Diablotin 2 session 14

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Summary

• Stuff

Session

Session date: Diablotin date: Beginning of Seventh-month

Prologue

Narrator: As Seventh month begins, the heat is becoming less and less bearable. The wealthy, those who can afford to leave, are beginning to flee en masse for their country estates, while those forced to remain in the city must simply find other ways of coping.

Yseabeau

Narrator: Ysabeau, two days after your uninvited visitor, quite early, there is a rap at your door.

• Ysabeau is glad this person at least has the thoughtfulness to knock.
• Ysabeau takes a glance in the mirror to make sure she's presentable this early in the day and goes to answer the door.
• Garlan Hyde is there - Hettie's son, whom you haven't seen in quite a while.
• Garlan looks tired and drawn. His usual smile is absent, and his dirty-blond curls are damp, as though he's been out in rain overnight.

Ysabeau: Garlan? Come in! What's up?

Garlan: Ysa.

• Garlan steps in.
• Ysabeau looks a little alarmed by his appearance.

Garlan: I have some bad news.

Ysabeau: Dessa...?

Garlan: They found Dessa this morning. Dead.

Ysabeau: Oh gods.

• Ysabeau looks around for Muri.

Narrator: Muri is upstairs in her room.

Ysabeau: Muri is upstairs... I should. I should get her. she might want to know how and why.

• Garlan nods.
• Ysabeau looks unhappy.

Ysabeau: Have a seat, Garlan. I'm so sorry. Have a seat, make yourself comfortable. I'll be right back with her.

• Garlan will do so.
• Ysabeau goes upstairs to fetch Murienne. ;_;
• Ysabeau taps on her door. Ysa probably looks pretty pale and shaken herself.
• Murienne is probably still getting dressed, it's quite early.

Murienne: What?

Ysabeau: Murienne, Garlan is here... There's bad news. I'm so sorry.

Murienne: What's happened? :o

Ysabeau: He says they found Dessa this morning... she's dead Muri. I haven't asked why or how or anything yet. i thought you might want to hear for yourself.

Ysabeau: I'm so sorry, Murienne.

Murienne: Oh... oh no...

• Murienne looks pale, but doesn't burst into tears.
• Ysabeau gives her a hug.

Murienne: I'll be down in just a minute.

• Murienne hugs you back.

Ysabeau: Okay. I'll get something hot for us all to drink while we wait for you.

• Murienne nods.
• Ysabeau heads downstairs.

Ysabeau: Garlan, she'll be right down so we can all talk about it and hear what happened together. Would you like some tea or something?

Garlan: That would be great.

Garlan: It's been a long night.

Ysabeau: A hot drink always seems like the right thing, when you're brokenhearted.

• Ysabeau nods.
• Ysabeau means brokenhearted about a young person's untimely death/Muri's best friend, etc. -not so much that she thinks Garlan loved her

Ysabeau: (Which she doesn't)

• Ysabeau goes to make some tea.

Narrator: A short while later, Muri makes her way downstairs.

• Garlan accepts the tea gratefully.
• Murienne takes a cup as well.
• Ysabeau will also have brought out some bread, butter and jam because he is probably hungry.

Garlan: I'm sorry to have to bring you the news.

Ysabeau: It's all right. We'd rather hear it from you than a stranger.

Ysabeau: Do you know why? What happened?

Garlan: No one had seen her for a couple of days... We set to looking yesterday.

• Ysabeau nods, listening.

Garlan: We found her down by the Ousel, a few hours ago. Her throat was cut.

• Murienne bites her lip, but doesn't cry or carry on. She's used to people dying, after all.

Garlan: I don't know what it's all about.

Garlan: But it seems like someone's picking us off, one by one. Ninon thinks it's all about that voided necklace, but I'm not so sure. I mean, Dessa didn't know anything about that...

Ysabeau: Do you know of someone named Vescan Corriveau?

• Garlan thinks.

Garlan: Corriveau... He must be some relation of La Corriveau - or claiming to be.

Ysabeau: Well, I'm not even certain that's his real name.

• Ysabeau will describe him to Garlan.

Garlan: Well, if he's pretending to be related to her, he'll have bigger problems before too long.

Ysabeau: Does that ring any bells?

Garlan: I can't say it does - I'm sorry. Maybe he works higher-class jobs than the circles I travel in.

Ysabeau: All right... the reason I ask is because he broke into our house a couple nights ago.

Garlan: o_O

Ysabeau: He was going through that chest -

• Ysabeau indicates it.

Ysabeau: Which is where I had stored some things Dessa had asked us to look after for her.

Ysabeau: I was really hoping to ask her to check to see if anything was missing. But now we'll never know.

Ysabeau: Now I can't help but wonder if he might have had something to do with her death. :/

Garlan: Did she say anything when she dropped those things off to you, that might give any kind of idea what happened to her?

• Ysabeau thinks.

Ysabeau: No, she said they were just some things of her grandmother's. She said they weren't illegally gained. I made a point of asking her that. :(

• Garlan nods.

Garlan: And.. you don't think anything was taken?

Ysabeau: I don't think so.

Ysabeau: I... did check them the night she left them with us. I wanted to make sure no harm would come to us from stashing that stuff.

• Ysabeau looks apologetically at Muri.
• Murienne shrugs.

Murienne: I understand.

Ysabeau: And when I checked again after the guards escorted him away, i didn't notice anything.

Ysabeau: But let's take another look, just to be certain.

• Ysabeau opens the chest up and empties it of its contents, putting all of Dessa's things in one pile.
• Garlan will take a look at the things along with you.

Garlan: Who's the guy in the painting?

• Ysabeau looks at it. I don't remember a painting. What does he look like?

Ysabeau: I don't know?

• Ysabeau looks the painting over carefully in case there's a little engraved plate or something that identifies him.

Narrator: It's a miniature of a young man, dark-haired, in old-fashioned clothing.

Ysabeau: It all really did look like stuff she might have got from her grandmother.

• Garlan nods.

Ysabeau: (Does he have facial hair?)

Narrator: No facial hair.

• Ysabeau will see if there's paper on the back or anything that might cover up some useful tidbit of information, as well.

Garlan: What's that little pinhole in the frame?

• Ysabeau takes a closer look.

Narrator: There is indeed a tiny hole in the side of the frame - could open like a locket or something?

Ysabeau: Maybe a lock?

