Crossroads of Confusion

Log Info

• Title: Crossroads of Confusion
• Emitter: Elleandra
• Characters: Elleandra, Durrankar, Cryosanthia, Braelnoir, Kaydin, Merek, Karasu
• Place: W01: Wilderness Pointe
• Time: Friday, April 24, 2020, 6:58 PM
• Summary: Cryosanthia takes Braelnoir out to Wilderness point, in the hopes of finding Elleandra and some assistance for Braelnoir's now chimera-marilith form, and the WitchCrows that have been hunting her. Elly is meeting with Durrankar, still suffering from the ooze plague. Cryo is recently, that day, recovered but still has her eyes bandaged and is worn from enduring the sith-makar method which took several days for her. Durrankar's cihuaa, Un'eth arrives, and Durrankar shares his mission with defeating a nest of Kol's spawn. Kaydin is present, and Cryo gives a quick summary of events in Alexandria, Kol's death, the plague and the steps being taken. Durrankar, Un'eth and Kaydin leave, and Merek arrives. Merek is clearly delirious, alternating between desiring revenge on Kol and his new fascination, potatoes. Elleandra has been encouraged to get her plague treated, and Merek is a convenient excuse to get the group back to Alexandria. Kamaria meets up, and they being the very tense walk back to the city, finally hiring a carriage to get them the rest of the way. Finally they arrive at the Temple of Eluna, and drop Merek off.

-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--<* W01: Wilderness Pointe *>--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

Wilderness Point is the last-ditch point of civilisation before the great northern woods. It stands as a last bastion of trade, and a hub of activity between hunters, traders, and townsfolk.

A fairly wide path, flanked on either side by shallow ditches and tall trees, makes its way into the village from the southern roads, whose borders are outlined by a low stone wall. Sections of the wall have fallen apart here and there. At this point, it's more of a decoration than anything else.

The largest building in the village is an inn, a sign hanging over its door reading 'Wayfarer's Inn'. Its stone chimney has a thin wisp of smoke drifting off into the sky overhead.

At the center of the town is the Hunter's Market, beyond which the town ends along the river's banks, with the ferry providing passage to the other side.

-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=  Appearing, in Order  =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Elleandra    5'4"     108 Lb     Wild Elf          Female    Blue-haired, green-eyes, Sylvanori
Durrankar    7'0"     398 Lb     Sith-Makar        Male      Silver Sith-makar with blue eyes
Cryosanthia  6'9"     267 Lb     Sith-Makar        Female    A dashingly tall, elegant white-scaled lizard woman.
Braelnoir    5'11"    346 Lb     Silver Mirilith   Female    A silvery chimerarilith with many weapons.
Kaydin       5'3"     158 Lb     Half-Elf          Male      A blonde half elf male with fair skin
Merek        5'10"    215 Lb     Human             Male      A black-haired, dusky male with golden eyes.
Karasu       5'9"     125 Lb     Human             Male      Clearly a man of Xian decent with dark hair and eyes.
-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=

Elleandra and Durrankar stand on the northern end of Wilderness Pointe, discussing current events. Whatever it is, it must not be terribly encouraging. As for Elly, she is leaning on a tree, occasionally covering a fit of coughing with her cloak. "I am glad you were able to save them. But really, we must do what we can to be more succesful. The reputation of druids is at stake." She laughs, or at least starts to, and then descends into a body shaking fit of coughing which she eventually cuts off with a growl.

"Just one person. And there are fewer vampires than there were before." Durrankar says softly. "Said spell that I blinded the paladin with is a very advanced blessing called 'Sunburst'. It flashes daylight in a large radius and....you know how weak vampires are to sunlight...so it vaporized a good few, as it blinded the paladin. And yes...we all made it back. Alba was drained of a lot of blood, but we were able to restore it."

Rumbling along the path is a colourful vardo drawn by two mules, with two mules trailing behind. Anyone familiar with the Temple of Daeus might recognize the mules, and recall their breakfast themed names, like Pancake. The Vardo itself jingles and rolls to a stop nearby.

"I'll drop you here, I have to get back." A tsuran accented male voice calls from the driver's seat.

The back of the Vardo opens, and a white-scaled sith-makar carefully steps out. Her eyes are bandaged, she's wearing wizard robes, and she feels her position behind the vardo before calling inside. "Okay Braelnoir, come on out. I don't think anyone is around."

The response Cryo gets is mostly silver hands, two... three... four(?) framing the exit of the Vardo before a large, serpentine figure pulls her way out. There's a fair amount of discomfort on Brae's face as if she's been squeezed into a tight spot for a long ride (by some strange coincidence....) as she emerges. She takes a moment to get stable and twists to wave with a smile to their driver as he heads off on his mission, then back to Cryo, brow arching and she shrugs with a languid wave: After you.

