And we're climbing a starway to heaven

[Dracos]

Apr 27 19:19:32 <Kotono>   After such contentious arguments, Rogue seems content to agree to the request for the party to have a chance to speak amid themselves. The five gather, Yulia off with Rogue to keep an eye on him. They gather around a campfire, as...
Apr 27 19:22:22 <Kamvakua>   "I have to admit, at first I did not believe you knight." Kamvakua's voice was deep and serious, his brow furrowed with worry.  "I have not before seen a being so very much infused with the very concept of betrayal and deceit.  We are in danger.  We are in danger from his magic and his swift and clever tongue which works to weaken your resolve and encourage the betrayal of your ideas.  While his strength may be welcomed...I would sooner trust a devil at my back in any dangerous fight," He eyed Nikkolai, "Which your lich certainly is."
Apr 27 19:23:34 *   Nikkolai shrugs. "We don't have to trust him to throw him against the lich. And if this Lady of the Lake can confirm his words, why then, so much the better."
Apr 27 19:24:20 <Knight>   "Betrayal of my ideas..." replies Knight, glancing away. "He has done nothing more than echo the sentiments of this planes other denizens. I can no longer find it easy to dismiss; it never occurred to me that the others could truly wish to be free, nor that it was even possible to effectuate. If he has truly been accepted by this Lady..."
Apr 27 19:24:36 <Kamvakua>   "Halt a moment, Knight," Kamvakua stared at her.
Apr 27 19:24:56 <Knight>   "I am not moving?..."
Apr 27 19:25:19 <Mari>   "I don't trust him as far as I can throw him," Mari says. "And, uh, I probably couldn't even pick him up. He talks a good game, but the first thing he did was grab hold of Knight's mind and force her to act as he wanted to. I'm not taking anything he says at face value after that."
Apr 27 19:26:05 <Kamvakua>   "Freedom is definitely a good thing.  To free your kin, perhaps, would be a good thing.  But... he is not freeing your kin.  He is leaving them to their own fates.  What would have happened to Gem or to Star had you not arrived?  What will happen to the others who may be even less able to deal with their existence?  In dissuading you from reaching out to them, they are sentenced to death or worse."
Apr 27 19:26:51 <Nikkolai>   "As I said before, I know his type. He talks a sweet game but will stab you in the back, more like than not." Nikk idly twirls his dagger between his fingers rather clumsily. "Kamvakua speaks some truth. Would you put the needs of one ahead of the needs of the many?"
Apr 27 19:27:05 <Kamvakua>   "The freedom to ignore responsibilities to kin and friends, to walk past those who you know are suffering...  this is a road to evil, no matter who walks it."
Apr 27 19:27:20 <Adail>   "Mari echos my own sentiments quite nicely. I do not trust Rogue, but I do wish to speak to his patron. And especially hear what she might think of his actions today."
Apr 27 19:28:02 <Kamvakua>   "To arrive at the Court of Stars is not a simple thing.  It happens when it is needed, and not before then.  As her lady wills it."
Apr 27 19:28:21 <Knight>   "I would not. I would not allow Rogue to claim his own freedom at the expense of others," replies Knight, shaking her head. "What I want to establish now is whether the remnant wish to be free of the past. Rogue strikes me as more thoughtless than malicious, in this instance; if he has been transformed to overcome his urges, as Gracelyn implied, then his sins are those of ignorance."
Apr 27 19:28:33 *   Adail casts a raised eyebrow at Kam, "And even should Knight decide not to absorb Rogue back into the deck, that hardly means she, or we for that matter, will simply ignore the others. It's not purely one or purely the other, Kamvakua."
Apr 27 19:29:50 <Kamvakua>   "I was not talking of Knight.  But of Rogue.  He talks of freedom, but he knew what Knight was doing.  He can't be ignorant of the enslavement also hitting many of his kin.  To believe his words over his actions would be foolish.  He is lying to us."
Apr 27 19:30:19 <Nikkolai>   "I've stated my case. I see no sense in arguing about it. I say we travel with him and if he looks to stab us in the back, we kill him and Knight can absorb him."
Apr 27 19:30:23 *   Nikkolai shrugs.
Apr 27 19:30:25 <Nikkolai>   "Simple as that."
Apr 27 19:30:51 <Knight>   "He could, easily. Not even I knew what circumstances Star and Gem were in," replies Knight, frowning. "He could only have heard of me from the natives of this plane, surely. Given the reaction I received when I spoke to Gracelyn, I can't say an accounting of me would be terribly favourable."
Apr 27 19:31:45 <Mari>   "Well, Knight, if you're worried about the rest of your family, I say just deal with them as you find them. But Rogue? Sounds to me like he'd be against them joining up with you whether they want to or not. I don't know what we should *do* about him, but taking him at his word sounds like a terrible idea to me. I know a con man when I see one, 'cause I've been one once in a while. Well, you know. Conwoman."
Apr 27 19:32:14 <Knight>   "Still," she adds, "I don't want a knife at our back when facing a being such as this lich. If we cannot speak with his new liege, then I would not consent to him fighting alongside us elsewhere."
Apr 27 19:32:16 <Kamvakua>   "Gracelyn said she had not met him.  I can't think that she would go out of her way to find and tell him.  If he knows of you, he knows by magical means.  I do not believe he is innocent or ignorant."
