223.6 Seira, Amaryl and the Cult of Jergal

[Corwin]

[19:34] <Kotono> -------
[19:34] <Kotono> OOC: What were your plans for th enext morning? Go over Gulnan via TP or something else?
03[19:34] * Taishyr is now known as Demedais
01[19:36] <Seira> OOC: If it's alright, I'd like to have a couple scenes in Balmuria before going there. We can leave just fine around ten or so, I think. The temple part can surely be handwaved, but I'd like to try and help Mia with Lagann's designs, and ask Abby how are things.
01[19:36] <Seira> OOC: The purchases are also settled, right?
[19:39] <Kotono> OOC: Yes. Temple stuff is without incident. What are you going to do with Lagann, just try and use it's powers to help Mia?
01[19:39] <Seira> OOC: Sure, it doesn't really need a scene if it's a matter of a roll
[19:40] <Kotono> OOC: Goa head and make an int check?
01[19:42] <Seira> roll 1d20+10
06[19:42] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+10 and gets 26." [1d20=16]
[19:45] <Kotono> It takes some time of working with Lagann, but soon a prototype is made. It's made of iron and adamantine in theory, looking pretty good if you resolve about two dozen 'quirks' Lagann added. Mia is quite pleased.
01[19:46] <Seira> "It's good to have quirks, actually," Seira comments. "Makes it harder to copy the design if you're not in the know."
[19:51] <Kotono> Mia beams, holding the prototype, "Well, yes, once it's tandardized, but thank you!"
01[19:52] <Seira> "Lagann is great at what he does!" Seira responds, giving credit where it is due. "He is an amazing partner!"
[19:54] <Kotono> "Isn't he? Say..Seira..." Eyeing Lagann openly, "Does it have a brother? Or a sister, or whatever?"
01[19:57] <Seira> "No, but if one of my projects goes through, we'll have something even better in the end," Seira answers rather mysteriously. "I'll be leaving again, now, so hold down the fort in the meanwhile? If there's something, use a Sending to get in touch with me!"
03[19:57] * Celenu (WinNT@user-5443d10e.lns6-c8.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #dunes
[19:57] <Kotono> "I will." Mia smiles broadly. "Until then!"
01[19:58] <Seira> Giving her a parting wave, Seira decides to touch base with Abagail. It's a precious chance that won't repeat for another few weeks, and she'd been neglecting the girl as it is.
[19:59] <Kotono> Abagail is found to the west of Balmuria. Just outside the city gates a building is being constructed. Several men are working on it, Abagail keeping an eye on them and hleping out with a few cantrips here and there.
01[20:02] <Seira> "I'm sorry we didn't have much of a chance to speak lately," Seira apologizes as she comes closer. "Things kept on happening one after another. I'm here now, however."
[20:05] <Kotono> "Oh!" Turning around in a little bit of surprise, a hand ot her chest, "You startled me!" With sharp tones, "I was concentrating, I didn't even notice you come up."
01[20:06] <Seira> "Don't feel too bad, I'm very sneaky!" Seira says, winking at her. "How are we doing?"
[20:07] <Kotono> "Second house of the month." Looking them over again as they work, men slowly erecting the framework for a simple enough home, "It varies a lot. Some take to the work and the nature of it, but some are irredeemable curs who try to sneak away or cause trouble. This group right here is the best group we have so far. They're fairly reliable as they go and do decent work."
06[20:10] * Seira nods. "That much is to be expected," she muses, sighing. "Even if it's regrettable. Aside from congratulating you on a work well done, of which I had no doubt, I've also come to consult with you on a few matters. Abagail, do you think some of those in our program would prefer a military life? I'm thinking more of manning remote outposts than doing parades, naturally."
[20:13] <Kotono> "Most of these...mph. Some might. Some are bandits or brigands who had a order of sorts in there. Plus a few are interested in a fresh start away from everything. How remote are you thinking about?"
01[20:15] <Seira> "Very remote. And very confidential, at least right now." Seira's voice lowers accordingly. "I've yet to approach Lord Salman with the idea, but I would like to create a special branch in our military forces. One that would alert us to threats to our peaceful coexistence far in advance, and from which we could draw upon to fight them, if necessary. (more)
01[20:16] <Seira> I feel so strongly about this that if I don't secure that approval, I will likely proceed with it on my own by forming it as a mercenary army."
[20:19] <Kotono> "That important?" With a long look, "I do declare that you look entirely serious on this matter. Most of them aren't that trustworthy for it, but there are a few who may fit that mold."
01[20:21] <Seira> "I'll likely require the signing of a magically-binding contract for those who would like to volunteer, to ensure that they are on the level. They won't be forced into it, after all." Seira shrugs. "But I realize how hard it must be for those who have been convicted of a crime to receive recognition and a second chance. This might offer them a second start, far away from here, while still doing good."
[20:22] <Kotono> "I'll start to gauge them for those who would be receptive. How long would it be before you start to muster them?"
01[20:25] <Seira> "No sooner than a month, but soon after that. I'll need as much for further preparations on my end," Seira informs Abagail. "At the same time, though it might be a bit taxing, do you have enough confidence in this program to take it out of the experimental stage? It benefitted Balmuria, and there is no reason to think Valandia would not fair as well. And then, it might spread throughout the Baronies!"
[20:29] <Kotono> "I think the fundamentals are good enough. It would be a matter of training people to handle them. It does need a fair bit of labor and attention to work," Abagail considers, "They are simple ruffians at first, remember."
01[20:31] <Seira> "I do," Seira agrees. "Are any of the graduating class, so to speak, motivated enough to be educated as additional trainers?"
[20:36] <Kotono> "Mmmm. Maaaybe," Wavering a hand back and forth, "I'm not sure yet."
01[20:38] <Seira> "This is where we should be prudent and wait until you're absolutely confident," Seira agrees. "I'll see if I can also find someone who could assist you."
[20:39] <Kotono> "Thanks," Smiling a little, "That's downright noble of you."
01[20:41] <Seira> "In a year, I hope that everyone in the Baronies knows of your work," Seira says sincerely. "What you're doing here, it's not only very important, it's downright revolutionary!"
[20:43] <Kotono> "Such hopefulness...hopefully these ruffians can be reached and made into respectable sorts." Looking at the house being built now, "That would be pleasant."
01[20:45] <Seira> "It would be," Seira agrees, and reaches in her bandoleer, retrieving a scroll case. "It's nothing fancy, but I just wanted to leave you with something. A personal, short-term goal, in a way." She hands it over. "We were talking about having a place to stay while traveling, remember? This is no mansion, but the spell creates a very comfortable dwelling for the night, and adequately warded, too.
01[20:45] <Seira> I hope you can master it quickly."
[20:47] <Kotono> "Oh, thank you!" Looking the scroll over and smiling, "Oh yes, it will be something to work towards. Handy for the next time I must travel, too."
01[20:48] <Seira> "Pretty much," Seira agrees with a smile of her own. "Once you can cast this freely, you are just one step away from being one of the top mages in the world."
[20:51] <Kotono> "Heh, heh," Blushing at that, "One day!"
[20:54] <Kotono> ---
[20:55] <Kotono> Amaryl is found preparing in the morning. She eats a late breakfast of porridge and cream, her quiver of arrows lying on the floor against her chair. "Good morning!" she says agreeably enough, "Are you back now, Seira?"
01[20:58] <Seira> "Yes," Seira calls back, finding it strange to be leaving her eyes uncovered after wearing her shades for so long. She closes the door behind her, moving another chair to be opposite Amaryl before taking a seat. "It seems that those I'm sponsoring are doing well with themselves. It's always pleasant to see. I hope they'll go far."
[20:59] <Kotono> Wiping a little cream off her upper lip, "Good. That's what you were going to see? I think you menionted it, but last night is a bit of a blur now."
01[21:00] <Seira> "I made an appointment with Mia, there was a slight business with Roald -- wish him the best, really, and then I visited Abby. I never got a chance to talk to her last night, and I couldn't just leave again without that."
[21:05] <Kotono> "Oh." Smiling a littl enow, "Will be leaving soon now that those matters are done, Seira? We're still going back to Malmuth, aren't we?"
01[21:09] <Seira> "We are," Seira confirms. "I'll take us to Gulnan, and then I'll summon steeds to take us even further. If there's trouble of some sort, we'll still have a teleport left in reserve." She barely avoids wincing, taking a deep breath instead. "But first, can we talk a bit? I tried to understand on my own, but I can't, so I need to ask you something."
[21:11] <Kotono> "Oh?" Putting aside her breakfast bowl, "What is it, Seira?"
01[21:13] <Seira> "It's really difficult for me to ask, but I'll try." Seira wrings out her hands, before noticing what she's doing and placing them firmly on the table before her. "I told you last night what it is that I want. Even if it's mostly a blur, you remember that part, don't you?"
[21:16] <Kotono> "I think so?" Amaryl says afte ra moment, "I drank a bit of wine and that made everything get blurry."
06[21:22] * Seira blanches. Does she really have to say all that again? The very thought is mortifying. "I told you," she forces herself to say, "that I wanted to be with you. Not as friends. As... a couple." Color returns to Seira's face, until she's blushing. "It's really unfair that you're making me repeat it, Amaryl! Do you... do you want the same?"
[21:24] <Kotono> Amaryl blushes, "Seira, I...after what we did...is there any doubt?" Turning redder and redder, "I won't do that with just anyone!"
01[21:28] <Seira> "It's not like I, either--!" Seira exclaims. "Amaryl. If it's like that, then why does it feel like we have to pretend in front of our friends? I don't care about the people we come across, people we don't even know, but are you embarrassed if our closest friends know?"
[21:29] <Kotono> "No!" Blushing even more, "No...just...it's not proper to advertise a relationship that openly!
[21:29] <Kotono> "
01[21:31] <Seira> "Even to people closer to us than family?" Seira asks in surprise. "In some ways... they're really my family."
[21:34] <Kotono> "Seira, it's just..." Fumbling for words, "Relationships are between two people. Not...not between two people and the rest of the world."
01[21:39] <Seira> "I understand! I understand," Seira repeats. "But when Celebrimbor came across me, after I escaped from a really horrible place...." She lays her head on her hands, observing the table's surface aimlessly.
01[21:39] <Seira> "A part of me was happy that you weren't worried, but there was also a selfish part that really wanted to hear from you. To know that you thought of me. If he knew, maybe he would have told you. Maybe you would've come along. It was difficult, being on my own. To the point I asked Elle to let me stay."
[21:42] <Kotono> "Oh..." Looking down at the table, studying smooth wood with an almost religious ferver, "Seira, I...That's why I wanted to go with you, too. You've always been running of to the next insane danger."
06[21:43] * Seira laughs suddenly. "Would you believe I wasn't even looking for trouble that one time?"
[21:44] <Kotono> "I think you said that," Amaryl blushes a little more now, "...I'm sorry. I upset you, didn't I?"
01[21:46] <Seira> "I'm really happy to hear that you want to keep me safe," Seira says. "It's not something I really hear. People either fight alongside me, or look towards me for protection. It's a really nice feeling, hearing that."
[21:48] <Kotono> "....thanks..." Coloring once more, "Seira, I..." Getting up and goign to Seira, red-hot as she wraps around her in a hug. "Don't be mad at me. I don't want you to be mad at me."
06[21:53] * Seira leans into Amaryl's hands. "If I'm mad, it's at myself. I knew you had problems back when you used in Pallanth, but I would always back off on questioning you about them, even though I knew I really should. I just don't want to make that mistake again. I never want you to be uncomfortable, or feel you have to hide anything from me. I never want to see you troubled again, assuring me that you're fine."
[21:59] <Kotono> "Oh..." Hugging Seira tightly, "Thank you, Seira..."
03[22:01] * Celenu is now known as Alicia
03[22:01] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Alicia Alicia
01[22:03] <Seira> -------
01[22:04] <Seira> Once their preparations are over, and Donald receives his instructions for the next few weeks, as well as a promise to take him along on the next trip Seira intends to take, she adjusts her disguise to what it was in Malmuth, takes Amaryl's hand and concentrates on the road sign she had seen on her way back to Balmuria after appearing in the basin.
01[22:04] <Seira> roll 1d100 seen once?
06[22:04] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 seen once? and gets 4." [1d100=4]
[22:07] <Kotono> Woosh! The two appear at the sign! It's raining this morning, heavy raindrops splattering the two adventurers instantly. Amaryl holds her arm just above her eyes, "Rainstorm? What horrible luck!
[22:07] <Kotono> "
06[22:08] * Seira laughs. "We're right where we are, which is more than I can say for the last time I appeared in these parts. The bottom of the basin, if you're wondering." She smiles crookedly. "The rain won't stop me from providing horses for us, and once we're out of it, I'll dry us up, alright?"
[22:09] <Kotono> "How?" Amaryl looks long at Seira. "And certainly. WE're traveling to the east, towards Tauret and past it?"
01[22:13] <Seira> "I was escaping Pandemonium," Seira responds, getting ready to conjure up the first Phantom Steed. "Trust me, the bottom of the Gulnan Basin was a step up. And that's pretty much right. On our trip back, we can finally stop by Purinn. As you can see, it's less than a day's ride from here."
[22:25] <Kotono> ""Ah," Nodding in the rain, "Let's go then?"
06[22:30] * Seira leaves their generic map of the area in Amaryl's hands, given her own cursed handicap with geography, and once both horses have been conjured is more than ready to proceed towards their destination!
[22:31] <Kotono> roll 1d100 for random possibilites
06[22:31] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 for random possibilites and gets 82." [1d100=82]
[22:31] <Kotono> roll 1d100 borderline reroll
06[22:31] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 borderline reroll and gets 69." [1d100=69]
[22:37] <Kotono> Thus the trip begins. An few hours into it the two stop for lunch. This ends up being a very long, interesting lunch for both of them., one thing leading to another. It's quite the enjoyable encounter, but ultimately the two continue their trip. Slowing down at one point in the midafternoon, low mountans and hills all about, "SEira," Peering at the map, "I'm having to do a lot of guesswork here since we're moving so fast, but I think we're goin
[22:37] <Kotono> "I'm having to do a lot of guesswork here since we're moving so fast, but I think we're going to reach there tomorrow or late tonight?"
01[22:39] <Seira> "Late tonight would be ideal," Seira responds, quickly calculating the time she has on the conjured mounts. "It would allow us to arrive under cover of darkness, without too many observers, and also let me conserve my spells for tomorrow. Let's aim for that?"

