Ch 5: Part 4: Thorn's End: Session 89

[15:44] <@Kilarra> *****Second Darkness*****
[15:44] <@Kilarra> ~~~Chapter 5: A Memory of Darkness~~~
[15:45] <@Kilarra> -Session 89-
[15:46] <@Kilarra> After gaining admittance to Thorn's End, the party had a discussion with their captain of the guard about the nature of the Winter COuncil, and those who comprise it. They decided to attempt to reconvene the council, rather than destroy it outright, in order to get the answers they seek
[15:47] <@Kilarra> Along they way, the rest of the party attempted to warn Kahree about the danger she was getting into with Quilindra, but it remains to be seen what choice she will make. From there, they were escorted to a room of cells to speak with a prisoner of Thorn's End about the council.
[15:49] <@Kilarra> As the guards open the trap door leading down to the cells, the party is treated to the sight of a dejected looking man with pale blue skin standing about two feet tall. He glances up, looking a touch surprised at the new faces.
[15:51] <@Kilarra> The man also has, on his back, a pair of butterfly like wings, pointed ears, and his clothes seem to be made from grass.
[15:52] * Aluthyra steps forward, looking the man over, and frowns. He definitely doesn't look like he could possible cause any trouble... "I am Aluthyra," she bows her head. "...and you are?"
[15:54] <@Kilarra> The pixie looks up at Aluthyra, his eyes drawn to her wings. He stands up and flaps his, rising up to look her in the face as her speaks to her. "Estril is my name miss."
[15:55] * Aluthyra smiles. "Estril, how did you come to be here, in demon lands?"
[15:57] <@Kilarra> "I originally entered this place in search of a Pixie Enclave. Rumours held that there was one held deep within these corrupted woods." Estril shrugs, "Instead, I found elves."
[15:59] * Aluthyra raises an eyebrow. "Only on a rumor? What did you think the purpose, or gain, for finding such an enclave would be?"
[16:00] <@Kilarra> Estril glances around the group of new faces as he speaks. His eyes fall on Kahree and stick there, mainly glancing at her hair. he looks back to Aluthyra when she addresses him, "Solidarity. If there were such an Enclave stuck here, they would surely want to see a new friendly face every so often."
[16:03] <@Kilarra> Estril continues, "Instead though, I indulged in curiosity, and came into this place, to see what the elves were doing."
[16:03] * Aluthyra nods. "And they found you... and imprisoned you? Did you provoke them to do so?"
[16:05] <@Kilarra> Estril shakes his head, "I did nothing wrong, I simply followed the pale wizard to his room, wanting to know what he was up to. He overpowered me and would not believe my tale, and instead had me thrown down here. He is mean and nasty!"
[16:05] * Kilarra looks to one of the guards for an answer.
[16:06] <@Kilarra> The guard nods, "Hialin is the Council's expert on arcane magic, and is also the one who keeps our wards empowered. He has been looking a bit off colour lately though, we thought he might be ill but he seeks no treatment."
[16:07] <@Kilarra> The guard adds, "Of course, it is not our place to question the will of a council member, but I think perhaps he has forgotten his prisoner, such is his preoccupation with his own pursuits."
[16:12] * Aluthyra shakes her head. "Perhaps we will talk to him about that..." She nods to the pixie. "And did you find anything out, talking with him?"
[16:14] <@Kilarra> Estril shakes his head, "No, he's mean! All he did was demand and accuse. He even took my bow! He wouldn't listen, and definitely didn't care about my truth."
[16:16] * Aluthyra nods. "Very well. We shall see what we can do, and we will be back soon," she nods, looking back to her companions to see if they are in agreement.
[16:17] * Kilarra shrugs, "Why don't we just take him with us?"
[16:17] <@Kilarra> Estril perks up a bit at that possibility.
[16:19] * Aluthyra blinks, then looks to the guards. "As long as the guards do not give him or us trouble..."
[16:20] <@Kilarra> The guards look to each other and murmur for a moment. One of them smirks, "Well, we were ordered to keep the prisoner properly cared for, but considering you're being escorted by a couple of our own, it wouldn't be breaking that to leave him in your custody for now."
[16:21] <@Kilarra> Estril suddenly looks hopeful.
[16:23] * Aluthyra nods. "Then I suppose that would work, if you would like to come with us."
[16:24] <@Kilarra> Estril shoots up into the room with the party and begins showering them with tiny kisses and hugs. He seems to give a few more to Kahree than to anyone else, and keeps smiling at her hair.
[16:26] <Aluthyra> Kahree huffs, shooing the pixie away.
[16:28] <@Kilarra> Estril doesn't seem phased and hovers in the air about a foot away from her. "You should stay away from HIalin's lab though; it's full of creepy books and nasty smells."
[16:30] <Aluthyra> Kahree rolls her eyes. "So... to that -other- Calistrian priestess now?"
[16:31] * Kilarra nods, "Sounds like she'd be a good place to start. If nothing else, our mutual worship should lay some common ground. Have we figured out which member of the Council actually tried to have us captured yet?"