Apr 27 19:33:04 <Kamvakua>   "Nikkolai, can you ensure that we are protected from his mind altering magic at all times?" Kamvakua wondered.  "I cannot.  Nor do I think Adail can manage this feat."
Apr 27 19:34:29 <Nikkolai>   "Between yourselves and Yulia, I should think that we'd have not too much trouble keeping him in line. Besides, the first time he tries something like that, he shows his true colors."
Apr 27 19:35:11 <Nikkolai>   "He's not that stupid, I think. All we have to do is keep him under our eye. He can't very well betray us to the Lich if he can't meet her, can he?"
Apr 27 19:35:16 <Kamvakua>   "I saw a man who without compunction was willing to alter a person's thoughts to agree with what he wanted.  When this failed, he used deceit to confuse and argue his way.  Can Yulia ensure that everyone is protected from having their very thoughts changed until they are his unknowing slaves or pawns?"
Apr 27 19:36:04 <Knight>   "Rogue is subtle. His machinations strike for devastating effect," replies Knight, frowning. "Before any further decisions are reached, I must ascertain whether or not he is truly sworn to this Lady. Everything hinges on that. His arguments were not deceptive- they were indeed repeated earlier- and striking at the mind of a hunter from afar is not an unsound stratagem."
Apr 27 19:36:12 *   Nikkolai answers in a dry tone, "I assure you, sir, that I am quite capable of guarding my thoughts. If Rogue should try to violate me in such a manner, I will melt his face off with no compunction at all."
Apr 27 19:37:08 <Adail>   "My own mind is warded at all times, without fail. I cannot always help others, but he cannot touch me with mystical compulsion."
Apr 27 19:37:48 <Mari>   "Hey, Knight? Try not looking at this from the perspective of a tactician and think about it from the perspective of Rogue being a manipulative schmuck. The first thing he did was strike at your mind, yeah--to make you run away and reject your own values. He's not interested in freeing anyone. Just making them act like himself."
Apr 27 19:39:10 <Nikkolai>   "Look, all of this talking solves nothing. Let us see if this patron of his will vouch for his words. If she doesn't, no dice. If she does, we have a valuable ally on our hands."
Apr 27 19:39:37 <Kamvakua>   "I agree that hearing from the Lady Morwel would be wise before anything further.  But I personally would never trust my back to such a man.  I would worry instead if such a man headed to Baator that he would find kin much fitting to his true demeanor."
Apr 27 19:39:40 *   Nikkolai glances at Kam. "Everyone makes mistakes, Kam. Don't judge him for doing something that could have been out of self-preservation."
Apr 27 19:40:06 <Nikkolai>   "As all of you very well know, I would have done the same before I met you all."
Apr 27 19:40:15 <Mari>   "First thing we should do is talk to miss Land o' Lakes, yeah. I agree with that. We can make a decision afterwards. It'd take a lot for me to change my mind, though."
Apr 27 19:40:34 <Adail>   "Let's ask him if he has been given a means of returning to the Court. If not, we can worry about how to get there then."
Apr 27 19:40:41 <Knight>   "Even so, it is for both him and me to use the tools avaliable to us," replies Knight, looking at the ground. "We must postpone this until then. Let us rejoin him for now."
Apr 27 19:40:50 <Nikkolai>   "Well then, that's settled. Call him back over here."
Apr 27 19:41:03 *   Nikkolai raises his voice and calls for Yulia to lead Rogue back over!
Apr 27 19:42:34 <Kotono>   Yulia comes along, Rogue with him. Yulia goes to settle on Nikkolai's head, while Rogue hangs back slightly. "Have you discussed what you desired to?"
Apr 27 19:43:05 <Knight>   "Yes. Brother, we wish to speak to the Lady of the Lake as soon as possible," replies Knight, standing up. "Can this be arranged?"
Apr 27 19:43:06 <Nikkolai>   "Indeed. Lead us to your patron and we shall judge your worth on her words. Can you guide us to her?"
Apr 27 19:43:54 *   Kamvakua eyes the man carefully, keeping his own council for now.
Apr 27 19:44:27 <Kotono>   "The way to the Court of the Stars is through faith. If there is faith and need, the way will reveal itself under the night sky. If we are to cast down this lich's trickery...and for the sake of your soul, Knight, I am certain a path will appear before soon." Rogue answer.s
Apr 27 19:45:24 <Knight>   "Faith, huh..."
Apr 27 19:46:02 <Nikkolai>   "How convenient. Are we to wander the land until the path shows itself?" Nikkolai answers, patting Yulia gently on the head.
Apr 27 19:46:28 <Kamvakua>   "The Lady Morwel opens the court to whom she deems.  This is the way of things."
Apr 27 19:46:49 <Kotono>   "Exactly," Rogue says, a cold eye on Kamvakua, "You know of the Court of the Stars?"
Apr 27 19:47:01 *   Knight keeps her tounge to herself on the efficiency of such a method, and turns her gaze skyward.
Apr 27 19:48:08 <Kotono>   The afternoon sky can be seen only in hints, the trees above thick.
Apr 27 19:49:19 <Nikkolai>   "Would earnest supplication work? I should think that on a plane where even the Moon can hear your words, that Lady Morwel would hear every word spoken to her."
Apr 27 19:49:31 <Kamvakua>   "I am Kamvakua Niomel, a Knight of the Stars.  That the Lady turned her kindness to someone who would do as you did is surprising."
