Difference between revisions of "AWRR Chapter 5.5"
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==Session== | ==Session== | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===A Lovely Walk in the Garden=== | ||
+ | |||
+ | Lamont: will be waiting for Nik out in the garden, and smiles to see him | ||
+ | |||
+ | Nik: joins Lamont at the gardens for our planned walk. He wears a pale blue robe and has his hair down apart from a little braid at each of his temples that are tied back together. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Nik: Hello! Do you want to walk somewhere that will have more sun, or more shade? | ||
+ | |||
+ | Lamont: is wearing a green coat over an embroidered pale blue wasitcoat, but is carrying his sword today as well | ||
+ | |||
+ | Lamont: I have no strong preference, The morning sun isn't too overbearing - perhaps you could show me some of your favourite spots, in case I missed any in my previous ambling | ||
+ | |||
+ | Nik: I would be delighted to 🙂 | ||
+ | |||
+ | Lamont: then, please. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Lamont: gestures for Nik to take the lead | ||
+ | |||
+ | Nik: will lead the way through the garden, to a glade of willow trees that circle a small pond. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Nik: This is where I used to go and read, if I didn't want someone to find me right away. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Lamont: oh, I think I passed by here a few days ago, and I meant to return and take a closer look, but then I couldn't find it again | ||
+ | |||
+ | Nik: It is not easily seen from the main house. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Lamont: I can understand how the seclusion might appeal... | ||
+ | |||
+ | Lamont: will go and look down into the pool | ||
+ | |||
+ | Nik: It's fed by a spring but it is not like the other hot springs in the area, it's colder and I understand has some sort of beneficial minerals. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Nik: says with a slight shrug of 'that's what my dad told me' | ||
+ | |||
+ | Lamont: Health benefits, I presume. It's a beautiful spot., with the willows | ||
+ | |||
+ | Nik: Yes, well, it tastes sort of like licking a copper piece or something, so it's probably extremely healthful. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Nik: says with a smile | ||
+ | |||
+ | Lamont: I admit I can't claim to be fond of the tat of any of the springs here, but I think that's not mostly how you are meant to take them. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Nik: nods | ||
+ | |||
+ | Lamont: but this one you are? Should I try it? | ||
+ | |||
+ | Nik: I mean... it is an acquired taste, if you wish to, I think the spring is the least bad. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Lamont: smiles | ||
+ | |||
+ | Lamont: well, maybe it will help my headache | ||
+ | |||
+ | Nik: gestures to where the spring actually bubbling up, where there is indeed a cup fastened by chain to a marble pillar. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Nik: Oh, your head is still troubling you? | ||
+ | |||
+ | Lamont: It's tolerable | ||
+ | |||
+ | Lamont: will go and dip the cup in the pond, making a face as he takes a sip | ||
+ | |||
+ | Nik: smiles at that | ||
+ | |||
+ | Nik: About as bad as you expected? | ||
+ | |||
+ | Lamont: you described it well | ||
+ | |||
+ | Nik: I gather that a small amount is all that's recommended. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Nik: Which is fortunate for those of us who were made to drink it regularly 😉 | ||
+ | |||
+ | Lamont: Yes, I'm glad for you - and perhaps another reason one might not think to look for you here? | ||
+ | |||
+ | Nik: Perhaps. I mostly relied upon the willow branches to conceal me. I was smaller and if I wore green, I might practically blend in. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Lamont: nods | ||
+ | |||
+ | Lamont: turns around, scanning the space | ||
+ | |||
+ | Nik: Did you wish to keep walking? We can, of course, I don't mean to restrain you here. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Lamont: do you have anywhere else to show me? | ||
+ | |||
+ | Nik: Certainly 🙂 | ||
+ | |||
+ | Lamont: then, shall we? | ||
+ | |||
+ | Nik: will lead the way to another section of the grounds, this one decorated with several well-worn marble statues, interspersed with cypress trees and little nooks where one can sit. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Nik: It is a little sunnier here, at least at this time of day. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Lamont: nods, scanning broadly around this area as well before stopping to appreciate any of the details | ||
+ | |||
+ | Lamont: what are the statues? | ||