Elleandra nods slowly, "Every vampire slain is a blessing. It was their kind who held my love captive, until she was rescued by.." She turns at the sound of the cart coming to Wilderness Pointe. The place isn't terribly large, and that's just unusual enough to catch her attention, even from a ways off. The sith of a white-scaled sith-makar with bandaged eyes and robes is impossible to miss. Not to mention Braelnoir (it has to be her) has a new look that really stands out. Elleandra raises a hand and tries to call out, but really just manages to end up coughing loudly. It probably works just as well, even if it's not as polite or precise as using a name.

Kaydin sighs as he enters the wilderness point, carrying a large sack of meat. He takes it to a butcher who lives in wilderness point. He has a secret blend of herbs and seasoning to make anything taste delicious. Once the trade was made, he came out with seasoned meat to cook over a fire. He looks to Elleandra and smiles at Cryosanthia. "You look like a friend of mine, but older..." He says as he watches the sith. When Braelnoir shows up, he nods and he looks to Elleandra.

"The one we saved was nearly turned, but we managed to save her. If Kol is truly dead, then those he turned will change back." Durrankar says before looking over to Cryosanthia, braelnoir and the recently arrived Kaydin. "Peace on your nests." he says loud enough for them to hear.

The white sith turns her head, listening to the vardo rumble away. She misses Braelnoir's wave, having bandaged eyes will do that. She waits expectantly, the turns towards the other noises. "Is somebody coughing? We should go to the Inn, I think that's where Elly is, I'll make sure it's safe for you to enter."

She holds out an arm to be taken and guided. Cryo looks terrible, her scales are dull, there's hollows along her snout. She looks worn and beaten, even to people expecting that. She is taller, more muscular, her hide is restored and has patterns of ancient sith. Her robes are immaculate and her posture good. She has a presence but has had several bad days. "Peace on your Nests! My friend is not a Marilith! She's transformed."

Braelnoir gently takes Cryo's hand with her lower right, the only bare one, and trills a soft half-whistle at her before she moves along with this whole... slithering thing, her little antennae flexing and twitching now and then as she looks about on alert. Especially for gods damned birds. As embarassing as her hype girls disclaimer is, she's still not sorry (mostly) that she lost that bloody sign. She leads her sister toward the sound of the cough, but doesn't answer the hail, herself, but tries to keep a sharp eye on the folks around for anyone getting anxious.

Elleandra looks at Kaydin, her head bowing in greeting. She thinks of adding a curtsey, but she's quite certain she won't rise from it. "I don't know much about vampires, other than that they are best when left out in the sun," comes her reply to Durrankar. "I truly hope he is gone forever. These days, though, certainty is hard to come by." She focuses her eyes on Cryosanthia and lets out a ragged sigh. "Cryosanthia.. oh dear, are you alright? Has the plague taken your sight?" With Braelnoir drawing within range, Elleandra bows her head more deeply in greeting, "Are you well, Braelnoir?" She looks different, but who isn't looking different today?

"Cryosanthia is that you? What happened?" He asks as he moves to the otherside of Cryosanthia and offers a free hand to the sith. He then looks to Elleandra and nods. "I know how to hunt, track and kill the undead." He says calmly as he watches the woman. "The undead are an affront to the living order. Dead things should rest in peace." He says softly as he watches Cryosanthia, the smell of seasoned raw meat can be smelt from his bag next to cryosanthia.

Durrankar turns her head to look at the trio coming their way. He doesn't say much, but he is studying the group as they come to them. He does ask "What has happened?"

"Elly! Peace, good to hear you. This one is recovering. I was cured today. It has been a rough... ah hello. Yes, this one is Cryosanthia. I'm not blinded. I have been throwing up huge oozes through my whole face, my eyes, for days. They are much abused and it's best I keep them covered for now. The people's cure is to be endured." The whitescale says as she approaches.

"Durrankar! Many things. I helped kill Kol. Merek has gone insane. Elly's plan brought oozes from the underground, a huge one which was destroyed. Mikilos bargains with the Fae for True Death weapons. I've remembered a few things from my time in the tower, none pleasant." It's cooler closer to Cryosanthia, a few degrees, but noticeable. She turns her head, sniffing so she's facing the other Sith.

Braelnoir has one of her hands at the hilt of the short blade as they are approached, but seems to relent as the intent os more altruistic. Her antennae twitch a little and, the feel of the hilt is kind of comforting, so the hand rests there. She gives Cryo's hand a little squeeze-squeeze as a prearranged code, then gives Elleandra and her companion a shrug, then a little in-between wave of her hand.

"You are cured?!" cries out Elly. She forgets herself, bouncing onto her toes and nearly collapsing in the process. The tree seems ready to catch her, though. "It sounds awful, but.. you will recover. I'm so relieved." The change in temperature draws a shiver from her, but in truth it has nothing to do with the air, and everything to do with a surging fever. "Did you come all this way to see me?" It's selfish, but it makes her feel warm inside.