[16:32] * Aluthyra shakes her head. "No, but I would not bet against Hialin."
[16:34] <@Kilarra> Kjell nods, "He does not seem to be a pleasant fellow, that is for certain."
[16:34] <@Kilarra> Estril vanishes form sight, but Kahree can still feel the slight breeze from his wings over her shoulder.
[16:38] <Aluthyra> Kahree frowns, but doesn't swat at him... yet.
[16:41] * Aluthyra nods to the guards. "If you could, lead us to the priestess' room?"
[16:41] <@Kilarra> The guards shrug, not seemign to mind the Pixie vanishing, and lead the party back out of the cells and into the fortress proper. Up and down several flights of stairs until they finally reach a room on the fourth floor that looks like a chapel.
[16:42] <@Kilarra> This small but exquisitely furnished chapel contains severalcarved wooden benches lining the northern wall, facing asmall altar of polished white wood in the center of the room. Aglimmering gold and onyx statuette of a beautiful elven womanstands on the west side of the altar atop a short silver stand. Tothe east, an empty silver stand sits—the statue it may have oncesupported is nowhere to be seen.
[16:42] * Kilarra smiles at the totem and looks to Aluthyra, "That would, naturally, be Calistria."
[16:42] * Kilarra whistles, "Impressive piece too. Most impressive."
[16:44] * Aluthyra smiles, admiring the totem. "It is indeed interesting."
[16:44] <Aluthyra> Kahree just grumbles about there being two too many Calistrian priestesses.
[16:45] <@Kilarra> The guards indicate the two other doors leading from the chapel. "The one on the right used to be quarters for the acolytes under Perelir, but they have since been lost. The High Priestess' chambers are to the left."
[16:48] * Kilarra nods and takes the front, stepping up to the door and knocking.
[16:49] * Aluthyra and Kahree follow behind.
[16:51] <@Kilarra> A sultry sounding voice comes from behind the door, sounding a mix of surprised and intrigued, "Enter."
[16:53] * Kilarra opens the door and takes a look inside before stepping in.
[16:53] <@Kilarra> This bedroom is decorated with a black-and-yellow motif, andthe repetition of wasp imagery in paintings on the wall, statuetteson desks and shelves, and even in the carvings along chair backsand headboards is impossible to ignore. Thick fur rugs line thefloor along with numerous large cushions. A canopy bed sits inthe middle of the southeast wall.
[16:54] * Kilarra gives an impressed whistle. This room really reminded her of back at the veil. And, by extension, all the good times she had therein. Particularly the ones with Aluthyra.
[16:55] <@Kilarra> Perelir is a beauty, with flowing red hair, deep green eyes, and a preference to wear her glamered magic armor
[16:55] <@Kilarra> -in a diaphanous robe that seems to be made partially of stars and shadows.
[16:56] * Aluthyra chuckles lightly at Kilarra, smiling. It certainly did remind her of those nights as well.
[16:56] <Aluthyra> Kahree keeps her arms crossed with a pout-ish frown on her lips, still angry about the recent conversation with Kilarra.
[16:57] <@Kilarra> The elven priestess stands up, easily as tall as Aluthyra, and steps towards the party. "Visitors. Not just to my abode, but to this very fortress." SHe looks at Kilarra's attire, "even a fellow priestess. What brings you here?" Her voice is rich and sultry. She glances around the party, as though taking in more than just the professional aspects of their appearances.
[16:58] * Aluthyra bows her head. "We come to reunite the council, as we here it has fallen into disfunction as of late."
[17:01] * Kilarra recognizes the glances of the Priestess and smirks. "I am Kilarra, of the House of the Silken Veil, and Priestess of our lady Calistria. My partner speaks truthfully."
[17:03] <@Kilarra> Perelir seats herself, crossing one leg over the other in an alost sensuous manner. "Though I am a member of the Winter Council, I, quite frankly, feel that it has outlived its usefulness. The other council members are afraid to feel good about themselves, and even my friend Allevrah felt that she needed to deprive herself of the joys of living in order to remain devoted to her faith."
[17:03] <@Kilarra> Perelir looks to the party, "Tell me though, how did you come by us here? Given enough time, i could find out on my own, but this would be much simpler."
[17:06] * Aluthyra nods. "We came by the help of a demon. We are not in league with them, but we recognized the use such a temporary alliance would have." She frowns. "But we would like to at least reconvene the council for answers. If not you, one has been using the council... at least, we think, improperly, even going as to attack and attempt to capture us."
[17:07] <@Kilarra> Perelir nods, "I see. What reason, praytell, might a member of this council have had to wish you apprehended?"
[17:09] * Aluthyra looks to Kilarra, unsure how much they should tell.
[17:09] * Kilarra answers this time, "The drow. Through a series of events that would take too long to recount, we found ourselves amidst the conflict between the dark elves and the denizens of crying leaf."
[17:11] * Kilarra continues, "We aided the Shin'Rakorath in liberating Celwynvian, after which we discovered drow plots that could mean the undoing of Kyonin itself. However, when we attempted to inform Queen Telandia, she was hesitant to acknolwedge our claims, and spoke of an enemy attempting to hold her reins."