Apr 27 19:49:43 <Knight>   "I take it nightfall is a prerequisite to such roads," replies Knight. "Well, other things aside, perhaps we should begin thinking about how to reach the Prime."
Apr 27 19:50:17 *   Mari flops on her back and looks up at the sky (or what can be seen of it, at least), occasionally glancing over at Rogue just in case and because, hell, he might be an untrustworthy jerk but he's nice to look at.
Apr 27 19:51:35 <Kotono>   "That one who has besworn himself to the Lady would greet the crusade of freedom with such scorn surprises me!" He retorts, going to stare in Kamvakua's eyes, "But...no matter. I will not question the Lady's choice." He turns away from Kamvakua, "Walk during the night. Should the Lady's favor take you, a path will appear to the Court."
Apr 27 19:52:12 *   Nikkolai is leaning lazily against his pack on a soft patch of grass, still lazily twirling his lone dagger and blowing bits of Yulia's hair out of his face. "Shall we talk of how to reach my old home while we wait for night to fall?"
Apr 27 19:52:12 <Mari>   "So we just wander through the forest and hope we wind up where we need to be?"
Apr 27 19:52:40 <Kotono>   Yulia balances, resting as well. "That's a good question! How are you going to get there?"
Apr 27 19:53:26 <Adail>   "Can you not understand his anger at all, Rogue? What would your reaction be if someone attacked an ally of yours with mind control magic before so much as introducing themselves? Even if they later said they had a good reason. And then refused to do so much as apologize for it?"
Apr 27 19:54:12 <Knight>   "We would have to locate a portal," responds Knight, reaching up to pat Bell on the back. "Yulia, who would know the locations of such things?"
Apr 27 19:54:46 <Kotono>   Rogue takes a breath, "Perhaps so." He lets the matter go a moment, "Should the Lady of the Lake find our cause righteous, she could offer succor to us and direct us to a path so that the lich may be struck down and freedom restored?"
Apr 27 19:55:34 <Kamvakua>   "Freedom is a powerful good.  But if it was the only one we adhered to, we would walk a lonely path, leaving pain and sorrow in our wake."
Apr 27 19:56:18 *   Nikkolai nods at Rogue. "I can ask the Lady ever so nicely if she wouldn't mind opening a Gate for me. I know the way well enough. That is, if we meet her. Might I suggest that we simply wait for nightfall? If no 'path' appears, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it."
Apr 27 19:56:45 <Kotono>   "Without freedom, the chains of slavery are inevitable. Without freedom, how can any goodness prosper? How can any reach higher when they are restrained by slavery and toil?" Rogue asks, voice powerful, "Freedom is the core of righteousness."
Apr 27 19:57:09 <Mari>   "Works for me, Nik. If we're just gonna be walking at random, may as well eat something first."
Apr 27 19:57:44 *   Mari just ignores Rogue's posturing. No point trying to debate crusaders.
Apr 27 19:57:49 *   Nikkolai nods. "Rarity of rarities! Again, the girl and I agree!"
Apr 27 19:58:06 *   Nikkolai sends Mari a grin as he digs cheese and bread out of his pack.
Apr 27 19:58:18 *   Adail shakes his head at Rogue's refusal to take the not-so-subtle sggestion and drops the subject, "That may well be the best idea, yes. If no path comes tonight, we can worry about it in the morning."
Apr 27 19:58:51 <Mari>   Mari shrugs at Nik. "I'm sure it's happened before. For example: dao are jerks."
Apr 27 19:59:07 <Knight>   "Freedom is an unattainable ideal," murmurs Knight. "It is an abstract, it is something that can never be seized. Binding yourself to a soul only brings about new, different chains..." She reaches into her own pack, producing a loaf of bread. "Nikkolai, may I have some cheese? The chutney we bought in Hardsoil as well, if you have any left?"
Apr 27 20:00:00 *   Nikkolai breaks off a piece of the blue-veined cheese and tosses the other piece to Knight. "I'm afraid all the chutney is gone. I was rather fond of it."
Apr 27 20:00:08 *   Nikkolai looks slightly guilty.
Apr 27 20:00:39 <Kamvakua>   "Freedom is the ability to walk past a wounded man and let him die because you choose freely otherwise.  It is the ability to abandon those who reach out for aid, because you do not want to help them.  It is the right to ignore those enslaved, because they are not you.  It is a good and it is also an evil.  Alone, it saves no one."
Apr 27 20:01:06 *   Adail snickers and fishes a bit of dried fruit out of his own pack, despite not needing to eat.
Apr 27 20:01:12 *   Kamvakua sits down, leaning against a tree and watching the sun as it falls.
Apr 27 20:01:38 <Adail>   "Like anything else, it is a tool. What you do with it is what matters."
Apr 27 20:02:44 <Kotono>   A relative peace settles onto the party. Thus, knight falls! Then she gets up, wishing that plate armor wasn't so unbalancing. Then night falls! The stars are above, the trees above blocking the way up. The party rises, ready to go along.
Apr 27 20:04:12 <Kamvakua>   "A moonlight walk is welcome," Kamvakua rose, ready to stride through the trees of arborea.
Apr 27 20:05:06 <Kotono>   roll 1d100
Apr 27 20:05:07 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 60." [1d100=60]
Apr 27 20:05:14 *   Nikkolai nods in agreement, careful not to unsettle Yulia as he rises. "The Moon is quite beautiful, as always.