Kaydin looks to Elly and begins to approach her. "It would seem that I am not needed to help. Thats good. I been busy myself, having been tracking animals in the felwood." He says as he watches the others. "The felwood is a dangerous place with demons of all sorts. I been trying to herd animals away from it." He says calmly.

"Worry less about the Felwood at the moment, Kaydin. There are more important things at the moment. The Felwood will stay where it is for the moment." Durrankar looks to Elly as she slumps against the tree. "Calm." He then looks to Braelnoir and thumps his tail at her. "Kol is dead. Must've been while we were destroying the vampires outside of the city. Which means some may turn back.' Un'eth has arrived.

"This one is cured! It was... much agony. It was finally effective. I'll be fine soon, a little more rest." Cryo smiles in Elly's direction, of course it's at the tree she briefly stood in front of, not down where she's sitting. The whitescale sways her hips, with a humorous lilt to her voice, "I'll be dancing again soon."

"We did come to see you. I felt badly, and you must have also, and I know you must have been as upset from getting infected by that bird as I was. I hoped I could cheer you up, Also..."

Rather than look over at Braelnoir, whom she can't see, she instead raises the hand she's gripping, "Braelnoir has been suffering the other Alexandrian plague. It's not safe for her there. She thought you might help, or have some advice for dealing with birds too."

"They'll turn back if they haven't been for long? That is good news! Kol had been setting many distractions, it's good you got that nest. One fewer problem." She smiles over roughly in Durrankar's direction.

Oh, hey, they do that a lot, don't hey? Brae looks to the sith, a moment or two of thought, then as she draws up to a stop, she twists to look back at the end of her tail and, she lifts the spaded tip, then slap-slap against the ground, then looks curiously at him again. A hand is still resting casually on the hilt of her sword, but she is mostly looking between people, "thumb down thumb finger thumb left point wiggle" <unknown>

Elleandra works her way back to her proper footing. Which is far from a graceful thing, considering. "I am only upset, Cryosanthia, that I got you and others sick. And got innocent men killed with my lack of foresight," she replies in a small voice. "I would take it back if I could, but.. that is obvious, and makes no difference. I can only try to make it worth it, now. I wish I knew if we succeeded. If we at least cleaned the city water it might have been worth it." Turning her attention to Braelnoir, she asks, "How might I help you? And what birds trouble you? Or are you referring to that matter with those beastly creatures that stole from you?"

Kaydin nods as he watches the woman with multiple arms and nods. "I can understand hand speech." He says as he watches the group and he remains close on hand. He pulls out some jerky from a bag and offers it all around. He then looks to Cryosanthia. "So whats going on. I been busy dealing with argumentative druids and havent been in town for a while.

Braelnoir curls her lip back from interlocked fangs at mention of that particular incident, but she uses her two free hands to try and convey her meaning with an old, glittering hatred in her eyes, antennae flattening back against her brow, "right waggle point flick wave down right thumb point" She glances at the man as he mentions being able to understand him and gives a little nod, "wiggle finger waggle thumb pointpoint" <unknown>

"It's good to know there is a cure in the works...even if painful." Durrankar says softly to Cryosanthia. "I can also understand handspeech." He says to Braelnoir. "And I doubt the mistress is dead in the first place."

"There were other forces at work Elly. She spies. If we haven't cleared them, we have reduced it and that will have hurt Her." Cryosanthia says, attempting to sound positive. Her voice is weary, and has a rawness to it. She's been coughing a lot, much like the wild-elf must have been, "I've helped Zeke with the survivors, before I was in treatment. It... helped, but the losses were great."

She looks over at Braelnoir, then back to where it sounds Kaydin is, "Braelnoir turned into a mermaid, then was in a contest where someone won her as a fish-bride. Lots of things have happened."

"There are two, the people's, and Seldan has been able to dispell them on days when he's favoured by Eluna. Other days... went badly." Cryosanthia grins awkwardly.

Elleandra smiles at Cryosanthia, "I get the feeling everyone is trying to make me feel better about the disaster. I appreciate it. I still feel awful. I still want to make it better, even if I can't make it right." She suppresses a chill shiver by clenching more tightly to the tree. "How are the others? Is everyone else healed?"

Braelnoir rolls her eyes as Cryo brings up -that- delightful memory, refraining from outright bapping Cryo upside the head. They'll talk about that, later, she's sure. A silent sigh, followed by a shrug as her eyes turn to the sith, "right point flick thumb wave waggle flick left down left wave wave up waggle" She looks to Elleandra for a moment, then, "point wave pointpoint down thumb waggle" <unknown>

Durrankar watches Braelnoir then says 'Then you know what needs doing'? Whatever that means.

