Homoventures Chapter 2, Part 6

[DiablotinNarrator] We'll pick up a few 'days' after the ceremony/orgy, unless you have anything you have to do before then.

[DiablotinNarrator] I assume you spend the time reading and studying and talking with whoever will talk to you about religion ;)

• Xandhil might ask what all he said during the ritual @_@

[DiablotinNarrator] (ah yes, that ;)

• Ranighar is around occasionally, you would have the opportunity to talk to him if you so wish.

[Xandhil] Hey, Ranighar?

[Ranighar] Oh, hello.

[Xandhil] I keep meaning to ask you

[Xandhil] I mean, I know we have been asking you all kinds oif thing, but - about the ritual

[Ranighar] Yes?

[Xandhil] Justen said I said a bunch of stuff, but I don't remember that at all @_@

[Ranighar] Ah...

• Ranighar looks a bit uncomfortable, but nods.

[Xandhil] ...what did I say?

• Ranighar takes you aside, making sure no one is around to overheard.

[Ranighar] This happens sometimes, during rituals - that one speaks in the sacred tongue.

• Ranighar says once you are safely out of earshot of anyone else.

[Xandhil] the sacred tongue?

• Xandhil asks quietly
• Ranighar nods.

[Ranighar] Usually the one who has received this blessing doesn't remember what they said, though.

• Xandhil nods

[Xandhil] right... I figured it might be something like that....

[Ranighar] ... I didn't wish to mention it to you, because... well... frankly, for an outsider to receive it, it might look bad, or some might think so anyway.

[Xandhil] oh

[Ranighar] ... and because... some of what you said... was troubling.

• Ranighar adds even more reluctantly.
• Xandhil frowns a little

[Xandhil] troubling how?

[Ranighar] There are already factions who don't want you and your friends here... I didn't want to give them any excuse to be able to convince Ghilana to get rid of you.

[Xandhil] well, I wont say anything to anyone else...

[Xandhil] but I do want to know what happened.

[Xandhil] well, Other than Justen and my brothers, anyway >.>

• Ranighar nods, but he looks worried.
• Xandhil smiles

[Xandhil] I mean, I said it, it's only fair, right?

[Ranighar] No, I know...

[Ranighar] or something said it through you >.>

[Xandhil] do you want to go somewhere else?

[Xandhil] ...fair...

[Ranighar] Maybe we can go up to the surface to check some snares.

• Ranighar suggests

[Xandhil] okay

[Xandhil] just us?

[Ranighar] I would prefer that, but if you really want to bring your friends...

[Xandhil] no, that's fine

• Xandhil wonders what there is to snare around here, anyway
• Ranighar will head to the passage up to the surface then.
• Xandhil goes out, but if he sees any bros along the way will let them know he is stepping out with Ranighar for a bit

[DiablotinNarrator] Ok, you can let Rhyl know that. Justen and Taz are probably training.

[Xandhil] (fair)

• Ranighar heads up the ladder to the hidden door, opens it, and climbs outside.
• Xandhil follows
• Ranighar takes the path through the sparsely-inhabited but well-guarded village and leads you out of the gates and away from the community some distance.
• Ranighar of course lets the guards know you're going to check some snares, totally normal >.>
• Xandhil is totally normal, yes ^-^
• Ranighar waits until you're a safe distance from the village

[Ranighar] .. all right.

[Xandhil] is it really that bad?

[Ranighar] It could be. Like all these sorts of things, it's difficult to be sure.

[Xandhil] right

[Ranighar] But basically what you said... it could be interpreted as a threat against Ghilana.

[Xandhil] oh, hrm... I can see why you'd be concerned >.>

[Xandhil] but what did I say?

[Ranighar] 'I bring with me the seeds of corruption and renewal, heralding the fall of the mighty and the rise of a new leader."

[Ranighar] I don't really know what it means, but it doesn't really sound... good, at least not for people who like things the way they are :/

[Xandhil] o-O

[Xandhil] uhh... sorry?

• Ranighar shrugs.

[Xandhil] I have no idea what that means either

[Xandhil] well mostly :p

[Ranighar] That's my translation, anyway.

[Xandhil] If we leave here without Taz getting someone knocked up, I'll be impressed

• Ranighar manages a little smirk at that.

[Xandhil] he said something about one of the priestesses, anyway >.>

[Ranighar] I wouldn't be surprised.

