Session 115

Back - Next (Back to Logs)

7:04 PM] DM: You'd come back to Riverrun to a parade in honor of the Moonborn, a Festival of Vydea, but the night was cut short when a scream pierced the night.

You'd rushed to the source, some of you intoxicated, to find that Alarys had been shot with three bolts with an unknown coating on them. Seir tried to get Gunnloda to try to raise her, but Ryleigh stopped her, explaining that there were too many people around.

The Nightmaster and some acolytes came to take charge of her body and returned her to the temple. Seir managed to spot a suspicious individual entering a building, and while the others got geared up and Seir recovered her wild shapes, Rukiya offered to go keep an eye out.

[7:08 PM] DM: When the group finally did head towards the building, they were confronted by an undead creature bent on Ryleigh's destruction. Gayle recognized that something was off- the creature wasn't the one casting spells. After narrowly avoiding Ry's death and putting the creature down, Seir and Urrak searched for the caster. Seir found a grey elf hiding behind a tree and Urrak caught a glimpse as they stepped into a portal and disappeared.

The light above the temple went out, indicating that the Moonborn had truly died, and Seir tore off in an attempt to find Takara.

The group took the undead body to the temple, Urrak and Ry got in a tiff about sharing personal business with strangers, and everyone separated for the night. Ry found Seir, Rukiya returned and helped Seir "break in" to the temple to find something to keep in memory of Alarys, and Ry had a breakdown.

[7:08 PM] DM: Dawnguard HQ

12 Ropamont 3Y20

Morning

[7:19 PM] Gayle Silbando: Gayle wakes up the next morning in a somber mood. She gets ready for the day and tries to prepare some breakfast for the others before they wake up. ((can she hear anybody else awake?))

[7:20 PM] DM: Danai's up, but Gunnloda hasn't come down yet.

[7:26 PM] Urrak: Urrak comes downstairs eventually. She takes a seat at the table and stretches before saying a quiet hello to Danai and Gayle.

[7:30 PM] Gayle Silbando: Gayle offers Urrak some oatmeal with chopped apple bits. "I don't know how to make much, but I always end up making enough of this for 20 people," she chuckles. "Did the others get an early start today or are they still sleeping?"

[7:30 PM] Brimeia: Even Brimeia looks serious, not her usual sleepy but cheery self, when she shuffles downstairs.

[7:31 PM] Urrak: Urrak takes a bowl, "Jus' a late start t'day I think. Last night was tough on everyone, but even tougher on others. Thank ye, fer this, by th' way." she sits back down.

[7:32 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh, looking particularly strained, is being lead by Rukiya into the guildhall. Ryleigh sits, and pulls Rukiya into her lap, then says good morning to the others.

[7:34 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia stares blankly at the table before belatedly getting up and walking over to pick up a bowl. "Thanks, Gayle."

[7:37 PM] Seirixori: Seir comes down eventually, slowly, hand in Gunnloda's. She doesn't really look at anyone and sits next to Ryleigh.

[7:39 PM] DM: Rukiya looks around the room and gives Seir an apologetic look before starting the conversation. "I think it's best if you leave for Ardabeh soon. Today, if possible."

[7:40 PM] Seirixori: Seir nods, and whispers, "Okay."

[7:41 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia blinks at the sudden statement. "I... guess there's no reason we can't."

[7:41 PM] Brimeia: She glances over at Seirixori and looks like she's about to say something before stopping herself.

[7:44 PM] Urrak: Urrak furrows her brow, "Aye, guess we could," she looks from Seir to Ryleigh, "If everythin' here is as settled as it can be..."

[7:45 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh quirks an eyebrow at Urrak. Then says to the group, "Are we teleporting there?"

[7:45 PM] Seirixori: Seir's brow furrows, "How else would we get there?"

[7:47 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "We could hire a boat," Ryleigh begrudgingly says.

[7:48 PM] Brimeia: "Well, if we're in a hurry, teleporting's probably faster, yeah?"

[7:48 PM] Urrak: "I think we've done enough sailin' lately, anyway."

[7:49 PM] Seirixori: Seir takes a few moments to stare at Ryleigh like she's never seen her before, "Why is that even a suggestion? Of course we aren't going to take a boat. Do you know how long that would take?"

[7:50 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh just sighs and rests her head on Rukiya's arm.

[7:50 PM] Gayle Silbando: "You lot have teleported before? I thought that was only for those rich nobles," she says with a posh accent at the end.

[7:51 PM] Urrak: "We were gifted some tickets by Baroness Eloise fer helpin' in Bellbury," Urrak explains, "We've been sparing with 'em, but they're certainly nice t' have."

[7:52 PM] Gayle Silbando: "Well hot diggity, let's get to teleporting. A little fresh air will do us good. Get our mind off of things."

[7:52 PM] Seirixori: Seir kind of laughs and shakes her head.

[7:53 PM] Gayle Silbando: "Who are we visiting in Ardabeh?"

[7:53 PM] Brimeia: "We can use mine. We only need one right? I don't have anywhere I need to go."

[7:54 PM] Seirixori: "We're using mine, since we're going to go where I lived." Seir says, then looks at Brimeia, "Do you have a hood or anything? Or I can just give you my cloak..."

[7:55 PM] Brimeia: "A hood?" She blinks for a moment. "Oh. It's bad there?"

[7:56 PM] Seirixori: "For us, yes. You can probably try and hide your horns and tail better than I can."

[7:57 PM] Urrak: "If need be, Ryleigh has a disguise kit, right? Would that help at all?"

[7:58 PM] Brimeia: ((bri has one too, technically? but idk if she'd be able to use it for this?))

7:59 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Oh yeah, I can absolutely hide Brimeia's glowing scar, and her horns," Ryleigh sarcastically chimes in. "That's definitely how it works."

[7:59 PM] Brimeia: "Oh ok. Well, I could stop by a shop on our way out and get a hood... cloak thing? ...Maybe a full plaster mask while I'm at it." She gives a dry laugh.

[7:59 PM] Seirixori: Seir rolls her eyes a little, "We won't be in town for long. We shouldn't be anyway. I don't even know where we're going to teleport into."

[8:00 PM] DM: Rukiya puts her hand over Ry's and replies, "I know there are circles in Dirasa and Serinar. I'm not sure what's closest."

[8:01 PM] Seirixori: Seir looks at Rukiya, "...what?"

[8:01 PM] DM: Rukiya: "What?"

[8:02 PM] Seirixori: "Serinar?"

[8:04 PM] DM: Rukiya nods slowly. "Jewel of the West? They're big on creating things. Lots of nobles out here use Serinar-made goods to show off their wealth."

[8:04 PM] Seirixori: Seir groans and rests her forehead on the table, "We were there. What the fuck, we were there that entire time?"

[8:06 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh reaches out and puts her hand on Seir's.

[8:11 PM] Seirixori: "Dirasa is probably closest." She sits back up and says to Brimeia, "Also, let's forget about the cloak, I can just turn you into a dog for an hour and hope we're out of town by then."

