Diablotin 3 session 41

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Session

Session date: September 25, 2016

Diablotin date:

Prologue

<DiablotinNarrator> It is early Sixth-month, and the weather is warm and sunny. Most of the inhabitants of the Shade have been allowed to return to their homes, and repair work is underway on the damage that occurred during what people have taken to calling the Fey Invasion.

Hugo meets with Loick

<DiablotinNarrator> Hugo, you wanted to go talk to your Uncle Loick - do you want to meet him at his house, or at work?

<Hugonel> I'll go to his work

• Hugonel will dress in relatively plain but stylish clothes accessorized with his most 'I am an arcane caster of note, not a witless fop' navy scarf.
• Hugonel will also have called in advance - no surprises!
• Loick will make time to meet with you, and greets you when you arrive at his office.

<Loick> Hugo, how are you doing?

<Hugonel> Uncle, so good to see you. I'm well - or as well as can be expected, given the circumstances.

• Hugonel smiles warmly, trying not to freak out too much.

<Loick> Well, come and have a seat.

<Loick> Do you want anything? a drink?

<Hugonel> Ah, no, thank you.

• Hugonel sits comfortably.

<Loick> what's on your mind?

• Loick asks, also having a seat

<Hugonel> Well ... it's about what happened in the First World, and what happened to me afterwards.

<Hugonel> As you may recall I was, in that world, a lillend named Eletheni, but when she cast spells, she did so using what was recognizably my voice.

• Loick nods

<Hugonel> Well, recently at the cabaret, I was doing my act, and I found myself singing a magical ensorcellment in what was recognizably Eletheni's voice.

<Loick> o_O

<Loick> that must have been disconcerting

• Loick smiles slightly at his own pun ;p
• Hugonel tries to ignore that and continues.

<Hugonel> Well ... yes. Most of the audience thought it was just part of the act, some sort of trick, of course. They would have no way to recognize what was going on.

<Loick> When you say singing a magical ensorcellment - what sort of ensorcellment was it?

<Hugonel> As near as I can tell, it was akin to, or perhaps exactly like, the lillend's bardic powers.

<Hugonel> I've done a little experimenting since then. It does seem to be something I can use quite freely, always in her voice.

<Loick> Hm. so it seems as though some sort of link persists between you?

<Hugonel> I don't know. It's possible that it's more like a ... gift. Given and now received, with no link remaining. But as you say, perhaps something more persistent.

• Loick nods

<Loick> Can you demonstrate this for me?

<Hugonel> Of course.

• Hugonel will use Inspire Competence to give Loick a bonus to spellcraft checks ;P
• Loick considers with interest

<Loick> Have you become a bard in any other ways I should know about? Such as ... well, I don't know, an affectation for flamboyance?

<Hugonel> You mean ... moreso?

<Loick> Or a change in the nature of your spellcasting more broadly?

<Hugonel> None that I can immediately detect.

<Hugonel> My arcane power still seems to come from my Imperious bloodline, not from Eletheni.

<Loick> hmm

<Hugonel> I don't have her spells

<Loick> Well, there are a few possibilities I can think of.

<Loick> One is, as you said, perhaps this is a gift that was ... exchanged, in some way. You have received this power because of your time spent as her. If that's the case, she might also retain some ability of yours.

<Loick> Another is that there's a more direct connection that joins you.

<Hugonel> Hmm, yes, I see.

<Loick> Either way, it seems the person who might have more answers is Eletheni.

<Hugonel> If she actually exists. I don't know to what extent or in what ways any of our counterparts have an existence that preceded or follows our time in the First World.

<Loick> I can't say, but there are previous cases of people making the journey to another plane or demiplane and finding a ... a version of themselves, or some other being that they share a mind with for a time.

<Loick> So based on those instances, it's possible that she existed before your arrival and continues to exist today.

• Hugonel nods.

<Hugonel> In which case ... I suppose I should be flattered that I am some sort of muse for an immortal celestial being.

<Loick> Don't let it go to your head ;)

<Hugonel> I have actually found the opposite. More ... this latest adventure and its aftereffects have been putting my existence in perspective.

<Loick> How so?

<Hugonel> Perhaps just an ... awareness, or a perception, that I have not used my time in this body as effectively as I might ... and that that time is finite.

<Loick> Not if you make your own demiplane...

• Hugonel laughs.

<Hugonel> Uncle, if your jokes were not so abstruse I'd almost think you were aiming for a career in light comedy.

<Loick> As I've gotten older, I find that more and more of what we do seems like a farce designed for the amusement of higher powers. I might as well try to entertain, if I can do nothing else.

