Diablotin 1 session 62

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Summary

Fifth-month, 2197:

• 25th: Loch speaks to Rab about reincarnation and Houses. Falke apologizes to Ilse for having to run off before the end of their wedding reception. Kalman speaks to Katia and learns that she intends to lay charges against Davilas. Pavo asks Loch about magically preserving objects. Loch speaks to Blessing regarding his concerns about Artaban and his research.

Logs

[Diablotin_Narrator] Okay, well, who wants to go first? I'm not picky :) [Loch] well, since nobody is stepping forwared, I'll go first [Diablotin_Narrator] Okay - Rab, or Blessing? [Loch] I'll try and talk to Rab... Belden can be around if she wants [Belden] ok [Diablotin_Narrator] All right - where do you want this to happen?

• Loch will catch up to Rab at the house
• Belden is knitting some baby clothes.
• Rab can be found working on cleaning and oiling his armor and weapons.

[Loch] Hi Rab. I would like to talk to you for a few minutes, if possible. [Rab] Oh, sure, Loch. What about? [Belden] Hi Loch, what's up? [Loch] It's regarding your past lives. [Loch] Hello, Pasith. [Rab] ...All right... [Loch] I hope it's not too personal, Rab.

• Belden looks over at Rab.

[Rab] Well, I guess that depends what you're going to ask ;) [Belden] (sense motive... how does he feel about talking about that) [Diablotin_Narrator] Belden, you think he's a bit uncomfortable, at least until he knows exactly what Loch is getting at. [Rab] I'll try to tell you what I can.

• Belden is slightly concerned, then...

[Belden] :/ [Loch] I'm not looking for details of your lives, just some general information. [Rab] All right.

• Belden smiles reassuringly at Rab.
• Rab smiles back.

[Loch] I want to understand the process you went through, becoming what you are. Could you explain it briefly to me? [Rab] Hm.. how do you mean? [Rab] You mean, why me? [Loch] That too, but also what you went through. [Rab] Well... it's a bit hard to describe, but I'll try. [Loch] From what I've been told, you've been through a series of lives, of different houses, and then you were judged special, and became the culmination of those lives/ [Rab] That's the general idea... that's what we believe, anyway. [Loch] am I close to understanding it.

• Rab nods.

[Belden] . o O ( Gosh, this is a very personal topic of conversation! :/ ) [Loch] How many lives did you go through? [Rab] Six, that I can at least partially remember. [Loch] All six were of different houses? [Rab] Yes. I know that some people have experienced life as a Houseless person, though - Mataline did, for instance.

• Loch nods

[Loch] That makes sense. [Loch] The reason I'm asking is because of our visions through the arch. [Rab] I sort of thought that might be it... [Rab] Is something bothering you? [Belden] Is it the Rat? [Loch] Yes. [Rab] I can tell you that I've never met anyone who says that was one of their past lives... but then, I've only met a handful of people like me.

• Loch nods

[Loch] There appears to be a mystical association with someones House. Something that can be measured with the right magic. [Rab] As to why I was picked, as opposed to anyone else... I don't really know. I know that not all of my lives were perfect people - really, none of them were. [Rab] Really? [Loch] I don't know the details, but a scholar at the Castalia has developed a spell to detect someone's house. [Belden] But a huge proportion of people are Houseless if you go back far enough... [Rab] How does that work, though?

• Rab nods to his wife.

[Loch] Apparently it can go back several generations, probably beyond the own person's memory. [Loch] At first I though it was just mind reading, but I don't think so anymore. [Rab] Ah... so if it doesn't go back very far, I guess that makes a bit more sense...

• Belden frowns.

[Belden] I have a theory... based on that 'study' that I read about, that such a spell was developed before, but hushed up because of what it would reveal. [Rab] Do you think the same thing might happen this time?

• Rab asks either of you, concerned.

[Belden] This is the first I've heard of someone trying to do it again... [Loch] It's not going to happen. I'm going to move to have this scholar's research shut down. [Belden] You know them, then... [Belden] Well, I can't imagine the outcome of such a thing could ever be positive. :( [Loch] Yes, and I know who he is working under too. [Belden] Who? [Loch] His name is Artaban, he is working under Proffessor Blessing [Belden] Professor Blessing?

