AWRR Chapter 5.5

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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

Coifárë Joins the Party and They Raid The Chapel For Weapons

Coifárë: will be in the chapel, having been at morning prayer/meditation, but will be heading towards the door after hearing some sort of commotion outside.

Lamont: I can see it...

Lamont: pauses though

Nik: Run straight for the door, we can close it...

Lamont: nods, looking off to the side

Nik: is there something there?

Nik: asks, following your gaze

Lamont: Yes.

Lamont: It's liketh other one, but nastier I think

Lamont: You run, I'll keep it distracted, and I'll join you straight away

Nik: No, Lamont, please, just go with me, I can't bear to leave you!

Lamont: Nik, I -

Lamont: (I don't think we're quite there yet - just about to make a break for it :x)

Lamont: GO to them.

Lamont: I swear

Nik: looks back and forth, and then nods and will run as fast as he can to Coifare at the temple.

Lamont: points to the demon with his sword, hoping Coifare can see it.

Lamont: will charge it as soon as Nik takes off, just planning to keep it distracted

Coifárë: Get inside!

Coifárë: yells ostensibly to both of them.

Nik: stumbles over the threshold, making it inside, turning back as soon as possible to see where Lamont is

Nik: Coifare, it's a demon - demons, I don't know how many!

Lamont: will start trhing to make his wasy to the chapel, moving more slowly to defend himself as best as he can

Coifárë: Nik, are you okay?

Coifárë: Lamont, you get inside this chapel right this instant!

Nik: is lightly wounded, his white under-robe stained with blood, but not extremely hurt.

Coifárë: throws out a flash of sacred radiance at one of the demons near to Lamont.

Lamont: will make a break for it nd run once the things is distracted

Coifárë: will keep throwing magic at the demons until Lamont is inside the chapel, then slam the door shut.

Lamont: stumbles in the door

Coifárë: Nik, the chapel is consecrated ground, yes?

Nik: nods

Lamont: leans against it a moment to catch his breath

Nik: Yes, will it keep them out?

Nik: comes over to check Lamont's injuries

Lamont: has added one more serious gash on his sword arm to the collection

Coifárë: The lesser ones, at least, but we don't know what all is out there.

Nik: Oh no...

Coifárë: Oh, Lamont!

Lamont: Theres'... I saw something else, with them, in the trees

Nik: what sort of something else?

Coifárë: will move to take a look at Lamont's wounds.

Lamont: I wouldn't swear it, but thought I saw a number of tieflings...

Coifárë: Gueiris?

Coifárë: Nik, give me your hand.

Coifárë: places a hand on Lamont's shoulder as well.

Nik: takes your hand, confused but obedient

Coifárë: channels Corellon's gift, at the very least managing to close Nik and Lamont's wounds.

Narrator: (They've got a little bit of Lay on Hands, at least 😉 )

Nik: oh... thank you 😮

Coifárë: You're welcome, of course, but that's about all of it I can manage for the day.

Lamont: No, not him.

Nik: nods

Lamont: seems somewhat better, anway, and massages his arm once the cut there closes, leaving the ones on his back only partly closed and the rest healed

Lamont: thank you.

Coifárë: I counted a half dozen at least, and...

Coifárë: pauses a moment to listen.

Lamont: (quietly) These were with the demons, not attacking them. They're.... hunting for stragglers I think. We can't stay here long.

Coifárë: It sounds like quite a bit more out there somewhere.

Coifárë: nods.

Lamont: I would give quite a lot for at least a shield -_-

Nik: Lamont.... did you say you could use a shield?

Nik: looks around

Coifárë: Nik, would your family take it terribly amiss if we availed ourselves of some of the armament here in the chapel?

Lamont: mmhmm.

Nik: I think it would be quite acceptable under the circumstances....

Narrator: (I'm assuming several of the statues have perfectly serviceable weapons, and/or ones on their altars.)

