Homoventures Chapter 3, Part 12

Homoventures session logs Previous Homoventures Chapter 3, Part 12 Next

Summary

They discuss the recovered notes with Kalman, and Mother Alma also pays a visit to discuss what is going on. Xan and Justen visit the arena with Cesar, where they learn that Willem has already been taken away by Loch Duchampe. While at the arena, Justen encounters an entity that unsettles him.

Session

Session date:

Diablotin date:

[Xandhil] (I think I'm good though - when are we picking up? after resting after the party or when we get back, or what?) [DiablotinNarrator] I was thinking the next 'morning', yeah. after you two have rested. [Xandhil] 'kk [DiablotinNarrator] You and Justen go back to Kalman's house and more or less collapse, I expect ;) [Xandhil] (Sounds about right ^-^)

• Justen sleeps sooooo well ^-^
• Xandhil too @_@
• Xandhil may be difficult to rouse @_@
• Kalman won't let you sleep in *too* long in the morning

[Xandhil] ("morning" ].]) [Kalman] (yes ;)

• Xandhil is still probably easier to wake up than Justen
• Cesar is actually the one to come and wake you up
• Cesar knocks at your door
• Xandhil grumbles

[Justen] nnnnh. [Cesar] I know you probably haven't had enough rest, but it's time to get up...

• Cesar calls through the door

[Xandhil] nnn. "kay

• Xandhil calls sleepily
• Justen rolls over, burying his head under the blanket
• Xandhil pushes himself up a little

[Xandhil] nooooo

• Xandhil pries it up

[Xandhil] 'f I have to you, have to ].] [Justen] mhhggh. [Justen] 'kay

• Justen forces himself to open his eyes blearily
• Xandhil sighs
• Xandhil sits up with the blanket

[Xandhil] pants :( [Justen] do we really need them? ].] [Xandhil] ...probably not [Xandhil] but I'd rather have them than not :p

• Xandhil is a little more awake now and will grope around the room for clothes
• Justen considers just wrapping himself in the blanket and going like that
• Justen grudgingly puts on some pants though
• Justen also splashes some water on his face and takes a drink.
• Xandhil follows suit in that regard
• Xandhil at least tends to wake up faster than justen once he is on his feet ].]
• Cesar is waiting outside the door for you, more or less patiently

[Xandhil] is it just late or is there something going on? [Cesar] Kalman's worked out the notes, or what he can of them anyway. [Xandhil] oh!

• Xandhil looks a little more alert at that

[Cesar] fun night? ;) [Xandhil] un huh [Xandhil] way better than I was afraid, anyway [Cesar] that's good

• Xandhil probably has that walk
• Xandhil is sure Cesar has seen it
• Cesar 's probably walked it
• Justen does too ;)
• Cesar will lead you to Kalman's study

[Xandhil] did you have a nice quiet night in ^-^

• Cesar smiles

[Cesar] it was nice... mostly quiet... [Xandhil] sounds good :) [Cesar] he did need a break occasionally ;)

• Xandhil grins at that, still a little sleepy

[Xandhil] . o O (dangit Xan stop saying night)

• Kalman is waiting (less patiently ;)

[Kalman] Good, you're awake. How did it go last night? [Xandhil] Well, I think [Xandhil] We were able to speak with Coramance, and she appeared to take us seriously

• Justen nods in agreement

[Xandhil] she said she would talk to the rest

• Kalman nods

[Kalman] That's good. My aunt also agreed to do so - hopefully with the two of them behind this, something can be done. [Kalman] I don't know if Cesar told you, but I also had some success with the notes... well, partial success, I suppose.

• Xandhil nods
• Kalman gathers up some papers from his desk

[Kalman] A lot of it was too fragmentary to be deciphered. [Xandhil] they were clearly hoping the whole thing would be destroyed... [Kalman] but here's what I could manage [Xandhil] but yes

• Kalman nods
• Xandhil listens as avidly as he can after a hard night out and no food or caffeine

[Kalman] you must be hungry though...