[Corwin]

[19:30] <Kotono> Thus the two continue on! Amid the hills of the Enaldis Mountains the two come to Catamact several hours past sundown. A chilly wind is blowing as they approach it. It is a cluster of buildings tucked in between a few hills, unremarkable to an eye that look sat it at night and briefly.
01[19:32] <Seira> Time to see if the cluster of buildings contains an inn, Seira decides, dismounting. Once Amaryl has followed suit, it would be simple to dismiss the steeds. Should they need a swift escape, the ring of teleportation exists for that.
[19:43] <Kotono> Dismounting and joining Seira, "An inn?" she asks, "Will we sleep and work in the morning or...?"
01[19:45] <Seira> "We'll try to find a place to stay, and see how things go," Seira responds, dismissing their mounts. "If news of the cult have reached the capital, they must not be particularly secretive, and likely try to recruit travelers." And doesn't that sound disturbingly close to the Kesse approach? Seira decides not to judge before seeing the cult for herself, however.
[19:50] <Kotono> Thus the two head into the town! Only a few buildings have lights on. One does look to be an inn - one big room, a small communal inn. Several cots and beds are about, a single woman waiting in here. She's ancient, old and toothless as she rises up with her cane. "Aaah, evening, evening travelers! What brings you into here so late in the night?"
01[19:53] <Seira> "We misjudged the distance," Seira responds, shrugging. "And you know how hard it is sometimes to give up with the goal just ahead? A night's sleep in an actual bed over a bedroll by the side of the roll sounds so much better!"
[19:59] <Kotono> "Well, come in dearies," Smiling with black gums and no teeth, a deep lisp in her voice, "The inn's free, take a bed and rest well."
01[20:00] <Seira> "Free?" Seira asks in surprise, even as she steps inside and unfastens her cloak. "Does it run on donations?"
[20:02] <Kotono> "No, it's ran by the community." Smiling again now, "Anyone out this far deserves a place to rest. You can donate a coin to running it if you want, but there's no requirement."
01[20:05] <Seira> "I think I will," Seira muses, draping her cloak over the nearest bed, while mentally asking Lagann whether it senses anything resembling weapons or spring-based traps nearby. "Sounds like a great community, doesn't it, Amy? It's a friendly approach many others should well pick up on."
[20:11] <Kotono> Lagann doesn't detect anything beyond some metal in a bag a ways away. Coins. "It's so nice. Most communities aren't so open," seh gushes.
01[20:14] <Seira> Lagann can keep watch overnight, just to be on the safe side. With that taken care of, Seira gestures at the next bed. "Let's rest up?" she suggests with a smile. "Pleasant though it is to hear about this, the community will still be here in the morning."
[20:24] <Kotono> Thus sleep comes...(More)
[20:30] <Kotono> It's raining coins. Gold coins? Yes, gold coins and silver coins and copper coins and platinum coins. Coins and coins and coins and coins! There are coins falling alla round Seira, like free money from the skies. She stands outside in an open field, as money showers her from the clear blue sky.
06[20:33] * Seira is taken aback. The symbolism is plain to her, but why now? Does Waukeen wish something of her? Did she do something wrong and needs to be shown back on the right path?
[20:39] <Kotono> The coins continue to fall! Seira is up to her hips in them! Her shoulders! Her facE! She's finding herself drowning in coins...no, in water. IN cool water. She's in the ocean now, laughing. Uatu is laughing with her about s omething. She's not sure what, but she knows it was funny. Otherwise, why would she be laughing?
[20:42] <Kotono> OOC - Oolu. Go me.
01[20:43] <Seira> It's probably something perverted, knowing that lech, but Seira can play along just fine! Besides, he's funny and harmless, and she can appreciate that.
[20:47] <Kotono> "Now," Oolu goes on, "What about you?"
01[20:49] <Seira> "If you think that's funny, I've got a better one right here for you," Seira responds, smiling. She can breathe just fine in the water, likely due to her ability to breathe water, and merely floats in it, relaxing. "I traveled through time, twice. Once to the future, and once to the past. You could call them prophetic dreams if you'd like, but each helped me immensely in its own way.
01[20:49] <Seira> And now, it's happening again. How cool is that?"
[20:56] <Kotono> Amaryl giggles and blushes, neck deep in the bathwater as she splashes Seira. "That was cool. But what about that?" she says, pointing at the large troll right besides Seira.
01[20:58] <Seira> "A minor inconvenience," Seira responds, calling upon a cone of fire to smite it.
[21:01] <Kotono> As the troll burns..."Seira?" Amaryl says. Seira sits up in her bed, a bit of smoke and heat around her face. Her shoulder is being shaken. "Seira, wake up!"
01[21:02] <Seira> Seira's eyes snap open, as she instantly takes stock of the situation! Heat doesn't bother her, but there shouldn't be any!
[21:07] <Kotono> She's lying in her bed. There's a bit of smoke in the air! "Seira, you were talking in your sleep and then breathed a bit of fire. Are you alright? Bad dream?" Amaryl says all in a rush.
01[21:11] <Seira> "A strange, lucid... dream?" Seira doesn't sound certain as she says that part, calling upon the Detect Magic cantrip before looking at herself. Could a Nightmare had been cast on her, or a similar effect? She refuses to believe that she simply lost control like that without outside interference.
[21:12] <Kotono> There's no unusual magic around. Sunlight is coming in from windows, watery sunlight. There's a bowl of porridge besides Seira's bed. That's about it. No magic, nothing unusual.
01[21:13] <Seira> "This is impossible," Seira insists. "I have never lost control like this. Never."
[21:17] <Kotono> "What's impossible," Amaryl blinks at Seira. "OVersleeping?"
06[21:18] * Seira blinks. "That too. But the breathing of fire, weird dream combination. You were also in it."
[21:23] <Kotono> "How odd," Amaryl says carefully, "Maybe it was the late night's fault?"
01[21:24] <Seira> "I guess we'll see when we stay here again," Seira muses, batting at the smoke to disperse it. "Where's our host?"
[21:56] <Kotono> "She brought that porridge and went to bed. No one's here right now," Amaryl answers, "It's closer to lunch than breakfast, though."
01[21:57] <Seira> "Let's take a look around once I've eaten?" Seira suggests, a mischievous smile appearing. "I don't have a problem reheating it, after all."
[22:01] <Kotono> Laughing at that, "I'm glad no one was around ot be surprised by that."
[22:05] <Kotono> Breakfast goes without incident. After, "Let's look around town," Amaryl suggests, "Anything in particular?"
01[22:07] <Seira> "How the people here are treating the kids," Seira muses. "You can often tell by that. Plus, they hear more than we think, and don't have much of a problem with sharing it."
[22:12] <Kotono> "Aw," Amaryl smiles a little, "LEt's go see the children then?"
06[22:12] * Seira smiles back. "Let's!"
[22:15] <Kotono> Looking about, you find the children laughing and playing in the fields. About a dozen of them, running about happily enough.
01[22:18] <Seira> "Hey!" Seira calls over to the kids, catching up. "What'cha playing? Can I join, too?"

[Corwin]

