My Immortal

## Session 2

Before you can answer, Brimea and Seirixori both vanish into thin air and a dragonborn in chain mail and a half-elf playing a lute appear in the basement with you.

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[8:22 PM] DM: The lute player stops mid-strum and looks around the room. "What--?"

[8:23 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: Urrak is surprised to the point of shell shock at this point, offering a meek greeting. "W...Well met. Welcome to...this basement"

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[8:52 PM] DM: The man with the lute looks around and says, "This looks like the beginning to an interesting story. Think I'll tag along too." He puts his hand on the dragonborn's shoulder.

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[9:23 PM] DM: The half-elf: "Does this happen often?"

[9:23 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: "Too often, friend"

[9:25 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: "Might we ask your name, stranger?"

[9:28 PM] DM: Half-elf: "Me? Beiro... or that one? I don't know that one."

[9:28 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: "S'pose both a you..."

[9:29 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: "Too many elves t'keep track of..." Urrak mumbles to herself

[9:29 PM] DM: "And you? You look the heroic sort. Think you might be the star of the song I'll write. What's the name, beautiful?"

[9:29 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: "Urrak. Of the D'Akshi stronghold"

[9:30 PM] DM: He nods. "Urrak. I can rhyme with that. And the rest of you?"

[9:30 PM] Jonathan- Martyn Hornback: "My name be my own business till i'm certain of yours." Martyn says.

[9:30 PM] Aimee/Nera: "Nera. And this rod i'm holding is Poni"

[9:31 PM] Jaymes - Ravaphine: "Ravaphine...we're all trying to get to the bottom of this"

[9:31 PM] fritos - Dekar: Dekar gives as much of a bow as he can when armored. "I am Dekar, faithful of Selune."

[9:31 PM] DM: "Ravaphine? That might be harder. We'll work on it though." He starts mumbling some lyrics under his breath about footprints and half-orc trackers.

[9:32 PM] DM: Poni: "CAN WE GET ON WITH IT?"

[9:32 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: "Well at least now we've some entertainment on this wild goose chase..."

[9:32 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: "Come, the tracks continue south"(edited)

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[10:02 PM] DM: Beiro: "Well that will make things harder. No worries! I'll give us a little diddy to help us along." He sings "Urrak, the giant Urrak, with a strong back... she'll make your neck crack..." He's not very good... but Urrak has inspiration. You can add a d6 to any one d20 roll in the next 10 minutes.

[10:03 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: Urrak moves to begin her assault from the south "Let's get that component!"

## Session 3

[8:19 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: Urrak rips a scrap of cloth off the dead man's tunic and cleans her sword before placing back in it's scabbard, a giant grin plastered on her face. "Now THAT is what I been waitin' for!"

[8:21 PM] DM: Beiro: "Truly that was an impressive display of strength, Lady Urrak."

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[8:25 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: "Hey there, it's alright. I ain't gonna hurtcha lest ye give me reason to. Lemme undo these ropes then."

[8:26 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: Urrak uses her dagger to cut the ropes and offers her waterskin to the woman

[8:26 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: "Y'look like you've been through the ringer, friend."

[8:27 PM] DM: You take the ropes from her ankles and the gag from her mouth, but the shackles remain. "Who are you?"

[8:27 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: "Urrak of the D'akshi stronghold. Hmm I cannae break these chains without hurtin' ya. Rava, can y' use some kind of spell to free her?"

[8:27 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: "Doubt we'll find a key in this mess...."

[8:30 PM] Jaymes - Ravaphine: "I am ravaphine, we're here to help you. I don't have any tools, but maybe we can break the chains?"

[8:31 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: Urrak cracks her knuckles. "I s'pose I can try an' snap em"

[8:32 PM] DM: Beiro: "Unfortunately I lack the tools to do so as well."

[8:57 PM] DM: Poni: "Yes, yes. Clearly I have to get used to repeating myself. Everyone has to touch, then you push the button."(edited)

[8:57 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: Urrak places a hand on Ravaphine's shoulder

[8:58 PM] DM: Beiro puts his hand on Urrak's bicep.

[9:04 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: "Y'sure you'll be alright? I found some gold on those men, if y'need it, it's yours"

[9:05 PM] DM: She looks at you oddly. "You always offer gold to strangers? I just want to get back to my farm. I'm in no mood to be indebted to the likes of you."

[9:06 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: "Jus' tryin' t' be of help t' ya." Urrak walks to the other side of the basement

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[9:41 PM] Jaymes - Ravaphine: "Beiro, grab on and let's go"

[9:41 PM] DM: Beiro happily grabs Urrak's arm again.

## Session 7

[8:52 PM] DM: Inside, there's several people sitting at tables, talking and a couple people in the kitchens. There's a man with a flagon sitting behind the bar, and a pretty half-elven woman sitting on the end of it with bright blue hair, playing her lyre.

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8:59 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: Mid drink, Urrak notices the half-elf and nearly chokes. Her eyes glazing over with the memories of old ghosts. She decides to stay where she is and drain the cask

[9:00 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: ((5, nat 1))

[9:00 PM] Jonathan- Martyn Hornback: Martyn notices the uncomfortable silence from the Orc behind him, "You alright mate?"(edited)

[9:00 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: "A-Aye, I'm fine."

[9:12 PM] Jaymes - Ravaphine: "You seem a little distracted," ravaphine says to the half-orc

[9:13 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: "I'll be honest with ye, that half-elf...reminds me of someone I used t' know. I've got a...general feelin' there might be somethin' about 'er. Besides looks, if ye catch me"

[9:14 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: "Ooo, a special someone?" Brimeia leans in

[9:14 PM] Jonathan- Martyn Hornback: "She reminds you of a partner?"

[9:14 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: "Well now we're gettin' a little close, but aye. A long time ago"

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[9:17 PM] Jaymes - Ravaphine: "Hi, i got this for you. for your musical talents. you seemed parched and well, this was the only beverage available"

[9:18 PM] DM: "Well, thank you. You are?" she asks, taking a drink.

[9:19 PM] Jaymes - Ravaphine: "Ravaphine," she says with a smile, "what about you? what's your name?"

[9:20 PM] DM: "I go by Cyan," she smiles, gesturing towards her bright blue pixie cut. "Are you from here?"

[9:21 PM] Jaymes - Ravaphine: "Im just traveling with my friends over there," she points to the trio behind her, "are you from these parts of Belbury?"

[9:22 PM] DM: "Bellbury? Is that here? No, I'm from somewhere else."

[9:23 PM] Jaymes - Ravaphine: "Indeed. I never heard about it until about yesterday...care to join us at the bar?" she asks the half-elf

[9:25 PM] DM: She glances up at the others and smiles, picking up her mug and hopping off the bar. "Sure. I'd love to meet them."

[9:26 PM] Jaymes - Ravaphine: Ravaphine walks over with the elf and introduces her to her companions "Everyone, meet Cyan the lyre player"

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[9:29 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: Urrak, begins to sweat slightly but offers a kind greeting "Well met, Cyan. I'm Urrak, of the D'Akshi stronghold. And I can attest to the sturdiness of Brimeia here. She's tough if not a bit ungainly"

[9:30 PM] DM: "Urrak. What an interesting name. I'm not sure I've heard of D'Akshi."

[9:30 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: "I-It's a small settlement, deep in the heart of the forest. I'd be more surprised if ye had heard of it."

[9:31 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: "Where are you from, if ye don't mind me askin'?"

[9:31 PM] DM: "Are you feeling well? There are some people making breakfast if you need it."

[9:31 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: "D-don't mind me, just feelin' a bit o' this drink I reckon" she takes another gulp of ale

[9:31 PM] Jonathan- Martyn Hornback: "Breakfast sounds better than splendid!" Martyn stands up. "Martyn Hornback. at your service."

[9:32 PM] DM: "Pleasure... is that everyone, then?" she asks, looking at each of you to make sure nobody was left out.

[9:33 PM] Jonathan- Martyn Hornback: "Not quite. a few of our number have gone elsewhere on their own business for a time."

[9:33 PM] DM: "Ravaphine, Martyn, Urrak, Brimeia?"

[9:33 PM] Jaymes - Ravaphine: "that's us!"

[9:33 PM] Jonathan- Martyn Hornback: "That we are."

[9:34 PM] DM: "You look like you've been through some nasty business."

[9:34 PM] DM: She reaches out and brushes some ash from one of Brimeia's shoulders.(edited)

[9:37 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: "Why thank you," Brimeia says flashing a smile

[9:38 PM] Jaymes - Ravaphine: "Are you a musician back home?" Ravaphine asks Cyan "you play lovely music"

[9:38 PM] DM: "Thank you, and I am. Among other things."

[9:38 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: "Oh? What other talents do you have?"

[9:39 PM] DM: "Wouldn't you like to know?" She winks.

[9:40 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: Urrak scans the half-elf from behind her cask of ale

[9:40 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: ((21 insight))(edited)

[9:41 PM] DM: She's definitely charming and seems to know how to use it to her advantage, but she's not exactly hiding that either.

[9:43 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: "I could show you show you some of mine if you showed me some of yours?"

[9:43 PM] Jaymes - Ravaphine: Ravaphine also seems a little wary of the half elf and tries to see if she is hiding anything from the group

[9:44 PM] DM: She laughs. "I think I already saw some of yours."

[9:44 PM] Jaymes - Ravaphine: "Do you enjoy magic?" Ravaphine asks

[9:45 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: Brimeia chuckles, "I suppose you did. But I've got a few others."

[9:45 PM] DM: "On occasion." She holds out her hand and a small, glowing blue light appears in her palm.

[9:46 PM] DM: She closes her hand and it disappears.

[9:48 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: "Quite the party trick. Bet y' could use that for all kinds of things. Parties, birthdays...thievin" Urrak mumbles the last of the list

[9:49 PM] DM: She gasps dramatically. "Thieving? Me?"

[9:49 PM] Jonathan- Martyn Hornback: Martyn reaches behind the bar to get Urrak another tankard in victory

[9:49 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: ((deception check?))

[9:50 PM] DM: ((You could do an insight, but she's saying it sarcastically in that obvious manner))

[9:50 PM] DM: "I suppose I could use it for that, but why pick pockets when I can just smile and get exactly what I want from someone?"

[9:51 PM] Jonathan- Martyn Hornback: "AH! A fellow entrepreneur. it's nice to meet someone else so cleverly inclined with their hands." martyn says

[9:51 PM] Jaymes - Ravaphine: "I think the only thing you've stolen have been a few hearts" Ravaphine says with humor in her voice

[9:51 PM] DM: "Guilty as charged."

[10:00 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: Urrak turns  back to the half-elf, her attention returning after watching Ravaphine leave, "Sorry, I can't seem t' recall, where did ye say ye were from?"

[10:01 PM] DM: Cyan: "I'm not sure I did. I woke up this morning in Westband."

[10:07 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: "Westband, Bellbury, all that travelin' I've done and yet I've never heard of any of these towns. Are we even on the same world?" Urrak poses the last question more to herself than the others. "Y' seem right casual with this whole thing, Cyan. Y'familiar with this kind of mad magic?"

[10:08 PM] DM: "Magic? I suppose something like this could only be magic... no. Not this particularly. Teleportation, I assume?"

[10:10 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: "Mass, random teleportation, aye." Urrak drains the cask and places it on the bar behind her "It's been, an interesting day and a half t' be sure. I'm just lucky to have a group with me, would hate t' go through this nonsense alone. Do you have a group? Or are y' just as lost as the rest o' these folks?"

[10:11 PM] DM: Cyan: "I've talked to a few here or there, but mostly they're just fishers and farmers. You lot are the most interesting folks to come through so far."

[10:14 PM] Jaymes - Ravaphine: "We're all just trying to get back home, do you want to join our group and help us all get back?" Ravaphine asks the half-elf

[10:15 PM] DM: Cyan: "Can't say I wouldn't enjoy a little adventure. What exactly did you have in mind?"

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[10:41 PM] DM: Cyan comes in from outside, running a hand quickly back and forth through her short hair, causing small droplets of water to fly off. She spots you all and joins you. "Bit wet out there this morning."

[10:42 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: Urrak flushes slightly, now fully awake. "Aye, bit o' mornin' dew." "Brimeia, have ye still got ol' Poni?"

## Session 12-14

[12:28 AM] DM: Cyan: "Any fun stories?"

[12:32 AM] Alex - Nolanos: "I dont know if you'd call it /fun/ exactly, but there was a certain element of... drama involved. Important decisions about who to trust and racism and such. I'm not sure where to even start"

[12:32 AM] DM: Cyan raises an eyebrow. "Racism?"

[12:33 AM] DM: Gunnloda returns with a plate of food and a mug of ale. "I forget if you drink ale or not, dear."

