To Scorn the Gods- Episode 8: Settling

(8:37:10 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: After a no doubt troubled night's rest, the group awakens, one by one...
(8:37:41 PM) Ulyssa left the room (quit: Ping timeout: 240 seconds).
(8:38:08 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: When Aelitethe awakes, she'll find Belle already at her side.
(8:38:49 PM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe slowly gets up, and she stretches, one of her arms subconsciously around Belle.
(8:39:42 PM) Genshuku [~Genshuku@Rizon-3227C6A1.hsd1.il.comcast.net] entered the room.
(8:42:20 PM) Genshuku is now known as Ulyssa
(8:44:34 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "...Good morning, Aelitethe."
(8:44:55 PM) Ulyssa: Ulyssa hasn't truly slept well in a while. This time, she has a comfy bed, along with complete and total safety (or at least a lot more than a tent in zombieland can provide). Her mind is awake at the moment (as possibly noticed by some stretching), but it seems she'll be staying in bed until she notices life!
(8:44:59 PM) Aelitethe: "Good morning, Belle...!"
(8:48:12 PM) Artemis-XE: It's certainly been a while since Art has slept in a bed like this, and it shows. His eyes open. While awake, he feels content with not moving unless absolutley necessary.
(8:48:45 PM) Kineth: Kineth slowly gets up out of bed, stretching out a bit as he lets out a loud yawn. Getting a good night's rest in an actual bed for the first time in weeks does wonders for a guy.
(8:51:38 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Artemis can hear the light sound of Saken's sleeping breaths in the other bed. Seems the kid really needed sleep too...
(8:52:16 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "Did you rest well?" Belle asks Aelitethe.
(8:52:23 PM) Ulyssa: Kineth's rising causes Ulyssa's eyes to open as well. She still sounds drowsy, but only somewhat. "...Mornin Kineth~"
(8:53:49 PM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe hugs Belle. "Yes, I did! Thank you."
(8:54:32 PM) Kineth: "Morning, 'lyssa. Sleep well?" He asks in response, still stretching out a bit as he lets out another yawn.
(8:56:50 PM) Ulyssa: "A lot better than before! ...I don't think I've slept that well before, ever. Gonna be hard to get out of bed~"
(8:58:04 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Belle hugs Aelitethe back. "I'm glad."
(8:59:29 PM) Aelitethe: "Should we see the others?"
(8:59:32 PM) Kineth: Kineth smiles, letting out a small laugh. "Want me to help, then?"
(9:01:22 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "Well, there's no sense just sitting around... Unless you want to sleep some more."
(9:01:30 PM) Ulyssa: Ulyssa mulls it over for a moment. "Sure~"
(9:01:31 PM) Aelitethe: "Yes... Let's go."
(9:04:19 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Belle nods. She'll move toward the door when Aelitethe does
(9:04:31 PM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe stretches and gets out of bed, moving towards the door.
(9:05:34 PM) Kineth: Kineth nods as he goes to hold onto Ulyssa's hands, going to help her get up and out of bed.
(9:09:27 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Belle opens the door for Aelitethe, and steps outside before her, glancing down the hallway both ways before stepping out of the way.
(9:09:50 PM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe steps out and looks about too. "Let's go check on the others."
(9:10:22 PM) Ulyssa: Kineth's hands are used as help for her to get out of bed, which clearly takes a bit of effort on Ulyssa's part. She clearly wasn't kidding about needing some help, there! And unless she's dropped, which would be terrible and unspeakable, she makes it up! "Thank you~"
(9:13:54 PM) Kineth: Kineth makes sure not to let go until Ulyssa gets up, but not before giving her a peck on the cheek. "You're welcome~. Now, let's go meet up with the others, shall we?"
(9:16:13 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "Yes, let's..." Belle walks over to Artemis' door and knocks... Just a tiny bit too loudly. She seems to have underestimated the amount of sound it would make
(9:17:16 PM) ***Artemis-XE creeps over and opens the door. "Morning guys, come on in but keep it quiet. Saken's still sleeping."
