Ch 4: Part 7: Flight From Darkness: Session 73

[15:41] <Kilarra> *****Second Darkness*****
[15:41] <Kilarra> ~~~Chapter 4: Endless Night~~~
[15:41] <Kilarra> -Session 73-
[15:43] <Kilarra> After a misunderstanding with some of the locals, the party was treated to a meal and some entertainment on behalf of a small group of azatas of varying forms and affinities.
[15:43] <Kilarra> The meal concluded, the stage has been set for Aluthyra to put her archery skills to the test against a Bralani, while Kahree takes a side bet with Mika the Lyrakien
[15:43] <Kilarra> Mika looks to Kahree, "Can you sing or dance at all? Know any poetry?"
[15:44] <Aluthyra> Kahree shrugs. "I -can-, but not very well..."
[15:45] <Kilarra> Mika giggles, "WHich one? Singing or dancing?"
[15:46] <Aluthyra> Kahree huffs, "Both. I guess."
[15:47] <Kilarra> Mika looks Kahree over, "You have a nice look, especially the hair, I bet you'd be a great dancer."
[15:50] <Aluthyra> Kahree huffs. She's not good at dancing, but she won't lose this bet! She grins. "Alright, so, that's my side of the bet, a dance?"
[15:51] <Kilarra> Mika nods, "Sure thing. Where are you from anyways? Different cultures have different dances that express their unique flavour."
[15:53] * Kahree frowns. "Qadira... but I never learned much of dance there."
[15:55] <Kilarra> Mika shrugs, "No biggie." She then seats herself on Kahree's shoulder. "This should be fun."
[15:56] <Kilarra> Brigit finishes shaping the earth in their campsite into a series of target dummies.
[15:56] <Kilarra> Geoff looks to Aluthyra, "So, fifty paces distant work for you?"
[15:57] * Aluthyra nods. "It shall, yes." She draws her bow, placing it over her shoulder. "And who shall let their arrow fly first?"
[15:58] <Kilarra> Geoff conjures his bow and ponders that. "You are the guest in this realm, so I shall defer to you."
[16:01] * Aluthyra nods, stepping to the target, then measuring 50 paces out. She stands, drawing her bow, and nocks an arrow as she faces down-range. "And how shall this work? Best of three, alternating between us both?"
[16:03] <Kilarra> Geoff nods. "Sounds good. Once we have each fired, Jezelle shall judge our precision and accuracy."
[16:04] * Aluthyra nods, focusing on the target. She takes a deep breath, and lets her arrow fly, exhaling as she releases the string.
[16:05] <Kilarra> Aluthyra's shot lands almost dead center, and within the centermost ring of the target.
[16:06] <Kilarra> Geoff takes aim and fires. His shot lands on the edge of the bullseye and the next ring.
[16:08] <Kilarra> Geoof nods and lets Aluthyra take her next shot
[16:09] * Aluthyra aims carefully once more. She takes a deep breath, exhales, and her arrows flies...
[16:11] <Kilarra> Aluthyra's second shot lands just outside the bullseye, almost on par with Geoff's first shot.
[16:11] <Kilarra> The bralani steps forward and draws once again. His arrow is loosed, light as a feather
[16:12] <Kilarra> However, being light has nothing to do with it, as the arrow lands in the third ring
[16:12] <Kilarra> Geoff chuckles, "I'm losing my touch."
[16:14] * Aluthyra chuckles. "Well, perhaps your third shot will land truer." She smiles, aiming back towards the target, and lets an arrow fly.
[16:16] <Kilarra> Aluthyra manages to land her third shot just shy of her first one.
[16:17] <Kilarra> Geoff takes aim and fires one last time, only for his shot to catch the second ring again. "Well, it seems fairly obvious to me, but as I said, Jezelle will judge for us."
[16:19] <Kilarra> Jezelle nods and steps up to the targets. She looks at them for a few seconds, then nods. "Our winner is Aluthyra."
[16:19] <Kilarra> Kjell applauds
[16:19] * Aluthyra turns and bows to Geoff. "I have not had a contest as such for a while. Thank you, Geoff."
