To Scorn the Gods- Episode 10-3: Pain of Loss

(1:08:41 AM) DMVerian: The city sprawls out in front of the group, amazing to behold. Glowing gemstones are embedded into the walls of the cavern, and on lamp-posts, illuminating the vast caverns which hold the city.
(1:08:41 AM) DMVerian: It isn't near so bright at daylight, but it's more than enough to see by, and even from here you can see that a lot of care was put into carving even the most basic buildings and paths into the stone.
(1:09:11 AM) DMVerian: *as daylight
(1:10:37 AM) Ulyssa: Well, the fact that there's no sun but it's this bright is whoa enough! She looks around in...well, amazement! This is quite the place!
(1:12:09 AM) Aelitethe: "No less can be expected..."
(1:12:40 AM) Artemis-XE: "Leave it to the dwarves, eh?"
(1:12:48 AM) ***Kineth nods.
(1:14:59 AM) Ulyssa: Nod nod. She's clearly at least vaguely familiar with the dwarves! She knows dwarven after all, for one reason or another.
(1:16:17 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe is also somewhat inclined towards the language, but she knows like 6 anyway.
(1:22:45 AM) DMVerian: The group enters the city, and tries to find out something about the gnomes... As it turns out, it's not really secret that they're around, but no one seems to really know WHERE exactly. The general direction is known at least, but no one goes there since the tunnels are dangerous and nowhere near the mines.
(1:23:00 AM) DMVerian: Eventually, the group has to give up for the day, and finds an inn to stay at.
(1:25:32 AM) Ulyssa: INNTER. INN THE IN. GETTING INNSIDE THE INN. And so forth!
(1:26:09 AM) Kineth: Yes, yes. Heading onwards into the inn and all that rubbish
(1:27:10 AM) Artemis-XE: Artemis follows Kineth into the inn. "I wonder what's so dangerous about those caves...?"
(1:27:28 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe follows wordlessly, clutching at her staff and occasionally peering at it. And also petting and ruffling Belle.
(1:29:17 AM) Aelitethe: "...Shall we book rooms first?"
(1:29:38 AM) Artemis-XE: "We should, yeah."
(1:30:14 AM) Aelitethe: "I suppose it is the usual."
(1:30:35 AM) Artemis-XE: "The usual it is."
(1:31:01 AM) Ulyssa: Nod nod!
(1:31:24 AM) Kineth: Also nod.
(1:31:50 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe goes off to book 3 rooms, then.
(1:32:20 AM) Artemis-XE: "But there's no need to rush to bed so quickly. Why don't we spend some time in the lounge?"
(1:33:07 AM) Aelitethe: "...I'm seriously worried about Saken..."
(1:33:40 AM) Artemis-XE: "Yeah, me too. All of this must be really difficult for him."
(1:34:30 AM) Aelitethe: "...And... The staff... I feel like it can really help us."
(1:34:36 AM) Aelitethe: "...That's why I want to help it."
(1:35:24 AM) Artemis-XE: "If there's anything I can do to be of assistance, just say the word."
(1:36:19 AM) Artemis-XE left the room (quit: Read error: Connection reset by peer).
(1:36:44 AM) XephyrEnigma [~MobileXep@Rizon-76C5DD72.cpe.net.cable.rogers.com] entered the room.
(1:37:13 AM) XephyrEnigma is now known as Artemis-XE
(1:37:44 AM) Aelitethe: "So... uh..."
(1:37:59 AM) Aelitethe: "Now that we've got some... slight downtime... We should probably get to know eeach other better, huh?"
(1:38:39 AM) Artemis-XE: "That sounds like a nice idea."
(1:41:16 AM) Aelitethe: "...Yes... So..."
(1:41:19 AM) ***Aelitethe sighs and fidgets.
(1:42:18 AM) Artemis-XE: Aah, yes. This is always the weirdest start. He sits there wondering where to begin...
(1:42:48 AM) Ulyssa: Nod nod. She's OK with this, just needs to pass the moments of awkwardness now.
(1:43:13 AM) Kineth: "...So."
(1:43:32 AM) ***Kineth puts a hand to the side of his head and starts thinking..
(1:44:39 AM) Aelitethe: "...You three know each other, right?"
(1:45:06 AM) Kineth: "...Yeah. Since we were kids."
(1:45:41 AM) ***Aelitethe nods.
(1:45:44 AM) Artemis-XE: "Yeah, we pretty much spent our entire childhood together."
(1:45:46 AM) Aelitethe: "I guess you don't know much about me, then..."
(1:45:57 AM) Aelitethe: "...If there's anything you'd like to ask, feel free to do so."
