Session 131

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2:03 PM] DM: Gunnloda's silenced and hurt. Seir is nearly tapped out. You've got some new information about Dawnbringer. There's open air to the west through the gap to Dawnbringer's room and a path to the north that apparently leads to a "Big Fish."

[2:06 PM] Seirixori: Seir bounces lightly on her feet, looking like she's ready to run, but whether it's to the big fish or away, is unclear. "Tell me now if we don't want to fight it."

[2:08 PM] Urrak: "I'm gonna say that'd probably be a really bad idea," Urrak folds her arms.

[2:09 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh twirls Dawnbringer and shrugs, in what's SUPPOSED to look like an uncaring gesture.

[2:11 PM] Seirixori: Seir only lightly stops bouncing, but still moves a little, "A bad idea... to not fight it... or a bad idea to fight it? I'm confused."

[2:12 PM] Urrak: "A bad idea t' fight it."

[2:12 PM] Gayle Silbando: "We've had worse ideas," Gayle also shrugs. "And we've fought bigger things. But what will we gain if we fight it?"

[2:13 PM] Urrak: "We gain a magic item I'm guessin'. One o' th' four. But with Gunnloda as she is now, we're real knee-capped here."

[2:13 PM] DM: She shrugs apologetically.

[2:13 PM] Seirixori: "I can take care of it... probably. The fish. It's already a little hurt. ...I hope." She says the last part very quietly and mostly to herself.

[2:14 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh scoffs at Urrak's comment, but adds, "What do we gain? The sooner we kill what's down here the sooner we can go home."

[2:14 PM] Brimeia: "Do we think we need to? Fight it, I mean?"

2:16 PM] Seirixori: "Yes," is all Seir says, already bending down to get a look through the tunnel, one hand on the wolf still there.

[2:19 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I vote we fight," Ryleigh says, her tone sharper than usual.

[2:20 PM] Urrak: Urrak furrows her brow at Ryleigh's response, but doesn't say anything other than "Alright."

[2:20 PM] Gayle Silbando: ((Do we know if it is crystalized?))

[2:21 PM] Brimeia: A frown flickers across Bri's face at Ryleigh's tone, but she just shrugs. "I've got nothing against a good fight. Anything else you can tell us, Seirixori?"

[2:21 PM] DM: All Seir heard is "Big fish."

[2:23 PM] Seirixori: Seir glances quickly at Ryleigh,her eyes narrowing slightly, but she then shifts her focus to Brimeia, "No." She starts to head into the tunnel, having the wolf go in front of her.

[2:23 PM] Gayle Silbando: Gayle follows Seir. "Good chance that this thing is shrowded in our favorite sharp substance. Do we just want to attack it from a distance if possible?"

[2:24 PM] DM: The wolf can more or less walk with its head down under the overhang, but Seir does need to duck walk or crawl. There's only about three feet of height between the floor and the overhang.

[2:24 PM] Seirixori: She crawls while answering Gayle, "Preferably, if it's deep in water, it won't be easy otherwise."

[2:24 PM] DM: Luckily, the cramped space is only about 15' long before she can stand again.

[2:25 PM] Brimeia: Bri shuffles a bit faster to catch up to Seir and Gayle, remembering that she's supposed to go first and hoping whatever the big fish is, doesn't attack them immediately after crawling through.

[2:25 PM] Urrak: Urrak follows the others, "Sounds promising..."

[2:25 PM] DM: Is anyone not following?

[2:26 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: ((Ry follows))

[2:26 PM] DM: Perception checks then, please.

[2:26 PM] Gayle Silbando: ((Dirty 20))

[2:26 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: ((15))

[2:27 PM] Seirixori: ((11))

[2:27 PM] Urrak: ((18))

[2:28 PM] Brimeia: ((nat 1))

[2:30 PM] Gayle Silbando: "Everyone shh," Gayle whispers. "Something's up ahead."

[2:31 PM] Gayle Silbando: She casts message to Seir at the front. "More crystals."

[2:31 PM] DM: Map change.

[2:32 PM] Seirixori: Seir nods, "Go." She whispers to the wolf, letting it get a good 15 feet ahead before following it.

[2:33 PM] DM: As those of you in the front start to find the corner and peek around, in the glow of more crystals you see a giant, crystallized shark. It's on land and flopping a bit like it can't quite move like it wants to, but its teeth look no less dangerous. The wolf steps out and growls at it.

[2:35 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "The plan?" Ryleigh asks Seir, drawing Dawnbringer and her shield.

[2:35 PM] DM: Gunnloda draws her shield and hammer.

[2:36 PM] Seirixori: Seir frowns and looks a little upset, but she shakes her head, trying to shake away the feeling. "I was... going to surround it, but... it just kind of looks like an easy target. Maybe just ranged attacks? So no one gets too close to the crystals or those teeth."

[2:39 PM] Brimeia: Bri is puzzled by Seir's description but nods, ready to attack, one hand on a javelin and the other ready to fire off a spell if needed.

[2:39 PM] Gayle Silbando: "Knowing our luck, this fucker is going to have a lazer coming out of it's mouth or something."

[2:39 PM] Urrak: Urrak stifles a laugh

[2:39 PM] Brimeia: Bri chuckles but keeps it quiet.

[2:40 PM] Gayle Silbando: ((how big is it? dimension wise))

[2:41 PM] Seirixori: "Try and go left, see if there's anything else." She says to the wolf. Seir shakes her head and instead of saying anything else, casts Moonbeam from where she is on the shark.

[2:41 PM] DM: Ok, let's roll initiative then.

[2:41 PM] Urrak: ((18))

[2:42 PM] Gayle Silbando: ((6))

[2:42 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh nods at Seir's plan. ((20))

[2:42 PM] Brimeia: ((5))

[2:42 PM] Seirixori: ((2... can I still roll the damage on moonbeam lol))

[2:43 PM] DM: Yes.

[2:43 PM] Seirixori: ((10 radiant damage, pending con save))

[2:44 PM] DM: DC?

[2:45 PM] Seirixori: 15

[2:45 PM] DM: It takes full damage. @Ryleigh Alastair  ( @Urrak is next)

[2:46 PM] DM: The shark flounders a bit as the magic fries it.

[2:48 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh is going to move forward and ready an action with Dawnbringer if something attacks her or tries to move past her. ((end turn))

[2:49 PM] DM: Ok. @Urrak

[2:50 PM] Urrak: Urrak will move forward to get a good look at the shark.  She'll also ready an action in case she's attacked

[2:51 PM] DM: Go ahead and move as far as you want to go. You can also click your token and use arrow keys to move

2:52 PM] Urrak: ((ok. end))

[2:52 PM] DM: The shark will flounder and flop and move a whole lot, but only actually get 5' closer.

[2:53 PM] DM: The wolf was told to "go." Does that mean attack?

[2:54 PM] Seirixori: ((No, I mentioned in my moonbeam thing for it to go left to scout.))

[2:57 PM] DM: Gunnloda also steps forward, action readied to bring the hammer.

[2:58 PM] DM: @Gayle Silbando

[3:00 PM] DM: @Gayle Silbando ?

[3:02 PM] Seirixori: ((oh hey it started it's turn in the moonbeam, yeah?))

[3:02 PM] DM: Yes.

[3:02 PM] Seirixori: ((I mean I can remember next time and not do it this time lol))

[3:02 PM] DM: Go ahead.

[3:02 PM] Gayle Silbando: ((Where did the wolf go))

[3:03 PM] DM: Disappeared.

[3:03 PM] Seirixori: ((15))

[3:03 PM] DM: It takes half, so 7.

[3:04 PM] Gayle Silbando: Gayle is going to cast fireball behind the shark. ((24D; 16DC Dex save))

[3:05 PM] DM: Go ahead and place it where you want it.

[3:07 PM] Gayle Silbando: ((That's good))

[3:07 PM] DM: It fails its save, but chooses to reflect the damage, taking only half.

[3:09 PM] DM: @Brimeia

[3:11 PM] DM: @Brimeia

[3:11 PM] Brimeia: ((yeah sorry i was just chekcing the map. Do i have line of sight?))

[3:13 PM] DM: If you can see it with Dynamic Lighting on, then yes.

[3:13 PM] DM: Though from here, it would have some cover, so I'll say a  +2 AC

[3:13 PM] Brimeia: ((oh, do i need to move closer or just more in a straight line from it?))

[3:14 PM] DM: Either. Right now there are two corners between you.

[3:15 PM] Brimeia: ((ok, how's that?))

[3:15 PM] DM: Go ahead.

[3:15 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia raises her hand and shoots out an Eldritch blast.

[3:15 PM] Brimeia: ((19a, 5d))

[3:16 PM] DM: Javelin?

[3:16 PM] Brimeia: ((ooh do i get to do both?))

[3:17 PM] DM: Oh, I didn't see that you'd said Eldritch Blast. I think that message came in late or something. You should get two beams now, though. So roll the other too.

[3:18 PM] Brimeia: ((12a, 7d))

[3:19 PM] DM: The first blast smacks into its side, but the other glances harmlessly off one of the crystal faces.

[3:20 PM] DM: Crystal tendrils lash out towards the three in the tunnel opening, but all three miss as one of the massive clusters of crystals reveals itself as another roper.

[3:20 PM] DM: @Seirixori

[3:22 PM] Seirixori: Seir seeing the tendrils steps over behind Gunnloda so she gets a better look. "Fuck," she whispers and then slams the staff into the ground. A wall of thorns circles around the roper.

[3:24 PM] Seirixori: ((33dmg- need DC15 dex save))

[3:24 PM] DM: It certainly failed with a... zero.

[3:25 PM] DM: End turn?

[3:25 PM] Seirixori: She casts Shillelagh on her staff, just in case. ((end))

[3:26 PM] DM: @Ryleigh Alastair

[3:26 PM] DM: ( @Urrak up next)

[3:30 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh looks conflicted once the Roper reveals itself, then says, "Retreat! we can come back when we've rested." She withdraws a few spaces back to wait for the others.

[3:30 PM] DM: @Urrak !

[3:33 PM] Urrak: Urrak looks conflicted as she holds her sword at the ready, but sheathes it and steps back to where Ryleigh is

[3:33 PM] DM: Moonbeam damage?

[3:33 PM] DM: The shark flops its way 5' closer.

3:34 PM] Seirixori: ((18))

[3:34 PM] DM: Full damage! It's got a couple chunks missing out of the crystallized skin.

[3:35 PM] DM: Gunnloda doesn't want to leave Seir there in the mouth, so she readies a Dash action to move if Seir moves.

[3:35 PM] DM: @Gayle Silbando

[3:36 PM] Gayle Silbando: Gayle is going to toss a firebolt at the shark and retreat as well.  ((17a, 7d))

[3:37 PM] DM: That'll hit.

[3:38 PM] DM: As Gayle moves away, the ground beneath where she was standing starts to tremble and a crystal monster climbs through the stone floor and stands before Seir and Bri. It makes a slam attack at each.

[3:39 PM] DM: It hits Bri for 13 and barely misses Seir.

[3:39 PM] DM: @Brimeia

[3:44 PM] Brimeia: Bri rages and smacks the crystal thing that popped out of nowhere.

[3:45 PM] Brimeia: ((26a, 9d; 22a, 17d))

[3:45 PM] Brimeia: "Run!" she shouts to everyone.

[3:46 PM] DM: Two good hits! Bits of crystal go tinkling off the walls after Bri cleaves them from its body.

[3:47 PM] DM: The roper will... stay absolutely still because it does not want to get poked.

[3:47 PM] DM: @Seirixori

[3:47 PM] Seirixori: ((but it still does cuz it ended it's turn there))

[3:48 PM] Seirixori: ((or am i misreading lol))

[3:48 PM] DM: Oh, no, I suppose so.

[3:48 PM] DM: I thought only if it was in the wall, not if it was in the center.

