[Game Thread] Alost

[donsr]

Ivy frowns,, Vora should feel 'at home with ' with us. She is one of those who are still with me, that came from the island of the flying Rock creatures...

I do not feel badly, with my treatment of Variol. If anything, i should have been More Harsh. This Breyla? she is either a dupe, or aiding , whatever
Variol is. If Kree is still able to give orders. would he be fooled?

I the leader? I leaned towards the mageling we chased from this town, who had targeted,our friend who now helps the Orphans. We not only killed minions of his, and sidetracked his plans, we made him look less powerful among the darker folks. He would have reason enough to send such attacks, as he could never face us as a group, on his own.

Ivy fills his goblet halfway, and offers to Fill the Lady's. she is supposed to be in the Inn. whether she is there or not, is of her own doing. I have, and My people have, been treated much worse than i let Variol off with. His reactions were what i wanted to see... and ...i will point out, in this instance, i was more or less right. he is not here to aid Ende, nor is he a friend of the Nightblades, regardless of the NAme we place on his head..If Breyla is put off enough, by us to have slipped out and ran away, then she is not one to be trusted. If she knows the Nightblades, regardless of her thoughts on me? she would return to this building... if she was unsure, Vora and Chenwoi would see that she is there. She was brave enough and certain enough to right this way, she should have that same Conviction to return , if she needs aid.

He sips his wine and gives a shrug as he looks over his comrades who are having fun.she is not one of 'mine'. and there is a Very heavy chance, that she came here to help abduct Ende, using her comradeship with Variol as her only reasoning for her actions after I called out my demands to the fellow in front of everyone, I will not risk any of mine, to aid some one who acts against us.

[Arrevanthas]

Endellion Languages: Sylvan, Common, Pixie, Gnome, Elven **Notes: Endellion still speaks in Elvish for the most part but will use Common when it comes to interactions with Hew.. The hug caught her off guard but only for a brief moment before the half-dryad returned it tightly, realizing that it was probably something that Voraiya needed in the moment. When she held her out at arm’s length, Endellion smiled, blushing a bit at the mention of Hew taking her to a bower. “What’s a bower?” Somewhere she knew that Hew had explained it before but she couldn’t recall the answer. Her face shifted a bit as she realized that she was getting off topic and shook her head. “I…I just…wanted to make sure that you were alright. You just seem…out of sorts.” That concern was clearly reflected in those deep green eyes of hers, her head cocked to the side as she regarded the drowess.

[Rasgorn]

Ivyian The Countess looks over at Ivyian, Breyla is still there. She is in her room drinking tea right now. She has been crying and repeatedly looking over maps and reading scrolls written on red vellum in gold threading. That is expensive. Not in the materials, but in the working of the threads. The maps, one of them is cured gnoll skin, the other looks like papyrus or something like it. I can't tell any more than that. I think she is wondering if she came her by accident. She is certainly looking for something, a clue in the maps and the notes. She seems honestly confused and angry and frustrated. The other one, Variol you call him, has crossed the river and is now in the ruins of Lembeck, still heading East. Soon, he will beyond my ability to track him. You say he is an elf? He doesn't feel like an elf. Some of the NightBlades have unknowingly moved away from the Countess, a few others have moved to give her space for whatever sorcery she is weaving. Almost all of them look surprised and a bit shocked because of the ease in her voice. She is not talking in a chant or rhyme or a cadence, like many spell casters would. She is speaking normally like asking for a glass of wine or pointing out a pretty flower. Ogmund has come to stand next to Ivyian. He too is looking at the Countess differently. Where the others move from fear or superstition, he moves and looks with definite interest. Ivyian can tell Ogmund has no idea how the Countess "knows" what she is saying. Sitting behind the Countess, Bodvar silently nods at Ivyian that she is telling the truth, at least as far as Bodvar can tell with his spell. Eisen, who is sitting two seats away from Ivyian, is also nodding in agreement. He too thinks the Countess is telling the truth. Brinna smiles like a cat, her eyes narrowing. She nudges Ivyian with her elbow while giving him a sideways glance so she can see the others, How do you feel about a "stroll," through the ruins of Lembeck?