Cryo is completely oblivious to any incoming attacks, so it's fortunate there aren't any. She answers in Elly's direction, "Well, the ones with acid burns are doing better than the ones with burns and plague. Zeke, Seldan, can cure one or two a day and are organizing a system, but it is rough. Some aren't well enough for that cure. A gentle one would be a great boon."

The white-scale sniffs towards Braelnoir, then turns her head back, "She's mostly looking for some help with the big crow I think. To take care of it."

"So we are going through a plague and undead? Fun." Kaydin says sarcastically as he looks to the others. "My mother grows herbs for the herb shops. MAybe I can bring some soothing balm or something. It isnt magical but it should help with pain." He says as he watches the others.

"It seems this stuff doesn't come out easy, does it?" asks Elleandra, her voice comes out in something of a croak, foretelling another fit of coughing she covers with her cloak. "But nonetheless.. we have to find a way somehow, right?"

Un'eth emerges from the treeline and undergrowth that surrounds the pointe. Her snout pans to and fro as she steps, though once in the open, her eyes alight easily on those gathered. She moves to approach the same and, more specifically, a certain cihuua. The one who was perhaps expected to be returned some time past.

Cryosanthia starts to sit on the ground, crouching and feeling for it and dragging Braelnoir down, as it sounds like Elleandra is sitting. One settled, rocking into place, she turns her head roughly in Kaydin's direction. "I'm surprised you haven't run across it Kaydin. For the better part of two years, someone has been pouring oozes into the water, in pools, in wells. It has produced mutated animals, stags that glow, bears with tentacles. Even orcs and elves that are mentally altered in violent ways. These oozes are made of universal magic and infect people. A long enough exposure will destroy magic items, or make things more magical. It appears as black water with glittering inside. Originally, it came from Zaheir's tower, which became the Shard Tower, now controlled by the Fae Queen. She has corrupted it to its current form. People who contract it and die, rise as zombies that explode. This is one of Her sources of strength. Another, was Kol, a third is the Ice Demon. She has been actively trying to destroy Alexandria for some time. Durrankar, knows, he met with a Guardian Fu dragon protecting her tower in Hell, and was there when the Duke of Hell was released, the one Silvermoon eventually summoned."

She brushes at her knees, "That's not even all of it, but things you should know in the wilderness. Use blunt weapons, fire, salt on the ooze, no spells. It chases magic. Any research into non-magical cures would be of assistance, this one has no idea who's been working on those."

Her head moves around as she sniffs, hearing an arrival.

Durrankar turns his head as he sniffs and looks. 'Cihuaa. It is good to see you again. Our mission was....partly successful."

Braelnoir sort of 'coils down' with Cryo as she tries to draw her into a 'sitting position, this snake thing is hard to get used to. Particularly when the forked tongue flicks out, like it does at this particular moment, and she gives a little silent sigh. A glance to the new sith arriving and she tries to slap-slap the ground with her tailtip again. o O (Come on, Cryo am I doing this right or not?) O o she thinks. She glances uncertainly amongst the group, antennae dropping forward in a more 'relaxed' position and she lifts her upper left hand to wave in a universal, 'Hi.' Then, in a moment of inspiration, she slowly draws her shortsword and uses the tip to scratch into the dirt, /Gargle salt water/ then she points at Elleandra then what she wrote. Then scratches a question mark on the end.

Un'eth's head tilts at Durrankar's statement. "Partly?" Her snout leans closer to inhale deeply of him before it lowers so that she can look him over from snout to tailtip. Known to him or not, his intact return was a key point on the mission task list. Thus she checks that that particular line item is not among the partial completion. "What occurred, cihuaa?"

Belatedly, now, does her head dip to the others present along with a slap of tail to the ground in greetings. "Peace on your nests."

"We did not get to Kol....as was originally intended, but we did take out a few vampires, AND saved one from turning. We also found a tunnel leading underground outside of the city....and a house is no more....after I battered my way in to keep Alba safe.....and it collapsed on top of us." Durrankar tailthumps to her.

"Oh yes," Cryo rocks where she's sitting, tail slaps, "Peace on your Nest. A tunnel? That seems a success Durrankar. To save at least one."

Braelnoir shrugs a little and settles in amongst her coils, folding her free arms and resting her chin on them. An antenna flicks, and she gives Cryo's hand a soft squeeze with her one occupied hand.

"Success, indeed," Un'eth concurs, relaxing her stance beside Durrankar. His snout is nudged with her own as she turns to the others. "What of other success? I heard words of the plague. Will the softskin shamans never learn of a cure?"

"It seems they may have found one, Un'eth." Durrankar says...gesturing towards Cryosanthia. "Draining it from places so it'll get out of you....but it seems to take a while."