[3:50 PM] Seirixori: Seir literally yells, "Where did you even come from!?" Moves her moonbeam back on top of the shark and will take that lovely aoo as she moves. ((40 on the wall of thorns if it does take it lol))

[3:50 PM] DM: Whether it succeeds or fails doesn't matter. It pops like a balloon and Seir and Gunnloda need CON saves.

[3:50 PM] Seirixori: ((22))

[3:50 PM] DM: Both are fine even without Ry's aura.

[3:51 PM] Seirixori: ((end))

[3:51 PM] Brimeia: Bri will use her reaction to reduce the AOO on Seir.

[3:52 PM] Seirixori: "Hah! Got one!" Seir yells as she gets next to Gayle and Urrak.

[3:52 PM] DM: The AOO misses anyway. Gunnloda gets to use her Dash since Seir moved, but she doesn't really have a good space to move TO so she'll just back up a bit.

[3:52 PM] DM: @Ryleigh Alastair

[3:59 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh will move to the crystal elemental and attacks with Dawnbringer ((19a,16d/11a, 10d)). "Sorry if this thing explodes on us, Bri."

[4:00 PM] DM: The first hit takes. The second is a miss as she tries to avoid spraying Bri with stray crystals.

[4:01 PM] DM: @Urrak

[4:04 PM] Urrak: Urrak moves to the right side of the crystal creature, leaving a good 10' between them. She pauses a moment, wondering if she should have just attacked with her sword, but instead throws a javelin. "Head's up ye two!"

[4:04 PM] Urrak: ((18, 7 and 19,8))

[4:05 PM] DM: Go ahead and move your token please.

[4:06 PM] DM: The crystals look like they're barely holding together as the javelins strike.

[4:06 PM] DM: Moonbeam damage please.

[4:07 PM] DM: The shark moves 5' closer.

[4:08 PM] DM: @Seirixori Moonbeam?

[4:09 PM] Seirixori: ((11))

[4:09 PM] DM: Gunnloda steps back towards Seir.

[4:09 PM] DM: @Gayle Silbando !

[4:12 PM] Gayle Silbando: Gayle is just gonna...dink the thing in front of her with a crossbow. Then start to retreat a little more. ((21a, 3d))

[4:12 PM] DM: Her bolt sticks into the spot between two crystals and it looks like it could fall over at any second.

[4:13 PM] DM: But now it gets to attack- One at Bri and one at Ry.

[4:14 PM] DM: Wait, it has ancestors right? So disadvantage against Ry and because of Ry's Sentinel, she can take a swing when it attacks Bri.

[4:14 PM] DM: Doesn't matter, misses both.

[4:14 PM] Brimeia: ((yes ancestors, my bad forgot to say last time))

[4:15 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: ((25a, 13d))

[4:16 PM] DM: CON saves for all. Bri, Seir, and Gunnloda get +4, Gayle at disadvantage.

[4:16 PM] Urrak: ((22))

4:16 PM] Seirixori: ((21))

[4:16 PM] Gayle Silbando: ((23))

[4:16 PM] DM: Gunnloda 17.

[4:16 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: ((15))

[4:17 PM] Brimeia: ((19))

[4:17 PM] DM: Everyone's fine for once!

[4:17 PM] DM: @Brimeia

[4:22 PM] Brimeia: With the surprise crystal monster exploded, Bri chucks a couple of javelins at the floundering shark thing and shouts for Urrak to back towards the party.

[4:23 PM] Brimeia: ((21a, 6d; 26a, 7d))

[4:23 PM] Brimeia: Then she backs up too.

[4:23 PM] DM: Both hit! You're tracking how many javelins you have, yeah?

[4:23 PM] DM: @Seirixori !

[4:24 PM] Brimeia: ((yeah i think i only had 3 so that's the last one i can throw i think))

[4:25 PM] Seirixori: Seir steps forward and chucks her little flame at the shark. ((23a, 9dmg))

[4:26 PM] Seirixori: ((end))

[4:26 PM] DM: sizzle

[4:26 PM] DM: @Ryleigh Alastair

[4:32 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Looking oddly conflicted, Ryleigh is going to stand there, not moving, and shout at Urrak, "We're supposed to be retreating you dolt!" ((Will ready an attack, end turn))

[4:33 PM] DM: @Urrak

[4:34 PM] Urrak: "Shit, fine, right--" Urrak runs back to the group ((end))

[4:35 PM] DM: So the shark can only move 5' and Moonbeam lasts long enough that even if everything went the most horrible way possible, it would still die before getting stuck in the mouth of that tunnel, so we're going to end combat here and move on.

[4:38 PM] Brimeia: If the coast looks clear, Bri will carefully scoop up her thrown javelins.

[4:38 PM] Seirixori: Seir starts heading back towards the tunnel, at least out of sight of the hallway leading to where the shark and roper were. "I love this staff," she says as she causes a little orange flower to sprout from the top of it and takes Gunnloda's hand.

[4:39 PM] DM: There's only that short section before you're up against the overhang again.

[4:39 PM] Urrak: Urrak will also snag her javelins if possible

[4:40 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Come on, we don't know if there's anything else down here and we're low on resources." Ryleigh then turns to leave the way they came, and after a moment, she touches Gunnloda's shoulder. She sings a song of healing and heals her for 25 points.

[4:41 PM] DM: Gunnloda gives her a small smile in thanks.

[4:43 PM] Urrak: "At least none of us got glitterbombed this time."

[4:44 PM] Brimeia: Bri hurries back to the others.

[4:44 PM] Seirixori: Seir gives a kiss to Gunnloda's hand and starts to make her way back through the tunnel towards the room where the sword hilt was found.

[4:45 PM] DM: You crawl under the overhang and squeeze back through the gap and you're in Dawnbringer's old pad. The sun is still pretty high in the sky.

[4:46 PM] Brimeia: "Hmm. No sign of the magic things. Now what?"

[4:48 PM] Seirixori: "There was still room to search, but I don't think we have the resources to continue searching if we find more of those ropers." Seir starts to stretch in the room, taking a look at the walls as she does.

[4:49 PM] Urrak: "Aye, better safe than sorry." Urrak takes a seat by a wall

[4:49 PM] DM: Seir- give me a history check.

[4:49 PM] Seirixori: "I can circle around the city to see if there's more up top for us to get to, but other than that," she shrugs.

[4:49 PM] Seirixori: ((14))

[4:51 PM] DM: You recognize some of the creatures as being the giant-kin called Fomorii. Wrenn had also mentioned them. They are considered the ancient enemy of Murias.

[4:53 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: ((is it possible for us to try to climb out of the opening in here?))

[4:53 PM] Seirixori: Seir stops her stretching and moves over to one of the walls, tracing her fingertips lightly over one of the murals. "I'm almost afraid to ask where these Fomorii went... or if they're the same now." She says, not realizing she voiced her thoughts.

[4:53 PM] DM: You can try. It is probably 20' deep and there's not a lot of footholds though.

[4:54 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: It looks like Ry is seriously trying not to ask but she's an Asten after all, "Who are the Fomorri?"

[4:57 PM] Seirixori: Seir tilts her head and glances back at Ry, "I don't know a lot, shocking, I know. They're ancient enemies of Murias... giant-kin?" She lets out a sarcastic, short laugh, "Not something Unastine would ever tell me about." She starts grumbling in infernal, mostly calling Unastine names.

[4:59 PM] Brimeia: Bri snickers when she catches some of the name calling. "Well, don't hold back."

[5:02 PM] Gayle Silbando: "I'm going to cross my fingers and hope they aren't waiting for us around," Gayle chuckles nervously.

[5:03 PM] Seirixori: Seir's about to deny it as she opens her mouth but shuts it with an audible snap. "... I didn't even think of that."

[5:04 PM] Brimeia: "Oh good. More giant monsters?"

[5:04 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Huh," Ryleigh murmurs. "Dawnbringer says they are giant-kin who warred with the city above. They lived underground, and Mielikki gave her people the power to push them back - she was used to do so."

[5:06 PM] Seirixori: "...you know what. I think I might also hate the underground," Seir says, looking at Gunnloda.

[5:06 PM] DM: Gunnloda quirks an eyebrow and smiles as if to say "Now you get it."

5:08 PM] Brimeia: Bri blinks.

[5:08 PM] Seirixori: "She wouldn't happen to know where the last two artifacts are, would she?" Seir asks Ryleigh, but very obviously not expecting a good answer.

[5:12 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "She doesn't know... she was stolen before the fall of the city. All she knows is that the spear, the stone, and the pot were all kept in the center, while she was in the garden."

[5:13 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Granted, someone stole her and put a replica in her place - it's possible that could have happened with the others."

[5:13 PM] Urrak: "We got lucky with th' pot," Urrak offers

[5:14 PM] Seirixori: Seir nods, "Do we want to try searching the center a bit more? I... don't remember how far we got with that."

[5:14 PM] Brimeia: "Doesn't hurt to look."

[5:16 PM] Urrak: "Well, in an indirect way it can..."

[5:16 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh nods, but her mouth is pulled into a thin line. "The person who died here," she gestures around the room, "they were likely trying to use her to fight off whatever threat the city faced... it's probable the spear might also have been taken for the same reason. I don't want us to expect to find more... in case there isn't more to find."

[5:17 PM] Seirixori: Seir shrugs, "I... know. But I don't know what else we can do right now aside from... sitting around."

[5:17 PM] Brimeia: "Oh." Bri looks a bit disappointed.

[5:19 PM] Urrak: "We should rest anyway, like Ryleigh and ye said." Urrak plunks the back of her head against the wall, "So we can be at our best an' strongest."

[5:20 PM] Seirixori: Seir shuffles nervously on her feet, wringing her hands together. "I.. need to go see to something in the morning. About sunrise, if not a little bit before."

[5:21 PM] Brimeia: Bri looks at Seir curiously. "Mysterious," she teases. "Do you need help or..?"

[5:22 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I don't think staying down here to rest is the best idea," Ryleigh says. "We should try to make our way back the way we came. Even if it's climbing out through there." She points up. "That way Seirixori is also closer to the tree, and we won't be stuck down here without her."

[5:24 PM] Brimeia: "Let me see if I can climb up."

[5:24 PM] Seirixori: She shakes her head at Brimeia, "No. It's a druid thing."

[5:25 PM] Seirixori: "And maybe a... mother thing."

[5:26 PM] Urrak: Urrak raises her eyebrows and puffs out a breath

[5:26 PM] Brimeia: Bri stares a bit at the explanation. "Oh?" She leaves the prompting at that, so Seir can answer if she wants but doesn't have to.

[5:27 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "So, are we all in agreement that we should leave this place and come back tomorrow?"

[5:28 PM] Brimeia: "Fine with me."

[5:28 PM] Urrak: "Aye, sounds good."

[5:28 PM] Seirixori: She's about to answer Brimeia when Ry speaks, but she doesn't continue and only nods at Ryleigh.

[5:29 PM] Gayle Silbando: "Yes, we can regroup and rest up."

[5:29 PM] Seirixori: "I can get us out, and maybe Gayle and I can scout the city a little more from above?"

[5:30 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Once hearing everyone agree, Ryleigh hums a song and disappears. A moment later she calls down from the opening, "Look out below." She tosses a rope down to the others after securing it to something above - or herself, whichever.

[5:30 PM] Seirixori: "...or that."

[5:31 PM] Brimeia: "I almost forgot you can do that. Seems handy."

[5:31 PM] Urrak: "Show off," Urrak grabs the rope and starts to climb

[5:32 PM] DM: You guys get yourselves up and out or to Seir and Seir shuttles you all over to the Center to rest and we'll call it here for tonight.

11:31 AM] Seirixori: Seirixori

Seir gives Gunnloda a brief kiss and cups her cheeks as she whispers, "Go make friends with Gayle, tor beag." She scrunches her nose with a smile, "Maybe also slide in that she can't follow me in the morning, like we can't follow them to their secret stuff?"