Endellion Voraiya leaned in and kissed Endellion on the chin. Smiling with good humor, Voraiya says, A bower is where a Lady takes a lover. Usually a private garden or bedroom, sometimes called a boudoir, someplace where the Lady can have privacy. Often they are just fancy bedrooms. Calling it a "boudoir," is a way of indicating it is something more, something having to do with romance and usually, but not always, some kind illicit sex. I know, humans are very confusing. Voraiya drops her hands and steps away, Yes, I am very out of sorts right now. This Breyla and Variol business feels wrong. Ivyian and his vexing behavior hasn't helped. Ivyian is who he is and I love him as he is, but some days Endellion, some days I could strangle him for a grape. He an I have some differences. I don't believe in wasting time "shaming" people. Having them kiss my toes or bend a knee is superfuluous to what we do. Secondly, it is too much like many of our enemies have had and would treat us if we fell into their power. My sister and Mother revel in that kind of thing and I despise them. Now, back to Breyla. They arrived just after the attack on you. I don't think it was a coincidence. I think it was planned. Coming to negotiate after an attack is something the drow do. You come at a time when the other side is off balanced and recovering. That helps make an assessment of the attack on them and the state of their readiness and backbone. Voraiya pauses, looking at Endellion to see she understood what Voraiya was saying, before going on, Even if the initial meeting went bad, as this did with Variol. If it meant that much, if it was that important, you set aside your feelings and carry out your mission. You don't leave it half done. Unless that is of course what Variol intended. He came and accomplished his task.

[donsr]

Ivy sits and Listens, his eyes shifting to everyone.. I will say this, though you have heard it dozens of times before. One of mottos , is to 'be the fire, that fights the fire'

he waves his hands ..So? This Variol earned the humiliation I leveled at him. He could neither fight? because no matter if he cut me down, he would die as well.. He did not counter my demand , by giving an excuse . I did not expect him to follow my demands. I did expect him to stand down. if he was well, and true, here to help..

Motioning to Judikai so..he left, as if in anger, but i am leaning to, he left as he was 'found out". He...or it..is running back to his master.

.. If it is True what The Lady says... Two of you go, tell this "Breyla to come and tell us the true reasons she is here, tell her to leave her tears in her room, they will do her no good in front of me. and? if she has no thought of coming here, tell her to begone by sunrise.If she wishes to stay, she may as The Lady, this is her town., But she came here for one of mine, i have no trust to her.
We let him run, i will not waste any of my people in a chase .[/COLOR]

With a smile and nod , he says to everyone,... Look over the last month or two what we have done . We have helped people, we have made lives better for some, and punished many who needed punished. We have allies, where no one has had allies before. And they are all..OUR..folk. But it does not end there?...the folk who aided us in the trees last battel? they came to our aid., as we aided them... and I suspect..some of those folks, are in the Ruins of lembeck..I am sure eyes are on him, at this very moment, it would take,only, a small sending, to have them follow him...and mark those he meets.

It may sound passive..but it is...as Kree would say...'smart'. We have what the creature was sent here for, he had to leave without it.., now..we can concentrate on 'new folk' who arrive.

[Arrevanthas]

Endellion Languages: Sylvan, Common, Pixie, Gnome, Elven **Notes: Endellion still speaks in Elvish for the most part but will use Common when it comes to interactions with Hew.. There was a look of thought on Endellion’s face as Voraiya explained what a bower was. In all honesty, it didn’t sound like a bad idea if it were a garden…or somewhere out in nature which would be her preferred. Unaware of the mischievous smirk that took to her lip, Endellion looked at Voraiya curiously when she stepped away, her words resonating with the young half-dryad. “I…did not understand the point of making one bow and such…and it made me very uncomfortable. Mayhaps there is something that Ivyain has sensed that we have not?” she asked, still trying to figure out what the point of it all was. Taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly, Endellion looked up to Voraiya. “Do you think…that the woman, Breyla is…innocent?”

