Aelitethe/Alicia RP log 2 (Title Pending)

(5:09:27 AM) AliciaValka: "Not one of them... They despise you simply for being different? A what of this church?" Alicia wanted to know about this place. This... This did not sound like the kingdom she'd known. Though of course, that kingdom was all but gone... Where was she now?
(5:10:23 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe sighed. "I do not know too much about the Church. The folks there do not tell me much..."
(5:10:46 AM) AliciaValka: *And what of this church
(5:11:57 AM) Aelitethe: "You might be better off seeing things for yourself. Shall I accompany you?"
(5:14:09 AM) AliciaValka: "I see... Strange. I'd never heard of such a church..." She looks down, thinking for a moment, before looking up as Aelitethe speaks again. "Ah, yes... That would be appreciated. I'm afraid I know nothing of this region, or even..." Even the plants in the forest seemed totally unfamiliar. They were simply... Unlike anything she'd ever known. There was something different about Aelitethe as well. What was this place?
(5:14:51 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe nodded. "I'll accompany you to the village, then. And I'll stay with you, but I'll probably get in trouble..."
(5:17:22 AM) Aelitethe: She steps forward.
(5:21:21 AM) AliciaValka: "Surely they cannot take issue with someone for helping out a stranger? If trouble arises, I'll try to handle it." She follows Aelitethe.
(5:21:49 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe nods and sighs sheepishly as she begins to lead Alicia to the village's vicinity. "Alright, if you say so!"
(5:25:47 AM) Aelitethe: It was about thirty minutes of brisk walking before the two came upon a rather quaint village, it was easily distinguished by the wooden walls that encircled it. There were a couple of watch towers within, and some houses here and there, but what should catch Alicia's eye was a large wooden structure akin to a cathedral. A Poor Man's Cathedral, if you would.
(5:41:17 AM) AliciaValka: "What...?" Alicia blinks upon seeing this structure. "That building... It looks modeled after a similar type of architecture as the palace back home... But it's so shoddy."
(5:41:38 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe sighs. "Your home? Where do you hail from?"
(5:42:10 AM) Aelitethe: She ushers you to go in first a little, some of the passersby eye Alicia suspiciously, but it's less Alicia and more Aelitethe standing right by her.
(5:43:24 AM) AliciaValka: "I hail from... It was called Valkyria. I have no idea what it's called now, however." Alicia steps ahead of Aelitethe at little bit, as urged, as she looks around and tries to understand all of this. Everything... It's so different from what she's used to. Yet... Why does that structure look similar, even as such a pale imitation?
(5:45:35 AM) Aelitethe: "Valkyria... I cannot say I have heard of that name." Aelitethe sighs as she sort of cowers behind Alicia, eyeing the glares of some of the villagers (though most are doing peaceful activities!)
(5:48:15 AM) AliciaValka: Alicia narrows her eyes, staring down some of the menacing villagers. There's a glint in her eyes, like cold hard steel... The villagers so looked at quickly go about their business. "I see. I must admit, nothing here seems at all familiar to me. Even the plantlife in that forest was alien to me."
(5:49:16 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe sighs. "I'm sorry if I cannot be of much help. Would you like to see the church?"
(5:51:00 AM) AliciaValka: "Yes... I'm very curious about this church. We had no such things in Valkyria. I heard of their existence in other countries, but the closest we had was the palace."
(5:51:38 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe slowly attempted to lead Alicia to the church, but she was a bit slow. Fortunately she received less glares from the villagers.
(5:54:33 AM) AliciaValka: "...I do not understand this sort of hatred over merely being different. At home, our differences were-" No, best not to mention that now. She looked enough a madwoman as it was without mentioning having been worshiped in Valkyria. She still had a ways to go on truly regaining her composure...
(5:55:06 AM) AliciaValka: "...It is nothing. Let us continue?"
(5:55:41 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe blinks. "Yes..." She hastens her pace, and it is not too long until Alicia gets a closer look at the cathedral-esque church
(5:57:13 AM) AliciaValka: Alicia inspects the church itself closely, trying to note the differences and similarities between its construction and that of her home. Some of it can be attributed to the crudeness with which it is put together. Yet... Surely there must be stylistic differences?
