Diablotin 1 session 56

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Summary

Fifth-month, 2197:

8th: They return to the present day, and are reunited with their respective families. Belden communes with her god.

Log

Session Start: Mon Dec 13 18:39:39 2004 Session Ident: #changeling

• Logging #changeling to 'C:\Files\IRC Logs\game56.EsperNet'

[Diablotin_Narrator] The space around you is unremittingly black, deeper than the darkest night you've ever known. You begin to think, as much as you are capable of thought, that you will never leave this place, and the thought does not disturb you the way you vaguely imagine it should. [Diablotin_Narrator] Somewhere ahead of you, a tiny star breaks through the darkness. Shortly, it is joined by another. After an eternity of night, even the littlest pinprick of light seems blinding, almost unbearable. And yet, you feel yourself drawn to it. [Diablotin_Narrator] The twin stars grow larger and larger, filling more and more of your vision, until you realize that you're looking out through your eyes again, staring at a pristine white ceiling. [Diablotin_Narrator] The Arch, impassive and grand, hangs dizzyingly from the ceiling, leaving you momentarily disoriented as you try to sit up. [Diablotin_Narrator] It all comes back to you in a flood - Mataline's stand to save you from something you couldn't begin to comprehend. You look around for any trace of her, but the room is empty except for you and your companions. [Diablotin_Narrator] Other memories return to you in that rush as well, ones that seem bear no relation to the bodies you now inhabit - visions of distant days, all as clear to you as if you had just lived through them. [Falke] ...

• Falke fights off the lingering wooziness and looks around.
• Kalman sits stunned for a moment, trying to process everything
• Longpig weakly pushes herself up into a sitting position.
• Longpig is now known as Belden

[Falke] Are you all here? Are you all okay?

• Belden weakly pushes herself up into a sitting position.
• Boden is slow to sit up...looking carefully around the room.

[Kalman] I thnk so...

• Loch breathes deeply and wills himself to stand and assess the situation
• Belden frowns, then looks around the room uncertainly.

[Belden] ... Mataline?

• Falke takes stock of the situation. Everyone is there, thank goodness, except for Mataline.
• Belden says thickly, looking for any trace of the seer.
• Pavo is tempted to lie on the cool floor and just be quiet, but he can't see the motion around him well, lying down, so he hefts himself upright.

[Kalman] No. [Falke] (Are there any signs of a struggle? blood stains? bones? a pile of dust? ^-^) [Diablotin_Narrator] (nothing, just the white room)

• Kalman stands up slowly, bracing himself against the wall

[Falke] I'm afraid not, Belden... :/ [Boden] um...I'm confused.

• Belden folds her hands over her head.

[Belden] ... [Kalman] It's just us. [Falke] Maybe she fought it off and got herself out of here...

• Boden sounds a little sad and distant.

[Pavo] What happened? [Falke] Or maybe she ended up going through the arch, too. [Belden] (has my hair grown significantly? or my baby?) [Diablotin_Narrator] You all feel hungry, as if you hadn't eaten for a few days, but you don't have significantly longer hair or beards or anything like that.

• Pavo stands finally, looking over himself, his clothing and equipment.

[Kalman] CDoes everyone else remeber all of that?

• Boden will also check himself over to see if its all still there.

[Loch] I experienced... something...

• Falke follows suit and makes sure he has everything he remembered having.

[Falke] ... [Kalman] It's like I really *was* someone else, twice... [Belden] Oh. [Boden] This can't really be good.

• Belden stares off into space with a sad expression.
• Boden kind of mumbles

[Falke] ...

• Belden holds her stomach protectively.
• Boden will stand up.

[Loch] We can't stay here. It's not safe. [Falke] I feel weak with hunger... how many days do you suppose have passed while we were in there? [Pavo] I...

• Falke asks, voice tense.

[Kalman] We are all alright, though, aren't we? [Belden] It's... it's impossible to say. [Boden] Well....had to say Falke, until we get above ground. [Falke] Can everyone move? [Pavo] I feel... ok. I'm not hurt. [Falke] I need to know. I need tom know how long it was. [Loch] We can all move, so lets leave before the dark presence returns.

• Belden reaches for her staff and pushes herself up.

[Boden] yeah, I'll look out the door. [Kalman] Right.

• Loch offers Pasith a hand
• Belden casts Detect Evil.
• Boden seems troubled by something.

[Diablotin_Narrator] The door to the room stands slightly ajar, which doesn't match your crystal-clear memories of it slamming shut and trapping you. [Diablotin_Narrator] Belden - you detect no evil in the range of your spell.

• Boden will look out the door and into the next room.

[Falke] Look, it's open - maybe Mataline did get out.

• Falke says with hope.

[Belden] Nothing...

• Belden mumbles.

[Loch] (Do I have any clue what that staff was that Madaline broke?)

• Pavo slips his hands into his gauntlets, which, to his relief, comforts him.

[Kalman] (Do I? ;)

• Falke will look over the door - any traps been laid to catch us on our way out?

[Loch] Boden, Falke, take point again... Pavo, Kalman, rear guard. [Loch] Lets get out of here. [Kalman] right. [Diablotin_Narrator] You know it must have been a very powerful magic item, Loch - you might guess it was a Staff of Power, but you can't be certain. [Diablotin_Narrator] Falke - you detect no traps on the door.

• Pavo will fall to the back with Kalman.

[Boden] (I looked out the door...did I see anything?) [Diablotin_Narrator] (just the tunnel leading into the room) [Falke] It's safe. [Diablotin_Narrator] You pass through the stone door, out into the rough-hewn tunnel sloping upwards towards the catacombs. As you leave the room, you realize how still it was in there, how chill... [Boden] ok, I don't see anything. Can we get some lights? [Pavo] I thought maybe we'd come out the other arch...

• Belden shivers.

[Falke] I'm glad we didn't.

• Loch will cast light

[Diablotin_Narrator] Loch's magical illumination lights your way back into the necropolis. [Falke] It's evil... tainted. and there's a person who watches it. and they might have found us all and locked us up to makes sure we didn't go insane. [Diablotin_Narrator] The tunnel leads you back into the bone-filled cavern, where your footsteps echo off the walls as you traverse the uneven floor. Nothing stirs except the occasional rat or other small vermin. [Kalman] ... [Falke] Like they do with the candidates. [Pavo] Maybe we did go insane. [Falke] I refuse to believe that.

• Falke says flatly.

[Belden] You all know what happened. [Kalman] . o O ( it does run in the family -_- ) [Kalman] when? [Pavo] I know... it doesn't feel right, thinking it was all a dream. [Falke] (Are our ropes still there, Julia?) [Diablotin_Narrator] (I'll let you know when you get there :p) [Falke] It was real. I'm sure of that. [Kalman] me too. [Falke] A gift, or a message... [Loch] Focus on the task at hand. The information is wasted if we dont make it out of here. [Kalman] It's all quiet, Loch. [Falke] Yes, Father Loch.

• Boden walks quietly in the front, looking out for any traps or monsters that may be lurking.
• Falke says wryly.

[Falke] We do need to talk about but first I need to think about it. And I must find Ilse... we were supposed to have been married on the eighth...

• Falke lapses into silence, worrying.

[Kalman] I just want to know if we all remember the sme things, the same times...

• Falke focuses on the task, doing his scouting and stuff in silence.
• Kalman will fall quiet though, since no one else seems to want to discuss it atm...

