all. A secret's easier to keep when there's only one."

[7:46 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: "Suppose that's true."

[7:47 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh lifts an eyebrow, "and I'm sure you have plenty of them."

[7:48 PM] DM: She looks down. "I... meant one person to keep it."

[7:48 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak gives Ryleigh a look, her eyes flashing in the low light. "I reckon we all do."

[7:49 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh shrugs, not agreeing or disagreeing.

[7:48 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: Brimeia chuckles in Ryleigh's direction. "Guess you're the odd one out in this bunch."

[7:49 PM] Seirixori: "So... not to... make light of this or anything, but was there a reason for this...?"

[7:52 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak turns to Seirixiori with a sigh. "I've promised Malica here that I would keep 'er safe, s'long as she's here in Bellbury. And well...I can't very well do that if I'm poofin' out at random times." she rubs her eyes with the heels of her hands. They felt completely dry, tapped out. "So i figured if our group knew, then even if me or Ryleigh or Rav are gone, she'd have folks willin t' protect 'er."

[7:54 PM] Ravaphine: "Thank you for sharing with us, Malica. We will do everything in our power to make sure we all stay safe"

[7:54 PM] Seirixori: Seir laughs, ruefully, "I'm not entirely sure you'll want to hang around me if Cae keeps following me around."

[7:55 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Beneath the table you see Urraks hand move a bit. "We'll see...s'long as no one blows 'er cover, she should be fine." she looks tense, as if she's trying to restrain herself(edited)

[7:55 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: "Always willing to help a pretty maiden," Brimeia grins

[7:56 PM] Ravaphine: Rav slides her drink to Urrak. "You look a little green there, my friend" she chuckles

[7:56 PM] Seirixori: "Ugh," Seir rolls her eyes.

[7:56 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh rolls her eyes at Brimeia.

[7:56 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: She puffs a sharp breath out of her nose "Har har."

[7:56 PM] Ravaphine: "But are you okay? You seem more stressed out that she does"

[7:57 PM] DM: Malica: "Oh... Um..." She takes the ring off her finger and hands it to Ryleigh. "You should probably have this back. I'm sorry I didn't earlier. I forgot and then it was too late."

[7:58 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh takes it, "we weren't missing it." She then eyes Urrak then looks around the table, "well, now that that's over with - Urrak, could I have a word with you, in the kitchen. It'll be quick."

[7:58 PM] Ravaphine: "We'll be here for a while," Rav jokes(edited)

[7:58 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak looks at Ryleigh oddly but complies "I...sure Ry."

[7:59 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh stands and walks to the kitchen.

[7:59 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak follows behind

[8:01 PM] DM: Malica watches them leave and starts fidgeting slightly with her hands in her lap.

[8:01 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: "So... What should I call you now?"

[8:02 PM] DM: Malica: "I-- Malica is fine for now."

[8:05 PM] Ravaphine: "Don't you think that's a little too personal of a question. Sorry about our friend here" she points her thumb in Brimeia's direction

[8:07 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: "What? What did I say? I just asked what name I ought to call her. Figured that's important."

[8:07 PM] DM: Malica shakes her head. "It's ok. I use a different name for each... well. It just makes it easier for me to keep track."

[8:08 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: "Huh. Sounds confusing to me, but so long as it suits you."

[8:09 PM] Seirixori: "Everything is confusing to you." Seir mutters, finishing the second drink, "Nolanos needs to hurry up."

[8:11 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: "Not my fault no one bothers to explain," Brimeia shrugs.

[8:02 PM] Seirixori: Seirixori grabs one of the drinks, looks at it an shrugs, downing it. "Ugh, why do people drink this?" She coughs, before reaching over and grabbing the one Rav passed to Urrak, and drinking it... only a little slower than the other one, "there are too many things happening." she mumbles.(edited)

[8:04 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: "Ok, Malica," Brimeia confirms. She's distracted a moment later by Seirixori's mumbling. "What, like besides you getting thrown in jail? Are... you still under arrest?"

[8:05 PM] Seirixori: Seir stares at Brimeia, "...Are we all suddenly in jail and I didn't notice?"

[8:06 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: Brimeia shrugs at Seirixori. "Well, you did get brought in abruptly last time I saw you, so .. who knows?"

[8:10 PM] Ravaphine: "will you be able to join us for more component missions then, Malica?"

[8:12 PM] DM: Malica: "I hadn't thought about it, but... if you needed the help? It would be nice to get out of here for a little bit. It's starting to feel claustrophobic."

[8:13 PM] Seirixori: "Yes, well, we're down a regular, because I'm an idiot."

[8:14 PM] Ravaphine: Rav rubs Seir's shoulder

[8:15 PM] DM: Malica: "Are you ok? I'm sorry..."

[8:16 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: "Wait, we lost someone? Who?"

[8:17 PM] Ravaphine: "It's been a rough few days"

[8:17 PM] Seirixori: "We didn't lose anyone." Seir mumbles, fidgeting with the empty cup, "Gunnloda left. And I'm..." Seir shrugs, "I was... not fine earlier, but now I'm kind of mad about it so. Just peachy."

[8:18 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: "Hey, at least you're not in jail anymore. Seems like an improvement from last I saw you."

[8:20 PM] Ravaphine: "She'll be back. I mean, partly because she won't have a choice until the arch is fixed. But I feel it in my gut she needs us just as much as we need her"

[8:21 PM] Seirixori: "Woohoo." Seir says sarcastically, reaching for another drink, "I just want to talk to her, without there being other pressing matters. Which is why Nolanos needs to hurry up."(edited)

[8:21 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: "Hmm? What's he gonna do?"

[8:22 PM] Seirixori: "Making me a *fancy* necklace."

[8:22 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: "And why aren't you more excited to be out of jail? I imagine that'd be an obstacle to talking to Gunnloda if you were."

[8:22 PM] Ravaphine: Ravaphine heads to the kitchen and pours a glass of OJ in a beer mug. She sets it in front of Seir. "This'll taste better"

[8:23 PM] Seirixori: "Thanks..." She takes it but doesn't drink it, "Because, jail would mean they weren't going to possibly kill me if I mess up again."

[8:24 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: "Kill you? That seems harsh."

[8:24 PM] Ravaphine: Rav rolls her eyes and gets up to rummage through the liquor cabinet.

[8:24 PM] Seirixori: "Yes, well." She just shrugs, "I'll be right back," Seir gets up and walks out of the Cask towards the forge.

[8:24 PM] Ravaphine: She pours in a shot of some random alcohol in the OJ. "Better?"

[8:25 PM] Ravaphine: Rav pouts and drinks the OJ herself while shuddering

[8:27 PM] Ravaphine: "Can I get you two something to eat or drink while we wait for Ryleigh and Urrak to stop making out?"

[8:29 PM] DM: Malica: "Umm... no, thank you."

[8:32 PM] DM: She seems to be honest. She's clearly a little uncomfortable like this is new to her, but she's not doing anything that makes you think she's lying about anything.

[8:30 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: "Ha. I'd be glad for a bite and a drink or two."(edited)

[8:31 PM] Ravaphine: Rav gets up and pours a mug of ale for Brimeia(edited)

*[*8:33 PM*]* Seirixori*:* Seir rushes in and slams the door, now sporting a metal disc on a leather strap around her neck, and peeks through one of the windows. Then she walks to the table, "So there's... people sort of just popped in and went to the mansion, like... *fancy* looking people."

*[*8:34 PM*]* DM*:* Malica looks up, panicked for a moment.