[Xandhil] yeah

[Xandhil] but the rest... I don't know

[Ranighar] We don't get a lot of visitors here, it's good to get some fresh blood.

[Ranighar] At least that's what I think. Not everyone agrees, though.

[Ranighar] And if they heard about this... well, it might be just enough to convince Ghilana you're not welcome here.

[Xandhil] well apparently at least one of the priestesses does ;)

[Xandhil] right

[Xandhil] do you know what she thinks of us?

[Xandhil] I mean, mostly people have seemed pretty neutral about us

[Ranighar] I think she's wary... waiting to see, probably.

[Xandhil] right

[Xandhil] (What is her daughter's name again?)

[DiablotinNarrator] (Eletyl)

[Xandhil] Did I tell you Eletyl came to mine and Justen's room?

[Xandhil] I think I did...

[Ranighar] Yes. That's unusual... she doesn't normally .. mingle with people. Even us.

[Xandhil] yeah

[Xandhil] it seemed unusual, but I think she has her reasons.

[Xandhil] I haven't seen her again though

[Ranighar] What do you think are her reasons?

[Xandhil] the same reasons she stays covered up all the time

[Xandhil] also I kind of wondered if she is....discouraged

[Ranighar] how do you mean?

[Xandhil] if her mother tries to keep her apart?

[Ranighar] Ah. Maybe, yes.

[Ranighar] Lonely?

[Xandhil] she did seem it.

[Xandhil] I don't think she feels like she fits in

[Ranighar] I really don't know her well. I mean, no one does...

• Xandhil says carefully

[Xandhil] That's part of why she was interested in us

• Ranighar nods

[Ranighar] do you think you'll see her again?

[Xandhil] I have no idea

[Xandhil] I haven't gone looking for her...

[Xandhil] it was kind of awkward, to be honest

[Xandhil] I mean, she seems nice and all

[Xandhil] >.>

[Xandhil] . o O (Girl cooties!)

• Ranighar nods.

[Ranighar] Well...

[Ranighar] I've always felt sort of bad for her.

[Ranighar] It can't be easy :/

[Xandhil] no, definitely not

• Xandhil agrees

[Xandhil] especially if she's kept apart from everyone

[Ranighar] Her mother seems to think it's important.

• Ranighar says with a shrug.

[Xandhil] I bet >.>

[Xandhil] anyway

[Xandhil] thanks for telling me about the...whatever it is :p

• Ranighar nods.

[Xandhil] I'm guessing you haven't told anyone else?

[Ranighar] No.

[Ranighar] I didn't think it would be well-received >.>

[Xandhil] that's not going to get you in trouble, will it?

• Xandhil nods

[Ranighar] not as long as they don't find out about it.

[Xandhil] well, I won't say anything :)

[Xandhil] ...how closely do people pay attention though?

[Ranighar] During ceremonies?

[Xandhil] like, if I did want to say anything to Justen, would it be better to go somewhere else?

[Xandhil] well, yeah, and in general

[Xandhil] I bet most people are pretty distracted during ceremonies, if they're around ^-^

• Ranighar nods, grinning

[Ranighar] I think in your own room it should be all right to talk quietly, if you need to.

[Xandhil] okay

[Xandhil] so do we actually have any snares to check?

• Ranighar nods.

[Ranighar] We should at least check one - if we have something to bring back, that will look more convincing.

[Xandhil] alright :)

• Xandhil can go with you and do that then
• Ranighar will go find a snare to check, and fortunately there's a little furry rabbit-like animal in it, so you have something to show for your stroll.
• Xandhil eyes it

[Xandhil] what is that thing?

• Ranighar has some name for it, I'm sure.
• Ranighar escorts you back to the village, then.

[DiablotinNarrator] Anything else you wanted to say to him, or anyone else for the next little while?

[Xandhil] (I guess I will tell justen at least about the prophecy or what have you)

[Xandhil] (But that might not require a scene)

[Justen] (ok)

• Justen doesn't know what to make of it either...

[Xandhil] (may as well tell them all really >.>

[Ranighar] (ok)

• Tazenir doesn't either

[Tazenir] but I'm happy to give them more 'seeds of renewal' ]:D

[Justen] What about the corruption ones :p

[Tazenir] not as much fun :p

• Xandhil rolls his eyes

[DiablotinNarrator] Did/does Taz mention at all about the Restoration?

[Tazenir] (oh, yes!)

