Cursed Trickery Afoot

<<Unfortunately didn’t get to make a log of the first part but here’s Aisling’s summary!

Last week, a robed figure came by Duiran's bridge and shoved a blade into Listener Mati's
possession. It apparently spoke into her head, demanding she take blood from her allies, harm those
around her and so on. She did not give in, but any attempts to remove the blade from her possession
were met with failure - she could not release it at all.

Mati was taken to the Shaman Guildhall and locked away, for the moment.

The blade given bore a mark depicting arrows, and the letter 'K'.>>

The following week...

(Tells): You tell Aisling, "Abbot," she says, her voice calm, if a bit tired. "Any news?"

(Tells): Abbot Aisling dur Naya tells you, "I wrote a missive to Duiran on what we've found."

(Tells): Abbot Aisling dur Naya tells you, "You are not the first victim."

(Tells): You tell Aisling, "Fascinating..."

(Tells): Abbot Aisling dur Naya tells you, "Are you locked?"

(Tells): You tell Aisling, "In my little prison? Yes."

(Tells): Abbot Aisling dur Naya tells you, "I am sorry."

(Tells): You tell Aisling, "Oh, it isn't your fault. I am sorry to have wrapped you all up in this,
but...very grateful for the help."

(Tells): You tell Aisling, "The post mentions the Archivists have the box...is that wise? I suppose
that's their specialty."

(Tells): Abbot Aisling dur Naya tells you, "A Goddess saw it fit to give to them. I cannot comment
on that point."

(Tells): You tell Aisling, "Do you...think they might have an idea as to the knife?"

(Tells): You tell Aisling, "Or are they merely safeguarding the box."

(Tells): Abbot Aisling dur Naya tells you, "The Archivist's sworn duty is to safeguard dangerous
things."

(Tells): You tell Aisling, "Hm..."

(Tells): Abbot Aisling dur Naya tells you, "As it stands, Lady Ethne seems to have disregarded the
threat of the box at first. I do not want to risk you."

(Tells): You tell Aisling, "Perhaps I should reach out to their Architect?"

(Tells): Abbot Aisling dur Naya tells you, "I would consult your Watcher before taking that step."

(Tells): You tell Aisling, "To what end?"

(Tells): Abbot Aisling dur Naya tells you, "If you reach out to the Architect, he'll come here.
He'll enter your Halls to reach you. He'll have access to the Shaman, especially considering you
cannot release the knife."

(Tells): Abbot Aisling dur Naya tells you, "You're the Shaman's Listener. Your life isn't just your
own, anymore."

(Tells): You tell Aisling, "No. But...the knife would protect me, too."

(Tells): You tell Aisling, "If he tried to come, I could use it."

(Tells): You tell Aisling, "Then we would know what it did."

(Tells): Abbot Aisling dur Naya tells you, "You want to kill him?"

(Tells): You tell Aisling, "Want to? No. But...if it's as powerful as it says it is, he would have
to play by our rules."

(Tells): Abbot Aisling dur Naya tells you, "You're assuming much."

(Tells): You tell Aisling, "Yes...you are right. I am sorry, Abbot. I'm not sure what I'm thinking."

(Tells): You tell Aisling, "I...have nothing to base this off of. But the urgency with which it
wanted me to kill you all makes me think that there is something to be fed."

(Tells): Abbot Aisling dur Naya tells you, "And you'd feed it?"

(Tells): Abbot Aisling dur Naya tells you, "Is it silent, now?"

(Tells): You tell Aisling, "No, I...I'm sorry."

(Tells): You tell Aisling, "It fell silent so soon as you all left, yes."

(Tells): Abbot Aisling dur Naya tells you, "Stop apologizing, Listener, we are all unsure of how to
proceed. It is fine."

(Tells): You tell Aisling, "If you are attending the gathering, please do extend my apologies to the
Voice and Speakers that I am...unable to attend."

(Tells): Abbot Aisling dur Naya tells you, "Listener."

(Tells): Abbot Aisling dur Naya tells you, "You'll be fine. We have you."

(Tells): You tell Aisling, "Yes. I have faith in you all. A poor victim, I make for this cursed
thing."

[[Some time passes.]]

A corkscrew of smoke manifests into the hollow around you, coalescing into a humanoid form.

The sleeping hollow.
Folded into a large square, a white pelt lies here. A spacious hood obscuring its face, a black
-robed figure stands here.
You see a single exit leading northeast (closed pine door).