*[*8:34 PM*]* Seirixori*:* "I'm going to get Urrak and Ryleigh...wait here," she mutters before making her way into the kitchen.

*[*8:35 PM*]* Kyris - Brimeia*:* "Oh?" Brimeia turns toward Seirixori. "Wait, why do you look so worried about them?"

*[*8:35 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* "We are but weary travelers so the Moonstreams don't trust us to save her town"

*[*8:36 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* "Spellguards from Ebedine are here to probably relieve us of our duties"

*[*8:38 PM*]* Kyris - Brimeia*:* "You mean.... like helping them fix everything?" Brimeia frowns skeptically. "We're the only reason there's anyone left around here.

*[*8:38 PM*]* Ravaphine*:* "She has a town to run, so I understand her little faith in us. But I just hope they don't ruin our progress"

## Urryleigh

[8:01 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh stands with her back to Urrak once they enter the kitchen.

[8:01 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Ry...? What's goin' on?" Urrak flexes her hands at her sides. She focuses sharply on Ryleigh(edited)

[8:06 PM] Ryleigh: "You need to be careful. I don't want a fight, but I just want you to be aware of what she's capable of." She turns around and looks at Urrak, "don't blind yourself with feelings, be mindful. I know you trust her, and please don't mistake my words, but I don't - not yet." Ryleigh's stance is completely open, she's being sincere.

[8:07 PM] Ryleigh: "That doesn't mean I'll hurt her, Urrak."

[8:11 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "What are talkin' about *feelin's* fer Ry? It...ain't like that. I'm just keepin' her safe." She balls her fists and breathes deeply "An' I do trust her Ryleigh she...." She pauses, holding a breath, but soon releases it as she turns around to walk away "....ah, a kid like ye wouldn't understand."

[8:14 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "If you'll excuse me, I'm goin' back t' table. I'll ask everyone there if I *bloody asked* for your opinion. I certainly don't remember it".(edited)

[8:18 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh just shakes her head, "Are you trying to convince yourself or me?...I'm just trying to help Urrak. But go on, I have nothing more to say." Ryleigh walks out of the kitchen in huff.

[8:19 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "*this human and her lectures*" Urrak stomps after Ryleigh "Hey, we ain't done here!" she reaches out to grab at her collar(edited)

[8:22 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh turns around before Urrak can grab her, "I don't want to fight with you Urrak." She walks forward, forcing Urrak to walk backwards back into the kitchen.

[8:23 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak stumbles back a bit. "What's this mood suddenly?" she spits out her words, harsh orcish growls rising from the bass "Not two hours ago ye were tryin' t' comfort me"(edited)

[8:24 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "And now yer tellin' me y'don't trust her?" She's visibly upset but also a bit frightened. The paladin always had this imposing presence, even when she was 7 inches shorter than the half-orc.(edited)

[8:28 PM] Ryleigh: "Nothing's changed Urrak, I'm not going to hurt her and I can see that she has suffered. I believe that she has been hurt in the past by people who don't understand what she is. I told her back in that room that her words were empty to me, her actions will prove whether or not she's trustworthy. But you touch her in a way that isn't just 'friendly' and I can see that. I just want you to be careful. That's all." Her voice isn't angry, she not speaking like she's lecturing Urrak, she sounds younger and a little desperate, "You're kind hearted and I've seen people like you get used, I just, I'm just...I just want you to be aware of what could happen."(edited)

[8:31 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Y'think I don't know the risks, Ryleigh? Y'think I haven't thought of all the ways it go horribly wrong? There's so much of this ye just don't understand. I appreciate yer concern but ye....y'just don't understand." she crosses her arms.(edited)

[8:33 PM] Ryleigh: "I don't have to understand to be worried." She freezes like what she said caught her off guard then continues, "That's all this is Urrak, worry for one of the few people I know in this town."

[8:35 PM] DM: Seir barges through the door.

*[*8:35 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh looks at her with a raised eyebrow, "what's wrong?"

*[*8:36 PM*]* Seirixori*:* "Your faces." Seir says then pauses, "Sorry, I might have... had drinks." She clears her throat, "There's some people in red robes that popped into the town square and some dude in white robes walked into the mansion. Thought you should know."

*[*8:37 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh looks at Urrak, "we'll continue this conversation later." And leaves the kitchen.

*[*8:38 PM*]* Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter*:* "I-I--!" Urrak stutters and follows after Ryleigh. She's angry but now also confused as hell

[8:39 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh comes through the kitchen doors, walks past everyone, and out of the cask to see what's going on.(edited)

[8:42 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak follows blindly behind, her eyes hyper focused at the paladin's golden hair "Wait just a fuckin' minute!" she flings open the doors of the Cask, catching them in motion from Ryleigh's exit. She's about to yell again when she sees the robes. She stops dead. "What in the world...?"(edited)

[8:42 PM] Ravaphine: Rav follows and smacks into Urrak's back(edited)

[8:46 PM] DM: So once you come outside, you can see a collection of six people standing outside the mansion, apparently waiting for something. There's a half-elven man with salt-and-pepper hair wearing green robes edged in gold and a human woman with long brown hair in olive green robes with silver edging. Next to them are three men, an elf and a half-elf in studded leather, both with shortswords, and a dwarf in blackened scale armor with a warhammer at his waist. There's also a human woman in a breastplate with a mace with short black hair. All four of these armored and armed people are wearing red tabards over their armor with the same gold dragon symbol in a shield-shaped border on their chests.

[8:47 PM] Seirixori: Seir finally makes her way back out of the kitchen and towards the others, "...I don't think I want to be here right now." she mutters, leaning against the doorjamb.

[8:50 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Who the hells are these folks? Circus performers?"

[8:50 PM] Ravaphine: “Wizards. All from Poni’s college”

[8:51 PM] Ravaphine: “We’re the circus performers remember?”

[8:51 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak chuckles. "Best and only circus in Vyon"

[8:51 PM] Ravaphine: Rav pulls out three citrus fruits from her bag and begins to juggle

[8:51 PM] Seirixori: "I make our costumes," Seir pipes up.

[8:52 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak points at Seir like "good job" with a huge smile. She calms down and gets serious "Are these those....spellguards?"(edited)

[8:52 PM] Ravaphine: “I think so. They look familiar from when I visited yesterday. Robes and all”

[8:55 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Maybe Seir shouldn't be here." she mumbles to herself, mulling it over for a second before "Malica!" Urrak whips around to find the half-elf

[8:55 PM] DM: You don't see her.

[8:56 PM] Seirixori: "I can just go to Poni's." Seir shrugs.

[8:56 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak stutter steps into the Cask "Malica?!" she looks everywhere

[8:57 PM] DM: You don't see her downstairs. There's only a few people still in there at all.

[8:57 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak sprints upstairs and goes to her door. She knocks "Malica are ye there?"

*[*8:58 PM*]*DM*:*She cracks the door open. "I'm here... I'm just... going to stay here a little longer. You know where to find me."

*[*8:59 PM*]*Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter*:*"Malica..." she puts a hand in the cracked door

 [8:58 PM] Ravaphine: "Seir, do you want to go to Poni's?"(edited)

[9:00 PM] Ravaphine: "Let's go help Urrak find Malica to make sure we are all accounted for" she says as she heads up the stairs to look for Urrak(edited)

[9:01 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh continues to stand outside.

[9:01 PM] Seirixori: "Maybe." Seir shrugs and turns to follow Urrak, stopping at the bottom of the stairs, "Urrak, you're very bad at not drawing attention to things."

