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[20:11:36] Mholmes: Okhfels lies on the floor of Isadora's tent, exhausted as Isadora enters.
[20:13:03] * Okhfels is covered with dried mud and blood. His eyes are closed.
[20:14:00] * Isadora doesn't arrive until the wee hours of the morning. She carefully skirts Okhfels on the floor, not wanting to disturb him, and pours herself a glass of wine that she doesn't drink. She'll try to ease a pillow under his head without waking him.
[20:14:26] * Okhfels awakes with a start. "No!"
[20:14:27] Isadora: If he doesn't wake immediately, Isadora will sit in the dark, watching him, turning the wineglass in her hands but not touching the liquid.
[20:14:51] * Isadora jumps back. "What? What is it?"
[20:15:03] Okhfels: "Isadora... you... snakes..."
[20:15:22] Okhfels: "Snake woman... there...'
[20:15:42] Okhfels: Okhfels staggers to his feet, scanning around unsteadily.
[20:16:06] * Isadora looks around. "Snake woman? There's no one here but you. It's late." At least he didn't say anything about feathers.
[20:17:37] Okhfels: "There was a woman... Riani... she..." He puts his hands over his eyes. "She was coming here, for you... I tried to stop her... she used magic..."
[20:18:47] * Okhfels takes his hands from his eyes and looks around the tent again, trying to steady himself.
[20:20:02] Isadora: "I just got back. Maybe she left?" Isadora frowns. The last thing needed around here is another meddling magician.
[20:20:59] Okhfels: Okhfels runs his hand through his hair, smearing it with mud. "Must have. I don't remember exactly what happened."
[20:22:08] * Isadora slouches back into a chair, looking tired as the initial alarm fades. "Tell me about it. Take a chair. Take a drink, if it'll help."
[20:23:47] Sebastian: Sebastian steps into the tent, he seems a bit unsteady and his eyes are clearly bloodshot.
[20:23:56] Okhfels: Okhfels realizes that he hasn't eaten since before the battle. "Is there anything to eat?" He takes some wine and sits on a big chest.
[20:25:14] Isadora: Rather than call a servant, Isadora pushes herself up and fumbles around in the dark recesses of the tent for a moment, producing a loaf of bread and some just-past-prime fruit. "Eat."
[20:25:30] Isadora: "Sebastian? You missed all the fuss. Do you have anything to tell me about snake women?"
[20:26:11] Okhfels: Okhfels takes them and nods gratefully. Takes a big bite of bread.
[20:26:22] Sebastian: Sebastian seems lost deep in thought, he doesn't react to Isadora's query.
[20:28:12] * Isadora looks between the two of them and sighs. "Looks like a restless night for all of us. Tell me the story, Okhfels--maybe we'll find some help in it." She finally lights a lamp, but keeps the flame low.
[20:31:50] * Okhfels takes a bite of fruit, and talks past it. "I was going to the victory party, to join the men... a woman came up to me, Riani, asks where your tent is... she gave me this eye... and a power came over me... before I knew what was doing, I'd told her... and..." He gestures vaguely around his head. "There were these snakes... only they weren't REALLY there, it just looked like it... she thanked me and...
[20:32:35] Okhfels: ...started making her way over. I tried to stop her, but the whole thing... I was just so tired... I don't remember much else. I think I was shouting at her..."
[20:33:52] Okhfels: Okhfels swallows, shakes his head, and takes another bite of bread.
[20:34:00] Okhfels: "Then I woke up here."
[20:35:46] Isadora: "Did you see any of this, Sebastian?" Isadora looks troubled, but can't quite summon up her usual lively exasperation.
[20:36:38] Sebastian: Sebastian still seems lost in thought. He's not actually doing anything, just staring at his hands which are lying in his lap.
[20:37:26] * Okhfels takes a drink of wine, then looks over at Sebastian. "Oy!"
[20:41:01] Isadora: "You weren't involved in the Kalden trouble," Isadora says to Sebastian, sitting forward and looking more concerned. "Something else hit you tonight?"
[20:42:44] Sebastian: Sebastian gives a little self depreciating laugh. He doesn't really seem to notice there is anyone else in the tent. "And they say that alcohol will make a man brave..." He shakes his head slowly, almost sadly.
[20:43:33] Okhfels: "That's ash and smoke. Only a fool drinks for courage."
[20:43:59] Isadora: "I'm starting to think this place is killing all of us."