+ | |||
+ | Nik: Nymphs, I think. At least, they are much too lively to be noble ancestors, I surmise. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Lamont: eyes one | ||
+ | |||
+ | Lamont: Perhaps they're just meant to be demonstrating proper attire for the pools? | ||
+ | |||
+ | Nik: laughs at that | ||
+ | |||
+ | Nik: Perhaps! They are rather indecorous, but I enjoy them. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Lamont: nods. "I think they loook quite nice here." | ||
+ | |||
+ | Nik: Mother wanted them put a bit out of the way, I think 😉 | ||
+ | |||
+ | Lamont: I can't imagine any guests would complain, but perhaps I am underestimating the commitment to decorum of some of my peers. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Nik: chuckles | ||
+ | |||
+ | Lamont: I would think it most impolite to let any such sentiments reach your lady mother, however | ||
+ | |||
+ | Nik: I think it was her own preference, when she arrived here as a newly-wedded lady, but I admit it was before my time that they were relocated. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Nik: But it is a good place for them. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Lamont: ahhh, yes, I see | ||
+ | |||
+ | Lamont: It does suit them. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Lamont: says, scanning around again | ||
+ | |||
+ | Nik: Are you looking for someone? | ||
+ | |||
+ | Lamont: hmm? | ||
+ | |||
+ | Nik: You seem a little distracted, is all. I wondered if there was something on your mind. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Lamont: oh - no. My apologies. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Nik: No need to apologize. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Lamont: would you like to sit? or continue on? | ||
+ | |||
+ | Nik: Perhaps sit for a little? | ||
+ | |||
+ | Nik: gestures to one of the little benches | ||
+ | |||
+ | Lamont: will sit then, leaving space for Nik to join me if he so desires | ||
+ | |||
+ | Nik: sits next to you | ||
+ | |||
+ | Nik: I have been meaning to tell you... I tried as you suggested, with other people, to, ah, broaden my horizons. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Nik: says a bit shyly | ||
+ | |||
+ | Lamont: oh? yes... | ||
+ | |||
+ | Nik: Coifare took me to a ceremony at the temple of Sehanine, which was quite enlightening. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Lamont: nods, seeming tense | ||
+ | |||
+ | Nik: Does that trouble you? I was trying to follow your advice, as much as I could. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Nik: asks gently | ||
+ | |||
+ | Lamont: No. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Lamont: smiles tighty, and seems to look past you | ||
+ | |||
+ | Nik: Ah... well, I would be pleased to tell you more, or to change the subject if you prefer. I don't wish to cause any offense. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Lamont: I'm not offended. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Nik: All right... | ||
+ | |||
+ | Lamont: I'm sorry, perhaps I am too distracted for this conversation | ||
+ | |||
+ | Nik: Is something amiss? | ||
+ | |||
+ | Lamont: says looking around again | ||
+ | |||
+ | Lamont: frowns, and stands up, hand on his sword | ||
+ | |||
+ | Lamont: I'm not sure. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Lamont: is facing away from Nik | ||
+ | |||
+ | Nik: looks around, a bit puzzled | ||
+ | |||
+ | Lamont: I can't fathom what could be amiss here but... I have such a strong sense of it | ||
+ | |||
+ | Nik: Because of your mark? | ||
+ | |||
+ | Lamont: nods, still scanning the area | ||
+ | |||
+ | Nik: Well, I admit I don't fully know how it works, but I don't think there is any likelihood of danger here? | ||
+ | |||
+ | Lamont: ... | ||
+ | |||
+ | Lamont: whirls suddenly to the entrance of the cyprus grove, sword slashing at a grotesque, toothy creature with outstrected arms ending in sharp claws | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | Nik: jumps up, startled | ||
+ | |||
+ | Nik: tries to run towards Lamont but is grasped on his way there by another of the monstrous creatures, and screams | ||
+ | |||
+ | Lamont: turns sharply when he hears Nik scream, and | ||
+ | |||
+ | Lamont: slashes forward at the creature that has grasped Nik, trying to force it to let him go | ||
+ | |||
+ | Lamont: Let him go! | ||
+ | |||
+ | Nik: pulls away from it, with a tearing of silk robes, and is able to get out of its claws, though with some scratches on his arms. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Lamont: Nik - run! | ||
+ | |||
+ | Nik: looks around for where to run to, seeing other similar creatures in the distance. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Nik: Come with me! | ||
