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[19:56:34] Mholmes: Okhfels arrives at Egani's house with a crew ready to disassemble it for wood to make boats.
[19:58:01] * Egani comes out of the shop, wondering what the noise is.
[19:59:47] Okhfels: Okhfels walks over to Egani.
[19:59:53] Egani: "What's up?
[20:00:04] Okhfels: "We need to make boats so that we can move people onto the island."
[20:00:19] Egani: "OK, I still have the plans from the last boat."
[20:00:42] Okhfels: "It's not the plans we're after."
[20:00:57] Egani: "Oh, who's your boatwright?"
[20:03:01] Okhfels: "We're going to make the boat out of deadwood. Luckily, pile of it fell out of the sky." One of the men snickers.
[20:03:10] Egani: You know, a poorly constructed boat is a serious danger. They take real skill to craft well. I had to do some research before putting that one together.
[20:03:38] Okhfels: "How much time do you need to move out?"
[20:03:49] Egani: "I'm sorry?"
[20:04:52] Okhfels: "To move out of your house."
[20:05:04] Egani: "Why would I move out?"
[20:05:37] Okhfels: "Because we're going to be using chunks of it to make rafts. I've got to move as many men as possible onto the island as fast as possible, and one boat isn't going to be enough."
[20:06:03] Egani: "That's not acceptable."
[20:07:00] Egani: "I have responsibilities and my house is necessary. I could convert walls to local stone, but it would take time...less with labor-help."
[20:07:25] Okhfels: "I can offer you your pick of the buildings on the island in trade. We're basically going to be moving the colony there."
[20:07:40] * Egani looks uncharacteristically emotional.
[20:08:11] Egani: "What makes you think that's safe?"
[20:08:28] Okhfels: "I've seen you work."
[20:09:03] Egani: "This isn't something that can happen today. I'll go over to the island again and check it out if you like, but... What's the deal?"
[20:09:09] Egani: "Why move, I mean?"
[20:09:44] Egani: "Have you even been to the island yet? I didn't think you had."
[20:09:59] Okhfels: "Because Archelaus is going to try to take the crystals of power from it. I have been... sort of."
[20:11:02] Okhfels: "I saw it when Archelaus and I had our mind-fight."
[20:11:10] Egani: "So...you're moving the colony before having even set foot on the island? Who came up with this clever idea anyway?"
[20:12:00] Egani: "And, out of curiosity, why is he going to take the crystals?"
[20:12:36] Okhfels: "He wants to make his masters in hell more powerful."
[20:12:43] Okhfels: "It's a gift for his evil god."
[20:12:59] Egani: "Did he tell you that?"
[20:13:07] Okhfels: "I saw it in his mind."
[20:13:32] Egani: "So clearly that you're willing to stake Isadora's survival on it?"
[20:14:02] Okhfels: "Yes."
[20:15:15] Egani: "I know you're a strong guy. But I don't think you have any concept of the level of power that the demon on that island represents. This is not a place that I want my wife to live. It isn't a place that one would put anyone they valued or felt responsible for. This is madness."
[20:18:47] * Egani turns a half turn toward his shop muttering "I was reading just a couple weeks ago a Kritieri historiography about human mass hysteria..."
[20:18:47] Okhfels: "Isadora has a plan to deal with the spirits on the island. I'm not a shaman, but I trust her."
[20:19:11] Egani: "Oh. I see. And everyone should be living there at the time?"
[20:20:46] Okhfels: "Egani, you're not going to change my mind on this. If we're going to have more than a few men on the island, we're going to need to get back and forth. It's a good idea, and it's going to happen."
[20:21:00] Egani: "You can't have my house."
[20:21:10] Egani: "It isn't the property of your employer."
[20:21:56] Okhfels: "It's sitting on land that belongs to the Riani. Do you want me to get Dhazari, or will you admit that I could get his support if I need it?"
[20:22:12] Egani: "You may try."
[20:22:26] Egani: "Look Okhfels, this really isn't a good time. Come back in a week."
[20:22:53] Okhfels: "Way too long."
[20:23:32] Okhfels: Okhfels crosses his arms over his chest. He takes a deep breath and considers.
[20:23:38] Egani: "There are invalids in my house. I trust that you won't drag them into the grass and begin demolition until I get back?"