Ysabeau: Can you... uh open such things?

Garlan: If you have a pin, I can try.

• Ysabeau feels a little awkward for asking. ;)

Ysabeau: Pin, no problem. Hair or sewing? This is a house of girls, after all.

Garlan: Whatever's smallest.

Ysabeau: Sewing it is then.

• Ysabeau goes to dig one out of her stash of mending things.
• Ysabeau then provides it to him.
• Garlan will fiddle with the lock for a bit, before it clicks and the back of the miniature swings open.
• Garlan looks.

Garlan: There's nothing in there.

Ysabeau: Maybe there was, and he took it.

Ysabeau: :(

Garlan: Could be. If he had time to open that, anyway.

• Ysabeau can't help but feel partly responsible for Dessa's death at this point, but how could she have known? ;_;

Ysabeau: He may have. I heard some noises downstairs, then went to let Muri know, and only then went downstairs.

• Garlan nods.

Ysabeau: He was pretty cocky. The guards were mostly useless.

Garlan: Whatever it might have been, it would have to be small.

Ysabeau: Well. I can try to see if Alma can learn anything about what might have been in here.

Garlan: A scrap of paper, a little key, a ring maybe...

Ysabeau: Or anything, really.

Ysabeau: Who it belonged to before Dessa had it, anything to help us solve this mystery. ;_:

• Garlan nods.

Ysabeau: Oh, she's a priest I know. She has an ability to learn about things. I don't know exactly how it works.

Garlan: All right. If you trust her.

• Ysabeau says by way of explanation to both Muri and Garlan since they prolly don't know of Alma

Garlan: I should be going - I have to get back. But if you find anything out, let us know, please?

Ysabeau: I will - what's the best way to get in touch with you?

Garlan: At the Bonemire would be fastest.

• Ysabeau looks kind of worried for Garlan now... who's to say he won't be next? ;_;

Garlan: You can leave a message with my mother, and I'll get it eventually.

Ysabeau: Okay... they'll let us through? At the Bonemire, I mean.

Garlan: I'll make sure they do.

Garlan: Whatever you do, be careful. Whatever this is about, you could be mixed up in it.

Ysabeau: Okay.

Ysabeau: Garlan - be careful, please.

Ysabeau: I don't want you to be next. :(

Garlan: Neither do I!

Garlan: I'll do my best to stay alive.

Ysabeau: I'll hold you to that. A lot of people care about you, you know.

• Garlan cracks a smile at that.

Garlan: See you around, Ysa, Muri.

Ysabeau: Take care, Garlan.

Murienne: Be careful.

• Garlan departs.
• Ysabeau turns a worried expression on Murienne and sighs.

Ysabeau: If it's to do with the necklace I'm possibly already caught up in it with the Society.

• Murienne nods.
• Ysabeau will tell her about that...

Dominik, Ilphere and Sanadhil

Sanadhil: so

Dominik: another meeting of the dark and creepy club.

• Sanadhil will have you both over in the afternoon, then.

Ilphere: I don't know if I should...

Ilphere: I would like to speak to Earric though... or Phedre...!

Sanadhil: Hmm....

Dominik: Go, talk, leave... is there time before everything gets all carnal?

Sanadhil: You could make arrangements to mee them elsewhere, of course, but that might not be any better for you

Sanadhil: perhaps you could arrive a bit early, speak to them, and then leave....

• Sanadhil nods to Dominik
• Ilphere nods...

Ilphere: That might be best...

Sanadhil: what are you planing to seak to hem of?

Ilphere: The dreams I've had...

Sanadhil: yes...

Sanadhil: I am still concerned about what earric might do, in that case

Sanadhil: but it is your decision

Ilphere: Well, Dominik would be there with me...

Ilphere: Isn't that right...?

• Dominik nods

Dominik: he knows how to handle himself, Earric. I can tell by the way he stands.

Ilphere: Yes...

Sanadhil: there is that, but I'm still not convinced that is the most dangerous thing about him

Ilphere: There is something... otherworldly...

Sanadhil: mm.

Dominik: this is not a meeting of a bunch of sheep. They won't try too much with that many people there.

Ilphere: That was my thinking...

Ilphere: . o O ( Although some of them :*are:* about that dim...! )

Dominik: Go in, talk, leave before it gets messy. Seems like a good plan to me.

• Ilphere nods.

Ilphere: Right...!

• Sanadhil nods

Sanadhil: are you two planning to arrive together, then?

Dominik: as a backup, we can have San arrive after with a 'message' of a crisis that needs Ilphere's attention.

Dominik: at home.

Ilphere: If I can't get away...

• Sanadhil nods

Ilphere: But I don't think that will be necessary...!

Sanadhil: you could also tell him yo don't fel comfortable wothin the company

• Ilphere nods...

Ilphere: Someone there is a spy for Marl...

Sanadhil: as 'someone' there has clearly betrayed your involvement to peope who are intent on making your life complicated

Ilphere: Or feeding information to them...!

Sanadhil: I doubt that he would be pleased to hear that....

Ilphere: Good...

Sanadhil: well, he may already be aware, but his reaction would be telling, in any case

Ilphere: I hope he does something horrid to whoever it is..!

• Dominik smiles a little, hoping

Sanadhil: that might give you a good excuse to leave as well

Sanadhil: anmong other things, yes

• Ilphere nods...

Ilphere: Sanadhil... you will keep me informed about anything new you learn there though, won't you...?

Sanadhil: of course

Ilphere: Oh, thank you...!

Sanadhil: are we settled, then?

Dominik: sounds like it.

• Ilphere nods.

Sanadhil: I hope you will likewise share any thing that Earric may have to say...

Sanadhil: Otherwise, good luck

Ilphere: Of course...

Ilphere: I'll speak to you soon...!

• Kex Argo is a simply-dressed, brown-haired man in his late forties, with more frown lines than laugh lines and a ramrod-straight spine.
• Seth goes in whenever he thinks that Dad will be in a better mood
• Kex is never in a good mood ;)

Kex: (okay that's an exaggeration)

Seth: Hello, Father.

• Kex looks up from his work.

Kex: Seth.

Kex: What do you want?

Seth: Ah ... is this is a bad time to speak with you?

Kex: I suppose it's fine.

• Kex says grudgingly.

Seth: What are you working on?

• Kex will show you the blueprints.
• Seth will check them out.

Seth: Fascinating.