<Hugonel> Do you have any way to help with my efforts here? I know I don't deserve it, but I ask for your aid, sincerely.

<Loick> Honestly, the best idea I've had so far is that you could try to contact Eletheni. It would at the least confirm or deny your suspicions as to whether she exists or not. And perhaps she knows more about what is happening.

<Hugonel> A Sending spell, then, perhaps?

<Loick> Yes. If you aren't able to cast one yourself, I could procure a scroll for you.

<Hugonel> That would be most appreciated.

• Loick nods

<Loick> In return, perhaps you could assist me in some current endeavours.

<Hugonel> What sorts of endeavours?

<Loick> The Dark Tapestry sorts.

<Zola> (Zola would have told Hugo, btw)

<Hugonel> Ah. Yes, I see. Well, I'm happy to help with that. How can I be of assistance?

<Loick> Your friend Zola - who is exceedingly charming, by the way, remind her of my invitation for a drink sometime - was able to share with me her father's recollections of the woman who sold him the blasted thing.

• Hugonel nods.

<Loick> A Cozovode woman, or so she appeared at any rate, with red hair.

<Hugonel> Red-haired women do appear to be the bane of my existence. Why should this be any different?

<Loick> You have a type?

<Hugonel> No, not exactly.

<Hugonel> It'll be fine. Anyway, please go on. Red-haired Cozovode woman selling ancient artifact on the black market, stupid Zola's father buying it ...?

<Loick> Well, the trouble is, any Cozovode we could ask about this who might know about it are likely to get extremely cross that we have it.

<Loick> And any we could ask who wouldn't get extremely cross aren't likely to know about it.

<Hugonel> Quite a dilemma.

<Loick> Sanadhil Orecalo has been our best source for information about it so far, and even then I think he knows more than he's letting on :p

<Loick> One thing I do know - we can't actually use it, even if we wanted to, without the Codex that accompanies it and allows correct interpretation of its symbols and signs.

• Hugonel nods.

<Hugonel> All right ...

<Loick> It's entirely possible that this woman has left town in a hurry. But on the off-chance that she hasn't, perhaps you could ask around about her. And see what you're able to find out about the Codex, as well? Perhaps it'll be nothing, but that's no worse than what we have right now, at least.

<Loick> Obviously you aren't the only person working on this, either - so don't feel as though the weight of the Empire is on your shoulders.

<Hugonel> I assume that Zola can be enlisted in this task as well, if she hasn't already?

<Loick> Certainly, her assistance would be much appreciated...

<Hugonel> All right then. I'm happy to help. I'm happy to help even without the scroll ... but of course, I appreciate the offer of a scroll.

<Loick> Let me get that for you before you go. You can use it as you see fit.

• Loick will actually get one of his assistants to fetch a Sending scroll ;)

<Hugonel> Thank you, Uncle. For everything.

<Loick> I'm always glad to help you, Hugo. And it's good to see you taking more of an interest in serious matters. Perhaps even one day you'll find a calling other than professional loudmouth ;)

<Hugonel> I ... thank you for your advice.

• Loick pats your shoulder affectionately

<Loick> Although I do admit, you do it very well.

• Hugonel smiles.

Hettie and Denise consult Silvia about the Harrow Deck of Many Things

<DiablotinNarrator> Hettie and Denise, you wanted to talk to a Channel? perhaps also with Mikel?

<Denise> yes!

<Denise> he's be a good introducer - I'd asked him ages ago but then disappeared >.>

<DiablotinNarrator> how important did you tell him it was? i.e. how high-ranking a Channel should we be looking at here? ;)

<Denise> very!

<Denise> very important!

<Denise> importantest! :3

• Mikel lets you know he was able to get us a meeting with Channel Silvia, who is like the highest Channel you can get.

<DiablotinNarrator> (maybe other than Raina but... you know. more coherent >.>)

<Denise> (heh)

• Denise nervouses but tells Hettie when it's set up

<Mikel> She's real smart, but she ain't snobby even though she's a duchess or whatever. She's a good sort.

<Denise> okay...

• Denise *thinks* she is one of the people who kows about Ander's thing too
• Mikel leads the way to Silvia's house, then, and you can meet with her out in the garden.
• Denise admires the garden :3
• Silvia has a very nice garden!

<Denise> the rest f the cty is still just turnin' green :3

• Hettienne doesn't know anything about plants but it looks nice.
• Silvia is a short woman with red hair with a few strands of grey in it, and she wears dark tinted glasses that shade her eyes.

