exploding clock

She is a wise Human with a stocky, broad-hipped and well-padded build. She seems an earthy, no-
nonsense individual, with narrow brown eyes that hold a calculating glint. Her face is round with
soft features, a small nose and an expressive mouth. Her hair is perhaps the most interesting thing
about her- fully longer than she is tall, it has been collected back into a tight braid and is
pinned up out of the way in a few loops at the back of her head. Clean white bandages cross both her
hands at the knuckles, wrapping down to her wrists in a neat dressing. She is wearing:
a brown leather traveler's pack
a small leather belt pouch
a crimson scale earring
a pair of heavy, crystal-lensed goggles
an iron ylem-binding gauntlet
a sleek pair of trousers
tall leather boots
a close-fitting keyhole top
4 red glass rings
a tenebrous sash of the Conduit
a formal longcoat of the Cabal
a silver wedding ring, inlaid with dark opal, symbolizing eternity
a secure brass keyring
a pair of diffusal goggles
She walks with the blessing of Maghak.
She walks with the blessing of Niuri.

(Spinesreach): Anfini says, "Evening, my foppish coxcombs."


Above the Coals. (Spinesreach.)
-----
\
 [+]

-----
A sturdy iron forge stands here, cold and dark. Aife, the blacksmith of Spinesreach, stands here
holding her forging hammer. A sigil in the shape of a small, rectangular monolith is on the ground.
Leaning calmly on his staff, a Guardian of the Master Crystal stands here. A small wooden sign is
here. A note of fine parchment has been pinned to the wall.  You see a sign here instructing you
that WARES is the command to see what is for sale.
You see a single exit leading northwest.

(Spinesreach): Alexina says, "Ah. Hello."

(Spinesreach): Akaryuterra says, "Greetings."


You say to Aife, the blacksmith, "Aife? Are you in here?"
Aife, the blacksmith wanders out from her forge, brow furrowed, but her mild annoyance fades at your
appearance. "Aha, Minister, good timing. I just cracked the mould on your bell!"

(Cabalists): Nephthys says, "Hello everyone!"
(Cabalists): Anfini says, "Madam."
(Cabalists): Akaryuterra says, "Greetings."


 Eleanor beams. "Ah, excellent! Can I see it?"


(Cabalists): You say, "Hah ha, exciting times!"
(Cabalists): Akaryuterra says, "Oh?"
(Cabalists): Anfini says, "You don't say?"


(Cabalists): You say, "Oh indeed. I've just gotten something finished that's going to prove pretty
interesting, I think. For science!"
(Cabalists): Anfini says, "Here, here."

Aife, the blacksmith beams in reply, ducking behind her workbench for a moment and emerging with a
heavy bronze bell. "Of course! Here we- ack!"

Aife, the blacksmith drops a heavy bronze bell.


 Eleanor lunges, but too slow- still, the bell doesn't look at all damaged.

You pick up a heavy bronze bell.

This heavy bell is simply but masterfully crafted, cast from rich, dark bronze and inscribed with
Numerological designs of obfuscating complexity. It seems to shimmer, even when perfectly still, as
though resonating with an unseen tone, but when touched the burnished metal is cold and inert. It
seems suitable for use in a clock or other device, rather than as a stand-alone instrument.
It is strangely weightless.

(Cabalists): You say, "I'm headed to the guildhall- and any interested parties may want to come
along."

Aife, the blacksmith says, "Gods above, so sorry, Minister. It isn't damaged, is it?"

You say, "Oh, no, it looks quite alright."

 Eleanor turns the bell over in her hands. "This is beautiful. You've done excellent
work! How much do I owe you for it?"

(Cabalists): Akaryuterra says, "This is regarding the aforementioned 'something'?"
(Cabalists): Anfini says, "Be more'n happy to. You mean outside the hall, yes?"
(Cabalists): Nephthys says, "Syddyn and I are on our way."

(Cabalists): You say, "That's right."

Aife, the blacksmith hovers around you for a moment, wringing her hands, but your reassurance causes
her to nod and sigh, straightening. "Two hundred should do, Minister." She replies. "Discount for my
fumble, I think."


 Eleanor shifts the weight of the bell, digging in one of her pockets briefly.

You give 200 gold sovereigns to Aife, the blacksmith.

 Eleanor nods smartly to Aife. "Thank you, very much. If this works, I'm sure you'll
hear of it!" She is grinning ear to ear.


Aife, the blacksmith says, "I'm sure I will, Minister. Let me know how it goes, mm?"

You nod your head in agreement.

You give the world a smart salute.

[walk walk walk]

Outside the doors of the Cabal. (Spinesreach.)
-----

 [+]

-----
Like sharp teeth, a few stalagmites reach up from the ground here. Hands folded in the sleeves of
his dark, voluminous robes, a cabalist stands ready to guard his city. A diagram of the seven
Spheres has been etched into the barred metal door. A sigil in the shape of a small, rectangular
monolith is on the ground. A statue of a proud panther sits beside the iron-barred doorway.
Commissar Akaryuterra Ryotega Junakutz-Lionheart is here. Nephthys, Seven-Hand is here. She wields a
tower shield in her left hand. Disciple Syddyn is here. Dr. J. R. Anfini is here. He wields a
whirring staff of segmented machinery in his left hand.
You see a single exit leading south.

Commissar Akaryuterra Ryotega Junakutz-Lionheart says, "Conduit."

You incline your head politely to those around you.

Syddyn performs a graceful curtsey.
Again, Anfini lifts his staff, greeting his guild as a drunk would raise a flagon to hail the bar.

Akaryuterra smiles at you.

 Eleanor shifts the weight of a wrapped bundle against her hip. "Right then- we're
headed inside." She nods toward the door.

Anfini begins to follow you.

As your fingers brush the final numeral, your surroundings seem to warp, and for a split second
everything goes dark. When you can see again, you stand within the Chambers of the Cabal.
Anfini follows you to the ether.
Chambers of the Cabal.
-----
\ | /
-[+]-

-----
A dark altar stands in the center of the pentagram etched on the floor, its round shape perfect.
Hands folded in the sleeves of his dark, voluminous robes, a cabalist stands ready to guard his city.
 A diagram of the seven Spheres has been etched into the barred metal door. There are 2 black stone
slabs here. An engraved silver bell has been suspended on a graceful hook. A sigil in the shape of a
small, rectangular monolith is on the ground.
You see exits leading north, northeast (open pine door), east, west, northwest (open pine door), up,
down, and in.

Dr. J. R. Anfini smiles and says, "And then there were two."

You say, "Ah well, they'll catch up."

Anfini follows you to the in.
Darkened study. (lost) (Spinesreach.)
-----
  |
 [+]

-----
A marble owl stands vigilant atop the pedestal. Hands folded in the sleeves of his dark, voluminous
robes, a cabalist stands ready to guard his city. A sigil in the shape of a small, rectangular
monolith is on the ground. Eocik, the Numerologist is here, his expression stern and his fists
clenched at his sides. A pedestal of stone stands near one wall.
You see exits leading north and out.
Unmapped: north


Anfini follows you to the north.
A cubic test chamber. (lost)
Tarnished by the passage of time, an enormous bronze clock predominates in the middle of the room.
Leaning calmly on his staff, a Guardian of the Master Crystal stands here. A sigil in the shape of a
small, rectangular monolith is on the ground. Caked with dirt, a metal chest sits inertly nearby.
You see a single exit leading south.

Akaryuterra arrives from the south.

Commissar Akaryuterra Ryotega Junakutz-Lionheart says, "Wait, the clock?"

Akaryuterra raises an eyebrow questioningly.

 Eleanor lays eyes on the clock, her cheerful smile unshakeable. "And here the old
thing is."

You remove a formal longcoat of the Cabal.


"This room," Anfini mutters, wrenching a hand slowly through his hair. "Bloody unnerving."

You remove a tenebrous sash of the Conduit.

Commissar Akaryuterra Ryotega Junakutz-Lionheart says, "What're we doin' with the clock?"

Akaryuterra glances to Anfini suspciously.

 Eleanor drops a number of her possessions by the clock, glancing frequently at the
ominous thing.


Following your lead, Anfini relieves himself of his armor and coat.
Syddyn enters from the south following Nephthys.

Anfini removes dusty charcoal scale armor.

You see the following people here:
Akaryuterra, Nephthys, Eleanor, Syddyn, Anfini

Anfini removes a gentleman's waistcoat.

Commissar Akaryuterra Ryotega Junakutz-Lionheart says, "Looks like I came well prepared."

Akaryuterra smirks.


 Eleanor rolls her shoulders. "Alright. So. I don't know how many of you have played
with this thing, but it's a relic of the Old Cabal, far as we can make out."