[20:23:54] * Egani heads for Isadora.
[20:24:20] Okhfels: Okhfels tells his men to wait for him. Okhfels follows Egani.
[20:24:43] Egani: "Isadora! This is bullshit!"
[20:25:04] * Isadora can be found perforating a practice dummy next to her tent. When she stops to greet her visitors, she looks more tired than the exercise would indicate.
[20:25:17] Isadora: "Could you be more specific? I lose track of all the bullshit that flows around me, these days."
[20:26:06] Egani: "Okhfels thinks that he is dismantling my home on your authority for a plan that's the heart of insanity. Is that right?"
[20:26:21] Egani: "And it isn't your home to dismantle."
[20:26:55] Okhfels: Okhfels arrives seconds behind Okhfels.
[20:27:22] Isadora: "Point the first, your home: I've already told you that the owner of the house is free to seek compensation, but he would of course have to understand that it's no longer on his land."
[20:27:26] Okhfels: Okhfels arrives seconds behind Egani.
[20:28:43] Isadora: "Unless you think that occupying land around this lake, eating our food, and borrowing our resources for your expeditions somehow keeps you from being beholden to anyone local?"
[20:29:36] Egani: "I believe that I have provided more than I have taken."
[20:29:57] Egani: "Further, I need my house more than you do."
[20:30:32] Isadora: "You cared for plague victims, and I assure you I have not forgotten that. I bear you no special malice, Egani, but we need boats and you have the best wood."
[20:30:45] Egani: "My house is full of things that need protection from the elements. Remember, I'm not living in a tent on some expedition that I entered with purpose."
[20:30:47] * Isadora looks more tired than angry, and she speaks with a flat tone.
[20:31:25] Okhfels: "I've offered to give him a building on the island."
[20:31:30] Egani: "Isadora, I have two dying elves. I have a wife and a library the value of which is beyond reckoning."
[20:31:44] Egani: "The island is a deathtrap. We shouldn't be moving there."
[20:32:39] * Isadora rubs her temples. "Can the materials in your house be condensed in some fashion, so that you could sacrifice part of the structure while keeping shelter?"
[20:33:37] Egani: "What's the timeline? I could exchange wooden walls for local stone. Okhfels wasn't interested."
[20:34:17] Egani: "Also, there are dangerous giant snakes in there...you don't want to be crossing on flimsy rafts. You want real boats."
[20:34:59] Isadora: "The timeline is soon. We've been living in the grip of this fog for too long. As for the snakes..." Isadora shrugs. "They're a problem, but we're low on expert boat-makers."
[20:35:28] Egani: "I can make boats."
[20:35:59] Egani: "Why do you want everyone living there?"
[20:37:08] Isadora: "Not everyone, necessarily--but some. Enough to make a difference, and they can't be stranded out there with just the one boat we have."
[20:38:38] Egani: "Why so soon? I hear you that you're eager to finish with the yellow mist, but really, what's the difference between a day and two weeks?"
[20:39:09] Isadora: "Maybe nothing, if we didn't have the goblins out there to contend with as well."
[20:39:55] * Isadora looks to Okhfels. "Could you spare a man or three to help Egani with patching his house to cover the holes?"
[20:41:13] Okhfels: "Stone will take too long... but a sod wall is pretty easy to build as long as it isn't too tall.
[20:41:46] Egani: "The clapboard is available and the interior wall-boards on the first floor can be if we're filling that area with stone. I can cut it to fit pretty quickly -- compared to a lone mason.
[20:42:25] Okhfels: Okhfels looks to Isadora.
[20:42:33] Okhfels: "It's going to slow things down."
[20:42:49] Egani: "Yes, unless you mean slower than not getting any of the wood."
[20:42:55] * Isadora lifts her eyebrows at Egani, inviting him to comment on the sod suggestion.
[20:43:00] * Egani looks somehow harder than usual.
[20:43:57] Egani: "Sod would be an adequate temporary measure in some places. It would limit the wood you could have."
[20:44:45] Egani: "But I'd want help after the fact collecting stone for replacement."
[20:45:47] Isadora: Isadora's face hardens to match Egani's. She says quietly, "Though I may not look it to you, I am trying very hard to find a route of compromise. Please don't test my patience too hard. We'll start with sod, and assist with stone replacements if conditions allow."