[20:44:41] Okhfels: Okhfels shakes his head. "No... no, I just need a rest, some food..."
[20:45:03] Sebastian: Sebastian looks up, his bloodshot eyes filled with something dark. "Killing us? That is not what I fear..." almost in a whisper: "Quite the opposite..."
[20:45:10] Okhfels: "It was just one thing after another yesterday."
[20:45:58] Isadora: "It's been one thing after another for longer than yesterday." She looks at the two of them. "But none of us are here because there's a good alternative, right?"
[20:46:31] Okhfels: Okhfels looks thoughtful.
[20:48:47] Sebastian: "Alternaives? I have nothing but alternatives, but I can't seem to bring myself to pursue one..." He looks up, almost hopefully, "Perhaps..." his eyes flick from Isadora to Okhfels and back, "No, perhaps not..." He stands up and turns to go.
[20:49:48] * Isadora rises and strides to him with more energy than she's shown since entering the tent, putting a hand on his shoulder to stop him from going. "Perhaps what?"
[20:52:22] Sebastian: Sebastian freezes. He looks as if he might speak, but then sadly shakes his head. "It seems I am no longer drunk enough to ask for help." Then, almost to himself, "I wonder if I should regret that...?" He gently removes Isadora's hand, "Thank you for you concern, My Lady." He gives her a bow of profound respect and moves to leave again.
[20:52:56] Okhfels: It's Okhfels turn to stand up. He moves to get between Sebastian and the entrance.
[20:53:33] Okhfels: "She asked you a question." He's still holding the food.
[20:55:23] Sebastian: Sebastian looks up, way up, at Okhfels. A dangerous gleam appears briefly in his eye, "Why yes, so she did..." He pauses as if waiting for Okhfels to make a point.
[20:56:30] Isadora: "Hell. It's not worth fighting about. I trust both of you. I don't need every secret in this rotten hole--the ones I know about are more than I can handle."
[20:57:40] Sebastian: Sebastian takes a long look at Isadora, he appears almost... grateful.
[20:58:25] Okhfels: Okhfels gets out of the way again. He seems to be coming back to life again... he doesn't look so drained.
[20:59:40] Isadora: "But if you feel better in the morning, I could use your advice," she adds quietly.
[21:00:56] Okhfels: "I need to find somewhere to finish my sleep," says Okhfels, idly, "But I don't want to leave you unguarded, Isadora. If you don't mind, I'll sleep outside here."
[21:01:04] Sebastian: Sebastian smiles, it almost looks like the one he usually wears, "Any assistance I may offer is of course yours, My Lady." He strides out of the tent, but not heading toward his own.
[21:02:31] * Isadora watches Sebastian go for a second, then looks back to Okhfels and snorts, sounding more like her usual self. "Outside? Is this some sort of mercenary thing? One of the perks of decadent aristocracy is that we leave lots of pillows lying around. Help yourself."
[21:03:06] Isadora: "And... thank you."
[21:05:13] Mholmes: Shortly after Sebastian leaves his tent, a shadow, imperceptible in the dark, follows him out.

[21:12:02] Mholmes: Sebastian comes recklessly into Zoora's tent. It's a musty affair, from the strange smoke that comes from the briazier. Fahja is still up, and Zoora awakes as he enters.
[21:12:14] Mholmes: Elkaru, in the corner, snores heavily.
[21:13:02] Sebastian: "Zoora, I believe that you have taken something from me, and I want her back."
[21:13:50] * Fahja looks up, his thoughts far away...
[21:16:06] Fahja: "The day has been far too long. The lady was taking her rest. Why don't you return at another time."
[21:17:33] Sebastian: Sebastian's eyes snap to Fahja, as if he hadn't even noticed anyone else in the tent. "I do not see how this concerns you, my friend."
[21:20:32] Fahja: "Why don't you sit and explain the matter to me, then I shall be better able to decide if I am concerned. But cease your demands, for none shall be met if you continue to prattle on."
[21:22:00] Sebastian: Sebastian takes another look at Fahja, shakes his head minutely, and turns back to Zoora, "So? Will you return what you have taken?"
[21:22:38] * Fahja slowly begins to stand.
[21:23:00] Fahja: "Have it your way then.."
[21:23:03] Mholmes: Zoora still looks confused from just having woken up. "What do you think I have of yours, Northerner?"
[21:23:37] Sebastian: Sebastian's eyse glitter dangerously, his voice falls to a near whisper, "Laura."
