Diablotin 1 session 57

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Summary

Fifth-month, 2197:

• 9th: After conferring with one another, they decide to report what has happened to them to Exeas. Afterwards, they pay a visit to Lucky Aric's tavern, and then Belden and Loch visit Vende's former shop. Falke attempts to Detect Evil on Grey, but turns up nothing.
• 10th: Kalman speaks to his butler, Roquemore, about his former employer, the Duke of Friaul (Solo 60). Falke speaks to Grey about various events of the past, and invites him to his wedding (Solo 61). Belden and Boden talk about Boden's newfound powers (Solo 62). Falke speaks to his grandmother about the Duke of Friaul (Solo 63).

Log

Session Start: Sun Dec 19 18:49:56 2004 Session Ident: #changeling

• Logging #changeling to 'C:\Files\IRC Logs\game56a.EsperNet'

[Diablotin_Narrator] It is the day after your return from... wherever or whenever you were. You are still very much coming to terms with your strange experiences, trying to understand what they mean and how they've changed you. [Diablotin_Narrator] Having informed your loved ones that you have not, in fact, vanished from the face of the earth (or if you did, at least you're back now), you intend to gather together with those who shared your lives and discuss what you might do next. [Diablotin_Narrator] Where do you want to meet?

• Boden will go were he is told.

[Loch] (at work?) [Diablotin_Narrator] (it's up to you guys, but if you go to work, you can expect to answer a lot of questions from Exeas before you've prepared your answers) [Belden] (that was the plan) [Belden] (I thought) [Diablotin_Narrator] (Also, it's still the day after you got back - you would be going in to work in the middle of the afternoon.) [Falke] (We figured we'd have to report to Exeas. But if we don't want to, my house is unoccupied) [Belden] (if we're meeting at a house, 1/3 of us already live at mine) [Boden] (lets just meet and Belden's, its the easiest.) [Loch] (yeah, well just get together at our house and then head off to work after our discussion) [Diablotin_Narrator] (I note that "after our discussion" will likely be dinner time or so. But meeting at your house is fine with me.) [Belden] (fine) [Loch] (maybe Kalman could cater for us?) [Belden] (:P) [Diablotin_Narrator] You gather at Belden and Loch's house, then.

• Belden will make sure there is coffee and tea, and possibly sandwiches.

[Kalman] You didn't have to do that, Belden! :O [Belden] Oh, I don't mind!

• Falke is tired, having slept fitfully, and then not much at all after Ilse went to work early in the morning.

[Kalman] Well, thanks! [Belden] You're welcome! [Falke] Yes, thanks...

• Boden smiles at Belden
• Falke smiles wearily.

[Loch] Where do we want to begin? [Kalman] We need to figure out how we're going to explain this... especially to Exeas. [Belden] That seems like a good starting point... [Belden] It could be difficult. :/ [Pavo] And in a way which he'll believe... [Falke] And which won't get us committed to the wing where they keep people they're ashamed of. [Kalman] We must consider that it's going up the chain of command, as well... [Loch] Which part do we have to explain? Why were were seeking out the other Arch or what happened? [Belden] Well, we're going to have to explain something about where we;ve been. [Kalman] Well, it's pretty clear that none of us are raving mad, Falke. [Kalman] . o O ( Yet. ) [Falke] (Didn't we tell people where we were going before we left?) [Falke] To us, yes. [Falke] But how do you think our experiences will sound to others? [Boden] Don't they know we were investigating something under the downs? [Kalman] Did Ilse think you were mad? [Pavo] Or if we are, it's comforting to have company :)

• Belden nods to Boden.

[Loch] We were following up on our investigation of the arch. We were doing nothing more than our job. [Belden] That's precisely why we should expect to have to answer questions about it. [Belden] So... what shall we say? [Kalman] Exeas isn't a fool. [Belden] I wouldn't want to have to lie, anyway.

• Belden nods to Kalman.

[Kalman] Exactly. [Loch] As for events that took place... we may be able to find someone to coroberate our stories, at least for Potter's Field, and maybe a text for the breaking of the arch. [Pavo] If we lie about this, we'll have to lie from now on, and keep track of our lies. [Kalman] I just don't know how Tristane is going to take this. [Falke] I think it would be best to tell the truth. [Belden] I need to tell you something abpout Tristane... [Kalman] Oh? [Falke] Because of what you just said, Pavo.

• Falke turns to listen to Belden.

[Belden] It's a hypothesis I've had for a while, one that perhaps some of you have also shared... but now, I have confirmation. [Boden] I'm not very good at lie'in [Belden] Tristane is... no longer entirely in control of herself.

• Boden looks surprised at Belden.

[Boden] How do you know? [Falke] ... [Falke] . o O (That's really not surprising.) [Belden] I've Communed with the Ox.

• Pavo sighs.
• Kalman frowns.

[Boden] What else did Ox tell you? [Falke] Oh? That's... remarkable. [Kalman] That doesn't mean we can't trust her, does it? [Falke] Yes, did you learn anything else? [Belden] It may, Kalman. [Belden] Well, you might be interested to know that the activity in Blackhope has nothing to do with any of this... [Belden] It's merely an unfortunate coincidence. [Belden] Mostly, the insights I gleaned were about the Rat.

• Falke nods, listening attentively.

[Belden] The pact that Dorea made still holds today. [Pavo] Right... the rat. [Pavo] Pact? [Falke] Oh... Hroc died. [Falke] Dorea came out of the Arch all transfigured. [Pavo] ... yeah. [Belden] The Rat, however, as some of you probably have guessed, was not destroyed, but still exists as part of whatever is under the Down. [Boden] Is it like trapped? [Kalman] How so? [Falke] And said she'd made a bargain. The Rat Constellation was gone from the sky, after she came out, leaving only the six gods we know now.

• Falke explains to Pavo.

[Belden] I'm not entirely sure, but I would guess that's close to the truth, Boden. [Pavo] Right... the constellations. [Kalman] Is it possible that the Rat is the god that the people below the city still follow. [Belden] That's also quite possible... [Falke] The Wastelord? o.O [Loch] It seems a possibility [Loch] Wastelord could be a bad translation [Belden] But of course, it may have been... changed by the other entity, as well. [Belden] Anyhow, there are a couple more things... [Belden] Althea's child... It has been changed, somehow. [Falke] I suspected something like that... :/ [Falke] She is so creepy. [Belden] I couldn't get any specifics as to how, or whether it would pose any danger...

• Kalman nods.

[Belden] One happier note... [Pavo] If it saw anything like what we saw...

• Belden smiles a bit.

[Belden] Mataline is still alive... somewhere.

• Falke smiles.

[Kalman] That *is* good to hear... [Falke] I'm glad.

• Loch nods

[Pavo] Phorien said she might still be alive... I'm glad to hear it as truth. [Kalman] Was that everything?

• Belden sighs.

[Falke] ... [Falke] Is your baby all right? [Belden] I did also ask the Ox about my own child. [Falke] ... [Belden] It has been affected as well... but I was also assured that it was not a negative thing. [Belden] I couldn't get anything else. [Kalman] Ah... [Kalman] I'm glad that it's allright... [Boden] Hey, thats pretty sweet Belden!

• Falke nods, subdued.

[Belden] ... Sweet? [Boden] When a god tells you your kids all set up in a good way, Thats pretty cool.

• Belden asks, a little confused.
• Pavo chuckles.

[Belden] Well, I don't know; Ox only said it wouldn't be bad. [Belden] :o [Boden] Well...if its not bad then its good right? [Kalman] Well, that's the hope. [Belden] I try not to presume things too much where the Gods are concerned. :)

• Falke chuckles nervously.

[Belden] I have faith, however, that they know what they're doing! :) [Boden] I guess your right. I guess I just figured if your kid got changed by a big religious thingie, it would end up being either good or bad. [Falke] I hope they do, because I sure don't. [Boden] I mean...how often do you hear about the gods doing something thats only so-so [Falke] So... what can we do with all this? We have so much and yet so little. [Kalman] Well, does 'changed by the arch' mean the same thing as 'changed by the Gods?' [Belden] Exactly... :/ [Loch] a fairly acurate assessment, Falke [Falke] Mataline said that Arch was pure and untainted and could be used to purify the other one. [Falke] So, I think that whatever happens with your baby, it can only be good, Belden. [Belden] I think we should worry first about speaking to Exeas... what he might tell Tristane, and what she might do with that information. [Falke] I really hope so, anyway. [Boden] Can't we just say we are still finding things out and we don't want to take guess' about big important things? [Kalman] Is there some way to break the control? [Boden] It worked with my wife, it will probably work on Exias [Belden] I don't think he will take that as an answer, Boden. :/ [Pavo] Well we don't have any other answer yet... [Belden] Exeas isn't quite as fond of you as she is...

• Falke agrees with Belden's assessment.
• Belden looks to Kalman. "I don't know... One is only allowed so much time in these rituals" :/

[Kalman] Allright... [Kalman] Well, I have a theory about the Arch. [Falke] Let' [Belden] Oh? [Falke] Let's hear it. [Kalman] When we went back through the Arch, all we saw were things that happened in the past.

• Falke nods.

[Kalman] From what we know about Enzephir, went he went throgh, he saw events from the future. [Kalman] I wonder if that's how the split with them works... [Falke] ... [Kalman] If it's partly related to time, and what they can show you. [Falke] Interesting... :o [Kalman] I don't know if that's helpful... [Belden] That is interesting...

• Belden says thoughtfully, looking to Loch.

[Loch] can you remember the last things Enzephir said before we went farther back into the past? [Falke] I can. [Kalman] Tristane couldn't tell us what she saw... but she might be able to tell us if that holds true. [Falke] Frightening riddles... :/ [Kalman] Something about Vivine having to fight something... [Kalman] I presume, the God that's trapped in the Arch. [Kalman] Maybe everyone who is chosen gets a chance to fight it, and defeat it. [Kalman] To be the Hero that fights it and takes it down. [Falke] But we're all only human. How can we take something like that down? [Kalman] I don't know, but that's what Lysva's spell said. [Belden] Maybe it's not about us. [Belden] We can't just assume that... [Pavo] Something about this is about us... [Belden] Of course... [Falke] I was using "we" in the sense that the Imperial Candidates are only human like us. [Belden] That's what Mataline said. [Belden] But not everyone that goes through the Arch *has* to be... [Belden] And perhaps, if it is waking up... the creature may come out, as it was going to before...

• Belden shudders involuntarily.