Kex: For the extension on the Morran place.

Seth: Ah, yes. Everything going well, then?

Kex: Well, there have been a few problems with the ground, over in this area. It's more sandy than the rest of the lot, and we may need to reinforce it before we can sink foundations there.

Seth: Right ... well, that is a complexity.

Kex: They aren't willing to consider the cost of an Earth-to-stone - at least not yet.

Seth: They'll come around.

Kex: I'll make them.

Seth: You always do.

• Kex nods.

Seth: So ... I have something to talk to you about.

Kex: What is it?

Seth: Well ... I have been made a ... well, a sort of offer ... by Leonien Kizer.

Kex: o_O

Kex: What sort of 'sort of' offer?

Seth: Well, not a formal offer, but also ... well, more of a recognition of our family's long service to the Kizers.

Kex: Hmph.

Seth: He and Aunt Gwen think I could be very helpful.

Kex: I'm sure they'd say that.

Seth: What do you mean?

Kex: Our family's long service to the Kizers has gotten plenty of our family killed.

Seth: Well ... I wouldn't know about that. No one has asked me to do anything dangerous.

Kex: Yet.

Seth: Well ... Father ... I wanted to ... you know ...

Seth: Talk to you.

Seth: About this.

Kex: I see that.

Kex: If you want me to give you my blessing, don't hold your breath.

Seth: I ... I don't think I need your blessing.

• Seth sits down.

Kex: No, you don't.

Seth: I suppose, what I would like, is to know why you didn't follow in your father's footsteps?

Kex: He didn't want me to.

Seth: Why not?

Kex: He didn't want Gwen to either. He wanted us both safely out of that life.

Kex: He was quite proud when I became an architect.

Seth: Well, you know, it's not like I would be giving up that part of my life.

Kex: You don't think that right now. But the Kizers will take everything from you that you can give, and then more.

Seth: Aunt Gwen seems to have done very well for herself.

Kex: She has no family - no life outside their lives.

Kex: She lives for them, and one day I have no doubt she'll die for them, and what good does that serve?

Seth: Isn't serving a proud noble family something worthwhile?

Kex: Only if they've earned your service.

Kex: If they deserve it.

Seth: (SM - is he omitting something?)

Seth: (29)

Narrator: You certainly think he's not telling you everything he believes about this matter, but you don't think he's lying about what he's said so far.

Seth: Did you ever work for them, Father?

• Seth moves in closer.

Kex: If I had, do you think they would have let me out so easily?

Seth: That's not an answer.

Kex: Once you know enough of their secrets, the only way out is feet-first.

Seth: That's :*still:* not an answer.

Kex: It's all the answer you're going to get!

Seth: You bastard. All I want from you is to understand, and you just leave me here hanging. Aunt Gwen may be imperfect, but at least she talks to me!

Kex: What don't you understand?

Kex: Working for them - sooner or later, it will kill you.

Seth: I don't understand why, if you are so interested in me being an architect, in following in your footsteps, you've never given me an ounce of praise or credit or even told me that that's what you want.

• Kex looks surprised.

Seth: And then, when I decide to do something that I'm damn good at, you act all offended.

Kex: You're damn good at architecture. You know that.

Seth: You're damn right.

Seth: But I need something more. Something ... exciting.

Kex: I thought you thought this work :*was:* exciting.

Kex: You're over at Vereth Dundrennan's all the time. She has nothing but good things to say about your work.

Seth: Yes, well, did you ever think that maybe there's a reason for that?

Kex: ...

Kex: Because you love architecture?

• Seth laughs.

Seth: You know, the thing is, you're right. I do love architecture.

Seth: But I'm not going to pretend anymore. I'm not going to pretend to be ... this thing that you think I am.

• Kex looks puzzled.

Seth: I'm an architect, and I always will be. But I'm also a scholar, and a thrill-seeker ... and a man.

Kex: o_O

Seth: Vereth understands that.

Kex: What the void is that supposed to mean?

Seth: Vereth respects me ... Vereth loves me.

Kex: I hope that doesn't mean what I think it means.

• Kex says grimly.

Seth: Oh, don't be so naive, Father.

Kex: She's a married woman, Seth. I can't believe you would be so... so irresponsible.

Seth: You know what? This was a terrible idea, coming to talk to you. I see that now.

Seth: I didn't come here to talk about this anyway.

Seth: I came to explain to you, to explain to you that I can't follow in your footsteps.

Kex: Fine.

Kex: Consider your ... training with Vereth over. You won't work in this field again.

Seth: Gwen, and Vereth, and the Duke, they all understand what I want. And they will help me to get it. Not you, Dad.

Kex: Show yourself out, Seth. Now.

Kex: Before you say something you truly regret.

• Seth turns and leaves wordlessly.

Narrator: Guillame, you receive a message at home. Aden is inviting you over to his home for dinner and conversation with a few friends.

• Guillame will notify his mother, and make arrangements
• Aden_ 's home is not in the Grand, but instead on a quiet cul-de-sac, Apple Blossom Court, in the Place D'Iena. It is well-appointed but not ostentatious, like most of the other merchants' homes with which it shares the area.

Guillame: . o (What a nice place to have a house...)

• Aden_ welcomes you in personally. He wears a simple olive green jacket, unbuttoned, a linen shirt and tan trousers.

Guillame: Hello Aden!

• Guillame bows

Aden_: Guillame, I'm glad you could make it :)

Aden_: Come on in.

• Aden_ escorts you into his dining room, where a handful of other guests are already gathered.
• Guillame enters

Narrator: The five other guests already assembled are all familiar to you, having been present at the Levellers' meeting you attended, but you don't know their names.

Aden_: Let me introduce you properly :)

• Guillame nods

Narrator: Berthe is in her early twenties, slender and quite plain, with long dark brown hair twisted about her head and held up with combs.

Narrator: Tymon is younger, probably no more than late teens, with short, wavy black hair and an attempted moustache.

Narrator: Tara is also in her early twenties, short and pretty, with brown hair worn down over her shoulders in ringlets.

Narrator: Jehan is probably about twenty, with frizzy light brown curls, olive skin, and eyes so dark they are almost black.

Narrator: Nais strikes you as the eldest of the group - although she doesn't really look any more than twenty-one or twenty-two, she carries herself with a greater control and authority. Her brown hair is cut short and her eyes are hazel.