+ | |||
+ | Lamont: says, caught between the two creatures for the moment, only able to keep one at bay while the other lunges at him from behind, slashing him across the back with its claws | ||
+ | |||
+ | Lamont: I'll be right behind you | ||
+ | |||
+ | Nik: looks reluctant to leave Lamont, and scared | ||
+ | |||
+ | Nik: The chapel - we can get there, if we go that way... | ||
+ | |||
+ | Lamont: says, trying to keep his voice steady, advancing at the creature in front of him, trying to get it to back off a bit so that he can get free | ||
+ | |||
+ | Nik: points to an unmarked path through the trees | ||
+ | |||
+ | Nik: will head that way, but keeps looking back for Lamont | ||
+ | |||
+ | Lamont: nods, narrowly missing another attack, but taking anther grazing slash in the shoulder as he breaks past the wounded creature with a disabling thrust of his sword, and chasing after Nik | ||
+ | |||
+ | Nik: grasps frantically for your hand and will run to the chapel | ||
+ | |||
+ | Lamont: takes your hand | ||
+ | |||
+ | Lamont: are you alright? | ||
+ | |||
+ | Nik: Its claws scratched my arms when I pulled away. It's not too bad... | ||
+ | |||
+ | Nik: is clearly bleeding a bit, despite his protests | ||
+ | |||
+ | Lamont: where does this path lead? | ||
+ | |||
+ | Nik: it goes to the chapel, just not the main way. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Nik: what are those things? | ||
+ | |||
+ | Nik: some kind of demons? | ||
+ | |||
+ | Lamont: I think so. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Nik: what are they doing here?? | ||
+ | |||
+ | Lamont: I don't know, but there's more. I'm not sure they're alone. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Nik: you're hurt 😮 | ||
+ | |||
+ | Lamont: looks back to see if they are being chased still, then willl squeeze Nik's hand again and step ahead of him, sword at the ready | ||
+ | |||
+ | Lamont: It's bearable | ||
+ | |||
+ | Lamont: 's back is pretty bloody | ||
+ | |||
+ | Nik: oh, no, please, be careful... | ||
+ | |||
+ | Lamont: I will - it would be easier with armour.... even just a shield -_- Stay behind me for now | ||
+ | |||
+ | Nik: nods, sticking near Lamont | ||
+ | |||
==Reputation== | ==Reputation== |
Revision as of 21:24, 26 April 2023
Summary
- Session date: 2023-04-16
THE ATTACK: Day 3 of the Therma Alba visit
Lamont and Nik take a walk through the gardens, but Lamont becomes more and more agitated until finally they are attacked by demons! After some minor injuries, they make it to the chapel and meet up with Coifárë. They equip themselves with weapons and armour and retreat through a back entrance towards the main house. Along the way, Lamont manages to activate the magical effect of Nik's family's heirloom shield, ashing several demons and injuring the pursuing cultists.
Victorina flees from the pools at the start of the attack, and makes it back to the house.
Lavinia is attacked in room by a flying demon and manages to choke it to death with pastry cream before passing out (story)
Leonora and Magga hear a commotion on the ground, and arm themselves to go investigate. They check on Nenea, and make it outside and find Akan Nabari fighting valiantly but defensively after being ambushed at the pools. They help him defeat his foes. Magga takes him back to the hose for safety, and Leonora presses on to find Yadda. She finds her in a hedge maze and they kill a few demons together.
Rosalie saves Juno from a demon while the Magus is controlling her undead in defense of the estate. They retreat to the house to look for Sébastien
Sébastien and Chitara are canoodling in bed when they hear screaming. They decide to retreat to the wine cellar and start gathering other guests to come with them for protection. They run into Victorina, who comes along with them and others to try and secure the cellar. Agatha appears to help direct them and others. Juno and Rosalie also join the group. Chitara is able to cast an illusion to hide the door, while Agatha can direct guests how to bypass it. Juno also erects a ward for safety. Shortly afterwards, Lamont and Coifárë bring Nik to join the sheltering group. They leave with Juno to go and look for others who may need assistance out on the grounds.
Having been recalled early due to his 'father's illness, Gueiris looks back and sees smoke rising from the estate. Realizing he has been tricked, he rushes back, and encounters some demons and cultists along the way, defeating several (story). He heads to Lavinia's room, and manages to revive her by initiating his soul bond and lending her some of his strength. They talk, clearing up their previous misunderstanding and redeclaring their mutual love. After clearing out a few minor demons together, they decide to take shelter there.