<Hettienne> . o O (...fashioon!)

<Silvia> Good afternoon. Mikel let me know you had some important issues you wanted to discuss?

• Denise nods
• Denise looks to see if Hettie wants to take the lead on explaining >.

<Denise> >.>

<Hettienne> Well, I dunno how much word gets around among you mystical types...

<Hettienne> But we found this thing, a real old Harrow Deck.

<Hettienne> What did Aubrienne call it?

<Denise> the Harrow deck of... many things?

<Hettienne> Well I forget but it's real powerful magic, an' if you pull out a card, crazy shit is gonna happen.

<Denise> she said it was real powerful

<Hettienne> Yeah.

• Denise nods

<Silvia> I've heard a bit about that. I know the Vjestaci are quite interested in locating it.

<Hettienne> Yeah.

<Hettienne> We been keepin' it safe.

<Hettienne> Trouble is, we're not sure where 'safe' is

<Hettienne> Like, who oughta have it, and who is gonna do somethin' stupid with it.

<Silvia> You're concerned about it falling into the wrong hands?

<Hettienne> Even if they're real smart, y'know?

<Hettienne> Yeah.

<Denise> yeah

<Silvia> That's a valid concern... the smarter people are, often the more overconfident they are, because they think their intelligence will protect them from falling into the same pitfalls others might encounter.

<Silvia> Of course they're often wrong.

<Hettienne> See that's what we're thinkin'

• Denise nods

<Hettienne> And the fact the Vjestaci want it so bad kinda makes me think they are in that category

<Silvia> Ideally, what would you want to see done with the deck?

<Denise> I don't know what it is even supposed ta be for - liek, who would make somethin' that can mak so much stuff go wrong?

<Silvia> Artifacts of such power are often not 'made', at least not in the same ways as ordinary magical items.

<Hettienne> Is there any way to make it... I dunno, good?

• Silvia considers that for a moment

<Silvia> I don't think there's any way to guarantee that it could only be used for good. But there might be ways to tilt the balance of the deck so that a good outcome was more likely.

<Hettienne> Well that's a start...

• Denise nods

<Silvia> But the temptation, I worry, would be that if one use of the deck resulted in a good outcome, then trying it again becomes more likely.

<Hettienne> Ugh.

<Denise> I dunno if there is any way to use it smart

<Hettienne> Can you make it so that no one can use it? Like some kinda magic lock?

• Silvia thinks

<Silvia> I could lock it away under whatever precautions I can muster, but even that wouldn't be a guarantee that no one could ever use it.

<Denise> I dunno there is anything that can keep out anyone forever :/

<Denise> is that what you woud do if we gave it to you, though?

<Silvia> I can honestly say I have no desire to use it at the present.

<Hettienne> :/

<Silvia> I can't say what future circumstances might bring.

<Denise> well... what do you think about the Vjestaci?

<Denise> are they too clever for their own good? >.>

<Silvia> From what I know of them? They would claim they're the best qualified to deal with this item - but they'll also think they are competent to deal from it, so to speak.

<Denise> hmm

<Silvia> at least some of them.

<Denise> I mean, we cna't leave it where it is, I dn't thik that's safe either, really >.>

<Denise> 'specially not with them lookin' for it

<Silvia> All artifacts have a means of being destroyed. That means may be extremely diffifult, however.

<Denise> yeah

<Denise> an like - this is something' from our people - I dunno if destroyn' it is right either :(

<Denise> an Aubrenne say that like - it might want to be found?

<Denise> or used even...

<Silvia> Yes. I think that items of this sort, powerful artifacts, seek out people after a fashion. They want to be used, or they appear at times when their use might be significant in some way.

<Denise> I'm real glad we found it, an not smeone else

<Denise> Hmm.

<Denise> I dn't even know who all should be decidin' this :/

<Hettienne> But ain't we sorted out the fey thing?

<Silvia> I definitely think it shouldn't fall into the hands of the Imperial government or the military or anything like that.

• Denise nods

<Denise> no. It's a Rat thing.

<Hettienne> What use could we have for it that would be, uh... useful?

<Denise> I dunno, but it seems liek lotsa things are still goin' on

<Silvia> I don't know.

<Denise> like - it ain't winter, but the fey are still here, and whatever those....things were... I dunno if it's all down with that :|

<Silvia> I could try to seek answers to that question, and perhaps the issue of who is best placed to care for it, or how it should be kept safe.

<Denise> seek with who?

<Denise> or d'you mean, lke... channel stuff?

<Hettienne> Ooo.

• Silvia smiles slightly at that.

