Ch 6: Part 4: The Throne of Abraxas: Session 110

[15:39] <@Kilarra> *****Second Darkness*****
[15:39] <@Kilarra> ~~~Chapter 6: Descent into Midnight~~~
[15:39] <@Kilarra> -Session 110-
[15:43] <@Kilarra> After their defeat of Allevrah, the party was able to successfully disable th Master Glyph, and avert the Second Darkness. They found their just rewards in Allevrah's personal equipment, and the remnants of her treasury. Now all that remains is to finish inspecting the rest of the Blood Basilica, and then decide what to do with the Glyph Magic records Allevrah kept.
[15:45] * Kilarra steps back intp the map room, doing another quick glance over the notes, trying to fold them up and stack them so they weren't all over the place, in case they did decide to take them.
[15:47] <@Kilarra> Kjell pulls Kahree aside for a moment. "So, I'm assuming you have some sort of plan? Or at least the start of one? For your next endeavour?"
[15:49] <Aluthyra> Kahree nods. "Yeah," She moves closer to Kjell, so that the others will not hear. "Bhaq gave me another wish... I figured we could use it to find Him."
[15:50] <@Kilarra> Kjell blinks, "Oh. Well, that's rather generous of her. I have to admit, I have no skill for divinations. I was going to suggest we purchase a Crystal Ball or similar scrying tool."
[15:51] <Aluthyra> Kahree smiles. "What's your plan though? Are we heading back to Riddleport first...?"
[15:52] <@Kilarra> Kjell nods, "I don't really have any further business in Riddleport. Frankly it was a bit of a coincidence I was there when Kilarra came looking for assistane on the excursion that led to this. That said, I suspect she and Aluthyra would appreciate my aid in returning. Although I thought we should first address Queen Telandia and let her know of our success."
[15:53] <Aluthyra> Kahree raises an eyebrow. "What about Samaritha?"
[15:54] <@Kilarra> Kjell blinks in surprise, "Oh. Goodness..." He looks embarassed. "Admittedly, when our travels became a matter of saving the world, I admittedly prioritized them. Wouldn't surprise me if she's found someone else, considering how lovely she is."
[15:55] <Aluthyra> Kahree rolls her eyes. "I'm sure she'll be waiting." She smirks. "Bet you could convince her to come along, too."
[15:55] <@Kilarra> Kjell nods, "I can at least inform her that I am well when I return Kilarra and Aluthyra to Riddleport. That would be a lovely prospect, but we would have to inform her of everything we were intending before asking her."
[15:58] * Kilarra finishes stacking the tomes and rolling up maps. "I think that's all of it." She looks to Aluthyra, "Just two rooms left. Which shall it be?"
[15:58] <Aluthyra> Kahree nods. "Right. One thing though," She asks. "you sure you're up to helping? It'll be a big task..."
[15:59] <@Kilarra> Kjell smirks, "My namesake is first and foremost a believe in freedom. It would be remiss of me not to at least try to aid your friend, and any others we can as well."
[16:00] <Aluthyra> Kahree nods with a small smile. "Great."
[16:00] * Aluthyra looks between the doors and shrugs. "I do not think it matters much... your choice."
[16:05] * Kilarra nods and points to the southern door. "That one." She snickers a bit.
[16:07] * Aluthyra chuckles and nods, moving to open the door.
[16:08] <@Kilarra> Two statues of the snake-legged, bird-headed demon stand in alcoves here, astride a large altar of what appears to be bloodstained gold.
[16:08] <@Kilarra> Obviously a shrine dedicated to the demon lord, this room is not empty.
[16:09] <@Kilarra> Within the room is a single creature. This snake-bodied fiend has a six-armed woman's torso, pointed ears, and glittering, otherworldly eyes.
[16:10] <@Kilarra> In each of her six arms, she holds a weapon, although all of them are lowered. She looks to Aluthyra as she opens the door, "Greetings, I am Alistraxia. I offer my congratulations on your defeat of Allevrah Azrinae."
[16:10] * Kilarra frowns, reaching for her mace slowly.