DM

She mouths, "be careful" but reluctantly heads to the other side of the room.

Seirixori

Nodding she gets up and heads to Ryleigh, the smile mostly gone. "Come with me." She pauses, "Please."

Ryleigh Alastair

Ryleigh does, her expression unchanging.

Seirixori

Seir leads them to another room, one where they can leave the door ajar, but have more privacy than in the open or outside. She turns and faces Ryleigh, not moving, only staring at her, face unreadable.

Ryleigh Alastair

Ryleigh's eyes bounce between each of Seir's, her facade crumbling with each passing moment. Finally, after no more than 1 minute, Ryleigh says, "I know that-"(edited)

Seirixori

Seir cuts her off, pulling her into a tight hug, "I know... and I'm sorry."

Ryleigh Alastair

Whatever Ryleigh was going to say dies on her lips at Seir's hug. Moments later, Ryleigh's gripping onto Seir like a lifeline. She's shaking her head and sniffling - indicating that she's probably crying

[11:36 AM] Seirixori: Seirixori

Seir opens her mouth to joke, but thinks better of it, and rubs her hands soothingly along Ryleigh's back. "Your life is as important to me as my wife's. If I ever leave you to go to her it's because... because her fears..." Seir kind of laughs, "she has a very long list of things she is afraid of and I promised her I would get her out."

She pulls back only enough so she can cup Ryleigh's cheeks and look in her eyes, "You told me that you can't swim. I would have never parted the water like that if I hadn't known. I.. I doubt I would have done that for the others. I would have told you to give them the items we have to get through." She frowns momentarily, a little worried that it seems like she cares so little for the others.(edited)

Ryleigh Alastair

"I shouldn't-" Ryleigh stops, then starts again, "I'm just-" she stops again. Her eyes are still filled with tears as she says, "Thank you for that... only Rukiya knows I'm terrified of drowning, and that I can't swim."

Her eyes glance away, then back when she adds, "I know you care for the others."

Seirixori

"Of course, Ryleigh." She says, like there was never another option.

Seir bites her lip with a nod and her tail moves a little behind her before coming to a stop.

Ryleigh Alastair

"What is it?" Ryleigh says softly.

Seirixori

She stays quiet for a few moments, only to gather her thoughts and when she speaks, it's soft and unsure, "I can handle it if something happens to them. If something happens to you--" she shakes her head, unwilling to go on.

[11:38 AM] Seirixori: Ryleigh Alastair

"I understand, because I feel the same way... I'm sorry for jumping to conclusions. For worrying you, for being selfish," she whispers, sounding ashamed. "I've been in such a weird place since getting my memory back."

Ryleigh reaches up, covering one of Seir's hands where it rests on her face. "I'm sorry for being so selfish... for making things about me when everything about here is or should be about you." She removes Seir's hand from her face and intertwines their fingers.

Seirixori

Seir nods, "I know and it's okay. I'm sorry I couldn't say anything sooner. I knew it was hurting you." When Ryleigh repeats that she was being selfish, Seir shakes her head and gives a soft kiss to Ryleigh's cheek. "No, issui'as. Your feelings do not make you selfish."(edited)

She takes on of their entwined hands and pats the hilt of Ry's sword, "Besides, I think it might involve you a little now."

Ryleigh Alastair

A few stray tears roll down Ryleigh's cheeks. "She's hurting too..."

Seirixori

Again, she's quiet for a few moments. It's probably clear by now that Seir's been trying to be careful with her words, "We'll get to that, but you first, na'auiy."

Ryleigh Alastai

Ryleigh's brows furrow, "I don't-" she breaks eye contact. "I can't push it aside like I usually do."

Seirixori

Seir tilts her head, taking a moment to absorb the words, "That's not exactly a bad thing."

Ryleigh Alastair

"Isn't it?" Ryleigh's voice cracks. "I need to be able to tuck it away... it's putting us in danger and making things more difficult for you - for the party. I feel like I'm fraying at the edges and I can't stop it this time. What's wrong with me?" The last sentence is said with desperation.

[11:39 AM] Seirixori: Seirixori

"Nothing," Seir says it almost harshly. "Nothing is wrong with you." She squeezes her hands. "Ryleigh, sometimes... sometimes it's better to let it all out before it does completely unravel you, at inconvenient times." She says it softly, very aware of what she's saying.

Ryleigh Alastair

Ryleigh's eyes, which are still glossy with unshed tears, give Seir a searching look.

Seirixori

She grins sheepishly, "I realize that goes for both of us and goddess, imagine it hitting us both at the same time? Terrible." Seir chuckles.

Ryleigh Alastair

"Are you there too?" Ry worries her lip.

Seirixori

She nods, "I might be past that, honestly. I'm not sure what that means, exactly but..." Seir shrugs. "We've been moving so fast and things keep happening that I haven't had time to--" The words start quickly tumbling out of her mouth, "I haven't let myself think of it, not really. It's easier to worry about Mielikki than it is to wonder how much time I have with my wife. It's easier to worry about you than it is to wonder about why the Queen of Air and Darkness is after me in the first place and if I can even get my mother out alive. It's easier to think about where the Fomorii went than it is about the fact that there's a very high chance Wrenn will talk Mielikki into making me her champion now instead of years from now. Than the fact that I will eventually need to come back here because someone needs to take care of the circle here. And yet all of that is easier to think about than wonder what will happen when I die and where I will go. Because no matter what the answer is, I'll only see one of you or none of you ever again." By the end there are tears in her eyes, but it's clear that she has no intention of letting anymore out.

[11:40 AM] Seirixori: Ryleigh Alastair

Ryleigh pulls Seir forward so she can rest their foreheads together. She inhales deeply then sighs, "Aren't we a pair."

"Do you want to hear my thoughts on any of that? Or would you just need me to listen while you work it all out?"

Seirixori

Seir bites her lip again, and there's no harshness when she says, "As long as you don't tell me I should stay."

Ryleigh Alastair

"Do you want to know why I thought you should stay?" Her tone is soft. "Because, I don't want you to. I want you with me... I never want to let you go."

Seirixori

"I would appreciate it if you would explain, because the way you said it... ...please."

Ryleigh Alastair

“I know it hurt you," Ryleigh starts, pulling back so Seir can see her features while she explains. "You don't like the other druids or Ardebeh or Unastine... and why would you? They've treated you poorly your entire life; but you love Mielikki, and her forest, and all the animals that live in it. When I...” Ryleigh looks up, like she's trying to keep her tears from falling. “When I suggested you stay it was because we had just found out that Mielikki’s been distant all this time because her tree was corrupted by the crystals. I-I wasn’t trying to push you away when I said you should stay... I was just trying to tell you that I’d still love you and be here if you chose your mom over all of us. Because now you have the chance to learn from Mielikki and have a relationship with her.” A few tears silently fall down her cheeks, and she smiles sadly when she says, “Shouldn't everyone have that chance?"

[11:41 AM] Seirixori: Seirixori

"There's no real guarantee that she--" Seir stops and her breath hitches slightly before she speaks again, "I can't believe that, Ryleigh. I can't hope that she'll be less distant. I don't think I can handle it if I let myself believe it and nothing changes."(edited)

Ryleigh Alastair

Ryleigh nods, and she brushes the back of her fingers against Seir's cheek. "Okay, I'm sorry for making things worse, homashoc."

Seirixori

"You didn't, not really," Seir whispers and closes her eyes at the touch. "I have a question though. For Dawnbringer? Or is her name different now?"(edited)

Ryleigh Alastair

A small frown passes over Ryleigh's features. "She used to be called 'Retaliator,' but she didn't remember any name but 'Dawnbringer' until we found her original resting place. We haven't discussed which name she'd prefer yet... because she isn't ready to talk about it."

Seirixori

Seir nods, "Okay... well then maybe..." she sighs. "I'm not really sure how they'll feel about it, but since you've already met Mielikki, sort of... do you both want to come with me in the morning?"

Ryleigh Alastair

"Of course I want to come with you, but are you sure you want company? She might be willing to go with you alone... but maybe not in her current emotion state. I'll ask her when we're finished talking."

[11:42 AM] Seirixori: Seirixori

"I... the company I want cannot come with me," she smiles sadly. "Not that it means your company isn't wanted-- I just-- I want to-- I wish there were a way for her to also experience these things-- with me." Seir's eyes kind of plead for Ryleigh to understand what she's trying to say. "It isn't really that I want to go see this through on my own, but more that druids are rather protective of their practices and even the small bit of druidic you guys know could be... well please don't tell anyone I've taught you a word here or there. Especially those weird elves back in Ascus or Vyon." She shudders a bit at remembering the encounter.

Ryleigh Alastair

Ryleigh nods, understanding what Seir's not saying, then leans in and presses a kiss to Seir's forehead as reassurance. "I'll let you in on a secret - I'm very good at keeping them. I won't say anything and I'll be there if you want me to be."

Seirixori

She nods, "I'm sorry. I do want you to go, but... this seems... it feels like something I need to do on my own." Seir rests her hand near Dawnbringer but doesn't touch her. "We'll have time after this if she doesn't want to go tomorrow without you."

Ryleigh Alastair

“Okay,” Ryleigh says, giving Seir a tired smile, but a smile nonetheless. She then closes her eyes, drops her hand from Seir’s and takes Dawnbringer’s handle. After a minute or so, Ryleigh’s eyes open and she says, “She’s willing to accompany you... without me.”(edited)

Seirixori

Seir is obviously surprised, "Oh, okay." After a second she says, "Uh, she isn't going to want me to shift with her on me, right?"

Ryleigh Alastair

Ryleigh gets a distant look in her eyes for a moment, then she nods and says, “she’d prefer it if you didn’t, unless it was necessary.”

[11:43 AM] Seirixori: Seirixori

"You can hand her to me after I do, then." Seir nods, like she's making a mental note for herself. Seir then situates herself on the floor and pats the ground in front of her, asking Ryleigh to join her. "I know you're still in your armor but," shrugging she reaches out, making the same grabby hands motion she gives to Gunnloda when she wants her to lean back against her.

Ryleigh Alastair

“I-“ Ryleigh clearly intends to decline, but then she swallows hard, and nods to herself in a determined sort of way. She unclips her chest plate and sets it aside, then takes a seat. She squirms a bit and is a little stiff.

Seirixori

"It's just us Ryleigh, you're safe with me." Seir says quietly as she gently pulls Ryleigh to her and wraps her arms around Ryleigh's waist and takes only one of her hands, just in case. "Is this okay?"

Ryleigh Alastair

She nods. “I struggle with allowing myself to be comforted.”

Seirixori

"I've noticed," she's lightly teasing. "When we get back to Vyon, I'm teaching you how to swim."

Ryleigh Alastair

It takes her a while to start to relax into Seir’s embrace, and eventually she says, “Rukiya’s been trying to get me into the water to teach me how to swim since she found out while we were on Sariel’s ship. There just... hasn’t been time.” Ryleigh runs her free hand over her and Seir’s joined ones.

[11:44 AM] Seirixori: Seirixori

Seir can't exactly rest her chin on Ryleigh's shoulder, but she leans into her, "We can make time, if you'd like. And while I won't let you breathe under water while you're learning, I will get you out if anything happens."

Ryleigh Alastair

Ry hums in acknowledgement, shifting uncomfortably at the prospect of being in the water. She turns her head, a small smile gracing her lips. “I’d ask how something so beautiful could be so deadly... but you and Rukiya exist so that’s a moot point.”

Seirixori

Seir rolls her eyes with a small chuckle, "I half agree."

Ryleigh Alastair

After a few minutes of silence, Ryleigh softly asks, “do you think that... that I could ever be like ‘memory loss me’?”