(9:20:29 PM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe nods.
(9:20:35 PM) Aelitethe: "...Okay." she whispers.
(9:20:40 PM) Ulyssa: Ulyssa's expression freezes for a moment, before a small blush appears! Clearly, she was not expecting that. She's definitely woken up now! "R-right!" And suddenly, she's leading the way!
(9:23:42 PM) Kineth: Kineth lets out a small chuckle at Ulyssa's reaction, a smile on his face as he follows her along!
(9:24:20 PM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe fidgets and looks about. presumably wondering about Ulyssa and Kineth.
(9:27:41 PM) Aelitethe: "Where are those two?"
(9:28:26 PM) Artemis-XE: "They can't have gone far." He smiles.
(9:29:21 PM) Ulyssa: Well, they're here now! It might be a big place, but she knows where they stayed! "There you are! Other room had no one in it, so you had to be here!" Nod nod.
(9:29:43 PM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe waves at Ulyssa. "Good morning."
(9:30:09 PM) Artemis-XE: "Morning you two."
(9:31:56 PM) Kineth: "Good morning to both of you as well."
(9:32:17 PM) Ulyssa: "Morning~" Her jolliness is infinite.
(9:33:37 PM) Aelitethe: "Saken is still asleep."
(9:34:47 PM) Artemis-XE: "Yep. Poor guy must've really needed it after yesterday."
(9:35:14 PM) Kineth: Kineth nods. "Indeed. He was quite the mess before we got here..."
(9:36:20 PM) Ulyssa: Maybe he needs help getting out of bed? ...Naaaaaaaaah. She can certainly nod in agreement over how much of a mess he was! And probably is, might have a hangover or something. "Hope he's alright after we wakes up."
(9:36:48 PM) Artemis-XE: "Yeah, so do I."
(9:38:01 PM) Aelitethe: "Whenever that is." Aelitethe chuckles.
(9:38:14 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Belle is staring at Ulyssa and Kineth.
(9:38:19 PM) Artemis-XE: "Heh."
(9:39:52 PM) ***Aelitethe has an arm around Belle. Subconsciously. "Well... This is awkward."
(9:41:31 PM) Ulyssa: The stare ends up reciving a stare back, in curiousity. On note of the awkwardness...well, perhaps it is, a little. But currently, she's powering through it, not quire realizing it's there even with the staring. "It doesn't feel that awkward. We're just waiting for him to get up, right? ...Should we do that somewhere else?"
(9:41:44 PM) Aelitethe: "...Probably, I do not know."
(9:42:24 PM) Kineth: The stare does indeed get a stare of its' own in response, but after a moment he just shrugs slightly.
(9:42:37 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "...So." Belle finally speaks. "You slept together?"
(9:42:56 PM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe coughed, as if she were spitting out an imaginary drink.
(9:43:02 PM) Artemis-XE: "Belle."
(9:43:57 PM) Artemis-XE: "Some things don't need questioning." He says with a faint grin.
(9:44:10 PM) Aelitethe: "Artemis, did you hear loud sounds last night?"
(9:45:00 PM) Artemis-XE: "...Well, maybe a little, but I'm a heavy sleeper anyway."
(9:45:28 PM) Aelitethe: "Well, I suppose that answers your question, Belle."
(9:45:33 PM) Kineth: Kineth... actually takes a moment to think, holding back a laugh, before responding. "If we had, I'm sure you would've heard it quite clearly."
(9:46:05 PM) Aelitethe: "You seem like the type."
(9:50:23 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "I see..." Belle actually has a slight grin, for just a moment.
(9:50:45 PM) Aelitethe: "So... While we wait, what do we do?"
(9:51:08 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: ...Saken actually stirs a bit now!
(9:51:23 PM) Ulyssa: Alright, it's awkward now. Complete with red. Simply assuming that is pretty...well...aaaaa. She's definitely red and not talking right now!
