Difference between revisions of "Diablotin 3 session 62"

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(Created page with "{{logtoc|Diablotin 3|62}} ==Summary== ==Session== : Session date: October 15, 2017 : Diablotin date:")
 
(Session)
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: Session date: October 15, 2017
 
: Session date: October 15, 2017
 
: Diablotin date:
 
: Diablotin date:
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===Prologue===
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'''missing stuff here'''
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===Argent does something===
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'''missing stuff here'''
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<DiablotinNarrator> Well, the problem with the underground route is that you may not be able to get in. You got in before because Margaux could open that door, but alone you aren't sure if you can open it yourself... unless that's what the voice meant.
 +
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<DiablotinNarrator> The underground route would certainly avoid the traffic and might be more stealthy.
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* Argent will have faith and go underground
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<DiablotinNarrator> All right.
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<Argent> (will have pass without trace, greater longstrider, gmw on my rapier and pistol, tree stride and enchantment foil)
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* Argent will move as quickly as the situation allows
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<DiablotinNarrator> Okay
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===Denise takes Yvie to the Arch===
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<DiablotinNarrator> Skipping over to Denise briefly, then...
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<Denise> (I have no idea where she would be.... home maybe?)
 +
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<Denise> (Or wth A&J - would they be gogn to the funeral?)
 +
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<DiablotinNarrator> Denise, you are likewise exhausted and running on little sleep.  Before heading home to rest for an hour or two before the funeral, you feel like maybe you should check in with your family and make sure things are okay.  Force of habit, maybe?
 +
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<Denise> (yeah, that makes sense :)
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* Denise is also on her motor cycle, then :V
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<DiablotinNarrator> (And yes, Ander and Janelle would be going to the funeral service so you would presumably be there, but it's not happening until a bit later in the day)
 +
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<DiablotinNarrator> (say this is like... 7am and the funeral is at noon, or something :)
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<Denise> (okay)
 +
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<DiablotinNarrator> You arrive at your family home to find some kind of commotion going on.  Yvie is out on the steps crying, and your father is there ordering her to get back inside.
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* Denise pulls up
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<Denise> What's goin' on?
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<Patric> Yvonne Murodea, you go to your room right now and stop this nonsense!
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<Yvie> But I have to go ;_;
 +
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<Denise> Yvie What's goin' on!?
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* Yvie ducks around your father and runs over to you.
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<Yvie> Denise, I gotta go to the place under the temple! The secret place!
 +
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<Denise> what?
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<Denise> The arch?
 +
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<Denise> why!?
 +
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<Yvie> I gotta go there now an' open a door, please, it's real important!
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* Denise looks Concerned.
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<Patric> She woke up and starting saying she had to go - it's like something's gotten into her.
 +
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<Denise> ...Okay.  I'm comon' wth and ain't nothing gonna go happen
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* Patric sounds upset and frustrated and worried.
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<Denise> Well, Pa, maybe somethin' did.  I'll look after her, okay?
 +
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<Denise> This is bad times >:|
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<Patric> ...
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* Denise withh scoop up her sister and settle her on the bike behind her, giving her her helmet
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* Patric comes down the steps to the two of you, and gives you both a hug.
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* Denise hugs back
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<Patric> Be careful.  I don't know what this is all about but ... just come back safe.
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* Denise nods, even though, well.
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* Denise will head off towards the ~sekrit entrance~ then
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* Yvie holds onto you tight enough that you can feel her trembling.
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<Denise> It's gonna be okay, Yvie.
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<Yvie> what's happening?
 +
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<Denise> There's monsters tryin' to take over the arch.
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<Yvie> I know I gotta go there but why?
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<Denise> I dunno.  Maybe it means you're an Arch guardian now :
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<Denise> Can you hear it still?
 +
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<Yvie> kinda... I heard a lady this morning in my dream tell me that it was real important that I had to go and open a door, that it could be the difference between good an' real bad...
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* Denise takes a deep breath
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<Denise> I know where the door is
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<Yvie> okay
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* Denise wishes she felt like she had tme to go find anyone else
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<Yvie> thank you Denise... if I don't get there then the real bad things will happen instead.
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<Denise> We ain't gonna let that happen.
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* Denise slams the gas :V
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<DiablotinNarrator> Okay, you can hurry as much as possible.
 +
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===Denise and Argent travel into the Arch===
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<DiablotinNarrator> You make your way to the door beneath the temple just about as Argent is also arriving there.
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<Argent> Denise!?
 +
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<Denise> Argent!
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* Denise is holding her sister's hand
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<Argent> is that your little sister?
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* Yvie looks scared but determined
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<Denise> Yvie had a dream that she had to open the door
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<Denise> Some lady told her, but I believe her
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<Argent> The guardians need help, I was told the way would be open
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* Denise is tyring to sound calm and determined bt Argent can probably tell she is worried about what this will mean for Yvie
 +
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<Denise> Well it's gonna be
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<Denise> it's right here, Yvie
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* Yvie nods and steps forward
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* Yvie closes her eyes and opens the door.
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<Denise> okay.
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<Denise> I...  Should I stay here with Yvie?  Should we come?
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* Denise looks to Argent for direction
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<Argent> Your hear, she's needed, protect her
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<Argent> (you're here... sigh)
 +
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<Argent> and lets go
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* Denise nods, and takes hold of her sister's hand again
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* Yvie squeezes your hand tightly
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<Denise> YOu stick right close to me, an  I won't let nothin' happen to you, okay?
 +
* Argent puts a reassuring hand on Denise's shoulder
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<Yvie> okay
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* Denise gives Argent a one armed hug
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* Argent heads in trying to navigate to where they are needed
 +
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<DiablotinNarrator> You can head in - the place is oddly empty but you can hear some .. chanting or low voices coming from further in, past the living quarters.
 +
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<Denise> >:|
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* Yvie points to the direction of the sound
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* Argent will head towards it but have some caution considering the situation
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<Yvie> that way
 +
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<Denise> Yeah...
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<Denise> <q> but shh
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* Denise goes into quiet mode
 +
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<DiablotinNarrator> You make your way cautiously in that direction, descend some stairs, and come out into a chamber ringed with people - Silvia and Margaux and Chalniss and others you don't recognize, probably about 8 all together, standing around an Arch that descends from the ceiling.  They are holding hands and the low chanting comes from them.
 +
* Yvie 's eyes widen
 +
* Silvia opens her eyes and beckons for Yvie to come over, separating her hand from the person next to her for a moment to make room in their circle for her.
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* Argent will approach the circle
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<Denise> I think we just gotta defend, maybe...
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* Denise watches the other entrances
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<Denise> (I assume I can't understand the chanting)
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* Yvie lets go of your hand warily, but seems okay when Silvia takes hers.
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<Yvie> (no, you can't, it's in some unfamiliar language)
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<Denise> it'll be okay
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* Denise tells her
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<DiablotinNarrator> Argent, as you look at the Arch you feel drawn to it - like this is why you are supposed to be here.
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<DiablotinNarrator> (whether 'here' means 'in this place right now' or 'in existence on this plane at all' ;)
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<Silvia> Revelyne went into it but hasn't come out yet.
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* Silvia says, while she's broken the circle for a moment.
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<Argent> What do you need me to do?
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* Argent looks at the Arch
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<Denise> <m> Kill her when she comes out prolly >.>
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<Silvia> It shouldn't take this long... someone needs to go in after her.  I fear that our defenses are weakening, but whether she is responsible or simply at risk from the same forces, I am not certain.
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<Argent> I understand
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* Denise 's eye go wide
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* Argent will summon his wings
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<Denise> what, alone?
 +
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<Argent> I don't think you can follow me on this journey Denise
 +
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<Denise> I can try.
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<Denise> If it don't let me it dont let me
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* Argent looks at Silvia
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* Silvia seems to be torn between concentrating very hard on something, holding the circle, and trying to talk to you.
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<Silvia> Go.  We'll hold on as long as we can.
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* Denise nods and will follow Argent
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* Argent takes Denise's hand
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<Argent> Here we go
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* Denise will take his hand and turn in to a rat for ease of carrying while flying