[Kalman] We need to find out exactly what the Rat's pact was. [Belden] That would be useful... [Pavo] Back into the sewers then? [Kalman] Probably it was a matter of 'if you wait so long and defeat so many people, you get to be free...' [Kalman] But that's just speculation. [Falke] It would be. Tristane might know... but we're not sure if we can trust her. [Boden] What would happen if Tristane went through the good-arch? [Falke] The rat people might be able to tell us something... but when we got too close to talking of such things last, time, that cold, terrfying presence came. [Kalman] The same thing happened when we tried to talk to Tristane. [Falke] Yes. [Belden] That may be because, as we've said, the god they worship is now part of the Other... [Falke] I think we need to find some other source, but I'm not sure what. [Falke] It's not like it will be in a library... [Loch] Maybe we could get some sort of information out of Jacobine? [Belden] Maybe the GOd they worship now is the *assimilation* of the two... [Falke] Unless it's in that Codex. [Falke] Other people who went through the Arch might know, might have raved about it. [Loch] The Codex is "difficult" to interpret at best [Belden] Yes... [Falke] Well, we know a little more now. [Belden] I can't think of anything that would be relevant. [Boden] We could talk to other rat-people. I mean, they could tell us about their religion and stuff. [Falke] If we pick some key words and look for them, maybe we could learn something. [Falke] I don't know. [Falke] I just don't think it's a good idea to go talk to people who the entity has power over. [Belden] I think that speaking to both Jenai's people, and to Jacobine, would be good ways to continue our investigations... [Kalman] Well, we could try it. [Falke] I'm wary of that idea. [Belden] I'm not sure if the Arch continues to exert control over the failed candidates... but, it seems more than possible, considering what we've seen. [Falke] Yes. [Loch] The previous Patriarch was making arrangements for us to see Jacobine. The new Matriarch so far, has not permitted it. [Falke] Enzephir and Jacobine sais they were the children of shadow and void. [Boden] Who is she again? [Kalman] She's my grandmother. [Kalman] Maybe I'd have a better shot at it. [Belden] That could mean that someone doesn't want us to talk to her...

• Belden says to Loch.

[Falke] Somebody or some Thing. [Belden] Or simply that the MAtriarch is less favourably disposed towards us. [Belden] :/ [Kalman] I think I know where she's being kept. [Loch] maybe. I'm not going to read too much into it without further evidence [Falke] In the Maiden's tower?

• Falke asks Kalman.

[Kalman] If we can't get 'official' access, maybe we could... work something else out.

• Kalman nods to Falke.

[Kalman] I know how to get in. [Falke] You do? [Falke] That's... good. [Falke] Well, good if we decide to go talk to her. [Kalman] But... back to what we're going to tell Exeas... [Falke] Which I'm still anxious about, because I think she also is not completely in control of herself. [Falke] Yes. [Falke] Enzephir was pretty shaken, when he left the battlefield. [Loch] We tell him what happened. [Loch] What else can we do, really. [Falke] Do you think he might have confided anything in anyone, in that state of mind? [Kalman] All of it?

• Falke asks no one in particular.

[Kalman] Do we tell him what we saw? [Loch] Yes. [Boden] well...I mean, maybe we don't have to play up the past life thing...maybe more about the seeing the past thing. [Kalman] Allright. [Pavo] Could there be older books that might make sense to us now? [Boden] or we could just tell him about one of the two times. [Kalman] We could ask the warlord, Falke. [Pavo] Some writing of Enzephir's that might now make sense...

• Falke nods.

[Pavo] Or even a record of witness from ... some on else? [Loch] We're having enough difficulty interpretting what happened ourselves. Getting help from others seems appropriate. [Kalman] I had been thinking of doing that anyway, for my own reasons [Falke] I think we should ask the Warlord, and check the Codex again, and other books, before going and asking Tristane or Jacobine themselves. [Belden] I'm just worried about... [Falke] Just to be cautious. [Belden] Oh well. [Belden] :/ [Belden] The Codex is huge... [Boden] but I mean...if we are worried that people shoudln't know what we know...we can just tell them about one of the times...not both....wichever one will get us in the less trouble. [Belden] To review the whole thing over again would take an immense amount of time. [Pavo] I could spend some time looking in libraries, if you point me in the right direction. [Loch] Neither is going to get us in trouble. [Boden] really? I figured maybe knowing about the arch and all that might get us in a bit of trouble. [Boden] And maybe tellin' the story of Enzephir maybe not being the real emperor might get us in trouble too. [Belden] I'm willing to do so, if that's what everyone wants... But I really can't think of anything that jumps out as relevant to this new information... [Kalman] I think they already know, Boden. We've already done that job. [Falke] Well, you know best, Belden. I just thought that in light of the new information we have learned, something that you would have passed over as mere gibberish before might now make sense. [Loch] I've gone over some interesting readings from the Codex and I can't find any starting new interpretations. [Falke] Okay. [Falke] Never mind then. [Boden] So we just go in and tell the truth? [Loch] some things seem to make a little more sense... but just a little. [Falke] But let's do the talking to Tristane and/or Jacobine and/or the rat people as a last resort, please? [Boden] 'cause you know...I got some questions of my own about a few things I remember.... [Belden] Exeas will report back to Tristane... [Belden] There is a slim chance that we might convince him that she really is operating under this thing's influence, but... [Belden] I wouldn't count on it. [Falke] Knowing him and his opinion of us, very slim.

• Falke agrees.

[Falke] If we went to the Captain directly... do you think it might have more impact? Probably not. [Belden] No, and it would annoy Exeas. [Boden] Jumpin' comand would be a bad idea. [Loch] Tristane isn't going to activily try and hurt us, she's our friend, and if the influence she is under is trying to get her to, I think she would try and fight it, like she did before. [Falke] Could we have both present? [Boden] why Falke? [Belden] I would prefer just telling Exeas, myself. [Kalman] I agree, Loch. [Pavo] I think that was his problem to begin with, finding things out when we met with Tristane. [Belden] Of course she will, Loch. [Belden] I just want to make sure we keep that in mind. [Belden] Is it too late to go this afternoon? [Boden] um...I got one more thing... [Boden] see....after all that time as Pietro and Damodar... [Boden] Well....I think I can do cleric magic now. [Belden] What? [Falke] Curious. [Belden] That's not... [Belden] possible? [Falke] I'm pretty sure I can't cast any spells. [Belden] CLerical powers aren't really... magic. [Boden] no really...its kinda neat. [Belden] They come from one's faith. [Belden] ... Neat. [Boden] I tried it out this moring in my backyard.

• Belden repeats.

[Belden] In your backyard.

• Boden smiles.

[Boden] Wanna see?

• Belden looks pale and stunned.

[Boden] Well...Tigranne didn't want me to try it in the house.

• Boden says a bit sheepishly.

[Belden] ... [Belden] Years of study and communion with one's God are required to earn the blessings of a cleric... [Boden] see....I even know I'm affiliated with lizard now. 'cause of Damodar. [Kalman] Damodar wasn't a cleric... [Boden] No, but he was the first leader 'o House Lizard. [Kalman] Was he? [Boden] well....you know what I mean. [Kalman] He was the leader of the tribe when we found the city... but then he died. [Boden] tribe's must'ave become the houses, right. [Belden] . o O ( Neat?! ) [Kalman] Well, presumably, but... [Boden] anyways...how wants to see me summon a badger! [Belden] !! [Pavo] :o [Falke] Not now, Boden...

• Boden seems kinda child-like.

[Loch] The first Patriarch took the religious foundations of the tribe and combined them into the priesthood we know now. [Belden] Clerical powers are not parlour tricks!!

• Falke glances at Belden.

[Boden] Its not tricks, its practice.

• Belden seems upset.

[Boden] you gotta practice to get better. [Belden] No! [Belden] It doesn't work like that...

• Boden looks confused.

[Pavo] Belden... there must be a reason. [Pavo] If it works, there is a reason. [Belden] *Lizard* summons the... badger. [Belden] *Lizard* does not require *practice*. [Boden] so how come some clerics are better at casting spells than others. wouldn't Lizard just give you the spells you need to help his causes? [Belden] You earn the powers of the gods, through faith and devotion. [Belden] O_o [Belden] You prove yourself worthy.

• Boden seems to consider this a long moment.

[Belden] . o O ( At least, that's what I was taught... :o )

• Falke glances at Kalman helplessly. So much for our cleric's morale.

[Boden] This is gonna end up being a lot of reading on my part, isn't it?

• Belden shakes her head, seemingly in shock.

[Falke] A lot of devotion to the Gods, more like.

• Loch chuckles

[Falke] Belden... have faith that the gods know what they're doing. Obviously, they have some reason for Boden to be able to do this, even if we don't understand it. [Falke] Even if he *especially* doesn't understand it.

• Belden looks sharply at Falke.

[Boden] I don't mean to upset you Belden. I'm just excited about it. I never thought I'd be special to the gods or anything. I just allways figured I'd be swinging a sword real hard. [Kalman] Maybe the Reverend Mother Greenwell would ave some advice. [Kalman] I know some things as well that I didn't know before.

• Pavo nods.

[Pavo] The time we spent in their lives... it's lingering. [Loch] I think we've all been changed by the experience

• Falke 's eyes cloud over and he looks away.
• Falke sighs and goes over to look out a window.

[Kalman] Allright... are we going to do this tomorrow morning. [Loch] Yes [Belden] Yes... yes. [Falke] Yes.

• Kalman gives Belden a concerned look.

[Boden] um...really? Shouldn't we do it right away? [Kalman] I think it's too late in the day. [Kalman] He's probably gone home. [Boden] Its one thing to be gone a few days, its another thing to wait a full day before you tell your boss your back. [Diablotin_Narrator] (it's late afternoon by now - he *might* still be there, if you go right away) [Kalman] We could try.

• Boden nods in agreement.
• Falke turns back to look at the rest of you.

[Falke] We ought to go try just so we don't get an earful. [Loch] I'll go ahead and make sure he is available.

• Kalman nods to Loch.

[Loch] I can bring two people with me [Belden] I'll go... [Falke] I'll walk, thanks. [Kalman] I will as well. [Loch] See you all soon [Boden] ok

• Loch will teleport himself, Kalman, and Pasith to our office at the Palace
• Boden will walk there with the others.
• Falke walks over with Pavo and Boden.

[Diablotin_Narrator] All right - you three arrive safely at your office. I'll let the others know when they can arrive.

• Falke is quiet for the first few minutes of their walk.
• Pavo fidgets as he walks.
• Falke thinks he ought to say something about Belden but doesn't know how to broach the matter with Boden in a way that is understandable.

[Falke] Boden... it's really amazing that you have these new skills, but maybe you shouldn't flaunt them too much in front of Belden... she seemed really upset. [Boden] I kinda got that Falke.

• Falke says carefully.

[Boden] Belden and me don't always get eachother. [Boden] But we'll work it out, we allways do. [Falke] Well, do it carefully, however you work it out. I think she's a bit... well, jealous isn't the right word for Belden, maybe. [Boden] Don't worry so much Falke. [Falke] But I can understand how something it took her years of devotion and you only three days in an Arch might be disturbing. [Boden] Belden and me will be allright. [Falke] Okay, good. [Boden] and it wasn't three days to all of us.