(9:51:43 PM) Artemis-XE: "Aah, now he wakes up."
(9:53:10 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: ...Slowly, he gets up, rubbing his eyes before he blinks a few times, bleary-eyed. "Wha...? Why are you all..." Suddenly, he shakes his head. "Oh! Last night, everything... That's right..."
(9:53:29 PM) Aelitethe: "You feeling better?"
(9:53:43 PM) Artemis-XE: "Take it easy, you might still be dizzy."
(9:54:22 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "Um... Well, I have a headache... Why does it seem so bright in here though?"
(9:56:16 PM) Aelitethe: "Just take it easy."
(9:57:30 PM) Ulyssa: Nod nod. It shouldn't be bright, so it's clearly just him, right?
(9:58:19 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Yeah, it's pretty much just him. There IS some sunlight streaming in through the window, but not enough to normally be bothersome...
(9:58:26 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "Um... Okay..."
(10:00:47 PM) Aelitethe: "I think it's just you."
(10:00:52 PM) Aelitethe: "So, should we go?"
(10:01:06 PM) Artemis-XE: "Lead the way."
(10:02:49 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "W-wait... You want me to lead the way? To where?" He still seems a little disoriented.
(10:03:29 PM) Artemis-XE: "Not you." He chuckles. "I meant Aeli."
(10:03:36 PM) Aelitethe: "...Where are we headed again?"
(10:04:50 PM) Kineth: "That's... a good question, yes."
(10:05:42 PM) Ulyssa: "Killis said something about meeting him at the tavern at least once a week, right? He said he'd try to get there every day, so...we could check to see if he's there?"
(10:05:58 PM) Aelitethe: "Sounds like a plan to me. Let's get going."
(10:07:11 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Saken speaks up. "U-um... I'll meet you there later, actually. I think I should head home first... I can try to speak with my parents about arranging housing."
(10:08:04 PM) Artemis-XE: "Okay then. We'll meet you at the tavern."
(10:08:20 PM) Aelitethe: "Take care!"
(10:10:07 PM) Ulyssa: "Alright, see you~"
(10:11:11 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Saken nods, and stands up. ...He still looks a little bit wobbly, but he manages to mostly right himself and start walking.
(10:11:17 PM) Kineth: "See you later, then."
(10:13:25 PM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe then gestures for the others to head off to the tavern.
(10:14:20 PM) ***Ulyssa walks on over to the tavern, then, still somewhat lit up.
(10:14:25 PM) Artemis-XE: Artemis follows Aelitethe unceremoniously.
(10:16:32 PM) Kineth: Kineth follows the group along.
(10:17:20 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Saken heads off on his own, while the party makes its way to the tavern... When they arrive, they meet an unexpected, but very familiar face!
(10:18:34 PM) Ulyssa: Which one? That could be good or bad!
(10:19:26 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: ...Okay, maybe not "very" familiar. Aelitethe should remember it though! It's the woman from the carriage who had been beset by bandits!
(10:19:47 PM) Aelitethe: "Ah!? Fancy seeing you here!" Aelitethe blinks and steps to see the woman.
(10:21:13 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "Oh, it's you!" The woman looks delighted to see you. "I've been wondering how things went for you... Did the ring I gave you help at all?" ...The question seems entirely genuine. Either she really believes in luck, or she knows it was magic.
(10:27:59 PM) Ulyssa: ...ring...familiar...oh! Well, things could be worse! Ulyssa seems rather pleased she's in high spirits!
(10:56:09 PM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe nods. "It did help at all! Though, I have to ask..."
(10:56:43 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "...We should speak privately."
(10:57:00 PM) Aelitethe: "Ah? Um, alright. Okay, everyone."
(10:57:49 PM) Aelitethe: "I'll be back in a while." Aelitethe says to the others before going to the woman to speak with her privately for whatever reason!