[16:10] * Aluthyra frowns, bow ready to fire. "I am guessing that you are here to correct her mistake?"
[16:11] <@Kilarra> Alistraxia shakes her head, "No. I am here to deliver a message. I served as an advisor to Allevrah on behalf of our Master, Abraxas, but I never served her myself."
[16:12] * Aluthyra raises an eyebrow, bow not yet lowered. "Then what is your message?"
[16:14] <@Kilarra> AListraxia smiles, "It is my master's wish that you be aware of certain things. First of all, that the Second Darkness was not Allevrah's invention. It was a seed, planted in her mind by my master, and nursed to fruition by her own obsession and dark deeds."
[16:15] * Aluthyra frowns. "So she was used to give the knowledge of such a thing to the dark elves?"
[16:17] <@Kilarra> Alistraxia smirks, "The whispers of my master are powerful, as you have seen the results, but to the dark elves? No. It was my master's wish that the knowledge of the Ancient Aboleth Glyph magic not be forgotten. Allevrah's audacious act has rekindled knowledge of this power in the world, but in truth, others might have done the same. Such as that other elf of the Winter Council, Hialin. Whether or not their personal goal was achieved
[16:20] <@Kilarra> -is irrelevant."
[16:21] * Aluthyra raises an eyebrow. "And you are telling us this because...?"
[16:23] <@Kilarra> Alistraxia smiles, "So that you might be aware of the mechanations that brought you here. As well, the potential for a reward. If you take the documents gathered here and hide them somewhere that they might again be found at some later date, I promise each of you a substantial reward. You bear some of Allevrah's posessions. Objects of similar potency are a simple matter for my master to provde."
[16:24] * Aluthyra scowls. "We will do no such thing."
[16:25] * Kilarra looks over to Kjell, "I changed my mind. Burn it. All of it." She sneers at the demon
[16:26] <Aluthyra> Kahree frowns. "Yeah. No." She sticks her tongue out at the demon. "Fuck off."
[16:26] <@Kilarra> Alistraxia just smiles coyly. She notes rather slyly, "As you wish. There are always more copies to be found. You mortals are ever so good at preserving your mistakes." There's a brief ripple in the air as she returns to the abyss of her own accord.
[16:28] <Aluthyra> Kahree rolls her eyes. "At least if we give it to Telandia, we can prevent it."
[16:30] <@Kilarra> Kjell looks between Kilarra and Kahree, "So should I destroy it, or no? I do not wish to inadvertantly serve that demon's purpose, even if giving it to what we believe to be the right hands.
[16:30] <@Kilarra> "
[16:30] * Kilarra frowns, "Based on what she was implying, I don't think there are any 'right' hands for it to be in."
[16:31] <Aluthyra> Kahree shakes her head. "She said there are more copies-- at least if we give this one to Telandia, it might fall into the -right- hands."
[16:34] * Kilarra mulls that over. "Well, we can take it with us and ask her. But if she can't keep it locked up and hidden away well enough, we get rid of it and take that risk."
[16:35] * Aluthyra nods. "I believe that will work well enough."
[16:37] * Kilarra slips the assembled materials into her haversack.
[16:38] <@Kilarra> Kjell looks a little anxious, but trusts Aluthyra's judgment. "Alright then. I have one scroll remaining, and my own teleport prepared. Where shall we go?"
[16:40] <Aluthyra> Kahree snickers. "Or, we could use my new boots. I have three uses still and it'd save you a spell."
[16:42] * Aluthyra shrugs. "Either way, perhaps Telandia first, then to Riddleport?"
[16:43] <@Kilarra> Kjell blinks, "Will they take all of us or just you?"
[16:44] <Aluthyra> Kahree blinks, looking down at the boots. "I... think all of us?"
[16:45] * Kilarra notes, "Then take us to the bunkers first. I need to tell the Ghaele's about the gear we left here for them and dismiss the summoning."
[16:46] <Aluthyra> Kahree nods, extending her hands to hold.
[16:47] * Aluthyra takes one of Kahree's hands and extends her own to Kilarra.
[16:48] * Kilarra takes the hand and grabs Kjell's with her other.