[19:18] <Kotono> -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[19:19] <Kotono> <Seira> "I guess we'll see when we stay here again," Seira muses, batting at the smoke to disperse it. "Where's our host?"
[19:19] <Kotono> > "She brought that porridge and went to bed. No one's here right now," Amaryl answers, "It's closer to lunch than breakfast, though."
[19:19] <Kotono> <Seira> "Let's take a look around once I've eaten?" Seira suggests, a mischievous smile appearing. "I don't have a problem reheating it, after all."
[19:19] <Kotono> > Laughing at that, "I'm glad no one was around ot be surprised by that."
[19:19] <Kotono> > Breakfast goes without incident. After, "Let's look around town," Amaryl suggests, "Anything in particular?"
[19:19] <Kotono> <Seira> "How the people here are treating the kids," Seira muses. "You can often tell by that. Plus, they hear more than we think, and don't have much of a problem with sharing it."
[19:19] <Kotono> > "Aw," Amaryl smiles a little, "LEt's go see the children then?"
[19:19] <Kotono> * Seira smiles back. "Let's!"
[19:19] <Kotono> > Looking about, you find the children laughing and playing in the fields. About a dozen of them, running about happily enough.
[19:19] <Kotono> <Seira> "Hey!" Seira calls over to the kids, catching up. "What'cha playing? Can I join, too?"
[19:21] <Kotono> OOC: You're in a human disguise, yes?
01[19:21] <Seira> OOC: Yep!
[19:25] <Kotono> The children run around Seira and Amaryl. Grassy dust is kicked up in the cool air as they do. "Oh, new people!" One of them sings. "New people, new people! We're playing tag!"
01[19:27] <Seira> "I wanna play!" Seira insists, and glances at Amaryl. "How about you? It will be fun!"
[19:28] <Kotono> "Oh...it would be fun, wouldn't it?" Amaryl smiles kindly down to the children, "Can you show us how to play?"
06[19:28] * Seira winks at the kids, before tapping Amaryl on her nose. "You're it!"
[19:30] <Kotono> "H-hey!" Amaryl sputters as the children laugh and run off in all directions! "You can't catch us...!"
06[19:31] * Seira gives her a mischievous smile, and skips back, arms held innocently behind her, before taking off after the kids!
[19:37] <Kotono> The children are laughing and running as Amaryl starts for another few seconds, before she takes off following! She gives hot pursuit to the children and Seira, but has no luck immediately! It takes her a good couple of minutes to get anyone, finally getting a larger boy who is out of breath, tagging off onhim.
06[19:39] * Seira takes it as her cue to appear behind Amaryl and tap her shoulder. "Wouldn't be standing here if I were you," she suggests helpfully. "Out of breath or not," Seira continues in sing-song, "you're still within easy reach!"
[19:52] <Kotono> CAtching her breath for just a moment, "Yes, yes," she eyes Seira with a little smile, "Why me first?"
06[19:53] * Seira matches the smile. "You asked for it. Literally." Taking Amaryl's hand, she runs off with her before the boy Amaryl had tagged is ready to proceed.
[19:56] <Kotono> The two run off! The game continues! The children tend to go after Seira and Amaryl somewhat, but it's not too hard to avoid them. After awhile the children slow down and slacken, breath caught and the game waning. The big boy puts his hand son his hps, "Hey now, now what? Let's play something different!"
01[19:58] <Seira> "Do you have a ball?" Seira asks, squatting down. "I know some great games for that!"
[20:00] <Kotono> "I can get one," A little girl smiles at that, hands on her knees. "You're fun!"
01[20:01] <Seira> "I don't get to play often," Seira laments, before adding sagely, "You must never miss a chance to do it!"
[20:03] <Kotono> The girl runs off at this, "I'll get it!" she carols, as the big boy looks up at Seira. "Where are you from?"
03[20:04] * Ebiris (WinNT@user-544690da.lns5-c12.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #dunes
03[20:04] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Ebiris Ebiris
01[20:05] <Seira> "Well, we started in Valandia, but we've traveled all over since that time," Seira responds. "We even went to the capital! It's really, really huge!" She gestures with her arms, leaping a foot. "The walls are five times higher than that, and there are lots and lots of people!"
[20:05] <Kotono> "Woooooooow!" The children's eyes go large at this. "Really?!"
06[20:08] * Seira nods enthusiastically. "There was also this really large house, where everything was made of silver! It had flowing fountains and crystal and marble, and everything there was shiny."
[20:09] <Kotono> "It was really pretty. You could see your reflection ine verything," Amaryl smiles widely.
[20:10] <Kotono> "Cooooool!" One of the kids gushes!
01[20:10] <Seira> "It's our goal to travel everywhere and see everything," Seira declares proudly, straightening up.
[20:16] <Kotono> "Cool!" The kid repeats, "Even here?"
03[20:17] * Ebiris is now known as Alicia
01[20:17] <Seira> "Even here!" Seira echoes him. "Hey, hey, what should I see here?"
[20:21] <Kotono> "You mean like showy things, big things," The big boy scratche sths die of his head, as the other kids flock around. "Ooooh!" one calls, "Go see the broken hill!
[20:21] <Kotono> "
06[20:22] * Seira tilts her head. "Broken hill? What's that? Where's that? Why is it cool?"
[20:23] <Kotono> "It's several miles away. We're not supposed to go there except one the grown-ups take us. It's like the hill got broken into two!"
01[20:26] <Seira> "It must be okay for us to go, then," Seira says with a shrug. "Where's away?" She points to her left. "That way?"
[20:29] <Kotono> Pointing to the northeast, "That way. Follow the stream ahead, it passes by it."
01[20:31] <Seira> "Great! Sounds like a nice place to take a walk to in the afternoon," Seira muses. "We won't get in the way, would we?"
[20:31] <Kotono> "Get in the way of what?" One child asks, as Amaryl looks that way, peering ahead.
01[20:32] <Seira> "Other people sight-seeing," Seira explains. "You said your parents take you there sometimes, right? We're guests, so we should be polite and stuff!"
[20:33] <Kotono> "Oh no. No one's going there I think?" Frowning, "We usually only go rarely! It's supposed to be dangerous for kids!"
01[20:34] <Seira> "Dangerous places are even better!" Seira exclaims. "We visited this really beautiful place with trees and shade, and there was all the wildlife... but it had shocker lizard so we had to run away!" Seira laughs. "But it was still fun!"
[20:36] <Kotono> "Shocker lizards?" One child asks, "What are those? Are they scary?"
01[20:38] <Seira> "They're lizards who are mean and shock you!" Seira tells them, gesticulating. "If it's one, it's like prickling your finger. But if there's more, you have to run away or they'll keep on shocking you! They're like the bandits of wildlife!"
[20:39] <Kotono> One child whimpers at that, while the big one puts his hand sonhis hips. "That doesn't sound that scary!"
01[20:40] <Seira> "Oh?" Seira smiles smugly. "How about bees? Have you ever seen those?"
[20:42] <Kotono> "Yes..." The child says.
01[20:44] <Seira> "It hurts when one stings you, right? But the pain goes away. But if a hundred bees chase you together, all wanting to sting you, you'll run away, won't you?"
[20:47] <Kotono> "...oh." Shivering, the big kid looks disgusted. "EW!"
01[20:48] <Seira> "It's okay! They're bad at tag, so I think all you guys will be alright!"
[20:54] <Kotono> The children all look creeped out at this. "Really...?"
[20:54] <Kotono> Amaryl smiles to them, "Really. Don't worry, aren't we going to see the broken hill, Sarah?"
01[20:57] <Seira> "Oh? Ah!" Seira nods a few times. "It's not all monsters, out there, so once I'm back we can talk some more, okay? I can tell you the story of the dreaded djinni pirate who was on fire!"
[21:00] <Kotono> "Yay!" The children look interested at that, "A pirate is cool!"
01[21:01] <Seira> "Great!" And maybe they'll play with that ball, too, once she and Amaryl are back. A few miles shouldn't take them more than a couple hours of travel at most.
[21:02] <Kotono> Once the two take off from the children, Amarylt urns to Seira. "You really like children?"
01[21:02] <Seira> "Kids are great," Seira responds. "Because they're honest, and they have all this energy and potential before them."
[21:04] <Kotono> "Humans have so many at once. It must be so hard to keep track of them. But then again, they reach maturity so fast," Marveling at this, Amaryl smiles to Seira. "Did you have a good childhood?"
01[21:06] <Seira> "There was that elf family I came across that had three kids. I guess it takes all kinds?" Seira muses. "As for me? It's really a mixed bag. The parts spent training with the Guard were more fun than most moments at the seminary. It was pretty diverse, you could say."
[21:07] <Kotono> "That a lot," Amaryl marvels, "That mother must have been blessed with fertilty. Oh." At that Amaryl continues on, finding a stream and starting to follow it. "Mmm. Do you thinkt his broken hill is it?"
01[21:08] <Seira> "It might be something worth seeing. Or it might have monsters we could deal with. Or something new entirely! It's fun to be surprised!"
[21:12] <Kotono> Thus the two travel along! The Broken Hill is reached after an hour and a half o walking! It's a steep hill with a deep collapsed center, in the shape of mor eor less of a line. Like the cut a sword would make, almost, only on a vast, huge scale. The hill is barren and rocky, quite steep.
06[21:13] * Seira takes a few moments to observe the landscape, wondering whether it was a natural formation or the cut of a sword is an apt euphemism after all.
[21:14] <Kotono> OOC: What knowledges do you have, SEira?
01[21:14] <Seira> OOC: I could... roll architecture or nature or arcane if you'd like?
[21:14] <Kotono> OOC: Nature's fine. SEc.
01[21:15] <Seira> OOC: 10 for 25?
[21:29] <Kotono> The gash isn't really normal. A normal hill shouldn't crumble like that. There could be a natural cave under it, it could be an odd fissure line or sinkhole, or there could be an outside, non-natural explanation.
01[21:30] <Seira> "Maybe there was an exciting battle here?" Seira asks, sounding eager. "Let's go take a closer look!"
[21:40] <Kotono> "Lead on," Amaryl says, starting to walk around the long way of the hill, going to the bottom of the gash. "Maybe you should goa head, since you can fly?"
06[21:42] * Seira tilts her head. "Sure thing." She casts Voice of the Dragon upon herself, and afterwards switches rings, giving the one capable of teleporting to Amaryl. "Don't hesitate to use it to get away if you need to, alright?"
[21:43] <Kotono> "Okay," Amaryl takes the ring, putting it on. "Careful in there. I can fire arrows if you need to get away from something, remember."
01[21:44] <Seira> "Sure!" And with that, she takes off into the air! It must seem weird to see Seira fly without wings, the motion slightly awkward in comparison to magical flight and bound to confuse those who are both observant and familiar with it.
[21:53] <Kotono> Flying up, Seira takes off into the air! The gash goes very deep into the hill. Much of the hill looks hollow, weathered out. She can't see the bottom very well, though she can make out that there's a ton of rubble and the like there.
01[21:55] <Seira> With an application of Shield and Mirror Image, Seira descends below. Ten minutes or so should give her ample time to look through the area, after all.
01[21:56] <Seira> roll 1d4+4
06[21:56] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d4+4 and gets 6." [1d4=2]
[21:57] <Kotono> Descending down, Seira can see that the bottom is about 100 feet downf rom the gash. The ground is covered with tons of heavy rock, shattered and laying a thick bed and dead end here. The rock under the gash is a little more weathered, more pebbly and wet. The rock to the sides are bigger, more uniform.
01[22:00] <Seira> How odd, Seira decides, tossing an empty scroll case down.
[22:01] <Kotono> The scroll case lands at the bottom! It hits the rocks, bounces lightly once, and settles.
06[22:02] * Seira shrugs, and goes to pick it up. Perhaps actually walking about the area would give Seira a fresh perspective. And if not, she can spare the time to look around for anything unusual.
[22:08] <Kotono> OOC: Make a search check?
01[22:08] <Seira> roll 1d20+21
06[22:08] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+21 and gets 26." [1d20=5]
[22:10] <Kotono> Looking about, Seira fidns a few things. First off, the bottom rock tends towards a dark gray. The rock of the walls is a lighter gray. However, at a few points just at the rockline, Seira can notice something. The edge of what looks to be burn and sear marks, darkening the gray stone.
06[22:10] * Seira checks whether it's recent, as this catches her attention. Enough to call upon the stored spell of Heroism to gain a temporary boost!
[22:14] <Kotono> It does not look recent at all. It looks ancient, so deeply burnt into the rock as to turn the outer layer of it to a scorched stone. Terrible heat did this.
01[22:15] <Seira> Very impressive. "I think it's safe to come closer!" Seira calls over to Amaryl, flying up to the top once more.
01[22:18] <Seira> roll 1d20+22
06[22:18] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+22 and gets 38." [1d20=16]
[22:23] <Kotono> Amaryl slowly comes to the bottom of the gash, peering down into it. "Any idea what it is?" she asks.
01[22:24] <Seira> "A sword of fire," Seira says with a shrug. "Really hot, too! One day I might be able to do that. Want to see it for yourself?"
[22:28] <Kotono> "If it's safe, sure?" Amaryl peers down again, "The ground looks solid, I think?"
01[22:30] <Seira> "I touched it," Seira says, frowning. "Let's try to hover down, and I'll teleport us back if I missed something." She extends her hand. "Hold on?"
[22:31] <Kotono> Amaryl takes Seira's hand and holds on!
06[22:32] * Seira can hardly fly in this state, but she can try a controlled glide to the bottom.
[22:43] <Kotono> This goes well enough. Seira aligns down with Amaryl safely. "Rocky," Amaryl observes.

[Corwin]