[21:24:51] Fahja: "Don't bother. He's pulled me from my memories and made me foul. I hope this Laura you seek is worth bleeding over."
[21:25:37] Mholmes: "Laura?" she says, feigning ignorance. And then, "Ah, yes, one of my members. She's very in tune with the lord of cats. What of her?"
[21:27:16] Sebastian: Sebastian's eyse narrow. "'What of her?' You taunt me? She has not been seen for days. And do not think that I did not notice the change wrought in her? Where is she, what did you do to her?"
[21:27:28] * Fahja lays his hand to the hilt of his blade, but pauses out of curiousity.
[21:29:30] Mholmes: "I did nothing to her. She is safe, last I saw her," says Zoora indignantly.
[21:44:39] Sebastian: Every muscle in Sebastian's body seems to tense. "Do. Not. Toy. With. Me. Woman. I. Am. Not. In. The. Mood. For. It."
[21:45:20] Sebastian: Sebastian looks like a man on the edge, it probably wouldn't take much to send him over...
[21:45:25] * Fahja slides his blade 2 inches out of its sheath, but makes no other move.
[21:47:55] Mholmes: "Don't threaten me, you pipsqueak. I could do to you what I did to her," she retorts.
[21:50:28] * Fahja speaks rather quietly...
[21:51:19] Sebastian: Sebastian's entire body freezes in place. His eyes widen, his breathing speeds up.
[21:52:00] Fahja: "Zoora, if you can't manage to tell a simple truth to this man, how can I trust you to be honest about... well, anything? You best make amends, rather quickly, for your dishonesty. My people do not treat liars kindly, and despite the rumors, I am truly of my people."
[21:52:51] Mholmes: Zoora, anticipating trouble, stands tall, and starts ... to... change. As they look on, her ears grow pointed, and her teeth become sharp, and fur starts to grow all over her body.
[21:53:54] Mholmes: Somehow Elkaru still has not awoken from his deep slumber.
[21:54:54] * Fahja pulls his blade free of its confinement.
[21:55:02] Fahja: "Women are more trouble than the gods.."
[21:56:55] Sebastian: Sebastian is trembling visibly. "What you have done here will have consequences far beyond what you know woman. I offer you two options: you may return Laura to me and leave this place, or you may die. Choose now."
[22:02:23] Mholmes: "Raaaawrrr," Zoora purs, now half human, half cat. "I'm jussst terrrified."
[22:02:42] Mholmes: The irony is dripping with venom.
[22:11:18] Mholmes: Sebastian launches himself at Zoora, who dodges out of the way. She swipes back at him, tearing his clothes and drawing tiny lines of blood. She tries to circle, but Fahja simply waves his sword at her, and she turns back. By that time, Sebastian in on her and pounding her with a might born of desperation. He smashes her, and smashes her, over and over.
[22:12:00] Mholmes: When he looks up from the gruesome work, the Zoora-cat is a bloody pulp about the head.
[22:14:10] Sebastian: Sebastian stands up, blood spattered all over him, and begins searching the tent. "Excuse me, there may be a clue here." He nudges Elkaru. "Excuse me." he mutters.
[22:14:24] * Fahja goes over to inspect Elkaru.
[22:14:41] Mholmes: Sebastian notes that some of the blood is from his own knuckles.
[22:19:55] Mholmes: Searching everywhere, there's nothing that tells Sebastian anything about Laura's whereabouts. She does have a little book, however with names in it. Amongst them are "Gennadi" and "Elahra."
[22:22:11] Sebastian: Once it is clear that nothing will be found Sebastian redoubles his search, almost frantically. After a time he simply stops, turns, and walks out. He mutters to himself, "All for nothing... nothing..." There are a pair of wet trails that trace themselves through the gore on his face as he walks aimlessly away from the tent.
[22:22:45] * Fahja watches the stranger go.
[22:23:40] Mholmes: Elkaru wakes up and looks at Fahja, "Did I miss something?"
[22:23:55] Fahja: "It is time to go."
[22:24:13] * Fahja picks up a lantern and sets fire to the tent.
[22:24:19] * Fahja walks out.
[22:25:33] Mholmes: Elkaru barely manages to get his belongings out behind Fahja.

[20:16:07] Mholmes: Archelaus enters Egani's house and that personage has his head on his workbench fast asleep.
[20:16:38] * Egani snores quietly.