[Rasgorn]

Ivyian The Countess sips her wine, eyeing the others, judging their reactions to Ivyian's words. When Ivyian finishes, she says, Breyla is welcome to stay in Blosque as long as she wishes and commits no crimes. We will watch her of course. I think she came in good conscience. Her distress over Variol's actions are indicative to me, she is not part of whatever this "Variol," is planning. This situation is odd for certain. Earlier tonight, Critias and Celest killed a Vampiric Spawn at Engelard's Estate. They found a 'servant' working for Marcum aiding the Spawn. He fled. I believe they are pursuing him now. They also took another young woman for questioning. Perhaps this Variol is part of those schemes. I haven't felt any undead within Blosque in the last few days. They have been some hovering on the fringes of my Sense though. There were drow with them and Priest of Orcus. They left, heading south in the late hours of last night. The Countess sets her wine glass down, looks East for a moment, Variol is still in the ruins of Lembeck, alone and resting in a state known as 'Reverie,' among the elves. Eisen burps, blushes and combs his beard trying to hide for the moment. Ewan "Hard Bow," gives Eisen a wry smile before saying, We wait for news then? If so, I am to bed. Call me if I am needed, tis no good for all of us to lose sleep. Ewan stands and heads upstairs to the rooms. Several other Night Blades follow him, including Ragusso and Ogmund. I will call it night and take my leave as well Ivyian. Thank you for the wine. The Countess stands, gives Ivyian a slight nod and slips out of the Inn and disappears into the darkness of the night. Brinna watches the Countess leave before turning to Ivyian, We wait? That is really the plan? The curiousness in her voice is hard to miss, along with the slight disbelief. Brinna takes another sip of Highland Scotch, smiling and shaking her head at the same time.

Endellion Voraiya notices Endellion's smirk and almost giggles at the sight. I too, would happily get into that kind of "mischief" with Hew. Alas, Hew only has eyes for you. This whole thing about bowing is a social form followed by too many peoples to count. iWhen you bow to someone, you are showing respect and in a way, giving way to them as having more influence or power than yourself. Peasants bow to Knights, Knights bow to Earls, Earls bow to Dukes, Dukes bow to Kings and Queens. Many people, humans and elves in particular see bowing as a show of acknowledging a superior, someone of higher class or status than yourself. Think of it how wolves have a pecking order in their Packs. Or how a fox gives way to a bobcat and bobcat gives way to a Forest Panther(think Mountain Lion or cougar). Not everyone follows this form, as you have noticed. Voraiya takes a moment, glancing out the window, watching the Countess walk down the street and out of sight. I don't think Breyla is entirely innocent. She had some awareness of a plan and the need to deliver a message. Variol had a plan though, which I don't think he shared her with her. She was almost like a cover for him. I believe he will return. He may have acted as he did to throw off spies or pursuers. I believe we would have a hard time tracking Variol. Breyla we could track easily. Variol may have done what he did to separate himself from her and us. A strange way to protect Breyla, and you, but that is all that really makes sense to me, kind of like a mother bird faking a broken wing to lead predators away from her nest.

[donsr]

Ivy nods he sips his drink again... Resting or Nay, he can stay there... If he is true, he will come back, beg of pardon and then we shall see what
are feelhgs lime are then.

Ivy Will stand for the countess, give the slightest of head bows, as she leaves. He sits down once more.

There was a Gnome SlapJack Ribbons. More a friend of Kree's but he worked with me , when Kree left.

he waves his hand,he would tell us stories, part of his cover was
being a bard. He told us the story of The farmer, who chased a fox to protect the
chickens? He ram into the forest, Hunting the Fox. But what he did not know? The Fox had a Bear and Wolf heling him.. the farmers was killed and all the chickens and the farmers family were eaten...

I do not know what Variol is . And i do not want to lose people
because my ego says we can kill him... he will return, with Help, or he will run away.
The woman... The woman can be just as bad, part of me wants to go over, break her door in and see what she is looking at...its boarder line dark. But most of what i
do , jumps the line, one way or the other. and I am fine with that.

everyone gets some rest, set watches . i will be down here a bit.