Their tone quiet, a black-robed figure says, "There is a way to rid yourself of it, you know."

You have emoted: Mati bristles, immediately springing to her hooves, staring at the coalesced
figure.

Tensed, you say, "Sure. Play your game."

Your pose is now set as:
Every muscle at the ready, Mati stands with her back against the wall of the hollow.

A black-robed figure leans forward, as if to get a better view of the knife, its hands wringing at
its sides. "You do not want to hurt one you love," it murmurs, voice hushed. "What if you pointed it
at an enemy?" Its hands disappear into the folds of its robes, and its hood offers a slow, dutiful
bob. "You will have it no more, and your friends will be spared."

You have emoted: Mati's ear folds back against her scalp and her chin lowers just a touch--the
spitting image of an irate goat getting ready to ram. "I could point it at you," she bites back.

A black-robed figure just as quickly withdraws a hand from their robe, the digits revealed an ashen
gray in hue. "You could," they confirm with a nod, fingers curling at the air in a way that entices
the blade into warming within your grasp. "But it would not dare harm its maker."

You have emoted: "So you are 'K'," Mati surmises, eyeing the figure, straining to see something,
anything, within the shadowed depths of that onerous robe. "And you made that box, too, that I heard
about."
(Shamans): Sibatti says, "I am bringing the Archivist and Chair of Spinesreach to see Mati shortly."

(Shamans): Sibatti says, "Does anyone object?"

(Shamans): Lin says, "It has come to that?"

(Shamans): You say, "Y...yes. Wait one moment, Watcher."

(Shamans): Sibatti says, "Ah, you are not up to speed."

(Shamans): Sibatti says, "There was an update but it was posted on the Duiran newsboard."

(Shamans): Iaphia says, "May I come as well?"

The muscle of her jaw jumping in an errant clench, you say, "What is your plan here? To harangue us,
to try to turn us against each other? That isn't working so well, you find."

A crisp laugh pushes forth from a black-robed figure's robes, their head shaking. "I am one of many
that make up the Cult," it corrects. "We are many - and while the box was not mine, it was indeed
one of ours." The figure steps forward now, closing the space between you and it. It seems to mull
you for a time, head cocking. "Point it at the Archivist," it succinctly decides with a nod of its
head.

(Tells): In Mhun, you tell Lin, "Yes. No. Please, have the Watcher hold off a moment until I--."

(Tells): Lin the Chaos Eater tells you, in Mhun, "I can control her no more than you can."

As quickly as it'd arrived, the figure is engulfed in an inky blackness that sweeps it away and out
of sight.

(Tells): In Mhun, you tell Lin, "Please!"

You have emoted: Mati's lips had parted, on the verge of saying something else when her company
dissipates. It devolves instead to a spitted curse in Mhun.

With the figure's departure goes the warmth of the blade, the tool left to be naught but a knife in
your hands once more. A persistent knife, mind, but a knife no less.

(Tells): In Mhun, you tell Lin, "Tsss..." Barely so soon as her begging had settled, she adds,
defeated, "It is done."

(Tells): Lin the Chaos Eater tells you, "What is?"

(Tells): In Mhun, you tell Lin, "Nothing. I had hoped it would stay, if I was alone. But it left."

Someone knocks on the door to the northeast.

(Shamans): Illidan says, "No objections, Watcher. At least, none other than what the Listener may
have."

The sleeping hollow.
Folded into a large square, a white pelt lies here.
You see a single exit leading northeast (closed pine door).

(Tells): In a deep, gravelly voice, Sibatti imparts to you, "Mati? Can we come in?"

(Tells): In Mhun, you tell Sibatti, "Yes."

You hear the door to the northeast being unlocked.
The door to the northeast is opened from the other side.
Sibatti enters from the northeast, followed by Iaphia.
She is followed by a raven spirit.
Sibatti closes the door to the northeast.
Sibatti locks the northeast door.

Sibatti unlocks the northeast door.
Sibatti opens the door to the northeast.
Sibatti leaves to the northeast.
The door to the northeast closes abruptly.
You hear the door to the northeast being locked.
.
You have emoted: In spite of the knock, Mati still flinches at the entrance. Her fur is half
bristled, her head cocked forward as if to brandish her horns, looking rather like a cornered animal
pushed to attack.

Iaphia gives the departing Watcher a grateful expression. She remains near the door, to not startle
you further. "I promised I would come see you." Her words are calm, but carry a thread of affection.