[Loch] Potter's field and the breaking of the arch. [Kalman] yes.

• Falke glances sharpl back at Loch .

[Falke] Yes. [Pavo] Yes.

• Falke turns back to his work.
• Boden turns and nods to the others.

[Boden] I was Pietro and Damodar. [Belden] Pietro... [Belden] The blind man.

• Belden murmurs.
• Boden nods, it was weird.

[Kalman] ... [Loch] He lead the company I was in. [Kalman] yes. [Belden] And I. [Loch] Pietro [Kalman] I was Marcelyn... and Lysva.

• Boden cracks a tiny smile.

[Boden] You were hot.

• Pavo looks at Kalman and immediately looks a little embarassed, trying to hide it.
• Belden touches her face without really thinking about it.

[Kalman] .... [Pavo] I was Alzbeth... and Hroc.

• Falke looks sharply at Kalman, grinning a wicked little grin.

[Pavo] .oO( I thought such nasty things... ) [Falke] ...

• Belden looks very sad.

[Belden] -_- [Pavo] I ... died.

• Kalman frowns a little at the odd looks :p

[Falke] I couldn't stand Hroc. [Kalman] I remember. [Falke] Yes... and I said a prayer over you. [Falke] I was sad, even though I didn't much like you, you fought bravely. [Boden] [q]I still remember the thing that killed me. Only monster I was ever really afraid of. [Pavo] Hey, it wasn't me... I don't... well... [Loch] Hroc and Damodar died... I was Amhara then [Belden] I remember... a mind so self-absorbed and cold...

• Belden shivers again.

[Falke] I was Ypane... [Belden] Laeken.

• Falke says, kind of embarrassed maybe.

[Falke] And Joss- er, Gratien...

• Falke 's eyes look haunted and he turns back to his scouting.

[Belden] ... [Belden] . o O ( That means... )

• Belden looks over at Loch.

[Belden] . o O ( No, not necessarily. )

• Kalman also eyes Loch

[Loch] I remember tearing the ground apart between the two arches... [Kalman] Yes, and the blackness, leaking out over the island... [Kalman] ...I *moved the river*. [Pavo] Yeah... I remember that. [Loch] Dorea... and the rat tribe... [Kalman] Dorea came back from the arch, with one of the locals. [Pavo] I... Hroc was impressed. [Kalman] Only her constralltion as gone. [Boden] I don't get that part...wich one of us was Dorea? [Pavo] ... what? [Kalman] (Constellation) [Kalman] I don't think any of us were, Boden. [Loch] Apparently none of us were

• Falke rubs his eyes because he is finding it hard to see...

[Diablotin_Narrator] You stumble, almost by sheer luck, upon the rope Boden left hanging from the hole in the ceiling, the entrance back to the relative familiarity of the sewers. [Falke] I'll go up first.

• Falke starts climbing, keeping alert for anything troublesome.
• Boden will give Falke room to go first, then follow up when he makes it to the top.

[Loch] [w to Pasith] you never said who you were at Potter's Field. [Belden] [w] Neither did you. [Loch] [w] Lydia Zane

• Belden nods slowly.

[Belden] [w] I was called Vende.

• Loch looks at Belden
• Belden meets your gaze.

[Loch] We're next up the rope [Belden] You were very kind to me.

• Belden says quietly.

[Loch] [w] Yes

• Belden heads up the rope.

[Diablotin_Narrator] You climb the rope, squeezing through the jagged-edged hole back into the sewer tunnel.

• Kalman will come up last
• Boden will cause the magic rope to coil back up and attach it to his belt.
• Falke unties the ropes and gives Boden back his, coiling up his own silk rope and putting it back into his pack.

[Pavo] At least the ropes were here... it means we weren't gone *that* long... [Kalman] ...Right

• Falke nods.

[Boden] Who would have taken the ropes if we were ong long? [Boden] (gone long) [Falke] It might mean that... or just that no one dares venture in here aside from fools like us. [Kalman] . o O ( Glory... Glory must be worried, if I've been gone long at all. ) [Belden] If it were *years*, the silk one might have rotted. [Kalman] It can't have been that long. [Falke] I hope not.

• Falke sighs.
• Falke continues on the way out, keeping an eye open and his ears perked for anything out of the ordinary.
• Falke is anxious to see what time of day it is... what season.

[Diablotin_Narrator] Though the twists and turns of the sewer passages you travel, trying to remember the way Mataline led you, until at last you see the faintly-glowing, cold-radiating fungus that marks the door back into Stone's End.

• Falke checks it for traps just to be safe.

[Diablotin_Narrator] You detect no traps. [Falke] it's safe. [Kalman] good. [Falke] ...

• Falke listens at the door before opening it, just to be safe.

[Kalman] ...where are we going now? [Falke] Can we please go find out families, then meet up again to discuss things?

• Boden shrugs his big shoulders
• Belden walks slowly, tapping her staff on the floor.

[Falke] I don't think I'll be able to concentrate until I've made sure Ilse knows I'm safe. [Boden] (what time of day is it?0 [Diablotin_Narrator] (you're in a cellar room - you have no idea until you get outside :p) [Pavo] Maybe we should see what has happened first... if anything. [Kalman] alright.

• Falke 's voice seems almost to crack; he is obviously pretty upset about something.

[Pavo] Maybe all we'll have to do outside is ask the date though... [Boden] We should stick together for a bit and make sure everything is...normal here before splitting up.

• Kalman nods

[Belden] I wonder how in the world to write this into a report... [Falke] Well, we have to cross a bridge no matter where we're headed so we can stick together untuil then at least. [Falke] ... [Falke] Ready?

• Loch nods
• Falke faces the door then opens it.
• Boden shrugs his shoulders again.

[Boden] Lets go. [Diablotin_Narrator] Hurrying upstairs and outside into the fresh air, you can see that it is dark outside. Probably past midnight, by the positions of the stars that wheel unceasingly around the heavens. [Diablotin_Narrator] The weather seems much like it was when you set out - late spring or early summer. The night air is refreshingly cool, but certainly not cold.

• Belden breathes deeply of the fresh air.
• Kalman breathes the fresh air deeply
• Falke takes a deep breath.

[Falke] Well... hopefully it's the same year, anyway. [Falke] Everything else seems all right. [Falke] Let's keep an eye out for people we can ask...

• Kalman looks up at the stars, where the Rat should be

[Falke] (The buildings are all intace, right? ;) ) [Falke] (intact) [Kalman] Maybe we should go and see Vianca. [Diablotin_Narrator] (well, as intact as they ever are - you're in a run-down section of Rhenea, remember...) [Kalman] She's close... [Falke] ... [Kalman] And, we shoud tell her about matalaine. [Loch] Good idea Kalman [Belden] Yes... Yes Kalman, that's a good idea.

• Kalman says quietly

[Falke] Sure... we can find out if Mataline is all right that way.

• Falke keeps hoping she got away. ^-^

[Pavo] Maybe they'll know.

• Kalman nods, adn will head that way, then
• Falke nods. He is anxious to find Ilse, but this is important too.

[Loch] (Off to Vianca's) [Diablotin_Narrator] You head through the darkened streets to Mataline's house... [Falke] (nothing out of the ordinary, I take it?) [Diablotin_Narrator] (I'm sure I would tell you if there were.) [Falke] (So... we get there.)

• Kalman looks to Belden, to see if she wants to do this or not... she knew both of them better than the rest of us
• Belden taps on the door.
• Falke steps aside for Belden, too.

