To Scorn the Gods- Episode 9-2: Twisted Games

(9:12:08 PM) Haisen: Aelitethe, Belle, and Saken run desperately through the streets, trying to reach the eastern gate before they're caught by paladins. They can feel their hearts pounding as they run, and run, and run. A few brief minutes feels like a lifetime as they try to escape.
(9:13:15 PM) Haisen: ...And yet, they can hear it. Though many of the footseps behind them are distant, some approach closer... Not many. It's not much compared to the distant thundering of nearly an army of paladins. Yet... It is enough to know, you can't ignore it.
(9:15:53 PM) Haisen: "What... Do we do...?" Saken gasps out without slowing his pace. ...But the footsteps get ever closer
(9:20:59 PM) Aelitethe: "..."
(9:21:08 PM) Aelitethe: "They're catching up...!"
(9:24:27 PM) Haisen: "Oh! A-ah, um..." Saken panicks for a moment, before looking over his shoulder. A quick gesture and chant, and he points toward the closest of three approaching paladins, a ray shooting from his fingertip! As soon as it hits, the paladin trips! It looks like he's having some trouble getting up...
(9:30:53 PM) Haisen: Belle whirls now, and leaps toward the struggling paladin! She bites his neck and slams him against the ground! Fortunately for him, his neck is sort of protected by armor... But you can still see him bleeding!
(9:36:06 PM) Haisen: The next paladin charges past Belle, barely avoiding a vicious bite from the growling angelwolf, and leaps toward Saken, trying to slam his sword into the boy's head! ...Saken merely sidesteps
(9:37:22 PM) Haisen: The last of the three tries to attack Belle! Unfortunately for him, she moves too fast for even his otherwise well-placed blow to do more than make a grazing cut on her flank
(9:38:51 PM) Haisen: Aelitethe may want to do something now!
(9:50:06 PM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe takes a step back and recalls a spell she had prepared in case of a situation like this, looking at the paladin that charged towards Saken, before chanting an incantation and letting rip of a ray of enfeeblement at him.
(9:50:55 PM) Haisen: The paladin looks a little shaky for a brief moment, and surprised, but he doesn't look anywhere near disabled!
(9:54:01 PM) Haisen: He does go down, however, as he takes another ray like it straight to the face from Saken!
(9:54:14 PM) Haisen: Meanwhile, the first paladin is finished off brutally by Belle
(9:55:29 PM) Haisen: And the last paladin completely fails to hurt the murderwolf despite his best efforts
(9:57:10 PM) Haisen: ...Aelitethe sees two more paladins approaching from the other direction, and still hears the thundering approach of more and more paladins from the west! What will she do?
(10:03:21 PM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe, noticing the two paladins approaching, quickly takes her move in order to meet their assault, preparing another spell, she recites an incantation and releases a spray of many fanciful and potentially trip-inducing colors at the paladins!
(10:04:14 PM) Haisen: One of the paladins stops his advance, dazed! ...The other, however, increases his pace!
(10:04:41 PM) Aelitethe: "Ah...!"
(10:06:29 PM) Haisen: Saken looks back at this, and tosses another ray! The paladin is surprised, and his pace slows a bit. You might have a bit of time to react after all...
(10:09:00 PM) Haisen: Belle leaps at the paladin who has been attacking her, aiming for his face! He tries to slash back at her and misses, while just barely managing to block her attack with his shield!
(10:09:43 PM) Haisen: The other paladin continues to charge toward Aelitethe! She needs to act quickly!
(10:17:58 PM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe sighs and makes a break for a conveniently nearby side alley, where she attempts to run past the paladin charging at her and slip into said alley.
(10:19:11 PM) Haisen: Despite his momentum, the paladin is able to redirect himself and make a slash at Aelitethe! She feels a sudden pain, and blood running down her arm. She still makes it to the alley though!
(10:19:51 PM) Aelitethe: "Kyaa!"
(10:21:42 PM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe is trying to keep herself safe in the alley, her hand clinging to her cut... It kind of hurts. Actually, it really hurts.
(10:22:09 PM) Haisen: The thundering footsteps of the  approaching paladins is louder and louder. The group doesn't have much longer...
(10:25:43 PM) Haisen: "No... No, this needs to end!" Saken chants more frantically than every, his motions becoming more complex... And then, he shoots a ray in each direction! The paladin Belle is dealing  with instantly ceases to move, collapsing to his knees before having his face  ripped off. The other paladin obviously struggles even to stand.