You hear the door to the northeast being unlocked.
The door to the northeast is opened from the other side.
Sibatti enters from the northeast, followed by Saidenn.
She is followed by a giant, black-furred wolf, a giant, black-furred wolf, and a raven spirit.
Sibatti closes the door to the northeast.
Sibatti locks the northeast door.

You have emoted: What little she had started to decompress with just Iaphia's presence, Mati
immediately springs to the defensive again at the further intrusion. She stares, knife ever in hand,
white pupils flicking between the Watcher and Saidenn.
(Tells): You tell Iaphia, "Thank you...it is good to see you," her voice persists nonetheless,
cautious and beleaguered as it is.""

Saidenn remains silent, respectful, following behind Sibatti until guided into the chamber.
Bifurcated eyes sweep toward Iaphia and a nod is afforded, but his attention is quickly diverted
toward you as he dips his head toward you.

You have emoted: After a long moment, Mati rigidly returns the gesture.

(Tells): Iaphia Mulariad tells you, "And I you," is her response, that same calm that can be drawn
from.""

Iaphia slides out of the way, closer to you, when Sibatti returns with Saidenn. Her own focus is on
you as well, a general dip of her head in silent greeting to them both.

Sryaen follows behind Saidenn on muffled footfalls and he lingers near the doorway with his hands
resting upon the blackened weaponbelt slung low across his hips. The Templar's vibrant emerald gaze
flicks between Sibatti and you, though he says nothing.

Sibatti enters with Saidenn and Sryaen in tow, locking the door behind her, quickly taking in the
scene upon which the three had arrived. She looks over you with great concern, appraising the
current situation, and raises one of her palms up with clawed fingers spread. "We have learned more
about this situation, Listener. I have brought a Templar and a leader of an organization called the
Archivists, of Spinesreach, as they have come forward with information."

You have emoted: Mati nods once, a terribly small smile flitting over her lips. "Let's see if it
matches with what I just learned, then," she speaks at last.

Quietly, you say, "Whoever it is, must have sensed time was short, and left just before you arrived.
But it was the figure, the same as gave me the knife."

You say, "In and out, like the smoke of a snuffed candle."

Saidenn awaits until he is announced, yet his attention remains upon you. Slowly does his pads carry
him gently forward toward you, but stops far and away from personal space. "My name is Saidenn," he
offers, "And odd or dangerous artifacts are... one of the many reasons the Archivists exist." His
eyebrow whiskers than rise, gaze briefly dropping toward the silver knife in your hands. "What ha-"
he stops short, allowing you to speak.

You have emoted: Mati falls silent the same, still staring at Saidenn, unblinking.

Saidenn Tetzauh says to you, "Did the figure share anything with you?"

You hear the door to the northeast being unlocked.
The door to the northeast is opened from the other side.
Lin arrives from the northeast.
Lin closes the door to the northeast.
Lin locks the northeast door.

Lin hurries her way into the hollow, rushed and out of breath. She is careful to swiftly lock the
door behind her, keeping for a moment by the entrance until she's had a chance to appraise the
situation.

Sibatti greets Lin with a hand, though her attention hasn't moved from you, reaching behind her to
find Lin's arm and to provide a semblance of touch. Aside from that, she listens to the exchange
between you and Saidenn.

Lin draws close, summoned by her Watcher, converging upon Sibatti just behind and to the right of
her. With quiet, respectful curiosity, her tail thrashing from side to side, she watches.

You have emoted: "Yes," Mati replies succinctly, then adds, "But I would like to hear what you have
to say first, Architect." Her tone is careful--not impolite, but parceled out all the same. She half
tucks the hand wielding the knife behind her, hiding it away, or perhaps putting herself between it
and the gathering.

Explaining for others' benefit, Watcher Esrytesh Sibatti dur Naya says, "Her hands are bound. She
cannot hurt you - at least, as much as we can prevent."

You nod your head affirmatively.

Iaphia's arms fold across the middle of her tunic, the grip tight on either forearm.

Saidenn's head dips slightly toward Sibatti and he steps slightly closer toward you, albeit still
respecting personal space. When perhaps six feet away does he come to a stop. "It seems that an
individual or an organization is attempting to move something forward, but as to what, we do not
know yet," he purrs, "The music box's key was shaped as a 'K', and I am told the same letter is
present upon your blade." His paw motions toward your hand. "The blade speaks to you, which is more
than the music box did for either me or the Templars, but seems no less dangerous." His pupils
dilate slightly. "Does seem in-line with your experience, thus far?"