[20:47:28] Egani: "Isadora, while I think your plan is dangerous to the point of foolish -- if it involves moving large number to a permanent camp on the island at this point, I too am looking for compromise. I don't want a real show-down conflict over this. As always, I was minding my own business. But I can't let my wife be turned out into the cold and damp. Her condition will not permit that."
[20:49:08] Isadora: "Your business, Egani, seems often to have repercussions for the rest of us. Remember that, before you adopt too wounded a stance." Isadora sighs, and her expression softens a bit. "Give my best to your wife, however. Would she care for visitors to distract during the house work?"
[20:49:19] * Isadora looks inquiringly at Okhfels--acceptable, if not perfect?
[20:49:58] Okhfels: Okhfels nods, his mouth tight with frustration.
[20:50:18] Egani: "I'm sure she doesn't get out enough, that would be very nice."
[20:51:07] * Isadora nods. "Are we finished, then?"
[20:51:59] Egani: "Sure, but are you sure about this island thing? I'd prefer to minimize those close to the blast's center."
[20:52:39] Isadora: "I'm sure." Calm but firm, and for a moment the tiredness in her eyes is replaced by a faraway look.
[20:53:00] Egani: As Egani and Okhfels return, Egani apologizes sincerely for the trouble.
[20:53:38] Okhfels: Okhfels nods, not knowing quite what to say.
[20:54:59] Okhfels: With Egani's help, Okhfels organizes the work parties and gets down to details.

[20:15:07] Mholmes: Sebastian meets with Dhazari for the usual weekly administrative talk regarding the Orchid hunting. "Strangely this has been our best week yet," says Dhazari.
[20:15:35] Mholmes: There's something about his attitude that tells Sebastian that Dhazari's attitude toward him has changed somehow.
[20:16:28] Sebastian: Sebastian pauses for a moment, evaluating, "What makes it so strange?'
[20:17:51] Mholmes: "Well, my men aren't too enthused about the hunting. I think that it has to do with the spirits of the men in the colony," he says evasively.
[20:19:10] Sebastian: Sebastian stops making notes and looks directly at Dhazari, "Okay, we've worked together for a while now, Dhazari. What is it that you really want to say?"
[20:19:19] Sebastian: "This isn't like you."
[20:20:23] Mholmes: "I had a vision of a permenant community here," says Dhazari very straightforwardly. "But the deciet of those who are not Rhiani...."
[20:20:43] Mholmes: He pauses here looking for the right words. "I may have been foolish."
[20:21:36] Sebastian: Sebastian sighs, "Dhazari, it sounds like you have been avoiding this conversation for a while now. And it sounds like something that we should probably deal with. The report can wait, have a seat."
[20:22:29] Mholmes: "I'd prefer to stand," says the hunter, his frame tense. "But we should speak plainly about it, yes."
[20:22:58] Sebastian: "I am listening."
[20:26:04] Mholmes: "First....no, I'll come back to Okhfels later. To be truthful, I need to speak of your actions, Sebastian. I know it's not considered polite in your culture, but," he pauses again. "The man Speckler from the colony is a theif, is he not? Do you understand the further ramification of the question I ask and what it means about you to me?"
[20:27:26] Sebastian: Sebastian pauses, "I would like to think I understand the ramifications, but I think that it would be best for you to make sure. Please, expalin."
[20:32:13] Mholmes: Dhazari tilts his head sideways, "See, it's moments like these that I don't know if we can work together. Let me simply ask the first question. Are you aware of Speckler's theivery?"
[20:36:16] Sebastian: "I have become aware of it within the past two days. Isadora and I have been seeking a solution to the problem. I believe that we have managed to prevent him from shipping the items out on the last airship."
[20:40:41] Mholmes: Dhazari looks somewhat surprised for a moment, but the same look of concern soon comes back over his face. "Why have you not simply delivered him to us so we could judge him?"
[20:43:13] Sebastian: Sebastian seems to think for a moment, almost as if he is pondering whether to avoid the question or not, then he sighs. "I suppose the truth is merited here. We didn't do so because I advised Isadora against it. I don't believe that it would be prudent to give the Rhianni jurisdiction over our people. The consequences would likely be... highly negative."