(10:28:51 PM) Haisen: The army of approaching paladins is coming closer, and closer... Saken stumbles slightly at first, the strain of accomplishing such a feat as he just did being intense, but quickly bursts into a run once more! Belle starts running too, and knocks the last paladin to the ground, knocking his head against the stone three times before just tossing him back behind her.
(10:29:01 PM) Haisen: She then rushes over to Aelitethe, and will stay next to her.
(10:29:55 PM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe attempts to find a safe path to her destination, her arm still on her cut, the pain by now has subsided but she can't run as fast...
(10:32:51 PM) Haisen: Upon seeing this, and with the army approaching ever closer, Belle grabs Aelitethe's arm gently with her mouth, and then swings her onto wolfback! As soon as she knows Aelitethe is holding on tightly enough, she rushes onward, zooming past Saken and out the gate!
(10:35:07 PM) Aelitethe: "Ah!"
(10:38:05 PM) Haisen: Saken follows, as fast as his legs will take him. As soon as he reaches the gate, his pace starts slowing. He can't keep going like this. "W-wait!" He keeps going, but struggling, until he looks over his shoulder. ...And then he stops, just as Belle turns back toward him. "Th-they're not following...?"
(10:40:05 PM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe blinks. "What...?"
(10:41:14 PM) Haisen: The paladins are simply... Standing at the gate. They're not moving forward, though even from here you can sense tension, anger. One of the paladins starts moving forward again, but one of his superiors barks an order at him, and he comes back.
(10:41:28 PM) Haisen: Belle walks back over to Saken's side, blinking at this.
(10:44:29 PM) Aelitethe: "..."
(10:46:25 PM) Aelitethe: "Why are they not moving?"
(10:46:31 PM) Haisen: Suddenly, a voice enters all of their minds. "Congratulations. You've escaped the city, and earned the right to live, for now."
(10:46:44 PM) Haisen: "H-Haisen!" Saken stutters out. "No..."
(10:47:06 PM) Aelitethe: "Great. We've been turned into fugitives."
(10:47:46 PM) Haisen: "Of course, just remember the price you paid for this little game. But... Oh, you don't know, do you?" He laughs.
(10:48:06 PM) Haisen: Belle is growling with an intensity neither Saken nor Aelitethe has ever heard before
(10:50:06 PM) Haisen: Saken is shaking
(10:50:22 PM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe is now by Belle's side, hugging her tightly... "..."
(10:51:04 PM) Haisen: "Well, let me tell you... Everyone your little group has ever cared about who lives in this city is going to die. For crimes against the church, for associating with mages... For having the blood of sorcerors."
(10:51:12 PM) Haisen: "And do you know who's responsible?"
(10:52:39 PM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe says nothing, just clinging to Belle, hissing and eyeing the amount of blood that dripped from her wound.
(10:54:05 PM) Haisen: Saken is on his knees, hands on his face, hiding silent tears
(10:55:19 PM) Haisen: "Ah, I suppose she didn't tell you. ...Oh, that's right. She can't~" He sounds altogether far too smug. "That little girl... What was her name? Oh, that's right, Ulyssa... She CAN'T tell you how she divulged your names, your magic, everything, I wanted to know, all with just a little bit of pressure."
(10:56:13 PM) Haisen: "Y-you..." Saken looks up, struggling to speak. "H-how could you...?"
(10:56:18 PM) Aelitethe: "Sick, twisted freak...!"
(10:56:27 PM) Aelitethe: "She must have gotten caught, Saken."
(10:58:03 PM) Haisen: "Of course, there was one name especially that caught my interest... Naless. Who would ever have imagined that the son of the high priest could be a sorceror? Such a shame, that so illustrious a bloodline must be purged... But, I'm sure you have no care in the politics of the church, do you? You have things to do, after all!"
(10:58:32 PM) Aelitethe: "Saken, don't let him get to you...!"
(10:59:11 PM) Haisen: "No... No, no, no, no..." His protests fade into sobbing. He can't even speak anymore.
(10:59:42 PM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe shifts over to Saken and gives him a hug. "Hey, hey...!"
(11:00:30 PM) Haisen: "Oh, there's no need to cry! I'm sure your family will be appropriately judged by Corellus. They'll receive all the treatment that those with tainted blood deserve... Shouldn't you take comfort in this knowledge, and be on your way before all  those kind paladins can no longer restrain themselves?"
(11:01:07 PM) Haisen: Saken's sobs slow slightly, but he shows no other reaction to Aelitethe.