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<DiablotinNarrator> You move forward, and the circle re-forms behind you as Yvie takes her place in the ring.
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* Argent will fly into the Arch
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<DiablotinNarrator> You pass through the Arch and into ... whatever is beyond. 
 +
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===Hugo finds out the Dark Tapestry is spontaneously developing a tear; Hettie mends it===
 +
<DiablotinNarrator> Then we're going to skip over to Hugo. (after I get back from the bathroom.)
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<DiablotinNarrator> Hugo, you receive a phone call at far too early in the morning.
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* Hugonel turns over, bleary-eyed, crawls out of bed and answers the phone.
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<Hugonel> Hello?
 +
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<Loick> Hugo, sorry to bother you at such an ungodly hour, but ... there's a problem.
 +
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<Hugonel> What? Oh, Uncle, hello.  What's happened?
 +
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<Loick> I would rather discuss it in person... nothing personal, operator, but this is a matter of national security.
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* Loick says to whoever is listening to your phone call ;)
 +
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<Hugonel> Right.  Well, let me just throw on some pants and a scarf and ... you want me to come over there?
 +
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<Loick> Let's say I need some assistance with ... mending... a tear.
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<Hugonel> I always said that at your age you needed to take it easy on the calisthenics or you'd rip yourself a new one.  Well ... all right, I'll be over as quickly as I can.
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<Loick> Thank you.  I'll be at the office.
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<Hugonel> (is this the day of the funeral?)
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<DiablotinNarrator> (Yes)
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* Hugonel will dress himself in whatever he has that won't look ridiculous if he doesn't have time to change before the funeral. Dark jacket and pants, silver scarf, maybe even a tie.
 +
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<DiablotinNarrator> okay
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* Hugonel heads over to Loick's
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* Dozilva will let you in.
 +
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<Dozilva> Good, you're here.
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<Hugonel> Good morning.  My uncle is expecting me.
 +
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<Dozilva> Oh yes, I know.  Come in, please.  He's been in a terrible fuss. 
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* Hugonel heads in to see Loick.
 +
* Loick looks like he hasn't slept
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<Loick> All right, here's the problem.
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* Loick gestures to the wall where he has the Dark Tapestry hanging up in his office, and points to the tear, which is distinctly larger than the last time you saw it.
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* Hugonel sits down, having had a pretty poor night himself.
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<Hugonel> All right ... I know a seamstress if you need one.
 +
* Loick eyes you dubiously but is just exhausted enough to nod.
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<Loick> I honestly don't know how to fix it.  And it doesn't help that everyone is busy getting ready for the funeral and not worrying about world-altering artifacts.
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<Loick> Maybe your seamstress idea isn't completely crazy, I don't know.  It's as good as any idea I've had.
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<Hugonel> Is there any apparent cause to the tear growing? 
 +
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<Loick> Well, it started after the chosen candidate went into the Arch this morning.  She hasn't come out yet.  I don't know what's typical but it seems like it shouldn't take that long.
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<Hugonel> Do we really have any sense of how long it should take, now?
 +
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<Loick> No.  It isn't as though there have been many examples to draw on, since the Arch was restored.  But the timing seems ... worrying.
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<Hugonel> Yes, I can see that.
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<Hugonel> What have you done already to try to alleviate the problem?
 +
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<Loick> Don't laugh, but I tried Mending and Make Whole.
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<Loick> Obviously neither of those worked...
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* Hugonel shrugs
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<Hugonel> It's what any sensible person would have tried first.
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<Loick> Do you actually think your seamstress friend might be able to do anything? I am at a loss here.
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<Hugonel> Well, let's think first.  What do we imagine it means?  If the Tapestry is what holds the world together, the tear growing indicates a rift.  As if the existing boundaries between planes are being torn asunder, just as Amanita did when she ripped the book, talking about rending the tapestry ,right?
 +
* Loick considers that
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<Loick> I don't think the Tapestry precisely 'holds the world together'.  I think it may represent or respond to the status of the world, but isn't responsible for it.  In its original purpose it was a predictive tool, used to read the future in the stars.
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<Loick> This seems like an extremely bad prediction, even without the book to interpret it. 
 +
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<Loick> But yes - it may mean that existing barriers between the planes are being weakened or broken
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<Hugonel> Yes, right, but let's imagine it as, the paths of the future are diverging, because something is working to think those boundaries.  So, for instance, the Arch, which is a boundary between worlds, is also used to determine the future.  Perhaps?
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* Loick nods
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<Hugonel> Primal Magic, which comes out of the rift, is a force of chaos and randomness.
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<Loick> Yes, the Arch has been used for divinatory purposes in the past.  Accounts suggest it can give visions of futures that may be, or past events that are significant in some fashion to the present.
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<Loick> Indeed the process of choosing an Emperor is, at some level, a very powerful form of divination.
 +
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<Hugonel> When Raimond Neherin died, he was having a powerful vision and some of his last intelligible words were about the Tapestry
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<Loick> oh?
 +
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<Hugonel> Yes.  I would have told you, but it was very recent and I've been busy.  Anyway, again, we are dealing with a person who was, in some sense, between worlds.
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* Loick nods
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<Loick> It's getting worse.
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* Loick says, looking over at the tapestry, which does indeed seem to have torn further as you talk.
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<Hugonel> Well.
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<Hugonel> It would help if we had the Codex.  But that's not going to happen, I suspect.
 +
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<Loick> Not... currently, no. 
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<Hugonel> Amanita seems unlikely to just lend it to us.
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<Loick> Is it even certain that she has it?
 +
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<Hugonel> No, just that she was the last person we know who had it.
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* Loick nods
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<Hugonel> Things are so complex in the First World these days, alas.
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<Hugonel> But perhaps we could try to find it?  Barring that, I'm afraid my best idea is to call a seamstress or just stitch it up ourselves.  That seems ... imprudent and likely to do nothing, however. 
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<Loick> Honestly at this point I am willing to try things that seem imprudent.
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<Loick> As the alternative seems to be 'just watch it happen and quietly wet myself.'
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<Hugonel> Does Dozilva have any insight?
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<Dozilva> I always have insight ;p
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* Dozilva says from the next room over
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<Dozilva> Get the seamstress you spoke of, and work to hold it together until you can find the Codex.
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<Hugonel> Well, it seems like the least bad solution, at any rate.
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* Hugonel casts Sending to Hettie
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<Hugonel> something like "Hettienne, Loick and I need help. Aiming to repair the Dark Tapestry whose tear grows rapidly.  Bring your mending kit promptly to his office, please?"
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<Hettienne> Uhhh... okay? I guess? The hell?
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* Hettienne gathers up her stuff and goes.
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<Hettienne> I swear to Rat if this is a practical joke I'm gonna do a murder >:|
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* Hugonel casts sending to Eirini: "The rend in the Tapestry grows as Arch selects Emperor. Cause and solution unclear. Codex whereabouts unknown. Help if you can. Stay safe."
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<DiablotinNarrator> okay, Hettie, you can make your way to the palace.  It's busy enough that no one pays too much attention to you.
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<Hettienne> (is there a directory xD)
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<Hettienne> (Loick's Office, suite 203)
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<DiablotinNarrator> since they know you're coming they can send Dozilva to find you, probably :) and make sure you get in past any guards and so on.
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<Dozilva> Hello - thank you for coming.
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* Dozilva helps guide you through the crowds of people who are preparing for the funeral service.
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<Dozilva> SEAMSTRESS EMERGENCY, COMING THROUGH
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<Hettienne> ...
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* Dozilva shouts to clear a path for us
 +
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<Hettienne> Alrighty then
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<Dozilva> Don't worry, they are used to people not fitting into their formal mourning gowns and the like... ;)
 +
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<Hettienne> Sounds familiar.
 +
* Hettienne has sewn many a butt into their costume after one too many cream puffs
 +
* Dozilva will lead you to Loick's office.
 +
* Hettienne glances around suspiciously.
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<Loick> Thank you for coming.  I know this is an unusual request...
 +
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<Hettienne> Well. It is and it ain't.
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* Hettienne eyes the tapestry
 +
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<Hettienne> That thing ain't gonna swallow me up is it :|
 +
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<DiablotinNarrator> There is a sizeable rip in it, probably about a foot long at this point.
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<Loick> I... cannot entirely guarantee that it won't.  I can say that I have touched it and attempted to mend it magically, and haven't been swallowed.
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<Hettienne> I've seen more 'n' enough of other worlds...
 +
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<Hettienne> Alright...
 +
* Hettienne grumbles.
 +
* Hugonel looks at the rift dubiously.
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<Hugonel> Thank you, Hettie.
 +
 +
<Hettienne> Don't thank me yet :|
 +
* Hettienne will try and sew up this mess, trying to put aside that it's some kind of fuckin artifact level magical shit
 +
 +
<Hettienne> (imma take 20 if I have to roll :P which gives me 36 :p)
 +
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<DiablotinNarrator> Okay
 +
* Hugonel will cast Grand Destiny on Hettie too
 +
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<Hugonel> (just because I can)
 +
 +
<DiablotinNarrator> Hettie, you begin sewing.  It feels odd, like the tear is resisting you, like the threads are fraying away from your touch, and at first you're worried all you are doing is making it worse.  But somehow you keep going, and it almost feels as though, from the other side of the tapestry, there are other hands helping you.  Threads coming together and being re-joined, fates weaving themselves
 +
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<DiablotinNarrator> back together...
 +
 +
<Hettienne> Somethin's happenin'''
 +
* Hettienne mutters
 +