[20:17:28] Mholmes: The sun is just coming up. Marcia looks in from the kitchen where she seems to be doing some work and says, "Hello, Archelaus. How are you?"
[20:17:41] Mholmes: Egani wakes up at the sound of his wife's voice.
[20:17:57] Mholmes: In the corner, Aaron shifts, seemingly for no reason.
[20:18:03] Egani: "What's that hun?"
[20:18:27] Mholmes: "Archelaus is here," she says, and then goes back to work.
[20:19:10] * Egani whiping sleep from his eyes, greets Archelaus. "Hello. It's been a long night. I guess I fell asleep out here again..."
[20:20:43] Mholmes: There's a crash of a pan dropping that comes from the kitchen. "Oops, sorry!"
[20:22:44] Egani: "What brings you here, Archelaus?"
[20:23:50] Mholmes: Chelli, Egani's cat, climbs along a shelf, deftly, but knocks a tool of of it which klunks noisily on the workbench.
[20:24:51] Egani: Absentmindedly, Egani puts the clamp back on the shelf and scratches the cat between the ears.
[20:25:05] Archelaus: "What are you doing here Egani?" Archelaus asks, uncharacteristically direct.
[20:25:17] Mholmes: Aaron steps forward abruptly, "I....remember something."
[20:25:43] Egani: "I'm sorry?" Egani says looking back and forth between Archie and Aaron.
[20:25:48] * Archelaus takes a sharp step backwards
[20:26:46] Mholmes: Marcia makes a odd dismayed sort of sound from the kitchen. There is a big crash of dishes or something hitting the floor.
[20:27:01] * Egani rushes into the kitchen.
[20:27:07] Egani: "Honey? What is it?"
[20:28:20] Mholmes: Marcia almost bumps into Egani as she heads to the main room. She ignores Egani as she does so.
[20:28:26] Archelaus: "What do you remember, Aaron?"
[20:28:54] Mholmes: Egani and Archelaus both note that there is a strange green bird on Marcia's shoulder as she enters the room.
[20:29:02] Mholmes: She heads straight to the front door.
[20:29:34] * Egani gazes into the Symbolic world of Essence to determine what's going on.
[20:30:18] Archelaus: as does Archelaus
[20:37:28] Mholmes: Egani, apparently not fully awake yet sees too many lines of essence. Archelaus, on the other hand, sees precisely that the bird has lines that extend into Marcia to certain points. Odd that these points should be connections...
[20:39:08] Mholmes: "I remember something about the Woods across the lake," says Aaron, oblivious to the developing situation. Marcia walks out the door. As she does so, her head turns back, and there's an obvious look of simay on her face.
[20:40:57] * Egani grabs the bird off his wife's shoulder and holds it fast, trying to get a better look at it.
[20:44:22] Archelaus: "Aaron, in Valris' name! What do you remember?"
[20:47:16] Mholmes: "I remember the trees, so tall, and I remember the light...and I remember a place in the middle of the woods..." suddenly Aaron starts flailing about, smashing things.
[20:51:12] Mholmes: Marcia stops momentarily as Egani snatches the bird. But then it worms it's way out of his hand, and alights on Marcia's shoulder again. She immediately lurches forward.
[20:51:21] * Egani keeps even with Marcia as she strides away from the house. As they go, he is talking to her. Reminding her of herself and their relationship. Trying to help her break the grip of whatever has her.
[20:58:40] Mholmes: After a bit, Marcia's face seems like she's hearing what he's saying, and finally with an uncharacteristic grunt from her, the bird takes off from her shoulder. She seems to come back to her normal self.

[21:00:43] Mholmes: Back at the house, Archelaus is trying to calm Aaron down.
[21:01:59] Archelaus: Oblivious to the danger, Archelaus grabs the big wooden man by the shoulders.
[21:03:31] Archelaus: "You're not in the forest Aaron; you're here with me, in Egani's workshop. I know we can help you."
[21:04:20] * Archelaus speaks with all the manufactured confidence that only years of teaching subjects outside his specialty could give him.
[21:07:30] Mholmes: Aaron takes note of him and seems to come to his senses, "I...what happened?"
[21:15:39] Archelaus: "You got confused. Now, I must know, what is the source of your knowledge? What power do you serve?"
[21:16:48] Mholmes: Aaron looks far away, "I...I serve Egani. He made me to serve him."
[21:16:56] Mholmes: He sounds strangely lol
[21:17:13] Mholmes: Strangely uncertain.