• Pavo smiles :)

[Boden] So we gotta be looking at these things from our point of view, not all the people that weren't there. [Falke] Whatever. [Pavo] I think she just had trouble with how you put it... [Boden] maybe. [Boden] I didn't know being a cleric is so different than being anything else. [Boden] I mean...Loch practices, you all practice, I practice...I just thought it was the same. [Falke] Well, it's more like a long term relationship than practice for them, I think. [Boden] (how did Falke mean that whatever? Was it kinda harsh? or what?) [Boden] Yeah, I guess so. [Pavo] Well, Loch's spells don't come from Cat or Wolf or Ox... neither does your sword or your mighty fist :) [Boden] I guess so. [Pavo] Belden's practice is prayer. [Boden] I just need to spend more time thinkin' about it is all. [Falke] (Not harsh; he just hasn't figured out how to reconcile his experiences in the Arch with his real life, is all) [Boden] (ok) [Falke] (I'm actually a really nice guy, you know. ;) )

• Boden walks the rest of the way thinking like he said he should.
• Falke sorts through memories that aren't his as he walks the rest of the way.

[Belden] Well, let's go and see if he's here...

• Belden smiles gamely.
• Loch nods in agreement
• Kalman nods as well.

[Belden] (sooo... is he?)

• Exeas is in his office.
• Kalman knocks.
• Exeas looks up from his paperwork.

[Kalman] Afternoon sir.

• Kalman salutes.
• Belden follows suit.

[Exeas] By the gods! Where the Void have you been?

• Loch does so as well
• Kalman looks over at Loch.

[Kalman] . o O ( Funny you should say... ) [Kalman] WEll, it's a long story, sir. [Belden] As you know, we went to investigate the second Arch... [Exeas] Riii-iight ... [Kalman] The others are on their way; we just came ahead to e sure to catch you. [Belden] It ended up taking... rather longer than we planned. [Belden] We probably should wait for the others to get here before relating the details. [Loch] If that is alright. [Exeas] All right ... [Exeas] We were pretty worried about you folks! [Belden] We're very sorry to have caused any inconvenience... [Belden] :/ [Kalman] But thank you for your concern. [Exeas] Well ... I'm just glad you're all fine. You are all fine, aren't you? [Belden] YEs, we've all returned safely. [Belden] :) [Exeas] . o O ( Returned from where? ) [Exeas] Well, then ... have a seat and we'll wait.

• Kalman will sit.
• Loch will take a seat
• Belden carefully seats herself.

[Belden] Has anything of note happened during our absence? [Exeas] Uh ... no, not really. [Kalman] . o O ( It just seemed so much longer than it really was... )

• Belden nods, and settles in to wait for the rest of the squad.
• Loch waits patiently

[Loch] Nothing of note happened the day we went out?

• Loch asks idly

[Exeas] No, other than your complete disappearance! [Loch] Did you send anyone after us? [Exeas] Yes! We looked around the Black Down and Stone's End, but well, we didn't exactly know where you would be.

• Boden will knock on the door when they get there.

[Exeas] Come in!

• Boden will come on in.
• Falke slides in after Boden.

[Falke] Lieutenant.

• Exeas shakes his head, pretty amazed by all of this.
• Falke salutes out of duty.

[Exeas] Welcome back, soldiers.

• Boden salutes as he comes in.
• Falke winces slightly.
• Pavo will also.

[Falke] . o O (Don't call us that!) [Pavo] (Salute, not wince :P) [Falke] (I already saluted) [Diablotin_Narrator] (he was just saying Pavo will salute, not wince) [Exeas] Are you all fine? Don't need any healing? [Boden] No, I'm good sir. [Kalman] We're fine, sir. [Exeas] All right, then ... well, why don't you start from the beginning of your mission.

• Kalman looks to the others and if no-one seems to object, starts explaining...
• Falke settles in to listen to whatever Kalman says, as usual.
• Kalman tells of how the group progressed through the tunnels, fighting the guardian; how we found the second arch, how the presence came upon us, how Mataline broke her staff, allowing us to pass through the arch and escape...
• Exeas nods, taking notes where necessary.
• Kalman then goes on to how we 'took over' the lives of some soldiers in the Duke of Friaul's division during the Quicksilver war, singled out to serve the Duke in an elite squadron, how we were on the battlefield to witness the final confrontation between Enzephir and Vivine...
• Falke observes Exeas throughout the whole narration.
• Kalman descibes that confrontation in detail, and then how things faded out again, and we ended up as the tribal leaders, approaching what would become the city of Diablotin...
• Kalman explains about the city we found, the people there, and of course, their demon God.
• Belden and Loch will also, of course, be assisiting all these explanations.

[Falke] (Is Exeas looking more and more sceptical and/or concerned about our sanity as Kalman goes on? ^-^)

• Kalman will relate the reconnaissance mission whereupon the Arch was first discovered, and how the next day we led our people into battle to attempt to take the lands.
• Kalman will talk about Dorea vanishing through the arch, the ensuing confrontation with the priestess and her various guardians, and what happened upon Dorea's return.

[Kalman] ... And then we woke up in the Chamber.

• Exeas is obviously surprised by a lot of what you're saying.
• Pavo listens closely to what happened after he died.

[Kalman] That's how it was. [Exeas] So ... I have a bunch of questions, obviously. First, where is Mataline now? [Belden] We can't be sure... [Belden] Breaking her staff would have causes a massive magical explosion. [Belden] I know that she is still alive... but she is likely on another plane entirely. [Pavo] Phorien said she could have been blown to another plane...

• Exeas nods.

[Exeas] All right ... who else are you planning on telling about this? [Belden] Mataline's friends... [Kalman] I don't know that we've planned that far ahead. [Exeas] Am I the first person you've told other than Mataline's friends? [Falke] We had to explain a bit to our spouses. I don't know how much they told theirs... but I didn't tell Ilse all the details. [Kalman] In detail, yes. [Exeas] All right. [Kalman] (sense motive on him?) [Exeas] (you think he is secretly pleased) [Exeas] Now, this thing that got Mataline ... is it alive or dead, or you don't know? [Belden] I couldn't say. [Belden] She held it off, at least, but whether it was destroyed... [Exeas] Okay ... but there doesn't seem to be any imminent danger to the populace, as far as you can tell? [Loch] Not that we are aware of [Belden] ... Not an immediate one, anyway. [Exeas] All right - now, you were all in the bodies of associates of Martan Kizer during the Quicksilver War? [Belden] Well, subordinates. [Belden] Our 'association' with him was pretty minimal. [Falke] (Sense motive on Exeas?) [Belden] (with him personally, even) [Exeas] Right ... but you actually witnessed the final confrontation between Vivine and Emperor Enzephir? [Loch] That is correct [Belden] Yes. [Exeas] Okay ... why? [Exeas] Can any of you speculate why you would go back to that time, all together? [Kalman] We just happened to be there at the right time, sir. [Exeas] Hmm ... [Belden] Well, we have been speculating a great deal, but have yet to reach any conclusion. :/ [Falke] (Doesn't Exeas know that our previous investigations seem to indicate that Enzephir was not the true emperor?) [Exeas] And similarly, you have no idea why you would end up as the six tribal leaders prior to the founding of Diablotin? [Exeas] (yes, of course I know that) [Belden] Obviously, we feel that there must be some special signficance to these particular events, beyond the obvious... [Pavo] We believe they may be our previous lives... is that what you mean? [Kalman] But we don't *know*... [Falke] ... [Exeas] Well, I guess so, Pavo ... [Falke] I don't believe that. [Belden] It's a possibility. [Exeas] I mean, it is quite an honour to have the six specific people responsible for founding our city in my very own guard squad. [Belden] I've noticed that none of the lives we experienced shared our current House.

• Pavo sighs.

[Belden] (is he being sarcastic or what?) [Exeas] (no) [Loch] Good point... nobody ever said the cycle had to be continuous. [Exeas] I have to consider the possibility that perhaps this ... whatever it was ... vision, experience, whatever ... was given to you by some entity, or force, and doesn't *actually* reflect what really happened. [Pavo] Makes sense.

• Falke nods, hesitantly.

[Kalman] We are hoping to somehow confirm the events ourselves. [Belden] If it could ever be proven that they were our past lives... the implications would be... staggering. [Exeas] Yes ... can you think of any way to prove it? [Loch] Information exists from the time of Potter's Field. Events there could e confirmed. [Belden] Yes, we might be able to speak to people who would have known those soldiers. [Loch] Some are sure to be still alive. [Falke] Aric is. [Falke] I go to his tavern all the time. [Belden] He is? [Falke] Yes, he is. [Belden] Well, that's very lucky! [Falke] That's his name.

• Falke says dryly.

[Kalman] _ [Falke] Lucky Aric's, in Pearl. [Kalman] There's also Captain Niemi.

• Kalman says quietly.

[Exeas] You met Captain Niemi? [Belden] We did?

• Belden looks at Kalman.

[Kalman] ... Some of us did... [Kalman] Ah, also, Captain Borja [Falke] Yes, Elcedor... [Belden] Plenty of options, then...

• Falke says quietly.

[Exeas] All right.. Okay ... but regardless, someone or something, whether good or evil, made you have those particular experiences. That is ... well, quite frankly, I'm totally out of my league. [Exeas] Have you considered telling the Empress? [Falke] Join the team. [Falke] ...

• Belden gives Falke a gently reproachful look.
• Pavo can't help but laugh.

[Belden] Well, sir... [Belden] Being perfectly honest... We are somewhat concerned for her...

• Falke nods.
• Belden looks around at her squadmates.

[Falke] And for Théonée.

• Exeas 's eyes narrow.

[Exeas] In what way? [Belden] I have communed with the Ox, in order to put some questions to rest... [Belden] The Empress is not in full control of herself. [Exeas] Okaaaaayy ... what does that mean, exactly? [Belden] Whatever it is, in the Arch, under the Down... [Belden] It's controlling her. Maybe not completely, maybe not all the time... But she is not herself.

• Kalman looks concerned.

[Belden] We've seen firsthand how it can manifest through her... or around her, anyway. [Kalman] It's the same presence that we encountered below.

• Belden nods to Kalman.

[Falke] And Althea's baby was affected by its passage through the Arch, as well. [Exeas] All right. Well ...

• Exeas says, taking all this in.

[Belden] (sense motive on him now... is he buying this)

• Exeas is understandably somewhat skeptical, but not overly so.

[Exeas] This is ... well, if it were anybody but you folks, I'd get you all for dereliction and presume that you'd been on a three-day bender in Pearl. [Belden] :o [Kalman] Thank you... I think. [Pavo] Thank you for your faith. [Falke] But we're special?

• Falke smirks.

[Exeas] Well, you've proven in the past that weird, weird stuff is going on ... and anything to do with the Arch is, by its very nature, weird.

• Falke nods.