*[*9:02 PM*]*Ravaphine*:*Rav walks up to where Urrak is

*[*9:02 PM*]*Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter*:*" Mal, wait..." she gently pushes open the door, without thinking she takes the woman's face in her hands and kisses her "Wait."

*[*9:04 PM*]*Ravaphine*:*"Ooops, sorry. I'll give you two some privacy" rav starts to walk backwards

*[*9:06 PM*]*Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter*:*Urrak whips around "R-Rav what're ye--?" Her face turns a deep crimson. "Shit." she looks at Malica, with deep concern "*Shit shit shit shit shit shit*. Stay here." She runs after the others

*[*9:08 PM*]*Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter*:*She shuffles after the elf "Rav, wait, wait..."(edited)

*[*9:13 PM*]*Ravaphine*:*"I'm so so so sorry for barging in like that. I just wanted to make sure everyone was accounted for" she says, kind of flustered

[9:14 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "N-n-n-n-n-n-no Rav. stop." She puts her hands on Rav's shoulders. "Please...don't say anythin'." she looks slightly down, into your eyes.(edited)

[9:17 PM] Ravaphine: "Is it...is that not allowed with your people? I know my mother loved a woman, and Seir and Gunnloda are also in love. We are a very accepting group if that's what you're worried about. You should know that by now, silly" she kind of pats Urrak's cheeks with both of her hands

[9:19 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Rav that's not...." she runs a hand through her hair "Ah, yeah Rav uhhh it's jus'" she stifles a laugh "It's jus' frowned upon. With...my people." she places her hands on her hips and shakes her head a bit

[9:20 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "So I'd appreciate it if ye didn't say anythin'...I'm not "out" here and I'm worried what other's'll think...." she tries to hide her laughs as coughs. "Let's get t' Poni's."

[9:21 PM] Ravaphine: "That still doesn't explain why you're so antsy right now," she tilts her head and gives her a questioning look. "Because your people are back home, not here"

[9:23 PM] DM: You are pretty sure she's lying.

[9:24 PM] Ravaphine: "We should. But we all know that we are both terrible liars. I'm not calling you a liar, but I'm not calling you a truther either"

[9:24 PM] Ravaphine: "What's wrong?" She asks, genuinely concerned

[9:26 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak sighs "Alright alright, y' got me." She crosses her arms "I'm askin ye, please...keep this close t' ya. Ryleigh would have my head if she knew". She starts to laugh until it occurs to her that that is an incredibly likely scenario.

[9:28 PM] Ravaphine: "I will. But...Any particular reason why?"

[9:29 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "T'be honest Rav, it's all...really complicated. Too much t' say now. We really should find the others." She looks over her shoulder and turns back to Rav, gripping her shoulders tight "I promise t' tell ye soon. Just...please? Let's go."(edited)

[9:32 PM] Ravaphine: "Okay....Let's head back to Poni's" she says, slightly agitated that everyone around her has so many secrets

[9:02 PM] Seirixori: Seir just rolls her eyes and lets Rav handle it, walking back out, "Think it's a bad idea to go to Poni's?" She asks Ryleigh.

[9:04 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh sighs, "no, I think we should - come on." And starts off down the street to Poni's

[9:05 PM] Ryleigh: As Ryleigh walks she notices a change in Seir, "have you been drinking?"

[9:06 PM] Seirixori: Seir shrugs, "Maybe. You gave them to us, didn't you?"

[9:08 PM] Ryleigh: "I did but I also brought out water for those of us who don't drink..." she laughs a little.

[9:09 PM] Seirixori: "The last time I had a drink I told Gunnloda she was pretty." Seir shrugs again.

[9:11 PM] Ryleigh: "So I take it you don't drink often?"

[9:12 PM] Seirixori: "That was also the first time I had a drink."

[9:16 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh nods, "I don't drink and I've never been drunk, although I will have a few sips of wine out of politeness at a gathering."

[9:18 PM] DM: You two do eventually get to Poni's

[9:20 PM] DM: Poni's sitting on the floor in the middle of the basement. "With as often as you idiots drop me, you should probably get me some padding before the last crystal breaks."

[9:20 PM] Seirixori: "You are talking to the wrong person about that, asshole."

[9:19 PM] Seirixori: "I do not recommend Ale, it's gross." Seir fidgets with the disc, "Think it's a terrible idea to find Gunnloda?"

[9:23 PM] Ryleigh: "I mean, you a little tipsy, maybe now isn't the best time. Of course, liquid courage isn't that bad of thing. I don't know Seir, do you feel like if you found her you'd say something you'd regret?"

[9:27 PM] Seirixori: "I regret nearly everything that happened after dinner. I regret giving her back the ring she gave me, because I didn't think I deserved it. However," She looks up at the hole in the floor above them, "If those people are here for more than just this asshole... I'll regret not talking to her at least one more time, even if I say something stupid. Which, to be honest, is something that will happen whether I'm tipsy or not."

[9:27 PM] DM: Poni: "Wait, what people?"

[9:28 PM] Seirixori: Seir grins and picks up Poni, "Oh, people I'm sure you'll love."

[9:29 PM] Ryleigh: "The Spellguards just arrived." Ryleigh responds to Poni, "Well, let's see what Gunnloda is up to then?"

[9:31 PM] DM: Poni: "SPELLGUARD? What the-- ugh."

[9:32 PM] Seirixori: Seir nods and puts the disc up to Poni and hesitates, "It's fine, totally fine." Seir mutters to herself, pushing the button, but doesn't look up, a little afraid of what she might see.

[9:34 PM] Ravaphine: Rav heads into Poni's basement and sees that the portal is fizzing to life

[9:34 PM] Ravaphine: "Hey poni, your spellguard friends are here"

[9:35 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: After no response to her question, Urrak walks further into the basement, hoping not to be noticed(edited)

[9:36 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh looks up at the others, eyeing Urrak, then responds, "We're checking on Gunnloda."(edited)

[9:37 PM] DM: The portal shows a house, smallish and halfling in style, but it's sized to be comfortable for a dwarf. In the center of the image is Gunnloda, wearing Sovereign Host robes with the evidence of many bits of food splattered and smeared across them. She's sitting on a chair at a table with Kendall. They're talking to each other, but you can't hear anything, and Kendall's squeezing her hand.

[9:38 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh squeezes Seir's shoulder.

[9:38 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: From her corner Urrak mutters a "Gunnloda..." under her breath

[9:39 PM] DM: Gunnloda does look sad, maybe hurt, and Kendall looks like she's trying to comfort her.

[9:39 PM] Ryleigh: "So, what do you think? Going in to talk to her?"

[9:40 PM] Ravaphine: "Maybe we can all jump in at once"

[9:40 PM] Seirixori: "I really don't think all of us going is going to help me..."

[9:40 PM] Seirixori: she still hasn't looked up.

[9:41 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh smiles over her shoulder at Rav, and pushes Seir through the portal.

[9:42 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak runs closer to the portal "Gods--damn it!" she looks through and sees the pair "Well shit."

[9:43 PM] DM: You guys see the portal change to Seir and Ryleigh in a city.

[9:43 PM] Seirixori: "No why--" She says, but she doesn't stop it

[9:43 PM] Ravaphine: Rav shrugs and looks back at Urrak before walking into the portal

[9:45 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak watches the elf go through the portal. For a moment she contemplates jumping in as well. But decides to head back to the Cask.

[9:45 PM] Seirixori: Seir groans, "was coming with really necessary?"

[9:45 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh smiles, "well, I got the feeling you weren't going in, the only way to get you here is if I gave you a little push"

[9:46 PM] DM: There is, in fact, a half-orc selling meat on a stick up ahead.

