Difference between revisions of "Diablotin 2 session 77"

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==Solos==
 
==Solos==
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===Alma and Ysabeau===
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* Alma takes some time to answer the door when you arrive, which is odd both because of the delay and the fact that she's answering the door herself.
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[Alma] Ah, good afternoon Ysabeau :)
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[Ysabeau] Good afternoon, Sister.
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* Ysabeau smiles; her cheeks are rosy from the cold.
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* Alma opens the door wide for you to come in.
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[Alma] Come in, I've got some hot tea waiting.
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[Ysabeau] Thank you, that would be lovely.
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[Ysabeau] I was at the Castalia for the morning; those halls sure get draughty in the winter.
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[Alma] Yes, I recall having to bundle up to keep from freezing :)
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[Alma] I have some sweets set out as well, something I picked up at the market a few days ago.
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* Ysabeau smiles, but behind the smiles she is also concerned.
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[Alma] The wetnurse, her name is Marla, is tending to the twins for now.
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[Ysabeau] How are they?
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* Ysabeau asks, her concern coming through more clearly.
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* Alma seems a little preoccupied, or harried.
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[Alma] They're well and... normal, almost.
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[Ysabeau] (Do you seem frightened by them...?)
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[Alma] Would you like to see them now?
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[Ysabeau] Yes, please!
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[Ysabeau] I just can't help thinking of them, those poor little babies and their Mama dead.
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[Ysabeau] At least I got to know my mother... :(
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[Ysabeau] I know she might not have been a very good person but it is still sad, to me at least.
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[Alma] We did our best, but it was... a very hard birth...
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[Ysabeau] And their father probably couldn't care less for them except as means to whatever ends he has in mind.
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* Alma will lead you up to the impromptu nursery in one of the guest beds.
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[Ysabeau] Do you think he cared about her at all?
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* Ysabeau seems quite distressed by it all.
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[Alma] Maybe on some level... there's something of what he was left behind... but it's just not in his nature to care anymore. I mean... WE can be driven by rage and hate to forget our humanity... and his entire being was perverted.
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[Alma] I think the simple answer is that he didn't even warn her.
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[Alma] You don't do that to someone you care for.
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[Ysabeau] Get them pregnant...?
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* Ysabeau looks puzzled.
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* Ysabeau is plainly distracted by babies...
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[Alma] If you know the birth will likely kill them, yes. And if you do, you certainly tell them what to expect.
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* Alma has had the room set up with standard nursery things, and two rocking chairs, one of which is likely occupied by Marla.
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* Ysabeau drags her attention back to Alma.
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[Alma] This is Marla, she's helping us care for the twins :)
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* Alma introduces her, gives a last name ^_^
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* Ysabeau greets Marla kindly
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[Alma] Marla says she's there's been quite an increase in the number of babes sharing her name since the Emperor's coronation :)
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* Alma takes you over to the cribs
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[Alma] This is Mercy... and Justen.
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* Ysabeau smiles and laughs a little for the joke.
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[Ysabeau] Oh...!
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[Ysabeau] (Are they sleeping?)
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[Ysabeau] Mercy and Justice, might as well say.
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[Alma] Yes...
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[Ysabeau] Did you name them?
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[Alma] (1 = asleep)
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* Alma rolls [ 1d2 ] getting [ 2 ]
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[Alma] (awake!)
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[Alma] No... she did. I thought they were... an odd choice from her.
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* Ysabeau reaches down and carefully scoops Justen up.
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* Ysabeau looks kind of sad.
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[Alma] They seem normal for the most part...
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[Ysabeau] Poor little one, you're going to be teased and bullied a lot, aren't you...
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* Ysabeau gently hugs him.
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* Alma smiles.
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[Ysabeau] And look at you, you little sweetheart...!
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* Ysabeau peers down at Mercy while she cuddles Justen.
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[Alma] Something tells me neither of them will have a normal childhood...
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[Ysabeau] Who knows?
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* Alma does seem less communicative in front of Marla.
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* Ysabeau coos over the babies.
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* Alma begins to realise you may not be easily separated from them.
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[Ysabeau] They're lovely...
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* Ysabeau smiles shyly at you, then turns her attention back to the babies.
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* Ysabeau will kiss Justen and put him carefully back down so that she can cuddle Mercy for a while, too.
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* Alma will stand beside Justen's crib and look down at him.
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[Ysabeau] You're so small!
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* Ysabeau smiles and coos and plays with Mercy gently, as she did with Justen.
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* Alma hesitates a moment but will put her arm over the rail and wrap her warm hand around his.
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[Alma] Yes, they are...
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[Ysabeau] These little ones are going to need all the love they can get...
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* Ysabeau holds Mercy close.
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[Ysabeau] Is he older...?
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* Alma seems... perhaps guarded.
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[Alma] Hmm?
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[Ysabeau] He's so much bigger.
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[Alma] (Is he?)
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[Alma] No, he was born last...
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[Ysabeau] (I remember Julia saying that the boy, who came out second, was bigger than the girl.)
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* Ysabeau smiles.
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[Ysabeau] I don't know much about twins.
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[Alma] Neither do I, really...
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[Alma] I suppose we could have our tea in here if you'd prefer...
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[Ysabeau] Not while I'm cuddling a baby... I'd be afraid of dripping on them.
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* Ysabeau seems reluctant to put Mercy down, though.
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* Ysabeau does though, eventually.
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* Ysabeau gives them each another kiss once they're both in cribs.
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* Ysabeau looks a little misty-eyed.
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* Alma will eventually lead you back to the kitchen, which you've probably never seen before, where she's had a table set, and has
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dragged some comfortable chairs in, which seem somewhat out of place.
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[Alma] Danyel and I have just been eating in here for now. It seems silly to carry everything back and forth to the dining room or the sitting rooms.
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* Alma probably has stacks of things sitting around "her" chair, including her crystal ball.
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[Alma] It's comfortable despite the mess :)
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* Alma gets the tea from the stove and a plate of treats.
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* Ysabeau smiles.
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* Alma does look somewhat out of place in the kitchen, but not completely useless :P
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[Ysabeau] Can I help you...?
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[Alma] No, no, I'm good.
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* Alma has not planned a big feast after all :)
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* Alma brings the tray over and sets it on the table.
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[Ysabeau] Thank you.
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* Ysabeau is still kind of distracted.
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[Alma] Well...
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* Alma will sit after pouring some tea.
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[Ysabeau] Thanks.
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[Ysabeau] What are your long term plans? Are you and Danyel going to adopt them?
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* Ysabeau sips her tea.
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[Alma] I have no idea... I'm not even sure there ARE long term plans...
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[Ysabeau] :/
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[Alma] I mean, a long term...
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[Alma] I haven't had time to do any divinations...
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[Ysabeau] They'll need stability...
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[Ysabeau] Safety.
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[Alma] It may not matter.
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* Ysabeau has a sudden worrisome thought.
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[Ysabeau] Is your house protected from scrying and the like?
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* Ysabeau looks at you.
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[Ysabeau] What do you mean?
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[Alma] I have begun casting protectives and I have asked the Chief Sorceror for assistance.
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[Alma] At least until we find out what to do next.
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[Alma] Well, Kavreshar orchestrated this... them. And it seems fated that Emkathon will be released.
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* Ysabeau nods.
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[Ysabeau] Change isn't... necessarily a bad thing, in the long term. :/
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* Ysabeau knows that there could be lots of short term trouble, though.
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[Alma] They may be ... pulled into whatever purpose Kavreshar has for them. And if we're lucky, and he is thwarted, then perhaps they will be taken up by their... grandmother.
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[Ysabeau] Their grandmother?
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[Alma] She IS their grandmother.
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[Alma] I left out the "Greats" :)
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[Ysabeau] Emkathon?
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[Alma] Yes.
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[Ysabeau] Oh...
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[Alma] So, for now, I'm focused on keeping them ... from interference.
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* Ysabeau nods.
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[Ysabeau] If there's anything I can do to help, I'd love to.
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[Alma] Well, I do want to conduct Legend Lore as soon as possible... but I don't want to spook Marla any further.
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[Alma] If you could tend to them while it is cast, that would be a great help. I'm not sure whether the incense would bother them, and if they started to cry halfway through...
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[Ysabeau] I can do that, certainly!
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[Alma] Aside from that... I think we've got things in hand. If you and Martan can think of anything else... like magical protections...
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[Alma] Anything else is... well until we know what their future holds, maybe there's no point in planning too far ahead.
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[Ysabeau] Maybe if you made a list of what you've thought of so far... we could go over it and see if there are more to add.
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[Ysabeau] Maze's house - that's where we're staying - it's already safe.
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[Ysabeau] It'd be crowded, but I could ask them.
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[Ysabeau] I wouldn't mind!
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[Alma] Well... perhaps...
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[Alma] But can you imagine what the gossip would be like if Danyel and I moved in with the Lord Grey? -_-
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* Ysabeau laughs.
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[Ysabeau] I meant the babies and Marla.
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[Ysabeau] You and Danyel would have to share a room with me and Martan and Marla and the babies, if Martan and Maze would agree and if you came too. ;)
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[Alma] You've only the one room? :o
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[Ysabeau] Maze's house isn't the biggest in the Grand.
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[Ysabeau] That's why Muri and Merrow are staying in my rooms at the Palace.
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[Ysabeau] I'd have more space there... but I don't think I'd want to put those babies in the Palace.
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[Alma] Neither did I...
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* Ysabeau nods.
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[Alma] I hadn't thought that far ahead, I suppose... but when the Chief Sorceror asked me what to do with them... I just knew that was not the right thing.
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* Ysabeau nods.
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[Alma] I suppose nothing can be done if the Emperor insists... but until then.
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* Ysabeau nods.
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[Ysabeau] I'd be willing to defy him, if I had to.
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[Alma] And it's a sensible offer... if the Chief Sorceror cannot help us here... but you've a child of your own coming, and just as you'll need that space is perhaps when all of this will happen...
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[Ysabeau] Well, actually, with my baby on the way, I could probably help Marla with nursing these two.
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[Ysabeau] I wouldn't mind.
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* Ysabeau smiles dreamily, thinking of babies.
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[Alma] You might not be so eager when there are two sharing a room with you dear, they cry at all hours of the night.
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[Ysabeau] I know.
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[Alma] If it wasn't for the situation I would have asked for another wetnurse to help Marla.
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[Alma] And I have room to spare.
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[Alma] It's a shame we can't just move the protection...
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[Alma] Move you and Martan in here :)
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* Ysabeau laughs.
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[Ysabeau] I can ask him, but he kind of wants to stay near Maze, I think.
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[Alma] Well I doubt Mr. Olivier's protections are mobile anyhow :)
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[Ysabeau] Almost certainly not... :/
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* Ysabeau looks kind of sad again.
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[Ysabeau] I just love babies, so much! And children. I always wanted to be a mother...
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* Alma laughs
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[Alma] You will be.
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[Ysabeau] I want those two to have the best, happiest childhood they can.
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[Alma] Hopefully when we've had time to learn more, we'll know ... if they have a future.
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[Alma] Maybe even today.
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[Ysabeau] I hope they do; they've done absolutely nothing wrong.
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[Alma] I have been thinking...
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[Ysabeau] They can't help who their parents are, any more than Martan can.
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* Alma nods.
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[Alma] That's what I wanted to ask...
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[Ysabeau] What's that...?
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[Alma] If you could ask Martan what he would think about... doing something similar with the twins.
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[Alma] His eyes...
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[Alma] He'll carry that his entire life.
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[Ysabeau] I know, that's why I said that about him being bullied and teased, poor little fellow. :/
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[Alma] And if the people raising him know... well how will that affect things?
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[Ysabeau] Alma...
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[Alma] So I thought... if they have a chance to live on their own terms...
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[Alma] MAybe the best thing would be for them to disappear like Hespera did.
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[Ysabeau] ...
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[Alma] We could do it.
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[Ysabeau] I don't know if Martan would agree, Sister.
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[Alma] That's why I want you to ask.
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[Alma] He understands the cost.
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[Alma] And I trust him to understand the possible benefit to them as well.
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[Ysabeau] He has told me that he always felt like something was amiss.
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[Ysabeau] Even though the people who raised him knew nothing about his origins, he still knew something was strange.
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[Ysabeau] It would be the same for them, I think.
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[Alma] And what of living openly? Knowing you're different. Being different physically.
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[Ysabeau] There are lots of people who are physically different.
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[Alma] What if some part of them is touched by Kavreshar's nature? What if that sort of... alienation is enough to push them towards
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evil?
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[Alma] Do you think Justen will ever be able to take pride in his eyes?
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[Ysabeau] Alma... they may be half demon, but they are half human too.
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[Ysabeau] That means they have as much potential for great good or great ill as a human baby.
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[Alma] You don't know that, Ysabeau.
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[Ysabeau] That is the blessing we have, compared to the angels and demons. The gift of choice.
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[Ysabeau] What choice did Martan have when he was turned into a boy?
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[Ysabeau] None.
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[Ysabeau] They took choice away from him.
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* Alma considers.
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[Ysabeau] And for what?
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[Alma] They did it to protect him, and also because they felt it was necessary.
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[Alma] It's not entirely the same.
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[Alma] It could be as simple as finding them someplace to live, and changing his eyes. That's not the same as changing a girl into a boy.
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[Ysabeau] It isn't that simple, really, Alma... you know it isn't.
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[Ysabeau] He'd have to be raised to believe he is something he isn't. Both of them would.
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[Alma] No, it isn't, because they aren't simple. Even if they do not have a fate in store for them, who is to say anyone who knows their natures could raise them any better?
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[Ysabeau] Who is to say that anyone who doesn't know their natures could?
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[Alma] I'm not saying this is... some sort of decision I have made... I'm just looking for Martan's guidance.
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* Ysabeau nods.