• Kalman says, apparently reading your mind (or hearing your stomach ;)

[Xandhil] I'll wait @_@ [Kalman] very well

• Kalman clears his throat, perhaps a bit uneasily

[Kalman] "Keep her with the keeper of the ash of the city's soul until..." [Kalman] "...in the room of stone and silence" [Kalman] "The key has been turned and must be returned." [Kalman] "...to open the door..." [Xandhil] ... [Kalman] "Open the channel and send her to..." I'm not sure what the last word is there, it starts with an H. [Kalman] "We dream of heaven, but heaven no longer dreams of us."

• Xandhil eyes Justen

[Kalman] ... that's all. [Xandhil] huh

• Justen looks puzzled (and still kind of bleary)

[Xandhil] you don't have anything like coffee do you? ].] [Cesar] I can get some - and something to eat too? [Xandhil] please

• Cesar will go to fetch those things
• Xandhil looks at kalman

[Xandhil] Do you know what the arch is? [Kalman] ... a gateway.

• Kalman suggests
• Xandhil nods

[Xandhil] its sort of a door between worlds [Xandhil] I know there was one here [DiablotinNarrator] "A door that is locked," says a female voice from... nowhere. [Xandhil] there's supposed to be someone who kind of.... tends it

• Xandhil looks up, startled
• Kalman suppresses a little start and an eyeroll

[Xandhil] . o O (Mother Alma @_@)

• Justen is more alarmed, and jumps

[Kalman] How kind of you to pay us a visit...

• Mother_Alma glides through a wall, eyeing you from behind her mask.
• Xandhil wondera if she has truesight @_@
• Justen moves to stand between you and her, defensive and wary

[Xandhil] uh... hello... [Mother_Alma] Oh please - there is nothing you could do in any case.

• Mother_Alma says dryly to Justen

[Kalman] I'll assume you heard all of that, then. [Mother_Alma] As you should.

• Xandhil stays sitting and keeps quiet for now @_@

[Kalman] What do you make of it?

• Xandhil assumes he is asking her
• Mother_Alma glides across the room

[Mother_Alma] His mind is disturbed, but his intentions are...

• Mother_Alma hesitates

[Mother_Alma] ... he believes he sees a way out of this, and he seeks to take it. I cannot entirely blame him for that. [Kalman] What does he think he's going to achieve? [Mother_Alma] To unlock the door and open a ... channel, if you wish. A passage to another place, another world. [Kalman] ...to Diablotin?

• Kalman asks, uncertainly
• Justen looks over at him, surprised

[Xandhil] was that in the notes?

• Kalman glances over

[Kalman] No... that's, uh, something else. I can explain...but it might take some time. [Mother_Alma] These ones will not require your explanations. They are not from this world in any case. [Justen] I might still require some explanations.

• Justen protests

[Justen] I mean... not that I'm agreeing with her. [Xandhil] It's okay, Justen

• Justen looks at you warily, but nods

[Xandhil] well [Xandhil] some explanations might still be good, as you said.

• Kalman nods as well

[Kalman] It's something Mother Alma here explained to me, long ago now. But also... a place I've dreamed about for even longer. [Kalman] Even though I didn't know its name. [Xandhil] really?

• Kalman nods

[Xandhil] I guess... that kind of makes sense ].] [Mother_Alma] His other self passed through the Arch.

• Mother_Alma says simply

[Xandhil] yeah [Kalman] This isn't about me, though... this is about what Willem is planning, and what we should do about it.

• Kalman seems a bit uncomfortable
• Xandhil nods
• Xandhil eyes Mother Alma

[Xandhil] ... [Mother_Alma] He has hidden his Channel - his notes suggest a possible hiding place. [Xandhil] ..Can I ask why you are here?

• Xandhil nods

[Xandhil] nods [Mother_Alma] Because I also hope that this world can be saved.

• Mother_Alma explains

[Mother_Alma] But I do not believe that Willem is the one who will save it. At least, I pray that he is not.

• Xandhil nods, feeling a little better to hear that at least ].]