(11:01:20 PM) Aelitethe: "Let's go meet the others, Saken. We can't stay here anymore..." Aelitethe rubs Saken's back. "Come on...!"
(11:01:36 PM) Aelitethe: She doesn't seem like it, but she's on the verge of crying, too.
(11:03:09 PM) XephyrEnigma [~MobileXep@Rizon-76C5DD72.cpe.net.cable.rogers.com] entered the room.
(11:03:10 PM) Artemis-XE left the room (quit: Read error: Connection reset by peer).
(11:04:25 PM) XephyrEnigma is now known as Artemis-XE
(11:04:25 PM) Haisen: He tries to raise himself up, shaking... But his legs collapse again. "I-I... I can't..." Belle stops her growling, and burrows under his arm. "We have to leave..." She speaks.
(11:04:40 PM) Aelitethe: "Come on, Saken. I'll sing a song later."
(11:05:23 PM) Haisen: Saken stands, shakily, nodding slightly... And then ends up on Belle's back, like Aelitethe was before.
(11:06:48 PM) Aelitethe: "Where are we supposed to find the others again?"
(11:07:21 PM) Haisen: Saken struggles to calm himself, and just barely manages to utter the name. "Wh-whitecroft..."
(11:07:49 PM) Aelitethe: "We're off to Whitecroft, then. Take it easy, Saken." Aelitethe sighs, tears rolling down her cheeks as she ruffles his hair.
(11:10:08 PM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe makes her way to the purported rendezvous point, then.
(11:11:16 PM) Haisen: The three make their way to Whitecroft, Belle eventually shifting herself to human form and supporting Saken when he's at least composed enough for that. As they enter the town, they get some stares from some residents, as Saken is still crying softly, even hours after the start. The emotional hit must have been great for him...
(11:11:59 PM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe eyes her cut. Has the bleeding diminished by now?
(11:12:05 PM) Haisen: Yes, quite so
(11:12:24 PM) Haisen: It would have been easy enough to heal it on the way regardless
(11:13:14 PM) Haisen: Killis is standing outside the town's inn, and comes over when he sees you. "Aelitethe,  Belle, Saken... What happened?"
(11:14:09 PM) Aelitethe: "We managed to escape, but Haisen gave us a parting message," Aelitethe sighs. "You know about Ulyssa, right?"
(11:15:27 PM) Aelitethe: "Fortunately, it looks like I'm the only one of us with any injury of slight significance."
(11:17:40 PM) Haisen: "Haisen... Ulyssa told- No, not told. She wrote down what happened. That bastard... Even I didn't realize he'd sink so low." There's pain in his voice, and he slams his right fist into his left palm. "I'm sorry, Saken... There's nothing I can say to comfort you. We will make him pay."
(11:17:44 PM) Haisen: Saken simply nods weakly.
(11:18:27 PM) Haisen: "...Others at the inn?" Belle asks.
(11:18:35 PM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe hugs Saken again. "Haisen surely let us know about that. What a sick, twisted freak... I'm so sorry about what happened to Ulyssa. I only hope I can do something to ease her suffering."
(11:21:18 PM) Aelitethe: "Well, we should probably get together and discuss our next course of action..." Aelitethe sighs, visibly in despair.
(11:21:40 PM) Haisen: "I don't know how much easing can be done... At least Kineth is there for her." He looks at Belle. "...Yes, they're inside. Come on." He turns, walking toward the inn, and inside. ...Though he tries to hide it, it's obvious he's very much upset as well.
(11:22:40 PM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe sighs as she follows. She hates feeling useless.
(11:24:00 PM) Haisen: The lower level of the inn also acts as a tavern. It doesn't seem very busy right now, and the rest of the party sits at a table near the center of the room. The atmosphere is very heavy...
(11:24:44 PM) Aelitethe: "..."
(11:26:35 PM) Haisen: Tilia looks up as the party gets in. "...Aeli, Belle, Saken..." She stands, and walks over. Belle lets Saken go, and Tilia wraps him in a tight hug.
(11:26:45 PM) Haisen: "I'm so sorry..."
(11:28:08 PM) Ulyssa: Don't fall, you'll take extra damage. As it's implied Ulyssa is there, she is! If she has a drink, not much of it was...well, drank! Her mood is all you can expect: infinite terrible.
(11:28:23 PM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe eyes Ulyssa with the mucho-concerned-mother face. "..."
(11:30:28 PM) Artemis-XE: Artemis glances at Ulyssa. She's obviously in a horrible mood. He certainly wishes there was something he could do to help.
