Ch 4: Part 0.8: On the Road Again: Session 55.8

[15:42:55] <@Kilarra>  *****Second Darkness*****
[15:43:01] <@Kilarra>  ~~~Intermission Sessions~~~
[15:43:05] <@Kilarra>  -On the Road Again-
[15:44:37] <@Kilarra>  After showing Aluthyra her collection of Attic Whisperer mementos, she showed her another night of good time after opening a different sort of toybox. Prior to this, Kjell got to meet Kahree before taking Samaritha for a day on the town. Kilarra and Aluthyra also did a fair bit of their own shopping.
[15:44] <@Kilarra> After showing Aluthyra her collection of Attic Whisperer mementos, she showed her another night of good time after opening a different sort of toybox. Prior to this, Kjell got to meet Kahree before taking Samaritha for a day on the town. Kilarra and Aluthyra also did a fair bit of their own shopping.
[15:52] * Kilarra wakes up the following morning feeling quite fulfilled. She hoped the feeling was mutual as she snuggles with Aluthyra.
[15:53] * Aluthyra keeps Kilarra close to her body, her arms wrapped around the other woman's back. She smiles as she wakes, giving Kilarra a small peck on the lips. "Good morning, once again."
[15:56] * Kilarra chuckles, "I'd say it was a good night too, although you would have had a hard time say anything." She winks, then returns the kiss.
[15:58] <Aluthyra> Kahree, preferring some time to herself, did not take up another one of Shorafa's employees for the night. She wakes alone, and begins to dress, preparing for the day.
[15:58] * Aluthyra blushes. "I would like to say that my endurance is improving... though I know I still cannot match yours."
[15:59] <@Kilarra> Kjell wakes up in the company of Samaritha Beldusk, his day date with her having gone exceptionally well. While he waits for her to wake, he pulls out his spellbook and prepares himself. They were departing this morning after all.
[15:59] * Kilarra smirks, "Now then, let's get ready for today. Would you like to join me in my preparations?"
[16:01] * Aluthyra coughs, clearing her throat. "I think I will have to pass today. While I did say my endurance with these activities is improving... I do need a break." She smiles, donning her robes and bow. "I will be outside."
[16:02] <@Kilarra> Samaritha wakes up, smiling at Kjell. "Good morning," she says, standing up while covered by the bedsheets. "Do you really have to leave already?"
[16:04] <@Kilarra> Kjell looks up form his Spellbook, "I do, but I will keep in touch. As much as I enjoyed being able to spend a proper share of time with you, the scope of our undertakings have been rather significant, and I would be remiss to place my own enjoyment above the worth of what could potentially be the fate of the world."
[16:04] <@Kilarra> Kjell notes, "Or at the very least, the entire elven nation."
[16:04] <@Kilarra> Samaritha nods understandingly, then gets dressed.
[16:04] * Kilarra is slightly disappointed, but goes about getting ready anyways.
[16:05] <Aluthyra> Kahree nibbles on trail rations while sitting inside her room, in no rush to speak with the annoying Cleric or Monk.
[16:05] * Aluthyra chuckles and heads out, beginning her meditation outside of the door.
[16:10] * Kilarra takes her prepratory hour before getting dressed and donning her gear. She takes one last look at her collection, then exits to join Aluthyra
[16:11] <@Kilarra> Kjell finishes his own preparations, embraces Samaritha and bids her farewell, then, after pawning Nolveniss' spellbook off to the Cyphermages, rides Gallant over to the SIlken Veil.
[16:12] <Aluthyra> Kahree finishes her morning meal, then comes out of her room to see both Kilarra and Aluthyra. She leans against the wall. "Heading out soon?"
[16:14] * Aluthyra nods. "Yes, as soon as Kjell arrives, we shall leave on horseback."
[16:14] * Kilarra nods curtly to the ifrit, "Yes. Do you have a mount? It's a three day ride back to the Meiranni."
[16:15] <Aluthyra> Kahree blinks. "Uhm. I don't. And I don't have enough gold for that." She smiles sheepishly. "One of you spot me?"
[16:15] * Aluthyra frowns, looking through her haversack. With a sigh, she hands 20 platinum pieces to Kahree. "I do expect you to pay me back," she notes.
[16:16] * Kilarra chuckles, "I would say you're walking then, but we'll..." She frowns a bit at Aluthyra, "You're too... good for your own good sometimes."
[16:16] <Aluthyra> Kahree takes the platinum, smirking. "Thanks, and yeah, I'll pay you back."
[16:17] * Aluthyra shrugs. "Kjell suggested that we at least be cordial, especially if there is a possibility of working together."
[16:17] * Aluthyra nods. "It is not too much trouble, either way."