Akaryuterra paces in an arc to the left of the clock, watching you with interest.
"Massive," Anfini observes, whistling at the old thing.

Akaryuterra gestures to the clock, "Have you seen the clock before, Anfini?"

Anfini shakes his head. "No, Commissar. The hall's closed to the likes of me. I only come on escort.
"

Nephthys pales slightly.

Nephthys gasps, and glows momentarily.

 Eleanor nods. "And it does all kinds of, ah, interesting things, when you fiddle
with it." She crouches down, rifling through her pack and turning out a number of tools, some
recognisable and some fairly esoteric. "But I've been thinking about it, and while it has some parts
like a clock, it lacks others."

 Eleanor unwraps the bundle she holds, revealing something metallic that gleams
softly.


You display a heavy bronze bell for all in the room to see.

"Shiny," Nephthys offers, clicking her tongue.


Akaryuterra tilts his head curiously, "When did you come across this?"

Anfini expresses agreement with Nephthys, his arms crossed, his chin declining in a slight nod.

Cheerfully, you say, "I had Aife make it! To my design."

Akaryuterra walks over to you and looks down at the bell, "I see. Are the designs...functional?"

 Eleanor carefully sets the bell down, and then, tools in hand, steps toward the
clock. "They're mostly, hum, to induce flow and integrity and whatnot."


You say, "No special function. It should ring like a regular bell, but I'm hoping the engravings
will help it, ah, 'take' better?"

"It's a damn bell," Anfini mutters, rifling through the bag at his side for something.

Akaryuterra eyes the bell skeptically. "Seems kinda dangerous, given what this thing does sometimes.
"

 Eleanor licks her lips, then points toward a tool which looks something like a
small crowbar. "Somebody pick that up, I want to get this front panel off and I'm going to need a
hand."

(Spinesreach): Ishin says, "Anfini."

Commissar Akaryuterra Ryotega Junakutz-Lionheart says, "I can see it's a damn bell."

(Spinesreach): Anfini says, "Master Ishin."

Akaryuterra crouches down and picks up the tool.

Nephthys scratches her head, watching you work, "Take?" she asks softly.

(Spinesreach): Ishin says, "What in the blue blazes is a foppish coxcomb?"

(Spinesreach): Anfini says, "It's nothing like a primpish brimstone, I assure you."

(Spinesreach): Trilby says, "The opposite of an underachieving dandelion."

(Spinesreach): Ishin says, "Ah, I see. That quite clarifies it, thank you Trilby."

(Spinesreach): Anfini says, "As the young Madam Trilby suggests."

(Spinesreach): Trilby says, "My pleasure Master Ishin, Sir!"



 Eleanor steps forward, running her fingers down the front panel of the clock- then
she moves to one side, working on one of its edges. "Get the other side," she instructs. "Yes, take,
" she adds. "This clock is... well, it's more like a body than it is a simple piece of machinery, I
think."



(Spinesreach): Ishin says, "Just Ishin, if you please."

Anfini's shoes tap a sharp beat on the floor as he circumnavigates the clock, giving it the
occasional rap with his staff.

(Spinesreach): Trilby says, "As you wish."

Akaryuterra hefts the tool in one hand, droppnig the head of it in his other palm as he steps over
to the clock, looking it up and down. "So, take of the front, huh?" Taking your direction, he steps
to the other side and looks for a place to use the implement.

Nephthys crosses her arms over her chest, watching with rapt curiosity, standing still.


 Eleanor leans in to it, working at prising the front panel off. "Mmm. Should be
able to see the inner bits."


The front panel of the clock moves only grudgingly, despite the lack of visible obstructions, and it
takes several seconds to hinge it open. The black, mechanical innards of the device gleam
inscrutably in the chamber's light, and after a few moments, it becomes apparent that there is a
bell mount protruding from the rear panel; precisely where all in the chamber could have sworn there
was not a moment prior.

Anfini's wanderings take him to the rest of the group and swing him back into view of the clock; he
double-takes at its insides, but can't seem to put words to what confuses him.

 Eleanor's face lights up, despite the somewhat ominous appearance of the guts of
the machine. "Ah, look!" She points in at it. "It was waiting for us and everything." She pats the
clock fondly.

Akaryuterra leans down and peers in. "Wait a second..." Glancing to you, he asks, "Did we see a
place fer a bell way back when we found it?"


"Huh." Nephthys mutters.

 Eleanor blinks at Akaryuterra. "Um... well, we must've done."


Commissar Akaryuterra Ryotega Junakutz-Lionheart says, "No...else we would have searched for a bell,
we only wanted gears...and perhaps a hand."

You say, "Still lacking hands and numbers, but that can be for another time."

Akaryuterra lets the crowbar down slowly, laying it on the floor beside his foot.
Anfini pales slightly.

 Eleanor bends down to retrieve the bell, and then approaches the mechanism. "Looks
straightforward enough. There's a place for the striker, and... mmm, plenty of space for the bell
itself." She does, however, seem to not quite be tall enough to reach the spot where it goes.
"Somebody scoot that chest over here?"


Commissar Akaryuterra Ryotega Junakutz-Lionheart says, "Y'want me ta handle that?"

Syddyn yawns suddenly and mightily.

Anfini rummages into his bag again, and finds an old wooden case, from which he produces a fat, red
cheroot. "Don't suppose anyone minds if I smoke?" Before receiving an answer, he casually strolls
over to the chest in question, planting his free hand on it and giving it a shove in your direction.


 Eleanor scoots the chest the rest of the way, bringing it up close to the front of
the clock. To Akaryuterra she says, "No, it's fine," and to Anfini, "Just take a step back, if
you're going to do that. Don't need smoke in my eyes for this."


Nephthys shakes her head at Anfini, turning her attention back to you.

The Lgaktian clock, despite its total lack of motion, emotive features, and indeed life, seems to
wait in expectant silence.


 Eleanor climbs up on the box, peering into the clock. The housing for the bell is
at about her chest height now. "Alright then. Let's see how this goes." She leans forward, lifting
the bell with both hands as she slides it into the spot which seems made for it.


Anfini distances himself a few paces, and sets a lit tinder to his cheroot, sucking life into it.
Pinching it between middle finger, he champs at the thing, puffing mightily, while he watches the
Conduit work.

Anfini actually pinched it between middle finger and thumb, which would be physically possible.


The bell slides in without a hitch, as though the cavity within the machine, and the mount therein,
were made for it. The ticking of the machine alters imperceptibly, becoming easily audible within
the confines of the chamber without noticably increasing in volume.

Akaryuterra leans forward, watching you and the clock closely.


 Eleanor raises her eyebrows, still peering intently in at the bell. "I think...
that seems promising."


Nephthys steps closer to Anfini, still watching. She sniffs at the smoke curiously, and leans closer
to him, murmuring, "You don't suppose this exercise is gonna wipe out all existence or nothin, do
ya?"


Syddyn yawns suddenly and mightily.

Tick. Tock. The device steadily whittles away the moments, approaching the point at which a regular
clock would chime at the standard and generally approved pace of one second per second.


"Ominous as hell, isn't it," Anfini murmurs to his impish accomplice, wordlessly offering his smoke
to Nephthys.

 Eleanor grins. "Here it comes...!"

The bell shimmers, suddenly and violently, and a rising tone fills the chamber for several
unsettling seconds before fading into silence; expectant silence, in fact, that is soon broken by a
crisp, perfectly accented and inhuman voice.

The Lgaktian Clock says, "At the tone. The time will be. Four. Hundred and. Fifty. Two. Units since
epoch."

Akaryuterra blinks.

The clock ticks quietly to itself for a moment before nonchalantly striking its bell. The sound is
far deeper and more resonant than could be expected from such a small source, setting the walls of
the chamber trembling.

A deep, resonant peal, like that of a great bell, rolls over the city, emanating from deep within
the Catacombs.

"Ha!" Anfini barks, grinning from ear to ear. "Well would you look at that!"

Nephthys waves her hand, shaking her head at Anfini, "Second-hand is good enough..." she trails off
as the clock...

 Eleanor jumps, seeming startled, but then very, very pleased.


(Spinesreach): You say, "Did anyone outside the Catacombs hear that?"

Akaryuterra looks to you, "It talks?"

Dr. J. R. Anfini asks, "Well goddamn, that's a regular marvel. Units since epoch, hmm?"

 Eleanor gives Akaryuterra a palms-up gesture. "As much of a surprise to you as it
is me."



Commissar Akaryuterra Ryotega Junakutz-Lionheart says, "Units. What kinda units?"

The clock emits a small creaking noise, perhaps equivalent to a more organic machine clearing its
throat.