[20:47:39] Mholmes: "Highly negative?" Dhazari says with a disapproving tone in his voice.
[20:52:30] Sebastian: "Dhazari, the colony is in a very precarious position at the moment. I am relatively sure that we're about to be cut off from outside support. We can not afford to have our people worried about being summarily tried and executed by your people. Now, I know that that's probably not what would happen, but our people would see it that way, and that's the problem."
[20:56:17] Mholmes: "I have not been plain enough, Sebastian. Last night somebody scrawled signs in the sands near the sacred fighting ring. The Water Finder Suteh tells me that they say that you are working with Speckler. How do you respond to that?"
[20:59:27] Sebastian: Sebastian hesitates for a moment, almost as if he were briefly surprised, "That is simply untrue." Sebastian smiles thinly, "In fact, while we're being honest, if I were a thief I wouldn't need Speckler's assistance. Why would anyone think that I was in league with him?"
[21:02:18] Mholmes: "Well, you admit that you didn't tell us about Speckler. Now I have to take your word that whoever said you were in league with him is lying?" says Dhazari.
[21:02:33] Mholmes: "Keep in mind that whoever left those symols was Rhiani."
[21:02:58] Sebastian: Sebastian tilts his head, "How do you know?"
[21:03:45] Sebastian: Then Sebastian's eyes narrow, "And I wasn't aware that your people believed in sharing all information. You had not asked if Speckler was a thief or not before..."
[21:04:49] Mholmes: "Do any of your people know how to make our symbols?" he replies matter of factly. "Anyhow, I would have asked immediately except that I wanted to show defference for your culture. If I understand it, it's impolite to point out a lie?"
[21:06:30] Sebastian: Sebastian barks a short laugh. "Dhazari, perhaps you don't fully understand... I'm not from Kaitaine at all, and further whether someone will consider you rude or not for pointing out lies is not so much cultural as it is individual. I, for instance, become embarrassed, but not insulted."
[21:06:58] Sebastian: "As to whether any of our people know how to make your symbols... I suspect that some may, but have yet to find evidence that it is so."
[21:10:39] Mholmes: "Though not from Kaitaine, I cannot tell the difference in your cultures. And the difference between embarrassment and insult is a subtle one I'm not sure I understand. But none of that is important," he continues. "Let's say it's one of your people - then I have to assume that either you're a liar, or one of your people is a liar."
[21:11:32] Sebastian: "Yes..." Sebastian looks at Dhazari curiously, seeming to be waiting for him to make an actual point.
[21:13:24] Mholmes: "I can't ignore any of this - my people would not understand," he looks at Sebastian with eyes pleading him to understand. "Will you do something to take the burden off of me? Or will you force me to call you out?"
[21:14:53] Sebastian: Sebastian closes his eyes and takes a deep breath, "What would take the burden off you Dhazari?"
[21:19:09] Mholmes: "You could simply come forward and clear the matter up before the tribe," says Dhazari.
[21:20:06] Sebastian: "Dhazari, I am sure you are not trying to be obtuse, but that is an extremely nebulous answer. What constitutes 'clearing things up before the tribe'?"
[21:21:59] Mholmes: Dhazari is obviously perplexed at Sebastian's confusion, "Tell everyone who the thieves are. Provide evidence of the same."
[21:25:09] Sebastian: Sebastian looks confused in turn, "And this would prove that I am not in league with them?"
[21:25:40] Mholmes: "Evidence means proof," says Dhazari struggling with the linguistic barriers.
[21:27:08] Sebastian: Sebastian sighs again, "Dhazari, you've already told me that we're looking at trouble because someone has suggested that I'm in league with the thief. There's no evidence of that, but it's causing problems. What makes this baseless accusation stop being a problem? I don't think it will go away simply because we punish Speckler."
[21:28:46] Mholmes: "I don't understand. The evidence that you've done what they say is that they said it. If you come out and say you did not, then they'd have to provide evidence that you did, or you'd be cleared. Is this not how truth is determined in other lands?"
[21:30:44] Sebastian: Sebastian looks skeptical, "Dhazari, you have already indicated that you are more likely to believe one of your own people than me because I am not Rhianni. I would think that your people would be even more likely to see things that way. Are they not more likely to believe accusations from one of their own than protestations from myself?"