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[Ysabeau] Why don't you come over to Maze's for tea later this week and ask him yourself?
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[Alma] I can do that, if I have time.
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[Ysabeau] I think you should.
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[Ysabeau] And half-demons are not necessarily evil.
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[Alma] It's hard enough to do the right thing when you don't have potential... spiritual pollution like that.
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* Ysabeau sighs.
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[Ysabeau] I know a half demon. Aside from being maybe a little selfish - a flaw many full humans share - he is a good person.
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[Ysabeau] And before you ask, no, I am not going to tell you who it is.
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* Alma blinks
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[Alma] I wasn't going to ask.
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* Ysabeau shrugs.
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[Alma] Ysabeau, this is not about what people can or cannot be, it's about what people are driven towards.
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[Alma] It would be naive to raise someone who is influenced by evil without taking that into account.
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[Ysabeau] I understand.
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[Alma] Then I don't understand why you seem to be accusing me of writing off their fates.
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[Alma] If there's some greater tie than those eyes, and it's not counterbalanced by a tie through Emkathon, then the child is at greater risk of falling astray.
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[Alma] In a sense, he may have choice, but it will be burdened... handicapped... through no fault of his own.
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[Ysabeau] Changing his eyes will not change that chance. I think there's as much chance of them falling astray as any other baby. If they are raised in a loving, stable environment with good role models, then I think it's very unlikely that they would have a reason to 'fall astray'.
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[Alma] People can chose the wrong path no matter who their parents are, Ysabeau.
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[Alma] Take a look at Phedre. Pavo Arsenios was by all accounts a good man. He was one of the guards who restored the Arch, and now his daughter is leading a cult.
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[Ysabeau] I didn't say it was impossible. Just that there is less of a chance of someone turning to a life of crime if they feel loved, secure and safe.
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[Alma] What about feeling alien?
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[Ysabeau] Yes, I agree, that could influence a child's development negatively. But then again, it might not, if their most important rolemodels do not treat them like aliens, and help them see that lots of people have differences, and it doesn't matter.
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[Alma] Besides, we were talking about ... half-demons, not red eyes. We've gone in some sort of ... loop.
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* Ysabeau smiles.
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[Ysabeau] We have very different opinions on this, you and I. We could probably debate it for hours.
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[Alma] Do we?
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[Alma] I think you believe our opinions are profoundly different, but to me they do not seem to be so different.
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[Alma] I hope too, Ysabeau.
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[Alma] But it's naive to think that an actual, tangible, mystical tie to the plane of evil is something that never needs more than hope.
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[Alma] Hope fails to keep humanity good, how could it possibly be a guarantee against actual spiritual pollution?
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[Ysabeau] I am arguing to let Justen be who he is, red eyes and all, and equip him to cope with that. You seem to be in favour of possibly changing his identity. I know something of how that has affected Martan; I wouldn't want Justen to go through that too, is all.
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[Alma] Well I'll thank you to keep from assuming I am careless with the futures of others.
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[Ysabeau] That is very sad, that you feel that way, Alma.
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[Ysabeau] Humanity is, on the whole, good.
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[Alma] And those who aren't?
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[Ysabeau] For me that's saying a lot... I've experienced a lot of bad. But I have faith in people, as well as the gods, and I see so much good.
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[Ysabeau] Well, sad to say, I think that for there to be good, there must also be bad. But that doesn't mean we should just give up, and not strive for good.
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[Alma] At what point did I suggest that?
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[Ysabeau] I'm not explaining myself well.
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[Alma] The reality is that some people are not good. They can be selfish, sadistic, and callous. Not only that, but there is an entire race of beings which are made up of the pure energy of this darkness, and they are by nature selfish and cruel.
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[Ysabeau] Yes, but Justen and Mercy are not those beings. Not those beings alone, anyway. They are also human, and there is a great deal of hope in that.
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[Alma] ... but if there is a real link, a true link, then it is important it is addressed.
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[Alma] Hope may not be enough.
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[Alma] I can hope that the world around me will get better, that this year I won't have to pressure my House to donate food, that I
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can just wake up in the morning and have breakfast with Danyel and not laeve the house.
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[Alma] But I can't.
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[Alma] Hope is not enough.
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[Alma] And I'm surprised that you can think it is, after what we've seen.
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[Ysabeau] I am surprised that you feel so pessimistic about the world.
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[Alma] I'm not pessimistic.
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[Alma] I'm being realistic.
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[Alma] You've seen me pessimistic, Ysabeau.
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* Alma regrets saying that...
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* Alma takes an awkward sip of her tea, which is now cold.
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[Ysabeau] We should go cast those Legend Lores so I can get home before dark, if you want to.
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[Ysabeau] That may well put an end to our debate!
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[Alma] Ok.
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* Alma puts her cup down and stands.
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[Alma] It hurts to learn that you see me this way, Ysabeau.
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[Alma] But I guess how we seem is our own fault.
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* Ysabeau shrugs.
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[Ysabeau] Everyone has their weaknesses.
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[Ysabeau] Gods know I have plenty.
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* Ysabeau smiles warmly.
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* Alma is not comforted by that response, and turns to lead the way.
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[Ysabeau] They are part angel, too...
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[Alma] We hope.
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[Ysabeau] I believe.
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[Alma] Well that is not something I can afford to take on faith.
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* Ysabeau smiles a bit sadly.
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[Alma] I meant to ask you...
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[Alma] About your contact, the one who told us about all the demons.
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[Ysabeau] That'd be the half demon I mentioned earlier.
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[Alma] I need to speak with hi-
 +
* Alma sighs.
 +
 +
[Alma] Well the need remains...
 +
 +
[Ysabeau] What do you need to ask him about?
 +
 +
[Alma] Well, I thought perhaps he might be able to tell us about the twins.
 +
 +
[Alma] But that's not all...
 +
 +
[Alma] The thing inside of Madelen Levernois... it's something we have never seen before. It's in none of hte books. The place it comes from... The Cyst, we've never even heard of.
 +
 +
[Ysabeau] Huh.
 +
 +
[Alma] We need to know how he could tell it was in her.
 +
 +
[Alma] It may be crucial.
 +
 +
[Alma] If something else like that is in the city, maybe no one else could identify it.
 +
 +
[Alma] So we need his help.
 +
 +
[Ysabeau] Except these babies, now. ;)
 +
 +
[Alma] ...
 +
 +
[Alma] That ... may turn out to be prophetic.
 +
 +
[Ysabeau] I can ask him about it. And I can let him know you'd like to speak with him. But, I really wouldn't feel right telling you who he is; I'd be betraying his trust.
 +
 +
[Alma] But... until then, we have no idea how to find them...
 +
 +
[Alma] I understand.
 +
 +
[Ysabeau] If he feels comfortable speaking with you then he can seek you out himself.
 +
 +
[Alma] And I'm glad he's won his battle...
 +
 +
[Alma] Even if you think that's a pessimistic way to put it.
 +
 +
[Ysabeau] :/
 +
 +
[Alma] Try to let him see how important it is...
 +
 +
[Ysabeau] I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings, Alma.
 +
 +
[Alma] Well, like I said... we're responsible for how we project ourselves.
 +
 +
[Alma] If I'm to be a leader, I should learn to ... shape my image better.
 +
* Alma leaves that thought alone -_-
 +
* Ysabeau glances at you but says nothing.
 +
 +
[Ysabeau] Let's see what the Legend Lores say. Are you going to cast one on each, or one for both?
 +
 +
[Alma] I'm not sure it can be done on both simultaneously... and it's not a metaphysical question I'd like to waste the incense on.
 +
* Ysabeau smiles.
 +
 +
[Alma] Though perhaps if they're asleep, we could perform it simultaneously.
 +
 +
[Alma] I do have the incense for it.
 +
 +
[Ysabeau] I kind of hope they're not asleep, because I'd love to hold them more.
 +
* Alma chuckles.
 +
 +
[Alma] As for that bit a second ago... I suppose it's not a secret anymore.
 +
 +
[Alma] But it's not really "public" exactly either.
 +
 +
[Alma] Reverend Father Theron has recommended me to replace him...
 +
 +
[Ysabeau] Oh! Congratulations!
 +
 +
[Alma] So I've been... considering what I need to do to fill such a role.
 +
* Ysabeau smiles.
 +
 +
[Alma] Thank you.
 +
* Alma says, politely, still dubious herself.
 +
* Alma continues on, as we've been babbling on the stairs.
 +
 +
[Ysabeau] Part of my bardic training is about how to present oneself to the public... I could probably give you some pointers, if you like.
 +
 +
[Alma] I had already added you to my mental list :)
 +
* Ysabeau laughs.
 +
 +
[Ysabeau] Okay. Let me know when you'd like to begin your lessons. ;)
 +
* Alma will relieve Marla once she gets there.
 +
 +
[Alma] It looks like they're asleep...
 +
* Ysabeau pouts.
 +
 +
[Ysabeau] Ah well.
 +
 +
[Alma] [q] Well, there'll be other days.
 +
* Ysabeau nods.
 +
* Alma will get out the components for two Legend Lore castings and give you the second.
 +
* Ysabeau gazes lovingly at the sleeping babies...
 +
* Ysabeau will set up the incense around Justen's crib.
 +
* Alma will do the same with Mercy.
 +
* Alma will reach out to squeeze your hand before we begin.
 +
 +
[Alma] [q] Here's to hope?
 +
* Alma is definitely nervous
 +
* Ysabeau squeezes your hand back, not nervous.
 +
 +
[Ysabeau] [q] Alma... I'm really serious about raising them, if Martan will agree... I know three babies is going to be a ridiculous amount of work... But I think we'd have a lot to offer them. I'm already in love with them... and if Martan dies, or is returned to being a woman, the day mine is born... well.
 +
 +
[Ysabeau] [w] We won't be able to have those 5 or 6 we would have liked to have.
 +
* Alma nods.
 +
 +
[Alma] [q] A good omen, then. The first thing they have is support.
 +
* Ysabeau almost breaks down for a moment, thinking of Martan dying... but collects herself so that she can concentrate on casting the spell.
 +
* Alma turns back and begins to cast as quietly as she can.
 +
 +
[Alma] :)
 +
* Ysabeau starts humming her own.
 +
* Alma ends just slightly before you do.
 +
* Alma says the results of her Legend Lore quietly... "Twinned vessels, separate but inseparable, where bloods are reunited and reborn, a father's wishes are inherited and dashed, and destiny is created, not bestowed."
 +
* Alma looks relieved.
 +
* Ysabeau smiles happily.
 +
 +
[Ysabeau] That sounds... not bad.
 +
 +
[Alma] [q] I think it's what we want...
 +
* Alma draws you away from them so we can talk.
 +
 +
[Ysabeau] [q] See? Have a little faith.
 +
 +
[Alma] What did you learn?
 +
* Ysabeau teases
 +
 +
[Alma] The same?
 +
* Ysabeau nods.
 +
* Alma will hug you, her relief palpable.
 +
* Ysabeau is teasing because she knows you're the priest while she's just a sometime churchgoer. ;)
 +
* Ysabeau hugs back.
 +
 +
[Alma] I was so worried that they would turn out to be just pawns in Kavreshar's plan...
 +
* Ysabeau smiles.
 +
 +
[Alma] It was so hard, just... trying to keep that distance... trying not to think about what might have to be done.
 +
* Alma starts to cry.
 +
* Ysabeau holds you tight... her baby bump pressing into you. ;)
 +
 +
[Ysabeau] [q] They're half human, too.
 +
 +
[Alma] [q] That's what made it so hard.
 +
* Ysabeau nods.
 +
 +
[Ysabeau] [q] They are so tiny and innocent.
 +
* Alma tries to stifle a laugh.
 +
 +
[Alma] [q] Now I'm a little sad they're asleep.
 +
* Alma composes herself
 +
 +
[Ysabeau] [q] There'll be other days...
 +
 +
[Ysabeau] ;)
 +
* Alma smiles back.
 +
* Alma will lead you back downstairs to the kitchen, or at least out of the room so we can talk.
 +
 +
[Alma] I think it tells us that they're at least... balanced.
 +
 +
[Alma] Bloods reunited and reborn
 +
 +
[Ysabeau] And they have choice.
 +
 +
[Alma] I wonder what it means to be a vessel and make your own destiny though...
 +
 +
[Ysabeau] Well, suppose the vessel part is just about them having both Kavreshar and Emkathon's blood.
 +
 +
[Ysabeau] Then it doesn't mean anything; they have good and evil; same potential for either as any human child. In a way they are freer than either of their ancestors.
 +
 +
[Alma] Do you think it's too optimistic to hope that "a father's wishes are inherited and dashed" means Justice is inherited and his wish for revenge is dashed?
 +
 +
[Ysabeau] Not at all.
 +
* Ysabeau smiles.
 +
 +
[Alma] I hope we're not missing something...
 +
 +
[Alma] But it's a good first step.
 +
* Ysabeau nods.
 +
 +
[Alma] It would still be good if your friend could come and see them.
 +
 +
[Ysabeau] And my husband?
 +
 +
[Ysabeau] Still want me to ask about changing them?
 +
 +
[Alma] Yes... even... even if it's just when they're young, or when they leave the house or something like that.
 +
 +
[Ysabeau] I think you should drop by, still - because then if you have more questions about it for him, he'll be right there and can answer them, whereas I can't really speak for him.
 +
 +
[Alma] I will try, or if you want to drop in... maybe he won't feel right giving advice without seeing them. But if he has some time to think about it...
 +
* Ysabeau nods. I'll talk to him...
 +
 +
[Ysabeau] Are you and Danyel going to adopt them, do you think?
 +
 +
[Ysabeau] Because if that's the case then it makes no sense for me to bring that up with Martan... :/
 +
 +
[Alma] I don't know what is the right thing to do... maybe neither of us are right. They've got relatives, after all...
 +
 +
[Alma] I mean, not just Emkathon
 +
 +
[Ysabeau] Oh, I didn't realize.
 +
 +
[Ysabeau] Yes, if there are relatives they should be tracked down. :/
 +
 +
[Alma] It's ... complicated, and maybe ...
 +
 +
[Alma] Maybe that's not the best plan either.
 +
* Alma looks down at her holy symbol.
 +
 +
[Ysabeau] Something to clarify with Owl, maybe...
 +
 +
[Alma] Oh Gods, give me strength.
 +
* Ysabeau looks at you with concern.
 +
 +
[Ysabeau] Are you going to be all right?
 +
 +
[Alma] There's just so many decisions, and none of them easy, or small.
 +
* Ysabeau nods.
 +
 +
[Alma] And giving them away wouldn't make them any smaller, so ...
 +
 +
[Alma] I have the incense to perform your Legend Lore, if you'd like...
 +
 +
[Ysabeau] Oh...
 +
* Ysabeau looks anxious, suddenly.
 +
 +
[Alma] We've had a long evening, if you'd like to wait.
 +
 +
[Ysabeau] I... I don't know if I want one.
 +
 +
[Ysabeau] I'm trying to come to terms with the ones I already know, and I think I have, mostly.
 +
 +
[Ysabeau] Another one... especially if it's as ambiguous as Martan's and M. Belden's...
 +
* Alma nods.
 +
 +
[Ysabeau] I'd rather just live the time I have with him to the fullest.
 +
 +
[Ysabeau] But then he... he might want to know.
 +
* Ysabeau looks conflicted.
 +
 +
[Alma] If... you think there's any chance that we could learn something to put your fears at ease, then you wouldn't have to live with this anxiety.
 +
 +
[Alma] I wish I could guarantee that...
 +
 +
[Ysabeau] I spoke with Theonee... she knew who he was, before I spoke with her.
 +
 +
[Alma] Oh?
 +
* Ysabeau nods.
 +
 +
[Ysabeau] She doesn't know anything more about this than we do.
 +
 +
[Alma] I find that hard to believe...
 +
 +
[Ysabeau] She's resigned to sacrificing herself.
 +
 +
[Ysabeau] She said she'd do everything she could to... save him.
 +
 +
[Alma] Precisely. She knows what that sacrifice is. She knows the Order may come for her, and what they want to do.
 +
 +
[Ysabeau] I don't think it's the Order.
 +
 +
[Alma] When I spoke with her, she said something like, if the Order wills it, they will come for her.
 +
 +
[Alma] I've thought about going back and asking her about what *I* will. If that's all it takes to get her to do something, then I can will her to do something.
 +
 +
[Ysabeau] And she probably meant it. She is very accepting of things. That doesn't mean it's the Order that will come.
 +
 +
[Alma] So she didn't say anything about that?
 +
 +
[Alma] Well she certainly sounded like she meant the Order, as that's who I was talking about.
 +
 +
[Ysabeau] Well, I wasn't there, obviously.
 +
* Alma nods
 +
 +
[Ysabeau] But I think it's much more metaphysical than the Order. That's the impression I got, anyway.
 +
* Ysabeau sighs.
 +
 +
[Alma] It just makes me question how she truly can't tell you more...
 +
 +
[Alma] I think she's seen something. She's seen something, and it seems inevitable to her, so she has no will to change it.
 +
 +
[Ysabeau] I think it's more that she believes whatever the change is, will be for the best.
 +
 +
[Alma] Then she certainly can tell you more.
 +
 +
[Ysabeau] But I don't get the feeling that she really knows what that change will be.
 +
 +
[Ysabeau] Other than what we already figure it will be: the Serpent returning.
 +
 +
[Alma] What gives her such confidence then?
 +
 +
[Ysabeau] The same thing that gave me such confidence in Justen and Mercy, perhaps.
 +
 +
[Alma] Well I'm sorry, Ysabeau, but faith and hope aren't everything.
 +
 +
[Ysabeau] I guess... maybe a Legend Lore of me would help you figure out what is going on.
 +
 +
[Alma] I don't want Aveyrone to be another Am.
 +
 +
[Ysabeau] But if it confirms that Martan is going to die, or I am going to die, or the baby is going to die, then I don't want to know it.
 +
 +
[Alma] But if I don't tell you what it says, you'll just worry...
 +
 +
[Ysabeau] No.
 +
 +
[Alma] I could promise not to tell you about it at all...
 +
 +
[Alma] I suppose.
 +
 +
[Ysabeau] You can cast it, and tell me about it or not.
 +
 +
[Alma] Come... we'll sit somewhere more comfortable...
 +
* Alma gets you a little plate of something to drink and snack on and takes is to one of the more comfortable rooms and lights a lantern.
 +
 +
[Alma] I think the best thing would be if I don't tell you tonight, until I've had time to think it over.
 +
 +
[Ysabeau] All right.
 +
 +
[Ysabeau] I can tell Martan you did it, then he can come ask you about it if he wants.
 +
* Alma nods.
 +
* Alma will set things up and waits until you're comfortable before she begins to cast.
 +
* Ysabeau seems fine.
 +
* Alma is only ten minutes or so before she stops her slow chant as the lore comes to her.
 +
* Alma writes it down.
 +
 +
[Alma] Well... I hope that wasn't too long.
 +
* Alma closes her notebook and sets it aside.
 +
* Alma helps you up.
 +
 +
[Ysabeau] No, only about ten minutes.
 +
 +
[Ysabeau] Thank you.
 +
* Ysabeau stands up heavily.
 +
 +
[Alma] Did you come by carriage?
 +
 +
[Alma] What a silly question...
 +
* Alma looks down at your stomach.
 +
 +
[Alma] I can walk with you there if you'd like.
 +
* Alma is intently not thinking about the Legend Lore.
 +
 +
[Ysabeau] What's the weather doing? He'll kill me if I walk home in a cold rain. ;)
 +
* Ysabeau peeks out a window.
 +
 +
[Alma] You didn't walk here? :o
 +
 +
[Alma] I said it was a silly question because walking here so big and round would be silly!
 +
 +
[Alma] I'll send someone for a carriage...
 +
 +
[Ysabeau] I hired a carriage from the Castalia to here, but I let the driver go when I arrived; figured another cab would come by.
 +
 +
[Alma] I'll have someone fetch one for you.
 +
* Alma probably has some sort of runner nearby, though not at the house, or arranged with neighbours to have their urchins sub-in for the moment.
 +
 +
[Ysabeau] Thank you.
 +
 +
[Alma] If you'd like to go see them again, until I get back?
 +
* Ysabeau grins happily.
 +
* Alma will return and visit with you adn the sleeping twins until teh cab arrives.
 +
 +
 +
===Sanadhil and Dozilva===
 +
* Sanadhil is curled up in a chair surrounded by a rather random seeming pile of stuff, cluthcing a pair of rather expensive looking books but starring in sort of vacant panic at a small wooden box that's been up-ended and/or tossed across the room....
 +
* Sanadhil looks pale, singed, dishevelled, and smells vaguely of fire
 +
* Dozilva comes in, already looking anxious, and sees this scene before her.
 +
 +
[Dozilva] Oh, you're all right!
 +
* Sanadhil seems to proicess her entrance and address a little slowly, and starts a moment or two after she speaks
 +
 +
[Dozilva] I heard there was a fire, at the Society, but you are safe.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] I...
 +
* Sanadhil clutches his books
 +
* Dozilva would hug you, but you are full of books. So instead she tries to gently take them out of your hands.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] No.
 +
 +
[Dozilva] ...
 +
* Sanadhil shrinks back with them in hand still, a little wild eyeed, as though he is only half seeing her
 +
* Dozilva crouches down beside you.
 +
 +
[Dozilva] It is all right... It's safe here.
 +
* Sanadhil shakes his head.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] no.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] Its gone, and everythings burning
 +
* Dozilva shakes her head too.
 +
 +
[Dozilva] No.. I heard that the fire is out.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] I keep seeing it - I can't stop seeing it... every time
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] and its all..
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] everything is mixed up
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] and its gone
 +
 +
[Dozilva] What is gone?
 +
* Sanadhil 's eyes are watery and red and it looks like he is trying not to cry, or not to blink, or maybe both
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] The star
 +
 +
[Dozilva] The ... oh.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] Its all I could do
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] I couldn't*stay* there