Seirixori

Seir starts playing with Ryleigh's hands, "Maybe not completely, but that's okay." She's goes quiet, but again it's because she's trying to figure out what to say. "You can't get rid of what happened, but that doesn't mean you have to let it control your whole life. If you do, you'll miss all the other things in life that are beautiful but deadly." She chuckles.

Ryleigh Alastair

“It’s made me realize that I’ve had it wrong all this time... that I’ve been so stupid,” her voice cracks. “It was 5 years ago last month that Avery died so I could live and what have I done with those years? Hurt myself. I’ve pushed people away, or pushed their buttons when they stay close. I’m constantly refusing comfort. I’ve been too self-sacrificing and stood in the face of danger when there were better options. And through it all, I’ve refused to put down the burden of this guilt... Dawnbringer said it was impressive, even though it’s bleak.” Ryleigh looks at Seir, her eyes full of tears, her voice a sob when she says, “but how much can someone lose and still be who they are?”

[11:44 AM] Seirixori: Seirixori

Her eyes also water but she smiles softly, "I think that might be different for everyone, but..." She pauses again, then continues, "I think maybe the people they keep or bring into their lives helps. Helping others when they're down might help. Even remembering what you've lost, the people you lost... remembering the good times with them." Seir places her hand over her chest and after a moment pulls out a small object hanging from a very thin and worn leather strap. "Keeping something of theirs... it helps me remember." She removes her hand and hanging precariously from the strap is a very tiny skull of a bird.

[11:44 AM] Seirixori: "You find what works... and go from there. You won't be the same, and who you are might change, but that's not always a bad thing. Change is... change is constant, as weird as that might sound. Change is... it's necessary, but," Seir shrugs, "sometimes a forest needs to burn so that it can be born anew and grow even larger."

[3:57 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I thought I had found something that worked. I believed that throwing myself into my paladin training and seeking revenge on those who hurt others would make them proud of me, would make Avery's sacrifice worth it, would... make me feel worth it." Ryleigh wipes her tears away with her free hand. "And no matter how hard I try, I can't help but think why me? Why did he trade his life for mine? He was so kind, and was just so... good. He wasn't like me... there's always been something dark inside me, something twisted, something that wants to hurt people..." her tone is ashamed.  "I feel as if each kill is forging a chain, link by link, and that it will drag me into darkness."

[4:26 PM] Seirixori: "Did you find it or were you still searching? Throwing yourself into it because you wanted it to work, not because it actually was?" She frowns a moment, chewing her lip once more as the thoughts filter through her mind. "I can't tell you why he did it, Ryleigh. I can't tell you that there isn't a darkness inside you. I mean, I can, but I don't think you'll believe me. And really... I think everyone has some kind of darkness inside. It's natural. Just like--" her face flushes, like she's embarrassed about what she's going to say, "like the wolves who are loving and caring but you disturb their piece, stumble near their pups, or run into then when they're frightened or hungry... they will kill you. The forest so full of life, but when darkness runs through it... when it has to protect itself... when people see that, they think evil. They want to kill the wolves because how dare they have the ability to hurt us, to burn the forest because dangerous things, that are minding their own business live there and they can't be assed to learn about it." She purses her lips. "I'm not sure this is helping or making sense or even similar... but maybe... in the end I think... it matters what you do at the end of the day. What it's for. You-- we're fighting for the people who can't. We're fighting so they can see some of that joy without being frightened for what might happen if they step outside. We all have good and bad, but if you don't let the bad out, like talking to people about it, it will keep pulling you down until the people who love you no longer have the strength to pull you back up. Everyone needs help, no matter how strong they are, no one can do any of this alone."

[4:47 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh finally fully relaxes into Seir's embrace. "I know, and this... it's me talking about it, because I realize that I can't continue to live this way."

[5:13 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I really did think I had found something good to do with my life when I joined the Asten temple." Ryleigh smiles sadly. "I was barely 16 and truly believed that I'd find solace in representing light and song, in fighting for the truth and freedom. By joining I thought... I hoped," she corrects, "that Avery and Kizer wouldn't worry about me. They'd see that I was okay and taken care of." She covers her eyes with her free hand, in an attempt not to cry again. "They were more concerned for my well-being than that they were dying. But no matter how hard I tried, or how much I practiced, there was still this gaping hole in my chest where my family belonged, and my hurt turned into anger, my anger into rage, and my rage into an all consuming guilt." Seir can hear her audibly swallow. "I know I have to change because I can't lose you and Rukiya too or I won't... I would never..." Ryleigh uncovers her eyes and grabs at Seir's free hand, tears slowly falling down her cheeks.

[5:33 PM] Seirixori: Seir hugs her tightly, squeezing both of Ryleigh's hands. She doesn't say anything, not really, only small reassurances that she's here and gently telling Ryleigh to let it out.

[9:36 PM] Seirixori: "Is there anything you want me to do to help you? Aside from being here when you need me... or even when you think you don't."

[9:46 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I don't really know what I need..." Ryleigh sighs out. "I just know that I want to be more like I was when I lost my memory." She shakes her head and quickly amends, "I mean that I want to be more approachable, more receptive, and more compassionate."

[9:54 PM] Seirixori: Seir nods. "Then I'll be here when you need to be reminded that it takes time," her tone is lightly teasing, but serious.

[10:01 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "And... will you help me if I start to lose sight of it? I know that it sounds strange, but none of you hear the way I talk to myself... and I'm not very nice to me. I'd stop it if I knew how."

[10:06 PM] Seirixori: "Of course I will, I tried to even when we didn't really know each other that well." She scoffs a little, "Telling someone to hit you to make them feel better, right."

[10:18 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "What if I told you that that wasn't about making her feel better... it was about punishing myself for failing," Ryleigh says, her tone worried. "It wasn't the first time I had done that."

[10:21 PM] Seirixori: "That I already knew," she squeezes Ry's hand. "Maybe not right then, but I figured it out eventually." She sighs, "It's part of why I try to stop you from going first all the time. Why I stay close if you get mad at Urrak or she gets mad at you, because I know you'll let her take it out on you. When you don't deserve it."

[10:29 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I know, and you're right. I've been better about it," Ry whispers. "Rukiya adamantly reminds me that she doesn't like the idea of anyone hating me, including myself."

[10:33 PM] Seirixori: "She is the smart one after all," Seir laughs.

[10:38 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "As if you had your doubts that she wasn't," Ryleigh says, humor in her voice. "I've thanked many gods, and the universe, and anyone else who might be listening for bringing her into my life. She's special to me..." Ry turns her head to better look at Seir. "Just like you."

[10:40 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: It takes a few minutes, but finally, Ryleigh softly says, "Your turn to fall apart."

[10:50 PM] Seirixori: Seir stiffens and she doesn't say anything at first. It takes her time before she says, almost pleadingly, "I-- I don't know where to start."

[10:57 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: “Your options are: Gunnloda. Mielikki. Or your mama.” Ryleigh rubs her thumb gently over the back of Seir’s hand. “We can start with one and work our way through them all... if you want to.”

[11:19 PM] Seirixori: "I'm scared. About all of it. I'm scared that I won't get to Mama in time. Scared that if I do find a way to get to her, that she'll want to stay. There's a part of me--," her voice cracks, "--sometimes I wonder if before me she worked for the Queen of Air and Darkness. Because I don't know. I didn't know anything about her life before me. She was just... she was Mama. She loved me, and protected me, and taught me things. Yes, there were times when she would disappear for a few days, but she always came back. She always told me when she was leaving--she," Seir shakes her head, trying to stop the tears and her ramble. "Sometimes I wish I didn't know she is alive. To know that she's out there but I can't get her back. Not without..." Seir presses her whole hand to her mark. "I don't even know why I still need this. Why does it matter if her forces know where I am? What would she even want with me? I was just an innocent and naive child, even at 16..." Seir removes her hands from Ryleigh, only to take her tail and start twisting it in her hands.

[12:18 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh turns into Seir with her head resting on the crook of Seir’s neck. Her arms snake their way around Seir and she says, “It matters because you’re important in ways others aren’t.” Ry sighs, like she’s measuring her next words. “The Queen of Air and Darkness will be able to find you if the mark is removed... but so would your mama.”

[12:31 PM] Seirixori: "What if she doesn't want to?" Seir barely manages to get the words out, her voice cracking multiple times. "What i-if they kill her or-or," she gets caught up in whatever scenarios are playing in her mind and her arms instinctively tighten around Ryleigh. She makes a small whine in the back of her throat as the thoughts continue.

[1:17 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Listen to me," Ryleigh half asks, half says, her head tilting so Seir can look at her if she wants. "She loves you, and she misses you. When we were in Shasem, she didn't remember 'Seirixori' but she did remember her daughter - you're obviously there, in her thoughts, even if she was tricked into believing you weren't you that day."

[2:35 PM] Seirixori: Seir barely manages to look at Ryleigh, her eyes flooded with tears. She shakes her head a few times, but she stops. "I-I-" Seir tries to say something but she's crying too much. She buries her face in Ryleigh's hair, continuing to sob.

[4:35 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh silently holds Seir close for a short time before she starts to sing a soft, calming lullaby.

[4:46 PM] Seirixori: It almost makes her cry harder, but the cries eventually slow, as does her breathing. She gives a small laugh once she calms enough. "You all do the same thing."

[4:51 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: “What do you mean?” Ry ask quietly.

[5:06 PM] Seirixori: "Sing to me when I'm overwhelmed." Seir sighs lightly, "My Mama, you, Gunnloda." She shrugs a little, "Sometimes I forget how calming it is for me... I don't get to play- to play my flute when we're doing things like this... it isn't safe."

[6:51 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: “It wasn’t last time,” she muses. “But look, I’m still here.” Ryleigh tilts her head playfully. “I’m thankful Clemency taught me how to sing. I don’t have her natural talent for it, and her voice was so... beautiful.” Ry smiles at the memory. “She always told me that my voice was powerful and that had a certain beauty to it.”

[7:05 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: “I’m not the best at comforting people. Really, until you and Rukiya, I didn’t have anyone who needed comforting. Singing always helped me calm down, or feel better. So I hope it’s okay that I sing to you when you’re upset. Sometimes... the music comes easier to me than the words do.”

[7:22 PM] Seirixori: Seir nods, "It's what my Mama always did." She shifts a little, "Singing to myself never really helped, I don't know why. One thing lead to another and I started playing the flute. It was... it was easy to get lost in it." She laughs a little, "Even some of the animals seemed to enjoy it... well not the current one I have. They liked the wooden one more."

[7:50 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: “I think your flute playing was one of the reasons I was drawn to you. You were playing sad music before we had one of our first serious conversations. It was just after the incident with Misha...” she leaves it there, obviously NOT bringing up the ‘after Gunnloda left’ part.

[8:36 PM] Seirixori: The only movement from Seir is her tail. After some time she takes a deep breath and says, "Thank you for making me go after her."

[8:38 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh leans up and presses a kiss to Seir’s cheek. “Even back then I didn’t like seeing you upset.”

[8:47 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: “How are you doing with all that?” Ryleigh asks, taking Seir’s hand.

[9:00 PM] Seirixori: Seir starts playing with Ryleigh's hand and she shrugs, "I see something change almost every day. Something she couldn't do before, or shouldn't be able to do." She laughs a little, "No matter what I'm feeling-- or how it will," she pauses, swallowing the lump in her throat. "Or how it will effect me, I tell her all the time that I believe in her, that I have faith in her, in her abilities even if they frighten her sometimes. But..." she trails off.

[9:01 PM] Seirixori: Then in another small voice like before she asks, "Do you think Kendall was right? That it's-- that I'm being selfish?"

[9:37 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh huffs in indignation. “I don’t think it matters. So what if you’re being selfish? Who decides that your happiness is worth less than her ‘destiny’? If she’s content with staying and being here with you, then who’s to say otherwise?”