[Exeas] So my advice to you is this: I can't really say what you should do next, except that the one thing that you *must* do is talk to wise, knowledgeable people about this stuff. [Kalman] That was our thought as well, sir. [Exeas] Perhaps Prince-Imperial Alexior?

• Belden nods slowly.

[Belden] -_- [Belden] Yes, I was going to speak to him myself.

• Loch nds

[Exeas] I suppose the only other thing is that one or more of you *must* make a written record of all this. [Kalman] Of course. [Belden] Absolutely.

• Exeas nods.
• Belden agrees.

[Loch] May i ask what you are planning to do, sir? [Exeas] Well, uh, I will rely on your judgement that the Empress should not be told right now. I won't tell her, even though it goes against my general inclination. [Exeas] But I have to tell Captain Casavant. [Loch] Do you expect any reprocutions? [Exeas] Repercussions? No, not immediately. Not if what you're telling me is even half right. [Kalman] Allright.

• Kalman looks to the others.

[Belden] Well, it's getting late in the day. [Belden] We should let you get home. [Loch] We'll consult with Blessing sir. Is there anyone else we should consult with, or do you leave it up to our discression. [Falke] Well. Do you need anything more from us today, sir, or may we go? We should try to arrange fro some of us at least to meet with Captains Niemi and Borja. Hopefully we can do that tomorrow. [Exeas] No, that's fine. You're dismissed. If I think of anything else, I'll let you know. [Belden] Thank you, sir.

• Belden salutes politely before leaving the office.
• Loch salutes and leaves
• Kalman salutes and leaves as well.
• Pavo follows after Loch.
• Boden salutes and follows them out.
• Falke hangs back briefly after the others have left.

[Pavo] (Also salutin') [Falke] Lieutenant, Sir? [Exeas] Yes? [Falke] You didn't have to put up with my smart mouth there. I'm sorry.

• Falke salutes you respectfully this time.

[Exeas] Oh ... that's all right. You've been sleeping in a dank sewer for three days. [Falke] No. It's more that I am a jerk. [Falke] Anyway. Have a good evening. [Exeas] You too.

• Falke takes his leave.

[Pavo] Loch? [Loch] ? [Pavo] Do you have a moment? [Loch] Sure [Pavo] Boden's not the only one who brought more back with him. [Loch] How so? [Loch] We all brough back memories of the time we spent in the other lives. It's not too surprising that we each have retained some skills. [Pavo] I remember quite a bit from my time as Alzbeth... some of it is foggy and missing... but I still have a few things. [Pavo] I figured you were the one to talk to about them... [Loch] I will help how I can.

• Pavo stands still where he is, closing his eyes and trying to remember exactly how it went...
• Pavo falters a few times, his hands and mouth moving before he hits on the right match and casts Detect Magic.

[Pavo] Hey... it worked... [Loch] Interesting. I suppose it's not surprising considering the skills Boden has developed.

• Pavo looks at his stuff a little surprised at himself.

[Loch] You should really not wear the armor when you are trying, it can hinder the intricacies of the casting. [Pavo] It does? [Pavo] I guess that's why she wore so little. [Loch] Yes. [Loch] Can you remember some of the fundamentals... the why's of the gestures you are performing? [Pavo] A little... that's why I want to talk to you sometime. To keep from losing it because I don't know where it goes, you know? [Pavo] There are holes, and I'm sure I can get more out of this... [Loch] If you want, I can test you on your skills. It will take a few hours, but it will let you know where you stand. [Pavo] That'd be great! [Pavo] You might be able to teach me something :) [Loch] Please, try not to practice on your own until we get the chance. You could end up hurting yourself, or worse, someone else by mistake. [Pavo] ... yeah, now that I think of what she used to cast the most... [Pavo] Maybe that's a really good idea. [Pavo] I wouldn't want to set fire to my room or anything. [Loch] I can teach you, Pavo, but I'm not sure how much time I can commit to it. I already have an apprentice, a child due in a couple of weeks, and research on the Arch to occupy me. [Loch] But I will fit in a few lessons. [Pavo] That's fine. Once I know where I am, maybe it'll be worth time getting taught at the Castalia, or by some one else in the guard. [Loch] I can try and arrange something with Proffessor Blessing. There may be uncomfortable questions as to where you learned what you know if you seek study on your own. [Pavo] It's fading out now... *looks down at his few magic possessions he's wearing at the moment* [Loch] The more adept you become, the longer you can maintain the magic.

• Pavo nods.

[Pavo] Anyway, I'll let you get on with your work... thanks :) [Loch] If you are serious about this Pavo, it will interupt your other practices. [Pavo] I understand. I'm not sure if I want to change careers or anything... :)

[Falke] We could drop by Aric's... but he's often drunk these days. [Belden] It's still early...

• Falke smiles a bit sadly maybe.

[Falke] I don't know if that matters. [Kalman] Do we really want to rush and do this now] [Falke] He likes talking about the war, though... has his old breastplate mounted above the fireplace. [Loch] Aric probably knows what happened to Mar. [Kalman] Probably, yes... [Kalman] . o O ( Niemi would know better, I'm sure... ) [Kalman] Well, I guess I could use a drink. [Kalman] It might be easier to find Blessing tomorrow anyway. [Falke] I hope you like gin. [Belden] I guess so... [Belden] Well, let's go. [Falke] All right.

• Falke leads the way to Lucky Aric's then.

[Diablotin_Narrator] You head through the streets to Lucky Aric's tavern in Pearl City. Pavo and Loch walk near the back, talking together in low voices.

• Falke holds the door open for his squadmates when they get there.
• Falke also peers inside - are Ofelia, Lukas and or Symeon there at the moment?
• Belden looks around the place.

[Diablotin_Narrator] The tavern is just at the end of the dinner crowd when you arrive there. A barmaid (you know it's Ofelia, Falke) is wiping down the tables that are now free. [Belden] . o O ( It can't be worse than some of the places I've had to go looking for Ganges, anyway. )

• Falke smiles and waves to Ofelia.

[Diablotin_Narrator] It is a reasonable well-maintained tavern, for this part of town. As Falke mentioned, a heavily damaged breastplate hangs above the fireplace. [Falke] Hi Ofelia. Got room for a crowd of thirsty guards?

• Belden tries to see if she can spot Aric based on 'her' memory of his younger self...
• NPCa is now known as Ofelia

[Ofelia] Of course, Falke - plenty of room for you and your friends :) [Falke] Is the old man around tonight? [Falke] I tried telling them his war stories but it's not the same, coming from my mouth.

• Falke grins.

[Ofelia] He'll be in the kitchen right now. Did you want to talk to him? [Falke] Yeah. If he can come out. :) [Ofelia] I can see :) [Falke] Thanks!

• Ofelia finishes up what she's doing and then heads back into the kitchen.
• Falke gestures for everyone to sit at a table big enough for us all.
• Kalman sits.
• Belden watches the kitchen door...
• Falke seems very comfortable here, and much more open than any of you might ever have seen him, except for Kalman.

[Kalman] THis is a nice place... I can't remember if I've been here before. [Falke] I don't think you have. I'd remember you.

• Falke teases.
• Aric emerges from the kitchen a few minutes later. He is around seventy years old, quite overweight, with short-cropped grey hair and a red-flushed face. Still, you can see some signs of the young soldier you remember in this man.

[Belden] Oh... :o

• Aric wipes his hands on an apron and comes over to your table.
• Falke grins and waves the old man over. He pushes out a chair for Aric.

[Aric] Good evening, soliders - what can I get for you this evening?

• Aric seems not too soused tonight, for a change. Just a little tipsy.

[Falke] Have a seat - Ofelia can get the drinks. [Falke] My friends here want to hear about your breastplate up there.

• Falke introduces the guards to Aric.

[Belden] Very much so.... [Aric] Oh! Well, I might be persuaded to tell the story...

• Falke grins.

[Aric] Ofelia, get us a round of ale!

• Aric calls to the girl, who obliges.

[Aric] Well, now...

• Falke settles in to listen, after thanking Ofelia for bringing the ale.

[Aric] It was back during the Quicksilver War - you're all too young to remember anything about that, but mayhaps you've heard of it.

• Kalman smiles.

[Kalman] HEard a story or two, but I'm sure yours are much more interesting. [Aric] The Emperor what just died, he'd just come to the throne, and his sister figured she was the rightful ruler. Had a fine little war over it, they did. [Aric] We marched all the way from here to halfway across the Empire, wound up at a middle of nowhere place called Potter's Field. [Kalman] So who did you fight with?

• Kalman interrupts.

[Aric] I was under the command of the Duke of Friaul... what, the one before this one, or two before? He's dead, years and years now, anyway. [Falke] . o O (You've served him stew in this very tavern. ^-^) [Aric] The battle was fierce. There was fightin', folks dying all around... and in the heat of the battle, I fetched up near the Emperor. [Aric] He was in bad shape, so we helped him out... tryin' to get him to safety. I took a crossbow bolt straight to the chest, dropped me like a stone. [Falke] Who helped you with him? I forget... [Aric] Oh, some of the other soldiers I was with... [Kalman] Good thing you had friends around...

• Belden listens intently.

[Aric] It sure was, 'cause one of 'em helped me up and got me out of there. [Falke] Do you remember their names? [Kalman] Yes.. did you ever keep in touch with them?

• Falke asks, keen on the story even though he's heard it many, many times.
• Falke has never heard their names... :)

[Aric] Sure... you don't forget a thing like that. There were a few casters, girls named Mar an' Alzbeth, and a fellow named Vende who was handy with a pair of axes, and a Spokesman name of Lydia... noble fellow named Pietro who was blind, but could see somehow anyway, and this quiet little chap named ... Gratien, I think. [Falke] Are any of them still alive, too? [Falke] . o O (I hope Josserand is.) [Aric] I don't rightly know. In the heat of the battle, we got separated somehow... never saw any of 'em after that day. I always hoped they made it out safe... but then, so many folk didn't :/ [Falke] :/ [Falke] That's too bad... [Kalman] That's a shame...

• Belden looks downcast. :/

[Falke] Well, you made it safely, anyway! [Kalman] And you've got a souvenir to remember them by... [Aric] I did, by pure luck.

• Kalman looks up at the breastplate.
• Kalman grins

[Aric] I'd remember 'em anyway, armor or no. [Aric] 'Twas because of that Alzbeth I met my wife... [Falke] Really?

• Falke grins, playing along.
• Aric nods.

[Aric] My Jenny had gone to school with her. [Kalman] Well that's an even better souvenir!

• Aric nods, smiling.
• Aric takes a swig from his mug of ale.
• Loch finishes his drink

[Falke] Thanks, Aric. [Aric] Think nothin' of it. [Belden] Thaks for sharing that with us. :) [Loch] Yes, thankyou [Aric] Always glad to talk to folks who want to hear the old stories :) [Falke] They're good ones. :) [Falke] Lukas and I would have gotten into a lot more trouble if we hadn't had your stories to distract us all these years. ;) [Aric] Well, I oughta be gettin' back to work - can't sit around gabbin' all night :)

• Aric says with a chuckle.