[19:26] <Kotono> > Amaryl slowly comes to the bottom of the gash, peering down into it. "Any idea what it is?" she asks.
[19:26] <Kotono> <Seira> "A sword of fire," Seira says with a shrug. "Really hot, too! One day I might be able to do that. Want to see it for yourself?"
[19:26] <Kotono> > "If it's safe, sure?" Amaryl peers down again, "The ground looks solid, I think?"
[19:26] <Kotono> <Seira> "I touched it," Seira says, frowning. "Let's try to hover down, and I'll teleport us back if I missed something." She extends her hand. "Hold on?"
[19:26] <Kotono> > Amaryl takes Seira's hand and holds on1
[19:26] <Kotono> * Seira can hardly fly in this state, but she can try a controlled glide to the bottom.
[19:26] <Kotono> > This goes well enough. Seira aligns down with Amaryl safely. "Rocky,"A maryl observes.
01[19:28] <Seira> "That's what I thought," Seira agrees. "I don't know. Besides being impressive, I'm not really seeing anything. But I haven't really poked around, either. Want to spend the time looking this place over thoroughly?"
[19:29] <Kotono> "If you think it's a good idea," Amaryl says, "Do you think anything will come of it?"
01[19:30] <Seira> "Wasted time might come out of it," Seira responds with a shrug. "But I don't have any pressing engagements lined up for me today."
[19:31] <Kotono> "Let's look then," Amaryl smiles bac to SEira, "Where do you want to start?"
01[19:33] <Seira> "Here, at the edge, where the rock goes between shades of gray...."
[19:35] <Kotono> Thus the two search! They take an hour checking every single bit of stone over carefully, leaving no angle unchecked! At first it looks like this isn't going to yield fruit. However, near the end of the search, Seira finds a few loose rocks between two bigger ones. What's interesting is that there is still faint, faint, faint lines on them. Like some part of a drawing, perhaps? It's only a handful of rocks the size of gumballs, giving only the
[19:35] <Kotono> It's only a handful of rocks the size of gumballs, giving only the faintest hint of what might be.
01[19:39] <Seira> roll 1d20+20
06[19:39] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+20 and gets 34." [1d20=14]
06[19:42] * Seira makes a note of their findings, and collects the rocks in question. Even if she can't make heads or tails of them here, there's always her laboratory back in Balmuria, and Elle, her Dad or Celebrimbor might have a clue as well.
[19:44] <Kotono> "Just some rocks...I feel like a dwarf now," Amaryl stretches back, "Going to go digging for rocks next, Seira?"
01[19:45] <Seira> "Why not?" Seira answers with a shrug. "Hey, Lagann, anything digging-worthy around here?"
[19:46] <Kotono> There is metal a bit to the off-center and deep in, just at the edge of Lagann's senses. It's not too much metal. There's also a few smaller bits scattered here and there.
01[19:47] <Seira> "Doesn't look like they have gold or mithril here, so let's not waste our time," Seira voices. She places her arm around Amaryl's waist, asking her, "Ready to return?"
[19:48] <Kotono> OOC: Going to return to town now?
06[19:49] * Seira intends to use Dimension Door to get them back on the trail, as far as she can make it. The rest would be a pleasant walk back, with a brief half hour pause to memorize the spells she had not replaced yet.
[19:52] <Kotono> It's well into the afternoon when SEira and AMaryl reach Catamact again. The town is bustling down, the sunset coming earlier in a day. A cold wind blows in, winter just around the corner. OOC: Ball's in your court to do whatever you like.
01[19:54] <Seira> It seems like Seira can afford to unwind a bit, and spend the rest of the day playing with the kids for a bit before they have to return, and then rest up and wait for a brand new day. If she and Amaryl remain in the town for that long, perhaps their very presence would draw attention or even an attempt at recruitment.
03[20:01] * Ebiris (WinNT@user-544705e9.wfd82a.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #dunes
03[20:01] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Ebiris Ebiris
[20:03] <Kotono> The day passes well enough. That evening, the toothless woman brings Seira and Amaryl dinner. It's wild deer meet and bread, nothing too fancy. "Eat up and enjoy," she smiles that toothless grin at them, "Did you have a fine day around? I hear you played with the children."
03[20:03] * Ebiris is now known as Alicia
01[20:04] <Seira> "That and we did a bit of sight-seeing," Seira responds. "I'd say it was definitely a fine day, yes."
[20:10] <Kotono> I see, I see," She turns away. "Children are very pleasant. They are young and full of new life."
01[20:11] <Seira> "They are!" Seira agrees. "It's always fun to find time to spend around them!"
[20:14] <Kotono> "Will you remember them, though, in a few weeks?" Asking this as she starts to linger, "Memories fade easily."
[20:15] <Kotono> Amaryl tucks into her food, looking up only at that. "I'm s ure I will when I think about my journies. They were very lively and cute"
01[20:16] <Seira> "What Amy said! And my memory is pretty great normally, so I bet I would." Seira laughs. "I think a better question is whether we'll be remembered by them once we're gone."
[20:17] <Kotono> "I'm sure you will," The toothless woman says easily, slipping back and away now. "Enjoy your dinner."
06[20:18] * Seira sees no reason to, wondering as she eats whether the weird dream last night was just a fluke, or something exists about this place to cause it.
[20:21] <Kotono> The night slips by. Seira wakens just at dawnbreak from the grips of a forgotten dream. The remnants of it are unknown, but her heart beats like a drum in overdrive. Sweat dots her face and body, a cold sweat that leaves her shivering under her blankets. She can't remember a thing about it...except a flash of a hand going for her face.
01[20:23] <Seira> 'Alright, this is an important question,' Seira thinks, doing her best to regulate her breathing. 'Lagann, did you hear or sense anyone come near me during the night?'
[20:25] <Kotono> 'No,' Lagann says, 'Metal, want metallllll.'
01[20:28] <Seira> "Ah, this is such a pain," Seira mutters, looking around for Amaryl.
[20:29] <Kotono> Amaryl is at the next cot. She's drinking some water and looking at Seira. "Oh, you're upe arly too. Mroning," she smiles over the water. "What's a pain?"
01[20:30] <Seira> "Weird dreams, second night in a row. How about you?"
[20:31] <Kotono> "No problems. You looked dead asleep last time I saw you, about five minutes ago, before I went to get water?" Amaryl sips at her water, "Want some?"
01[20:34] <Seira> "I'm good, thanks," Seira tells her. "Do you have any plans for today? I'm thinking of cheating, but that's me."
[20:36] <Kotono> Blinking hard a tthat, "S-s-seira?" she says in a small little voice, "What do you mean by that?"
06[20:37] * Seira frowns, before leaning closer and whispering, "Remember what I told you in the capital? About ways of approaching a problem?"
[20:37] <Kotono> "Oh! Amaryl gasps, "OH! Yes, yes, you mean magic then?"
01[20:37] <Seira> "Yes, I mean that thing I didn't want to name in case there is an actual problem here and someone might be listening in," Seira confirms quietly, nodding.
[20:39] <Kotono> "What are you going to do then," Amaryl whispers right back.
01[20:40] <Seira> "Nothing nasty. Just the usual, sneaky stuff," Seira muses. "Let's go take a walk and see the area some more. I'll pick the right tools, and then we could check and see what the adults are doing with their time, here. And, as always, I'm open to suggestions."
[20:41] <Kotono> "I think we need to get a good breakfast and then try to find someone that'll talk," Amaryl says, "The longer we stay here the more attention we'll get. IF they're hostile, it's best to end it on our terms and not theirs, right?"
01[20:43] <Seira> "I've been kind of hoping they aren't," Seira says with a sigh. "It would be depressing. And also, I think I need to fast. My paranoid side is rearing its head, so going without breakfast to calm it is the least I could do."
[20:44] <Kotono> Breakfast is porridge with a bit of cream. IT's simple enough, dawn past and the early morning bright as the two prepare to go out...OOC: Just going to go walk and mingle nad see the town?
01[20:44] <Seira> OOC: And switch my spells somewhere a bit out of town
[20:45] <Kotono> OOC: Edit your spells and let me know when that's done?
[20:51] <Kotono> The town is lively this morning. A group of hunters looks to be departing town just now, women are going to the wells for water, farmers are dealing with animals, and so on. Pretty routine on aglance.
01[20:52] <Seira> Finding a bit of cover, Seira casts a spell to be able to hear the surface thoughts of the townspeople. Her first priority, however, is to see whether an intelligence beyond what one expects to find in such a town is present.
[20:53] <Kotono> OOC: What's your DC on it, just for reference? But right now you're just skimming for smart people?
01[20:55] <Seira> OOC: Yes. DC is 21.
[20:56] <Kotono> Most of the people are average, around 8 to 12 intelligence. There's a few outliers of note. One fieldhand, smiling and whistling as he works, has an intelligence of 6. One of the women getting water from a well has an intelligence of 15. An older man, sitting on his porch and watching the day go by, has an intelligence of 16.
06[20:57] * Seira is fairly curious about their generous host as well!
[20:59] <Kotono> The toothless woman is found just going to bed, passed by as she leaves the inn for some water. She has intelligence 12.
01[21:04] <Seira> "Do you need help with that?" Seira offers, feeling a slightly bit guilty for using magic to glance into the thoughts of people who have been nothing but kind to her. But so was Armanda, she reminds herself, until-- "It's the least I could do while taking advantage of your hospitality!"
[21:06] <Kotono> Holding out the bucket of water, "How kind of you," she smiles,s lurring the words, "Thank you."
[21:07] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4
06[21:07] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+4 and gets 22." [1d20=18]
06[21:08] * Seira takes it from the woman's grasp, adjusting her strength to what merely a very fit human her age might have. "That's alright! People here help you all the time, don't they? We should all do our part whenever we can."
[21:11] <Kotono> Falling ins tep with Seira and Amaryl, "Thank you still. You're an outsider to this town, there was no obligation to help an old townswoman." Smiling at that as you head down thes treet, "So I thank you."
01[21:12] <Seira> "I guess there is a selfish motive!" Seira pipes up. "Everyone wants to be remembered, don't they?" She smiles. "What better way to do it, then?"
[21:14] <Kotono> "Death does come to everyone. No one wants to be forgotten here," she says to that, "Bein gan old woman gives you an added perspective to that."
01[21:15] <Seira> "Dragons escape it," Seira muses, setting the bucket down safely. "Unless they become a menace and heroes gather to kill them and take their things."
[21:17] <Kotono> "Dragons?!" With a shocked look, "I suppose they do, but even dragons die eventually from force of arms, do they not? The last dragon I heard of, Kondrux, died in a neighboring country."
01[21:18] <Seira> "I heard the story, too! Maybe I should tell it to the kids before I go?" Seira looks uncertain. "Then again, it might be a bit scary for them."
[21:19] <Kotono> "It's been told," she says as they reach a small cottage. "I can take it from here. Thank you so much, both of you."
01[21:21] <Seira> "Don't mention it!" Seira tells her in parting, before going to find another person to chat with. The old man she passed by earlier doesn't seem like he's busy, so she decides to try talking to him next.
[21:30] <Kotono> The older man has a white stubble of whiskers and drinks from an old bottle. His feet are up on a chair, his smile genial. "Oh, you're those adventurers I heard wre in town." he says, "I heard you were playing with the children."
01[21:31] <Seira> "It seems we're easy targets for gossip," Seira agrees, smiling at him. "Although it beats me what people are saying about us." And to be fair, she is a bit curious.
[21:32] <Kotono> "Oh, nothing too important. Just that you like to play with teh children and went off to Broken Hill." he sa ys, drinking from his bottle.
[21:33] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3
06[21:33] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+3 and gets 10." [1d20=7]
01[21:34] <Seira> "You know, that place is pretty impressive!" Seira exclaims. "It's like some really powerful magic struck from the heavens and split it in two!"
[21:36] <Kotono> "I always figured it was a odd sinkhole," He shrugs as he drinks again, "That or a sign of a God's wrath."
01[21:37] <Seira> "Oh, no! No, no, no!" Seira insists. "It's not a sinkhole! I study nature as a hobby, and that's definitely not a natural formation! No chance of it!"
[21:37] <Kotono> "Really?" Raising an eyebrow now, "It does look odd, now that you mention it."
06[21:40] * Seira nods enthusiastically. "All over the world, places exist just like it," she confides in the man. "Some are really obvious, like the wastes. Others are downright eerie -- I heard tales of a forest where a wind doesn't blow, and time itself has stopped for its inhabitants. And this hill you people have... whatever made it was hotter than a dragon's flame. It was definitely powerful magic.
01[21:40] <Seira> Maybe even divine magic, like you suggested!"
01[21:40] <Seira> It's not, not really. At least Seira doubts it. But the story does sound better this way.
[21:42] <Kotono> "I've heard of the wastes," he allows, "I wonder sometimes, though..oh yes! Ages ago a wizard passed through the town and looked at the Broken Hill. Nothing came of it, I think. At least I remember him leaving town looking dissapointed."
06[21:44] * Seira looks disappointed herself, as if she were trying to hide it but not too successfully. "Oh, is that so?" she asks. "Well, that's a wizard. They don't always specialize in the right things, preferring to, you know--" Seira throws her hands up, "--boom! And there was lots of fire."
[21:45] <Kotono> "Oh, I wouldn't know. But still..." A long shrug again, "Have you ever met any wizards?"
01[21:48] <Seira> "Of course!" Seira straightens up, showing pride in her accomplishments. "Several! Fireball is a really strong spell, and it's pretty impressive up close. Well, not too up close. But reasonably, within half a mile, up close."
[21:49] <Kotono> "Ah." He nods a little at that, "It must be amazing to see them in action. I've never had the chance."
01[21:49] <Seira> "The wizard who came through never did anything?" Seira asks sympathetically. "That's just cold of him."
[21:50] <Kotono> "He was pretty focused on that hill once he caught wind of it," he shrugs, "That's what I remember. Not the most social fellow."
[21:53] <Kotono> Amaryl keeps a more polite distance, "I hear most wizards are old men who stay in cobwebbed old towers," Amaryl adds.
01[21:54] <Seira> "Well, they can't all be that or we would never come across them," Seira reasons logically. "Besides, one wizard I met was an older woman. She fought with a dog. Used all sorts of spells to make it really strong and invicincible, from what I got told. Really cute dog, otherwise, so I couldn't really tell."
[21:55] <Kotono> "How curious. A dog..." A long shrug there, "Ah well. I've seens tranger."
01[21:56] <Seira> "I actually asked. I mean, why dog?" Seira shrugs. "The answer really made sense, too. Think about the reaction if she traveled with a huge tiger. Bad, right? And staying at inns is really nice. Much better than camping out!"
[21:57] <Kotono> "Oh, I suppose....What's a tiger?" He asks after, "Couldn't a wizard just make them go along with it, though," He waves a hand.
01[21:58] <Seira> "A really large cat with really large teeth," Seira responds, before tilting her head. "Huh. Never thought of that. I suppose a wizard could. I mean, wizard, right? Anything's possible."
[22:00] <Kotono> "I suppose," he says again, drinking long from his bottle.
06[22:06] * Seira maintains small talk until it is polite to excuse herself, deciding to call it a day. "I think we've seen all we could here," she tells Amaryl. "Let's set off tomorrow morning, with the whole day open before us?"
[22:06] <Kotono> "What's going on," Amaryl asks as theyw alk away, "Did you get something useful from him?"
01[22:09] <Seira> "We were suspicious, but I think we've managed to alleviate his concerns," Seira fills her in quietly. "Given the way gossip about us made the rounds, it's likely so will the contents of our conversation here. However, he had a stray thought about some new church that sprung up here, and how he hoped we wouldn't get involved or it might lead to trouble." She shrugs.
01[22:09] <Seira> "It doesn't even have to mean what it suggests, but we should leave formally and consider our next move. Scrying might do, and barring that, sneaking back in with magic to cover our tracks."
[22:10] <Kotono> "Ah, okay," Amaryl says agreeably tot hat, "Let's get out of here and then set up camp a ways from here?"
06[22:11] * Seira frowns. "I was thinking of pretending to sleep and see just what's been bothering me the past two nights, but I won't gamble with your safety. Are you that set on leaving without staying another night?"
[22:13] <Kotono> "Oh. No, I thought you meant we'd leve right now. Sorry." Amaryl smiles, "Let's do that then?"
01[22:14] <Seira> "Sure," Seira agrees. "Just remember to never take off that ring." She pretends to recall something just then. "Oh, and that man thought you were really pretty. What a nice, honest person!"
[22:15] <Kotono> "Oh!" Turning red at that, "Um...um...."
[22:17] <Kotono> Night comes along! Seira lies down in bed, pretending to be asleep while not! The evening slips by slowly...and slowly...and slowly...A bit past midnight she feels sleepy, bu tnothing out of the ordinary has happened yet.
01[22:18] <Seira> Given the way spells of this nature would fail to affect her, only divine magic or her own weakness would make her submit to slumber. And Seira can surely wait just long enough to make it to the morning, where they'll leave town and teleport to a safe haven.
[22:19] <Kotono> The night passes. Come dawn Seira is outright tired, but nothing unusual has happened. Amaryl is up on her bed, waiting. OOC: You're fatigued, Seira.
01[22:22] <Seira> Even without illusion magic, Seira can appear cheerful and avoid strenuous activity to pass as having rested. "Let's leave all our silver coins as donations?" Seira suggests to Amaryl. "Before we leave."
[22:29] <Kotono> "Sure," she says, "When do youw ant to go?"
01[22:30] <Seira> "As soon as you can get ready? We'll just say goodbye to our host and leave."
[22:30] <Kotono> Getting ready to go goes without incident. Your hostess smiles to the two, "Leaving Catamact now?" she asks.
01[22:32] <Seira> "Yeah," Seira agrees. "Two-three days is plenty to see a place, don't you think? It is when your life's one big adventure, anyway." She laughs a bit. "We met the people, made friends with some great kids and saw the local sights. That's pretty much it, wouldn't you say?"
[22:33] <Kotono> "It is," she agrees, "Travel safely, the both of you."
01[22:35] <Seira> "Thanks!" Seira gives her a little wave. "Maybe we'll come again some time!"
[22:36] <Kotono> "Thank you for being so generous," Amaryl bows slightly, "May your town prosper and grow."
01[22:40] <Seira> Seira's plan is simple enough. Leave town. Travel at a relaxed pace for an hour or two, and if there's no indication that they're being pursued, to teleport back to her inn with the teleport spell.
[22:41] <Kotono> This goes without incident, two hours passing with no signs of pursuit!
[22:42] <Kotono> OOC: Roll tP?
01[22:42] <Seira> roll 1d100
06[22:42] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 and gets 3." [1d100=3]
[22:43] <Kotono> Woosh! The two appear safely back in Seira's backyard!
01[22:45] <Seira> Tired. Tired, tired, tired. "I'll just drop the exciting rocks we found with Elle and get some sleep, alright?" Seira tells Amaryl. "I think trying to scry on the townspeople at night would give us the best result. There's clearly a church, so once we see why it has to be secretive, we'll be one step closer to solving our riddle."
[22:46] <Kotono> "I can take them over," Amaryl offers, patting Seira on the shoulder, "Go get some sleep?"
01[22:48] <Seira> "Thanks, you're a lifesaver," Seira says, smiling despite her fatigue. "See if you can borrow Elle's mirror while you're at it? I swear I'll get one of my own some day, with the use the scrying spell's been getting. Maybe something more portable...." Seira trails off, yawning.
[22:48] <Kotono> OOC: Skip along?
01[22:51] <Seira> OOC: Yeah. I'll get Scrying for all my lvl4 spells, keep lvl5 blank and fill lvl1 with equal parts message and detect magic. lvl2-3 is as posted.
[22:51] <Kotono> OOC: Okay. Want Amaryl there with you?
01[22:52] <Seira> OOC: Yep
01[22:53] <Seira> OOC: I know them but that's it, so it'd be dc23
[22:53] <Kotono> The two gather in Seira's bedroom, a silver, polished mirror in front of them! OOC: Ball's in your court here, Seira. Declare who you're scrying?
01[22:55] <Seira> "Let's see if we can scry on that old man?" Seira suggests. "My weaker spell worked on him, which gives me hope for this one, and he certainly knew of the church we are to investigate."
[22:57] <Kotono> Thus Seira casts!
[22:57] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3
06[22:57] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+3 and gets 22." [1d20=19]
[22:57] <Kotono> OOC: DC 23, that means I need to actually check if any of the mods apply.
01[22:58] <Seira> OOC: Unless there are special mods, like I said, it's 0
01[22:58] <Seira> OOC: If their church is on another plane, I will laugh
[22:59] <Kotono> Seira sees the old man! He's lying in a rocking chair in front of a warm fire, a blanket over him. He's asleep, chin resting on his chest.
01[23:01] <Seira> Unfortunate and annoying. But Seira will keep on watching until the spell runs out, if only for the chance that someone might show up. She also takes this chance to examine the man's surroundings, in case anything of interest can be spotted within the range of her sensor.
01[23:01] <Seira> roll 1d100 casting DM
06[23:01] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 casting DM and gets 99." [1d100=99]
[23:02] <Kotono> Detect magic fails through the scrying sensor.
[23:03] <Kotono> Nothing seems to be happening at all, besides an old man sleeping in front of the fire.
06[23:05] * Seira decides to try scrying on the dimwitted fieldhand next. If she were recruiting for a cult, that would be just the sort of man she would want for it as muscle. If she were recruiting and evil, that is.
[23:05] <Kotono> roll 1d20-1
06[23:05] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20-1 and gets 18." [1d20=19]
[23:05] <Kotono> The fieldhand is currently carrying a backpack, walking in the night. He's whistling to himself.
01[23:06] <Seira> That looks like she's getting somewhere! Seira keeps at it, casting Message and Detect Magic through the link in succession.
01[23:06] <Seira> roll 1d100 Message
06[23:06] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 Message and gets 40." [1d100=40]
01[23:07] <Seira> roll 1d100 DM
06[23:07] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 DM and gets 63." [1d100=63]
[23:07] <Kotono> No magic on the man at all as he advances on. He goes into a normal looking farmhouse of stone. Inside the lights are on, a few men and women there. A bunch of scrolls, ink pots, and odd vials are about. "Here you go," he says cheerfully!
06[23:08] * Seira looks on cheerfully! If the vials are nonmagical, then the scrolls would get her attention, as well as the faces of the people and the location of the farmhouse. Worst case, she struck out again and would have to try her luck elsewhere.