[9:54 PM] Seirixori: She doesn't respond verbally, but her arms tighten around Ryleigh. Several times she starts and stops to speak until she finally gets the words out. "There were-- are so many things I want with her, but knowing she might not have a choice on when..." Seir sighs, a few tears falling and she wipes them away, annoyed that there's more of them. "They aren't things that I can rush, even if they were, I don't want to rush them." She shakes her head, "She tells me she won't forget, that she never could forget me..." Seir laughs a little, "I don't think my Mama ever wanted to forget me, I know you didn't, but it happened anyway."

[10:19 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ry’s lips thin and she hums in acknowledgment. “Two down... and you’re doing great. Wanna talk about Mielikki now?”

[10:40 PM] Seirixori: Seir snorts. "I don't know if it's really about Mielikki or if it's all of the things I didn't notice or put together."

[10:44 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: “Care to elaborate for me?”

[10:56 PM] Seirixori: "All of the things with Unastine. Everything I asked about but she would never explain. I put it up to her not liking that I was a tiefling, like everyone else. Who knows, maybe that was part of it. You know most of the time they spoke gnomish?" She waves a hand, like to push that train of thought aside. "Now that I know it all feels so obvious but I didn't care enough to see it." She slumps, "A big part of me wishes I'd known, that I could have helped sooner." She laughs dryly, "After being here, there's no way I could have done anything. We can barely handle it as we are now." She sighs, "And now Unastine is currently in the process of having her heart removed and shoved into a tree... because I said it was the only option we had."

[10:07 AM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I'm not sure you want my opinion on this," Ryleigh says, her expression darkening and her tone losing what warmth was there.

[10:59 AM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Unastine deserves it," Ryleigh says simply. "She sealed her future when she chose personal power over the good of the people." She looks up at Seir as she continues, "Power is granted to someone so they may do just things for those who don't have it. Unastine abused her position of power and this is the price she must pay for her unchecked ambition. Her actions haven't warranted mercy, nor should her retribution."

[11:25 AM] Seirixori: Still hesitant, Seir nods. "I-I- know you're right, but there's still... there's still a part of me wondering if it's necessary. Wondering if there was another way."

[11:41 AM] Ryleigh Alastair: “I think the old gnome might have presented one if there was.” Ryleigh’s brows furrow. “What’s really bothering you about this?”

[1:16 PM] Seirixori: Seir frowns as she thinks it over. "Wrenn... he said that because I am Mielikki's child, because she could not give a ruling on this, that I was the next best thing." She starts chewing on her lip, "It never..." Her face scrunches as she tries to figure out how to voice her thoughts. "Knowing she had a hand in my... birth never really meant anything to me? I've called her my mother a few times, sure, but... It never mattered. It didn't mean anything."

[1:19 PM] Seirixori: She shakes her head, "No. That's not what I mean. I obviously know that she's a goddess and whatever that entails, but her status never mattered to me? She was just... this being that helped me and saved me and the same goes for Takara. She's... a person to me. They all are. So being told that because I'm her daughter, that my opinion is something they'll take seriously and as a final decision feels..." She groans in frustration, knowing she repeated herself in a way and is unable to find the right words.

[3:02 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh's thumb sweeps over the back of Seir's hand, and she prompts her with, "Makes you feel... powerful? Responsible? Important in a way you haven't been to these people?"

[3:38 PM] Seirixori: "Important and responsible, but.... none of it really feels right."

[4:01 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Does it make you feel like a leader?" Ryleigh offers.

[4:06 PM] Seirixori: Seir looks perplexed, "I wouldn't have a clue as to what that feels like." Seir snorts but she looks down at their hands and softly adds, "It's nice to be listened to, though... even with something like this."

[4:08 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Tilting her head so she can better look at Seir, Ryleigh presses a kiss to her cheek. "I'm always here for you, even when we're... not okay."

[4:14 PM] Seirixori: Seir smiles, "Me too." She leans back and grins as she looks at Ryleigh. "I have a...request."

[4:16 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Only if it something I'll like," she says, the corner of her mouth quirking up a little, letting Seir know she's joking.

[4:19 PM] Seirixori: Seir raises an eyebrow, not caring if Ryleigh will like it or not, "Make friends with Gunnloda." She chuckles," And don't say you are. You and I both know the only reason she's with is all the time us because I love her." She shakes her head, "And I know it works both ways. I intend to tell her the same. I want..." Seir sighs, "I would like it if you two were friends because you wanted to be not because of me. She needs... she needs more friends, and you could use a few more in your corner as well."

[4:21 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh stays quiet - for a long time, but if Seir's looking she can see tension in Ry's jaw.

[4:22 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Regardless, she nods 'okay'.

[4:52 PM] Seirixori: Seir's eyebrow stays where it is, "When I told you Gunnloda and I had a discussion and that she hurt my feelings, if she were there with us, what would you have done?"

[4:57 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: She shrugs.

[5:02 PM] Seirixori: Laughing, Seir hugs Ryleigh. "Mhmm."

[5:07 PM] Seirixori: "Try, please."

[6:20 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: “She made it feel like I wasn’t allowed to mess up when it came to you.” Then she says something in elven under her breath.

[6:26 PM] Seirixori: "Which is why I would like for you two to talk." Seir pinches Ryleigh lightly at the elven phrase. "You both want to protect me when I'm hurt or hurting, but it shouldn't be against each other."

[6:41 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: “Hey!” Ryleigh says indignantly at the pinch. She turns and starts to run her fingers across Seir’s ribs.

[7:24 PM] Seirixori: Seir lets the conversation go and in the blink of an eye Seir's tiefling form is gone and in it's place is a large husky. With a light bark, Seir bends low, her tail wagging.

[7:29 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh falls backwards a little before catching herself. “That’s cheating,” Ry says, her eyes narrowing. “Shifting so I can’t tickle you.”

[7:35 PM] Seirixori: Seir barks again, it almost sounds like a laugh, and jumps on Ryleigh, effectively trying to sit on her.

[7:44 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: She put up a bit of a struggle against Seirsky, but ultimately, Ryleigh just lets what's going to happen, happen. She grins and shakes her head. With Seirsky sitting on her, Ryleigh says, "I'll try with Gunnloda, but I doubt she saw anything wrong with her behavior."

[7:57 PM] Seirixori: Seir lies down on Ryleigh for a brief moment and then licks her face, looking at her expectantly.

[8:07 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: With a soft smile, Ry reaches into the bag of holding and pulls out the hat. She sings the magic word to activate it.

[8:10 PM] Seirixori: "You really should just wear it all the time." Seir says, finally moving off Ryleigh and sitting next to her, still keeping the physical contact.

[8:11 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Maybe I didn't want to hear what you had to say," Ry teases, but there's a measure of worry in her tone.

[8:19 PM] Seirixori: Seir snorts, "Would you wear it more often if I told you those are my feathers?" She doesn't wait for an answer and continues their earlier conversation, "I want to know that if anything were to happen to me, no matter what it is, that she'll have someone to be there for her. Even if it doesn't work out between you two, I need you to try. I would... I would like it, if you tried." Seir nudges Ryleigh with her nose, "No one else talks to her. She's always by herself when I come back from somewhere...I just... I just don't want her to be alone all the time."

[8:28 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh reaches up and runs her hand through Seirsky's fur. She sighs and nods. "I already said I'd try, homashoc, and I will. I'm just saying that it might not be right away for me. Regardless, you should know that I'm not petty enough to let Gunnloda get hurt, or to let her suffer should something happen to you."

[8:32 PM] Seirixori: Seir leans into the touch, " I know... I- I needed to say it though."

[8:38 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I love you," Ryleigh whispers, leaning into Seirsky. "I'll consider wearing the hat all the time. I feel like it messes with my aesthetic."

[8:41 PM] Seirixori: "I love you too," Seir growls playfully, "Lost memory you loved it." she teases. "When you want to go, could you ask Gunnloda to come here?"

[8:45 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I was hoping you'd forget that," Ryleigh says, her lips quirking up. "And sure, just... give me a few minutes?" She continues to pet Seirsky.

[8:48 PM] Seirixori: Seir nods and leans heavily into Ryleigh giving her however much time she needs.

[8:57 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: After several minutes, Ryleigh stands and presses a kiss to Seirsky's head. "Do you want me to send her in with the hat?"

[9:07 PM] Seirixori: Seir tilts her head with a toothy grin, tongue lolling to the side, "Sure, why not."

[9:18 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh nods, giving Seirsky a small smile and she leaves the room to find Gunnloda.

[9:19 PM] DM: She's sitting to the side, writing in a notebook now that everyone's been fed.

[9:21 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Walking over to her, Ryleigh kneels down and takes the hat off her head. "Seirixori would like you to go see her," Ryleigh says, handing Gunnloda the hat, "you'll need this."

[9:22 PM] DM: She closes her notebook and opens her mouth, but then shuts it with a sigh. She mouths "thank you" anyway and takes the hat.

[9:26 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh nods and attempts a small smile.

[9:27 PM] DM: She pats Ry's shoulder as she heads towards Seir.

[9:48 PM] DM: Assuming Seir is still in husky form, Gunnloda will approach with the hat on her head, but a frown on her face. "Can't cast the spell."

[10:03 PM] Seirixori: Seir chuckles and headbutts Gunnloda. She doesn't immediately shift, instead she enjoys herself by pressing herself against Gunnloda and does the kind of annoying but cute thing puppies do to get closer to people they're already lying on.

[10:05 PM] DM: Gunnloda chuckles and wraps her arms around Seir, burying herself in the fur.

[10:05 PM] Seirixori: With a laugh she shifts back, wrapping her arms lightly around Gunnloda. "I just like the way it looks."

[10:07 PM] DM: She smiles and leans back a bit to look at Seir's face. "You ok?"

[10:15 PM] Seirixori: Seir tilts her head and gives a small shrug, "Better." She gives Gunnloda a brief kiss. "If it comes up, is it okay if I tell Mielikki about you? Why she can't see you?

[10:20 PM] DM: She shrugs. "I trust you. If you think tellin' someone's best, then tell 'em." She thinks for a second, then mouths, "'sides, not like her champion is gonna do anything."

[10:29 PM] Seirixori: Seir laughs a little, "True. And we aren't going to be here too much longer."

[10:37 PM] Seirixori: Her hands play with the edges of Gunnloda's tabard while she thinks, "I have a... request." She almost rolls her eyes at how she said the same thing to Ryleigh.

[10:38 PM] DM: She nudges Seir's chin up with her hand and presses a kiss to her lips before mouthing, "Whatever y'need, darlin'."

[10:43 PM] Seirixori: Seir smiles warmly, only a little distracted. She says something in infernal with a cheeky grin before she switches back to common. "Talk to Ryleigh. Be friends, for the reason that you want to be, not because I love you both."

[10:50 PM] DM: She looks a little confused. "Okay?"

[10:55 PM] Seirixori: She kisses Gunnloda again, this time gently running her thumb over her cheek, "I don't want you to be alone. If something happens... I want you to-to have other people, tor beag. It doesn't have to be Ryleigh, but... I want to be able to come back to you and see you with our or your friends, not waiting off to the side, alone, and filled with worry because I'm not here. To see you enjoy their company for something other than because you're feeding them."

[11:05 PM] DM: She sighs and half-heartedly shrugs, looking away a bit. She doesn't look back for a few long seconds, but when she does, she tries to smile over the sadness and she mouths, "I'm always gonna worry 'bout you."

[11:15 PM] Seirixori: Seir cups Gunnloda's face in her hands, "I know you are. Just as I'll worry about you, and it's why I'm asking... It'll help. To know there are people here for you and I won't have to be so scared that you're going to be alone."

[11:16 PM] DM: She frowns. "Why are you so worried I'll be alone? Where do you think you're going?"