AFTERMATH
Nik finds his parents and the family are all grateful for each others' safety. He tells them about his escape and about letting Lamont use the Amathalis and using his dragonmark. They tell him they are proud of him :3
Coifárë brings Lamont to be treated after suffering further injuries in the fighting, and leaves him in the care of Mikethelas. Lamont tries to return the shield but is turned down for the moment.
Roalie offers her assistance to Mikethelas as he is treating the wounded.
Leonora seeks out Akan after the fight to check up on him and discuss the attack.
Rosalie finds Lamont amongst the wounded while making her rounds and gives him some tea. He apologizes for breaking another date, but they renew their plans to meet up in Highmark.
Victorina and Chitara discuss Sébastien. Sébastien comes to check in on Chitara and give her some information, after which the two retreat to a secluded pool to calm their nerves with a bottle of nice wine.
Coifárë tells Nik Lamont is injured. They go check on him in the makeshift hospital, and they help him back to his room where they can talk more privately (and also seduce him).
Session
A Lovely Walk in the Garden
Lamont: will be waiting for Nik out in the garden, and smiles to see him
Nik: joins Lamont at the gardens for our planned walk. He wears a pale blue robe and has his hair down apart from a little braid at each of his temples that are tied back together.
Nik: Hello! Do you want to walk somewhere that will have more sun, or more shade?
Lamont: is wearing a green coat over an embroidered pale blue wasitcoat, but is carrying his sword today as well
Lamont: I have no strong preference, The morning sun isn't too overbearing - perhaps you could show me some of your favourite spots, in case I missed any in my previous ambling
Nik: I would be delighted to 🙂
Lamont: then, please.
Lamont: gestures for Nik to take the lead
Nik: will lead the way through the garden, to a glade of willow trees that circle a small pond.
Nik: This is where I used to go and read, if I didn't want someone to find me right away.
Lamont: oh, I think I passed by here a few days ago, and I meant to return and take a closer look, but then I couldn't find it again
Nik: It is not easily seen from the main house.
Lamont: I can understand how the seclusion might appeal...
Lamont: will go and look down into the pool
Nik: It's fed by a spring but it is not like the other hot springs in the area, it's colder and I understand has some sort of beneficial minerals.
Nik: says with a slight shrug of 'that's what my dad told me'
Lamont: Health benefits, I presume. It's a beautiful spot., with the willows
Nik: Yes, well, it tastes sort of like licking a copper piece or something, so it's probably extremely healthful.
Nik: says with a smile
Lamont: I admit I can't claim to be fond of the tat of any of the springs here, but I think that's not mostly how you are meant to take them.
Nik: nods
Lamont: but this one you are? Should I try it?
Nik: I mean... it is an acquired taste, if you wish to, I think the spring is the least bad.
Lamont: smiles
Lamont: well, maybe it will help my headache
Nik: gestures to where the spring actually bubbling up, where there is indeed a cup fastened by chain to a marble pillar.
Nik: Oh, your head is still troubling you?
Lamont: It's tolerable
Lamont: will go and dip the cup in the pond, making a face as he takes a sip
Nik: smiles at that
Nik: About as bad as you expected?
Lamont: you described it well
Nik: I gather that a small amount is all that's recommended.
Nik: Which is fortunate for those of us who were made to drink it regularly 😉
Lamont: Yes, I'm glad for you - and perhaps another reason one might not think to look for you here?
Nik: Perhaps. I mostly relied upon the willow branches to conceal me. I was smaller and if I wore green, I might practically blend in.
Lamont: nods
Lamont: turns around, scanning the space
Nik: Did you wish to keep walking? We can, of course, I don't mean to restrain you here.
Lamont: do you have anywhere else to show me?
Nik: Certainly 🙂
Lamont: then, shall we?
Nik: will lead the way to another section of the grounds, this one decorated with several well-worn marble statues, interspersed with cypress trees and little nooks where one can sit.
Nik: It is a little sunnier here, at least at this time of day.
Lamont: nods, scanning broadly around this area as well before stopping to appreciate any of the details
Lamont: what are the statues?
Nik: Nymphs, I think. At least, they are much too lively to be noble ancestors, I surmise.
Lamont: eyes one
Lamont: Perhaps they're just meant to be demonstrating proper attire for the pools?
Nik: laughs at that
Nik: Perhaps! They are rather indecorous, but I enjoy them.
Lamont: nods. "I think they loook quite nice here."