[21:19:44] Mholmes: "Would you like to belong to the circle, as well? I provide many useful functions," Aaron says automatically.
[21:24:13] Archelaus: "Useful for whom, I wonder."
[21:25:12] * Egani leads Marcia back to the house and draws her a glass of water from the well.
[21:25:48] Egani: Calling into the workshop, Egani asks "Aaron, do you know anything about those birds?"
[21:31:11] Mholmes: "The birds that power me?" queries Aaron rhetorically, for accuracy's sake. "They are indigenous to the White Wood, they..."
[21:31:19] Mholmes: He seems to be going over the edge again.
[21:33:24] Mholmes: As the sun grows higher in the sky, the yellow aura still hanging over the White Wood starts to tinge this side of the lake with it's unhealthy color.
[21:35:57] * Egani sedates Marcia.
[21:38:34] * Archelaus takes Egani a bit to the side and speaks quietly. "I fear these birds, Egani. We cannot trust Aaron until we know the who the bird's serve."
[21:38:47] Mholmes: Marcia, a bit surprised, heads over to bed, her eyes already drooping.
[21:39:12] Egani: "We need to enter the woods. Let's go move that rock."
[21:39:38] Archelaus: "Do you have a plan?"
[21:41:20] Egani: "Not really, but we need to do something. How long have we been on the verge of exploring? How long will that yellow mist grow?"
[21:41:50] Archelaus: "until someone stops it, I suspect. However, I have no scientific evidence for that conjecture."
[21:42:51] Egani: "We must go."
[21:43:48] Egani: "I believe this is as important as the goblins or anything else afflicting this colony."

[21:22:54] Okhfels: Isadora hears a steady "THWACK! THWACK! THWACK!" coming from the general direction of the pells... (for those of you who don't know, pells are big logs stuck in the ground for sword practice) She sees Okhfels there, alone, working on his sword technique.
[21:24:14] Okhfels: Okhfels is taking big hunks of wood out of the pells... he's not holding back.
[21:24:38] * Isadora approaches unhurriedly, looking pensive. "We could set you on the White Wood and take care of that problem."
[21:26:29] Okhfels: Okhfels takes another swing, but something goes *wrong*... it sounds wrong, and the weapon almost jars out of his grip. Okhfels looks at the weapon, then groans in frustration.
[21:28:11] * Isadora winces in sympathy as the sword jars his hands. "What went wrong?"
[21:29:00] Okhfels: Okhfels notices Isadora with a nod. He walks over and shows her. "Bent... again."
[21:29:14] Okhfels: "Iron just isn't the right metal for a sword."
[21:31:57] Isadora: "I can get steel from Kaitaine for you, with a bit of asking. We're sunk for equipment out here, but I'd gladly use the favor for you."
[21:33:50] Okhfels: "Steel? Mmm... Teth Hold is closer. And you know... why just stop at steel?"
[21:34:25] Isadora: "Because that's the best I can offer... but you sound like you have something better in mind."
[21:34:45] Okhfels: Okhfels smiles slowly as an idea dawns on him.
[21:34:59] Okhfels: He looks down at the skyship, and then back at Isadora.
[21:35:56] Okhfels: "Teth Hold... my home... they make the best swords I've ever seen. Really hard to get to, because of all the goblins... but goblins don't fly."
[21:37:26] * Isadora makes a little "oh" with her mouth, and smiles for the first time in a while. "You don't say. Want to have a word with our intrepid Captain Kaltrain?"
[21:37:58] Okhfels: "Yes... yes... I think I do..."
[21:43:05] Okhfels: "They make steel in Teth Hold... but not for weapons... at least, not for anyone who's proven himself worthy." Okhfels gestures downwards. "Deep underground, a convent of nun-smiths, dedicated to Tethior... they know the secret of making White Alloy. Sharp as a razor, tough as dragonscale, never rusts."
[21:43:38] Isadora: "How hard is it to prove worthy?"
[21:44:07] Mholmes: Dhazari comes strolling along.
[21:44:17] Okhfels: "Not that hard. The priests usually present a man with his first White Alloy weapon after he's been in a battle or two. Or woman..."
[21:44:18] Mholmes: He waves non-chalantly.
[21:46:01] Isadora: "Dhazari." She nods to him. "I'm thinking of giving my leash the slip for long enough to seek Okhfels' wonder steel. Anything your people would want in on?"