Her voice cracking slightly as it lifts, you say, "A Cult."

You say, "But yes. Continue."

"Absolutely a cult," Lin blurts out.

Sibatti's head tilts sharply, her expression obscured beneath the black veil. "Cult of whom? Or...
Whom?"

"I have a thought, but I will share after my explanation." Saidenn says toward Sibatti, "The music
box manifests a spirit that attacks and kills any who dare play the box once they are located within
the confines. It grows stronger, either by playing it, access to life force of an individual in the
box, or some other method simply by existing." His tail swipes behind him in a soft series of
chimes. "Just as with Sryaen," he motions with a paw, "An individual found you quite abruptly,
hooded and robed, and you found a strange artifact in your possession, and it is deadly if given the
chance." He exhales a rumble. "It is possible we are dealing with a cult to the Child - the god of
Water aligned to the Gods of the Accord, but we still lack sufficient information." A slight tilt of
his head. "So... may I now ask what you have learned with the blade in your possession, Mati?"

"Why the Child?" Sibatti wonders. "I do not know of this deity - what connects this God to this
situation?"

Saidenn shrugs gently. "It is a far afield guess. The Child's name is Kaj, and insofar, the
representation of the cult has been the letter 'K'."

"Oh, shit," Lin says. Her sole purpose here seems to be to tender exclamations, acting as a sort of
living punctuation mark.

Sryaen makes a low, thoughtful rumbling noise that doesn't quite make it past his ashen lips. The
Templar's hands rise from his low-slung weaponbelt to fold across his heavily armored torso.

The knife on your person grows warm to the touch as a voice curls through the back of your mind:
'They would scatter in panic with but a single slice of my blade, you know - you'd need but angle me
towards them, and I could do the rest.'

You have emoted: Mati's ear flicks and folds back against her head, and finally, finally, she turns
away from boring a hole into Saidenn. The little Satyr draws in a deep, shuddering breath, and
begins to nod slowly. "Much the same as I have begun to suspect. It is--very urging, it wants me to
use it. The knife, and the figure who thrust it upon me. I can only imagine it seeks to feed...Something. I voiced as much to the Abbot." Pausing here, she wets her lips, uncertain, and looks to Iaphia for several long moments instead; she speaks to her, but decidedly not at the same time, her gaze dilated and distant in the dim light of the hollow. "The figure goaded me much as the knife did--" she winces, and a rigid tremor runs through her--"does. They say they are many...this figure did not make the box, but it is of the same ilk, yes."

You say, "And...it did use the exact word, Cult, for its ilk."

<Do the rest? Reap their lives to feed you? Or what?>

Something rustles just beyond the closed door to the northeast, as if footsteps sweeping quickly by.

Sibatti unlocks the northeast door.
Sibatti opens the door to the northeast.
Sibatti leaves to the northeast.
She is followed by a raven spirit.
The door to the northeast closes abruptly.
You hear the door to the northeast being locked.

Lin whirls in place.

Lin takes up a grisly axe of bone in her fist, slathering the ground with hot blood.
Lin brings a sinewy axe to the ready, inadvertently slashing the ground with a slick of fresh blood.

You have emoted: Mati makes an inadvertent noise, halfway between a cry and a growl, watching,
waiting.

Lin unlocks the northeast door.
Lin opens the door to the northeast.
Lin leaves to the northeast.
The door to the northeast closes abruptly.
You hear the door to the northeast being locked.

Watcher Esrytesh Sibatti dur Naya yells, "You cannot hide for much longer."

(Tells): You tell Saidenn, "It wants me to kill you," her voice cuts in suddenly, paired with the
emphatic flick of her gaze toward you once more."

Sryaen's pointed ear twitches towards the door behind him and he casts a sidelong glance at it. The
Templar's hands snap down away from his armored chest to rest his palms atop the pommels of his
blades sheathed at his sides.

Iaphia holds your gaze while it is on her, encouragement in her expression. Her hands loosen on her
forearms, but she turns quickly too, glancing towards the door.

Saidenn exhales a lower rumble, his ears folding back. "Cult. Hopefully nothing so dire, but any
cult is a danger to more than any single group." His ears then immediately unfold and twitch, but he
does not turn his attention away from you. He steps closer, then, within reach of you if not bound.
"So it speaks loudly." He states, not truly asking. Another pad forward. "Do you feel able to
release the blade, or does it cause you some... distress? Do you feel able to try, but something
else is stopping you?" He exhales once more, his rumble a constant companion. A paw rises, then,
plucking at invisible threads as Numerological symbols come to life upon a pectoral of concentric
golden rings.

