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[20:16:15] Sebastian: Okhfels' eyes snap open. He's in the dome. He knows that he has failed to stop Archelaus from returning to his original body. Elle stands over him looking down worriedly. "Are you alright?" she reaches out a hand to help him up.
[20:17:16] Okhfels: Okhfels shakes his head. "Yeah, I'm alright... but we need to get back to the colony as soon as possible. Isadora needs to know what's going on."
[20:18:24] Okhfels: "I failed, and now Archelaus knows what the island is."
[20:18:37] Sebastian: "I take it that's a bad thing?"
[20:18:45] Sebastian: Elle inquires.
[20:19:57] Okhfels: "Yes, it's a bad thing." Okhfels says it without condescension. "Archelaus is loyal to the power behind the White Wood. Evil, through and through... and now he will be able to strike there whenever he likes."
[20:20:39] Sebastian: "Hmm... I can see where that would be a significant problem. But... why the rush to get back to camp?"
[20:21:20] Okhfels: "Uh... because that's where Isadora is." Okay, NOW he's getting condescending.
[20:22:14] Sebastian: Elle's eyes squint curiously, "And?"
[20:22:38] Okhfels: "And I need to tell her about Archelaus."
[20:22:48] Okhfels: "Come on, there's no time to lose."
[20:23:06] Okhfels: Okhfels gathers up his things again and makes for the exit.
[20:23:11] Sebastian: Elle follows Okhfels outside.
[20:25:18] Okhfels: Okhfels pauses only a moment to gaze out at the island, before hurrying on his way back to the colony.
[20:25:59] Sebastian: As they move through the ruins in the swamp something causes Elle to stumble, she goes down with a suppressed grunt of pain.
[20:26:51] Okhfels: Okhfels turns quickly, on his guard, looking for a possible assailant.
[20:27:44] Sebastian: Elle looks up chagrined. "It's nothing, I... I tripped." She blushes and tries to stand, but her leg buckles and she winces. "That's... not a good sign."
[20:29:44] Okhfels: Okhfels lets out an exasperated huff. "Okay, well, I'm not going to leave you alone out here." He stoops down, scoops her up in one arm, slings her over his shoulder, and continues on his way.
[20:31:16] Sebastian: Elle struggles briefly, "Put me down. This is an undignified position!" She seems to calm a bit, "Please, I can walk, I just need some help. To be carried like this, it is shameful."
[20:31:49] Okhfels: "Can't afford slowing me down. If you like, you can ride on my shoulders."
[20:32:53] Sebastian: Elle sighs, "Just leave me here, warrior. I will not slow you if you go ahead alone." The way she says the word "warrior" indicates that it is a high complement.
[20:33:08] Okhfels: "We had a knight in our company once. Spent all night polishing his armor."
[20:33:41] Okhfels: Okhfels doesn't put her down. "He said that clean armor was the mark of an honorable knight."
[20:34:32] Okhfels: "He got killed when his shiny armor picked him out, and a sniper got him in the ear with a crossbow."
[20:34:58] Okhfels: Okhfels stops his story abruptly, as if the parable is crystal clear.
[20:35:29] Sebastian: Elle snaps, "Then he was a fool, he didn't understand what honor truly is!"
[20:36:21] Okhfels: "I don't know about that... but I know he didn't know what was important."
[20:37:25] Okhfels: "It doesn't matter if it's honor, or dignity, or anything else... you can't enjoy it if you're dead."
[20:37:59] Sebastian: "What is life if it is empty of honor?"
[20:39:24] Sebastian: Elle struggles again, "Now put me down. If you are in such a hurry then go on by yourself."
[20:40:18] Okhfels: "And leave you here? Ash and smoke... what a waste."
[20:40:51] Okhfels: "There's goblins, Blue Bear Riani, and quite possibly a very pissed off troll lurking about."
[20:41:13] Okhfels: "Not to mention whoever-they-are coming up from the south, one of these days."
[20:41:28] Sebastian: Elle's body stiffens, "I can handle myself, big man. Now, Put. Me. Down."
[20:43:10] Okhfels: Okhfels sets Elle down gently. He looks into her eyes, and summons up his aura of command. "You can hang off my back, you can ride my shoulders, or I can carry you. None of those will slow me down. Helping you hobble along will only put both of us at risk, and leaving you behind is only half as stupid."
[20:44:35] Sebastian: Elle's eyes flash dangerously, "I will walk out of this swamp on my own. If you are in such a hurry, then hurry!"