[21:50:57] Mholmes: He seems perplexed, "You're leaving? Taking the colony with you, then?"
[21:52:00] Isadora: "No. Short trip. Jilliams can handle things. I'm going crazy here, anyway--got to leave, just for a bit."
[21:55:34] Mholmes: "That's probably not a good idea right now," says the chief hunter. "The swamp fever...it's spreading to a lot of people. My people ...dozens have it now."
[21:56:47] Okhfels: Okhfels grunts. "I had forgotten about that. He's right, Isadora..."
[21:57:54] Mholmes: "Worse..." Dhazari pauses, not sure how to continue. "Speckler..."
[21:58:25] * Isadora waves a hand at Dhazari. "Go on. Some reason I need to kill him, too?"
[21:58:30] * Egani approaches the council and stands waiting to be recognized.
[21:59:49] * Archelaus follows, hauling a complaining Tehu behind him.
[22:00:04] Mholmes: "Well, we think he's been stealing from us," says Dhazari very uncomfortably. "I thought you had heard."
[22:01:50] Isadora: "Ah, that. The affair with the goblins interrupted, but I'll take care of it. Apologies for the delay." She looks to the waiting Egani and Archelaus. "I suppose it would be too much to ask that you've been working night and day and have discovered a cure for the swamp fever."
[22:03:07] Egani: "Sorry, to disappoint, but it may well be related. We believe that the yellow mist above the woods, and spreading this way bears immediate investigation. We're going in. You folks should come too."
[22:04:09] Okhfels: "And me with a bent sword."
[22:04:40] Isadora: "So... Okhfels is going to Teth Hold, you're going into the woods, and I'm staying here with the plague. Why am I still here?"
[22:04:44] Egani: "I guess I could take time to fix it...if there's not another you could use."
[22:04:58] Archelaus: "It is imperative that we find the source of this magic without delay."
[22:05:12] Egani: "No, you and Ohkfels should come into the woods."
[22:06:06] * Okhfels looks to Isadora.
[22:06:13] Mholmes: Haikain comes strolling up, "What's going on?"
[22:06:14] Okhfels: His face says, "I will follow you anywhere."
[22:07:35] Isadora: "Why would I devote the slightest scrap of resources to helping a band of wizards who've been running about stirring up all kinds of magical trouble, but haven't shown the slightest interest in helping the camps that keep the goblins from killing us all?"
[22:08:03] Egani: "Common goals?"
[22:08:10] Archelaus: "Do you really think those goblins are organizing themselves?"
[22:08:28] Egani: "I've done everything you asked of me. What more are you looking for? I'm not even on your payroll?"
[22:08:59] Isadora: "One moment." She gestures to Okhfels to step aside with her.
[22:09:06] * Okhfels does so.
[22:10:26] Isadora: "Teth Hold. How important is it? I'm not sending you off into the woods unless you want to go."
[22:12:20] Okhfels: "What? No, it's not that important. I have waited this long... I can wait a while longer. What if it's the trees that are making people sick?"
[22:12:20] Egani: "Haik, we're mounting an immediate expedition into the woods to research and combat that yellow mist. You coming?"
[22:14:47] * Isadora nods to Okhfels, then steps back to the main group. "I'll send Okhfels along with you, under the condition that you answer any question he asks you along the way truthfully, fully, and at your earliest convenience."
[22:15:23] Mholmes: Haikain, ever eager to explore, checks his mapmaking equipment, and nods his agreement to come along.
[22:16:02] Egani: "Excellent. Who else should we see about coming along?"
[22:16:09] Okhfels: "Isadora, can I bring a few of my men along? These guys don't look like they could defend themselves from a housecat."
[22:17:05] Isadora: "Bring the men you can spare from the camp," Isadora agrees with Okhfels. To Dhazari, she adds, "Would any Rhiani be able to come as guides, or is this going too far?"
[22:17:12] Archelaus: "He may not, in that case, ask me any questions about the secrets of my order."
[22:18:06] * Egani smiles. "I don't know any secrets."
[22:18:07] Archelaus: "Otherwise, I have no wish to hide answers from you."
[22:18:11] Mholmes: Dhazari is shaking his head, "Go into the White Wood? I would say that nobody who goes into the White Wood ever comes out. But nobody is dumb enough to go into the White Wood in the first place. No, no Rhiani will follow you there."
[22:20:28] Egani: "Would it be worth digging up this Salast person first? He may be interested in the phenomena contained therein."