(11:30:37 PM) Aelitethe: "...I'm sorry."
(11:31:51 PM) Haisen: "...Thank you." Saken eventually gets out. He's  managed to stop crying now
(11:32:18 PM) Kineth: Kineth is sitting next to Ulyssa, a concerned look also on his face as he just has a hand on her shoulder. He... honestly doesn't know what to do right now.
(11:33:20 PM) Haisen: "Why don't... Why don't the three of you have a seat?" Killis gets out. Tilia lets go of Saken, leaving a hand on his shoulder for a moment before turning a way. "...I don't deserve thanks."
(11:33:21 PM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe is fidgeting with her fingers, at a complete impasse on what to say or do next. "..."
(11:33:23 PM) Haisen: *away
(11:33:26 PM) Ulyssa: Her look is met with an empty one, and a nod that borders on 'slightly less infinite terrible'. Artemis is met with the same. If she had any reaction to Aelitethe's apology, it doesn't quite show. And Kineth...well, it's clear that she appreciates his presence!
(11:34:00 PM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe sighs and continues to remain standing. She doesn't feel like sitting.
(11:34:11 PM) Aelitethe: If she was already seated, she stands up now.
(11:34:38 PM) Haisen: Belle and Saken go to sit down. Both of them could use time off their feet.
(11:34:53 PM) Haisen: "...Alright. Still, maybe... You should see what Ulyssa wrote."
(11:35:40 PM) Aelitethe: "...Can I see...?"
(11:39:55 PM) Aelitethe: "...?"
(11:42:31 PM) Ulyssa: After a pause that was both on the part of the player and Ulyssa herself, she hands Aelitethe what happened. She is not incredibly detailed, but you definitely know everything that happened (unless you're really dense, in which case you might not be able to get THAT ONE DETAIL because she couldn't bring herself to directly state it), and who did it!
(11:43:41 PM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe facefaults, frowning. "I had a feeling... I feel sick. ...I'm sorry. I wish I could do something..."
(11:45:33 PM) Artemis-XE: Art also frowns, after hearing that. Regardless of not knowing what to say, he's probably better off that way. For now, at least.
(11:45:59 PM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe returns Ulyssa's written message. "..."
(11:46:02 PM) Haisen: Saken looks as well. "You... Ulyssa... I'm so... You went through that...?" He can't seem to believe it. "And I couldn't even handle... I'm so weak..."
(11:46:45 PM) Ulyssa: She'd...write something in response, but...well, too soon. She's written all she wants to for the day! Instead her miserable level increases a tad, as she takes her paper back.
(11:47:55 PM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe sighs, and turns away from everyone else. "...I'll do my best to make myself more useful."
(11:48:20 PM) Kineth: Kineth... just stops for a second, thinking over the implications as they run through his mind... the only reaction the others would glean from him would be a sharp breath and a sliiight eyetwitch.
(11:49:46 PM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe presently cannot bring herself to look at anyone face to face...
(11:51:30 PM) Ulyssa: Ulyssa has no responses. The terrible level's new visual cue cap is kinda maxed out!
(11:52:35 PM) Artemis-XE: Artemis' frown briefly turns into an expression of anger, after thinking about the note for some time. He dismisses the anger for now, there's no need for it. All he needs to do is be there to support everyone.
(11:52:38 PM) Kineth: But yeah Kineth is just taking a few breaths so as not to flip his shit. HOW FANTASTICAL, HUH GUYS.
(11:54:42 PM) Aelitethe: "..." Aelitethe is not angry, but rather, very much upset and in thought. Trying to think...
(12:00:35 AM) Aelitethe: "...May I excuse myself?"
(12:00:56 AM) Ulyssa: Ulyssa nods in the affirmative.
(12:01:03 AM) Kineth: Kineth also nods.
(12:01:38 AM) Artemis-XE: Art nods in succession with the others.
(12:02:31 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe leaves the building and stands outside, looking up at the sky.
(12:02:58 AM) Aelitethe: She's probably going to stay outside for a while, but she hasn't left the general vicinity of the area - she's right by the door to the inn.
(12:13:04 AM) Haisen: Belle follows. ...And gives her a hug.
(12:14:33 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe drags Belle into an embrace and starts crying...
(12:35:14 AM) Ulyssa: Ulyssa suddenly starts drinking the drink she has! Slowly, but steadily.
(12:39:01 AM) Aelitethe: Sniffle, sniffle. Aelitethe is shivering, but her crying is not as loud as it was moments ago. It's more of the silent weeping now.