[20:46:21] Okhfels: Okhfels puts his hand gently on Elle's shoulder. "I don't want to leave you behind."
[20:54:15] Sebastian: Elle's eyes soften for a moment, but then harden in resolution. "I thank you for your concern, but honor must be satisfied. Now, either help me or leave me. Choose."
[20:55:05] Okhfels: Okhfels sighs. "You're going to make me mad, one of these days."
[20:55:18] Okhfels: Okhfels offers his arm, on her injured side. "Come on."
[20:56:54] Sebastian: Elle looks up at Okhfels curiously, she clearly had expected him to leave her behind. She allows him to take some of the weight from her ankle. Her voice is almost too soft to hear, "Thank you. I did not want to be left alone..."
[20:57:23] Okhfels: Okhfels keeps his weapon out, in the other hand, and bears as much of her weight as the ungainly positioning will allow."
[20:57:44] Okhfels: "If you didn't want to be left alone, you should have let me carry you."
[20:58:28] Sebastian: Elle hisses, "Even for you I would not bear such a dishonor."
[21:02:35] Sebastian: As they approach the camp, Okhfels sees Isadora striding toward the Two Tree shrine. The death shaman, Fahd, stands watching her.
[21:05:20] Okhfels: Okhfels continues on, angling to meet Isadora.
[21:05:50] Sebastian: Elle leans continues to limp along at his side.
[21:08:15] * Isadora says to Fahd as she approaches the trees, "So, tell me again how this is going to help with the lake spirits."
[21:08:39] Isadora: She doesn't notice Okhfels for a moment, caught up in the problems of the moment.
[21:09:33] Okhfels: Okhfels gets close enough to be a problem of the moment in his own right.
[21:11:23] Isadora: "Because Egani is getting uncomfortably ambitious and--oh!" Isadora stops as she finally sees Okhfels. She makes a small motion as if to move over to him, then stops and looks at Elle. "You've decided to come back?" she asks Okhfels, instead.
[21:12:07] Sebastian: Elle simply stares at Isadora blankly.
[21:12:25] Okhfels: "Yes.... I'm pretty sure I've blocked Archelaus out for good. But I have news." Okhfels sits Elle down gently.
[21:12:54] Isadora: "Of course you do," Isadora says, but she smiles. "What is it?"
[21:14:11] Okhfels: "While I was fighting Archelaus's mind, I saw what he was doing... he was in Aaron's body, and he knows about the sphere in the island, and its power. He has the power to strike at it whenever he wants."
[21:15:46] Isadora: "Well, damn. That speeds up my plans, I suppose--there's no way of reaching Archelaus to kill him right now, correct? So we'll have to move on the island ourselves."
[21:16:02] * Isadora tilts her head in Fahd's direction, inviting his comment.
[21:16:04] Okhfels: "Yes, I agree."
[21:18:29] Sebastian: Fahd speaks quietly, "I believe that the best course might be to introduce the Twin Trees to the spirits of the lake. Together they should be able to shield us from anything this Archelaus might do." As Isadora looks back to Okhfels she notices the look in Elle's eyes as she stares up at the big man. She's quite obviously taken with him.
[21:20:02] Okhfels: Okhfels suggests, "If we're going to move the colony onto the island, then we're going to want to get started as soon as possible. We're going to need to build rafts, get everyone packing..."
[21:20:26] Isadora: Isadora looks hard at Elle for a moment, then drags her gaze back to Fahd and tells herself to concentrate on the heavy magic business. Carefully keeping her voice steady, she says, "How do we make that introduction?"
[21:20:34] Isadora: "Move the colony?"
[21:21:05] Okhfels: Okhfels waits his turn in the conversation...
[21:21:34] Sebastian: Fahd shakes his head, "It will not be that simple. Someone must journey into the spirit world to speak with them."
[21:23:27] Sebastian: Fahd looks piercingly at Isadora.
[21:24:03] Isadora: "Would moving people over to the island... help with that?" Isadora tries to think how this situation is like a duel, and fails.
[21:25:09] Sebastian: Fahd stares at her strangely, "Why would it help? It has nothing to do with the spirit world at all. I doubt it would really hurt, but..."
[21:25:56] Isadora: "It might be, ah, safer, or more... connected. Or something. Oh, hell, I don't know anything about this spiritual stuff. What do I have to do, Fahd?"
[21:29:50] Sebastian: Fahd seems to ponder for a second. "Yes... connected. That is an excellent suggestion." His eyes snap up, "You seem to have a natural talent for this..." he trails off, pondering.