* Hugonel will also orate to Inspire Competence, using Eletheni's voice
 +
 +
<DiablotinNarrator> For a moment you can see all the threads and how they fit together and a much, much bigger picture than the size of this tapestry would suggest.  You can see your sisters on the other side of the rift, all working with you to weave this universe together.
 +
 +
<Hettienne> @_@
 +
 +
<Hettienne> That's... that's somethin'
 +
 +
<DiablotinNarrator> You aren't really sure how long it takes, but it feels much longer and more exhausting than mending a tear of this size should.  Still, eventually you reach the end, and tie off your thread.  It may not be flawless, but it'll hold for now.
 +
* Hettienne wipes her forehead with her sleeve
 +
 +
<Hettienne> Well.
 +
 +
<Hettienne> I think that'll hold... for a while
 +
 +
<Loick> Thank you.
 +
 +
<Hugonel> That was ... amazing, and strange.  Yes, thank you.
 +
 +
<Hettienne> How long was that?
 +
 +
<Hugonel> (from our perspective was it any longer than it would take to fix a foot-long tear?)
 +
 +
<DiablotinNarrator> From your perspective, Hugo, it took maybe 10-15 minutes? Like, not an unusually long time, you don't think. 
 +
 +
<Hugonel> Ahh, perhaps ten minutes or a little longer?  Not too long, really. 
 +
 +
<Hettienne> Felt like forever...
 +
* Hettienne shakes her head
 +
 +
<Hugonel> (did I get any response from Eirini?)
 +
 +
<DiablotinNarrator> Hugo - her response was for you to be careful, and that she would go to the First World and see what she could find out about what was going on there.
 +
 +
<Hugonel> Well ... now what?  Do we just sit here and wait?  Presumably the tear is not just the problem, but also a symptom.  And we have a funeral to attend, as well.
 +
* Loick nods
 +
 +
<Hettienne> So I'll just... show myself out then :p
 +
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<Loick> We'll go to the funeral - I'll have someone stay to keep an eye on it and immediately send for me if anything changes.
 +
 +
<Dozilva> Oh you don't have to show yourself out - I can go with you.
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 +
<Hettienne> Sure...
 +
 +
<Dozilva> That was very remarkable.
 +
* Hettienne shrugs
 +
 +
<Hettienne> Thanks.
 +
 +
<Dozilva> Let me take you for breakfast and we can talk further...
 +
 +
<Hettienne> Oh, you don't gotta do that...
 +
 +
<Dozilva> I would like to, though :)
 +
 +
<Hettienne> well alright then :)
 +
 +
<DiablotinNarrator> Okay - you can head off and we'll go on to Gen next.
 +
 +
===Genevriel learns what the One is===
 +
<DiablotinNarrator> Gen, you had asked to try another night without casting your spell in order to see how that goes.
 +
 +
<Genevriel> (Indeed, I had... with Madds' assistance again, I hope!)
 +
 +
<DiablotinNarrator> (yes, he'll certainly assist)
 +
 +
<DiablotinNarrator> It was a more restful night than some you've had, at least.  You dreamt of being by the seashore with Andri.  You walked together, and spotted a shell in the wet sand, and bent to pick it up.  It opened to your touch and inside was a single pearl, gleaming and pale. 
 +
 +
<DiablotinNarrator> "They form around a grain of sand," Andri said.  "Something small and irritating gets inside the shell, and it gradually forms the pearl to protect itself.  Something so beautiful, from nothing but a tiny seed.  It just takes patience."
 +
 +
<DiablotinNarrator> You turned to look out at the ocean and you could see, as if in the distance, a wave approaching that kept growing and growing in size, until it towered over you.  Andri seemed unaware or unconcerned, no matter how you tried to warn him, still admiring the pearl.  "Just have patience," he told you again, and you woke up just as the wave crested over your heads.  "You'll understand soon."
 +
* Genevriel does not wake up crying this time.
 +
* Madds is there when you wake
 +
 +
<Genevriel> (Sleeping himself?)
 +
* Madds is lightly dozing, yes.
 +
 +
<Genevriel> (In bed or in the chair?)
 +
* Madds is sitting in the chair but has nodded off.
 +
* Genevriel stands up and very gently wakes Madds.
 +
 +
<Madds> hm?
 +
 +
<Madds> oh - sorry.  I must have fallen asleep. Are you okay?
 +
* Genevriel smiles.
 +
 +
<Genevriel> I'm fine, thanks - I just wanted to let you know you're off duty and can come to bed.
 +
 +
<Madds> okay...
 +
 +
<Genevriel> Thank you for staying up for me.
 +
 +
<Madds> it's no trouble.  you didn't have any bad dreams?
 +
* Genevriel offers him a hand up out of the chair.
 +
* Genevriel shakes her head.
 +
 +
<Genevriel> No, not a bad one this time.
 +
 +
<Genevriel> At least I don't think it was...
 +
* Madds nods drowsily
 +
 +
<Madds> do you want to talk about it?
 +
* Genevriel smiles. "You're barely awake - maybe in the morning?"
 +
 +
<Madds> all right
 +
* Madds will get into bed and promptly fall back asleep.
 +
* Genevriel cuddles up to him, thinking. It's probably a while before she gets back to sleep.
 +
* Genevriel will share her dream and thoughts with him over breakfast.
 +
* Madds nods, listening
 +
 +
<Madds> What do you think it means? if anything?
 +
 +
<Genevriel> I'm not certain, yet... But the wave imagery is similar to the feeling I had when the Chrestomath clarified my memory for me...
 +
* Madds nods
 +
 +
<Genevriel> And being a seed, something that has to grow... that also echoes some of the things I've learned over the past couple of years.
 +
 +
<Genevriel> Lathra translated some of the things the voices say in my dreams... oh, ages ago now. It went "You are the instrument; We are the song / You are the brush; We are the colours / You are the fuel; We are the fire / You are the harvest; We are the seed"
 +
* Madds nods
 +
 +
<Genevriel> I don't really know what any of it means, though. Not yet.
 +
 +
<Genevriel> I don't know whether to be worried or not. I don't really feel worried, right now.
 +
 +
<Madds> Well - I guess if you believe your dream, you will learn, as long as you're patient?
 +
* Genevriel nods.
 +
 +
<Genevriel> But what will I learn? Will it be something I can live with, or not?
 +
 +
<Madds> that I don't know.
 +
 +
<Genevriel> I... seem to have twisted death into life somehow... And is that a good thing?
 +
 +
<Genevriel> Well, at least Andri didn't have a skull for a face this time.
 +
 +
<Madds> well.. if it means that you're still here, I have to think it's a good thing.
 +
* Genevriel smiles a bit ruefully.
 +
 +
<Madds> do you want to talk to August about it? maybe he can figure out more of what it means.  I know it helps you to talk to him, too.
 +
 +
<Genevriel> Hopefully you'll still think that when time's up and I become... or learn... whatever I'm supposed to become or learn.
 +
 +
<Genevriel> You're right, that's probably a good idea.
 +
 +
<Genevriel> Do you... want to come with me?
 +
 +
<Madds> Sure.
 +
* Genevriel looks pleasantly surprised and grateful.
 +
* Madds will certainly accompany you to have coffee with August.
 +
* Genevriel knocks on August's door... She didn't have time to bake stuff today, so she made Madds stop at a bakery somewhere along the way to pick up some treats.
 +
 +
<Genevriel> (Stop with me)
 +
 +
<Genevriel> (I'm not making him my errand boy.  ;) )
 +
 +
<Madds> (heh, okay)
 +
* August opens the door and smiles to see you there.
 +
 +
<August> Ah, what a nice surprise :) always good to see you.
 +
 +
<Genevriel> Hi M. Merrion. Thanks... I didn't have anything home-baked today, but we picked up some cinnamon rolls...
 +
 +
<August> so thoughtful :) please, come in... I'll put on some coffee.
 +
 +
<Genevriel> Thank you... That'll be lovely.
 +
 +
<Genevriel> I hope it's all right that I brought Madds along...
 +
 +
<August> of course!
 +
* Genevriel looks relieved.
 +
* August welcomes you into his kitchen and will put on some coffee, as promised.
 +
 +
<Genevriel> I tried sleeping without the spell again last night, and it didn't seem like a bad dream. Just more enigmas. I just wanted to run things by you, and since Madd has had the questionable taste of falling in love with an enigma, it seemed fair that he shoudl hear your thoughts about the dream and other things. Also he is quite clever so he might be able to help us piece things together, if there's anything to piece.
 +
* August nods, listening
 +
* Genevriel will describe the dream to him, and explain about her memory of the night she nearly died (?) / saved the boy, and refresh his memory about the little rhyme that Lathra translated.
 +
 +
<Genevriel> So, those are the pieces I have so far...
 +
* August considers as he eats a cinnamon roll.
 +
 +
<Genevriel> Also... the phrase "the Dark Tapestry" seemed familiar to me when we went to the First World the first time. I'm not sure if that's another piece.
 +
 +
<August> This may be unrelated, but do you remember Patience?  She's another... like me.  I have to say, it was the first thing that came to mind when you told me about your dream.  She's the youngest of us, that I know of, and may have some insight as being the most recently, ah, deceased.
 +
* Genevriel nods.
 +
 +
<Genevriel> I do remember Patience, yes... If you think she could help, I'd be willing to speak with her.
 +
 +
<August> all right. 
 +
 +
<August> I can ask her to come over now if you like?
 +
* Genevriel nods.
 +
 +
<Genevriel> If she's free, certainly.
 +
 +
<Genevriel> It's the weekend - I didn't have any plans. You?
 +
* Genevriel asks Madds.
 +
* Madds shakes his head
 +
* August can get on the phone with Patience (or probably Rab, really, but whatever ;)
 +
* Patience will come over, so you can chit chat while you wait, but it doesn't take her a very long time to get there.
 +
* Patience smiles shyly to see you again, looking a bit nervous.
 +
 +
<Patience> Hello... August said you wanted to talk to me?
 +
* Genevriel smiles a bit nervously herself.
 +
 +
<Genevriel> Hello; he suggested you might be able to help figure me out, yes...
 +
 +
<Patience> I can try.
 +
 +
<Genevriel> Thank you. And this is Maddox Falgout, my, ah, partner.
 +
 +
<Patience> nice to meet you, M. Falgout.
 +
 +
<Madds> You as well.
 +
* Genevriel sits back down and takes a sip of her coffee.
 +
 +
<Genevriel> So... I'm not sure how much you remember about me from the last time we met...
 +
 +
<Patience> I remember that you had some unusual powers and abilities, and were trying to figure out where they came from.
 +
* Genevriel nods.
 +
 +
<Genevriel> I have learned a few new things, but I'm not really any closer to figuring it all out, I don't think. But I'll explain what I do know... or feel... and then we can try to see if anything makes sense.
 +
 +
<Patience> All right.
 +
 +
<Genevriel> August thought that... since you were in the Centre the most recently, you might have some insight into things...
 +
 +
<Patience> I can try...
 +
* Genevriel will describe her powers, the entity(ies) that she calls the One from whom she draws the powers, how she came into the power, describe both this recent nice(?) dream and the earlier unpleasant one.
 +
 +
<Genevriel> And then there's this... not really a poem... but thing that the One, or the dead, maybe... say...
 +
* Genevriel recites You are the instrument; We are the song / You are the brush; We are the colours / You are the fuel; We are the fire / You are the harvest; We are the seed
 +
* Patience listens attentively but when you get to the part about the words in your dream and the words spoken by the voices, she looks shocked and puts her hand over her mouth, her eyes welling up with tears.
 +
 +
<Patience> Oh... oh it worked :o I didn't know...
 +
 +
<Genevriel> And when I was back in Psyra, the One said 'As the fire allows the seeds to grow stronger, so your strength emerges from your suffering. Like the lyre, our song speaks through you, and you will carry our words: we are all one. Here at the hub of the wheel, where all is still, we embrace you. Be at peace, child."
 +
 +
<Genevriel> What?
 +
 +
<Genevriel> What worked?
 +
* Patience is still overcome with emotion, but tries to explain.
 +
* Genevriel is pale and a bit frightened.
 +
 +
<Patience> When I was... before I was me, I was a woman named Pasith.  I ... she... was caught in the Void after she died.  After we died.  I don't know how to express it, I'm sorry if this is confused.  She almost forgot herself, and became lost there. But she was able to remember, to focus herself... there was someone who visited her, and it reminded her of who she was, and why she was there.
 +
 +
<Patience> With that little core of herself remaining, she gathered the ... power, the energy there... all the souls of the dead who couldn't be reborn, or who were lost... and she must have... it must have worked :o
 +
 +
<Patience> She ... I...could have become a god, with that much power at her fingertips, but that wasn't what she wanted.  She wanted to let it... them... decide.
 +
 +
<Genevriel> The souls?
 +
* Patience nods, still wiping tears from her eyes
 +
 +
<Genevriel> Let them decide what...?
 +
 +
<Patience> What to become.
 +
 +
<Patience> They must have become One.
 +
 +
<Genevriel> Okay...
 +
* Genevriel is having trouble absorbing this, let alone what it might mean for her.
 +
 +
<Genevriel> So they... chose to become a god, instead of being reborn like... normal souls?
 +
 +
<Patience> I ... I didn't know what happened after I came back.  Whether they moved on, or became something else, or were re-absorbed into the cycle of souls.
 +
 +
<Patience> but if they are what is giving you your power, then ... yes, I think... they are a divine force now.
 +
 +
<Genevriel> It's not just me. There's another woman, who did interpret her voices as those of the dead.
 +
* Patience nods
 +
 +
<Genevriel> All right...
 +
* Genevriel turns to Madds wordlessly, looking kind of overwhelmed.
 +
* Madds looks fairly stunned as well, but puts his arm around you.
 +
* Genevriel seems to take strength from his kindness.
 +
 +
<Madds> Let's take some time to think about all of this, and what it means.  You don't need to jump to any decisions or anything right now.
 +
 +
<Genevriel> I should tell Philida.
 +
 +
<Genevriel> ...
 +
 +
<Genevriel> Serpent's already such a hard sell. How is the One going to fit into society...?
 +
* Genevriel looks bewildered but also relieved that it's not some ancient evil.
 +
 +
<Genevriel> (Although there are undoubtedly ancient evils mixed in with the ancient goods, as we know from that witch-lady's chat with the outer planar being)
 +
 +
<DiablotinNarrator> (okay, we need to move along, but you can ponder that ;)
 +
 +
<Genevriel> (yup, thanks - Gen doesn't have anything more to say anyway, right now! Too overwhelmed.)
 +
 +
===Aubrienne, Jed, and Tits follow Princesses Ilphere and Vera away from the Emperor's funeral===
 +
<DiablotinNarrator> Okay, Aubrienne's turn :)
 +
 +