(5:58:07 AM) Aelitethe: The church in itself seemed to have... an unusual architecture for something made of wood. It seemed almost reminiscent of something proto-Gothic. But... How does one manage arches with wood?
(6:00:02 AM) AliciaValka: ...No. It's far less crude than she first thought. It's actually incredible, for something like this to exist in such a town.  "Strange... From my knowledge of architecture, I don't know how it could have been built this way. I've never heard of such arches being used with wood rather than stone..."
(6:03:46 AM) AliciaValka: She stops. "...There's no use simply inspecting the building however, is there? And as I recall, you said the church disliked you, yes? ...Where might I go to learn more about this region, and find some coin to clothe and arm myself?"
(6:04:33 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe began to tremble as a figure draped in traditional holy garb stepped out of the arched entrance of the church. Aelitethe hid a bit behind Alicia. As Alicia could see the figure, she could tell it was a priest of some sort. He looked...well enough.
(6:04:53 AM) Aelitethe: "...Who might you be?" the priest asked, conveniently ignoring the fact Aelitethe was right there,
(6:07:59 AM) AliciaValka: "My name is Alicia." she responded simply, not flinching as she met the priest's eyes. She held no hostility in her own, at the moment. "I suppose you could call me a foreignor. I came here looking for some knowledge about the area, perhaps seeking some way to adjust myself, and found this structure intriguing."
(6:12:20 AM) Aelitethe: "A foreigner, you say..." the priest laughs a little. He looks at Alicia with a slight degree of interest which soon diminishes once he eyes the robe she is wearing. "I will be content with helping you if you allow us to replace that... that robe. Which undoubtedly is not yours."
(6:12:37 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe, now standing by Alicia, is trembling. "..." She is silent.
(6:13:44 AM) Aelitethe: Alicia can most likely sense incredible amounts of inner rage from Aelitethe right now
(6:17:35 AM) AliciaValka: Alicia's eyes narrow, just slightly. "...Yes. I believe a replacement is in order. I fully intended to return it to its owner as soon as I no longer had need of it regardless."
(6:18:31 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe glares at Alicia. The priest smiles. "Very well! You look like the type who would do well in one of our armors. I'm afraid they're not much, but they will afford more protection than those pitiful robes."
(6:19:20 AM) Aelitethe: "Please, come in."
(6:21:09 AM) AliciaValka: Alicia looks back at Aelitethe, confused, then back at the priest. ...Something is wrong here. "...Armor? That hardly sounds like something that would be given simply as charity. I am unfamiliar with the customs of this land, but surely that is quite excessive? All I require is clothing."
(6:22:36 AM) Aelitethe: The priest grins. "No, no, I insist! I would rather they be in the hands of someone else who is most suitable with wearing it than see it dust and rust here!" Soon, he shoots a demonic glare at Aelitethe for a split second, causing Aelitethe to hiss quietly in response.
(6:26:18 AM) AliciaValka: Alicia is quite on guard now, however. "While I do not intend to belittle either myself or your judgment... Why would you believe me so suitable for such a thing? You have seen nothing of my ability. Surely there are other warriors suited for such things?"
(6:27:49 AM) Aelitethe: "This village is quite aways away from civilization, stranger," the priest clears his throat. "Furthermore, I believe myself to have a knack for these types of things. You... you possess great power, do you not?"
(6:32:34 AM) AliciaValka: "...Power?" How would he... How could he know? Could he sense it in her blood, somehow, or was there something else at play? She decided to feign ignorance for now. "...I don't understand what you speak of. I have had some combat training, if that's what you refer to."
(6:34:05 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe weakly tugs on the robes Alicia is currently wearing, but the priest snaps his fingers and Alicia can sense that Aelitethe has been magically silenced. "There is a reason why we're so far out here, stranger. The other member of the Order cannot handle my knowledge. Do not play dumb with me."
(6:34:33 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe tries to say something, but all that escapes is... the air with which she breathes.
(6:36:48 AM) AliciaValka: "...So. It has come to threats, has it? I suppose I have some sort of power... But I know not of any Order." Her eyes narrow, and there's something hard, unbreakable in them. "...Release her. If I must play my part in this game of yours, do not bring her into it."