[9:47 PM] Ravaphine: Rav rubs her hands together and licks her lips. She walks up to the merchant. "Hello! May I have three sticks please?"

[9:48 PM] DM: "Fifteen coppers."

[9:48 PM] Ravaphine: Rav hands them the money

[9:48 PM] DM: He starts pulling them off the grill and hands them over.

[9:49 PM] Ravaphine: "Thank you!" Rav takes them and walks back to her friends, munching on whatever meatsnacks these are(edited)

[9:49 PM] Ryleigh: "So should we try to find Gunnloda?"

[9:49 PM] DM: You're really not quite sure what kind of meat it is, but there's a pleasant spice to it.(edited)

[9:51 PM] Ravaphine: "We should. Let's apologize and get your girlfriend back"

[9:51 PM] Seirixori: "Give me a second." Seir grumbles,  dusting herself off and shifts into a Mastiff. she starts sniffing around.(edited)

[9:54 PM] DM: You smell people? You'd need to be on a path they took recently to catch the scent. And... I'd say you'd need to know what scent you're looking for but I guess I can give you that one. lol

[9:54 PM] Ravaphine: "These are delicious. Want one?" she offers a skewer to Ryleigh

[9:54 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh takes it and sniffs, "what is it?"

[9:55 PM] Ravaphine: "Dinner" she smiles

[9:55 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh hesitates and takes a bite of the mystery meat.

[9:55 PM] Ravaphine: They follow Seir in dog form

[9:56 PM] DM: I mean... it's better than anything you've eaten since Gunnloda left?

[9:56 PM] Ryleigh: Seeing Seirixori not really going anywhere, Ryleigh approaches approaches a townsperson, "excuse me, have you seen a halfling or dwarf wearing Sovereign Host robes recently?"

[9:57 PM] DM: Looking around, there are a lot of halflings walking around. Fewer dwarfs. The woman says, "If you're looking for the temple, it's up that way and take a right at the first fountain."

[9:58 PM] Ryleigh: "Thank you." Ryleigh smiles at the woman and heads back to her companions, "the temple is this way, lets start there." She starts walking in the direction the woman pointed.(edited)

[9:59 PM] Ravaphine: Rav follows

[10:00 PM] Seirixori: Seir stays in her Mastiff form and follows right next to Ryleigh

[10:00 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh offers doggie!Seir some of her meat stick.

[10:04 PM] Seirixori: Seir sniffs it for a moment, then eats it.

[10:08 PM] DM: You guys find the temple. It's big. Fancy. Marble. The whole thing. There's a lot of blue and gold and the big stylized H symbol that Gunnloda wears on her armor.

[10:09 PM] DM: There are also nine different symbols that you can guess are probably representative of each of the gods that are part of the Host.

[10:10 PM] Ravaphine: "Shall we? Do you think we should bring her flowers or something?"

[10:13 PM] Ravaphine: Rav looks for a flower shoppe or something

[10:13 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh just looks around, trying to see if she can see anything useful.

[10:15 PM] DM: There are amazingly flowers for sale to one side. They're mostly just wildflowers, but they're pretty?

[10:17 PM] Ravaphine: "I'll be right back" Rav goes to purchase a bouquet of flowers for Gunnloda

[10:17 PM] Seirixori: Seir catches something and watches Ravaphine step away, she turns and takes off down the street towards what looks like a neighborhood.

[10:18 PM] Ravaphine: Rav comes back with the flowers and notices Ryleigh by herself. "Uhh...where did she go?"

[10:19 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh points in the direction Seir went, "she took off over that way, I assume she found Gunnloda's scent." She motions for Ravaphine to follow.

[10:20 PM] Ravaphine: They start jogging to catch up(edited)

[10:22 PM] DM: Seir runs through the streets, ducking and weaving around people, almost knocking over a halfling or two until you find yourselves in a halfling neighborhood. She stops in front of a house that looks similar to the others, but it's just a little bigger, the doors are taller and wider.

[10:23 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh mutters rushed apologies to those Seirixori has mowed over but continues after her.

[10:23 PM] Ravaphine: Rav follows up behind Seir

[10:24 PM] Ravaphine: "Do you already know what you're gonna say to her"

[10:25 PM] Seirixori: Seir shakes her head, the nods, and just, groans, lying down and covering her eyes with her paws.

[10:27 PM] Ravaphine: "It's now or never! Look, I even got you flowers to give her" she shows Seir the bouquet

[10:28 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh knocks on the door.

[10:30 PM] DM: It takes a minute, but Kendall opens it, wearing her robes, but not the hat. The smell of freshly baked pies and breads pours out of the open door. She blinks and then tilts her head at you. "So soon?"

[10:31 PM] Ryleigh: "Yeah, sorry to barge in but she's been so down..I just couldn't take the sad eyes anymore." Ryleigh chuckles lightly.

[10:32 PM] Ravaphine: "Hi" rav says, shyly. "It smells wonderful in there"

[10:33 PM] DM: Kendall leans over to look past you at the elf and dog in the street, then looks back and sighs. "I don't know if she's... come in. Watch your heads. Help yourself to some of the food. Kitchen's through there." She gestures to the right.

[10:37 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh walks over to Seirixori, "are you coming in or am I going to have to carry you in?"

[10:41 PM] Seirixori: Seir groans and walks in, shifting back as she does, "I just.... I just want to say something and then We'll.... well I'll go if..."

[10:41 PM] Ravaphine: Rav shoves the flowers in Seir's hands as they're ducking and walking in(edited)

[10:42 PM] DM: Kendall just gestures towards the kitchen.

[10:43 PM] DM: As you saw in the portal, it's a small house, but the doors and ceilings are sized more for a dwarf than a halfling, and especially in the kitchen everything's a little taller than what would be comfortable for Kendall. Gunnloda's not in there at the moment, but it seems like every square inch of flat space in the room is covered in pies, breads, or the ingredients for them.

[10:44 PM] Seirixori: Seir just kind of stares at the flowers and hands them back to Ravaphine, "Maybe after..." she mumbles and slowly walks into the kitchen. "...wow, ok."

[10:46 PM] DM: Mostly fruity pies, but there's stuff like banana bread and regular bread mixed in there too. Baked goods.

[10:49 PM] Ravaphine: Rav places the flowers on a table. "We should stay out here and let them talk" she says to Ryleigh

[10:50 PM] Seirixori: "did you guys really have to follow me here ..." Seirixori mumbles

[10:51 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh smiles at Seirixori, "that's what friends are for, to help in a time of need." She nods to the door, "we'll be around." She then walks out of the kitchen.

[10:52 PM] Seirixori: Despite what she said, she mildly panics when they leave.

[10:53 PM] Ravaphine: "good luck" Rav says, finger gunning as she walks out to follow Ryleigh

[10:54 PM] Seirixori: She starts fidgeting with the end of one of her braids, sees the disc, quickly shoves it so it's under her tunic and resumes her fidgeting.

[10:54 PM] DM: Kendall appears in the doorway before they leave.

[10:55 PM] DM: She tilts her head at Seir, gesturing for her to come over to the other room.

[10:56 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh looks from Kendall to Ravaphine then whispers, "so, are we staying in here?..."

[10:56 PM] Seirixori: Seir takes a deep breath and follows Kendall's direction.

[10:57 PM] Ravaphine: "Let's step outside"

[10:57 PM] DM: Kendall stops Seir with a hand on your arm. "Don't make me regret this." Then she steps back and gestures for you to go further down the hall.