[Falke] All right. See you around, Aric.

• Aric gets up and heads back out to the kitchen, taking his empty mug with him,

[Loch] So it seems we all may have died on the battlefield.

• Falke turns back to his companions.

[Falke] I hope not. [Belden] I kind of get that feeling. [Falke] Joss deserved better. :/ [Kalman] Maybe... Mar was pretty resourceful. And I'm not sure she was the type to have kept in touch with that many people... [Loch] The Spokesmen should have records of what happened to Lydia. [Falke] Borja and Niemi might also know more. [Kalman] . o O ( Gah! I knew it!! )

• Kalman nods to Falke.

[Falke] . o O (And Grey...) [Falke] Well. [Kalman] And the old duke might not be alive, but.. my butler used to work for him. [Kalman] _ [Falke] At least we know they were real. [Falke] What?

• Falke turns to Kalman.

[Loch] A little reassuring to know the names existed, yes. [Belden] Well, that's... good to know.

• Kalman nods to the others.

[Falke] I suppose you could ask him. [Falke] What's his name? [Kalman] Yes... He started working for him right around the time that the war ended, as far as I know. [Kalman] Roquemore.

• Falke nods.

[Falke] Of course, I don't know how much noblemen talk to their servants. [Falke] He might not know anything. [Falke] But it's worth a try. [Loch] How much would the Duke have confided about those particular people to his buttler. [Falke] Depends on what kind of man he was, maybe. [Kalman] Well, I'll ask. [Falke] If he was like Kalman, perhaps a fair bit. ;D [Belden] It couldn't hurt! :) [Loch] No harm in trying, I guess.

• Falke smiles.

[Kalman] Well... I need to get home. [Falke] All right. [Falke] Have a good evening, Kalman. [Kalman] I'll see you at the office tomorrow. [Falke] I think I'll drop by my parents' house before heading home.

• Falke stands up as well.

[Falke] Have a good night, everyone. [Belden] Good night... [Loch] Night Falke

• Belden says thoughtfully.

[Falke] (SM on Belden - what are you thinking of? Just Vende and the others?) [Belden] I'm going to take a bit of a walk, myself. [Loch] Want company? [Belden] Sure...

• Belden smiles at Loch.
• Loch will say night to Pavo and Boden.
• Falke heads out.

• Belden will wander in the direction of the Place d'Iena...

[Loch] Something on your mind?

• Loch says to Pasith

[Belden] The same as everyone else, I expect... [Belden] THinking about... them. [Belden] What happened to them... [Belden] If we really are their... reincarnations. [Belden] It would mean so much... [Loch] Lydia had family in the city... her brother was fairly accomplished smith. There must be some record left of them. [Loch] It scares me a little bit. [Belden] Why? [Loch] If we really were those people, does it mean we really were the leaders who lead the tribes and broke the arch? [Belden] It would seem to indicate that... but it wouldn't be absolutely certain. [Loch] No it wouldn't would it.

• Belden stops in front of a store front...

[Diablotin_Narrator] The neighbourhood is changed from what you remember, Belden, but it's still recognizable. The building where Vende's shop was is somewhat modified, with an extension built on the side, but still standing. It has been turned into what appears to be a tallow-chandler's store now. [Loch] Where are we?

• Loch examines the shop

[Belden] In the old neighbourhood... [Belden] Everything is different, though. [Belden] I guess I didn't really expect it to be the same... [Belden] (is the shop open?) [Diablotin_Narrator] (yes)

• Belden will go inside then, and have a look around.
• Loch follows

[Diablotin_Narrator] The shop is decently maintained, though obviously not stocked with high-quality merchandise.

• Belden will pick up a couple of candles anyway; you can never have too many.

[Belden] Hello...

• Belden says brightly to the chandler.

[Chandler] Hello, Sister. Fine evening, isn't it? [Belden] Yes, it is...

• Chandler is a young man in his mid-twenties or so, you'd say.
• Belden says as she pays for the items.

[Belden] Say, can I ask you a question? :) [Chandler] If you like. [Belden] How long has this shop been here? As a chandler's, I mean. [Chandler] Well, now, my father bought it, I suppose a bit before the time I was born - some twenty-five years ago.

• Belden nods.

[Belden] Do you happen to know what it was before that? [Belden] I know this probably sounds a little odd... :) [Chandler] I heard tell it was a butcher's shop - I know when I was a lad there were still some of the big hooks out back, gettin' rusty. [Belden] Ah, I see... :) [Loch] Any chance your father is around? [Chandler] I'm afraid he passed away, two winters back.

• Loch pipes in

[Belden] Oh, I'm very sorry to hear that.

• Belden says genuinely.

[Chandler] It's all right.. he left me with a good living. [Belden] I'm doing some research on someone who fought in the Quicksilver War, who once owned this place... [Belden] Do you think there's any record of who your father bought it from? [Chandler] I don't know about that. I think my father bought it from the man who owned it before's widow... [Belden] Any name at all would be helpful. [Chandler] There might be a record of her name somewhere in his old account books... I can have a look for you, if you wanted.

• Belden says with a hopeful smile, clutching her candles.

[Belden] Oh, that would be wonderful! [Loch] Yes, thankyou [Chandler] Just hang on, then, I'll have to find 'em.

• Chandler goes into a back room.
• Belden waits patiently with Loch.

[Loch] [w] I could probably locate where Lydia was raised and her bother's smithy

• Chandler returns eventually with some old, dusty books.

[Chandler] Here's the oldest ones I could find, anyway... if there's anything, it'd be in here. [Belden] Oh, thank you!

• Belden will look through them...

[Diablotin_Narrator] You leaf through to the beginning of the one that seems to be the oldest...

• Loch glances over Pasith's shoulder

[Diablotin_Narrator] At the very start, there are records of payments to "Mistress Molnere" for the shop - several installments over a few months. [Belden] ... Oh! [Belden] (no initials or anything?) [Chandler] Did you find what you were looking for? [Diablotin_Narrator] No. [Belden] I think so, yes... [Belden] Thank you, very much. [Chandler] Ah, well, I'm glad I could help, Sister.

• Belden will leave the store with Loch.

[Belden] :D [Loch] Good news? [Belden] It looks like they bought the place from Vende's widow. [Loch] That is good news. [Belden] He would have died... well, some years before I was born. [Belden] I wonder... [Belden] ... [Belden] . o O ( Who was she? ) [Loch] If the she was Lydia, that may be tough, considering that I'm 25 years old... what was the date on the ledger again? [Belden] (when was it, Julie?) [Diablotin_Narrator] (ah, sec - math :) [Diablotin_Narrator] Spring and summer of 2170 - 27 years ago. [Belden] The last entry with her name was 27 years ago. [Diablotin_Narrator] (you guys carry on talking if you want - I'll be dealing with Falke in gnomeland) [Loch] Well, it could have been Lydia. I was born in 2172 [Belden] Maybe if we track down her family, we'll find out... [Loch] They may have secretive, considering their House difficulties. [Loch] (been)

• Belden nods...

[Loch] Lydia was well known to be House Cat, and Vende was not. [Belden] No... no he wasn't. [Belden] Vende... [Belden] He was houseless. [Loch] I can see why you're so eager to prove that it really was you in a previous life. [Loch] It would substantiate what you already believe about the houseless [Belden] Yes... [Belden] Even if there was no way to prove it to anyone else. [Loch] but I also know that, like me, you want to know if they had a happy life. They cares so much for eachother. [Belden] Yes... [Belden] I want that, very much. [Belden] They both deserved it. [Belden] ...

• Loch nods

[Belden] Well, for now, we should probably be getting home... [Belden] There's a lot of legwork to be done tomorrow. [Loch] We're going to be busy for a while. [Belden] Indeed... [Belden] :/ [Loch] I wish I could get away from it all, just for a few weeks, so I could be with Jenai. [Belden] Hopefully it will be worth it.

• Belden smiles sympathetically/encouragingly.

[Loch] Our souls were directly involved in creating the situation of the arch. seems fitting that we help resolve it. [Loch] Close the loop.

[Diablotin_Narrator] (Okay.. tell me what exactly you want to do) [Falke] (Drawing on my previous visits with him, do I know if he has guards/sentries/henchmen or something similar?) [Diablotin_Narrator] He doesn't have guards posted outside the house, anyway. [Falke] (Ok. That is good.) [Falke] (His study has a window or windows, right?) [Diablotin_Narrator] (sure) [Falke] (That will be my first target. I need to try to locate him without being noticed so that I can cast Detect Evil on him from my scroll(s))

• Falke will go under cover of darkness, try to hide in shadows, move silently, etc. He has his cloak of arachnida to climb. He did not bring his weapons, in case he gets caught... wouldn't want Grey to jump to any conclusions)

[Diablotin_Narrator] (okay.. making some rolls) [Falke] (Well, no conclusions other than the one I'd like him to jump to, which is, I'm having fun pitting my skills against my grandfather, the great Taran Dark!) [Diablotin_Narrator] You hide as well as you think you can - you don't believe anyone has spotted you.

• Falke will be very cautious, of course... wait in one spot and stuff to make sure, before moving on.
• Falke tries to get to the study window(s) in this way, and peer in)

[Diablotin_Narrator] You sneak up to the lit window of Grey's study.

• Falke will hang above the windows like he did at the tower - few people think to look *up*.

[Falke] (Is he in there?) [Diablotin_Narrator] You can see him sitting inside, reading a book. He's visible in profile, sitting in an armchair. [Falke] (Okay, to cast the spell from a scroll, do I need to have both hands free? If so, I'll go up on the roof and cast it there, then climb back down if necessary to detect any evil) [Falke] (There's limitations on the thickness of things through which it works, I believe?) [Falke] (Also... do I need to speak loudly for it to work? I don't want him to hear me until it's done.) [Diablotin_Narrator] (I'll assume you can find a way to cast the spell. It's blocked by 1 foot of stone, 1 inch of metal, 3 feet of wood or dirt...) [Falke] (Okay... if it's successful, I hope I know now whether he is evil or not.) [Diablotin_Narrator] You cast the spell, hoping that it worked, and climb back down to the wall outside his study. [Diablotin_Narrator] You detect no evil within.

• Loch has quit IRC (Quit: )
• Falke takes a deep breath; he didn't realize he'd been holding it.

[Falke] (There's no way to know for sure whether it worked or not, I guess?) [Diablotin_Narrator] The scroll crumbles in your hand at the end of the spell's duration. [Falke] . o O (Hmm.)

Solos

(solos 60-63) Session Start: Sun Jan 02 13:46:25 2005 Session Ident: #changeling

• Logging #changeling to 'C:\Files\IRC Logs\solo2.EsperNet'
• Kalman will stay home one evening while Glory goes out to visit friends, or something
• Kalman will ask Roquemort to join him in the study
• Roquemore will join you as requested.