[12:35 AM] Alex - Nolanos: "I do indeed, thank you so much." Nolanos says, smiling warmly at Gunnloda. "And erm, yes, racism. Fun fact: Lizardfolk hate Dragonborns."

[12:35 AM] DM: Gunnloda: "Do they? I hadn't heard that one."

[12:35 AM] Alex - Nolanos: "and another fun fact: apparently it's reciprocated."

[12:36 AM] Alex - Nolanos: "It was news to me as well."

[12:37 AM] DM: Cyan puts a hand on Nolanos's shoulder. "I'm sorry to hear that."

## Session 18

[10:47 PM] DM: By freak coincidence, Cyan happens to be there, playing her lyre at the end of the bar, just like how you met.

[10:49 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: Urrak walks in, sees Cyan and immediately starts sweating.

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[10:54 PM] DM: Cyan: "Gunnloda, everyone. How'd it go? You look a little... rough. And... did you all get matching jewelry?"

[10:54 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: "It's a real...long story."

[10:55 PM] Jaymes - Ravaphine: "You wouldn't happen to have the ability to pick locks would you?"

[10:55 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: "As dashing as I'm sure we all look in these, they are starting to chafe a bit."

[10:56 PM] DM: She chuckles. "As a matter of fact, that is one of my lesser known skills. I'm quite good with my fingers."

[10:56 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: Urrak blushes slightly

[10:57 PM] DM: Gunnloda goes to collect food and drink for everyone while Cyan pulls a set of tools from... somewhere. You're not really sure where she was hiding them since her outfit is anything but bulky or concealing. "Who's first?"

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[11:01 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: "It's been sometime that I've seen pick work like that..." Urrak quietly manages(edited)

[11:01 PM] DM: Cyan looks at Seirixori. "And here I thought my outfit would be the attention-grabber."

[11:02 PM] DM: Gunnloda sets a tray down, full of ales and waters and lots of food. It's not of the quality you've gotten used to. Clearly someone else has been working the kitchens today.

[11:04 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: Urrak grabs an ale to keep her from saying anything more she mumbles a thanks to Gunnloda mid drink

## Session 19

[7:37 PM] DM: Cyan: "I suppose I should have asked sooner, but do you need healing? My hands don't just open locks."

[7:39 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: Urrak blushes a bit, and with a shy, sweaty, smile nods her head "A-aye that'd be amazin'. That prison encounter went real south real quick."

[7:41 PM] Jaymes - Ravaphine: "Urrak here is one of our strongest fighters," ravaphine says as she pats Urrak's giant bicep, "I bet she could use a little healing after that last encounter"

[7:41 PM] DM: (Not that numbers matter anyway) Cyan stands and heads over to Urrak and puts her hands on both her shoulders, pulling back while pushing in with her thumbs in a short shoulder rub that also heals her somewhat.

[7:45 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: Urrak is filled with the rush of the healthing magic, closing her eyes a moment before breathing a deep sigh of relief. "I will admit, that kind magic I enjoy greatly." Urrak smiles a bit "You have my gratitude, Cyan."

[7:46 PM] DM: Cyan grins. "You're welcome. Maybe now you'll stop being so worried about being in the same room as me."

[7:47 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: Urrak's green skin somehow turns quite pink

[7:47 PM] DM: She takes her seat again.

[7:48 PM] DM: Gunnloda hides a grin behind her drink.

[7:48 PM] Jaymes - Ravaphine: Ravaphine wheeze laughs at their exchange "You can add that to your resume. Turning my giant green friend into a red tomato!"

[7:52 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: "Aye aye save it y'pointy eared..." Urrak grumbles behind a sheepish grin. She turns to Cyan "And forgive me if ye get the impression I'd avoid being around ye'. It just....well it's a tad complicated but uh ye can be sure I don't hate ye"

[7:53 PM] DM: Cyan: "Complicated? I love a good story."

[7:54 PM] Jaymes - Ravaphine: "You know, I feel like I've known you for ages but I don't know much about you either, Urrak. What was life like before Belbury?"

[7:57 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: "Modest I suppose. Workin odd job across the country. Any way t'get gold I've likely done. 'Fore that I traded goods with me Pa." Urrak looks down, focusing on a discarded scrap of food as she continues "He died a handful o' years back." She takes a swig of ale. "But that's in the past now. As was the person my brain keeps tellin' me ye resemble, Cyan. It's a long, painful story i'm afraid"(edited)

[7:58 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: "And I ain't nearly drunk enough t' tell it"

[7:59 PM] DM: Cyan: "Ah... so that's what it is. Remind you of a dead love? I... uh... sorry about that."

[7:59 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: "Don't be. For all I know, she ain't dead at all. Disappeared one day, an never came back."

[8:03 PM] Jaymes - Ravaphine: "We can probably blame Poni for that"

[8:03 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: "If only," Urrak stands and wipes non existant dirt off her armor "That was years ago too. Easier times." she walks to the end of the bar for a moment(edited)

[8:04 PM] Jaymes - Ravaphine: "You know, we have the tools to try to find her, if you want"

[8:06 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: "N-no. Thank you. It's probably for the best we don't find each other again." Urrak paces a bit, slightly embarrassed from telling folks she's only known for a few days such personal things, and attempts to change the subject "H-Have ye any idea where Serixiori might've run off to this time, Gunnloda?"

## Session 24d

DM: You took your rest in the common room of the tavern, unwilling to deal with whatever shenanigans were taking place in the group, but your sleep was anything but restful. You dreamed that night of faces… no… a face. Everywhere you looked, from the burly barman to the dwarven cleric to the tiefling with the crazy horns, every face was hers. That same grin she used to give when she would tell you her plans. The same eyes you’d stared into until you felt lost at sea. The same face you fell in love with what seems so long ago. But they’re wrong. They’re all wrong. None of them would fit in your arms the way she did. That one had way too much hair and this one’s just entirely too short. Worse yet, none of them look at you the way she had… the way she had until the day she left. Then… there! There’s one that matches. There’s the real Ancy. You’d know her anywhere. You run to catch up to her, but she’s always just out of reach, looking at you with grief in her eyes. You realize as you stumble over rocks that you’ve been chasing a ship as it pulls out to sea. She raises her hand in farewell as you wade into the surf after her. As the ship vanishes, too far for you to chase, you feel something around your ankles. You’re dragged under by a tentacle wrapped around your legs. Roll a Wisdom save.

[6:20 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: ((11))(edited)

[6:21 PM] DM: You wake up in a cold sweat on your cot, but other than that, you suffer no further effects. The cots around you are pretty empty already, and the three doors that your companions are behind are still closed.

[6:29 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: With a gasp of air Urrak shoots up out of the cot, her face wet from sweat and...tears? It takes her a moment to fully take in where is she is, but when the inn room comes into focus she swivels to sit on the edge of the bed, her head in her hands. She thought the nightmares had stopped, that the memories had faded, but this perilous adventure she found herself in against her will had brought it all flooding back. Why? Why did that mad gnome have to go and fuck with her entire life this way?

After a few moments of deep breathing, and with a quick brush of a sleeve over her eyes, Urrak gets up and tries to see if her companions are also up and about. The sooner the machine is fixed, she reckons, the sooner she can forget again.

## Session 26

[10:45 PM] DM: You guys filter into the Cask following Urrak. Cyan’s in her customary spot, perched on the end of the bar playing her lyre. She nods to you all, but seeing your faces, she changes the tune to something more soothing.(edited)

[10:46 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: Urrak sits at the bar a few seats away and looks for a temporary bartender. She doesn't notice Cyan at the moment(edited)

[10:48 PM] DM: Nobody's currently behind the bar.

[10:48 PM] Seirixori: Seirixori walks in and grabs two mugs of ale and slams them down in front of Urrak, "are you going to answer me or not?"

[10:49 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: Urrak shoots up, wiping some of the spalshed ale from her cheek "Y'think I owe ye an answer, Tiefling? I barely know ye!"

[10:52 PM] Seirixori: "I have a name, and you know it, now cut the crap. Maybe I'll just chuck Poni again and not let you go back home."

[10:52 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Ryleigh hoovers nearby, then intervenes, "Seirixori, we should give Urrak some space. Trust me, she needs time. Please."

[10:53 PM] Jaymes - Ravaphine: Ravaphine sits at the table nearest Cyan and shrugs to her

[10:53 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: "What are you? The group mom?" Urrak turns to Ryleigh

[10:55 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Ryleigh ignores Urrak, "Seirixori, she cannot be reasoned with right now. Please, come sit with us and let her anger subside. She will regret her words later, I assure you."

[10:55 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: "Fuck ye too, y' tin can." Urrak sits back down and chugs one of the ales(edited)

[10:57 PM] Alex - Nolanos: Nolanos is just watching this all unfold, trying to be literally as unnoticeable as possible... jesus.(edited)

[10:59 PM] Seirixori: Seirixori growls again, slamming her hand on the bar. It breaks as her form shifts in the middle of it, the brown bear in her place, hunched over, and growling.

[11:00 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: "Y'think you scare me?" Urrak looks up under her brow directly into Seirixiori's eyes. She doesn't move from her seat.

[11:01 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Ryleigh throws her shield up to protect herself and maybe displace Seirixori's advance on Urrak?

[11:01 PM] Seirixori: Seirixori shifts back, "I... I don't know why that happened..." she says staring at her hands.

[11:03 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: Urrak stares coldly, saying nothing. She soon returns to her drink(edited)

[11:07 PM] Seirixori: "Forget it, why even bother coming back here if you hate me so much." Seir says, walking away to a corner table and plopping down, staring at her hands again, "what the hell was that?"

[11:09 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: Urrak places her forehead in her hand as she rests her arm on the bar. She wipes a bit at her watery eyes, hoping no one notices. Slowly, the notes of Cyan's lyre start to reach her ears. She grips the handle of her stein tightly

[11:17 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: Urrak turns her head slowly towards the sounds of the lyre, her eyes closed and mouth clenched tight

[11:36 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Ryleigh stands and walks over to Urrak, "When you are ready, they're waiting. They care for you, but you were hurtful so bear that in mind."

[11:37 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: Urrak pauses, and moves her head slightly towards Ryleigh. After a long pregnant pause she says in a low voice "...Thanks."

[11:39 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Ryleigh nods and goes back to the group in silence.

[11:41 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: Urrak returns to her drink. Her other hand rests on the bar in a fist

[11:45 PM] DM: Cyan's song finishes.

[11:47 PM] Jaymes - Ravaphine: Ravaphine claps

[11:47 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: Urrak sighs, visions of her dream still swimming her head. She closes her eyes again, arms crossed on the bar. She bows her head for a minute, figeting her legs, and finishes the ale in front of her.(edited)

[11:54 PM] DM: Cyan hops down from the bar and heads over to your table, stopping next to Ravaphine with her hand on Rav's shoulder.

[11:54 PM] DM: Cyan: "Rough day?"

[11:55 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Ryleigh butts in, "better now."

[11:55 PM] Jaymes - Ravaphine: Ravaphine nods slightly

[11:56 PM] DM: Cyan smiles and holds her hand out to Ryleigh. "I don't think we've met. Name's Cyan."

[11:57 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Ryleigh smiles broadly and takes Cyan's hand, "Ryleigh. It's a pleasure to meet someone so taleted."

[11:58 PM] DM: Cyan: "I appreciate the compliment." She glances over at Urrak. "Is... everything ok?"

[11:59 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): "It will be, Urrak is upset. She's been...rather difficult today, but she'll come around. I'm sure of it."

October 21, 2017

[12:01 AM] DM: Cyan: "Any particular reason?"

[12:01 AM] Jaymes - Ravaphine: Rav whispers "I may or may not have tackled her which didn't help. We just came back from a weird city"

[12:02 AM] Ryleigh (Nicole): "We just returned from a place that seriously affected the majority of us...and not for the better."

[12:02 AM] DM: Cyan grins at Rav, looking her up and down. "Tackled? That's quite a mental image."

[12:04 AM] Jaymes - Ravaphine: Ravaphine flexes a noodle arm

[12:04 AM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Ryleigh chuckles and adds, "it was quite impressive."

[12:04 AM] DM: For the sake of the newbie(s?), Cyan's on the short side, especially for a half-elf and wears her hair in a bright blue pixie-cut. She wears what you'd think of with typical bar wench dress, off the shoulder white shirt with a leather corset type thing around her waist and a short skirt over leggings and knee-high boots with a rapier at her hip.

[12:07 AM] Seirixori: "Would it be a bad idea if I went and apologized?" Seirixori says quietly.

[12:08 AM] DM: Gunnloda: "Apologies are rarely a bad idea."

Cyan: "...unless you're apologizing for something they don't realize you did wrong."

[12:08 AM] Seirixori: "I mean... I kind of tackled her too. As a bear."

[12:08 AM] DM: Cyan: "Wow. I missed all the fun."