[21:41:36] Mholmes: "You speak as though you are guilty, Sebastian," says Dhazari. "If you are innocent, you should come forth and face your accuser. If you are guilty, you should come forward, too, though I wouldn't expect you would. In that case I'll probably have to bring you forth."
[21:43:38] Sebastian: Sebastian starts to sigh and suddenly realises he has been doing that a lot during this conversation. "Dhazari, if you think it will help I will do as you say, I just find myself extremely doubtful that things will be as easy to solve as you seem to think."
[21:45:16] Mholmes: "What other solution is there?" says Dhazari.
[21:46:29] Sebastian: "I believe I may have mentioned that that was precisely the question that I was pondering when we started this conversation, yes?"
[21:49:39] Mholmes: Dhazari looks nigh as though stunned by a blow to the head, "So...you're saying you need time to form some other plan?"
[21:49:54] Mholmes: "Because I cannot see another way myself."
[21:50:48] Sebastian: "No, Dhazari, if it is as urgent as you indicate, and I have no reason to doubt you, then we don't have time for an elegant solution. I suppose I'll just have to take the risk of being wrongly convicted..." Sebastian mutters, "won't be the first time."
[21:52:31] Mholmes: Dhazari seems to be somewhat pleased with this decision, nodding in agreement.
[21:56:20] Sebastian: Sebastian turns back to his desk, "Set up whatever needs to be set up Dhazari, and tell me when and where, I'll be there."

[21:24:37] Mholmes: Egani is heading back to his domicile after collecting some herbs that should help in the current project, at the moment just to the East of the colony. As he moves along, he notes a flash on the hill to the East outside of the yellow aura. A figure appears on the hill where none had been before.
[21:28:13] * Egani stares at the figure for a minute, trying to gather any info available then turns, trotting back to the workshop.
[21:55:52] Mholmes: *
[21:55:52] Mholmes: *
[21:56:05] Mholmes: Egani arrives back at his house winded.
[21:58:16] * Egani darts through the door to the shop, crushing Altynaruk's windpipe with a spare ingot of bronze and throws two books open while getting several small items ready.
[22:16:10] Mholmes: Egani toils for a couple of hours over Vella, working hard to put her essence back into her in a way that will leave her intact. First ensuring that the body is in good condition, he uses several techniques to make sure all is in readiness. Then using his tools he opens up parts of a person that should never be opened.
[22:16:45] Mholmes: Into her organs he pours the specially prepared essence. He uses the elfs essence to ensure that it's properly aligned in the process.
[22:17:34] Mholmes: Several spells are needed in meanwhile to ensure that it all goes according to the plan that he's evolving even as he works.
[22:18:18] Mholmes: But in the end as he's closing her back up, he sees the signs that the vessel that was Vella's shell is now functioning again. Once done, she wakes on his table. And screams.
[22:21:11] * Egani tries to reach her with his words. "Vella, are you OK?"
[22:22:22] Mholmes: After a moment, breathing hard almost as if in a panic, Vella turns to Egani, "No, I am definitely not OK?"
[22:22:45] Egani: "But you know who you are...that's a good sign."
[22:23:13] Mholmes: She looks at him with a question in her eyes, but unable to express it.
[22:24:44] Egani: "Lie still. You have some healing to do."
[22:26:41] Egani: Fetching a potion from the nearby stove, "Here, drink. You'll sleep and gain strength."
[22:28:11] Mholmes: Vella complains without words, but follows Egani's instructions.
[22:28:45] Okhfels: Can Okhfels see the gate?
[22:35:57] Mholmes: Another elf, a beautiful blond male, pokes his head into the shop. "Vella?"
[22:36:53] * Egani holds a finger to his mouth then gestures the elf in. In a whisper "She's resting now. She was badly wounded."
[22:38:19] Mholmes: "I know," says the figure entering. This is definitely the person who arrived by teleportation before, now that he's up close. And from how he's dressed, also from the same navigator order.
[22:40:37] Egani: "I've done all that I can. I think she'll be fine with some recuperation. How much stress does travelling the way you do put on the body?"
[22:41:17] Mholmes: "Depends on who is casting the spell," replies the elf. Then he begins saying something in uscurac.