[Arrevanthas]

Endellion Languages: Sylvan, Common, Pixie, Gnome, Elven **Notes: Endellion still speaks in Elvish for the most part but will use Common when it comes to interactions with Hew.. She smiled softly, cocking her head to the side as Voraiya revealed those more intimate parts of her…made herself vulnerable before Endellion’s eyes. Without thinking, Endellion placed a hand over Voraiya’s heart. “You are so beautiful, Voraiya…and it’s such a shame that no one has noticed your beauty.” Her words were soft and full of emotion though Endellion did not speak of her outer beauty. Her hand dropped as the drowess spoke of why the bowing left such a bad taste in her mouth and, in all truths, it made sense. With the part of Breyla and Variol, Endellion frowned, her gaze dropping as she mulled the information over in her mind. “I honestly don’t really know what to make of this…situation. I don’t have a lot of experience in…people. My instinct tells me that Breyla is more innocent than what Ivyain believed…but I also…trust in the Nightblades’ ability and experience.”

[Rasgorn]

Ivyian Once the Countess leaves, the room quickly quiets and in two's and three's the room is empty except for Ivyian and Eisen. The dwarf sits next to the dwindling fire, tossing a small twig or stick onto the embers every now and then. He slips slowly from a stone mug as he watches the small flame. The night outside quiets, only the usual night noises coming to them now. Eisen leaves Ivyian to his thoughts, hardly even looking Ivyian's direction as the night slowly turns to early morning. In the hour before dawn, creaks of leather and wood, the jingle of harness and small horse neighs can be heard coming from outside as drovers and freighters and coachmen start preparing for their day. Several Cocks crow out, loud and shrill, announcing the coming of the Sun.

Endellion Voraiya sits back, momentarily startled by Endellion placing a hand on her heart and calling her beautiful. Endellion can't see the blush in the drow's dark cheeks, but she feels the heat on the back of her hand and up her arm. Voraiya cups her hand around Endellion's, giving a gentle squeeze, Thank you Endellion, I don't quite know what more to say, but your words have filled a part of me I hardly ever feel. Voraiya leans over and gently kisses Endellion on the cheek, whispering, You are truly gently and most kind. I am blessed having you as a friend. Voraiya leans back and away, standing slowly, checking her belt and daggers, more as something to do than anything else. Once satisfied, she gives Endellion another smile, Breyla's part in all this scheming still eludes me. Unless she is much cooler and confident person than I suspect. I am headed over to the Inn she is staying to resume my watch. I still think Breyla holds some answers. She may not know that though.

[donsr]

Alone with his thoughts, ,Ivy refills his mug one last time.. He thinks back to younger days, stealing and , on a good days, ending a tax collector, or Cardinals man., Giving money to those who it was taken from in the first place.

Kree's unforgiving approach to enemies , that stopped those that were killed, from ever doing evil again. he snorted with a smile. He broke that cycle once to let the hearld go back to where he came from. It still bothered him he did that.

his eyes drifted to the Door, then back down to the table were he moved crumbs around the table top as if setting up defensive positions on some battle field, seen only in his head.

when a tired server came over with a bucket, and asked 'how much longer he would be... Ivy said,leave the bucket, I'll clean the table and area
hear when i am ready to take my rest. he pushed two silvers, to her....for your trouble, , I am sorry that you were waiting one me. Go..get rest, and thank you.

[Arrevanthas]

Endellion Languages: Sylvan, Common, Pixie, Gnome, Elven **Notes: Endellion still speaks in Elvish for the most part but will use Common when it comes to interactions with Hew.. Endellion gave the drow a gentle smile after she kissed Ende’s cheek. She hesitated a bit as Voraiya spoke of Breyla and her part in whatever was happening. “I…I honestly am not a good judge in this…maybe it is because I don’t really know any better but I usually always try to..” she paused trying to think of the right words. “I try to see the good….in people…um…give them the benefit of the doubt? Is that the right phrase?” Shaking her head, Endellion sighed a bit before giving Voraiya another smile and a hug. “I will let you go now…it is getting late and I should go find Hew.”