<DiablotinNarrator> Aubrienne, you are of course included in the memorial service for the late Emperor Marl.  Titania certainly wants you at her side as she attends the state funeral for her father, as well as the more private close friends/family gathering afterwards.
 +
 +
<DiablotinNarrator> The state funeral is mostly a lot of sitting quietly and listening to speeches and church ceremony.
 +
 +
<DiablotinNarrator> The after party is where they put the fun in funeral ;p
 +
* Aubrienne will try not to put too much fun in funeral
 +
 +
<Aubrienne> (Mostly sticking near Titania and being supportive)
 +
 +
<Tits> Thanks for coming... I know this isn't super fun :/
 +
* Tits is in her full princess mourning dress and hates it, for the record ;p
 +
* Aubrienne shrugs.
 +
 +
<Aubrienne> I wasn't going to abandon you to this.
 +
 +
<DiablotinNarrator> Others in attendance include Princess Ilphere, Princess Vera (with Jed as her +1), all the rest of the Imperial family, the various inner circle of governmental office-holders (so Guy, Loick, Fredericia, Aden, etc.), the Patriarch, and others of the late Emperor's close friends (including probably several mistresses or former mistresses ;p)
 +
 +
<Aubrienne> (scandalous :p)
 +
 +
<Tits> At least the food is good...
 +
* Tits says, snagging some canapés from a passing waiter.
 +
 +
<Aubrienne> There is that.
 +
 +
<Tits> I can't wait to re-open the club.  Zola is already asking to do a big show when we do.
 +
 +
<Aubrienne> (How does Tits seem to be doing?)
 +
* Tits seems to be okay, a bit grumpy from being forced back into court dynamics, but it's distracting her from feeling sad, so it's not entirely a bad thing.
 +
 +
<Aubrienne> That sounds nice.  Maybe a bit of normalcy for a change.  Or what passes for normal for us.
 +
* Tits smiles at that
 +
* Aubrienne smiles back encouragingly.
 +
 +
<Tits> I'd like that for a while.  Just ... something normal.
 +
 +
<Tits> or maybe we could take a vacation...
 +
* Tits says a bit wistfully
 +
 +
<Aubrienne> That'd be nice.  Somewhere where you can just be you?
 +
* Tits nods
 +
 +
<DiablotinNarrator> A tall man in an army uniform with dark hair and a serious expression comes over and bows politely to Titania.
 +
* Tits nods politely in return
 +
 +
<Tits> Bryson... thank you for coming, I didn't know if we should expect you or not.
 +
* Bryson Arguelles was one of the attempted candidates for Emperor, as you may recall - obviously not the successful one...
 +
 +
<Bryson> Of course I wanted to be here, Princess.  I had a great deal of respect for your father.
 +
 +
<Tits> Thank you. 
 +
 +
<Tits> I know it's probably a difficult time for you as well. 
 +
 +
<Bryson> Oh... because of the election? Well, it was certainly disappointing, but I will stand behind whoever is chosen, of course.
 +
* Tits nods
 +
 +
<Tits> Oh, I haven't introduced my wife - Aubrienne, this is Bryson Arguelles.  A friend of the family.
 +
 +
<Aubrienne> Nice to meet you, M. Arguelles.
 +
 +
<Bryson> Pleased to meet you as well.
 +
 +
<Aubrienne> Perhaps not so much under these circumstances, of course.
 +
 +
<Bryson> Yes, certainly.
 +
 +
<Bryson> My wife is trying to talk me into returning to her home in Psyra.  Perhaps if we do, you would like to pay a visit in a few months - once things have quieted down.  You and your brothers would certainly be welcome.
 +
 +
<Tits> Thank you, that's very kind.  We'll keep your offer in mind :)
 +
 +
<Aubrienne> That's a very generous offer, thank you.  I've never been, and it would be nice to get out of the city for a while.
 +
* Jedrezj meanders over to you, Aubrienne, and makes some 'wink wink' motions that (hopefully) no one else notices
 +
 +
<Aubrienne> (I take it that means he's trying to get a moment for a private conversation?)
 +
 +
<DiablotinNarrator> (yes.  not the 'heyyy hot stuff' wink wink ;)
 +
 +
<Aubrienne> (Heh, I figured)
 +
 +
<DiablotinNarrator> (Jed probably knows better ;)
 +
* Aubrienne will excuse herself for a moment and head towards Jed
 +
 +
<Aubrienne> Smooth.  Good thing I was in charge of misdirection for our act. ;)
 +
 +
<Jedrezj> ha ha...
 +
 +
<Jedrezj> Look, Vera and her mother just got weird looks and said they had to take off.  Something is up.
 +
 +
<Jedrezj> Also my date abandoned me in a room full of strangers who mostly hate me, so I need company ;p
 +
 +
<Aubrienne> That can't be the first time that's happened. :p
 +
 +
<Aubrienne> But that is concerning.  No idea what happened?
 +
 +
<Jedrezj> No, but it was weird.  I mean it's not just me, this is her uncle's funeral and she just took off like someone lit her ass on fire.
 +
 +
<Aubrienne> Hmm.
 +
 +
<Jedrezj> Want to go find out what's happening? If you come with me, then if we get caught they might not just kill me on sight ;p
 +
* Aubrienne stifles a laugh at that.
 +
 +
<Aubrienne> Let me let Titania know what I'm doing.
 +
 +
<Aubrienne> Be right beck.
 +
* Aubrienne will head over to Titania and speak to her quietly.
 +
 +
<Aubrienne> Will you be all right if I step out for a minute?
 +
 +
<Tits> yes, sure - what's wrong?
 +
 +
<Aubrienne> Jed said Ilphere and Vera both got weird looks on their faces and slipped out.  We wanted to see what was going on, just in case.
 +
* Tits frowns, looking a bit worried at that.
 +
 +
<Tits> Do you want me to come with you?
 +
 +
<Aubrienne> You're welcome to if you like, if you want a distraction.
 +
 +
<Tits> sure
 +
* Aubrienne gives a concerned smile.
 +
 +
<Aubrienne> Shall we then?
 +
* Aubrienne takes Titania's hand and heads back to Jed.
 +
 +
<Jedrezj> okay, so, they went this way...
 +
* Jedrezj says, gesturing towards one of the doors, and will lead you, with Titania's help because she actually lived her and knows her way around.
 +
 +
<DiablotinNarrator> You head off and wander around the palace for a bit, with Tits making suggestions of which way to go occasionally.
 +
 +
<Jedrezj> I'm going to try to Locate Object on Vera's engagement ring...
 +
* Jedrezj says, casually dropping into conversation that she has an engagement ring ;)
 +
* Jedrezj casts the spell
 +
 +
<Jedrezj> this way...
 +
 +
<Aubrienne> (Sorry, got called away for a second)
 +
 +
<Aubrienne> Whoa, hold on...engagement ring!?
 +
 +
<Jedrezj> oh .. yeah :)
 +
 +
<Aubrienne> Congratulations!
 +
 +
<Aubrienne> Also...
 +
 +
<Jedrezj> thanks :)
 +
* Aubrienne smacks his arm
 +
 +
<Aubrienne> Why didn't you tell me before now?
 +
 +
<Jedrezj> everything has been kind of crazy...
 +
 +
<Jedrezj> and they're not announcing it until after the funeral and everything is done...
 +
* Jedrezj leads the three of us to a hidden door, which leads to a secret passage, and a staircase down...
 +
* Tits eyes it dubiously
 +
 +
<Aubrienne> I'm sure I've mentioned this before, sweetie, but you're childhood home is kind of spooky.
 +
 +
<Tits> Yeah.
 +
 +
<Aubrienne> (Your, rather)
 +
 +
<Tits> I really can't argue with that.
 +
* Aubrienne will lead the way down as quietly as she can.
 +
 +
<Tits> <q> This is the way to where the Arch used to be...
 +
* Jedrezj makes an D: face
 +
 +
<Aubrienne> o.O
 +
 +
<DiablotinNarrator> You make your way into an open room which currently contains zero (0) Arches, but two (2) Imperial Princesses, asleep or passed out on the floor.
 +
* Jedrezj heads over quickly to Vera's side to check if she's okay.
 +
 +
<Aubrienne> (quiet-ish) Jed, wait!
 +
* Aubrienne casts Detect Magic
 +
* Jedrezj doesn't touch her, just looks her over
 +
 +
<Jedrezj> she's doing some kind of dream magic, isn't she...
 +
 +
<DiablotinNarrator> That is indeed your conclusion from your Detect Magic spell.
 +
 +
<Aubrienne> Yeah, seems to be.
 +
* Aubrienne still looks concerned.
 +
 +
<Jedrezj> They shouldn't both do it at the same time - someone should watch over them :/
 +
 +
<Aubrienne> That would make sense.
 +
 +
<Jedrezj> I could try to talk to her - she taught me a spell to let me talk to someone in a dream. or maybe we should just wait until they wake up...
 +
 +
<Aubrienne> Well, I don't want to distract them, but, also, if there's a problem, I'd prefer they had help...
 +
 +
<Aubrienne> Why don't you give it a go?
 +
* Jedrezj nods
 +
 +
<Tits> Maybe I should get Ruchard? I mean.. after them, he probably knows the most of anyone about dream magic stuff.
 +
 +
<Aubrienne> That makes sense, too.
 +
 +
<Tits> okay. I'll be right back.
 +
* Jedrezj settles in to try his spell
 +
 +
<Jedrezj> ....
 +
 +
<Jedrezj> uh okay, that was weird.
 +
 +
<Aubrienne> What's the problem?
 +
 +
<Jedrezj> I tried to talk to her but all I kept seeing was the Arch.
 +
 +
<Jedrezj> I don't think she's in a normal dream.
 +
 +
<Aubrienne> All you saw was the Arch?
 +
* Jedrezj nods
 +
 +
<Aubrienne> That's...concerning.
 +
 +
<Jedrezj> I'm certainly concerned.
 +
* Tits returns a short while later, as promised, with Ruchard.
 +
* Ruchard looks seriously annoyed
 +
 +
<Ruchard> Ugh why didn't they tell me they were doing this...?
 +
 +
<Aubrienne> Do you know what they're doing, specifically?
 +
* Ruchard takes in the scene
 +
 +
<Ruchard> Most likely, given the location, trying to access Andusk.  Uh... it's kind of a long story.
 +
* Ruchard looks at you to see if he needs to explain what that is
 +
 +
<Aubrienne> (Does Aubrienne know what that is?)
 +
 +
<Ruchard> (I... don't think so.  But I may be misremembering some mention of it in the past.  He can give a brief explanation, at any rate :)
 +
 +
<Ruchard> It's a stable - well, more or less stable - dream plane. 
 +
 +
<Aubrienne> (Okie doke)
 +
 +
<Aubrienne> All right...
 +
 +
<Ruchard> It's like a mirror of our world, only ... worse.
 +
 +
<Ruchard> Although it split off from ours some time ago.  Anyway.. uh, if they were trying to go there, they would have to have a really good reason - Mother hates travelling there.
 +
* Ruchard thinks about it a little more
 +
* Tits looks concerned
 +
 +
<Aubrienne> What would prompt them to make that journey?
 +
 +
<Aubrienne> Particularly now.
 +
 +
<Ruchard> If something was wrong...
 +
 +
<Aubrienne> How worried should we be?  Do they need help?
 +
* Jedrezj looks up, startled. You realize after a moment that there is a bloodstain spreading from his chest, as though he was pierced by a sword, but you can't see whatever did it.
 +
 +
<Aubrienne> Jed!
 +
 +
<Jedrezj> hgh.
 +
* Aubrienne rushes to him.
 +
* Tits looks around for whatever caused it. Something rushes by you all, a cold wind.
 +
 +
<Aubrienne> There's something here!
 +
* Ruchard casts a detect magic to look for it.
 +
* Jedrezj is wounded, but not (you think) fatally.
 +
 +
<Ruchard> That way!
 +
* Aubrienne will slip Titania her invisibility ring.
 +
* Ruchard and Tits will chase after the invisible whatever it is
 +
* Tits takes it
 +
 +
<Aubrienne> (Or not :p)
 +
 +
<Aubrienne> (oih, heh)
 +
* Tits can grab it as she goes :)
 +
 +
<Aubrienne> (SK) Jed, hey, stay with me, okay?
 +
* Ruchard will also sound an alarm as clearly something dangerous is loose in the palace
 +
 +
<Jedrezj> ughgh.  my.. suit.... :(
 +
 +
<Aubrienne> That's the spirit.
 +
* Aubrienne laughs a little manically
 +
 +
<Aubrienne> I don't know...I don't want to leave the princesses...
 +
 +
<Aubrienne> Can I even teleport out of here?
 +
* Aubrienne 's gaze keeps shifting between Jed, the princesses, and the entrance.
 +
 +
<DiablotinNarrator> I believe you can teleport out of the palace, just not to elsewhere in the palace.  so you could teleport to home, say.
 +
 +
<Aubrienne> (I'm pretty sure I know where Lathra lives, right?)
 +
 +
<Tits> (yup)
 +
 +
<Aubrienne> (I'm trying to figure out which one I'd be more familiar with.  Probably Lathra's, right?)
 +
 +
<DiablotinNarrator> yeah probably
 +
 +
<Aubrienne> (I'll teleport there then)
 +
 +
<DiablotinNarrator> okay
 +
 +
<DiablotinNarrator> There's a lot of confusion and they'll send guards to search for the intruder(s) and monitor the situation but, on Ruchard's orders, leave the Princesses where they are but keep watch on them. 
 +
* Jedrezj can get healed up by Lathra, I'll assume, although she seems a bit concerned that he might also have been poisoned or something - she'll cast some extra spells to try and make sure he's okay.
 +
 +
<Aubrienne> (I'll yell for Lathra, get her to take care of Jed, then teleport back as close to the palace as I can)
 +
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<DiablotinNarrator> Okay, you can do so.
 +
* Tits will find you eventually, looking out of breath and with her hair half hanging down from its fancy hairdo.
 +
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<Tits> is Jed okay?
 +
 +
<Aubrienne> I think so.  I took him to Lathra's.  She said he might have been poisoned, but she's on it.
 +
 +
<Aubrienne> Are you all right?
 +
 +
<Aubrienne> Did they find the thing?
 +
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<Tits> They're still looking.  They aren't entirely sure what the thing is.  But ... it sounds bad.
 +
 +
<Tits> Something about boundaries breaking down between worlds... things getting through that shouldn't.  I think Ruchard thinks they were trying to stop it.
 +
 +
<Aubrienne> By stabbing Jed?
 +
 +
<Aubrienne> *sigh*
 +
 +
<Tits> I don't know all the details, but he said something about people there who hate Shadar-kai, and would try to come here just to kill as many of them as they could.  But... then I thought too about the thing at the club, when all those Shadar-kai were stabbed and it opened a portal for the Cold Rider to come through.  Maybe it was something like that...
 +
 +
<Aubrienne> Yeah, that was my thought.  I did feel a sensation of cold...
 +
* Tits nods
 +
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<Aubrienne> Were you wanting to head home?  I'd like to maybe sit with the princesses for a while, stick around and find out what happened, but it's already been a rough day for you...
 +
 +
<Tits> Anyway... the funeral is done, since they made everyone go home.  I guess we can too.  Or at least until the new Emperor is finally chosen, we can stick around here and see what happens.  I don't think anyone will kick us out, at least.
 +
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<Tits> we should stay.
 +
* Tits says wearily.
 +
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<Aubrienne> All right.  I really need to learn some kind of 'summon comfy chair or couch' spell.
 +
* Tits smiles a little at that.
 +
 +
<Tits> Well fortunately there are some of those around.
 +
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<Aubrienne> Shall we?
 +
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<Tits> let's.
 +
* Tits takes your hand and you can go find a comfy couch to sit on until a) something else goes wrong or b) you are needed elsewhere ;)
 +
 +
<Aubrienne> (heh, all right)