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] and its still gone
 +
* Dozilva is confused, but listening.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] All the fire.. again the fire...
 +
 +
[Dozilva] You were very brave.
 +
* Sanadhil shakes his head, looking down away from her, curing even more around his books
 +
* Dozilva takes you by the shoulders to hold you/keep you from completely curling up in a ball.
 +
 +
[Dozilva] You saved all these things?
 +
* Sanadhil is possibly shaking a little
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] The books are all they would let me take
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] I coldn't carry it all
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] they toook everything else
 +
 +
[Dozilva] No one could have carried it all. You did everything you could.
 +
* Dozilva strokes your hair.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] There was no one else*left*
 +
 +
[Dozilva] Of course - everyone had to get out.
 +
* Sanadhil tries to choke back a sob
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] no that' not... its not right.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] I'm sorry, I can't...
 +
 +
[Dozilva] It's all right. I'm here now.
 +
* Dozilva holds you.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] I can't make it*stop*
 +
 +
[Dozilva] In your head?
 +
* Dozilva asks uncertainly
 +
* Sanadhil nods
 +
 +
[Dozilva] You can meditate. Deep breaths. It will stop eventually. Then you can think more clearly.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] I can't!
 +
 +
[Dozilva] Yes, you can.
 +
* Sanadhil makes a token effort, drawing in a shaky, vaguely wheezing breath
 +
 +
[Dozilva] You know this is real. Here, now. This is what is real, not in your mind.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] I can still see it - I can still smell it.. all the burning... the books, people...
 +
 +
[Dozilva] Yes, but you are safe, and these books are safe, and I'm sure that other people saved others as well.
 +
* Sanadhil looks up at her again
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] he thought we were there...
 +
 +
[Dozilva] Maybe. We cannot know ... why. But he did not get you.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] I know why.
 +
 +
[Dozilva] All right... why?
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] Because of Thea.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil]*takes another breath, trying to hang on to this line of thought
 +
 +
[Dozilva] If so, why are not your other friends attacked? THey have not been, as far as we know?
 +
 +
[Dozilva] So maybe there is another reason we do not know.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] we haven't been together, not so many
 +
 +
[Dozilva] He can go where he wants - he could attack them in the street or their homes... you do not have to all be together.
 +
* Dozilva realizes this is probably not comforting, and stops.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil]*take another panicky breath*
 +
 +
[Dozilva] Maybe the target was not you, is all that I mean.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] It was.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] We have been careful
 +
 +
[Dozilva] Yes, you have.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] I still can't think!
 +
* Dozilva nods.
 +
 +
[Dozilva] It will get better... you are still distraught.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] I keep seeing everything...
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] And I've looked everythwere and it isn't here!
 +
 +
[Dozilva] Maybe someone else took it.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] They'll think it was me
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] The Countess will think it was me
 +
 +
[Dozilva] Maybe... but if someone else has it, then it will turn up soon I'm sure.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] No one was supposed to have it.
 +
 +
[Dozilva] maybe not... but in the confusion, perhaps someone else took it.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil]*shakes his head*
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] Vianca was*right there*
 +
 +
[Dozilva] It will all work out... you are not to blame.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] I can't... I don't know.
 +
 +
[Dozilva] You need to rest now.
 +
 +
[Dozilva] It will be clearer when you are calm again.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] I've been trying...
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] But I keep thinking of the fire, and the dreams
 +
 +
[Dozilva] What dreams?
 +
* Sanadhil just shakes his head again
 +
 +
[Dozilva] You can tell me.
 +
* Dozilva says more firmly.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] I can't
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] I can't talk about it
 +
* Sanadhil shrinks back around his books
 +
 +
[Dozilva] ... a different fire? a dream about fire?
 +
* Sanadhil fights back more panics
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] Stop.
 +
 +
[Dozilva] No. you cannot do this alone. I am not going to stop and leave you to curl yourself into a ball.
 +
 +
[Dozilva] It would be better for you to rest, but you cannot, and you will not, until you tell me what is going on.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] There was afire... at the society... Kavreshar came, when we were in the other planes...
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] We came back and everything was burning... I tried to save things
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] Vianca couldn't put it out
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] She gave me the box
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] but it was gone
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] The star
 +
* Dozilva nods
 +
 +
[Dozilva] I understand that much...
 +
 +
[Dozilva] I understand it is worrying, to not know where it is, and frightening to be attacked in that way - if it was directed at you, which we cannot know for sure.
 +
 +
[Dozilva] But you are ... more upset than that.
 +
* Sanadhil takes a deep breath, trying to seem calm @_@
 +
* Dozilva seems unconvinced by your fake calm :
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] I don't wan't to think about it - I don't want to talk about it, it won't help, please...
 +
 +
[Dozilva] ... All right.
 +
 +
[Dozilva] But I am not going away.
 +
* Sanadhil nods
 +
 +
[Dozilva] Put these things down - they will be safe here.
 +
* Sanadhil looks down at the books - ancient handbound volumes in Cozovode, and strokes the cover of the top one
 +
* Dozilva gently takes hold of them
 +
* Sanadhil tenses up, but lets her take them, not taking his eyes off them
 +
 +
[Dozilva] trust me - I am a librarian.
 +
* Sanadhil nods slowly
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] (they are [probably a little singed themselves @_@)
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] (Though not freshly)
 +
* Dozilva puts them carefully on a table.
 +
 +
[Dozilva] Now, come rest. We can talk more when you are feeling calmer.
 +
* Sanadhil looks back at her
 +
* Sanadhil looks are the mess around him, and winces, and reaches out for her
 +
* Dozilva wraps you in her arms
 +
* Dozilva will lead you to lie down and rest.
 +
* Sanadhil will try @_@
 +
 +
 +
===Sanadhil and Taralynn===
 +
* Sanadhil tap gently at the door to his shared chambers upoing returning from teaching to let Dozilva know it is him
 +
* Dozilva comes to the door, in her human disguise.
 +
* Sanadhil opens and is vaguely surprised to see her in that seeming
 +
 +
[Dozilva] My dear, there is a young lady who has come to see you... she's inside. We've just been talking.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] A young lady?
 +
 +
[Dozilva] Her name is Taralynn Rademacher? You know her, apparently.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] Ahh...
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] I see.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] . o O ( Apparently? What ahve they been talking about @_@)
 +
* Dozilva steps aside to let you into the room.
 +
* Sanadhil steps inside, then
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] Good Afternoon.
 +
* Taralynn is sitting in one of the two chairs, with a baby in her arms.
 +
* Taralynn looks upset.
 +
 +
[Taralynn] I'm sorry... I don't mean to bother you...
 +
* Sanadhil glances at Dozilva
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] What's going on?
 +
* Sanadhil asks tara
 +
 +
[Taralynn] I...
 +
* Taralynn looks at Dozilva too, uncertainly.
 +
 +
[Dozilva] I can go, if you need to talk in private.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] Maybe that would be best.
 +
* Dozilva nods, and will step outside then.
 +
 +
[Taralynn] Is she your lover? I suppose she must be. She's very pretty...
 +
* Sanadhil watches her go, his expression unreadable, before turning back to tara
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] What's the matter, Tara?
 +
* Taralynn bursts into tears.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] ....
 +
 +
[Taralynn] They want to... try to take him away from me... again...
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] what?
 +
* Taralynn says between gasps.
 +
* Sanadhil will try to appear very calm hoping that it willtransfer @_@
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] The baby?
 +
 +
[Taralynn] Tristan.
 +
* Taralynn says, nodding.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] Who's trying to take him away?
 +
 +
[Taralynn] Theron's family... well his mother... she's hired a nurse, and she says I shouldn't nurse him myself anymore, and that it'll be better if I let her take care of everything...
 +
* Sanadhil comes a little closer, but not super close @_@
 +
 +
[Taralynn] And Theron just goes along with whatever she says.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] Let who take care of everything? The Nurse?
 +
* Taralynn nods.
 +
 +
[Taralynn] She says that *ladies* don't nurse their own babies, only common folk who don't have any choice do that.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] Ah...
 +
 +
[Taralynn] It makes me so scared... I just want to take him and run away.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] They don't understand.
 +
 +
[Taralynn] No...
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] Does Theron know?
 +
 +
[Taralynn] well, they don't know.
 +
 +
[Taralynn] No!
 +
* Sanadhil nods again, slowly.
 +
 +
[Taralynn] I wish we had never moved into that house, I wish we had just stayed on our own.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] You moved in there?
 +
* Sanadhil sounds surprised at that
 +
* Taralynn nods.
 +
 +
[Taralynn] Well, after the baby was born, Theron thought it would be good to have the extra space, and the help... and I agreed, but his mother is so... I don't know...
 +
* Taralynn searches for the right words.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] possessive?
 +
* Sanadhil guesses @_@
 +
* Sanadhil eyes the baby in question
 +
 +
[Taralynn] I don't think so.
 +
 +
[Taralynn] I don't know.
 +
 +
[Taralynn] She doesn't want to take care of him herself. I don't really think she much likes babies at all.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] Hmm.
 +
 +
[Taralynn] She just thinks I ought to do the same. So that people won't think I'm the help, instead of a proper lady :p
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] Does this Nurse have any more sense?
 +
 +
[Taralynn] I heard her say that to Theron, I don't think she knew I was listening...
 +
 +
[Taralynn] Oh, she just does what the person paying her tells her.
 +
* Sanadhil shakes his head
 +
 +
[Taralynn] I know nobles are different... I didn't know it would be like this, though.
 +
 +
[Taralynn][q] And I'm afraid that she'll tell me I have to go, but keep Theron and Tristan.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] You don't have to listen to her.
 +
 +
[Taralynn] She never wanted him to marry me in the first place, and maybe they can find some way to dissolve the marriage, I don't know...
 +
* Taralynn is getting more anxious again.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] If she wanted you gone, she wouldn't care if you seemed liek a proper lady or not.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] She wouldn't expect it of you.
 +
 +
[Taralynn] But if I can't be! If I'm not good enough!
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] Of course you're good enough.
 +
 +
[Taralynn] I never know the right fork to use or the right thing to say.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] Those are things you can learn.
 +
 +
[Taralynn] What if I let him go and something happens to him?
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] its just training... it doens't make them better people
 +
* Taralynn holds her sleeping baby closer.
 +
* Sanadhil sits down across from her
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] What are you afraid will happen?
 +
 +
[Taralynn] Anything could happen. What if the nurse doesn't take good care of him? what if he gets sick?
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] You're still there, Tara.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] YOu can see what she's doing.YOu can tell her what to so.
 +
 +
[Taralynn] ...If they don't need me anymore, then they can send me away.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] Theron still needs you.
 +
 +
[Taralynn] Not as much... not with his mother there.
 +
 +
[Taralynn] He listens to her more than me :(
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] Maybe you should convince him to move out again.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] Agree to keep the nurse... but once you are all out of her house, she'll have to listen to you instead
 +
 +
[Taralynn] I don't think he'd listen. He just says that the baby is wearing me out too much and wouldn't it be nicer to get to sleep more, and goes along with what his mother says.
 +
 +
[Taralynn] There's not the room at his flat, either. I don't know where we would go... we'd have to find somewhere with enough room.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] YOu do look.... very tired.
 +
* Sanadhil says, though he is really not one to talk @_@
 +
 +
[Taralynn] I haven't been sleeping much...
 +
* Sanadhil nods understandlingly
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] Maybe he's just concerned.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] About you.
 +
 +
[Taralynn] ...
 +
 +
[Taralynn] Maybe.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] He probably thinks his mother knows what she is doing....
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] They can't understand what they're asking you.
 +
 +
[Taralynn] I think he probably wishes we hadn't had the baby... he wishes things were like they were before, and he thinks if I stop
 +
nursing him that it'll go back to that.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] Mmm.
 +
 +
[Taralynn] He hasn't said that in so many words, but... that's what he thinks.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] He misses you?
 +
 +
[Taralynn] I suppose so.
 +
* Sanadhil shakes his head
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] You don't have to tell them the truth tara, but you should tell them something they can understand.
 +
 +
[Taralynn] Like what?
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] That's you've lost a child before.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] ?
 +
 +
[Taralynn] ...
 +
 +
[Taralynn] Lady Sydona already thinks I'm a whore... that'll just confirm it in her mind :/
 +
 +
[Taralynn] but I suppose she wouldn't think worse of me, anyhow.
 +
* Sanadhil nods
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] Tell Theron - let him deal with her.
 +
 +
[Taralynn] Maybe you're right...
 +
 +
[Taralynn] I know I can't really run away.
 +
* Sanadhil nods again
 +
 +
[Taralynn] They'd find me...
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] it's terrifying, isn't it @_@
 +
* Taralynn nods.
 +
 +
[Taralynn] It's funny... I was ready to stay with Theron forever. Or I thought I was. It took me a long time to feel that way, but .. he needed me.
 +
* Taralynn says with a shrug.
 +
* Sanadhil nods
 +
 +
[Taralynn] But all of this, and I'd leave him in a second if it meant I knew Tristan would be safe.
 +
 +
[Taralynn] but I wouldn't really know, would I.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] he'll be safe, Tara.
 +
* Taralynn shakes her head.
 +
 +
[Taralynn] I can't ever be sure.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] ...
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] :|
 +
 +
[Taralynn] And he needs me more.
 +
* Sanadhil nods
 +
* Sanadhil is feeling a little lost in the conversation at this point, with no real frame of reference @_@
 +
 +
[Taralynn] She wants me to act like a lady? Well*real* ladies do what they want, don't they.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] The empress still feeds her child.
 +
 +
[Taralynn] Exactly! I can tell her that.
 +
* Sanadhil nods
 +
 +
[Taralynn] They won't take him away from me.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] No, they won't.
 +
 +
[Taralynn] And Theron will just have to understand that things will be different for a while.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] Yes.
 +
* Sanadhil tries a supportive smile
 +
 +
[Taralynn] I mean, there are lots of things we can still do...
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] ...
 +
 +
[Taralynn] just I'm a bit more tired, that's all.
 +
* Taralynn says stubbornly.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] You should try to get some rest, Tara.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] YOu can't look out for him if you can't look after yourself.
 +
 +
[Taralynn] I... I'll try.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] I know its hard.
 +
 +
[Taralynn] I feel like I have to be watching all the time, in case... I don't even know what.
 +
 +
[Taralynn] In case something awful happens.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] You're not alone, now, Tara.
 +
* Taralynn nods slowly.
 +
 +
[Taralynn] I know... I know in my head that it's not the same this time. But it's so hard to trust them...
 +
* Sanadhil nods
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] I understand.
 +
 +
[Taralynn] But.. I can try to let them watch for a while, and rest.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] Yes.
 +
 +
[Taralynn] ...you look tired too.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] Mm.
 +
 +
[Taralynn] Can she - your friend - can she watch for you?
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] ...
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] She tries.
 +
* Taralynn nods.
 +
 +
[Taralynn] And you try to let her?
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] It's very....exposing.
 +
* Sanadhil says, somewhat warily
 +
 +
[Taralynn] Yes.
 +
* Taralynn agrees.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] And its tiring.
 +
* Sanadhil sighs at the irony.
 +
 +
[Taralynn] :/
 +
* Sanadhil waves dismissively
 +
* Taralynn juggles the baby to her other arm as he starts to wake.
 +
 +
[Taralynn] I should probably go. They'll be wondering where we are...
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] What did you say to her?
 +
 +
[Taralynn] I told her I was an old friend of yours.
 +
* Taralynn says as she stands to get ready to depart.
 +
* Sanadhil nods
 +
 +
[Taralynn] Nothing else, really...
 +
 +
[Taralynn] I asked about her, more, to keep her from asking about me.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] Ah.
 +
* Sanadhil stands as well.
 +
 +
[Taralynn] She seems nice.
 +
* Taralynn says with an effort at a smile.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] Thank you.
 +
 +
[Taralynn] Maybe some evening you two can come to the Rademachers' house for dinner.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] Perhaps, yes.
 +
 +
[Taralynn] I'd like that.
 +
* Sanadhil nods
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] I'll see, then.
 +
* Taralynn wraps her shawl around herself and the baby to go back out.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] Good luck, Tara - take care of yourself.
 +
 +
[Taralynn] ...thank you. Nobody else understands.
 +
 +
[Taralynn] And you - practice what you preach, hm?
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] I'll try.
 +
* Taralynn smiles, a bit more genuinely this time, and leaves.
 +
* Sanadhil will go curl up in a chair for a bit.
 +
* Dozilva knocks at the door a little while later.
 +
* Sanadhil will get up to answer the door
 +
 +
[Dozilva] Can I come in?
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] Yes.
 +
* Dozilva does, then.
 +
 +
[Dozilva] Poor girl...
 +
* Sanadhil stops her once she closes the door behind her, and takes the hairclip out and sets it aside.
 +
* Dozilva shakes her head a bit to let her hair fall loose.
 +
 +
[Dozilva] Are you ... well?
 +
* Sanadhil nods, then runs a hand through her shaken loose hair, and then hugs her, maybe a little awkwardly
 +
* Dozilva is slightly surprised, but hugs back.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] No.
 +
 +
[Dozilva] You held together for her, though.
 +
* Sanadhil nods
 +
 +
[Dozilva] That was very strong.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] It was just...necessary.
 +
 +
[Dozilva] She must be a very good friend.
 +
* Dozilva sounds oddly ..respectful.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] She needs me.
 +
* Dozilva nods.
 +
* Sanadhil finally lets her go @_@
 +
 +
[Dozilva] And what do you need?
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] I don't know.
 +
* Sanadhil says, honestly.
 +
* Dozilva considers this for a moment.
 +
 +
[Dozilva] Do you need me?
 +
* Dozilva 's tone is not flirty, but more practical.
 +
* Sanadhil hesitates
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] I...
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] That's a hard question.
 +
* Dozilva nods.
 +
* Dozilva isn't letting it drop, however.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] I don't know. I don't know what I would do, without you.
 +
 +
[Dozilva] I am not going away.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] I know.
 +
 +
[Dozilva] You hope, or you know?
 +
* Dozilva takes your hand, bringing it to her chest.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] You scare me.
 +
* Dozilva doesn't seem too surprised to hear that.
 +
* Sanadhil squeezes her hand though
 +
 +
[Dozilva] Need is scary.
 +
* Sanadhil nods
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] You don't seem very scared.
 +
 +
[Dozilva] I...
 +
* Dozilva hesitates.
 +
 +
[Dozilva] I have had all my scared. When I decided I would come here for you, not knowing what it would bring.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] (SM?)
 +
 +
[Dozilva] Maybe still I have some.
 +
* Dozilva admits.
 +
 +
[Dozilva] But it is less each day.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] ...
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] Why?
 +
 +
[Dozilva] Because you let me in more. Because you let me need you more.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] I'm....sorry, that I'm so difficult.
 +
 +
[Dozilva] Being together with you here, in this room... I know it is not what you wanted.
 +
 +
[Dozilva] I know it is hard sometimes, when you would rather be alone.
 +
* Sanadhil nods
 +
 +
[Dozilva] But you do it anyway. That is ... important.
 +
 +
[Dozilva] It makes me feel that it is all right for me to want to be near you.
 +
 +
[Dozilva] That you will not push me away.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] YOu won't let me.
 +
 +
[Dozilva] Not easily.
 +
 +
[Dozilva] I would not like it... but if you pushed hard enough...
 +
* Sanadhil shakes his head
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] I don't want you to go.
 +
 +
[Dozilva] I know.
 +
 +
[Dozilva] I don't want you to go either.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] Good.
 +
* Dozilva strokes your hair.
 +
* Sanadhil squeezes her hand again, and will lean forward to kiss her
 +
* Dozilva kisses back.
 +
 +
[Dozilva] ...anything you need... you can tell me...
 +
* Dozilva says, between kisses.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] It's not you.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] There are just some things.... I can't talk about @_@
 +
* Sanadhil tenses again/more
 +
 +
[Dozilva] I mean now... what you want from me...
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] oh @_@
 +
* Dozilva rubs her hands down your back, trying to loosen those tensed muscles.
 +
* Sanadhil quells that rising panic
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] I just... Let me show you.
 +
* Sanadhil says, trailing his thumb along one of the scars on her face
 +
* Dozilva nods.
 +
* Sanadhil will draw her back toward the bedroom @_@
 +
* Dozilva goes willingly.
  