[Rasgorn]

Endellion Hew is sleeping, snoring a bit up in your rooms. After resting, would you like to come with me to breakfast with Breyla? I think with your friendly demeanor, she may prove more forthcoming. Variol and Ivyian did not conspire to create the most welcoming moments last night. Voraiya's dark eyes take in Endellion, still gazing at her, Voraiya says, Remember, if you decide to go, Breyla came to see you. Her message was about you and 'for' you. I won't lie, this could prove dangerous if she is being watched, guarded, expecting us to do just such a thing. Do you think you would be up for talking to her? Endellion leaves Voraiya. She finds Jurdikai outside her door standing guard. The soft snores of Hew coming from within. Jurdikai nods at her in greeting, not saying anything lest his rough voice wakes Hew. He opens the door, letting her slip inside before quietly closing it without disturbing Hew. Endellion knows Jurdikai won't leave his post until she wakes and he knows she is safe. Hew is lying on his side, one heavily muscled arm over his head. His other arm is folded underneath him, holding a sharp knife. The windows are shuttered and locked, even so, slips of moonlight cast Hew's face in the softness of deep slumber.

Ivyian Ivyian is staring out the window, watching the dark of night slowly give way to the glow of morning. A creak on the stairs alerts him. Voraiya is coming down. He can tell she purposefully made the noise so he would hear her. She steps lightly off the stairs and walks over to his table, grabbing a chair and moving it close to the fireplace before saying, You and I are good. I am still a Nightblade, I still want to travel and fight alongside you. I do disagree with what happened. That happened and now is done. Tomorrow I plan to have breakfast with Breyla. I asked Endellion to join me. I think Endellion may create a more open and comfortable atmosphere for Breyla. Just so you know, next time I see Variol, I am shooting him, stabbing him, garroting him as quickly as I can. Voraiya sits down and takes a glass, pouring herself some wine and taking a sip before saying, Variol abandoned his 'partner' if Breyla ever was. He as good as left her behind to whatever fate we decided. Such cowardice and disloyalty deserves death. I think he used her as a pawn, rather despicable if you asked me. He didn't even do it with style or any real cunning. Sloppy, he was sloppy and wanting to be done with a task and companion he considered onerous. Voraiya takes another drink, rubs her finger around the rim of the glass, waiting for Ivyian's response.

[donsr]

Ivy nodded to Voraiya he said softly,... I have my ways. You of
all here, should know that. There was no thought, what so ever, for Variol. He acted
in the manner that i heard the Mage act , right before we ended up with Chenoi
as a helpful member. I do not know what Variol, is and the sudden arrival was too much chance, to be a real thing.

Had it been the other way around, i would not have 'begged
pardon'. but i would have stated why and what i thought of the asker.

He smiled, perhaps a bit darkly,..we are not grand powers in these realms. No names that put fear into folks, no coin to cause the highborn to seek our friendship.....so when i asked hm to beg my pardon, it was as savage a slap as i could give him, with out drawing blood.

Breyla? Her choice of words she used and her actions, point at someone who needs aid, but is afraid to ask it. The LAdy more or less said so herself...

Topping off his wine, he sits by the fire, tossing another kindling or two in...Perhaps there is a 'real' Variol out there somewhere... and this
person took his look. It would be exceedingly interesting, to find out what set Breya on the path to come her? She does not look like the type one would send, to safe guard someone's passage.

which ever of us manages to take down this Variol, next we meet...make certain to take his head, we may be able to get answers from it.

taking a big sip of his wine, Ivy lays his head, back against the chair...I must confess... to some anger, that whomever sent them, thought we would happily pack Ende up and send her off.., no questions asked. One has to wonder? Is Breyla the brains, and Variol the muscle?