 Eleanor leans in toward the clock. "I have no idea! Oh, but this is fantastic, I
wonder how often it's going to strike..."

The clock strikes once more, calmly, and the entire chamber quakes with the force of the sound.

The retort of exploding glass accompanies a second peal, the horrendous, deafening sound shattering
half the windows in the Citadel and spraying the courtyards and byways below with razor-sharp
fragments.

 Eleanor wobbles on her perch in front of the clock, grabbing onto it for stability.



Anfini bellows with alarm, before hitting the floor, pulling his arms over his head.

(Spinesreach): Ishin says, "Yeah it almost cut me to death with that damn falling glass!"

Akaryuterra's hand shoot up to his ears, "SHIT!"

(Spinesreach): Anfini says, "I don't think that was supposed to happen!"

Nephthys grasps her ears, wincing in pain.

In the shuddering echoes of the second peal, the clock ticks away to itself, counting down to a
third 'chime'.

(Spinesreach): You say, "Uh oh."

(Spinesreach): Anfini says, "Get to the floor, now!"

Her voice quickly rising, you say, "Everybody! OUT! NOW!"

Dr. J. R. Anfini exclaims, "Goddamn!"

Anfini leaves to the south.
Syddyn leaves to the south following Nephthys.

Akaryuterra leaves to the south.
Shaking with the strain, the clock strikes a third time, the tinny sound of fracturing metal audible
in the rolling, thunderous depths of its final peal.

The great bronze bell shatters violently under the terrible force of its own peal, spraying the
chamber with fragments of white-hot, razor-sharp metal and shaking your very bones with a discordant,
 deafening CLANG.

H:5104 M:7360 [db eb] -531h
You bleed 29 health.
H:5075 M:7360 [db eb] -29h

A rolling wave of sound slams into you, hurling you forcefully to the ground and blotting out the
world in an agonising welter of red and black. The city itself quakes with the force of the terrible
noise, trembling and shifting for several long seconds after the hideous tone has finally died down
into silence.

[STUNNED!]
[PRONE!]

(Spinesreach): Ishin says, "Ow."

(Spinesreach): Akaryuterra says, "Is everyone okay?"

Akaryuterra arrives from the south.

(Spinesreach): Ishin says, "Well, other'n almost being skewered by a giant piece of falling glass...
yep."
Anfini arrives from the south.

Akaryuterra returns to the room looking for you.

 The room is full of dust and smoke, and bits of metal are strewn everywhere,
glinting on the floor. Eleanor is sprawled by one of the walls, clearly thrown there- bits of silver
and bronze are scattered all around her.



The clock ticks quietly - perhaps smugly - to itself, undamaged and unbroken.

Akaryuterra dashes over to your side and kneels down. "Elea. hey, Elea."

"This a fucking liability, tapping into forces you don't even... how do you people..." Anfini paces
the room back and forth, madly, grasping at his hair. "Is she alright?"

Nephthys arrives from the south.

Akaryuterra places a hand on your shoulder, shaking her gently.

 Eleanor is quiet and still for a moment, but then abruptly springs back to life
with a gasp, followed by a wheezing cough. "A-augh," is her comment.

Commissar Akaryuterra Ryotega Junakutz-Lionheart says, "I'm tryin' ta figure that out myself,."
The deepening dusk yields to impenetrable darkness as night claims the land.

(Spinesreach): Ishin says, "I don't see anything in the catacombs."

Nephthys, Seven-Hand says, "Is it still going?"

(Spinesreach): You say, "That- that- uh, that was just a test! Nobody panic."

(Spinesreach): You say, "That was, uh, everything's fine. Just a... just, yes, fine."

(Spinesreach): Ishin says, "You guys experimenting again?"

(Spinesreach): Anfini says, "NO."

(Spinesreach): Anfini says, "Er, no."

(Spinesreach): You say, "But, um, if anyone notices anything, uh. Anything odd, could you let the
nearest Cabalist know?"

(Spinesreach): Ishin says, "Uh huh."

Akaryuterra looks over his shoulder to the clock, "Yeah, runnin' fine."

Commissar Akaryuterra Ryotega Junakutz-Lionheart says, "It would appear undamaged."

(Spinesreach): Luna says, "Is this some new experiment of the Cabalists? If it is endangering the
citadel itself, I think I would like to know, Conduit."

(Spinesreach): Ishin says, "At least warn a fellow next time, if you would please."
A deep, resonant note echoes from all throughout the corridors of the Citadel, creating a tremulous
sound that seems to rattle the sky itself. In its wake, a chill wind bellows across the firmament,
embracing the twilight of a new dusk.

 Eleanor shakily sits up. She's covered with small lacerations- it seems like the
bell went to pieces in the final peal. Something like quicksilver streams from the wounds and also
from her nose, and she wipes gingerly at it with the back of her hand.




(Spinesreach): Maghak says, "Explosions, shattering glass. That's the sound of progress, My friends.

Akaryuterra breathes a sigh of relief and looks you over, "Ya look a little beat up, how're ya
feelin'?"

"You, ah..." Nephthys starts, looking at you, concerned. "Got some... metal comin out of ya, Conduit.
"

 Eleanor coughs and splutters a little bit, reaching up to touch the back of her
head. She peers at her fingers, smudged with more of the silver fluid. "...Alright, that's cranial
trauma." She leans her head back against the wall groggily. "Damn." Cutting her gaze across to
Nephthys, she says, "The silver is normal."

Anfini scowls in disbelief, double-taking at you. "You look like hell," he states, grimacing.
"Conduit, we've got to patch you up."

Akaryuterra nods his head at Anfini.

Commissar Akaryuterra Ryotega Junakutz-Lionheart says, "We do."

Akaryuterra leans over to your side, looking at the wall behind her, and her head.

(Order): Maghak says, "Not sure if testing weapons under the Citadel is a wise idea, Conduit,
Peacock. Might have thought that through a little better."

(Order): Anfini says, "I had no idea what the hell that thing was, Master Maghak. These people are
truly as insane as they warn us."

(Order): You say, "Well, I didn't know it was a weapon till it went off, to be fair."

(Spinesreach): Ishin says, "Uh huh."

(Spinesreach): Ishin says, "Were I the average young man, I'd ask You to tell my mother that for all
the windows of hers I broke with rocks."

 Eleanor makes a shaky attempt at getting up, but she doesn't get far. Judging by
the damage to her arms, she got them up in time to save her face, but the rest of her is riddled
with shrapnel. "Think I'd better... should probably get to the lab, there's..." She closes her eyes,
taking a deep breath. "Things for pain. Surgical bits. Full of metal right now."




(Spinesreach): Luna says, "A pastime characteristic of young men, breaking windows with rocks."

(Spinesreach): Maghak says, "Were they the keen rocks of insight, master Ishin? The flanged rocks of
scientific inquiry? I doubt it!"

A shift comes to Anfini's demeanor, and his attitude is immediately authoritative, watchful.
"Commissar, up with the Conduit. She's right. This lady's full of brass and it needs to come out
immediately - unless she is fond of infection."

Commissar Akaryuterra Ryotega Junakutz-Lionheart says, in a series of hisses and rumbling growls,
"Gods damn it Elea."

(Spinesreach): Ishin says, "My rocks were always keen rocks of insight, and flanged rocks of bird-
slaying, Sovereign."

(Spinesreach): Anfini says, "Disruptive bastards. In my young age, I quietly took women apart in
dark chambers. Never felt the need to desecrate public property."

You say, in Xorani, "I know, I know."

(Spinesreach): Luna says, "Perhaps customs have changed over the past two hundred years, no?"

 Eleanor reaches out to Akaryuterra, obviously looking for a hand getting up. As she
does, she glances across to the others. "Tell me the rest of you lot are alright, though?"

Akaryuterra carefully, slips one hand behind your back and one under her legs, cradling her.
Adjusting his stance, he leans back and hefts her up off the floor slowly, "Lemme know if this make
anythin' worse."

You cringe pathetically.

(Spinesreach): Maghak says, "A worthy enough cause, Ishin Cardinalis. Blasted feathery things tend
to get themselves jammed in the innards of My tower."

You say, "D-don't think you can make it much -worse-..."

Commissar Akaryuterra Ryotega Junakutz-Lionheart says, in a series of hisses and rumbling growls,
"The hells, ya told all of us ta get out, but ya didn't follow after?"

(Spinesreach): Ishin says, "If only my mother had understood.."

Nephthys nods at you, "Just a little ringing in the ears for me, Conduit..." She gives you a
sympathetic smile.

 Eleanor coughs, wiping some of the silvery blood from her mouth. "Yes, well, I
didn't quite get to that part of the plan."

