Ch 5: Part 3: Grand Tour of Golarion: Session 84

[15:52] <Kilarra> *****Second Darkness*****
[15:52] <Kilarra> ~~~Chapter 5: A Memory of Darkness~~~
[15:53] <Kilarra> \Part 3: Grand Tour of Golarion/
[15:53] <Kilarra> -Session 84-
[15:55] <Kilarra> After escaping from the Paradise Chamber with Quilindra, the party had a remarkably easy time getting away on foot. Kilarra thought that the Queen might have called away the guards that would have normally stood in their path in order to give them a head start on their journey to reach the Winter Council.
[15:55] <Kilarra> While they fled, Quilindra laid out her plan and some of the obstacles they would be facing along the way. They then decided to stay over at Galtgate to get some rest and replenish their spells, ki, and stamina, in order to be better prepared for those hardships to come.
[16:00] * Kilarra sits up in her cot as she wakes, slightly disappointed there wasn't enough room to share with Aluthyra
[16:01] <@Aluthyra> Kahree is, as per the usual, still asleep, and will be until someone bothers her to move.
[16:03] * Aluthyra , already awake, smiles as Kilarra sits up. "Good morning."
[16:03] <Kilarra> Kjell wakes up promptly as well. He wanted to prepare his spells of course, but also to procure some simple provisions for the next leg of their journey
[16:03] <Kilarra> Quilindra awakes as well, and then she gently stirs Kahree.
[16:04] <@Aluthyra> Kahree rolls over, mumbling in her sleep, "Five more minutes..."
[16:07] <Kilarra> Quilindra chuckles, then smirks, "Well, if you want to wait around for the cleric's 'preparations'..."
[16:08] * Kilarra slips her hooves over the side of the cot and stands up, stretching, then moves to embrace Aluthyra, "Morning." She looks at the others.
[16:09] <Kilarra> Kjell dones his armour and stretches out, before glancing at Kilarra, "While you take care of your... preparations, I'm going to see about getting us some provisions for the next leg of the trip, as well as get my own spells prepared."
[16:10] <@Aluthyra> Kahree sits up with a groan. "Fine, fine." She sighs, hopping out of bed, and quickly dresses herself.
[16:10] <Kilarra> Quilindra dons her armour and rapier, then addresses Kahree, "Would you mind if we spoke privately? There's something I've been meaning to ask you about."
[16:10] * Aluthyra smiles, hugging Kilarra tightly with the assistance of her wings.
[16:11] * Kilarra looks to Aluthyra, cuddling against the wings for a moment of bliss, then looking up to Aluthyra. Her tone is even, but her eyes stress something important. "Mind staying here while I get ready? Your company is always appreciated."
[16:12] <@Aluthyra> Kahree blinks, then nods. "Uh, s-sure." She heads for the bunker exit, motioning for Quilindra to follow.
[16:12] <Kilarra> Kjell stands up and departs wordlessly, not wanting to interrupt if Aluthyra and Kilarra were going to take a bit of time 'together'.
[16:13] * Aluthyra chuckles, lips curled into a soft smile. "I suppose so, since we will since we will likely not have the chance in the immediate future."
[16:13] <@Aluthyra> (ack, remove repeating since we will >.>)
[16:13] <Kilarra> Quilindra nods and stands up as well. Once out of the Bunker, she looks around for a place to sit away from anyone else and beckons Kahree t ofollow.
[16:14] * Kilarra waits until the others leave, then closes the door and begins to undress, but she speaks as she does so. "There's something you need to know about Quilindra. I just wanted to make sure she wouldn't overhear."
[16:14] * Aluthyra follows, sitting next to Quilindra once she finds a spot. She quirks her head. "So... what do you want to talk about?"
[16:14] * Kahree blinks. "You have noticed something... or...?"
[16:15] * Kilarra nods, "I saw it when I used my True Seeing to get us out of the Paradise Chamber, I just didn't want to let her know I knew. Not yet anyways, at least until we could discuss it."