 
{{d2}}{{d2-log}}
 
{{d2}}{{d2-log}}

Revision as of 17:43, 29 October 2011

Diablotin 2 session logs
Previous Session 77 Next

Summary

Session

Session date:
Diablotin date:

Prologue

[DiablotinNarrator] (OK, what's your plan?)

  • Sanadhil is gog to use shadow walk to take us to the SP

[DiablotinNarrator] where are you starting from? the society?

[Ilphere] Meet Sanadhil for pre-shadow plane snacks!

[Sanadhil] heh

[Ilphere] Society is probably ok

[Sanadhil] The soeciety woudl work, or the Castalia

[Sanadhil] it woudl put us closer to Imraen

[Ilphere] good point

[DiablotinNarrator] Society it is. It would indeed put you close to where you need to be.

[Sanadhil] okay

[Sanadhil] I wasn't sure :3

Some PCs wake Imraen

  • Nycaise will join you there, then.

[Sanadhil] Once we're at the tower, Mme Olivier can use her magic to increase our mental fortitue, to make sure everyone can approach Imraen

[Sanadhil] Once we close, you can secure her and I suppose I will... go to sleep.

[Sanadhil] after which you can proceed with awakening her...

  • Guillame crosses his fingers

[Sanadhil] Though i'm not sure if we have a clear idea*exactly* how to proceed in that matter...

[Sanadhil] I trust you all can figure it out

[Ysabeau] M. Orecalo, I will be able to make all of you more resistant to charm or fear-based spells. As for increasing mental fortitude I will only be able to help one.

  • Sanadhil nods

[Sanadhil] I think that the Duke may be the best choice then - no offence, monsieur.

  • Sanadhil inclines his head to Guy

[Guillame] I*am* the liability, it seems!

  • Guillame says, trying to be lighthearted about it

[Sanadhil] You're not a caster - I am hoping Mlle L'Averti will not be influenced by the spell surrounding the Tal'Antar because of her heritage.

[Ysabeau] Only insofar as mind control type spells. If there were traps or things like that, you'd be the expert. I'd stumble into them all unawares.

[Nycaise] It's an aversion spell of some sort? Antipathy?

[Sanadhil] yes

  • Sanadhil nods to both ladies

[Ilphere] I can cast a spell to enhance the mental fortitude of the group...

  • Ysabeau remembers how Guillame nearly killed her with one shot back when we were dealing with Sanadhil's statue.

[Ilphere] That should help as well...

  • Nycaise nods.

[Nycaise] Well, are we prepared, then?

[Sanadhil] I believe so

  • Sanadhil will cast mage armour before we go, just in cast, then hold out his arms for everyone to take hold so that he can cast the spell

[Ilphere] (Mage armour here too)

[DiablotinNarrator] (ok)

  • Sanadhil will pull us all the way from the border of the planes to the SP proper

[DiablotinNarrator] You proceed to the plane of Shadow, with the intent of waking its queen and then bringing her into the realm of dreams, where Ruchard says he can help her.

[DiablotinNarrator] The strange sights of the abandoned city are almost familiar to you now - the haunting flashes of colour and movement left by long-ago moments of pain or fear or madness that have left their psychic impression on this world.

[DiablotinNarrator] You make your way to the spire where Imraen remains in her suspended animation, passing by the silent statues and abandoned rooms, climbing the long, winding staircase that leads to the summit.

[DiablotinNarrator] As before, Imraen lies motionless on her slab of stone, her hands folded atop her simple grey robe, her eyes closed, her white hair held back by a silver circlet set with a moonstone on her brow.

[Nycaise] Do you wish me to test whether I can approach her?

  • Sanadhil walks around her while the thers prepare the spells that will make sure they can get closer

[Sanadhil] yes.

[Sanadhil] if you try to flee, we can restrain yiu and break the enchantment

  • Nycaise nods.
  • Nycaise will cautiously attempt to approach the queen, then.

[Nycaise] Nothing so far...

  • Sanadhil nods
  • Nycaise comes right up to her without apparent difficulty.

[Sanadhil] You shouldn't need to touch her, I dont think

  • Sanadhil smiles in satisfaction
  • Nycaise looks down at her with a strange expression, something between scholarly curiosity and affection.
  • Sanadhil looks to the others to complete their preparations, then

[Nycaise] She's been here so long... poor thing.

  • Ysabeau will sing her songs if this is when we need them?

[Sanadhil] It is a fascinating situation... it is difficult not to feel some sympathy, even knowing whst the world she created for herself can be like.

  • Guillame digs out the handy cup from his pack

[Sanadhil] (yes songs now!)

[Sanadhil] I suppose I will set up over here...

  • Sanadhil brought a bedroll, and has probably not slept or rested much before coming, so that he can hopefully go to sleep wthout much trouble
  • Sanadhil listens to ysa's singing and tries not to think about the fact that he is making hmself vulnerable in front of all these people, etc @_@
  • Sanadhil watches to make sure guy does't immediately freak out though

[DiablotinNarrator] (also, don't think about pink elephants)

  • Ysabeau sings Inspire Courage so all of you get +1 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +1 morale bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls

[DiablotinNarrator] Guy, the cup's faint light seems brighter here, reflecting off the pale walls.

  • Ysabeau sings a special song for Guillame to Inspire Heroics (a +4 morale bonus on saving throws and a +4 dodge bonus to AC)

[Ysabeau] (These last for a minute after I stop singing them, so better act fast... ;) )

  • Ysabeau will continue singing Guillame's song, though

[Sanadhil] (Presumably Ilphere can cast her mass OW now too])

[DiablotinNarrator] (yes, I'm assuming she does)

[Guillame] Uh, so...

  • Guillame tries the simple approach first, touching the cup/hand to Imraen

[DiablotinNarrator] As you approach her, make a Will save, please.

[DiablotinNarrator] (including your various bonuses of course)

[Guillame] (Sec, google docs is being slow)

  • Guillame rolls 1d20+12: (20)+ 12 = 32

[Guillame] (Woah!)

[DiablotinNarrator] You approach her without encountering any resistance.

  • Nycaise is also standing nearby, just in case.
  • Guillame is looking nervous

[DiablotinNarrator] You do feel some slight discomfort at being there, but nothing that would make you have to flee - and maybe it's just nerves anyway?

  • Guillame holds the chalice close over imraen, and tries to pour/shine it's glow onto her

[DiablotinNarrator] The light gleams on her skin, but nothing seems to happen.

  • Guillame touches the base of the chalice to her forehead
  • Guillame allows the hand to rest against her skin

[DiablotinNarrator] As the hand touches her skin, its grip loosens as it cracks, then crumbles to grey dust, whatever force that preserved it so long having apparently vacated it.

[Ilphere] ..Shine the light in her eyes...!

  • Ilphere suggests.

[Ilphere] (oh too late)

  • Guillame waits for a reaction before trying Ilphere's suggestion

[DiablotinNarrator] Something in the hand's dust is swirling - shadowy tendrils rising from the remains. A figure, about humanoid-sized but still amorphous, is taking shape, and you can feel a sudden surge of hatred and rage.

[DiablotinNarrator] (you all, that is)

[DiablotinNarrator] Will saves all around!

  • Sanadhil too?

[Ysabeau] (27)

[DiablotinNarrator] (San - how good are you at sleeping? ;)

[Guillame] (again?)

[Sanadhil] (not very good ;_;)

[DiablotinNarrator] (yes, again for you)

  • Guillame rolls 1d20+12: (2)+ 12 = 14

[Sanadhil] (also is it enchantment, and/or mind affecting?)

[DiablotinNarrator] (we'll go with mind-affecting, the desc is ... unclear, let's say)

  • Guillame rolls 1d20+12: (13)+ 12 = 25

[DiablotinNarrator] (yeah 14 isn't going to cut it - if you want a Destiny reroll, this might be a good time to use it...)

[DiablotinNarrator] (ok)

[Sanadhil] (I got a 40 he can have some of that @_@)

[DiablotinNarrator] San, with a roll that super, you can stay asleep - no telling what the 'surge of hatred' might to do your dreams, though...

[Sanadhil] (yaaaay -_-)

[DiablotinNarrator] The mental howling continues, but you seem able to resist the worst of its effects. And now we'll roll init.

[Ysabeau] (11)

[DiablotinNarrator] (Nycaise is at 14, Hate Spirit or whatever it is is at 21.)

  • Guillame rolls 1d20+5: (13)+ 5 = 18

[DiablotinNarrator] So our order will be Spirit, Guillame, Ilphere, Nycaise, Ysa.

  • HateSpirit is right next to Guillame, conveniently, so will attack him.

[DiablotinNarrator] (AC to hit, minus armor?)

[Guillame] (Google docs so sloooow :( )

[Sanadhil] (Don't forget your +4 though!)

[Guillame] (19)

[Guillame] (Unless it's a trap :P)

[DiablotinNarrator] Its shadowy tendrils sweep through you, chilling but not harming you.

[DiablotinNarrator] Guillame's turn.

[Guillame] Brr!

  • Guillame leaves the cup precariously balanced on Imraen, so as to draw his short sword

[DiablotinNarrator] OK, that's fine - anything else?

  • Guillame will return the swipe, if I have enough actions?

[DiablotinNarrator] (it's a move action to draw, so you can still attack, or move half your movement)

  • Guillame attacks

[DiablotinNarrator] ok, roll

  • Guillame rolls 1d20+18: (1)+ 18 = 19
  • Guillame rolls 1d20+13: (16)+ 13 = 29

[DiablotinNarrator] (that's a magic weapon, right?)

[Guillame] (Yes, +2)

[DiablotinNarrator] (just checking for purposes of DR)

[DiablotinNarrator] The second one will hit, you can roll damage.

  • Guillame rolls 1d20+8: (7)+ 8 = 15

[Guillame] (Forgot I have 3 attacks)

  • Guillame rolls 1d6+5: (1)+ 5 = 6

[DiablotinNarrator] ok.

[DiablotinNarrator] Ilphere's turn.

  • Ilphere begins to summon a Babau.

[DiablotinNarrator] Ok - on to Nycaise.

  • Nycaise will cast a MM at the shadow-thing.

[DiablotinNarrator] Ysa's turn.

  • Ysabeau will summon celestial brown bear(s)

[DiablotinNarrator] OK - back around to the Spirit, then.

  • HateSpirit will attack Guy again, since he's so conveniently located.

[DiablotinNarrator] You take 8 damage from its attack, but also feel strangely... drained. You have gained 2 negative levels.

[DiablotinNarrator] Guy's turn.

[DiablotinNarrator] (Guy, while you're there, make a Spot check)

  • Guillame rolls 1d20+17: (6)+ 17 = 23

[DiablotinNarrator] You note, out of the corner of your eye, that the cup seems brighter than before.

  • Guillame swaps his sword for the cup and attacks again

[DiablotinNarrator] (so, trying to club it with the cup?)

[Guillame] (yup!)

[Guillame] (How do the -ve levels affect my attack?)

[DiablotinNarrator] (I pasted the effects in ooc)

[Guillame] (kk)

[DiablotinNarrator] You lift the cup, and suddenly the light is blinding, filling the room with the blazing light of day.

[DiablotinNarrator] The shadowy figure shrinks back from the light, and you find that you can direct the beam to some extent.

  • Guillame tries to keep the beam on the shade

[DiablotinNarrator] Ilphere's turn.

[Ilphere] (OK, if I can aim it so it doesn't hit Guillame I will cast flame strike)

[Ilphere] (or any other ally :p)

[DiablotinNarrator] (doesn't your thing show up too?)

[Ilphere] (oh also that... I'll have him show up after this I guess; it's easier?)

[DiablotinNarrator] (ok)

[DiablotinNarrator] (flame strike away!)

[Ilphere] (53, half flame half divine)

[DiablotinNarrator] The shadow dissipates and is gone.

[Ilphere] Whew...!

[Ilphere] Is Sanadhil still asleep...?

[DiablotinNarrator] (he looks to be, yes)

  • Sanadhil seems to have slept through all of that somehow, although he may look a little distressed, I dunno :3

[Ilphere] Guillame... shine it in her eyes...!

  • Guillame will do so, if she's not already waking up
  • Ilphere gets ready to cast Dream Walk...
  • Imraen 's eyes and mouth open, and she sucks in a deep, shuddering breath.
  • Nycaise is ready to cast too, if the queen does anything potentially dangerous.
  • Ilphere springs forth to cast!

[Ilphere] (so what is that, a touch attack?)

[Ilphere] (I assume I have surprise at least ;)

[DiablotinNarrator] (yeah - and you will also have to make a Will save vs. antipathy to touch her)

[Ilphere] (will save 42)

[DiablotinNarrator] (np then ;)

[Ilphere] (which bonuses do I get from Ysabeau for attacks?)

[DiablotinNarrator] I think nothing... she had stopped signing to cast, and had been doing Heroics for Guy before, so I think the duration on her previous song has run out.

[Ilphere] (does 24 hit?)

[DiablotinNarrator] Yes, 24 will hit. Make a roll vs. SR also, please.

  • Ysabeau will start singing again...

[Ilphere] (that's just caster level right?)

[DiablotinNarrator] ye

[DiablotinNarrator] yes

[Ilphere] (17... I think I have a destiny left if that's not enough...)

[DiablotinNarrator] It's not.

[Ilphere] (I can't remember the last time I used one)

[Ilphere] (25?)

[DiablotinNarrator] 25 makes it.

[Ilphere] (ok... DC is 24)

[DiablotinNarrator] You feel a mental struggle as you grab Imraen - she is resisting, but you manage to overcome her, for now, and drag her into San's sleeping mind...

  • Ysabeau is inspiring courage once more, I suppose. Which gives everyone a +1 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear

effects and a +1 morale bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls

[DiablotinNarrator] You are in a narrow, dark space. You sense that you are underground somewhere - you can almost feel the weight of tons of earth pressing down on you from above. It is hot and there is a fine dust in the air, which sticks to your skin as you begin to sweat. You feel dirty just being here...

  • Ilphere looks around for Ruchard...

[DiablotinNarrator] From somewhere, you can hear men's voices - laughing sometimes, but other times shouting in anger, occasionally a bellow of pain. You do not see anyone else; however, you can hear something scrabbling around in the darkness with you.

[Ilphere] (does my darkvision work here?)

  • Ilphere looks for the source of the noise

[DiablotinNarrator] Yes, I think it would, even in a dream, since you're used to having it by now.

[DiablotinNarrator] You can see Imraen, standing with her back against a wall, looking alarmed and wary, and a small, hunched figure, filthy and clothed in rags. It is a child.

  • Child has scraggly long hair... but slightly pointed hears and slightly almos eyes and is staring back at Imraem, terrified

[Child] (almond)

[Ilphere] (does he look like a little San?)

[Child] (maybe? I don't think dark vision is in colour.... he is very very scrawny... like count the rinbs through the rags scrawny)

  • Child coughs horribly, and his voice is quiet and hoarse

[Child] What are you doing here, you're not supposed to be here.....