[21:30:55] Isadora: "No I don't," Isadora says hastily. "It was Okhfels' idea."
[21:32:30] Sebastian: Fahd speaks almost to himself, "Yes, if the camp were moved then opening the gateway should be much simpler..." He seems suddenly to hear Isadora's words, "The big man's idea?" He looks at Okhfels appraisingly.
[21:32:35] Okhfels: Okhfels shrugs. "I just want to put some soldiers there in case Archelaus sends those winged things over."
[21:33:32] Okhfels: "The place WAS a city, a long time ago. It's supposed to have people living there... and it's a lot better than living in tents."
[21:36:42] Isadora: "I can get some of the men to do it, certainly. I just... I don't understand what exactly we're going to be doing."
[21:39:27] Isadora: Isadora, frowning, re-focuses on Elle. "Do you need medical help?"
[21:51:17] Okhfels: Okhfels shrugs. "I just want to put some soldiers there in case Archelaus sends those winged things over."
[21:52:09] Sebastian: Elle struggles to her feet suppressing a wince. "I am fine." She gives Isadora a calculating look, "Okhfels helped me."
[21:52:59] Isadora: "That's lovely," Isadora says to Elle. "I'm sure he's a fine doctor."
[21:53:10] Okhfels: Okhfels makes the universal male "face that says, 'What? What did I do?'
[21:53:37] Sebastian: Elle smiles just a bit, "He's very gentle when he wants to be."
[21:54:11] Isadora: "I think Elahra said that, too."
[21:54:56] Okhfels: "Ah... hm...." He changes the subject desperately. "So should I move my men out to the island, then?"
[21:56:17] Sebastian: Elle ignores Okhfels, "Well, she would be right then. But I don't suppose that you would know..."
[21:59:18] Isadora: "If you care for your safety, you'll avoid supposing much about my personal life," Isadora says to Elle with a brittle smile. She ignores Okhfels for the moment.
[21:59:42] Okhfels: Okhfels steps in between Isadora and Elle, trying desperately to get into control of the situation. "Isadora..." he looks into her eyes. "My men? On the island?"
[22:00:17] Isadora: "Yes," Isadora bites off the word. Her hands clench, then unclench.
[22:01:00] Okhfels: Okhfels leans in to give Isadora a kiss.
[22:05:00] * Isadora steps back, her posture an unconscious echo of the moment she pulled back from Sebastian after cutting him. "Who do you think I am?" she says, her eyes burning. "I told you once, I have to know where I stand. I guess that was too complicated."
[22:38:51] Okhfels: Okhfels "Next to me?" Hope sparks in his eyes.
[22:40:04] Isadora: "Oddly enough, you seem to have filled that space since leaving."
[22:40:59] Sebastian: Elle steps forward and takes Okhfels' arm possessively.
[22:41:26] Okhfels: Okhfels firmly takes Elle's hand off his arm.
[22:42:37] Sebastian: Elle simply gives Okhfels a bright smile that seems to say, "Alright, if that's how you want to play it..."
[22:43:21] Isadora: "Dammit." Isadora reaches out and takes hold of Okhfels' shirt with both hands, and would shake him if he were less massive. "I'm going to break with Kaitaine. I don't know if I can do it without you. Why can't you be simpler?"
[22:43:48] Okhfels: "You want me to be SIMPLER?"
[22:44:14] Okhfels: His voice catches. "Okay. I'll... be simpler."
[22:44:24] Okhfels: "I love you."
[22:44:39] Sebastian: Elle, stepping forward awkwardly, pushes Isadora back. "Who do you think you are?" She seems not to have heard Okhfels' words.
[22:59:31] Okhfels: As the weapons come out, Okhfels says, "OOO Hno ?.." and steps between them. ....
[23:01:28] Okhfels: He manages to grab Elle's arm without much difficulty, but Isadora's razor-sharp blade cuts Okhfels' palm. He holds on anyways.
[23:02:15] Okhfels: To Elle, he says, "Go home." Then he turns to Isadora.
[23:03:18] Sebastian: Elle sheaths her blades. Her eyes are filled with pain and rejection. "Very well," she says very quietly as she begins awkwardly limping back to the camp.
[23:04:31] Okhfels: Okhfels holds Isadora's blade where it is. It would pierce his heart if she were to push forward.
[23:07:18] Isadora: Far from pushing, Isadora releases her grip, letting the sword fall unless he holds it up. She steps forward in a rush and throws her arms around his neck, clinging to him fiercely. "I love you," she says, whispering it into his shoulder like a secret.