(12:39:37 AM) Haisen: Belle pats her, holding on until Aelitethe pushes away
(12:40:34 AM) Aelitethe: "...Thank you, Belle... For being there..." Aelitethe feels drat useless right now. "..."
(12:40:59 AM) Aelitethe: "...I'm going to go back... Thanks." Aelitethe returns to the tavern where the others are. Her eyes are swollen from crying.
(12:41:09 AM) Haisen: Belle follows
(12:42:04 AM) Aelitethe: She takes her seat at the table with the others, shivering.
(12:44:50 AM) Aelitethe: "...Sorry..."
(12:44:50 AM) Ulyssa: Ulyssa glances at Aelitethe, then...proceeds to hug Aelite herself!
(12:45:15 AM) Aelitethe: "...Uuu..." Aelitethe weakly clings to Ulyssa. "I'm sorry... I'm just not as strong as the rest of you..."
(12:45:55 AM) Kineth: Kineth glances over to the two, going to give them both a hug. He... doesn't really say anything, though.
(12:46:54 AM) Artemis-XE: Art looks over to Aelitethe and Ulyssa. Oh hell, join in already, they obviously need it.
(12:49:08 AM) Aelitethe: "I'm weak..."
(12:50:32 AM) Haisen: "You're weak...?" Saken stands up now. "Then... What am I? You stood up, you stayed strong... I couldn't... I could barely move... You're far stronger than me, Aelitethe..."
(12:51:38 AM) Ulyssa: GROUP HUG INITIATED! The resulting hugs improve Ulyssa's mood considerably. In fact, she feels a completely different grade of completely miserable! It's still on the line of completely miserable, but at least it's not 110% shitmood.
(12:51:55 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe sighs... "..."
(12:53:31 AM) Ulyssa: It's enough for her to actually put on her thinking cap. And draw out a piece of paper and a writing utensil, as well. And, you know, write.
(12:56:22 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe slumps in her seat for a moment.
(12:59:22 AM) Ulyssa: After writing some, she stops, but continues looking at her paper. She doesn't seem done, but...
(1:00:14 AM) Ulyssa: ...this lasts for a few moments, before writing resumes!
(1:02:15 AM) Kineth: Kineth blinks, looking at Ulyssa as she focuses on writing down something, curious.
(1:03:35 AM) Haisen: Saken... Simply averts his eyes from Aelitethe after her lack of response, before trying to look as well
(1:05:08 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe, with her chin down on the table, strains to eye at what Ulyssa's writing.
(1:05:53 AM) Artemis-XE: ...What could she be writing? Well, Arty's just going to have to wait and see.
(1:07:07 AM) Ulyssa: She actively stops people from peeking before she's done. When she is, she tears the paper in half and gives them to both Saken and Aelitethe.
(1:07:17 AM) Ulyssa: Enter the wordstorm.
(1:07:29 AM) Ulyssa: Aelitethe's paper says: You might not have strength physically, but you're learning magic. It might not be the greatest thing yet, but without it, we'd all be dead right now! You're smart enough to master magic (and you know a bunch of other things, too!), all you need is a way to learn it and you'll get better in no time! Just...hang in there, OK? Plus, your singing cheers people up,
(1:07:29 AM) Ulyssa: and it's pretty! Please stop putting yourself down, you don't deserve it. And...don't apologize for what happened to me. It was my fault it happened, and there's no way anyone could have stopped it from there.
(1:07:29 AM) Ulyssa: Saken's paper says: If you weren't here, we wouldn't have had anywhere to live! And...well, you're different than the other people in the church, so don't think you're nothing or anything. Though your will is lacking right now, it's been improving lately!  If you were the same as you were before, you...probably wouldn't be here right now! You're also learning magic and alchemy, so you're
(1:07:29 AM) Ulyssa: not really weak either! Don't put yourself down, OK?
(1:08:45 AM) Haisen: Saken reads it, and blinks. "Y-you really think so...?"
(1:09:29 AM) Haisen: Belle stands behind Aelitethe, and reads her paper as well, if possible
(1:09:50 AM) Ulyssa: Nod nod, in the affirmative! It seems like even though her mood reeks of miserable, she's still not letting go of her positive outlooks.
(1:09:54 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe reads the paper she was given, and Belle can easily read it. She promptly blinks, sniffles, and then smiles weakly, but sincerely, at Ulyssa. In that order. "...T... Thank you... for having faith in me... I'll... I'll do my best."