(Tells): Saidenn Tetzauh tells you, "Does it say what will happen should you drive the blade into
me?" The inquiry is soft, measured. "Does it demand, or suggest?"

You hear the door to the northeast being unlocked.
The door to the northeast is opened from the other side.
Sibatti enters from the northeast, followed by Lin.
She is followed by a raven spirit.
Sibatti closes the door to the northeast.
Sibatti locks the northeast door.

Sibatti exhales slowly, allowing a long fluid breath to creep from her lungs.

Lin returns at Sibatti's heels, looking equal parts thrilled and completely alarmed.

You have emoted: Out loud in response to Saidenn, Mati says, "Halfway between the two. It...urges.
Suggests, but without the teeth to demand--only the insidious tongue." She swallows thickly,
uncertain on proceeding but forcing through it nonetheless, her gaze heavy and yearning toward the
barrier to the outside world. With Sibatti and Lin returned, she seems more at ease to continue. "I
cannot release it. Even when the Abbot dug their fingers into my pressure point...the nerves should
have given way...but they did not. It is as if it is fused to my flesh."

<Tell me. Tell me who you feed. Tell me who you seek to spill blood for.>

Blinking once, twice, you say, "And...it does not wish to be used as a knife. It wants me to...point
it to one to dispatch."

Lin the Chaos Eater asks, "Like-- what, a crossbow?"

<There it is then, finally, a response to your calls: a tinkling laugh, at first. "Blood is spilled
for the greater good of us all," it states so matter-of-factly that it may as well have been etched
upon the very blade's surface. "There will be harm first, yes, but then we will prosper.">

Finding what it is he seeks, Saidenn closes his paw, the emeralds of a pectoral of concentric golden
rings shining with Ef'tig and Yuef, the occasional glimmer of Yi briefly surfacing in a watery
afterimage. "Ah, intent as much as... yes." He steps closer to you, "Hold out your hand and the
knife for me, if you please?" He asks, although he does look toward Sibatti, a grim briefly
flickering within his tigrine features before his attention returns to you.

You have emoted: Mati can do nothing but shrug, hands bound as they are. She opens her mouth to
communicate the uncertainty of the unknown, but her teeth audibly snap shut again, grimacing against
something unseen--unheard, to the rest.

You have emoted: Mati , still staring forcefully at the ground, her jaw clenched tightly, slowly
turns so that her back is facing Saidenn, her hands tied at the small of her back.

<What greater good would it serve to cull those who do not even know what they would serve?>

<Tell me. So I can tell them what purpose they will bring to fruition.>

Sibatti steps away from the door in a fluid movement of skirts and veil, chasing around to the
backside of you to observe, and to observe Saidenn's examinations. She flicks her attention, denoted
by minute turns of her head, between you and Saidenn, as if either one of them were vying for her
full attention.

<They would deserve that much.>

With her grisly weaponry at the ready, Lin has apparently determined for herself the best way to
handle any outliers or unexpected events. Her hair stands on end - she looks spooked.

Once your back is presented, Saidenn closes the gap near immediately. A paw then touches - not to
your hand - to the flat of the silver blade. The other seeks to lightly curl about your bound wrist
clutching the weapon, his eyes focused upon both appendage and weapon.

<There's nothing for some time, and then, just as Saidenn interferes..>

<"No.">

You have emoted: Mati's head lowers and ostensibly tucks closer to her chest, and though none can
see her expression, there is an irritated, exhausted, desperate huff of air that escapes through her
nose.

(Tells): Saidenn Tetzauh tells you, "I can hear you communicating with the blade, or at least, the
thoughts it is communicating to you."

You feel a sensation drift among your thoughts - serene, loving, golden in warmth. A voice, familiar
to you. "You are doing your best."

<The serene warmth is immediately shoved away with a snarl, the all-too-familiar voice taking the
intrusion as a personal affront as evidenced by the way it bodily forces itself to the forefront of
your mind.>

<"MURDER THEM OR GIVE ME TO ONE THAT WILL!">

Suddenly, with all the strength her lungs can muster, you exclaim, "NO!!"