[22:20:29] Okhfels: "If noone ever goes in... then how do you know it's dangerous? Sounds strange to me."
[22:20:32] Isadora: "I said answer his questions, that's all. I'll leave up to Okhfels' discretion what to ask, and what do if he feels you're holding out on him."
[22:20:44] * Okhfels smirks.
[22:22:02] Mholmes: Dhazari rolls his eyes, "How do we know...Look at it? Have you ever seen trees like that anywhere else? Have you ever seen a sky like that? Serpents like the one that came out of the lake a few days ago? What more evidence do you want?"
[22:23:28] Okhfels: Okhfels shrugs. "No point in arguing..."
[22:24:41] Mholmes: Amestris comes strolling up. "What are you up to now, Archelaus?"
[22:25:17] Isadora: "He's going on a hiking trip. I believe he was about to ask you to accompany him."
[22:25:32] * Isadora assumes a very helpful tone and expression.
[22:31:48] Archelaus: "Hello...dear. Have you concluded your 'metaphysical business'?"
[22:32:55] Mholmes: "I am satisfied for the moment," she says. "You're going to the White Woods, I'm guessing?"
[22:34:28] Egani: "You should come too," Egani butts in.
[22:34:58] Archelaus: "It had crossed my mind. I don't supposed recent event are in any way related to that tedious little cult with which you insist on staying."
[22:35:00] Isadora: As the verbal sparring begins, Isadora steps closer to Okhfels to say quietly, "Good luck. Do whatever seems necessary--I'll back you."
[22:35:24] * Okhfels nods to Isadora.
[22:35:56] Mholmes: Amestris looks at Archelaus like he's a recalcitrant little boy, "I'll go along with you. I've been wanting to see what's in the Woods."
[22:36:10] * Okhfels takes Isadora aside.
[22:36:35] Mholmes: Dhazari looks at Archelaus, "I thought you worshipped the stars? Who is your god? Just what do you worship?"
[22:36:48] Mholmes: He seems very concerned.
[22:36:51] Okhfels: "Just in case..."
[22:37:10] * Egani looks for anyone else around the colony to recruit.
[22:37:16] Okhfels: Okhfels gives Isadora a quick kiss on the lips.
[22:37:20] Okhfels: "Just in case."
[22:38:33] * Isadora touches her lips and smiles slowly. "Just in case."
[22:38:39] Okhfels: "I ah... need to get my sword fixed now."
[22:38:48] * Okhfels retreats before he does something foolish.
[22:38:30] Sebastian: Sebastian passes nearby, he seems lost in his own little world. He's a bit more conspicuous than usual, what with all the blood and gore, not to mention what look to be the traces of tears on his face...
[22:40:36] * Isadora looks after Okhfels... which takes her gaze right into Sebastian's path. Her smile vanishes and she strides over to him, putting an arm around his shoulders to turn him away so the others don't see his face. (Note: This is continued in the next scene.)
[22:40:14] Archelaus: "I worship Valris as I have said. I am a scientist. Others approach the world less rationally."
[22:41:33] Mholmes: "So what of this woman's religion? You have nothing to do with it?" he asks.
[22:42:45] * Fahja watching from a short distance away, observes the assemblage.
[22:43:11] Archelaus: "I have renounced it."
[22:43:20] Isadora: "What was a waste?" Since he seems to be following without much resistance, she takes her arm from his shoulders and links it through his, instead. She keeps gently pulling him away from the arguing academics.
[22:43:48] Mholmes: Serama and Elle arrive to see what the ruckus is. "Did I hear something about an expedition to the White Woods?"
[22:44:29] * Egani will talk about it to anyone who'll listen. The goal is to get them, whoever they are to go along.
[22:45:49] Mholmes: For just a moment, Fahja's heart leaps as he thinks he sees Alitia standing next to Serama. But then he sees that the woman only bears a strong resemblance to Alitia.
[22:47:08] * Fahja realizes that there is much unseen to him happening in this place. There have been too many coincidences of meeting for it to be otherwise.
[22:48:26] * Fahja whistles for Shimmersand.
[22:48:40] Mholmes: Serama looks very different than she did back when she was beholden to Aysha. In fact she looks, like her companion next to her, to be dressed in the Amazon style.
[22:48:49] Mholmes: Shimmersand arrives at his side.
[22:51:16] * Fahja checks his supplies as he watches the two women.