(1:11:16 AM) Haisen: Saken is silent for a few moments, before he speaks. "I... Alright. I need to have faith in myself... I'm the... I'm the only way my family lives on... I need to be strong for them. I will be strong for them. And... For all of you."
(1:12:22 AM) Ulyssa: Nod nod, to Aelitethe! Though she reeks of miserable, her nods are rather determined.
(1:14:02 AM) Aelitethe: "...Ulyssa... If you would like... me to sing for you... Please don't hesitate to let me know. That extends to all of you... I would like to... use my... talents for good."
(1:14:41 AM) Haisen: Killis speaks.  "...You should sing now. I think all of us need it."
(1:15:41 AM) Kineth: Kineth nods in agreement. "Indeed... I think that would be for the best."
(1:15:45 AM) Ulyssa: Ulyssa nods at Killis and Aelitethe, as close to at the same time as she can manage.
(1:16:07 AM) Artemis-XE: "Given the mood right now... yeah, I think we could use it."
(1:17:44 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe stands up, steps aways from the table, before clearing her throat, waiting for a few moments to settle down... Before singing http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7v1a4Hx2W0
(1:18:55 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe starts to do a tiny dance as she sings, as well.
(1:21:17 AM) Aelitethe: Clap, clap!
(1:22:43 AM) Aelitethe: And with the humming, her performance comes to an end.
(1:23:43 AM) Haisen: The raw cheer of the song has a sharp dissonance with the current mood that fills the air. Yet, despite that... The song seems to have an almost magical effect in cheering up everyone. About halfway through the song, Tilia gets up and... Actually starts dancing! She's obviously putting herself into it, and it's more than just a tiny jig... She's really trying to help cheer everyone up! ...Including herself
(1:26:04 AM) ***Ulyssa 's mood skyrockets to 'feeling like trash' during the performance! She hasn't cracked a smile quite yet, but the intense frowning has lessened! She claps at the end, too! And you can guess that Tilia's dancing routine (not on a table, hopefully) helped a bit, as well~
(1:27:37 AM) Artemis-XE left the room (quit: Read error: Connection reset by peer).
(1:27:58 AM) XephyrEnigma [~MobileXep@Rizon-76C5DD72.cpe.net.cable.rogers.com] entered the room.
(1:28:06 AM) XephyrEnigma is now known as Artemis-XE
(1:28:12 AM) Kineth: Kineth actually smiles a little bit as he sees Ulyysa's mood seem to take a turn for the better. While it isn't a smile, he's at least glad to see some sort of improvement! He also gets a small laugh out of Tilia's dancing, while he goes to hug Ulyssa! Every little bit helps, etc. etc.!
(1:29:21 AM) Artemis-XE: Art's frown has disappeared, replaced with something actually resembling a smile. Granted, he wasnt anywhere near as worse off than the others, it helps nonetheless!
(1:29:43 AM) Haisen: Tilia's smile doesn't stop when the song and dance ends. She's still managing to look very cheerful.
(1:31:38 AM) Aelitethe: "I hope to be able to lift everyone's spirits during these dark times."
(1:31:44 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe bows.
(1:33:00 AM) Ulyssa: The hug is returned! Things start to feel festive, and Ulyssa seems to have a less dreadful aura now! MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
(1:33:43 AM) Haisen: Killis speaks up. "And after that, I think this is time for another round of drinks! My treat, of course."
(1:34:02 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe smiles, feeling a lot less useless now.
(1:34:13 AM) Aelitethe: "I'll try and come up with some ideas on our next plan of action."
(1:34:27 AM) Kineth: Kineth's smile also doesn't stop, nor does his hug end. Certainly a welcome reprieve! "That all sounds good, yes."
(1:34:30 AM) Artemis-XE: "As will I."
(1:35:15 AM) Ulyssa: Nod nod. Shit is getting done! She can't really ask for anything more!
(1:35:26 AM) Haisen: Killis goes to the bar and orders drinks for everyone. Including Ulyssa, even if she's not done with her first. He then comes back somehow managing to hold all eight of them without even a tray, and sets one down at each place on the table.
(1:37:15 AM) Kineth: Kineth ends his hug after a little bit, going to take a sip of his drink, much less stressed out now.
(1:37:27 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe takes a swig of her drink. "I think our most important cause for concern is firepower. Now that we're branded fugitives, we need to become stronger to fend off this imminent threat."
(1:38:26 AM) Kineth: Kineth nods. "Indeed it would be. The real question is, though... How do we go about doing it?"