Revision as of 16:05, 15 October 2017

Diablotin 3 session logs
Previous Session 62 Next

Summary

Session

Session date: October 15, 2017
Diablotin date:

Prologue

missing stuff here

Argent does something

missing stuff here <DiablotinNarrator> Well, the problem with the underground route is that you may not be able to get in. You got in before because Margaux could open that door, but alone you aren't sure if you can open it yourself... unless that's what the voice meant.

<DiablotinNarrator> The underground route would certainly avoid the traffic and might be more stealthy.

  • Argent will have faith and go underground

<DiablotinNarrator> All right.

<Argent> (will have pass without trace, greater longstrider, gmw on my rapier and pistol, tree stride and enchantment foil)

  • Argent will move as quickly as the situation allows

<DiablotinNarrator> Okay

Denise takes Yvie to the Arch

<DiablotinNarrator> Skipping over to Denise briefly, then...

<Denise> (I have no idea where she would be.... home maybe?)

<Denise> (Or wth A&J - would they be gogn to the funeral?)

<DiablotinNarrator> Denise, you are likewise exhausted and running on little sleep. Before heading home to rest for an hour or two before the funeral, you feel like maybe you should check in with your family and make sure things are okay. Force of habit, maybe?

<Denise> (yeah, that makes sense :)

  • Denise is also on her motor cycle, then :V

<DiablotinNarrator> (And yes, Ander and Janelle would be going to the funeral service so you would presumably be there, but it's not happening until a bit later in the day)

<DiablotinNarrator> (say this is like... 7am and the funeral is at noon, or something :)

<Denise> (okay)

<DiablotinNarrator> You arrive at your family home to find some kind of commotion going on. Yvie is out on the steps crying, and your father is there ordering her to get back inside.

  • Denise pulls up

<Denise> What's goin' on?

<Patric> Yvonne Murodea, you go to your room right now and stop this nonsense!

<Yvie> But I have to go ;_;

<Denise> Yvie What's goin' on!?

  • Yvie ducks around your father and runs over to you.

<Yvie> Denise, I gotta go to the place under the temple! The secret place!

<Denise> what?

<Denise> The arch?

<Denise> why!?

<Yvie> I gotta go there now an' open a door, please, it's real important!

  • Denise looks Concerned.

<Patric> She woke up and starting saying she had to go - it's like something's gotten into her.

<Denise> ...Okay. I'm comon' wth and ain't nothing gonna go happen

  • Patric sounds upset and frustrated and worried.

<Denise> Well, Pa, maybe somethin' did. I'll look after her, okay?

<Denise> This is bad times >:|

<Patric> ...

  • Denise withh scoop up her sister and settle her on the bike behind her, giving her her helmet
  • Patric comes down the steps to the two of you, and gives you both a hug.
  • Denise hugs back

<Patric> Be careful. I don't know what this is all about but ... just come back safe.

  • Denise nods, even though, well.
  • Denise will head off towards the ~sekrit entrance~ then
  • Yvie holds onto you tight enough that you can feel her trembling.

<Denise> It's gonna be okay, Yvie.

<Yvie> what's happening?

<Denise> There's monsters tryin' to take over the arch.

<Yvie> I know I gotta go there but why?

<Denise> I dunno. Maybe it means you're an Arch guardian now :

<Denise> Can you hear it still?

<Yvie> kinda... I heard a lady this morning in my dream tell me that it was real important that I had to go and open a door, that it could be the difference between good an' real bad...

  • Denise takes a deep breath

<Denise> I know where the door is

<Yvie> okay

  • Denise wishes she felt like she had tme to go find anyone else

<Yvie> thank you Denise... if I don't get there then the real bad things will happen instead.

<Denise> We ain't gonna let that happen.

  • Denise slams the gas :V

<DiablotinNarrator> Okay, you can hurry as much as possible.

Denise and Argent travel into the Arch

<DiablotinNarrator> You make your way to the door beneath the temple just about as Argent is also arriving there.

<Argent> Denise!?

<Denise> Argent!

  • Denise is holding her sister's hand

<Argent> is that your little sister?

  • Yvie looks scared but determined

<Denise> Yvie had a dream that she had to open the door

<Denise> Some lady told her, but I believe her

<Argent> The guardians need help, I was told the way would be open

  • Denise is tyring to sound calm and determined bt Argent can probably tell she is worried about what this will mean for Yvie

<Denise> Well it's gonna be

<Denise> it's right here, Yvie

  • Yvie nods and steps forward
  • Yvie closes her eyes and opens the door.

<Denise> okay.

<Denise> I... Should I stay here with Yvie? Should we come?

  • Denise looks to Argent for direction

<Argent> Your hear, she's needed, protect her

<Argent> (you're here... sigh)

<Argent> and lets go

  • Denise nods, and takes hold of her sister's hand again
  • Yvie squeezes your hand tightly

<Denise> YOu stick right close to me, an I won't let nothin' happen to you, okay?

  • Argent puts a reassuring hand on Denise's shoulder

<Yvie> okay

  • Denise gives Argent a one armed hug
  • Argent heads in trying to navigate to where they are needed

<DiablotinNarrator> You can head in - the place is oddly empty but you can hear some .. chanting or low voices coming from further in, past the living quarters.

<Denise> >:|

  • Yvie points to the direction of the sound
  • Argent will head towards it but have some caution considering the situation

<Yvie> that way

<Denise> Yeah...

<Denise> but shh

  • Denise goes into quiet mode

<DiablotinNarrator> You make your way cautiously in that direction, descend some stairs, and come out into a chamber ringed with people - Silvia and Margaux and Chalniss and others you don't recognize, probably about 8 all together, standing around an Arch that descends from the ceiling. They are holding hands and the low chanting comes from them.

  • Yvie 's eyes widen
  • Silvia opens her eyes and beckons for Yvie to come over, separating her hand from the person next to her for a moment to make room in their circle for her.
  • Argent will approach the circle

<Denise> I think we just gotta defend, maybe...

  • Denise watches the other entrances

<Denise> (I assume I can't understand the chanting)

  • Yvie lets go of your hand warily, but seems okay when Silvia takes hers.

<Yvie> (no, you can't, it's in some unfamiliar language)

<Denise> it'll be okay

  • Denise tells her

<DiablotinNarrator> Argent, as you look at the Arch you feel drawn to it - like this is why you are supposed to be here.

<DiablotinNarrator> (whether 'here' means 'in this place right now' or 'in existence on this plane at all' ;)

<Silvia> Revelyne went into it but hasn't come out yet.

  • Silvia says, while she's broken the circle for a moment.

<Argent> What do you need me to do?

  • Argent looks at the Arch

<Denise> <m> Kill her when she comes out prolly >.>

<Silvia> It shouldn't take this long... someone needs to go in after her. I fear that our defenses are weakening, but whether she is responsible or simply at risk from the same forces, I am not certain.

<Argent> I understand

  • Denise 's eye go wide
  • Argent will summon his wings

<Denise> what, alone?

<Argent> I don't think you can follow me on this journey Denise

<Denise> I can try.

<Denise> If it don't let me it dont let me

  • Argent looks at Silvia
  • Silvia seems to be torn between concentrating very hard on something, holding the circle, and trying to talk to you.

<Silvia> Go. We'll hold on as long as we can.

  • Denise nods and will follow Argent
  • Argent takes Denise's hand

<Argent> Here we go

  • Denise will take his hand and turn in to a rat for ease of carrying while flying

<DiablotinNarrator> You move forward, and the circle re-forms behind you as Yvie takes her place in the ring.

  • Argent will fly into the Arch

<DiablotinNarrator> You pass through the Arch and into ... whatever is beyond.

Hugo finds out the Dark Tapestry is spontaneously developing a tear; Hettie mends it

<DiablotinNarrator> Then we're going to skip over to Hugo. (after I get back from the bathroom.)

<DiablotinNarrator> Hugo, you receive a phone call at far too early in the morning.

  • Hugonel turns over, bleary-eyed, crawls out of bed and answers the phone.

<Hugonel> Hello?

<Loick> Hugo, sorry to bother you at such an ungodly hour, but ... there's a problem.

<Hugonel> What? Oh, Uncle, hello. What's happened?

<Loick> I would rather discuss it in person... nothing personal, operator, but this is a matter of national security.

  • Loick says to whoever is listening to your phone call ;)

<Hugonel> Right. Well, let me just throw on some pants and a scarf and ... you want me to come over there?