Apr 27 20:05:18 <Knight>   The trees that seems so picturesque on her arrival into Arborea are becoming as exciting as grass, but the new direction offered to her fills Knight with vigor!
Apr 27 20:06:08 <Kotono>   You wander! About two hours pass, two hours of relative peace and quiet. Then...ahead, you see them. Stars. Stars floating before you, a patchwork quilt of the night sky ahead. As if the night sky is ahead of you now, waiting for you to step forward.
Apr 27 20:06:35 <Knight>   "Kamvakua, is this..."
Apr 27 20:06:39 *   Nikkolai raises an eyebrow. "So. That was easy enough. Is that the path we're looking for, Rogue, Kam?"
Apr 27 20:06:43 <Adail>   "I beleive," Adail notes with a smile, "That is our invitation."
Apr 27 20:07:11 *   Nikkolai nods and begins walking forward. No time to waste, after all.
Apr 27 20:07:35 *   Mari heads forward as well. Looks like a pretty obvious opening, right?
Apr 27 20:07:37 *   Knight rides after Nikkolai, keeping Bell moving at a relatively sedate pace.
Apr 27 20:09:15 <Kamvakua>   "It is," Kamvakua said simply, slightly relaxed again...it was hard to keep a spirit of anger or rage here in this of all places.
Apr 27 20:09:50 <Kotono>   "Yes," Rogue's voice is triumphant, "Truly, a sign of her favor!" He follows along as well, the party heading in! You step into the stars...you stand in the night sky, the stars themselves dancing around you! All becomes light, your eyes dazzled! (More)
Apr 27 20:14:19 <Kotono>   You stand within a stone castle. Around you is a grand hall of valor. Here elf-like knights in shining armor stand, beautiful elf-like ladies with them. Above you there is no roof, a brilliant night sky on display. Music can be heard, beautiful melodies slipping just into your range of hearing. Cheers erupt around you, clapping as well. "Kamvakua Niomel! You're expected! This way!" One of the knights steps forward.
Apr 27 20:16:09 *   Nikkolai smiles, rather dazzled by the beauty of the Court. "My, the Lady has good taste in interior decorating."
Apr 27 20:16:44 *   Kamvakua nods, stepping forward, "It has been too long," He smiled gently back at them.  "Is her lady, Gwynharwyf, here this fine eve?"
Apr 27 20:17:03 <Knight>   "It is a place of great glories. Every wall seeps with victory..." replies Knight, marching in step with Nikkolai.
Apr 27 20:17:21 *   Adail nods politely at any Eladrin who notice him, but otherwise keeps quiet for now.
Apr 27 20:18:16 *   Kamvakua notices Adail's quietness and swoops him up onto his shoulder. "Come now, a hero of your stature shouldn't be intimidated here of all places, Adail."
Apr 27 20:18:19 <Nikkolai>   "Great glory and victory, you say? Is this Lady the patron of Goodness itself or somesuch?" Far from mocking, Nikkolai is genuinely curious.
Apr 27 20:19:21 <Kotono>   The knight leads the party on! "She is. The three await you - The Lady Gwynharwyf, Lord Faerinaal and The Lady herself." Ahead of you are great doors, carved with the images of knights leading a triumphant charge.
Apr 27 20:19:24 <Knight>   "Something like that, I think? I can't say I'm all that familiar," replies Knight.
Apr 27 20:19:39 *   Adail shakes his head, "It is not intimidation, large one. It is focus. So easy to get lost in the glory of this place that I instinctively revert to the discipline I learned in Celestia."
Apr 27 20:20:44 <Kamvakua>   "I see, that is indeed a greeting," He followed, internally surprised to see the entire trio here at the same time.
Apr 27 20:21:35 <Nikkolai>   "Mmm. I wonder if the good Lady would mind having some words with me?" Nikkolai murmurs to himself as he follows. His eyes constantly rove, taking in all that he can.
Apr 27 20:22:08 <Knight>   "Perhaps, if Kamvakua would vouch for you. He is clearly held in great respect."
Apr 27 20:22:24 <Mari>   "What've you got in mind, Nik? Going to hit on more planar nobles, eh? Forgotten about moongirl already?"
Apr 27 20:23:13 <Kotono>   The doors ahead open! Ahead of you is a greater hall yet! The night sky above shines with overwhelming majesty and glory, drawing your eyes upward! You find yourselves unable to look at anything else, immediately spellbound! The constallations form the fantastical - dragons, elves, gnomes, angels, salamanders, knights, into a moment's furious battle above!
Apr 27 20:23:18 <Kamvakua>   "They speak kindly.  I was fortunate to be favored with Lady Gwynharwyf's own teachings.  But before you speak so boldly, you should perhaps gaze upon her beau."
Apr 27 20:23:25 *   Nikkolai shakes his head. "I'm merely curious about the Court of the Stars. I've not heard of it at all in my time traveling the planes. I would learn more of it."
Apr 27 20:23:46 <Nikkolai>   "Not to mention that I have a request to make of her."
Apr 27 20:24:03 *   Knight has stopped in her tracks to stare upon the sky! Would that she could lead a battle such as that...
Apr 27 20:25:10 *   Mari pauses to admire the eye-candy. It's things like this that keep her moving around all the time, after all.