[Tazenir] (I was assuming he might have already, I guess, if he told Xan about banging that chick and maybe knocking her up)

[Ranighar] (ok)

[Xandhil] (I should have asked ranighar about that, ahh well)

[DiablotinNarrator] After a few more 'days', you receive word that Ghilana wishes to speak to you. Just you.

[Xandhil] ...

[Xandhil] (from who?)

• Xandhil is a little wary

[DiablotinNarrator] (a priestess)

[Xandhil] do you know what it is about?

[Xandhil] Is there anything I should or shouldn't do? :O

[Xandhil] ...when?

[DiablotinNarrator] Immediately, she doesn't know (or won't say) what it's about, and just be polite/respectful.

[Xandhil] okay...

[Xandhil] (Are any of my peeps about?)

• Justen can be.

[Justen] [q] Do you want me to come too?

[Xandhil] I don't know if you'll be allowed but maybe you can at least wait outside?

[Justen] Okay.

• Xandhil smiles

[Xandhil] I'm sure it will be fine

• Justen squeezes your hand.

[Justen] I'll be right there if you need me.

• Xandhil squeezes back and will give you a quick kiss, not letting go of you as we move to follow the priestess

[DiablotinNarrator] The priestess looks a little displeased, but doesn't prevent Justen from coming with you at least as far as the door to Ghilana's quarters.

• Xandhil gives him another squeeze before going in
• Justen smiles encouragingly.
• Ranighar is now known as Ghilana
• Ghilana is seated, half-reclining, on a low couch when you are shown in.

[Ghilana] So, have your studies been going well?

[Xandhil] yes, there is so much fascinating material here!

[Xandhil] Thank you for allowing us to stay

• Ghilana nods graciously.

[Ghilana] I'm glad you have found it beneficial.

[Ghilana] Would you care for a drink?

[Xandhil] . o O (Of what?)

[Xandhil] If you're having some, thank you.

• Ghilana stands to pour you some black liquid from a decanter, also pouring some for herself.
• Ghilana offers you a cup and returns to her seat.
• Xandhil will come and take it from her then
• Xandhil smiles

[Xandhil] So, what did you want to see me about?

[Ghilana] I wished to learn more about you.

• Xandhil nods

[Xandhil] Just me?

[Ghilana] You speak our language very well. You have spent time here before, I take it.

• Xandhil nods

[Xandhil] a little

[Ghilana] Your... forgive me, I am unsure of how you call her, but your father has a shadar-kai woman as his own?

• Xandhil nods

[Xandhil] I call her my mother, yes.

[Xandhil] Tazenir and Serrhyl are her sons by birth though.

• Ghilana nods.

[Ghilana] How did that come to be?

[Ghilana] That she went to your land?

[Xandhil] My father interested her enough, I guess.

• Ghilana smiles at that.
• Xandhil decides not to get into the whole lol!thievery issue

[Xandhil] he was a scholar, and she was a librarian...

[Xandhil] well

[Xandhil] they are still

• Ghilana nods.
• Xandhil smiles

[Xandhil] . o O (But you're not really interested in Dozilva, are you :p)

[Ghilana] But another woman gave birth to you?

[Xandhil] Yes

[Ghilana] Another wife?

[Xandhil] sort of

[Ghilana] I do not know how marriages on your plane usually work.

[Xandhil] My family doesn't really pay much attention to how things are usually done

• Xandhil smiles
• Ghilana nods.

[Xandhil] It's a big plane. All of my parents are outsiders, though, in the place where we live

• Ghilana takes a sip of her drink.
• Xandhil does also then :3

[DiablotinNarrator] It tastes sort of like wine, but with an unfamiliar aftertaste.

[Xandhil] (Not like anything else we've had here?)

[DiablotinNarrator] (nicer)

[Xandhil] What is this?

• Xandhil takes another sip

[Ghilana] It's made from the berries of the strangle-vine. They can be quite difficult to obtain.

[Xandhil] I imagine :o

[Ghilana] Worth it, though.

[Ghilana] Tell me, do you intend to stay much longer?

[Xandhil] Honestly, we haven't really talked about it

[Xandhil] We'd like to, as long as we can, but some of us do have obligations back home.

• Ghilana nods.

[Xandhil] is that alright?

[Ghilana] Your parents must be anxious.

[Xandhil] they trust us.

[Ghilana] I would be, if my daughter was so far from home.