[Xandhil] ... [Xandhil] Do you think the first part might refer to Char? [Mother_Alma] Yes.

• Xandhil nods

[Mother_Alma] Char would aid Willem, I believe. He knows hiding places beneath the city that few others do. [Xandhil] Do you know where he is? or his statue? [Mother_Alma] I can attempt to locate him, but I make no guarantees... he knows many ways to hide, as I said.

• Xandhil nods

[Xandhil] but hiding Channel might make it harder [Mother_Alma] Yes. She would not be able to reach as many of his secret places. [Xandhil] Do you know where the arch room is? [Mother_Alma] I can reach it. Whether a mortal could... I do not know. It has protections.

• Xandhil nods

[Xandhil] it might be worth checking [Mother_Alma] I can do so.

• Xandhil nods

[Xandhil] I don't know about the rest of it

• Xandhil look at Justen

[Mother_Alma] Char was given an item. A piece of... nothingness, with which he attempted - unsuccessfully, at that time - to destroy the Arch. I believe this was the 'key' Father Willem mentions. [Xandhil] hmm [Xandhil] I didn't think he still had it? [Mother_Alma] But where it is now, I do not know.

• Xandhil nods

[Xandhil] I though... the arch was almost destroyed [Xandhil] and the Queen ... put things back [Mother_Alma] Yes. [Xandhil] it might not still exist? [Mother_Alma] But she could not have destroyed that.. thing. that shard. [Mother_Alma] at most she could have contained it somehow. [Mother_Alma] wrapped it up like a pearl, or a cyst. [Xandhil] ... [Xandhil] well Maybe he knows where she put it [Mother_Alma] perhaps. [Xandhil] raina seemed to think it was inevitable... hopefully it was more mad ranting rather than prophecy

• Mother_Alma 's mask remains impassive as always, but she seems... irritated at that.

[Mother_Alma] If I could remove her, I would already have done so.

• Xandhil nods

[Mother_Alma] I will attempt to ascertain Char's location, and determine if Channel is with him. [Mother_Alma] I will return when I have any news.

• Mother_Alma drifts away without further farewells
• Kalman lets out a bit of a sigh

[Kalman] [q] I hate it when she does that. [Xandhil] :|

• Cesar returns with some coffee, eggs and bacon and toast

[Cesar] Breakfast :) [Cesar] .... what did I miss?

• Cesar says, seeing everyone's looks

[Kalman] Oh, just a visit from your sister. [Cesar] oh.

• Cesar sets down the tray

[Justen] ... can we eat while we talk about it?

• Justen asks hopefully

[Justen] because that smells amazing [Kalman] of course

• Justen goes to help himself then :D

[Xandhil] thanks [Xandhil] I don't really know where to go from here

• Xandhil goes for the hot hopefully caffeinated beverages first

[Kalman] Well...

• Kalman considers for a moment

[Kalman] Willem wished to go to the arena, as far as we can tell. He made no efforts to resist his arrest. [Kalman] We assumed he intended a bloodbath - and perhaps he did, or still does. It's also possible that something he needed is there, or near there. [Xandhil] hmmm [Kalman] Alma is looking for Char and Channel. The other... piece of the puzzle, it seems, is this 'key'. [Xandhil] . o O (Char + Channel = Charnel. Cheery.)

• Xandhil nods

[Xandhil] We could look for it... but I don't know how we might recognize it [Kalman] Nor do I...

• Xandhil tries to drink coffee faster

[Xandhil] We could still go and look around? [Cesar] I don't mind taking you there - I mean, I know my way around it at any rate, and there's still folks there who remember me. [Xandhil] okay

• Kalman looks a little uneasy, but also nods his agreement

[Kalman] I suppose I should remain here in the event your sister returns with any news.

• Xandhil nods

[Kalman] Be careful, though. [Kalman] After all, as far as we know, Willem is still imprisoned there. [Xandhil] true [Xandhil] and he could be getting messages from his rat-girl

• Kalman nods

[Justen] Ugh... I kinda wish I'd crushed her when I had the chance.