[Corwin]

[19:53] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 Message and gets 40." [1d100=40]
[19:53] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> <Seira> roll 1d100 DM
[19:53] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 DM and gets 63." [1d100=63]
[19:53] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> > No magic on the man at all as he advances on. He goes into a normal looking farmhouse of stone. Inside the lights are on, a few men and women there. A bunch of scrolls, ink pots, and odd vials are about. "Here you go," he says cheerfully!
[19:53] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> * Seira looks on cheerfully! If the vials are nonmagical, then the scrolls would get her attention, as well as the faces of the people and the location of the farmhouse. Worst case, she struck out again and would have to try her luck elsewhere.
03[19:54] * taislp is now known as Demedais
[19:59] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The vials are non-magical. The people are vaguely familiar - she saw them in Catamact, though none got her attention.  On the papers, she can make out writing. It looks to be lists of people's names, causes of death, and an outer plane.
01[20:00] <Seira> Which outer plane, Seira wonders, as she commits the names listed to memory.
03[20:00] * Ebiris (WinNT@user-5af0e4f7.wfd96.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #dunes
01[20:01] <Seira> And she can't help but briefly scan the lists to see whether the causes of death are violent in nature.
03[20:01] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Ebiris Ebiris
[20:11] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> It varies. Mostly neutral and good aligned ones, though one 'Magrat Syl' is going to the Abyss. Most of the deathsa re utterly mundane. Age, sickness, accident. The ink is sprinkled with powder from the vials, a gray-white, dusty looking powder.
03[20:12] * Ebiris is now known as Alicia
06[20:13] * Seira wonders whether she'll catch any interesting conversation before the spell runs out. Even if not, she still has another scrying spell in store to further study the weirdoes creeping her out.
[20:15] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The people there write and write and write! The big man stumbles off as they do, waving and leaving the room.
03[20:15] * Rei-chan (Rei-chan@user-5af0e4f7.wfd96.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #dunes
06[20:16] * Seira makes a special mention in her memory for those names being currently written, as it might be helpful to know whether those deaths have occured already, before sadly following the farmhand outside.
03[20:17] * Seira sets mode: +v Rei-chan
01[20:17] <Seira> roll 1d20+11
[20:17] <Rei-chan> Seira rolled : 1d20+11 --> [ 1d20=12 ]{23}
01[20:19] <Seira> If the man is leaving for home, Seira will make the most of it and study the route, so that she might be able to isolate the house she had just scried upon.
[20:20] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The man goes outside and stars up at the sky for awhile, before heading home. The house is a little outside of town, a dirt path leading to it. The man's house is a small house, lingering outside awhile, looking up at the sky, before he falls asleep on his front porch.
01[20:21] <Seira> How unfortunate. But Seira decides to use her last prepared scrying spell to look in on the group she had spotted during her previous divination. She arbitrarily picks the person who wrote Magrat Syl's name, and hopes that the group hadn't disbanded in the hour that it took her to finish preparations.
[20:22] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+7
[20:22] <Rei-chan> Infinite_Ko_Loop rolled : 1d20+7 --> [ 1d20=16 ]{23}
[20:22] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Seira takes an hour to cast and prepare, but the scrying regretably fails at the end.
06[20:25] * Seira begins to take it a bit personally, and spends some time with her spellbook, memorizing two more scrying spells. She can't just let things end like this! Her target this time around is entirely random, just a person glimpsed at that gathering, preferably one of those she had met in town earlier while sight-seeing and exploring.
[20:26] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d100
[20:26] <Rei-chan> Infinite_Ko_Loop rolled : 1d100 --> [ 1d100=51 ]{51}
[20:26] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+2
[20:26] <Rei-chan> Infinite_Ko_Loop rolled : 1d20+2 --> [ 1d20=18 ]{20}
[20:30] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Grabbing a person at random turns out to be a housewife. She's currently kneeling in front of a common room's fireplace, putting a few more logs on it. She rubs her hands together infront of it, blowing into her hands. "Brrr..." she murmurs.
[20:31] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOOC: Strike, sorry, I misread your line.
[20:32] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+6 resaving since it was the wrong target, my fault
[20:32] <Rei-chan> Infinite_Ko_Loop rolled : 1d20+6 resaving since it was the wrong target, my fault --> [ 1d20=5 ]{11}
[20:32] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The image of the three appears again! They are still at the scrolls, working away dutifully.
06[20:33] * Seira has thirteen minutes on the clock and hopes the cultists say anything in that time that would help her make sense in the weirdness, pretty much. As well as using the time to study them and their work more closely.
[20:40] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The three continue to work. They write names in a near trance, sprinkling them with that strange dusty powder after. At about ten minutes in, one of the three stops. "My trance has ended," he announces. "Lord Jergal has no more for me to record this evening."
01[20:42] <Seira> So that confirms her guess, which reassures Seira somewhat. Only curiousity keeps her attentive to the scrying mirror until the spell runs out.
[20:43] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Nothing much happens until it runs out, the three continuing to work. Thus the spell ends.
06[20:44] * Seira frowns, and briefly goes over the list of names. Though chances are slim, she wonders whether any of them match people she came across.
[20:45] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> None of them are familiar. It's a varied set of names from different regions and with no apparent pattern. Amaryl looks on after all of that, "Jergal?" she asks, "Who or what is Jergal?"
01[20:48] <Seira> "Some death god, sort of," Seira responds. "Not a nasty one, from what I can recall. It's quite possible that the people being written down are going to die or have done so recently. Actually, it should be possible to confirm this, given we have easy access to the resources of both the Baronies and Malmuth for this.
01[20:48] <Seira> All in all, we'd better first check with the church of Waukeen to consult, in case I'm remembering this wrong."
[20:49] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Are they open this late," Amaryl asks with a smothered yawn.
01[20:50] <Seira> "Well, they could, but we don't have to go right away. How about we time it to see the services? Might be fun!"
[20:50] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "The morning ones you mean?" Amaryl yawns again, "That's fine. It's just late now. Scrying takes too long to cast."
01[20:52] <Seira> "Yeah," Seira agrees. "To both. All. Whatever. Let's catch a few hours of sleep, then?"
[20:55] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC: ARe you just going to be info-digging for Jergal stuff or is there more do it?
[20:55] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC: to it?
01[20:56] <Seira> OOC: I'd like to hear the info first
01[20:56] <Seira> OOC: There might be more! I don't really know just yet.
[20:57] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Taking some time to ask and check libraries, Seira is able to find out the following about Jergal:
[21:00] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Jergal is the seneschal of Kelemvor. He is the god of fatalism, proper burials and the guardian of tombs. He's a very minor, obscure God, rarely seen out of Kelemvor's shadow. His cults are exceedingly rare and focus on recording the deaths of every living mortal being in existance. It is whispered that some clerics of Jergal long ago were granted undeath with Jergal's blessing, so that they can continue to scribe for all eternity.
[21:00] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> ergal's blessing, so that they can continue to scribe for all eternity.
01[21:05] <Seira> Well. If Seira ever wants to be an immortal bureaucrat, she knows who to worship. It seems that her investigation does not need to proceed, and she can report to Queen Tant next morning, once she'd rested up a bit and regained her ability to teleport long distances.
01[21:09] <Seira> And there is actually something that she can do in the meantime. It shouldn't be too difficult to find an artist capable of rendering the faces of those involved into serviceable sketches, and Seira decides to have that done before her teleport seeking a repeat audience.
[21:14] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> All of that goes without incident. Getting an audience with Queen Tant is fairly painless, everyone seems to be waiting and expecting Seira. She is escorted through the tunnels once more, taken to the throne room hidden back away in the depths of the Malmuthian Palace. Here Queen Tant sits, "Welcome back," she calls as the two enter, "Has your mission been successful?"
01[21:17] <Seira> "I believe so, Your Majesty," Seira responds, once the pleasantries are dealt with. "I believe that the religion spoken of follows Jergal, and aside from being fairly morbid, the biggest threat it currently presents is from boring someone caught in one at their gatherings to death."
06[21:17] * Seira pauses. "I have prepared a report, should Malmuth wish to act upon this in any way, which goes into the cult's active participants and the philosophy they adhere to."
[21:19] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Amaryl cutsies deeply to Queen Tant, staying behind Seira.  To this, Queen Tant speaks, "Thank you for your service. Jergal...that is an obscure God, is it not? I do not recall him being in our speculation son whom they may worship."
01[21:23] <Seira> "A demi-god might be a better way of putting it, Your Highness," Seira elaborates. "He follows Kelemvor, which should become obvious in retrospect for anyone who spends a few days in that town, mingling with the denizens. A brief synopsis of what we know of his domain and worship is included with this report."
06[21:23] * Seira withdraws a few rolls of parchments, bound together with a string, bowing her head as she presents it.
[21:23] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The scrolls are taken. "Our Empire thanks you for your selfless act of service, Seira."
01[21:25] <Seira> "Working towards a better world is hardly selfless, Your Majesty," Seira comments, curtsying at the praise. "I, too, have to live in it, after all."
[21:34] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "You speak with wisdom beyond your years," Queen Tant nods slightly to that.
01[21:38] <Seira> She's being called too young again, probably. But isn't being young a compliment? Not letting any signs of her confusion appear visibly, Seira decides to just proceed onwards.
01[21:38] <Seira> "Thank you for those kind words, Your Highness. And as for the other matter of rejuvenating the damaged sections of our world, I will arrange for those involved in the project on our end to contact you, if it is still Malmuth's wish to proceed with this joint project."

[Corwin]

[16:17] <Kotono> > The scrolls are taken. "Our Empire thanks you for your selfless act of service, Seira."
[16:17] <Kotono> <Seira> "Working towards a better world is hardly selfless, Your Majesty," Seira comments, curtsying at the praise. "I, too, have to live in it, after all."
[16:17] <Kotono> > "You speak with wisdom beyond your years," Queen Tant nods slightly to that.
[16:17] <Kotono> <Seira> She's being called too young again, probably. But isn't being young a compliment? Not letting any signs of her confusion appear visibly, Seira decides to just proceed onwards.
[16:17] <Kotono> <Seira> "Thank you for those kind words, Your Highness. And as for the other matter of rejuvenating the damaged sections of our world, I will arrange for those involved in the project on our end to contact you, if it is still Malmuth's wish to proceed with this joint project."
[16:20] <Kotono> "We are," Queen Tant agrees to that.
01[16:22] <Seira> "The matter might take some time to come together on our end," Seira tells the queen. "If Your Highness can prepare a reciprocal team of qualified mages while I handle the logistics at our facilities, things should go all the smoother for it."
[16:24] <Kotono> "This is agreeable," Queen Tant says again, "If the last west can be reclaimed, it would be a coup for both our nations."
01[16:25] <Seira> "Indeed," Seira agrees. "It is hard to believe, but such things are finally within reach."
[16:26] <Kotono> "Yes. Are there other matters you wished to address during this time, Seira?"
01[16:31] <Seira> They're already covered the avenues of communications, and settled on Valandia and Claris as the point of contact from Malmuth's side. The financial matters are tied strongly into that. And the only thing left is....
01[16:31] <Seira> "Your Majesty, this is a... request of a personal nature, I'm afraid. If you are still willing to hear it, I would be honored."
[16:32] <Kotono> After a moment, Queen Tant nods. "Speak, Seira."
01[16:34] <Seira> "I am trying to promote better understanding between all our neighbors and ourselves through education, by means of the magic school I have established," Seira elaborates. "Though it might be presumptious of me, if I could request to have the chance to acquire several Malmuthian students, I believe that the exchange will be good for everyone involved."
[16:39] <Kotono> There's a longer pause at this, before Queen Tant nods slightly. "This is a serious request. We will take your words on this under consideration for acceptance, and if so, how many."
01[16:43] <Seira> "That is all I ask," Seira responds. "Children are the future, and mages grow up to be the pillars of society. If only enough of them knew each other, grew up with one another and felt that they could trust the others, what seems like insurmountable problems today may be easily solved by working together, not one against the other, in the future."
03[16:53] * Retrieving #dunes modes...
[16:53] <Kotono> "Your optimism springs deep and strongly," Queen Tant observes.
01[16:55] <Seira> "Even though people have a choice, I believe they are naturally inclined towards goodness!" Seira says brightly. "All they need is for that sense of right and wrong to be nurtured!"
[17:00] <Kotono> "Such is the question, is it not?" Queen Tant considers again after some time. "Very well, we will consider this request, Seira."
06[17:00] * Seira bows deeply. "Once again, you have my gratitude, Your Majesty."
[17:03] <Kotono> "Mine as well, Your Majesty," Amaryl adds in there, bowing.