Nik: Mother wanted them put a bit out of the way, I think 😉
Lamont: I can't imagine any guests would complain, but perhaps I am underestimating the commitment to decorum of some of my peers.
Nik: chuckles
Lamont: I would think it most impolite to let any such sentiments reach your lady mother, however
Nik: I think it was her own preference, when she arrived here as a newly-wedded lady, but I admit it was before my time that they were relocated.
Nik: But it is a good place for them.
Lamont: ahhh, yes, I see
Lamont: It does suit them.
Lamont: says, scanning around again
Nik: Are you looking for someone?
Lamont: hmm?
Nik: You seem a little distracted, is all. I wondered if there was something on your mind.
Lamont: oh - no. My apologies.
Nik: No need to apologize.
Lamont: would you like to sit? or continue on?
Nik: Perhaps sit for a little?
Nik: gestures to one of the little benches
Lamont: will sit then, leaving space for Nik to join me if he so desires
Nik: sits next to you
Nik: I have been meaning to tell you... I tried as you suggested, with other people, to, ah, broaden my horizons.
Nik: says a bit shyly
Lamont: oh? yes...
Nik: Coifare took me to a ceremony at the temple of Sehanine, which was quite enlightening.
Lamont: nods, seeming tense
Nik: Does that trouble you? I was trying to follow your advice, as much as I could.
Nik: asks gently
Lamont: No.
Lamont: smiles tighty, and seems to look past you
Nik: Ah... well, I would be pleased to tell you more, or to change the subject if you prefer. I don't wish to cause any offense.
Lamont: I'm not offended.
Nik: All right...
Lamont: I'm sorry, perhaps I am too distracted for this conversation
Nik: Is something amiss?
Lamont: says looking around again
Lamont: frowns, and stands up, hand on his sword
Lamont: I'm not sure.
Lamont: is facing away from Nik
Nik: looks around, a bit puzzled
Lamont: I can't fathom what could be amiss here but... I have such a strong sense of it
Nik: Because of your mark?
Lamont: nods, still scanning the area
Nik: Well, I admit I don't fully know how it works, but I don't think there is any likelihood of danger here?
Lamont: ...
Lamont: whirls suddenly to the entrance of the cyprus grove, sword slashing at a grotesque, toothy creature with outstrected arms ending in sharp claws
Nik: jumps up, startled
Nik: tries to run towards Lamont but is grasped on his way there by another of the monstrous creatures, and screams
Lamont: turns sharply when he hears Nik scream, and
Lamont: slashes forward at the creature that has grasped Nik, trying to force it to let him go
Lamont: Let him go!
Nik: pulls away from it, with a tearing of silk robes, and is able to get out of its claws, though with some scratches on his arms.
Lamont: Nik - run!
Nik: looks around for where to run to, seeing other similar creatures in the distance.
Nik: Come with me!
Lamont: says, caught between the two creatures for the moment, only able to keep one at bay while the other lunges at him from behind, slashing him across the back with its claws
Lamont: I'll be right behind you
Nik: looks reluctant to leave Lamont, and scared
Nik: The chapel - we can get there, if we go that way...
Lamont: says, trying to keep his voice steady, advancing at the creature in front of him, trying to get it to back off a bit so that he can get free
Nik: points to an unmarked path through the trees
Nik: will head that way, but keeps looking back for Lamont
Lamont: nods, narrowly missing another attack, but taking anther grazing slash in the shoulder as he breaks past the wounded creature with a disabling thrust of his sword, and chasing after Nik
Nik: grasps frantically for your hand and will run to the chapel
Lamont: takes your hand
Lamont: are you alright?
Nik: Its claws scratched my arms when I pulled away. It's not too bad...
Nik: is clearly bleeding a bit, despite his protests
Lamont: where does this path lead?
Nik: it goes to the chapel, just not the main way.
Nik: what are those things?
Nik: some kind of demons?
Lamont: I think so.
Nik: what are they doing here??
Lamont: I don't know, but there's more. I'm not sure they're alone.
Nik: you're hurt 😮
Lamont: looks back to see if they are being chased still, then willl squeeze Nik's hand again and step ahead of him, sword at the ready
Lamont: It's bearable
Lamont: 's back is pretty bloody
Nik: oh, no, please, be careful...
Lamont: I will - it would be easier with armour.... even just a shield -_- Stay behind me for now
Nik: nods, sticking near Lamont