<Denise> it might be good to have *some* answers, anyway

<Silvia> I suppose in a sense it is 'channel stuff'. I'm a seer, and I have connections to other visionaries. I could inquire if any have received insight into the matter.

<Denise> okay

<Denise> we know the vjestaci have been tryin' to use magic to see who has it - I dunno if they thought to look an see who *should* :p

<Silvia> I'm not sure that would occur to them.

<Hettienne> :/

<Hettienne> Then we *definitely* don't want 'em to get it.

<Denise> yeah

<Denise> I guess we leave it where it's at for now an hope they dn't figure it out >.>

<Silvia> Do you believe it's secure where it's currently stored?

<Denise> well... as it can be, I guess

<Hettienne> It ain't no long term solution though.

<Denise> but I thik there's other reasons we might not wanna keep it there

<Denise> yeah

<Denise> . o O (Getting too dangerous for the boss :|)

<Silvia> All right.

<Denise> we'll talk to the others an see about maybe figurein' out somethin' else

<Silvia> If you do need a different secure place to store it, I'm willing to offer my services.

• Denise nods

<Denise> it ain't up to just us, so we'll see.

<Silvia> Certainly.

<Hettienne> I think it'd be alright here if they agree.

• Denise nods

<Denise> okay

• Denise looks a little relieved at Hettie's approval

<Silvia> I'll see if I can learn more about why it might have appeared now, and what is best to do with it.

<Hettienne> Thank you kindly.

• Denise nods

<Silvia> Thank you for telling me about this.

<Denise> thanks for talkin' to us about it.

<Silvia> Well, for one of my most promising Channels, I could hardly say no :)

• Mikel blushes

<Denise> !roll 1d20+10

• Zola rolls for Denise: [ 1d20+10 ] getting [ 14 ] which, after the modifier [ 10 ] totals [ 24 ].

<Denise> (DOES SHE SEEM TRUSTWORTHY :V)

• Denise grins when she compliments her brother though, and gives him a friendly arm punch ^-^
• Silvia seems honest.

<Denise> (yay)

• Silvia seems like she would also be honest if she felt she couldn't be trusted ;)

<Denise> (I think we're good, then?)

<DiablotinNarrator> (yup, I think so for now)

<Denise> (thanks!)

Zola accompanies Noren to a campaign strategy session with Bright

<DiablotinNarrator> Zola, Noren's paperwork is all submitted for his candidacy, and things seem to be gearing up for the campaign.

• Zola thinks about catchy pro-Noren jingles

<Zola> ./~ There's no ig-Noren him! ./~

• Noren is a bit nervous about how everything is going to go
• Zola gives him a kiss on his anxious cheek :)

<Zola> Don't worry, we'll have a blast.

• Noren smiles at that

<Noren> Speaking of which, I have dinner tonight with my, ah, campaign advisor. Want to join us?

<Zola> Certainly!

<Zola> What's that little pause about though? :)

<Noren> Well, it's Bright Rionet.

<Zola> He's your campagn adviser?

• Zola looks surprised

<Noren> Well... an advisor. I think his father wants me to get a bit more experience at... talking to people? schmoozing?

<Noren> So he thought Bright might be able to help.

<Zola> Ahhh, public relations :)

<Zola> "Campaign advisor" seemed a little too focused for him.

• Noren nods

<Noren> I don't know how much he's really going to do. I mean.. it's Bright.

<Zola> I guess I'll be too busy looking pretty to be whispering in your ear :)

<Noren> You always look pretty - but you still manage to whisper in my ear sometimes ;)

• Zola grins.

<Zola> That's not the stuff you'll need to hear just before you go on stage... not if you want to look composed at least :)

• Noren smiles

<Zola> And as for Bright, he does spend most of his time socializing surely he can put some of that into words for you :)

<Noren> Well, I'd hope so. He has connections, too.

<Zola> Something to do with all that socializing :P

• Noren nods

<Noren> In any case, we'll see what he has to say tonight, I guess.

• Zola nods

<Zola> What time?

<Noren> Six - that should give you enough time to get to work, I hope.

<Zola> It should... it's not like I can't be a little late anyway :)

• Noren nods

<Noren> I'll see you later, then.

• Noren gives you a kiss and will head off to work
• Zola gives him a kiss, and a grope, since she is cruel as well as kind, and he's not about to give a speech :)

<DiablotinNarrator> All right, you can meet Noren and Bright for dinner at a nice restaurant in the Pav, let's say

<Bright> Zola! it's lovely to see you :)

• Zola will get herself all dolled up, and picks out a nice new dress since she still hasn't hit up Hettie to tailor the others

<Zola> Bright, dear :)

• Zola will give him a kiss on the cheek

<Zola> It's been ages! I've been so busy since I got back @_@

<Bright> Were you away?