[12:10 AM] Jaymes - Ravaphine: "You're always more than welcome to join in our adventures"

[12:12 AM] DM: Cyan smiles at Rav. "Thank you. I'll try to remember that."

[12:14 AM] Seirixori: Seirixori gets up and slowly moves to Urrak and sits quietly beside her. "Sorry... for the bear thing." she says after a few moments of silence, fidgeting with an empty cup, "I... I don't know what's going on but..." Seirixori huffs, trying to find the right words. "I promise to try and get you home as fast as possible. All of you."

[12:18 AM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: Urrak tenses up at Seirixiori's presence. She knows her outbursts have been causing the tiefling grief. She clenches a fist on the bar and pushes her empty stein down the bar a ways. She is silent for a moment, turning to Seirixiori slowly. She reaches beneath her collar, under her armor and mail. She pulls a small bag on a rope off from around her neck. She places this bag on the bar and slides it towards Seirixiori. "Ancy."

[12:22 AM] Seirixori: Seirixori opens it up and sees a gold ring. "I... is she...missing?" Seirixori cringes, "Sorry I just, don't want to say the wrong thing," she strings together.

[12:27 AM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: "Missing? That's a way t' put it." Urrak runs a hand through her hair, a sad yet frustrated look on her face "No, she...She left. My wife left me and robbed me blind." she turns her gaze towards the table "Those dreams, whatever caused them, were nothing but her. Her face, everywhere her face...I thought I'd finally started t' forget. But all this," she gestures to the general area around them "This brought it all back. Every memory." She places her head on the bar and covers it with her hands. Her body shakes a bit with soft sobs. "...I've been so terrible t' all of ye..."

[12:30 AM] DM: Cyan glances between the scene at the bar and the people at the table, then sits at the far end of the table next to Gunnloda.

[12:31 AM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Ryleigh lets out a breath she didn't realize she was holding at the change in Urrak and Seirixori's body language. She then politely returns to her drink.

[12:34 AM] Seirixori: "What is wrong with people." Seirixori grumbles, her thoughts going back to the conversation with Gunnloda the other night. "How could they just... leave." she snorts. Seirixori reaches out her hand, pulls it back, and then reaches out again, placing it on Urrak's shoulder. "It's... it's ok. I... understand. Kind of? I mean... not exactly but I just." Seirixori rambles, "I'll be here for you, you could even beat me up if it made you feel better." She laughs a little, clearly uncomfortable, "I mean, as a bear. I'm a little bit hardier as that." Seir makes a face and says to herself, "I should really not talk to people, wow." yeah of course urrak can totally hear that if she wants lmao

[12:36 AM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: "Th-thank ye..." Urrak says from under her arms. She takes a few deep breaths, working up the courage to show her face to the rest of the bar. She's worried she's made a scene.

[12:38 AM] Seirixori: Seirixori shrugs, "You... you helped me before... and you're.. you're my friend?" She questiosn it, still a little unsure.

[12:39 AM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: Urrak straightens up a bit, but still sits hunched. She turns to Seirixiori, tears still hanging in her eyes "...If you'll 'ave me."

[12:40 AM] Seirixori: "I've never had a friend before." She grins.

[12:45 AM] Alex - Nolanos: Quietly from the table, Nolanos had been watching with keen interest. As the conversation unfolds, his eyes grow larger and shinier and his heart is just experiencing too many feelings.

[12:59 AM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Ryleigh pats Nolanos's shoulder in comfort, and gives him a encouraging smile.

[1:00 AM] Seirixori: "Do you... want to go sit with everyone?"

[1:00 AM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: "S-Sure..." Urrak nervously walks over

[1:03 AM] Seirixori: Seirixori follows, sitting next to Gunnloda and whispers excitedly, "I have a friend."

[1:03 AM] DM: Gunnloda chuckles.

[1:05 AM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: Urrak sits at the table, her head hung. She attempts to avoid looking anyone in the eye.

[1:05 AM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: "I'm...sorry everyone."

[1:09 AM] Jaymes - Ravaphine: Ravaphine scribbles a note on a piece of paper and hands it to Urrak

[1:10 AM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: "Don't worry about it...I'm still surprised y'managed it, honestly."(edited)

[1:12 AM] DM: Cyan: "Well... this means everything's good then? Good."

[1:13 AM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: Urraks head snaps up as she hears Cyan's voice. Her mind just now processing her prescence at the table

[1:18 AM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Ryleigh notices Urraks head snap to Cyan and raises an eyebrow in question.(edited)

[1:20 AM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: "Yeah...hopefully everythings...good" she flushes a little and looks down again

[1:21 AM] Seirixori: "Getting there," Seirixori flicks a little water at Urrak and grins. "Hey did you guys want to go after another component today?"

[1:22 AM] DM: Gunnloda: "It is still morning."

[1:22 AM] DM: Gunnloda suddenly disappears.

[1:30 AM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Ryleigh shrugs, "With Gunnloda gone that means you could join us, Cyan? If you'd like." She flashes a smile in Cyan's direction.

[1:32 AM] DM: Cyan smiles back. "I might like that."

[1:32 AM] Seirixori: "I think I'll ask her for something when she comes back." Seirixori says, still pouting.

[1:33 AM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: Urrak stands up quickly, nearly knocking her chair over "R-right then. Let's head out."

## Session 27

[5:46 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: "I seem t' have everythin'--" Urrak quickly pats her swordbelt and bandolier and turns to start walking outside

[5:52 PM] Jaymes - Ravaphine: "Urrak, wait. Let me walk with you" Rav says as she also gets her bearings together to head over to wherever Urrak is headed

[5:54 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: "We'll be waitin' outside!" Urrak yells back as she exits the Cask(edited)

[5:54 PM] Jaymes - Ravaphine: Out of earshot she asks "why does that elf always get you so antsy all the time" with a slight chuckle(edited)

[5:56 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: "It's...complicated." Urrak whispers back. Once they reach the streets outside, she goes to stand by the horse tie down bars

[5:57 PM] Jaymes - Ravaphine: She nods without wanting to push further. ((are there any horses around and can I mount one))

[5:57 PM] DM: There are a couple, but they belong to the guards that came in with the caravan the day before.

[5:58 PM] Jaymes - Ravaphine: Rav pets a horse

[6:00 PM] Jaymes - Ravaphine: But before she forgets, she grabs poni from the cask and waves for cyan, ryleigh, and nolanos to come over(edited)

[6:01 PM] Alex - Nolanos: Nolanos gathers his things and comes over.When he sees Rav petting the horses, he joins in, because why not. Horses are soft.

[6:02 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Ryleigh gets up, "well shall we?" she gestures for Cyan to  walk with her.

[6:03 PM] DM: Cyan follows. "I should probably warn you, I'm not quite as useful as Gunnloda probably is."

[6:06 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): "I'm sure you'll contribute to our band of misfits."

[6:06 PM] DM: Cyan: "Are we headed to the teleporter?"

[6:07 PM] Jaymes - Ravaphine: Rav says bye to the horse and joins the rest of the group. "I've got Poni, let's head back to the teleporter"

[6:10 PM] Alex - Nolanos: Nolanos just sort of... blinks for a second. "what the hell..." he mutters to himself. He glances briefly at Cyan and, grinding his jaw slightly, follows Rav.

[6:09 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Ryleigh clears her throat, " Cyan, could I have a word?" She smiles and quirks an eyebrow, "alone?"

[6:10 PM] DM: Cyan: "Sure? Uh... we'll catch up." And she will step aside with Ryleigh.

[6:12 PM] DM: What you guys see is Ryleigh step in close to Cyan and whisper something in her ear. Cyan's face flushes and Ryleigh winks at her before Ryleigh returns to you guys. Cyan takes an extra second or two to catch up, but she follows behind.

[6:13 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: "What in the nine hells is she grinnin' about...?" Urrak whispers to Ravaphine(edited)

[6:14 PM] Jaymes - Ravaphine: She shrugs. "I'm never too sure. Also what's gotten into you too Mr. Grumpy Gills?" she asks Nolanos

[6:15 PM] Alex - Nolanos: "Huh? Oh, uh. Nothing. I've been feeling off since Bleakmourne I think."(edited)

[6:16 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: "Well that feelin's mutual, friend. We understand."

[6:17 PM] Jaymes - Ravaphine: She hugs Nolanos. "It's been a little rough since Bleakmourne. But we're away from that town now and can forget about that darn Kraken."

[6:18 PM] Alex - Nolanos: Nolanos hugs her back. "Thanks, Rav."

[6:20 PM] Jaymes - Ravaphine: She hesitates before letting go and clearing her throat. "Anyways, we should head over to the portal. got some people to save!" She skips over to Ryleigh and Cyan

[6:21 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Ryleigh approaches, meeting Ravaphine in the middle, "I see I've missed the feelings exchange."

[6:21 PM] Jaymes - Ravaphine: "I could say the same" she winks

[6:21 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: "She's been real huggy as of late. I'm sure you'll get yer turn."

[6:22 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: "You two have a nice chat?" Urrak asks Ryleigh(edited)

[6:25 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Ryleigh looks bemused by Ravaphine's comment but turns to Urrak and answers, "Yes, we did" while raising her eyebrow in question.(edited)

[6:26 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: "Excellent." Urrak starts to walk towards Poin's "Let's go then, eh?"

[6:26 PM] Jaymes - Ravaphine: Rav follows

[6:27 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Ryleigh follows too!

[6:27 PM] DM: Cyan follows at the back of the pack.

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

[7:19 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Ryleigh walks over to Cyan and hands her a ring of swimming, "would you like this too?"

[7:19 PM] DM: Cyan takes it from Ryleigh and slips it onto her finger with an odd look. "Thank you. If I need the potion, I'll let you know. I don't really have anywhere to store it right now."

[7:20 PM] Seirixori: "That's... a good point."

[7:21 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Ryleigh whispers to Cyan, "don't be like that" and grins mischievously at her.

[7:24 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: Urrak eyes the two a moment, unconsciously digging her nails into her palms. "Alright..." She walks over to Ravaphine and places a hand on her shoulder. "Well, let's get on with it I suppose."

[7:24 PM] DM: Cyan: "Maybe I should just skip this one."

[7:26 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Ryleigh shrugs, "your loss, but I can understand wanting to avoid all of that" and motions to Urrak.(edited)

[7:26 PM] Jaymes - Ravaphine: "You sure you don't want to come with us?" she asks Cyan with a pout

[7:28 PM] DM: Cyan's eyes flick from Ryleigh to Urrak and back to Rav. "I don't want to cause any problems in there. It might be better for everyone if I wasn't around."

[7:29 PM] Wingy - Urrak D'Akshi: "Problems? What problems could ye possibly cause? We're all...great." Urrak eyes Ryleigh

[7:31 PM] Ryleigh (Nicole): Ryleigh raises an eyebrow at Urrak's look, then comprehension hits her - she laughs.

[7:31 PM] Jaymes - Ravaphine: Rav's eyes widen, and she nods to Cyan. "I would love for you to come with us, but if you would like to stay back here, we understand" she says sadly

[7:31 PM] Alex - Nolanos: "You should come if you want to"

[7:31 PM] Seirixori: "I don't know, I wouldn't mind the company or the help keeping these guys up. Cuz Gunnloda poofed and we don't have anything to check on her and I want to but no, we're here, finding more components. Or I could just shove everyone into the portal? Cool, okay."

[7:32 PM] Seirixori: Seirixori tries to push Rav into the portal.

[12:14 AM] DM: You don't see either of them, but sitting in the back corner is a blonde human man, half in his cups, staring absently at a lyre on the table.

[12:15 AM] Seirixori: "Hey! Uh, have you seen Cyan or Gunnloda? Do you know who I'm talking about?" Seirixori says as she walks up to him.

[12:16 AM] DM: Man: "I-- no... maybe? Why?"

[12:16 AM] Seirixori: "Because I need their help? Unless you know... how to cure curses?"

[12:17 AM] DM: Man: "No... I'm sorry."

[12:25 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "This is pointless..." Urrak looks over at her companions and sighs, a look of thinly veiled concern on her face. "Seirixiori has t' find Gunnloda...she's our only hope. Until then...I don't know. I...I'll be at th' Cask." she walks off towards the tavern, her thumb fiddling with the now empty slot in her bandoleer where the dagger had lain for years.

[12:26 PM] DM: Give me a quick perception check

[12:27 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: ((5))

[12:28 PM] DM: You walk in, and it's... kinda weird being here without anyone else. There's no Gunnloda or Rav behind the bar. No Cyan perched on the end of it. None of your new friends sharing your burdens and laughter. Just a bunch of mopey looking drunks.

[12:32 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Never thought I'd be the least depressed lookin' fool in this place..." Urrak looks around a bit more, but forgoes taking her usual seat at the bar. The emptiness is too much. She steps over a man passed out on the floor and heads back out. She'd been avoiding it, but she decides to walk back to Poni's, if for nothing else, to see if Seirixori has returned with help.