Narrator: All are dressed in relatively middle-class style - you doubt any of them are nobles.

Aden_: Everyone, this is Guillame :)

• Guillame bows again

Narrator: They all greet you in a friendly fashion.

Guillame: It's good to meet you all properly

Aden_: Meetings aren't the best venue for getting to know one another, it's true.

• Aden_ offers you a seat.
• Guillame takes it gratefully

Aden_: I'll just get the hors d'oevres :)

Guillame: So... if I might ask, how do you all know each other? From meetings?

Nais: Mainly, yes. I didn't know anyone here outside the group - did anyone else?

Narrator: The others all agree that's how they met.

Tara_: I haven't been in the city too long - it's been good to meet so many people this way.

Guillame: Where are you from?

Tara_: Oh, here and there. Most recently, Malstrom.

• Aden_ returns shortly with an assortment of dumplings, some steamed and some crispy, and some sauces for them.

Aden_: Please, everyone just help yourselves :)

Narrator: People do indeed help themselves. It is all quite informal.

• Guillame will do as instructed :V

Guillame: (without grabbing)

Guillame: (k. History/local for Malstrom?)

Narrator: (Malstrom is a city practically at the other end of the Empire.)

Nais: So, does anyone have any new information on who the Emperor is likely to marry?

Berthe: I heard he's been seen with Zivia Rademacher. But that doesn't necessarily mean anything serious.

Berthe: My aunt works for the Kizers.

• Berthe adds in an aside to you, in case you were wondering how she knew ;)
• Guillame nods conspiratorially

Nais: Serious or no, the matter of who the Emperor marries - or even just who he sleeps with - is serious. Anyone who is that close to him is likely to be able to influence policy.

Guillame: . o (I suppose so...)

Aden_: Are you suggesting we consider a plant? ;)

Nais: Not exactly. Just that it might be good to know where her sympathies lie.

Aden_: I suppose that's a good point.

Narrator: After the meal, Jehan takes out a cittern to play some tunes while the rest of you chat.

• Aden_ sits beside you - perhaps coincidentally?

Guillame: So how have you been, Aden?

Aden_: Good, thank you. How about you?

Guillame: I've been good too... probably studying too much for my own good, but I enjoy it...

Aden_: Studying is never a waste of time :)

Guillame: Agreed!

Aden_: What have you been studying?

Guillame: My house's history - I'm working under Fern at the society, talking to contacts of hers.

Aden_: Oh? That sounds fascinating.

• Guillame nods

Guillame: It has been!

• Aden_ will chat with you about your work for some time. Eventually, you notice, rather to your surprise, that everyone else has left. You can vaguely remember them saying good night...
• Guillame avoids mentioning shape-shifting rat-men or excursions under the city...

Aden_: (heh)

Aden_: Oh. It's rather late. I'm sorry to have kept you talking so long.

Guillame: That's alright, Aden

• Aden_ doesn't seem altogether sorry, to tell the truth.

Guillame: Although I've hardly let you get a word in edgeways! What have you been up to recently?

Aden_: Well, busy with work... some family obligations as well.

Guillame: Are your family well?

Aden_: Well enough.

• Guillame nods

Guillame: Good

Aden_: ...

• Guillame looks at Aden

Aden_: I don't know what to say, but I feel as though something has to be said.

• Guillame nods, and waits...

Aden_: I think - and please correct me if I'm wrong - that there's some... tension between us.

Guillame: I think... you're not wrong

• Aden_ looks relieved.
• Guillame smiles a little
• Aden_ smiles too.

Aden_: I've never felt this way before.

Aden_: I'm just so comfortable with you.

Guillame: Me either... well, not really.

Aden_: Not really?

Guillame: Well, I once thought so with Ciatha, but it was never right. "Not really".

• Aden_ nods.

Aden_: I know what you mean.

• Aden_ takes your hand.

Guillame: . o ( aaaa :D )

Aden_: I don't want to move too fast... I'm not really sure what 'too fast' is, though.

Guillame: It's hard to know... I don't even know what to :*do:* Aden. I...

• Guillame straightens his face

Guillame: It's only fair that you know... my family want me to be with Ciatha.

• Aden_ nods.

Aden_: I understand.

Guillame: And I... I...

Aden_: Thea thinks that we'll be together, but... I don't think that'll work.

Guillame: Well, I always wanted to do what would carry on Father's legacy - furthering the integration of House Rat...

Guillame: But now I want something more for myself, too...

• Aden_ nods.

Aden_: This would be some sort of integration, I guess ;)

• Guillame chuckles

Guillame: So... all told... what do you want?

Aden_: Well, mostly, right now, I want to kiss you.

Aden_: Maybe we can figure out the rest from there.

• Guillame grins and leans over to Aden
• Aden_ leans over to kiss you, gently at first.
• Guillame kisses back

Narrator: Alma, your recent research has led you to an increased interest in the peculiar story of the girl named Lora.

• Alma imagines she'd best speak with Benalda at the society sometime.

Narrator: Sure.

• Benalda is around the society quite often, when she's not at the Castalia.

Benalda: Sister Alma, how are you?

Alma: I'm well, Ms. Grenrake, and you? :)

Benalda: Oh, the heat does bother me, but I'm all right.

Alma: Isn't it terrible?

Alma: Sometimes I feel like I'm swimming.

Benalda: It's awful.

Benalda: Well, what can I do for you?

Alma: I'd like to speak to you about your research, actually.

Benalda: Oh, of course, dearie :)

• Benalda is always happy to talk about her research.

Alma: I assume you've done quite a lot of looking into reincarnation while studying Lora.

Benalda: Yes, I have.

Alma: I was wondering if you'd come across anything about something called The Seventh?

Benalda: I have heard of the claim, yes - they were all executed, from what I recall.

Alma: So there's nothing else, historically, that seems similar?

Benalda: Nothing that I've come across. Why? Have you? :)

Alma: Well, one small thing... it seems Matriarch Pasith granted them a retroactive pardon...

Alma: I found the whole thing very interesting, and thought perhaps with your research you could have come across something I hadn't.

Benalda: Hm. I hadn't come across that. That's intriguing, but I'm not certain what it could mean.

Alma: It could suggest that the Matriarch is validating their claim somehow...

• Benalda nods.

Alma: It's one thing to forgive a heresy that is just a ... difference of interpretation, but a claim such as that is... a little more.