• Belden is a bit surprised.

[Belden] DOes he *know* what this person is doing? [Loch] I've never talked to him about it, but I was planning to. Things have been quite busy since we've come back through the Arch. [Loch] I just havent had the chance to talk to him. [Belden] Ah.

• Belden nods.

[Loch] Getting back to the original subject... [Loch] None of the other people like you, you've met, Rab have ever mentioned Rat? [Rab] No. But then, none of them has ever mentioned being, say, an elf or something like that either. [Rab] I don't know if that's comparable... [Loch] I don't think it is. [Loch] What I am thinking is that you're some product of the pact made by Dorea [Rab] That we are? [Belden] [m] Maybe we all are. [Loch] We know that beings like Avdiel have been around a long time.

• Rab nods, listening.

[Loch] Avdiel is clearly aligned with the shadow force bound in the arch. [Rab] Yes.. I think that would be fair to say. [Loch] how could you match opponents like that? You need an opposing force that is equally long lived, or experienced.

• Loch looks at Pasith and Rab

[Loch] What do you think? Sound reasonable? [Rab] Maybe... I don't know if there were people like me before the Empire was founded. [Rab] I've never met anyone who went back that far.. but again... I'm new at this, and I don't know that many other people like me. [Belden] It's a plausible theory... [Belden] But there's no way to be sure :/ [Loch] No there isn't. [Loch] It's very possible that the why has been lost in time. [Loch] Even long lived, with the past lives you have, Rab, you can still be killed. [Rab] Yes. [Loch] I wonder how much knowledge has been lost through the deaths of your people. [Rab] I don't know - there's no easy way for us to find each other... [Loch] Maybe I should talk to Phorean. Pavo gave me the impression that he's been around for a long time. [Rab] Mataline was the oldest of us I'd ever known. [Rab] Phorien's also very old, though, yes. [Belden] -_- [Rab] We do age, just... very slowly. [Loch] I feel like we're fighting a battle that had ground rules layed out, right at the begining, but they've been lost over time. [Belden] I know just what you mean... :/ [Belden] I think most of us feel the same.

• Rab nods in agreement.

[Loch] If we can understand the "why", we'll be able to figure out what we need to do. [Loch] We have so many pieces to a huge puzzle, sometimes I can't even make out the shape of it anymore.

• Loch rubs his head

[Rab] I wish I knew what to tell you... [Loch] It's fine Rab. [Loch] We'll figure it out. [Belden] We will... somehow :) [Rab] I hope so. [Loch] Thanks for talking to me. I appreciate it. [Rab] Well, it was no problem. Better than I expected :)

• Falke comes home from work with a big bunch of flowers, and a little parcel.
• Falke looks weary but smiles very happily when he sees Ilse.
• Ilse is in the kitchen when you get home, working on making stew for supper.

[Falke] Hello, my love. [Ilse] Hello :) Long day?

• Falke sets the flowers and parcel down on the table and encircles her in his arms.
• Ilse hugs you back.

[Falke] Very... [Falke] But I had the coming home to you part to look forward to. :)

• Falke kisses her.
• Ilse grins.

[Ilse] What're the flowers for? [Falke] Well... they're for you, obviously. [Ilse] I meant, did you do something wrong? ;)

• Ilse admires them.

[Falke] Yes, I am trying to assuage my guilty conscience. [Falke] Leaving you alone at our wedding party. :/ [Ilse] ...oh. Well, you know, it was an emergency. [Falke] I know, but I still wish I hadn't had to. [Ilse] It's your job, after all.

• Falke smiles at her.

[Falke] I knew you would feel that way, and say all those things. So it's not just an apology, it's also a thank you.

• Ilse smiles back.

[Ilse] Well, they're lovely. [Falke] I'm glad you like them.

• Ilse puts them in a pitcher.
• Falke smiles fondly at her.

[Falke] This is also for you... [Ilse] Oh?

• Ilse looks at it.
• Falke passes her the parcel.
• Ilse considers it for a moment before opening it.

[Falke] Is something the matter?

• Falke asks, attentive and concerned.

[Ilse] No - I just don't want to rush opening it :) [Falke] All right. Well, I'll be patient. ;)

• Ilse opens it, then.