(1:48:04 AM) Aelitethe: "Meanwhile... I'm going to try and... Um..." Aelitethe eyes her staff.
(1:48:45 AM) Kineth: "Figure out more about the staff?"
(1:49:03 AM) Ulyssa: Nod nod. Ulyssa thinks about something to ask, but falls short on the whole thinking thing. Oop!
(1:49:11 AM) Aelitethe: "...Yes."
(1:50:59 AM) Kineth: "...Well, I must say, I wouldn't mind learning more about it, myself."
(1:51:29 AM) Artemis-XE: "Neither would I, to be honest."
(1:54:05 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe nods. "...Well, if you want to know anything about me specifically, you know what to ask."
(1:55:39 AM) Artemis-XE: Art can only really think of one question right now. "...What made you decide to become a songstress?"
(1:56:41 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe tilts her head. "Umm... I just wanted to express my... loneliness. Through the songs my mother would sing to me when I was younger before she left me."
(1:57:20 AM) Aelitethe: Then, she turns to face the staff. "Hmm... I wonder, what sort of pain plagues you... I wonder, if I could soothe that somehow."
(2:00:01 AM) DMVerian: The staff seems uncertain. There is a feeling as if it is trying to call upon memories beyond its grasp. "Pain... Unremembered... Only emotion... Soothe... Healing, knowledge... Unfamiliar, arcane, warm..."
(2:03:28 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe tilts her head. "Unremembered..." She waves her hand about, trying to expose the staff to the effects of a Cure Light Wounds spell...
(2:05:15 AM) DMVerian: As your power enters it, you feel a great sense of relief from the staff. Yet, that is all.
(2:05:43 AM) Aelitethe: "Um... It looks like we won't be learning much at the moment."
(2:06:05 AM) Kineth: "That's fine. Maybe this sort of thing just takes time."
(2:06:10 AM) Artemis-XE: "Mabye you could try that again later?"
(2:06:58 AM) Aelitethe: "...Mmm... This kind of thing takes... a long time. It looks like whatever memories were stored in the staff were fragmented, most likely due to some form of heavy stress."
(2:09:41 AM) DMVerian: ...Actually, beyond the relief, you can sense... Interest. The healing seems to fascinate it somehow.
(2:10:38 AM) Aelitethe: "I get the feeling though, I might try that again another time... Arcana was my main focus, but I've developed an aptitude for the healing arts on the side... Perhaps that interests it?"
(2:11:10 AM) Artemis-XE: "Only one way to tell, right?"
(2:11:11 AM) Kineth: "Maybe? It would certainly be something to look into, at least."
(2:13:14 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe sighs wistfully. "I'd really like to learn more about the staff... Almost feels like... Someone's soul rests within it..."
(2:15:44 AM) Ulyssa: ...Hm. Ulyssa gets out a paper, writes something on it, then puts it away. That was actual note taking, there!
(2:16:11 AM) Aelitethe: "...Someone who was deeply affected by events many, many years ago."
(2:17:14 AM) Aelitethe: "This may be linked to our end goal too, I think. I don't think it's mere coincidence we encountered the sealing. It gives me hope that we'll see Tilia and Killis again too."
(2:18:30 AM) Artemis-XE: "It could have some significance... and yes, I do hope we see them again soon."
(2:19:12 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe eyes the staff. "You do not remember?"
(2:21:04 AM) DMVerian: "Memory... Lost... Taken...? Vague emotions... Corellus... Link..."
(2:21:54 AM) Aelitethe: "That's terrible... Lost... stolen memories? I wonder, this makes me want to put Corellus' nature into question..."
(2:22:52 AM) DMVerian: "...Corellus... You know... How...? Too long..."
(2:23:16 AM) DMVerian: "Still... Lives...?"
(2:23:16 AM) Artemis-XE: "You think he had something to do with it...? Given what heard about  Corellus... it certainly isnt implausible."
(2:23:38 AM) Aelitethe: "...He asked me if Corellus was still alive."
(2:23:45 AM) Aelitethe: "He... she... It..."
(2:23:50 AM) Aelitethe: "What would you like me to refer to you as?"
(2:24:24 AM) DMVerian: It seems uncertain. "Was... She...?"
(2:24:59 AM) Aelitethe: "I'll call you a 'she,' then?" Aelitethe blinks. "Hmm..."
(2:27:02 AM) Aelitethe: "Who knows if Corellus is alive? All I know is that... The Church worships..."
(2:27:50 AM) DMVerian: The legends say that Corellus was killed by magic, but gave his power unto humanity from the heavens.