(6:37:34 AM) AliciaValka: "Or perhaps you had an intention of testing this 'power'? Yet I'm sure that such would not end well for anyone."
(6:39:02 AM) Aelitethe: The priest sighs, snapping his fingers and unmuting Aelitethe, who shoots a murderous glare in response. "Of course you wouldn't know," he said. "You're not of this world. You would not know the Order of Iridia. But that is not of your concern. I have no plans with you. I simply wished to extend my hand of charity. But apparently, you have some sort of interest in the wench who stands next to you."
(6:39:34 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe winces. The priest continues. "She has been... disruptive."
(6:41:52 AM) AliciaValka: "...I'm afraid I'm not of a mind for such great acts of charity. There are others who need it more than one who has a power which you can sense. If that is all, I shall take my leave now. Surely it is no great loss to have charity refused?"
(6:43:19 AM) Aelitethe: The priest sighs. "You may go. But..."
(6:44:38 AM) Aelitethe: The priest turns around, deep in thought.
(6:45:54 AM) AliciaValka: Alicia isn't trusting this. She's tense. Magic can come with thought, after all. ...Yet, even were she to draw upon her power and thwart a spell, would that be enough? This is more than just a village, isn't it?
(6:46:48 AM) AliciaValka: "...But?"
(6:47:19 AM) Aelitethe: "...Inquisitors. Take the girl by our robed friend here." the priest whistles and strides into the church as some nearby villagers mutter an incantation and soon, as if by magic, they are wearing full-plate armor and charge towards Aelitethe!
(6:47:29 AM) Aelitethe: However, they seem content with ignoring Alicia.
(6:55:56 AM) AliciaValka: "...You wish this?" Alicia feels anger. She does not trust this man... She  doesn't have enough to go by to trust anywhere, and yet, she must make a decision. She won't simply leave Aelitethe to this! Power rushes through her veins, and she can feel it rising. "...So be it!" Her power manifests in the form of beautiful white feathered wings, curving in front of her before spreading out.
(6:55:56 AM) AliciaValka: "Witness this 'power' you have such desire for!" Light gathers around her wings, glowing brightly, and four bolts of brilliant white come out from each wing! She hurls them toward the warriors, and they fly through the air at incredible speed! They zoom past the warriors without even time to blink.
(6:55:56 AM) AliciaValka:  Two of the warriors are struck through the chest, with no indication remaining except a slight scorch mark on their armor. Yet, the others are hit more lightly, through their arms, or legs. These do not stop moving.
(6:58:23 AM) Aelitethe: The two Inquisitors struck clean by the bolts of light were knocked down, most presumably put to rest forever. However, the other two who remain still do not appear fazed by Alicia's initial barrage. One of them attempts to rush past Alicia and grab Aelitethe, who in turn evades his grasp by stepping away. "A... Alicia...! P, please, we must leave...!"
(6:58:49 AM) Aelitethe: The other one instead opts to let the other one do the work, standing in wait. He is silent.
(7:02:34 AM) AliciaValka: "It seems we must." She focuses her power... And then releases it in a flash, with force behind it, trying to knock the inquisitors away! Without a second's pause, she grabs Aelitethe's arm and tries to run!
(7:03:57 AM) Aelitethe: The first inquisitor is easily knocked back. The second one is knocked back too, but not to great effect. Alicia, grabbing Aelitethe's arm, attempts to run! And run she does, until by the time she reaches the exit the second Inquisitor from earlier has now magically appeared in between Alicia and freedom.
(7:04:10 AM) Aelitethe: "Relinquish the girl."
(7:05:59 AM) AliciaValka: "Pardon my lack of trust." Alicia focuses her power again, and tries to send another bolt at the inquisitor!
(7:06:48 AM) Aelitethe: The inquisitor takes the bolt, and he seems visibly hurt, but you can't tell. However, he still stands. "This is nothing personal, stranger. The girl is a menace to this World."
(7:06:55 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe winces.
(7:08:04 AM) Aelitethe: *visibly hurt, but you can't tell that he's very much fine.