Benalda: Perhaps. Perhaps that she felt their execution was an injustice, even if they were misguided.

• Benalda nods.

Benalda: I can try to look a little more into the reasoning for her decision, if she left any.

Alma: If you find anything out, I'd certainly like to know.

• Benalda nods.

Alma: I was also hoping to meet with Lora sometime.

Benalda: Well, that could be arranged quite easily.

Benalda: What has led you to this line of interest?

Alma: I'm quite curious to know whether ...

Alma: Well it's perhaps a little frivolous.

Alma: You've heard of my insights into objects?

Benalda: Indeed I have!

Benalda: It's quite a fascinating matter.

Alma: I was wondering if there might be ... an object or a room from Lora's past that we might be able to find, that I might be able to examine.

Benalda: From one of her so-called past lives, you mean?

Alma: Indeed.

Alma: (SM)

Alma: (26. Is that "so-called" due to scholarly neutrality? If I can tell)

Narrator: (You think she has some skepticism about the claim.)

Alma: Though the chances are remote, it could even be possible for me to see a vision of a past life of hers, if the circumstances are perfect.

Benalda: It would be an interesting experiment, I agree.

• Alma will work out some sort of appointment then?

Benalda: Her most recent memories date from the twenty-first century. So it's quite possible there could be some items or places still remaining.

Alma: A little far back... but there's hope. :)

• Benalda nods.

Benalda: Well, if there's anything I can do to help, just let me know.

Alma: Any possessions she we might be able to recover, including... buildings, or any rooms in which an emotional event in her past lives have occurred would be suitable.

• Alma nods.

Benalda: Her memories are quite detailed. It's possible she could recall something like that.

Benalda: Most of them, unfortunately, are too far back for me to be able to corroborate her stories.

Alma: Should I meet with her and ask her myself?

Alma: (Oh she just maids about the place doesn't she?)

Benalda: I can give you the notes I've collected from my conversations with her, if that would be helpful. Then you can meet with her at your convenience.

Alma: That could help. Thank you. :)

• Benalda will locate said notes, then, so you can read them over.

Narrator: Altheo, you can hire the people you asked about to follow their various targets.

Sanadhil: (¬_¬)

Altheo: (ayay)

Narrator: The one you hired to look around for info about Sharp-ears and co. comes back with some useful information after three days or so.

Altheo: (whew, I'm glad that didn't get to expensive!)

Narrator: Sharp-ears' HQ is a tavern in the Shambles called the Firehaven.

Narrator: A beggar who tends to hang around your neighbourhood saw a woman matching Goldie's description waiting at the end of the alley that the Boar backs onto on the day of the attack. When another woman (matching Roene's description) came running out the back, Goldie grabbed her and bundled her off in a hired carriage.

Narrator: (San, you can roll a spot check, please :)

Sanadhil: (sec)

Sanadhil: (ha ha ha. 6.)

Sanadhil: (Luckily I haven't been ging anywhere interesting yet :p)

Narrator: Okay - you don't notice anyone following you ;) So what sorts of places do you go over these few days?

Sanadhil: Castalia, Society, market.... stays home a lot because he hates the weather :p Also Ilphere and Dominik come over at some point but it may be after this?)

Narrator: Okay - so that's about what you find out, Altheo.

Altheo: (Ok, I'll keep that guy on the payroll for a bit longer.)

Sanadhil: (Arguably you shoudl give Dom and ilphere a spot check if they're around when ppl are watching my house :V)

Altheo: (Ok, I'll keep the guy on Sharp ears on payroll as well. I'll want him to dig up some more info on these guys. especially where they are keeping Roene.

Altheo: )

• Altheo will then go see Sanadhil.

Altheo: (Or invite him to meet me, its his choice really, I'll send him a note.)

Narrator: Re. Sharp-ears, basically what you hear is that he hasn't been in town for a very long time - maybe a year or two at most. He's trying to move up in the underworld, has some success with prostitution and drugs, but also has stepped on some toes in the process.

Sanadhil: (we can meet at the society?)

Altheo: (Sure)

Narrator: Re Roene, he could be keeping her at the tavern, or one of his lackies' homes, but no one's seen her.

Narrator: She could be dead, for all anyone knows.

Altheo: (If he can track down a few of the lackies homes, that would be great.)

• Sanadhil will meet whenever, as arranged
• Altheo will meet you in a private place at the Society.
• Altheo has brought a nice botle of wine with him to share while we talk.

Sanadhil: good afternoon, Mr Renauld.

Altheo: Good afternoon! Care for some wine?

Sanadhil: thank you.

• Altheo will pour us both some then.

Altheo: So, how are you doing today?

Sanadhil: well enough.

Sanadhil: Yourself?

Altheo: Well, I remain worried for my missing girl.

• Sanadhil nods

Altheo: But I do have news in that respect.

Sanadhil: oh?

• Altheo nods

Altheo: It seems a third henchwoman was in the alley behind my bar during the attack. She was the one I told you about called "Goldie" because of her teeth.

Altheo: She captured Roene and bundled her away in a carriage.

Sanadhil: So they do have her...

Altheo: The do.

Altheo: I also have a strong lead on a Tavern that this "Sharp ears" uses as his hang out of choice...but no word on Roene at all.

• Altheo frowns worriedly.
• Sanadhil nods

Altheo: How about you? Where you able to find any information?

• Sanadhil shakes his head

Sanadhil: I'm still not sure why you thought I might be able to find out much about these sorts of people...

Sanadhil: All i can tell you is that if he is any kind of mage, he never studied at the Castalia. And if his lackey did, it was long enough ago that no one there knows anything about her, either.

Altheo: Well, thank you.

Altheo: to be honest, it was the magic side of things that had me the most worried.

Altheo: I can deal with hooligans and cuthroats.

Sanadhil: Well, just because he isn't cstalia trained doesn't eliminate that possibility.

Altheo: I just feel I need some sort of "specialist" to help me against them.

Altheo: I know I acted poorly at our last meeting. I'm very sorry for that. I had gotten some false information that implicated you, and I was still a bit on edge from the kidnapping.

Sanadhil: (SM ::|)

Sanadhil: (feh, 11)

Altheo: (I got a 15, I seem sincere.)

Altheo: I really appreciate that you looked into this for me.

Sanadhil: Well... it was the least i could do for Roene.