Luna tells you, in Albedi, "Conduit, if you are intent on burying the catacombs in rubble with your
newfound weapon, do at least ensure that the foundations of the Citadel are not critically weakened.
"

"Let's get her somewhere with clean cloth and some tools. This is going to..." Anfini grunts,
pinching the bridge of his nose at the sight of you. "This will likely take a while."

Akaryuterra says, glancing over his shoulder to Nephthys, "Eh? What's that ya said?"


[walk walk]

A well equipped laboratory. (Spinesreach.)
-----

-[+]

-----
Hands folded in the sleeves of his dark, voluminous robes, a cabalist stands ready to guard his city.
 A sigil in the shape of a small, rectangular monolith is on the ground.
You see a single exit leading west.

Nephthys arrives from the west.

You tell Knight Commander Luna Olahri, "Trust those damned ankyreans to leave something malicious
like that down here. I'll try not to activate anything too terribly destructive."

Akaryuterra says, wryly, "Perhaps you should have worn something more protective?" After, he glances
around the room, "Where to?"

Anfini is all business, no snide grins, no swagger, though the fashion in which he marches to
cupboards and cabinets and flings them open could be certainly construed as showy. He tends largely
to himself, collecting things with the telltale jingle of metal.

 Eleanor gestures vaguely to one of the slabs. "Hell, there's fine. Let's play
operations-on-the-Conduit, I'm not in any state to try fixing it myself, not with this crack to the
head."

Nephthys stands away from the others, watching quietly.
.
Dazedly, you say, "This went better than it could have, I suppose. Only gettin' a few people telling
me not to bring the citadel down with my tinkering."

Akaryuterra makes his way toward the indicated table, "Yeah. It'd end up worse in yer state."
Carefully, he lays her atop the operating surface and slides his hands out from under her, one at a
time.

"Commissar?" Anfini notes, his attentions turned to racks of vials and other substances.

Commissar Akaryuterra Ryotega Junakutz-Lionheart says, in a series of hisses and rumbling growls,
"Yes Anfini?"

Anfini turns slowly in Akaryuterra's direction, raising an eyebrow helplessly. "Maybe in Aetolian?"

Commissar Akaryuterra Ryotega Junakutz-Lionheart says, "Pardon, what is it you need, Anfini?"

 Eleanor peers up at the ceiling hazily. "There's a bottle somewhere with a...
numbing venom I mixed up... can't remember for the life of me what it's labeled." She tilts her head
to the side, then, looking between the various assembled people. "Could probably stand to learn from
this, the young ones I mean... still an example of human physiology."




"As eager as I am to go to work, we are dealing with your Lady." Anfini puts emphasis on that ever-
meaningful word. "I ask if I would be intruding - surely you know a thing or two about medicine?"

 In the background, Eleanor scoffs quietly- though she doesn't volunteer any comment
on the situation.




Commissar Akaryuterra Ryotega Junakutz-Lionheart says, "I got curare on me, if'n that's the one ya
mean."

Akaryuterra reaches to a pouch at his side, extracting a vial which he places on the table. "I'm a
cabalist, if I didn't have any idea, I'd be pretty damn terrible at bein' one."

Anfini bows deeply to Akaryuterra with needless elegance. "I defer to you, in this case, and
consider me at your side. She needs to be anesthetized before one begins to poke about in her." He
approaches the table with a tray in hand, numerous tools available - forceps, styptic needles, vials
of ochre-colored liquid and other miscellany.

Slurring faintly, you say, "There's more'n enough surgery to go 'round..."

Akaryuterra walks over to the selection of tools and picks up a syringe, making his way back to the
vial he set out, flipping it over and pushing the needle through the cap before pulling the plunger
with his thumb. "Probably gonna need some near each spot. "Where're ya gonna work at first?"

Faint whispers slip around the room nearby as the cold of night wraps itself around the building.

Anfini's mouth freezes mid-response as he considers you, screwing up his face. "She's positively
skewered, the unfortunate creature. I honestly can't think of... Mag's sake, let's start near the
heart and work our way outward." Hovering over you, he hunches down and inspects either eye closely.
"With me, Conduit? What hurts the most right now?"

Akaryuterra extracts the needle from the vial and looks over at you, lips pressed to a thin line.

 Eleanor blinks glassily. "Be easier to cite what doesn't hurt at this point, Doctor,
" she responds groggily. "'s fine, you boys just... you know what you're doing, I'm just... going to
hold still and breathe here."


Bemused, Nephthys watches Akaryuterra handle the syringe, offering an overly chipper, "Aye, Conduit..
. do keep breathing, at least a little."

"Guess it's near the heart ta start then, eh?" Akaryuterra offers, stepping over and reaching across
you with his free hand, "Gonna need ta get some'a this clothin' off if we're gonna be able ta see
what we're doin'.

 Eleanor lifts a hand, gesturing vaguely. "Get the Seven-hand involved, she..."
trailing off, she licks her lips. "Never too young to start learning these things. Educational." At
Akaryuterra, she nods absently. "'sfine, got underwear on an' everything."


"Uh," says Nephthys with little discernable meaning.

"Right," Anfini grunts. He waves Nephthys over, cocking his head in your direction, seeming to cheer
up immediately, with work beginning. "Off with the shirt. We'll poke her beneath the ribs and take
the clock back."

"Awful way to smuggle a bell," Anfini remarks, grinning at his own joke.

 "Didn't think it through," Eleanor agrees fuzzily in jest- she lifts her hands,
shakily working at the closures of her top that rest behind her neck.

Nephthys steps closer to the table, giggling at Anfini's macabre humor. She stands nearby, looking
over the grim scene.

Akaryuterra sets the needle down and leans over you, "Opens at the back. Either we roll 'er over, or
we get somethin' ta cut it."

 Eleanor grimaces a little, her teeth metallic with the silver of her blood. "I've
got the top of it, just... nng, you get the bottom ones, boyo."


"Don't move her," Anfini warns, shooting out an accusatory finger. Rummaging cacophonously in his
tray of supplies, he pulls up a slender pair of forceps, inspects their make in the light, and hands
them to Nephthys.


Akaryuterra asserts, "This can be much simpler." "Let's not mess with numerology around her right now,
 huh?" With a small, resigned sigh, he responds, "Very well." He carefully slides one hand under the
small of your back, so as not to mover her about.

You can feel his hand working beneath you as he uses his fingers to open the clasps.

 Eleanor arches a little to aid Akaryuterra, and before long the closures of the top
come free. "There we go," she mumbles, clumsily sweeping it aside.


Anfini launches into a cheerful spiel at Nephthys, gesticulating enthusiastically at you as he
speaks, like a butcher mapping out cuts. "This is a rough situation with a fairly simple treatment -
we'll be simply coaxing aside the edges of her wounds, so you can reach in there and tug out
anything sharp you see. Then, we'll sew her all back up. Think you're up to it?"


Nephthys clamps the forceps open and closed, looking at Anfini, "So, auh, yeah. I s'pose I can
handle that... though, Conduit, I must admit, most of my practice has been so far less interested in
keeping the subject alive..." She nods, taking a deep breath, "What's first then, Doctor?"


Eleanor relaxes back to the slab, her hands trembling a little from the effort of
disrobing. "Shouldn' be anything in there too unexpected. 'Side from the blood, perfectly human."
She seems unable to help herself from trying to join the discussion, despite being the subject in
this case.


A violent, shifting crash filters up from the depths of the Catacombs, the tormented creak of
collapsing stone easily audible in all corners of the city.



Commissar Akaryuterra Ryotega Junakutz-Lionheart says, "Oh for fuck's sake."

Anfini winces, ducking his head. "Skies above, do you hear that? We ought to dismantle the stupid
thing."

Shaking his head distractedly, Dr. J. R. Anfini says to Nephthys, Seven-Hand, "You'll be fine. This
is just a matter of delicacy - don't go stabbing at her, she's still working inside."

 Eleanor attempts to sit up, her gaze going to the door- though judging by the look
on her face, it doesn't go well for her. "What was- something's, what was that..."


Akaryuterra glances to the door of the lab, "I'm gonna take a quick look an make sure it didn't just
destroy the guildhall." Lifting the garment off of her, he tosses it aside.

Commissar Akaryuterra Ryotega Junakutz-Lionheart says to you, "Lay still, you should not be moving
with sharp pieces of metal in your body."

Anfini takes gentle hold of your arm and levers it up, exposing you side, and gives you a poke just
beneath the ribs. "Fret not, madam. Just the local orchestra raising a ruckus." Filling a syringe
with your suggested venom, he dips the needle into you skin, depressing the plunger slowly.