Apr 27 20:25:16 *   Nikkolai is just flabbergasted at the awesome display of might above his head. He unashamedly gapes with wonder as he eyes the constellations!
Apr 27 20:26:11 <Adail>   Adail's eyes quickly search the canvas of the battle. He was looking for one thing, one very specific thing. A thing he did not expect to find. Could it be possible that in such a grand mural, his people might have been remembered?
Apr 27 20:27:13 <Kotono>   The sky above's battle reaches a quick climax, all the stars breaking apart! The stardust from this cascades down in a storm! It draws your attention ahead, where the dust forms and gives life! Ahead is a lake of immeasurable size and vastness, the waters completely, flawlessly clear. A single stone path leads across the surface of the lake, to a circle of stone that serenely floats atop the water. Here three thrones sit, forming of stardust!
Apr 27 20:27:18 <Kotono>   Here three thrones sit, forming of stardust! (More)
Apr 27 20:28:32 *   Kamvakua moves naturally to one knee, knowing what was coming.
Apr 27 20:29:46 <Kotono>   On the first throne sits a beautiful woman. Her hair is wild and white, long and down her back. She wears a gown of the woven black sky, a fearsomeness that gives you immense pause and yet fills you with a righteous desire, every moment of your past felt with a new eye, a desire to see what could have been better. On the third throne sits a man, wearing the soft light of the faraway stars, tinted blue into a robe. His hair is the same blue. In
Apr 27 20:29:52 <Kotono>    tinted blue into a robe. His hair is the same blue. In his eyes you see the future, a thousand glories glimpsed, yet passing you by, only promising what may be. (More)
Apr 27 20:30:17 *   Adail does not kneel, but instead places his paws together and bows, the stiff motion drilled into him from his years in the monestary and snapping to mind now due to the focus he was trying to maintain.
Apr 27 20:31:01 *   Nikkolai does not kneel as well, but simply goes into a deep courtly bow.
Apr 27 20:31:33 <Kotono>   The last is an elven woman. She is breath-taking. SHe wears all the glorious stars at full light, her auburn hair woven with flowers of stardust. Her face..in her face you see the present, connecting to the past and growing into the future. In her face you see every choice that was, that will and that is. It is she that speaks but a single word, "Welcome."
Apr 27 20:31:42 <Kotono>   Rogue simply kneels, casting his head down.
Apr 27 20:31:51 *   Knight clasps her beclawed arm to her chest and gives a soldierly bow. It's worth paying respect to the strong.
Apr 27 20:34:03 *   Nikkolai straightens from his bow. "My thanks for the warm welcome, my Lady."
Apr 27 20:34:39 *   Mari isn't really the kneeling type, but it's hard not to feel like *something* should be done in the presence of luminaries like this. She goes to her knees next to Kam, rather overwhelmed for words, looking from one of the lords to another (and making an effort to ignore any inconvenient reflections of her past that the first woman seems to inspire!)
Apr 27 20:36:59 <Kotono>   "Truly, it is so," The first woman says, "I am Lady Gwynharwyf. I see the past, of what has transpired."
Apr 27 20:37:21 <Kotono>   "Yes, yes it is," The man murmurs, "I am Lord Faerinaal. I see the future, of what you desire to pass."
Apr 27 20:38:03 <Kotono>   "I see...the present you yearn for. I am Queen Morwel, ruler of this realm. Speak from your hearts and give those passionate feelings voice here."
Apr 27 20:40:33 *   Nikkolai remains quiet, ceding the floor to the others first.
Apr 27 20:44:27 <Knight>   "Lord, ladies, I am Knight. Like Rogue, I am of the Deck of Many Things," replies Knight, awkwardly standing up straight. "But unlike Rogue, I do not desire the so-called freedom from what I am. I see it as best that all twenty-two of us are reunited into one artifact once again. I believe we have no need of souls, nor bodies..."
Apr 27 20:44:27 <Knight>   "No, I believe until now, we have been content as what we were. Outside, in this world, we are scattered, lost, and alone; most of us simply cannot handle living as mortals do. We do not see the world the same way. It is uncomfortable, almost nauseating to be separated so, and I believe anyone can appreciate the terror that not knowing of your family's well-being could bring.
Apr 27 20:44:27 <Knight>   "Thus it is my heart's desire to gather all of us once again. I believe it's what we want, and what is best. If we remain scattered, eventually we will dissipate and waste away to nothing, if some dark force does not make use of us first. That, of all things, I cannot let happen."
Apr 27 20:48:21 <Kotono>   "In the past," Lady Gwynharwyf declares, "There is nothing that is more true that your words." Yet to that, Faerinaal considers, "To the future, there are many truths to that. To see those futures..." His words trail away, Queen Morwel's gaze gently pressing into Knight. "Knight, I would offer you the chance to see three futures of what may come to be. Would you see them?"
Apr 27 20:52:44 <Knight>   Knight hesitates before answer, and when she does, her tone is apologetic. "Are these three choices that lie before me, absolute and unshakable?" she asks, clasping her hands together. "Or possibilities, worlds that will only come to pass through wit, will, and luck?"
Apr 27 20:53:54 <Kotono>   "No future is absolute. No destiny is certain." Queen Morwel's face holds a very gentle smile, as luminous as the nova of stars she wears. "Glimpses of what may yet come from the roads you may walk."