[Falke] (It's a silver necklace with a pretty pendant) [Ilse] Oh... it's beautiful! :)

• Ilse holds it up to admire it.
• Falke smiles.

[Falke] I'm glad you like it. :) [Ilse] Oh, yes, I do! :)

• Ilse puts it on.
• Falke takes over stirring the stew while she puts it on and stuff.
• Falke smiles, eyes sparkling.

[Ilse] How does it look? [Falke] It looks exactly how I imagined it would on you... perfect. :)

• Ilse blushes, smiling.
• Falke grins happily. It's so weird to think that he's married to her now! But so nice. :)

[Falke] Gods, Ilse... [Ilse] Here, you don't have to stir that. I can do it... [Falke] I'm so happy... [Ilse] So am I :)

• Falke smiles again.

[Falke] I suppose... It will probably burn if I do it. ;)

• Falke yields the spoon to her reluctantly.

[Falke] Is there anything I can do to help, though?

• Ilse takes over.

[Ilse] You can set the table, and get some more water since I just put flowers in our drink pitcher ;)

• Falke_S laughs.

[Falke_S] Okay, water's my chore anyway. :) [Falke] I *should* learn to cook, though, so I can make chicken soup for you when you're sick.

• Falke sets the table as ordered.
• Ilse serves you an excellent dinner.
• Falke savours it!
• Falke will help her clean up afterwards, and then will endeavour to be the attentive husband he should have been last night.

• Kalman will make arrangements to visit Katia, then, and see how married life is workign out for her
• Katia is at Loick's house, as might be expected now that they're married and all.

[Kalman] (Shock! ;)

• Katia welcomes you in when you show up.
• Kalman will know, or whatever, anyway

[Kalman] Good afternoon cousin :) [Katia] Good afternoon :) [Katia] It's good to see you... [Kalman] You as well... [Kalman] It is nice to have a break from the palace [Katia] Oh, yes.

• Katia agrees wholeheartedly.
• Kalman smiles

[Kalman] so, are you settling in well, then? [Katia] Well... I suppose I am. It's all a little strange still.

• Kalman nods.

[Kalman] I suppose it hasn't really been that long

• Katia nods.
• Katia gets the servants to bring you both some refreshments.

[Kalman] Thank you. [Katia] Just about a month. [Kalman] Only? [Kalman] With everything going on lately, it seems longer... [Katia] About that...a little longer now, I suppose. [Kalman] Well, as long as you and Loick are still getting along, that's a good sign, I suppose :) [Katia] Oh, yes... we understand each other fairly well, at least. [Katia] He's a good man.

• Kalman nods

[Kalman] is he out? [Katia] Yes, at the tailor's. [Katia] The man has more clothes than I do, I swear. [Kalman] Somehow, I'm not surprised [Katia] How have *you* been? [Kalman] Well, after the attack.... busy. :/ [Kalman] Busy before that too.

• Katia nods.

[Kalman] but it's good for me, I'm sure :) [Kalman] I like to know what all is gong on, anyway. [Katia] Keeps you from going soft and doughy. :)

• Kalman chuckles

[Kalman] well, there is that yes :) [Kalman] I like to think that I wouldn't let myself go to pot so young though ;) [Katia] Oh, well, I'd hope your wife wouldn't let you either.

• Katia says with a dry smile.

[Kalman] I might have to be worried if she did ;) [Katia] Worried? About what?

• Katia asks teasingly.

[Kalman] Nothing, I hope! [Katia] Heh.

• Katia sips her glass of wine.

[Kalman] So... [Kalman] I was wondering if you'd given any more thought to, well, the situation with your brother. [Katia] ...I've thought about it, yes.

• Kalman cocks his head and sips his wine, wondering if she is going to tell me of if I have to coax it out of her

[Katia] Given the present state of affairs with my family, I hardly think I could make things any worse. [Kalman] . o O ( phew! )

• Kalman gives her a kindly smile

[Katia] And besides, I would take a great deal of pleasure in ruining his marriage, if I could. [Katia] I would feel a little bad about ruining Sozen's, but...

• Katia shrugs.