Lamont: looks around

Nik: will go to the statue of Sehanine, which has a perhaps-atypical round silver shield on its arm and, making a respectful bow, take it down

Lamont: ...If you think it's alright....

Nik: holds it out to Lamont

Coifárë: will return to the statue of Corellon to retrieve a spear from its place of honor on the altar, saying a prayer of thanks.

Lamont: Thank you.

Nik: It's an old family heirloom, nobody uses it now, I'm sure it's fine.

Lamont: should I... pray? Thank her?

Nik: It can't hurt.

Lamont: Then... thank you lady, I will try to honour it, and return it when everythign is safe

Lamont: says to the statue

Nik: It's, um, it's the Amathalis, like my family's namesake. the pale shield. I think it can do some special things but I don't know, um, exactly how to make it work... My father just told me that only some people can use it.

Nik: I mean... I think anyone can hold it up to make it block a sword. but for the magic parts...

Lamont: oh. well. That will be enough, I think

Coifárë: has a small smile on their face the boys don't get to see.

Coifárë: has a more serious face as they step closer, testing the heft of the spear.

Lamont: straps it on his arm carefully

Coifárë: All right, do we have a plan? Make for the main house to regroup with everyone?

Lamont: We should try and make it back to the house, and round up any other we find, yes

Lamont: there will be greater safety in numbers, and anyone else alone in the gardens will be vulnerable

Nik: nods

Nik: I can take us through some of the less-obvious routes if that would help?

Lamont: considers

Lamont: yes. if we can get you to safety, maybe we can find some others to lead a party out and rescue anyone in need

Lamont: but we can still aid anyone we encounter along the way

Nik: nods

Coifárë: nods.

Lamont: is there a back way out from here?

Nik: well there's the mausoleum... we could get out through there, it's underneath but it has an entrance to the back...

Lamont: Alright, let's try that. they waiting for us to come out the main door

Coifárë: Lamont, left flank, I'll take the right?

Lamont: yes.

Nik: Wait!

Coifárë: stops.

Lamont: also stops

Coifárë: What is it?

Lamont: turns back to Nik

Nik: will go to Lamont and give him a kiss

Lamont: is surprised

Lamont: Nik....

Nik: is basically trying to put every unspoken word and wish for Lamont's safety into the kiss, in case it's his last chance.

Lamont: I'll be alright

Lamont: says, trying his best to sound reassuring

Coifárë: smiles.

Coifárë: We all will be.

Nik: goes over and gives Coifare a kiss as well.

Lamont: was already blushing a bit, but more so now

Lamont: (idk idk maybe' its just the adrenaline >.>)

Nik: Please, be safe.

Coifárë: will be sure to give Nik a very passionate kiss.

Coifárë: Safe is relative. And, just to complete the set...

Coifárë: goes over to give Lamont a deep kiss as well.

Coifárë: Now I feel blessed by the Seldarine. Shall we, gentlemen?

Lamont: just needs a moment to reboot, but nods

Coifárë: grins.

Lamont: ....yes.

Nik: nods, determined

Coifárë: will flank Nik as he directs them where to go.

Lamont: falls in on the left of their little formation

Nik: leads the way down to the mausoleum underneath the chapel, picking his way through the family vault to the back entrance.

Nik: Sorry, sorry, noble ancestors, just passing through...

Nik: can see to lead Lamont in the dark at least ;)

Lamont: will try not to fumble around too much.... though perhaps the shield might glow just faintly, also....

Nik: (true 🙂

Nik: will guide us to the back of the temple, where there is effectively like a cellar door opening up from the ground (probably made for being able to bring coffins down here)

Nik: should I open it?

Lamont: yes, but let me go ahead

Lamont: will try and position himself so that Nik can open it but that he can be the frst one out in case there is anything there

Nik: will open the door but let Lamont and Coifare go first through it, in case of danger

Coifárë: moves such that their spear is ready to cover Lamont if there are attackers.

Lamont: steps out into the light, blinking slightly, and looks around before beckoning the others quietly

Coifárë: follows along, taking up the rear to keep Nik protected between themself and Lamont.