[Ilphere] ...Sanadhil...?

  • Child seems to just notice Ilphere and starts back away from her too

[Child] Did you... get lost?

[Ilphere] This place is horrid...!

  • Child 's eyes go big and he looks back towards the narrow corridor where you came from
  • Ilphere will try to use her Lucid Dreaming to make it less claustrophobic.
  • Child just nods, eyes watery

[DiablotinNarrator] OK, make a check.

[Ilphere] (29)

[Ilphere] Sanadhil is that you...?

  • Child looks confused at you

[DiablotinNarrator] You try to change the dream, but you feel some sort of force - another mind? - struggling against yours. The walls of the mine shift strangely, moving away, then closer.

  • Ilphere frowns.
  • Ilphere remembers something from... somewhere...

[Ilphere] ...Tristan?

  • Child looks at her nervously

[Tristan] ...Are you here to take me back?

  • Tristan sniffs, then falls to his knees with another horrible coughing fit

[Ilphere] Well, that depends on where 'back' is...?

[Ilphere] Don't worry, we'll be out of here soon...

  • Ilphere glances over at Imraen.
  • Imraen is edging slowly down the passageway.

[Ilphere] (what is she doing? do I think it was her resisting me?)

  • Tristan is still coughing and may or man not be able to actually hear you

[DiablotinNarrator] (it could have been, yes)

[Ilphere] You come back here...!

  • Imraen breaks into a run.
  • Tristan freezes when you yell
  • Tristan looks after her thouh

[Tristan] you don't.. don't go that way @_@

  • Ilphere goes that way...
  • Tristan wipes something off his chin
  • Ilphere will try to cast Black Tentacles to catch her.

[DiablotinNarrator] k

  • Imraen is caught in them, struggling.

[Ilphere] Ruchard, wher are you...?

  • Ilphere calls.

[Ilphere] (where)

  • Tristan watches and shrinks down into a little ball, shaking

[Ilphere] Don't worry... this is just a bad dream...!

  • Tristan shakes his head
  • Ilphere says to the child, as the horrid black tentacles writhe in front of her. :D
  • Tristan shrinks away form her

[Tristan] I promise I'll be good, I'll try, I'll try harder...

[Ilphere] It's okay sweetie... I'm not here to hurt you...!

  • Ilphere glances at Imraen.
  • Imraen has fallen still for the moment, perhaps biding her time @_@
  • Ilphere tries to open a path to Ruchard's realm... maybe a new tunnel...

[Ilphere] (can I roll again?)

[DiablotinNarrator] (sure)

  • Tristan will try and sneak away from these scary woman and find somewhere to hide @_@
  • Imraen dissolves the tentacles and turns to run again, down a new tunnel that's just opened to... somewhere.
  • Ilphere chases after her...
  • Ilphere continues to battle Imraen...
  • Ilphere tries to subtly shift the tunnel to lead somewhere else... Perhaps she won't notice..?

[DiablotinNarrator] (ok, where do you want it to lead?)

[Ilphere] (to Ruchard! D:)

[DiablotinNarrator] Tristan, there's a tunnel leading ... somewhere else now, that wasn't there before @_@

[DiablotinNarrator] The scary ladies went down it, though...

  • Tristan peeks down it :3

[DiablotinNarrator] There's fresh air that way...

  • Tristan looks back into the dark

[DiablotinNarrator] and it's not as hot

[Tristan][q] Tara....

[Tristan][q] I'll come back for you @_@

  • Tristan sneaks down to what may be freedom, oif it isnt some horrible trap@_@

[Tristan] (with tentacles)

[DiablotinNarrator] You find yourselves on an icy plane, barren and wind-swept. The hill ahead, topped with its strange, twisted tree, is by now familiar to you, Ilphere, but the others have never been here... advantage, you! :D

  • Tristan shivers in his rags and collapses in another coughig fit
  • Ilphere will try to make Tristan a warm coat :(

[Tristan] (Unless I'm no longer kid me, I have no idea how this works @_@)

[Ilphere] (37)

[DiablotinNarrator] You create a perfectly-fitted warm coat and pants and boots, which envelope the shivering child.

[Ilphere] Stay close to me, Tristan...

  • Tristan gasps and stares

[Ilphere] (what is Imraen doing..?)

  • Imraen looks up at the grey sky and screams with frustration.
  • Ilphere will try to subtly shift things so that the ice is impassably slippery except heading toward Ruchard's hill...

[Ilphere] (25)

  • Imraen melts the snow around her feet.
  • Imraen is running in that direction anyway, though.
  • Ilphere pursues...!

[DiablotinNarrator] You stumble, your belly making you ungainly, as you climb the steep, ice-slick hill, but you manage to keep going.

[DiablotinNarrator] Ruchard, or whatever part of him is dreaming, sits as before, with hands bound and water spilling constantly from the jug at his feet.

[DiablotinNarrator] The raven-creature is perched on the edge of the jug, waiting for you, perhaps even expecting you.

[Ilah] Will you wake him?

  • Ilah asks, not for the first time.
  • Tristan tries to keep up, so confused/scared
  • Imraen is making for the 'Arch' of thorns.

[Ilphere] Ruchard...!

[Ilah] Oh, she's new.

  • Ilah quorks, sounding interested.

[Ilphere] She's here to see him.

[Ilphere] I wish to wake him...!

[Ilah] She has a long way to go.

[Ilphere] . o O (... Peck her face off)

[Ilphere] ]:|

[DiablotinNarrator] You can feel her trying to shift the parameters of the dream around you.

[DiablotinNarrator] (you can resist, of course)

  • Ilphere tries to hold her here...!

[Ilphere] Help me...?

  • Ilphere implores the bird.
  • Ilah flaps its wings and takes flight, heading for Imraen.
  • Tristan hangs back from the tentace bird D:
  • Ilphere will try to block the thorn arch by sinking it under the ice...?

[DiablotinNarrator] You encase the arch in ice, blocking her escape route.

  • Imraen wheels around to face you, and gets a face full of tentacle-bird instead.
  • Imraen screams.
  • Ruchard stirs slightly in his sleep.

[Ruchard][w] Bring her... in...

  • Ilphere grabs Imraen while she's distracted by the bird.

[Ilphere] (Dream Walk!)

[DiablotinNarrator] You grab them both, then...

[DiablotinNarrator] You slip into Ruchard's dream as easily as into a bath of warm water, for it feels just as comforting, after what you've just been through...

  • Ruchard stands at the door of his house, waiting, shifting slightly from foot to foot nervously.
  • Ilphere sighs with relief.

[Ruchard] You made it!

[Ilphere] Yes...! :)

  • Imraen looks around, confused.
  • Ilphere looks at Sanadhil/Tristan...

[Ilphere] (is he still a kid?)

  • Tristan seems to be more himself though he still looks a litle pale, and is still dressed in the coat and such

[Ilphere] I told you I would keep you safe...

  • Sanadhil just nods

[Ruchard] Come in, please...

[Ilphere] (does he mean all of us or just her ;)

  • Ruchard speaks to all of you.

[Ruchard] It was a difficult journey, I imagine...

  • Sanadhil looks around the little realm

[Sanadhil] . o O (Never. Again.)

[Sanadhil] Thank you...

[Ilphere] Yes, rather...

[Ruchard][q] Don't worry, though. My grip here is relatively... unshakeable.

  • Sanadhil says quietly, but will take his cues from Ilphere
  • Ilphere nods, and moves toward the house...
  • Ruchard says with a glance to Imraen, who is looking at the garden.

[DiablotinNarrator] (brb bio)

  • Ruchard ushers you into his cosy home.
  • Ruchard has tea and biscuits and cheese waiting for you.
  • Sanadhil will strip out of the dream winterwear, hopefully wearing his normal clothes beneath
  • Imraen looks confused and somewhat frustrated. you think she's probably testing limits in her head right now, and meeting walls she

can't scale.

[Ruchard] I did take the liberty of preparing some clothes too, just.. in case.

  • Ruchard says, perhaps remembering the time you showed up naked.
  • Ilphere laughs lightly...

[Ilphere] I'm all right this time...!

  • Ruchard smiles.
  • Ruchard looks to Imraen.
  • Sanadhil will accept some tea, and smiles thinly, still dealing with the walls in his own head atm @_@

[Ruchard] There are clothes for you too, if you want to change.

  • Imraen looks wary.

[Imraen] You want me to give up my robes and circlet.

[Ruchard] I just want you to be comfortable. It's your choice.

  • Imraen wanders off to explore the house.

[Ruchard] Go ahead, look around...!

  • Ruchard calls after her.

[Ruchard][q] It will take some time... it's a big adjustment for her, obviously...

[Ilphere] Indeed...

[Ilphere] I hope for the best, though...

[Ruchard] So do I...

[Sanadhil] (is the bird here?)

[DiablotinNarrator] (the bird is nowhere to be seen)

[Sanadhil] Is the Raven your familiar? or somethig else?

  • Sanadhil asks Ruchard, trying to think of...anything but the dreams they went through @_@

[Ruchard] Not mine. I think it's a ... an observer.

[Sanadhil] ahh.

[Ruchard] I don't think it means ill, and I probably couldn't make it leave there anyhow, so...

[Ilphere] It did help me...

[Sanadhil] It wants you to wake?

[Ruchard] Maybe... I think it's just curious what would happen.

  • Sanadhil nods
  • Sanadhil sips his tea, and looks to Ilphere

[Sanadhil] Do we need to pass...back, to return?

  • Sanadhil asks warily
  • Ilphere shakes her head.

[Ilphere] No, I shouldn't think so...

[Sanadhil] Alright.

  • Imraen returns downstairs, wearing a green dress, very old-fashioned in style (although probably about what Ruchard would remember from women's clothes of his day).

[Sanadhil] Perhaps we shoudln't keep the others waiting, unless you have further business?

  • Sanadhil looks up at her

[Imraen] I want to look outside.

  • Imraen says to Ruchard.

[Ruchard] Of course. You're welcome to...

  • Imraen goes out, then.

[Ruchard] ...

[Sanadhil] :|

[Ilphere] Good luck...

[Sanadhil] Yes...

[Ruchard] Maybe you should ... take her things?

  • Ruchard suggests, uncertainly.

[Ilphere] That's probably a good idea...

[Ruchard] She might want them back, I suppose... but maybe it's better if they're not there.

  • Ilphere nods.

[Sanadhil] Indeed.

[Ilphere] Upstairs...?

[Ruchard] I suppose so :o

  • Ilphere will go and collect Imraen's things, then...

[DiablotinNarrator] You gather the robe and circlet from the upstairs bedroom (not Ruchard's, the spare one ;) where they were left.

[Ruchard] Thank you again.

  • Ruchard says when you return.

[Ilphere] Thank you for your help as well...

[Sanadhil] Yes.

[Ruchard] I'll let you know how things go...

  • Ruchard says with a glance out the window.

[Ilphere] But I think Sanadhil had the most difficult task today.

[Ruchard] I'm sorry that it was difficult.

  • Sanadhil shake shis head dismissively and sets down the tea cup.

[Sanadhil] Its done.

  • Sanadhil says, but glances at Ilphere.

[Ilphere] I guess we should be going...

  • Sanadhil nods

[Ilphere] I'll speak to you soon, I hope...!

[Ruchard] I hope so too :)

[DiablotinNarrator] You emerge from Ruchard's dream, back to the spire where San is just waking up.

  • Ilphere sighs with relief again.

[Ilphere] (Do I have all Imraen's stuff? :D)

[DiablotinNarrator] (you do!)

  • Sanadhil sits up quietly, shaking away the vestiges of sleep and dreams
  • Sanadhil takes a deep calming breath

[Ilphere] (detect magic :D)

[Guillame] (Is her body still here?)

[Ysabeau] Welcome back!

[Ysabeau] How did it go?

[DiablotinNarrator] (body is gone)

[Guillame] ...

[Ilphere] We were successsful... The rest is up to Ruchard.

[Guillame] Did you... take her clothes?

[Ilphere] She changed.

[Ysabeau] Changed?

[Sanadhil] clothing

[Ilphere] We thought it best if we took her old things...

  • Guillame shakes his head

[Guillame] I'm glad you're ok

  • Sanadhil clarifies as he stands, rolling up the bedroll

[Guillame] You're ok, aren't you?

[Sanadhil] Yes.

  • Ilphere glances at Sanadhil.

[Ysabeau] :/

[Ilphere] ... Yes.

[Guillame] Quick, tell us something that only you would know!

  • Guillame says with a cheeky grin
  • Sanadhil eyes Guillame

[Ysabeau] You were very brave, M. Orecalo.

[Sanadhil] ...Saddlebags?

  • Ysabeau murmurs.
  • Sanadhil says dryly
  • Ilphere laughs out loud.
  • Guillame stifles a giggle

[Guillame] Welcome back

  • Sanadhil nods and smiles, though perhaps a little tightly

[Ilphere] ... Let's go home. :)

  • Ysabeau smiles.
  • Sanadhil nods.

[Ysabeau] Let's.

[DiablotinNarrator] You make your way back to the place that should take you to the Society. You re-emerge into the Material Plane, and are briefly disconcerted by your surroundings.

  • Guillame collects the hand-less cup on the way out

[DiablotinNarrator] (good idea!)

  • Ilphere tucks Imraen's clothes into her bag.

[Guillame] . o O (How am I going to explain this...?)

[DiablotinNarrator] (it's still glowing very brightly, though not the blinding beams it cast during the fight)

[Ilphere] (a raccoon got it?)

  • Guillame hopes it's still glowing by the time it gets to the museum!)

[DiablotinNarrator] The room you return to is filled with smoke, you can hear the crackle of flames, and the heat is palpable.

[Guillame] Wha?

  • Sanadhil coughs

[Ilphere] ...!

[Sanadhil] kavreshar?

[Nycaise] Fire o_O

  • Guillame nods

[Ilphere] The building is on fire..!

[Sanadhil] the starflake

[Guillame]*kaff**kaff* Cover your mouths!

[Sanadhil] (where is hat again? @_@)

  • Sanadhil already is
  • Ysabeau is alarmed.

[DiablotinNarrator] (Vianca's office, most likely - upstairs)

[Ilphere] I can teleport us outside...!

  • Ilphere says through her sleeve.

[Sanadhil] we have to get it

[Sanadhil] (also the Pheria/)

  • Ysabeau tears fabric off her skirt and ties it around her face.
  • Guillame covers his mouth with his sleeve and nods at Ilphere

[DiablotinNarrator] (I imagine you didn't return that yet? I mean, explaining how you fixed it would be a .... challenge ;)

[Ilphere] Ysabeau, use Dimension Door...!

  • Sanadhil will start upstairs unless there's too much fire @_@

[Ilphere] To take us to the office...!

[Ysabeau] Out or to the artifacts?

  • Sanadhil waits because that's such a better idea @_@

[Sanadhil] artifacts

  • Sanadhil says wheezily
  • Nycaise disappears herself...
  • Ysabeau nods and grabs hold of you all to take you to the office, hoping it isn't already an inferno.

[Ysabeau] (or whoever's left)

[Ysabeau] . o O (I'm going to have a lot of explaining to do when I get home charred and smelling of smoke.)

  • Sanadhil casts freedom of movement, on the pregnant ladies, then himself, then guy, if there is time

[DiablotinNarrator] You are at Vianca's office door, on the balcony overlooking the main room. In the room below, the confusion is even greater - people are rushing about, trying to save books and artifacts before the fire reaches them.

[DiablotinNarrator] Flames are licking at the walls, the beams of the roof, the papers... Such a conflagration could not have started accidentally and spread so far without people noticing - it must have had a supernatural source.

  • Vianca stands in front of her office, casting a spell.

[Sanadhil] the library ;_;

[Sanadhil] ...

[DiablotinNarrator] (you're behind her, though, you can get into her office if that's your goal)

[Ilphere] (what spell is she casting?)

  • Sanadhil feels a wave of dejavu pass through him and shivers despite the fire

[DiablotinNarrator] spellcraft?

[Ilphere] (29 :/)

[Ysabeau] Get what you need, I'm going to try to help put the fire out.

  • Sanadhil will try too

[DiablotinNarrator] Ilphere - you think she's trying to duplicate a spell with Wish or Limited Wish maybe... something to put out the fire, possibly Quench.

  • Ysabeau starts summoning a medium water elemental.

[Ilphere] (*nod*)\

  • Vianca completes her casting. The fire diminishes somewhat, but is not entirely eliminated.

[Sanadhil] (34, heh)

[Vianca] This isn't a normal fire - everyone, get out!

  • Vianca shouts to whoever is still in the building.

[Sanadhil] the starflake...

  • Sanadhil sounds increasingly panicked though
  • Ysabeau will finish and have the water elemental Drench the place
  • Sanadhil will try and pass his way into her office

[DiablotinNarrator] San, you are in her office. You don't see the starflake anywhere obvious, though.

[Ilphere] Good idea... sanadhil, get the flake...!

[Sanadhil] where...

  • Ilphere will begin summoning a huge water elemental.
  • Sanadhil will DM
  • Vianca joins you.

[Vianca] In there!

  • Vianca points to a chest.

[Vianca] Just grab the whole thing, really @_@

  • Sanadhil tTK grabs it, nods to her, and will teleport back to the palace, or as close as he can get

[DiablotinNarrator] (yeah, you can teleport to outside the palace, not directly in.)

  • Ilphere will Teleport back to the palace as well when she can't do any more..!
  • Sanadhil looks back towards Rhenea to gauge the size of the fire

[Ysabeau] (Me will get herself out, then...?)

[DiablotinNarrator] Ilphere and Ysa, your water elementals are helping to extinguish the unnatural flames.

[Sanadhil] not agaaaaaain @_@ D:

[Ilphere] (yeah, I will stay and direct my elemental until it expires or I can't stand it anymore)

  • Ysabeau can summon one more, with her last 5th level spell for the day.