[8:13 PM] Urrak: "Alright, let's head out, then." Urrak stands abruptly and goes back upstairs to grab her things.

[8:13 PM] Brimeia: "Aww, I can't be something cooler?" Brimeia teases with a laugh.

[8:14 PM] Seirixori: "Not when we're trying to blend in."

[8:14 PM] Gayle Silbando: "You don't want me to give you scratches behind your ear?" Gayle laughs before following Urrak upstairs.

[8:16 PM] Seirixori: Seir doesn't move to get up, she sits and plays with Gunnloda's hand while waiting for the others.

[8:16 PM] Brimeia: "Okay, okay, Seirixori," Brimeia groans but she's smiling.

[8:17 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia flashes a grin at Gayle. "Well, when you put it that way..."

[8:17 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Did you sleep at all last night?" Ryleigh asks Seir once everyone has started up the stairs.

[8:19 PM] Seirixori: "...a little."

[8:20 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Are..." Ryleigh hesitates. "Are you ready for this?"

[8:24 PM] Seirixori: "Nope." Seir gets up and kisses both Gunnloda and Ryleigh on the head and gives Rukiya's shoulder a squeeze. "I'm going to ask Nero a question, I'll meet you guys at the temple."

[8:27 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Do you want company?" Ryleigh quickly asks before Seir leaves.

[8:28 PM] Seirixori: "No, but thank you." She says as she leaves.

[8:30 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: When Seir leaves, Ry sighs. Then says to Rukiya, "You're going to take care of yourself while we're away - right?"

[8:30 PM] DM: "Of course. I'm more worried about you."

[8:32 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh half smiles. "I'll come back to you, and..." she glances at the door Seir disappeared through. "I won't be alone."

[8:39 PM] DM: Gunnloda chuckles softly. "I usually try t'bring everyone back. Ryleigh's a bit important t'my wife, so I'll make extra sure."

[8:40 PM] Urrak: Urrak comes back downstairs, pack in hand. "Ready when you guys are."

[8:42 PM] Urrak: She looks around, "Where's Seir?"

[8:42 PM] Gayle Silbando: Gayle heads downstairs suited up and ready to go. She catches the tail end of what Gunnloda is saying. "If I can steal a boat, I'll make my way back here eventually. Hopefully."

[8:43 PM] DM: Gunnloda: "We're not gonna leave you behind, Gayle. You're one of us now."

[8:44 PM] Brimeia: "Yeah, what she said," Brimeia chimes in as she joins them.

[8:45 PM] Gayle Silbando: Gayle playfully bumps her hip against Gunnloda. "Thank you Gunnloda."

[8:47 PM] DM: Rukiya stands and kisses Ry's forehead, whispering in Elven.

[8:48 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh's shoulders slump a little and she nods.

[8:49 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I have something I need to... share," Ryleigh says, looking down at her hands. "Before we go to Ardabeh."

[8:50 PM] DM: Rukiya stays close and takes Ry's hand.

[8:51 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia tilts her head.

[8:51 PM] Urrak: Urrak takes a seat, "What's up, Ryleigh?"

[8:53 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "The thing that attacked me last night... it's the same thing that attacked me when we were in Ascus. I... I don't know how, because I know we killed it, but... I just know its the same creature."

[8:56 PM] Urrak: "It wasn't th' same man, was it? He didn't look th' exact same, but th' dark energy around him looked similar. If it wasn't, this thing can jump bodies, which is...concernin'."

[8:57 PM] Gayle Silbando: "Is it that dark energy? When the vessel is destroyed but the angry spirit is still there..." Gayle looks down at the table.

[8:57 PM] Brimeia: "Definitely creepy but gotta give him points for determination."

[8:58 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I don't know," Ryleigh answers Gayle with a shrug, still not looking up at them.

[8:59 PM] Gayle Silbando: "I don't know what he still wants now that his cause is...over. It's out of sheer revenge at this point."

[9:00 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Rukiya's going to look into for me. Hopefully we'll know more when we return."

[9:03 PM] Urrak: "Aye, whatever it is, it wants ye dead. An' it's not gonna stop until we find a way t' stop it fer real. Ryleigh, ye need t' stay near us. Y'can't fight it alone." she stops a moment and takes a deep breath, "An'...keep a close eye on Rukiya an' Seir. I dunno how smart this thing is, but if I wanted t' make someone really hurt, I'd go fer their loved ones first an' draw them out." Urrak taps her fingers on the table. "Gruumsh's beard, this is...somethin' else."

9:04 PM] Brimeia: "Does it want her dead? It did say 'suffer'."

[9:05 PM] Brimeia: ((wait they heard that right? or no?))

[9:05 PM] DM: Yes.

[9:05 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh visibly stiffens at Urrak's words, her head whipping up so fast it could be startling. "Seirixori went alone to the tailor." She looks at Rukiya, fear in her eyes.

[9:06 PM] Gayle Silbando: "He's got powers that can take someone out in one go, it's terrifying. I wonder if it's the eye contact or hearing him speak."

[9:06 PM] DM: Gunnloda: "She mighta been if not for the ward I used on her... but it only seems to focus on her when it could attack anyone."

[9:07 PM] DM: Rukiya kisses Ry's head. "I'll go keep an eye on her, but you know she can handle herself. Don't worry about us."

[9:09 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh looks worried regardless, and half rises from her seat, then stops and sits back down. She buries her face in her hands. "I'm sorry," she mumbles to the group. "I've put you all in unnecessary danger."

[9:10 PM] Brimeia: "Hey, you didn't know that would happen."

[9:10 PM] Gayle Silbando: "I blame the Fytulk and those creepy gray elves. Not your fault people are vindictive and selfish," she puts her hand on Ryleigh's shoulder.

[9:10 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "It was my fault."

[9:10 PM] Gayle Silbando: "We'll protect you. We know you'd do the same."

[9:11 PM] Gayle Silbando: "He attacked us first. And wanted the Moonborn. We were just doing our job."

[9:11 PM] Urrak: Urrak nods, "We've got yer back," she stands and puts on her pack, "Let's go find Seir, eh? Maybe some distance will keep this thing away from ye fer a bit."

[9:11 PM] DM: Rukiya slips out of the HQ to go track down Seir.

[9:13 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh looks up at Gayle, a strange fire in her eyes. "Torturing someone out of anger, out of bitterness, isn't in my job description. I did that all by my own choice. So it was my fault."

[9:14 PM] Brimeia: "...You tortured him?" There's no judgement in Brimeia's tone, just surprise.

[9:17 PM] Gayle Silbando: "The methods weren't conventional. But, honestly, he was a dick and a terrible human."

[9:17 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I did..." Ryleigh says, her eyes meeting Bri's. "I cut him up. I avoided anything that'd make him bleed out. Then I left him to the Fytulk." She looks back at her hands. "I wanted him to suffer."

[9:18 PM] Brimeia: "Agreed." Brimeia nods toward Gayle.

[9:19 PM] Brimeia: There's a brief pause before Brimeia's looks up with realization. "Ohhhh... That's why..."