Lamont: will gesture at a copse of trees a little to the left, where movement can be heard

Lamont: then gestures the other direstion, and will head that way, shield at the ready

Coifárë: keeps an eye on the trees and follows Lamont's lead.

Lamont: can get us that far safely without being noticed by the demons or the cultists with them, but proceeding further looks like it will be more challenging

Lamont Goes Super Saiyan

Lamont: (quietly) Do you know the sigil they're sporting? I know I've studied it but I can't place it.

Coifárë: (q) Primordial, I'm pretty sure, but I can't say beyond that.

Lamont: nods

Lamont: I can grab their attention, for Nik to run past.... you can lend your aid where ti is needed most?

Coifárë: frowns, concerned.

Coifárë: You've already been injured. Perhaps I should provide the distraction.

Lamont: I have a shield, and i feel... suitably reinvigorated. This is what I'm trained for...

Coifárë: glances at Nik.

Nik: I will go where you tell me, I trust your judgments

Lamont: Good.

Coifárë: (to Lamont) No heroics. I have a fine voice, but my lyrical composition is terrible. You don't want to be remembered with a song that doesn't rhyme.

Nik: I can write poetry but I'd rather not have to for that occasion!

Lamont: I shall do my best within the bounds of honour, but I certainly don't intend to die here.

Lamont: gives them both a fond look and then will charge out towards on of the smaller groups

Coifárë: sighs, and gives a strange half-smile.

Nik: will run in the other direction, to get past them

Coifárë: That man may be the death of us both, if he doesn't get himself killed first.

Coifárë: follows after Nik to fend off any enemies they might run into.

Lamont: will fight defensively, trying not to get penned in, and try to withdraw back towards the others, as more demons drift over, attracted by the confrontation and potential prey

Lamont: (idk if the others are watching or just trying to get through, but we can say, either way, there is a very bright flash of silvery light that probably anyone in the area would have a hard time ignoring)

Nik: glances back to look at that

Coifárë: That...strikes me as unusual...

Lamont: is booking it back towards you. All the demons proper that were around are basically ash, and the cultists looking surprised and singed

Coifárë: Please don't take this as an insult, but I'm assuming that was the shield?

Coifárë: will say when Lamont catches up.

Lamont: yes, go - I don't know if it can do that again

Coifárë: (quietly, in elduar) Praise be to you, Moon Maiden, who watches over these imperiled lovers.

Nik: also in Elduar will say, "you'd better be including yourself in that" under his breath as he passes by.

Coifárë: spares Nik a smirking glance at that.

Lamont: Come on - there are still more of them

Lamont: looks between them like 😩

Nik: yes, let's hurry

Coifárë: will follow along with the other two.

Lamont: will forge ahead, then

Lamont: (And unless ether of you have more things they want to do here, possibly we can make it back to the thouse without further major peril? Maybe some minor peril, L&C can heroically kill a few demons together, Nik's heroes 😍 )

Narrator: (Heh, that works for me)

Victorina Runs Back to the House

Victorina: Victorina lounges in one of the numerous hot springs, reflecting on the weekend. Despite the rocky start, things have been going well. She met with several people who showed at least polite interest in the Cause. There'd actually been some fun moments too. The guest of honor was a good dancer and didn't try to force conversation on her. And these hot springs were nice; maybe that could be something the surveyors back home could look into?

Victorina: She's jolted out of a half doze by the screaming; not the joyous kind of screaming that was normal for this weekend. But the other kind, the kind she heard during her childhood at the family home. Screams of fear and anger.

Victorina: She'll race into the main building wearing nothing more than a bathrobe.

A Rather Uncouth Visitor

Lavinia sighed and lay back on the bed. She knew she should be outside, enjoying the springs and beautiful weather, but she didn’t want to.

Why had she ever thought he would be satisfied with only her? He was handsome, dashing, powerful, courageous, more interesting than anyone she had ever met. And she was just… herself. Boring. Predictable. Plain. Weak.