(1:38:33 AM) Artemis-XE: "Right. We'll also need more allies, no doubt."
(1:39:52 AM) Haisen: "Actually, I already have a plan." Killis interjects. "In all of the chaos, I'm sure not all of you got the chance to read the note I sent, but we should head further east, and then underground."
(1:40:04 AM) Haisen: He then takes a nice swig of his drink.
(1:40:06 AM) Aelitethe: "Underground, where the gnomes are?"
(1:40:07 AM) Ulyssa: She finishes her drink rather quickly, in order to start on the next! She...won't participate in this discussion unless she has an idea or is asked, since it's kind of hard to and she's sort of drinking!
(1:40:46 AM) XephyrEnigma [~MobileXep@Rizon-76C5DD72.cpe.net.cable.rogers.com] entered the room.
(1:40:51 AM) Haisen: "Yes... It wouldn't be easy for you to get there alone, since the gnomes don't really advertise their existence. Fortunately, I've been there before."
(1:41:34 AM) Haisen: "...Though, it won't be easy even now, I'm afraid."
(1:41:44 AM) Aelitethe: "What is, indeed, the problem?"
(1:42:24 AM) Kineth: Kineth simply listens for the moment, taking a swig of his drink.
(1:42:37 AM) Artemis-XE left the room (quit: Ping timeout: 240 seconds).
(1:42:59 AM) XephyrEnigma is now known as Artemis-XE
(1:43:12 AM) Haisen: Saken speaks up now. "There's a fortress to the east, isn't there? And there's no other way through the mountain range..." Killis nods. "Yes, that is indeed the problem. And, technically everything beyond that fortress is in the wildlands. It's dangerous enough to merely travel."
(1:43:52 AM) Artemis-XE: "If it's the only way, then we don't have much of a choice then, do we?"
(1:43:54 AM) Aelitethe: "That's quite a problem. Is the fortress occupied?"
(1:44:24 AM) Artemis-XE: "...right. that is also important."
(1:46:35 AM) Haisen: "That... Would be putting it lightly. The church is rather paranoid of the dwarves' military might, even though there is a trade agreement." Killis sighs. "It's also the base for expeditions to the dwarven caves. There isn't another trade run scheduled for a month yet, so all of the paladins that normally make the journey will still be there."
(1:48:08 AM) Aelitethe: "...That's... Hmm. What do we do...?"
(1:48:09 AM) Kineth: Kineth puts his drink down for a moment. "...And exactly how many paladins are stationed there?"
(1:48:52 AM) Artemis-XE: "...It isnt like we can afford to wait a month. They'll surely come after us again by then, wont they?"
(1:49:07 AM) Haisen: Saken speaks now. "There's normally somewhere between forty and fifty paladins stationed there, as well as about ten clerics..."
(1:50:26 AM) Aelitethe: "That's crazy. We're only 8 strong."
(1:50:29 AM) Kineth: "So somewhere in the range of fifty to sixty people... There's no way we could feasibly deal with numbers like that..."
(1:50:55 AM) Aelitethe: "We would need the tactical genius of an accomplished strategist to win in that type of situation."
(1:52:14 AM) Haisen: Killis looks to Artemis. "Yes... Even Haisen won't wait for a month to go after us. And the time it would take to go all the way north into the wildlands and then around the mountains would be far more than we can prepare for by gathering supplies from villages."
(1:52:43 AM) Haisen: "However... There may be a way to get through."
(1:52:59 AM) Artemis-XE: "What do you have in mind?"
(1:53:48 AM) Haisen: "If they saw arcanists outside the fortress, they would be obliged to send forces after them. At least five men per arcanist seen, often more."
(1:54:15 AM) Haisen: "...Bellezza would be quite able to get away easily, no?"
(1:55:29 AM) Aelitethe: "Are you insinuating that Belle pose as a decoy?" Aelitethe stares at Killis.
(1:55:59 AM) Haisen: Belle speaks. "...I'll do it. So long as you're sure you aren't putting Aelitethe in danger."
(1:56:32 AM) Aelitethe: "Belle...?"
(1:58:05 AM) Haisen: Killis looks away. "I... Can't be sure. However, if you lure them away from the front, and circle around to the back... Combined, it should severely reduce the guard in the fortress. There will be gaps in the patrols. From there, it's simply a matter of making your way through."
(1:58:22 AM) Ulyssa: Head tilt. That...sounds dangerous, but the most safe of the dangerous things so far!
(1:58:30 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe sighs. "We have little choice..."