Altheo: I'm probably going to have to go over there and have a little talk with this Sharp ears. You've done more than enough already, but I was wondering if you might be willing to come with me on this. I could comepensate you for your efforts.

• Altheo isn't being all smiley this time, he seems to be talking business.
• Sanadhil considers

Sanadhil: I will do what I can.

• Altheo nods greatfully.

Sanadhil: But it may not be much.

Altheo: I wanted to ask you about this whole "Sharp ears" thing? Are the ears somehow important in elven culture?

Sanadhil: Not really, no.

Altheo: I guess he wants to play up his mixed heritage then.

Sanadhil: Exactly

Altheo: Do you think that speaking to a fellow half elf might make him more amenable to a diplomatic solution?

Sanadhil: I have no idea.

Sanadhil: It depends on a lot of things we have no idea about

Narrator: (okay, we'll be moving on in a couple of minutes - you can keep talking elsewhere if you have more to sort out.)

Altheo: (ok.)

Altheo: Well, I'd like to head over there sooner rather than later. I don't know what state they are keeping her in.

• Sanadhil nods

Sanadhil: i understand

Altheo: And I'll be bringing a friend or two with me to back us up of course.

Sanadhil: Just let me know when.

Altheo: of course!

Altheo: Do you have any spells that might protect us from magic?

Sanadhil: Not that I can extend for the use of others... and even then they are limited

Sanadhil: In all honest, you'd be better off seekign a prest for that

Altheo: I may just do that.

Altheo: But for now, I'll find out when I can bring a few people together and let you know.

Narrator: The Order of the Black Down are meeting tonight, in the nondescript house on Starcross Street in Rhenea.

Narrator: As dark falls, the masked members of the cult arrive, alone or in small groups, and make their way to the black-walled upstairs room whose ceiling is decorated with stars.

Narrator: Despite the warm weather, a brazier burns in the centre of the room.

Narrator: New arrivals settle themselves on low couches or cushions on the thick carpet, gradually forming a haphazard sort of circle.

• Sanadhil will aim to arrive a little later to give Ilphere and dominik a chance to have their conversation

Narrator: The assembled group consists of perhaps twenty people, somewhat fewer than were at the last meeting on the Down.

• Ilphere wonders where everyone is...!
• Phedre and Earric enter. Phedre wears an elegantly-draped black robe, her usual pendant about her neck. Her wavy brown hair is loose, spilling down her back.
• Earric wears a simple tunic and loose-fitting trousers.
• Ilphere nudges Dominik gently.

Ilphere: :w: They're here...!

• Ilphere moves in their direction.
• Dominik follows

Ilphere: Good evening...!

• Earric smiles.

Earric: Good evening.

Earric: We're glad you could make it.

Ilphere: well I wanted to come early...

• Dominik will also try and spot his brother and Lynnie as they move to approach Phedre and Earric

Ilphere: There is something I would very much like to talk to you about before the ceremony if possible...

• Ilphere says in a lowered voice.

Narrator: Dom, your brother is there, and there is a young woman with him who matches her description.

Earric: Of course. What is it?

• Ilphere glances around.

Ilphere: Could we discuss it somewhere a little more private...?

Earric: We could go downstairs for a moment, if it's quick.

Ilphere: I don't think it will take very long... I just... I have experienced something odd.

Ilphere: Downstairs would be fine.

• Earric will go downstairs with you, then.

Ilphere: (and Dominik :V)

Ilphere: Thank you...

Dominik: (of course)

Ilphere: Since the last meeting I've been wondering whether I should say something about this...

Ilphere: ...After we passed through the Arch I had a vision... and I wanted to ask what you thought about it.

• Earric looks intrigued.

Ilphere: I saw the stars form into the shape of a serpent...

Ilphere: Then they were coiling, spinning over me, and I heard a voice...

Ilphere: It said that I must find 'the one'.

• Earric 's eyes widen.
• Ilphere watches Earric's face carefully...

Ilphere: It said it was the filler of the void...

Ilphere: (is he faking or reacting genuinely? I shall attempt a SM)

Ilphere: (15)

Narrator: You believe he's reacting genuinely.

Ilphere: What do you make of it...?

Earric: That's ... fascinating. I believe you've received a message from Ophion himself.

Ilphere: Since then I have had anot

Ilphere: another vision...

Earric: Phedre has had similar visions.

Earric: Yes?

Ilphere: I'm not sure if it's related or not but...

Ilphere: I was in a frozen waste, and I was trying to climb an icy hill...

Ilphere: On top of the hill was a blackened, twisted tree with dark red fruits, underneath which sat a young man in shackles.

Ilphere: He held an urn whiuch poured out water, but seemed to be unconscious...

Ilphere: A raven alighted on the tree and told me 'the Sovereign sleeps...'

Ilphere: And when I awoke I was outside, and the juice from the tree's berries was on my hands...

Ilphere: Does that mean anything to you...?

Earric: Where were you when you woke?

• Ilphere watches him carefully again (SM)

Ilphere: In the garden.

Ilphere: Standing in a fountain...

Ilphere: But there were no fruited trees there.

Ilphere: (17)

Earric: Hm. That's very intriguing. I admit I don't know what it means.

• Earric seems puzzled.

Ilphere: I have had strange dreams since childhood... it may be unrelated...

• Earric nods.

Earric: Your friend... I don't believe we've met?

Ilphere: I just wondered, as things have seemed... different to me since coming to the Order...

• Earric says, turning to Dom for a moment.

Earric: Ah. Many of our members report that, yes. It can open one's mind to new experiences.

Dominik: we've met briefly already.

• Earric nods.

Earric: I'm glad you decided to return, then.

Ilphere: I feel that there is so much for me to learn here... but... that is the other thing I wished to tell you...

• Ilphere says sadly.

Ilphere: Someone here has betrayed my identity and involvement here to someone who wishes to harm my family's reputation, and me personally.

Earric: How terrible.

Ilphere: I am afraid that I do not feel safe coming and participating now.

Ilphere: I am... very disappointed.

• Ilphere says honestly.
• Earric considers.

Earric: Do you know who it was that revealed your membership?

Ilphere: I am not certain...

Dominik: I have my suspicions

Ilphere: I know there is a man here whose sister bears me ill will, but it could have been anyone, someone I haven't even recognized...!

• Earric looks over to Dominik.

Earric: What are your suspicions?