• Xandhil gives Justen a mildly surprised look
• Xandhil shrugs though

[Justen] It's just creepy. [Xandhil] yeah, I guess [Justen] I would have felt bad about it once I knew she was a person, though ].] [Justen] at least, a bit [Xandhil] anyway [Xandhil] eat [Xandhil] and I still need to get actually cleaned up, ugh

• Justen nods
• Xandhil tries and fails to run a hand through his hair
• Xandhil sighs

[Kalman] ... enjoyable party?

• Kalman asks, with a hint of a smile.

[Xandhil] it mostly turned out pretty well [Xandhil] as long as we don't run into any of the younger Kizers ].]

• Kalman nods

[Kalman] I'm glad it wasn't too bad. [Xandhil] parts of it were very nice ^-^ [Kalman] good :)

• Justen finishes shoveling food into his face and nods

[Kalman] Well - perhaps a bath, then you can take in the show at the arena? [Xandhil] that sounds wonderful @_@ [Justen] yeah, it really does [Kalman] Did you have enough to eat?

• Xandhil grabs something small realizing he has mostly been drinking coffee @_@

[Justen] Yes, thanks. [Xandhil] thanks

• Xandhil will just absorb all his nutrients from Justen ^-^
• Justen makes sure you at least have some toast ;)

[Xandhil] :3

• Xandhil is distracted by thoughts of a bath @_@
• Justen will take you off for bathrubs - although maybe fairly gentle ones, given your respective states ;)
• Justen gives you snuggles and washes your hair :3

[Xandhil] [3 [Xandhil] ready to go and face the terrifying psychopath who is possibly trying to invade our world? [Xandhil] well [Xandhil] I mean [Xandhil] hopefully we won't have to face him [Xandhil] but you know [Justen] I'm kinda hoping there's not any facing, yeah. [Xandhil] just in case :3 [Justen] being in the same general vicinity [Xandhil] yeah [Justen] I really don't know what we're looking for, but I guess just ... anything out of the ordinary. [Justen] ... not that most of this stuff is 'ordinary'. [Xandhil] yeah [Justen] What did Ilphere say again? she was going to send some kind of help? [Xandhil] we don't even know if there is anything to *find* [Xandhil] yeah [Justen] will we at least know that when we see it? [Xandhil] I have no idea

• Justen nods
• Xandhil sighs
• Justen rubs your shoulders

[Xandhil] she said to delay him, which I guess we are trying [Xandhil] so.. we'll see [Xandhil] I hope who, or whatever, comes can help [Justen] me too

• Justen kisses the back of your neck

[Xandhil] mm [Xandhil] and like, help this place [Xandhil] creepy as it is [Justen] yeah. it's weird, but it's not all bad. there seem like there are plenty of ... good, or at least, decent, people here. [Xandhil] yeah [Justen] I don't want it to disappear. [Justen] even if it wouldn't hurt for all the people... I would hate that. and we don't know it wouldn't hurt them ].] [Xandhil] yeah [Xandhil] I know what you mean [Xandhil] we don't know what would happen [Xandhil] we'll find something we can do [Xandhil] but I guess we'd better go to the arena? [Justen] Yeah, I guess so.

• Justen reluctantly gets up out of the bath.
• Xandhil watches Justen reluctantly get out of the bath ^-^

[Xandhil] hey you know what? [Justen] hm? [Xandhil] you have a nice ass ^-^

• Justen grins
• Xandhil will get out of the bath himself
• Justen flexes it for you ^-^

[Xandhil] mm [Xandhil] ^-^

• Xandhil squeezes it
• Xandhil grabs a towel though before his hair creates huge puddles everywhere
• Justen also gets dried off and dressed in some clean clothes
• Cesar is waiting for you with the carriage when you're ready to go.
• Xandhil is looking much more alert and awake/alive now @_@

[Xandhil] so, what can we expect? [Xandhil] are there shows going on now? [Cesar] well, it's hard to say. usually there would be. but if they were planning on having Willem as the main event and then that got changed, they might have had to scramble to find something to replace him.