[16:16] <Kilarra> Quilindra looks to Kahree, "I... hope I'm not intruding too much, but... well, I've noticed something about the way you carry yourself, and the way you reacted to the chamber. You've been a prisoner before, haven't you?"
[16:17] <@Aluthyra> Kahree 's curious smile quickly turns into a frown. "Yes." She shakes her head, looking down. "More than a prisoner. I was a slave."
[16:17] <Kilarra> Quilindra frowns, "I'm sorry." she looks away for a moment, "I shouldn't have asked..."
[16:18] * Aluthyra nods. "Then what did you see...? Are our suspicions on her ill-intent correct?"
[16:19] * Kilarra nods, "Undoubtedly. She's a demon in disguise. And if I'm not mistaken, a Succubus."
[16:19] <Kilarra> Quilindra looks back to Kahree, "I wouldn't ask you to relive such a thing of course, I just didn't imagine your plight was worse even than mine."
[16:20] <@Aluthyra> Kahree sighs. "No it's... fine. I... I enjoy having you around, y'know." She clears her throat, and if it possible, the tinniest shade of blush shows on her red face. "It's nice, having someone else that understands at, if only to a degree."
[16:20] <Kilarra> Quilindra smiles faintly a bit. "I see. Well, I'm very glad you came along as well. Perhaps it was fate."
[16:21] * Aluthyra frowns. "I see..." She shakes her head. "Should we tell Kahree? She seems empathetic to Quilindra... she might not take it well, being lied to in such a way."
[16:22] <@Aluthyra> Kahree smiles. "Maybe..." She shrugs. "So, since everyone is preparing, and we have time, mind if I ask you a question or two? You can do the same if you'd like."
[16:22] * Kilarra nods, "That was mainly why I wanted to discuss it with you first, to decide what our best plan of action would be. Now, she has given us the knowledge we needed about the Winter Council, but if we were to simply kill or dismiss her, we would lose her guidance along the path we are to follow to find them."
[16:23] <Kilarra> Quilindra nods, "Alright, go ahead." She looks at Kahree intensely, as though trying to guess what was on her mind.
[16:26] <@Aluthyra> Kahree smiles. "So, what's your story? Before all of the Winter Council business?"
[16:28] * Aluthyra nods. "I can see the benefit of deceiving her, but to deceive her would also be to deceive Kahree. I feel Kahree, if she learned Quilindra's true nature, would resort to violence."
[16:28] <Kilarra> Quilindra nods, "Well, there's not too much to tell I suppose. I was a travelling minstrel, and a fairly good one if I say so myself. I traveled with a group of adventurers once before, although I left when I met my previous lover. He was a lesser nobleman, and quite handsome too, but he just loved my voice. I found the adventuring to be a bit too dangerous for the most part, so I decided to give being a court musician a try."
[16:30] * Kilarra nods, "Undoubtedly. Kjell should know, so that he can be prepared, but perhaps it would be best to keep Kahree in the dark until we no longer have need of the succubus to guide us. Although, given the parable the Queen gave us as a warning in that book, we can expect she will attept to betray us for her own objectives at some point."
[16:32] * Kilarra notes, "Even if the succubus has a silver tongue, I doubt Kahree would still listen once she was exposed."
[16:33] <@Aluthyra> Kahree smirks. "Well, your voice is pretty nice, so I can't say that I blame him."
[16:34] * Aluthyra nods. "We shall see, but yes... I do see your point. At least for now, Kahree would best be left out of the know."
[16:34] <Kilarra> Quilindra blushes faintly, smiling. "Well, I won't ask about your time enslaved, but what did you do once you managed to claim freedom?"
[16:35] * Kilarra nods, "We'll just have to hope she doesn't get too mad at us for keeping her out of the loop, but if the Succubus is actually taken with her, she's even less likely to be harmed, at least until she decides we're no longer useful, at which point I have a dismissal spell prepared that could get her out of our hair in a hurry if need be."