[Diablotin_Narrator] After a few moments, the door opens, just a fraction.

• NPCa is now known as Vianca
• Vianca looks as if she's just gotten out of bed.

[Vianca] [w] Oh, hello. [Belden] ... Vianca...

• Belden tries to smile.
• Vianca opens the door wider for you.

[Belden] I'm sorry to wake you. [Vianca] [w] It's all right... Do you want to come in? [Belden] All right, thank you...

• Belden steps inside...
• Loch follows
• Boden will file inside after the others.

[Belden] Is...

• Pavo realises that we must all look pretty bedraggled and odd...
• Vianca looks at you all a bit uncertainly.

[Belden] Vianca... I'm not sure how else to ask this, I'm sorry... has Mataline come back?

• Vianca shakes her head.

[Kalman] :/ [Vianca] [q] I thought she was with you. [Belden] She was... But we were separated. [Belden] How long has it been, since we left? [Vianca] [q] Almost three days.

• Pavo sighs in relief...

[Vianca] [q] Well, it would be three days tomorrow.

• Belden nods, glancing back at Loch.
• Kalman nods, and glances at Falke
• Falke looks somewhat relieved.

[Falke] I'm sorry about Mataline... [Vianca] [q] What happened? [Loch] Vianca, do you remember the staff Mataline carried. Did she ever tell you anthing about it?

• Falke says quietly.
• Vianca considers, tilting her head to one side.

[Vianca] [q] I know it was very very old... I was never to touch it, of course. [Loch] Is that all? [Vianca] [q] I think she called it her Staff of Power.... [Vianca] [q] But she never used it very much at all. [Vianca] [q] Why? What happened?

• Loch looks at Pasith and shakes his head no

[Belden] She was trying to fend off the darkness so that we could escape... She broke it; and... and that was the last I remember. [Kalman] We don't know what happened. [Belden] When we woke up, she was... gone. I'm so sorry, Vianca.

• Belden says, as her eyes well up with tears.

[Vianca] [w] Oh... [Loch] Breaking a Staff of Power releases the magic inside it in a violent magical explosion... [Belden] -_- [Pavo] So... [Vianca] [w] What will happen now? [Belden] I don't know... [Belden] I need to speak with Rab, and the others.

• Belden says, trying to keep her voice strong.
• Vianca nods uncertainly.

[Vianca] [q] Should I... stay here? [Belden] You would be welcome to stay with Loch and I, if you want.

• Kalman closes his mouth.

[Belden] If you want to remain here for now, of course, it's up to you... [Vianca] [q] All right... I... I should stay here for now, to... make sure everything is shut up and safe.

• Belden nods.

[Belden] I will come back tomorrow and make sure you're alright... Maybe I will be able to tell you more then. [Vianca] [q] Thank you, Sister. [Belden] I'll see you then. Take care...

• Belden smiles weakly.
• Vianca smiles back as she sees you out the door.

[Belden] Well.

• Falke looks unhappy for Belden in light of the news that Mataline isn't there.
• Belden begins once outside.

[Falke] I'm sorry, Belden...

• Falke says quietly, again.

[Belden] I reckon there's not like to be anyone to report to back at the barracks, not at this hour.

• Falke nods.

[Belden] We'd do best just to go home, for now. [Kalman] alright. [Falke] ... [Belden] _ [Kalman] We should meet tomorrow morning. [Falke] . o O (She sounds like that Vende fellow, and Marcelyn.) [Falke] Yes... back at our office.

• Belden nods to Kalman.

[Kalman] okay. [Boden] Falke...so are we in time for your wedding? [Falke] Well... it was supposed to be tomorrow... but now Ilse and I will probably be better off postponing it a bit...

• Boden nods.

[Kalman] Just let us know. [Falke] There will be a lot to do tomorrow... talk amongst ourselves, report to our superiors, and everything...

• Belden leans on her staff. So hungry and tired, the weight of Mataline's loss pressing down on her so heavily... ;_;

[Falke] I will... but now I really, really have to go. [Boden] Yeah, I guess I should head back to Tigranne before she starts trying to avenge my death. [Falke] Good night everyone. I - I'll see you tomorrow morning.

• Pavo chuckles despite the weary mood...
• Falke takes off at a run, using his Run feat.

[Pavo] I'm glad to come back to you Boden :)

• Kalman smiles a little.
• Belden leaves with Loch.

[Belden] (I don't know where Loch is going, but I'll let him TP me home) [Kalman] I'll walk back with you, Boden. [Boden] Ok Kal. [Boden] (How close do we live to eachother now?)

• Kalman looks at you oddly, but shrugs

[Kalman] (well, we're in the same neighbourhood, but I don't thik we're really that close, once we get into the grande [Pavo] I figure my mom and dad are ok, and it's late, so I'll be heading to Phorien's, if he's home and not with the others...

• Pavo heads off, walking slowly in the dark.

[Diablotin_Narrator] You all head off towards your respective homes, pondering what has just happened to you.

[Diablotin_Narrator] We'll begin with Pavo. [Diablotin_Narrator] Pavo, you head to Phorien's home, which is not too far off.

• Pavo will knock on his door firmly, hoping so very strongly that he's home...
• Vianca is now known as Phorien
• Phorien comes to the door after several minutes, wrapped in his dressing-gown and looking quite weary.

[Phorien] ...Pavo?

• Pavo nearly throws himself through the door at Phorien... his arms snaring him into a very tight hug.
• Phorien hugs you back, puzzled but concerned about you.

[Phorien] Is everything all right?

• Pavo holds Phorien close, his breath heavy... and tears squeezing slowly from his eyes.

[Phorien] Look, come in, come in... [Pavo] It's so confusing... I feel like I miss you, like I haven't seen you in ages...

• Phorien leads you into his apartment and sits you down on a comfortable chair.

[Phorien] Oh... well, I'm here now... What happened to you, sweetheart?

• Pavo pulls Phorien down with him...
• Phorien lets himself be pulled.

[Pavo] We went through the Arch... the other one.

• Phorien nods, listening.

[Pavo] It... whatever it is, was coming for us, and Mataline told us to go through. [Pavo] And now, I know things. Parts of some one else's life... [Phorien] o_O [Pavo] *Two lives* [Phorien] You can remember your past lives? [Pavo] It hasn't been three days and I have months in my head, crowding my thoughts. [Pavo] Alzbeth Krusse... during the war... [Phorien] Which war? [Pavo] And if it wasn't so real, and had the others not seen these things too, I'd never believe I was Hroc, a violent man, at the beginning of time itself it seems. [Pavo] The Quicksilver war... [Phorien] This is ... this is very unusual, Pavo. Amazing.

• Pavo leans his head against Phorien.
• Phorien strokes your hair.

[Phorien] I thought something must have happened... two days ago, there was a... I don't know quite what to call it. A shockwave?

• Pavo nods.

[Pavo] That was ... Mataline. [Phorien] I could feel that something major had taken place, but I didn't know what.

• Phorien nods.

[Pavo] Is she ok? Do you know anything? [Phorien] Did she break her staff? [Pavo] ... yes. [Phorien] Then... I don't know. The release of that much magical power all at once... it could easily have killed her.

• Pavo nods, not surprised, only disappointed.

[Phorien] But it's possible, there is a chance at least, that she was flung into a different plane of existence. [Phorien] In which case, I know that she will be doing everything in her power to return here. [Pavo] We can hope then... [Phorien] Yes. Though it might take her years to make her way back... :/

• Phorien sighs.