<Her presence is apologetic for its intrusion, but it does not withdraw. She seeks answers, divulged
within your conscious and unconscious mind. Like a surgeon, she pores into your thoughts, raking
through the stimuli sorted by your brain.>

The paw near the blade encircles it more completely, even as his other touches to spots upon your
arm. Again, that invisible pluck at the Spheres, attempting to pull Ef'tig through and apart from
Yuef, to find the magic that binds metal to flesh. Saidenn's eyes open wider then at the
exclamation, and he looks toward Sibatti.

<[The panicked desperation of an animal with its leg caught in a trap has long since begun to set in,
veritably pouring off of her mind. Her thoughts are a scramble, cowed and defiant at once, the
stubbornness winning out in the steady chant of "Entesh, untesh" to steel her.]>

You have emoted: The grinding of her teeth is nigh audible at this point, Mati focusing with all she
is to keep her wrist straight, the blade directed away from any gathered while Saidenn works. Her
entire body has begun to shake with some as yet unspoken effort.

<"Look how she pries into your mind," the voice shrilly hisses, its fury growing stronger and more
voracious by the moment. "Look how the cat toys with you," it spits. "Do they deem you a puppet? A
plaything they can pluck the strings of?">

Iaphia leans, when you makes her exclamation, glad Sibatti is there up close, but tense and worried
all the same.

Lin's tail bristles, precisely like a startled cat. She pulls one of her axes across the span of her
shoulder, keenly prepared to slash at something, anything.

<She only invades because of -you.- She looks to protect me, to help me, to save me from -you.->

Sibatti has her hand held up, fingers spread, pointed in the direction of your skull as if there
were some connection between it and the satyr. She frowns, an expression barely discernible beneath
the shade of her veil - what is discernible, however, is the brightness of her thirdeye, glowing a
vibrant and fey green.

<I trust her. I owe -you- nothing.>

<You won't even show me your face.>

<"Point me at the Archivist," the voice seethes. "I won't even murder him - I promise. You do not
deserve me. You do not deserve the future we could create. You will look back upon this day with
naught but regret.">

<No. You don't deserve me. Look at you, having to be thrust off on some victim unknowing, some weak
young, stupid, naive little thing, and even still you can't make me.>

<You, begging me to give you purpose.>

<My only regret is that I didn't sink you into your cowardly maker.>

Saidenn exhales a rumble, his tail flicking behind him in a soft cacophony of bell chimes. He dives
more deeply, an electrical current visibly building about and around the auric jewelry that drapes
his entire frame. Emeralds alight upon a spiraling numerological armband as his rumble deepens, and
a single claw drags against your skin, a white trail marking an obelus upon the flesh. The air about
him seems to warp, contort, a flicker of a pentagon dancing within a circle in the electric dance as
he directs his efforts to separate the blade from your hand.

Lin bursts aloud into laughter, the sound vicious from her lips, her expression like a hungry
wolf's. "If it didn't choose the worst Praadi for its inculcation...! She's fighting it like a
demon."

You have emoted: A near palpable seething pours from Mati's quaking form. She notices Saidenn's
work, she must, but if there is a reaction to the feeling of it, it is lost in whatever focus
devours her.

<The discord is sensed, the argument you take with the other being made apparent. "You are strong,
Matiyentesh - you have to have been strong to survive what you did. You are not weak, or naive. You
are MORE.">

<Something then snaps - it could be Saidenn's numerological plucking, or it could just as well be the
blade. An electric lash surges through your mind in a way that leaves you momentarily dazed.>

Rallyingly, Lin the Chaos Eater exclaims to you, "Just like that! It's a small, crude thing, tell
it!"

You level a gleaming silver knife towards Saidenn and the blade begins to tremble within your grasp.
You can feel it slipping, evading your grip just before it roars forward, soaring through the air to
messily pierce straight through the center of your target's palm. Fresh droplets of blood drip from
the blade's meticulously-sharpened tip, its flared hilt the only thing that appears to have stopped
it from traveling clean through.

Watcher Esrytesh Sibatti dur Naya says, "Ah---!"

"Tell it how pathetic it-- ohh!" Lin skitters back until she nearly collides with the door.

Watcher Esrytesh Sibatti dur Naya exclaims to Saidenn, "Back away!"

You have emoted: Some great sound of distress tears from Mati, and she whirls about in a moment,
eyes wide with fear as she scrambles back unbalanced toward the wall of the hollow.

Sibatti steps aside as you stumbles backwards, her hands raising and ready to help you in case of a
fall - but her eyes are on Saidenn, concerned, staring.