Before moving anywhere, however, Akaryuterra picks up the syringe from the table and looks your
torso over.
Nephthys catches her breath and nods at Anfini, brushing her hand against your forehead gently.

Commissar Akaryuterra Ryotega Junakutz-Lionheart says, "Looks like ya got that handled fer now then.
I'm comin' right back."

 Eleanor grimaces bloodily, taking a thin, wheezing breath. "Nng- go and check it
out, Commissar. These two can take care of me."


Akaryuterra sets the syringe down.

Akaryuterra leaves to the west.

"Oh, this is delightful," Anfini murmurs. He stalls for a moment, letting the anesthetic do its work,
 his eyes skimming over the Conduit's supine form. "What -are- you made of...? Seven-Hand, attend
please? We can begin right away. She's a big woman, she can handle it."

 Eleanor gazes blearily up at the ceiling, having resigned herself to lying still.
"Normal human bits, except... can't change the blood, too much essence." She sniffs wetly. "Same no
matter what I change to."

Startled, Nephthys nods at Anfini, "Where do we start, then, Doctor?"

Anfini reaches across and pats blindly at the tray, his eyes focused on your lacerations. He
procures another pair of forceps in a marginally different shape, a squat, spiderlike implement
compared to Nephthys's more elegant tool. "Watch, and repeat." What follows is done quickly and
deftly, the doctor's hands as sure as a spider in a web: planting a finger on either side of a wound
chosen at random, he parts the dermis, opening the cut like an eye. A small shard of dark metal is
plainly visible, and reaching in, he pinches it with his forceps, and carefully extracts the piece,
leaving behind a thin trail of rainbow-hued blood.

 Eleanor cringes a little, but mostly lies agreeably still. She is mumbling, though
whether it's to herself, the ceiling, or her two surgeons is difficult to tell. It's likely a
reaction to keep her mind off the pain. "Fascinating stuff... viewed through the skin, still red-
blush like normal, all that- but then you make an incision an' it's like quicksilver with a shine on
it."


Clitter clatter, the bell's shrapnel goes into Anfini's tray. Eyeing Nephthys gravely, he states,
"Easy. A child can do it. Come come, let's clean up your Conduit."

Dr. J. R. Anfini says to you, "How's that, madam? Are we hallucinating? If so, that isn't good."


 Eleanor blinks groggily. "Hallucinating, what?" She doesn't attempt to lift her
head to make eye contact, remaining on the slab.




Nephthys takes a deep breath and presses her fingers against a large opening in your chest. She
attempts to insert the forceps into the wound, though can't quite grasp the shrapnel piece therein.
She sighs, concerned that she is causing excessive pain, but assumes confidence, taking a scalpel
from the tray. She makes a small incision along the wound, opening it slightly more, before pressing
the forceps in and withdrawing a large piece of brass.

Nephthys deposits the metal in the tray with a clink, "Sorry..." she says, dabbing at the blood
oozing from the wound.

 Eleanor squeezes her eyes shut, holding her breath- she trembles, but suffers the
pain quietly enough.


Anfini lifts a hand cautiously at the use of the scalpel, but watching closely, Nephthys seems to
handle the situation to his liking, and with a sigh he retreats. "That was good. We'll need to widen
the cuts here and there. Keep at it, I will be right back." Turning, his next destination is a wash
basin, where he gathers plenty of small towels, soaking approximately half of them in warm water.

 "Not s-so- haah-" Eleanor manages breathily, still intent on conversation it seems,
"Not so different- from- from dissecting, just... less leeway to make a mess."

Nephthys works steadily, her tongue sticking out of the side of her mouth, to draw the shards of
metal from your flesh. She presses the forceps into each wound that she can, pulling myriad slices
of bell from your body. "Aye, Doctor, I suspect we need to clean this up a bit."

Anfini has managed to appear by your side without sound, announcing himself with a sudden clearing
of his throat. "Conduit, are you quite alright? We're not going to take you apart, I promise." He
follows Nephthys's work with a moist washcloth, dabbing and prodding at each evacuated cut, wiping
away blood. The towel leaves a pungent smell, hinting at some chemical substance in the water. "Look
at you, you wonderful creature... I admire you people so."

Syddyn arrives from the west.

Syddyn performs a graceful curtsey.

Syddyn leaves to the west.

 Eleanor groans between gritted teeth. "I'm alright, just... bit dizzy. Hit the head.
 Still fragile like a human when I'm like this."

 Eleanor lifts one of her hands, gesturing vaguely, though it flops back to the slab
before long. "Not game to try th' usual thing with my head damaged. Pulling everything apart,
putting back together again... easy thing to go wrong."



Anfini's eyebrows notch up sharply in surprise. "I... I cannot advocate that with you in my care.
Please, not until we finish!"

Nephthys sighs heavily as she extracts the final piece from your torso. "Seems to be the extremities,
 now, Conduit. We'll have you put back together soon enough." She grins, dropping the chunk of metal
into the tray.

 Eleanor nods fractionally. "Knew you two could handle it." She trails off, quiet
for a little while. "Commissar hasn' come back, has he...? Hope he hasn't fallen in or something."

"I don't quite recognize where he is, can't get a... visual on it," Anfini mumbles, his attentions
splitting for a moment. "He's been very quiet. Nephthys, yes, the legs if we please..." He drops the
first of his washcloths into a bucket, the water turbulent with blooms of silvery blood.

(Spinesreach): Akaryuterra says, "So. Seems that small experiment might've caused a little damage.
By the looks'a it, it would'a happened eventually. Someone laid the floor over a staircaise."

(Spinesreach): Zaene says, "Did you explode something, Dhasan?"

(Spinesreach): Akaryuterra says, "There's a big machine down here, and it has a switch."

(Spinesreach): You say, "Didn't explode anything!"

(Spinesreach): You say, "Much."

(Spinesreach): Zaene says, "Cabalists seem to have a history of doing that..."

(Spinesreach): Akaryuterra says, "I had no direct hand in causing any explosion."

(Spinesreach): Akaryuterra says, "Point is I'm thinkin' a pullin' this switch, any objections?"

(Spinesreach): Anfini says, "It was a damn clock; I don't think anyone could be blamed for it doing
this."

 Eleanor groans again, lifting a hand to rest against her forehead. "Well, there
y'go. Thank you Cabal, unearthed somethin' interesting." She gives a giddy sort of grin. Then, after
a moment, "Need these trousers off...?"


"Underwear?" Anfini asks casually, tapping two fingers to your hip.

Nephthys hovers over your thigh, examining the bloody mess on her trousers. She shakes her head,
using the forceps to lift the fabric and cuts along the seam with the scalpel. "They're ruined
anyway."

Dizzily, you say, "Always good rule of thumb to wear clean underwear when trying something
Cabalistic."

 Eleanor seems a little giddy, mumbling to herself, "Should put that in a scroll
somewhere. Advice."


Anfini laughs soundlessly through closed lips. "I'll have to invest in a few pairs, then. Right, off
they go." He waves a hand in the direction of your trousers, but with an awkward frown, gestures
meaninglessly and asks, "Ah, Seven-Hand?"

 Eleanor arches a little, shifting to attempt to move the trousers- she doesn't get
far, but the job Nephthys did seems to have been sufficient and the leather slips aside anyway.

You remove a sleek pair of trousers.

Anfini scowls at the damage, tenderly grazing his fingers over various of your wounds. "I don't see
how-- why did you linger? Why did you not run for cover?"

Nephthys shakes her head at Anfini, "I don't usually wear... er..." She returns her focus to your
thigh, pointing with the forceps at a large gash. "This looks bad..." she says. But with a shrug,
she inserts the forceps into the wound, removing a chunk of metal. Silvery blood begins to pour from
the site. "I wonder. Um. If this hit something." She looks to Anfini for a response.

 Eleanor gives a breathless laugh, though it trails off to another groan as the
shrapnel comes free. "It was on my to-do list... didn't quite get to that bit before it went off."
She wheezes thinly, her limbs trembling a little. "Most important was you lot out of the way."


Anfini's eyebrows descend, the ridge deepening into something clifflike. "Deep laceration - could
hit bone. Judging by the depth of these cuts I don't know that it would have the impact to do more
than flesh her, but..." He encircles your thigh with his bony fingers, and probes at a spot that
would seem random, if not for his careful search for it. He presses into the skin firmly, watching
you for a reaction.

 Eleanor makes an odd noise between gritted teeth, her eyes squeezed shut.
"yesthatcouldprobablydowithsomevenom," she comments thinly.

Fumbling around the table, Nephthys, Seven-Hand says, "Fucking hell. Which one is it?"