[16:19] * Kilarra runs over to Aluthyra and pulls her cheeck down for a smooch. "Nicely done."
[16:19] * Aluthyra smiles, returning Kilarra's kiss with one of her own.
[16:20] <Aluthyra> Kahree smirks at Mika. Cheering inwardly, 'No dancing for me!'
[16:20] <Kilarra> Mika pouts a bit, but nods. "Welp, your gal won, fair and square."
[16:21] <Aluthyra> Kahree nods. "Maybe next time," she sticks her tongue out, "you'll win that dance, buuut... you mentioned treasure?"
[16:23] <Kilarra> Mika nods. "Yeah. I thought about it when you guys were telling that story of yours." She pulls out a tiny scrap of parchment from... somewhere, then begins to scribble on it. "There was an old fort inside that forest that served as kind of an early defense point for the city. Its ruined now, but I heard from a group of elves I travelled with a couple centuries ago that a dragon had moved in."
[16:24] <Aluthyra> Kahree blinks. "So it's the dragon's hoard..." She grins. "I'm sure they'll be interested in seeing that."
[16:25] <Kilarra> Mika nods and hands Kahree the miniscule map. "It might be. You guys did kill that Razorhorn guy after all."
[16:27] <Aluthyra> Kahree nods, taking the map. "They did, but yeah, thanks." She looks over to Kjell and the others. "Hey, look! Mika drew a map of some fort... might be where Razorhorn's treasure is."
[16:28] <Kilarra> Kjell looks down at it. "You don't say? I did get the feeling what he had with him when we fought wasn't nearly sufficient enough to really be a dragon's hoard."
[16:29] <Aluthyra> Kahree nods. "Yeah, so.... if time isn't the same here as it is on our plane... can we go to this place first? I mean, a day or two more wouldn't hurt, would it? And if we find some really cool magic items, it might even help us."
[16:30] * Aluthyra frowns. "If it is even possible to only spend 'a day or two'." She looks to Kilarra. "Though you said travel is not exact, correct? So, it may take longer."
[16:31] * Kilarra nods, "I suppose that really depends on how far away form Crying Leaf we land when we shift back. Still, I wouldn't mind an easy haul like that. We didn't really get much in the way of payments for our hard work under House Vonnarc."
[16:32] * Aluthyra nods. "Well, if you think it may be possible, then I would not mind."
[16:32] <Aluthyra> Kahree grins. "Sweet."
[16:33] <Aluthyra> Kahree looks to Kjell. "What about you, what d'you think?"
[16:33] * Kilarra wraps her tail around Aluthyra's waist. "Nor would I, but first and foremost..." she grins, "After all that time underground, wearing a drow corpse for a disguise, don't you think we could use a bath? in 'private'?"
[16:35] * Aluthyra blinks. A small blush begins to form on her cheeks. "I... think that would be lovely."
[16:36] * Kilarra stands on her tip hooves and whispers to Aluthyra. "We're finally back in our own forms after a month and a half of near celibacy, and we're in one of the most beautifully sceneic places anyone can imagine. I have never wanted you more than I do right now."
[16:37] <Kilarra> Geoff smirks and points towards the mountain, "The bright burning volcano produces some spectacular natural hot springs, if you two wish to 'bathe'."
[16:38] * Aluthyra looks off to the mountain, then back to Kilarra. She is quick to deposit her bow back within her quiver. "Shall we?" She smiles.
[16:40] * Kilarra nods, "Most definitely." She grins broadly and heads out in front of Aluthyra, putting some sway into her hips (as much to adjust her balance as anything).
[16:41] * Aluthyra follows after with a faint smile. What a pleasant view... and she's thinking of more than just the foliage around them.
[16:42] <Aluthyra> Kahree snickers. "While they're banging, what else is there to do here?" She looks to the azatas. "Or... what do you all usually do for fun?"
[16:42] <Kilarra> Mika looks to Kahree, "Actually, a bath sounds really nice. Think they'd mind if I joined them?"