Saidenn's focus is immediately interrupted the moment a gleaming silver knife pierces the pad of his
palm, a pained roar escaping him, like a tiger that has been pierced by a thorn. He instinctively
moves his unfettered paw toward the handle of a gleaming silver knife, but stops short, not grasping
it, instead leaving it embedded in his flesh with a hiss, blood dripping to the floor and matting
his fur. He does step back, however, away from you and the group, now clutching his wrist as he
pants, his ears plastered close to his head and his tail lashing wildly behind him.

Iaphia moves to you instead, her arms sliding around your shoulders in support. Literal, or
emotional. She shifts, so that part of her body blocks you, just in case the blade tries to move on
its own again. There's a tightness at the corner of her eyes in sympathy of Saidenn having a knife
through his palm.

"Easy," Lin breathes aloud, not daring raise her voice overmuch. "It's only pain. Move your mind
from it, and don't... don't touch it." She never quite stands still, giving out the worried false
starts of dodges, as if expecting the thing to fly out of Saidenn's palm and repeat the trick with a
new victim.

"What if we cut his hand off," Lin suggests.

You have emoted: Her voice keening to a near wail, Mati hoarsely whispers, "No...it's yours now..."
Her hands, tied and empty, and she sags against Iaphia's waiting arms.

Watcher Esrytesh Sibatti dur Naya says to Sryaen, "Restrain him - - quick!"

Sibatti starts to wield a length of rope in her left hand.

Sibatti tosses a length of rope to Sryaen, and he catches it nimbly.

"I am of my own mind," Saidenn growls outwardly, attempting to stand straight, exhaling, "I am
not grasping the handle."

Iaphia reaches for an obsidian dagger, tucked somewhere behind her back. Reaching back, she cuts
through the bonds on your wrists, giving her the support needed. "Not yours anymore," is said in
agreement.

You have emoted: Mati has begun to shake her head before Saidenn even finishes speaking. "It's
yours," she says again. "You're its."

Through hisses, Saidenn Tetzauh says, "It is painful, but... my mind is clear."

Sryaen seems to be suddenly spurred away from his spot by the doorway as that blade pierces
Saidenn's palm. He steps forward with heavy footfalls before coming to lay an armored hand upon
Saidenn's shoulder while his other clutches a length of rope in his tight-fisted palm. "For now," he
finally speaks in his usual low, gravelly voice.

You have emoted: Mati says nothing more, relief and guilt warring on her expression as she turns her
face into Iaphia with great, heaving breaths.

Sibatti marches up to Saidenn, her keen gaze traveling over his palm and the dagger piercing it,
befuddled and anguished. "It will read your thoughts," she warns him.

Watcher Esrytesh Sibatti dur Naya growls a phrase, the words coming only as purrs and near-subvocal
intonations.

(Tells): Iaphia Mulariad tells you, "Over for now."

Saidenn exhales a laugh, but he does not shy away from the touch upon his shoulder. "I am trained
against such inevitabilities of handling dangerous artifacts," He rumbles, "It is my role, it is my
duty." His back straightens, "If you think it best to restrain me, so be it, but I would argue few
better are adept at such... things." He nods toward Sibatti, "And so it tries. Trying to woo me and
trick me," he shares after a moment's pause, shaking his head, "I protect myself against invasion -
my jewelry is more than a fashion statement."

Iaphia lets you fold in against her, leaning in to give a brief kiss to the top of her head. She
squeezes, letting out a slow exhale. An ear out for the rest happening, she seems doubtful at
Saidenn's confident words.

Sibatti sends a look in Sryaen's direction, her shoulders moving in a shrug. "What are your
thoughts? I imagine the dagger.. or whatever was controlling it... had a target."

You have emoted: Curled against Iaphia, still hiding her face, Mati spares a sidelong and openly
reproachful and skeptical look to Saidenn. Nonetheless, hope edges in at the fringes of her wide
eyes glowing softly with their own blue-green bioluminescence.

(Tells): Iaphia Mulariad tells you, "Do you want to be taken home? I must rest, but want to be sure
you are okay."

(Tells): You tell Iaphia, "I understand. I'm....I'm okay...it is gone from my hand. And I did not
give in."

(Tells): Iaphia Mulariad tells you, "I admire your strength in enduring it."

(Tells): You tell Iaphia, "..." After several long moments, her voice, tremulous and earnest and so,
so soft: "Thank you."