<Zola> Oh dear, that's a long story @_@

<Zola> I was whisked away to fairy land, but we'll leave that for another day...

<Bright> All right... it sounds like quite a tale.

<Zola> It was @_@

<Zola> Is...

<Zola> Noren says you're going to turn him into a Charmer of the People :)

<Bright> I'll do what I can :)

<Noren> Surely policies and principles are more important than how many cheeks I kiss... >.>

<Bright> Mm, depends who the cheeks belong to.

<Zola> And whether they're paying attention when you mention your principles...

• Bright says with a smirk

<Zola> Maybe Bright should hear what those are first, honey?

<Noren> Oh, well, yes.

• Noren can explain his goals and interests over appetizers
• Zola assumes she is not secretly dating a horrible colour-guard poor-people squasher.
• Noren supports things like better access to education, infrastructure improvements in Rhenea, increased benefits for veterans, job creation, etc.
• Zola smiles as she listens and snacks on tiny tasties
• Bright listens politely

<Bright> Well, that all sounds good - but you'll need to spice up how you present it if you want to sell it. Besides, all those things will cost money, and people will worry it's going to cost them in taxes or by cutting other benefits.

<Noren> Well, clearly increased taxes would be necessary - on nobles :)

<Bright> Hah.

<Zola> Hey now, not all nobles are rich.

<Bright> No, but plenty of them are. And they're the ones you'll have to be working with.

<Noren> Not the ones who'll be voting for me though.

<Bright> The election is just the first step.

<Bright> And if you get there having pissed off most of your potential allies, it'll be a short, unpleasant term of office.

<Zola> And their help getting you elected could be good, even if they aren't in the district.

• Noren smiles

<Bright> Have you seen who you're running against yet?

<Noren> No...

<Zola> We can take 'em :)

<Bright> Well, there's a fellow named Charlen Audemars, and a woman named Tatiane Renaud. There are good reasons to worry about both of them.

• Zola rolls [ 1d20+12 ] getting [ 17 ] which, after the modifier [ 12 ] totals [ 29 ]
• Zola rolls [ 1d20+12 ] getting [ 11 ] which, after the modifier [ 12 ] totals [ 23 ]

<Zola> (k-local on both, Charlen and Tatiane)

<Zola> (Well, really just if I know anything he doesn't say)

<Bright> Audemars is a war veteran, and as far as I can tell, a colossal asshole :p

<Zola> Well, hopefully he'll show that to everyone >_>

<Bright> He'll appeal to the law and order crowd though. Stricter punishments for crime, increased guard forces, that sort of thing.

• Zola rolls her eyes

<Bright> Tatiane's got some powerful backers. As in her father is mobbed up, so she probably is too.

<Noren> Who's her father?

<Bright> Guy named Altheo, runs the Rutting Boar - not that a respectable fellow like yourself has ever been there, I'm sure.

<Zola> (How classy is it now ? :P)

<DiablotinNarrator> (probably about as classy as it ever was...)

<Zola> Noren can pay for classier than that :P

<Noren> Hey, now, I don't need to pay... I mean.

• Noren blushes

<Zola> You do there, honey.

<Zola> :P

<Noren> Well that's not the point!

<Bright> Mmmhmm.

<Zola> And it's not like you've never ^_^

<Bright> Anyhow, she's one of the Corriveaux family, so we can assume they're backing her.

<Bright> She's also a Serpent worshipper, though, so we might have some inroads there, there are some people who won't care for that.

<Zola> So's half of Titania's, I'm not sure I can take Noren there ever again if you want to make an issue out of that.

• Bright shrugs

<Bright> I don't have a problem with it myself, it might just be something we can use against her if necessary.

<Zola> I guess Ander Suterre is running in the Shambles...

<Bright> Oh, yes, but we're on his side :)

<Bright> Or he's on ours?

<Bright> Whichever

<Zola> Well, I guess that's what I meant... they might be keen on taking some of the wind out of her sails

• Bright nods
• Zola sips her wine

<Bright> We'll see what we can figure out.

<Noren> So... what exactly are you going to do in all of this?

• Noren asks Bright

<Bright> Image consultant? Social coach? Inspiration and motivation?

<Zola> Social lubricant :)

<Bright> I do have plenty of that ^-^

<Bright> It's really up to you, though. My father just expects me to help out. If there's something I can do for you that would make this go easier, I'm glad to do it. For instance, if Zola gets bored and needs some company... ;)

<Noren> Mm. I think she'll be fine.