[16:20] * Kilarra sighs, "Fine, fine." She then steps outside and finds Precious, bringing her around to the front
[16:20] <@Kilarra> Kjell happenes to arrive around that time, fancy that.
[16:23] <@Kilarra> Kjell dismounts and looks to the group, "Are we prepared to depart then?"
[16:24] * Aluthyra nods. "About." She points to Kahree. "We need to stop and purchase her a mount."
[16:25] <@Kilarra> Kjell nods, "That shouldn't be too much trouble." He remounts Gallant and waits for the others to mount as well.
[16:25] * Kilarra mounts Precious a lot less expertly than Kjell, but then, she didn't have any training in it.
[16:29] * Aluthyra follows in mounting her horse.
[16:29] <Aluthyra> Kahree nods. "Soo... where's the stable?"
[16:30] <@Kilarra> Kjell leads the group up to the Stables in Lubbertown for her to buy a mount, and then wastes not time getting them back on the path to Meiranni Forest.
[16:35] * Kilarra rides along
[16:38] * Kahree looks notably uncomfortable as she rides.
[16:40] <@Kilarra> While the first day of travel passes uneventfully, on the second day, the group comes to a bridge over the river heading towards The Meiranni. However, unlike the last time they crossed, an encampment has sprung up along the bridge. A group of ruffians, nine in total, seem to be blocking access to the bridge. As the party approaches, a few of them draw weapons, but most just obstruct the path.
[16:41] <@Kilarra> Kjell frowns, reigning Gallant in a bit. He looks back to the party, "Highwaymen I suspect. Be on your guard."
[16:42] * Kilarra frowns, "Well, I suppose that depends on how stupid they are, doesn't it?"
[16:43] <Aluthyra> Kahree frowns deeply, riding closer before dismounting. She eyes them, from a distance (10ft). "If you slack-jawed idiots don't move, I'm going to shove my maces up your... well, I'll let you imagine."
[16:47] <@Kilarra> The bandits look the woman up and down, her almost looking to be aflame. Looking over the rest of the party, they seem to be questioning their blockade. "Well, when you put it that way... perhaps we can offer a discount to our toll?"
[16:48] <Aluthyra> Kahree scoffs. "Discount? Do you /own/ the bridge?" She looks them over. "Don't answer, I already know. And you're one step close to a mace to your face. Move."
[16:49] <@Kilarra> The bandits run for their mounts and ride off
[16:50] * Kilarra chuckles, "Well, that was almost impressive."
[16:50] * Aluthyra nods. "Indeed. Good work."
[16:50] <Aluthyra> Kahree smirks, mounting back up. "Well, ready to move on?"
[16:51] <@Kilarra> KJell nods, "Hopefully they won't think to try this again, lest they meet some less tolerant folk than us." He spurs his mount on.
[16:53] <Aluthyra> Kahree shrugs, bringing her horse to a trot behind Kjell.
[16:53] * Aluthyra pets Strider's mane, moving him along.
[17:00] <@Kilarra> The rest of the day also passes uneventfully.
[17:01] <@Kilarra> ON the third day, the party reaches the border of the Meiranni and slips under the canopy of the ancient forest.
[17:02] <Aluthyra> Kahree smiles, looking about the forest. In her own home, which was nearly all desert, it was a rare sight.
[17:05] * Aluthyra continues on, towards Crying Leaf.
[17:05] <@Kilarra> Before Kahree can get too enamoured with the sights, the forest shows that, in spite of appearances, it was still a very alive and dangerous place. An enormous creature crashes through the treeline onto the forest path.
[17:05] <@Kilarra> Spittle drips from this feral bear's roaring maw, and its matted fur is broken in places by wicked, bony growths.
[17:12] <Aluthyra> Kahree blinks, quickly dismounting from her horse. She raises her hand, pointing to the bear, and yells in Ignan. A burst of flame erupts from her hand, centered on the bear.
[17:13] <@Kilarra> The bear is more nimble than something its size would suggest, and is barely singed by the flames. It seems to just piss the thing off.
[17:14] <@Kilarra> The dire bear snarls furiously at the party
[17:17] * Aluthyra is quick to react, reining her mount to a stop, dismounting, and firing a barrage of arrows.
[17:21] <@Kilarra> Aluthyra is not as quick to dismount as she might like, but still manages to stick two arrows in the massive bear's hide.
[17:23] <@Kilarra> The Dire Bear was more hurt by the arrows than by the small bit of flame that touched it, and charges up to Aluthyra, attempting to maul and crush her.
[17:27] <@Kilarra> The Dire Bear snatches Aluthyra up with its claws and gives her the worst bear hug ever
[17:28] <@Kilarra> Kjell was about to blast the bear with his lightning bolt, but doesn't want to catch Aluthyra in the blast. Instead, he falls back on his magic projectiles, which strike unerringly.