[DiablotinNarrator] San - there is some smoke, but it doesn't look like large parts of the city are on fire. A few buildings at most, you think. Targeted @_@

  • Ysabeau too.

[Ilphere] (I can summon one more as well if needed)

[Sanadhil] (does the palace seem okay?)

[DiablotinNarrator] THe palace is fine.

[Ilphere] (either way it's only a few minutes... 14x 6 seconds :p)

[DiablotinNarrator] yeah

[DiablotinNarrator] You do what you can to help, then make your escapes.

  • Sanadhil will try to find somewhere realaively safe tocopllapse foer a moment @_@
  • Sanadhil clutches the box, then shoves int in his BoH

[DiablotinNarrator] The Society's hall still stands when finally the fires are out. The extent of the damage is yet unknown... we'll find out next time @_@

  • Ysabeau returns home and makes her explanations. Poor Martan; I must make him worry a lot.

Solos

Alma and Ysabeau

  • Alma takes some time to answer the door when you arrive, which is odd both because of the delay and the fact that she's answering the door herself.

[Alma] Ah, good afternoon Ysabeau :)

[Ysabeau] Good afternoon, Sister.

  • Ysabeau smiles; her cheeks are rosy from the cold.
  • Alma opens the door wide for you to come in.

[Alma] Come in, I've got some hot tea waiting.

[Ysabeau] Thank you, that would be lovely.

[Ysabeau] I was at the Castalia for the morning; those halls sure get draughty in the winter.

[Alma] Yes, I recall having to bundle up to keep from freezing :)

[Alma] I have some sweets set out as well, something I picked up at the market a few days ago.

  • Ysabeau smiles, but behind the smiles she is also concerned.

[Alma] The wetnurse, her name is Marla, is tending to the twins for now.

[Ysabeau] How are they?

  • Ysabeau asks, her concern coming through more clearly.
  • Alma seems a little preoccupied, or harried.

[Alma] They're well and... normal, almost.

[Ysabeau] (Do you seem frightened by them...?)

[Alma] Would you like to see them now?

[Ysabeau] Yes, please!

[Ysabeau] I just can't help thinking of them, those poor little babies and their Mama dead.

[Ysabeau] At least I got to know my mother... :(

[Ysabeau] I know she might not have been a very good person but it is still sad, to me at least.

[Alma] We did our best, but it was... a very hard birth...

[Ysabeau] And their father probably couldn't care less for them except as means to whatever ends he has in mind.

  • Alma will lead you up to the impromptu nursery in one of the guest beds.

[Ysabeau] Do you think he cared about her at all?

  • Ysabeau seems quite distressed by it all.

[Alma] Maybe on some level... there's something of what he was left behind... but it's just not in his nature to care anymore. I mean... WE can be driven by rage and hate to forget our humanity... and his entire being was perverted.

[Alma] I think the simple answer is that he didn't even warn her.

[Alma] You don't do that to someone you care for.

[Ysabeau] Get them pregnant...?

  • Ysabeau looks puzzled.
  • Ysabeau is plainly distracted by babies...

[Alma] If you know the birth will likely kill them, yes. And if you do, you certainly tell them what to expect.

  • Alma has had the room set up with standard nursery things, and two rocking chairs, one of which is likely occupied by Marla.
  • Ysabeau drags her attention back to Alma.

[Alma] This is Marla, she's helping us care for the twins :)

  • Alma introduces her, gives a last name ^_^
  • Ysabeau greets Marla kindly

[Alma] Marla says she's there's been quite an increase in the number of babes sharing her name since the Emperor's coronation :)

  • Alma takes you over to the cribs

[Alma] This is Mercy... and Justen.

  • Ysabeau smiles and laughs a little for the joke.

[Ysabeau] Oh...!

[Ysabeau] (Are they sleeping?)

[Ysabeau] Mercy and Justice, might as well say.

[Alma] Yes...

[Ysabeau] Did you name them?

[Alma] (1 = asleep)

  • Alma rolls [ 1d2 ] getting [ 2 ]

[Alma] (awake!)

[Alma] No... she did. I thought they were... an odd choice from her.

  • Ysabeau reaches down and carefully scoops Justen up.
  • Ysabeau looks kind of sad.

[Alma] They seem normal for the most part...

[Ysabeau] Poor little one, you're going to be teased and bullied a lot, aren't you...

  • Ysabeau gently hugs him.
  • Alma smiles.

[Ysabeau] And look at you, you little sweetheart...!

  • Ysabeau peers down at Mercy while she cuddles Justen.

[Alma] Something tells me neither of them will have a normal childhood...

[Ysabeau] Who knows?

  • Alma does seem less communicative in front of Marla.
  • Ysabeau coos over the babies.
  • Alma begins to realise you may not be easily separated from them.

[Ysabeau] They're lovely...

  • Ysabeau smiles shyly at you, then turns her attention back to the babies.
  • Ysabeau will kiss Justen and put him carefully back down so that she can cuddle Mercy for a while, too.
  • Alma will stand beside Justen's crib and look down at him.

[Ysabeau] You're so small!

  • Ysabeau smiles and coos and plays with Mercy gently, as she did with Justen.
  • Alma hesitates a moment but will put her arm over the rail and wrap her warm hand around his.

[Alma] Yes, they are...

[Ysabeau] These little ones are going to need all the love they can get...

  • Ysabeau holds Mercy close.

[Ysabeau] Is he older...?

  • Alma seems... perhaps guarded.

[Alma] Hmm?

[Ysabeau] He's so much bigger.

[Alma] (Is he?)

[Alma] No, he was born last...

[Ysabeau] (I remember Julia saying that the boy, who came out second, was bigger than the girl.)

  • Ysabeau smiles.

[Ysabeau] I don't know much about twins.

[Alma] Neither do I, really...

[Alma] I suppose we could have our tea in here if you'd prefer...

[Ysabeau] Not while I'm cuddling a baby... I'd be afraid of dripping on them.

  • Ysabeau seems reluctant to put Mercy down, though.
  • Ysabeau does though, eventually.
  • Ysabeau gives them each another kiss once they're both in cribs.
  • Ysabeau looks a little misty-eyed.
  • Alma will eventually lead you back to the kitchen, which you've probably never seen before, where she's had a table set, and has

dragged some comfortable chairs in, which seem somewhat out of place.

[Alma] Danyel and I have just been eating in here for now. It seems silly to carry everything back and forth to the dining room or the sitting rooms.

  • Alma probably has stacks of things sitting around "her" chair, including her crystal ball.

[Alma] It's comfortable despite the mess :)

  • Alma gets the tea from the stove and a plate of treats.
  • Ysabeau smiles.
  • Alma does look somewhat out of place in the kitchen, but not completely useless :P

[Ysabeau] Can I help you...?

[Alma] No, no, I'm good.

  • Alma has not planned a big feast after all :)
  • Alma brings the tray over and sets it on the table.

[Ysabeau] Thank you.

  • Ysabeau is still kind of distracted.

[Alma] Well...

  • Alma will sit after pouring some tea.

[Ysabeau] Thanks.

[Ysabeau] What are your long term plans? Are you and Danyel going to adopt them?

  • Ysabeau sips her tea.

[Alma] I have no idea... I'm not even sure there ARE long term plans...

[Ysabeau] :/

[Alma] I mean, a long term...

[Alma] I haven't had time to do any divinations...

[Ysabeau] They'll need stability...

[Ysabeau] Safety.

[Alma] It may not matter.

  • Ysabeau has a sudden worrisome thought.

[Ysabeau] Is your house protected from scrying and the like?

  • Ysabeau looks at you.

[Ysabeau] What do you mean?

[Alma] I have begun casting protectives and I have asked the Chief Sorceror for assistance.

[Alma] At least until we find out what to do next.

[Alma] Well, Kavreshar orchestrated this... them. And it seems fated that Emkathon will be released.

  • Ysabeau nods.

[Ysabeau] Change isn't... necessarily a bad thing, in the long term. :/

  • Ysabeau knows that there could be lots of short term trouble, though.

[Alma] They may be ... pulled into whatever purpose Kavreshar has for them. And if we're lucky, and he is thwarted, then perhaps they will be taken up by their... grandmother.

[Ysabeau] Their grandmother?

[Alma] She IS their grandmother.

[Alma] I left out the "Greats" :)

[Ysabeau] Emkathon?

[Alma] Yes.

[Ysabeau] Oh...

[Alma] So, for now, I'm focused on keeping them ... from interference.

  • Ysabeau nods.

[Ysabeau] If there's anything I can do to help, I'd love to.

[Alma] Well, I do want to conduct Legend Lore as soon as possible... but I don't want to spook Marla any further.

[Alma] If you could tend to them while it is cast, that would be a great help. I'm not sure whether the incense would bother them, and if they started to cry halfway through...

[Ysabeau] I can do that, certainly!

[Alma] Aside from that... I think we've got things in hand. If you and Martan can think of anything else... like magical protections...

[Alma] Anything else is... well until we know what their future holds, maybe there's no point in planning too far ahead.

[Ysabeau] Maybe if you made a list of what you've thought of so far... we could go over it and see if there are more to add.

[Ysabeau] Maze's house - that's where we're staying - it's already safe.

[Ysabeau] It'd be crowded, but I could ask them.

[Ysabeau] I wouldn't mind!

[Alma] Well... perhaps...

[Alma] But can you imagine what the gossip would be like if Danyel and I moved in with the Lord Grey? -_-

  • Ysabeau laughs.

[Ysabeau] I meant the babies and Marla.

[Ysabeau] You and Danyel would have to share a room with me and Martan and Marla and the babies, if Martan and Maze would agree and if you came too. ;)

[Alma] You've only the one room? :o

[Ysabeau] Maze's house isn't the biggest in the Grand.

[Ysabeau] That's why Muri and Merrow are staying in my rooms at the Palace.

[Ysabeau] I'd have more space there... but I don't think I'd want to put those babies in the Palace.

[Alma] Neither did I...

  • Ysabeau nods.

[Alma] I hadn't thought that far ahead, I suppose... but when the Chief Sorceror asked me what to do with them... I just knew that was not the right thing.

  • Ysabeau nods.

[Alma] I suppose nothing can be done if the Emperor insists... but until then.

  • Ysabeau nods.

[Ysabeau] I'd be willing to defy him, if I had to.

[Alma] And it's a sensible offer... if the Chief Sorceror cannot help us here... but you've a child of your own coming, and just as you'll need that space is perhaps when all of this will happen...

[Ysabeau] Well, actually, with my baby on the way, I could probably help Marla with nursing these two.

[Ysabeau] I wouldn't mind.

  • Ysabeau smiles dreamily, thinking of babies.

[Alma] You might not be so eager when there are two sharing a room with you dear, they cry at all hours of the night.

[Ysabeau] I know.

[Alma] If it wasn't for the situation I would have asked for another wetnurse to help Marla.

[Alma] And I have room to spare.

[Alma] It's a shame we can't just move the protection...

[Alma] Move you and Martan in here :)

  • Ysabeau laughs.

[Ysabeau] I can ask him, but he kind of wants to stay near Maze, I think.

[Alma] Well I doubt Mr. Olivier's protections are mobile anyhow :)

[Ysabeau] Almost certainly not... :/

  • Ysabeau looks kind of sad again.

[Ysabeau] I just love babies, so much! And children. I always wanted to be a mother...

  • Alma laughs

[Alma] You will be.

[Ysabeau] I want those two to have the best, happiest childhood they can.

[Alma] Hopefully when we've had time to learn more, we'll know ... if they have a future.

[Alma] Maybe even today.

[Ysabeau] I hope they do; they've done absolutely nothing wrong.

[Alma] I have been thinking...

[Ysabeau] They can't help who their parents are, any more than Martan can.

  • Alma nods.

[Alma] That's what I wanted to ask...

[Ysabeau] What's that...?

[Alma] If you could ask Martan what he would think about... doing something similar with the twins.

[Alma] His eyes...

[Alma] He'll carry that his entire life.

[Ysabeau] I know, that's why I said that about him being bullied and teased, poor little fellow. :/

[Alma] And if the people raising him know... well how will that affect things?

[Ysabeau] Alma...

[Alma] So I thought... if they have a chance to live on their own terms...

[Alma] MAybe the best thing would be for them to disappear like Hespera did.

[Ysabeau] ...

[Alma] We could do it.

[Ysabeau] I don't know if Martan would agree, Sister.

[Alma] That's why I want you to ask.

[Alma] He understands the cost.

[Alma] And I trust him to understand the possible benefit to them as well.

[Ysabeau] He has told me that he always felt like something was amiss.

[Ysabeau] Even though the people who raised him knew nothing about his origins, he still knew something was strange.

[Ysabeau] It would be the same for them, I think.

[Alma] And what of living openly? Knowing you're different. Being different physically.

[Ysabeau] There are lots of people who are physically different.

[Alma] What if some part of them is touched by Kavreshar's nature? What if that sort of... alienation is enough to push them towards evil?

[Alma] Do you think Justen will ever be able to take pride in his eyes?

[Ysabeau] Alma... they may be half demon, but they are half human too.

[Ysabeau] That means they have as much potential for great good or great ill as a human baby.

[Alma] You don't know that, Ysabeau.

[Ysabeau] That is the blessing we have, compared to the angels and demons. The gift of choice.

[Ysabeau] What choice did Martan have when he was turned into a boy?

[Ysabeau] None.

[Ysabeau] They took choice away from him.

  • Alma considers.

[Ysabeau] And for what?

[Alma] They did it to protect him, and also because they felt it was necessary.

[Alma] It's not entirely the same.

[Alma] It could be as simple as finding them someplace to live, and changing his eyes. That's not the same as changing a girl into a boy.

[Ysabeau] It isn't that simple, really, Alma... you know it isn't.

[Ysabeau] He'd have to be raised to believe he is something he isn't. Both of them would.

[Alma] No, it isn't, because they aren't simple. Even if they do not have a fate in store for them, who is to say anyone who knows their natures could raise them any better?

[Ysabeau] Who is to say that anyone who doesn't know their natures could?

[Alma] I'm not saying this is... some sort of decision I have made... I'm just looking for Martan's guidance.

  • Ysabeau nods.

[Ysabeau] Why don't you come over to Maze's for tea later this week and ask him yourself?

[Alma] I can do that, if I have time.

[Ysabeau] I think you should.

[Ysabeau] And half-demons are not necessarily evil.

[Alma] It's hard enough to do the right thing when you don't have potential... spiritual pollution like that.

  • Ysabeau sighs.

[Ysabeau] I know a half demon. Aside from being maybe a little selfish - a flaw many full humans share - he is a good person.

[Ysabeau] And before you ask, no, I am not going to tell you who it is.

  • Alma blinks

[Alma] I wasn't going to ask.

  • Ysabeau shrugs.

[Alma] Ysabeau, this is not about what people can or cannot be, it's about what people are driven towards.

[Alma] It would be naive to raise someone who is influenced by evil without taking that into account.

[Ysabeau] I understand.

[Alma] Then I don't understand why you seem to be accusing me of writing off their fates.

[Alma] If there's some greater tie than those eyes, and it's not counterbalanced by a tie through Emkathon, then the child is at greater risk of falling astray.

[Alma] In a sense, he may have choice, but it will be burdened... handicapped... through no fault of his own.

[Ysabeau] Changing his eyes will not change that chance. I think there's as much chance of them falling astray as any other baby. If they are raised in a loving, stable environment with good role models, then I think it's very unlikely that they would have a reason to 'fall astray'.

[Alma] People can chose the wrong path no matter who their parents are, Ysabeau.

[Alma] Take a look at Phedre. Pavo Arsenios was by all accounts a good man. He was one of the guards who restored the Arch, and now his daughter is leading a cult.

[Ysabeau] I didn't say it was impossible. Just that there is less of a chance of someone turning to a life of crime if they feel loved, secure and safe.

[Alma] What about feeling alien?

[Ysabeau] Yes, I agree, that could influence a child's development negatively. But then again, it might not, if their most important rolemodels do not treat them like aliens, and help them see that lots of people have differences, and it doesn't matter.

[Alma] Besides, we were talking about ... half-demons, not red eyes. We've gone in some sort of ... loop.

  • Ysabeau smiles.

[Ysabeau] We have very different opinions on this, you and I. We could probably debate it for hours.

[Alma] Do we?

[Alma] I think you believe our opinions are profoundly different, but to me they do not seem to be so different.

[Alma] I hope too, Ysabeau.

[Alma] But it's naive to think that an actual, tangible, mystical tie to the plane of evil is something that never needs more than hope.

[Alma] Hope fails to keep humanity good, how could it possibly be a guarantee against actual spiritual pollution?

[Ysabeau] I am arguing to let Justen be who he is, red eyes and all, and equip him to cope with that. You seem to be in favour of possibly changing his identity. I know something of how that has affected Martan; I wouldn't want Justen to go through that too, is all.

[Alma] Well I'll thank you to keep from assuming I am careless with the futures of others.

[Ysabeau] That is very sad, that you feel that way, Alma.

[Ysabeau] Humanity is, on the whole, good.

[Alma] And those who aren't?

[Ysabeau] For me that's saying a lot... I've experienced a lot of bad. But I have faith in people, as well as the gods, and I see so much good.

[Ysabeau] Well, sad to say, I think that for there to be good, there must also be bad. But that doesn't mean we should just give up, and not strive for good.

[Alma] At what point did I suggest that?

[Ysabeau] I'm not explaining myself well.

[Alma] The reality is that some people are not good. They can be selfish, sadistic, and callous. Not only that, but there is an entire race of beings which are made up of the pure energy of this darkness, and they are by nature selfish and cruel.