(7:10:26 AM) AliciaValka: "A menace? What, did you receive a message from some holy oracle or something? Or a stone tablet in another language from a thousand years ago?"
(7:10:58 AM) Aelitethe: "The latter, actually. Do not be so coy." Aelitethe is now clinging to Alicia, barely believing what she's hearing.
(7:13:09 AM) Aelitethe: "What is your interest with the girl, anyway?"
(7:15:26 AM) AliciaValka: "Kh..." He seems to have some resistance to her magic... Can she really outpower it before it's too late? But to give in to the machinations of these madmen... No. No, she won't become a pawn. She won't be... She refuses to be helpless again! "...Simple. I refuse to play into your hands." Everything... Everything she has! All the power she can muster, everything at once... She releases it all toward the inquisitor!
(7:17:10 AM) Aelitethe: The Inquisitor is blown away. Well, kind of. He's now kneeling. He has an incredible amount of resilience, but yields. "...Our hands... We... We simply wish to...... Rgh." The Inquisitor sits himself against the wall, breathing deeply.
(7:17:25 AM) Aelitethe: He's not dead, but he cannot do a thing to you anymore.
(7:17:33 AM) Aelitethe: *Alicia
(7:17:50 AM) Aelitethe: Alicia also now gets the feeling that the Inquisitor is different from the others.
(7:19:09 AM) AliciaValka: No, really? That wasn't obvious when he resisted everything else up to this point too? Regardless... Alicia pants from the exertion as her wings fade, her power spent. "We need to go!" She continues to hold Aelitethe while running
(7:19:42 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe is shivering, but continues to run. "I... I do not know where else to go but Westward!"
(7:21:07 AM) AliciaValka: "West, then. Lead!" Alicia does not waste words, trying to save her breath as she runs.
(7:21:54 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe sighs and runs to the West, leading Alicia ahead to... seemingly nowhere in particular...?
(7:23:10 AM) AliciaValka: Is there at least somewhere safe to rest, to try and figure out what to do? ...Are the inquisitors following?
(7:23:51 AM) Aelitethe: The Inquisitors are nowhere to be found. They are not following and most likely they will not follow, believing you to die in the wilderness. However, after about another thirty or so minutes of travel, you happen upon a cottage with a red thatched roof.
(7:24:34 AM) AliciaValka: "This... Is it?"
(7:25:53 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe sighs. "...Found this place. It's mine."
(7:26:22 AM) AliciaValka: "It should be safe then... Good."
(7:26:59 AM) Aelitethe: "Go in..."
(7:28:02 AM) AliciaValka: Alicia heads inside, and... Looks for somewhere to sit down after that run
(7:28:25 AM) Aelitethe: Alicia sees a table with two seats. Aelitethe follows and sits on her bed. She's silent and looks distant. "..."
(7:28:53 AM) AliciaValka: Alicia sits down at the table, and takes a moment to catch her breath.
(7:29:28 AM) Aelitethe: "...I'm sorry."
(7:29:33 AM) Aelitethe: "I couldn't help you at all."
(7:31:07 AM) AliciaValka: "You at least made an attempt. As opposed to those... Madmen. Whether they wanted me for something, or merely wanted me away from you... Yet, he knew, and confirmed what I was suspecting... This is a different world."
(7:31:30 AM) Aelitethe: "Alicia, there's something you ought to know..."
(7:31:48 AM) AliciaValka: "Only one?"
(7:32:08 AM) Aelitethe: "...Let me put it this way... If there are any questions you want, I may have answers for them..."
(7:32:11 AM) Aelitethe: *you have
(7:33:24 AM) AliciaValka: "Well, first... Did you know you were risking yourself so when we entered the village?"
(7:33:40 AM) Aelitethe: "Of course I did. Why did you think I was so hesitant to go in with you in the first place?"
(7:34:07 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe sighs. "They had me in stocks for an entire day!"
(7:35:53 AM) AliciaValka: "...Why did you come, then? Certainly giving me an extra bit of guidance wasn't worth going there, and right up to the church..."
(7:36:10 AM) Aelitethe: "I was afraid of YOU."