[22:47:00] Mholmes: With an almost apologetic look the navigator captures Egani in a web of essence that is rather incredibly powerful. "Sorry to do this, but I'm not certain of what the situation is, and I need to understand it before I can expose Vella to further potential harm."
[22:47:25] Mholmes: "For it does seem that she's been subject to some harm," says the elf asking and answering a question.
[22:49:13] * Egani squeaks in surprise and begins inspecting the web with symbolic sight. "This is a wonderful ability."
[22:50:05] Mholmes: "You're too kind," says the elf, pushing his long hair out of his face gracefully. "Now, what happened here?"
[22:53:01] Egani: "The gentle claiming the name Altynaruk attempted to rob me. In defending myself from his boorish attack, I accidentally harmed your colleague. I then spent considerable time and effort doing what I could to put her back together."
[22:54:46] Egani: "He didn't make it."
[22:59:07] Sebastian: Sebastian calls out ahead as he approaches Egani's workshop, "Egani? I was wondering if you and your lovely wife would be interested in joining me for a cup of tea. I just broke out a new--"
[22:59:25] Sebastian: "I do hope I am not interrupting..."
[23:00:08] Mholmes: As Sebastian enters he notes the new elf, and Egani being held suspended by magic.
[23:01:37] Egani: "Hello Sebastian. This is...um, another navigator. He's come investigating the trouble with Vella."
[23:02:35] Egani: "Though, I do think she's doing quite well."
[23:02:52] Sebastian: Sebastian looks a bit put out, "Something happened to Vella? Why didn't someone tell me? How am I supposed to advise people when no one tells me anything?"
[23:03:17] Egani: "Isadora knew..."
[23:03:52] Egani: "If you were to join the brotherhood, it'd be easier to keep you up to date." Egani smiles.
[23:07:24] Sebastian: Sebastian sighs and steps past both the elf and Egani to take a look at Vella. "She looks okay now, if a bit pale..."
[23:10:11] Egani: "She's been awake. I just gave her something to make her sleep. It'll last a good twelve hours. Hopefully I'll have more freedom than this before then..."
[23:10:44] Sebastian: Sebastian turns to the newest arrival, "I am Sebastian. What can I do for you, sir?"
[23:11:06] Egani: "She does seem to have some difficulties though. She didn't seem wholly communicative. It was like she wanted to say some things but couldn't. Other things, she had no problems with."
[23:11:36] Mholmes: The elf seems surprised at the conversation going on without him. To Sebastian, "Thank you, yes. First what position do you serve in locally?"
[23:12:21] Sebastian: Sebastian smiles thinly, "My position is somewhat... fluid. At the moment I serve as advisor to the Lady Isadora who is the colony administrator."
[23:13:44] * Egani calls out loudly, interrupting the dialog for a moment, "Marcia, we have company, would you be a dear?" Then more conversationally, "Oh, sorry. Go on."
[23:14:13] Mholmes: "I see. Can you vouch for this man?" he indicates Egani on the wall. Marcia comes in, somewhat startling the elf who thought that Egani was the only one home.
[23:14:48] Sebastian: Sebastian arches an eyebrow at the elf, "Can I vouch for him to what?"
[23:15:11] Egani: "Oh good, tea and cakes please? T Hanks ? so much. I'd introduce you, but I don't know his name yet."
[23:19:16] Mholmes: "I am Oslindaro," the elf bows slightly in a way that makes the gesture of respect seem somehow patronizing.
[23:20:20] Sebastian: Sebastian tosses a "I'm sick of all these arrogant elves" look at his bowed head.
[23:22:00] Mholmes: "I'
[23:22:47] Mholmes: "I'm asking as a local functionary as to the liklihood that the person I have up here is telling me the truth," says the elf.
[23:23:38] * Egani is indignant. "Of course I'm telling you the truth...I admitted to hurting your friend!"
[23:23:47] Sebastian: "Ah, I understand your question now. Yes, Egani can be trusted to tell the truth precisely as he sees it."
[23:28:29] Mholmes: The elf nods knowingly, "I see. Well, I'll make an inquiry and return."
[23:28:56] Mholmes: He consults his compass for a moment, and places a hand on Vella. And dissappears.
[23:29:57] Egani: "Sebastian, you gotta find Archelaus."
[23:30:26] Egani: "He can get me out of here."