Dominik: the same as hers

Earric: o_O

Ilphere: (what O_o)

Earric: It will be difficult for us to resolve the situation without knowing who you suspect.

Ilphere: But even if I do say, can it be resolved without escalating the situation?

Dominik: The fellow with the curly red-gold hair.

Dominik: but as she said... no proof, what do you do?

Ilphere: ... Yes.

Earric: I would be very disappointed if you stopped attending, especially given your latest revelations.

Earric: I will see what can be done to deal with the problem.

Earric: We ought to be getting back now, so that the ceremony can begin.

Ilphere: I think I ought to retire early tonight at least...

Earric: What worse can happen, now that you're here? :)

Ilphere: I do not know if he means to harm more than my reputation. :(

Earric: I can make sure he doesn't bother you tonight, if that's what you're concerned about.

Earric: I think you'll find tonight's ceremony quite interesting. Phedre will Commune with Ophion.

Ilphere: Truly!

Ilphere: ...

Ilphere: Well...

Ilphere: Very well then...

Ilphere: But if it's possible... I would like to come and meet with you again... I need to know... what he wants from me. The Ophion...!

Earric: Phedre and I would be honoured to meet with you privately, at your leisure.

Some lines possibly missing here from my log.

Ilphere: Thank you...!

• Earric clasps your shoulder.

Earric: You are most welcome.

• Earric will escort you back upstairs, then.
• Dominik waits for Earric to leave

Dominik: :w to Ilphere: staying wasn't part of the plan.

• Sanadhil might have arrived by now, but when I see Ilphere I want to (subtly) cast charm on her

Ilphere: :w: but if she is truly going to comune with Ophion..!

Ilphere: :w: I know now that my vision was not the result of Earric's magic.

Ilphere: :w: I need to understand what is going on...!

Sanadhil: (will dc 16)

Dominik: :w: fine, meet with them private... this is just gonna be a stage show.

Ilphere: :w: Maybe, and maybe not...

• Dominik shruggs
• Sanadhil will make his way over to the pair after he casts his spell

Narrator: The meeting is coming to order...

Sanadhil: ...

Sanadhil: You didn't get my message then?

Ilphere: Message...?

Ilphere: :w: I spoke to Earric...!

Sanadhil: YOur mother sent a message for you at the castalia, asking for your presence.

• Sanadhil nods

Sanadhil: She seemed very urgent

Sanadhil: You should go home.

Ilphere: :w: He thinks that the Ophion spoke to me... I don't think he was lying...!

• Sanadhil nods again

Ilphere: But... Phedre is going to commune with the Ophion!

• Sanadhil loks over to where the ceremony is beginning

Sanadhil: yes....

Sanadhil: I can tell you all about it later.

Ilphere: I said I would stay...

Ilphere: !

Sanadhil: Well, now you certainly can't...

Phedre: Tonight we gather to beseech our lord and master for his insight. He sees the paths of the future, and knows better than we mere mortals what was, what is, and what must be.

Sanadhil: ...

Ilphere: :w: I can't leave right now, it's started...!

Narrator: People will glare at you if you keep on talking ;)

• Sanadhil nods and turns his attention to Phedre
• Ilphere turns to watch. :V

Sanadhil: . o ( well I tried -_- )

• Phedre kneels on a cushion on the floor. Earric moves into the centre of the room and casts a handful of dried herbs on the fire before moving back to sit at her side.

Narrator: A strangely-spiced, smoky incense begins to fill the room, but it is still quite easy to breathe, though your eyes feel somewhat irritated and it becomes more difficult to see what is going on.

Narrator: (Fort save, DC 17)

Ilphere: (9 -_-)

Sanadhil: (10, ha! I'll destony though ;x)

Sanadhil: (no.)

Ilphere: (destiny here too)

Dominik: (8---destiny as well)

Ilphere: (dammit still fail)

Dominik: (25)

Narrator: Okay - Dominik, your eyes just feel a bit irritated, that's it... the others...

Narrator: Colours seem more vibrant, sounds seem to reverberate inside your head. It becomes difficult to judge distances accurately, and strange shapes and figures seem to move in the haze. It is beautiful, compelling, but also unsettling.

Narrator: Ilphere, the atmosphere reminds you of some of your more peculiar dreams.

• Phedre begins to chant, invoking her deity.

Sanadhil: . o ( .... drugs....eh.... )

Ilphere: (can I make some kind of roll to realize it is the smoke/a drug?)

Narrator: (sure - got Alchemy?)

Ilphere: (nes? :V)

Narrator: (heh - well, it's probably a logical conclusion that you can reach when you're not stoned ;)

Ilphere: (k)

Phedre: Ophion! Ophion! Ophion! Soul of the Seven, Seer of the Hidden Paths, help us shatter the restraints that hold us back, that we may know your truth!

Phedre: We come before you as humble supplicants, and beseech you to show yourself to us, to grant us your wisdom.

• Phedre continues to chant in Abyssal, continuing her prayer.

Narrator: Gradually, you believe you can make out a form in the centre of the room, but it is strange - taller than the room should be able to accommodate. Perhaps the ceiling above you has opened up like the sky itself.

Narrator: It writhes and twists, sinuous and serpentine, and you can see the shimmer of golden scales, but it is difficult to see - or comprehend? - more than a glimpse at a time.

• Ilphere would like to try and subtly cast Detect Magic...

Narrator: (okay - roll percentile, then)

Narrator: (you want over 50% ;)

Ilphere: (woo 96!)

Narrator: (okay, you can cast it)

Ilphere: :*cast:*

• Sanadhil will do the same, maybe

Narrator: (again, percentile)

Narrator: (sorry, too stoned)

• Sanadhil is unable to concentrate on the forms of magic, apparently
• Sanadhil gets distracted by the shiny dragon thing, and staring at the star pattersn on the ceiling @_@

Narrator: (presence of magic, yes. Roll percentile again the next round ;)

Ilphere: (13. daaaaang iiiit)

Narrator: (you lose your concentration)

• Ilphere focuses on the Serpent as best she can then... if it is real!

Ilphere: . o O ( Who is The One...? How am I to find them...?...! )

Ilphere: @_@

• Phedre bows before the figure, keeping her gaze lowered.

Phedre: Master, you honour us with your presence.

Phedre: We wish to serve you, and to do your bidding.

Ophion: My children, I have heard your prayers.

• Ophion 's voice is deep, clearly inhuman, but smooth and calming nevertheless.