[Kalman] Well, I'm sure he'll survive it. [Kalman] . o O ( and if Davilas doesn't, I will dance a happy little jig in your family crypt, ha! ) [Katia] Oh, they'll do the best they can to salvage it, I'm sure. [Katia] I fully expect them to claim that I'm insane. [Kalman] Well, really, I'm sure that it can only be better for him and Elzbieta not to have davilas involved ;) [Kalman] Well. I know that there are spells the clerics can cast to determine the truth of things. [Katia] Oh, yes... [Katia] They'll have to rework the entire ceremony, though - and offend half the families in town by ditching them as attendants. [Katia] Besides, Sozen shouldn't be marrying her anyway.

• Katia says lightly.

[Kalman] I've heard she wasn't his first choice. [Katia] No. [Katia] Mother likes her, though. [Kalman] Mmm. More people should learn the joys of elopement. [Katia] Not everyone is so ... resourceful. [Katia] Or so willing to sacrifice. [Kalman] I don't know. I think people are too trapped by ideas about treadition sometimes to consider what would really make them happy. [Katia] Possibly. Sozen's really looking forward to that Duchy, though. [Katia] And one of them would have to give up their county... it gets messy. [Kalman] I suppose so :/ [Kalman] Anyway...

• Kalman shakes his head... he really can't understand some people's priorities sometimes... o_O

[Kalman] How would you like to do this... and when? [Kalman] I could talk to Tristane first [Katia] I don't know... [Katia] I don't want to get you into any trouble. [Kalman] It is trouble I am willing to accept. [Katia] I know you would be.

• Katia says kindly.

[Katia] But so is Loick.

• Kalman nods

[Kalman] alright. [Katia] We'll take care of it - probably in the next week or two. [Kalman] If you do need anything... [Katia] I appreciate it.

• Kalman smiles

[Katia] But really... you don't need to get in my family's bad graces over me. [Kalman] Well, thank you. [Katia] Thank you.

• Kalman will chat about more pleasant things for the rest of his visit, anyway

• Pavo will approach Loch in the late afternoon before people head to their respective homes.

[Pavo] Do you have a minute? [Loch] I guess so. [Loch] What can I do for you Pavo? [Pavo] I... I've been thinking about something for a while now...

• Loch listens

[Pavo] It's a little embarassing... [Loch] It must be important even if it's a little embarassing.

• Loch waits for Pavo to open up

[Pavo] There's the fact that there's pretty much a certainty that Phorien will outlive me, y'know? [Pavo] It doesn't help that we're getting all mixed up in this stuff... [Pavo] And I... [Pavo] I just see him sometimes, when he's thinking about the past... [Pavo] When he noticed a familiar statue one day... when he looks at a statue he's recarved from memory. [Pavo] And I wanted to... I don't know, make something for him. [Pavo] Something that won't wear away in the rain. [Pavo] Something he can call up, or pull out of his pocket... something that won't get dropped and broken. That will outlast me by a long time. [Loch] your wondering if there is some way to magically preserve something, make it more durable. [Pavo] Yeah... I couldn't think of anything, but it's not like I know a whole lot. [Loch] There is probably a way...

• Loch thinks

[Pavo] I figured I'd ask... I mean, I doubt I could afford it anyway... but it'd be nice to know. [Pavo] Something to work towards :) [Loch] There is a magical oil called oil of timelessness, it reduces the aging of an organic object so that it can barely be percieved. [Pavo] Really? [Pavo] Can you think of where I could look for it? [Loch] You could probably purchase it at the Castalia. It's only a few hundred empirials for a single vial. [Pavo] Well that might do it... [Pavo] I might have to trick him into trying wood instead of stone, I guess... but it's something to look into :) [Pavo] Thanks, Loch, I'll let you get back to your work... [Loch] Well, you could surprise him and give him a sculpture or object instead of having him carve one for you. [Pavo] I was thinking of something that resembled me in some way... [Pavo] I don't think it would make sense to have some one else make an effigy of me... just seems off :) [Loch] That is your choice. I was just offering my services. I'm no match for Phorien, but I do have some skill working wood. [Pavo] Oh! :) [Pavo] Well thanks! It would mean a lot to me, if I decide to surprise him :)

• Pavo was surprised by the offer, but looks quite thankful for it...