(10:58:34 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: The woman leads you outside, to an alley just next to the tavern. She looks at Belle, who follows. "Um...
(10:59:09 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "...If you're worried about something, don't be. Her thoughts are also mine." Belle says.
(11:00:37 PM) Aelitethe: "Alright...?"
(11:01:08 PM) ***Kineth blinks.
(11:02:54 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "...Okay." The woman sighs, before looking back at Aelitethe. "...I'll start with this. I saw you healing the horse, and I know it wasn't divine magic."
(11:03:16 PM) Aelitethe: "You've caught me out." Aelitethe sighs.
(11:04:46 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Belle stands in front of Aelitethe protectively, but the woman holds her hand out forward, a gesture of peace. "No, don't worry. I have no intention of telling the church. In fact... I was hoping for an exchange of knowledge, if that's acceptable? I learned a good deal about the arcane arts from my own mother, and, well... People like us need all the help we can get."
(11:05:01 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "...Silly me, where are my manners? We don't even know each other's names! I'm Tilia."
(11:06:10 PM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe curtseys. "My name is Aelitethe. It's a pleasure to meet you."
(11:07:11 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "...Bellezza." Belle says simply, relaxing just a bit.
(11:07:51 PM) ***Ulyssa headtilts. Maybe it's about the ring or something? Or the magics. Either or.
(11:09:46 PM) Aelitethe: "If you would accept me, I would be happy to study with you."
(11:13:56 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "Ah, wonderful. I'm afraid I haven't the slightest idea who benefits from this more, but I'm quite happy to help a fellow arcanist. Especially in this city, where neither of us can afford to be without allies. Regardless, I'm sure we'll both learn a great deal." She nods cheerfully. ...Then, after a pause. "Ah... Are your companions aware of your art?"
(11:14:16 PM) Aelitethe: "Quite aware. I've saved lives with it."
(11:15:40 PM) ***Kineth nods.
(11:15:53 PM) Kineth: "Mine quite a few times, to be honest."
(11:18:32 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "I see. That's good!" ...She looks at Belle, suddenly. "...I sense that you are not entirely mundane yourself. Would you be interested in participating in this sharing of knowledge?" Belle pauses, before answering. "...I want to know what she does. I don't have much knowledge to share though."
(11:19:10 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Tilia waves it off. "It's fine. I'm happy to help, and even teaching holds its own learning."
(11:20:52 PM) Aelitethe: "Then, it's settled!"
(11:22:40 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "Right!" ...She pauses. "...Oh. I'm not sure where we should meet to study... Anywhere public is too risky, and I haven't managed to find a new home yet. I don't suppose you have?"
(11:23:16 PM) ***Aelitethe blinks. "...Not me either..."
(11:23:24 PM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe sighs. "I'm still looking."
(11:24:07 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "Hm... Well, let's try and meet at the tavern at least every couple of days. When one of us finds one, we can let each other know. Sound good?"
(11:25:34 PM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe nods. "That sounds good."
(11:26:27 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "Right. ...I actually have a few things I need to do, and was just leaving the tavern anyway. Let's meet up again tomorrow and figure out some things, shall we?"
(11:27:40 PM) Aelitethe: "Okay."
(11:32:40 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Tilia nods, before walking off.
(11:33:23 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: As she leaves, Belle suddenly notes, "...She never did show us her magic. She could have made it up."
(11:33:51 PM) Aelitethe: "The ring she gave me was enchanted. I doubt she's not lying."
(11:33:57 PM) Aelitethe: *-not
(11:34:47 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "...I suppose. She could have reported you earlier too..."
(11:35:11 PM) Aelitethe: "Indeed. Let's head back, then." Aelitethe nods and makes her way back to the others in the tavern.
(11:35:51 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Belle follows, as always
(11:36:29 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: ...While you're leaving though, you see some movement out of the corner of your eye. By the time you can look, however, it's gone.
(11:36:57 PM) Aelitethe: "...?"