(1:59:01 AM) Kineth: Kineth nods. "Indeed... Though it's better than just sitting around here and doing nothing, isn't it?"
(1:59:11 AM) Haisen: "...Alternatively, we could lure them out one group at a time... At least at first. If Belle lured one group of guards out, we might be able to dispatch them. From there, any further groups they sent would be larger."
(2:00:13 AM) Haisen: "They'll only send out the inexperienced paladins at first, and then send the veterans. The forces remaining inside will be severely weakened with two groups gone- Especially so if you can circle around and bring a third away."
(2:00:43 AM) Aelitethe: "But that begs the question of where we'd bring the fight."
(2:01:44 AM) Haisen: Now Saken speaks. "I, um... I know something of the terrain in that area. About a mile to the south of the fortress, there's an area that we might be able to hide in, and ambush the paladins..."
(2:02:18 AM) Aelitethe: "Hmm."
(2:02:43 AM) Haisen: "...There is still the question of getting inside the fortress itself, however... We're hardly equipped for a siege."
(2:03:17 AM) Artemis-XE left the room (quit: Ping timeout: 240 seconds).
(2:03:30 AM) XephyrEnigma [~MobileXep@Rizon-76C5DD72.cpe.net.cable.rogers.com] entered the room.
(2:04:50 AM) XephyrEnigma is now known as Artemis-XE
(2:05:53 AM) Artemis-XE: "And it isnt like we're going to find siege weaponry on short notice."
(2:06:08 AM) Aelitethe: "Hmm..."
(2:07:38 AM) Haisen: "...I know a way in." Killis says now. "It'll get us into the cellar... And the only way to go from there to the other door without heading straight through the center of the keep requires going to the top floor. However, it should be serviceable..."
(2:07:57 AM) Kineth: "And that would be...?"
(2:08:46 AM) Haisen: "It's a secret passage, built into the front wall of the keep. The exact location and method of opening are... Difficult to describe."
(2:09:14 AM) Aelitethe: "Is it through magical means?"
(2:09:44 AM) Haisen: "It might be. It requires pushing in bricks in the wall in a certain order."
(2:12:23 AM) Aelitethe: "I might be able to figure it out...?"
(2:13:35 AM) Haisen: Killis shakes his head. "I'll simply open it myself. You didn't expect to be going in alone, did you?"
(2:14:21 AM) Kineth: "Wouldn't really make sense if that was the case."
(2:14:36 AM) Artemis-XE: "Cant imagine it would."
(2:14:48 AM) Aelitethe: "..."
(2:14:51 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe blinks.
(2:15:02 AM) Haisen: "There won't be enough time to figure it out regardless. We will be seen approaching. I'm rather sure that most don't know about the passage, but if we're so much as seen using it we're in trouble."
(2:15:08 AM) Aelitethe: "Right."
(2:16:27 AM) Haisen: Tilia interjects. "Looks like we've got a plan now, right? Why don't we all get some rest and prepare for the next day. Who knows, Ulyssa might even be cheered up if she gets some alone time with Kineth!"
(2:17:21 AM) Haisen: Belle actually laughs slightly at this
(2:17:23 AM) Aelitethe: "Heh... That's true."
(2:17:33 AM) Artemis-XE: Artemis is trying not to laugh at that. Though it probably would be a good idea.
(2:17:45 AM) Kineth: Kineth lets out a small chuckle as he finishes off his drink.
(2:18:00 AM) Artemis-XE: And failing, mind you, as he starts snickering anyway.
(2:18:35 AM) Haisen: The laughter is infectious, with Killis and even Saken getting a good chuckle
(2:18:47 AM) Ulyssa: Aaaaa. She definitely nods though! It's just with the smallest touch of unease!
(2:19:23 AM) Aelitethe: "Me, I'm gonna stay here. Maybe drink some more." Aelitethe laughs softly.
(2:29:18 AM) Aelitethe: "We had drat get ready for this..."
(2:29:28 AM) Aelitethe: "Well, let's take it easy for now, ok?"
(2:29:56 AM) Ulyssa: Nod nod!
(2:30:13 AM) Artemis-XE: "Yep."
(2:30:48 AM) Kineth: "Mhm."
(2:33:03 AM) Haisen: After finishing up their drinks, the party eventually goes upstairs to their rooms, which Killis has paid for. Aelitethe, Belle, and Tilia are in one room, Kineth and Ulyssa in another, Killis, Artemis, and Saken in the last. So one day ends, and uncertain future begins...