[23:08:45] Okhfels: Okhfels takes her in his good arm and just holds her.
[23:09:04] Okhfels: Her sword drops to the ground, and red, red drops.
[23:09:36] Mholmes: Looking out south over the lake, the pair see the skyship in the distance looking like it's readying to depart.
[23:10:11] Okhfels: "Isadora, look..."
[23:10:47] Isadora: "People just keep pushing and pushing, or expecting me to be some person I'm not," she says, hands curled into fists, then stops and looks.
[23:10:58] Mholmes: The yellow sky makes the setting sun look very odd from up here.
[23:10:59] Okhfels: "Are they leaving?"
[23:12:05] Isadora: "I don't know," she replies tiredly. "I was going to try to lift the fog, but maybe they can't wait any longer. Once they get back home, things will blow up."
[23:12:35] Okhfels: "So much for going back to Teth."
[23:12:46] Okhfels: He doesn't sound as sad as he ought to be.
[23:14:04] Isadora: "We'll find a way." Isadora sounds determined. "I've decided to burn down everything that might have been waiting for me in Kaitaine, so things *will work* out here."
[23:14:44] Okhfels: Okhfels says, "Weren't we talking about spirits a few minutes ago?"
[23:17:04] Isadora: "We were... but I think we can still catch the ship. I'll ground it, if you need it." She looks at him expectantly.
[23:17:51] Mholmes: Fahd looks at the pair impatiently, apparently unimpressed by the evolving drama.
[23:18:27] Mholmes: "Death solves all these things eventually," he says by way of reassuring them.
[23:18:58] Isadora: "I can see why you're so popular with your people."
[23:20:45] Mholmes: Fahd tilts his head to one side, which Isadora now recognizes as a gesture meaning a sardonic, "I suppose."
[23:25:24] Okhfels: Okhfels says, "No... no, I'm staying here too."
[23:27:17] Isadora: Isadora's face breaks into a smile. "To hell with them, then. We stand here."
[23:27:41] Okhfels: Okhfels nods, and smiles.
[23:37:02] Mholmes: After a bit the ship starts to rise, though as it does, it hardly can seem to go straight. But the captain maneuvers brilliantly, and his crew (apparenly wanting desperately to leave) manage to handle the ship well.
[23:37:28] Okhfels: Okhfels watches the ship fight against the yellow fog. As it rises out of the grip of the sallow tendrils, he says, "What do you know..."
[23:37:41] * Isadora watches it for several moments, then stiffens. "Oh, shit. Where is my mother?"
[23:37:56] Mholmes: Soon the ship is sailing high above to Kaitane.
[23:38:06] Okhfels: "I'm sure she's on board. Can you imagine her missing it?'
[23:39:52] Isadora: "You're right, of course." She turns back to Okhfels. "I hate to ask it of you, after all this, but stay and talk to Fahd with me for a few minutes. We have heavy plans to make."
[23:40:43] Mholmes: Fahd ceases talking to one of the trees, looks over, and nods somlenly.

[20:10:29] Mholmes: Egani arrives back home with the elf in tow.
[20:11:14] Egani: Ignoring the main house for the time being, Egani leads Altynaruk right into his workshop.
[20:12:35] Egani: "I have some fun stuff to show you."
[20:14:50] Egani: "I discovered this variety of bird that is a very interesting essence source."
[20:18:35] Egani: Aaron has followed the pair back from Isadora's camp to Egani's house and enters the workshop, ducking low to fit through the large barn-door.
[20:19:20] Mholmes: Altynaruk looks about the place unable to conceal his disdain. "Fascinating," he says.
[20:20:16] Mholmes: "So, as to why I've come," he starts.
[20:22:51] * Egani listens while getting stuff out to show his disinterested audience.
[20:23:38] Mholmes: "I'll come straight to the point, it's come to our attention that you've stolen some very important tomes of power. Took them without permission," he says.
[20:24:41] * Egani continues to line his experiments up for a full minute before realizing what the newcomer means. "What?"
[20:25:34] Mholmes: "Where are the tomes you took?" the elf says staring directly at Egani, otherwise expressionless.
[20:26:01] Egani: "Um...What tomes do you mean?"
[20:28:31] Mholmes: "Come now, we don't have time for cat and mouse, I don't intend to spend a second longer here than I must," the elf relates.
[20:28:35] * Tamul bursts through the door.
[20:28:51] Tamul: "Look here, elfling."
[20:29:25] * Egani squeaks with a start.
[20:29:26] Tamul: It was me, all along. I who stole the sacred tome of Master Hand.