[Pavo] Maybe it's a good thing she's used to long waits then...

• Pavo tries to pull some humour out of tonight.
• Phorien smiles bleakly.

[Pavo] Maybe my part this time is done... but I don't have to be as smart as Loch to know there's something tying us together... Belden, Loch...everyone. [Phorien] You were all together? Through two other lives? [Pavo] Yes... [Pavo] And it was all about the city. [Phorien] That's very unusual. [Pavo] I think maybe there'll be less of a wait than you'd hoped before something happens. [Phorien] How do you mean?

• Pavo shrugs.

[Pavo] I helped conquer the city. [Pavo] I shot Vivine. [Phorien] o_O [Pavo] Now I stand witness to my own past lives. Something's happening. [Pavo] I just... feel it. [Phorien] I believe you, Pavo. [Phorien] Whatever happens, I'll be here to help. [Pavo] I only hope the danger isn't as great as it was... [Pavo] I'm nowhere near as strong as that brute was.

• Pavo hugs you, smiling.
• Phorien hugs you tightly.

[Phorien] I'm glad you're safe. [Pavo] I'm glad to be back.

• Pavo pulls Phorien's face close to kiss him lovingly.
• Phorien kisses you back, full of tenderness.

[Phorien] You must be starving, though... and exhausted.

• Phorien says after a few moments.

[Pavo] I am... actually, I could eat your entire pantry -_- [Pavo] (Seems like a good place to end :) [Phorien] Let me make you something... I have some cold chicken left over from dinner, and I could heat up some soup if you wanted. [Pavo] (Unless you had more yourself) [Diablotin_Narrator] (nope) [Pavo] Please... [Pavo] I'll help.

• Phorien takes care of feeding you, then tucks you into bed and lets you rest.

[Diablotin_Narrator] We'll go on to Falke next...

• Falke 's eyes tear up as he runs to Cinnamon Lane. It's just all been overwhelming. He has so much to think about; thoughts and memories that may or may not be his swirl about in his head. He needs some grounding, and he needs Ilse.
• Phorien is now known as Ilse

[Diablotin_Narrator] Your house looks just like when you left it.

• Falke reaches his door, and stops, trying to catch his breath, heart pounding.

[Falke] (is the house dark?) [Diablotin_Narrator] (yes, it's dark) [Falke] (Prolly, since it's close to midnight and she would need her sleep)

• Falke unlocks the door with shaky hand and steps inside.

[Diablotin_Narrator] Inside, the house is quiet. The fire in the kitchen is banked for the night.

• Falke closes the door behind him.

[Falke] Ilse?

• Falke calls out softly, in case she is awake and is fearing for her life right now in her bed...

[Diablotin_Narrator] No answer. [Falke] Ilse?

• Falke repeats, louder.

[Diablotin_Narrator] From the upstairs bedroom, you hear a small voice - "Falke?" [Falke] Yes!

• Falke says, his voice cracking with relief. He hurries upstairs.
• Ilse is standing the door to the bedroom in her nightgown.
• Falke encloses her in a tight embrace.
• Ilse hugs you back.

[Ilse] Where were you? [Ilse] I was so worried... [Falke] I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I didn't know it would take so long...

• Falke 's voice is shaky, overcome with emotion.

[Ilse] When you didn't come home, I was so scared something bad had happened to you. [Falke] I know, and I feel terrible... I should have told you more, before I left... [Ilse] What happened? [Falke] Can we sit down? I haven't eaten since lunch the day I left...

• Falke feels weak.

[Ilse] Oh, of course! [Ilse] Here, come down to the kitchen, I can make you something to eat. [Falke] No... not yet. [Falke] I'd rather talk. I just need to be here, to know I'm back, with you. [Ilse] You need to eat something, Falke, it's been almost three days!

• Ilse says in a practical tone.
• Falke breaks from the embrace, keeping her hands in his and leading her to sit on the edge fo the bed.

[Falke] Please, Ilse, it can wait.

• Ilse goes with you.
• Falke keeps her hands in his.
• Falke takes a deep breath, then looks up at her.

[Falke] There are things happening which I have trouble explaining, because I don't really understand them myself... [Falke] My squad... we seem to have been chosen to do something important...

• Ilse listens.

[Falke] About the Arch, and the Empire... [Falke] There are two arches, really... one in the palace, and one under the Downs. Something is wrong with the one in the palace - the one we use to choose our emperors. [Ilse] All right...

• Ilse listens, trying to understand what you're talking about.

[Falke] So we... we went to the one under the Downs... and that's where I've been. Inside the second Arch.

• Falke looks up at Ilse. She must think he is insane.
• Ilse just looks perplexed, but she is obviously trying to follow what you're saying.

[Falke] I was someone else in there... two different people really. [Falke] One person in the Quicksilver War... my grandfather was our leader. Martan Kizer. [Falke] Then someone else, ages and ages ago... when our ancestors first came here. [Ilse] You were.. other people? [Falke] And we learned things, and there is something that we have to *do* but I don't know what, yet... [Falke] Yes... [Falke] And so was everyone else in my squad. [Falke] But we were talking about it just now, when we got out, on our way home... we were always together in thos eother lives, even though we didn't realize it while we... lived them for a few months. [Ilse] A few months? :o [Falke] Yes... [Ilse] But you were only gone three days! [Falke] I know.... I don't know how to explain it, but thank the seven it was only a few days, out here... [Falke] I was so worried about you. [Ilse] Well.. *I* was all right, except I was worried about you. [Ilse] But I thought it was best to postpone the wedding until you got back. [Ilse] I hope that's okay.

• Falke cracks a grin through his stress.

[Falke] It would have been a bit difficult to marry without the groom, wouldn't it? [Ilse] A little ;) [Falke] You'd have to marry the best man, who is your brother, and that's just icky.

• Ilse giggles.
• Falke sobers up again.

[Ilse] Is everyone else okay? All your friends? [Falke] Yes... except for this woman who helped us... a very wise woman. Mataline. [Ilse] Oh... [Falke] I don't know what might have become of her... Something terrible was coming, and the only way to escape was to go through the Arch. [Falke] She made us go through, but she stayed behind... [Ilse] Well, I hope that she's all right. [Falke] Well. We stopped by her house just now, and found out she never came back.

• Falke sighs, saddened again.

[Ilse] Oh.. that's too bad.

• Falke nods unhappily.

[Ilse] Look... it's very late, and you're exhausted. Let me get you some food, and then you can sleep. [Ilse] You can tell me more about this tomorrow, if you want.

• Falke nods.
• Ilse does just that, then.

[Diablotin_Narrator] Let's go on to Loch and Belden now.

• Loch teleports himself and Pasith to his workshop

[Diablotin_Narrator] You arrive home in an instant. There is a light coming from the kitchen, you can see.

• Loch will head there

[Belden] Someone's up...

• Jenai and Rab are sitting at the table, both with mugs of tea in front of them. They look up in surprise as you enter.

[Belden] ... Hi.

• Rab jumps up from the table and hurries over to you.

[Loch] Appologies for startling you [Belden] Rab... [Rab] I'm so glad you're back... I thought it would be tonight, but ...

• Belden leans into him.

[Belden] Mataline's...

• Rab just hugs you instead of trying to talk.
• Loch heads over to Jenai

[Belden] She's gone...