[Roquemore] Yes, sir?

• Kalman smiles

[Kalman] Good evening :) [Roquemore] Good evening, sir. [Kalman] I hope you won't think this is too strange, but I wanted to aks you about a few things about one of your past employers [Roquemore] Ah... of course, I will be happy to answer as best as I can, sir. But just as I would not betray your secrets to another, there may be some things about my former employers that I may not be able to disclose. [Kalman] Ah, well, of course. [Kalman] . o O (Although, really, that just makes me curious :o)

• Kalman smiles again.

[Kalman] Well, please, sit anyway, make yourself comfortable. [Roquemore] Very well, sir.

• Roquemore sits down, a little stiffly.
• Kalman wonders if he understands 'comfortable' or not... ahh well :)

[Kalman] Would you like a drink or anything? [Roquemore] No thank you, sir. [Kalman] Alright. Well, I am curious about the Duke of Friaul. [Roquemore] I see, sir. [Kalman] Part of my investigatins lately have dealt with some incidents of the past, during the Quicksilver war. Were you in his service at that time? [Roquemore] No, sir. I joined his household as senior under-butler shortly after the war, and was promoted to head butler eight years later. [Kalman] How long after? [Roquemore] I believe it was two or three months afterwards, sir. [Kalman] alright... well, you may still know somethings then, that I'm curious about. [Kalman] Did he ever talk about what happened? [Roquemore] During the war, sir?

• Kalman nods

[Kalman] Or if he [Kalman] (ignore that) [Roquemore] Only very rarely, sir. [Kalman] what did he say, when he did, or do you recall?

• Roquemore considers for a moment.

[Kalman] (also, if I think/notice that he is trying to cover something, you would tell me, right? ;) [Roquemore] (sure - I've rolled a sense motive for you for the scene) [Kalman] (well, here's hoping it was good ;) [Roquemore] I recall that he referred more than once to the senseless loss of life, sir. I believe he suggested once that the war could have been averted, though he did not elaborate on that statement, or not to me. [Kalman] Ahhh :/ [Kalman] Well, that makes sense. [Kalman] Did he ever talk about the people, or mention anyone from the war? besides those he would have had regular contact with [Roquemore] Many of his relatives and friends served in the war as well, of course, sir. But if you mean common soldiers, I do not know of any. [Kalman] Well, I guess that isn't very surprising either. [Roquemore] If I may say so, sir, other members of his household led me to believe that he was a changed man when he returned from the war. His ward died not long afterwards, and left him a much unhappier man. [Kalman] I see :/ [Kalman] Was that before you joined, then? [Roquemore] It was a few months after I joined his household, but I never met her, sir. She dwelled at the duke's estate in Friaul, and that was where she died. [Kalman] What happened to her?

• Roquemore looks somewhat uncomfortable.

[Kalman] Ahh, I suppose it isn't important :/ [Roquemore] That is something I would prefer not to say, sir.

• Kalman nods
• Kalman bets a gold piece that she died in childbirth :p

[Kalman] What was he like, then, when you worked for him?

• Amano is now known as Hendrick
• Kalman asks curiously... it is a bit of a tangent, really ;)

[Roquemore] He was a fair master, sir. I had no difficulties with him. He was often absent from home for various reasons, but when he was in residence, he was never anything but decent to me. I believe that, before his untimely death, we grew to trust one another.

• Kalman smiles

[Kalman] Well, that's good, I suppose... [Roquemore] (you think he is being somewhat evasive, perhaps) [Kalman] Apart from the 'untimely death' [Kalman] ('k)

• Roquemore nods.

[Kalman] (do I know anything about that?) [Kalman] (the official reason, I mean) [Roquemore] (you just know that he died of an illness or something similar - natural causes, anyway - when he was maybe around 40 or 50) [Kalman] An illness, is that right? [Roquemore] Yes, sir. He caught a chill after riding in the rain one evening. [Kalman] Ahh... It's a shame that there are just some things the clerics can't help still :/

• Kalman says, thinking mostly of his sister. Well, she has Rayce's ring now, at least!

[Roquemore] Well, he didn't believe it was that serious, sir. He brushed off my concerns and retired to bed. He never awoke.

• Kalman nods

[Kalman] I see :/ [Kalman] Well, I guess that was all that I had wanted to know... [Roquemore] Very good, sir. I hope I was of some assistance?

• Kalman smiles

[Kalman] Well, some, yes. I was hoping to find out more about some of the soldiers he commanded, but I'm not surprised that he didn't mention them much, I suppose [Roquemore] Well, not in my hearing, at least, sir.

• Kalman nods

[Kalman] Thank you, anyway. [Roquemore] You're welcome, sir. [Kalman] He seems like he would have been an interesting person.

• Roquemore smiles slightly.

[Roquemore] Indeed, yes, he was, sir.

• Kalman smiles again as well

[Kalman] Well, I guess, that will be all. I should do some practicing, while I have the time. [Roquemore] Very well, sir. [Roquemore] Will you be needing anything further this evening? [Kalman] I don't think so, no, at least not until Eglorine come home.

• Roquemore nods, rising from his seat.

[Roquemore] Good evening, sir. [Kalman] good evening.

• Roquemore departs.

Session Start: Thu Jan 06 19:15:59 2005 Session Ident: #changeling

• Logging #changeling to 'C:\Files\IRC Logs\solo3.EsperNet'

[Falke] (I think I'm going to chicken out of breaking in to his place... I'll just be civilized and go to the door as usual.) [Falke] (The chance that he'd leave and come back is prolly pretty slim, anyway.) [Lord_Grey] (you are let in, as usual)

• Lord_Grey is in his study, as he often is.
• Falke taps lightly on the door to the study.

[Lord_Grey] Come in!

• Falke enters quietly, weaving the wolf's head brooch in and out of his fingers ceaselessly.

[Falke] /me smiles warmly when he sees Grey. [Falke] Hello, Old Wolf. Thought I'd drop by for a visit. I hope you aren't busy? [Lord_Grey] Not too busy, no. [Lord_Grey] How have you been? [Falke] Pretty good, and you? [Lord_Grey] Oh, well enough, I suppose.

• Falke smiles.
• Falke tosses the brooch towards Grey, aiming for the old man's left arm, which was badly injured during the Quicksilver War, he remembers. Falke wonders if the old man still suffers some ill effects from that injury.

[Falke] I've been meaning to ask - do you know who that might have belonged to once? I found it in Rhenea - might have been a contemporary of yours... Ugly fellow, lower jaw practically cleft in two.

• Lord_Grey reaches out to catch it with his left hand - no obvious difficulties.
• Lord_Grey turns it over, looking at it.

[Lord_Grey] It doesn't look familiar. Where did you find it, exactly?

• Falke describes Stone's End.

[Lord_Grey] And... how do you know what its owner looked like? Take it off his corpse? [Falke] Nooo-ooo. He didn't seem to realize he should have stayed dead. [Falke] It was a ghost. [Lord_Grey] I see... [Falke] Well, the brooch was on the pile of bones. [Lord_Grey] So you did take it off his corpse.

• Lord_Grey says with a grin.

[Falke] What was left of it. :) [Lord_Grey] And you think that I might be a contemporary with someone who's presently a pile of bones? ;)

• Falke grins even more.

[Falke] You are way older than me.

• Falke teases.

[Lord_Grey] Hmph. [Lord_Grey] Well, I don't recognize the brooch - here.

• Lord_Grey tosses it back to you.
• Falke catches it.

[Falke] Thanks.

• Falke smiles at his grandfather then turns his gaze to the maps on Grey's walls... maybe one of them was drawn by Josserand? He moves over to stand before one that shows Caulderan and Lac Briarel.

[Falke] How long has it been since you were last in Caulderan? Do you miss it very much? [Lord_Grey] Oh... years and years.

• Falke nods. Does it seem like he might elaborate?

[Lord_Grey] After ... well, after the war, I had more business that kept me in the city, I suppose. I didn't go there very often. And not at all, after a while.

• Falke nods.

[Lord_Grey] I don't miss it much.

• Lord_Grey says with a small shrug.

[Falke] What about the lake? It is very beautiful, I imagine. Clear, cold water, and white, sandy coves... with a pile of rocks to one side, and a tree overhanging the water... a beautiful place to swim, if you know how. In the starlight...

• Falke turns back to his grandfather and smiles wistfully (but looking for any hint of recognition, surprise, suspicion or anything like that), then turns back to the maps, tracing a line from Diablotin to the seashore, and from the seashore to Caulderan.
• Lord_Grey looks at you oddly.

[Lord_Grey] I suppose it is.

• Falke nods again.

[Falke] Someday maybe I will take Ilse there. I promised to take her to the seashore first, though.

• Falke smiles fondly, thinking of Ilse.

[Falke] I wish you could come to my wedding. But my grandmother will be there, and she has worked so hard to keep everything so quiet all these years. [Falke] If she recognized you... I don't want to upset her. [Lord_Grey] What, you think I wouldn't behave myself?

• Falke smiles slightly.

[Falke] Also... I don't want to put Ilse in any more danger than she might already be in.

• Falke looks rather unhappy at the thought of how his penchant for questionable activities might put Ilse in danger.
• Falke wonders how Grey will react to that.

[Lord_Grey] What are you implying? That my presence would put your bride-to-be in danger? [Falke] Well-ll... There's some rumours that you're a rival for Izaguirre. Is that true or are you sticking to serving the Empress in an advisory capacity? I don't want to advertise to him that you might have an interest in us beyond a business relationship with me, if you are a thorn in his side. [Lord_Grey] o_O

• Falke guesses he can put those fears to rest, then. ;D

[Lord_Grey] If he thinks I'm his rival, I suppose I may be.

• Falke cocks his head and grins. Nice, ambiguous answer. ^-^

[Falke] Well then... [Falke] It's just my grandmother I'm worried about. [Lord_Grey] What makes you think she wouldn't be happy to see me again?

• Lord_Grey asks lightly.

[Falke] What makes you think she would want to see you again?

• Falke replies, also lightly.

[Lord_Grey] Nothing, I suppose. After all, you must surely know her better than I do. [Falke] She did say you were kind to her. [Lord_Grey] It's always nice to be remembered fondly.

• Falke replies kindly.
• Falke nods.

[Falke] . o O (There's one more reason not to invite you! What if everyone else in my squad recognizes you?) [Falke] ...

• Falke turns away, looking pensive.

[Lord_Grey] Don't worry... I won't show up uninvited. [Falke] (does he seem hurt?) [Lord_Grey] (not especially)

• Lerah is now known as Elanya

[Falke] It's a few days away yet. [Falke] We had to reschedule. [Lord_Grey] Oh?

• Falke nods.

[Falke] Yuo were a commander in the war, weren't you? Of an entire division. [Lord_Grey] That's right...