[16:39] * Kahree sighs wistfully. "A lot of everything. I... wanted to make up for lost time, but even with all of the things that I wanted to do, I had no money-- no means of doing them." Kahree shakes her head. "I'm not all that great a person... not like you, wanting to destroy some corrupt secret government. Because I had no other skills-- only subterfuge and thievery, I used stole for my living, using what I gained to go out and see the world."
[16:39] <@Aluthyra> "I traveled a lot, alone. It was nice, for a while, but it does get lonely... relying only on yourself for so long."
[16:42] <Kilarra> Quilindra nods, "Well, it's not like my methods were entirely scrupulous, considering I broke into a Magistrate's office to get the information I have. As well, inciting a rebellion against the council, successful or not, would still have brought about bloodshed."
[16:42] <@Aluthyra> As Quilindra's spell works, detecting the surface thoughts of Kahree, she hears thoughts of Kahree wanting for a traveler, a companion closer than friends. She also is able to note the jealousy that Kahree holds, seeing as all of her traveling friends hold someone close to their heart.
[16:43] <@Aluthyra> Kahree looks down again, sighing. "Still... with the intention to do good, where my adventure's been for personal gain."
[16:44] <Kilarra> Quilindra smirks internally. This was almost going to be too easy. Not only would she be able to undo the winter council with their help, but she had been wanting a new playmate ever since she killed her last one. "There's no shame in that. Whe nI started adventuring, I was all about making a name for myself and garnering wealth and fame. That only changed when my lover perished."
[16:52] * Kahree looks up, smiling after pondering Quilindra's statement. "I guess so," she shrugs. "So what next, after you throw down the Winter Council... what do you plan to do?"
[16:53] <Kilarra> Quilindra smiles, "Well, I could always take up travelling again. If I had some good companions." She winks.
[16:54] * Aluthyra nods. "As long as we watch her carefully, I think we will be fine." She looks at the Bunker's exit. "If you would like, I believe Kahree and her are talking. It may be one of the only chances we get, if I go to inform Kjell."
[16:55] * Kilarra nods, "Sure. I can take care of myself from here." She poses for Aluthyra briefly, showing off her unclad body, before seating herself and getting down to 'business'
[16:56] <@Aluthyra> Kahree's blush isn't pronounced, but it is certainly there. She clears her throat, smile on her lips. "I think I'd like to travel again too, with the right companions." She smirks. "Maybe it's fate."
[16:56] * Aluthyra lingers only for a moment before exiting, looking for Kjell soon after.
[16:56] <Kilarra> Quilindra leans in a bit closer, "Maybe..." She whispers into Kahree's ear in elven.
[16:56] <Kilarra> Kjell is talking with the guards and getting some food and water for the trip.
[16:57] <@Aluthyra> Kahree's confident demeanor is shattered by the close proximity. She gulps, eyes showing her nervousness clearly.
[16:58] <Kilarra> Quilindra pulls back after casting her spell, "Sorry, was that too soon?"
[16:59] <@Aluthyra> Kahree shakes her head. "No!" She chuckles. "But... I haven't had this kind of... thing happen before, at least, nothing more than skin-deep."
[17:00] <Kilarra> Quilindra nods, "I see. Perhaps I got a little carried away."
[17:01] <Kilarra> Quilindra 'admits', "I was alone in there for quite some time. Please, forgive me."
[17:01] * Aluthyra taps Kjell on the shoulder. "After you are done, I would like a moment to speak with you. In private."
[17:02] <Kilarra> Kjel nods, "I was just about finished actually." He thanks the guards in Elven, then steps away with Aluthyra
[17:02] <@Aluthyra> Kahree smiles. "It's alright, not like I was opposed to it..."
[17:03] * Aluthyra nods once they are away, speaking in a hushed tone, "It would seem that Quilindra is not as she appears to be. When Kilarra cast her true-seeing spell, she could tell as much."