Anfini wheezes a dry laugh, responding to alarm with a habitual shield of mirth. Waving an arm, he
says, "Use the piss-colored one. I bet my life that's pyxocybin." He takes over while Nephthys is
occupied, leaving the massive opening alone for the time being while he diligently works. His method
is far quicker but less loving - the result of a man who has mended too many wounds to be squeamish.
A quartet of metal shards clatter in slow rhythm into the tray.

Syddyn arrives from the west.

Syddyn performs a graceful curtsey.

Dr. J. R. Anfini says to Disciple Syddyn, "You don't always have to do that."

Disciple Syddyn says, "Could I ask one of you to escort me to buy a journal please?"
Disciple Syddyn says to Dr. J. R. Anfini, "Sorry, I was just trying to be polite."

Anfini raises his eyebrows, and with a dusty laugh, gestures to you, who lies on a table before
Nephthys and himself, riddled with blood and half-coherent.

Disciple Syddyn says, "Oh."

Nephthys scowls at Anfini, muttering "Ought to stick you, see whose life we're wagering on..." She
plunges a syringe into the vial, withdrawing the venom. "All right then." She presses the needle
into your thigh and depresses the plunger, waiting.

Breathlessly, you say, "Maybe after we've finished our little game- nngh!"

Disciple Syddyn says, "I didn't mean to interupt, my apologies."

Anfini slaps his thigh and guffaws heartily, shaking his head.

Disciple Syddyn says, "There is no rush, I'm quite curious as to what you are doing though."

Dizzily, you say, "Pull up a lab stool, educational as anything."

"That must have hurt like an absolute bitch," Anfini suggests. He smooths over your leg near the
gruesome wound, then gives it a reassuring pat. "Look now, we're almost done. Get some out of your
arms, the few in your neck, make sure you didn't take a shot to the face."

Nephthys recomposes herself, examining your closest arm. She gently pulls a small shard of metal
from your forearm with the forceps. "Apologies if I made anything worse for ya, Conduit," she offers
quietly.

Examining everything around Syddyn grabs a stool and takes a seat.

 Eleanor takes a slow breath in through her nose, holds it, then lets it out again.
"Doing well so far. Must be nervous. Doing well." Judging by the length of her sentences now, what
strength and coherence she had left must be flagging. "Plenty've chance to... to practice stitches,
too."


"I'll be taking that over," Anfini insists, in a parental sing-song. "I'd prefer the Seven-Hand
practice a little more before we stitch up a wound. But she's doing a wondrous job. You just keep
talking, alright? Don't stop." He is all gentle, reassuring smiles and emphatic gesticulation, and
while Nephthys works, he goes over your legs with towels, serums and other vaguaries, cleaning you
wounds with smelly, foreign substances.

Disciple Syddyn says, "This is all from that clock?"

Nephthys nods, deferring to Anfini's experience. She removes the various shards and slivers of metal
lodged within your hands and arms, carefully prying them out, though beginning to observe Anfini as
he prepares to suture the wounds.

"This is all because someone's -fascination- overrode their common sense," Anfini snaps, harrumphing.

Disciple Syddyn says, "I'm too curious for my own good too."

Disciple Syddyn says, "I ran into an ogre the other day."

Rolling her eyes, Nephthys looks up at Anfini, asking, "The hell would you have done differently?"
Disciple Syddyn says, "Quick trip to the Underking."


Slurring faintly, you say, "Cabalistic trait, curiosity... can't one without the other..."

Disciple Syddyn says, "If I'd had been in the room with the Clock, I'd probably be there again, how
can you manage all this?"

 Eleanor's eyelids flutter briefly. "Nothing ventured, nothing gained..." She trails
off into quiet, then rouses herself again. She doesn't seem to exactly be tuned in to the
conversation as she says to Syddyn, "Important to stay awake, you know. Humans, concussion... bad if
they pass out."


"Call me 'no fun,'" Anfini mutters, turning on his tools, tracing over them lovingly, looking for
just the right one. Styptic needles, thick, wiry thread, and scissors. "I would not have done
anything different. I put my hand on a stove, I take it off just as quickly. It's survival instinct -
 learn it from being a Syssin."

Syddyn creases her brow in a frown.

Disciple Syddyn says, "I don't know much yet unfortunately."

 "Learning experience," Eleanor points out, dark eyes nominally fixed on Syddyn.

Akaryuterra arrives from the west.

"Syssin. Sneaky bastards," Nephthys smiles at you, "We're almost there." She pokes her fingers
around your neck and face, probing for wounds. "I think you did a pretty damn fine job of protecting
your face, right up til you hit your head."

Akaryuterra's wife has been treated to thoroughly - Nephthys tends to her wounds, most of which have
been cleaned. Anfini looms over you, threading a needle.

Akaryuterra walks in wringing his hands together. On closer inspection, he is wiping them on a piece
of cloth. He stands silently, watching from the edge of the room for a moment.

"She look alright up there?" Anfini murmurs.

Syddyn nods her head emphatically.

Disciple Syddyn says, "Well, I think so, I can't help but admire her strength."

 "Went off like a... one've those sphere things," Eleanor slurs, returning her
bleary gaze to the ceiling. "Lot've force. Thing."


Commissar Akaryuterra Ryotega Junakutz-Lionheart says, "Got another hole and a bunch'a extra space.
Plus a big new machine thing. Kinda like the orrery down by Enorian."

Disciple Syddyn says, "What does the machine do?"

Akaryuterra shakes his head, "We do not know yet."

Commissar Akaryuterra Ryotega Junakutz-Lionheart says, "S'not true. It clunks."

Akaryuterra smiles wryly.

Commissar Akaryuterra Ryotega Junakutz-Lionheart says, "It is missing some parts still."


"Trustworthy machines don't clunk," Anfini mutters. Kneading at the edges of your various
lacerations, he undergoes the tedious work of sewing each of them up, zig-zagging intricately
through either end, and pulling the cuts taut like a shutting eye. Though not physically demanding,
the work is lengthy and taxing, and he finds himself sweating before long, with only one of your
legs finished.

Commissar Akaryuterra Ryotega Junakutz-Lionheart says, "Anywhere I can help?"

 Eleanor tilts her chin up, attempting to spot Akaryuterra without lifting her head.
Now and then she grimaces or trembles, little twitches of pain skittering through her in response to
various tugs and pricks from the stitching.


Akaryuterra approaches the table.


A deep, resonant note echoes from all throughout the corridors of the Citadel, creating a tremulous
sound that seems to rattle the sky itself. In its wake, a chill wind bellows across the firmament,
embracing the twilight of a new dusk.

Satisfied that the metal has been removed from your body, Nephthys brushes her hand gently against
your face. She takes a dry strip of cloth from the table, and quietly moves closer to Anfini,
dabbing the perspiration from his brow as he works.

Anfini rears back as if burnt, meeting Nephthys's eyes intensely for a split second. Collecting
himself, he nods his head minutely and returns to his work without further disturbing her. All along
your body, you is marked with dark zig-zags that, from a distance, look fuzzy. Squinting, one might
think she were covered in caterpillars. Addressing Akaryuterra, he says, "Holding her hand, talking
to her, just looking at her would work wonders. There is no healing I can administer that can match
a bit of familiarity and affection."

Maghak seats Himself on one of the nearby benches with a low grunt, apparently content to observe
proceedings in silence.


 Eleanor seems to remember that staying awake is her goal- she starts mumbling again,
 the actual intended audience difficult to discern. "Ssso... found a thing, will have to check it...
investigate, and... clock needs some work, might... another bell perhaps? More research. Not quite
right."

Syddyn performs a graceful curtsey towards Maghak.

Anfini swears forcefully beneath his breath, his needle hand quivering as he steadies himself.
"Master Maghak," he says without turning, "Startled me. The lovely lady does not need to bleed any
further today."

With a curt nod towards the working Cabalists, Maghak, the Sovereign says to Disciple Syddyn, "Keep
your attention on your betters, fishgirl."

Startled, Syddyn turns back to the table.

 Eleanor makes to lift her head, squinting across the room in an attempt to locate
Maghak. "I know that voice..."

Exhaling, Maghak, the Sovereign says to Dr. J. R. Anfini, "Good. Would hate to have to replace her.
Thought direct intervention might've been necessary. Not sure how that'd pan out with an Idreth."

Akaryuterra walks to the side of the slab, opposite Anfini and Nephthys, lifing your hand to hold it
in his.

(Spinesreach): Zaene says, "I just realized something."
(Spinesreach): Aloli says, "What's that?"
(Spinesreach): Zaene says, "For catacombs, we sure find a lot of not-dead-storage things in there."

(Spinesreach): Maghak says, "Even that which cannot die may be entombed."