• Falke lowers his gaze, then begins to speak, softly.

[Falke] "Our empire has stood these hundred score of years and more, not only by the grace of the six gods but also by respect for the Arch which helps us wisely choose our leaders, and by force of arms, when necessary, to preserve the authority of both gods and Arch."

• Falke lifts his gaze to his grandfather's as he speaks, watching for Grey's reaction as he recites sections of the young Martan Kizer's speech word for word. (Am I spooking him any? ^-^)

[Lord_Grey] Been reading the history books? [Falke] "We go to war to defend the principles on which this Empire was founded, and to defend our Emperor against the egregious and false charges laid against him by his own kin and by traitors who would use this crisis as a bald excuse to pursue power."

• Falke smiles, but finishes his recital.

[Falke] "When each of us lies in judgement after the turning of the Wheel, each of you may stand proudly and say simply, 'I served'. Tonight, compose your minds, steady your hands, say your farewells and your benedictions. We head for Marinthia on the morrow, towards the rising sun." [Falke] Did you really believe all that, back then? Did you feel a sense of responsibility for the safety and welfare of the people of Friaul, and the Empire?

• Falke asks, curiously.

[Lord_Grey] I suppose so. [Falke] Do you still believe it? Do you advise Tristane because you genuinely want the Empire to be safe and secure?

• Falke seems to want to believe it is so. It would seem to be very important to him.

[Lord_Grey] I want the Empire to be safe, yes. What is all this getting at, exactly? [Falke] Do you believe Enzephir was the true Emperor, the one chosen by the Arch to rule?

• Falke watches Grey closely.

[Lord_Grey] ... [Lord_Grey] No. [Lord_Grey] But I believe he was the right person to rule.

• Falke nods, relieved somehow.

[Falke] Did you know that before you fought for him? Or was it after the battle of Potter's Field? [Lord_Grey] Afterwards.

• Falke nods.

[Lord_Grey] Why? [Falke] Enzephir believed he would die that day, on Potter's Field. He wanted to die. He stood there before Vivine's sword, arms wide, welcoming his fate. But Jacobine slew Vivine before the fatal blow fell, and then you came and you escorted Enzephir off the field. [Falke] He was very shaken. Did he say anything to you, grandfather, in those long minutes as you made your way to safety surrounded by your soldiers, or afterwards? Did he say anything at all to you about the Arch, or his experiences in it? [Lord_Grey] You know, I think I've answered enough questions without getting some answers of my own in return. [Lord_Grey] What is all this about?

• Falke regards his grandfather for some moments.

[Falke] I'm not trying to put you on the defensive. [Falke] I just need to know... because for whatever reason, I seem to have been caught up in all this.

• Lord_Grey waits for you to elaborate.

[Falke] And there's something that I, and the other people on my squad, are supposed to do. We're supposed to do something about it. But we don't know what. And I hoped you might be able to help me.

• Falke seems a bit lost... and hopeful. And vulnerable.

[Lord_Grey] How? [Falke] I hoped that maybe the late Emperor might have told you something that would help us make sense out of things. [Lord_Grey] What things, though? [Falke] You were friends, I think... [Lord_Grey] I need to know what you're talking about, Falke - you're asking a great deal of me here.

• Falke looks down, and nods.

[Falke] There have been demons showing up in the city for months now. [Falke] They seem to be tied to an entity under the Black Downs.

• Lord_Grey listens.

[Falke] And it is tied to the Arches, and the choosing of our emperors. [Falke] Something terrible is happening... something that got started long ago, when our ancestors first came and settled here. [Falke] I know all this because I've been through an Arch, too... a white one. The one Althea and Tristane went through... it's tainted somehow. [Falke] Théonée has been affected by it, too... [Falke] Our ancestors caused an imbalance, or something... [Lord_Grey] I see...

• Falke seems to be struggling for words to describe this all.

[Falke] We know so much, and so little. [Falke] I feel so helpless.

• Falke rubs his face, worn out by all the uncertainty.

[Lord_Grey] We all feel helpless, from time to time. We all know less than we think we do. [Falke] (What is his demeanor?)

• Lord_Grey seems concerned about you, and trying to be comforting.

[Lord_Grey] I'm not sure what you want me to do to help with any of this, though. Demons and mystical forces aren't my area of expertise. [Falke] I just want to know if His Majesty might have mentioned anything to you... rat's bargains, or anything like that... if he ever confided in you. [Falke] I know it's a lot to ask, to break his confidence, especially if you were friends. [Lord_Grey] Rat's bargains? I don't know what that means.

• Falke smiles ruefully.

[Falke] There were seven houses at the beginning. Bull, Owl, Lizard, Cat, Wolf, Bear, and Rat. [Lord_Grey] ... [Lord_Grey] Falke... this is all a bit ... well, a bit difficult to swallow. [Falke] I know. You probably think I've gone mad. [Lord_Grey] Well.. not *mad*... [Falke] What then? [Lord_Grey] I just don't know where you're getting all of this. [Falke] I the Arch... we all lived as other people. I was Josserand de Talcy - you would have known him as Gratien du Pré, one of your soldiers - in the Quicksilver War... and the leader of House Bull at the dawn of time. [Lord_Grey] You... what?

• Lord_Grey is visibly shocked by this, as is to be expected.

[Falke] I lived as other people. I followed you for months, had to listen to all your speeches, skinny dip with you and Mercy... [Lord_Grey] What?! [Falke] Don't ever tell me you aren't a warrior... you're wicked with a sword. [Falke] Or you were. [Falke] Also, don't try to convince me that you came from a family of modest means. Caulderan is huge and the taxes alone would be enough to for a whole lot of people to live off of very comfortably.

• Falke wonders if Grey is convinced yet. ;)
• Lord_Grey paces over to the window.

[Lord_Grey] I don't know who's been feeding you this... these stories. [Lord_Grey] Or why. [Falke] (SM on him) [Lord_Grey] (you think he doesn't want to believe you, but what you said about Mercy seems to have affected him) [Falke] No one is feeding me stories, grandfather. I *lived* this.

• Falke says with conviction.
• Lord_Grey sighs.

[Lord_Grey] When did you realize all of this, then? [Falke] It's only been a few days since we got back. [Falke] Time was different in there. [Lord_Grey] I...see.

• Lord_Grey shakes his head.

[Falke] You don't believe me, do you. Or you don't want to.

• Falke says, disappointed or unhappy.

[Lord_Grey] I don't know. I'm trying to take this in. If you really were, ah, Gratien... tell me something he would know. [Falke] I already have. I described the cove we swam in in Lac Briarel.

• Lord_Grey shakes his head.

[Lord_Grey] Something else. [Falke] Like what? [Falke] What would convince you that I didn't just read this in a book? [Lord_Grey] I don't know. [Lord_Grey] ... [Lord_Grey] [q] You saw Mercy? [Falke] You loved Mercy very much. I saw you wrap her in a warm blanket, when you came out of the water. You laid your head in her lap, and she combed your hair with her fingers. You were more relaxed with her... you truly *lived* when you were with her.

• Falke says gently.

[Lord_Grey] Fine. All right. [Falke] You reminded me of myself, and Ilse. [Lord_Grey] :/ [Lord_Grey] If what you want is for me to believe you, I believe you.

• Falke nods... one big step anyway.

[Falke] I'm sorry. I know it must be painful for you to be reminded of her.

• Falke says gently.
• Lord_Grey waves a hand brusquely.

[Lord_Grey] What do you expect me to do, then? [Falke] But I don't just want you to believe me. I know that you and Enzephir got along reasonably well. I want to know if he might have told you anything about the Arch, or his experiences in it - it might not make sense to you, but it might help us. [Lord_Grey] I'll try to think if there was anything...

• Falke nods, disappointed that nothing jumps to mind immediately.

[Lord_Grey] He never really talked about that, or not with me at any rate.

• Falke nods.

[Falke] I am grasping at straws, I know. I just hoped that maybe, in his shaken state after Vivine's death, he might have said something to you.

• Falke looks very tired all of a sudden.

[Falke] I've told you far more than I should have. [Lord_Grey] ...Probably. [Falke] Please don't mention this to Tristane or Althea. I am concerned for them; I want them to be safe. But they mustn't know the things I've told you. [Lord_Grey] You have other things to worry about - your wedding, for one. [Falke] It's just... so hard. I don't know why this has fallen to me and the others on my squad. I wish very much that it hadn't. But it has, and I can't just... not act. [Falke] I never asked for this kind of responsibility, and I'm terrified. [Lord_Grey] I'm sorry. [Lord_Grey] I wish there was more I could do. [Falke] (he is sincere?) [Lord_Grey] (you believe so( [Falke] My wedding is hardly what I'd call worrisome... Ilse is the one good thing that I have to hold on to...

• Lord_Grey nods.

[Lord_Grey] Well, hold on to her. [Falke] I intend to. [Falke] Thank you. [Lord_Grey] You're welcome, though I don't know that I did very much. [Falke] You listened. [Lord_Grey] If you want to talk more about this, you're welcome to. I'll listen any time.

• Falke regards Grey. Does he just want to know for the sake of knowing?

[Lord_Grey] (you think he's curious to know more, but also wants to help you if he can) [Falke] Did you sometimes feel overwhelmed, when you were being a division commander? [Falke] You seemed pretty nervous, during that first speech of yours. [Lord_Grey] I suppose. I was quite young.

• Falke smiles wanly.

[Falke] Yes, not much older than myself.

• Lord_Grey nods.

[Falke] ... [Falke] When I first sought you out, you didn't seem to recognize who I might be. I remember the second time we met, you made me a little anxious because you had tracked down my family. Did you really not know who I was, or were you dissembling?

• Falke changes the subject completely.

[Lord_Grey] (psst... we need to wrap up, Perseity is waiting for us :) [Lord_Grey] I knew who you were. [Falke] Why did you stay away from my family when I was growing up? [Falke] Everyone else seems to have known who we were, too. [Lord_Grey] I didn't stay away. I always... kept an eye on you.

• Falke nods.

[Falke] When you went to Gambrells' bakery. [Lord_Grey] It was convenient. [Falke] Is Maze another grandson?

• Falke asks suspiciously.

[Lord_Grey] Maze? No.. just a promising youngster. [Falke] He is lucky that he has you to teach him. [Lord_Grey] I suppose so.

• Falke says, regretfully.

[Lord_Grey] You wouldn't have wanted me interfering in your life when you were a child, Falke. [Falke] If you say so. [Falke] I should go. [Lord_Grey] All right. [Lord_Grey] Try not to worry so much, if you can. It never helps. [Falke] If you'd like to come to the wedding, you should... of course, everyone else in my squad might *also* recognize you. [Falke] And that would be a fun bit of explaining to do.

• Falke says, with a bit of a mischievous spark in his eyes.

[Lord_Grey] Do you want me to, or are you just saying that? [Falke] I would like to have you there. I just worry too much. ;)

• Lord_Grey smiles.