[Pavo] I guess all there is to do now is decide.

• Pavo will head off, whistling cheerfully.
• Loch smiles at Pavo as he goes.

• Loch will try and track down Prof Blessing.
• Prof_Blessing can be found at his office.

[Loch] (catch him in his office?) [Diablotin_Narrator] (sure) [Loch] Excuse me Proffessor, may I have a word with you? [Prof_Blessing] Oh, certainly. Come in, please.

• Loch will come in

[Loch] Sir, have you seen any of the reports of the recent going's ons with my squad? [Prof_Blessing] Reports? [Loch] I only ask so I know what not to repeat. I didn't know how much has been told to you. [Prof_Blessing] Well... I don't believe I've seen any reports. But.. Mataline did speak to me, quite considerably. [Prof_Blessing] If that's what you're referring to. [Loch] It is. [Loch] Did she tell you we were going to investigate the second arch? [Prof_Blessing] Yes. [Prof_Blessing] She was apprehensive - she believed she might not return. [Loch] She broke her staff giving us time to escape from the shadow presence. [Prof_Blessing] I see...

• Prof_Blessing looks saddened.

[Loch] Pasith communed with Ox. She is still alive, but it may be some time before she works her way back.

• Prof_Blessing 's face perks up slightly at that.

[Prof_Blessing] Well.. there is always hope, then.

• Loch nods

[Loch] My squad, we escaped by going through the arch. [Prof_Blessing] o_O [Prof_Blessing] What happened? [Loch] We experienced, what I suppose, visions of past lives. [Prof_Blessing] ...how fascinating... :o [Loch] The first was during the Quicksilver War...

• Prof_Blessing listens, very interested.

[Loch] we experienced Potters Field [Prof_Blessing] ... [Prof_Blessing] I see... [Loch] and witnessed the death of Enzephir's sister.

• Prof_Blessing is somewhat shaken by this, but nods.

[Loch] did you know it was Jacobine who had killed Vivine? Enzaphir went there to die. [Prof_Blessing] I... my sister told me as much, she was nearer to the action than I was. [Loch] The second vision is even more significant. [Loch] We went back into the lives of the leaders of the seven tribes when they arrived at this city to take it over. [Prof_Blessing] O_O [Prof_Blessing] Seven tribes? [Loch] Rat was the seventh. [Prof_Blessing] ... [Loch] Dorea was their leader. [Prof_Blessing] Loch... this doesn't make sense.

• Prof_Blessing says, not unkindly, just confused.

[Loch] Let me explain. [Prof_Blessing] All right... [Loch] In the final battle for the city, the one where the river was changed, Dorea went through the Arch we use to select our emperers. [Loch] When she came out, the rat constelation disappeared from the sky. On her order, the arch was moved.

• Prof_Blessing tries to take all of this in.

[Loch] when it was renched from its resting spot on what we call the downs to the island it rests on now. [Prof_Blessing] The Black Down? [Loch] Yes [Loch] Blackness leaked from the arch when it was moved. [Prof_Blessing] I see... [Loch] that is the taint on the downs now. [Prof_Blessing] Even after so long.

• Loch nods

[Loch] as you can see, this is a lot to grasp. I wrestle with the implications and how it can help us today. [Prof_Blessing] Yes... I can see that. [Prof_Blessing] It's a lot to think about. [Loch] Dorea said there was a pact made when she went through. I believe it was some sort of comprimise to keep the dark power that resides in the arch captive. [Prof_Blessing] And this ... pact, as you say... is the reason there's no House Rat any longer? [Loch] That is my guess. No house Rat officially, although some of their descendents may still reside under the city. [Prof_Blessing] Ah... [Loch] That is who I believe the sewar dwellers are. [Loch] The leaders of the tribes had the ability to take the form of their animal totem.

• Prof_Blessing nods.

[Prof_Blessing] Then I suppose that would make sense, somewhat. [Loch] i imagine it is only part of the story. [Prof_Blessing] Yes... it would have to be. [Loch] Right now I am streched and need help. [Prof_Blessing] All right... what can I do? [Loch] I'm trying to put all these pieces together to figure out the "why" of it all.

• Prof_Blessing nods, listening.