[20:29:54] Tamul: It is here, in my pack. *Gets out tome.
[20:30:48] Tamul: "I didn't know it wasn't his, when I took it, though. I just strongly suspected it."
[20:31:22] Tamul: (The grimoire in Tamul's hands is ostentatiously not what the elf came for.)
[20:32:12] Mholmes: "What in the name of Tethior are you talking about? Who are you?" says the elf, very annoyed.
[20:32:15] * Egani stares at Tamul for a few seconds before looking back and forth between him and Altynaruk.
[20:33:12] Tamul: "Now, there's no need to be snippy. I stole, and I'm happy to give it back. It just slipped my mind for a while, that's all."
[20:33:30] Tamul: hack "I stole" to "I stole it"
[20:35:33] Tamul: "But to answer your question, I am Tamul son of Teril, of Kaitaine, lately a pupil of Master Hand of the Wednesday Wizard's Association."
[20:38:06] Mholmes: The elf snorts in derision, "Never heard of it. Not at all what I'm talking about."
[20:38:29] Egani: Looking at Tamul with a raised eyebrow, Egani addresses the elf. "Altynaruk, the only thing I can think of is that you mean the Manual of Fabrication and The Tome of New Life. Is that right? I didn't exactly steal them. I was taking them back and forth between home and the academy when my house was accidentally transported to this place."
[20:39:12] * Tamul looks back forth, then slumps dejectedly, the priceless magical tome lying carelessly in one hand. "Oh."
[20:40:54] Mholmes: "Yes, those are the ones in question," says the elf looking at Tamul with consternation.
[20:41:38] Tamul: "I'll just go for tea, then." He dejectedly exits.
[20:42:54] * Egani calls after Tamul, "Tamul, why don't you pop into my place and have Marcia bring a pot of tea out here?"
[20:43:26] Mholmes: "I'll just have them, and then I'll be going, tea is not neccessary," he says with a voice that says that he obviously thinks the tea here would be beneath him.
[20:43:31] * Tamul calls through the carelessly open door, "Fine, sure, whichever."
[20:43:51] Egani: "Well, as I explained, I didn't steal them. I'm authorized by the academy to use them."
[20:44:09] Egani: "And they're central to my research."
[20:44:29] Mholmes: "Authorized?" queries the elf. "By whom?"
[20:44:43] Egani: "I have it fully documented in the log of my studies that I'm sending back on the skyship. Did you notice that it was docked here? It's probably your fastest way home."
[20:45:30] Egani: "Um, it was my job."
[20:46:11] Egani: "I mean, I was taking care of the library. I was specifically supposed to be looking through and cataloging the books that had come in and been ignored for the past 230 years."
[20:46:29] Egani: "Who exactly sent you out here?"
[20:47:24] Mholmes: The elf shakes his head, "The council sent me here. You're joking about authorizing yourself to take out these particular tomes. They're not for mortal consumption. You knew that as librarian, I'm sure. Or were derelict in your duties."
[20:48:40] Egani: "Hey! You're making shit up. There are no rules about mortal consumption. I'm the only human member of the Academy!"
[20:49:31] Mholmes: "Precisely," says the elf looking down at Egani.
[20:49:54] Mholmes: "Let's not quibble, where are they?"
[20:50:05] * Tamul enters with a piping hot samovar on a beautiful display tray, with three cups.
[20:52:27] Tamul: "I do love a good cup of tea. There's something so civiled about it." Tamul pours and hands a cup to the elf as the guest, first.
[20:53:53] Egani: "Tamul, check this guy out. He's a rogue...possibly not even a member of my Academy, making up obviously false 'rules' and expects me to hand over all my research. What, you're going to publish my work? Forget it Alty."
[20:54:53] Tamul: Tamul's hand trembles a little, rattling the cup. "Oh dear, this isn't going to end in tears, is it?"
[20:56:43] Mholmes: The elf unfolds his arms and holds them at his side. "Again, I don't have time for this. Are you going to comply like a nice human, or are you going to force my hand?"
[20:59:06] Egani: For only the third time in his adult life, Egani strikes someone, hoping to do so from surprise.
[21:20:19] Mholmes: Before the elf can really respond, the two of them are all over him. He is damnably quick and his elven grace almost allows him to squeak out of it for a moment. But Egani's technique prevails as the elf is distracted by Tamul's rather savage assault. In the end, the elf lies on the ground unable to move, his nerves shut down by Egani's well placed strike.
[21:21:17] Mholmes: The tea that Tamul had used to blind the elf in the process stains his white blouse.