[10:58 PM] DM: She looks at the two of you. "I can't eat all that pie myself."

[10:59 PM] Ravaphine: Rav looks to Ryleigh, asking for permission in a way

[10:59 PM] Seirixori: Seir nods and heads down the hall

[10:59 PM] Ryleigh: "Good, because we've been starving since Gunnloda left."

[11:00 PM] Ravaphine: "You are wonderful"

[11:01 PM] DM: Kendall leans against the doorjamb, not really coming into the kitchen, just waiting, keeping an ear on what's happening down the hall.

[11:05 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh smiles and takes a slice of pie. As she eats it she says, "Oh, Ravaphine! I forgot to tell you, Eloise approved our entry into the Riverrun library. So, we can tell the others as soon as we're all together. I just...I wanted you to know because I know it bothers you to have to keep secrets."

[11:06 PM] Ravaphine: Ravaphine takes a slice of pie as well and almost chokes on a bite when Ryleigh mentions keeping secrets. "Right. Yes. Thank you for that. Do you think we'll be able to leave with all the spellguards running around?"

[11:09 PM] Ryleigh: "Of course, we've committed no crime and they can't hold us against our will." Her brow furrows slightly at Ravaphine's reaction.

[11:10 PM] Ravaphine: Rav shovels an excessive forkful of pie  in her mouth to avoid talking, and nods while giving Ry a thumbs up

[11:12 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh laughs, "you're going to choke."

[11:14 PM] Ravaphine: Rav finishes 3/4ths of a pie by herself.

[11:16 PM] Ryleigh: "where is it all going?" Ryleigh exclaims as she watches Rav eat everything

[11:16 PM] Ravaphine: Rav smiles sheepishly, a little but of blueberry on the corner of her mouth

[11:23 PM] DM: Kendall: "When you go back, you should take as many as you can carry."

[11:27 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh chuckles a little and says "if you insist"  to Kendall as she reaches for Rav and wipes the blueberry off the corner of her mouth.

[11:31 PM] Ravaphine: "Oh, that's embarassing. Thank you" She blushes and smiles, but continues to eat more pie. Slowing down a little

[11:33 PM] Ryleigh: "No problem" Ryleigh raises an eyebrow at Rav then licks the blueberry off her finger, "this pie is great."

[11:39 PM] Ravaphine: Ravaphine eyes widen and she clears her throat. "So when were you thinking about going to the library? I wanted to go to the one at the big college by my home but I didn't want to get caught looking up werewolves and needing to explain why"

[11:41 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh hums in thought, "Granted that probably would have been safer, considering you aren't from Bellbury or the surrounding area. But, we just need to go before the full moon. So we have a few days."

[11:42 PM] Ravaphine: "What do you think will happen if the spellcasters find out?"

[11:44 PM] Ryleigh: "find out about us leaving or about Cae?"

[11:45 PM] Ravaphine: "About Cae"

[11:46 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh purses her lips and looks away from Ravaphine, "it's very likely she'll be killed."

## Devil's Food Reunion

Seir walks through the hall to find Gunnloda standing with her back turned to the door, fidgeting with something in her hands.

[11:07 PM] Seirixori: Seir approaches slowly, stops a few feet away and clears her throat, "Um... hi I didn't... I wasn't going to come here so soon...I wasn't sure you'd want to see me...but there were people and they looked all fancy and I was worried they might not let me."

[11:11 PM] DM: She sets a folded piece of paper on the shelf she's standing in front of and turns around.

> *Gunnloda… I’m… I don’t know what to say.*
>
>

> *What can I say?*
>
>

> *It’s… it’s been such a short amount of time but I*
>
>

> *If there was anyone I never wanted to disappoint it was you, but I think that’s all I’ve done pretty much since the time we met.*
>
>

> ~~*I don’t know what you saw in me*~~
>
>

> *You tried to tell me so many times*
>
>

> *I was so upset no one would listen to me, but I never listened to you.*
>
>

> *You… you made me feel like I had a home and I took it for granted and I’m so sorry.*
>
>

> *I don’t… I don’t deserve your protection or your forgiveness.*
>
>

> *I left something with Stool if you... well they know where it is. Please don’t tell the others, if you can ever forgive me I*
>
>

> ~~*please forgive me*~~
>
>

> ~~*don’t forget me*~~
>
>

> *I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.*
>
>

> *(In Druidic:): maybe one day I'll be the woman you deserve, but for now I'm just the idiot that failed you.*
>
>

Gunnloda: "Is everyone ok?"

[11:16 PM] Seirixori: "Everyone is.." she stops, "Well... Urrak is being weird, Cyan is Malica who's a changeling," she whispers the last part, but keeps going, speaking rather quickly, "I think Ravaphine called them Spellguards? I don't know, and then I kind of talked Ryleigh into coming here, I also might have had a drink, or two, which was a terrible idea, because it's still gross. And no, that isn't why I'm here. Oh! We saw dinosaurs!" She literally changes into the smaller velociraptor, then quickly changes back, "sorry wait that wasn't what I, wow," Seir clears her throat. "*Wow I am bad at this*." she whispers.

[11:32 PM] Seirixori: "Ok, ok wait." She takes another breath, "I... I was really upset, because you know, well I messed up a lot, and might have cried and then Stool tried to make me feel better, and they kind of did. We went and saw dinosaurs, also I am really bad at healing because I healed a baby dragon instead of Ravaphine... and then Ryleigh caught me playing my flute, which I forgot actually calms me down. There's just been so much happening that I didn't realize I'd brought it with me. But then I Was kind of getting mad because, well, *a lot of stuff has happened* and I'm still learning and I'm trying...." She takes another breath, "Right, on track, Please forget I've been talking this entire time... I'm trying, I'm still figuring all of this out and I ... I really want this to work because you're... you're" she waves her hands at Gunnloda, "goddess you're so many things and I lo-- I...please give me a chance to fix it." she whispers, winded from her ridiculous nervous-fast-talking thing..

[11:37 PM] DM: She listens, not really moving or reacting until near the end when her cheeks flush pink and she looks down. "That... is a lot."

[11:38 PM] Seirixori: "Sorry, sorry, I'm... nervous." she mutters.

[11:42 PM] DM: She looks up. "You know what I meant before, right? I can't be what stops you from hurting innocent people. Not like that. I do that with a hammer."

[11:50 PM] Seirixori: Seir coughs, trying to hide a chuckle at the thought, "Yes, yes... I..." she groans, "I'm learning, a little too slowly, that I have a family now and to trust all of you and I love you... all of you," she says quickly, her face on fire ~~literally~~ , "I just want to help people and I will tell you *Everything* and not do stupid impulsive things. ....try not to, because I'm pretty sure prancing around in the fountain in Bellbury as a Deinonychus was stupid and impulsive and I'm surprised I don't have an arrow in my face." She groans, "wow will you *stop talking*" She sighs and sits on the floor.(edited)

[12:00 AM] DM: She unsuccessfully tries to hide a smile, then it falls away. "I... read your letter. I didn't realize until after that... I probably wasn't supposed to have it."

[12:02 AM] Seirixori: Seir groans and hides her face in her hands, "I... Ryleigh was only supposed to give those to you if I had to leave."

[12:05 AM] Seirixori: "Actually, I wrote them because *I was* going to leave. But I thought about you and... and Stool and I couldn't do that. And I knew I couldn't keep running from things, so I ... well I stayed and didn't fight what I'd done.."

[12:11 AM] DM: She looks down at her hands. "I don't... I want to see what this can be. I do... but I can't handle having my heart broken again." She looks back up, the question written across her face.