<Loick> Let's say I need some assistance with ... mending... a tear.

<Hugonel> I always said that at your age you needed to take it easy on the calisthenics or you'd rip yourself a new one. Well ... all right, I'll be over as quickly as I can.

<Loick> Thank you. I'll be at the office.

<Hugonel> (is this the day of the funeral?)

<DiablotinNarrator> (Yes)

  • Hugonel will dress himself in whatever he has that won't look ridiculous if he doesn't have time to change before the funeral. Dark jacket and pants, silver scarf, maybe even a tie.

<DiablotinNarrator> okay

  • Hugonel heads over to Loick's
  • Dozilva will let you in.

<Dozilva> Good, you're here.

<Hugonel> Good morning. My uncle is expecting me.

<Dozilva> Oh yes, I know. Come in, please. He's been in a terrible fuss.

  • Hugonel heads in to see Loick.
  • Loick looks like he hasn't slept

<Loick> All right, here's the problem.

  • Loick gestures to the wall where he has the Dark Tapestry hanging up in his office, and points to the tear, which is distinctly larger than the last time you saw it.
  • Hugonel sits down, having had a pretty poor night himself.

<Hugonel> All right ... I know a seamstress if you need one.

  • Loick eyes you dubiously but is just exhausted enough to nod.

<Loick> I honestly don't know how to fix it. And it doesn't help that everyone is busy getting ready for the funeral and not worrying about world-altering artifacts.

<Loick> Maybe your seamstress idea isn't completely crazy, I don't know. It's as good as any idea I've had.

<Hugonel> Is there any apparent cause to the tear growing?

<Loick> Well, it started after the chosen candidate went into the Arch this morning. She hasn't come out yet. I don't know what's typical but it seems like it shouldn't take that long.

<Hugonel> Do we really have any sense of how long it should take, now?

<Loick> No. It isn't as though there have been many examples to draw on, since the Arch was restored. But the timing seems ... worrying.

<Hugonel> Yes, I can see that.

<Hugonel> What have you done already to try to alleviate the problem?

<Loick> Don't laugh, but I tried Mending and Make Whole.

<Loick> Obviously neither of those worked...

  • Hugonel shrugs

<Hugonel> It's what any sensible person would have tried first.

<Loick> Do you actually think your seamstress friend might be able to do anything? I am at a loss here.

<Hugonel> Well, let's think first. What do we imagine it means? If the Tapestry is what holds the world together, the tear growing indicates a rift. As if the existing boundaries between planes are being torn asunder, just as Amanita did when she ripped the book, talking about rending the tapestry ,right?

  • Loick considers that

<Loick> I don't think the Tapestry precisely 'holds the world together'. I think it may represent or respond to the status of the world, but isn't responsible for it. In its original purpose it was a predictive tool, used to read the future in the stars.

<Loick> This seems like an extremely bad prediction, even without the book to interpret it.

<Loick> But yes - it may mean that existing barriers between the planes are being weakened or broken

<Hugonel> Yes, right, but let's imagine it as, the paths of the future are diverging, because something is working to think those boundaries. So, for instance, the Arch, which is a boundary between worlds, is also used to determine the future. Perhaps?

  • Loick nods

<Hugonel> Primal Magic, which comes out of the rift, is a force of chaos and randomness.

<Loick> Yes, the Arch has been used for divinatory purposes in the past. Accounts suggest it can give visions of futures that may be, or past events that are significant in some fashion to the present.

<Loick> Indeed the process of choosing an Emperor is, at some level, a very powerful form of divination.

<Hugonel> When Raimond Neherin died, he was having a powerful vision and some of his last intelligible words were about the Tapestry

<Loick> oh?

<Hugonel> Yes. I would have told you, but it was very recent and I've been busy. Anyway, again, we are dealing with a person who was, in some sense, between worlds.

  • Loick nods

<Loick> It's getting worse.

  • Loick says, looking over at the tapestry, which does indeed seem to have torn further as you talk.

<Hugonel> Well.

<Hugonel> It would help if we had the Codex. But that's not going to happen, I suspect.

<Loick> Not... currently, no.

<Hugonel> Amanita seems unlikely to just lend it to us.

<Loick> Is it even certain that she has it?

<Hugonel> No, just that she was the last person we know who had it.

  • Loick nods

<Hugonel> Things are so complex in the First World these days, alas.

<Hugonel> But perhaps we could try to find it? Barring that, I'm afraid my best idea is to call a seamstress or just stitch it up ourselves. That seems ... imprudent and likely to do nothing, however.

<Loick> Honestly at this point I am willing to try things that seem imprudent.

<Loick> As the alternative seems to be 'just watch it happen and quietly wet myself.'

<Hugonel> Does Dozilva have any insight?

<Dozilva> I always have insight ;p

  • Dozilva says from the next room over

<Dozilva> Get the seamstress you spoke of, and work to hold it together until you can find the Codex.

<Hugonel> Well, it seems like the least bad solution, at any rate.

  • Hugonel casts Sending to Hettie

<Hugonel> something like "Hettienne, Loick and I need help. Aiming to repair the Dark Tapestry whose tear grows rapidly. Bring your mending kit promptly to his office, please?"

<Hettienne> Uhhh... okay? I guess? The hell?

  • Hettienne gathers up her stuff and goes.

<Hettienne> I swear to Rat if this is a practical joke I'm gonna do a murder >:|

  • Hugonel casts sending to Eirini: "The rend in the Tapestry grows as Arch selects Emperor. Cause and solution unclear. Codex whereabouts unknown. Help if you can. Stay safe."

<DiablotinNarrator> okay, Hettie, you can make your way to the palace. It's busy enough that no one pays too much attention to you.

<Hettienne> (is there a directory xD)

<Hettienne> (Loick's Office, suite 203)

<DiablotinNarrator> since they know you're coming they can send Dozilva to find you, probably :) and make sure you get in past any guards and so on.

<Dozilva> Hello - thank you for coming.

  • Dozilva helps guide you through the crowds of people who are preparing for the funeral service.

<Dozilva> SEAMSTRESS EMERGENCY, COMING THROUGH

<Hettienne> ...

  • Dozilva shouts to clear a path for us

<Hettienne> Alrighty then

<Dozilva> Don't worry, they are used to people not fitting into their formal mourning gowns and the like... ;)

<Hettienne> Sounds familiar.

  • Hettienne has sewn many a butt into their costume after one too many cream puffs
  • Dozilva will lead you to Loick's office.
  • Hettienne glances around suspiciously.

<Loick> Thank you for coming. I know this is an unusual request...

<Hettienne> Well. It is and it ain't.

  • Hettienne eyes the tapestry

<Hettienne> That thing ain't gonna swallow me up is it :|

<DiablotinNarrator> There is a sizeable rip in it, probably about a foot long at this point.

<Loick> I... cannot entirely guarantee that it won't. I can say that I have touched it and attempted to mend it magically, and haven't been swallowed.

<Hettienne> I've seen more 'n' enough of other worlds...

<Hettienne> Alright...

  • Hettienne grumbles.
  • Hugonel looks at the rift dubiously.

<Hugonel> Thank you, Hettie.

<Hettienne> Don't thank me yet :|

  • Hettienne will try and sew up this mess, trying to put aside that it's some kind of fuckin artifact level magical shit

<Hettienne> (imma take 20 if I have to roll :P which gives me 36 :p)

<DiablotinNarrator> Okay

  • Hugonel will cast Grand Destiny on Hettie too

<Hugonel> (just because I can)

<DiablotinNarrator> Hettie, you begin sewing. It feels odd, like the tear is resisting you, like the threads are fraying away from your touch, and at first you're worried all you are doing is making it worse. But somehow you keep going, and it almost feels as though, from the other side of the tapestry, there are other hands helping you. Threads coming together and being re-joined, fates weaving themselves

<DiablotinNarrator> back together...

<Hettienne> Somethin's happenin

  • Hettienne mutters
  • Hugonel will also orate to Inspire Competence, using Eletheni's voice

<DiablotinNarrator> For a moment you can see all the threads and how they fit together and a much, much bigger picture than the size of this tapestry would suggest. You can see your sisters on the other side of the rift, all working with you to weave this universe together.

<Hettienne> @_@

<Hettienne> That's... that's somethin'

<DiablotinNarrator> You aren't really sure how long it takes, but it feels much longer and more exhausting than mending a tear of this size should. Still, eventually you reach the end, and tie off your thread. It may not be flawless, but it'll hold for now.

  • Hettienne wipes her forehead with her sleeve

<Hettienne> Well.

<Hettienne> I think that'll hold... for a while

<Loick> Thank you.

<Hugonel> That was ... amazing, and strange. Yes, thank you.

<Hettienne> How long was that?

<Hugonel> (from our perspective was it any longer than it would take to fix a foot-long tear?)

<DiablotinNarrator> From your perspective, Hugo, it took maybe 10-15 minutes? Like, not an unusually long time, you don't think.

<Hugonel> Ahh, perhaps ten minutes or a little longer? Not too long, really.

<Hettienne> Felt like forever...

  • Hettienne shakes her head

<Hugonel> (did I get any response from Eirini?)

<DiablotinNarrator> Hugo - her response was for you to be careful, and that she would go to the First World and see what she could find out about what was going on there.

<Hugonel> Well ... now what? Do we just sit here and wait? Presumably the tear is not just the problem, but also a symptom. And we have a funeral to attend, as well.

  • Loick nods

<Hettienne> So I'll just... show myself out then :p

<Loick> We'll go to the funeral - I'll have someone stay to keep an eye on it and immediately send for me if anything changes.

<Dozilva> Oh you don't have to show yourself out - I can go with you.

<Hettienne> Sure...

<Dozilva> That was very remarkable.

  • Hettienne shrugs

<Hettienne> Thanks.

<Dozilva> Let me take you for breakfast and we can talk further...

<Hettienne> Oh, you don't gotta do that...

<Dozilva> I would like to, though :)

<Hettienne> well alright then :)

<DiablotinNarrator> Okay - you can head off and we'll go on to Gen next.

Genevriel learns what the One is

<DiablotinNarrator> Gen, you had asked to try another night without casting your spell in order to see how that goes.

<Genevriel> (Indeed, I had... with Madds' assistance again, I hope!)

<DiablotinNarrator> (yes, he'll certainly assist)

<DiablotinNarrator> It was a more restful night than some you've had, at least. You dreamt of being by the seashore with Andri. You walked together, and spotted a shell in the wet sand, and bent to pick it up. It opened to your touch and inside was a single pearl, gleaming and pale.

<DiablotinNarrator> "They form around a grain of sand," Andri said. "Something small and irritating gets inside the shell, and it gradually forms the pearl to protect itself. Something so beautiful, from nothing but a tiny seed. It just takes patience."

<DiablotinNarrator> You turned to look out at the ocean and you could see, as if in the distance, a wave approaching that kept growing and growing in size, until it towered over you. Andri seemed unaware or unconcerned, no matter how you tried to warn him, still admiring the pearl. "Just have patience," he told you again, and you woke up just as the wave crested over your heads. "You'll understand soon."

  • Genevriel does not wake up crying this time.
  • Madds is there when you wake

<Genevriel> (Sleeping himself?)

  • Madds is lightly dozing, yes.

<Genevriel> (In bed or in the chair?)

  • Madds is sitting in the chair but has nodded off.
  • Genevriel stands up and very gently wakes Madds.