(2:29:26 AM) Aelitethe: "I mean... the stories say he was killed by magic, but gave away his power unto humanity from the Heavens above... So..."
(2:31:23 AM) DMVerian: "Killed... Heavens...?" You get the sense that this doesn't feel right to the staff. "Sought... Ascension... No struggle..."
(2:32:25 AM) Aelitethe: "...Wait... Sought ascension? Hmm... Perhaps, during Corellus' time, he was just... an ordinary being with extraordinary ambition and means to attain it?"
(2:36:23 AM) Aelitethe: "Artemis, what stories do you know about Corellus?"
(2:36:56 AM) Artemis-XE: Art clearly has to ponder this for a moment...
(2:42:09 AM) DMVerian: Corellus is said to have been a great hero, who rose up from chaos to unite humanity. Through charisma and might, he united disparate tribes into a single kingdom, an empire. He was slayer of monstrous dragons, responsible for the extinction of the foul beasts of magic, and made humanity into a force to be reckoned with.
(2:42:24 AM) DMVerian: But then, he was betrayed... By magic and deceit, he was rendered helpless, and killed.
(2:42:36 AM) DMVerian: So the legends say.
(2:49:56 AM) Artemis-XE: "They say he was a great hero who managed to unite all tribes of humanity under a single kingdom. He has proven himself capable of slaying dragons, and is responsible for 'the extinction of foul beasts of magic'. He was truly something not to be trifled with... but he was eventually betrayed, and killed. By who, I have no idea."
(2:51:00 AM) Aelitethe: "Did he really do that?"
(2:51:20 AM) Artemis-XE: "So the legend goes."
(2:51:56 AM) Aelitethe: "The staff sees it otherwise... I'm curious about this discrepancy."
(2:52:53 AM) Artemis-XE: "Sounds like we'll need to do some... digging, for lack of a better word."
(2:53:31 AM) Aelitethe: "I'd like to know the other side of the story... Did he seek ascension of his own accord...?"
(2:55:16 AM) Artemis-XE: "There certainly has to be more to it than a few fables. But where would we look?"
(2:59:04 AM) Aelitethe: "...That's a good question"
(2:59:51 AM) DMVerian: "Old knowledge... Seek... Old ones..."
(3:01:38 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe scratches her head. "...Hmm... of course! ...Old knowledge, seek out those who lived closer to Corellus' time... I feel this can be very useful in helping us find a way to strike back."
(3:02:30 AM) Artemis-XE: "Those who lived in the same time... that sounds like our best bet, indeed."
(3:02:56 AM) DMVerian: "Seeking... Gnomekind? Familiar... Long-lived..."
(3:04:20 AM) Aelitethe: "Seeking... out the Gnomes? Well, we were already looking for them in the first place."
(3:06:12 AM) Artemis-XE: "The Gnomes? Well it's a good thing we're already here."
(3:07:00 AM) Aelitethe: "Right."
(3:09:15 AM) Kineth: "Indeed."
(3:09:33 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe has been clinging to Belle this entire time, by the way.
(3:09:43 AM) DMVerian: Belle has been clinging back
(3:11:05 AM) Aelitethe: "So, you don't remember your name?"
(3:11:52 AM) DMVerian: The response isn't even in words so much as a vague feeling that the staff is aware how many times it has repeated itself on this issue
(3:13:41 AM) Aelitethe: "...Sorry I asked." Aelitethe facefaults.
(3:14:22 AM) Artemis-XE: "...Perhaps you could give it a name, for now?"
(3:14:35 AM) Aelitethe: "Well that's what I was thinking."
(3:15:35 AM) Kineth: "What do you have in mind for it?"
(3:17:28 AM) Aelitethe: "...Hmm..."
(3:20:18 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe scratches her head for a moment. "...Kadena."
(3:21:06 AM) DMVerian: You get a sense that the staff is not opposed to this name.
(3:21:22 AM) Aelitethe: "That is of approval?"
(3:21:58 AM) DMVerian: "Approval... Yes."
(3:22:28 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe smiles.
(3:24:22 AM) Aelitethe: "Well, let's work together!"
(3:27:03 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe eyes Saken with concern.
(3:27:46 AM) DMVerian: Saken doesn't even bother returning the look. It's like he's completely shut himself away.
(3:28:14 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe pets Belle before approaching Saken now. "...What's wrong...?"
(3:28:50 AM) DMVerian: He opens his mouth, but then shuts it again, simply shaking his head.
(3:29:33 AM) Ulyssa: ...it rather hurts to know Saken is like this. Despite listening that entire time (she'll take full notes after a review later), her attention was also partly on Saken. She has no idea what's wrong, and it's rather sad to see him like that
(3:30:08 AM) DMVerian: After a moment. "...Don't worry. Please."