(7:36:38 AM) Aelitethe: "The Priest Lesath was not the only one who could sense otherworldly power within you. I, too, could sense it, and it terrified me."
(7:38:52 AM) AliciaValka: "I see. And knowing so little of me, you thought I might lash out if you refused to help further? So much that you didn't even try to explain? ...Well, it's done now. Just know I'm hardly so cruel."
(7:39:21 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe sighs. "I'm sorry for doubting you..."
(7:40:55 AM) AliciaValka: "I understand I seemed a gibbering madwoman when I first came to. I wouldn't trust such a person far more myself."
(7:41:39 AM) Aelitethe: "...I'll try to help you find answers..."
(7:41:55 AM) Aelitethe: "But truthfully speaking, I'm not sure where to start..."
(7:42:43 AM) AliciaValka: "What do you know of their mad apocalyptic prophecy? Why do they fear you so?"
(7:43:41 AM) Aelitethe: "There's an ancient tablet from 1,000 years ago, unearthed, which stated of... an apocalyptic prophecy. It stated that [The One in White] would sing [The Song to End the World]..."
(7:45:16 AM) AliciaValka: "...So they put you in stocks because of a robe?"
(7:46:17 AM) Aelitethe: "...I... I don't know..."
(7:48:01 AM) Aelitethe: "What do you think of my singing?"
(7:49:26 AM) AliciaValka: "...Well, if that's so important to them, maybe I'll keep this robe after all. And then I'll end the world that holds those madmen within it by making it a world that doesn't. ...Of course, I need far more information and resources..." She trails off, and then looks up at Aelitethe's question.  "What I heard of it was very good. You would think they'd be taking it as something from the gods themselves rather than a cursed omen."
(7:52:04 AM) Aelitethe: "I certainly hope that isn't true... The prophecy, anyway. But I've been having nightmares recently..."
(7:54:12 AM) AliciaValka: "...Even going under the assumption that they translated and interpreted it correctly, what are the nightmares like?"
(7:55:17 AM) Aelitethe: "I... I found myself singing something absolutely... terrible... While I was being burned at the stake."
(7:55:26 AM) Aelitethe: "Around me... Chaos and destruction."
(7:56:59 AM) AliciaValka: "...That is rather ominous. Though the priest himself might have caused it. He clearly has some sort of magic... Did you meet him before or after these started? ...Or any other mage, to your knowledge?"
(7:59:15 AM) Aelitethe: "They... they've started far before any exposure to a mage..."
(8:00:23 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe sighs... "But... you seemed to have... control of such powerful Light magic..."
(8:02:46 AM) AliciaValka: "I see..." Alicia is silent, thinking. Perhaps... Could there be a connection between that and whatever power brought her here? ...Or something else entirely? She looks up as Aelitethe speaks again though. "...Remember how I told you that the palace was the closest thing my kingdom had to a church?"
(8:03:08 AM) Aelitethe: "...Um... Yes, I do remember!"
(8:04:41 AM) Aelitethe: "Why do you ask?"
(8:04:45 AM) AliciaValka: "...My family was worshiped as demigods. This power... It ran in our bloodline. We ruled by, in the minds of the people, divine right."
(8:04:52 AM) Aelitethe: "..."
(8:05:13 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe shivers. "Are you telling me I'm housing the descendant of a demigod?"
(8:08:00 AM) AliciaValka: Alicia shakes her head. "I'm only telling you how we were perceived... This power is great, and could become far greater. Yet, no so-called 'god' is near so perfect as ever believed. Even if I give my all to be worthy... I will never erase the damage done by my father with that power. No god would have allowed that. Nor... The power he gained further beyond that."
(8:08:37 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe sighs. "...I'm sorry."
(8:09:49 AM) AliciaValka: "...I still have much recovery left after my imprisonment. I... I should not be so free with what I say. ...Still, I doubt this knowledge will bring any harm."
(8:10:22 AM) Aelitethe: "Your words confuse me; I believe you will be fine. Me, on the other hand... I have lived far from civilization, for I have been branded..."
(8:11:25 AM) AliciaValka: ...Alicia shakes her head and laughs, though there's an edge to that laugh. "Hahaha... There was never any chance that this could have been my world to begin with. My world would probably still be covered in ash..." She stops, listening to Aelitethe. "...Were you branded simply by the prophecy? Or was there something else?"