[9:20 PM] Brimeia: "Well, I certainly can't judge anyone for making a mistake with unintended consequences." Brimeia shrugs and offers a sympathetic smile.

[9:20 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh slams her fist down on the table as she abruptly stands. "No!" She shouts. "He might not have been innocent but he didn't deserve what I did to him. If we aren't better than that... then what makes us any different from the people who hurt us."

[9:20 PM] Urrak: "I'm not gonna excuse yer actions, Ryleigh, but I--we're gonna help ye with th' result. I'm not about t' let ye get killed by some creepy spirit monster er whatever. Whether ye believe it or not, I care about ye an' would like t' keep ye around." Urrak sighs and puts her hands on her hips, "Let's drop this. We're doin' all we can."

[9:22 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia looks taken aback by Ryleigh's strong reaction. "Well-- I mean.. I guess I see your point, but everyone makes mistakes sometimes, right?"

[9:23 PM] Gayle Silbando: "I agree with Urrak. We can go back and forth on whether or not this was justifiable. But at the end of the day, what's done is done and we just have to protect each other."

[9:27 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I..." Ryleigh starts, her brows knitting together, her eyes filled with worry. She swallows hard and says softly, "but... I'm guilty. I did this to myself."

[9:28 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "You guys could get hurt," she adds, looking away from them.

[9:30 PM] Urrak: "You did, ye are, and we could, but we're volunteerin' here. An' that, ye don't have a say in," she winks and smiles crookedly.

[9:30 PM] Urrak: "Worryin' isn't gonna help now, action will. An' Rukiya is workin' on it, right? She'll figure this out."

[9:31 PM] Gayle Silbando: "Our little undead friend has only taken a liking to you so far," Gayle tries to lighten the mood. "But if he changes his mind and attacks any of us, we just have to be ready for anything. We'll stock up on healing supplies. But like what Urrak said, there's not much else we can do."

[9:32 PM] Urrak: "Ah, that reminds me," Urrak takes her ring off, "Gunnloda, are ye still able t' charge this?"

[9:33 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh kind of stares at them in disbelief, she opens her mouth, then closes it, then opens it again, only to close it.

[9:33 PM] Gayle Silbando: "Let's go get Seir and have ourselves a little adventure, away from this place."

[9:34 PM] Brimeia: "Don't look so surprised, Ryleigh." Brimeia gives her a friendly bump. "You helped me out, didn't you?"

[9:35 PM] Gayle Silbando: Gayle hands Ryleigh a piece of bread. "At least chew this while you've got your gob opened," she smiles.

[9:35 PM] DM: Gunnloda takes it, but tucks it away. "I can charge it before I sleep, if I have magic left over."

[9:35 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: As they head to the door, Ryleigh says, "Thank you" to the group at large.

[9:36 PM] Urrak: "A' course, Ry. It's what friends are for," she smiles and walks to the door, thanking Gunnloda before heading out.

## [9:25 PM] DM: --------------

9:26 PM] DM: Rukiya comes up alongside Seir as she's walking down the street. "Nice day for a stroll..."

[9:28 PM] Seirixori: "In a way." Seir gives a small smile. "Is something wrong?"

[9:28 PM] DM: "Ry's worried. They're talking about the thing that attacked her last night and Urrak put the idea in her head that the real way to hurt her is through us."

[9:31 PM] Seirixori: She tilts her head, thinking about it. "Well... yes, but if that were the case, it could have easily done so last night and it didn't." She sighs, "it didn't seem to care about anything other than Ryleigh so, unfortunately or fortunately... I don't think we have anything to worry about."

[9:34 PM] DM: "Her first thought was of you out here alone, so I offered to come keep you company while they deliberate. I'm sorry to push you to Ardabeh like that, but... I know you wanted to go and I think it'll be safer for Ry to be as far from here as possible. I hope it's not too sudden with everything with... what happened."

[9:36 PM] Seirixori: She smiles again, "You aren't pushing. You helped me last night and there's nothing else I can do... there isn't a reason to not go." She shrugs, "Also I'm a little tired of there being something else to stop us from going."

## [9:25 PM] DM: --------------

[9:39 PM] DM: So you head out and travel across town to the pyramid, where the light is still out. Rukiya and Seir are chatting at the base of the stairs up as you approach.

[9:41 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh walks up to Rukiya, takes her hand and presses a kiss to her cheek.

[9:46 PM] DM: Rukiya takes her hand. "If you all don't mind, I'd like to borrow her before she goes inside. She'll catch up soon."

[9:47 PM] Urrak: Urrak nods, "We'll meet ye at th' circle."

[9:48 PM] Seirixori: Seir gives Rukiya a quick hug before heading inside.

[9:51 PM] DM: You head inside and are greeted by Dellynn, one of the acolytes you've met a couple times.

[9:52 PM] DM: Dellynn stands and bows their head respectfully. "How may I help you find what you're looking for today?"

[9:55 PM] Seirixori: "We would like to teleport to Ardabeh. Um... I think Dirasa?"

[9:57 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh comes walking in to join the party.

[9:58 PM] DM: "Ah, let me show you to our circle." They lead the way to the same place you'd gone when you went to Rodoza. If you're magically attuned, you can feel the energy like a buzzing across your skin. An elf in blue robes that look more arcane than religious greets you. "My name is Algar. How can I help you today?"

Those of you who went to Rodoza might recognize him as the same guy.

[9:59 PM] Seirixori: "I--we were wanting to teleport to Ardabeh."

10:00 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Withdrawing one of the tickets from the bag of holding, Ryleigh presents it to Algar.

[10:01 PM] DM: Algar takes it and examines it, passing his hand over with a muttered incantation, then nods and slides it through a hidden slot on his table. He leads you to the next room where a circle is permanently etched into the floor and pulls a book from its place on the wall. "Ardabeh, eh?" He flips through a few pages.

[10:02 PM] Gayle Silbando: "Have you been?"

[10:04 PM] DM: Algar: "Me? No... I don't travel much anymore. Ah... here we are. Serinar... big city... Dirasa, the Everstorm college... mmm... La... Lakai... La key... uh... L-A-Q-A-I-Q."

[10:07 PM] Seirixori: Seir pronounces it for him and then says, "Dirasa... please."

[10:08 PM] DM: Algar nods and starts copying sigils from the book into the blank spaces of the circle. "You going to see the 'Storm? I remember when it happened. Terrible news. At least 4 circles lost."

[10:10 PM] Seirixori: Seir shakes her head, "No, just heading to the forest near it."

[10:10 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh watches the exchange, her eyes bouncing from Seir to the man as they speak.

[10:14 PM] DM: He finishes up, double checks his work, then looks to the rest of you. "All right. Ready? Just step inside."

[10:15 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh does.

[10:15 PM] Urrak: Urrak follows

[10:15 PM] Gayle Silbando: Gayle steps in after the others to make sure she knows what she's getting into.

[10:15 PM] Seirixori: "...Can animals go through?" Seir quickly asks him.

[10:16 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia steps in with the others.