[12:34 PM] DM: She's not back yet, but Eloise and Cae meet you at the ground level.

Eloise: "Seirixori asked us to make sure nobody comes down while she looks for help."

[12:36 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Ah, I-I see. So she's in then? Hopefully she finds her..." Urraks eyes trail to the wound on Cae's arm "Feelin' alright so far?"

[12:37 PM] DM: Cae: "More or less. It's not so much the injury as what it might mean. This... person your friend is going to find... are they trustworthy? I'd rather word not get out about this."

[12:38 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Aye, Gunnloda is probably the purest soul I've ever met."(edited)

[12:38 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "She'd never do anythin t' put ye in danger."

[12:39 PM] DM: Eloise nods. "I'm sorry, by the way. I should have listened sooner. I just... didn't think something like this would happen."

[12:43 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Please ye...Yer the last person who should be  apologizin'. I basically tormented ye for days over yer decision, it wasn't my place." she fiddles again with the empty loop of leather. "Ryleigh's right when she says I'm more heart than 'ead. It gets me inta more trouble than ye can imagine..." She sighs a bit, working up the courage to say the words she'd been unable to earlier "I've been terrible t' ye and I'm more than sorry for that. You've got more on your plate than I can imagine. I hope ye can forgive me, and know we're tryin' our damnedest t' find a cure for yer wife."(edited)

[12:45 PM] DM: Eloise smiles. "There's nothing to forgive. And thank you, for pulling her out of there and for what you're doing now."

[12:47 PM] DM: Cae: "Maybe a giant wolf wasn't the best idea, though."

[12:48 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Thank ye...And I think yer right about that." She chuckles a bit and absentmindedly rubs at the back of her neck. "I do have a question for ye...have y'seen a half elf come through 'ere? Blue hair? Short?"

[12:50 PM] DM: Eloise: "Cyan? She was watching the portal with me when you went after the component, but she must have left. One minute she was there, talking about some tension in the group that made her want to hang back, and the next she was gone. I'm not sure where she went. I'm sorry."

[12:53 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "I see...well thank ye anyway. I'll be back once Seirixori returns. So, soon." Urrak walks out of Poni's, a seed of worry beginning to bud in her mind over Cyan's whereabouts

[12:56 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: She wanders into the town square, hoping to catch a glimpse of her

[12:57 PM] DM: You'd think bright blue hair would be easy to spot, but you don't see her here. There's a couple people sitting at the fountain and a couple of the guards from the caravan standing next to the horses and carts they brought in. Other than that, it's pretty empty.

[12:59 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "The one time I'm actually lookin' for ye..." Urrak mumbles to herself. She walks towards the people at the fountain. "Pardon me, I'm lookin fer someone and I was wonderin' if ye could help."

[1:00 PM] DM: One of them looks up. "We can try? We don't... know much about here."

[1:01 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Ah, new arrivals? Well might as well try. She's a half-elf woman, bright blue hair, rather short. She's usually performin' at the Cask but...well have ye seen someone like that about?"

[1:03 PM] DM: The man looks up this time. "Hard to miss that one. She went over that way a while back. Shopping, probably." The woman elbows him. "What? There's a store over there!"

Woman: "Uh-huh."

[1:04 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak smiles a bit, "Yeah she's definitely hard t' miss. Thank ye, I appreciate the help." Urrak walks in the direction the man pointed(edited)

[1:04 PM] DM: You do find a general store over there, and inside, you can see Lin #2 tidying things up.

[1:06 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak enters, looking casually at the goods as she makes her way in"Good day! Been awhile since I've seen ye. Y'doin' alright?"

[1:07 PM] DM: Lin: "Oh! Hello! I was wondering when I'd see you all again. I'm... well, doing as well as I can be all things considered. Are you looking for something in particular?"

[1:08 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Some one actually...Y'haven't happened t' see Cyan around recently, have ye?"

[1:09 PM] DM: Lin: "Cyan! Oh, she's just wonderful, isn't she? She was actually in here not long ago, but I'm not sure where she might have gone."

[1:11 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Truly, yes...And thank ye, I'll keep an eye out I suppose." Urrak walks out, giving a parting wave before exiting the shop. She walks further into the shopping district

[1:12 PM] DM: Before you go, she says, "I hope you were able to help that poor man you rescued."

[1:15 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak mulls over her parting words, unsure of which man she was referring to, but soon refocuses her thoughts on finding the Blue Bard. "Bellbury ain't that big of a place, right...?"(edited)

[1:17 PM] DM: None of the other shops in the area seem to be populated, though most are unlocked. Some have been looted of useful items, most have had their gold pillaged. You don't see any people. Make an investigation check.

[1:17 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: ((...2))

[1:18 PM] DM: Your rolls don't make this any easier. lmao. You don't find anything that might point you in the right direction. Maybe she poofed?

[1:22 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Getting slightly frustrated she continues to search, hoping that the elf hasn't been sent to another realm by Poni's mad machine, Urrak continues past the shops

[1:24 PM] DM: You realize maybe you can trace her literal footsteps instead of wandering blindly and go back to Lin's shop. The area right in front of the door is understandably chaotic, but you do see a pair of small bootprints that head off in a much less used direction and into an alleyway.

[1:25 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak follows the footprints

[1:26 PM] DM: There's more chaos in the dust and dirt behind a couple of crates, and a single pair of larger bootprints that walk away.

[1:26 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "What in the world...?" Urrak follows the larger prints

[1:27 PM] DM: They circle around the building and back out onto the main road where you can't follow through the streets any further.

[1:29 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: A sense of dread creeps through her belly as the tracks end. Taking a breath, she continues down the main road, her pace quickened.

[1:30 PM] DM: They seemed to be going back towards the town square when you lost track.

[1:30 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: She goes back to the town square

[1:30 PM] DM: Everything's just the way you left it.

[1:31 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: ((Investigation?))

[1:32 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak walks deeper into the square, looking for anything unusual ((15 inv))(edited)

[1:36 PM] DM: There's not really anything to investigate out here. The ground is too littered with tracks to make anything out. There's just the couple at the fountain and the guards out here. Making that roll into a perception check, though, you can just barely hear the plunk of lyre strings being plucked, one. by one. by one.

[1:36 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak follows the notes as best she can

[1:36 PM] DM: They're coming from the Cask.

[1:37 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak walks briskly into the Cask

[1:39 PM] DM: It looks pretty much the same as it did before. In the corner, where you guys had been sitting before, is a man you must not have noticed before. Human, blonde, possibly drunk, kinda just... sadly plucking at a lyre that's on the table. Perception check again for me? Lol

[1:39 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: ((12))

[1:40 PM] DM: You're not sure... but that *could* be Cyan's lyre.

[1:40 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak walks up to the man "You there! Who are ye and where'd y' find that lyre?"

[1:42 PM] DM: He startles and pushes back in his chair. "Wh- what?"

[1:42 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "The instrument y'been pluckin' at. Is it yours?"

[1:43 PM] DM: Man: "Y-yes?"

[1:44 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Alright calm down, mate I ain't here t' arrest or hassle ye. Considering y'can barely manage a tune I'm gonna say that drink ain't makin' y' truthful. Please, I'm lookin for a friend, she plays a lyre like this one 'ere. If it's hers, I'm hopin' ye can tell me where y' found it."

[1:45 PM] DM: Man: "A friend?"

[1:46 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Ah, aye, at least...at least I hope she could call me that. Honestly, I ain't been the best to 'er. It's complicated, and yer probably 3 sheets t' wind anyway, but please if ye have any leads..."

[1:49 PM] DM: He looks *really* conflicted. "You're... not going to hurt her... or me... are you?"

[1:51 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "I...what? N-no I'd never! Y've done nothin' t' me and neither has she...I may look it but...I promise ye I'm not some wild brute what swings her fists about t' get her way."(edited)

[1:52 PM] DM: Give me one last perception check.

[1:52 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Cyan is...one of the nicest people I've met. She's funny an' charmin' and... *beautiful*  and...I couldn't bear to hurt 'er."(edited)

[1:52 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: ((6))

[1:53 PM] DM: He bites his lip, thinking, then stands. "Come with me." And he starts walking upstairs.

[1:53 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Ah...alright..." She follows

[1:54 PM] DM: He leads you up to one of the private rooms upstairs with just a bed and a chair and opens the door, gesturing inside. There's nobody else in there.

[1:57 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak walks inside before realizing it's empty. She turns towards the man,"Uh...listen buddy I, I dunno if I gave y'the wrong impression but I don't uh...let's see...swing this" she gestures towards him "Uh...way..."(edited)

[1:58 PM] DM: He shakes his head. "Please. Sit?"

[1:58 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Cautiously, she does

[2:00 PM] DM: He steps inside and shuts the door behind him. He takes a deep breath, and you see his body almost... melt away into a smaller form and when he turns around, she's a familiar looking half-elf with blue hair almost swimming in the clothes she had on before. "Please don't hate me."

[2:02 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Cy-Cyan?!" She bolts up, hands  open near her sides. It takes every ounce of strength to keep herself from running up and embracing her "I thought...I thought ye'd..." She runs a hand through her hair "I saw some boot prints in the alley it-it looked like a struggle and I thought maybe ye'd..." She doesn't realize tears have started to form in her eyes and slowly drip down her cheeks "I thought some one had grabbed ye..."(edited)

[2:03 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "And I'd been so...horrible and selfish and distant to ye and I thought....Gods...I'll never see her again...she left cuz of me..."(edited)

[2:04 PM] DM: Cyan's got tears falling too and she almost whispers, "Like Ancy?"

[2:05 PM] DM: And... you've never been close enough to notice, but now that she's right there... she doesn't have Ancy's tattoos, but her face... she even has that cute little freckle above her eyebrow that you used to love.

[2:05 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "What...what did ye just say...?" Urrak steps closer, cautiously. "How do  ye know that name..." She looks closer at her, her heart pounding in her ears

[2:07 PM] DM: She closes her eyes, almost flinching. "I... I didn't know it was you until a few days ago, when you said I looked like someone you knew."

[2:10 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak's eyes widen, her hands shaking wildly "Ancy...Ancy is that you...?" She kneels slightly brings her hands to Cyan's face, cupping it gently in her hands . She whispers softly through tears "Please...tell me it's true...Tell me I found ye..."

[2:12 PM] DM: She shakes her head. "I'm... I'm not her." She tries to pull back away from you like distance might keep her safer. "I knew her, in a way... and I understand. She was... wonderful and the most beautiful woman I'd ever met."

[2:18 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak slowly retracts her hands, a sob wracking her body. She falls softly to her knees. "I'm...I'm sorry I...I overstepped with the...touching..." She wipes the tears from her face with her sleeve. "It's just...she left so suddenly. Nothin' but a quickly scribbled note and our valuables in tow. It was most...painful thing I've ever experienced. It's been years, and while there is still some anger in me it's...mostly just worry now. She always told me she'd love me till the end of my days...how can I just...let go of that? There has t' be more to it there just--" she wipes her face again, taking deep breaths in hopes of calming herself down. "Do you...do you have any idea...where she could be?"

[2:22 PM] DM: She closes her eyes again, more tears dripping from her eyes. "She's-- She loved you. She still loved you. She was in Alderrath, using the name Ravana."

[2:23 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Ye keep sayin' 'was'...has she...?"

[2:26 PM] DM: Cyan presses her lips together for a moment, trying to hold herself together and shakes her head. "She was looking into the Gray. When I-- She left to go after them. Alone. Everyone who's ever looked for them disappeared. I couldn't-- She's gone. I'm so sorry."

[2:31 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak dips her head down, covering  it with her hands, no longer worried about what kind of scene she's making. She cries for the years with Ancy, the years without her, and for her anger stopping her from finding her again. She unravels, heaving sobs bouncing off the corners of the room. "I should've...I should've...I couldn't... I couldn't keep her safe..."

[2:32 PM] DM: Cyan hesitates, but she comes over and puts her hand on your shoulder to try to offer some small bit of comfort.

[2:37 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Gods...I'm sorry this all...this is a lot t' put on ye..." She attempts to straighten up, her face wet with tears, and eyes bloodshot. "I just...This is all..." she leans back on her haunches, closing her eyes tight to allow the last tears to fall, her mouth in a tight line. She takes a deep breath "Y'really do look so much like her...it's uncanny, almost frightenin'...I wasn't sure how t' be around ye. It was like...talkin' with a ghost..." She stands up, places her interlaced hands on her head and sighs, blinking away the remaining wetness in her eyes. "I...thank ye for letting me know. For showing me...who ye are. I'm sorry I've been such a...Gods, such a mess..."(edited)

[2:39 PM] DM: Cyan: "I didn't know it would hurt anyone. I'm sorry. I can... change, if it would help."