[Corwin]

[20:41] <Koaway> OOC: You wanna talk to Gil, Seira?
01[20:41] <Seira> OOC: Sure thing! Up to Amaryl if she comes or wants to stay at the inn.
03[20:42] * Ebiris is now known as Alicia
[20:44] <Koaway> Amaryl and Seira head to the Temple of Waukeen. Amaryl looks about at the wealth absently, not at all enthralled as you head back to Gil's private quarters. Once there, Gil sips a glass of wine and looks out the windows. "The planes again, eh?"
01[20:46] <Seira> "And for a cause just as noble," Seira agrees, herself excited to be near so much wealth. It always symbolizes change for the better to her, since the temple isn't hoarding it merely for the sake of having the gold. "I could bring you into confidence on this matter, though it can't go past this room," she suggests, the offer carrying a warning.
[20:48] <Koaway> "Go on," Sipping long at his wine, "Information is always worth hearing."
01[20:49] <Seira> "It concerns Kesse," Seira says, joining him by the window. "You are aware of what went on with the royal family there, of course."
03[20:49] * Koaway is now known as Kotono
[20:54] <Kotono> "I've heard some of it. Gruesome business, the attack on th e Temple of Mystra was intolerable. To think some tinpot kingdom would attack us over a trifling matter?"
01[20:58] <Seira> "It was more than that. They opposed everything we stood for, apparently. To the point where Shar herself commanded them to destroy us." Seira shrugs. "Well, they failed. I think we've done as much as we could under the circumstances to help the kingdom rebuild. I'm still working on keeping the peace in the region. And that leaves the woman at the helm, the newly-minted Queen, Gizelle.
01[20:58] <Seira> Gilartal, the Shar-worshipping royals were evil and twisted beyond what your mind could conjure, and the people we've rescued from them, after several years of capture, no longer resembled men. Giselle, however... she was with them her entire life. You understand what that means, don't you?"
[21:01] <Kotono> "That she's a broken shell of a woman, if she's been allowed to live by both you and them?" He ventures, "The only think that makes sense is that she was an innocent that they tormented and you propped up?"
01[21:04] <Seira> "The military propped her up," Seira says, shaking her head. "I only allowed it after reaching her, and hearing from Giselle herself during a lucid moment that she wanted the burden of leading her country. But you see my dilemma? I also offered to help. This trip is designed to do just that, in the best way I can think of. Giselle needs therapy, and I can't provide it to her.
01[21:04] <Seira> But that doesn't mean I can't hire someone who could, and I know what I'm looking for."
[21:05] <Kotono> "A worthwhile goal for Kesse." Leaning back as he puts aside his wineglass, "Kesse is beyond the reaches or our normal travel and trade, is it not?"
01[21:06] <Seira> "For now. However, I have designs for that as well, medium-term designs that would assure any trade they have with us is truly exclusive."
[21:09] <Kotono> "Magic, I see. You mean instances of regular teleportation?" Gil raises an eyeborw now, "That could raise startlingly choice amounts of money, if it could be done reliably and afforably."
06[21:10] * Seira throws a quick glance at Amaryl. "Yes. That, and a flying ship. The only thing holding me back right now is a lack of available funds, but once I've recovered my capital to the point it was before Kesse's attack, I will be able to proceed with both in parallel."
[21:11] <Kotono> "Mmmph. Fascinating at the implied odds of great profit later," Folding his hands under his head now as he leans forward, "Naturally, such trade would travel through the proper channels?"
01[21:13] <Seira> "It won't be a black market," Seira affirms. "Kesse is to build two promenades to Waukeen, and they may not stop there, either, once the idea takes off. It's present leadership is pragmatic, and... not really as antagonistic as you might expect it to be, under the circumstances. They seem cautiously friendly, and I hope it's true, and not an act." She snorts.
01[21:13] <Seira> "And if it it, then it's just one more reason to help get Giselle back on her feet."
[21:16] <Kotono> "That makes good sense. So you say you need to go to Elysium or thereabouts for this?" he asks.
01[21:18] <Seira> "I want a good person who will be close enough to Waukeen to understand all the aspects of what we're trying to accomplish," Seira responds to that. "Perhaps, if she approves of this quest, she will arrange for a meeting. All in all, the trip should be a pleasant one and allow you to make important acquaintances, while not putting you in any danger. What do you say?"
[21:25] <Kotono> "Waukeen's Realm..." Stroking his chin, "I'll take you there if you want. But, I'd rather not stay in Brightwater. I'll have time enough for that when my years here run out. From what I've been reading, it's far too easy to end up never leaving."
01[21:27] <Seira> "Elysium it is, then," Seira decides. "If we can't find what I seek there, then we'll try elsewhere. I'm certain that even if we don't visit directly, Waukeen will provide."
[21:33] <Kotono> "Technically that's in Arborea," Rubbing his chin, "Not Elysium. My mistake, thinking on it. But Elysium works fine as well."
01[21:34] <Seira> "When would it be possible for us to leave?"
[21:35] <Kotono> "Tomorrow," Gilartal stands, "For the return trip, can you manage to use a scroll successfully?"
01[21:36] <Seira> "It's possible," Seira says, though she seems doubtful. "You wouldn't want to visit Elysium with us?"
[21:38] <Kotono> "No. Honestly, I'd rather leave the great beyond to after I die." With a shrug there, "There's enough here to keep me busy."
01[21:39] <Seira> "I should be able to get back, somehow," Seira muses. "It's not really a hostile place. Having gold would make it possible, if nothing else."
[21:41] <Kotono> "Alright then, we'll leave in the morning," Gilartal agrees. OOC: Ready to skip ahead?
01[21:41] <Seira> OOC: Sure. Can Amaryl bring her pegasus?
[21:42] <Kotono> OOC: If you like, I think Gil has the capacity to bring it over as well. Lemme quickly readu p on Elysium and review it.
01[21:42] <Seira> OOC: Yeah, I'm pretty sure he can handle the equivalent of four people
01[21:42] <Seira> OOC: Sorry, five
[21:44] <Kotono> OOC: There's no size mention in it, only of up to 8 willing creatures joining hands. I'll assume that joining hoof to hand is sufficient. Okay, moment tor ead up on Elysium.
[21:54] <Kotono> The four gather in the stables, Gil sniffing the air as he joins hands with Seira and Amaryl. "This is it? Got everything you need?"
06[21:55] * Seira smiles at Amaryl. "We'll manage!"
[21:57] <Kotono> "We will," Amaryl shuffles back and forth, "This is so exciting."
01[21:59] <Seira> "It is, isn't it? I never got much of a chance to take it easy traveling the planes before, but this will be different!"
[22:03] <Kotono> At that, Gilartal calls on the magic, traveling the group to Elysium!
[22:03] <Kotono> roll 5d100
03[22:03] * Kotono sets mode: +v Hatbot
[22:03] <Kotono> roll 5d100
06[22:03] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 5d100 and gets 109." [5d100=9, 68, 4, 21, 7]
[22:05] <Kotono> Woosh! You stand amid beautiful, green, rolling hills. Bits of forest dot the landscape, pristine and untouched by mortal hands. A sense of belonging, a sense of bliss fills Seira like an intoxicating brew. Gilartal looks about briefly, already starting to invoke the proper names again! Amaryl's eyes go wide, giggling, "Oh..Seira...!"
01[22:07] <Seira> "It's a pretty great place," Seira says approvingly.
01[22:09] <Seira> roll 1d20+11
06[22:09] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+11 and gets 19." [1d20=8]
01[22:11] <Seira> "There should be all sorts of towns and encampments here," Seira voices, and picks north. "Let's go there until we come across something?"
[22:12] <Kotono> Gilartal vanishes without further comment. Amaryl sighs and slows down, "Oh, this is..." She cries a little, wiping away a few tears. "It feels like I'm home, Seira. It's calling to me strongly. Do you feel it too?"
01[22:13] <Seira> "I can," Seira affirms. "A lot. It's constant bliss." She coughs. "No matter how good a plane can make me feel, however, I'm not going to forget what's important."
[22:19] <Kotono> "Y-yeah," Amaryl looks around, going to hold Seira and lean against her. "Mmm. Close to you and here...I'm so content."
01[22:21] <Seira> "I'm glad I rate above a plane, however good it might be," Seira says, laughing.
[22:25] <Kotono> Thus the two start to wander north!
[22:25] <Kotono> roll 1d100
06[22:25] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 40." [1d100=40]
[22:28] <Kotono> Afte ran hour or so, they crest yet another hill. This one leads to a little village, a cluster of pristine, beautiful houses about. A brook babbles through town, idyllic sunshine and gentle warmth in the air. A few chimneys let out a bit of gray smoke.
01[22:28] <Seira> "Seems like we're in luck so far!" Seira chirps. "Let's go and say hellow?"
[22:31] <Kotono> Amaryl skips along, laughing like a child. Pulling Seira's hand as her face splits with a grin, "Let's go!"
06[22:32] * Seira is far too easy to pull along, finding herself relaxing on what is really a working vacation.
[22:35] <Kotono> Hopping and skipping to the town, the two head along! As they enter into town, they see each building is classical and big, built of good wood and stone. One of the doors open, a half elf with honey blonde hair emerging. She wears a simple peasant's dress, her skin tinted gold. "Why hello there!" she beckons.
01[22:36] <Seira> "Hi!" Seira greets back. "I'm Seira and this is Amaryl. We're visiting Elysium!"
[22:37] <Kotono> "Oh, you're new here," shes miles nicely, "I'm Tanatha." With a sweet, loving smile, "Could you do me a small favor while you're here?"
06[22:39] * Seira blinks. Visitors from other planes must be really frequent here if she can just laugh it off and ask for favors. "Sure! What's the favor?"
[22:40] <Kotono> Pointing at the brook about 100 feet away, "Could you fetch me a pail of water, please?"
06[22:40] * Seira tilts her head. "I didn't bring a bucket along. Do you have one I could borrow?"
[22:41] <Kotono> "Oh, right here," She briefly goes back into her house, coming out with a sturdy wooden bucket.
06[22:44] * Seira smiles at her, and crosses the distance to the rivulet to get the young woman her pail of water.
[22:46] <Kotono> On returning, the woman smiles and takes it. "Oh, thank you! Now I can finish lunch. Would you like to join me?"
01[22:47] <Seira> "If we won't be a bother," Seira agrees. "Where are we, exactly?"
[22:53] <Kotono> "Amoria. This is the village of Brooksong," she says as you're lead inside. You go into the kitchen, a lovely meal spread out on a table. Using thew ater to pour mugs of water, more than enough food for three here, "Please, sit down and eat!"
06[22:54] * Seira accepts the invitation, overriding her instinctual hesitation.
[22:58] <Kotono> Amaryl follows! The mean is fragrant and incredible, a chef's masterpiece. Each food is succulent and rich without being cloying, a  true joy to eat. Amaryl's eyes go wide, "This is better than...!" she says as she nibbles on a slice of orange.
01[22:59] <Seira> "It's not!" Seira exclaims. "Is it? It might be." She eyes Amaryl. "What did you mean?"
[23:02] <Kotono> "It's really good!" She says, going into her food with a passion. Tanatha giggles at this, "Please, just enjoy. We can all talk after the meal."
06[23:03] * Seira takes it as a matter of personal pride that she eats calmly, must like always. Control is ever-so-important, particularly when intense emotions are involved!
[23:05] <Kotono> The meal is beyond merely good, it's superb. It's possibly one of the best meals Seira has had the pleasure to eat. When it's done, she's full without being heavy or tired in the least.
01[23:07] <Seira> "It's one of the best meals I've ever eaten," she tells her host honestly, "and I've traveled all over the world and eaten at the tables of kings, sometimes quite literally so. It was a pleasure, and all for a simple chore. I feel bad about that, so is there anything else I could help you with, Tanatha?"
[23:13] <Kotono> "Oh, yes, there is something." Taking a folded piece of paper out of her scroll, "Take this to the last house on the northern part of the village? It's for an elf named Yisil."
06[23:14] * Seira is really curious by this point, but decides to treat it as a riddle for now. "I can do that," she agrees, accepting the folded up paper. "We can chat a bit once I'm back, alright?"
[23:19] <Kotono> "Of course," With a sunny smile, the two are bid off! Once they're out of the house, "Oh, that was so nice..." Amaryl says, "Just being here is so nice, the food is incredible...is everything better here?"
06[23:21] * Seira pauses. "We can find out later, I guess?" she suggests, before proceeding north at a leisurely pace. "It certainly makes me question a few things."
[23:23] <Kotono> "Like?" Amaryl say sas they walk along the perfectly clean town path. Not a sign of normal waste or offal, just pure air and impossible clean-ness.
01[23:25] <Seira> "The overall fairness of things. Immortality and its importance. If nothing you experience throughout your life truly compares to this so-called rewards in the afterlife, isn't it really a curse and a burden?" Seira frowns. "So I think there is more to it, but I can't quite put my finger on it yet beyond a vague concept."