• Belden sniffles.

[Rab] Gone? [Belden] SHe broke her staff... Loch says it would have... exploded. [Belden] :( [Rab] Oh... oh. [Belden] It was coming for us. [Belden] The cold... And then, we... we went through the arch. [Rab] I thought... I guessed, maybe, that was what happened. [Rab] I should have gone with you :( [Belden] It's... it's okay. [Belden] Jenai would have been all by herself!

• Jenai stands and waddles over, smiling, to give Loch a hug.
• Belden clings to Rab.

[Loch] I know I felt better with you here Rab

• Loch holds Jenai

[Rab] Well... I told her you'd be back. I would've known if you were ... dead. [Loch] [w] I hope I didn't worry you too much [Jenai] It's okay... Rab was here, like you said. I knew you wouldn't be gone forever. [Belden] I'm glad of that... Not knowing would have been so awful... [Jenai] I was just worried you wouldn't be back before the baby came! :) [Loch] So was I.

• Loch rubs Jenai's belly
• Jenai smiles.

[Jenai] Still a few weeks, I think :) [Rab] Here... I put some stew on, because I kind of thought you'd get back tonight, and you might be hungry. There's tea, too. [Loch] I'd forgoten how hungry I am [Belden] Oh, you're so thoughtful...

• Rab smiles faintly and gets you both some food and drink.
• Belden sits down wearily.
• Loch will find a seat at the table, making sure Jenai is comfortable before sitting down
• Jenai comes to sit down beside you.

[Jenai] So.. where were you, exactly? [Loch] In the Arch, I guess, where ever that is... we experienced past lives. [Rab] Do you remember much of what happened? [Belden] Yes... so strange... [Loch] Quite a bit of detail. [Belden] We were there, when the arch was broken, and moved. [Belden] When the tribes first came to Diablotin.

• Rab brings you each a steaming bowl of beef stew with potatoes and onions in it, and a mug of tea.

[Loch] all seven of them.

• Rab then sits down beside you and listens.

[Jenai] Seven.. what? [Belden] The rat... [Jenai] ... [Belden] The rat was wiped from the skies. [Belden] ... [Jenai] What do you mean? [Belden] The rat woman, Dorea... She made a deal with the... thing. [Loch] The leader of the rat tribe made some sort of pact... to break the power the evil force in the arch had. [Loch] We never learned the details [Rab] I ... well.

• Rab is surprised.

[Belden] There's so much...

• Belden holds her head in her hands.

[Rab] It must be a lot to take in.

• Rab puts his arm around your shoulders.

[Loch] But Dorea became the first empress [Belden] Yes... [Jenai] She was a rat-person? [Belden] She was, before she went through the Arch, anyway.

• Jenai seems both puzzled and impressed by this information.

[Loch] It's possible that the tribe who dwell in the sewars are the decendents of the original rat tribe. [Loch] Not possible... probable

• Belden nods to Loch.

[Loch] Dorea had the ability to change her shape into a rat... I imagine other of her people could as well. [Belden] The Rat may be ... part of what's down there now. [Jenai] That's so... hard to imagine. [Loch] I need to rethink so much of what we have studied.

• Loch rubs his temples
• Jenai rubs your back soothingly, Loch.

[Belden] Oh, I hardly know where to begin. [Belden] ;_; [Jenai] There'll be plenty of time to think about it all ... you don't have to figure everything out tonight.

• Belden eats her stew.
• Rab nods.
• Loch starts to eat

[Loch] Tomorrow then. [Belden] We should bring Vianca back here... [Jenai] Well, if you can figure everything out tomorrow, I'll be very impressed :)

• Belden sets her spoon down.

[Belden] Rab... Can you tell if *Mataline* is... Is there any way she might have escaped? [Rab] I can't tell. But she's survived a lot of things in her day - if anyone could have escaped, it would be her. [Belden] I must commune with the Ox...

• Belden mumbles, slurry with exhaustion.

[Rab] Tonight? [Loch] I could get Vianca tonight, if you think it's best Pasith.

• Rab looks concerned about you.
• Belden rubs her eyes...

[Belden] She's probably gone back to sleep, Loch. She'll be fine until morning. [Belden] I don't know...

• Belden says to Rab.

[Rab] There will be time tomorrow... you look so exhausted. :/ [Belden] :( [Rab] But it's up to you. [Belden] I guess you're right...

• Loch nods to Pasith's comment... a little slowly

[Belden] A few hours now probably won't make a difference. [Belden] -_-

• Rab nods, holding you close.
• Loch will stand
• Belden leans her head on his shoulder.

[Loch] I need sleep... [Jenai] It *is* late. I'll come with you.

• Loch gives her a hand up
• Jenai takes it gratefully.

[Jenai] Good night, you two... don't stay up too late. [Loch] Rab, make sure Pasith gets some rest.

• Rab nods.
• Loch says lightheartedly
• Belden is half asleep already.

[Rab] Here... come on, darling... [Rab] Bed-time. We'll talk more tomorrow, and see what we can figure out.

• Rab helps you up, leaning you against him for support.
• Belden nods tiredly, and will let Rab take her up to their room.

[Kalman] So....

• Kalman looks at Boden.
• Boden looks at Kalman.

[Boden] Yeah? [Kalman] what do you make of all of this?

• Boden laughs good and hard.

[Boden] Me? [Kalman] well... why not? [Boden] I don't know man. It was pretty messed up. [Kalman] Mm. [Boden] I got all the memories of people smarter than me. I can remember some of the stuff they thought, but not why they thought it. [Kalman] Mar was like that [Boden] And I feel different. Like those guys really were me or something. [Kalman] She was sharp [Kalman] I wonder what happened to her [Kalman] I know... it's really... weird. [Kalman] _ [Boden] Damodar died. Thats what I remember most of all. [Kalman] Some thngs about them both are so very different, and then otherthings, maybe not so much.

• Kalman nos

[Kalman] That must be... weel, horrible [Boden] Pietro didn't feel like he belonged. He didn't think most of us belonged there. But he beleived in fate. [Kalman] So... did he think we were going against fate, or that fate is why we were there? [Boden] I've never been much afraid of dieing, and Damodar wasn't neither. But that thing that killed him....that was different. That thing was the worst thing I ever saw, and I can't remember what it looked lik. [Boden] He thought he was following his path. He was there cuz they didn't trust Martan, so they needed someone they could trust to watch him.

• Kalman nods

[Boden] But then Martan goes and sends us all out on these missions...He thought maybe it was just to get him out of the way. [Kalman] he seemed loyal enough at the end [Kalman] As for Damodar... P [Kalman] It was a spell that the witch, or whatever she was, used. [Boden] Yeah, I know....He knew it was coming too...not what she was going to do...just that she'd use her most powerful magic because if she didn't she'd die. [Boden] He coulda ran, but he didn't. Same thing I'd have done I guess.

• Kalman nods.

[Kalman] I'd believe that.

• Kalman smiles at his friend

[Boden] So what about you? Mar just seemed so out of place. [Kalman] Mar ...made her own place. [Kalman] She had no use for other people's rules... She did what suited her. [Boden] Pietro could see...kinda. It was weird. And he could tell when someone was lying. real well too.

• Kalman chuckles

[Kalman] You must have loved Mar. [Boden] Sorta. [Kalman] Did you know how much stuff she stole? [Boden] Yeah, he didn't care about that really.