Of course he would need more than what she could offer. Maybe she could learn to live with that. Maybe…

No. She couldn’t live that way. It wasn’t her. She knew that now. She would rather die a penniless old maid than spend her life with someone who did not… could not.. Love her. She had narrowly escaped that fate twice now. She wouldn’t fall into it a third time.

Lavinia pushed herself to her feet and went over to the second story window. It looked out over the garden and she had to admit that the view was quite stunning. She could see the shimmering water in the many pools, the lazy movement of the willow trees. In the distance a group of tieflings stood among the trees.

Strange. She didn’t recognize them…

Then she heard a scream from somewhere in the gardens and her eyebrows knitted in concern. She leaned forward to get a better look.

The window exploded.

Lavinia found herself tossed backward into a large oak dresser. Her head thunked against the front of it and she slid gracelessly to the ground, covered in glass shards and already bleeding from half a dozen shallow cuts on her face and arms. Her vision swam. Blindly, she put an arm out and grabbed the handle of one drawer, using it to pull herself to a sitting position. As her vision cleared she silently thanked the gods that none of the glass had gotten into her eyes. When she saw what was now in the room with her, however, she almost wished that it had.

Scrabbling around in the shards of glass was a monstrosity. It pulled itself up and stood in front of her. It was just taller than her, and covered in a thick, gray, stony hide. Misshapen, batlike wings spread out behind it. Its mouth gaped wide, revealing multiple rows of sharp teeth.

Lavinia screamed. All things considered, she felt that she was quite justified in it.

The creature lunged at her and she instinctively threw herself to the side. It crashed into the dresser and shattered the front of it, sending petticoats and even more intimate things flying about the room as it tried to extricate itself from the clothes and splintered furniture.

Lavinia scrambled across the floor on her hands and knees. She hastily grabbed for the embossed leather portmanteau that was stored under her bed and hauled it out, flinging open the side panel and rooting inside.

The creature found its feet again and started towards her, jagged claws extended. She finally found what she was looking for and grabbed it out of the luggage. She hauled back with both hands and put all her meager strength into swinging.

The rolling pin connected with the creature’s jaw and the handle snapped off in her small hand, but she heard the demon grunt and its head spun sharply. It fell back, partly in surprise and partly in pain.

Lavinia didn’t think. She was far beyond the point of rational thought. She simply ran towards the door of the room, as fast as her legs would carry her.

She grabbed the knob and was about to yank the door open when a sharp pain blossomed in her shoulder. The creature had grabbed her and sunk its claws into the flesh of her upper arm. It pulled her backwards and tossed her down onto the clothing strewn floor.

The creature pounced on her and slashed with its claws, tearing away part of her pink dress, but it came just short of cutting into the flesh beneath.

Lavinia looked down at the torn fabric and suddenly a wholly irrational wave of fury overtook her.

“That was TAFFETA!” she screamed up at the creature, and swung her small fist in its direction.

The creature was caught off guard, but at the last moment it opened its mouth and her fist sunk into its maw almost to the elbow. The creature bit down and Lavinia felt its needle-like teeth sink into the flesh of her forearm.

She screamed, but at the same time the dragonmark on her now-exposed shoulder began to glow with a golden light.

The creature looked momentarily surprised, then curious, then increasingly panicked as it opened its mouth and tried to grab her arm to remove it, but Lavinia leaned herself up and into the creature, keeping her hand jammed in its mouth. The creature’s belly began to distend and after a few moments a fluffy, pale yellow cream started oozing out from its mouth around Lavinia’s arm. The creature fell backwards and her arm came free of its jaws. It convulsed on the floor, desperately clawing at its throat for a few more seconds, and then lay still.

“Choke on crème pâtissière, you ugly bastard….” she said weakly, and then promptly fainted.

Leonora and Magga Link Up With Akan

Leonora: is lounging around in bed, enjoying a late start to the day with her dear husband.

Leonora: Mmm ... this is nice. We should come here more often, just the two of us.