[17:04] <Kilarra> Kjell notes to Aluthyra, "I believe I procured enough rations for the five of us for the next few days." He then pauses when Aluthyra says that, "How so? I realized that the elf Queen warned us she might be treacherous, but she has been nothing but helpful so far. What have you learned?"
[17:04] <Kilarra> Quilindra leans in a bit closer again, "May I?" He lips are very red and inviting looking.
[17:05] * Aluthyra frowns. "She is a demon, hiding her form. While she may be useful now, she will certainly betray us at some point."
[17:06] <Kilarra> Kjell frowns, "I see. She must have some way of concealing her allignment as well as her true nature, otherwise Bane would have informed me. Perhaps some of her bardic magic."
[17:06] <Kilarra> Kjell nods, "What is the plan then? Should we warn Kahree as well?"
[17:07] <@Aluthyra> Kahree blushes, nodding slightly. "I think I would like if you did..."
[17:07] <Kilarra> Quilindra smiles and leans in, giving Kahree a simple kiss on the lips. Nothing too invasive, just a brush of lip upon lip. She pulls back a moment later, giggling, "You're warm."
[17:08] * Aluthyra shakes her head. "I do not think it would be wise to inform Kahree yet. Knowing her, Kilarra and I believe she would respond violently... and as much as I wish it were otherwise, the demon's help may be needed."
[17:09] <@Aluthyra> Kahree is certainly warmer now, smiling in response. She pouts slightly. "And you're a tease," she replies jokingly.
[17:10] <Kilarra> Kjell nods, "I see. Are there any specific preparations you think I should make for the almost surely inevitable betrayal?"
[17:10] <Kilarra> Quilindra winks and chuckles, "A little bit, but we do have more pressing matters. Perhaps when this is all over we can do a bit of proper celebrating."
[17:12] * Aluthyra nods. "Is there a way that you can prevent her from spellcasting? Kilarra suspects she is a succubus, and she most certainly has powerful magic."
[17:12] <@Aluthyra> Kahree huffs. "But we do have at least an hour before the others are ready..."
[17:13] <Kilarra> Kjell ponders that, "If she could be stricken Deaf or Mute, then she would have difficulty with the verbal components of her magic. As a bard, that would be crippling."
[17:14] <Kilarra> Quilindra smirks a bit, "Well, if you insist." She leans in and kisses Kahree again, a bit more firmly.
[17:15] <Kilarra> Kahree quickly learns that Quilindra is a -very- proficient kisser.
[17:16] <Kilarra> Kjell looks to Aluthyra, "You might want to suggest Kilarra request such a spell, as I do not have it in my repertoire."
[17:17] <@Aluthyra> Kahree closes her eyes, leaning into the kiss. While not as experienced, she's still quite good.
[17:17] * Aluthyra nods. "I shall do that. Just keep an eye on her, in case she tries anything."
[17:18] <Kilarra> Kjell nods, "Of course. For now though, I have my own spells to prepare. Thank you for informing me though."
[17:19] <Kilarra> Quilindra decides to have a little fun and reaches up Kahree's shirt to feel her chest.
[17:19] * Aluthyra nods and turns away, giving Kjell peace to prepare his spells. She then finds a secluded spot, not too far away, to meditate.
[17:20] * Kilarra makes sure to prepare Deafness while she gets ready
[17:21] <@Aluthyra> Kahree's chest is both firm and large, and as Quilindra's hand sneaks up into her shirt, she lets out a wanting moan, pressing herself against the 'half-elf's hand.
[17:23] * Quilindra is sorely tempted to take full advantage of this position, but reigns herself in to keep to the plan. Business before pleasure, although it seemed she would be able to sneak in a little of the latter. She teases Kahree's breasts, one after the other, before removing her hand. "If you wanted to go any further, we should find someplace less open."