(8:13:04 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe sighs, fidgeting. "..."
(8:14:55 AM) Aelitethe: Soon, Aelitethe looks out the window.
(8:14:59 AM) AliciaValka: "...I doubt you could send me running away screaming."
(8:15:37 AM) Aelitethe: "There was something else, but... Um... I don't think I could expose myself to someone I just met..."
(8:16:46 AM) AliciaValka: "You've certainly already seen me exposed."
(8:17:38 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe sighs. "Fair enough..." Soon, she removes her leotard, exposing many unfamiliar runes which may either have been tattooed or branded on her body. It is a mystery whether they were there to begin with or if they were natural.
(8:19:05 AM) Aelitethe: However, of these unfamiliar runes, it is entirely possible Alicia may or may not recognize a couple.
(8:19:40 AM) AliciaValka: "Those... What are those? ...And when you can cover them, why do they keep you away from civilization?"
(8:20:20 AM) Aelitethe: "I tried to interpret these runes, they are lyrics, to a song, that speaks of world-ending."
(8:21:15 AM) AliciaValka: "Do you know where they came from? Or... Do you not remember a time they weren't there?"
(8:22:27 AM) Aelitethe: "I... I do not know..."
(8:25:18 AM) AliciaValka: "...I see." The girl at least seems honest... There's no reason to disbelieve her now. "Regardless... The question comes, of what to do now? We can't stay in the woods, helpless."
(8:25:44 AM) Aelitethe: "I... I realize that."
(8:26:23 AM) Aelitethe: "I'm trying to think now, but there
(8:26:35 AM) Aelitethe: isn't a whole lot of good ideas I can come up with at the moment... Hmm..."
(8:27:54 AM) AliciaValka: "...Are there any cities where we could find work, make connections? ...Preferably not controlled by that Order of Insanity?"
(8:28:17 AM) Aelitethe: "Let's try heading more to the west. I think there is a city there that is fairly liberal."
(8:28:43 AM) Aelitethe: "We should rest here and regain our strength first. I am not much of a fighter, but... I have some tricks up my sleeve."
(8:30:56 AM) AliciaValka: "Yes, resting would be the best strategy. As for fighting... I should hopefully be able to handle most of it, depending on what we encounter. It would be best if I could get a good saber or rapier, but the magic serves well enough for now."
(8:32:12 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe points to another bed in the other corner. "Yours."
(8:32:54 AM) AliciaValka: Alicia nods.
(8:36:00 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe and Alicia spend the rest of the day in the former's cottage getting some well-needed rest. Small-talk was made, and Alicia got to learn a little bit more about the world she was in - the Order of Iridia was a religious sect that fostered "preservation of the World," and as such did not take kindly to Aelitethe's presence.
(8:36:15 AM) Aelitethe: It appeared that aside from that, things were quite peaceful.
(8:36:28 AM) Aelitethe: That knowledge in mind, Alicia and Aelitethe were able to get a good night's rest for tomorrow's journey.
(8:36:48 AM) Aelitethe: In the morning, Alicia slowly wakes to find Aelitethe sleeping not on her bed but on the floor, sprawled, as if she had fallen off her bed.
(8:38:21 AM) AliciaValka: "...Hopefully we won't find reason to sleep in a tree or something during this journey." Alicia sighs
(8:40:06 AM) AliciaValka: Alicia watches Aelitethe for a little while. As far as she knows, this happens every night! Aelitethe had  mentioned nightmares, after all
(8:40:26 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe is writhing slightly.
(8:41:05 AM) AliciaValka: ...That doesn't look right. Alicia comes closer.
(8:42:38 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe is indeed writhing in place, her face looks to be in pain.
(8:42:47 AM) Aelitethe: "Nnngh... stop... burns..."
(8:43:16 AM) Aelitethe: Alicia suspects this may have occurred not long ago.
(8:43:32 AM) AliciaValka: ...Yeah, that's it. "Aelitethe, wake up!"
(8:44:43 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe suddenly jolts up, she's sweating... "Aaaaaahhh!!!"