[10:16 PM] DM: "Anything that steps through in the time it's cast."

[10:17 PM] Seirixori: She nods and uses Polymorph on Bri to turn her into a dog and then shifts into a blood hawk and sits on Ryleigh's shoulder.

[10:19 PM] Brimeia: Bri gives a brief bark and does a quick circle around herself as if to test everything's in order.

[10:19 PM] DM: You are a dog- and as smart as a dog.

[10:19 PM] Gayle Silbando: Gayle gives her the promised ear scritch.

[10:21 PM] DM: So he casts the spell and you all step through. You're in a room with an identical glowing circle. A human woman in flowing robes with brown skin greets you. "Welcome to Dirasa. Please, step aside to prevent any unintended effects from other travelers. Where are you coming from?"

[10:22 PM] Urrak: "Riverrun, Vyon." Urrak steps out of the circle

[10:23 PM] DM: "Long way. Have you come to study the Everstorm?"

[10:24 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "No, but I hear it's fascinating. We're here just to visit," Ryleigh says politely to the woman. She strokes the hawk on her shoulder.

[10:26 PM] DM: "Do you need help finding your way around? The door here will lead you outside, and the three colleges are set on the sides of the plaza. The city's further south."

[10:27 PM] Urrak: "We were wonderin' how t' get t' Limabey Forest, actually."

[10:27 PM] DM: "You're on the edge of it. Just head south."

[10:28 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Thank you," Ryleigh says, walking towards the door she motioned to that will lead them outside.

[10:29 PM] Gayle Silbando: "What's the....Everstorm?" she asks when they leave the compound.

[10:31 PM] Urrak: "Some magical, never-endin' storm," Urrak says, "Nolanos, one of our old members, his parents were studyin' it before they disappeared."

[10:32 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "If you die there, you don't come back," Ryleigh says with warning. "So I'm not too keen on visiting."

[10:33 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia wags along happily.

[10:34 PM] DM: As you step outside, you immediately notice that the air is different here. The sky's an odd shade of pink that gets more vibrant as you turn towards the north, and there across the northern sky is a glowing, sparkling, kaleidoscope of shapes and colors pulsating and shifting, changing as they zig zag across the sky. There are three buildings on the east, west, and south sides of the plaza, leaving the northern view unblemished. They have names that indicate one is for divine magic, one for arcane, and the third for mundane science.

[10:34 PM] Seirixori: Seir flies up to get a layout of where they are and a more direct direction of where they need to go.

[10:36 PM] Urrak: "This place is somethin' else, eh Bri?" Urrak pats her head

[10:37 PM] Gayle Silbando: "It's pink like Seirixori."

[10:38 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "It's not natural," Ryleigh says in a hushed tone, her gaze looking at the sky.

[10:38 PM] Seirixori: Seir flies lower, enough so she's easy to see by her friends and makes a small screeching sound as she leads them towards the forest.

[10:39 PM] Gayle Silbando: "Should we be breathing this?"

[10:39 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh shrugs, and follows Seirixori.

[10:40 PM] DM: The edge of the Storm is visible, and still a couple miles away. The coloring of the sky is like reflection, not an indication that you're in the effects.

[10:41 PM] Urrak: Urrak follows Seir and Ryleigh, "The people around it seem fine...but maybe we can hope fer a quick journey."

[10:43 PM] DM: The college was built to study the Everstorm. The town was built to support the college. It's fairly small, and relatively "new" considering the Sundering was only a couple hundred years ago and most cities in Vyon/Ascus are older than that. It doesn't take long to make your way to the trees beyond the town.

[10:45 PM] Seirixori: Once they're in the trees Seir comes down and switches back, also changing Brimeia back as well. "Let's get this over with."

[10:45 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia blinks and shakes it off. "Well that was interesting."

[10:46 PM] Urrak: "Yeah? What was the world like as an adorable pup?" Urrak chuckles

[10:47 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh steps up next to Seir, her hand brushing against Seir's... just for reassurance.

[10:48 PM] Brimeia: "Uh, ferocious AND adorable, ok?" Brimeia shrugs. "Everything looks real big."

[10:49 PM] Urrak: "Of course, of course, very ferocious."

[10:49 PM] Gayle Silbando: "So vicious. So ferocious."

[10:50 PM] Seirixori: Seir gives Ryleigh's hand a brief squeeze and let's it go as she continues leading them.

[10:50 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh follows close behind.

10:51 PM] DM: You travel through the forest, following Seir, until it's time to make camp. And with that, we're going to call it for the night with campsite squish over the next week.

## [10:53 PM] DM: ------------------

7:21 PM] Seirixori: Seir lingers on a hug she gives Gunnloda, "I'll be back, tor beag."

[7:21 PM] BOTGunnloda: "I'll be here."

[7:27 PM] Seirixori: Seir takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly, "Okay, okay." She lingers a few moments again before she finally heads off and away from everyone. When she finds an area she believes is far enough away she stands next to a tree. After a few seconds, she shifts and leans on it, only seconds later she shifts again and decides to sit down. Seir doesn't even try to do anything, she just stares out into the forest.

[7:31 PM] DM: Nothing happens.

[7:37 PM] Seirixori: Seir touches her bracers and opens her mouth to say something when she stops and lets out a groan, "I am so dumb." She reaches up and touches her mark, "...Mielikki?"

[7:40 PM] DM: She has about a two second warning to brace herself as a massive wolf tackles her the rest of the way to the ground, pinning her by the shoulders with a growl... before licking her face.

[7:45 PM] Seirixori: Seir starts laughing excitedly and throws her arms around the wolf, "Findarris!" Unexpectedly tears start streaming down her face, "Findarris," she repeats much quieter.

[7:47 PM] BOTMielikki: "You've returned."

[7:47 PM] DM: Findarris steps back, pulling Seir back up to sitting if she doesn't let go.

[7:49 PM] Seirixori: She buries her face into Findarris's fur as he pulls her up, her voice muffled when she says, "I have."

[7:56 PM] BOTMielikki: "You're alone? Takara told me that was no longer the case."

[7:59 PM] Seirixori: Seir runs her hands through Fin's coat a little nervously, "No, but they're all back at the camp we made."

[8:05 PM] BOTFindarris: There's a moment of silence, then Findarris's growl forms words. "She cannot see them, but I smell them. An interesting mix."

[8:08 PM] Seirixori: Seir laughs a little, "They are." She presses a kiss to Findarris's nose and with a grin whispers, "One of them is my wife."

[8:12 PM] DM: Findarris sits on his haunches and Seir gets an idea of how big she must be to Gunnloda when she's in wolf form. "A mate? Congratulations."

[8:15 PM] Seirixori: Seir grins wide in thanks and she keeps her hands in his fur when she turns her gaze away from him for the first time, to address Mielikki. "I have... questions."

[8:17 PM] BOTMielikki: "Questions? You usually just want to talk."

[8:22 PM] Seirixori: Seir flushes a little and mumbles, "No one else wanted to talk to me." She sighs, "I didn't know anything before... I don't know a lot now, except that... that I'm not.. that I'm not what I thought I was. Not completely."