(11:38:38 PM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe sighs and enters the tavern proper.
(11:46:21 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: ...During the time you were outside, it seems Killis already arrived, and is already sitting in the corner of the room with the rest of the group! There's only been idle chatter, as Killis wanted to put off anything of substance until the whole group was together.
(11:46:48 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Looks like there's a drink in place for every seat at the table, even the three as-of-yet unoccupied ones
(11:47:23 PM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe (and Belle, probbably) make their way to the table where everyone else is. "I apologize for that."
(11:47:51 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Belle does of course follow! She'll sit down next to Aelitethe.
(11:49:31 PM) ***Kineth nods to Aeli and Belle as they sit down. "That's alright. You haven't missed anything."
(11:49:35 PM) Ulyssa: "No problem~" Sip.
(11:49:38 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "Ah, good to see you two! You went outside to speak with someone?"
(11:50:51 PM) Aelitethe: "Yes. We did."
(11:53:05 PM) Aelitethe: "An acquaintance."
(11:55:08 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "I see. If you don't want to talk about it more, that's fine." He then looks around at everyone at the table. "...Seems Saken's still not here yet. It would be best if he was around too, but I do only have so much time before I must return to my duties. I suppose we should discuss what to do next, then. There's no crowd this time, so we should be fine."
(11:56:13 PM) Kineth: "That would be an excellent idea, yes."
(12:00:27 AM) Ulyssa: Perhaps he's bickering. Or being questioned. Potentially not bickering anymore. Scary thought. Sip. "Alright."
(12:01:21 AM) Aelitethe: "So, what's the situation?"
(12:06:41 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "Well, the situation right now is... I think you all need a permanent residence. I still need to sort through some things before you can give any assistance, and it'd be best for you to find somewhere stable to stay at. If Saken's attempt to arrange a house for you fails, I'll need to try and pull some strings of my own. If it succeeds, I'll probably be put into debt, and if it doesn't..."
(12:06:41 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: He sighs. "You'll probably have to sign up as church mercenaries and participate in the slaughter of savage tribes. Getting a home in this city costs too much for relying on Aelitethe's singing to be reliable, unless others of you are masters at some other skill."
(12:09:00 AM) Ulyssa: "...well, I'm really really strong, but I don't think that'll be good for some reason...but I'd still rather be homeless than help them." Pout.
(12:10:53 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Killis looks at Ulyssa. "...How strong, exactly? I mean no offense, but I don't see much of any muscle on you."
(12:11:14 AM) Aelitethe: "Have you seen some of the things Ulyssa has done? You'd be surprised."
(12:12:17 AM) Ulyssa: "I carry almost everything when we travel, and I bring a lot of stuff." Nod nod.
(12:12:52 AM) Kineth: "Well... I've always kind of wanted to take up my parents' mantle when it came to smithing, but I never really did get an opportunity to practice the art. Mainly because my training regiment clashed with it, and partly because I felt it wasn't that good an idea to try when I hadn't felt I'd have gotten the art of controlling my rage down just right."
(12:13:47 AM) Genshuku [~Genshuku@Rizon-3227C6A1.hsd1.il.comcast.net] entered the room.
(12:14:18 AM) Genshuku: "Swords, armor, tent, mapping kit, cauldron, huge rope ladder, everyone's bedrolls..." Ulyssa continues on in this fashion, going through her entire inventory list, down to the last buscuit.
(12:15:45 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Killis blinks. "That's... Impressive. Actually, worrisome. You may be suspected of having magic in your blood if you're ever witnessed in your feats of strength... Be careful."
(12:16:20 AM) Ulyssa left the room (quit: Ping timeout: 240 seconds).
(12:18:03 AM) Genshuku: "...That's what I figured..." Finally, a concise explanation to all those weird looks!
(12:18:09 AM) Genshuku is now known as Ulyssa
(12:19:26 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: He then looks at Kineth. "Oh, I see. I could set you up with a blacksmith to apprentice with if you're interested? You might even be able to live with him, which would save on the overall cost of getting housing for the group."