[Arrevanthas]

Endellion Languages: Sylvan, Common, Pixie, Gnome, Elven **Notes: Endellion still speaks in Elvish for the most part but will use Common when it comes to interactions with Hew.. She gave the drowess a nod. “I will come along. I…do not hold any ill will towards her,” Endellion said with a warm smile. “Hew might…tag along for…obvious reasons.” There was an almost shy smile that gave a little hint of mischief. When she came into the room, she paused to admire the man that had somehow stolen her heart the moment he spoke to her that night when they were looking for her friends. With a smile, she moved to the bed and gently reached out to stroke his cheek, making note of the knife and understanding his fears and danger that seem to have attached to her. Straightening for a moment to disrobe, Endellion slipped into the bed, mindful of the knife and trusting that he would adjust once she lay down.

[Rasgorn]

Ivyian The strangeness of it all troubles me Ivyian. This is not clear cut. We know Variol is not an amateur. He showed too much skill for that. Breyla, well, she seems almost too innocence and naïve for our line of work. The sound of horses galloping down the lane and then slowing catches Ivyian and Voraiya's notice. Outside in the dim light before dawn, they see two riders pulling up. One of the riders slows her horse and slips from the saddle without the horse or her breaking stride. The other rider they now recognize is the goth Edrith. They watch Edrith follow the other rider into the stables and slowly dismount, stretching his legs and back as he does. He then walks his mount into the stables. Shortly after, Asha, dressed in studded leather walks in smelling of horse sweat, leather and wood smoke. She gives them both a smile and swings her braided, raven dark hair around her shoulders as she crosses the room to the bar and pours herself an ale. She looks up, holding her tankard and pointing to see if Ivyian or Voraiya want another bottle of wine. Ivyian looks and notices their bottle of wine was almost empty. Voraiya signs yes and Asha brings two tankards and another bottle to the table. She sits, still smiling, her slate blue eyes looking expectantly at the frothy ale. She takes a long drink before setting the tankard down. A foam mustache covers her top lip, emphasizing the soft purple color of her scarred lip. Without preamble Asha says, We followed Variol as best we could. He is quite skilled and elven. Asha says that without inflection of any kind, stating it simply as a fact elves have better senses than humans. We followed him to that empty hamlet and watched him kill with precision and silence two others who had followed him. He made it easy for them. Another man fell into a trap we believe Variol set. He then shot two others with his bow, snicking the neck of both and paralyzing them rather than killing them. One of them had used glamor to look human. Variol then questioned both before rolling them into a ditch to drown. We never got close enough to hear what was said or to properly identify the glamored individual. Asha takes another long drink as Edrith comes in. His tired face lights up when he sees the tankard of ale and seat by the fire waiting for him. Unlike Asha, Edrith smells strongly of his own sweat and little else. He sits heavily and takes a long drink, his whole body softening into a restful posture as he drinks. Asha smile at seeing him before turning back to Ivyian, I think they used us as decoys. I don't think they truly had a message for Endellion. I think Variol came her to lure those others to him. He had those traps ready. They were not the kind of traps you build in an hour or two. Not unless you have magic. We didn't see Variol use any magic at all. Edrith finishes drinking half his tankard, Have you seen anything happen around the other one? The girl? They went after Variol, it would only make sense for them to go after her. Do you want to set a watch on her?

Endellion Voraiya gives Endellion a knowing smile, Oh, I think bringing Hew along is a good idea. He is very handy, almost as handy as he is handsome, but you know more about that than I. Voraiya gives a little laugh as she walks off. Endellion pauses, admiring Hew and noting his weathered, but smooth skin, his tattoo of the Tree spreading across his chest and down... She reached out, stroking his cheek and he stirred. Waking with one eye open, he smiled and reached around her waist, his large hand cupping her, almost holding her up as he gently pulled her to him. She stepped back, straightening to disrobe and his hand fell away as he stared at her, both eyes open now. He moved the knife under the pillow and rolled, giving her the warm spot in the bed. She lay down and Hew folded his arm over her shoulders and pulled her close. He turned, pulling her with him, her head now on his chest as he lay on his back. His voice is soft and quiet and warm when he speaks, I sometimes imagine us slowly waking like this, feeling a joy and urge... and then suddenly little feet come pattering down the hall and our children hurl themselves into bed with us bringing their own kind of Joy. Do you ever dream such things?