[8:27 PM] Seirixori: "Why didn't you tell me?"

[8:27 PM] DM: "Tell you what?"

[8:31 PM] Seirixori: "That I was-- that I wasn't--" Seir huffs in annoyance at herself. "Why do I have fiend and celestial blood?"

[8:32 PM] DM: "Because I gave your mother a child." The answer comes swiftly and in a matter-of-fact manner like it was obvious.

[8:34 PM] DM: "Would you like one as well?"

[8:36 PM] Seirixori: Seir doesn't look any less confused and then doesn't even know what to do with herself. "Wh-what? Ye-- no that's not-- what? Why?"

[8:39 PM] DM: Her hand is already raised, but she pauses. "Is that not what you want?"

[8:41 PM] Seirixori: "Not-- not right now. I didn't even know I could just ask." Seir shakes her head. "Holy shit," she mumbles to herself. "Why did you give her a-- why did you give me to her? Why... make me?"

[8:46 PM] DM: "She saved my champion. You were my thank you."

[8:50 PM] Seirixori: Seir rubs her face, "...what a weird thank you. Did--" she bites her lip and her hands immediately go back to Findarris, scratching him lightly behind the ears to try and calm her nerves. "Did you know she'd be taken from me?"

[8:51 PM] DM: "When I gave you to her? No."

[8:54 PM] Seirixori: Seir's whole face seems to pull into a frown, "You didn't... eventually plan for it to happen did you?"

[8:55 PM] DM: "I don't understand your question."

[8:58 PM] Seirixori: "The bandits, the Queen of Air and Darkness," there's a small growl from Seir as she says the name, "did you make that happen?"

[8:59 PM] DM: She frowns. "No. Of course not."

[9:01 PM] Seirixori: Seir lets out a huge sigh of relief, "It sounded pretty ridiculous as soon as I said it, but a lot of shit has happened and I wa-wanted to make sure." She bites her lip again and hesitantly asks, "Do you know of a way I can help Mama? How I can get her back?"

[9:07 PM] DM: She looks almost confused. "Why would you want that?"

[9:13 PM] Seirixori: "Wh--" Seir looks at her with disbelief but also not quite surprised. "Because I miss her and I would like to see her again and have her remember who I am. Because she's-- she's my family and I love her. Because no one deserves to be manipulated--" She stops, pretty sure it won't particularly matter what else she says.

[9:17 PM] DM: "You are strong. Stronger than you were. If this is what you want..."

[9:19 PM] Seirixori: She frowns again, "What do you mean? If this is what I want? I was going to ask what you wanted."

[9:22 PM] DM: "Your mark protects you. If you wish for her to remember you, I must remove it."

[9:24 PM] Seirixori: Seir sucks in a surprised breath and one of her hands rests lightly on the mark, "Is that- that's the only way?"

[9:26 PM] DM: "She is an agent of the dark fey queen. Your mark prevents you from being known by her forces to protect you from those who killed the rest of your clan."

[9:35 PM] Seirixori: Seir shoves her face into her hands and takes a few moments to let it sink in. "Does it do anything else? The mark?"

[9:38 PM] DM: "Did you expect something else?"

[9:39 PM] Seirixori: "No? I don't know... I always thought it was just something that meant I owed you something."

[9:40 PM] DM: She looks confused again. "You were a gift. Why would you owe me anything?"

:42 PM] Seirixori: With an exasperated sigh Seir says, "I didn't know that until a minute ago."

[9:42 PM] Seirixori: "...And I've recently found out that Vydea made her own child so she could have a little more control over her champion. Or so some book said."

[9:46 PM] DM: She looks up with an eyebrow raise that seems like she's agreeing with the general concept at least.

[9:55 PM] Seirixori: "Was there something you had in mind for me to do? ...for you?"

[9:57 PM] DM: "Now?"

[9:58 PM] Seirixori: Seir let's out a laugh, "In general."

[10:01 PM] DM: "I expect you will want to be my champion when I have need of a new one. But for now, no."

[10:04 PM] Seirixori: Seir chuckles again and shakes her head, "I don't even know what that even means." She laughs again and says, "And if I didn't want to be?"

[10:04 PM] DM: "Why wouldn't you?"

[10:06 PM] Seirixori: "Not everyone would be a fan of the thought of their decisions being... not their own."

[10:19 PM] DM: Findarris's ears twitch and he starts growling at the trees. "You were not invited."

[10:21 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh walks out of the trees, her head tilting to the side at the big wolf. "I didn't realize I needed an invitation to make sure she was okay," Ryleigh responds.

[10:23 PM] Seirixori: Seir shakes her head, running her hands over Findarris to soothe him, "Ryleigh... don't antagonize him."

[10:24 PM] BOTFindarris: "You are in the presence of the Lady of the Forest. That should be her decision, not yours."

[10:25 PM] DM: Mielikki chuckles at Findarris's reaction. "Should her wife not be included?" She turns to Seir. "Is that not how these things work for your kind?"

[10:27 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh covers her mouth, attempting not to laugh at Mielikki's words.

[10:29 PM] Seirixori: Seir chokes as she tries to stop her laughter and utterly failing at it. "It--it would but she's not-- she's not my wife."

[10:29 PM] Seirixori: "But she is just as important to me."

[10:32 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "She's my person." Ryleigh grins at Seir, then adds, "I apologize for interupting, but she was gone for a while, and... I grew worried."

[10:33 PM] DM: "Ah, I understand. Would you like a child?"

[10:34 PM] Seirixori: Seir is now having trouble catching her breath as her laughter starts up again.

[10:35 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "E-excuse me?" Ryleigh asks.

[10:38 PM] DM: She raises her hand. "A child. A gift."

[10:39 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh quickly throws her hands up in 'no' motion. "No!" She shouts, then recovers herself. "I mean, no thank you."

[10:40 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: She gives Seir a 'wtf' look.

[10:43 PM] Seirixori: Seir giggles and tries to hide it behind her hands, "Well, you know who you can ask if you and Rukiya ever want one."

[10:47 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Sighing, Ryleigh scratches the back of her neck. "Did you need more time or should I head back to camp?"

[10:53 PM] Seirixori: She shrugs, "I think I'm okay for now. It's going to take us a couple more days to get to the druids. I can always step away again if I think of anything else." Seir keeps her arms around Findarris, "Do you want to come meet my wife? Well, at some point if not tonight?"

[10:58 PM] DM: There's a deep growl from his chest. "I would like to meet your mate."

[11:01 PM] Seirixori: Seir rubs her face in his fur briefly as her tail twists around in her excitement, "Perfect."

[11:02 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh takes a step forward, offering her hand to Seir.

[11:06 PM] Seirixori: Seir looks reluctant to let go of Findarris but she does eventually take Ryleigh's hand.

[11:07 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "You'll see him soon, homashoc," Ryleigh says softly to Seir.

[11:27 PM] Seirixori: "I know," she gives him one last pat before saying her goodbyes and leaves with Ry.