(12:20:38 AM) Kineth: "That sounds like a solid idea, yes."
(12:31:32 AM) Ulyssa: Sip. "...can't use strength in the open...need to learn more to be useful like that..." Ulyssa ponders her lack of options.
(12:37:41 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "Hm... Remember the offer I made last night of, ah, training? I don't suppose any of you might be up for that?"
(12:38:18 AM) Artemis-XE: "I would be."
(12:42:27 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "Ah. ...Well, I suppose it's a good thing you're not in the church anymore then. They always find out about magic in their midst eventually..." He looks almost haunted for a moment, before he starts speaking again. "Ah, anyway... That training will have to take place outside the city. Not enough time today, but there might be tomorrow."
(12:44:00 AM) Artemis-XE: "It sounds like it would be best to take place elsewhere, yes. Would cut down on unneeded risks. Did you have any particular place in mind?"
(12:45:52 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "Yes, actually... About a half hour's walk north of the city there should be a large rock formation. The center can't be seen from outside."
(12:47:10 AM) Artemis-XE left the room (quit: Read error: Connection reset by peer).
(12:47:10 AM) XephyrEnigma [~MobileXep@Rizon-76C5DD72.cpe.net.cable.rogers.com] entered the room.
(12:48:01 AM) XephyrEnigma is now known as Artemis-XE
(12:49:46 AM) Artemis-XE: "Well that sounds perfect. I'll gladly meet you there."
(12:51:21 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "You should get a knock on the door tomorrow from a stranger. Whenever that same stranger shows up again, that'll be the signal to meet me there."
(12:52:07 AM) Artemis-XE: "Alright. I'll keep an eye out."
(12:53:22 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "...Anyway, we should wait around a little while to hear from Saken. I'll have to before too long, and if he doesn't show up before then, just let me know about it tomorrow."
(12:54:04 AM) Artemis-XE: "He probably won't be much longer."
(12:54:16 AM) ***Kineth nods.
(12:55:13 AM) Aelitethe: "I'm sure he'll be okay."
(12:58:38 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: You wait around, making idle chatter and getting to know each other a little better. You learn that Killis actually has a wife and a daughter! Though, the daughter ran away not too long ago because she felt too pressured to become a paladin, which she didn't want to be. ...She was imagining most of the pressure.
(1:00:15 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: After a little while, Saken comes in! He looks considerably more steady than he did when you last saw him. After glancing around for a bit, he notices the group and walks over to the table!
(1:00:24 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "Oh, um, hi everyone!"
(1:01:00 AM) Artemis-XE: "Hey." He pauses for a second. "So how'd it go?"
(1:01:17 AM) Ulyssa: Good to see he's in good spirits! Or at least not in bad ones! "Hi~"
(1:03:10 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "It actually went, um... Very well! After some talking, I was able to get a rather large house for all of you! I'll have to get better at alchemy so I can make some payments over time, but it should be more than big enough for us all..." He blinks a moment. "Oh, um, I forgot to mention... I'll, uh, be living there too. I hope that's okay..."
(1:03:50 AM) Artemis-XE: "...I thought that went without saying." He chuckles.
(1:05:41 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe nods. "Thank you!"
(1:06:01 AM) Ulyssa: A big sigh of relief. For a while, she thought she'd have to figure out a way to get her own, but apparently it worked out! "Thank you very much~!"
(1:06:10 AM) Artemis-XE: "We all truly appreciate it."
(1:09:08 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "Oh, good... I'm glad I could help!" He nods happily. Killis chuckles. "You did well, kid. Don't sell yourself short. Anyway, that should make things a lot easier. ...Hey, you know where the house is yet? It'd help to know."
(1:09:34 AM) Kineth: "Yeah... best to know where exactly we'll be staying first, after all."