[12:13 AM] Seirixori: Seir sits up quickly, almost falling over, she gets on her knees and reaches out to take Gunnloda's hands but she pauses, "Can I...?"

[12:16 AM] DM: She just barely moves her hands out to give her ok.

[12:24 AM] Seirixori: Seir holds them lightly and looks at Gunnloda, "I can't promise it will never happen, but I can promise that I.... that I love you." She flushes, but she keeps the eye contact, "Which might sound ridiculous because it's been a very short time, and... no wait, not the point..." She takes a deep breath and let's it out slowly, "I love you, I'm in love with you, and the last thing I ever want to do is break your heart, because that would mean mine is broken too and a thousand years of that is way too long. *No, I did it again*."(edited)

[12:31 AM] DM: She looks down, her cheeks burning red again. Then she steps in close and lifts her head enough for your lips to meet in a kiss. She pulls back and chuckles softly. "You're still too adorable for me to say no to."

[12:34 AM] Seirixori: Seir is pretty sure her whole body is turning red, but she grins and just kind of launches herself around Gunnloda, hugging her, and trying really hard not to cry, but she's kind of failing at it, "Please don't tell Stool you're really my favorite."(edited)

[12:36 AM] DM: She laughs. "I'll keep yours if you do the same."

[12:38 AM] Seirixori: Seir nods, pulling back and places a hand on the side of Gunnloda's face, stroking her cheek lightly with her thumb and Seirixori leans in to kiss Gunnloda, "I love you." She grins as she says it again.(edited)

[12:41 AM] DM: She leans forward, resting her forehead against yours with her eyes closed. "I love you too... but don't ever do that to me again." She laughs again. "Kendall's kitchen can't handle it anymore."

[12:42 AM] Seirixori: "That was the worst twelve hours of my life, I will definitely not do that again."(edited)

[12:45 AM] DM: She laughs again, having trouble keeping her smile off her face. "I know enough about you to doubt the first, but I'm going to choose to believe the second."

[12:47 AM] Seirixori: "Okay... maybe, but it's close."  She pouts a little. "that and making Kendall mad. Very close."

[12:48 AM] Seirixori: She groans, "Oh no, I need to apologize to her too."

[12:48 AM] DM: You hear her call from the other room: "You're damn right, you do!"

[12:49 AM] DM: Gunnloda: "Kendall!"

[12:52 AM] Seirixori: Seir flinches and turns, not quite letting go of Gunnloda, she gives a sheepish grin, "I'm sorry for doing exactly what I said I wasn't going to do... and sorry for your kitchen."

(Off screen: the short of it is that Gunnloda would be embarrassed and Kendall would be a shit. Kendall would probably make some joke and try to pass it off as no big deal and just tell you to take care of her. Make sure she has fun and acts her age sometimes. Don't let her get too serious or too sad. It'd probably start to sound too much like goodbye so before it got too heavy, she'd make some bad joke or another and tell you to take as many pies back as you can carry. Gunnloda would give her a big hug that would wind up with Kendall a foot off the ground and Kendall would take the opportunity to kiss her on the forehead and tell her good luck. .....then she would tell Gunnloda to keep her sending stone and just let her know if she needed to come back (home, implied).)

## Urica

[9:45 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak watches the elf go through the portal. For a moment she contemplates jumping in as well. But decides to head back to the Cask.

[9:51 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: She gets back to the Cask slowly and ascends the stairs. She reaches Malica's door. She knocks and sighs "It's me."

[9:51 PM] DM: The door opens.

[9:52 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Mal..." she walks over to her "Are you alright?"

[9:53 PM] DM: She nods. "Are you?"

[9:54 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: She runs a hand through her hair "Uh, yeah. I-I'm good. It'll...I'll be fine."

[9:55 PM] DM: She takes your hand in hers. "Remember that thing about not being a good liar?"

[9:58 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Yer right I...I shouldn't be tryin' keep things from  ye."she places her hand on top of the two. "Rav might've...well most definitely...saw us."

[10:00 PM] DM: She chuckles. "I saw that... I meant trying to lie to her. Is it..." she pauses and tries to find the right words. "You don't have to be ashamed. She left you... and chances are she's not coming back. But... I know I'm temporary. If you find her... I'll be happy for you. I'll disappear and you can..."

[10:01 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak snaps to attention "S-Surely y' don't value yerself so lowly, Mal."

[10:03 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "I'm not....I'm not tryin' *use* ye."

[10:05 PM] DM: She steps closer. "I know. You're too good for that. I just... know what my place in this world is. Sooner or later, time will run out for me and I'll have to go. Whether it's because you can't protect me or you find her... you two loved each other too much for me to stand in the way of that, so I won't."

[10:09 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak crosses the room and slumps down on the floor, her back to the bed. She places folded arms on top of her bent knees and hides her face. Faintly you can hear a watery "what the fuck was I thinking..." she mumbles a few words after, they sound vaguely Elven.

[10:11 PM] DM: She kneels next to you and takes your hand again. "Please don't... don't beat yourself up. You haven't done anything wrong."

[10:13 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: She reaches fiercely into her shirt, yanking the leather strap of a necklace loose from her neck. She hands it to Malica and looks off into the distance and softly says "How...how can ye even say that?"(edited)

[10:19 PM] DM: She closes your hand around the pouch. "Because you haven't. I know you loved her. I can see it every time either of us mentions her name. It... honestly it hurts to see because I know I'll never have that. But she's gone. She-- the Gray doesn't... she left. Until she somehow shows up again... you aren't doing anything wrong."

[10:22 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: She takes Malica's face in her hands and kisses her. She breaks away after a few moments and buries her head in Malica's shoulder. She says nothing(edited)

[10:25 PM] DM: She wraps her arms around you and runs her hand over the back of your head. She says, almost in a whisper, "You don't have to stop living, you know?"

[10:30 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: A chill runs down her spine when she whispers in her ear. She shudders and hugs the woman close. She looks up into Malica's eyes and says in accented Elvish "...Say that again."(edited)

[10:31 PM] DM: She kind of furrows her brow, confused. "You don't have to stop living?"

[10:36 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak stands, plucks her from the floor and tosses her onto the bed. She begins to kiss her neck, repeating the phrase, her Orcish guttural tone mangling the words. She brushes the few strands of hair on her face to the side with a gentle, calloused hand and whispers in common "*Please*..."(edited)

[10:50 PM] DM: She takes your face in her hands and kisses you and repeats her words from earlier. "Whatever you want, for as long as you'll have me." And in Elvish adds, "*You have me*."

## More Devil's Food

[8:31 PM] DM: Day 8, late at night.

You just came back from Vecbony with Gunnloda's hand in yours. Ryleigh and Ravaphine disappear pretty quick, headed out to give you two some privacy. Poni's shoved in Rav's bag.

[8:35 PM] Seirixori: Seir starts to fidget, the nerves from ...well the whole day crashing in on her, the adrenaline from earlier now gone. "I... did you... will you..." she blows out a puff of air, "can I show you something? Before we go back to the cask?"

[8:35 PM] DM: She squeezes your hand. "Of course."

[8:40 PM] Seirixori: "Okay....ok." Seir leads her to the grove and a decent way in, to where she normally finds herself when she needs to unwind. "Um... this is... I just wanted to..." she sits, rather abruptly, "I haven't really had time the last few days, but this is where I usually like to come sit. Or... well, I'm sure Takara would say, to come beat up her trees."

[8:41 PM] DM: She chuckles. "Is that what you do out here?"