[17:12] <@Kilarra> Perelir nods, "She is correct, after a fashion, but there is more to it. The Winter Council has kept the drow secret from much of the public, and even most elves of Kyonin think them a myth. The council had its reasons, but if you speak true of a threat to our nation, and even took such risks upon yourselves to aid it, then I believe, as I said, that the time for such cloaking has passed."
[17:15] * Aluthyra quirks her head. "Would you know who would seek to keep this hidden, going as far as to attack us?"
[17:17] <@Kilarra> Perelir shrugs, "Admittedly, any of the other three could be guilty of attempting to maintain their traditionalism and their coverups. Certainly they think they act in public interest, desiring to avoid panic, but ever since Allevrah killed Auramesties, we have hardly done anything that could be considered a public service."
[17:19] * Aluthyra nods. "Then do you have any suggestions on how to proceed?"
[17:24] <@Kilarra> Perelir nods, "Perhaps. Malindil and Arlindil are both anguished over the betrayal of Allevrah, but they found comfort in each other. Hialin is engrossed in his work, and would be difficult to convince without the rest of us already having agreed to meet."
[17:29] * Kilarra nods, "So, if they're an item, it might be easier to convince one after the other is already agreed."
[17:30] * Aluthyra nods. "Do you think either will be easier to convince?"
[17:34] <@Kilarra> Perelir considers that, "If you were to approach Malindil unescorted, she would likely think you demons in disguise that have come to kill her, but so long as you are with our guards, she would be willing to listen. Sadly, her mind teeters precariously on the edge, so you would do well to tread lightly."
[17:35] <@Kilarra> Perelir then adds, "Arlindil is not so unstable, but most depressed at the loss of not only Allevrah, but of his beloved animal companion as well. In either case, you would need to talk to them personally to discern how best they might be convinced."
[17:39] * Aluthyra nods, turning back to her companions. "Right... which would you all suggest? I think that perhaps Arlindil would be more wise..." She looks to Kilarra. "As Malindil might make uncouth assumptions about Kilarra."
[17:39] * Kilarra frowns at the notion, though not deliberately at Aluthyra for suggesting it, considering she was probably right.
[17:41] <Aluthyra> Kahree shrugs, not caring either way!
[17:46] <@Kilarra> Perelir catches Kilarra frown and smiles, standing up and placing a hand on her shoulder. "Do not worry, little tiefling. Were you actually a demon, you would not have come this far inside, this I know. As well, I know that Calistria is a popular patron for Tieflings, especially those who enjoy indulging themselves but do not wish to be overcome by the fiendishness carried in their blood."
[17:46] * Kilarra nods, "The High Priestess of the Veil, and another friend of mine there, are both tieflings as well."
[17:52] <@Kilarra> Perelir chuckles, "And you seem to have done quite well for yourself." She winks at Aluthyra.
[17:55] * Kilarra smirks back at Aluthyra as well, "Most definitely."
[17:59] <@Kilarra> Kjell nods, "So, then we shall seek out Arlindil next?"
[18:16] <Aluthyra> Kahree nods. "...Yeah, let's get on with it."
[18:19] * Kilarra smiles at Perelir, "Thank you for your help. Hopefully, we can finish this in a mutually beneficial manner. I would prefer that, considering the alternative is trying to get through that massive horde of demons outside on our own."
[18:20] <@Kilarra> Perelir nods, "Best of luck. I joined this council to do some good for my fellow elves, but it certainly isn't going to happen if we can't get out of our own doldrums."
[18:22] <@Kilarra> Kjell nods and gestures to the elven guards, who nod and lead the party out of Perelir's chambers.
[18:22] <@Kilarra> They are eventually brough to Arlindil's retreat up on the sixth floor...
[18:22] <@Kilarra> This room seems to be someone’s bedchamber, although thefurniture has a somewhat haphazard feel to it. The “bed” is littlemore than a mound of furs, and there are no chairs or tablesor other concessions toward civilization present—just a ricketystand for a suit of armor and a few flat rocks that might makeimpromptu seats.
[18:24] <@Kilarra> Seated upon the bed is a dreary looking dark haired elf wearing fur and feathers, a pair of anmial skulls standing as shoulder pads for his sweeping feathered cloak.
[18:25] <@Kilarra> Next to him, and seemingly trying to speak words of encouragement to him, is a statuesque elven woman with golden hair, eyes, and armour, armed with a spear and bastard sword, both inlaid with gold filigree.
[18:31] <@Kilarra> Malindil, the gold armoured woman, looked up, surprised to see company. Her first instinct is to reach for her weapons, but at the sight of the pair of elven guards with the party, she hesitates.
[18:34] * Kilarra stays at the back, not liking that she had to, but understanding that the golden warrior woman seemed to be on a hair trigger.
[18:34] <@Kilarra> -End Session-
[18:35] <@Kilarra> Rewards: 1 EL 8, 1200 Expeirence Each