[22:52:30] Mholmes: Serama's partner notes him watching and comes on over to him, "What are you looking at Rhiani?"
[22:52:44] Mholmes: The similarity to Alitia is startling.
[22:53:28] * Fahja thinks, "A ghost".
[22:53:50] Fahja: "Someone from far away from these parts, lady."
[22:56:17] Mholmes: "That's true enough. But I'd prefer you don't stare. If it's all the same," she says, her hand on her spear. Serama comes up, "Don't worry, Elle, he's harmless enough. His name is Fahja. I know his tribe."
[22:56:32] * Fahja bows slightly.
[22:56:36] Fahja: "Indeed."
[22:58:28] Mholmes: "I think that he met your sister, Elle? In fact he may have been one of the last living to see Alitia," she says.
[22:58:28] Fahja: "Do you travel with others of your people?"
[22:59:17] Mholmes: "What do you know of my sister!" Elle requires of Fahja.
[22:59:23] * Fahja clenches his jaw.
[23:00:26] Fahja: "Less than I need to know, but more than I want to know. You seem very much like her to me."
[23:03:18] Mholmes: "We are much alike. Though she is a better warrior than I. Someday, if I find her, she may teach me," she says. "So, will you come with us into the White Wood? We think Alitia may be there."
[23:03:27] Mholmes: This fits with what Fahja knows.
[23:03:50] * Fahja looks off into the forest.
[23:04:05] Fahja: "That is why I am here."

[22:41:40] Isadora: "Walk with me?" she says to him, quietly and with forced casualness. She'll have to hope that the others won't plan anything too disasterous while she tries to draw him away.
[22:42:28] Sebastian: Sebastian follows along, he doesn't seem to hear her. Now that she's closer she can hear him muttering to himself: "All for nothing... a waste, a pointless waste..."
[22:44:02] Isadora: "What was a waste?" Since he seems to be following without much resistance, she takes her arm from his shoulders and links it through his, instead. She keeps gently pulling him away from the arguing academics.
[22:44:34] Sebastian: Sebastian doesn't seem to hear her, he just stares straight ahead but unseeing.
[22:46:01] Isadora: "Be that way, then. But I warn you, if I have to tell family gossip to hold up the conversation, it'll get nasty in a hurry." She steers them towards her tent, so she can clean him up.
[22:53:46] Isadora: "...So, that was how cousin Theodora came to be carrying the Count of Byzani's son. Well, she said it would have been a son, but we never found out, because my sister fed her something to kill the baby before it was born. That's why Theodora doesn't come to family parties anymore..." Isadora wipes at the mess on his face with a wet cloth.
[22:54:15] Mholmes: Gennadi comes over, "Alexander tells me that there's an expedition to the White Wood mounting. Know anything about it?"
[22:56:45] Sebastian: Sebastian's eyes slowly come into focus and he takes a quick look around. He touches his face and feels the blood drying there. "Ah, this is unfortunate..." His eyes look haunted, but his voice sounds just as unconcerned as it always does.
[22:57:17] Mholmes: "What happened to your hands?" Gennadi queries.
[22:57:31] * Isadora will rise to answer Gennadi so that she blocks his entry further into the tent. "Archelaus and Egani's idea. Okhfels is going, so there will be some element of sanity. You can ask him or the wizards about it." She tries to speak loud enough to cover Sebastian's voice behind her, to mask him from Gennadi.
[22:57:49] Sebastian: Sebastian looks down at his hands. "Oh, I got a little upset and so I was hitting things..."
[23:04:00] Mholmes: Gennadi retreats with one last look at Sebastian, and heads for the others.
[23:05:02] * Isadora lets out a breath and turns back to Sebastian. "All right, let's see those hands. Now, my cousin Alexander--no relation to your helper, I hope..."
[23:05:17] Sebastian: Sebastian looks up at Isadora. "I would appreciate it if we could perhaps keep this between the two of us. I am not... accustomed to revealing my emotions. And... thank you for your help..."
[23:06:29] Sebastian: Sebastian snorts, almost humorously, "'Revealing my emotions?' I'm not even accustomed to dealing with the things..."
[23:07:14] * Isadora smiles. "You're back? Good. I was running out of good stories. I'm here to listen if you want to talk... otherwise, I'll cover up anything you need."
[23:08:53] Sebastian: "What is there to say? I can not find someone who is important to me." Then, almost to himself, "More important than she should be perhaps, but it's a bit late for that..."

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