[17:29] <@Kilarra> The bear groans loudly as it's struck, but does not release Aluthyra, wanting to crush one target before moving onto the next.
[17:30] * Kilarra is not about to let some bear hurt Aluthyra. She dismounts her horse and attempts to lay a hand on the bear in order to try out one of her newest and most powerful spells.
[17:31] <@Kilarra> The bear seems surprised as a massive surge of negative energy immediately snuffs out its life, releasing Aluthyra and slumping to the ground in a heap.
[17:32] * Aluthyra rolls out of the dead bear's grasp, groaning.
[17:33] * Kilarra looks at her hand as the dark, eerie fire fades from her hand. "Holy shit."
[17:34] * Aluthyra stands, smiling lightly to Kilarra. "Impressive. And do you think you can tend to my wounds? They are not too severe..."
[17:34] <@Kilarra> Kjell blinks at Kilarra, looking at the corpse of the dire creature. "Remind me never to make you angry."
[17:34] * Kilarra gives Kahree a coy smirk, as if to suggest she share Kjell's wisdom. She then places a hand on Aluthyra for a light bit of healing.
[17:34] <Aluthyra> Kahree huffs, as she didn't get a chance to use her maces. She mounts up and waits.
[17:36] * Kilarra looks Aluthyra over, "Good thing that worked. A Dire Bear hug is not a pleasant situation to be in."
[17:38] * Aluthyra nods, mounting up after giving Kilarra her thanks. "Definitely not."
[17:40] * Kilarra pats Aluthyra's backside once before she can seat it on the horse, then remounts Precious and waits for Kjell to lead on.
[17:41] <@Kilarra> Kjell leads on indeed. The rest of the trip to Crying Leaf doesn't take that long, but when they arrive, only a few of the elves have returned. Most seem to be intent still on dealing with drow stragglers and clearing out the Celwynvian ruins.
[17:43] * Aluthyra looks to Kjell. "Shall we check Eviana's tent?"
[17:44] <@Kilarra> Kjell leads Gallant back to the pavillion where the horses had been housed before. "Indeed. She's had a week now to investigate the ruins of Celwynvian, so I'm sure she's come up with something useful by now."
[17:44] * Kilarra dismounts Precious and has her stabled with Gallant and presumably Paco as well.
[17:45] * Aluthyra and Kahree both dismount as well, placing tying up their mounts in the stable.
[17:46] * Aluthyra follows close to Kilarra. "I wonder if Tognik has had much more luck here."
[17:46] <Aluthyra> Kahree follows behind.
[17:47] <@Kilarra> Eviana is in her pavillion, along with Kaerishiel and Shalelu, the trio of captains apparently relieved of further combat duty after their rather serious injuries. At least for the time being. Tognik is there as well, with numerous papers spread out in front of him. Nolveniss' Shadow Key is also on the table.
[17:52] <@Kilarra> Tognik looks up, pleased to see his friends again. He glances at Kahree curiously. "What's this? Replaced me already?" He chuckles
[17:52] <@Kilarra> Eviana looks at the newcomer curiously as well, "Who is this woman?" Her tone is cautious but curious.
[17:53] <@Kilarra> Kjell steps up to answer, "She is someone we encountered in Riddleport during our stay. She overheard conversations that fell under our oath of secrecy to you, and felt that you should have the say in what is to be done about that."
[17:55] <Aluthyra> Kahree once again returns her fingers to the bottle at her belt, her thumb on the stopper's edge.
[17:55] <@Kilarra> Eviana looks the woman over. "What do you have to say for yourself then?"
[17:58] <Aluthyra> Kahree shrugs. "I overheard, as well as saw the amount of platinum their employment had brought in," She smirks. "I won't say a word, even if you'd say no, but I'd like to work with you as well." She nods to Kjell. "He's said as much that they need a new trapfinder anyhow."
[17:59] <@Kilarra> Eviana places a hand on her chin in thought. "Well, if you can keep to secrecy, then I would have no further objections. As it happens, we have much to discuss, and if they," she gestures to the party, "have need of your skills, then I will not deny them that."
[18:02] <Aluthyra> Kahree smiles, turning to Kjell, Kilarra, and Aluthyra. "Well?"
[18:02] <@Kilarra> Kjell nods, "I would like to hear what exactly it is we will be doing next before I give my full approval. However, we cannot force you to stay against your will after tha point, so long as you are willing to keep to Eviana's terms of secrecy."
[18:03] * Kilarra shrugs, "I wanna know what we're doing too. Might need your skills, might not. If not, I can't say I'll miss you."
[18:03] * Aluthyra nods. "Agreed."
[18:04] <Aluthyra> Kahree rolls her eyes. "Trust me-- I can keep a secret." She adds, "When I want to."
[18:08] <@Kilarra> Eviana motions for the party to be seated, then seats herself back down, gingerly setting her previosuly broken arm on the table.