Apr 27 20:54:39 <Knight>   "In that case, I would be honored to know what is possible," replies Knight, nodding.
Apr 27 20:57:01 <Kotono>   To Knight's eyes all is lost. She resides in a velvet-black...and before her...she stands alone. In her glow lights...Star...Moon...Sun..all the deck. In her own voice, thick with emotion, "At last...it is done!" There is a tremendous moment as Knight shimmers and vanishes away. The Knight card lingers in the air for a moment, the rest of the cards around it. They all gather together, the deck reformed! (More)
Apr 27 20:57:15 <Kotono>   They all gather together, the deck reformed! (More)
Apr 27 20:58:50 <Kotono>   Then...Knight sees herself. She stands alone, clad in her armor. In her whirl all the cards, her body straining, bulging with power she knows full well, the entire heritage of her family. She flexes her hand, "We are reunited...it is done." She nods once and walks forward, walking away...(More)
Apr 27 21:01:05 <Kotono>   Then...Knight sees herself. Besides her is Rogue...then Star...then the others, all standing with her. Knight bows her head, in silence "It is done. My family, we have reunited!" Then...Knight sees again, her vision restored to what is was, the Court of the Stars before her.
Apr 27 21:05:38 <Knight>   Knight flexes her hands upon returning to her senses, and gazes towards Rogue for a moment. "I could accept any of these fates," she notes. "Each sacrifices something that may be desired; the first, all our forms; the second, all our forms but my own. To exist as living beings, as the third indicates... all such things perish, eventually, and scatter to the afterlives that await them." (More)
Apr 27 21:07:02 <Knight>   "That eventual fate is something I believe we would seek to avoid, and yet I cannot discount the possibility that it is what the others might want, as Rogue does. We should reach a consensus as a group."
Apr 27 21:09:56 *   Adail muses, "To ask the others what they wish as we find them?"
Apr 27 21:10:39 <Kotono>   Rogue begins to speak, but another voice overwhelms his. Queen Morwel continues, "Such is the question before you now. You have been given life by the whimsy of fate...but are you truly unchanging beings, incapable of growing in life or love? I have sent Rogue forth to see the winds, to find this lesson on his own and to teach it to him."
Apr 27 21:13:37 <Kotono>   Rogue turns, "M'lady...?" he says, a note of surprise in his voice.
Apr 27 21:14:51 <Kotono>   "Softly." She murmurs this word, as Lady Gwynharwyf speaks, "Your fear motivated you, but your fear was also the hook to ensure that you reached these souls before us. Even fearful folly is not wasted in these realms."
Apr 27 21:16:05 <Kamvakua>   "I see.  It worried me to see him using magic to control the thoughts and dreams of others," Kamvakua said simply. "It is not something I would expect here.  My sight is still lower than the mountains."
Apr 27 21:16:17 <Kotono>   Lord Faerinaal picks up from there, closing his eyes, "In the future I see many choices...Your family will come to choose in time to forge your future, be it to create the Deck, a family, or to shatter it all apart."
Apr 27 21:19:44 <Kotono>   "Yes. The mistakes of the past have brought us to the present. The Lady of the Green Kirtle...the stars above speak of danger, and yet great chances for bravery and resolve. Rogue, it is good that you have bound yourselves to them. Your fear lead you hasty folly, but your desire for freedom shall be an asset to strike at this lich." Queen Morwel declares now, voice speaking with softness, yet rousing you.
Apr 27 21:21:22 *   Nikkolai starts in surprise. "You....know of Her, my Lady?"
Apr 27 21:22:36 *   Adail snickers, "Have we not been speaking of her within the Lady's realm, and traveling with those she would have reason to keep an eye and an ear on?"
Apr 27 21:23:51 <Kotono>   "In the past...I see a child, bereft of hubris and pride, crying in the cold darkness." Lady Gwynharwyf boldly declares.
Apr 27 21:24:39 <Kotono>   "In the future...what is this child's fate?" Faerinaal asks aloud, rhetorical. "What shall it be?"
Apr 27 21:27:45 *   Nikkolai winces at Adail's words, his ears turning pink in mortification. He stares resolutely ahead at the three. "The child will be free of cold, darkness, and tears. One way or another."
Apr 27 21:27:55 *   Nikkolai is grim as he utters those words.
Apr 27 21:28:27 <Nikkolai>   "And She will pay for visiting them upon him."
Apr 27 21:31:37 <Kotono>   "The passions of the heart...have spoken, in two. What say the three of you who have not spoken?" Queen Morwel asks.
Apr 27 21:35:25 <Mari>   "Um," Mari starts, glancing at Kam and Adail to see if they've anything to say first. "I have a question." She addresses Gwynharwyf here: "You can see the past and stuff, right?" she says, adding as an afterthought: "Your ladyship, I guess." It seems like some kind of honorific is called for, in this company.
Apr 27 21:37:31 <Kotono>   "I can," She agrees, "In the past I see the sins, calling to action the brave so that future will not suffer so."
Apr 27 21:39:11 <Mari>   "Right. So. I guess you see a lot, then. I mean--I was wondering..." Mari can't help but feel very small talking to entities such as these, and probably sounds it as she continues. "Did anyone else survive? You know what I mean, right?"