[16:48] <Aluthyra> Kahree nods, clicking her heels and activating the boots!
[16:50] <@Kilarra> The party appears in the midst of the Charda. The can see a few small groups dragging their dead down to the caltherium and submerging the bodies therein. Jezelle and her friend are just sort of supervising.
[16:53] <Aluthyra> Kahree waves Jezelle, calling out to her with a smirk on her lips. "Hey, Jezelle!"
[16:56] * Kilarra approaches the two Ghaeles. "It's done. Allevrah is toast, the Basilica is clear, and there's some low tier gear in there you can have or share with the chardas as you see fit."
[16:57] <@Kilarra> Jezelle smiles at Kahree, "Hello again. I am glad you are all well. The threat has passed then?"
[16:58] * Kilarra nods, "We managed to get rid of the last glyph without any real trouble, and we've gather up all the information on it. We're going to see if Queen Telandia has someplace she can stash it just in case, but so that others won't be able to use it."
[16:58] <Aluthyra> Kahree nods. "Yep. Thanks for the help."
[16:59] <@Kilarra> Jezelle nods, "We'll see what we can make use of then."
[17:00] * Kilarra holds up her holy symbol and traces a circle in the air with it, then mimes breaking the circle. "There we go. All set to head back to Elysium whenever you're read." She then announces to all the Charda. "The Blood Witch is dead, and her followers with her. She shall never again threaten your tribes!"
[17:00] <@Kilarra> The chardas let up a series of chittering cheers.
[17:01] <Aluthyra> Kahree smirks. "So, ready to go?"
[17:01] * Kilarra nods, "I think we're good here. At least, as good as this place can be, considering how dark and gross it is." She chuckles weakly.
[17:02] <Aluthyra> Kahree nods, extending her hands. Aluthyra grasps one, once again.
[17:02] * Kilarra grabs ALuthyra and Kjell
[17:03] <Aluthyra> Kahree clicks her heels... and they're off!
[17:05] <@Kilarra> When the party arrives in Iadara, it's around midday. The sudden sunlight might be a bit blinding, but as it fades they notice that almost everyone is looking or pointing upwards.
[17:07] * Aluthyra blinks, looking up.
[17:07] <Aluthyra> Kahree frowns. Wasn't this supposed to -not- happen? She looks up.
[17:10] <@Kilarra> A brilliant meteor is streaking through the sky, possibly visible across the entirety of the continent. The event has caught the attention of everyone on the ground. Some have ducked for cover or barred their doors, but many seem intrigued. The falling star explodes, bursting into plumes of fire and smoke that streak through the air, disitegrating long before they reach the ground.
[17:10] * Kilarra looks worried, and then relieved as the thing breaks apart and disintegrates. "Damn. We were cutting it -really- close."
[17:11] <@Kilarra> A few minutes after the event concludes, the odd silence in its wake begins to break as people whisper amongst themselves, the event touching many lips at once.
[17:12] <@Kilarra> Kjell wipes a bit of sweat off his brow. "I was worried for a minute there."
[17:12] * Aluthyra nods. "Yes... and with that, I think we should leave for Telandia. Even with the meteor destroyed, I am sure it would ease her mind to know from us that it is done... for now."
[17:13] <@Kilarra> "There will be no need for that." The voice of Queen Telandia herself come from behind the party.
[17:14] <Aluthyra> Kahree blinks, turning around. "Oh. Hey."
[17:15] <@Kilarra> Telandia raises an eyebrow at the rather colloquial greeting, but smiles. "We welcome your return, Heroes of Kyonin. Please, come with me."  The Queen and her procession, though arrived by teleport, begin to lead the party back towards the palace on foot.
[17:16] <Aluthyra> Kahree shrugs; she's not as fancy! She follows regardless.
[17:17] * Aluthyra chuckles at Kahree. "Greetings," she gives the Queen a bow before following after.
[17:17] * Kilarra follows as well. Considering she had just dubbed them heroes, it struck her as possible they were being summoned for some kind of ceremony or reward.