[11:29 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I don't think he liked me much." Then after a moment says with a grin, "Although Mielikki might like me too much... why did she ask if I wanted a child? What did you say to her?"

[11:31 PM] Seirixori: "He's very protective and you just kind of... you know." Seir laughs, "Nothing. That was all her. She asked me the same thing. In fact I'm pretty sure I was seconds away from that happening due to a misunderstanding."

[11:34 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "A misunderstanding, huh?" Ryleigh quirks a playful eyebrow.

[11:39 PM] Seirixori: "She thought that's what I wanted. What I came here to ask her for." Seir looks at a loss for words really. "It's... it's what she gave my mother. How that translates to me wanting one, I don't know."

[11:46 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh smiles softly at Seir. "I'm happy she did give you to your mom. My life is better now that you're in it."

[11:56 PM] Seirixori: Seir squeezes Ryleigh's hand, "Careful, they might not believe you aren't my wife." She shakes her head in disbelief, "Goddess, imagine just giving everyone babies."

[12:04 AM] Ryleigh Alastair: Bringing Seir's hand to her lips, Ryleigh presses a kiss there and asks, "Did she tell you anything about your mom?"

[12:08 AM] Seirixori: Seir starts to chew on her bottom lip, clearly something she's done more than once tonight, "For the most part."

[12:10 AM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Was... it good news?" Ryleigh asks, caution in her tone.

[12:13 AM] Seirixori: "I guess that depends."

[12:14 AM] Seirixori: She releases a heavy sigh, "It depends on whether or not I want to be found by The Queen of Bullshit or not. If I want my mother to remember me... if I don't want this," she motions to her mark, "anymore. I didn't even ask what that would mean."

[12:26 AM] Ryleigh Alastair: "So..." Ryleigh starts, looking slightly confused. "The Queen of Air and Darkness will be able to find you if you don't have that brand anymore? Which means... your mom will remember you?"

[12:33 AM] Seirixori: "Something like that? Mielikki said... she said Mama is an agent of the fey queen and this prevents her forces from seeing me. The same people that took Mama and killed everyone else. So... I... I don't know if there's another way to get her out. As long as I have this-- as long as Mama works for her-- she won't know who I am."

[12:37 AM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh pulls Seir to a stop before they reach camp, she shifts from one foot to the other, her gaze bouncing around their surroundings before settling on Seir's eyes. "Maybe you should leave the brand if it keeps you safe."

[12:44 AM] Seirixori: "I know," she says softly, regrettably. "It's, uh, a really good thing I didn't find out any of this before."

[12:45 AM] Ryleigh Alastair: It's clear from Ryleigh's expression that that's not the reaction she expected.

[12:50 AM] Seirixori: Seir laughs softly as she brings a hand up to Ryleigh's cheek, "I have a lot more to live for than I ever had these last few years. I don't intend to throw that away so quickly. Besides," she drops her hand and opens her arms like she's presenting herself, her tone a little mocking, "why would I give up, eventually, becoming a Champion?"

12:58 AM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh playfully shoves Seir and teasingly says, "Wonderful, that's all we need..."

[1:01 AM] Seirixori: Seir sticks out her tongue, "Honestly she just expected me to want it, like why would I ever not want to do it?" Shaking her head she sighs, "She's not wrong."

[1:08 AM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Being a champion for your god is an honor many covet." Ryleigh grips Dawnbringer's hilt. "Many followers would do anything to speak with the gods as freely as you do..."

[1:20 AM] Seirixori: "And that's also why I feel like this is cheating. I don't care about any of that. At least not how most would. I--" she sighs, her body slumping, "--even with the possibility of being controlled, I would-- I will still do it."

[12:03 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh smiles, and steps into Seir's space. "Of course you will, because it's an opportunity to help... to help people, to help nature, to protect those things from harm." She cups Seir's cheek, presses her forehead to Seir's, and says softly, "You have a strong, kind heart, homashoc."

[2:38 PM] Seirixori: Seir smiles sheepishly and shrugs. "Yes, well..." She leans back and cups Ry's cheeks to get a good look at her. "Want to tell me about it?"

[2:40 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "About what?" Ryleigh answers her eyes glancing away as she says it.

[2:42 PM] Seirixori: Seir taps Ry's nose with her finger, "You know I'm perfectly fine out here, so what's wrong?"

[2:50 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh deflates a little. "I wasn't worried about your physically well being. I know you're capable of defending yourself and unlikely to be harmed here, but you've also been dealing with a lot of emotional stress lately. I just... didn't want to find you huddled on the forest floor, passed out from crying again. I'll never forget how small, and alone you looked that night."

[3:14 PM] Seirixori: Seir closes her eyes with a sigh and presses a kiss to Ryleigh's forehead. "Part of me still feels a little alone, but..." She let's go of Ry's face and rests her hands on Ry's arms. "Honestly talking to Mielikki and seeing Findarris again, even with what she said about Mama, I don't know I think the conversation was so ridiculous that I haven't really processed it fully."

[3:22 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh's mouth is still pulled into a thin line, but she nods. "I'm sorry... I know you didn't ask me to come and I should have respected that decision."

[3:30 PM] Seirixori: "It's okay, I don't mind. Really. I wanted them to meet you. Meet at least one of you."

[3:36 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Then... I'm happy you had that chance. I know you would rather it be Gunnloda, but I'm better than nothing, I suppose."

[3:51 PM] Seirixori: Seir pokes the side of Ryleigh's cheeks, briefly making it so she's not frowning, "You're just as important, but this is not how a person normally looks happy, issui'as"

[4:16 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh's violet eyes find Seir's, and she smiles. "You're right... I'm sorry. I am excited to be here with you, and thank you for not letting Findarris rip my face off."

[4:26 PM] Seirixori: "I would tell you he's just a giant puppy, but I might be a little biased." She studies Ry for a few moments again, "You'll tell me if there's anything else?"

[4:29 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "This trip is about you, not me. My worries... my concerns... aren't relevant right now. I'm here for you," She says, her smile still in place. Ryleigh pulls Seir into a hug, it's tight and a bit clingy, but then she's withdrawing herself.

[4:39 PM] Seirixori: Seir returns it, and she keeps her hold onto Ry, "You're right, it is all about me." She lets it sit in the air for a second before she continues, "Which means I get to decide whether or not something is relevant. And you are. ...Relevant, if that wasn't clear."

[4:49 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh only struggles for a moment when Seir doesn't let her go, then she sort of slumps against her and tangles her hands in Seir's clothes. "Okay," she softly mumbles.

[5:05 PM] Seirixori: "Okay?" Seir runs her hand through Ry's hair.

[5:24 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I... I was hit with a lot of dark energy last night and... I had an episode after you and Rukiya left." Seirixori can feel Ryleigh tremble. "I'm just struggling right now, that's all... I'll be fine. It'll be fine."

[5:29 PM] Seirixori: "I'm sorry I left, I knew..." Seir stops and continues to run a hand through Ryleigh's hair, the other still holding on, "Tell me? You're not alone, Ry. Let me... let me try to help?"