Apr 27 21:43:43 <Kotono>   Lady Gwynharwyf closes her eyes, "I see...the bonds of blood have not been fully spilled. That another that shares your kinship lived that day, taken." Her voice hardens, "She cries for her sisters...hoping that Big Sister Mari will come one day to take her back home." She goes silent then, Faerinaal picking up, "What future shall this young woman have now? What hope does a woman who has killed her emotions and soul have?"
Apr 27 21:43:49 <Kotono>   woman who has killed her emotions and soul have?" (More)
Apr 27 21:45:07 <Kotono>   "What present will lead to this woman finding peace?" Queen Morwel looks to Mari, "What present, indeed?"
Apr 27 21:46:52 <Mari>   "Dunno," Mari says quietly, wiping away a few stray tears. "I'll find her and...find out then. Please, do you know where she is?"
Apr 27 21:48:11 <Kotono>   "Baator." The word is as chains wrapping around Mari, her body writhing, to no touch at all. "I see the endless Blood War around her, gnawing away her soul every day. Avernus, but there the future grows hazy, the past nothing but lies, and the present damnation." Queen Morwel says.
Apr 27 21:49:01 *   Mari just nods and covers her face, sinking inside. She's done talking for a while.
Apr 27 21:49:39 *   Adail moves over to Mari's side, placing a paw on her shin in silent support.
Apr 27 21:49:49 *   Knight glances at Mari for a long moment, surprise and sympathy etched across her jaw. Of all people, she never thought Mari would have issues like this...
Apr 27 21:50:05 <Kotono>   "If she is enslaved in Baator...she will be freed," Rogue murmurs, very quietly. "None shall suffer in Baator."
Apr 27 21:50:42 *   Nikkolai nods decisively. "Rogue and I agree on that point."
Apr 27 21:51:26 <Kotono>   Queen Morwel is softer here, "As long as she lives, there is still hope." she says, "Mari, there is freedom here, a power that Baator can never match. When your tears dry, look to the sky above."
Apr 27 21:52:27 <Mari>   That'll be a little while. Mari just nods; she's not in a fit state to say anything.
Apr 27 21:52:45 <Kotono>   In a gentle voice, "There are yet two to speak the passions of their heart." Queen Morwel says.
Apr 27 21:53:16 <Kamvakua>   "My passion is my trail, as it has always been.  For now this trail is joined to Knight who seeks her family and to Nikkolai's pain with the Lady of the Green Kirtle," He smiled.  "Though I know not how to slay a lich, it is in the climbing of mountains that are above your reach that you see new horizons.  I have continued my training in my Lady's craft." He bowed his head further toward Lady Gwynharwyf.  "I came as my meeting with Rogue left my heart dark with worry.  It is lightened...but not entirely.  Harm brought to my friends is not something I easily forget, driven by fear or not."
Apr 27 21:55:43 <Kotono>   "You have walked further on my path," Lady Gywnharwyf smiles to him, "You have been proud and brave! You have endures Ogremoch and grown past him, and in time, your path continues. Continue your path, Kamvakua."
Apr 27 21:58:52 *   Kamvakua smiles boldly.  "If I was to stop while there was still strength in my body, I'd never be able to reflect without regret.  That my strength takes me this far is a fortune well blessed."
Apr 27 21:59:18 <Kotono>   "The future..." Faerinaal murmurs, "Yes, many paths for you, and..." He goes silent there.
Apr 27 21:59:36 <Kotono>   "The paths of the present shall lead to them. And the last, the silent passions?" She looks to Adail now, "Speak of them."
Apr 27 22:00:41 *   Adail shakes his head as he begins fishing around in his bag, "I am here to stand at the side of my friends, Lady. All I seek for myself cannot be granted, only earned. I have nothing to ask on my behalf..." then he finds what he's looking for and pulls out the compressed soul, "but I suppose there is something I would ask on behalf of another"(more)
Apr 27 22:03:11 <Adail>   "We found this soul back on Earth. One who in life had...made unwise decisions, and damned themselves to the Pit. I would ask, if it is within your power, that it be proven that there is never a point too late for redemption. If this soul wills it, I would see it returned to life in the service of Good, to atone for it's past life of Evil."
Apr 27 22:04:25 <Kotono>   "It's past is lamentation," Gwynharwyf agrees, as Faerinaal nods, "His future is but one damnation, save for a single path ahead."
Apr 27 22:04:50 <Kotono>   "In this, in this present?" Queen Morwel gestures, the brick vanishing away! In that instant it is in her hands, held, "That single path shines more brightly, the first step towards it taken."
Apr 27 22:11:33 *   Adail nods, "To bring Good out from Evil. My normal talents lie mainly towards violence, it feels good to help create and redeem instead of merely destroy for a change."
Apr 27 22:13:45 <Kotono>   "His soul is in pain, but..." Queen Morwel smiles. The soul glows bright white! The light dazzles you...in the light you see a haggard being, dark skinned and yet pale. "In a moment...I shall forget and attempt to atone...thank you."
Apr 27 22:14:56 *   Adail murmers back, "Your fate is your own now. Use it well."
Apr 27 22:16:07 <Kotono>   In that the light and reborn soul are gone! Queen Morwel smiles, "Thank you for your diligence. Three rewards are in order. The first..."
Apr 27 22:17:36 <Kotono>   Lady Gwynharwyf rises, "So that the past does not repeat itself, in seven days time, I shall open a portal to Nikkolai's home world. The stars above promise that this will not be an easy road, but it is the road you desire to take."