<Madds> hm?

<Madds> oh - sorry. I must have fallen asleep. Are you okay?

  • Genevriel smiles.

<Genevriel> I'm fine, thanks - I just wanted to let you know you're off duty and can come to bed.

<Madds> okay...

<Genevriel> Thank you for staying up for me.

<Madds> it's no trouble. you didn't have any bad dreams?

  • Genevriel offers him a hand up out of the chair.
  • Genevriel shakes her head.

<Genevriel> No, not a bad one this time.

<Genevriel> At least I don't think it was...

  • Madds nods drowsily

<Madds> do you want to talk about it?

  • Genevriel smiles. "You're barely awake - maybe in the morning?"

<Madds> all right

  • Madds will get into bed and promptly fall back asleep.
  • Genevriel cuddles up to him, thinking. It's probably a while before she gets back to sleep.
  • Genevriel will share her dream and thoughts with him over breakfast.
  • Madds nods, listening

<Madds> What do you think it means? if anything?

<Genevriel> I'm not certain, yet... But the wave imagery is similar to the feeling I had when the Chrestomath clarified my memory for me...

  • Madds nods

<Genevriel> And being a seed, something that has to grow... that also echoes some of the things I've learned over the past couple of years.

<Genevriel> Lathra translated some of the things the voices say in my dreams... oh, ages ago now. It went "You are the instrument; We are the song / You are the brush; We are the colours / You are the fuel; We are the fire / You are the harvest; We are the seed"

  • Madds nods

<Genevriel> I don't really know what any of it means, though. Not yet.

<Genevriel> I don't know whether to be worried or not. I don't really feel worried, right now.

<Madds> Well - I guess if you believe your dream, you will learn, as long as you're patient?

  • Genevriel nods.

<Genevriel> But what will I learn? Will it be something I can live with, or not?

<Madds> that I don't know.

<Genevriel> I... seem to have twisted death into life somehow... And is that a good thing?

<Genevriel> Well, at least Andri didn't have a skull for a face this time.

<Madds> well.. if it means that you're still here, I have to think it's a good thing.

  • Genevriel smiles a bit ruefully.

<Madds> do you want to talk to August about it? maybe he can figure out more of what it means. I know it helps you to talk to him, too.

<Genevriel> Hopefully you'll still think that when time's up and I become... or learn... whatever I'm supposed to become or learn.

<Genevriel> You're right, that's probably a good idea.

<Genevriel> Do you... want to come with me?

<Madds> Sure.

  • Genevriel looks pleasantly surprised and grateful.
  • Madds will certainly accompany you to have coffee with August.
  • Genevriel knocks on August's door... She didn't have time to bake stuff today, so she made Madds stop at a bakery somewhere along the way to pick up some treats.

<Genevriel> (Stop with me)

<Genevriel> (I'm not making him my errand boy.  ;) )

<Madds> (heh, okay)

  • August opens the door and smiles to see you there.

<August> Ah, what a nice surprise :) always good to see you.

<Genevriel> Hi M. Merrion. Thanks... I didn't have anything home-baked today, but we picked up some cinnamon rolls...

<August> so thoughtful :) please, come in... I'll put on some coffee.

<Genevriel> Thank you... That'll be lovely.

<Genevriel> I hope it's all right that I brought Madds along...

<August> of course!

  • Genevriel looks relieved.
  • August welcomes you into his kitchen and will put on some coffee, as promised.

<Genevriel> I tried sleeping without the spell again last night, and it didn't seem like a bad dream. Just more enigmas. I just wanted to run things by you, and since Madd has had the questionable taste of falling in love with an enigma, it seemed fair that he shoudl hear your thoughts about the dream and other things. Also he is quite clever so he might be able to help us piece things together, if there's anything to piece.

  • August nods, listening
  • Genevriel will describe the dream to him, and explain about her memory of the night she nearly died (?) / saved the boy, and refresh his memory about the little rhyme that Lathra translated.

<Genevriel> So, those are the pieces I have so far...

  • August considers as he eats a cinnamon roll.

<Genevriel> Also... the phrase "the Dark Tapestry" seemed familiar to me when we went to the First World the first time. I'm not sure if that's another piece.

<August> This may be unrelated, but do you remember Patience? She's another... like me. I have to say, it was the first thing that came to mind when you told me about your dream. She's the youngest of us, that I know of, and may have some insight as being the most recently, ah, deceased.

  • Genevriel nods.

<Genevriel> I do remember Patience, yes... If you think she could help, I'd be willing to speak with her.

<August> all right.

<August> I can ask her to come over now if you like?

  • Genevriel nods.

<Genevriel> If she's free, certainly.

<Genevriel> It's the weekend - I didn't have any plans. You?

  • Genevriel asks Madds.
  • Madds shakes his head
  • August can get on the phone with Patience (or probably Rab, really, but whatever ;)
  • Patience will come over, so you can chit chat while you wait, but it doesn't take her a very long time to get there.
  • Patience smiles shyly to see you again, looking a bit nervous.

<Patience> Hello... August said you wanted to talk to me?

  • Genevriel smiles a bit nervously herself.

<Genevriel> Hello; he suggested you might be able to help figure me out, yes...

<Patience> I can try.

<Genevriel> Thank you. And this is Maddox Falgout, my, ah, partner.

<Patience> nice to meet you, M. Falgout.

<Madds> You as well.

  • Genevriel sits back down and takes a sip of her coffee.

<Genevriel> So... I'm not sure how much you remember about me from the last time we met...

<Patience> I remember that you had some unusual powers and abilities, and were trying to figure out where they came from.

  • Genevriel nods.

<Genevriel> I have learned a few new things, but I'm not really any closer to figuring it all out, I don't think. But I'll explain what I do know... or feel... and then we can try to see if anything makes sense.

<Patience> All right.

<Genevriel> August thought that... since you were in the Centre the most recently, you might have some insight into things...

<Patience> I can try...

  • Genevriel will describe her powers, the entity(ies) that she calls the One from whom she draws the powers, how she came into the power, describe both this recent nice(?) dream and the earlier unpleasant one.

<Genevriel> And then there's this... not really a poem... but thing that the One, or the dead, maybe... say...

  • Genevriel recites You are the instrument; We are the song / You are the brush; We are the colours / You are the fuel; We are the fire / You are the harvest; We are the seed
  • Patience listens attentively but when you get to the part about the words in your dream and the words spoken by the voices, she looks shocked and puts her hand over her mouth, her eyes welling up with tears.

<Patience> Oh... oh it worked :o I didn't know...

<Genevriel> And when I was back in Psyra, the One said 'As the fire allows the seeds to grow stronger, so your strength emerges from your suffering. Like the lyre, our song speaks through you, and you will carry our words: we are all one. Here at the hub of the wheel, where all is still, we embrace you. Be at peace, child."

<Genevriel> What?

<Genevriel> What worked?

  • Patience is still overcome with emotion, but tries to explain.
  • Genevriel is pale and a bit frightened.

<Patience> When I was... before I was me, I was a woman named Pasith. I ... she... was caught in the Void after she died. After we died. I don't know how to express it, I'm sorry if this is confused. She almost forgot herself, and became lost there. But she was able to remember, to focus herself... there was someone who visited her, and it reminded her of who she was, and why she was there.

<Patience> With that little core of herself remaining, she gathered the ... power, the energy there... all the souls of the dead who couldn't be reborn, or who were lost... and she must have... it must have worked :o

<Patience> She ... I...could have become a god, with that much power at her fingertips, but that wasn't what she wanted. She wanted to let it... them... decide.

<Genevriel> The souls?

  • Patience nods, still wiping tears from her eyes

<Genevriel> Let them decide what...?

<Patience> What to become.

<Patience> They must have become One.

<Genevriel> Okay...

  • Genevriel is having trouble absorbing this, let alone what it might mean for her.

<Genevriel> So they... chose to become a god, instead of being reborn like... normal souls?

<Patience> I ... I didn't know what happened after I came back. Whether they moved on, or became something else, or were re-absorbed into the cycle of souls.

<Patience> but if they are what is giving you your power, then ... yes, I think... they are a divine force now.

<Genevriel> It's not just me. There's another woman, who did interpret her voices as those of the dead.

  • Patience nods

<Genevriel> All right...

  • Genevriel turns to Madds wordlessly, looking kind of overwhelmed.
  • Madds looks fairly stunned as well, but puts his arm around you.
  • Genevriel seems to take strength from his kindness.

<Madds> Let's take some time to think about all of this, and what it means. You don't need to jump to any decisions or anything right now.

<Genevriel> I should tell Philida.

<Genevriel> ...

<Genevriel> Serpent's already such a hard sell. How is the One going to fit into society...?

  • Genevriel looks bewildered but also relieved that it's not some ancient evil.

<Genevriel> (Although there are undoubtedly ancient evils mixed in with the ancient goods, as we know from that witch-lady's chat with the outer planar being)

<DiablotinNarrator> (okay, we need to move along, but you can ponder that ;)

<Genevriel> (yup, thanks - Gen doesn't have anything more to say anyway, right now! Too overwhelmed.)

Aubrienne, Jed, and Tits follow Princesses Ilphere and Vera away from the Emperor's funeral

<DiablotinNarrator> Okay, Aubrienne's turn :)

<DiablotinNarrator> Aubrienne, you are of course included in the memorial service for the late Emperor Marl. Titania certainly wants you at her side as she attends the state funeral for her father, as well as the more private close friends/family gathering afterwards.

<DiablotinNarrator> The state funeral is mostly a lot of sitting quietly and listening to speeches and church ceremony.

<DiablotinNarrator> The after party is where they put the fun in funeral ;p

  • Aubrienne will try not to put too much fun in funeral

<Aubrienne> (Mostly sticking near Titania and being supportive)

<Tits> Thanks for coming... I know this isn't super fun :/

  • Tits is in her full princess mourning dress and hates it, for the record ;p
  • Aubrienne shrugs.

<Aubrienne> I wasn't going to abandon you to this.

<DiablotinNarrator> Others in attendance include Princess Ilphere, Princess Vera (with Jed as her +1), all the rest of the Imperial family, the various inner circle of governmental office-holders (so Guy, Loick, Fredericia, Aden, etc.), the Patriarch, and others of the late Emperor's close friends (including probably several mistresses or former mistresses ;p)

<Aubrienne> (scandalous :p)

<Tits> At least the food is good...

  • Tits says, snagging some canapés from a passing waiter.

<Aubrienne> There is that.

<Tits> I can't wait to re-open the club. Zola is already asking to do a big show when we do.

<Aubrienne> (How does Tits seem to be doing?)

  • Tits seems to be okay, a bit grumpy from being forced back into court dynamics, but it's distracting her from feeling sad, so it's not entirely a bad thing.

<Aubrienne> That sounds nice. Maybe a bit of normalcy for a change. Or what passes for normal for us.

  • Tits smiles at that
  • Aubrienne smiles back encouragingly.

<Tits> I'd like that for a while. Just ... something normal.

<Tits> or maybe we could take a vacation...

  • Tits says a bit wistfully

<Aubrienne> That'd be nice. Somewhere where you can just be you?

  • Tits nods

<DiablotinNarrator> A tall man in an army uniform with dark hair and a serious expression comes over and bows politely to Titania.

  • Tits nods politely in return

<Tits> Bryson... thank you for coming, I didn't know if we should expect you or not.