[16:43] <Kilarra> Geoff smiles to Kahree, "Stories, games, music and dance. Anything festive or fun really. It is a pity there are not more of us gathered or you could have perhaps experienced the true majesty our kind can offer."
[16:44] <Aluthyra> Kahree chuckles at Mika. "I think they'll be a bit busy... and wanting privacy."
[16:45] <Kilarra> Mika blinks, "Ohhhhhh. Well, that might be fun to join in, but I suspect its invitation only." She giggles.
[16:48] <Aluthyra> Kahree rolls her eyes. "Probably." She shrugs. "What're you thinking Kjell, up for some games or dance, or just rest?"
[16:49] <Kilarra> Kjell nods, "I am curious as to what sort of games Celestial's such as yourselves partake of."
[16:51] <Kilarra> Geoff chuckles, "Well, contests of skill like the one we just had are certainly common, at least when there are more gathered. Contests of dance and music are common as well. Naturally, we are fond of romantic trysts as well, but your friends seem to have that covered."
[16:54] <Aluthyra> Kahree chuckles. "Well.... maybe a contest of dance?" She shrugs. "Believe me, I'm no good at dancing, but it could be fun. Or funny."
[16:56] <Kilarra> Mika beams, "That would be great! I kinda wish we had some more music here though. Oh well." She giggles, "I still totally want to see you dancing with Brigit. It would be all kinds of hot." She chortles at the bad joke.
[16:58] <Aluthyra> Kahree chuckles, rolling her eyes. "Hah. Hah. Hah."
[16:59] <Kilarra> Mika smirks, "In all seriousness though, you and Brigit should dance together." She grins.
[17:01] <Kilarra> Brigit comes over to Mika, "I think that's quite enough." She rolls her eyes at the Lyrakien. "Whether or not you find us of fiery faire attractive, I doubt we could actually dance together without me setting her clothes on fire."
[17:02] <Aluthyra> Kahree nods. "Unfortunately, that's probably true."
[17:02] <Kilarra> Kjell is trying and failing to conceal a series of chortling.
[17:06] <Aluthyra> Kahree shrugs. "Not like we have to dance close though. We could just try to synchronize!" She adds, "Though I'll still fail."
[17:09] <Kilarra> Brigit nods, "That would certainly be interesting. It's worth a shot anyways."
[17:12] <Kilarra> Mika pumps a fist. "Yes!" She then pulls her flute out again. She then looks over to Kjell, "You can join in if you want. I'm sure a following of the Lucky Drunk knows a few moves."
[17:13] <Aluthyra> Kahree smirks, looking to Brigit. "Shall we?"
[17:16] <Kilarra> Brigit nods, "Let's." Mika begins to play a jaunty tune.
[17:16] <Kilarra> Kjell taps his feet as well, but declines to dance. "I'm still a little too heavy on my feet for that, whether I know how or don't."
[17:20] <Kilarra> Brigit raises her arms over her head and begins to sway to the music. IN spite of being made of lava, her movements are fluid and graceful.
[17:22] <Aluthyra> Kahree starts to dance. She doesn't know much, but she can certainly try... She begins to twirl, using her acrobatic expertise to stay light on her feet. As her twirl ends, she faces Brigit and begins to mirror her flame; where the flame flickers and waves in the wind, Kahree spins and gyrates her hips, trying to appear just as the flame, light, and affected by the wind... bending to nature and that which is around them. Like the edge of Brigit's flame, her arms wav
[17:23] <Aluthyra> ...Like the edge of Brigit's flame, her arms wave. Though the flame and her arms are sporadic, she tries to match it with fluidity.
[17:25] <Kilarra> Brigit giggles at the attempt. "You are certainly vigorous in your efforts. However, your body and mine do not have the same composition. Perhaps if you tried something more like this." She brings the flames surrounding her body down to a lower simmer and the heat coming off of her becomes slightly less intense. She exhibits much of the same style of motion, but rather than being quick and flighty, it's slow and emphasized, putting a
[17:25] <Kilarra> -putting a lot of emphasis on the curves of her form.
[17:25] <Kilarra> Mika drools a little.