[5:47 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "It's okay... you were hurting, and... and I did this to myself." Ryleigh's voice cracks as she says, "I've almost died to it twice now and I can't... I can't shake the feeling. I'll never forgive myself for this... I promised Rukiya... I promised you..."

[5:53 PM] Seirixori: "What good would that do? Not forgiving yourself?"

[6:00 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "It'll make sure I never hurt either of you like this again." Ryleigh's tone is harsh, but it's also watery. "If I die to this thing... promise me you'll take care of her? She'll need you."

[6:01 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Then in a hushed whisper, that's barely audible, Ryleigh says, "She'll never forgive me..."

[6:15 PM] Seirixori: "No. Well Yes, but no." Seir rolls her eyes at herself. "Issui'as, I know you take full blame for this but it wasn't just your fault. I was there, I could have stopped you and I didn't. I let it happen. I let it happen because I thought he deserved it... and part of me still thinks that. We'll figure this out, Ry. I promise and even if-- even if you do die, there's nothing that can stop me from bringing you back. Of finding a way to bring you back. You don't deserve this. We're-- we're both trying to figure this stuff out and we'll fuck it up, but we're trying right?"

[6:23 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh grips Seir tighter, with her hands already fisted in Seir's clothes, that seems almost impossible. "I know what you're saying is true, but... I'm having such a hard time accepting it."

[6:29 PM] Seirixori: "I know, I know. But you have us. We'll be here for you." She doesn't seemed bothered by the grip on her. "Do you think... do you think it's kind of like before? With that um... the nightmare ghost thing? That magic that made you feel bad?"

[6:34 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I... I don't know. Possibly..." Ryleigh mutters. "It's feels similar in a way... like that I can't escape the toxic thoughts."

[6:41 PM] Seirixori: "Do you want to talk to Gunnloda when we get back? See if she can help?"

[6:49 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh shakes her head ‘no’ against Seir’s neck. “It’s only been one night. If... if it continues to affect me, then I’ll talk to Gunnloda. Okay?”

[6:51 PM] Seirixori: "Why? You know torturing yourself with this doesn't make anything better."

[7:02 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "There's no need to worry the others just yet," Ryleigh mumbles.

[7:04 PM] Seirixori: "We don't have to tell them," she says, determined to not let it go on any longer.

[7:17 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I don't think there's anything she can go, homashoc."

[7:18 PM] Seirixori: "It doesn't hurt to check, does it?"

[7:21 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh finally relents, shaking her head. "Okay." She continues to hide in Seir's neck though.

[7:48 PM] Seirixori: "Thank you."

[7:50 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh chuckles. "I should be thanking you."

[7:57 PM] Seirixori: "Cuz I keep bugging you to do things?" She laughs.

[8:02 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Because you aren't afraid to push me... because you love me despite my innately ability to push people away. You and Rukiya... have that in common."

[8:18 PM] Seirixori: She grins, "Well, that should tell you something. You can't be terrible if we love you."

[8:39 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh pulls her head from where its been buried in Seir's neck to look at her. She blinks back a few tears. "I'm learning as much."

[8:48 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "So was it relevant?"

[8:53 PM] Seirixori: Seir laughs while wiping at Ry's face, "Definitely."

[9:06 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh smiles a little, then leans in to press her forehead to Seir's. "I love you. I'll be more forecoming next time," Ryleigh says in infernal, her accent more prominent in the second sentence.

[10:00 PM] Seirixori: "I love you, too."

8:24 PM] Seirixori: "Come on, let's go talk to my wife... and uh, maybe also finally ask her about that cuddling thing that I keep forgetting about." Seir loops her arm around Ryleigh's and leads her back to their camp and to Gunnloda.

[8:27 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: A sigh leaves Ryleigh's lips and she lets Seir drag her into camp.

[8:30 PM] DM: It's the camp. Gunnloda's spiced up some of her created bland food to make it a bit more tasty and people are doing general camp stuff, taking care of weapons, chatting, eating...

[8:34 PM] Seirixori: Seir takes a piece of bread and shoves it in her mouth so that she can take Gunnloda's hand and motions with her head to come with. She tries muttering around the bread but it is very unintelligible.

[8:35 PM] DM: Gunnloda chuckles and follows. "'Course, darlin'. Why didn't y'say so?"

[8:39 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh's waiting at the edge of camp for them.

[8:40 PM] DM: "What's goin' on, Ryleigh?"

[8:42 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I... umm," Ryleigh starts, shifting uncomfortable.

[8:42 PM] Seirixori: Seir finally takes an actual bite from the bread from her mouth and hands the rest of it to Gunnloda. "She's not feeling great."

[8:43 PM] DM: She raises an eyebrow. "Y'sick?" Then she frowns, confused. "Can y'get sick?"

[8:48 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh half laughs. "My blood is immune to diseases but I'm not sick... not exactly." She sighs then looks away. "I got hit with a lot of dark magic last night and I've been feeling off ever since. I told Seirixori it isn't a big deal, that it'll pass, but... she insisted we chat."

[8:51 PM] DM: She chuckles. "Chat. Well, sit down so I can see."

[8:51 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh does, sitting with her her legs crossed.

[8:53 PM] Seirixori: Seir sits down next to her, offering her presence and her hand if Ry wants it.

[8:54 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: She takes Seir's offered hand, and give her a small nervous smile.

[8:56 PM] DM: Gunnloda mutters some words in Dwarven and waves her hand, then looks at Ryleigh intently. She looks for several seconds, but there's never a moment of realization or awareness. She frowns a bit. "I don't... see anythin'...."

[8:59 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I didn't think you would," Ryleigh says, looking away. "I'm just tired. That's all. I'll be okay." She starts to get up.

[8:59 PM] Seirixori: Seir doesn't let go of her hand and lightly tugs her back down.

[8:59 PM] DM: "Hold on, now. Maybe I can still help."

[9:00 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh, again, lets herself be tugged by Seir.

[9:01 PM] DM: She moves around behind Ryleigh and puts a hand on top of her head, the other on her shoulder, and starts muttering some more Dwarven. Ryleigh can feel the magic pulse through, from her head and out through her toes... but she doesn't feel any different.

[9:07 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Thanks, Gunnloda," Ryleigh says, a smile spreading across her face. "I guess Seirixori was right." ((17 deception))

[9:11 PM] DM: Seir: 22

[9:14 PM] Seirixori: Seir's hand stays in Ryleigh's and she places her chin in her free hand, "You know, I usually am right, but not always."

[9:16 PM] Seirixori: "I can always go back and tell Mielikki you changed your mind." She teases, but there's a little bit of hurt in her eyes.

[9:19 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh sighs and realizes she's been caught. "Please don't... I'm sorry. I just... what's wrong with me can't be fixed. There is no cure for guilt."

[9:22 PM] DM: "I *can* help with that, but it'll only work for a minute."