[23:30:26] Sebastian: "Damn," Sebastian says mildly, "I was hoping to speak to Vella again before she left. Ah well," he shrugs philosophically, "I have a lovely blend of tea I just opened and-- Archelaus. What's wrong now? What else has no one told me?"
[23:31:59] Egani: "I'm trapped here...that's all."
[23:32:50] Sebastian: "Oh, and you need Archelaus specifically? No one else can be of assistance? I mean, as far as I know, no one has seen Archelaus since he did not return from the White Wood."
[23:34:16] Egani: "Okhfels might be able to find him. Archie was in Aaron's body on the island and tried to take over Okhfels for a while."
[23:34:47] Egani: "I don't know who else might be able to help. Prolly not Haik, maybe Tamul?"
[23:35:16] Sebastian: "He what!?" Sebastian throws his hands up in frustration. "Why does no one seem to think I need to know this?"
[23:35:22] Mholmes: Moments later the problem becomes moot as the spell unravells.
[23:35:34] Mholmes: Egani becomes able to move again.
[23:35:49] * Egani begins to prepare a grave for the dead elf.

[20:48:59] Mholmes: The portal opens dumping Archelaus onto the island not too far from the temple. Not too far off in the distance, a giant scorpion wrestles with a giant serpent. The scorpion seems to be getting the best of the serpent holding it with it's claws. It then stabs the writhing snake with it's stinger.
[20:49:16] Mholmes: Moments later the giant serpent stops writhing.
[20:56:28] * Archelaus edges towards the temple.
[20:58:33] Mholmes: For the moment, the scorpion seems not to have noticed him.
[21:02:58] Mholmes: Archelaus reaches the outer wall of the temple.
[21:04:31] Archelaus: He trie to slip inside.
[21:04:35] Archelaus: tries
[21:05:46] Mholmes: As he enters the temple, Archelaus notes the scorpion suddenly turning to look directly at him with it's many eyes.
[21:15:23] Mholmes: The scorpion starts ambling towards Archelaus.
[21:48:40] Mholmes: Archelaus makes himself a quite fearsome looking spectacle focusing on it and casting a powerful spell. But apparently the scorpion is too simpleminded a thing to take heed of the signs of fearsomeness that he creates. The scorpion continues to charge Archelaus unabated.
[21:50:10] * Archelaus regrets not trying the lyre first.
[21:59:20] Mholmes: Casting his Soul Transfer desperately at the last second, however, the scorpion comes to a halt it's pincers just inches from Archelaus's face. His body now inhabited by the spirit of a scorpion starts to try out it's new hands tentatively.
[22:04:10] * Archelaus unfamilliar with coordinating so many limbs, almost falls on his real body before finding his balance and careening towards the gems.
[22:05:52] Mholmes: Heading down the hall, the gems are on the pedastals at the end.
[22:10:53] Mholmes: Behind him, Archelaus notes looking back momentarily, the others who were with him before have come across following him and are now at the opening of the temple.
[22:14:25] Okhfels: Okhfels approaches the temple with several of his men and soldiers. They are looking around for a building near the temple entrance where they can keep watch on the temple entrance.
[22:16:12] * Isadora follows, lagging just a bit behind as she takes in the island structures up close.
[22:19:17] Mholmes: Fahja sees them approaching. They note that his eyes are far from normal. Purple, through and through. He grins at them.
[22:19:44] Mholmes: Beside Fahja are a woman and girl that neither of them recognize.
[22:19:52] * Isadora narrows her eyes and quickens her pace as she sees Fahja. He looks familar, in a bad way.
[22:20:40] Okhfels: Okhfels spots the people in the entrance of the temple and stops everyone with an upraised hand.
[22:21:27] Mholmes: "Hello," says the obviously enscorcelled Rhiani to Isadora across the distance. Even from here they can see that his veins also seem to be full of the purple that courses through his eyes.
[22:21:38] Okhfels: "We're too late."
[22:22:07] Isadora: "Somehow, I knew you were going to say that," Isadora mutters to Okhfels as she comes up beside him.
[22:23:09] Isadora: "Well, when in doubt..." she adds, and begins striding towards Fahja.
[22:23:57] * Okhfels goes with her, drawing the sword he's been carrying around lately.
[22:24:18] Okhfels: He signals to his men to spread out and cover them with their bows.