[17:27] <Aluthyra> Kahree huffs. She can only get better... or so she hopes. Kahree slows her dance, trying to make her own form, instead of basing it off of Brigit's. She stays light on her feet, keeping what comes naturally to her; twisting and twirling, slow, and deliberate.
[17:28] <Kilarra> Mika takes a break in the music to whistle approvingly at Kahree.
[17:29] <Kilarra> While Jezelle is like Kjell, seeming content to watch, Geoff is up in the air above the campsight, riding winds with his feet and flipping, spinning and turning about.
[17:30] <Aluthyra> Kahree smiles, then beckons Kjell. "C'mon Kjell, I'm sure you can manage some kind of dance."
[17:30] <Kilarra> Kjell nods, "Oh very well. This is a rather unique situation after all." He joins in, although he's rather clumsy
[17:32] * Kilarra makes sure the time spent in the hotspring with Aluthyra is vividly memorable. Just the two of them in the beautiful place, as they are.
[17:41] * Aluthyra tries to keep up! She's not as inexperienced as she once was, but certainly doesn't have Kilarra's stamina in... those actions. As their tryst wanes, and their energy dwindles, Aluthyra holds Kilarra close, having never felt this way before; so comfortable, so free, and in such happiness, she whispers, softly and sincerely, "I love you, Kilarra."
[17:44] * Kilarra blushes a bit and cuddles in close to Aluthyra. "I..." she takes a moment to think about it. "I was raised in a brothel. I've had sex in more ways and with more people than you can probably count. I most certainly enjoyed it, but with you... it's different. It feels... better; more worthwhile somehow."
[17:46] * Aluthyra smiles, content. "I understand... if you cannot yet say it. I just... felt as if I needed to say it to you. I have never had such a relationship... and I wish it to last." She sighs, leaning into Kilarra. "This time we have, right now... it is all that I can ask for."
[17:49] * Kilarra nods, "Well, it's just... you're precious to my Aluthyra. Moreso than anyone I've ever been with before. You make me feel like I'm a better person, better than my tainted ancestry. Just... better. I... I've never felt this way before, but I am quite certain it is love."
[17:51] * Aluthyra squeezes Kilarra in the hug. "Just for a little longer... I'd like to stay here, and relax... before we go back to the others."
[17:51] * Kilarra sighs and nods. "I would like that. More than anything."
[17:52] * Kilarra lays in the soothing embrace of the Aasimar and the relaxing warmth of the hot spring, truly content for the first time in a long while.
[17:54] * Aluthyra smiles, closes her eyes, and relaxes. Kilarra, just her presence, is enough.
[17:56] <Kilarra> Jezelle walks over to Kahree once the dancing has finished. "I am glad you find yourselves enjoying our company and what hospitality we have been able to offer."
[17:58] <Kilarra> Brigit smiles and chuckles, "Nice to work up a sweat once in a while."
[17:58] <Kilarra> Mika rolls her eyes, "We don't sweat and you kn- oh, that was a joke."
[17:58] <Kilarra> Brigit chortles at Mika
[18:00] <Aluthyra> Kahree snickers. "Nah, thank you all. It's been fun... a lot better than what we've had to deal with recently."
[18:02] <Kilarra> Jezelle nods, "Naturally. The company of such a degenerate race can scarcely be better than the fiends they worship. That said, I thought a bit on my offer to help, and a thought occurred to me that might please you, without either of us feeling left endebted."
[18:02] <Aluthyra> Kahree raises an eyebrow. "Sure, what were you thinking then?"
[18:03] <Kilarra> Jezelle nods, "Like your tiefling friend, I am possessed of a stipend of divine power. You mentioned a particular grudge against the Vonnarc slavemother. Would you be interested in scrying on her and finding out wat has become of her?"
[18:04] <Aluthyra> Kahree grins. "Well... sure!"
[18:05] <Kilarra> Jezelle nods. "I could do with a more precise description of her to make this easier. As well, if you could remind me of her name."
[18:06] <Kilarra> Jezelle adds, "If you could draw a likeness even, that would be superb."