[2:41 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "No, no please...I couldn't ask ye t' do that." She fiddles with the loop again, hooking her thumb into it and tugging lightly "No, I'll be alright." she smiles softly, eyes still a bit red, "You're a great person, Cyan, never change."(edited)

[2:44 PM] DM: She shakes her head. "I'm not, really. And... I do change. It's who I am. It's... no trouble to me, really. I look like this because..." she pauses and tries to blink back new tears, "I loved her too. And she was so beautiful. Sometimes it's easier to survive when you're pretty."

[2:46 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "I see... well, y'got every detail right..." Absentmindedly, she goes to touch the freckle above her brow with her thumb, but recoils half way. "S-sorry."(edited)

[2:48 PM] DM: She nods, understanding. She closes her eyes and her features shift again. Still half-elf, still short, but without Ancy's face and with dark wavy shoulder-length hair. "This might be easier for both of us."

[2:53 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Aye...It just might." Urrak fixes her hair, straightens her swordbelt. She bows her head a moment. "Well then", she walks over to Cyan, stopping a respectable distance from the elf "Let's start fresh." She holds out a hand "Urrak, of the D'Akshi stronghold. Pleased t' make yer acquaintance." she smiles broadly, eyes full of their old light

[2:58 PM] DM: Cyan smiles and takes your hand, but her face falls almost immediately. "Thank you for not--" She stops and tries to find the right words. "People don't tend to like people like me. I mostly stay on the road, changing faces and names when I change towns. Maybe it would be best if Cyan "left", poofed back to Westband and I'm just... a new arrival. This is the face Ancy knew, and the name Malica. If... that's ok?"

[3:01 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Pleasure to meet ye, Malica. I hope Cyan's journey home is safe." Urrak places her other hand on top of the rest, and squeezes gently. "Come, Seirixori should be back soon. The others should meet the new you." She leads them both to the door, holding it open for her. "After you."

[3:03 PM] DM: She smiles, her eyes full of tears AGAIN for a different reason now. "I-- I'll catch up later. I have to go find my women's clothes again first. You must have found where I changed last time. I hope she found someone to cure the curse. She asked me earlier for Cyan, but I couldn't help."

[3:05 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak chuckles "Sneaky one, y'are." she turns to leave, but says before she goes "See y'soon...I hope."

[3:05 PM] DM: She nods. "We have a lot to talk about."

## Session 31

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

"Excuse me?"

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

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

[5:22 PM] Alex - Nolanos: Quick insight check? Idk who this person is or why they want to  see Urrak so its a little weird

[5:22 PM] DM: Sure.

[5:24 PM] Alex - Nolanos: ((12))

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

She starts backing towards the door.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

## Session 32

[4:53 PM] DM: As you pause at the door to say good night, you hear the sound of armor outside and a door swing open. Before you can really place the sound, you hear a thumping at the door you're standing at. A metallic thump like a gauntlet on wood. Malica shrinks back at the noise.

[4:54 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak freezes, unsure of how to handle what she knows to be armed guards. All her equipment is in her room. She puts a hand to the door and turns "Malica," she whispers "Get in the bed."

[4:56 PM] DM: She looks confused for a second, but does.

[4:56 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: She opens the door a crack and puts on her best tired voice "Hullo. Can I help ye...?"

[4:57 PM] DM: Outside is the steel-covered woman you'd encountered before, outside the temple, and a guard in leathers with the Moonstream crest on her chest. The paladin moves to push the door open further. "You're wanted back at the mansion." (Do you try to hold the door shut or let her push it?)

[4:58 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: She pushes back a bit on the door "Come now y've just woken me an' my wife ere and yer tellin me I gotta drop everythin' and head t' where did ye say? The mansion?"

[4:59 PM] DM: (lol roll deception)

[4:59 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: ((...6))

[4:59 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: ((why do I try))

[5:00 PM] DM: (you can roll a strength save if you want to try to prevent her from shoving the door open)

[5:01 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: ((22))

[5:01 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: ((is there like a window?))

[5:03 PM] DM: Wow. Doesn't much matter because she pushes the door open anyway. She shoves it open hard enough to push you back a bit and reaches for her sword, but doesn't draw it. "I'm only going to say it once more. You and your "wife". Mansion. Now."

There are no windows on the second floor.

[5:05 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Alright now, let's relax a bit..." she holds her hands out in front of her to distance herself from the paladin. She looks back at Malica, a look of concern on her face, "We'll come with ye. Just...don't hurt her."

[5:10 PM] DM: She steps back from the door and gestures for you both to move.

[5:10 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak holds out her hand to Malica, giving a reassuring nod.

[5:11 PM] DM: Malica follows, shying away from the very intimidating looking steel-woman as you pass her.

[5:13 PM] DM: The Moonstream guard takes the lead with the Mirranite walking behind you, watching you for threats, and they take you towards the mansion. Outside, there's a man in leather armor standing at the door to the mansion like he's on guard.

[5:14 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak looks around, taking in the whole scene, her mind working a million miles a minute to figure out what in the Hells is happening. "Can I ask what exactly's goin' on?"

[5:16 PM] DM: They lead you into the dining hall where you had dinner just a couple hours prior.

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

 [5:45 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Is there a fuckin' reason we keep dealin' with her bullshit?" She turns to the group, face getting visibly red "She's put us all in danger!"

[5:46 PM] Ravaphine: "Urrak please, we're all trying here. Maybe she was just trying to help in her own Seir way"

[5:46 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "She even dragged C--Malica int' all of this!" She attempts to calm herself a bit by pacing

[5:46 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "She's dangerous...unhinged."(edited)

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

[5:57 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "I'm upset cuz unlike the rest o' ye, I have people t' protect. And t' do that, I need t' be breathin' which, if things keep goin' the way they are, I won't be cuz a certain pink fool dragged me int'a more trouble than I asked for."

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

[6:14 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak walks over and sits next to Malica. She folds her arms on the table and whispers "Sorry..." but keeps her eyes on Ryleigh, trying to guess her scheme

[6:14 PM] DM: Malica pats Urrak's arm but stays silent.

[8:31 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "Guess I'm still a pretty bad liar, eh?" She says softly to Malica, a mischevious smile on her face

[8:32 PM] DM: She looks up, confused. "That you cared about her or that you didn't?"

[8:33 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "I do care about Seir, and truly I was angry with 'er. I was talkin' about the fiasco at the inn but, I suppose ye think I'm more cunnin' than I truly am."

[8:33 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: "I'm...sorry ye got dragged int'a all this."

[8:34 PM] DM: Malica: "Oh... no, I don't think anyone would be fooled by the 'wife' claim. It's... ok. I just want to get out of here."

[8:35 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak laughs a bit louder than she expected "Yup, never was good at lyin'..." she takes a breath "I'll get you outta here. Don't worry. Then ye can go back t' bein'...low profile I suppose."

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

[9:18 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: Urrak stretches and yawns "I'm about t' pass out where I stand. I'll catch up with all of ye in the mornin'...or...late afternoon perhaps." She looks over to Malica "If ye'd like, I can escort ye back t' the Cask."

[9:18 PM] DM: Malica nods and goes with Urrak.

## Session 33

[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

[6:07 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: Strength check from Urrak, Strength save from Ryleigh.

[6:20 PM] Ryleigh: ((10))

[6:20 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: ((25))

[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] DM: Athletics vs athletics at this point since you're kinda grappling.

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

[6:24 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: ((7))

[6:24 PM] Ryleigh: ((21))

[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 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)

[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."

[5:05 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: ((insight check perhaps?))

[5:05 PM] DM: Sure

[5:05 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: ((17))

[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?"(edited)

[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, than 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.(edited)

[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

[6:44 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.

[7:06 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"

[7:35 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)

[7:38 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."

[7:40 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 plently of them."

[7:48 PM] DM: She looks down. "I... meant one person to keep it."

[7:48 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: Brimeia chuckles in Ryleigh's direction. "Guess you're the odd one out in this bunch."

[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.

[7:49 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] 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] Seirixori: "Making me a *fancy* necklace."

[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."

[8:30 PM] Ravaphine: ((can I insight Malica to see if she's lying or hiding something))

[8:30 PM] DM: Sure.

[8:31 PM] Ravaphine: ((11 lol))(edited)

[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 Eberdine 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"

*[*8:39 PM*]*Ravaphine*:*((if rav looks out the window, can she see the people?))

*[*8:39 PM*]*DM*:*Not really, they're in front of the mansion and you can't really get an angle from here.

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

[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 mistaken 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*]*DM*:*Seir pushes the door open.

*[*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 red robes. She stops dead. "What in the world...?"(edited)

[8:42 PM] Ravaphine: Rav follows and smacks into Urrak's back(edited)

[8:43 PM] Ravaphine: ((perception? how many people are out here))

[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 ((inv?))(edited)

[8:57 PM] DM: It'd be perception, but 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.

8:57 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: 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

*[*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*]*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"

[9:22 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: ((deception check? lol))

[9:23 PM] Urrak D'Akshi - Half-Orc Fighter: ((10 DEC))

[9:23 PM] Ravaphine: ((15 insight))

[9:23 PM] DM: You are pretty sure she's lying. lol

[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

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

[9:45 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*."

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

*[*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."

*[*5:17 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* ((PS - Ryleigh is only armored from the waist down right now))

*[*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 too. You took the hit the wraith intended for me..even if you didn't mean too." 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)

## Session 35

*[*5:23 PM*]*Urrak D'Akshi*:*Sleep came easy for Urrak for the first time in many days. As the morning light creeps into the room, she stirs, soon realizing she has an arm around Malica's middle. The woman was so warm, soft, quiet in her sleep. Slowly, she moves to get up, hoping to not disturb her, but knowing it may be inevitable.

*[*5:24 PM*]*DM*:*She doesn't wake, just grabs a pillow or blanket and pulls it closer.(edited)

*[*5:27 PM*]*Urrak D'Akshi*:*A small smile works it's way across Urrak's face as she watches her. After a few moments, however, a heaviness settles it's way into her heart. Just leaving her would be a confirmation of Malica's every insistence to simply take what the half-orc needs from her, but to stay, to jostle her awake with a playful smile feels entirely too intimate. Eventually, her conscience gets to her. She rests a hand on her shoulder "Mal...?"

*[*5:29 PM*]*DM*:*She cracks one eye open, lets it focus, and a soft smile plays at her lips. "Morning..."

*[*5:31 PM*]*Urrak D'Akshi*:*"Mornin' Mal." she can't help but smile back. "Th'...Th' others are back, or at least Ryleigh is for certain. I...I hate t' see ye stuck in here would ye" she pauses to brush a strand of hair from the woman's face "Would ye come with us? There's still a bit of that blasted gnomes arch t' fix an' we could use all the help we can get."

*[*5:36 PM*]*DM*:*She slowly sits up, more fully waking, and fights back a yawn. "I'm not sure how much help I would be, but... as long as you don't think it would cause too much tension in the group?"

*[*5:39 PM*]*Urrak D'Akshi*:*Urrak looks to the sheets a moment and bites her lip. "Ry and I...had a talk last night. I-It went well all things considered..." she rubs her face "At th' very least, everyone'll be civil an'....everyone'll know about..." she makes a motion, waving her finger between the two of them. "So...hopefully it'll be alright." she cups Malica's face with an outstretched hand "But...if yer ever uncomfortable please...tell me."

*[*5:41 PM*]*DM*:*She leans into your hand. "I will."

*[*5:44 PM*]*Urrak D'Akshi*:*Urrak breathes a sigh of relief. She leans in, keeping her hand on Malica's cheek and kisses her "Excellent." She gets up and begins to don her studded leather armor. With a swift motion she picks up the discarded Mariner's Plate. "They're probably waitin'...take yer time." she leaves the room and heads downstairs.

~~

[6:05 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh claps a hand on Urrak's back, "you're a step behind on this one, huh?"

[6:06 PM] Urrak D'Akshi: She chuckles awkwardly "Uh, aye, suppose I am.  Been....preoccupied."(edited)

[6:06 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh mutters, "I'll say you've been."