[Ysabeau] Yes, but Justen and Mercy are not those beings. Not those beings alone, anyway. They are also human, and there is a great deal of hope in that.

[Alma] ... but if there is a real link, a true link, then it is important it is addressed.

[Alma] Hope may not be enough.

[Alma] I can hope that the world around me will get better, that this year I won't have to pressure my House to donate food, that I can just wake up in the morning and have breakfast with Danyel and not laeve the house.

[Alma] But I can't.

[Alma] Hope is not enough.

[Alma] And I'm surprised that you can think it is, after what we've seen.

[Ysabeau] I am surprised that you feel so pessimistic about the world.

[Alma] I'm not pessimistic.

[Alma] I'm being realistic.

[Alma] You've seen me pessimistic, Ysabeau.

  • Alma regrets saying that...
  • Alma takes an awkward sip of her tea, which is now cold.

[Ysabeau] We should go cast those Legend Lores so I can get home before dark, if you want to.

[Ysabeau] That may well put an end to our debate!

[Alma] Ok.

  • Alma puts her cup down and stands.

[Alma] It hurts to learn that you see me this way, Ysabeau.

[Alma] But I guess how we seem is our own fault.

  • Ysabeau shrugs.

[Ysabeau] Everyone has their weaknesses.

[Ysabeau] Gods know I have plenty.

  • Ysabeau smiles warmly.
  • Alma is not comforted by that response, and turns to lead the way.

[Ysabeau] They are part angel, too...

[Alma] We hope.

[Ysabeau] I believe.

[Alma] Well that is not something I can afford to take on faith.

  • Ysabeau smiles a bit sadly.

[Alma] I meant to ask you...

[Alma] About your contact, the one who told us about all the demons.

[Ysabeau] That'd be the half demon I mentioned earlier.

[Alma] I need to speak with hi-

  • Alma sighs.

[Alma] Well the need remains...

[Ysabeau] What do you need to ask him about?

[Alma] Well, I thought perhaps he might be able to tell us about the twins.

[Alma] But that's not all...

[Alma] The thing inside of Madelen Levernois... it's something we have never seen before. It's in none of hte books. The place it comes from... The Cyst, we've never even heard of.

[Ysabeau] Huh.

[Alma] We need to know how he could tell it was in her.

[Alma] It may be crucial.

[Alma] If something else like that is in the city, maybe no one else could identify it.

[Alma] So we need his help.

[Ysabeau] Except these babies, now. ;)

[Alma] ...

[Alma] That ... may turn out to be prophetic.

[Ysabeau] I can ask him about it. And I can let him know you'd like to speak with him. But, I really wouldn't feel right telling you who he is; I'd be betraying his trust.

[Alma] But... until then, we have no idea how to find them...

[Alma] I understand.

[Ysabeau] If he feels comfortable speaking with you then he can seek you out himself.

[Alma] And I'm glad he's won his battle...

[Alma] Even if you think that's a pessimistic way to put it.

[Ysabeau] :/

[Alma] Try to let him see how important it is...

[Ysabeau] I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings, Alma.

[Alma] Well, like I said... we're responsible for how we project ourselves.

[Alma] If I'm to be a leader, I should learn to ... shape my image better.

  • Alma leaves that thought alone -_-
  • Ysabeau glances at you but says nothing.

[Ysabeau] Let's see what the Legend Lores say. Are you going to cast one on each, or one for both?

[Alma] I'm not sure it can be done on both simultaneously... and it's not a metaphysical question I'd like to waste the incense on.

  • Ysabeau smiles.

[Alma] Though perhaps if they're asleep, we could perform it simultaneously.

[Alma] I do have the incense for it.

[Ysabeau] I kind of hope they're not asleep, because I'd love to hold them more.

  • Alma chuckles.

[Alma] As for that bit a second ago... I suppose it's not a secret anymore.

[Alma] But it's not really "public" exactly either.

[Alma] Reverend Father Theron has recommended me to replace him...

[Ysabeau] Oh! Congratulations!

[Alma] So I've been... considering what I need to do to fill such a role.

  • Ysabeau smiles.

[Alma] Thank you.

  • Alma says, politely, still dubious herself.
  • Alma continues on, as we've been babbling on the stairs.

[Ysabeau] Part of my bardic training is about how to present oneself to the public... I could probably give you some pointers, if you like.

[Alma] I had already added you to my mental list :)

  • Ysabeau laughs.

[Ysabeau] Okay. Let me know when you'd like to begin your lessons. ;)

  • Alma will relieve Marla once she gets there.

[Alma] It looks like they're asleep...

  • Ysabeau pouts.

[Ysabeau] Ah well.

[Alma] [q] Well, there'll be other days.

  • Ysabeau nods.
  • Alma will get out the components for two Legend Lore castings and give you the second.
  • Ysabeau gazes lovingly at the sleeping babies...
  • Ysabeau will set up the incense around Justen's crib.
  • Alma will do the same with Mercy.
  • Alma will reach out to squeeze your hand before we begin.

[Alma] [q] Here's to hope?

  • Alma is definitely nervous
  • Ysabeau squeezes your hand back, not nervous.

[Ysabeau] [q] Alma... I'm really serious about raising them, if Martan will agree... I know three babies is going to be a ridiculous amount of work... But I think we'd have a lot to offer them. I'm already in love with them... and if Martan dies, or is returned to being a woman, the day mine is born... well.

[Ysabeau] [w] We won't be able to have those 5 or 6 we would have liked to have.

  • Alma nods.

[Alma] [q] A good omen, then. The first thing they have is support.

  • Ysabeau almost breaks down for a moment, thinking of Martan dying... but collects herself so that she can concentrate on casting the spell.
  • Alma turns back and begins to cast as quietly as she can.

[Alma] :)

  • Ysabeau starts humming her own.
  • Alma ends just slightly before you do.
  • Alma says the results of her Legend Lore quietly... "Twinned vessels, separate but inseparable, where bloods are reunited and reborn, a father's wishes are inherited and dashed, and destiny is created, not bestowed."
  • Alma looks relieved.
  • Ysabeau smiles happily.

[Ysabeau] That sounds... not bad.

[Alma] [q] I think it's what we want...

  • Alma draws you away from them so we can talk.

[Ysabeau] [q] See? Have a little faith.

[Alma] What did you learn?

  • Ysabeau teases

[Alma] The same?

  • Ysabeau nods.
  • Alma will hug you, her relief palpable.
  • Ysabeau is teasing because she knows you're the priest while she's just a sometime churchgoer. ;)
  • Ysabeau hugs back.

[Alma] I was so worried that they would turn out to be just pawns in Kavreshar's plan...

  • Ysabeau smiles.

[Alma] It was so hard, just... trying to keep that distance... trying not to think about what might have to be done.

  • Alma starts to cry.
  • Ysabeau holds you tight... her baby bump pressing into you. ;)

[Ysabeau] [q] They're half human, too.

[Alma] [q] That's what made it so hard.

  • Ysabeau nods.

[Ysabeau] [q] They are so tiny and innocent.

  • Alma tries to stifle a laugh.

[Alma] [q] Now I'm a little sad they're asleep.

  • Alma composes herself

[Ysabeau] [q] There'll be other days...

[Ysabeau] ;)

  • Alma smiles back.
  • Alma will lead you back downstairs to the kitchen, or at least out of the room so we can talk.

[Alma] I think it tells us that they're at least... balanced.

[Alma] Bloods reunited and reborn

[Ysabeau] And they have choice.

[Alma] I wonder what it means to be a vessel and make your own destiny though...

[Ysabeau] Well, suppose the vessel part is just about them having both Kavreshar and Emkathon's blood.

[Ysabeau] Then it doesn't mean anything; they have good and evil; same potential for either as any human child. In a way they are freer than either of their ancestors.

[Alma] Do you think it's too optimistic to hope that "a father's wishes are inherited and dashed" means Justice is inherited and his wish for revenge is dashed?

[Ysabeau] Not at all.

  • Ysabeau smiles.

[Alma] I hope we're not missing something...

[Alma] But it's a good first step.

  • Ysabeau nods.

[Alma] It would still be good if your friend could come and see them.

[Ysabeau] And my husband?

[Ysabeau] Still want me to ask about changing them?

[Alma] Yes... even... even if it's just when they're young, or when they leave the house or something like that.

[Ysabeau] I think you should drop by, still - because then if you have more questions about it for him, he'll be right there and can answer them, whereas I can't really speak for him.

[Alma] I will try, or if you want to drop in... maybe he won't feel right giving advice without seeing them. But if he has some time to think about it...

  • Ysabeau nods. I'll talk to him...

[Ysabeau] Are you and Danyel going to adopt them, do you think?

[Ysabeau] Because if that's the case then it makes no sense for me to bring that up with Martan... :/

[Alma] I don't know what is the right thing to do... maybe neither of us are right. They've got relatives, after all...

[Alma] I mean, not just Emkathon

[Ysabeau] Oh, I didn't realize.

[Ysabeau] Yes, if there are relatives they should be tracked down. :/

[Alma] It's ... complicated, and maybe ...

[Alma] Maybe that's not the best plan either.

  • Alma looks down at her holy symbol.

[Ysabeau] Something to clarify with Owl, maybe...

[Alma] Oh Gods, give me strength.

  • Ysabeau looks at you with concern.

[Ysabeau] Are you going to be all right?

[Alma] There's just so many decisions, and none of them easy, or small.

  • Ysabeau nods.

[Alma] And giving them away wouldn't make them any smaller, so ...

[Alma] I have the incense to perform your Legend Lore, if you'd like...

[Ysabeau] Oh...

  • Ysabeau looks anxious, suddenly.

[Alma] We've had a long evening, if you'd like to wait.

[Ysabeau] I... I don't know if I want one.

[Ysabeau] I'm trying to come to terms with the ones I already know, and I think I have, mostly.

[Ysabeau] Another one... especially if it's as ambiguous as Martan's and M. Belden's...

  • Alma nods.

[Ysabeau] I'd rather just live the time I have with him to the fullest.

[Ysabeau] But then he... he might want to know.

  • Ysabeau looks conflicted.

[Alma] If... you think there's any chance that we could learn something to put your fears at ease, then you wouldn't have to live with this anxiety.

[Alma] I wish I could guarantee that...

[Ysabeau] I spoke with Theonee... she knew who he was, before I spoke with her.

[Alma] Oh?

  • Ysabeau nods.

[Ysabeau] She doesn't know anything more about this than we do.

[Alma] I find that hard to believe...

[Ysabeau] She's resigned to sacrificing herself.

[Ysabeau] She said she'd do everything she could to... save him.

[Alma] Precisely. She knows what that sacrifice is. She knows the Order may come for her, and what they want to do.

[Ysabeau] I don't think it's the Order.

[Alma] When I spoke with her, she said something like, if the Order wills it, they will come for her.

[Alma] I've thought about going back and asking her about what *I* will. If that's all it takes to get her to do something, then I can will her to do something.

[Ysabeau] And she probably meant it. She is very accepting of things. That doesn't mean it's the Order that will come.

[Alma] So she didn't say anything about that?

[Alma] Well she certainly sounded like she meant the Order, as that's who I was talking about.

[Ysabeau] Well, I wasn't there, obviously.

  • Alma nods

[Ysabeau] But I think it's much more metaphysical than the Order. That's the impression I got, anyway.

  • Ysabeau sighs.

[Alma] It just makes me question how she truly can't tell you more...

[Alma] I think she's seen something. She's seen something, and it seems inevitable to her, so she has no will to change it.

[Ysabeau] I think it's more that she believes whatever the change is, will be for the best.

[Alma] Then she certainly can tell you more.

[Ysabeau] But I don't get the feeling that she really knows what that change will be.

[Ysabeau] Other than what we already figure it will be: the Serpent returning.

[Alma] What gives her such confidence then?

[Ysabeau] The same thing that gave me such confidence in Justen and Mercy, perhaps.

[Alma] Well I'm sorry, Ysabeau, but faith and hope aren't everything.

[Ysabeau] I guess... maybe a Legend Lore of me would help you figure out what is going on.

[Alma] I don't want Aveyrone to be another Am.

[Ysabeau] But if it confirms that Martan is going to die, or I am going to die, or the baby is going to die, then I don't want to know it.

[Alma] But if I don't tell you what it says, you'll just worry...

[Ysabeau] No.

[Alma] I could promise not to tell you about it at all...

[Alma] I suppose.

[Ysabeau] You can cast it, and tell me about it or not.

[Alma] Come... we'll sit somewhere more comfortable...

  • Alma gets you a little plate of something to drink and snack on and takes is to one of the more comfortable rooms and lights a lantern.

[Alma] I think the best thing would be if I don't tell you tonight, until I've had time to think it over.

[Ysabeau] All right.

[Ysabeau] I can tell Martan you did it, then he can come ask you about it if he wants.

  • Alma nods.
  • Alma will set things up and waits until you're comfortable before she begins to cast.
  • Ysabeau seems fine.
  • Alma is only ten minutes or so before she stops her slow chant as the lore comes to her.
  • Alma writes it down.

[Alma] Well... I hope that wasn't too long.

  • Alma closes her notebook and sets it aside.
  • Alma helps you up.

[Ysabeau] No, only about ten minutes.

[Ysabeau] Thank you.

  • Ysabeau stands up heavily.

[Alma] Did you come by carriage?

[Alma] What a silly question...

  • Alma looks down at your stomach.

[Alma] I can walk with you there if you'd like.

  • Alma is intently not thinking about the Legend Lore.

[Ysabeau] What's the weather doing? He'll kill me if I walk home in a cold rain. ;)

  • Ysabeau peeks out a window.

[Alma] You didn't walk here? :o

[Alma] I said it was a silly question because walking here so big and round would be silly!

[Alma] I'll send someone for a carriage...

[Ysabeau] I hired a carriage from the Castalia to here, but I let the driver go when I arrived; figured another cab would come by.

[Alma] I'll have someone fetch one for you.

  • Alma probably has some sort of runner nearby, though not at the house, or arranged with neighbours to have their urchins sub-in for the moment.

[Ysabeau] Thank you.

[Alma] If you'd like to go see them again, until I get back?

  • Ysabeau grins happily.
  • Alma will return and visit with you adn the sleeping twins until teh cab arrives.


Sanadhil and Dozilva

  • Sanadhil is curled up in a chair surrounded by a rather random seeming pile of stuff, cluthcing a pair of rather expensive looking books but starring in sort of vacant panic at a small wooden box that's been up-ended and/or tossed across the room....
  • Sanadhil looks pale, singed, dishevelled, and smells vaguely of fire
  • Dozilva comes in, already looking anxious, and sees this scene before her.

[Dozilva] Oh, you're all right!

  • Sanadhil seems to proicess her entrance and address a little slowly, and starts a moment or two after she speaks

[Dozilva] I heard there was a fire, at the Society, but you are safe.

[Sanadhil] I...

  • Sanadhil clutches his books
  • Dozilva would hug you, but you are full of books. So instead she tries to gently take them out of your hands.

[Sanadhil] No.

[Dozilva] ...

  • Sanadhil shrinks back with them in hand still, a little wild eyeed, as though he is only half seeing her
  • Dozilva crouches down beside you.

[Dozilva] It is all right... It's safe here.

  • Sanadhil shakes his head.

[Sanadhil] no.

[Sanadhil] Its gone, and everythings burning

  • Dozilva shakes her head too.

[Dozilva] No.. I heard that the fire is out.

[Sanadhil] I keep seeing it - I can't stop seeing it... every time

[Sanadhil] and its all..

[Sanadhil] everything is mixed up

[Sanadhil] and its gone

[Dozilva] What is gone?

  • Sanadhil 's eyes are watery and red and it looks like he is trying not to cry, or not to blink, or maybe both

[Sanadhil] The star

[Dozilva] The ... oh.

[Sanadhil] Its all I could do

[Sanadhil] I couldn't*stay* there

[Sanadhil] and its still gone

  • Dozilva is confused, but listening.

[Sanadhil] All the fire.. again the fire...

[Dozilva] You were very brave.

  • Sanadhil shakes his head, looking down away from her, curing even more around his books
  • Dozilva takes you by the shoulders to hold you/keep you from completely curling up in a ball.

[Dozilva] You saved all these things?

  • Sanadhil is possibly shaking a little

[Sanadhil] The books are all they would let me take

[Sanadhil] I coldn't carry it all

[Sanadhil] they toook everything else

[Dozilva] No one could have carried it all. You did everything you could.

  • Dozilva strokes your hair.

[Sanadhil] There was no one else*left*

[Dozilva] Of course - everyone had to get out.

  • Sanadhil tries to choke back a sob

[Sanadhil] no that' not... its not right.

[Sanadhil] I'm sorry, I can't...

[Dozilva] It's all right. I'm here now.

  • Dozilva holds you.

[Sanadhil] I can't make it*stop*

[Dozilva] In your head?

  • Dozilva asks uncertainly
  • Sanadhil nods

[Dozilva] You can meditate. Deep breaths. It will stop eventually. Then you can think more clearly.

[Sanadhil] I can't!

[Dozilva] Yes, you can.

  • Sanadhil makes a token effort, drawing in a shaky, vaguely wheezing breath

[Dozilva] You know this is real. Here, now. This is what is real, not in your mind.

[Sanadhil] I can still see it - I can still smell it.. all the burning... the books, people...

[Dozilva] Yes, but you are safe, and these books are safe, and I'm sure that other people saved others as well.

  • Sanadhil looks up at her again

[Sanadhil] he thought we were there...

[Dozilva] Maybe. We cannot know ... why. But he did not get you.

[Sanadhil] I know why.

[Dozilva] All right... why?

[Sanadhil] Because of Thea.

[Sanadhil]*takes another breath, trying to hang on to this line of thought

[Dozilva] If so, why are not your other friends attacked? THey have not been, as far as we know?