  • Bryson Arguelles was one of the attempted candidates for Emperor, as you may recall - obviously not the successful one...

<Bryson> Of course I wanted to be here, Princess. I had a great deal of respect for your father.

<Tits> Thank you.

<Tits> I know it's probably a difficult time for you as well.

<Bryson> Oh... because of the election? Well, it was certainly disappointing, but I will stand behind whoever is chosen, of course.

  • Tits nods

<Tits> Oh, I haven't introduced my wife - Aubrienne, this is Bryson Arguelles. A friend of the family.

<Aubrienne> Nice to meet you, M. Arguelles.

<Bryson> Pleased to meet you as well.

<Aubrienne> Perhaps not so much under these circumstances, of course.

<Bryson> Yes, certainly.

<Bryson> My wife is trying to talk me into returning to her home in Psyra. Perhaps if we do, you would like to pay a visit in a few months - once things have quieted down. You and your brothers would certainly be welcome.

<Tits> Thank you, that's very kind. We'll keep your offer in mind :)

<Aubrienne> That's a very generous offer, thank you. I've never been, and it would be nice to get out of the city for a while.

  • Jedrezj meanders over to you, Aubrienne, and makes some 'wink wink' motions that (hopefully) no one else notices

<Aubrienne> (I take it that means he's trying to get a moment for a private conversation?)

<DiablotinNarrator> (yes. not the 'heyyy hot stuff' wink wink ;)

<Aubrienne> (Heh, I figured)

<DiablotinNarrator> (Jed probably knows better ;)

  • Aubrienne will excuse herself for a moment and head towards Jed

<Aubrienne> Smooth. Good thing I was in charge of misdirection for our act. ;)

<Jedrezj> ha ha...

<Jedrezj> Look, Vera and her mother just got weird looks and said they had to take off. Something is up.

<Jedrezj> Also my date abandoned me in a room full of strangers who mostly hate me, so I need company ;p

<Aubrienne> That can't be the first time that's happened. :p

<Aubrienne> But that is concerning. No idea what happened?

<Jedrezj> No, but it was weird. I mean it's not just me, this is her uncle's funeral and she just took off like someone lit her ass on fire.

<Aubrienne> Hmm.

<Jedrezj> Want to go find out what's happening? If you come with me, then if we get caught they might not just kill me on sight ;p

  • Aubrienne stifles a laugh at that.

<Aubrienne> Let me let Titania know what I'm doing.

<Aubrienne> Be right beck.

  • Aubrienne will head over to Titania and speak to her quietly.

<Aubrienne> Will you be all right if I step out for a minute?

<Tits> yes, sure - what's wrong?

<Aubrienne> Jed said Ilphere and Vera both got weird looks on their faces and slipped out. We wanted to see what was going on, just in case.

  • Tits frowns, looking a bit worried at that.

<Tits> Do you want me to come with you?

<Aubrienne> You're welcome to if you like, if you want a distraction.

<Tits> sure

  • Aubrienne gives a concerned smile.

<Aubrienne> Shall we then?

  • Aubrienne takes Titania's hand and heads back to Jed.

<Jedrezj> okay, so, they went this way...

  • Jedrezj says, gesturing towards one of the doors, and will lead you, with Titania's help because she actually lived her and knows her way around.

<DiablotinNarrator> You head off and wander around the palace for a bit, with Tits making suggestions of which way to go occasionally.

<Jedrezj> I'm going to try to Locate Object on Vera's engagement ring...

  • Jedrezj says, casually dropping into conversation that she has an engagement ring ;)
  • Jedrezj casts the spell

<Jedrezj> this way...

<Aubrienne> (Sorry, got called away for a second)

<Aubrienne> Whoa, hold on...engagement ring!?

<Jedrezj> oh .. yeah :)

<Aubrienne> Congratulations!

<Aubrienne> Also...

<Jedrezj> thanks :)

  • Aubrienne smacks his arm

<Aubrienne> Why didn't you tell me before now?

<Jedrezj> everything has been kind of crazy...

<Jedrezj> and they're not announcing it until after the funeral and everything is done...

  • Jedrezj leads the three of us to a hidden door, which leads to a secret passage, and a staircase down...
  • Tits eyes it dubiously

<Aubrienne> I'm sure I've mentioned this before, sweetie, but you're childhood home is kind of spooky.

<Tits> Yeah.

<Aubrienne> (Your, rather)

<Tits> I really can't argue with that.

  • Aubrienne will lead the way down as quietly as she can.

<Tits> This is the way to where the Arch used to be...

  • Jedrezj makes an D: face

<Aubrienne> o.O

<DiablotinNarrator> You make your way into an open room which currently contains zero (0) Arches, but two (2) Imperial Princesses, asleep or passed out on the floor.

  • Jedrezj heads over quickly to Vera's side to check if she's okay.

<Aubrienne> (quiet-ish) Jed, wait!

  • Aubrienne casts Detect Magic
  • Jedrezj doesn't touch her, just looks her over

<Jedrezj> she's doing some kind of dream magic, isn't she...

<DiablotinNarrator> That is indeed your conclusion from your Detect Magic spell.

<Aubrienne> Yeah, seems to be.

  • Aubrienne still looks concerned.

<Jedrezj> They shouldn't both do it at the same time - someone should watch over them :/

<Aubrienne> That would make sense.

<Jedrezj> I could try to talk to her - she taught me a spell to let me talk to someone in a dream. or maybe we should just wait until they wake up...

<Aubrienne> Well, I don't want to distract them, but, also, if there's a problem, I'd prefer they had help...

<Aubrienne> Why don't you give it a go?

  • Jedrezj nods

<Tits> Maybe I should get Ruchard? I mean.. after them, he probably knows the most of anyone about dream magic stuff.

<Aubrienne> That makes sense, too.

<Tits> okay. I'll be right back.

  • Jedrezj settles in to try his spell

<Jedrezj> ....

<Jedrezj> uh okay, that was weird.

<Aubrienne> What's the problem?

<Jedrezj> I tried to talk to her but all I kept seeing was the Arch.

<Jedrezj> I don't think she's in a normal dream.

<Aubrienne> All you saw was the Arch?

  • Jedrezj nods

<Aubrienne> That's...concerning.

<Jedrezj> I'm certainly concerned.

  • Tits returns a short while later, as promised, with Ruchard.
  • Ruchard looks seriously annoyed

<Ruchard> Ugh why didn't they tell me they were doing this...?

<Aubrienne> Do you know what they're doing, specifically?

  • Ruchard takes in the scene

<Ruchard> Most likely, given the location, trying to access Andusk. Uh... it's kind of a long story.

  • Ruchard looks at you to see if he needs to explain what that is

<Aubrienne> (Does Aubrienne know what that is?)

<Ruchard> (I... don't think so. But I may be misremembering some mention of it in the past. He can give a brief explanation, at any rate :)

<Ruchard> It's a stable - well, more or less stable - dream plane.

<Aubrienne> (Okie doke)

<Aubrienne> All right...

<Ruchard> It's like a mirror of our world, only ... worse.

<Ruchard> Although it split off from ours some time ago. Anyway.. uh, if they were trying to go there, they would have to have a really good reason - Mother hates travelling there.

  • Ruchard thinks about it a little more
  • Tits looks concerned

<Aubrienne> What would prompt them to make that journey?

<Aubrienne> Particularly now.

<Ruchard> If something was wrong...

<Aubrienne> How worried should we be? Do they need help?

  • Jedrezj looks up, startled. You realize after a moment that there is a bloodstain spreading from his chest, as though he was pierced by a sword, but you can't see whatever did it.

<Aubrienne> Jed!

<Jedrezj> hgh.

  • Aubrienne rushes to him.
  • Tits looks around for whatever caused it. Something rushes by you all, a cold wind.

<Aubrienne> There's something here!

  • Ruchard casts a detect magic to look for it.
  • Jedrezj is wounded, but not (you think) fatally.

<Ruchard> That way!

  • Aubrienne will slip Titania her invisibility ring.
  • Ruchard and Tits will chase after the invisible whatever it is
  • Tits takes it

<Aubrienne> (Or not :p)

<Aubrienne> (oih, heh)

  • Tits can grab it as she goes :)

<Aubrienne> (SK) Jed, hey, stay with me, okay?

  • Ruchard will also sound an alarm as clearly something dangerous is loose in the palace

<Jedrezj> ughgh. my.. suit.... :(

<Aubrienne> That's the spirit.

  • Aubrienne laughs a little manically

<Aubrienne> I don't know...I don't want to leave the princesses...

<Aubrienne> Can I even teleport out of here?

  • Aubrienne 's gaze keeps shifting between Jed, the princesses, and the entrance.

<DiablotinNarrator> I believe you can teleport out of the palace, just not to elsewhere in the palace. so you could teleport to home, say.

<Aubrienne> (I'm pretty sure I know where Lathra lives, right?)

<Tits> (yup)

<Aubrienne> (I'm trying to figure out which one I'd be more familiar with. Probably Lathra's, right?)

<DiablotinNarrator> yeah probably

<Aubrienne> (I'll teleport there then)

<DiablotinNarrator> okay

<DiablotinNarrator> There's a lot of confusion and they'll send guards to search for the intruder(s) and monitor the situation but, on Ruchard's orders, leave the Princesses where they are but keep watch on them.

  • Jedrezj can get healed up by Lathra, I'll assume, although she seems a bit concerned that he might also have been poisoned or something - she'll cast some extra spells to try and make sure he's okay.

<Aubrienne> (I'll yell for Lathra, get her to take care of Jed, then teleport back as close to the palace as I can)

<DiablotinNarrator> Okay, you can do so.

  • Tits will find you eventually, looking out of breath and with her hair half hanging down from its fancy hairdo.

<Tits> is Jed okay?

<Aubrienne> I think so. I took him to Lathra's. She said he might have been poisoned, but she's on it.

<Aubrienne> Are you all right?

<Aubrienne> Did they find the thing?

<Tits> They're still looking. They aren't entirely sure what the thing is. But ... it sounds bad.

<Tits> Something about boundaries breaking down between worlds... things getting through that shouldn't. I think Ruchard thinks they were trying to stop it.

<Aubrienne> By stabbing Jed?

<Aubrienne> *sigh*

<Tits> I don't know all the details, but he said something about people there who hate Shadar-kai, and would try to come here just to kill as many of them as they could. But... then I thought too about the thing at the club, when all those Shadar-kai were stabbed and it opened a portal for the Cold Rider to come through. Maybe it was something like that...

<Aubrienne> Yeah, that was my thought. I did feel a sensation of cold...

  • Tits nods

<Aubrienne> Were you wanting to head home? I'd like to maybe sit with the princesses for a while, stick around and find out what happened, but it's already been a rough day for you...

<Tits> Anyway... the funeral is done, since they made everyone go home. I guess we can too. Or at least until the new Emperor is finally chosen, we can stick around here and see what happens. I don't think anyone will kick us out, at least.

<Tits> we should stay.

  • Tits says wearily.

<Aubrienne> All right. I really need to learn some kind of 'summon comfy chair or couch' spell.

  • Tits smiles a little at that.

<Tits> Well fortunately there are some of those around.

<Aubrienne> Shall we?

<Tits> let's.

  • Tits takes your hand and you can go find a comfy couch to sit on until a) something else goes wrong or b) you are needed elsewhere ;)

<Aubrienne> (heh, all right)