[8:49 PM] Seirixori: She smiles shyly, "Sometimes." she starts picking at the ground, "Now that I found it, I might... um... I can play the flute? Which to be honest, now that I say that out loud, seems strange. But I like it, and it helps me focus sometimes when things get... bad, in Limabey. I just didn't remember because it's been... *really* crazy.  It, some of the animals in the forest liked it to, so that was a nice bonus. Um..." Seir clears her throat, "That.. um what I meant... I was trying to..." She pulls her hand away to cover her face and groan, rubbing at her face in frustration.

[8:51 PM] DM: She smiles and sits at your side, but facing you. "Would you play something for me?"(edited)

[9:03 PM] Seirixori: Seir peeks through her fingers and nods, and pulls out her flute, taking a deep, semi-steadying breath before she starts playing. It's just something quiet, calming. She plays it for a few minutes, longer than she intended. Seirixori's shoulders fall and her whole body kind of just... relaxes and she finishes with a small smile on her face. She blushes when she opens her eyes. "Um...so.... I just... wanted to share that with.... you."

[9:05 PM] DM: She smiles and puts her hand on your cheek, then leans in and gives you a kiss. "Thank you. It was beautiful."

[9:10 PM] Seirixori: "Thanks," she whispers, her face still red, "I'm sorry about... well I hope I didn't... I really did want to give you more time. Give *myself* more time, but I don't know if the spellguards are here for... here for more than just Poni and I wanted to ... I just wanted to make sure you were.... Ryleigh pushed us in." She sighs and puts her hand to her chest kind of rubbing at what's underneath. "I don't even know what I'm trying to say anymore," she mumbles, "Thank you... for... for giving me another chance."

[9:19 PM] DM: She sighs and drops her hand down to your knee. "I shouldn't have left in the first place. It was selfish of me. I... was hurt. Confused. But leaving wasn't the right answer. Leaving you all to keep trying to save Bellbury without having someone to watch your backs... leaving Stool... I'm glad you came back for me."

[9:24 PM] Seirixori: "I'm glad Ryleigh pushed me in, she even offered to carry me," Seir laughs, "I guess it's a good thing we ran into dinosaurs. I made a dinosaur friend, almost a baby dragon friend, nothing died... no one got too injured... Cae didn't shoot me." Seir takes Gunnloda's hand in her own, pressing a kiss to her palm, "I'd like to not do that again without you."

[9:26 PM] DM: "Sounds like you didn't do too bad for yourself."

[9:29 PM] Seirixori: "I think we just got very, very lucky. ...and I think I'd rather share the adventures with you there with us... me."

[9:32 PM] DM: She blushes a little, then smiles. "There's nobody I'd rather be stuck in a depressing kraken induced nightmare world with."

[9:35 PM] Seirixori: Seir snorts and laughs, "Goddess that place was terrible. But... I think the others might think I were crazy if I were to tell them it's also kind of my favorite place." Seir pushes herself up, so she's on her knees and she leans over to kiss Gunnloda, "Did you want to go to the Cask to sleep?"

[9:38 PM] DM: "Probably a good idea. It's late."

[9:39 PM] Seirixori: Seir grins, "Or out here?" she chuckles, kind of joking, but also kind of serious.

[9:41 PM] DM: "Out here?" She kind of glances around. "Is that... do you *do* that? Aren't you worried about... any of it?"

[9:45 PM] Seirixori: Seir giggles, "Any of...what? I've not really known anything else. Honestly, sleeping in an actual bed is a little... um well, for lack of a better explanation, *fancy* to me. Sometimes there were tents, before the druids and after, but it was always nicer in the forest away from them so." She shrugs, "We don't need to, I was mostly kidding."

[9:48 PM] DM: She blushes again. "You know... animals. Bugs. Bandits."

[9:53 PM] Seirixori: "Oh, yes those. Well, animals are *kind* of my thing." she teases, "I don't think I notice the bugs anymore, unless you know, giant spiders," she shudders, "freaks me out every time, I don't know why I do it. And, huh," she tilts her head, like she might have finally realized something, "I might have tiny favor with a goddess which it's entirely possible as to why I never really saw the last ones... well except that one time, or if I purposefully tracked them."

"I think I can protect you from the first two, at the very least," she scrunches her nose, snickering a little, still teasing, "Maybe Takara will be nice enough to watch out for the bandits because I haven't beaten up any of her trees today."(edited)

[9:56 PM] DM: She pats your knee, her whole face going pink. "I can't believe you would *tease* a dwarf about sleeping under the open sky. Some of my cousins don't even like walking where there is no ceiling."

[9:59 PM] DM: She takes your hand in hers and says, "I think it's worth a try, though. If you think you can '*protect me*', anyway."

[10:02 PM] Seirixori: Seir just laughs and tackles Gunnloda into a hug, "You're beautiful when you blush." She grins again, kissing her and points out a space not too far away, "Over there's the nicest, not as many roots."

## Ryleigh and Urrak

*[*5:02 PM*]* DM*:* Day 8, Late at Night.

Ryleigh came back with everyone through the portal and... it's dark. It's quiet. Everyone that was in the square is gone except that Moonstream guard. It's a different one now, the one that had brought you to the mansion when Usan summoned you all for the trial. Urrak didn't come through the portal with you all and now, an hour or two later...

*[*5:03 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh walks into the cask, and looks around.(edited)

*[*5:04 PM*]* DM*:* It's quiet. Most people have found beds somewhere and there's a couple people who are just passed out down here.

*[*5:05 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh goes upstairs, heading towards her room.

*[*5:09 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* She stops for a moment at Malica's door but decides to proceed to her room instead.

*[*5:12 PM*]* Urrak D'Akshi*:* You can hear muffled laughter and the makings of a casual conversation. After a time, loud foot steps can be heard walking across the room. The conversation continues until you hear the door creak open. "I'll be right back." you hear what sounds to be a horribly mangled elvish word at the end.

*[*5:14 PM*]* Urrak D'Akshi*:* She proceeds to close the door softly and make her way down the hall towards the stairs

*[*5:16 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh rolls her eyes at the *noise* from next door. Once it stops, she pokes her head out the door and sees Urrak walking down the hallway, "I hope you know what you're doing."

*[*5:18 PM*]* Urrak D'Akshi*:* Urrak stops mid step, her body tensing immediately. She turns to you, clothes disheveled, hair mussed, and a look of pure shame painted across her face. "Ryleigh..."

*[*5:19 PM*]* Urrak D'Akshi*:* "I...I..." she looks down at the floor and rubs at her neck, even in the dark, you can see a small dark mark when she pulls her hand away. "No, I'm...I'm tired of lyin'. Ryleigh can we talk...." she looks back towards Malica's room "Somewhere else?"(edited)

*[*5:21 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh walks back into her room for a brief moment, then steps fully into the hallway. As she reattaches Dawnbringer to her belt, she motions for Urrak to follow her down into the kitchen.(edited)

*[*5:23 PM*]* Urrak D'Akshi*:* Urrak eyes the blade, swallows hard and follows

*[*5:24 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "Don't worry, she just doesn't like being left alone." Ryleigh says casually - like it's totally not weird.(edited)

*[*5:26 PM*]* Urrak D'Akshi*:* "Well....alright then." she walks into the kitchen with Ryleigh and adjusts her breeches. They're old, tired, and near threadbare at the knees. Her tunic is just as well worn, with holes from rubbing against her belt at the bottom and a torn armpit. You can also see that she is is totally barefoot.

*[*5:26 PM*]* Urrak D'Akshi*:* "I'm sure y'have...a lot t' say t' me."