<Zola> I'll be busy helping Noren take Rhenea by storm!

• Zola gives Bright a bit of a chiding look
• Bright smiles and looks utterly unchided

<Noren> Well, this should be ... interesting.

<Bright> Fun!

<Noren> Something like that.

<Zola> You never know, maybe you'll find you like doing something productive, for a change.

• Zola says a bit stiffly

<Bright> Maybe. But I'm much better at being charmingly useless :)

<Zola> Well one ought to diversify, that's what my investment advisor says.

• Zola pops a bit of food into her mouth and munches sassily

Lathra is accosted by Titania

• Titania will pull you aside one evening, Lathra
• Lathra is pulled

<Titania> Hey - how are you doing?

• Lathra is caught off guard

<Lathra> I... think I'm doing well, why do you ask, dear?

<Titania> Well, I know there have been a lot of things going on, with your recent travels and so forth, and I wasn't sure how you were faring.

<Lathra> There certainly has been a lot

• Titania nods

<Titania> Are you holding up all right?

<Lathra> I am! Better than ever, I'd say.

<Titania> Oh, well, that's good to hear

<Lathra> In fact...

<Titania> I've been worried about... well, a lot of things, but all of you among them.

• Titania looks up at your 'in fact', pausing

<Lathra> Well thank you for thinking of me!

<Lathra> In fact... I was considering trying out... performing? Of some kind? And I thought you'd be the perfect person to ask for advice...

<Titania> Performing?

• Titania seems a little surprised by this, but intrigued as well

<Lathra> Yes... I'm afraid I haven't really thought it through, but recently the idea's had more appeal.

<Titania> Well, I'm certainly open to hearing more.

<Lathra> Perhaps I should get back to you when I have more for you to hear.

• Lathra grins
• Titania smiles at that

<Titania> you know I'd be glad to give you an opportunity to try out a new act, if that's what you're interested in

<Lathra> Oh my! That could be wonderful - what an opportunity!

<Lathra> But uh to be very clear... I don't *have* an act

• Lathra >.>

<Titania> If you put something together and run it by me, we'll see what we can do.

• Lathra nods

<Lathra> Well I'll do my best, and you can tell me if my best is worth anything

• Lathra winks
• Titania smiles at that

<Lathra> Titania... are *you* ok? I've been so busy lately, I feel like we've barely talked.

<Titania> And of course feel free to involve others in it - you don't need to go on solo if you feel like you'd benefit from a bit of support.

<Titania> Well, it's been sort of ... odd lately. As you've probably noticed.

<Lathra> Oh my yes, "odd" is putting it mildly

<Titania> Aubrienne and I are ... well, dating I guess? and that's good, but it's also complicated :/

• Lathra nods

<Titania> Especially since she has baby Hyacinth to look after now.

<Titania> I want to try to make things work, but it wasn't really what I was expecting ...

<Titania> And just in general, I'm terrified that she's going to meet my family and find out what dating a princess actually entails, and run screaming :/

<Lathra> Hah! I suppose most might, but I've never seen Aubrienne run from anything...

<Titania> I hope so.

<Titania> Sorry to dump this on you :/

<Lathra> From my other clients it seems to me like the more mature, achieved, and intelligent a partner is, the more work the relationship is - and it goes without saying that a child takes a lot of time and energy. It's natural to feel - overwhelmed? Is that apt?

<Titania> Definitely.

<Titania> Taking things seriously is hard work :p

<Lathra> Undoubtably!

<Titania> Let's grab a drink sometime - we should talk more often.

<Titania> Or go on a double date, maybe :)

<Lathra> Yes let's! Any time!

<Titania> all right :)

• Titania gives you a hug and will let you get back to work
• Lathra gets back to it with a smile

Argent and Denise meet Emkathon Jr.

<DiablotinNarrator> Argent, you and Denise (and Margaux and Enver) are invited for this ... sleepover... at Mireva's new boyfriend's house.

• Argent is carrying an overnight bag, I guess, unsure as to what the social protocol is in this situation

<Margaux> It's just hanging out, right? Not like... weird stuff?

• Denise has brought a few Things too ^-^
• Margaux is a bit nervous of what all this is going to involve

<Denise> YOu don't gotta do anything you don't wanna

• Denise reassures her

<Argent> its just social, nothing wierd.

<Enver> It's a big place - everyone can do their own things if they want.