[21:21:25] * Tamul raises the samovar, his face distorted into a bestial snarl.
[21:21:42] * Egani takes it from him!
[21:21:47] Egani: "Wait!"
[21:21:55] Tamul: hack "into" to "in"
[21:22:19] * Egani looks around at the situation. "Crap!"
[21:22:52] Tamul: "What? Oh no." Tamul lets the in incredibly hot pot drop to the ground.
[21:23:33] Tamul: "I've tea on my shirt again. That's the second time this week! I must get a woman to handle this sort of thing."
[21:24:01] * Egani -- defaulting to practicality, gets to work. He begins to strip the Elf of posessions and clothing and then to bind him securely. "This could have gone better."
[21:25:57] Tamul: "What are you supposing that we do with him? He'd only clutter up the place alive."
[21:26:35] Egani: "Look, if we kill him, we can't undo it. If we leave him alive, we...can."
[21:27:22] Egani: "Besides, I need to know who he really is."
[21:27:35] Tamul: "No, brother, I mean in a purely practical manner, where would he stay? You're not keeping it."
[21:43:28] * Tamul dabs ineffectually at his shirt while Egani checks the body.
[21:53:52] Tamul: Which is to say, while Egani rifles the contents of the hapless elf's pockets.
[21:59:56] Mholmes: As Egani searches the elf, he finds his Apron Badge in a pocket. Definitely a member of the order. Egani also liberates a very ornate shortsword, obviously enchanted.
[22:10:07] * Egani waits for the bound elf to come around.
[22:10:38] * Tamul leaves to change his shirt.
[22:11:27] Egani: "Tamul, if you're going back to camp, please inform Isadora and Sebastian, if you see them, that I could use some advice."
[22:12:45] Mholmes: Altynaruk becomes aware of his surroundings, but still really can't move.
[22:12:53] Tamul: "Oh, I can go back to camp, but I was just stepping over to the house for a moment."
[22:13:11] Egani: "Would you please? I'd appreciate it."
[22:13:27] Tamul: "Indubitably. Bon soir."
[22:14:51] * Egani examines the intruder's enchanted weapon while waiting.
[22:26:06] Mholmes: Looking at the arcane runes etched in the Laen blade, Egani ponders their nature.
[22:31:38] Egani: "Holy Cow! This is the blade of the planes!" Egani pulls a book off the shelf and riffles through the pages.
[22:32:38] Egani: "Here it is! Amazing that you'd be carrying this. I can't imagine who you really are or what you're really after, but this is the coolest thing I've found in weeks."
[22:34:19] Mholmes: The elf grimaces trying to express his exasperation at the situation.
[22:35:04] * Egani pulls out one of his remaining sheets of drawing vellum and begins sketching the image of the bound and helpless elf on the floor of his workshop.

[22:37:13] Mholmes: Tamul finds Sebastian moving about carefully as he seeks out Laura.
[22:38:34] Tamul: Tamul strides up, bows, and slaps Sebastien on the back. "How's the wound, old man?"
[22:39:49] Sebastian: Sebastian winces and doubles over for a moment. "Still pretty fresh... What can I do for you, Tamul?" Sebastian is clearly a bit unhappy with being interrupted.
[22:40:49] Tamul: "Oh, I don't mean to inconvenience you, I mean, if now is a bad time . . . ."
[22:41:21] Sebastian: "Tamul, there are no good times these days, out with it."
[22:42:36] Tamul: "Well, I-or rather, Egani-thought you'd want to know we have a bound elf and . . .," Tamul's gaze becomes unfocused for a moment, " and he has really cool stuff."
[22:44:20] Tamul: ". . .wait, actually Egani's eating him and wants to know if you'd like leftovers or if he should wait."
[22:44:29] Mholmes: Not far off from where they are standing, Sebastian notes the Navigator who brought the elf in question. Her long blonde hair does not hide the points on her ears that indicate her partially elven heritage as well. She seems to be speaking to Speckler.
[22:44:59] Tamul: "Um, just a moment. I need to talk to this guy."
[22:45:14] Sebastian: Sebastian sighs. "So do I, it seems..."
[22:45:14] * Tamul strides closer to the elf and Speckler.
[22:45:22] Sebastian: Sebastian follows Tamul.
[22:46:40] Tamul: "Hey Speckler. About those "items" you wanted transported, it looks like I'll probably be able to move them . . . immediately."
[22:47:19] Sebastian: Sebastian makes a mental note to find out about these "items".