• Xandhil nods

[Xandhil] I think they think it is good for us, though

[Ghilana] Hm, perhaps.

[Xandhil] to get out, and see the world on our own

[Xandhil] Learn how to take care of ourselves, and each other

[Ghilana] It is true that it's past time for my daughter to learn more...

[Ghilana] But I fear that her path may be difficult.

[Xandhil] How so?

[Ghilana] Well... from what you have said, you must know something about being different.

• Xandhil nods

[Ghilana] She is also... different.

• Ghilana says slowly.

[Xandhil] How so?

• Ghilana stands to pace, nervous.

[Ghilana] Her father was an outsider as well. Not one of us.

• Xandhil listens

[Xandhil] Where was he from?

• Ghilana glances over at you.

[Ghilana] I think from wherever the one who birthed you was from.

[Xandhil] Why do you think that?

[Ghilana] Something about you reminds me of him.

[Ghilana] Or maybe it's your father. I don't know.

[Xandhil] Okay...

[Xandhil] So, what do you mean, then?

[Xandhil] Do you not know where he was from? Or are you just trying to figure me out?

• Ghilana shakes her head.

[Ghilana] He was a .. a demon. We had dealings with them sometimes before... always carefully...

• Xandhil nods

[Ghilana] I was young... maybe foolish.

[Ghilana] I didn't know what a child of his would be like, but I thought she would have some of his power. I knew she would be special.

[Ghilana] And he favoured me, I thought.

[Ghilana] He shared his strength with me.

[Xandhil] his power?

• Ghilana nods.

[Ghilana] But he also held power over me.

[Xandhil] he was a succubus?

[Ghilana] yes.

[Ghilana] he was so beautiful.

• Ghilana says a bit wistfully.

[Xandhil] Yeah...

[Xandhil] what happened?

[Xandhil] Is he still alive?

[Ghilana] I don't know.

[Ghilana] He left not long after she was born.

• Xandhil nods

[Xandhil] what was his name?

[Ghilana] Merathel.

• Xandhil makes a note to ask dad about that one

[Ghilana] I could see she looked different from the start... but I thought as she grew older she might learn to change her looks, like he did.

[Xandhil] right

[Xandhil] she never did?

• Ghilana shakes her head.

[Xandhil] hmm

[Ghilana] I don't know if it's something she would have had to have been taught.

[Ghilana] Or if she just.. can't.

[Xandhil] I don't know

[Xandhil] I can talk to her and see

[Xandhil] I don't remember being taught

[Ghilana] Would you?

[Xandhil] but my dad was still around...

• Xandhil nods

[Xandhil] Is still around

[Xandhil] He isn't really a demon though

[Xandhil] its...complicated

[Ghilana] oh?

[Xandhil] He was sort of... transformed into one, for a long time

[Xandhil] and then he was changed into something new

[Ghilana] was changed how?

[Xandhil] I don't think there is anyone else like him...

[Xandhil] Magically.

[Ghilana] You would be willing to speak with my daughter, see if you can show her how to use whatever power she might have inherited?

[Xandhil] yes

[Xandhil] Justen might be able to help too.

[Ghilana] would he?

[Xandhil] I think so

[Ghilana] Very well.

[Ghilana] I'll have you - both of you - brought to her now, if you are willing.

[Xandhil] Ahh, okay. Justen should be just outside

• Xandhil glances back at the door
• Ghilana goes to the door and gets the priestess waiting outside to let Justen in too.
• Justen comes in, looking at you to see if everything's okay.
• Xandhil smiles
• Justen looks relieved, then.

[Xandhil] [a] she wants us to help Eletyl... her father was a succubus.

[Justen] [a]... okay. help her how?

[Xandhil] [a] to see if she has any powers or anything she's never learned to use

• Justen nods.

[Justen] [a] sure. we can try, I guess.

• Xandhil nods, and smiles

[Xandhil] [a] She wants us to go now, if that's okay?

• Justen nods.

[Justen] [a] it's not like I was doing anything else :)

[Xandhil] :)

• Xandhil looks back to Ghilana

[Xandhil] we're ready, then.

[Ghilana] Thank you.

• Ghilana will walk you personally to her daughter's chambers, which are hidden further back in her private complex.
• Ghilana knocks on the door.
• Ghilana waits, but gets no answer.

[Ghilana] ...

[Ghilana] Eletyl?

[Xandhil] (Do I feel her in there?)

[DiablotinNarrator] No, you don't.