<Denise> yeah

<Denise> lots a rooms for privacy ^-^

<Argent> its like visiting a hotel

<Margaux> well, okay

• Denise is't sure abotu that, but shrugs

<Denise> It'll be fun, anyway :)

<Argent> it will be good to do something just for fun

<Denise> yeah!

• Denise will knock
• Auggie will answer the door - at least you assume it's him, from Mireva's description.
• Auggie is handsome, probably a few years older than you (early 20s or so?) with dark wavy hair and a slim build.

<Denise> um... Hi, were Mireva's friends :3

<Auggie> Hi, it's nice to meet you. Come on inside :)

<Denise> you too :)

<Denise> thanks

<Argent> Thanks for having us over

<Auggie> It's no problem, thanks for coming.

• Mireva will sweep in to give you hugs once she sees you're here
• Denise is DTH

<Denise> (down to hug)

• Denise can make any introductions on her side, since Mireva and Margaux haven't met, I dn't think

<Argent> (not that I know of)

• Margaux will gladly be introduced :)
• Auggie leads the way into the room, where a few people are already gathered, sitting around, talking. Nobody you recognize, I don't think, but one stands out in particular, since she has wings @_@

<Auggie> (like large, colourful bird-type wings)

<Argent> uh who is that?

<Denise> uh...

• Denise can't stop starring until elbowed probably

<Auggie> Oh - that's Em. She's really nice - and don't worry, she's used to people staring. Here, let me introduce you.

<Argent> ok

• Em is talking with a shadar-kai who has a red streak in her hair, but will smile when you all come over. She has curly red hair and looks maybe a similar age to Auggie, early 20s or so.

<Denise> sorry >.>

• Auggie introduces you around, with some help from Mireva since he doesn't know all your names yet ;)

<Auggie> Everyone, this is Emkathon Orecalo.

<Denise> I didn't mean to stare, I just wasn't expectin' anyone with wings :o

Just Em is fine, though.

• Em smiles at that

<Argent> yeah... why do you have wings?

I don't think most people do expect it, really. It's understandable to stare.

<Denise> are they real?

They are, yes. You can touch if you like, but gently :)

I have wings because I'm not entirely human.

• Em adds by way of explanation

<Denise> oh, okay.

• Denise seems to accept that
• Denise pets them gently
• Argent glances at Margeaux

<Denise> they're real pretty :3

• Margaux looks curious, like she has a lot of questions

<Argent> May I ask what the non-human part is?

<Argent> Sorry if I'm being rude, I'm just curious

It's all right, although it's sort of a complicated story. I have angelic and demonic parentage, I suppose is the simplest way of expressing it, but they come from the same person.

<Denise> ...huh.

<Argent> that's different.

<Denise> maybe you shpuldn't tell just anyone that >.>

• Em smiles slightly

I'm used to people asking about it. And my personal feeling is that it's better to be open, than to try and hide what I am and let them be worried or suspicious.

<Denise> and folks don't give you any trouble?

Oh, no, they do. Fortunately not too many.

But I can handle myself if things turn ugly.

<Denise> well i guess yo'd have to :o

• Denise gives her an appraising look, sizing her up

And when I was littler, my brothers would beat them up if necessary ;p

<Argent> Does your brother have wings too?

Most of my brothers are half-brothers, they don't share the same parentage.

<Argent> well I suppose families can be complicated

• Em nods
• Argent says as if he had personal experience
• Denise gives him a side eye at that

<Denise> How do you know Auggie?

We're both followers of Serpent - we met at the temple.

How about you?

<Argent> We're friends of Mireva

<Argent> and honestly just met Auggie tonight

Oh, that's nice :) She's a lot of fun.

<Denise> she's real swell, yeah :)

<Argent> are we hogging you? I'm not sure how things work.

• Em chuckles

It's not really a formal event - usually we'll sit around, someone will put on some dreammist, and we'll talk or listen to music. Eventually everyone falls asleep ;)

<Argent> ok

<Denise> sounds fun :P

<Denise> :)

<Denise> (ack!)

It's usually pretty relaxing.

<Argent> sounds like it.

<Denise> well, I didn't really know what was goin' down, so I brought some liquor - I figured folks weren't really gonna complain ^-^

No, I doubt anyone will complain about that :)

<Argent> listen, your name... its a little unusual. Does it have any specific significance? I mean, me, Argent, its pretty obvious.

• Argent points at his hair

heh

Emkathon... well, my parents were present when she was released. It was an important moment for them. I guess they wanted to recognize that and honour her, in a way.

<Denise> huh

<Argent> how do you feel about it?