[22:47:19] * Tamul stops and the whispers, "oh, sorry. I guess you might not've wanted me to blab that to the whole camp."
[22:49:48] Mholmes: Speckler shoots daggers at Tamul with his eyes.
[22:52:07] * Tamul takes Speckler by the arm and makes to lead him away-then stops, turns around, and bows to the she-elf. "Excuse my horrible manners. I am Tamul of Kaitaine. May I have the joy of your name?"
[22:54:14] Mholmes: "Is it important? It might suffice to know that I am a navigator? Can I be of service?" she says.
[22:56:08] Tamul: "Madam, courtesy is the bank of the channel of civilization. It is always important."
[22:56:49] Mholmes: "You must be from Kaitaine," she says, smiling.
[22:59:39] Tamul: "Such an elegant woman must have a lovely name-but if you demur . . . . I ask only that you let this kind fellow go so that I may have his full attention."
[23:00:40] Mholmes: "I am called Vella of Osteris," she replies after a moment, succumbing to Tamul to some extent because of his charm and to some extent in spite of it.
[23:01:20] Mholmes: Her grin has a somewhat patronizing edge to it.
[23:01:58] * Tamul bows before taking Speckler aside once more.
[23:12:23] Mholmes: "What is it? Need to tell me that you've turned me in to Isadora?" he says with sarcasm.
[23:13:57] Tamul: "Oh, no, Speck. I can't imagine doing that. Far from it. In fact, I just got a trunk of my own all nice and ready so I can move the cargo surreptitiously. You ready?"
[23:17:30] Sebastian: Sebastian stands quietly gazing at the Navigator. After a few moments he reaches into a pocket and pulls out a subtly blue shaded piece of paper. His deft hands flash, and shortly he extends an oddly shaped, but strangely beautiful paper flower cupped in his hand. He smiles slightly, "You travel much, my Lady. Perhaps a piece of home will keep you company."
[23:22:50] Mholmes: She smiles at him wanly, thanking him for the art.
[23:23:12] Mholmes: Speckler says, "I'm ready, of course I'm ready."
[23:24:18] Tamul: "Good." Tamul beckons Aaron, who is unexpectedly inconspicuous to be nine feet tall, and he lumbers forward with a chest.
[23:25:00] Sebastian: Sebastian looks at Vella for another long moment, "I know we have just met, my Lady, but if you ever find yourself in need of assistance you have but to ask." He reaches in his pocket and pulls forth a small stylized coin. "There are a number of places where you may present this coin and receive whatever help you need if you do not have time to find me."
[23:26:28] Mholmes: She takes the token and a brief look on her face tells Sebastian that she thinks the offer is quaint, but she also feels that the offer is genuine and obviously appreciates how nice Sebastian is being.
[23:27:40] * Tamul and Speckler rejoin the two new friends, having briefly disappeared into Speckler's tent.
[23:27:54] Sebastian: Sebastian catches her look, "Yes, my Lady. I doubt you will ever have use of it either. But if you ever do find yourself in need of assistance, I've found that you can never have too many friends."
[23:29:00] Mholmes: "Many thanks," she replies in her terse manner. But Sebastian can sense that he's managed to penetrate her professional personal buffer.
[23:34:59] Mholmes: Suddenly as if hearing a bell, Vella looks around, finally setting her sights south in the direction of Egani's house. "I have to go and take care of a charge. Sorry."
[23:36:26] Sebastian: Sebastian nods, "Do you think you might need assistance?"
[23:37:44] Tamul: "Madam, may I offer my arm? I am at your service as well."
[23:39:23] Mholmes: "No time," she says. She takes an odd instrument out of a case, and seems to align it somehow. Then she makes a motion over it and suddenly is no longer there.

[20:08:30] Mholmes: The head raves at Archelaus.
[20:11:46] Mholmes: Fahja, despite seeming out of it due to his condition, seems to also manage to appear amused by the events.
[20:12:49] Archelaus: Chatting pleasantly to the head in return, Archelaus follows Fahja towards Alitia's prison.
[20:14:02] Mholmes: "It's ahead," says Fahja indicating another span that arches over what appears to be a flow of lava below that provides light for the chamber.
[20:14:36] Mholmes: Several...things...are flying about high in the chamber, occasionally dropping low to swoop by them. They are not small.
[20:15:20] Archelaus: "T He ? glorious Sun, while curiously inverted from it's customary position overhead, is uncommonly warm this time of year. Isit not?"
[20:22:12] Mholmes: "Indeed, and the fifth planet's alignment makes it all the more uncommon," responds the head offhandedly. Apparently it is familiar with astrological phenomena.