Apr 27 22:18:10 *   Nikkolai bows in thanks. "My thanks, my Lady. One way or another...things will come to a head."
Apr 27 22:18:22 *   Adail cracks his knuckles as he thinks of the fight that lies ahead.
Apr 27 22:18:34 <Kotono>   "Because the future is a hard one, and cares little for your size when giving it's bounty," Faerinaal says, "Adail, may your belt be blessed!" IN that moment, the belt Adail wears glows golden!
Apr 27 22:19:00 *   Adail then looks down at his belt!
Apr 27 22:19:34 <Kotono>   Queen Morwel rises, "In the present...a week in the Court of the Stars. For some it shall be a vacation, for others blessed rest, and for others of you...a chance to learn."
Apr 27 22:21:18 <Kamvakua>   "I've yet to find a place as fine to train and grow in spirit, heart and body," Kamvakua praised the gift in his own way.
Apr 27 22:21:39 *   Nikkolai brightens considerably at the talk of learning. "Ah, learning is always welcome. Knowledge is power!"
Apr 27 22:22:19 <Knight>   "It would be good for us to speak in less temperamental environment, Rogue," replies Knight, smiling at her brother. "And with three struggles before us, I will need to study our foes..."
Apr 27 22:22:24 <Kotono>   The three glow bright! In a moment all is stardust, blinding you in radiance! The night sky rejoins itself, the trio gone.
Apr 27 22:23:06 *   Mari idly takes a look at the sky, as she was told to do, before saying anything to anyone.
Apr 27 22:23:30 <Kotono>   Rogue is silent once they leave. "Yes." He answers Knight in a single word. He turns to Kamvakua, "I cry your pardon, for your words have been validated."
Apr 27 22:27:46 <Kamvakua>   "I judge a man more by their actions than their words.  I will accept that you did not mean malice for now, but listen based on the path you choose to walk from here.  If good was as easy as simply trusting what others tell us, everyone would do it.  It is a road that can only be traveled freely, but that does not make it an easy or clear one.  May your future actions prove my fears simple paranoia, and your own standing bright."
Apr 27 22:29:40 <Knight>   "I must have you speak with Star when she is more cogent," notes Knight, slackening. "She, too, pursued ideals she did not understand, but it only led to folly.."
Apr 27 22:30:11 <Kotono>   "Hmph," Rogue mutters, "Indeed, indeed. But we have a week here...time enough to think and to rest. Much has been said."
Apr 27 22:30:15 *   Mari looks up, reaching out for something...which apparently isn't there, as far as anyone else could see. "I'll do anything," she chokes out, addressing something above her.
Apr 27 22:31:08 <Kotono>   Mari reaches out above! Her hand is abruptly taken by another as she steps up into the sky! One step and then two, then four and eight! She walks into the air, fading away as she climbs up to the stars!
Apr 27 22:31:46 *   Adail blinks as Mari is whisked into the sky right in front of him.
Apr 27 22:31:57 *   Nikkolai blinks as well.
Apr 27 22:32:10 <Nikkolai>   "Umm...should we be bothered by that?"
Apr 27 22:32:20 <Adail>   "Here? No."
Apr 27 22:32:39 <Kamvakua>   "Do not worry.  None truly evil can enter here.  If she is called, it is because there is something for her ears alone."
Apr 27 22:32:46 <Nikkolai>   "Mmm. So long as she doesn't wreck the place."
Apr 27 22:33:05 *   Nikkolai shrugs.
Apr 27 22:33:45 *   Knight snorts to herself. "She could not if she wished too, I would wager. This place is a seat of the mighty. Beings such as us..."
Apr 27 22:34:18 <Nikkolai>   "Are as bugs?" Nikk suggests, mostly serious.
Apr 27 22:34:57 <Kamvakua>   "It is good to have vision on how large the planes really are," Kamvakua smiled.  "Without it, you cannot reach for higher."
Apr 27 22:36:17 <Knight>   "Mmm, it's apt." Knight pauses. "It bothers me. I spoke of this with Tam, as well, and since then, my thoughts have been on nothing but how to oppose such beings, should it come to that. But I will not allow that to distract us from our immediate concerns."
Apr 27 22:37:41 <Nikkolai>   "To be perfectly honest? I'm afraid that one of us, if not all of us will die when we face the Lady." A grim look settles over Nikk's features. "Gods willing, it will only be me. I'd prefer none of us at all...but that would be foolish."
Apr 27 22:38:51 <Knight>   "Death is not the end, as we well know. Should someone perish, we must ensure that their sacrifice is not wasted."
Apr 27 22:39:09 <Kamvakua>   "If you go with death in your heart, she already has a dagger well placed.  She is dangerous.  She may kill us all.  But that does not mean we should meet her with fear."
Apr 27 22:40:35 <Knight>   "Fear is something to be overcome. Push it to the back of your mind; acknowledge the warning it gives you, but do not let it confuse you. A firm will is the most essential quality of the warrior."
Apr 27 22:42:59 *   Nikkolai nods. "Fear is something that I'm well acquainted with. I've had more practice than I can care to recall in suppressing it. Even now, it sometimes rules me."
Apr 27 22:45:27 <Knight>   "In battle, fear can be banished by having a firm plan and the faith to see it through. So let us begin with that. We should aim for a swift victory; not only does a profitable battle never accompany a long delay, but Mari's kin is at stake, as well."