<Denise> oh - sorry, Mireva's wavin me over there - nice to meet you though!

<Argent> if I'm not being too forward.

About my name?

• Denise smiles and sidles off
• Denise looks back at Argent who is hopefully really just being curions and not going all 'worky' over there >.>

<Argent> well being named after what... a celestial being? an Angel, I guess?

well... I respect it, and try to live up to the name. But I also usually feel more comfortable being Em - myself.

<Argent> like the Shadar-kai, taking your own name

• Em smiles at that

Yes, sort of like that. I lived on the Shadow Plane for a while, so maybe some habits rubbed off.

• Em takes the hand of the shadar-kai with the red streaked hair

I never introduced you to my partner, how rude - this is El :)

<Argent> Helloe El, I'm Argent, this is Margaux...

• Argent looks to see who else hasn't moved on
• El smiles and nods, but seems kind of quiet/shy, especially compared to Em's outgoing and talkative personality

<Argent> (is it an act or is it he really quiet/shy?)

<El> It's nice to meet you.

<Argent> Good to meet you too

<Argent> How did you two meet?

• El has a bit of an accent still, too, so may not be completely fluent in Aveyronnais conversation

Well, I wanted to learn more about how the Shadar-kai worshipped Serpent. And there are a few communities left there that follow that faith, so I went to live in one, and train with them.

El grew up there, and that's where we met :)

<Argent> and braved the trip back with you. I hope you're enjoying your time here El.

<El> It's a very different place. But I'm glad that I came.

• El says with a slight smile

<Argent> well we should met the others, maybe we can talk again later

Of course :)

<DiablotinNarrator> The evening progresses quite smoothly - as predicted, there's a cone of dreammist incense lit, people have some of those drinks, mostly there's sitting around and talking and giggling, and maybe a few people slip off together for a while but then come back to the main group.

<Denise> (raises hand)

<DiablotinNarrator> (heh)

• Argent was wondering what Margaux's impression of Em was? Should we tell her about our heritage?

<Margaux> I'd like to talk to her again sometime... maybe not with so many other people around >.>

• Margaux says

<Argent> well people are breaking off from the main group from time to time, we could try and get her alone.

• Margaux smiles at that

<Margaux> She might think we're flirting ;)

<Argent> so what? if it works, all the better. I mean... another aasimar, or something similar, named what's supposed to be my grandmother...my mind is racing

• Margaux nods, squeezing your hand

<Margaux> let's try to talk to her later, then. If we can get her alone.

<Argent> ok

• Argent will try his best to make it happen as the night progresses

<DiablotinNarrator> Argent, eventually you find yourself drifting off to sleep. And you have a dream when you do so.

<DiablotinNarrator> In the dream you're walking through twisting, narrow alleyways, like in the Shambles.

<DiablotinNarrator> You keep seeing someone just ahead of you, rounding corners before you can get close enough to see them clearly. All you can catch is glimpses of colourful wings, and the hem of a dress or robe.

• Argent would pick up the pace if he can

<Argent> Wait!

<DiablotinNarrator> You run faster and finally come out of the maze of alleys and into a courtyard or a square. The woman is standing with her back to you, so that you can see the red hair, brightly feathered wings, and a plain white dress.

• Winged_woman doesn't turn to face you, but you hear her speak

<Winged_woman> You've been looking for me, little one.

<Argent> Are you Katha?

<Winged_woman> Yes, I was given that name once, very long ago.

<Argent> am I your son?

<Winged_woman> Would that make you happy? Would it answer your questions?

<Argent> It would help me know who I am, where I came from. If it's true, you could tell me who my father is.

<Winged_woman> You already know him.

<Argent> I know lots of men, that really doesn't help. Why are you being so cryptic?

• Winged_woman laughs

<Winged_woman> Very well. Come and embrace me, and I will answer you.

• Argent will move forward to do so
• Winged_woman turns to face you and her face is a skull, bare bone and teeth, no eyes in the empty sockets.
• Winged_woman holds out her arms to you
• Argent taken back slightly, although he expected it.
• Argent will step into the embrace
• Winged_woman hugs you close, and whispers a name in your ear.

<Winged_woman> <w> Hugonel Silveira

<DiablotinNarrator> And with that, you wake up.

• Argent is very shocked

<Zola> (The real question is whether it was a warm hug)

<DiablotinNarrator> (it was a motherly hug ;)

<Zola> (Aww :3)

<Zola> (Wait, would you also describe Mylene's hugs as motherly? :P)

<DiablotinNarrator> (no, she only gives bitchy hugs ;p)

<Zola> (;_;)

Solos