(3:30:51 AM) Aelitethe: "...You're not instilling us with confidence, friend..." Aelitethe sighs and places a hand on his shoulder. "Please... tell us. Maybe we can help."
(3:31:56 AM) Ulyssa: Too bad. This is the mood of strengthened concern now. ADAMANTLY WORRYING.
(3:33:21 AM) DMVerian: "Don't. I'm... Fine. ...Really."
(3:33:29 AM) DMVerian: "...I should sleep."
(3:33:44 AM) DMVerian: He stands up, and starts to head toward his room.
(3:34:06 AM) Aelitethe: "...Ah."
(3:34:19 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe sighs. "...I just..."
(3:35:57 AM) Artemis-XE: "Somehow I get the feeling this isnt just because of recent events."
(3:36:26 AM) Ulyssa: ...NO. YOU ARE NOT FINE. She writes as much, and hurries to Saken to give the paper to him before he's in his room. "You are not fine. Please tell us in the morning. Even if we can't stop it or help you, it feels good to let it out."
(3:36:42 AM) Ulyssa: The "'s should be ''s, obviously.
(3:37:35 AM) DMVerian: Aelitethe can't help but feel that he really is struggling... Even moreso when comfort is attempted to be given.
(3:38:05 AM) DMVerian: Saken looks at the paper, and takes it, entering his room silently.
(3:38:52 AM) Aelitethe: "..."
(3:39:07 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe sighs and just stares at the door to Saken's room. "...He's..."
(3:39:17 AM) ***Kineth sighs, shaking his head a little as he sees Saken's reaction.
(3:40:12 AM) Ulyssa: She goes back after the giving, and sits. She's bothered, but then again she's been in the somewhat depressed mood ever since forever.
(3:40:22 AM) Artemis-XE: Artemis just hangs his head in response to what just happened. ...Would it really be best to give him some room? We only want to help...
(3:41:21 AM) Aelitethe: "...I wish I could do something... But I probably can't."
(3:41:38 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe sighs. "...So much for 'raising up spirits,' eh?! Hahahaha..."
(3:42:46 AM) Artemis-XE: "Don't say that."
(3:43:21 AM) Artemis-XE: "It isnt like it's your fault. Besides, maybe he'll come to us when he's ready."
(3:43:41 AM) Artemis-XE: "It's not like we can force him to talk about it."
(3:43:48 AM) Kineth: "I hope he does, at least."
(3:43:57 AM) Aelitethe: "...I guess you are right."
(3:46:31 AM) Aelitethe: "Well... I can't say I blame him. He's gone through so much, so quickly, and he's so young."
(3:47:41 AM) Artemis-XE: "Most people his age would've snapped entirely after things like this. But he's still going."
(3:49:41 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe smirks, but says nothing. Artemis is entirely right. Aelitethe has certainly been there after all.
(3:50:23 AM) Ulyssa: Ulyssa mulls it over, but she's still actively bothered by it all anyway. Hum.
(3:51:34 AM) Artemis-XE: He decides to add, after a lengthy pause. "Besides, wether he realizes it or not we're here. We're all here for him."
(3:51:34 AM) Kineth: "You do have a point there, yes." Kineth nods in response.
(3:51:39 AM) Kineth: "...Yeah."
(3:53:06 AM) Aelitethe: "...So..."
(3:53:34 AM) DMVerian: Belle speaks now. "...Let's just sleep."
(3:54:15 AM) Artemis-XE: "I'm sure we're all very tired. Not much else we can do."
(3:54:35 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe silently nods.
(3:54:48 AM) Artemis-XE: He waves to everyone, before heading off to his room. "Goodnight everybody."
(3:56:11 AM) Aelitethe: "...Night."
(3:56:27 AM) Kineth: "Rest well."
(3:56:34 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe skittles over to Belle. "Let's go to bed..."
(3:57:21 AM) DMVerian: Belle nods, and goes with Aelitethe up to their room. ...She'll shift into wolf form and try to cuddle Aelitethe to sleep once inside.
(4:00:44 AM) Ulyssa: Ulyssa waves night to everyone that leaves for sleep, then...sits around more, in thought. She'll definitely be in bed last.
(4:01:40 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe would rather sleep than mull on all the transpirations. :[
(4:01:51 AM) Kineth: Kineth will stick around with Ulyssa for a little bit longer before he eventually heads off to bed as well.
(4:03:00 AM) DMVerian: And so, the night will slowly fade into day... As if there were a difference between such in the caverns.