Leonora: rubs Magga's chest playfully.

Magga: We could do that. It's a nice break from the rigours of the social season. and from demons.

Leonora: Well let's see how our business goes ... but yes.

Leonora: pauses.

Leonora: Did you hear that?

Magga: Hmm? hear what?

Leonora: Listen!

Leonora: sits up and waits, listening attentively.

Magga: pauses to listen more closely

Leonora: There, again!

Magga: It did sound like someone screaming.

Leonora: And ... dretch? It can't be ...

Leonora: activates her dragonmark and hops out of bed, starting to put on whatever clothes are nearby.

Magga: gets up to find his stash of weapons in a case under the bed

Leonora: You brought the thin one too, right?

Magga: Have a little faith in your husband, I don't travel unprepared.

Leonora: I swear by all the gods if you didn't bring a sword for me, you'll never hear the end of this!

Magga: hands you your sword once he opens the case

Leonora: nods.

Leonora: Don't suppose you have a breastplate or something in there?

Magga: That may be a steeper request. Ring of protection will have to do.

Leonora: I'll take it.

Leonora: What did Yadda say she was going to be up to?

Leonora: says, throwing on clothes haphazardly.

Magga: Breakfast in the garden, I think?

Leonora: All right, Nenea is next door still I think.

Leonora: can hear the sounds getting louder - clearly more obvious that this is not just one random attacker, or some half-dreamt delusion.

Leonora: My love, are we together or separate in this?

Magga: Where would you wish me to be? I can go to find Yadda, or I can make sure Nenea is safe.

Leonora: Nenea is best to just stay where she is. Yadda can be more useful. Do we have a blade suitable for her?

Magga: looks back into his case and pulls out a long dagger

Magga: Will this do?

Leonora: nods.

Leonora: Hand it here.

Leonora: Come, we need more information.

Leonora: takes the dagger with one hand, Magga's hand with the other, and they head out of the room into the hall, then around the corner to the next room to find Nenea.

Nenea Spargo: will have opened her door to look out into the hallway.

Nenea Spargo: My lord, my lady, what's going on?

Magga: follows you with his weapon in hand, once he throws on a bathrobe

Leonora: It sounds like an attack. Big, small, I'm not sure.

Leonora: But this place is ill-prepared for a demon attack, and many of the guests won't be well-armed.

Leonora: You will stay here. Magga and I are going to fight.

Nenea Spargo: nods.

Nenea Spargo: I could try to gather the other guests and staff?

Leonora: pauses.

Leonora: We don't know yet how many the enemy are, or how they are distributed.

Leonora: I admire your desire to help, Nenea. But you would be putting yourself at great risk.

Magga: It might be good to find whatever passes for security here, in case they haven't already been alerted to the attack.

Leonora: nods.

Leonora: All right. While we're together, we can move silently. But you are not to engage with demons, do you understand me, Nenea?

Nenea Spargo: nods.

Nenea Spargo: Standard protocol, yes, my lady.

Leonora: We'll get you to safety, and then you stay there.

Magga: takes a look out in the hallway and pronounces it all clear for now

Leonora: All right, let's go.

Magga: I'll lead the way. Heading for the courtyard if we get separated.

Leonora: My love, how many guards did this place seem to have? Seemed like just a handful, no?

Leonora: says as they travel, still within the area of her dragonmark's effect.

Magga: Hmm not many, although some folks might travel with a personal guard as well. I'd guess we can expect maybe 10 trained warriors, maybe a few more if we're lucky? Some of the guests no doubt have martial skill as well, of course.

Leonora: Right. Let's go then.

Leonora: says grimly.

Magga: heads out to search for whatever security guards they might have here

Nenea Spargo: trails after them on high alert.

Leonora: turns the corner to see a foul creature turned the other way. She moves silently and swiftly in her bubble behind it, then stabs it in the back of its scaly neck. It falls.

Leonora: looks back, then waves them all forward.

Magga: Hm some of them are in the house already... not good...