Ilphere: (what language is it speaking, and does it sound/feel like the voice I heard before?)

Sanadhil: . o ( ....I'm a child of the stars.... )

Narrator: It's speaking Aveyronnais, and it doesn't sound like any voice you've heard before.

Ophion: The one you must find shelters within the palace walls. Through her, my power will be made manifest.

Sanadhil: . o ( ...you're just.....made of stars )

Narrator: Ilphere, perhaps it is the incense making you light-headed, but your eyes feel very heavy. Sounds in the room are becoming more distant, and your muscles feel as though they can barely hold you up any longer.

Narrator: Before you slump to the floor, you see a series of strange images flash before your mind's eye:

• Ilphere collapses.

Narrator: You see the city from above. It appears strange, as though it is overlaid with a thin, dark veil, through which structures show white as bone.

Narrator: As you watch, the city becomes a wheel, its spokes shattered but still turning at a faltering pace.

Narrator: All around you, there is a noise like metal pounding, as if you're in some workshop.

Narrator: You become aware of people around you, a huge number of them, pressing close, holding you up. Their faces, those you can see, seem oddly familiar, as though you know them from old family portraits - Rademachers beyond number, perhaps, stretching back to the dawn of time.

Narrator: One is a man in a white robe, broad-shouldered and with a long beard, holding a hammer.

Narrator: The only person there you can put a name to is Theron, Dominik's brother. His eyes meet yours and you hear him speak your name, although his lips don't move.

Ilphere: Who are you... what are you trying to tell me...

Narrator: Dominik, you notice Ilphere and Theron both collapse at the same moment.

Narrator: San is too wasted to notice right away, probably ;)

Dominik: . o O (now that was unexpected)

• Dominik will crouch down to check on Ilphere.
• Ophion 's figure vanishes into the haze.
• Phedre appears startled and shaken.
• Sanadhil turns to help her after a moment

Ilphere: ...

Sanadhil: She fell...

Narrator: Ilphere appears conscious, but generally unresponsive.

Narrator: Across the room, others are checking on Theron.

• Sanadhil can't seem to concentrate, so just lets Dom take care of her

Narrator: The group is dissolving into chaos. Phedre is trying to calm people down, with some difficulty.

Ilphere: ...

Dominik: let get her some fresh air.

Sanadhil: We should...

Narrator: If you wanted to get her out, Dom, you could probably do so.

Sanadhil: yes

• Dominik will heft her up and head downstairs

Narrator: No one stops you as you leave.

Sanadhil: (is the dragon gone or what?)

Narrator: Yes, I mentioned the serpent vanished.

Sanadhil: (stoned @_@)

• Sanadhil follows after them then
• Dominik doesnt stop downstairs, but takes her right out of there before things can even start to be organized.

Narrator: Roll another Forst save, San and Ilphere.

Narrator: (Fort)

Sanadhil: (4 :p)

Ilphere: (17)

Narrator: San, once outside, you'll stop seeing pretty colours after about 20 minutes. But you also lose 2 con and 2 wis for that time.

Narrator: Ilphere will actually start to come around after the same, about 20 minutes or so.

Ilphere: Ah...

Ilphere: Theron...

Dominik: he collapsed like you did.

Ilphere: I saw him

Sanadhil: Are you alright?

Ilphere: So many... so many of us...

Ilphere: The wheel turns...

Ilphere: A smith... in a white robe

• Ilphere shakes her head, trying to clear it.

Ilphere: Where are we...?

Sanadhil: outside

Sanadhil: ...

Ilphere: Where's Theron...?

Dominik: back there

Sanadhil: ::/

Sanadhil: I don't know

Ilphere: I must speak to him...!

Ilphere: I must know what he saw...!

Sanadhil: do you think he would tell you?

Ilphere: I don't... I don't know...

Dominik: that place was chaos when we got out of there. He's probably long gone by now/

Ilphere: Perhaps if he is not used to these visions, he might be frightened enough to tell me...

Sanadhil: we could check

• Ilphere muses...

Sanadhil: but it might be eaiser to track him down when he isn't being swarmed

Ilphere: Yes... you are probably right...!

• Ilphere looks to Dominik.

Dominik: he has a flat in the Rhenea, we can try and find him there.

• Sanadhil nods

Ilphere: yes..! Thank you...!

• Dominik will try and locate the flat Avery told him about.

Narrator: (City Lore check?)

Dominik: (18)

Narrator: You can locate what you believe is the flat. It doesn't look as though anyone is home.

Ilphere: It looks dark...

• Ilphere sounds disappointed.

Sanadhil: he may not have had anyone clear headed to aid him

Sanadhil: or, possibly, earric and Phedre had him brought somewhere else?

Ilphere: :/

Dominik: do we wait?

Sanadhil: (Is it late?)

Ilphere: Perhaps we must...

Sanadhil: well, we can't wait all night...

Narrator: (it's maybe 10 pm?)

Sanadhil: but for a little while

Dominik: anyone open a lock?

Sanadhil: .... yes

Sanadhil: (wait actually)(

Dominik: wait inside then

Sanadhil: (yes)

• Sanadhil can cast knock on the door
• Ilphere looks a bit surprised!

Dominik: if he complains just blame it on me

Sanadhil: right

Narrator: It's a relatively simple flat inside, but the furnishings are good-quality.

Ilphere: I hope this is the right house at least...!

• Dominik does a quick nose around
• Ilphere says somewhat nervously.

Narrator: Dom, you see a few items of clothing you believe are your brother's.

Dominik: its the right place

Ilphere: How long should we wait...?

Sanadhil: is there anywhere else he might have gone, or been taken, that you know of?

Ilphere: They might have brought him to the family's home...

Dominik: home? not likely but he could have.

Dominik: or maybe Phedre is looking after him.

Ilphere: Oh dear...!

Sanadhil: I doubt he'd complain

Dominik: he not here... its the right place. We can try and find him tomorrow or wait here for the rest of the night.

Ilphere: If he recovered as I have, I doubt they would be keeping him against his will...

Ilphere: Perhaps we had best try again tomorrow.

• Sanadhil nods
• Dominik nods

Sanadhil: lets do that

• Dominik makes sure to lock up when they leave.

Narrator: (okay, you can do so)

Narrator: You make your way to your respective homes, then.

Narrator: And we'll end there, for the time being :)