[11:19 PM] Seirixori: Seir shakes her head, "I don't plan on going anywhere but I can't promise that something won't happen." She bites her lip, "I just worry."

[11:23 PM] DM: She uses her thumb to draw Seir's lip from her teeth. "I've got Kendall, too."

[11:27 PM] Seirixori: Seir chuckles, "How about someone you aren't in love with?"

[11:34 PM] DM: She smiles, but then it fades. "I'm not--  they--" She sighs. "Bein' friends ain't exactly high on the priority list for most o'this group. Not sure most of 'em give a damn 'bout more'n one or two of the rest, and I get the feelin' that they mostly like me for the healin' and the feedin'."

[12:02 AM] Seirixori: Seir runs her fingers through the sideburns on Gunnloda's face,"I suppose they aren't the greatest example." She taps Gunnloda's nose before going back to trace her face. "But... I didn't like Brimeia at first and it took some time, but I'd like to think we're friends now. Sure, I can't tell her a lot, but that's because we haven't kicked that piece of shit out of her head yet. And I like Gayle. Though she's a little too curious sometimes, not that I blame her." Seir drops one of her hands and takes Gunnloda's, intertwining their fingers. "Stool sort of counts, though they really are a child. Danai's back home and maybe whomever else you happen to run into when you shop for ingredients. I'm not saying you have to make everyone here your friend but... trying isn't... uh, always so bad."

[12:07 AM] DM: "I thought Ryleigh and I were gettin' there, if only because of our shared interest in you."

[12:10 AM] Seirixori: She tilts her head, "I did too, but... the memory loss hit her pretty hard and well..." Seir draws out the word, "She's emotionally more vulnerable than she's comfortable with and you kind of hurt her feelings."

[6:40 AM] DM: Her eyebrows kind of draw down and together in a mix of confusion and indignation. "I told her t'let you be because she hurt you and y'needed time 'n space. I wasn't holdin' onto it or nothin'. I figured y'all'd figure it out in time... but I won't apologize for protectin' you when you're down."

12:38 PM] Seirixori: Seir sighs, "I know, sweetheart, I know." She tucks a stray hair behind Gunnloda's ear, "I'm not blaming you, I'm only asking you to talk to her. This really is more for her benefit than yours." She leans in a little conspiratorially, and whispers "She could use more friends too."

[12:53 PM] DM: She takes Seir's hand and starts fiddling with her fingers and with a disbelieving look mouths, "Okay." She looks like she's turning something over in her mind for a minute before she looks up again. "I don't mean t'cause any trouble between you two. I'm glad you have her for the same reason you want me t'have more friends. I-- You know I'm gonna go first, no matter which way that happens. Knowin' you still have someone who loves you t'keep you after is comfortin'."

[3:00 PM] Seirixori: Seir swallows thickly and nods, still surprised that even with the crying she did earlier, that there's still more tears. She chuckles, "And hey, maybe you having more friends who believe in you will work in your favor."

[3:05 PM] DM: She nearly snorts.  "I think that might be too much for Ryleigh." Then she blinks in surprise.  "Oh thank heavens."

[3:12 PM] Seirixori: Seir pokes Gunnloda's side at the jab at Ryleigh, but when she realizes Gunnloda spoke she cheers. Seir pulls her wife even closer and kisses her, "The only downside is now I don't have an excuse to stare at your lips all the time," she laughs.

[3:13 PM] DM: She grins. "Y'need an excuse?"

[3:19 PM] Seirixori: Seir kisses her again, running a thumb over Gunnloda's bottom lip after. "Never, but now I can't pretend I wasn't distracted."

[3:26 PM] DM: She tilts her head and just kind of stares at Seir for a minute with a soft smile. "I love you, ko'dadir... You wanted t'be up early, right? D'you want me t'help you get t'sleep?"

[3:32 PM] Seirixori: "I love you too," Seir's cheeks color sightly. She nods with a loving smile and says, "I won't say no to you helping me."

[3:37 PM] DM: Unless there's anything else you wanna do before sleep, she'll help Seir get situated how and where she wants to sleep and will  sing the Halfling lullaby and use Calm Emotions and her more typical cantrip to put Seir at ease enough to drift off.

[4:08 PM] DM: Once Seir's asleep for a bit, Gunnloda leaves her with a kiss to her forehead and goes to find Ryleigh.

[4:28 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh is sitting with the others - for once.

[4:39 PM] DM: Gunnloda comes over and gestures to the spot next to her. "You mind?"

[4:42 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: She shakes her head 'no', and scoots over if she needs to so Gunnloda can sit too. In Ryleigh's hand is her sending stone, she's turning it over and over... and over again, absentmindedly. Even though she's sitting with the others, it looks like she's struggling to pay attention to the conversation around her - her eyes are distant.

[4:58 PM] DM: "Y'ok?"

[5:01 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh looks over at Gunnloda a little surprised. "I made Rukiya worry," she answers, her lips pulling into a thin line. "Is she okay?" Ryleigh motions to where Gunnloda walked from.

[5:04 PM] DM: She nods. "Hopefully after tomorrow, everything'll settle down a bit for her."

[5:06 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "And you? Are you thankful to have your voice back?"

[5:23 PM] DM: "Glad it wore off quick. Woulda been rough without."

[5:38 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: “Especially since we don’t know how long these effects last...” Ryleigh voice trails off.

[5:51 PM] DM: She nods. There's a short period of silence, then she says, "I wasn't tryin' t'hurt your feelings before. Just protectin' her. I hope you understand that."

[6:07 PM] DM: "I love her, but more than that, she's my wife. I've chosen to put her first, always. I don't dislike you or hold any grudge against you. Hells, besides her, you're the closest friend I've got in this group. I'm sorry you were on the other end of it, but I won't... can't apologize for putting her well-being first."

[6:21 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I love her too, but its more than that for me also and I'm not sure you understand that, or ever will... which is fine." Ryleigh's mouth pulls into a thin line. "We had a misunderstanding, and I unintentionally hurt her, so I won't fault you for protecting her, but I'm allowed to mess up too."

[6:30 PM] DM: "I've made my share of mistakes too... I'm not sayin' you can't. I just didn't want t'see her hurtin' 'cause she couldn't ask you for time. She wasn't ready to talk yet. I could see it in her eyes, hear it in her voice. I didn't know you were gonna take it so hard."

[6:32 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Yeah... me either," Ryleigh murmurs.

[7:01 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh looks down at her sending stone, and runs her thumb over it. "These sounded like a wonderful idea when I bought them, but how can I express something like this in 25 words? Or quell her anxieties? Or say anything of real substance." Ryleigh sighs, and looks over at Gunnloda. "It must be nice to have Kendall pop in minutes later so you can have a conversation with her, instead of trying to figure out what to say and how to say it and if its the right thing to say."

[7:07 PM] DM: She laughs softly. "It can be. Can't say there's ever been a spell or magic trinket I've ever been more grateful for, 'specially these days." She pulls hers out of her pouch. "I do the same, y'know. Just t'let her know what's goin' on and not t'worry. I can Send her a message if y'need. Didn't get a chance t'use many of my spells today."

[7:21 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Are you sure? I don't want to be a bother..." Ryleigh's looking back at her stone, her demeanor unusually sheepish.

[7:26 PM] DM: "It's no trouble, and it'll make you feel better and let her know she doesn't need to worry so much. If it were a trouble, it'd be worth it."

[7:38 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: A smile slowly appears on Ryleigh's features. "Thanks Gunnloda," she says, genuinely touched. "Could you tell her that I'm sorry for worrying her, that I'm doing okay, and that we'll hopefully be home in a few days. Oh... and that I love and miss her. Please?"

[7:51 PM] DM: She speaks a phrase that's probably Dwarven and closes her eyes. She's silent for several moments, but when she opens them, she has a slight smile on her lips. "She told me to keep an eye on you and make sure you come back safe." When she says, "She loves you," it sounds more like an observation than repeating her words.

[8:07 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh runs her thumb over her bracelet. "I used to believe I was lucky because her loving me felt like so much more than I deserved." She worries her lip for a moment, then looks at Gunnloda and hesitantly says, "I am lucky, and not because I don't deserve her love, but because I do and she does love me."

[10:56 PM] DM: Gunnloda smiles and opens her mouth to say something, but her voice is different and anyone sitting there can see her eyes have turned solid black as she speaks in a musical language. She speaks for several moments, then blinks, the black immediately replaced with her normal green. "Hold onto her," she says like nothing happened.

[11:07 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh looks around the group, attempting to gauge their reactions. The only thing that indicates any response from Ryleigh is a questioning eyebrow.

[12:54 AM] Brimeia: Brimeia doesn't notice right away, but when she does she just stares for a few moments before catching Ryleigh's eyes with an alarmed expression.

[12:58 AM] Urrak: Urrak flinches but tries to hide it. She looks worried, cautious, and wonders of she should say something. Slowly she takes her sword from off her back, still in it's sheath, and looks to Ryleigh as well.

[6:51 AM] DM: Gunnloda turns to look behind her, then looks back at Urrak. "Somethin' wrong?"

[7:33 AM] Urrak: "Gunnloda... Are ye feelin' alright?" Urrak grips the hilt of her sword with one hand as she holds it  loosely at her side with the other.

[7:39 AM] DM: "I'm fine. I'm not the one actin' spooked. Y'look like ya seen a ghost."

[7:42 AM] Urrak: "Ye don't-- Gunnloda yer eyes--they," she shakes her head , "Yer eyes just went black an'--an' ye said somethin' in some kinda old tongue," she looks around the group again, " Ye all saw it too, right? "

[9:36 AM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh places a hand on Gunnloda's shoulder, then leans in and whispers something to her.

[9:40 AM] Ryleigh Alastair: "It's happened before," Ryleigh announces to the group. "But there's no need for that," she says firmly, pointing at Urrak's drawn sword.

[10:14 AM] DM: Gunnloda sighs a bit and looks down, suddenly finding her own fingers very interesting.

[12:27 PM] Urrak: "It's happened--" she blinks, her face incredulous, but then when she takes a moment to think back, "All those new powers ye've gotten..." Urrak slowly slips her sword belt back onto her shoulder, "Is it--when ye gave up th' Host did ye tap int'a... Somethin' else?"

[12:37 PM] DM: She doesn't answer right away and glances at Ryleigh as if to seek guidance.

[2:05 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: In a slightly awkward movement, Ryleigh moves her hand from Gunnloda’s shoulder to rest atop her fidgeting hands. “I can’t answer for you, but I do think Seirixori should be here for this conversation.”

[5:30 PM] DM: Gunnloda nods.

5:34 PM] DM: As Seir wakes in the morning, even Gunnloda's still asleep. Ryleigh has last watch, though, so she's up.

[6:44 PM] Seirixori: Seir gets up and approaches Ryleigh, "Hey." She shuffles nervously, trepidation of the day running through her.

[6:46 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh runs her hand down Seir's arm and briefly taking her hand in an attempt to calm her. "Hello," Ryleigh says softly, "did you sleep okay?"

[7:05 PM] Seirixori: "I think so." Seir pauses for a second and then pulls Ry into a tight hug. She breathes a sigh of content after a few moments and pulls away. "Okay, I should... go."

[7:57 PM] Seirixori: She starts to head out, but waits for Ryleigh at the door so she can shift and take Dawnbringer with her.

[8:12 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh returns the hug, and unlatches Dawnbringer from her belt. Dawnbringer shrinks to the size she usually is with Seir, and then Ry hands her over. "Take care of each other," she says, worry visible in her expression.

[8:17 PM] Seirixori: Seir shifts into the giant eagle and takes Dawnbringer, tapping Ry on the head with her beak and then with one final nod she takes a couple steps and flies up and towards the tree.