[6:06 PM] Ravaphine: "Urrak's been a little distracted"

[6:07 PM] DM: ~~The distraction~~ Malica comes down the stairs, choice pieces of leather covering her clothes, her old rapier at her hip, and a lute on a strap over her shoulder.

~~~

[6:11 PM] Urrak D'Akshi: Urrak motions for Malica to stand near her.

[6:12 PM] DM: Malica does come over close to Urrak and breaks off a bit of the banana bread to nibble on.

[6:14 PM] Urrak D'Akshi: Urrak places a hand on her back and smiles at her "Since ye were gone, Gunnloda, y'missed some interestin' news..." she looks down at Malica, her eyes asking for permission to continue

[6:14 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh whispers to Urrak, "she already knows."

[6:15 PM] Seirixori: "Uh..." Seir coughs. "I might have..."

[6:15 PM] Seirixori: "Said very many things in a very small amount of time."

[6:15 PM] Urrak D'Akshi: "A-ah...great."

[6:15 PM] Urrak D'Akshi: "Glad we're all on the same page then..."

[6:16 PM] DM: Gunnloda leans over to look past everyone at Malica and gives her a smile.

[6:18 PM] Ravaphine: "So how do we proceed from here? How are things over at the Moonstream's?"

[6:16 PM] Seirixori: "Wait... did you... hear everything I said?" Seir asks Ryleigh.

[6:17 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh pats Seir's arm knowingly and smiles.

[6:18 PM] Seirixori: Seir just groans and covers her face.

[6:19 PM] Urrak D'Akshi: Urrak turns to Ryleigh "Does she know...?" she stops herself, unable to complete her sentence. "About uuuh..."(edited)

[6:24 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh shakes her head 'no' at Urrak, "everyone showed up before I had a chance to speak with her."(edited)

[6:26 PM] Urrak D'Akshi: "E-excellent..." she's sweating a bit "Jus'...I'm sure this doesn't matter t' most of ye but fer the sake bein' transparent fer once in my life...Malica and I are, involved at the moment and I would ask everyone here t' be....civil about it."  she coughs awkwardly and looks away

[6:27 PM] Urrak D'Akshi: She turns to Rav "Sorry fer...burdenin' ye fer a spell Rav. And tryin' t' lie t' ye..."(edited)

[6:27 PM] Ryleigh: Ryleigh tries to cover her laughter at Urrak's awkwardness by taking a drink and instead chokes on some water.

[6:28 PM] Urrak D'Akshi: Urrak shoots her a look, but smiles as well

[6:29 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: "Fair morning, friends!"

[6:28 PM] Seirixori: "And you were all mad at me for not saying things." Seir grumbles around a mouth full of pie

[6:30 PM] Ravaphine: "You almost got us all thrown into jail, Seir" Rav jokes

[6:30 PM] Ryleigh: "Urrak's mistakes only affect her, yours affected all of us." Ryleigh says to Seir..

[6:30 PM] DM: Malica focuses hard on her banana bread.

~~~

[6:50 PM] Urrak D'Akshi: She places a hand on Malica's shoulder and squeezes a bit "What matters right now is fixin' that arch, and keepin' a low profile. We've no idea what the spellguard intend t' do now that they're here."

~~~~~~

[6:56 PM] Urrak D'Akshi: "Sooner we fix that arch, sooner we get the Moonstreams off our backs, and we can...get back t' our lives." She knits her brows and looks to the floor a moment, focusing on a knot in the wood floor for a moment.

[6:58 PM] Ravaphine: "Yeah back to our...lives" Rav says sadly

[6:58 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: "What? Why does everyone look so sad all of a sudden?"

[6:59 PM] Kyris - Brimeia: "You alright there, Ravaphine?"

[6:59 PM] Ravaphine: "I'll be okay. We have a lot of work to do!

[7:01 PM] Urrak D'Akshi: "A-aye. Much t' do." She tries to not catch Malica's gaze. "So much." she pauses a moment and smiles at Brimea, though upon close inspection you can tell it isn't 100% genuine "So, how was it? Being home for so long?"

~~~

*[*8:04 PM*]* Urrak D'Akshi*:* Urrak shakes her head "I...what in the world? I...how did I...?"(edited)

*[*8:04 PM*]* Nolanos*:* "I hate being charmed. This is ridiculous."

*[*8:05 PM*]* Nolanos*:* Nolanos is trying to keep his blood from boiling by taking deep breaths.(edited)

*[*8:05 PM*]* Urrak D'Akshi*:* Urrak's demeanor darkens "That pointy eared, red robed son of a bitch..."(edited)

*[*8:06 PM*]* Ryleigh*:* Ryleigh leaves the others and enters the grove. You all might hear her swearing and hacking at one the trees.

*[*8:07 PM*]* Urrak D'Akshi*:* Urrak wipes a bit of sweat from her brow "I....really should keep my mouth shut" she mumbles to herself

*[*8:07 PM*]* Urrak D'Akshi*:* She follows Ryleigh

*[*8:05 PM*]* DM*:* Malica bites her lip, then comes over to Nolanos. "I'm... sorry about that, by the way. I was scared."

*[*8:06 PM*]* Nolanos*:* "What do you mean? That was Cyan, not you."

*[*8:06 PM*]* DM*:* She leans in to whisper, aware of the ears nearby, "I am Cyan."

*[*8:07 PM*]* Nolanos*:* "I.. oh. Hi."

*[*8:09 PM*]* Nolanos*:* "Well if it makes you feel better, i wasn't referring to you, but to Poni. When you charmed me, I knew it was probably for a good reason, so I didn't say anything."

*[*8:09 PM*]* Nolanos*:* "Also, how are you... you know... uh... you?"

*[*8:12 PM*]* DM*:* She shrugs. "You missed the announcement yesterday." She whispers again, "I'm a changeling." Then she looks around and sees Urrak walking away and starts moving that way, but looking at Nolanos.

*[*8:14 PM*]* Nolanos*:* "Ohh. Ok. That makes sense, actually. The things you miss when you go off alone, right?"

*[*8:16 PM*]* DM*:* Malica: "I just ask that you please not let anyone else know, outside this group. The guards especially."

*[*8:16 PM*]* Nolanos*:* "Of course. I know a thing or two about having to hide a secret. Yours is safe with me."

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

*[*12:24 AM*]* Urrak D'Akshi*:* She straightens up and looks around "Has...has anyone seen...?" she turns and walks briskly back to the Cask yelling behind her "I'll be right back! S-sorry."(edited)

*[*12:25 AM*]* Ryleigh*:* "Malica." Ryleigh says with a grin, "that girl has got it bad. Well, I'm going to head back to Poni's...see if I can't convince these people to let us help.

*[*9:50 AM*]* DM*:* You're headed back to the Cask. Your knuckles kinda hurt. That paladin has a hard head.

*[*9:50 AM*]* Urrak D'Akshi*:* Urrak shakes her hand as she enters the Cask. Who knew a human could be so sturdy? She looks around for Malica.(edited)

*[*9:51 AM*]* DM*:* You don't see her.

*[*9:53 AM*]* Urrak D'Akshi*:* Urrak heads upstairs, her heart in her stomach. Even the squeak of the stairs sound as if they're mocking her. Slowly she approaches Malica's door. She knocks with her right hand but flinches as pain shoots through it. She switches to her left "...Mal."

*[*9:53 AM*]* DM*:* There's no answer.

*[*9:54 AM*]* Urrak D'Akshi*:* She rests her head on the door with a sigh "Malica...please let me in...."

*[*9:54 AM*]* DM*:* No answer.

*[*9:56 AM*]* Urrak D'Akshi*:* She closes her eyes tight, focusing on her breathing. She brings a hand to the door again, but instead of knocking, she just rests it on the worn wood. "Malica please I...*I messed up* I'm...so sorry...just...please, can we talk...?"

*[*9:58 AM*]* DM*:* A door behind you opens. "I... had to know you weren't mad at me."

*[*10:00 AM*]* Urrak D'Akshi*:* Urrak lifts her head and turns around surprised "I...no...Gods no I'm not mad at ye..." she places a hand on her chest, over the small silver dagger in her swordbelt "No I...if there's anyone I'm mad at it's me. I...I lost control back there...I haven't done that since...Can I come in?" her face is like that of a kicked dog "Please?"

*[*10:02 AM*]* DM*:* She gestures back to the room she's been staying in, then reaches over and grabs her bag from the room she was waiting in. "This one's... someone else's."

*[*10:03 AM*]* Urrak D'Akshi*:* Urrak chuckles a bit, half-heartedly "Ah, I see..." she follows Malica into her usual room.

*[*10:05 AM*]* DM*:* She steps inside, but stays at the door, dropping her bag outside in the hall before shutting it.(edited)

*[*10:06 AM*]* Urrak D'Akshi*:* "Mal..." Urrak looks at her, confused and concerned a moment. She takes her belts off, tosses the weapons to the side, "I...I'm not gonna hurt you Mal. Please, I just want t' talk...It's probably too much t' ask right now but...will ye trust me?"

*[*10:12 AM*]* DM*:* She looks up at you, mentally sorting thoughts. "What was-- was it about me?"

*[*10:18 AM*]* Urrak D'Akshi*:* She approaches slowly, cautiously. She places her hands on her shoulders "Mal...it...wasn't all about you, not at all. Certainly our *situation* makes things a bit trickier but, no, Mal, it wasn't about you. I...I'm just." she drops her hands and looks away, unable to meet her gaze for very long "Ry hit a real sore spot. I've...I've always messed things up. Whether it's me bein' drunk and disorderly or, not bein'....not bein' *strong* enough to really defend th' people I care about, I...I fuck up more than I succeed I guess." she hangs her head "I put ye in danger cuz I can't control me damn self. Some protector I am...Y'deserve so much better th'n me."(edited)

*[*10:23 AM*]* DM*:* She looks down and fiddles with a fingernail. "You've never been anything but gentle with me. Well... except--" she tilts her head playfully, referencing to the previous night. "I panicked, but... you haven't done anything to put me in danger."(edited)

*[*10:25 AM*]* Urrak D'Akshi*:* Urrak blushes, remembering "I just...I want y' t' be part of this group...t' feel safe. I want...I want y' t' stay here, with me." She rubs her neck nervously "At least...fer as long as you'll have me."(edited)

*[*10:26 AM*]* DM*:* She kind of laughs. "That's my line."

*[*10:28 AM*]* Urrak D'Akshi*:* Urrak takes her face in her hands and places a cautious kiss on her lips "All things considered...we're probably horrible fer each other but...fer a time...I feel that we can at least...be horrible t'gether." she cracks a crooked smile, hoping her joke lands softly. "I'm so sorry Mal. I'm...just so fuckin' sorry."

*[*10:32 AM*]* DM*:* She puts a hand over yours. "Just... please don't put me in a position where I have to choose between you and my own safety. I'd like to keep thinking of you *as* my safety."

*[*10:36 AM*]* Urrak D'Akshi*:* She swallows back tears "I promise Mal...Mad Gruumsh strike me down right 'ere if I'm lyin'." she kisses her again "I promise. Never again..." She takes a few deep breaths and stoops to wrap her in her arms.

*[*10:39 AM*]* DM*:* She puts her arms around you and buries her face in your neck. "I know. You... you should probably fix it with them. I'll be here when you come back tonight."

*[*10:44 AM*]* Urrak D'Akshi*:* Urrak pulls back a bit "Well...after ye left we did..." she smiles "I'm...lucky t' be a part of a real forgivin' bunch." she exhales through her nose "Though I'm sure this morning's show didn't inspire much confidence in me from them. I dug m'self quite deep I'm afraid." she bites her lip "All I can do is...be better. Not jus' fer them or even you but...fer m'self as well."

*[*10:48 AM*]* DM*:* She smiles and puts a hand on your chest. "I told you... you're a good person. You just have to remember that. Remember what you told me when you were looking for Cyan. You're not some wild brute who swings her fists around to get her way." She tilts her head and adds, "but between you and me, sometimes that is a good strategy."

*[*10:50 AM*]* Urrak D'Akshi*:* Urrak takes her hand and brings it to her lips "Thank ye fer believin' in me, Mal. Not many have." a small smile creeps onto her face.

*[*10:52 AM*]* DM*:* She mirrors your smile. "Same to you, you know? Nobody's ever fought this hard to keep me around after..."

*[*10:54 AM*]* Urrak D'Akshi*:* Urrak squeezes her hand "Most folks can't see past t' tip o' their noses...they don' realize what they could b' missin'." she shrugs playfully "Their loss."(edited)

*[*10:56 AM*]* DM*:* She smiles and kisses your hand. "Thank you. Now go... I have plans for you later. I'll be here waiting for as long as you keep coming back to me.

*[*10:57 AM*]* Urrak D'Akshi*:* Urrak face flushes "Y'don't have t' tell me twice."

## Session 36

*[*6:40 PM*]*Urrak D'Akshi*:*Urrak makes it to the top of the stairs and knocks on Malica's door.

*[*6:41 PM*]*DM*:*It opens, a crack then all the way once she sees who it is.

*[*6:43 PM*]*Urrak D'Akshi*:*Urrak steps inside. "I've some news. Seems we're heading to Riverrun. T'help Lady Cae...I'm not sure how long we'll be but, considerin' the full moon's in just a few days...not longer than that. Would you feel safer here or...with us?" her stance seems awkward, as if she's unsure if this proper for their arrangement.