[Xandhil] I don't think she's in there

• Ghilana frowns.

[Xandhil] Is there somewhere else she may have gone?

[Ghilana] She is not supposed to go out alone.

[Xandhil] is there anyone she could have gone with?

• Ghilana tries the door, but it's locked.

[Ghilana] No, no one ... no one could have taken her out without my knowledge.

• Ghilana sounds worried.

[Xandhil] ...

• Xandhil eyes Justen

[Xandhil] she *can* go out on her own though...

[Justen] [a] she doesn't know she can teleport?

• Xandhil shrugs

[Ghilana] What do you mean?

[Xandhil] I mean, can't she?

[Xandhil] or is she locked in?

[Ghilana] She would have had to lock the door herself, I didn't lock it.

[Ghilana] But she couldn't have gone out without me noticing.

[Xandhil] well...

[Xandhil] maybe

[Xandhil] Can we get in?

[Ghilana] I don't know.

[DiablotinNarrator] (you could get Rhyl to cast knock, heh ;)

[DiablotinNarrator] (or just teleport in I suppose)

[Xandhil] (I actually have that too ;)

[Xandhil] Well... I can, if you want me to check

• Xandhil offers

[Ghilana] Please, yes.

[Xandhil] I am pretty sure she isn't there...

• Xandhil nods, and will cast knock

[DiablotinNarrator] The door opens

• Xandhil will push it open and look in

[DiablotinNarrator] The room inside looks... like a teenage girl's room. Kind of messy.

[DiablotinNarrator] It's empty, and there is no obvious place to hide.

• Xandhil shrugs
• Xandhil will let her mother go in if she likes
• Ghilana looks inside, checking everywhere just in case.

[Ghilana] ... I can't let anyone know she's missing.

[Ghilana] Where could she have gone?

[Xandhil] well - where might she have wanted to go?

[Ghilana] ...

• Ghilana thinks for a moment.
• Xandhil patients

[Ghilana] she might have tried to go exploring down in the lower tunnels. She has this idea there are treasures or something down there, even though I've told her over and over that there's nothing, just the sightless.

[Xandhil] oooohkay

[Xandhil] well

• Xandhil looks at Justen

[Justen] ?

[Xandhil] If you don't want anyone to know she's gone...

[Xandhil] we can grab taz and Rhyl and go look, maybe?

[Ghilana] Oh, would you? thank you so much!

[Xandhil] [a] she said she might have gone exploring in the lower tunnels. I said we could grab the others and go look for her maybe. Taz has been whining about being bored ;p

[Justen] [a] ok, sure.

[DiablotinNarrator] You can gather up your brothers, then, and explain the situation (at least somewhat?)

[Xandhil] (indeed!)

[Xandhil] (broposse is go!)

[DiablotinNarrator] (hee)

• Tazenir is all armoured and chained up :D
• Ghilana can get you into one of the entrances to the lower tunnels, then

[Tazenir] I have been waiting for a chance to see what all is down there...

[Xandhil] Just ugh, swarms, man D:

[Justen] Aw, I'll protect you.

• Ghilana is now known as Rhyl
• Rhyl bounces with nervous excitement.

[Rhyl] Swarms of... what?

[Xandhil] I thought the sightless were swarmy?

[Rhyl] I don't know... from anything I read about them, they're like... the size of people. I don't think they crawl all over you like bugs or rats or whatever.

[Xandhil] oh, okay

[Xandhil] I can handle that

[Xandhil] though who knows

[Rhyl] I mean, I guess there could be other sorts of stuff down here.

[Rhyl] That does swarm.

[Xandhil] D:

[Xandhil] I'll be okay

[Xandhil] as long as there's no more centipedes :p

[Xandhil] ever

• Justen pats your back reassuringly.
• Xandhil sighs

[Tazenir] Are we going now, then?

[DiablotinNarrator] You head further down into these tunnels. They are dank and musty, not like the inhabited tunnels of the complex, and there are puddles in places and strange, unsettling scuttling sounds down narrow passages. You often turn to find dead ends, and have to retrace your steps.

• Xandhil falls into excited explorer mode

[DiablotinNarrator] (switch over to roll20 now?)

[DiablotinNarrator] [Fight with the sightless things, first one goes easy, second one, Taz and Justen both drop and it is very scary!]

[DiablotinNarrator] [Eletyl is rescued, although kind of complainy until Xan yells at her.]