[17:26] <@Aluthyra> Kahree bites her lip, thinking. "When we have more time, maybe... think we'll have another night to rest before we reach our destination?"
[17:28] <Kilarra> Quilindra ponders that, "That depends on how smoothly it goes. We shall see." She gives Kahree a peck on the cheek.
[17:30] <@Aluthyra> Kahree smiles. "Anyway... do you have any prep that you need to do before we head out? ...Because I wouldn't mind kissing for a while longer."
[17:32] <Kilarra> Quilindra giggles, "I do not. Bardic magic is nice and free; I don't have to prepare ahead of time like wizards and clerics."
[17:32] * Kilarra has no problems whatsoever with her prep time. Not in the slightest
[17:34] * Kahree smirks. "Then," she leans in close. "may I?"
[17:35] <Kilarra> Quilindra nods, "You certainly may..."
[17:35] <Kilarra> After the party spends an hour doing various 'activities'...
[17:35] * Kilarra finishes her preparations and gets dressed and armoured before stepping out to look for the rest of her companions.
[17:37] <@Aluthyra> Kahree continues to smile, stretching as she makes her way back to the bunker.
[17:37] * Aluthyra , as the hour approaches, stands, making her way back to Kilarra.
[17:38] <@Aluthyra> As Aluthyra reaches the bunker, she waves, seeing Kilarra and both Kahree and Quilindra. "I take it you are all ready then?"
[17:38] <Kilarra> Quilindra smirks knowingly and follows Kahree
[17:38] <Kilarra> Kjell returns as well, snapping his spellbook shut.
[17:39] * Kilarra nods, "All set." She glances at Quilindra. She knows that smirk, although she couldn't be 100% sure.
[17:40] * Kilarra leans into Aluthyra, whispering, "We might have left those two alone a bit too long."
[17:41] * Aluthyra blinks. "You do not think that they...?"
[17:42] * Kilarra shakes her head, "Not all the way, but Quilindra might have other charms Kahree would be succeptable to. Be wary."
[17:42] * Kilarra gives Aluthyras wing a nuzzle with her cheek, to pass off her whispering as something else as she steps away.
[17:43] * Aluthyra nods. "Very well. Then I suggest we make haste."
[17:44] <Kilarra> Quilindra smiles at the group, "All ready to go?" She holds up her moonstone bracelet and steps towards the portal.
[17:44] <Kilarra> Kjell nods, "Yes. I've procured some provisions and we all seem to be prepared."
[17:45] <@Aluthyra> Kahree nods, close to Quilindra.
[17:47] <Kilarra> Quilindra notes as the gate begins to activate, "Our next destination is the Icegate in northern Irrisen. The elves there are a reclusive lot, and there are plenty of rumours about them. However, we should be able to avoid a fight so long as we do as they ask as we pass through."
[17:49] * Aluthyra nods, waiting for Quilindra to activate the gate.
[17:50] <Kilarra> Quilindra's bracelet does the trick and the gate shimmers to life. She steps through first.
[17:51] <@Aluthyra> Kahree steps through soon after.
[17:52] * Kilarra follows through, glad she came prepared to break enchantments today if it became necessary
[17:52] <Kilarra> Kjell steps through as well.
[17:53] * Aluthyra follows Kilarra, stepping through.
[17:53] <Kilarra> Icegate itself is a pale arch no more than 9 feet tall carved in the side of a stony outcropping at the edge of a small copse of pine trees. The arch looks out over a small lake that remains frozen year round, and snowfall is generally quite heavy
[17:55] <Kilarra> As soon as the party passes through the gate, they find themselves surround by an octet of Elven 'Snowcaster' Sentries. One of them cries out, "You there! Lower your weapons and cast no spells! Hands where we can see them! Give us no cause to attack, and we will let you go in peace."
[17:57] * Kilarra complies, holding out her hands and keeping her weapons tucked away.
[17:57] * Aluthyra raises her hands, bow still strapped to her back.