[Corwin]

[18:13] <Kotoro> <Seira> "It's one of the best meals I've ever eaten," she tells her host honestly, "and I've traveled all over the world and eaten at the tables of kings, sometimes quite literally so. It was a pleasure, and all for a simple chore. I feel bad about that, so is there anything else I could help you with, Tanatha?"
[18:13] <Kotoro> > "Oh, yes, there is something." Taking a folded piece of paper out of her scroll, "Take this to the last house on the northern part of the village? It's for an elf named Yisil."
[18:13] <Kotoro> * Seira is really curious by this point, but decides to treat it as a riddle for now. "I can do that," she agrees, accepting the folded up paper. "We can chat a bit once I'm back, alright?"
[18:13] <Kotoro> > "Of course," With a sunny smile, the two are bid off! Once they're out of the house, "Oh, that was so nice..." Amaryl says, "Just being here is so nice, the food is incredible...is everything better here?"
[18:13] <Kotoro> * Seira pauses. "We can find out later, I guess?" she suggests, before proceeding north at a leisurely pace. "It certainly makes me question a few things."
[18:13] <Kotoro> > "Like?" Amaryl say sas they walk along the perfectly clean town path. Not a sign of normal waste or offal, just pure air and impossible clean-ness.
[18:13] <Kotoro> <Seira> "The overall fairness of things. Immortality and its importance. If nothing you experience throughout your life truly compares to this so-called rewards in the afterlife, isn't it really a curse and a burden?" Seira frowns. "So I think there is more to it, but I can't quite put my finger on it yet beyond a vague concept."
[18:16] <Kotoro> "I don't know. The religious types always say that we work in life to have this in death," Amaryl says, "Maybe this is like eating your dessert before dinner? It spoils the entire meal?"
01[18:18] <Seira> "It's not really true, though," Seira muses. "When they talk about making sure you deserve it, that's mostly staying true to yourself and the ideals you follow, not some back-breaking job out in the fields."
[18:20] <Kotoro> "Mmmm..." Amaryl considers, "I don't really know, then."
01[18:25] <Seira> "The only idea I have, and it's not exactly clear," Seira says, walking ahead, "is that when you struggle to do good while alive, the reward is in the knowledge that you help people. It's not something tangible like the bliss, here, but it's a very pleasant feeling all the same."
[18:26] <Kotoro> As you walk, you come to the last house on the northern part of the village. Amaryl stops here.
[18:27] <Kotoro> OOC: GAh.
[18:27] <Kotoro> As you walk, you come to the last house on the northern part of the village. Amaryl stops here. "Maybe that is it," she considers, "I do wonder if our viewpoints are becoming warped because we're in the afterlife while alive, though."
01[18:29] <Seira> "Any sort of afterlife affects you," Seira admits. "I guess I should just enjoy being in the nicest one so far, and not worry too much." She knocks on the door, resolving to shelve her concerns for the time being.
[18:31] <Kotoro> The door opens after a few moments. A handsome male elf with silvery skin opens it, "Oh, hello," he gushes, "What can I do for you two?"
01[18:32] <Seira> "I'm playing mailman!" Seira tells him brightly. "Or would it be mailwoman?" She tilts her head quizzically, even as she hands the folded up paper to him. "This is from Tanatha, for you."
03[18:47] * Taishyr (~ferixstad@76.235.178.235) has joined #dunes
[18:54] <Kotoro> Taking the letter and smiling, "Oh, thank you! Come in, come in," he gestures, smiling widely. "You look like travelers. What brings you to here?"
02[18:54] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@cpe-66-68-88-203.austin.res.rr.com) Quit (Hatbot)
03[18:54] * Rei-chan (Rei-chan@user-54456732.lns6-c11.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #dunes
03[18:56] * Taishyr is now known as Demedais
01[18:56] <Seira> "Thanks, Yisil," Seira tells him, deciding to follow the elf inside. "We're traveling, and it's in part a vacation, another part just sight-seeing and one last part where we're seeking a bard to aid us."
[18:57] <Kotoro> "A bard, eh?" Smiling as you're lead inside, to a grassy interior where you can sit freely, "Why do you need a bard?"
01[19:01] <Seira> "One of my acquaintances was broken by disciples of Shar," Seira states bluntly. "I don't know if I could truly help her even if I dropped everything. However, where I might fail, a bard is bound to succeed. They are master listeners, and it is certainly within their skills to befriend you and be quite convincing."
06[19:01] * Seira pauses. "What this woman needs is someone who would be willing to do all that, just be there for her, without a hidden motive. And if that someone had the ability to modify especially bad memories with her consent, well, that can only be a plus."
[19:04] <Kotoro> "Oh, I know just the person!" Snapping his fingers, "He's a strange sort, though, but he's the best talker I've ever met. Great with a song, too."
06[19:05] * Seira smiles. "That's wonderful news!" she exclaims. "Songs lift the heart, so--" She seems to catch herself, coughing into a fist. "I mean, could you please tell us where we could find your bard friend?"
[19:10] <Kotoro> "Go a few miles west. He lives by himself out there. He's a half celestial, half mortal." Nodding to this, "Tell him you're looking for his services to help someone."
01[19:12] <Seira> "Thanks!" Seira shakes the elf's hand enthusiastically. "I knew coming here would be a good call!"
[19:15] <Kotoro> Shaking Seira's hand back, "His name is Dominion."
01[19:17] <Seira> "A very ominous yet surely ill-fitting name," Seira says instantly. "Thanks again. We'll go see him once we've said goodbye to Tanatha."
[19:20] <Kotoro> "Be safe," Yisil says. Amaryl just smiles sweetly at that, "Thank you so much! I was wondering if we'd need to spend a long time working, but it worked out so good instead!"
01[19:22] <Seira> "Waukeen must be guiding our way," Seira insists. "It's difficult for her to intervene directly without giving all sorts of nasties an opening, but as long as we keep at it, she'll find indirect ways of helping us get closer to our goals!"
[19:22] <Kotoro> "It's reassuring," Amaryl says easily.
03[19:23] * Kotoro is now known as Kotono
01[19:25] <Seira> "And funny, in some ways," Seira continues, waving at Yisil as she heads back to Tanatha's house. "The only way this would work is if you're ready to go through the long route. If we'd just counted on her help and showed up in Elysium, I doubt she would help, since it would be pretty presumptious and downright ungrateful of us."
[19:32] <Kotono> "It's funny, yeah." Thet wo reach Tanatha's house, said petitioner waiting just at the door. "How did it go?"
01[19:35] <Seira> "Better than our wildest expectations, really," Seira admits, studying the half-elf. "Mmm, I don't want to be a terrible guest, but did you actually know we were coming or have some idea about what we're looking for?"
[19:37] <Kotono> "Hm?" With a little smile, "No, I don't. But why worry about it? Things have a way of working out here."
01[19:39] <Seira> "It's weird, visiting what might well be our afterlife," Seira voices. "But in a good way, you know?"
[19:41] <Kotono> "It makes me feel so good. I almost want to stay here," Amaryl murmurs, "I'm so content and happy inside I could cry. It's like I've finally come home."
01[19:42] <Seira> "But we're still going back," Seira adds quickly.
01[19:43] <Seira> "I kind of wanted to ask you about the favors," she says. "I'm really curious. It's just, where we come from, people wouldn't really ask for such simple things, so I don't really get it."
[19:44] <Kotono> "It's always good to help. Thank you for it," Smiling, Tanatha goes on. "It was so kind of you to help someone you just met."
01[19:46] <Seira> Weird people. Definitely. "Are you kidding?" Seira asks. "What does it matter, when someone asks you for an innocent thing like that?" She offers Tanatha her hand. "You're welcome to come and visit us on Prime, even though you probably wouldn't want to leave all this. But the offer's there anyway! If you ever feel like a vacation and such."
[19:49] <Kotono> "This is my home...but I thank you," she says warmly.
01[19:50] <Seira> "Maybe we'll visit again, some time down the line," Seira tells Amaryl with a shrug. "It could be nice, as long as we don't overstay our welcome each time."
[19:50] <Kotono> "Maybe...or maybe..." Amaryl looks down, "Visit, yes."
01[19:51] <Seira> "What's wrong?" Seira asks her, somewhat concerned. "You're not thinking about staying, are you?"
[19:54] <Kotono> "Oh!" Blushing very red, "I guess I can't lie to you, but...Don't you feel it, Seira? I know you feel it, it's just...." Shaking her head quickly, "I'm so happy here. I'm happy all over. There's no darkness in me, no sadness, only happiness. Everything's so perfect."
01[19:57] <Seira> "It's not real," Seira says quietly. "Perfect things don't exist. Bliss is meaningless, if there's nothing to compare it to."
[20:01] <Kotono> "Are you mad?" Amaryl blinks, "Can't you feel it all over? It's as real as everything here."
01[20:04] <Seira> "Then maybe I just feel a bit useless," Seira says, feeling upset. "I bet you would feel that everything's perfect even if I weren't here. I bet that's what I'd feel as well, if I stayed here too long. But even if I'd feel that, it's still wrong, so I don't want to accept it."
[20:07] <Kotono> "Seira, I..." Amaryl looks down and away hard. "...maybe we shouldn't be here then? I mean...this is paradise. It's what everyone wonders about all their life. We're still alive, we still care, we still...don't entirely fit in here, maybe?" Trying that, "I'm sorry, just...I don't meant to make you feel like that."
06[20:09] * Seira sighs. "Let's go, then. It's only a few miles to the west, right? We'll be there in no time."
[20:10] <Kotono> The two travel quietly enough. It's a decently pleasant trip, in spite of Amaryl looking abashed. It's just that everything feels good here. Holding on to anger, sadness and hurt is like holding the wind in your hands, passing and momentary. You come to a pleasant house sitting in the middle of asmall grove of trees. It's a three story affair, quite sturdy and normal looking from the outside.
01[20:13] <Seira> As they arrive to their destination, Seira takes Amaryl's hand, and leans over to whisper, "I have my friends back home, and I have you. That's all the bliss I need, and that's what I believe in." Not waiting for an answer, she goes to knock on the door.
[20:16] <Kotono> Amaryl blushes and smiles a little, unable to reply as she knocks on the door! A gentle trumpet plays at that, one that is clarion clear and beautiful. It comes from nowhere Seira can discern.
01[20:17] <Seira> "That's really nice," Seira comments. "Maybe I should get something like that to announce my visitors, too." Otherwise, she waits to be acknowledged.
[20:21] <Kotono> After a few moments the door opens with alittle puff of air. "Come in, come in, come in," A man's voice, like silvery trumpet notes, beckons unseen.
01[20:21] <Seira> "Thanks for having us," Seira calls back, accepting the invitation.
[20:27] <Kotono> Inside is a winding golden stair leading upward. Notes from a piano sound in the air, unseen. The stair is only a few loosely floating bits of golden stone that bob up and down to the music notes. Floating down is a golden skinned man, seven feet tall. His wings are feathered white and a vibrant red. HIs face is narrow and sharp, eyes pools of golden radiance. Little gusts of wind play around his silk toga clad body as he descends.
01[20:29] <Seira> "Hi! You're very pretty!" Seira greets him. "It is truly a shame that we didn't just come and visit you to share a few tales. I bet you have some great ones!"
[20:30] <Kotono> Wind gusts, musical notes playing in response. He looks down at the two as his feet touch down to the floor. "Such lovely words and lovely maidens. What do you come to Elysium for, then?, for your words speak of a heavy business."
01[20:33] <Seira> "Yes." Seira steels herself. "It's not a pleasant tale, but trust me when I say that I wouldn't seek help on the outer planes lightly. I have... a friend, yes, she must be one after all. All her life, she had been tormented terribly by her own siblings, who took the worship of Shar even as she resisted throughout the years. But the experience has left her broken."
06[20:33] * Seira glances at Amaryl briefly. "It's... bad. I can tell you all that I know. The worst thing that might come to your mind? It's probably right on the mark."
[20:38] <Kotono> "You come for a noble reason. Then tell me. Tell me everything of that sordid tale of Shar's foolish blasphemies," Dominion says, "Also, I'm Dominion, lovely mortal."
01[20:39] <Seira> "Seira," she says, offering her hand to him and waiting on Amaryl to introduce herself.
[20:45] <Kotono> "Amaryl Gaial," She curties to the celestial.
01[20:46] <Seira> "This... would be difficult to hear," Seira tells Amaryl, biting on her lower lip in worry. Even though Amaryl said that she wanted to travel with her, would hearing about Kesse change her mind?
[20:48] <Kotono> "I..." Amaryl considers, taking Seira's hand. "I'll be okay."
01[20:54] <Seira> Taking a deep breath, Seira begins the story of their involvement with those royals, from Albert's orchestrated attack that was contained and defeated by Alicia, to trying to warn Armanda of the danger her sibling presented, only to be caught off guard and captured. Of what she saw in that cathedral, before escaping, and what they learned after returning in strength. (more)
01[20:54] <Seira> About the rescued prisoners, about Giselle, about Giselle's children. Her story ends on an oddly positive note, of how seeing those rescued allowed Giselle to finally accept reality, and of how Alicia managed to restore the bodies of the captives with the regeneration spell. (more)
01[20:55] <Seira> "But there is no spell that would heal Giselle's soul," Seira says. "Only time and effort. No one in her court could do that. Even if someone on Prime existed that was capable of helping my friend, I might worry about their motives. But I had hope that by going to Elysium, I might find the person I seek. Can you be that person, Dominion?"
[20:58] <Kotono> Gentle harp notes sound at the end of the story, like tears in the wind. Dominion bows his head, a prayer spoken low. "Those three are vile as any demon or devil I have ever seen. The hateful, pointless degredations they sullied themselves with, hurting everyone around them...!" With a look of utter disgust, "I understand. After that long, discordant song, it is clear that peaceful music must play freely after."
[20:58] <Kotono> Amaryl's color is waxen, holding close to Seira. "Yes," she murmurs.
01[21:01] <Seira> "It started as a practical idea," Seira says. "Look for a spell. Try to see if there is anything I could do to alleviate her suffering. And after I realized that bards possessed one such spell that would prove useful, I decided to look for one.
01[21:01] <Seira> But during that process, I realized that what I was really seeking was a person who could help by being there for her, not just by using the magic repeatedly to solve the problem. I understood that I was subconsciously seeking out bards, because their temperament would be just what is needed."
[21:05] <Kotono> "To become a special person in her life," A few whispers of flute notes sound in the air, "It would be noble to set her back on a life she can life in happiness. I have not been to the Prime in some time, either. It would b egood to go again."
01[21:10] <Seira> "I'm happy! I'm really happy!" Seira tells him. "But to avoid, umm, oh hell. The part where she might already be involved was clear, right? It might not be healthy. It probably isn't. But forcing the issue with her would probably go badly, and when you said special person, that's not what you meant, right?"
[21:13] <Kotono> "I could do that if she wished, and if not, so be it. I get the impression that she is so fragile right now that doing so might even be a mistake," Dominion says as he begins to walk.
01[21:15] <Seira> "Then I managed to communicate it well," Seira agrees. "Yes, that's my thought as well. And I don't want to rush you by my next question, but could you tell me when you could be ready to return with us? Being on Elysium like this is trying for Amaryl and I, even though it's so... so...." Seira can't quite describe it.
[21:16] <Kotono> Amaryl blushes quickly here, "I want to stay more the longer I stay." she adds. "It's like home."
[21:17] <Kotono> "We can go now. I have a scroll of planar travel that will suffice," Withdrawing it out from seemingly nothing at all, "Are you ready? Where on the Prime are we going?"
01[21:20] <Seira> On the one hand, she certainly feels like Amaryl, and with her around, Seira's desire to return is eroding even more. But on the other, she can't let something like finding her personal heaven stop her from doing what Gil might say would actually earn her that spot in the afterlife.
01[21:20] <Seira> "We can aim for Kesse's capital," Seira suggests. "From my understanding of planar travel, that would place us within teleport range, and I'll get us the rest of the way over."
[21:25] <Kotono> Thus, the scroll is invoked! THet wo blink away!
[21:25] <Kotono> roll 5d100
[21:25] <Kotono> OOC: Three.
03[21:25] * Kotono sets mode: +v Rei-chan
[21:25] <Kotono> roll 5d100
[21:25] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 5d100 --> [ 5d100=230 ]{230}
[21:25] <Kotono> roll 1d9
[21:25] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d9 --> [ 1d9=7 ]{7}
[21:26] <Kotono> Gah! You appear standing amid tall mountains, rocky peaks everywhere! The air is thin and weak, making your lungs start to burn.
06[21:27] * Seira focuses on the entryway into the castle, willing them all to teleport the rest of the way to their destination!
01[21:27] <Seira> roll 1d100
[21:27] <Rei-chan> Seira rolled : 1d100 --> [ 1d100=9 ]{9}
[21:28] <Kotono> OOC: Anywhere in particular in the castle?
01[21:28] <Seira> OOC: There was a moat, right? I want to appear before it, so that I could seek entrance officially.
[21:34] <Kotono> THus the two appear in Kesse! The moat ahead of you has guards at it, who are currently doing a doubletake at seeing the group that just appeared.
01[21:35] <Seira> OOC: Three~
06[21:36] * Seira approaches the guards, nodding at them as she stops within a respectable distance. "Please inform General Andram that Seira requests an audience with two of her companions."
[21:41] <Kotono> A guard salutes and goes to do that, while others stare at Dominion and Seira and Amaryl. Dominion makes a motion with his hand, his wings vanishing and his appearing turning into that of a comely human. "Fear not.  I come on a mission of mercy."
06[21:44] * Seira is in her own half-elf guise, and returns to Dominion's side, smiling. "Just another word of caution," she tells he and Amaryl quietly. "There are many vicious rumors, but not many truly know the story. And given Giselle's position as head of state for a nation recovering from all those recent calamities, it might be bad to disclose much to the populace at this time."
[21:46] <Kotono> Dominion merely nods. "I understand." A few moments later a guard comes back, escorting the trio in. General Andram is a quiet meeting room, a few aides reporting to him. They silence themselves at Seira and company's arrival.
01[21:47] <Seira> "General," Seira greets him, nodding. "May I introduce Amaryl Gaial and Dominion?" To them, she says, "This is General Andram, who leads the Kesse armed forces."
[21:52] <Kotono> "General," Amaryl curties. Dominion offers a hand out, taking GEneral Andram's in his own.
[21:53] <Kotono> The General looks them over, "Well met. You come to Kesse for business?"
01[21:55] <Seira> "Can we speak freely?" Seira asks. "This concerns Queen Giselle, and I don't know of a tactful way of asking whether your aides are brought into your confidence on that matter, General."
[21:56] <Kotono> Two of the aides go, one stays. "Speak now," Andram says.
06[21:57] * Seira nods curtly, and then gestures at Dominion. "This is a friend of mine. He hails from Elysium. I believe that he could help her, if only given the chance. And I am here to ask that this chance is given to him."
02[21:57] * Nao (Mokou@c122-107-246-130.eburwd9.vic.optusnet.com.au) Quit (Ping timeout)
[21:59] <Kotono> With a bow to the General, "I can help heal minds and hearts with time. I have heard of Queen Giselle's plight and I wish to aid her recovery from the vile ravages inflicte don her."
[22:03] <Kotono> "This would be useful. GIselle spends most of her days sedated or with her paramours. She's..." A shake of his head here, "It's difficult for her. At times she seems to be in another reality all her own."
01[22:04] <Seira> "It's not an instant fix, but I believe," Seira declares, "that with the same strength Giselle used to resist Shar's pull and with Dominion's help, there will come a day when she has made a recovery."
[22:12] <Kotono> "Try, by all means," General Andram invites, "Dominion, this way," he says, "I'll walk to and introduce you to Queen Giselle."
06[22:13] * Seira is ready to come along, but lets Dominion handle the meeting in a way of his choosing.