*[*6:46 PM*]*DM*:*She thinks for a moment. "I think... I've been too much of a distraction and a wrench in the group lately. I wouldn't want to make more trouble. I should be able to stay out of everyone's way here."

*[*6:50 PM*]*Urrak D'Akshi*:*Urrak sighs, and holds her wrists behind her back "I...truly hate t' hear y' say that but...if ye think you'll be alright here, well, I suppose you'd know better'n me." she mutters something in orcish, all harsh rasps and consonants, "I...never mind. Please just...be safe." she takes Malica's hands in her own and gives them a light squeeze. "...Fer me."

*[*6:54 PM*]*DM*:*She leans up on her toes to kiss you. "I'll be fine, and I'll be waiting. Maybe... maybe things will settle down so I can join you next time."

*[*6:56 PM*]*Urrak D'Akshi*:*Urrak's icy demeanor melts a bit "I hope so...truly I do." she takes a breath, not wanting to leave again, but soon turns and walks towards the door. She pauses at the handle a moment. "I...When I get back, I've...some things I need t' ask ye about."

*[*6:58 PM*]*DM*:*Her brow furrows a little and she reaches out to touch your arm. "Wait... is... something wrong? If it's important to you that I come..."

*[*7:00 PM*]*Urrak D'Akshi*:*She turns back around "No, no, I...There's just somethin' that's been stickin' in my head for a spell. I...I just don't know that this is the best time t'get into it all..." she places a hand on her shoulder, near her neck. Her thumb brushes her pulse point. "It...involves Ancy."

*[*7:01 PM*]*DM*:*"O-oh, ok. Of course. Whatever you need."

*[*7:10 PM*]*Urrak D'Akshi*:*Urrak rubs her face, pausing mid way with her palm over her eyes. She turns away "I...*fuckin*...What I *need* is the whole story. There's one bit y've left...quite vague." She folds her arms and shakes her head. "The others...they're right about this all bein' a distraction but...I just want t' know if these feelin's are because I truly care about ye, or if I'm just...usin' ye like a bandage. I want t' believe my own lie that yer a good person, but...I know there's certain things yer still keepin' from me." She mutters more words in her native tongue, her tone exasperated. "But I...I shouldn't have brought this all up now, it's....*gods what else can I fuck up t'day*...I should go."(edited)

*[*7:13 PM*]*DM*:*Her face pales a little and her eyes water, but she just bites her lip. She says in a near-whisper. "I'm sorry."

*[*7:14 PM*]*Urrak D'Akshi*:*She whips back around "Fer...fer what, Mal?" she looks concerned, but makes no move to touch her just yet

*[*7:18 PM*]*DM*:*"Everything? I-- whatever's got you worried about me. I must have done something. For not being as clear as you needed me to be." Tears drip from her eyes down her cheeks. "I'll go with you if you want me to. I'll tell you anything. Everything. Just... please don't hate me."

*[*7:28 PM*]*Urrak D'Akshi*:*Urrak takes Malica's face in her hands "Mal. I...I don't hate ye. Truly, I don't." she wipes a few tears away with her thumb "I'm not yer *keeper* , or yer *master* or yer *jailer*. I'm not here t' make y' do *anything*I...I just." She drops her face and paces a bit "I just want t' know the truth." in a near whisper she continues "*However difficult that may be for ye.*" she turns back to her, "Y'haven't done anythin' t' me...at least as far as I'm aware. This whole thing just brings up...so many old ghosts. I just....for my sake, need t' know. What did you do t'make her leave so suddenly? She--Ancy wasn't th' type t' be so put off by such *advances*." she places her forehead in a hand "*this is all so...*" she stops herself and tries to slow her heart down. Her anxiety is plain on her features.(edited)

*[*7:32 PM*]*DM*:*She sniffles and holds her elbow with her other hand. "She..." She clears her throat. "She told me she was in love with a half-orc... so I became one."

*[*7:37 PM*]*Urrak D'Akshi*:*Urrak's skin feels as if it's on fire as she hears her speak, a whirlwind of emotions raging through her head. She backs away a bit, unsure of just what she might do. She opens her mouth to speak, but no words come out. Soon, she reaches a wall, and slides down it, a hand over her mouth, her frantic thought etched on her face. "A...half-orc" is all she manages to squeak out.

*[*7:41 PM*]*DM*:*"I thought--" She closes her eyes and shakes her head. "I don't know what I thought. That I could just... be you for her. I don't know why I thought it might work. What I expected to happen. I didn't even know what you looked like. I just used a--" she huffs. "I don't know if it was who I was or *what* I was, but she said she didn't want to see me again, as anyone, and she left."

*[*7:45 PM*]*Urrak D'Akshi*:*The sound of her own heartbeat is deafening as she looks to the floor, unable to look at Malica. She tries to take a few deep breaths but comes up short. "I..." after a few moments, she starts to stand, "I don't...I-I don't" she looks down and closes her eyes tight "I don't know what t'even begin t' say t' ye..."

*[*7:56 PM*]*Urrak D'Akshi*:*A few tears well up in her eyes but don't fall "I really don't know ye at all, do I?" she cracks a small smile, one side pulling her lips higher than the other. "What is this...what did ye--what I did I start here...?" her voice quivers, near breaking. She laughs wetly into her hand, tears falling freely now "All this...and I still...gods I...I still...I want ye t'stay. I truly am a fuck up. No mistakin' it now...."

[7:52 PM] Seirixori: Seir, not bothering to get up, yells towards the stairs, using the stupidly loud thaumaturgy yell, "Urrak! If you don't want our lovely company up the stairs, please hurry your ass up and get down here!"

she hears Seir's yelling from downstairs an orcish swear. "Guess that's my cue...."

*[*7:58 PM*]*DM*:*She nods and backs away into the corner so you don't have to pass by her, still hugging herself and not bothering to wipe her tears away.

*[*7:59 PM*]*Urrak D'Akshi*:*"Mal...please. Be here when I come back." she musters the courage to look her in the eye "*Please.*" she quietly exits the room.

*[*8:00 PM*]*Urrak D'Akshi*:*Urrak walks down the stairs and takes a seat at the bar, silently.

*[*8:01 PM*]*Kyris - Brimeia*:*"So good of you to join us, Urrak. Been busy?" Brimeia barely contains another laugh

*[*8:02 PM*]*Seirixori*:*Seir throws a piece of food at Brimeia, "Honestly."

*[*8:03 PM*]*Urrak D'Akshi*:*Urrak says nothing to Brimea. She seems lost in thought

*[*8:03 PM*]*Kyris - Brimeia*:*"What?" Brimeia just shrugs. "It's a fair question isn't it?"

*[*10:22 PM*]*Urrak D'Akshi*:*Urrak begins to sweat a bit "So when I first asked Mal about how she knew Ancy, she mentioned she "messed up" an' "pushed too hard" in her advances towards 'er." She bites her lip "I always found that so odd cuz, I remember so many times a fella or a lady would come t' her an' ask her t' dance or buy'er a drink or, in some cases straight up ask 'er t' sleep with 'em an' she never really reacted. It was always a 'thanks, no thanks' kinda deal. Like it was a compliment..."

*[*10:23 PM*]*Ryleigh*:*Ryleigh smiles knowingly at that, but nods her head for Urrak to continue.

*[*10:25 PM*]*Urrak D'Akshi*:*"An' it's jus' been real stuck in my mind these past couple days...and well, t'day as I was tellin' her about this trip I...well I suppose I just couldn't keep it in anymore. So I asked her what she meant." her eyes fall to the ground ahead of her, "Well...apparently when Ancy told her about me she decided t'...*become* me. Cept, she didn't know what I looked like so..." she stops, unsure how to finish(edited)

*[*10:28 PM*]*Urrak D'Akshi*:*"It just...really took me aback. But...there's still somethin' in me that wants her around. I can't help but feel I'm...usin' her." her face goes a little pale "I...guess I never thought m'self the type..."

*[*10:31 PM*]*Ryleigh*:*Ryleigh stays quiet for a little bit, thinking about how to answer, "why do you feel like you're using her?"

*[*10:37 PM*]*Urrak D'Akshi*:*"I...got so involved with her, an' so quickly...only after learnin' about how she knew where Ancy is...or *was* I suppose. I tried t' keep it all in, even tried t' encourage Rav t' talk to her but...I knew I wanted her for my own. She...makes me feel like I'm useful, *needed*. She encourages me t' take all that I could want from 'er an' just...leave her one day. She says she knows she's temporary...like it's jus' a fact. So it ends up bein' this...real odd arrangement that I'm sure is bound t' bite me one day. Y'don't trust 'er already, but, I'm startin' t' falter. It all just seems...too clean."

*[*10:43 PM*]*Ryleigh*:*"I don't have the answers for you, and I'm sure that's shocking because everyone here seems to believe I have all the answers." Ryleigh looks back towards the group and sighs, "I don't trust her, but that's because I understand what its like to keep secrets, to keep part of yourself locked away, it's because she and I...we're alike in many ways." Ryleigh looks at Urrak, "You can always speak to her more when we return."

*[*10:44 PM*]*Urrak D'Akshi*:*Urrak nods, glumly. "I just...hope she's still there when we do." Urrak slows her pace, allowing the others to catch up

*[*10:46 PM*]*Ryleigh*:*Ryleigh reaches out to touch Urrak but withdraws her hand before it can touch, "if she isn't, it's not because of you...its because she chose to leave. And Urrak.." She looks for your eyes, "it won't be your fault, that's on her."(edited)

*[*10:49 PM*]*Urrak D'Akshi*:*"Ryleigh..." she stops a moment, a sad smile on her face. She leans in a bit closer and says "*If ye wanted t' hold my hand, y'could just ask*." her smile widens as she finishes her joke, her eyes a bit watery, until she's chuckling at it herself. After a minute, she places a hand on the Asten's pauldron. "But, seriously...thanks."

*[*10:52 PM*]*Ryleigh*:*Ryleigh laughs lightly and tries to get Urrak into a playful headlock and yells out, "You'd know if I wanted to hold your hand, Orc!" But she smiles regardless and whispers, "anytime."

*[*10:54 PM*]*Urrak D'Akshi*:*For the first time in quite some time Urrak let's out a genuine belly laugh as she wriggles free. "Yer a mad, one Ry" she claps her on the back as the party finally catches up.

## Session 37

*[*7:52 PM*]*Ryleigh*:*She walks over to the group and whispers, "what does everyone want to research, it might obscure our werewolf research."

*[*7:52 PM*]*Urrak D'Akshi*:*Urrak whispers "...Th' Gray. V-vampires." she crosses her arms

*[*7:53 PM*]*Ryleigh*:*Ryleigh looks at Urrak with some emotion behind her eyes but nods, "ok, vampires and the gray. what else?"

*[*8:20 PM*]*Urrak D'Akshi*:*Urrak slips the dagger back in its loop and mutters something that sounds like a prayer as she turns. She approaches Ryleigh and the stack of books. A slightly shaky hand rests on the tome about Vampires. "Gods help me." she says under her breath. Her faith has been shaky for years but this one time, she'll accept all the help she can get.

DM*:*Vampires:

*[*8:54 PM*]*DM*:*Vampires are intelligent undead creatures with supernatural powers and a wide range of diversity. Some are spellcasters, others combatants, some are very powerful, others on the low end, but all share some specific traits. They are all capable of killing the average humanoid. They are all undead. All vampires also have some sort of link to their burial sites. They cannot enter a residence without invitation and are harmed by running water, a wooden stake to the heart, or direct sunlight. They are able to drain the life of living creatures by drinking their blood and use it to heal their own wounds. They do not have shadows or reflections and hunger for blood and the lives they lost. Vampires are created as spawn, the least powerful of the vampires.They are capable of regenerating health and climbing on walls and ceilings like a spider. Spawn follow the vampire that created them faithfully, though if they are turned into true vampires, they lose this loyalty. They are also freed of the compulsion to follow if their creator is killed.

*[*8:32 PM*]*Urrak D'Akshi*:*Urrak pours over the pages of her tome. Her face is a mix of concern and slight terror. She sits away from the group, her head resting in one of her hands as she turns the pages.

*[*8:39 PM*]*Urrak D'Akshi*:*Urrak closes her book louder than expected, gripping it tight as she walks back towards the rest of the group. She places it down on the pile. She's quiet, thoughtful, but a small bit of her feels lighter, knowing what she knows now. "Suppose it was a good thing I came 'ere with ye." She looks to Ryleigh, a hint of sadness behind her eyes.

*[*8:41 PM*]*Ryleigh*:*Ryleigh puts a hand on Urrak's arm and offers a half smile, "we can talk about it later, if you need too."

*[*8:42 PM*]*Urrak D'Akshi*:*Urrak nods, her hand raising up to cover Ryleigh's for a moment.