Elleandra moves over to read Braelnoir's writing. This she can understand. She's not particularly adept (meaning utterly incapable) with the hand signs. "I use salt water, herbs, and am drinking far more than I have in my whole life," she explains. "If I so much as take one step out of line, Kamaria forces me to lay in the bed for half a day or more. I think it's kind of a game to her, honestly." She belatedly offers a curtsey to Un'eth, and once again catches herself on the tree before losing her balance. "You know, the dizziness I thought was getting better.. but I have it on a good source that the world is, in fact, not wildly tilting." At least for everyone else.

The marilith reaches out to wipe out the scrawled message with a gleaming limb, then scratches another with a fingertip, /I'm out of ideas./ Then returns her hand to the fold and rests her chin atop it. <unknown>

"Mikilos Mithralla, the wizard, discovered a strong enough Dispell Magic will do it. Seldan, Zeke, are able to manage it sometimes, though it is painful when it fails. This one had the people's cure." Cryo leaves off from explaining that, it would be known, a cure that involves killing and healing the individual equally until the plague is gone. An agonizing cure that was performed on Seldan and has been kept secret from Alexandria.

"Stay seated Elly, the world isn't moving but it is much too bright. Do you know about Witchcrows?"

Un'eth takes further note of the whitescale at Durrankar's gesture, and absorbs her words. While it is news, even promising news, she seems displeased. A sniff is taken of Cryosanthia. "You are cured, then, young one?" The bandages certainly do not mark her as healed, in Un'eth's opinion. "One too strong for many shamans, and another too dangerous for many afflicted..."

"My mother knows of a traddition which others can take if they walk the path of nature. I am thinking about taking it so I can have more power to protect those close to me." Kaydin says as he moves to Cryosanthia and looks to Un'eth. "How are the hunters doing in the mictlan? It has been a while since one stopped to talk to me."

Elleandra sits, but she does seem a bit unhappy about it. "Oh, the crows? Yes. I did find them most annoying. I think, with superior preparation, we could deal with them. Things that fly are vulnerable, especially if there is some means where we can draw them to a fight on our own terms." She turns her attention towards Braelnoir, "Is there a way to goad them into a battle?" /Gisha won't commit./ Brae scrawls, still more or less laying on her tail, /Toys from range./ She shrugs.

Cryo rolls up the bandage on one side, so she can see out from under it. She squints as her eye is exposed. She looks as if she's been punched in it several times, the normal sapphire blue is a dark purple, and the bruising around her eye is strong enough its showing through her scales. She turns her head, looking around quickly, then pulls the bandage back down. She has a wane smile, "Cured, but still recovering."

The white-scale feels around and finds Braelnoir, then one of her hands and holds onto it. "I've been so buried I've been unable to help her. Things have really been coming in non-stop waves."

Durrankar says, "As tempting as it is to try that particular spell myself, I don't think I'd be of much help. I'm good at making things worse at times." Durrankar says before nudging Un'eth's head back. "We are fine, Kaydin. Matter of fact, we were just heading back." He says before looking to Elleandra...and touching her nose. "Find one of these wizards, such as Mikilos, and give Cryosanthia's idea a try. When you are cured, come towards Mictlan. We shall help you recover." He then looks to Un'eth. "it is time we tried that dish I learned in the bar, Un'eth.""

Un'eth's tail continues to flick in ...ire... annoyance. Were she to lack it, she might pace. The bump from Durrankar and his mention of food tempers this to a significant degree. "Ssa," she relents, "and you are far more adept at improving thing than not."

Elleandra forces herself to her feet as Durrankar and Un'eth are clearly preparing to go. She has no intention to be rude to her friends and mentors. This time, her curtsey is flawless, except for the profound shiver that runs through her as she straightens from it. "I will seek help and confirm that everyone else has been cured ahead of me. Once that is known, I will accept the healing. I led them into danger, I will not walk out while the shadows still fall upon them." She adds calmly, "Peace on your nest."

This said, she sits once more, if perhaps a bit more quickly than she intended. She even makes it look rather deliberate. "Braelnoir, if we cannot draw them out, then I suggest we find them. I don't believe my magic will aid with that, and there's no means of tracking them that I possess. But.. what of others who were there? Or perhaps we could seek help from a wizard or sorcerer? We find her, we attack her without warning, and we bring and end to the matter."

Kaydin nods to Durrankar. "Peace on your nests." He says as he watches the sith. "The Deer have been bountiful outside of the mictilin. My mother has been acting as a midwife to the animals of the forest and works with nature to make them stronger." He says calmly. He then turns to Elleandra and watches her. "Birds are notoriously hard to track but not impossible."