• Xandhil nods

[Xandhil] where would they be keeping him? [Cesar] There are cells underneath the arena for the prisoners - towards the east end of the arena. but it's possible they might have decided he was too dangerous to just keep there. in which case, I don't really know where they would put him.

• Xandhil nods

[Justen] If it were me, I'd want to keep him isolated. [Cesar] Yeah.

• Cesar thinks a bit more

[Xandhil] would they definitely keep him there? [Cesar] There's the holding area for the monsters and stuff. that's more secure. [Cesar] uh... I'm not positive. But I don't know where else they'd keep him if not there. [Xandhil] fair [Justen] He kind of *is* a monster, from anything I've heard.

• Xandhil nods his agreement
• Cesar nods grimly

[DiablotinNarrator] Your route to the arena is diverted by traffic snarls of some sort, but you eventually make it there. [DiablotinNarrator] It seems like a lot of people also decided to attend the fights, so the crowds are quite heavy.

• Xandhil tries not to act as antsy as he feels
• Justen is also rather on edge, keeps eyeing the crowds
• Xandhil takes his hand
• Justen clutches yours tightly in return

[Xandhil] I don't want to get separated [Justen] no, that would be bad [Xandhil] if we do - meet back at Kalman's? [Justen] okay

• Xandhil feels better having a plan

[Cesar] Well - do we want to go and sit in the stands, or do you want me to try to get us down with the fighters? [Xandhil] I think down [Cesar] Okay.

• Xandhil eyes the teeming crowds uneasily
• Cesar considers for a moment

[Cesar] The easiest way to explain you two might be to say you're considering the pits, since there's nothing else to do here... either that, or you're slaves. but I imagine you might prefer the first option? [Cesar] I could say I've been training you or whatever. [Xandhil] I am obviously not your star pupil ].] [Cesar] heh [Cesar] well, you're a caster - there's some of those in the pits too. not as many, but a few.

• Xandhil nods

[Xandhil] no one would want to watch me fight, it would be pretty borng I think.... but they do't need to know that :) [Cesar] Yeah. [Cesar] mostly the ones who are there are the fireballs and lightning bolts kind. [Xandhil] yeah... [Xandhil] well as long as they don't ask for a demo we'll be fine :) [Cesar] hopefully they'll be too busy to worry about that right now

• Cesar leads you through the crowds and around to a different entrance, less ostentatious, and well-guarded

[Cesar] Hey - I'm looking to talk to the Pitmistress. Got some new talent for her, maybe.

• Xandhil tries to look hopfeul-but-trying-to-look-bored
• Cesar seems to know how to deal with these folks, and can get you let into the backstage (well, technically below-stage) area.

[DiablotinNarrator] Well, there's certainly a lot of scantily-clad muscular men around down this way... women too, but I suspect you're not paying as much attention to them ;)

• Xandhil tries not to get too distracted @_@

[Cesar] [q] Okay, we kinda have to actually talk to someone in charge here - but hey, maybe we can find out something about what's going on from them. [Xandhil] [q] should we stay quiet? [Cesar] [q] well, if you think you need to say something, just say it - better than wondering later, I guess. I can probably cover for it if you manage to piss her off ;)

• Xandhil nods
• Cesar approaches a small but wiry-looking older woman, looks like a half-SK, with short-cut curly grey hair and a missing right eye.
• Tristane 's barking some orders and seems surly, but she gives a grin when she sees Cesar there.

[Tristane] Tell me you're coming back for one last fight, we're desperate here. [Cesar] Nah, you wouldn't want that anyway - I'm out of shape, it'd be a short match :) [Cesar] I got a couple potentials though.

• Cesar says with a nod to you two.
• Tristane glances you over with an appraising look

[Tristane] The redhead's not bad. What's the skinny one do? he's gotta have some kind of trick, right?

• Xandhil tries not to look shifty

[Cesar] Caster. Fuck, I don't even know what all he can do, but he's lived this long, he must be decent. [Tristane] heh [Tristane] Well, I can't put 'em on today, today's a colossal fuckup already. [Cesar] Oh, yeah, no... what happened?