[Corwin]

[18:12] <Kotono> * Nao (Mokou@c122-107-246-130.eburwd9.vic.optusnet.com.au) Quit (Ping timeout)
[18:12] <Kotono> * Seira nods curtly, and then gestures at Dominion. "This is a friend of mine. He hails from Elysium. I believe that he could help her, if only given the chance. And I am here to ask that this chance is given to him."
[18:12] <Kotono> > With a bow to the General, "I can help heal minds and hearts with time. I have heard of Queen Giselle's plight and I wish to aid her recovery from the vile ravages inflicte don her."
[18:12] <Kotono> > "This would be useful. GIselle spends most of her days sedated or with her paramours. She's..." A shake of his head here, "It's difficult for her. At times she seems to be in another reality all her own."
[18:12] <Kotono> <Seira> "It's not an instant fix, but I believe," Seira declares, "that with the same strength Giselle used to resist Shar's pull and with Dominion's help, there will come a day when she has made a recovery."
[18:12] <Kotono> > "Try, by all means," General Andram invites, "Dominion, this way," he says, "I'll walk to and introduce you to Queen Giselle."
[18:12] <Kotono> * Seira is ready to come along, but lets Dominion handle the meeting in a way of his choosing.
[18:16] <Kotono> Thus Seira tags along! Going to Giselle's quarters is a mundane, uneventful thing. Giselle sits alone in her room on her bed, legs over the edge. Her eyes are closed, a distant, faraway look on her face.
[18:16] <Kotono> Dominion comes in front of her, bowing. "Good day, Majesty. Are you there?" he asks.
[18:19] <Kotono> Giselle doesn't look up to him, nor react. Dominion shakes his head, "Ah yes, you mentioned she was often sedated." Going to her and giving her a brief examination, "Is she prone to outbursts that require this?"
06[18:19] * Seira is interested in hearing the answer to that as well, looking at General Andram expectantly.
[18:22] <Kotono> "She often becomes erratic, yes. She has at times had fits and demanded protection from her siblings, or at other times had fading breaks from reality.  Other days she is more or less coherent...today isn't one of those."
[18:23] <Kotono> "Tsh. Too many chefs in the stew," Dominion murmurs, going to sit next to Giselle. "A mind scrambled into submission. Magic should dispel the sedative easily enough, unless it's particularly strong magic?"
[18:24] <Kotono> "It's a compound based on mountain herbs," General Andram clarifies, "It's not magical."
01[18:24] <Seira> "The allure of an easy retreat would just grow, the more it is used?" Seira asks Dominion.
[18:25] <Kotono> "Yes. Though I would suspect she's not always taking it willingly," Stroking the woman's head gently, light flares from Dominion's fingers! Giselle's eyes clear as he begins to whisper into her ear.
[18:25] <Kotono> roll 1d20+27
03[18:27] * Kobot (~dunefar@ip68-99-109-25.hr.hr.cox.net) has joined #dunes
03[18:27] * Kotono sets mode: +v Kobot
[18:27] <Kotono> roll 1d20+27
[18:27] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+27 --> [ 1d20=5 ]{32}
[18:28] <Kotono> "Hum...?" Giselle turns to him after he whispers, "Did I fall asleep again?" Blinking and rubbing her eyes, "I see..."
[18:29] <Kotono> "My name is Dominion, Majesty," Dominion continues on in a more audible voice, "Your mind was as good as asleep. But worry not on that. I've come to brighten your life with song and musics; your friend Seira brought me here for you."
[18:30] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[18:30] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=59 ]{59}
06[18:30] * Seira takes it as her cue to approach her. "Hi, Giselle," she says, smiling at the queen. "It's only a brief visit, but I didn't want to leave without seeing you."
[18:31] <Kotono> "Seira?" Looking to Seira and Dominion, Giselle smiles a little. "Good...will you make me feel alive inside," she asks, a hand going to her stomach, "Will you, Dominion? That's why she brought you, isn't it?"
01[18:33] <Seira> Spending time around her is always disturbing, but Seira maintains her smile. "I'm here to tell you that it is entirely up to you, Giselle," she says. "The future is yours to seize as you wish, and no one would stand in your way."
[18:34] <Kotono> "I'll try and make you happy," Dominon says with gentle airs, "I'll do so, certainly."
[18:34] <Kotono> Giselle smiles a little, giggling, "Good....please, my brother....my brother is a hard man, Dominion. He doesn't want me to feel alive."
[18:35] <Kotono> Amaryl's color has turned waxen pale, looking on with her eyes as wide as saucers.
[18:36] <Kotono> "Shh, shhh," Dominion whispers, "Your brother isn't here. Let me sing you a song, Majesty. Music is the fuel of the soul, and nothing more can make you feel alive."
01[18:36] <Seira> Normally, she would jump right in and insist that the brother in question is dead and won't be coming back. But that approach was tried and ultimately only took them so far. It is time to leave it to the professionals, and Seira steps back as Dominion handles himself as she expects.
[18:38] <Kotono> Before Giselle can speak again, Dominion begins to sing!
[18:38] <Kotono> roll 1d20+27
[18:38] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+27 --> [ 1d20=18 ]{45}
[18:38] <Kotono> roll 1d20 needs a 20, really
[18:38] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20 needs a 20, really --> [ 1d20=7 ]{7}
[18:39] <Kotono> It's a song in Celestial, a song of peace and renewal. Giselle quirks her head as she begins to listen, a little smile playing on her face. "Oh, it's so pretty," she murmurs. "You'll make me feel so alive inside..." With a sappy little smile, Giselle listens.
[18:40] <Kotono> General Andram turns away now, "It would be best to take our leave while Her Majesty is content and relatively calm," he suggests quietly.
06[18:41] * Seira nods, taking Amaryl's hand and squeezing it before following the general outside.
[18:44] <Kotono> Once outside, "Just as well her lovers aren't with ehr today..." A shake of hsi head, "One reason we sedate her is that it upsets both fo them when she paws at a random man."
[18:45] <Kotono> Squeezing Seira's hand back, "It's so horrible and disturbing when you know wh at she means by feeling alive and why. My...no, it's her eyes. I looked into her eyes. I've never seen anyone, elf or human, with eyes like those."
01[18:47] <Seira> "Do you need me to talk to them?" Seira asks, making it clear that she wouldn't stop at mere words if they don't prove compliant. "Jealous outbursts or fighting over Queen Giselle are not to be tolerated, no matter the hardships they suffered."
[18:48] <Kotono> "It's not needed." Andram says, "Thank you for this, Seira. Hopefully this Dominion will help calm Giselle."
01[18:49] <Seira> "Waukeen wishes her the best," Seira responds, accepting that as meaning that they have the situation under control. "I believe that from the bottom of my heart." She gives Amaryl a hesitant smile. "Giselle will recover. I know that."
[18:51] <Kotono> "I hope so," Amaryl says, and then..."Let's go home, Seira?"
06[18:54] * Seira nods once again. "That's all we came for. It vexes me, but there's nothing more I can do right now." She offers her hand to General Andram. "General, if there's anything else, no matter how slight or insignificant, please contact me."
[18:54] <Kotono> The hand is shaken, "Until we meet again then," he says. OOC: You good there, Seira?
01[18:55] <Seira> OOC: Yes. Do I get my EVILVISION GOGGLES?
[18:56] <Kotono> OOC: Moment, loot thread.