The silvered thing watches the paired sith make to depart, bringing a hand to her brow before it makes a languid wave. /Lanier made nice. He knows better, now./ Her arms unfold and those on the right side curl around Cryo's back and shoulders. She figures that's enough time to read all that, wiping it out to replace it with, /I'll keep killing Gisha./

Durrankar stops. "No. Elleandra....you should be one of the first that is cured. Why? because you'll be the first to help the others to get cured as well. And do not tell me I am wrong." He is pointing a claw at her now. "The stronger you are, the stronger you can make others. And it is not selfishness for you to get well so you may help others...." He truly does sound like a mentor now.

"Peace on your Nests." Cryosanthia thumps tail and does a sitting bow in the direction where she last saw the pair. "Elly, listen to Durrankar, you're needlessly punishing yourself. Some need time to get strong enough, some will go back to guarding doors. We need the ones who can best help at full strength. Zeke says the healers always have to take care of themselves first."

Even though, Zeke is not doing that and she's been unable to see his condition for days. She still believes it's the best practice. Un'eth follows Durrankar's turn to Elleandra, listening as he shares words of wisdom. Once he has done so, she leans her snout to nudge the side of his, mouth forming quiet words of her own.

Elleandra looks down at her hands and sighs. There's a stubborn glow in her eyes, but eventually she relents, "Very well." She raises her left hand, rubbing the back of it against her tightly lidded eyes. "I have no vision of how I can help any of the ill, but I will try my best."

"Yourself FIRST, Ellandra. Then others. Do not stray from that order." Durrankar says before starting his way back to Mictlan with Un'eth....

Braelnoir looks at Kaydin as he says something she finds interesting, and she writes in the soil anew a simple, underlined /How?/ Her antennae twitch a little and she looks between Cryo and Elleandra.

Braelnoir looks at Kaydin as he says something she finds interesting, and she writes in the soil anew a simple, underlined /How?/ Her antennae twitch a little and she looks between Cryo and Elleandra.(re)

Merek makes his way along from wherever, with what looks like a potato in his pocket, as well as a plush sith-makar which he keeps with him, his only arm keeping that while he makes a way by people.

"How what?" Kaydin asks as he curiously. He then looks to Elleandra. "I dont know if you can do healing magic but you shouldnt make yourself unwell because more people are unwell. The sith is right." He says calmly as he watches the woman, before looking to Merek.

Elleandra looks up, her eyes red, "I am not making myself unwell. I am taking my turn. I put myself in this danger, and put others in it as well. Many who are sick did not have the luxury of that choice. Whether I knew it or not, I made that choice for them. I will take healing, but please understand this is no small thing." She shakes her head, "And I don't see how you can track something that not only flies, but can teleport."

Merek's appearance draws Elleandra's attention at this point, and she sighs, which draws out more coughing. At last she forces out a welcome to him, "Merek! What are you... carrying?" Is that a toy?

"What? Merek is here?" Cryosanthia turns where she is sitting, first towards Braelnoir, then away. Her free hand clenches, the other one tightens on the silver chimarilith's lower hand. "Merek! Why are you out? You're not well, you shouldn't be out of Alexandria"

Braelnoir releases her grip on Cryo's hand, sets her palms against the ground and pushes herself up from her coils. She looks back to Kaydin, snapping her fingers to get his attention for her to sign, "point right wiggle" with an arched eyebrow, then turns slightly so he can see her hands, but she can see Elly, "left wiggle thumb down left point up left left up down pointpoint wiggle right wiggle down pointpoint thumb up point point point point waggle" What, Merek? She twists to look around she goes into the code, "wiggle down pointpoint right pointpoint flick" <unknown>

"Last I checked no one but sith is allowed in the mictlan." Kaydin says as he looks to BRaelnoir and nods. "She says when you take command the results are on you. Never take command unless you can accept that failure happens and even victory can suck." He says as he translates the handspeech.

Merek looks between the people all about, and blinks a bit while he pulls the toy to him, "I came to look for a few potatoes, to bring back with me," he says. Then he smiles to Elleandra, his arm waving a bit to Braelnoir, she might notice the gauze on his main arm. He looks like a mess!

Merek nods as well to Cryosanthia and Kaydin!

"Ssshsss! I should have stayed in the temple. I'm useless and I haven't helped you, and now Merek needs... something." Cryosanthia blindly faces somewhat in the right direction, she moves and the grass makes a quiet crunching noise, "Merek you should be back at the Temple of Eluna, or the Sold... no, not there. The temple, getting healed."

"I've already told him once, and escorted him," says Elleandra. She sighs at the man. "Merek, dear, must I tie you in a sack and have you delivered to the Temple of Eluna this time? Or perhaps it should be Althea. Once I'm healed I shall have a need of their assistance, anyway." She's a bit grumbly at him not taking care of himself. "And I accept failure can happen. That doesn't mean I forgive myself for it so easily," she adds, sounding a bit heated. "I knew I was putting lives at risk, I just didn't know I was putting an entire city at risk. It makes me, let's say, a little reluctant to trust in my own judgment, which I think is a pretty reasonable thing at this point." Before she can say more, a timely fit of coughing cuts her off.