Leonora: There seem to be a lot. Not just a singleton or pair. A raid, something with some coordination perhaps.

Leonora:Magga, up ahead! Can you smell them?

Magga: Yeah, there's at least two.

Leonora: looks at Nenea, then Magga, then back ahead.

Leonora: All right, it's got to be us, then.

Magga: nods, will blow you a kiss, and then turn the corner to face the attackers

Leonora: moves quickly through the halls, which are not heavily infested (yet). She encourages/orders anyone who looks like they can't fight to barricade themselves in their rooms.

Magga: keeps moving along with Leonora, keeping an eye out for attackers

Leonora: leads us out to the grounds, where we can get a better sense of the scope of this attack.

Narrator: The demons seem to have spread out to wreak havoc throughout the grounds, though you can hear some pockets of fighting here and there.

Leonora: and Magga head towards the nearest and loudest fighting.

Leonora: With me, love!

Magga: looks up at her cry and will go to her side

Magga: is momentarily distracted by a bright flash from somewhere in the gardens

Magga: Someone did something radiant over there...

Leonora: nods.

Akan Nabari: is in a small area where several of the paths meet, surrounded by the corpses of cultists and demons. A tall demon of shadow and flame and an armored cultist are the only enemies left standing, but Akan is clearly on the defensive, wounded and wearing only a robe tied around his waist.

Leonora: rushes over to the warrior.

Leonora: knows she is outmatched by this demon but is hoping it doesn't notice yet.

Magga: hurries there as well, greataxe at the ready

Nik: (maybe we can flank it 😉

Leonora: (sure)

Magga: aims for the demon's knees

Leonora: creates a bubble of silence around herself, then slides around the creature on the side away from the cultist, hoping that Akan can take care of that side of things.

Akan Nabari: is very happy to take advantage of the flankers to get the better of his two assailants. The unfamiliar blade he wields pierces through the demon's skull (seemingly the only genuinely solid part of it) as it turns, howling, at Magga's attack.

Narrator: The cultist, for her part, steels herself, but recognize three on one is a losing proposition.

Leonora: tries to prevent the cultist from making an escape.

Cultist: Kossuth will cleanse you all in his blessed holocaust.

Leonora: stabs the cultist.

Magga: Shut up.

Akan Nabari: genuinely laughs as the cultist falls, having been occupied with the two more obvious targets.

Akan Nabari: Well said, Lord Wengal. My thanks to you and Lady Wengal. Please excuse my indecorous attire.

Magga: No worse than my current garb. Grabbed it off the hook on the door but I think this one is the wife's, it's a bit on the small side.

Leonora: The bathrobes suit you, I think.

Akan Nabari: smirks.

Leonora: Nabari, are you hurt badly?

Akan Nabari: My mark prevented much of the worst, but...

Akan Nabari: winces.

Akan Nabari: I'll be in need of some more time in the pools, I'm sure.

Akan Nabari: stumbles slightly.

Magga: looks over to Leonora

Magga: Do you want me to take him back to the house?

Leonora: If you would, love. It should be mainly clear all the way back. I need to go after Yadda still.

Magga: Of course. Take care, but take heads.

Magga: will help Akan up, steadying him.

Akan Nabari: My thanks. Are you sure you'll be all right, Lady Wengal?

Magga: gives a little chuckle at that

Akan Nabari: I mean no offense; I almost wasn't until you two arrived.

Magga: No offense taken, by any means. I'm glad we could make it in time to help.

Akan Nabari: As am I, my lord.

Akan Nabari: chuckles and winces.

Leonora: I hope to be all right, Nabari.

Leonora: That's all of us can do.

Leonora: The situation is chaotic still, and I aim to impose some order.

Leonora: looks out across the broad grounds.

Akan Nabari: I believe you will.

Leonora: And thankfully, once that's done, there should be enough time for a hot bath.

Magga: Come back soon, dear. I'll be keeping watch for you and Yadda.