[Dozilva] So maybe there is another reason we do not know.

[Sanadhil] we haven't been together, not so many

[Dozilva] He can go where he wants - he could attack them in the street or their homes... you do not have to all be together.

  • Dozilva realizes this is probably not comforting, and stops.

[Sanadhil]*take another panicky breath*

[Dozilva] Maybe the target was not you, is all that I mean.

[Sanadhil] It was.

[Sanadhil] We have been careful

[Dozilva] Yes, you have.

[Sanadhil] I still can't think!

  • Dozilva nods.

[Dozilva] It will get better... you are still distraught.

[Sanadhil] I keep seeing everything...

[Sanadhil] And I've looked everythwere and it isn't here!

[Dozilva] Maybe someone else took it.

[Sanadhil] They'll think it was me

[Sanadhil] The Countess will think it was me

[Dozilva] Maybe... but if someone else has it, then it will turn up soon I'm sure.

[Sanadhil] No one was supposed to have it.

[Dozilva] maybe not... but in the confusion, perhaps someone else took it.

[Sanadhil]*shakes his head*

[Sanadhil] Vianca was*right there*

[Dozilva] It will all work out... you are not to blame.

[Sanadhil] I can't... I don't know.

[Dozilva] You need to rest now.

[Dozilva] It will be clearer when you are calm again.

[Sanadhil] I've been trying...

[Sanadhil] But I keep thinking of the fire, and the dreams

[Dozilva] What dreams?

  • Sanadhil just shakes his head again

[Dozilva] You can tell me.

  • Dozilva says more firmly.

[Sanadhil] I can't

[Sanadhil] I can't talk about it

  • Sanadhil shrinks back around his books

[Dozilva] ... a different fire? a dream about fire?

  • Sanadhil fights back more panics

[Sanadhil] Stop.

[Dozilva] No. you cannot do this alone. I am not going to stop and leave you to curl yourself into a ball.

[Dozilva] It would be better for you to rest, but you cannot, and you will not, until you tell me what is going on.

[Sanadhil] There was afire... at the society... Kavreshar came, when we were in the other planes...

[Sanadhil] We came back and everything was burning... I tried to save things

[Sanadhil] Vianca couldn't put it out

[Sanadhil] She gave me the box

[Sanadhil] but it was gone

[Sanadhil] The star

  • Dozilva nods

[Dozilva] I understand that much...

[Dozilva] I understand it is worrying, to not know where it is, and frightening to be attacked in that way - if it was directed at you, which we cannot know for sure.

[Dozilva] But you are ... more upset than that.

  • Sanadhil takes a deep breath, trying to seem calm @_@
  • Dozilva seems unconvinced by your fake calm :

[Sanadhil] I don't wan't to think about it - I don't want to talk about it, it won't help, please...

[Dozilva] ... All right.

[Dozilva] But I am not going away.

  • Sanadhil nods

[Dozilva] Put these things down - they will be safe here.

  • Sanadhil looks down at the books - ancient handbound volumes in Cozovode, and strokes the cover of the top one
  • Dozilva gently takes hold of them
  • Sanadhil tenses up, but lets her take them, not taking his eyes off them

[Dozilva] trust me - I am a librarian.

  • Sanadhil nods slowly

[Sanadhil] (they are [probably a little singed themselves @_@)

[Sanadhil] (Though not freshly)

  • Dozilva puts them carefully on a table.

[Dozilva] Now, come rest. We can talk more when you are feeling calmer.

  • Sanadhil looks back at her
  • Sanadhil looks are the mess around him, and winces, and reaches out for her
  • Dozilva wraps you in her arms
  • Dozilva will lead you to lie down and rest.
  • Sanadhil will try @_@


Sanadhil and Taralynn

  • Sanadhil tap gently at the door to his shared chambers upoing returning from teaching to let Dozilva know it is him
  • Dozilva comes to the door, in her human disguise.
  • Sanadhil opens and is vaguely surprised to see her in that seeming

[Dozilva] My dear, there is a young lady who has come to see you... she's inside. We've just been talking.

[Sanadhil] A young lady?

[Dozilva] Her name is Taralynn Rademacher? You know her, apparently.

[Sanadhil] Ahh...

[Sanadhil] I see.

[Sanadhil] . o O ( Apparently? What ahve they been talking about @_@)

  • Dozilva steps aside to let you into the room.
  • Sanadhil steps inside, then

[Sanadhil] Good Afternoon.

  • Taralynn is sitting in one of the two chairs, with a baby in her arms.
  • Taralynn looks upset.

[Taralynn] I'm sorry... I don't mean to bother you...

  • Sanadhil glances at Dozilva

[Sanadhil] What's going on?

  • Sanadhil asks tara

[Taralynn] I...

  • Taralynn looks at Dozilva too, uncertainly.

[Dozilva] I can go, if you need to talk in private.

[Sanadhil] Maybe that would be best.

  • Dozilva nods, and will step outside then.

[Taralynn] Is she your lover? I suppose she must be. She's very pretty...

  • Sanadhil watches her go, his expression unreadable, before turning back to tara

[Sanadhil] What's the matter, Tara?

  • Taralynn bursts into tears.

[Sanadhil] ....

[Taralynn] They want to... try to take him away from me... again...

[Sanadhil] what?

  • Taralynn says between gasps.
  • Sanadhil will try to appear very calm hoping that it willtransfer @_@

[Sanadhil] The baby?

[Taralynn] Tristan.

  • Taralynn says, nodding.

[Sanadhil] Who's trying to take him away?

[Taralynn] Theron's family... well his mother... she's hired a nurse, and she says I shouldn't nurse him myself anymore, and that it'll be better if I let her take care of everything...

  • Sanadhil comes a little closer, but not super close @_@

[Taralynn] And Theron just goes along with whatever she says.

[Sanadhil] Let who take care of everything? The Nurse?

  • Taralynn nods.

[Taralynn] She says that *ladies* don't nurse their own babies, only common folk who don't have any choice do that.

[Sanadhil] Ah...

[Taralynn] It makes me so scared... I just want to take him and run away.

[Sanadhil] They don't understand.

[Taralynn] No...

[Sanadhil] Does Theron know?

[Taralynn] well, they don't know.

[Taralynn] No!

  • Sanadhil nods again, slowly.

[Taralynn] I wish we had never moved into that house, I wish we had just stayed on our own.

[Sanadhil] You moved in there?

  • Sanadhil sounds surprised at that
  • Taralynn nods.

[Taralynn] Well, after the baby was born, Theron thought it would be good to have the extra space, and the help... and I agreed, but his mother is so... I don't know...

  • Taralynn searches for the right words.

[Sanadhil] possessive?

  • Sanadhil guesses @_@
  • Sanadhil eyes the baby in question

[Taralynn] I don't think so.

[Taralynn] I don't know.

[Taralynn] She doesn't want to take care of him herself. I don't really think she much likes babies at all.

[Sanadhil] Hmm.

[Taralynn] She just thinks I ought to do the same. So that people won't think I'm the help, instead of a proper lady :p

[Sanadhil] Does this Nurse have any more sense?

[Taralynn] I heard her say that to Theron, I don't think she knew I was listening...

[Taralynn] Oh, she just does what the person paying her tells her.

  • Sanadhil shakes his head

[Taralynn] I know nobles are different... I didn't know it would be like this, though.

[Taralynn][q] And I'm afraid that she'll tell me I have to go, but keep Theron and Tristan.

[Sanadhil] You don't have to listen to her.

[Taralynn] She never wanted him to marry me in the first place, and maybe they can find some way to dissolve the marriage, I don't know...

  • Taralynn is getting more anxious again.

[Sanadhil] If she wanted you gone, she wouldn't care if you seemed liek a proper lady or not.

[Sanadhil] She wouldn't expect it of you.

[Taralynn] But if I can't be! If I'm not good enough!

[Sanadhil] Of course you're good enough.

[Taralynn] I never know the right fork to use or the right thing to say.

[Sanadhil] Those are things you can learn.

[Taralynn] What if I let him go and something happens to him?

[Sanadhil] its just training... it doens't make them better people

  • Taralynn holds her sleeping baby closer.
  • Sanadhil sits down across from her

[Sanadhil] What are you afraid will happen?

[Taralynn] Anything could happen. What if the nurse doesn't take good care of him? what if he gets sick?

[Sanadhil] You're still there, Tara.

[Sanadhil] YOu can see what she's doing.YOu can tell her what to so.

[Taralynn] ...If they don't need me anymore, then they can send me away.

[Sanadhil] Theron still needs you.

[Taralynn] Not as much... not with his mother there.

[Taralynn] He listens to her more than me :(

[Sanadhil] Maybe you should convince him to move out again.

[Sanadhil] Agree to keep the nurse... but once you are all out of her house, she'll have to listen to you instead

[Taralynn] I don't think he'd listen. He just says that the baby is wearing me out too much and wouldn't it be nicer to get to sleep more, and goes along with what his mother says.

[Taralynn] There's not the room at his flat, either. I don't know where we would go... we'd have to find somewhere with enough room.

[Sanadhil] YOu do look.... very tired.

  • Sanadhil says, though he is really not one to talk @_@

[Taralynn] I haven't been sleeping much...

  • Sanadhil nods understandlingly

[Sanadhil] Maybe he's just concerned.

[Sanadhil] About you.

[Taralynn] ...

[Taralynn] Maybe.

[Sanadhil] He probably thinks his mother knows what she is doing....

[Sanadhil] They can't understand what they're asking you.

[Taralynn] I think he probably wishes we hadn't had the baby... he wishes things were like they were before, and he thinks if I stop nursing him that it'll go back to that.

[Sanadhil] Mmm.

[Taralynn] He hasn't said that in so many words, but... that's what he thinks.

[Sanadhil] He misses you?

[Taralynn] I suppose so.

  • Sanadhil shakes his head

[Sanadhil] You don't have to tell them the truth tara, but you should tell them something they can understand.

[Taralynn] Like what?

[Sanadhil] That's you've lost a child before.

[Sanadhil] ?

[Taralynn] ...

[Taralynn] Lady Sydona already thinks I'm a whore... that'll just confirm it in her mind :/

[Taralynn] but I suppose she wouldn't think worse of me, anyhow.

  • Sanadhil nods

[Sanadhil] Tell Theron - let him deal with her.

[Taralynn] Maybe you're right...

[Taralynn] I know I can't really run away.

  • Sanadhil nods again

[Taralynn] They'd find me...

[Sanadhil] it's terrifying, isn't it @_@

  • Taralynn nods.

[Taralynn] It's funny... I was ready to stay with Theron forever. Or I thought I was. It took me a long time to feel that way, but .. he needed me.

  • Taralynn says with a shrug.
  • Sanadhil nods

[Taralynn] But all of this, and I'd leave him in a second if it meant I knew Tristan would be safe.

[Taralynn] but I wouldn't really know, would I.

[Sanadhil] he'll be safe, Tara.

  • Taralynn shakes her head.

[Taralynn] I can't ever be sure.

[Sanadhil] ...

[Sanadhil] :|

[Taralynn] And he needs me more.

  • Sanadhil nods
  • Sanadhil is feeling a little lost in the conversation at this point, with no real frame of reference @_@

[Taralynn] She wants me to act like a lady? Well*real* ladies do what they want, don't they.

[Sanadhil] The empress still feeds her child.

[Taralynn] Exactly! I can tell her that.

  • Sanadhil nods

[Taralynn] They won't take him away from me.

[Sanadhil] No, they won't.

[Taralynn] And Theron will just have to understand that things will be different for a while.

[Sanadhil] Yes.

  • Sanadhil tries a supportive smile

[Taralynn] I mean, there are lots of things we can still do...

[Sanadhil] ...

[Taralynn] just I'm a bit more tired, that's all.

  • Taralynn says stubbornly.

[Sanadhil] You should try to get some rest, Tara.

[Sanadhil] YOu can't look out for him if you can't look after yourself.

[Taralynn] I... I'll try.

[Sanadhil] I know its hard.

[Taralynn] I feel like I have to be watching all the time, in case... I don't even know what.

[Taralynn] In case something awful happens.

[Sanadhil] You're not alone, now, Tara.

  • Taralynn nods slowly.

[Taralynn] I know... I know in my head that it's not the same this time. But it's so hard to trust them...

  • Sanadhil nods

[Sanadhil] I understand.

[Taralynn] But.. I can try to let them watch for a while, and rest.

[Sanadhil] Yes.

[Taralynn] ...you look tired too.

[Sanadhil] Mm.

[Taralynn] Can she - your friend - can she watch for you?

[Sanadhil] ...

[Sanadhil] She tries.

  • Taralynn nods.

[Taralynn] And you try to let her?

[Sanadhil] It's very....exposing.

  • Sanadhil says, somewhat warily

[Taralynn] Yes.

  • Taralynn agrees.

[Sanadhil] And its tiring.

  • Sanadhil sighs at the irony.

[Taralynn] :/

  • Sanadhil waves dismissively
  • Taralynn juggles the baby to her other arm as he starts to wake.

[Taralynn] I should probably go. They'll be wondering where we are...

[Sanadhil] What did you say to her?

[Taralynn] I told her I was an old friend of yours.

  • Taralynn says as she stands to get ready to depart.
  • Sanadhil nods

[Taralynn] Nothing else, really...

[Taralynn] I asked about her, more, to keep her from asking about me.

[Sanadhil] Ah.

  • Sanadhil stands as well.

[Taralynn] She seems nice.

  • Taralynn says with an effort at a smile.

[Sanadhil] Thank you.

[Taralynn] Maybe some evening you two can come to the Rademachers' house for dinner.

[Sanadhil] Perhaps, yes.

[Taralynn] I'd like that.

  • Sanadhil nods

[Sanadhil] I'll see, then.

  • Taralynn wraps her shawl around herself and the baby to go back out.

[Sanadhil] Good luck, Tara - take care of yourself.

[Taralynn] ...thank you. Nobody else understands.

[Taralynn] And you - practice what you preach, hm?

[Sanadhil] I'll try.

  • Taralynn smiles, a bit more genuinely this time, and leaves.
  • Sanadhil will go curl up in a chair for a bit.
  • Dozilva knocks at the door a little while later.
  • Sanadhil will get up to answer the door

[Dozilva] Can I come in?

[Sanadhil] Yes.

  • Dozilva does, then.

[Dozilva] Poor girl...

  • Sanadhil stops her once she closes the door behind her, and takes the hairclip out and sets it aside.
  • Dozilva shakes her head a bit to let her hair fall loose.

[Dozilva] Are you ... well?

  • Sanadhil nods, then runs a hand through her shaken loose hair, and then hugs her, maybe a little awkwardly
  • Dozilva is slightly surprised, but hugs back.

[Sanadhil] No.

[Dozilva] You held together for her, though.

  • Sanadhil nods

[Dozilva] That was very strong.

[Sanadhil] It was just...necessary.

[Dozilva] She must be a very good friend.

  • Dozilva sounds oddly ..respectful.

[Sanadhil] She needs me.

  • Dozilva nods.
  • Sanadhil finally lets her go @_@

[Dozilva] And what do you need?

[Sanadhil] I don't know.

  • Sanadhil says, honestly.
  • Dozilva considers this for a moment.

[Dozilva] Do you need me?

  • Dozilva 's tone is not flirty, but more practical.
  • Sanadhil hesitates

[Sanadhil] I...

[Sanadhil] That's a hard question.

  • Dozilva nods.
  • Dozilva isn't letting it drop, however.

[Sanadhil] I don't know. I don't know what I would do, without you.

[Dozilva] I am not going away.

[Sanadhil] I know.

[Dozilva] You hope, or you know?

  • Dozilva takes your hand, bringing it to her chest.

[Sanadhil] You scare me.

  • Dozilva doesn't seem too surprised to hear that.
  • Sanadhil squeezes her hand though

[Dozilva] Need is scary.

  • Sanadhil nods

[Sanadhil] You don't seem very scared.

[Dozilva] I...

  • Dozilva hesitates.

[Dozilva] I have had all my scared. When I decided I would come here for you, not knowing what it would bring.

[Sanadhil] (SM?)

[Dozilva] Maybe still I have some.

  • Dozilva admits.

[Dozilva] But it is less each day.

[Sanadhil] ...

[Sanadhil] Why?

[Dozilva] Because you let me in more. Because you let me need you more.

[Sanadhil] I'm....sorry, that I'm so difficult.

[Dozilva] Being together with you here, in this room... I know it is not what you wanted.

[Dozilva] I know it is hard sometimes, when you would rather be alone.

  • Sanadhil nods

[Dozilva] But you do it anyway. That is ... important.

[Dozilva] It makes me feel that it is all right for me to want to be near you.

[Dozilva] That you will not push me away.

[Sanadhil] YOu won't let me.

[Dozilva] Not easily.

[Dozilva] I would not like it... but if you pushed hard enough...

  • Sanadhil shakes his head

[Sanadhil] I don't want you to go.

[Dozilva] I know.

[Dozilva] I don't want you to go either.

[Sanadhil] Good.

  • Dozilva strokes your hair.
  • Sanadhil squeezes her hand again, and will lean forward to kiss her
  • Dozilva kisses back.

[Dozilva] ...anything you need... you can tell me...

  • Dozilva says, between kisses.

[Sanadhil] It's not you.

[Sanadhil] There are just some things.... I can't talk about @_@

  • Sanadhil tenses again/more

[Dozilva] I mean now... what you want from me...

[Sanadhil] oh @_@

  • Dozilva rubs her hands down your back, trying to loosen those tensed muscles.
  • Sanadhil quells that rising panic

[Sanadhil] I just... Let me show you.

  • Sanadhil says, trailing his thumb along one of the scars on her face
  • Dozilva nods.
  • Sanadhil will draw her back toward the bedroom @_@
  • Dozilva goes willingly.
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