"In any case, I am happy you came here, Cryosanthia. And you as well, Braelnoir. I will help you with that crow. We will find her. We will hunt her. And yes, I have no problem at all killing her."

Oh, the silver marilith noticed, which prompted her query. Braelnoir's antennae twitch a fair bit and she traces a line across the bicep of her corresponding arm, arching an eyebrow. She settles back down into her coils for a moment, a little more naturally this time and sets two of her hands on Cryo's back to pat her before rising and slithering over towar Elleandra and she reaches out to clasp her arms with two hands, and lowers the other two to start signing again, "wave left right left left wave down thumb point thumb flick" the rest of her words harden her expression and the affirms, "pointpoint finger wave wave up thumb" <unknown>

Merek looks to Braelnoir, after watching Elleandra as well as Cryo, and it looks like he becomes on edge, "No one kills them but you? I know, that's what I said, it's why I have killed Kol, I will kill him, he still needs to be killed! I don't... The Temple, the gods answers were not nice!" And it's noticable what people are mentioning really has brought him into a frenzy. "I will kill the Fae, I will kill the demons!" The man's eyes look thoughtful while he looks about, "WHERE ARE THEY!"

GAME: Merek rolls knowledge/religion: (13)+21: 34

Cryosanthia jumps to her feet. She painfully peels the bandages off her face. Both eyes, bruised and bloodshot. Dark, even the scales around them have a deep purple beneath them. She positions herself between Braelnoir and Merek. She squints them painfully, trying to see, "Merek! There's no demons here! You need to calm down!"

Elleandra is kind of accustomed to Merek going totally off now. It doesn't make it less unpleasant, though. "Merek, killing someone who is already dead is pointless and arranging for it would be an act of unspeakable evil. That one is gone. Vengeance, if such a thing exists, has been achieved. That it feels hollow will not change, whether you carry it out yourself a thousand times or another just once." She focuses her attention on Braelnoir, "You can certainly deal with the last detail, but I think it's important to focus on the goal. Is this just a hunt? Or is there more to it?"

GAME: Braelnoir rolls melee: (8)+8: 16

Braelnoir cants her head a little with a bewildered look on her face as Merek's horse throws a shoe. She catalogues the bandages, she's seen reactions like this before and so decides to go back to the ol' Sergeant curative. She reaches out to try and spin him to facing her properly, though her hands don't quite find purchase.

Merek walks back a little bit away from Braelnoir, which makes the man a little bit defensive, then he looks to Cryosanthia, while he blinks a bit, then to Elleandra. "I need to! I apologize!" He seems a bit like he's on edge from the woman coming to him, then he begins to watch, while he waits. "Potatoes!" Then he begins to move to hide behind Elleandra.

The palescale sith stares. Her eyes hurt, worse with light hitting them. She might be cured but it was a lot of throwing up, a lot of muscle wracking and just agony for hours. A trip out to the countryside, barely up for it. Unexpected stress and almost combat, definitely she's not ready.

"Merek. You are making no sense. You are not well. Kol is dead. He is staying dead. You don't need him. You need to be in a bed, you need someone to look at your arm. You endangered all of us in the sewers. You are even less safe to be around than I am!"

Cryosanthia waves at Elleandra, for her to come, "We're going back to Alexandria, you're going to come with us and lie down."

Elleandra is sitting, so the idea of Merek hiding behind her is a bit odd. But then again, even if she were standing it'd be pretty odd. She's slender and not much for concealment. "Merek, Kol is gone. Let it go. If I can force myself to accept healing instead of the punishment I deserve, you can handle that. The creature was put down. Let us rejoice for it! He was an enemy of nature and a murderer of the innocent."

Cryosanthia's suggestion is met with consideration, and then agreement. "Kamaria will need to come with me," Elleandra says quickly. She pushes herself to her feet. "Can you give me a few moments to get her? The moment I'm healed, I need to take her to the Temple of Althea, in any case. And the second this is all done... well, that invitation is still good." The druid is a bit unsteady, but she's eager to get started.

Braelnoir draws up, eyeing Merek with concern, flickering a glance Cryo's way as the sith, and now Elleandra are giving him the 'get your shit together'. It's gonna be a long... slither, back to town, but, the chimerarilith shrugs and shakes her head. She was gone for a week... then she was in a hole for a week... what the hell??

"I did what was necessary, you wanted me to be eaten? I made quite pretty sure that people weren't in range and even the wood pile wasn't, that's all it is though, the blame needs to always be someone else," Merek mentions then, while he looks to Elleandra, "I... Like potatoes, I am aware that he is, but that doesn't mean I won't be able to still do it!"

"What do you mean, Merek. He's gone." Cryosanthia says, looking at Elleandra, "Yes, get Kamaria. We need to go."