(8:45:58 AM) AliciaValka: "...You were muttering about burns and writhing in agony. I thought you might appreciate waking up."
(8:46:32 AM) Aelitethe: "M-m-m-m-must you always be so sardonic?"
(8:46:41 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe looks very hurt...
(8:47:54 AM) AliciaValka: "I think that's just what you're expecting. That wasn't my intent this time."
(8:49:31 AM) AliciaValka: "...Are the nightmares usually like this?"
(8:49:44 AM) Aelitethe: "...Some variant thereof..." Aelitethe stands up.
(8:51:12 AM) Aelitethe: "Well, let's get ready..."
(8:51:48 AM) AliciaValka: "It..." Alicia looks away for a moment. "...It's awful, isn't it? No control... No way to fight back at all... Nothing but the darkness... Or the flame... And agony."
(8:52:31 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe hears Alicia's comment. "When you bear experience to these visions on a regular basis, you learn to get used to it... But it still does hurt."
(8:52:57 AM) AliciaValka: "...Well, that's good. At least you get to escape..."
(8:53:15 AM) Aelitethe: "...Escape. If only..."
(8:54:38 AM) AliciaValka: "...It isn't as if hardships are a contest to be one regardless. Yes, we should get ready... A meal before we go would probably be best as well."
(8:54:45 AM) AliciaValka: *won
(8:55:13 AM) Aelitethe: "Um... Right... a meal. Hold on..." Aelitethe goes off to prepare something.
(8:57:59 AM) Aelitethe: After some time, Aelitethe brings out what appears to be some bread with a very simplistic broth. "...I don't have too much. Sorry."
(8:59:18 AM) AliciaValka: "There's nothing to apologize for." Alicia says simply.
(8:59:35 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe just nods.
(9:00:34 AM) AliciaValka: Alicia eats her meal without complaint. ...Actually, she compliments it a bit.
(9:05:01 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe tilts her head.
(9:06:47 AM) Aelitethe: "When you're ready, we can go."
(9:07:39 AM) AliciaValka: "Yes, of course." Alicia finishes her meal and makes any necessary preparations
(9:08:10 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe herself is already prepared, wearing a belt of some general medicines and such, while carrying her quarterstaff. "Okay, then."
(9:08:54 AM) AliciaValka: "Let's go."
(9:09:31 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe leads Alicia out, makes sure it's all locked up, and takes the latter further westward.
(9:12:19 AM) AliciaValka: Alicia follows
(9:18:53 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe and Alicia continue their way westward, this time, the path is non-descript, passing by vales and hills, but fortunately there are no hindrances. In the distance, they see a well-populated city
(9:20:41 AM) Aelitethe: It appears to be heavily fortified, and is in fact not constructed of wood.
(9:20:59 AM) Aelitethe: It cannot be discerned from the distance, but it has got some drat impressive masonry.
(9:21:51 AM) AliciaValka: "Well, that looks promising. In every way large, fortified cities tend to hold promise... Hopefully the promised danger won't outweigh the opportunity."
(9:23:18 AM) Aelitethe: "Well, only one way to find out, right?"
(9:23:33 AM) AliciaValka: "Quite true. Shall we?"
(9:26:56 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe nods and leads Alicia to the city...
(9:32:25 AM) Aelitethe: It's a time before they reach the open front gates.
(9:32:42 AM) Aelitethe: It looks like the city is one of commerce, and both Aelitethe and Alicia are admitted entry without trouble.
(9:34:09 AM) AliciaValka: "Trade city..." How many thieves' guilds and the like might need rooting out in such a place? Interesting to think about
(9:35:13 AM) Aelitethe: "Trade City Sertorias," Aelitethe sighs. "Fortunately, the city is too big and too bustling to care about my bad rep. We should be able to forge connections here."
(9:36:21 AM) AliciaValka: "That's good." ...After all, connections would certainly be needed. Though care would have to be taken to avoid debt...
(9:39:12 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe starts looking around. "I'm not too familiar with the place, but um... Hmm."
(9:42:45 AM) AliciaValka: "We should try and find work of some sort. We need money for food, and equipment."