[18:07] <Aluthyra> Kahree nods, pulling out a piece of parchment and ink. "Her name's Undamesta." She begins to draw. "Bald. Cold. General bitch." She continues to sketch... then hands over the sketch to Jezelle.
[18:07] <Aluthyra> Kahree holds the paper to Kjell first. "I'm... not an artist. Think you could clean this up?"
[18:08] <Kilarra> Kjell nods and cleans up the sketch a bit. "Nor am I, but that should help a little."
[18:09] <Kilarra> Jezelle nods and looks at the likeness. She then takes her free hand and waves it. A pool of clouds forms in front of her hand, openning up like a shimmering window. "Show me Undamesta Vonnarc!" The window shimmers...
[18:12] <Kilarra> The window focus in, showing Undamesta. She and what looks like the entire serving and slave staff have been gathered. There is a flash of light and an enraged looking Alicavniss appears before the collected drow.
[18:13] <Kilarra> Alicavniss sounds as mad as she looks, raving to the staff about the intrusion of outsiders for the better part of two months. She then singles out Undamesta as the one who allowed them to become servants of the house in the first place.
[18:15] <Kilarra> Alicavniss orders Undamesta, as well as what looks like about half of those serving under her executed.
[18:16] <Kilarra> Undamesta is immediately apprehended by two of the guards, who cuff her before she has a chance to resist and slip a bag over her head, dragging her away. The drow slavemother screams and kicks at her assailants.
[18:18] <Aluthyra> Kahree smirks. "Several less drow is a good thing. Still, makes me angry at Alicavniss, since she actually knew, and is just passing the blame."
[18:21] <Kilarra> Jezelle nods, "Despicable, but I can sort of understand. This way, no one questions her standing as the one who unmasked you, but the blame is imparted on someone with a partial responsibility. As well, your escape is attributed to your own wiles, which none will question given that you managed to go largely unnoticed amongst them for so long."
[18:21] <Kilarra> Jezelle kills the scrying window before it shows anything else, not really caring to watch the near immediately executed execution.
[18:23] <Kilarra> Jezelle shakes her head, "If they did not have such powerful rulers as that archmage standing as pillars of their society, they would have crumbled long ago."
[18:23] <Aluthyra> Kahree nods. "Thank you though. I think, after all of that dancing, and eating... I might get some rest. Sleeping in, in a place that's actually safe... would be nice."
[18:23] <Kilarra> The Jezelle looks to Kahree, "I trust you are satisfied with what you saw then?"
[18:24] <Kilarra> Geoff lands next to them, "We don't have any tents or sleeping bags or the like. If we ever do sleep, we prefer it to be under the stars. That said, we can most certainly enjoy our own company whilst you rest properly."
[18:25] * Kilarra eventually gets out of the spring pool. Rather than putting her undergarments back on while wet, she simply stays naked, seeing as how those here didn't seem to really have any kind of dress code.
[18:26] * Aluthyra takes a few moments to dry herself and change clothes. She rolls her eyes at Kilarra. "At least dress before we return, for Kjell and Kahree."
[18:27] <Aluthyra> Kahree nods. "I've got a bedroll, so that'll be fine."
[18:27] * Kilarra pouts, "Fiiiiine." She sticks her tongue out and dries herself off before slipping back into her yellow silk underclothes.
[18:28] * Aluthyra chuckles. "Alright... shall we return?"
[18:29] <Aluthyra> Kahree begins to set up her bedroll, finding a quiet and shaded area to sleep. As soon as she does, she slips in, and begins to rest.
[18:29] * Kilarra nods and heads back to the camp. "Kinda wierd that travel here doesn't seem to take as long as it should."
[18:29] <Kilarra> Kjell simply lays down on a mound of soft earth, looking up at the stars until he falls asleep. After taking his armour off of course.
[18:34] * Kilarra arrives back at the camp with Aluthyra and lays down with her.
[18:34] * Aluthyra finds a nice, pleasant spot to state up at the stars, sharing her bedroll with Kilarra.
[18:35] * Kilarra cuddles up to Aluthyra as they go to sleep
[18:36] <Kilarra> -End Session-