[8:36 PM] DM: The room she left was quiet, but the space around the tree is anything but. Nothing has actually changed, but it looks nothing like it had the last time Seir saw it. There's a warm, golden-green glow that's suffused the area, edging out the chaotic swirl of color from the crystals, and the silence of the area has been broken by the rhythmic chanting and singing of several voices in unison. The tree itself has been decorated with flowers, grains, and vines and ropes that have been colored by paint.

As Seir starts to land, she can see that there is now a raised platform of earth at the base of the tree, just big enough for a gnome to lie on.

Glancing around, she recognizes the people in the area and can pick out Wrenn, the Staff of Storms now in his own hand, walking from place to place and teaching each person their part in the ritual. She doesn't immediately see Unastine.

[8:42 PM] Seirixori: Seir lands nearby, close enough to be noticed, but not to interfere with the ritual. She shifts back and holds Dawnbringer by her side. "...I should have thought about the fact that I'm now going to hold a sword awkwardly in my hand this whole time." She shakes her head and looks around in awe at the sight before her. Her free hand going to her chest as she feels a swell of emotions.

[8:48 PM] DM: Dawnbringer: "Do you not also wear a belt?"

[8:57 PM] Seirixori: She looks down and grumbles, "...I don't use swords."  Then she awkwardly settles Dawnbringer through her belt and then takes her staff and starts twisting it nervously in both hands as she watches, briefly scanning to see if she can find Unastine.

[9:12 PM] DM: You stand there for a good minute or two and still don't see her anywhere.

[9:13 PM] Seirixori: She only waits another minute before she approaches Wrenn with a soft hello, "I decided to come a little earlier."

[9:29 PM] DM: He smiles. "It is good to see you." He tilts his head a bit. "Is that the Sword of Light? You've been successful?"

[9:51 PM] Seirixori: She tilts her head with a rueful smile, "Well, we've actually had her a lot longer than we thought. It seems someone stole her ages ago."

[9:51 PM] DM: Wrenn: "Really? How serendipitous."

[9:54 PM] Seirixori: She nods, "We aren't too sure on where the other two are. Considering where we found her, I'm guessing there's a chance that they aren't where they were left. Especially if someone tried to use them to defend themselves."

[10:10 PM] DM: He frowns a bit, thinking. "That does complicate matters. Perhaps Our Lady can provide guidance once the ritual is complete."

[10:13 PM] Seirixori: "Perhaps," Seir mutters, not having thought of that. "I know I keep asking, but is there anything you need help with or is it mostly waiting now?"

[10:20 PM] DM: Wrenn: "We have it under control unless you wish to participate. You are, of course, welcome to do so. I can guide you as necessary."

[10:25 PM] Seirixori: She almost immediately says no, but stops herself. "I... I would like to, please."

[10:52 PM] DM: "Of course. Do you have a preference?"

[10:55 PM] Seirixori: "No?" The pitch of her voice raises at the end.

[10:57 PM] DM: He chuckles. "Would you rather join your voice with theirs or would you like a more... active role?"

[11:01 PM] Seirixori: Many negative thoughts run through her head about not wanting to have anything to do with the others and it takes her a moment or two to shake it off. She has a feeling what the active part might entail, but it's strangely the one she feels more confident in doing. Despite said 'confidence' her voice cracks anyway,"A-active."

[11:05 PM] DM: "We will be starting soon. Would you like to see her before we do?"

[11:07 PM] Seirixori: Seir nods.

[11:11 PM] DM: Wrenn nods and heads towards the northeastern side of the clearing. There's a wall of thorns there blocking entrance to an opening in the crystals. He waves his hand and they pull apart.

Unastine startles as the vines open, looking towards the two of you with no small amount of surprise and maybe a little fear in her eyes. She looks smaller than you remember, and that's not least because she no longer has her shining scale mail or staff with her. She's dressed in little more than undergarments- a simple cloth tunic.

She stands, schooling her features. "Is it time, then?"

[11:16 PM] Seirixori: "Soon," Seir says quietly, echoing Wrenn. "How are y--" She gets out before she stops herself from finishing the rather absurd question considering the circumstances.

[11:22 PM] DM: Unastine doesn't respond to that, but she does speak. "If it's not time, you came for a reason. What is it?"

[11:27 PM] Seirixori: Seir sighs and barely resists the urge to roll her eyes and shrugs, "I don't know... Wrenn asked if I wanted to see you and I said yes."

[11:33 PM] DM: She holds her hands out. "You see me. What did you expect?"

[11:38 PM] Seirixori: "Nothing." Seir says, almost a finality to her voice, but then she sighs and rubs at her temple. "I'm sorry that I wanted to thank someone who was the... nicest person to me while I was here, but even now you don't care."

[11:50 PM] DM: She opens her mouth, then shuts it, and her whole demeanor shifts to something more unsure. She glances away, but when she looks back, her expression is harder. "Thank me? Or rub it in? You probably even offered to take the knife from Wrenn so you could stab me yourself. Admit it... you want to see the pain on my face, feel the blood on your hands."

[12:06 AM] Seirixori: Seir's immediate reaction is anger but the more Unastine says, the more confused Seir becomes. "Why would I want that?" She frowns, "You're right, I did offer to have a more active part in this. And I had a feeling it might involve you. But anger, revenge, whatever you want to call it, was not the reason I agreed. I thought maybe...I thought maybe I could thank you for helping Her. Thank you for taking me in, even when you didn't want me there." She laughs, "Saying it out loud makes me realize how stupid that is. My existence has always just made you angry."

[12:13 AM] DM: It's only because Seir sees all that she catches it when Unastine glances at Wrenn with an eyebrow quirk. She looks away again, but this time when she turns back, she has her head slightly bowed and looks defeated, not combative. "Even now you prove yourself better than me. You're right. Your existence made me angry." She sighs and looks up as if she was looking for the words she wanted among the swirling colors in the sky.

"I didn't know anything about your mother. You asked me, before. I didn't know her, but she saved me once. Mielikki was grateful, so she gave her a gift. You. I thought that would be the end of it. People pray for children often, you see... she'd started thinking it was what people wanted. She'd given many people children and I never heard of it again... but you. You were different from the beginning."

[12:22 AM] DM: "She watched you. Listened for you. Talked about you. Sent you playmates when you were lonely. When she brought you to us to learn... I wasn't... I was selfish. I could see where this path led. You would take my place whether I was ready to give it up or not. I'd worked too hard for too long to let it go. Now we're here and you... you with your devil's blood and your anger... you show me the kindness and compassion I could never muster for you." She slumps and then carefully gets down onto her knees. "I don't deserve your thanks or your kindness, but I know you are closer to Her and Her kindness, Her wisdom than I have ever been. I have wronged you, and in so doing, I've wronged Her. I have wronged the Circle. I will give my body to Her, begging her forgiveness... but can you forgive me?"

[12:33 AM] Seirixori: Seir looks mildly confused for a split second at the look and as she continues to listen to Unastine, tears fall free from her eyes whether she realizes or not. "She did?" She whispers somewhere in between Unastine's words.

[12:38 AM] Seirixori: She’s quiet for several moments as she closes her eyes trying to stop the tears. She fights against the things she’s always wanted to say, none of them seem to matter anymore. Seir reaches out immediately as Unastine kneels, feeling uncomfortable at the action. She draws her hand back to her chest, unsure of how to react. Hesitantly she moves forward, kneeling slowly next to Unastine. “Even with what I know now-- the anger I have..” she laughs a little, “I’m really glad I didn’t let anyone come with me. I’m almost certain none of them would want me to forgive you.” Seir reaches her hand out again, this time pulling it back and resting it on her thigh, “You’re right, though, I do have a lot of anger. I think I’m entitled to some of it, but I also know… I also know that I hate it. I don’t like how it feels.” Seir wipes her hands down her torso as if she’s trying to wipe away some of the anger, “If I hadn’t come here, if I’d just let you sacrifice yourself, I would still be angry. I don’t know if I could have forgiven you, if I would have cared enough to. But being here now, knowing you at least regret your actions a little, it’s— it’s kind of a relief?” She frowns, “What I’m trying to say with way too many words and some of them more than likely unnecessary is, yes. I can and do forgive you.”

[6:32 AM] DM: There's a kind of relief on her features and tears in her eyes. "Thank you... I'm ready when you are."

[6:33 AM] Seirixori: Swallowing thickly, Seir looks to Wrenn, now completely out of her depth.

[6:35 AM] DM: Wrenn speaks softly. "We will call for you shortly, Unastine." He motions for Seir to follow as he walks back towards the tree.

[6:38 AM] Seirixori: Giving a squeeze to Unastine's shoulder, Seir gets up quickly and follows Wrenn.

[6:40 AM] DM: As they step back into the chanting and singing and warm glowing light, he asks, "Are you ok? Have you changed your mind?"

[6:44 AM] Seirixori: "I'm..." She flounders for a second before getting a hold of her words again. "I always thought ..." Seir shakes her head. "I haven't changed my mind."

[6:49 AM] DM: Wrenn stops before reaching the tree. "You may speak your mind, if you wish to."

[6:51 AM] Seirixori: "I only wish she were more forthcoming sooner." Seir smiles sadly, "I didn't know any of that, about Mielikki. I didn't know she... cared so much...th-that's all. Part of that might be my own doing, really."

[6:56 AM] DM: "Part of the ritual is giving the volunteer space and... motivation for introspection and repentance.  The sequester is intense and can bring out many unexpected feelings and deeply covered truths."

[6:59 AM] Seirixori: Seir only nods as she pulls herself away from thinking on it any longer, for now.

[7:02 AM] DM: He tilts his head towards the platform. "We will call her forward and I will recite an incantation that will dampen her pain and prepare her body." He draws a dagger from his side, an ivory colored blade that looks like a fang with a hilt that looks like twisted vines. "This dagger will be used to cut open her chest and remove her heart, then it will be placed within the cavity of the tree while it still beats. Another incantation will seal it. Then we wait." He holds the dagger in such a way that it is clear it is her choice to take it or not.

[7:11 AM] Seirixori: Seir stares at it. She can't help but appreciate the way it looks. She eventually reaches out, her hand shaking slightly. As her hand hovers over it she says, "I feel like someone should really find another way to do this." Moments go by and there's conflict in her eyes but soon a sort of resolve flashes in them and her jaw tenses. Seir wraps her hand around the dagger and takes it.

[10:19 AM] DM: Wrenn nods, but motions for Unastine and starts walking to the platform.

[1:03 PM] Seirixori: Seir follows, swallowing nervously.

[1:12 PM] DM: Unastine steps out of her 'chamber' and pads, barefoot, to the platform. There's no hesitation as she steps out and lies down on platform.

The voices around the trio rise in volume and cadence as Wrenn starts to pull colored vines from the tree to drape over Unastine's wrists and ankles, evoking the image of binds. He pulls some of the flowers that had been decorating the tree and sets them around her.

He stands to the side at her head and starts to speak an incantation in Druidic. Unastine's eyes drift closed and he looks up at Seir and nods.

[1:19 PM] Seirixori: Seir moves to Unastine's side and with barely a moment of hesitation, she does as Wrenn told her.

[2:42 PM] DM: Despite the number of bodies you've seen, the number of animals hunted, people murdered, even those torn apart by your own claws and teeth or those cut to pieces by the blades of her party members, there's something inherently different about the way the blade slices cleanly through fabric, skin, muscle, bone. Something inherently different and disturbing the way her chest continues to rise and fall with every breath, the way the skin seems to pull apart at the slightest insistence but there is no flinch of pain or instinctive pulling away by the body.

This is almost certainly not the first time Seir has done something similar, cutting around tendons and ligaments to harvest just the right organ from a beast to use later in her herbalism kit, but it doesn't make it easier. It only gives her hands a confidence, a knowledge of what she's looking for and the easiest way to get to it.

[2:44 PM] DM: It takes only a minute or two to carve her way through Unastine's chest and then she's holding a still beating heart in her hands.