• Kalman shakes his head

[Boden] He didn't think he deserved his comand. What with him not being a soldier and all...and he wasn't really happy that so few of us were soldiers. [Kalman] Well, there weren't really a lot of soldiers to go around, I guess. [Kalman] I know what that's like, though [Boden] He really liked Vende though. He thought we needed more guys like him. [Kalman] Vende was a good soldier, that's for sure.

• Kalman shakes his head, thinking about Lydia.

[Kalman] ... I'm worried about Tristane [Boden] yeah, I mean...what was up with Dorea? [Kalman] She fell into the arch, like I said. [Boden] yeah, but after that... [Kalman] Then she came out with that man... one of the Local people, Tirizhian [Kalman] According to history... or what's been passed down, he was her brother [Kalman] She said she'd made some kind of deal, but we never got to hear what it was. [Kalman] And, her constellation dissappeared. [Boden] Who was she in History? [Kalman] Dorea was the first Empress [Boden] What do you mean her constellation dissappeared? [Kalman] The rat [Kalman] it used to be.... up there

• Kalman will point

[Boden] oh? I didn't know magic could change stars like that. [Kalman] We moved the arch, presumably to where it is now [Kalman] I guess so. [Boden] And the river too..... [Kalman] mm.. [Boden] Kalman, I think I remember how do do some of that stuff... [Kalman] what stuff? [Boden] like, some of the weird fighting I did, maybe even some of the magic. Not sure yet. I'm a little worried to try it. [Kalman] ... I know what you mean. [Boden] I still don't know who Loch and Belden were. [Kalman] Loch was Amhara, and Belden was Laeken. [Kalman] I dont know about the war, though.

• Boden thinks about it.

[Kalman] I would guess they must have been Lydia and Vende, but I don't know which [Boden] yeah, probably [Boden] I wish one of them was Martan, then at least I'd know if he was crooked or not. [Kalman] I can imagine why they'd be uncomfortable mentioning it, though [Boden] why? [Kalman] I don't know. My butler, roquemort, used to work for him, though [Kalman] Oh.... I'm pretty sure they had a thing.

• Boden smiles.

[Boden] nice. [Boden] I'm glad *someone* got laid. I spent weeks as a guy that could tell what people looked like naked and never made a move on anyone. [Kalman] ... lovely

• Kalman tries not to think about Niemi -_-
• Boden shrugs.

[Boden] It was all in the past anyways. They was different people.

• Kalman nods

[Kalman] I hope Glory isn't too worried.... [Boden] Why, worried she'll be jealous of all the sleeping around you did as queen of the cats? [Kalman] ahh... [Kalman] That wasn't what I was thinking of, no. [Kalman] I just didn't thik we'd be gone so long... and we left so quickly, I did't have time to give her much of an explanation. [Kalman] I don't even know what I'll tell her now... [Boden] Its easier with Tigranne. [Kalman] what do you tell her? Everything? [Boden] nah, not yet. [Boden] Just that we went and checked out something that was evil, we got caught up in some magic thingy, and now we are back.

• Kalman nods
• Kalman thinks
• Boden smiles tauntingly at Kalman.

[Boden] With me, no one ever expects details. [Kalman] I don't know what she'll expect.

• Boden shrugs.

[Boden] I could punch ya in the head a couple of times. If you look beat up maybe she'll be too worried to ask too many questions. [Kalman] I don't think that would help any, but thanks. [Kalman] She was fine when I got back from Blackhope, though [Boden] She's a tough girl. She'll be fine. [Kalman] I know she will. But I'd *like* to be able to just tell her everything. I just don't know if I should, or even if she would want to hear it. [Boden] well...there is just too much to tell all at once. And I'm too hungry to try it. [Kalman] mmm. [Kalman] there is that. [Boden] Keep it simple. [Boden] I guess thats the best thing we can do.

• Kalman nods

[Kalman] It feels like I've been gone for so much longer... [Boden] So what was it like to get shagged as a chick? [Kalman] ... [Boden] No really...I'm curious [Kalman] Lysva was pretty fond of it

• Kalman says, and sighs.

[Boden] You know...both my past lives were guys, both of yours were girls. [Kalman] yes.

• Boden smiles at you.

[Kalman] Is that what you really think they were? [Boden] well...I guess I just figured and all. [Boden] Why? Your don't think so? [Kalman] It makes sense, I guess.

• Boden seems unsure now.

[Kalman] I don't think it *means* anything, though [Boden] really? [Kalman] The gender, I mean. [Boden] oh.

• Boden laughs again.

[Boden] mabye it means your just more of a chick on the inside. [Kalman] I'm pretty sure it doesn't :p [Boden] well...ok then, if your sure. [Kalman] I am. [Boden] ok then.

• Boden is still smiling a little.
• Kalman grins and shakes his head

[Boden] I'm more worried about what we should tell Tristane. [Kalman] Besides. Lysva was just as interested in the ladies, and Mar was almost a total prude. [Kalman] ...right, I agree. [Kalman] I guess... we can figure that out tomorrow.

• Pavo changes topic to '[Boden] You know...both my past lives were guys, both of yours were girls. [Kalman] yes. * Boden smiles at you. '

[Boden] yep, we can [Kalman] It is one of the reasons I'm worried, though [Kalman] I don't know what people will do, once they know... and I don't know what kind of influece that god might still have on her. [Boden] We'll have to play it pretty quiet I guess [Kalman] I guess... [Kalman] I guess, I'll see you tomorrow Boden. have a good night. [Boden] See you then.

[Diablotin_Narrator] Okay, on to Kalman. [Diablotin_Narrator] "Kal", if you will.

• Kalman will approach his gynormous home, tired, hungry, still a little overwhelmed, and looking forward to seeing his family after was seems like an age.

[Kalman] (any lights?) [Diablotin_Narrator] (a few, here and there - servants, most likely)

• Kalman will let himself in, then.
• Roquemore comes to see what intruder is letting himself into the house in the middle of the night.

[Roquemore] Sir! [Kalman] Hi.

• Roquemore says, quietly, so as not to disturb those who may be sleeping.
• Kalman says tiredly
• Roquemore refrains from asking where you've been.

[Roquemore] Is there anything you require, sir? [Kalman] Ahh... well... I'm not sure if I'm more tired or hungry, to be honest. [Kalman] How is Eglorine? [Kalman] Is she asleep? [Roquemore] Yes, sir, I believe she is. She has been most concerned about you, if I may say so.

• Kalman frowns a little

[Kalman] I think I'll go up and see her, then. [Roquemore] Certainly, sir. Shall I bring you a tray of refreshments? [Kalman] Thank you, yes.

• Roquemore nods politely and departs towards the kitchen.
• Kalman will head upstairs then... and peek briefly in to the nursey before heading to the master bedchamber

[Diablotin_Narrator] Ysana seems to be sleeping soundly.

• Kalman will open the door quietly
• Eglorine sits up abruptly in bed, clutching the blankets about herself.

[Kalman] Glory, it's me... [Eglorine] Oh! [Kalman] I didn't mean to startle you...

• Eglorine bursts out crying.
• Kalman says apologetically
• Kalman rushes over to her side

[Eglorine] I thought... I thought you were dead, or something horrible had happened! [Kalman] I'm so sory... [Kalman] I didn't know, what would happen.. [Kalman] I'm fine, though, I'm here

• Eglorine sniffles, holding you close.
• Kalman will sit close and hold her tightly, and brush her hair back away from her face

[Kalman] I missed you :( [Eglorine] Where were you? [Eglorine] Why didn't you send me a message or anything? [Kalman] I... I don't even know how to explain. [Eglorine] Try!