• Tristane rolls her eye.

[Tristane] Supposed to be a big event, yeah? Father Willem, serial murderer, whatever - he's supposed to be tough as hell. [Tristane] Doesn't look like much, but those sorts never do.

• Cesar nods, listening

[Tristane] We got in a special opponent and everything. Then word comes down from on high, 'oh wait, don't put him in the arena, we're scared something bad will happen' - I'm reading between the lines there, but... it's pretty obvious. [Xandhil] ...special opponent? [Cesar] Special opponent? [Tristane] Yeah. Proper tough fight. Don't wanna spoil the surprise, we'll still use it - assuming we can figure out who's gonna take it on. [Cesar] Someone disposable? ;) [Tristane] Yeah, not one of mine, that's for sure. Maybe if I put two or three of them together, but that always seems less sporting. [Xandhil] maybe you can sell it as extra buildup - let people see what it can do before you put it up against Willem [Tristane] Let it mow down some thieves and such? I guess, maybe.

• Tristane shrugs

[Tristane] But I don't know we're gonna get to use it on him anyway. [Tristane] They already took him away. [Cesar] Away? [Tristane] Yeah, muttonhead. Away - fuckin' Irdin'errin took him personally. [Tristane] So I got no guarantee he's ever coming back. [Xandhil] huh [Justen] did Coramance take him away?

• Justen pipes up

[Tristane] No, not her. Du Champe. [Tristane] so fair - at least I trust him to handle the motherfucker if he decides to pull some dumbass escape shit. [Tristane] But it's sure fucked up my show. [Xandhil] creepy [Tristane] Anyway, I gotta figure something out. Cesar, it's good to see you and all - bring back your boy-toys another time and I'll give them a try-out if you want. [Cesar] Sure, no problem. Thanks, Tristane.

• Cesar hadn't said her name before now, so if you hadn't figured out who she was yet.. now you know ;)
• Xandhil is not surprised
• Cesar turns to you two, leading you away a bit

[Cesar] [q] Well, if he's not here, do you still want to try and look around? or is there no point?

• Xandhil considers

[Xandhil] [q] We don't know that he was expecting to get taken away... I'm not sure.

• Xandhil worries about DuChamp

[Xandhil] [q]I honestly don't know of this is good or bad

• Justen just shrugs uncertainly

[Xandhil] [q] But I don't know what we can do - so maybe a quick look? [Cesar] [q] okay - we'll wander around a bit until someone tells us to fuck off, that's probably best?

• Xandhil nods
• Xandhil will look around and maybe try some discrete DM-ing

[DiablotinNarrator] Lots of magic around here - magic weapons and armor on most of the fighters, magic wards and so forth, presumably to prevent people (or things) from breaking out (or in).

• Cesar meanders casually and you follow him
• Xandhil is not surprised
• Xandhil is more trying to keep an eye out for anything stronger
• Cesar says hey to a few people, who seem to know him
• Xandhil wonders if he or justen would be able to feel something as weird as a piece of void, because of their heritage @_@

[DiablotinNarrator] Down one tunnel you get a hint of something stronger. Powerful conjuration, but it's also shielded by a lot of abjuration magics. [Xandhil] ...there's something down here

• Cesar looks down the way you're looking

[Xandhil] I dont know it is is what we're after though [Cesar] Oh, yeah - the monsters. [Xandhil] how do they get them? [Xandhil] and would it be safe to go look? [Cesar] Summon them, as far as I know. [Cesar] It used to be sometimes they'd have things people caught out in the wild or whatever but... there's not so much wild now. [Xandhil] that makes sense [Xandhil] they have some kind of powerful conjuration magic down there [Xandhil] and abjuration - probably to keep them in line [Cesar] I guess, yeah. [Cesar] We can try to go look, if you want [Cesar] someone might tell us to piss off, though [Cesar] but if they do, we just leave

• Xandhil nods
• Cesar meanders casually down that way, then.
• Justen follows
• Xandhil as well

[Xandhil] I might be able to talk our way in, but I wouldn't want you to catch any crap for it later [Cesar] yeah... [DiablotinNarrator] You're nearing the end of the tunnel, where it widens out into a larger area [DiablotinNarrator] You can see a glimpse of something moving - something large, and with a lot of legs. That's about all you see before a guard, as predicted, tells you to piss off unless you actually have business there.