[3:42 PM] Seirixori: It's the strangest sensation and she's glad anything she's done this to before had been dead. She doesn't allow herself more time to think on it, not yet, this isn't the time. That's been her mantra for months. She can do it one more time.

With the heart in her hands Seir approaches the tree and places it gently inside.

[3:48 PM] DM: The chanting and singing gets louder and as Wrenn starts another incantation, the glowing golden green energy starts to coalesce into tendrils that wrap around both the tree and Unastine, forging thick strands that connect the two. The cavity in the tree starts to seal itself and Unastine's chest does the same.

The magic swirls and intensifies with the chanting, until it all suddenly withdraws from Unastine's body and surrounds the tree itself.

With the magic now surrounding every branch, every twig, every leaf of the tree, it's lit up like a column of divine flame in the early morning and there's a tremble in the earth below.

[3:53 PM] DM: The chanting stops and Wrenn calls for everyone to get back.

[4:16 PM] Seirixori: Seir steps back to Wrenn's side. She gives a quick glance to Unastine's body and then keeps her eyes on the tree, marveling at the amount of magic and light.

[4:18 PM] DM: The tremble turns to rumble turns to sharp cracks in the earth below as the ground breaks into massive chunks. Everyone backs far away, back into where the crystals grow, as the tree's roots start pulling free of the ground. Chunks of earth start breaking apart and falling into the cavern below, and for a moment, it looks like the tree might fall in too.

[4:25 PM] Seirixori: Seir tenses and she grips the dagger still in her hand trying to think of anything she might have in case it does start to fall.

[4:37 PM] DM: The tree's roots pull in, wind around, and coalesce into two massive sections and as the ground around it, including the platform and Unastine's body, all starts to fall into the cavern below, burying much of the crystal. The roots act as legs and stabilize it from falling and it pulls itself up and out of the hole. Standing at its full height and bathed in glowing light as the dawn breaks, it turns and starts walking, easily stepping over the crystal walls and barriers, leaving flattened footprints in its wake.

[4:52 PM] Seirixori: Seir, determined to come back later, takes a step forward and then looks at Wrenn. "May I?" She motions up to the sky, intending to follow while flying.

[4:54 PM] DM: Wrenn smiles. "If only I could follow as well, but I will need to lead the Circle out by foot. Be safe and I will see you again soon."

[5:03 PM] Seirixori: She nods and shifts into an eagle, letting Dawnbringer fall to the ground. She bends to pick her up with her beak and flies off, staying just above the tree.

[5:20 PM] DM: The tree walks, dozens of feet in each stride. It's not moving quickly but because of its size, it is traveling fast enough that Seir may not be able to keep up.

[5:36 PM] Seirixori: Seir tries to anyway, partially at the fun of it, but also because she wants to keep her eyes on what's around.

[6:01 PM] DM: The tree continues to walk until it gets out of the crystals, at which point every step leaves flowers and bushes in its place. Its roots start to untwist and it sinks down, replanting itself. The magical energy flows out of the tree and into the land, sprouting grass and foliage around it, the trees thickening and bursting with full boughs of leaves.

[6:11 PM] Seirixori: Seir circles once and then lands next to it, shifting back and grips Dawnbringer in one hand as her other moves to settle on the tree itself.

[10:34 PM] DM: A warm energy pulses through her at the touch. The feeling is not unlike that of Gunnloda's comforting magic, and really the description that comes to Seir's mind is simply "home." She only has a moment to marvel, though. Before she can even consider what to say, she hears a voice to her side. "You've done well, my child."

[10:57 PM] Seirixori: Seir swallows back a cry of... many emotions and turns. Her hand slides off the tree and it hovers just above her side, stopping herself from reaching out. "H-hi."

[11:02 PM] DM: Mielikki takes a step forward, arms open enough to be an invitation, but doesn't press the matter.  Findarris's head pushes through the new bushes behind her.

She replies, "Hello."

[11:08 PM] Seirixori: Seir let's her tears fall the moment she nearly trips into Mielikki's embrace. "You're okay?" She asks, her eyes brightening in excitement when she sees Findarris.

[11:23 PM] DM: "Better than I have been." She leans back to look at Seir, taking in her blood soaked appearance. "And you?"

[11:26 PM] Seirixori: "Me? I'm fine. I mean, a lot has been going on in a very small amount of time, but--" she pauses and looks down, seemingly to finally notice the blood. "Oh..." She blinks and then looks up, " I... helped w-with the ritual."

[11:31 PM] DM: "Yes. That is what I was asking about."

[11:33 PM] Seirixori: She shrugs, "It was weird and I would very much like to find another way to do that because I really don't think people should ever have to experience that."

[10:46 AM] DM: She smiles, a softer smile than Seir remembers ever seeing from her. "You've been pushed and pulled and stretched to your limits, but you haven't lost your kindness and compassion." Her hand comes up and rests against Seir's cheek. "I'm proud of you. You will make a wonderful Keeper."

[12:02 PM] Seirixori: Seir leans into the touch with closed eyes. Some of the tension she's had almost seems to vanish. She opens her eyes, "Neat. ... ... I don't know what that means."

[12:22 PM] DM: She smiles. "As Wrenn is now. Leader of my people. Keeper of the Gardens, the Forests, the Land, the Beasts."

[3:56 AM] Seirixori: She nods like it's a completely reasonable thing, but her expression looks overwhelmed and uncertain. "Right. Many years from now, I can totally do that."

[8:53 AM] DM: "This scares you."

[9:03 AM] Seirixori: "I don't know what I'm doing. I don't know-- I don't know anything and," she shrugs and looks away, "they don't exactly like me."

[9:05 AM] DM: "All things change in time... and you will have plenty of it."

[9:16 AM] Seirixori: Seir's face scrunches in a little pouty frown. "Yes..." she trails off with a small sigh. After a moment of silence Seir looks back up, "How come--" she stops, frowns again, this time because she's thinking about how to phrase her thoughts. "I-I- asked if you needed--" she stops again, now biting her lip. "I didn't know you needed help."

[9:55 AM] DM: Mielikki's hand withdraws and the new growth around you darkens, thickens, becomes a bit more menacing for a moment. "No fault of yours, my child." She turns towards the massive oak. "My tree is a conduit. A focus for my energy. Most people think that our power flows from us to the world, but it can go the other way as well. When I sealed the tree away, it was not meant to be permanent, but I did not anticipate the effect it would have on me. We both grew weaker without the connection. I am impressed by Wrenn's ability to keep it clean of corruption all this time. I do not know what might have happened had this crenda perath gotten to it."

[10:06 AM] Seirixori: Seir opens her mouth with five questions wanting to be asked. Her brow furrows and she barely manages to only ask one, "Is that what the crystals are called?"

[10:25 AM] DM: She chuckles warmly. "No... I believe the term is 'a colorful phrase' in Common."

[10:27 AM] DM: It's worth noting that in all the time Seir has been with Mielikki in the past, she has never seemed this lucid or focused.

[10:39 AM] Seirixori: "Oh." Part of Seir wants to sit down. To sit and talk, to learn, but another part, a larger part, can't fathom the thought of dropping the contact. She opens her mouth to ask another question but all that comes out is a small whimper as she tries not to completely fall apart. "I'm sorry I keep asking questions. You-you've never--I'm used to talking at you. ...Or having very confusing conversations."

[10:43 AM] DM: She chuckles again. "Ask all you like, sia um, though we won't be alone too much longer. We will have time later."

[11:01 AM] Seirixori: A plethora of questions sit on the tip of her tongue. Her thoughts nearly bursting with the idea of finally being able to know things, to learn. It's hard, so hard to not start at the beginning, to ask about her Mama, ask about what Unastine had said, but her friends, her wife, are all waiting for her and she realizes she shouldn't be asking about anything that isn't about their current situation. With only a mildly annoyed look she asks, "The-the gifts you left--" her eyes widen, "Oh, I forgot!" She looks down and grabs Dawnbringer, lifting her up. "We found her! But-but not here. Somewhere else, and we still have two more of your gifts to find but we're not really sure where to look because if we found Dawnbringer no where near here--at least I don't think it was here-- then can the other two be somewhere else too? Wait-" she shakes her head, " Sorry, she- she didn't remember anything until recently and I thought-I thought..." Seir shrugs, now sheepish at falling back into her normal way of talking when she gets excited. "I don't know, that maybe you being here would help her. Or something. I say, even though she can speak for herself and--" Seir nearly bites her tongue as she slams her jaw shut in effort to stop talking.

[11:06 AM] DM: "Claíomh Solais..." she murmurs, running her hand along these blade.  "She can help you find the others."

As she says this, Dawnbringer's blade pulses with light.

[11:09 AM] DM: She pauses and looks in the direction of Murias. "I am limited in how much I can affect on this plane, but perhaps I can make things a little easier for you." She closes her eyes, takes a deep breath, and exhales. An almost imperceptible wave of energy flows out of her in that direction.

[11:10 AM] Seirixori: Seir blinks looking down at Dawnbringer and then towards the city and says, "I don't know what just happened, but it was neat."

[11:12 AM] DM: "Wrenn will be here with the Circle shortly. Is there anything else you wish to know before their arrival?"

[11:17 AM] Seirixori: She does, of course she does, and yet the question she blurts out feels like the stupidest and most insignificant one she could ask, "Can you change my horns?"

[11:48 AM] DM: "If you'd like. Simply imagine what you'd like." She moves her hands as if she were tucking hair behind seir's ears and they reshape to match her thoughts.

[11:59 AM] Seirixori: Seir reaches up to touch them, even though she doesn't need to. She can immediately feel the difference in where the weight is, the shape now more like a ram's, but her spikes, the size, and broken horn are still present. "Thank you," she whispers, amazed at how easy it was and she tampers down a few emotions she's not quite ready to process yet.

[1:22 PM] DM: She looks at Seir for a long moment, considering. Then she smiles. "You're welcome."

[2:27 PM] Seirixori: "What happens now?"

[2:28 PM] DM: "What do you mean? A great deal is already happening and there is a great deal to come."

[2:33 PM] Seirixori: "Things here? With the circle?" She pauses, "I guess I can wait for Wrenn and everyone else."

[2:38 PM] DM: "You can take your place here, should you so choose, but I can feel your hesitation. You have other things to tend to before you will feel ready."

[2:44 PM] Seirixori: She nods and with that same hesitation quietly says, "I never thought I'd want to come back..."

[2:53 PM] DM: She smiles, but it's bittersweet, almost sad, then she just pulls Seir in and wraps her in a tight hug.

[2:57 PM] Seirixori: Seir buries herself in the embrace, marveling at the feeling and the emotion she's never seen from Mielikki before, content to not move until it's necessary.

[6:47 AM] DM: Mielikki breaks the embrace just before Wrenn steps through the foliage, the Circle on his heels. He bows with a grin.  "My Lady, I am so honored to be able to see you once more."

The rest of the Circle looks almost awestruck. Seir can guess this is the first time many or even most of them have actually seen her.

[6:54 AM] DM: Mielikki: "Wrenn... you have done well in protecting my tree. You will be exalted when it is time to rest, but that time is not just yet. I need you to teach my people, lead them until my daughter is ready to take her place." She gestures towards Seir.

A murmur sweeps through the crowd and many in the crowd turn their eyes to Seir. Their expressions are generally of awe, but there's a little fear in some of their eyes, particularly those Seir remembers as being the most cruel towards her.

[6:59 AM] Seirixori: Seir blinks at the word 'daughter'. It's strange to hear, stranger from Mielikki and stranger yet, the weight behind it. There's the tiniest of movements of her foot as she almost steps backwards as soon as the eyes are on her.

[7:00 AM] Seirixori: The greatest urge to hide behind Mielikki lingers and she gives a small finger wave and a smile, more of a grimace really.

[7:10 AM] DM: Wrenn bows again.  "It is my honor and pleasure to serve you, My Lady."

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