The corners of his eyes twitching ever so slightly towards Sibatti, Sryaen offers a single shake of
his head while his hand remains upon Saidenn's shoulder. "I think we ought to try and get this blade
back to the Archivium," he says gruffly. "And then wait for the next 'gift' to be delivered."

Saidenn's ears twitch at some unheard sound. He lets out a growl of annoyance, but it is not
directed toward any present. He looks toward you, nodding his head once. He winces again as a muscle
twitches in his paw, but he does testingly reach out toward the handle of a gleaming silver knife.
Flesh does not touch the metal, but claws do, as if experimenting with whatever magic controls a
gleaming silver knife, but ever so carefully.

Watcher Esrytesh Sibatti dur Naya says, "Mheribus."
Sibatti leaves to the ether, followed by Lin, Saidenn, and Sryaen.
She is followed by a giant, black-furred wolf and a giant, black-furred wolf.

The sleeping hollow.
Folded into a large square, a white pelt lies here. Like a bird-shaped hole in space, a dark raven
spirit glides through the air. Iaphia Mulariad is here. She wields a Shamanic quarterstaff in her
hands.
You see a single exit leading northeast (closed pine door).

A letter is slipped hastily through the gap between the floor and the door, the gesture followed
immediately by the sound of scurrying from the outside.

You have emoted: Left alone with you, Mati can finally relax somewhat, a bonelessness overtaking her
--until the letter comes.

Iaphia relaxes, in the silence and departure of the others, pressing in another kiss to your head.
"I am so glad you are safe. I spent days..." Her words cut off when a letter is slipped under the
door.

You have emoted: Mati practically rips away from Iaphia, diving down and snatching it up covetously.

You read what is written on an elegant white letter:
Dearest Mati,

So strong! Your willpower is to be admired.

You would do well among us.

We do not think you would accept, but you will one day.

Until that day comes -

and it will -

we will watch.

K

PS: Sibatti has disposed of your robe. We can ensure you receive another.

Voice tight, Iaphia Mulariad says, "What does it say?"

You have emoted: Mati blinks, and remains silent for a long stretch. Finally, quietly, she says,
"It...they're watching."

Iaphia Mulariad says, "Do you want to stay here just in case?"

You have emoted: "No," Mati almost yells on impulse, but has the good graces to look a bit sheepish
at that. "I mean...I have been in here for a week. I would very much like to see the world again."

Iaphia moves, coming to rest a hand on your shoulder. "Then get home. A bath, some rest. Next week,
I will be back and you will be first on my mind. I can let us out."

You have emoted: Mati nods mutely, letting the gratefulness and relief seep into her expression that
she can't quite bring herself to say. She stands, unsteady but firm on her own two hooves.

<<Shamans>>: Sibatti says, "The cursed object- the knife - has moved on from its target of Listener
Mati to a new destination. The Architect of the Archivists, Saidenn."

Iaphia unlocks the northeast door.
Iaphia opens the door to the northeast.
You follow Iaphia to the northeast.
A spacious hollow, lined with hides.
You follow Iaphia to the out.
In the midst of a great stone circle.
A large, blood-splattered totem has been erected here, formed of obsidian, ivory and red-wood.
Facing outwards and surrounding the totem are a large ivory bear, an obsidian raven and a red-wood
serpent. Squatted close to the earth, a gnarled, dark-skinned dryad crouches here with eyes intently
following you. Ivaryen stands rooted amongst the ancient stones, its bark alight with the gleam of
the primordial. A small cairn rises up from among the standing stones, shining with a fey inner
light. There are 2 cloaked forestal wardens here. Humming with energy, a crystal aegis has been
attuned to this location. There are 4 burly centaur crossbowmen here. Torrents of water twist and
shift around the watery form of an undine aquacaster here, masterfully manipulating her element.
With a stoic expression, a Sentaari monk stands here. There are 2 barbaric Satyr shamans here.
You see exits leading north, east, south, and west.

Iaphia Mulariad says, "Be safe, please. As much as you can."

You have emoted: Mati follows dutifully, albeit a bit slower than her typical pace. It would seem
the week in a hole with troubled sleep had made her stiff and aching, inebriated with sleeplessness.

Nodding, you say, "Thank you. Thank you."
Iaphia is showing her own tiredness, the color beneath her eyes not black, but a darker toned white
to indicate her own worry. Reluctant to leave, she leans on her staff as she slowly makes her way to
her own home.

Iaphia Mulariad has lost you.

Iaphia leaves to the north.
She is followed by a raven spirit.