*[*5:29 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh pinches the bridge of her nose and sighs exasperatedly, "oh I have plenty of things I'd like to say to you" her eyes fly open and stare directly at you, "but you're an adult. I've said my bit, if you want to get yourself killed...." her stare is very intense, "I won't continue to try and stop you."(edited)

*[*5:31 PM*]* Urrak D'Akshi*:* "I....I understand. Ry, I...I really need t' tell you some things." She bites her lip and looks to the side of her "Before y'toss me aside completely." she looks into Ryleigh's eyes, her own appearing quite tired. Softly she adds "...Please."(edited)

*[*5:32 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "I'll listen to what you have to say."

*[*5:40 PM*]* Urrak D'Akshi*:* Urrak rubs her face, breathing deeply. She places her other hand on her hip for a spell. "Alright..."
She begins to tell you of the elf she fell in love with so many years ago. She was beautiful, intelligent, and highly skilled in all manners of deception and thievery. "She worked for a thieves guild, though I never caught its name. Her face, hands..." she pauses, remembering "Her body...were covered in these blue tattoos. Signs of status in the group." she tells of their marriage, and later of her departure. "Took everythin' what could catch some coin on the black market. All she left of her was a dagger, same dagger what pinned a note to the table." she stops to wipe a tear from her eye. " 'I'm sorry. I love you' that's all it said." She continues, skipping over her years of odd jobbing quickly as she felt they held no importance. Then "And then when I met Cyan....she....she looked just like her. Like a Ancy's ghost was there....mockin' me." she tells of how she found out about Cyan's abilities, of her transformation into Malica, and of the revelation of Ancy's whereabouts...or perhaps lack there of, and "The Gray. Mal said she was looking into the Gray before she left again." She attempts to explain how her and the changeling fell together, how the situtation became so incredibly entangled but feels like she isn't making much sense. "And so...here we are...I suppose."

*[*5:43 PM*]* Urrak D'Akshi*:* "I just....need everyone here t'...be on the same page. I'm so tired of keepin' secrets...and I hate that lyin's my first instinct, truly I do." she takes a breath "And...well..." she looks off and shakes her head. "I guess Ry, all I'm askin'...is for you--*us*--t' be...civil." She doesn't realize she's crying.

*[*5:53 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh walks over to Urrak and places a hand on her face, wiping away a few tears in the process. She quirks her head and gives a small smile, "Urrak, when were we not civil?..." she thinks back to tussle outside the cask, "well, except that one time you body slammed me into the wall" she laughs lightly then steps away Urrak.

"When we were in that tomb, with the specters, I made a mistake. I jumped into the that hole without thinking of the consequences, I forgot myself and made a rash decision. I should have paid with my life, but you jumped in after me...when you didn't have to. You took the hit the wraith intended for me..even if you didn't mean to." She inhales deeply, "I worry about you because its been a very long time since anyone has had my back." Ryleigh meets your eyes, "I don't trust her, but I do trust you. Only time will prove to me she has no ulterior motives. I don't approve, but I can tell that that doesn't matter."

*[*5:59 PM*]* Urrak D'Akshi*:* "Aye, Ry, yer opinion's never mattered much t' me." She winks clumsily through tears and mumbles after "*That's a total lie, by the way*" she tries to compose herself, tears welling in her eyes for a completely different reason now "I...I protect the people I care about. Whether ye want me or not." she elbows her like *yer stuck with me pal* "I just...I know it makes no sense t' ye. Frankly, it makes no sense t' me either. I mean, I don't know what t' even call it besides technically adultery but...and I don't know if y've felt this way or not," she runs a hand through her hair, as it passes, it falls to her chest, feeling for something that isn't there, "She makes me feel...*something*, and even if it's only for a short while...it helps."(edited)

*[*6:07 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "I understand the desperate need to feel something...to feel anything other than that all consuming sadness." She looks like shes trying hard to focus on the wall behind you "....I very much understand that feeling" but it isn't sadness you hear in her voice, it's darker than that, and you see her hand grip the sword on her hip. Ryleigh looks back at you, trying to refocus the conversation, "are you going to look for her? your wife."(edited)

*[*6:13 PM*]* Urrak D'Akshi*:* Urrak places a hand on her shoulder, offering some comfort. "Ancy left me, that's certain." She drops her hand and turns around, crossing her arms and stepping a few paces away as she does so. "That was...an intense hurt that I can still feel in me bones when I remember it." She hangs her head "Took me years of drinkin' and fightin' and hustlin' t' get any kind of ok with it." She turns back around, and looks to Ryleigh "I regret those years now...it was...time wasted. I should've gone after her. I should've at least tried." She walks back to the paladin "What Malica's told me....about Ancy, about the Gray...even with my recent" her face flushes "*indiscretions*...there's somethin' tellin' me t' try again. I feel that...if this Gray is as frightenin' and powerful as Malica claims, that I have to help her. I just have to." she rubs at her neck again, a look of frustration crawls across her features "I just...I don't know enough to be prepared yet. I'm not..." a few tears come again "I'm not strong enough...not yet."(edited)

*[*6:16 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh looks like shes concentrating, like she's wracking her brain to find something, "the Gray?"

*[*6:20 PM*]* Urrak D'Akshi*:* "Oh yeah...gods I skipped right over th' best part" the sarcasm is thick in her voice "The Gray...seem t' be a group of Vampires. Strong, scary ones. The kind o' group y' don't cross an, apparently...Ancy crossed 'em. Don't know how but...it explains why a such a fair elf was in Nampuli..." she passes a wistful breath through her nose(edited)

*[*6:28 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* "Vampires" she breathes. "Urrak, I'm sure the group will be willing to help you look for her, after they've completed the arch." Ryleigh rubs her forehead, "I'm not sorry for what I said earlier, but I am sorry if my words hurt you. You may be a bad liar, but Malica lives a life of lies. I would know, I keep secrets too." She sighs heavily, "Just be careful."

*[*6:31 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* She looks up at you, "because..I like having a battle buddy."

*[*6:32 PM*]* Urrak D'Akshi*:* "Aye...once we complete the arch." she places a hand on Ryleigh's cheek, her rough thumb brushing it lightly. "I like havin' one too. We all keep secrets Ry. I just hope...if y'ever want t' unburden yerself from them, y'd come t' me." She drops her hand and smiles. "Or--anyone else in the...group. Obviously." she chuckles awkwardly(edited)

*[*6:43 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh gives you a sad smile, "you're sweet, but my nightmares follow me like a shadow." She grips the handle of Dawnbringer. Ryleigh turns her back to you but as she pushes the door open, you hear, "you might want to grab whatever it is you left the room for...and Urrak, thanks for the talk." Ryleigh then exits the kitchen.(edited)

*[*6:44 PM*]* Urrak D'Akshi*:* Urrak watches her leave, surprised by her sudden departure "I...you too."

*[*6:48 PM*]* Urrak D'Akshi*:* She grabs an empty flagon out of the sink, rinsing it and then filling it with water. She exits the kitchen, and slowly ascends the staircase again. She makes it back to Malica's room "Sorry for takin' so long" she says with a small smile. She enters the room and closes the door softly behind her.

*[*6:53 PM*]* Urrak D'Akshi*:* After a moment she emerges again with a small scrap of paper. She slips it under Ryleigh's door. In some of the poorest handwriting you've seen, the note reads "Please tell Rav it's ok to talk about this. I'm sure she's makin' herself mental tryin' to keep a secret...and she's probably upset enough with me as it is." she signs the note *"BB"*.(edited)