Anfini sews your arms. He mends each cut diligently, drawing near the end of his work, running
through enough thread to leave deep, thin ruts in his thumbs. "Always reminded me of the big man,
that's why I like You. This whole thing reeks of nostalgia... for me, it was always the opposite -
I'd be opening a terrified young man or vulnerable lady while he sat in his dank corners, sipping a
whiskey... grinning like a shark."

Akaryuterra murmurs to you, "Anfini tells me yer doin' real good stickin' with it all."

Nephthys nods her head at Maghak, tossing the dirty cloth in her hand across the laboratory. She now
watches Anfini as he finishes the job of suturing you.

 Eleanor tilts her head back again, her glassy gaze settling on Akaryuterra.

You feel a gentle pressure as Akaryuterra squeezes your hand. When you look, he smiles.

Anfini sighs with satisfaction, smearing his hand over his sweaty brow and mouth. "That's... the
last of it. Feels so much better to be doing good with my hands."

You say to Akaryuterra, "Doin' a good job. All the metal out... stitches, got... almost the f...
femurial..."

 Eleanor trails off, apparently losing track of whatever it was she was saying.

Eying Anfini, Maghak, the Sovereign says, "Lacing up rather than unlacing, eh?"

Anfini turns to Maghak, looking just a tad pensive. "Yeah," he responds, helpless to a wide grin.
Commissar Akaryuterra Ryotega Junakutz-Lionheart says, "Next time, I'm puttin' the damned bell in."

"

 Eleanor seems to focus a little on this. "Next time. Next... someone get onto Aife.
Need another one, this one's broken."


Akaryuterra utters a deep, rumbling laugh.

This draws a snort from Maghak, who notes, "Bloody Cabalists."

Nephthys shrugs, looking at Akaryuterra plainly, "Next time, we'll be sewing you up, then, Commissar.
" She peers about, "Least I've had some practice now."

Commissar Akaryuterra Ryotega Junakutz-Lionheart says, "Idreth form wouldn't much be affected by all
this."

Mumbling, you say, "Scales're helpful. Should've had scales."

Nephthys nods her head at you.

Anfini rises to his full height for the first time in hours, groaning thunderously as his back
cracks in profusion. "These people need me, someone's got to have some bloody common sense around
here. Shit, I'm filthy." Shaking his head, wearing that perpetual smile, he strolls over to the wash
basin, sloughing off the mercury blood that covers his arms.


Commissar Akaryuterra Ryotega Junakutz-Lionheart says, "See, step ahead'a ya already."
Akaryuterra smiles wryly.

Commissar Akaryuterra Ryotega Junakutz-Lionheart says, "Who made the diagrams on the bell?"

Maghak stands with a grunt, the bench creaking grateful back into an even cant. "If all's well and I
don't need to be elbow-deep in someone's essence." He exhales, tone wry. "I've got things to get
back to. Good to see Spirean industry and, eh, curiosity is alive and well."

 Eleanor exhales slowly, letting herself relax a little more. "Was me. Not as good
as I thought, apparently..."


"Maghak!" Anfini calls, waving an arm at Maghak, spattering excessive water on the floor. "How's the
tower treating You?"

Maghak gives Anfini a lopsided smile. "Throne's finally warmed a bit under My arse." He replies.
"And the trolls have made the interior nice and homey."

Commissar Akaryuterra Ryotega Junakutz-Lionheart says, "That reminds me, I need to venture to the
tundra at some point."

"Brilliant," Anfini answers, drying off his arms. His shirt has suffered permanent damage, smeared
with faint traces of strange, silvery color. "It's a spot of class and color in a bleak landscape.
I'll definitely pay my homage."

 Blearily and still slurring heavily, Eleanor comments, "I'll come up an' have a
look. Decor. Woman's touch."


Nephthys, Seven-Hand says to Maghak, the Sovereign, "Those old corpses in your basement are rather...
 amusing, Lord."

Maghak pauses to pat you heavily on the shoulder with one meaty hand. "You do that, Conduit." To
Anfini, He directs a nod, and to Nephthys a bemused glower. "Right, then."

The shifting currents of air around Maghak abruptly intensify, and without fanfare He dissipates
into them and vanishes in a heartbeat.

Nephthys snickers under her breath.

 Eleanor exhales a shuddering breath, commenting, "Oof."


Anfini leans lightly against a counter, dabbing his slender fingers delicately, fastidious about
keeping clean and dry. Loud enough to address you clearly from across the laboratory, he asks,
"Madam? You look a world better, how do you feel?"

 Eleanor seems to consider the question for a bit before replying.

Akaryuterra heaves a long, slow sigh. He then looks at you expectantly.

You say, "Honestly? Like th' morning after. But I'd be damnsight worse without you'n the Seven-hand,
so... good work an' thanks."

 Eleanor rolls her head against the slab, peering up at Akaryuterra. "Guildfavours,
I think. Guildfavours for everyone."




"She's wonderful at taking direction," Anfini says, chuckling as he shoots Nephthys a grateful
glance, devoid of the sarcasm typically reserved for her. "It was my pleasure. As your doctor, I'm
going to recommend rest, a few hearty meals to encourage your metabolism, and stay the fuck out of
the way of exploding machinery, okay?"

Anfini smiles worriedly at you.

 Eleanor lifts a hand to wave vaguely. "Waiting on a new bell now anyway," she
reassures Anfini.


Disciple Syddyn says to Dr. J. R. Anfini, the Fixer, "How long have you been doing these type of
things?"

Anfini shrugs amicably, settling his shirt and trousers into place, making obsessive adjustments to
his clothing and hair. "It has been a while. As I... implied, I have been in this field for a very
long time - but I have enjoyed a new paradigm shift."

Akaryuterra pats your hand firmly, "Yer gonna have ta rest back home fer a while."

Disciple Syddyn says, "It was quite impressive."

Disciple Syddyn says, "And I'm glad your had that paradigm shift."

"It is nothing," Anfini claims, shaking his head. "Besides, Nephthys did most of the work. I...
think I might take my leave. I've been missing my friend - good to check in on him."

 Eleanor struggles to prop herself up on an elbow. "Take care, Doctor," she manages,
her voice a little strained.




Syddyn nods her head emphatically.
Nephthys pales slightly.

Commissar Akaryuterra Ryotega Junakutz-Lionheart says, "Be well."

Disciple Syddyn says to Nephthys, Seven-Hand, "You were very impressive as well."

Akaryuterra walks to Anfini and places his hand on the man's shoulder.

You say to Syddyn, "Will pop you a guildfavour next month, too. Attendin' the thing, being...
present, exciting times."

Commissar Akaryuterra Ryotega Junakutz-Lionheart says to Dr. J. R. Anfini, the Fixer, "Thanks fer
lookin' after 'er while I took care'a the other shit."

Commissar Akaryuterra Ryotega Junakutz-Lionheart says, "Mm, thank you."

Commissar Akaryuterra Ryotega Junakutz-Lionheart says, "Owe ya a drink'r a smoke'r somethin'."

Disciple Syddyn says, "Oh, I don't need a favour."

Disciple Syddyn says, "I just observed."

Disciple Syddyn says, "Didn't do any real work."

Anfini edges Akaryuterra in the side with his elbow, cracking half a grin. "It's what I'm meant to
do, don't worry about it. And I'll never say no to a smoke or drink."

Akaryuterra lets his hand fall back to his side as he returns to you.

Commissar Akaryuterra Ryotega Junakutz-Lionheart says, "Gonna have ta carry ya home'r somethin'."

Anfini finds his coat and strong-arms his way into it, setting his hat jauntily into place. "Please,
friends, have an enjoyable morning. Do call me if we're poking at ancient machinery, hmm?"

Anfini puts on a dapper top hat.

Anfini puts on a gentleman's waistcoat.

Commissar Akaryuterra Ryotega Junakutz-Lionheart says, "As usual."

 Eleanor nods blearily. "Where'd I put my... need a coat to wrap up in or something.
Way home. Mm."


Anfini leaves to the west.

Commissar Akaryuterra Ryotega Junakutz-Lionheart says, "Where did you put your coat?"

 Eleanor's brows draw together as she thinks on that. "Left in... by the clock I
think? Borrow yours maybe. Won't bleed on it, promise."

Commissar Akaryuterra Ryotega Junakutz-Lionheart says, "Like I care if there's blood on it, c'mon
now."

Commissar Akaryuterra Ryotega Junakutz-Lionheart says, "Hell, probably couldn't tell which is yers
after what it saw in the war."

Akaryuterra gives an imposing formal longcoat of the Cabal to you.

 Eleanor gives a faintly amused smile. "Easy to tell mine. Isn't red." She inhales
slowly. "Help me up."