Leonora: kisses Magga, then heads off.

Akan Nabari: Your wife is quite the woman, my lord, if you don't mind my saying.

Akan Nabari: will say to Magga once Leonora has left.

Magga: She is remarkable.

Akan Nabari: sags against Magga.

Akan Nabari: Now, if you don't mind helping an old man back to the house...

Magga: Buck up there, you'll be back in the saddle soon enough, fighting demons or whatever other terrors await.

Magga: will escort him back to the main house

Leonora Finds Yadda In the Hedge Maze===

Leonora: is lightly wounded but nothing serious at all. She enters the garden area, looking around for signs of Yadda in the chaos. Seeing none immediately, she descends further into the area, sword in hand.

Leonora: Yadda!

Leonora: shouts into the din, probably without effect given the commotion.

Yadda: upon seeing smoke and flying creatures divebombing the spa guests has headed into the resort's hedge maze to find cover. Along the way she has picked up a large pair of pruning shears to use for defense.

Yadda: pokes her head up above the hedge wall upon hearing her name, seeing Leonora a few rows over.

Yadda: Over here!

Leonora: On my way!

Leonora: navigates as quickly as she can, considering just hacking her way through for a second, but not wanting to dull her bloodstained blade.

Yadda: hears a screech overhead and looks up to see that her shout has attracked the attention of one of the smaller flying demons. She quickly starts running through the twisting hedgerows towards her aunt.

Leonora: turns a corner and finally runs into Yadda, almost literally.

Leonora: Ah! There you are!

Leonora: Here, we brought this for you!

Leonora: hands you a long dagger, which is probably at least marginally better than shears.

Yadda: We've got company!

Yadda: takes the dagger and turns around, standing next to her aunt as the demon swoops down at them.

Yadda: Thanks!

Leonora: dives to the ground in a half-roll.

Yadda: steps to the side as the creature dives, using her long arms to swat at it with the dagger, scoring a hit on its leg as it goes past.

Leonora: scrambles to her feet and advances at the creature, stabbing it in the face.

Leonora: Foul thing!

Yadda: rushes over to make sure that the creature is dead before throwing her arms around her aunt

Yadda: I'm so glad to see you!

Leonora: Same.

Yadda: Is uncle alright? And Nenea?

Leonora: embraces the large girl awkwardly, sword still in hand.

Yadda: realizes she may be crushing her aunt and lets go of her

Leonora: Yes, fine. Magga and I just took care of some business out in the courtyard with Akan Nabari. Nenea is going to be safe and stay put.

Yadda: nods, relieved.

Yadda: Where do we go? Have they overrun the estate?

Leonora: They tried. My sense is that their numbers were not nearly enough. I don't think they had anticipated so many of the guests participating in a spirited defense.

Leonora: If it had just been the Amathalis guards, then the outcome would surely have been different.

Yadda: I managed to take one by surprise in the maze and then I tried to stay as hidden as possible. They are fierce, but they don't seem very intelligent, thank the gods.

Leonora: nods.

Leonora: It just doesn't seem coordinated. More like the things that I take care of in the backyard on quiet summer evenings.

Yadda: laughs at that

Leonora: Well, let's get the hell out of here, anyway. 'Trapped in a maze covered in demon blood' is not how I imagined dying.

Yadda: looks down at the blood and grass stains covering her floral print dress

Yadda: Ugh! My dress is ruined!

Leonora: We'll get you a better one.

Leonora: Next season the fashions will have changed anyway - this one was only ever going to be wearable for another couple of weeks.

Yadda: sighs

Yadda: I know, but it was from Mythragal!

Yadda: Ah well... let's go

Leonora: leads the way.

Yadda: will fall in step behind her aunt, brandinshing her dagger.

Epistolary

• A Rather Uncouth Visitor: Lavinia's fight with the demon
• Gueiris returns to Therma Alba
• Letters from Thurston to Lamont and Curiate Amathalis
• Letter from Victorina to Chitara
• Note from Sébastien to Rosalie