[17:57] <@Aluthyra> Kahree, with a frown, raises her hands, maces still at her side.
[17:58] <Kilarra> Kjell raises his hands. Quilindra had said this would be likely. Had she not though, he might have suspected they had been apprehended.
[17:58] <Kilarra> Quilindra gives Kahree a reassuring smile and waits for the elves to approach
[17:59] <Kilarra> Two of the elves approach the party more closely. "We will open fire if you try anything rash. Now, why have you appeared here?"
[18:01] * Aluthyra leaves Quilindra to answer that, being that she is the best negotiator of the group.
[18:03] <Kilarra> Quilindra looks around at the rest of the party. If none of them speak, she steps forward, although she motions Kahree to step forward with her, whispering, "They respect strength here, and find the southern elves soft. If my words to not work, perhaps a threat from you will." She then addresses the elves simply. "We are just travellers. This gate provided us a shortcut along the route we wished to travel, and woudl save us a great dea
[18:06] <Kilarra> a great deal of time."
[18:09] <Kilarra> The snow elves look skeptical, even if what Quilindra said was technically the truth. They don't move to attack yet, but they don't look impressed
[18:10] <Kilarra> Quilindra looks to Kahree for help
[18:12] <@Aluthyra> Kahree growls, stepping in front of Quilindra. "Let us through and point us towards the gate, or we'll find it ourselves-- with our weapons drawn."
[18:13] <Kilarra> The snowelf stares at Kahree for a moment, then smirks. "Heh. And we were expecting you to have the same soft childishness as all southerners. Alright then, just keep your weapons to yourselves and we won't stop you."
[18:13] <Kilarra> Quilindra looks relieved
[18:14] <@Aluthyra> Kahree smirks back. "Sounds good." She looks around. "So, where's the path to the gate?"
[18:15] <Kilarra> Quilindra notes to Kahree, "It's the same gate, we just need a different key from this side to continue." She holds up her ring, which contains a fire opal."
[18:16] * Kilarra nods, "Well, that went well enough. Where are we headed next?"
[18:17] <Kilarra> Quilindra begins to activate gate. "We had best be prepared, for it is our next destination that lies in the ruins of Ustalav, which is rumoured to be haunted by the banshee I warned of."
[18:18] * Aluthyra nods. "And with luck, it will not prove to be too difficult."
[18:18] * Kilarra nods, "I had enough power to grant three of us protection, so two of us will have to make due without. If we have to face this creature, we should decide before we step through who needs the protection most."
[18:21] * Kilarra looks to Aluthyra, "Do you think your resilience will be enough to not need the extra protection?"
[18:22] * Aluthyra nods. "Indeed I do."
[18:23] * Kilarra nods, then looks to Quilindra, "And you said your bardic magic could offer protection.
[18:23] <Kilarra> Quilindra nods, "To one at a time, yes. I suppose that one could be myself while your spell does the rest."
[18:25] * Kilarra nods, smirking internally. If the Succubus was unprotected and perished by the banshee's wail, it would save them a lot of trouble. "Alright, so once we pass though the gate, I'll ward Kahree, Kjell and myself, and you can sing for yourself should the Banshee take notice before you can activate the gate again."
[18:26] <@Aluthyra> Kahree blinks, looking over Quilindra. "...You sure your spell is singing is strong enough?"
[18:27] <Kilarra> Quilinda nods, "I do have some experience adventuring after all. I would not have taken this path if I was not aware of the risks. I believe we will be fine."
[18:29] <@Aluthyra> Kahree nods, looking to the gate. "Alight."
[18:30] * Kilarra nods, "So we have a plan. Let's get it over with as quickly as we are able."
[18:30] <Kilarra> Quilindra nods and activates the gate, keying the destination with her fire opal ring.
[18:30] <Kilarra> -End Session-
[18:31] <Kilarra> Rewards: 1 EL 12; 4800 Experience Each