(1:09:46 AM) Artemis-XE: "Indeed."
(1:09:56 AM) Ulyssa: Nod nod.
(1:11:04 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "Oh, u-um..." Saken hesitates, obviously thinking about it. "It should be..." He gives directions to it, which Killis writes down quickly on a piece of paper. When he's done, Killis nods. "Great! That should do it then. Why don't you all head there now, while I go about my duties? Can't look like I'm slacking off, after all."
(1:11:47 AM) Aelitethe: "Let's get set up, then."
(1:11:52 AM) Artemis-XE: Artemis nods.
(1:12:44 AM) Kineth: "Aye. Definitely sounds like a good idea."
(1:13:00 AM) Ulyssa: "Alright~" Their own house~
(1:14:55 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Killis leaves, waving at the bartender as he goes out, and Saken leads you all to it. He has to stop a few times to remember which way to turn, but it's only for a few seconds each time. Eventually, you reach it, and find... It's really nice! It's not extravagant, but it's already furnished with most things you could need, including Saken's alchemy lab and a small collection of books.
(1:14:57 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: It's also HUGE
(1:15:10 AM) Aelitethe: "Well, son of a..."
(1:15:40 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Enough so that martially inclined members of the party can easily find a few viable rooms to train indoors
(1:16:15 AM) Artemis-XE: "...goddamn."
(1:16:46 AM) Kineth: "Amazing..."
(1:17:52 AM) Ulyssa: Well, that fits 'extravagant' to Ulyssa!
(1:17:58 AM) Ulyssa: "...Whoa..."
(1:20:29 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Well, it's not lavishly decorated and excessive, at any rate. Still, it certainly is very functional!
(1:21:14 AM) Kineth: The point still stands that it's pretty impressive, though.
(1:21:14 AM) Ulyssa: Close enough for her! Ulyssa decides to explore the entire thing because IT IS BIG.
(1:21:23 AM) Kineth: Aaand Kineth follows Ulyssa along!
(1:22:21 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe soon decides to familiarize herself with the place, with Belle of course!
(1:23:45 AM) Artemis-XE: "Saken, you've seen everything here before, right? I don't suppose you'd mind showing me around?"
(1:24:18 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "O-oh, yes, of course..." Saken accompanies Artemis through the building.
(1:24:51 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: There's a large kitchen with all the tools necessary to make a meal, though there aren't ingredients. There's also a parlor, and a number of miscellaneous rooms, including a reading room and a study, as well as eight different bedrooms. Presumably two (or more) of those are meant for guests.
(1:26:55 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Oh, it's also a two-story building, of course. All the bedrooms are on the second floor
(1:38:32 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Eventually, the tour is finished!
(1:40:35 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "Oh..." Saken speaks now. "I should probably go to the market to get food and everything else. Anyone have anything they need...?"
(1:41:24 AM) Artemis-XE: "I can't think of anything in particular just yet, but I'll come along."
(1:41:41 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe fidgets. "I'll go with you, too."
(1:42:17 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Belle doesn't say anything, simply putting her hand on Aeli's shoulder.
(1:42:32 AM) Ulyssa: "...Me too~ We do need food, and I know how to prepare it, so..."
(1:42:51 AM) Aelitethe: "I'll assist in collecting things for alchemy."
(1:45:30 AM) Kineth: "Can't think of anything, either, but I may as well come along."
(1:46:00 AM) Ulyssa: "You can help me pick things out~" SHOPPING!
(1:47:20 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: The group heads to the market, and... Actually has a pretty great time picking things out together! So long as they take an effort to ignore the general corruptedness of everything and the largely wilful ignorance of the populace!
(1:48:31 AM) Ulyssa: It's hard, but with mental barricades up it's somewhat managable this time around!
(1:48:39 AM) Ulyssa: Also, she's occupied with SHOPPING!
(1:49:24 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Eventually, they return home with lots of yummy food and nice items of different sorts. They take time to get settled in, and later on have a nice meal before heading to sleep.