[20:25:09] * Archelaus starts striding over the span. "Would you happen to know the exact time and location of your birth?" he asks the head.
[20:25:44] * Archelaus waits for the answer as if it's the most important thing there is, oblivious to the strangeness and danger around him
[20:26:23] Archelaus: He continues accross the span, however.
[20:26:55] Mholmes: "I was born in 3982, Second Era of Ire, third pass of Orhan, forty second day," it relates.
[20:27:23] Mholmes: "This date should be significant to you, if you think about it," it says mysteriously.
[20:28:09] Archelaus: Archelaus' mind is whirring, trying to work out the significance and the thing's horoscope without the space to draw a proper chart.
[20:31:00] Mholmes: As he crosses the archway, one of the things swoops down towards Archelaus. His head up as usual, he sees it coming.
[20:37:36] * Archelaus swiftly raises the head, its single eye pointed straight at the diving guardian.
[20:38:20] Archelaus: "3982....Second...Orhan..." he continues mutter.
[20:39:13] Mholmes: The guardian seeing the head veers off low, and plunges into the lava, dying with a scream.
[20:55:16] Mholmes: As the scream dies, Archelaus puts together the most obvious fact about the date, it's one of the passes of the comet Sa'kain. Harbinger of the Unlife, and destroyer of barriers between worlds.
[21:02:15] Archelaus: "So, tell me a little bit about yourself; where are you from, what sort of things do you enjoy?"
[21:03:43] Mholmes: "I was once queen of an empire of Emer. My life taken and put into undeath so that the black lady could live forever," she says. "You do not see the pertinence of the dates?"
[21:06:07] Archelaus: "Mmm, well, significant from my former order's point of view, of course, but I'd prefer to hear your versio of things."
[21:08:19] Mholmes: "Are you deserving?" it asks as Archelaus reaches the other side.
[21:17:51] Mholmes: Archelaus spots a lyre sitting on a shelf in the oddly shaped white corridor ahead.
[21:30:24] Mholmes: Playing the lyre for hours, Archelaus enchants the head without any magic but that of the music. Eventually it grins at him. "I have not had solace like that in several thousand years."
[21:30:31] Mholmes: "I must tell you a secret."
[22:02:59] Mholmes: "The date is also the year in which this fortress was raised first, by the sorcerer. This part of this pale exists as it does as a reflection of a portion of the star world that was inverted - you noted that about the sun - inverted to create this place. With the coming of a Night of the Third moon, and Charon near, the edges of time and space would blur..."
[22:03:20] Mholmes: "And then this space could be set aright again."
[22:03:33] Mholmes: "And I would be set free."
[22:11:36] Mholmes: "But you're not about to break your vow to the sorcerer, to be the Thing's priest. Are you?" it asks Archelaus. "I understand your wife's life is at stake?"
[22:12:15] Archelaus: "Well...my wife's soul more than anything really."
[22:13:09] Archelaus: "But there may be something to be done...someone should get you something for your birthday."
[22:15:10] * Archelaus continues to where he thinks the prisoners are.
[22:17:26] Mholmes: A huge Iron door with a barred window in it shows the cell in which most of the prisoners are currently kept. Fahja looks in and says, "There, see her there. The beautiful amazon!"
[22:20:39] Mholmes: "You're the high priest, the door must open for you," says Fahja with the usual blank expression, but the voice questioning.
[22:26:54] * Archelaus accepts Fahja's assertion as fact and moves to open the door...
[22:28:57] Mholmes: Indeed, Fahja is correct, Archelaus can feel that he will be able to, as he can with much of the things in this place, operate this part of it.
[22:29:11] Mholmes: But the question is one of whether "they" will know.
[22:42:02] Mholmes: Casting a spell of secrets to ensure that the masters of this place do not sense it's opening, Archelaus carefully opens the door. Fahja rushes in, grabs Allitia, and drags her back to the door.
[22:42:31] Mholmes: "Should we get the other? The one that Gennadi wanted?"
[22:42:49] Mholmes: Fajha points to a small girl leaning her head against a wall senselessly.
[22:44:31] Archelaus: "Yes, Yes, grab the girl what good will come of it, or anything...but grab her and let's go already!"
[22:45:34] Mholmes: Fahja dashes back in, grabs the young girl and drags her back, too. Grasping Alitia's wrist, he leads them both out.
[22:48:00] Mholmes: The pair move back down the corridor, the head going on about the steps that would have to happen for the spaces to invert again...

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