[17:21] <@Kilarra> Telandia leads the party back to the palace, but rather than seating herself upon her ivy throne, she leads the party deeper into the palace, turning and stopping in front of a large set of double doors. "Heroes of Kyonin. You have done a service for this nation that cannot be adequately expressed with mere words. I suspect your names will be known to every man, woman and child in Kyonin before the week is out." She gestures to the doo
[17:21] <@Kilarra> -She gestures to the doors, "As such, you are deserving of a most precious reward. Behind me is the Emerald Library. Contained within are many tomes of ancient lore, powerful magic, and other manuals of note. You may each take one manual or tome of your choice."
[17:24] * Aluthyra smiles, bowing her head. "Thank you. And we have something for you as well." She nods to Kilarra.
[17:29] * Kilarra nods, pulling out the collection of notes and maps they had taken. "These are Allevrah's own research notes on the glyph magic used to call down the star. They are, so far as I can tell, the most complete recordings on the subject to be found."
[17:29] <@Kilarra> Telandia gestures to two of her guards, who gather the materials. "I suspect you wish for me to make sure they are kept safe from abuse?"
[17:30] <@Kilarra> Kjell nods, "As well, in the event someone else attempts what Allevrah tried, having these might make it easier to undo her plans."
[17:31] <@Kilarra> Telandia nods, her expression stern, "You have my word that this knowledge will be kept safe, and only used in times of desperation or direst threat to the nation of Kyonin."
[17:32] * Aluthyra smiles. "Thank you."
[17:33] <@Kilarra> The guards go to store the materials for now, after which Telandia leads the party into the library. "As well, I have another offer for each of you."
[17:35] * Kilarra begins glancing over the shelves, eying the different tomes. "Oh?" She checks the covers on a few before pulling one down to take a closer look at.
[17:35] <Aluthyra> Kahree begins searching. Although books aren't her favorite thing, she's sure there's something in here...
[17:36] * Aluthyra raises an eyebrow, looking over from her shelf.
[17:38] <@Kilarra> Telandia nods, "With the disbanding of the Winter COuncil, I find myself in need of new advisors. Ones whose competence and judgement I can trust."
[17:40] <Aluthyra> Kahree frowns, returning to her search of the tomes. "Sorry... I have other plans."
[17:41] * Kilarra asks, "What would we get out of it?" She had her own plans too, but it didn't necessarily hurt to have something set up for after the fact.
[17:42] <@Kilarra> Telandia nods, "In exchange for eight hours service monthly, you would recieve a stipend of one thousand gold pieces. As well, if you desire such a convenience, you could have your own residence near to the palace."
[17:43] * Kilarra blinks. A thousand gold a month for eight hours? That was one hell of a deal. She looks to ALuthyra curiously
[17:44] * Aluthyra raises an eyebrow and looks to Kilarra. "Would that interest you? I would not mind it, after we finish our own business."
[17:44] * Kilarra nods to Aluthyra, "With only eight hours a month, it would leave us with plenty of time to pursue our own... business."
[17:45] * Aluthyra smiles, nodding. "Very well. I think Kilarra and I are interested."
[17:46] <@Kilarra> Kjell shakes his head, "I'm not really the type to settle down." He pulls out a book for himself and slips it away. He gives Kahree a wink
[17:47] * Kilarra nods, smiling at Aluthyra, "I would just need to speak with my High Priestess." She then snickers and notes to Aluthyra, "Although I might very well be more powerful than she is by now."
[17:47] <Aluthyra> Kahree smiles, nodding to Kjell. After a moment, she finds a book!
[17:47] * Aluthyra chuckles. "I am sure you are, with all we have been through."
[17:48] <@Kilarra> Telandia nods, smiling, "Would you like your own residences, or one together?"
[17:49] * Kilarra nods, "We would likely only need the one residence, yes." She smirks, then pulls Aluthyra aside. "As it is, I really don't have any leads on my... family issues. I can start doing some divinations in my downtime at least. What about you? Were you still wanting to visit that garden on Elysium?"
[17:50] * Aluthyra smiles, wrapping one of her wings around Kilarra. "Yes, though that's not a paramount concern. We can focus on your own first."