Commissar Akaryuterra Ryotega Junakutz-Lionheart says, "True I guess."
Akaryuterra offers his hand, taking your and pulling gently to help her lever herself upright.

 Eleanor half-stifles a groan as she comes upright- she looks weak and unsteady,
understandably so, but she manages- with some effort- to shrug into the enormous coat, nearly lost
within its depths. She wraps it closed around herself, bundled up in a coccoon of cloth.


You are now wearing an imposing formal longcoat of the Cabal.


Akaryuterra slips an arm under your legs, and one behind her back, cradling her as he lifts her from
the table.

Commissar Akaryuterra Ryotega Junakutz-Lionheart says, "Be well, Disciple."

Akaryuterra inclines his head politely to those around him.

Akaryuterra turns for the door and pauses, "Was there anything you needed, before we go?"

Syddyn shakes her head.

Disciple Syddyn says, "Thank you for asking."

Commissar Akaryuterra Ryotega Junakutz-Lionheart says, "Of course."

[Elea and Akary AWAAAY]

Syddyn tells you, "I hope you get well quickly Conduit."

You tell Disciple Syddyn, "I should be alright."


A spacious bedroom. (Spinesreach.)
-----
  |
 [+]

-----
A slender silver vase rests here. A sigil in the shape of a small, rectangular monolith is on the
ground. A large chest covered in intricate designs sits here.
You see a single exit leading north (open pine door).

Akaryuterra carries you into the bedroom and makes his way to the bed, laying you gently on the
cushy top.

 Eleanor exhales softly, relaxing to the covers. "Give me a hand? Boots still on."


Akaryuterra nods, "Course." Leaning over the bed, he shuffles a few steps down in order to better
work at your boots. He grips the heel of one firmly in hand and begins to pull.

 Eleanor helps as best she can, and before long you've helped her get both of the
boots off, leaving her soft and vulnerable, unclothed except for her underwear and the coat she's
still swaddled within.

You remove tall leather boots.

Akaryuterra grabs the edge of one of the blankets and pulls it up over you covering you up to keep
you warm. "Sure got hit pretty good by all that."
"
 Eleanor nods sleepily. "Didn't... wasn't expecting it to go off so violently." She
exhales a slow breath. "Glad everyone else got out of the way."


"Except you," Akaryuterra reminds you calmly as he pulls the covers up a little further. With you
carefully tended to, he makes it around to the other side of the bed and sits down, leaning back to
sit beside you. His eyes watch you vigilantly, even as he speaks, keeping a cautious eye on your
condition. "Should get some rest, your body needs it.

 "My duty of care is to the rest of the guild," Eleanor dismisses your comment. She
makes a little displeased face as you sit nearby, but apparently not close enough. "Come here," she
pleads in a little voice. "Please? Cold."

Akaryuterra plants his hands on the bed and scoots himself closer, flush with your side.
Commissar Akaryuterra Ryotega Junakutz-Lionheart says, "How is this?"

Akaryuterra smiles at you.

 Eleanor fumbles herself closer, rolling toward you a little and reaching to hold
onto you with a pale hand. "Better," she informs you. She exhales slowly again, letting her eyes
drift shut. "Everything aches," she complains quietly.


You can't see his expression, but you can hear the wry tone in his voice as Akaryuterra responds,
"Well, yeah, everything got hit." There's no derision in his voice, and he isn't chiding you.

 "Have to test it again," Eleanor mumbles into your scales, letting her head settle
against your side. "What've the thing you found?"

Commissar Akaryuterra Ryotega Junakutz-Lionheart says, "What about it?"

Akaryuterra looks down at you curiously.

 "Tell me 'bout it," Eleanor replies sleepily. "Would go see for myself, but..."


(Council of the Five Spires): Ishin says, "If you want this thing to work."
(Council of the Five Spires): Ishin says, "You'll need the rest of the machine."
(Council of the Five Spires): Zaene says, "Yes sir. But, um, where is it?"

(Council of the Five Spires): Akaryuterra says, "That is a good question, we do not know at the
moment."

(Council of the Five Spires): Ishin says, "It isn't one piece."
(Council of the Five Spires): Ishin says, "Judging from the gaps, it's likely several pieces."

(Council of the Five Spires): You say, "I'm awfully concussed right now so bear with me, but if
nothing is forthcoming I'll set my people on it. We've put Ankyrean things back together before."

(Council of the Five Spires): Akaryuterra says, "I estimate around three to five pieces at this
point."

(Council of the Five Spires): Ishin says, "Gears, levers, ratchets, so on and so forth."

(Council of the Five Spires): Zaene says, "Doohickeys and ball-bearings are all I know regarding
machine bits."

(Council of the Five Spires): Tina says, "Well myself and Kelliara just spoke with Aife and Qeddwyn
on it. Qeddwyn doesn't know anything about it, the science conclave kept this under wraps from the
other conclaves, and Aife is still too upset over the glass incident to help at the moment."

(Council of the Five Spires): You say, "Ah... yes, sorry about that."

(Council of the Five Spires): You say, "But uhm, at least something interesting's come of it!"
(Council of the Five Spires): Ishin says, "I would say ask Yrtez, but yeah."

(Council of the Five Spires): Tina says, "She being magic, even if she was alive I'm not sure if
she'd know either."

(Council of the Five Spires): Ishin says, "I would suggest looking about the city, perhaps."
(Council of the Five Spires): Kelliara says, "I am still in favour of having the other machine
destroyed and seeing what we can salvage of it."
(Council of the Five Spires): Tina says, "And yes, she was quite shaken, perhaps you could bring her
some of your tea later."
Commissar Akaryuterra Ryotega Junakutz-Lionheart says, "Well, it is large, and has lots of gears. It
also has some rotating rings, and it looks to have to do with land masses of sapience."
(Council of the Five Spires): Ishin says, "Or in other places. There's no telling where they may
have hid the pieces."

Akaryuterra ponders the situation.
(Council of the Five Spires): Tina says, "Or something stronger."

(Council of the Five Spires): Ishin says, "There's another machine?"
(Council of the Five Spires): Tina says, "The orrery in the southern hills."
(Council of the Five Spires): Ishin says, "I doubt that will work."
(Council of the Five Spires): Tina says, "We already went there and salvaged one of the missing
components from it, and it fits."

(Council of the Five Spires): Ishin says, "Huh."

(Council of the Five Spires): Tina says, "But I'm not sure if we'll get any more from it."

(Council of the Five Spires): You say, "No sense in destroying something if we don't know if there's
useful components. It'll likely take some more research."

(Council of the Five Spires): Ishin says, "Can't hurt to check. Is there one in Enorian?"

Akaryuterra makes motions with his hands that imply a spherical shape, "It looks like it might show
pieces that move...or..hmm. It's an orrery, but its purpose is more related to lands than the
planets and constellations."

You say, "Ssssounds fascinating. Will have to go and see when I'm up and about again."

(Council of the Five Spires): Tina says, "Not that I know of. We found it in the landmarking orrery,
that controls the sun."
(Council of the Five Spires): Ishin says, "There's also one in the Putorans. I imagine that's the
orrery you're talking about salving the aprt from?"
(Council of the Five Spires): Tina says, "Yes."
(Council of the Five Spires): Ishin says, "Part, even. sheesh."

Commissar Akaryuterra Ryotega Junakutz-Lionheart says, "And there're some real big doors. Stone ones.
 Can't move 'em."

 Eleanor smiles gently, though her eyes remain closed. "Exciting times when Ankyrean
things are being dug up."


(Council of the Five Spires): Kelliara says, "Is there any indication of what type of parts might be
missing?"
(Council of the Five Spires): Kelliara says, "That may give some idea of where to search."
(Council of the Five Spires): Tina says, "Well the parts need to be able to move, seems the whole
thing moves and is in motion, when working properly."

Commissar Akaryuterra Ryotega Junakutz-Lionheart says, "Tina wants me ta make a post about the whole
thing. Figure I'll just start with 'a part'a the catacombs fell in' and leave out the clock."

Still with the faint smile, you say, "Probably for the best."

(Council of the Five Spires): Ishin says, "Wasn't there uh."
(Council of the Five Spires): Ishin says, "An orrery elsewhere. I want to say related to Niuri?"
(Council of the Five Spires): Tina says, "Hmm...I think so, can't remember which temple though."

(Council of the Five Spires): Tina says, "Well, start with the old one first I suppose."
(Council of the Five Spires): Kelliara says, "A moment, I wish to accompany you."

Akaryuterra leans over and presses a warm kiss to your forehead.

You murmur to Akaryuterra, "Love you."

Akaryuterra murmurs to you, "Love you too."

[And fade out.]