[Loch] I need information about the arch. Someone at the Castalia must have studied it. I need more information from that end. [Prof_Blessing] The Arch... [Prof_Blessing] I'll see what I can find. [Prof_Blessing] Is there anything else? [Loch] A second objective look at the information would be good. See if you can spot things that I have missed. [Prof_Blessing] Well... I'll give it a great deal of thought, I promise you. [Loch] Thankyou. [Loch] There is something else I want to talk to you about. [Prof_Blessing] Oh? [Loch] Do you know what your apprentice Artiban is working on? [Prof_Blessing] I know he's researching several new spells.

• Prof_Blessing says non-committally.

[Loch] you know that one of the spells he is working on is to magically determine a persons house? [Prof_Blessing] Yes...

• Prof_Blessing waits to see what you're getting at.

[Loch] Artaban seems very eratic when it comes to the subject of House. Personally I find his opinions on the subject quite disturbing. [Prof_Blessing] How so? [Loch] His belief that segragating the people, its almost fanatic. [Prof_Blessing] Well... to be quite blunt, he is not the one who will determine how this spell is to be used. [Prof_Blessing] I appreciate that it has the potential to be abused. It's something I'm concerned about - that it not fall into the wrong hands. [Loch] He will know of the spell. Do you really believe he will sit back and not let his opinion heard? [Prof_Blessing] He will want his opinion heard, certainly - but it shouldn't have any effect. [Loch] I guess I just don't understand the point of such magic.

• Prof_Blessing sighs, considering what to say next.

[Prof_Blessing] Loch... there is a theory - and at present, that's all it is, a theory - that the Houseless have greater natural aptitude for magic. It's something I'm most interested in. [Prof_Blessing] And if there is some way of determining a person's status in that way... it might go some measure towards demonstrating that the Houses are not the be all and end all in determining our path through life. [Prof_Blessing] I certainly would not want to see this spell used for malicious purposes. [Loch] It feel it is quite a risk, creating it. [Prof_Blessing] I intend to keep a very tight lock on it. [Prof_Blessing] I recognize that there is a risk involved, but I believe its benefits might also be great. [Loch] I hate to tell you this, but obviously it hasn't been a very tight lock. [Prof_Blessing] What do you mean? [Loch] Well, you didn't exactly tell me about the spell, now did you. Where do you think I heard about it? [Prof_Blessing] I suppose... I thought Artaban must have told you. [Loch] Artiban didn't exactly give me all the details, but he also shared the details with someone else. [Prof_Blessing] Who?

• Prof_Blessing looks concerned.

[Loch] A squadmate of mine, Pavo. You've met him. Don't worry, he didn't say anything to anyone else. [Prof_Blessing] o_O [Prof_Blessing] Why was Artaban even talking to him? [Loch] They're old friends. Pavo attended the Castalia years ago. [Prof_Blessing] Ah... well. I see. [Loch] friends' might not be a good word for their relationship. Pavo doesn't care much for him. [Prof_Blessing] Well - I will speak to Artaban, and instruct him to be more discreet. [Loch] but how many other people has he talked to about this? [Prof_Blessing] To be honest... I had been wondering if it was time to take this project off his hands. [Loch] I would strongly recomend it. [Prof_Blessing] Well... he's done a great deal of good work on it, but ... yes, perhaps you're right. [Loch] I'm glad to hear your going to put him off of it. I still think you should abandon the work. [Prof_Blessing] A great many spells have the potential to be harmful, if misused. But that's not a sufficient reason to discard them. [Prof_Blessing] Just a reason to be cautious - which I am. [Loch] I can cast a spell and strike someone dead. This spell could crack our social structure. [Prof_Blessing] ...Have you ever thought that perhaps that would not be an entirely bad thing?

• Prof_Blessing suggests mildly.

[Loch] The people it would hurt the most are the people with the most power, if the change were to happen the way you, and I would like it to. [Loch] Poeple with power don't give it up without a fight. [Prof_Blessing] *I* am a person with power, and I'm ready for a fight. :) [Loch] If it comes to that, you can count on my support, what little power I have. [Prof_Blessing] Thank you. I appreciate that. Session Close: Mon Feb 07 22:23:54 2005