• Eglorine suggests, firmly.

[Kalman] We went to investigate somethign, in Rhenea... underneath the Black Down.

• Kalman shakes his head.

[Kalman] We found a second Arch.

• Eglorine listens, trying to comprehend.

[Kalman] But there was something else there, when we found it, or, it followed us... I'm not sure. [Kalman] It was powerful, and evil.... [Kalman] Matalain, the woman who was giding us, is...or was, a very powerful soreceress...

• Kalman is trying to find a way to have this all make sense to her, but he's very tired -_-

[Kalman] (and sad, about Mataliane) [Kalman] She said she would hold it off, and she had a staff, a powerful magial item, which she broke [Kalman] And the rest of us went through, through the arch. [Eglorine] Through it? :o

• Kalman trails off at that point and rests his cheek on her hair.

[Kalman] Yes. [Kalman] And then... [Kalman] I was living someone else's life. I didn't even remember myself. [Kalman] It was all in the past. [Eglorine] o_O [Kalman] Some of it very very far back, when our people first came to these lands. before there was an Empire, or right when it started.

• Kalman shakes his head again.

[Kalman] And we just all woke up, back where we started, in the room with the arch. [Eglorine] So, you dreamed all of this? [Kalman] .... [Kalman] No. I don't think so. [Kalman] It was too real. [Eglorine] What was it like? [Kalman] I was just there. I was someone else, I lived their life, for days, even months at a time. Everything they did. I remember all of it. [Eglorine] Oh. [Kalman] I don't understand it... but that's how it was. [Eglorine] Who were you?

• Kalman smiles tiredly, thinking of Boden's reaction

[Kalman] Two girls.... [Eglorine] o_O [Kalman] Boden said I was hot.

• Eglorine manages a laugh, despite being upset.

[Kalman] The first... it was during the quicksilver war. I was a girl, mar, who signed up to the army for profit and adventure [Kalman] She wound up uin an elite patrol, working for the Duke of Friaul. She was there when Vivine died. [Kalman] That was everything, from the time she decided to join, through the months of marching, right to the end of the battle [Kalman] The second time, like I said... it was when our people first came to the city

• Eglorine nods, listening.

[Kalman] I was the leader of a tribe, I guess what became House Cat. [Kalman] I...She was very beautiful, and everyone liked her. [Eglorine] Sounds like you :)

• Kalman smiles a little

[Kalman] Maybe. She got a lot more respect, though ;) [Kalman] When we came here, the city was inhabited, but the people who were in control worshiped an evil demon. [Kalman] So, we fought them. [Kalman] I moved the course of the river. [Kalman] ...

• Kalman isn't sure how much he should say more.

[Kalman] I'm afraid to tell you more. i don't know what it all means. [Eglorine] Well... [Eglorine] I don't know what it all means either. [Kalman] I don't want you to be... i don't know.

• Kalman nods

[Kalman] I'm glad to be back, here, and home with you [Eglorine] I'm glad you're back too. [Kalman] I'm sorry I made you worry [Eglorine] I'm just happy you're all right. [Kalman] I'm fine. [Kalman] I just feel like I haven't eaten, and maybe slept in three days

• Roquemore knocks quietly at your door.

[Kalman] Thank you, just leave it.

• Roquemore does so.
• Kalman says, loudly enough to be heard from the door, but hopefully not disturb anyone else

[Eglorine] Is that food?

• Kalman nods

[Eglorine] You should have some, and then try to sleep... you look horrible. [Kalman] I know... I just dind't want to get up.

• Kalman will kiss her

[Eglorine] Oh... I can get it for you, poor thing....

• Kalman smiles

[Kalman] You don't have to. [Eglorine] It's all right :) [Kalman] You make me feel better than anything else.

• Eglorine gets out of bed and goes to the door, returning with a tray laden with little finger sandwiches and other savouries.
• Kalman will at least kick off the uncomfortable clothes

[Eglorine] Here you go... and there's some wine, too. [Kalman] thanks

• Kalman will partake, etc
• Eglorine makes sure you eat plenty of them, then gets you into bed.

[Diablotin_Narrator] On to Boden...

• Boden will walk home and let himself in.

[Diablotin_Narrator] Your house is darkened, as you'd expect it to be after midnight.

• Boden will head to the kitchen first and pour himself a huge much of beer and grab some cold food. He will sit in the dark and eat quietly.

[Diablotin_Narrator] As you sit there and eat, you hear someone coming down the stairs...

• Boden will light a candle so she can see him.
• Tigranne stands in the doorway with her own candle, glaring at you.

[Tigranne] [q] Where have you been?! [Boden] [q]Out under the downs. It was pretty messed up.

• Boden will pour his wife her own drink.

[Tigranne] [q] You've been gone for three days! [Boden] [q]Yeah, I'm sorry about that. There was some pretty heavy magic involved. [Boden] [q]There was all this kind of dream stuff and we woke up three days later. [Tigranne] [q] "Dream stuff"? [Boden] [q]yeah. Come on and sit down, this stuff is pretty confusing.

• Tigranne comes to sit down, obviously still upset with you.

[Boden] See...there is this magic thing under the downs. I think its good and all, but its surrounded by evil. Its connected to the arch that picks the emperors. [Boden] We fought this monster and took it out, but then something worse was commin'.

• Tigranne nods, listening to the story in spite of mostly wanting to yell at you.

[Boden] Mataline, she was a woman that was commin' with us stayed to hold it off...she broke some staff of power thing. We ran into the thing to escape, then we saw all this stuff that happened in the past. Then we woke up back here.

• Boden looks sadly into his mug.

[Boden] I think Mataline is dead. She was a great old gal. [Tigranne] So you were asleep for three days, or what?

• Boden shrugs.

[Boden] It was all magic stuff. The magic types will figure it out. [Boden] We don't know yet. [Boden] We all just had to come home and tell everyone we were ok. [Tigranne] Well, thank you for thinking of me :p [Boden] I am sorry. [Boden] This stuff....there is something pretty bad commin' hun. [Boden] We don't know what it is yet. [Tigranne] How bad? [Boden] But your Grandpa thought he felt it comin' too. [Boden] I guess that depends on how well we do.... [Boden] But its goin' to be at least as bad as the Quicksilver War, maybe worse. [Boden] But we are doin' the best we can.

• Tigranne nods.

[Tigranne] I know you are...

• Boden will reach accross the table and takes one of her hands in his.

[Boden] I got memmories from other times in my head. [Boden] From in the past. [Tigranne] What memories? [Boden] See...with all the magic stuff...I think I got to see past lives...I'm not real sure...but I think I got to see other people I had been. [Tigranne] o_O [Tigranne] What was it like? [Boden] I think to slow...and those other guys think faster. I'll tell you all about it tommorow. I need a bit of time for my mind to catch up with thiers. [Tigranne] Okay... [Tigranne] I won't forget about this, though! You'll have to explain it sometime. [Boden] But one of them was one of the guys that founded our people...like the whole House thing. He was House Lizard.

• Boden smiles at her.

[Boden] I want to explain it too...

• Tigranne squeezes your hand.

[Boden] and I will. I'm just going to wait until some of it gets explained to me first. ;)

• Tigranne nods.

[Tigranne] I missed you. Halden missed you too.