(1:51:12 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: And, finally, they go to sleep...
(1:51:28 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: ...Except, Ulyssa finds herself having surprising difficulty with that
(1:52:34 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: ...Nope, it's not working. She might have too much energy or just  too many nightmares waiting to happen, but it's not working. What to do?
(1:52:42 AM) Ulyssa: For some reason! I mean, she's certainly attempting, but...EYES.
(1:54:47 AM) Ulyssa: ...Hm. Knock on Kineth's door? No, too late. Don't want to wake him up. Stay in bed? ...Eesh, standing still feels like needles! Just...take a walk. Maybe grab a snack. She'll be sure to work it off! ...Take a walk to grab a snack. This place is big enough for that. ONWARD! ...Quietly!
(1:56:34 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: She walks around for some time, but it doesn't help much. Eventually, she returns to her room. ...But somebody's already in there.
(1:57:42 AM) Ulyssa: That...that probably isn't Kineth! But the question is, who?
(1:57:57 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: It's definitely not Kineth!
(1:58:18 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "Um... Ulyssa, right?" ...It's a female voice.  "Um, Killis sent me."
(2:01:06 AM) Ulyssa: ...Well, whoever...she is, she doesn't seem to be from the church! ...Or at least, as much from the church as Killis is! "...Whew. I was...kinda worried there. I'm Ulyssa...and...who are you?" A touch of worry becomes curiousity!
(2:02:05 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "My name is Annalotte. I was told... You needed something subtle to apply yourself to?"
(2:06:45 AM) Ulyssa: ...She might not have stated it, but...yes, definitely, that's perfect! "...Yeah."
(2:09:41 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "I might have some work for you. I know... A lot of people. Good people... Well, good at what they do, anyway. Some of that isn't so good... A-anyway, you could spy on the church... Sabotage them subtly. Take... Help me take down Haisen. Would you want that?"
(2:13:37 AM) Ulyssa: "...Well...even if it isn't good, whatever it takes." Nod. Girls are thinking...right, you need confirmation for that whole TAKE DOWN HAISEN thing? "...I would, greatly~"
(2:15:20 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "Alright... Be ready to stay up late at night. I'll come again when I have things for you to do." She pauses.  "Um... I'll warn you, I'm not always... The same. Sometimes I'm different. Just... Don't be surprised by anything I say in the future, alright?"
(2:17:14 AM) Ulyssa: Nod nod. "I can stay up late. And...alright. ...I look forward to working with you." Deep nod.
(2:17:24 AM) Ulyssa: Or any other yous. Teehee.
(2:18:04 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "Okay... Goodbye." She steps out onto the balcony, and just... Seems to disappear into the shadows.
(2:18:11 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Somehow, Ulyssa feels much more ready for sleep now
(2:19:25 AM) Ulyssa: It...was almost if she was basically the anti-sleep. Perhaps she was watching her already? ...Less thinking, it's already time to pass out!
(2:28:19 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: The night passes all too quickly, and the next day, business is done. Kineth stays home, and watches Saken practice alchemy, perhaps on a whim. Artemis receives the signal from Killis, and goes to train. Aelitethe and Belle go to meet Tilia, and it's decided that Tilia will come to live with the group. Ulyssa... Probably cooks or something, and then at night receives her first mission from Annalotte.
(2:29:33 AM) Ulyssa: Cooking is magic! She's trying her best~
(2:30:32 AM) Kineth: And Curiosity is a fantastical thing.
(2:30:36 AM) Kineth: *curiosity
(2:31:08 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: This is much of the routine for the next month, until... Something happens. Saken unleashes obvious magical power, even though he's no longer a cleric. ...He's a sorcerer. Fortunately, it isn't where the church will find out about it. The group discusses with Killis what to do about this, and it's decided merely that Saken needs to continue living within the city, but everyone must be even more careful than before.
(2:34:03 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: And so, life goes on...