• Cesar smoothes things over with a 'just taking them around to see the place, sorry' kind of excuse.
• Justen looks really pale, you notice, and a bit woozy

[Xandhil] ... [Xandhil] you okay?

• Xandhil squeezes his hand
• Justen gives a little headshake 'no'

[Justen] gotta get out of here

• Xandhil nods

[Xandhil] come on

• Cesar comes with you
• Xandhil will hurry back unless it seems like Justen is not recovering with distance, and then tell him to take us back to kalman's
• Justen still seems shaken up even when you get out of that immediate area

[Xandhil] (if he can ].]) [Xandhil] Do you want to go back to the house? [Justen] yeah [Xandhil] okay [Cesar] I, uh, I'll take the carriage back I guess. [Cesar] Will you be okay? [Xandhil] (he doesn't know we can teleport I don't think ;) [Xandhil] (but whatever) [Justen] (oh, right.) [Justen] yeah, I just gotta get ... not here. [Xandhil] okay [Xandhil] We'll meet you back home

• Xandhil says to Cesar
• Cesar nods

[Cesar] you gotta get outside to leave, though [Xandhil] maybe [Xandhil] oh right

• Justen nods

[Justen] I tried... back there. I'm sorry. but it didn't work anyway. [Xandhil] its okay [Xandhil] what's the fastest way outside then?

• Cesar can get you outside as quickly as possible
• Justen clings to your hand
• Xandhil is not letting go

[Justen] okay, now?

• Justen asks once you're outside
• Xandhil nods
• Justen takes you to Kalman's house, then
• Justen is practically crying, although trying to hold it in
• Xandhil will see if he can get him back to our room to lie down

[Xandhil] What is it?

• Xandhil is not letting go

[Justen] it was.. it talked in my head. that... thing, whatever it was. it could feel me. [Justen] a demon, some kind of ... I don't know. but it *knew* me. it knew what I was, and it wanted me with it. [Xandhil] ... [Justen] ... it knew my father.

• Justen starts actually crying then, now that you're safely out of view

[Xandhil] It didn't know you [Xandhil] not who you really are

• Xandhil holds him

[Justen] I could feel it inside my head and it felt wrong.

• Justen gulps
• Xandhil kisses your head

[Xandhil] I'm sorry [Xandhil] but whatever it thought about you, I'm pretty sure it was wrong

• Justen holds onto you tight

[Xandhil] no matter what your father was

• Justen manages to calm down a little with your reassurance and comfort
• Xandhil holds justen close and will let his wings out to close him off
• Justen is happy to stay nestled there

[DiablotinNarrator] After a while, though, there is a knock at the door

• Xandhil sighs and puts the wings back away

[Xandhil] yes?

• Justen is calm enough by now, though still pale

[Kalman] It's Kalman. I... believe you have a guest here. [Xandhil] oh?

• Xandhil hugs Justen and gently pushes him to lie back down

[Xandhil] I'll go see

• Justen lies back without protest

[Kalman] Yes... a gentleman who says his name is Ruchard Rademacher, and he's here to help. He seemed to think you would know who he was.

• Xandhil kisses his forehead again and puts his shirt back on

[Xandhil] oh. [Xandhil] okay [Xandhil] yes [Xandhil] (I assume I have heard the name ].]) [Kalman] (yeah. kind of hard to escape knowing he was an Emperor, and he disappeared and such... but probably also from your dad's notes?) [Xandhil] (yeah, that's what i was thinking) [Xandhil] (if we read up on this place before we came, I might know that he's the one who eventually took Imraen away?) [Kalman] (yeah, I think that would be likely) [Xandhil] That's good

• Xandhil reassures kalman, and possibly Justen ;p