[Lord_Grey] Well, then, I will be there.

• Falke grins impishly.

[Falke] I look forward to it.

• Falke thinks the possibility for chaos could be highly amusing.

[Falke] Good night, Grandfather. [Lord_Grey] Good night, Falke.

• Falke makes sure he knows when/where the wedding will be, before leaving.

Session Close: Thu Jan 06 21:11:16 2005

Session Start: Sun Jan 09 13:18:35 2005 Session Ident: #changeling

• Now talking in #changeling
• Boden will try and talk to Belden sometime when she isn't super busy.

[Belden] (where?) [Boden] (probably her house, or in the guard house sometime. maybe when were going off shift or something. [Belden] (ok, the guard house, sure.)

• Belden is putting on her outdoor cloak and getting ready to leave.
• Boden will come up with her, also putting on is cloak.

[Boden] Hey Belden, mind if I talk to you for a bit. [Belden] Oh, sure! [Belden] Something on your mind...? [Boden] yeah. [Boden] Its about all these new memories and stuff. [Belden] Oh... [Boden] I've been thinking a lot about what you said. [Belden] Well, that's good. [Belden] This is something you *should* give a lot of thought to. [Boden] About how its different for clerics, they don't practice spells the same way I practice with a sword. [Belden] That's right. [Boden] One of the thins is though.... [Boden] I do think I knew a lot 'o that stuff in my head allready. [Boden] Like when I think about it, a lot of the basics come to me. [Belden] What do you mean? [Boden] well...like.

• Boden will recount to you one of the parables that would be in our religious tomes.

[Belden] (what?!) [Belden] (you better actually have a parable to tell me, mister.) [Belden] (oh, n/m... your like threw me and I thought you were going to draw a comparison :D) [Belden] Oh, well, many people hear these things when they're young, and retain them without really thinking about it. [Boden] (I was trying to do the equivalent of quoting the bible...only ooc I'm not sure the name of the equivalent religious text. ;)) [Belden] (the way of the wheel) [Boden] (Thanks) [Boden] yeah, I know...but they are all clearer now. My memory is was never no good, but now I think some of it really stuck with me. [Boden] I was hoping you could help me out with some of it. [Belden] Help you out how?

• Belden asks carefully.

[Boden] like teaching me some of the stuff that I should have learned in tha clergy. I know you studied a really long time. [Boden] I'm thinkin' I should take this seriously. You know? [Belden] Yes, you should. [Boden] Like, this is something pretty big that happened to me...and I should try and figure out why and stuff. [Boden] I just need some help with all that. I don't really know were to start. [Belden] Lizard has given you a special boon; you must discover why, and what you are meant to do with it... are you sure you wouldn't rather talk to someone from their order? [Boden] well...I think eventually I should. [Boden] But for right now, I don't know who I could really trust from them. [Belden] The orders have slightly differing ways of dealing with the Way, although of course the basics are the same...

• Belden says thoughtfully.

[Boden] I mean...some of what we found out...some of it sounds a little different than how I was tought things happened. [Boden] They'd ask me a lot of questions...and really....how many of those questions could I really answer. [Boden] I don't want to get us in any trouble. [Belden] I have struggled with the same conflicts. [Belden] Well... [Boden] Do you know anybody in Lizard that I could talk about all this too? Maybe you could come with me the first time and help me explain stuff? [Belden] Not really, I'm afraid... although Brother Butler might be able to recommend someone... [Belden] Hm. [Boden] could you ask him for me? [Belden] Well, we could go together! [Boden] thanks! [Boden] I'd really like that.

• Boden smiles down at his friend.

[Boden] I'm sorry I kinda got it wrong at first. It was pretty new and stuff. [Belden] Well, I'm glad to see you're taking this seriously now :)

• Boden gives her a hug.

(older solo out of order)

Session Start: Sun Dec 19 12:57:49 2004

• Falke heads over to his grandmother's as soon as he gets an opportunity to do so.

[Falke] (where is she today?) [Emma_] (she's at home) [Falke] (I figured... I meant in the home. She was knitting in the kitchen last time. ^-^) [Emma_] (she's cooking in the kitchen)

• Falke heads to the kitchen after being let in by his aunt.

[Falke] Hi Gran - how are you doing?

• Falke goes up her and gives her a hug and a kiss on the cheek.

[Emma_] Oh, hello there Falke. I'm well enough, thank you for asking :)

• Emma_ gives you a hug back.
• Falke smiles; these old familiar rituals are suddenly very special, after his sojourn in the Arch.

[Falke] What are you cooking? :o [Emma_] Just making stock for soup from these left-over ham bones.

• Falke nods.

[Emma_] How are you doing, dear? [Falke] Can I help? [Emma_] No, it's no trouble - I'm just going to put everything in this pot and then leave it to sit. [Falke] Okay. [Falke] I'm... all right, I guess. [Emma_] I know your wedding has been put off for a little while - is something the matter? [Falke] Not with Ilse, no. I do feel bad that I messed things up because of my work, though. [Emma_] Well, I'm sure it will all get sorted out.

• Falke replies rather glumly.

[Falke] I hope so.

• Emma_ says encouragingly.
• Falke rallies up a smile for her. His eyes hold a few shadows that weren't there before, though.

[Falke] It will get sorted out eventually, I'm sure.

• Emma_ nods.

[Falke] What was your wedding like? [Emma_] Oh... it was just a small sort of affair. Nothing fancy.

• Falke nods.

[Emma_] It was a very happy day, though. [Falke] (SM: It was? ^-^) [Emma_] (you don't think she's lying to you) [Falke] That's good. I'm glad.

• Falke says, genuine.

[Falke] You're coming to mine, right? [Emma_] Of course, dear. [Falke] Good. :) [Falke] It wouldn't be the same without you there. [Emma_] Well, I wouldn't dream of missing it, of course. [Falke] (Is she finished up with the stock now? I'd kind of like to take her out for a walk or something [Falke] (n/m) [Emma_] (?) [Falke] Too bad my grandfather won't be there. [Emma_] No.. I'm sure he would have been very proud, though. [Falke] (I was going to ask something then thought better of it, but hit enter by accident, so don't pay attention to that bracketed comment at this time) [Falke] (SM: any uneasiness about just who my grandfather really is?) [Emma_] (you know, you shouldn't usually get multiple SM checks per scene...) [Emma_] (but you don't really need SM checks for ordinary conversation anyway.) [Emma_] (she doesn't seem uneasy) [Falke] (Okay... well you never mentioned that before. But if you are trying to read undercurrents, body language, inflection etc for a whole scene, how do you represent that?) [Falke] (I assumed you'd role SM once, then it would last for the scene, and every time I wonder if she's hiding something, i should let you know by typing the SM thingy) [Emma_] (You can ask for one check at the start of the scene - that's sufficient. But in cases of ordinary conversation, because it's on-line and you can't see my face or hear my voice, you can ask "does she seem uneasy?" or something - it doesn't require a check, if she actually *does* seem uneasy.) [Emma_] (also, you can assume that if she was obviously acting uneasy or something, I would tell you :) [Falke] (Okay.) [Falke] ...

• Falke gathers up his courage and wonders if she'll take his meaning without letting the rest of the people in the house know, since Emma has worked so hard to hide Emoune's origins for so long).

[Falke] Were you glad to leave Martan Kizer's service, when you got married?

• Emma_ shrugs.

[Emma_] Oh, I don't know about that, dear. I was glad to be getting married, and there wasn't a question of my staying to work there any longer. [Emma_] I wasn't especially happy or sad about it.

• Falke nods.

[Falke] (Does she seem to realize that maybe I know he's my grandfather? (If the old bastard hasn't been lying through his teeth all along) [Emma_] (you don't know) [Falke] (Damn... tough old cookie. ;) ) [Falke] (Is there anyone else within ear shot of us right now?) [Emma_] (you don't think so) [Falke] [q] He's not dead, you know.

• Falke regards his grandmother.

[Emma_] Who, dear? [Falke] [q] The man who claims to be my grandfather. [Emma_] o_O [Emma_] I'm not sure what you're talking about, Falke. [Emma_] (you don't believe her, of course) [Falke] (Thank you. I was just wondering what step to take next. My heart was pounding. I was wondering if she was senile or something. ;D )

• Falke seems uncertain what to do next.
• Emma_ turns back to tend to her soup stock.

[Falke] [q] I think you do. And that's fine. I respect you and the reasons you had to keep this quiet. [Falke] [q]I didn't want to bring it up with you at all because I love you and I don't want to hurt you... [Falke] [q] But I need to know now whether he really was a good man. I'm sorry.

• Emma_ turns to look you in the eye, calmly.

[Emma_] He was kind to me.

• Falke returns her regard, frightened and anxious and feeling miserable for doing this.

[Emma_] I couldn't say whether he was a good man, though.

• Falke nods.

[Falke] I love you, Granny. [Emma_] I love you too, Falke.

• Falke hugs her again.
• Emma_ hugs you back, a little bit stiffly.

[Falke] [w]Was it hard, watching me grow up with his eyes... [Falke] ?

• Falke asks, unhappily.
• Emma_ sighs.

[Falke] ... [Falke] You don't have to answer that, if you don't want to. I'm sorry. [Emma_] I don't remember what his eyes looked like. It was a very long time ago.

• Emma_ says quietly.

[Falke] (Does she seem to have cared for him? o.O) [Emma_] (it's hard to say, at this point... she doesn't seem to have hard feelings toward him, at least, but you also don't think she was head-over-heels in love with him or anything) [Falke] (OK, fair enough). [Falke] [q] Reanne knows... she's been seeing Turien Kizer, who also knows. :/ [Emma_] All right...

• Amano is now known as Apo_sucks
• Apo_sucks is now known as Apo

[Falke] [q] But I promise that if I can keep it from anyone else in the family, I will. [Emma_] I wouldn't want any of you to be hurt by this. Especially your mother.

• Falke nods.

[Falke] [q] I know that's why you made the decisions you made. I'm sorry that I brought it up. [Emma_] Well... what's done is done.

• Falke nods.

[Falke] Grandpa Belmar is my grandfather, in all the ways that matter. I miss him so much. [Emma_] I miss him too, dear.

• Falke nods.

[Falke] ... [Falke] You're sure you don't want some help with your cooking?

• Falke figures he's pursued this avenue of questioning long enough.

[Emma_] No, it's doing just fine on its own. I think I'm going to walk out to the market while it cooks and pick up a few other things for dinner tonight. [Falke] ... [Falke] May I come, or would you prefer to be alone? [Falke] I can carry all the heavy things... [Emma_] You can come, certainly.

• Falke smiles happily.
• Emma_ smiles back.

[Falke] It's been too long since I went to the market with you! [Emma_] Well, come along, then :)

• Falke grins like a boy, then accompanies his grandmother to the market.

Session Close: Sun Dec 19 13:49:20 2004