(9:42:53 AM) Aelitethe: "Ah... um... Work. Right..."
(9:43:34 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe drags Alicia around the city, eventually finding a reasonably large structure with a sign on it. It has a strange emblem on it, it's not recognizable to Aelitethe but it might be recognizable to Alicia. Or not.
(9:47:24 AM) AliciaValka: Alicia stares at the emblem. She blinks. She rubs her eyes. "...It can't be. That emblem... I know it..."
(9:47:41 AM) Aelitethe: "Eh? That's the emblem of the hunting guild..."
(9:47:47 AM) Aelitethe: "Do you recognize it?"
(9:49:24 AM) AliciaValka: "I... It's... It's the crest of my father's family. Can he... Does he really have hold here too? Was all but ending one world not enough?"
(9:49:49 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe facefaults. "That's the crest of your father's family?"
(9:50:15 AM) Aelitethe: "But you're not of this world... That must mean... ... ..." Aelitethe suddenly stares at you in horror. She's a lot smarter than she lets on.
(9:52:43 AM) AliciaValka: "If he... If he's in this world, could he be in league with what brought me here? ...What imprisoned me for all but an eternity, tried to tear my very soul apart? Even now... Was none of it ever enough for him?!" ...She's actually VISIBLY upset. This is a bad sign.
(9:53:28 AM) Aelitethe: "...A-A-A-Alicia, c-c-calm down! Calm down, I might have that suspicion, but if what you say is true, that could only mean your father wishes to erase me off the face of this world!"
(9:53:47 AM) Aelitethe: "As far as I'm concerned, the Order are worshipping some sort of crazy god!"
(9:55:07 AM) Aelitethe: "This is bad, this is bad..."
(9:56:13 AM) AliciaValka: "...Yes. We need to... We need to be calm. We need to get out of the way, where people won't hear us..."
(9:56:41 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe nods and drags you into an alley nearby.
(9:57:05 AM) AliciaValka: "...Aelitethe. Your nightmares have you burning in fire, right?"
(9:57:16 AM) Aelitethe: "Y-y-yes..."
(9:57:43 AM) AliciaValka: "...I have not yet told you how my stay in my own world ended, have I?"
(9:57:59 AM) Aelitethe: "N-n-n-no..."
(9:59:52 AM) AliciaValka: "I was... I was atop a mountain. I could do nothing. Fire burned across the horizon, streaked across the land a thousand times... In every direction. Cities were laid waste, his own armies and the armies of all who opposed him... All of them were consumed in flame. Flame that... That belonged to my father."
(10:00:27 AM) Aelitethe: "A-a-a-are you saying... Your father wants to... k-k-kill me?"
(10:02:15 AM) AliciaValka: "...I don't know. I have no idea why he would... All of this, it's beyond comprehension. Yet... That priest. He knew I was from another world. No matter what power I have... Why would he say it with such certainty as he did? Merely stating a fact. Unless something told him..."
(10:02:57 AM) Aelitethe: "Maybe Priest Lesath, along with his like-minded brethren, may be in league with your father... This is bad, very bad..."
(10:05:02 AM) Aelitethe: "What do we do... What do we do..."
(10:06:01 AM) AliciaValka: "...Nowhere is safe, is it? Even here, his influence reaches. I suppose we need to operate as normal, unless you have secret knowledge of a grand organization of mages hiding underground from the corrupt church. Just... Avoid that guild, which has his emblem."
(10:06:44 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe sighs. "I... um... Ah..." She facefaults, she's at an impasse for the meantime.
(10:09:27 AM) AliciaValka: "...This won't be easy. He probably has connections everywhere... Outmaneuvering him will be difficult at best. Yet, if we don't, I doubt this world will remain safe. Nothing is ever enough for him..."
(10:09:41 AM) Aelitethe: "I'll... do my best to help you, Alicia..."
(10:11:52 AM) AliciaValka: "Thank you. I'll do the same back."
(10:12:06 AM) Aelitethe: "We'll... need to get armed. Unfortunately, I cannot do much alone... If word of my reputation disgraces the city, I'll be sentenced to execution."
(10:12:38 AM) Aelitethe: "...Anyway, we should plan our next moves wisely."