[18:08] <@Kilarra> Kaerishiel and SHalelu also take their seats.
[18:08] * Kilarra pulls her chair out and sits down.
[18:08] <@Kilarra> Kjell does too.
[18:08] * Aluthyra sits, hopeful smile present. "With our victory, is their more war to be had with the drow? Or... is it over?"
[18:08] <Aluthyra> Kahree sits and leans back in her chair.
[18:10] <@Kilarra> Eviana draws the group's attention to the Shadow Key. "We have discovered that, in addition to opening the gate to the Armageddon Echo, from which we have learned a fair deal about the history of both Celwynvian and Earthfall, this gem is also the key to the corrupted Aiudara within the academy."
[18:10] <@Kilarra> Kjell mentally notes she's talking about the elf-gate, but assumed she used their word for it on purpose.
[18:12] * Kilarra raises an eyebrow, "The what now?"
[18:15] <@Kilarra> Eviana clarifies, "The larger gate within the Academy of Arts. It once connected Celwynvian to the Lotusgate in Iadara. However, as it stands now, the drow have corrupted it, and it leads to the outskirts of their capital, Zirnakaynin."
[18:16] * Aluthyra blinks. "And do you plan on simply destroying the gate, or launching an offensive?"
[18:17] <@Kilarra> Eviana shakes her head, "Destroying the gate, while an option, would cost a rare treasure of our people, and we could only hope that doing so would confound the Drow's plans. It is our hope to eventually cleanse it of corruption, and reconnect it as it should be."
[18:20] * Aluthyra nods. "Then what would you have of us?"
[18:23] <@Kilarra> Eviana smiles a bit coyly. "While it will take some time to cleanse the gate, what we have in the meantime is a rare opportunity. With the drow routed and the gate under our control, those below will not likely know of their defeat above. We have a chance to, while the drow are unaware, infiltrate their city and discover more of their intentions."
[18:24] <@Kilarra> Eviana adds, "What we would need are a group of brave spies, properly disguised. I suspect you know of a few people who might be interested in such a quest?"
[18:25] <Aluthyra> Kahree grins. "I could definitely handle that. Spying is a specialty of mine."
[18:25] * Aluthyra frowns. "While I may be of use if we see combat, or are in a desperate situation... I am not sure I would be your best choice." She sighs. "I have taken a vow of honesty. I cannot lie."
[18:26] * Kilarra smirks, "I was an informant for Shorafa before I joined this little escapade. I suppose getting back to my roots wouldn't-" she stops when Aluthyra mentions that. "Shit, that's right." She looks to ALuthyra, "Are you physically incapable of lying, or do you simply recieve some stern punishment from your god if you do lie?"
[18:27] <@Kilarra> Kjell nods, "I don't show it off much, but I am a bit of a fast-talker. I suspect, considering the stakes, I could undertake this task."
[18:28] * Aluthyra shakes her head. "I can lie, but yes, Apsu would not look upon it kindly. If I were to break my vow, it would hinder my combat ability. I can remain silent, and not break the vow... but that is all."
[18:29] * Aluthyra adds, "Even if I were to lie, it would not be convincing. I have never lied before."
[18:30] <@Kilarra> Eviana nods to the party, "I realize it is not an easy task we ask of you. The gate will not be finished recharging until tomorrow at the earliest. Please, get some rest and think on it." She then motions to a small sack, "As well, the items you requested were delivered earlier today."
[18:31] * Aluthyra sighs, looking to Kjell and Kilarra. "If you wish me along, truly, I would not say no. But I remind you both that if I am put in a situation requiring me to lie, it could endanger us all."
[18:32] * Kilarra stands up and slips her tail around Aluthyra, "Let's sleep on it like she said. I'm sure we can come up with a few questions to sort things out. However, if you decide not to go, then I'm staying too." She blushes a bit, admitting, "I may have had sex with a lot of people over the years, but you're a whole different kind of special to me."
[18:33] <@Kilarra> Kjell chuckles a bit at them. "Then it seems rest would be our next course of action."
[18:33] <@Kilarra> Eviana nods, "Indeed. I invite you to join us for breakfast on the morrow, and we shall make plain all that we know for this mission."
[18:34] * Aluthyra blinks, taken back. "You... truly?" She smiles widely. "Very well... we will sleep on it." She takes her item from the small satchel, then hugs Kilarra. "Shall we?" She smirks.
[18:35] * Kilarra grabs her new headband with a smile, then heads to the same little resting pavillion they had from before.
[18:35] <@Kilarra> Kjell follows, motioning for Kahree to come as well.
[18:37] <@Kilarra> -End Session-
[18:37] <@Kilarra> Rewards: 1 EL 7, 1 EL 8; 2000 Experience Each