[22:24:30] Archelaus: unaware of the newcomers, Archelaus heads for the end of the hall, hoping to scoop up at least one of the gems.
[22:25:58] Mholmes: Isadora notes that Fahja has his sword drawn as she approaches. Difficult to see in the full daylight, it glows red. But still he smiles.
[22:27:20] Mholmes: Archelaus grabs first one gem in one claw, and another in the other. He can feel the power even through the alien sensation of chitin.
[22:28:03] Archelaus: He skids around in a wide circle and starts galloping back to the gate.
[22:28:41] * Isadora sends Fahja a smile to echo his, loosening her shoulders with a shrug and pulling out her own rapier. "Check inside," she says to Okhfels, eyes on Fahja as she continues forward.
[22:29:06] Mholmes: Fahja says, "Your friend is inside. I'm not sure exactly what he hopes to accomplish."
[22:29:12] Okhfels: Okhfels is loathe to leave Isadora facing Fahja alone, but he only hesitates a moment to follow her orders.
[22:29:46] Isadora: "And what do you hope to accomplish, out here?"
[22:36:38] Mholmes: "Me?" says Fahja. "I have all that I care about."
[22:36:44] Mholmes: He tilts his head to indicate Alitia.
[22:37:14] Mholmes: At this point both Okhfels and Isadora see the giant scorpion coming rapidly down the hall leading out of the temple.
[22:37:52] Isadora: "Then why draw your sword?" Isadora shifts position a bit to get a view of the scorpion past Fahja.
[22:38:21] Okhfels: Okhfels sees the gems in the scorpion's claws, and knows what's going on... in fact, he's been expecting it. He looks around for Archelaus's body.
[22:39:31] Mholmes: "Without this sword and my goddesses aid, I would be but a thrall of the gods of madness from the place in the White Wood," he replies. "I'll keep it out if you don't mind."
[22:41:13] Isadora: "Not a very comforting answer," Isadora says lightly. "Men who never sheathe their swords make bad neighbors."
[22:45:31] Okhfels: Okhfels spots Archelaus scuttling about. He runs over, scoops him up in his powerful arms, and puts his sword to the body's chin.
[22:45:45] Okhfels: "Archelaus! Hold it right there or you'll come back to a piece of meat."
[22:47:08] Okhfels: Okhfels holds the struggling body in front of him as a shield.
[22:56:49] Mholmes: Once again, Archelaus tries to project his soul into the body of Okhfels. And once again, the simple mind of the giant Okhfels works too straightforwardly against it for it to work.
[22:59:59] Okhfels: "Forget it, Archelaus! I'm not playing your game."
[23:01:00] Isadora: "Archelaus is a scorpion?" Isadora wonders aloud to no one in particular.
[23:01:50] Mholmes: "Took me a few moments to get it, too," says Fahja ironically.
[23:03:48] Mholmes: "Somebody give me a weapon, and I'll kill this thing," says Alitia suddenly, unable to keep silent any longer. Okhfels notes that this woman seems much like Elle - even looks like her. Like a much more beautiful Elle.
[23:05:16] * Archelaus ignores his own body and continues out the door.
[23:05:37] Mholmes: Alitia is refering to the Scorpion, pointing at it.
[23:06:50] Okhfels: Okhfels casually executes Archelaus's body and then throws his sword to Alitia.
[23:07:16] * Isadora is put off by the scorpion body Archelaus wears--he looks like one of the spirits, so she moves toward him but hesitates to attack.
[23:07:32] Okhfels: "Go for it!"
[23:21:17] Mholmes: They charge the scorpion just as it seems to be heading into a tunnel of swirling purple that forms out of nowhere. But then suddenly the tunnel collapses with stunning force. The scorpion lies there twitching, unable to move for the nonce.
[23:23:25] Okhfels: "Isadora! Get the gems!"
[23:23:56] Isadora: Isadora's still not sure what's going on, but she trusts Okhfels, so she dives for the gems.
[23:26:40] Mholmes: Grabbing the gems, she fells the power in them surging.
[23:27:06] Okhfels: While Isadora gets the gems, Okhfels jumps on Archelaus's tail.
[23:30:04] * Isadora holds the gems against her side with one hand and holds her rapier at guard with the other, backing away from Fahja and the scorpion warily.

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