## Session 38

*[*5:30 PM*]*Urrak*:*Urrak is standing near her bed, her back to the door. In her hand is the small piece of parchment on which she had written all she'd gathered about vampires. In her other hand is her swordbelt, the silver dagger taps the ground as it swings lightly back and forth.

*[*5:31 PM*]*Ryleigh*:*Ryleigh knocks on the door frame to announce her presence, "was it something I said?"

*[*5:35 PM*]*Urrak*:*Urrak looks over her shoulder "N-no, Ry. Not at all I...Fergot my belt is all...I wanted to look over these notes before we head back. I've...well I hope she's still there...I've a few questions t' ask Malica. Her an Ancy, they were studyin' this before...everything went south." She folds the paper again, and places it in a small pouch attached to the belt. She swings it over her and secures it. "There's just..too much happenin' all at once." she shakes her head as she turns around, laughing grimly. "Far too much."

*[*5:38 PM*]*Ryleigh*:*"Life doesn't wait for it to be convenient for you, that's certain." Ryleigh walks further into the room, stopping in front of Urrak, looking up at her, "how are you feeling?"

*[*5:41 PM*]*Urrak*:*"About as well as can be expected...Magic helps but nearly dyin' certainly hurts." she rubs her jaw, reaching up to gently trace the edge of her back eye with her forefinger soon after. "I'm gonna give 'er a real fright lookin' like this." She chuckles, but winces when the smile reaches her eyes. "Ach--Bri's got some heavy hands on 'er."

*[*8:22 PM*]*Urrak*:*Urrak sips on her ale, her expression changing from amusement to contemplation. She places the flagon down after a few moments. "I reckon Cae wants to get this done as soon as possible, makes things a bit less...*stressful* time wise. Speakin' of, please excuse me." Urrak walks upstairs, patting Martyn's shoulder as she passes.

*[*8:23 PM*]*Ravaphine*:*Rav chuckles. "Gotta pay her lady a visit first before setting off on another long journey"

*[*8:31 PM*]*Jonathan- Martyn Hornback*:*Martyn perks up now, "Say what? You've a partner?"

*[*8:32 PM*]*Ravaphine*:*"Urrak's got her little lady friend upstairs. got her head all messed up, but it makes her happy I guess"

*[*8:24 PM*]*Urrak*:*Urrak walks up the old stairs of the Cask slowly, her heart beating wildly in her ears. She reaches the door and pauses for what seems like days. Eventually, she raises a hand and knocks.

*[*8:26 PM*]*DM*:*There's a bit of muffled movement behind the door, then a soft, "Who is it?"

*[*8:27 PM*]*Urrak*:*"...Urrak." she begins to worry her hands together

*[*8:30 PM*]*DM*:*The door opens, but she's not visible. She's standing behind the door.

*[*8:32 PM*]*Urrak*:*Urrak walks in slowly and turns to look at her "I'm so glad yer here, Mal."

*[*8:32 PM*]*DM*:*As you step through the door, she shuts it gently. She’s standing there holding her robe closed and clearly wearing nothing else, but rather than seduction, her expression is that of shaky determination. “Please… would you sit?”

*[*8:33 PM*]*Urrak*:*Urrak's face immediately flushes. Her mind goes blank for a moment before she stutters out "S-sure." she sits as instructed and looks at her with rapt attention.(edited)

*[*8:36 PM*]*DM*:*“You—” She clears her throat. “You said you don’t know anything about me. And… it’s true. I hide everything from everyone.” She bites her lip and looks down. “I’ve never had someone who… stayed. And you didn’t just stay… you fought for me. You’ve tried so hard to make me feel safe and wanted. I…” She takes a deep breath and looks up at you with watery eyes. “I don’t want to lose that. Please… give me a chance to earn it.”

*[*8:38 PM*]*Urrak*:*Urrak swallows hard. Words seem impossible at moment, but she pushes through. "I...O-Of course Mal."

*[*8:40 PM*]*DM*:*She lets the robe fall to her feet and her form shifts. Her skin turns a bluish-grey, her limbs get longer, she grows taller, her head larger. Her hair and eyes both turn pure white, then her hair recedes and her eyes grow larger. Her nose and breasts disappear, and her lips reduce to a simple line, nothing more than a horizontal hole in her face. She lifts her chin and swallows. She says in a voice you’ve never heard, somewhere between masculine and feminine with a strange rasp, “This is me. This is… the name my mother gave me was Alovar, but I used Kethra.”

“I— I’m not a good person. I’ve done… terrible things. Not just for safety or defense but for money, for sex, for anything that would make me feel like I had a place to belong. I never thought I could have a place where I was wanted and safe without stealing it from someone else. For so long, I would do *anything* to have a place where I just… wasn’t hunted. But this… here… with you… this is so much more. And… my first instinct is to do anything to keep it, but… I know that’s not what you want. It’s why I haven’t been Cyan since our first talk. I made that mistake with Rava— Ancy. I want to do better. To *be* better. I’m learning where the boundaries are. I can’t do ‘anything’… there are lines I shouldn’t cross and I’ll probably mess up… I don’t know what the lines are because I never cared enough to learn them, but please… I don’t— I don’t want want to lose this. I don’t want to lose you.”

*[*8:44 PM*]*Urrak*:*"Mal-K-Kethra..." she looks at her new form, and realizes how alien it is from the skin she knew her in. But in another corner of her mind, she realizes how brave this is for the changeling to do. She takes a breath. "Kethra, please, come here." she reaches out a hand.

*[*8:47 PM*]*DM*:*She steps closer, almost trembling.

*[*8:47 PM*]*Urrak*:*"Please I...I'm not gonna hurt ye." she keeps her hand outstretched(edited)

*[*8:48 PM*]*DM*:*She takes another step and puts her hand in yours.

*[*8:49 PM*]*DM*:*It's really weird... her hands are so disproportionate, long and thin, and her skin feels almost paper thin and fragile.

*[*8:51 PM*]*Urrak*:*Urrak pulls her gently forward, placing her other hand on the small of her back. Feeling her skin, she makes a note to be softer. She touches her forehead to Kethra's stomach. "I...need ye. Please...stay." her voice cracks a bit as she speaks.(edited)

*[*8:59 PM*]*DM*:*There's a raspy wheezing sound and her body shakes with sobs. She chokes out a 'thank you'.

*[*9:00 PM*]*Urrak*:*Urrak holds her closer, scared to let her go again. "I...thought I'd never see ye again. That'd ye'd left...because o' me."

*[*9:01 PM*]*DM*:*"You asked me to stay."

*[*9:02 PM*]*Urrak*:*Urrak chuckles a bit through beginning tears "Aye...I did." a sob wracks through her "I'm so sorry, Mal...I"(edited)

*[*9:09 PM*]*DM*:*She goes to touch your face and falters, then shifts back to Malica. She puts her hand under your chin and nudges your face up. "You didn't do anything wrong."

*[*9:13 PM*]*Urrak*:*"Mal I..." she reaches up to grab her sides, surprised somehow by her warmth. "O-or Kethra I...I reacted in the worst way t' ye...Please just...let me apologize?" a small, sad and slightly sheepish grin worms its way onto her lips.

*[*9:15 PM*]*DM*:*She wipes at her tears and it's like it's the first time she's actually looked at you since you got back. Her expression turns to worry immediately. "What *happened* to you? Do you need healing? Was it--"

*[*9:20 PM*]*Urrak*:*"Oh n-no, i-it's fine. I'm fine." She she rubs one of the woman's sides "I...got in a fight...with Brimeia and...almost died." she tries to end the sentence in as an authoritative voice as she can muster. "But, Ryleigh healed me! I'll just...look a fright fer a little while. I hope ye don't mind." she tries to joke but feels not so great about it moments after.

*[*9:22 PM*]*DM*:*She leans down and presses a gentle kiss to one of the swollen bruises then stands abruptly. "I-- I'm sorry. Was that too much?"

*[*9:25 PM*]*Urrak*:*"It's fine." she squeaks out "Jus' a lil tender." She pulls her back for a kiss "Be gentle with me, *lover*" she rasps the last word in her gnarled elvish. She laughs at it's cheesiness and at her horrible accent.

*[*9:37 PM*]*DM*:*She smiles softly. "I just... don't know where you want the boundaries to be drawn. I wasn't sure if that was too... intimate."

*[*9:41 PM*]*Urrak*:*"Don't worry, I'll...I'll let ye know. I promise ye. An-an I won't be mad at ye if ye do cross somethin'...This is all, very new t' me an' well...I'm probably jus' as scared as you." she kisses her again. "But...Please don't worry."

*[*9:45 PM*]*DM*:*"I'll try," she laughs. "I'm sorry. I was so... I had to get it all out before I scared myself out of it. I didn't even..." She looks at your face again and runs a gentle finger around the healthy edge of your black eye.

*[*9:51 PM*]*Urrak*:*"Please don't apologize Mal, y'didn't do anythin' wrong t' me..." she reaches up and squeezes her empty earlobes absentmindedly "I'm tryin' t' be better...for everyone's sake. An...I know ye are too." she returns her hands to Malica's hips. "I'm glad you stayed...an I'm...more than honored that ye showed me the you hidden under all this." she grips her tighter for a moment but soon relaxes "I can't imagine....how terrifyin' that had t' be." She moves back on the bed and motions for her to come closer.

*[*9:52 PM*]*DM*:*She does, letting you guide her.

*[*9:54 PM*]*Urrak*:*Urrak leads her on top of her and holds her close, her face nestling in her dark hair. "I...missed you."

*[*9:59 PM*]*DM*:*She smiles again and she tries to hide her watery eyes by burying her face in your shoulder.

*[*10:01 PM*]*Urrak*:*Urrak repeats the phrase to her as she rubs her back softly, her eyes closed tight "*I missed you*, *I missed you* , *I missed you*"

*[*10:05 PM*]*DM*:*"I missed you too." It's almost a whisper, but you can't miss it as close as she is.

*[*10:11 PM*]*Urrak*:*Urrak turns them over, and buries her face in Malica's neck. She kisses there softly and allows her hands to roam. A moment later she freezes, concern playing across her features "I-I...Is this okay?"(edited)

*[*10:12 PM*]*DM*:*Malica nods. "More than."

## Session 39

*[*5:10 PM*]*Ryleigh*:*Ryleigh ascends the stairs and stops at Malica's door, she knocks.

*[*5:10 PM*]*Urrak*:*You hear a light snoring from behind the door. But no movement

*[*5:13 PM*]*Ryleigh*:*Ryleigh sighs and opens the door, "Urrak, we're meeting Lady Cae at dawn - get up." She tosses some *new* undergarments at the larger of the two sleeping figures, "and start wearing these, you look like a peasant in your usual rags."

*[*5:15 PM*]*Urrak*:*Urrak wakes with a start and tumbles off the bed, clothes in hand. When she realizes what happened, she clutches them close in an attempt to cover herself "A-Aye Lady Cae right--an' t-thanks? I'll be down in a minute..."(edited)

*[*5:17 PM*]*DM*:*Malica almost jolts awake at the sound.

*[*5:18 PM*]*Ryleigh*:*Ryleigh looks completely unperturbed by any nudity as she addresses Urrak, "Alright, meet us in the town square." She lowers her voice slightly, "I'm sorry Malica, no one answered when I knocked and we're on a time constraint."

*[*5:19 PM*]*DM*:*Malica looks confused and maybe still a little startled, but she nods, pulling the sheet up around her.

*[*5:20 PM*]*Ryleigh*:*Ryleigh leaves, closing the door behind her.

*[*5:21 PM*]*DM*:*Brimeia slips through a door nearby once Ryleigh passes, staying far enough back not to invite conversation.

*[*5:22 PM*]*Urrak*:*"Well that's a way t' wake up...Sorry, Mal." She stands and starts to pull the new tunic over her head. She follows with the breeches and frowns a bit at their color but shrugs it off. "I suppose I forgot all about Cae. She needs our help with somethin....quite serious."

*[*5:24 PM*]*DM*:*Malica: "It's ok."

*[*5:27 PM*]*Urrak*:*She begins to armor herself up, but before she puts on her chest piece , she pulls the chainmail from her bag and places it on first. She whips her sword in its belt over her shoulder and tightens it. Slowly she walks to Malica's side if the bed, and sits next to her. She leans in and presses a soft kiss to her lips. "I'd ask ye t' come, but it wouldn't be safe. I...wouldn't want t' see ye get hurt." she pauses and takes Malica's hand in both of hers and brings it to her lips. "I'll be back soon."(edited)

*[*5:29 PM*]*DM*:*She gives her a soft smile and puts her other hand up on her cheek, running over a bruise gently with her thumb. "Be careful."

*[*5:30 PM*]*Urrak*:*"I will. Promise." she moves her face to place a kiss in Malica's palm and soon makes her way to the square