[9:30 PM] Seirixori: "So you want to add to it more by lying to us?" Seir whispers. "You know what, sure maybe torturing someone isn't exactly something you should have done, but that doesn't mean he was any less guilty for killing people. It's not like he was innocent in any of this. What's it say about him that he's just a revengeful piece of shit?" Her tone is pretty even and she doesn't sound angry. "I'm not-- I'm not saying you shouldn't feel guilty, but this isn't all your fault, Ryleigh. You let one murderer suffer, that doesn't equal to how much you're putting on yourself."

[9:32 PM] DM: Gunnloda removes her hands.

[9:34 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: “I have to be better than that, *homashoc*...” Ryleigh’s tone is just above a whisper, and she looks at Seir when she says the next part “...or I’m no different than Barton.. than Daybrand... than the evil I fight against... and I have to be... I have to be.”

[9:45 PM] Seirixori: Seir keeps the eye contact and without hesitation asks, "Why?"

[9:57 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Because..." Ryleigh's eyes fill with tears, and she shakes her head. "Avery made me promise to keep moving forward. He made me swear be a better person." It suddenly sounds like she's saying something that she's said 100 times before, almost like a mantra. "Never stop fighting for justice. Speak out for what you believe. Make changes and make a difference. Make yourself better and in the process, make things better for everyone else too."

[9:58 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "If I'm not better then them... then it just confirms that the lesser sibling lived that day," Ryleigh's voice cracks.

[10:05 PM] Seirixori: Seir's jaw clenches, but not before she spits out, "Bullshit!"

[10:10 PM] DM: Gunnloda moves to Ryleigh's other side and sits, just putting her hand on Ry's forearm. "I wish I knew the words y'need, Ryleigh... but none of 'em helped me either."

[10:14 PM] Seirixori: Seir huffs and crosses her arms, her jaw clenching and unclenching as she tries to find words.

[10:14 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh looks away from Seir and at Gunnloda's hand on her forearm, her eyes following it until she meets Gunnloda's eyes. She tilts her head to the side in question.

[10:20 PM] DM: "When I... died... I wasn't the only one. But it was too late for m'cousin. It was my fault and I still see his face  too often in m'sleep."

[10:21 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh covers Gunnloda's hand with her own, and gives it a light squeeze. "Yeah," she sighs out in an understanding tone.

[10:23 PM] Seirixori: She makes a disgruntled noise, "Yeah, well, they are dead. There's no fucking point in wishing for it to be the other way around. Otherwise you just sit there and be shit and then what? You do exactly the opposite of what they wanted? What's worse? Disappointing someone who's dead or hurting the people that aren't?" She stands quickly, mumbles a brief sorry, and starts to walk away.

[10:24 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "You don't get to just leave this conversation because it's frustrating you," Ryleigh says, her voice firm.

[10:25 PM] DM: Gunnloda withdraws a bit from Seir's statement.

[10:27 PM] Seirixori: Seir stops, clearly agitated.

[10:39 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "You're right, Seirixori." Ryleigh's tone is hard, as she stands - prepared to follow her to get her point across. "My brother is dead - I was there. I did it." If Seir looks, Ry's eyes look hurt, a few tears escape her eyes and she makes no attempt to wipe them away. "I'm not saying I'm not thankful for his sacrifice, because it brought me to you - to Rukiya - to my found family. My brother was warm and strong, he was patient and loving; and I was too. But that all changed after Kizer died. I became - different. I'm anger and vengeance. I'm justice and punishment... I just can't help thinking... that the world could use a lot less of that."

[10:52 PM] Seirixori: Seir doesn't look back, doesn't really move. "So then change it." Her words sound hollow, and it almost seems like she's no longer talking to Ryleigh or Gunnloda. "Don't just-- just give up. Giving up means they won. Punishing yourself means they get what they wanted-- want." She blinks and glances over at Ry and Gunnloda and then quickly looks away again. "What they want."

[11:11 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh walks up behind Seir, and stands close enough that Seir can feel her there, but she doesn't reach out to touch her. "I don't know how else to be, and I'm trying to be different. Six months ago I would have kept all of this to myself, but I'm choosing to share... to be... vulnerable. I'm not giving up, I'm just... I'm struggling and I'm hurting." She pauses for a moment. "Talk to me about it... about whatever just drew you away just now."

[11:21 PM] Seirixori: Seir does turn, but her head stays down and she makes no other movement. "Because... because I gave up. I gave up more than once and I-- it scares me that it's a possibility for you- maybe both of you.  And maybe I'm-- I'm being-- I don't know. I'm sorry. I'm sorry."

[11:27 PM] DM: Gunnloda gets to her feet and makes her way to where she can take Seir's hand.

[11:00 AM] Ryleigh Alastair: Taking Seir’s other hand, Ryleigh cups her cheek so their eyes can meet. “I can’t give up, *homashoc*. My brother died so I could live... and if I give up, than what was all of it for?” Her voice is watery again, but she smiles. “You and Rukiya need accept that I’m not giving up... that life means something to me.”

[11:18 AM] Seirixori: "M--maybe, maybe your life means something. But do you mean something to you?" Seir frowns, a little confused by her own words.

[12:11 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh drops her hand from Seir’s face, her brows furrow and her mouth pulls into a thin line. “I’m... I’m learning to hate myself less.”

[12:46 PM] Seirixori: Seir nods, looking away again, "Sorry."

[1:06 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Again, Ryleigh cups Seir’s cheek to bring her eyes back to her. Once they do she drops her hand to the place over Seir’s heart. “Your anger comes from hurt, but this,” she presses her hand more firmly to Seir’s chest, “is always in the right place, and that’s why you have nothing to apologize for.”

[1:19 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: “I’ve thought the wrong sibling died for years. He was... so much better than me and I’ve made so many mistakes. I’ve hurt people. I’ve hated myself.” Ryleigh looks away for a long moment, then looks back. “I’m working on it, and I know everyone just wants me to accept everything and move on, but I’m struggling with it. I’m broken, Seirixori... but I believe that I’m mending... that all the pieces that make up me are being steadily stitched back together. They may never fit just right again... but I’m more whole now than I have been in a long time. You’re a big reason why...”

[1:38 PM] Seirixori: Seir starts to look a little frustrated, trying to figure out what she wants to say. Deciding to stay quiet she releases Ryleigh's hand and pulls her into a one-armed hug, keeping her hold on Gunnloda's hand.

[1:53 PM] Seirixori: Almost muffled, Seir starts to turn but stops, realizing she might nick Ry with her horns, she asks, "*Tor beag*, can Ryleigh come sleep with us when we're camping if she needs company?"

[2:04 PM] DM: "Don't see why not."  She pauses for a moment, like she's not sure if she should say something more, then says, "Grief 'n guilt 'n pain're hard, but they're harder alone. There's no reason for you t'be alone when she's near... whether I am or not. I know it's different, but I'd like t'think we're friends, too, and I don't like t'see my friends sufferin'."

[2:38 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh takes a half step back, and smiles at Gunnloda. “Thank you. I... I wouldn’t want to impose, so if I ever do - let me know.”

[2:40 PM] DM: "'Course."

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