• Tigranne leans over to hug you.
• Boden hugs her tightly.

[Boden] Thanks dear. I missed you too. [Tigranne] Come to bed now? [Boden] Oh yeah.

• Boden finishes his beer and head off to bed with his sexy wife.

• Loch will catch Pasith in the morning

[Belden] Good morning, Loch...

• Belden still looks tired, but probably no more so than you.

[Loch] Morning Pasith. [Loch] (yeah for the ridiculously high Constitution Club) [Loch] What happened... [Belden] ... [Belden] What do you mean? [Loch] I'm still trying to sort my head around everything that happened. [Belden] Oh. [Belden] Yes... [Belden] I'm going to Commune with Ox. [Belden] I need to know about Mataline, and... I'm not sure what else. [Loch] What will you be able to learn? [Belden] Well, Ox grants insights on many things... [Belden] Usually not in complex forms though. [Belden] One gets a sense of a positive or negative. [Loch] I got to experience divine insight through Amhara. [Loch] Thinking back, I found it reassuring but sometimes leads to more questions without answers. [Belden] I have always felt close to Ox... [Belden] ALthough, of course, it's not wise to test the Gods. I don't ask this sort of thing of Them very often. [Loch] Wise. [Loch] I want to speak with Jacobine even more now. [Belden] Is there anything in particular you think I ought to ask? [Loch] hmmm... [Loch] There is a cycle of events that have been going on for thousands of years, maintaining the pack made to hold the dark force in the arch in check. [Loch] The only event that we know of that broke the cycle was when the last emperor, who we know was not chosen by the arch, remained on the throne for decades. [Belden] Yes... [Loch] Enzaphir wanted to die at Potter's Field. We all saw that. It was Jacobine that spared him. [Loch] It would be good to know if there was something else outside the trio who precipitated those events. [Belden] such as...? [Loch] I'm not sure, but I have to think we where shown those events for a reason.

• Belden frowns, but nods.

[Belden] I will have to think of a good way to phrase the question...

• Belden furrows her brow slightly, thoughtful.

[Loch] You could try and find out how much time we have to resolve this. [Belden] I won't be able to glean an answer quite like that. [Belden] Hmmm... [Belden] As I said, the signs are usually given as a sort of 'yes or no'... :/ [Loch] You could find out if Blackhope is aligned with the forces of Shadow. [Loch] Learn if they are one and the same enemy. [Loch] I find it too much coincidence that the rebelion and claiming of a true emperor happening again. [Kalman] yeah [Belden] I'm going to ask about Tristane... whether she is in control of herself. [Loch] Good question [Belden] I can think of about ten questions I could ask now... [Belden] The ritual will probably give me time for a few more than that. [Loch] I'm sure some of the answers will inspire new questions [Belden] Possibly... [Belden] I should begin to cast it, before we have to meet the others. [Loch] How long does it take? [Belden] It takes ten minutes or so to complete the ritual, before one may begin to actually commune with the Ox.

• Loch nods

[Loch] I thought it would take longer [Belden] Thankfully no... [Loch] About what happened with Vende and Lydia. [Belden] ... There's not really anything to say, if you don't want to. That was... a whole other lifetime.

• Belden says gently.

[Loch] I know. [Loch] Different lives.

• Loch smiles
• Belden smiles back.

[Loch] I just don't want things to be... difficult between us. [Loch] uncomfortable. [Belden] Don't worry about it, Loch.

• Belden pats him fondly on the cheek.

[Loch] I don't think I could stand it if things were awkward between us. [Belden] That won't happen. [Belden] I don't think either of us would let it.

• Loch smiles

[Loch] Now I have to try and stop feeling like my face is burning every time I see Kalman.

• Loch chuckles

[Belden] ... Kalman?

• Belden looks puzzled.

[Loch] Let's just say Lydia and Mar were very close friends. [Belden] . o O ( This is like how Pavo is an actor... ) [Belden] :o [Belden] Ah, um... okay :o [Loch] Not as close as Vende and Lydia, but close enough [Belden] Goodness.

• Belden giggles self consciously.
• Loch chuckles too

[Loch] Don't let him know that I told you, please.

• Belden sobers up.

[Belden] Allright, I won't. [Loch] It's a little uncomfortable enough for me. Kalman and I don't exactly see eye to eye at times. [Belden] I understand. [Loch] At least you can talk to Rab about experiencing past lives. I'm sure he can tell you all about the ups and downs of it. [Belden] I am blessed to have him. [Belden] But you aren't alone, of course... Even if Jenai hasn't gone through the same things. [Loch] Jenai grounds me. Reminds me of why I am doing what I am doing. [Belden] See... I think that's wonderful. [Loch] In a few months we'll be able to see our children playing together. [Belden] Yes...

• Belden shakes her head slightly.

[Belden] It's still... [Loch] Something wrong? [Belden] Still a bit overwhelming :) [Loch] How many neices and nephews do you have again? [Belden] Just three... [Loch] Did you get to see them when they were really young? [Belden] Well, Gunsa had the girls before I really knew her. [Belden] But of course, I was there when Lino was born :) [Loch] I didn't get much of a chance to see my Jore's children when they were young. Busy studying in the city and all.

• Belden nods sympathetically.

[Loch] Jenai and I have something special... something I almost lost. I'm not going to let that happen again. [Belden] I'm really happy for the two of you... that you've managed to work this out. [Loch] So am I. [Belden] It takes a lot of courage to work through something like that. [Loch] Thankyou. [Loch] You should Commune. We need to meet up with the rest of the squad.

• Belden nods, and smiles at Loch.

[Belden] All right. I'll meet you there. [Loch] I can wait and teleport us both over. [Belden] That would be lovely... thanks!

• Belden will get ready to COmmune!

[Diablotin_Narrator] You cast the spell, meditating on the power and wisdom of your deity. [Belden] 1) Is Empress Tristane in full control of herself? [Diablotin_Narrator] (No.) [Belden] 2) Is it safe to trust her? [Diablotin_Narrator] (Unknown.) [Belden] 3) Was Tristane the one actually chosen by the Arch? [Diablotin_Narrator] (Yes.) [Belden] 4) Is Mataline still alive? [Diablotin_Narrator] (Yes.) [Belden] 5) Does the Rat still exist? [Diablotin_Narrator] (Yes.) [Belden] 6) Is it part of what is under the Down? [Diablotin_Narrator] (Yes.) [Belden] 7) Has the pact of the Rat, in fact, been broken? [Diablotin_Narrator] (No.) [Belden] 8) Was there something or someone outside the trio of Jacobine, Enzephir, and Vivine, that caused the event that broke the cycle? [Diablotin_Narrator] (No.) [Belden] 9) Is Blackhope aligned with the forces of Shadow? [Diablotin_Narrator] (No.) [Belden] 10) Has Althea's baby been affected by the thing inside the Arch? [Diablotin_Narrator] (Yes.) [Belden] 11) Has my child been affected by my passage through the other arch? [Diablotin_Narrator] (Yes.) [Belden] 12) Has it been *negatively* affected? [Diablotin_Narrator] (No.) [Belden] 13) Does Althea's child pose any kind of present or future danger owing to its changed state? [Diablotin_Narrator] (Unknown.) [Belden] ... Phew... [Diablotin_Narrator] The spell ends, leaving you reeling for a moment.

• Belden says a prayer of thanks to Ox, after taking a few minutes to recover.