[17:54] * Kilarra chuckles, "Maybe, but yours we actually know what we're doing. I can prepare plane shift and scrying in the same day. Although I don't actually have my own mirror, but that can be easily remedied
[17:55] * Aluthyra shrugs, turning back to the book case. It only takes her a moment to find one, and she stores it in her packs. "Very well."
[17:55] * Kilarra smiles, "Regardless though, we should just take a few days. Enjoy ourselves, do some of this reading. Maybe go back to Riddleport, although this place is kinda... well, a lot nicer than Riddleport to be honest."
[17:57] <Aluthyra> Kahree frowns. "I was kinda hoping to get back to Riddleport sooner rather than later..."
[17:57] <@Kilarra> Kjell nods, "Well that's not a problem, I still have my teleport prepared."
[17:57] * Kilarra nods, "Well, I know where things are in Riddleport at least. Plus I need to speak with Shorafa, as I said."
[17:58] <@Kilarra> Kjell looks to Kahree, "Do you think Katarina and Daroskt would be willing to put us up for a few days? I imagine we'll need some preparations to do, and we have these to read now too."
[17:59] <Aluthyra> Kahree shrugs, looking to Killara. "You knew them better, right?"
[18:00] * Kilarra nods, "Yeah, just a little bit. So... is this gonna be goodbye? I've gotten kinda fond of you guys."
[18:03] <Aluthyra> Kahree purses her lips. "No... Maybe? I dunno." She sighs. Whatever, easier if she tells them. "Look, Kjell and I are going to Qadira. I have... unfinished business there. If all goes well, I'll probably visit here."
[18:03] * Kilarra blinks, "Unfinished business?"
[18:04] <@Kilarra> Kjell says nothing. Not his place to say
[18:05] <Aluthyra> Kahree groans. "Yeah, I was hoping to not tell either of you, but... whatever. I'm hoping to find an old friend of mine; a slave, like I was." She shakes her head, then looks to Kjell with a smile. "Kjell offered to help, and we might even try to free some of the slaves currently held in Qadira."
[18:05] * Kilarra blinks, "Oh... wow. I had no idea."
[18:07] * Aluthyra 's eyes widen. "Well... best of luck to you both. Perhaps when our business is done, we might offer our assistance, if you need it."
[18:10] <Aluthyra> Kahree shrugs. "Your choice. I think we can handle it."
[18:11] * Kilarra nods, "Yeah..." she looks down a bit. "Well... my history isn't exactly pretty either. My mother was a necromancer. She tried to take over the world. Or part of it at least, I was only ten at the time."
[18:12] <Aluthyra> Kahree frowns, shaking her head. "So is that your business, kicking her ass?"
[18:12] * Kilarra notes, "She tried to use me as a sacrifice in some ritual. I want to get back at her for that."
[18:13] <Aluthyra> Kahree smirks and nods. "Good. Good luck to you too. Maybe when we see each other again, we can tell how we both did."
[18:14] * Kilarra smirks, "When I find her, I'll make sure she's not a threat to anyone else again."
[18:15] <@Kilarra> Kjell shrugs, "I'm afraid I don't really have much to contribute here. I had a pretty decent childhood, orphan or no."
[18:17] <@Kilarra> Telandia graciously bowed out of their conversation to see that the Glyph information was properly stored away
[18:18] * Aluthyra nods to Kjell. "That is the same for myself. Anyway, let's finish finding our tomes, then you can teleport us to Riddleport."
[18:18] <@Kilarra> Kjell nods, holding his up, "I'm good to go."
[18:18] * Kilarra nods, "As am I." She slips the one she had plucked from the shelf away.
[18:20] <@Kilarra> Kjell holds out his hands, "If we're all ready then."
[18:22] * Kilarra takes one of the offered hands and grabs Aluthyra's with her other
[18:22] <Aluthyra> Kahree takes  Kjell's other hand and Aluthyra takes Kilarra's.
[18:23] <@Kilarra> Kjell teleports the group back to Riddleport!
[18:23] <@Kilarra> -End Session-