Her breathing is heavy. She puts her bandages in her pocket when she really wants to be putting them on again. A cold bed sounds really nice right now. "We have to get back to Alexandria."

Braelnoir really doesn't have anything to say to that. She killed Ghisha more than a year ago, but now she's using birds to fuck with her. She's perfectly happy to make killing the witch a Gods damned hobby. Her fingers find the skeleton hanging from her ear, gently rubbing it between them. She looks between her 'siblings', uncertain what side to take, though clearly Merek isn't right in the head at the moment. A silent, crestfallen sigh and she starts to sign, "right point finger waggle waggle down up thumb pointpoint finger left point" o O (Gonna hafta have me some words with whoever fucked you up, Mer.) O o <unknown>

"The fact that you would risk undoing all that has been done for the chance is an evil thing, Merek." More than the plague, this conversation makes her feel sick. "If you can bring back the dead, bring back those who deserve another chance: his victims. If you devote yourself to this, the Gods will turn their backs to you."

Elleandra attempts to hurry to gather Kamaria, not wanting to delay too long. It is a long walk back to the city. Especially now, and as the sky grows dark, her fever and cough always grow worse. Before she reaches the inn, Kamaria is coming out, dressed and ready to travel. She settles at Elly's side, propping her up. "So we're finally ready to get healed, are we?" she asks, her tone a bit testy.

"I apologize, no one is to blame, this whole situation, the only one that we need to blame, the Fae Queen. They're all her servants, she's the one that did all. I will kill her in that case, personally," Merek offers. "I already said I'd bring back his victims, I don't want to bring Kol back, I want to speak with his spirit." Then he's following along with the people, while he plays with the toy, "I spoke with the gods, the answer which they gave makes me think." He nods.

"What was the question and what was the answer?" Cryosanthia asks automatically. She stride seems somewhat interrupted and painful, certain movements just hurt. One of her hands is clamped around a lower one of Braelnoir's. Sometimes she manages to keep her eyes closed for several steps. Her jaw muscles are clenched, her lips tense.

Braelnoirbows her head to elly's sweetheart, then sighs and draws in closer to Cryo, holding her hand, but encircling her body with another arm. She's quiet for the start of the walk, and she looks about to keep aware of what could be lurking as best she can with her only equipment: her wolflike human eyes.

"I'm sorry, Kamaria," Elly says softly. "I left the path of wisdom, but I've come back to it now." She tries to not lean too much on Kamaria, even if that warmth is extremely welcome. The druid draws in a deep breath, "Your perfume.. it's peppermint oil, isn't it? For my breathing."

Kamaria rolls her eyes, laughing softly. "I can't stay mad at the better half of my heart," she replies. "And of course it is. The dark is coming, and it's the only thing that helps with your coughing."

When they draw close to the others, Kamaria has to pause. The earring of the snake woman is noted, and Cryosanthia gets a big smile, as always. "Thank you both for helping her agree to this," she says, her voice gentle, tinged with strong emotions that she can just barely hold back. "And you both look like you need healing, too!" Seeing Merek and his toy, she sighs. "Didn't quite make it to the temple last time, huh? Well, we better get you right in the hands of a healer." She's thinking shackles might be needed. Or potatoes.

"I assisted Elleandra, I know," Merek then adds to Kamaria. It's weird, "Would like a few potatoes to bring with me." He then uses that arm to lift up what looks like a pocket potato, then he places that back while he plays with the toy. You paged Aftershock with 'I kinda feel like I have one too'

GAME: Merek rolls profession/herbalism: (10)+profession/herbalism: 10
GAME: Merek rolls profession/herbalist: (1)+8: 9 (EPIC FAIL)
GAME: Merek rolls knowledge/nature: (10)+8: 18

"Sure Merek, tell us about Potatoes." Cryosanthia says, hints of pain creeping into her voice. She does her best to keep bringing the topic back to that, since it seems the safest. The group eventually comes up on the stables that outlie the city.

"I don't know if it's safer for you to go further Braelnoir. We'd have to get a covered cart."

Braelnoir slithers along, sparing a quick glance back to the lovers, then forward again. A subtle tightening of her arm against Cryo as the sith tries to herd Merek's troubled thoughts along a safer path. The notion to stay outside the city gives her a moment's pause, then a shrug. She disentangles herself from her sworn sister before moving around her to face Merek as well from almost between them and she sets a hand lightly against either of their chests. Pats once with a troubled smile, then gives Elly and Kami a quick salute before turning to make her way into the brush. She's been rained on before.

Elleandra can tell that it will be hard for Braelnoir to travel through normal means. Walking and being in view is likely difficult. She pauses to whisper to Kamaria, who nods thoughtfully. "One moment, please. We have been here a while, so we have friends who can help." She makes for the stables and after a few minutes comes back, looking satisfied. "There is a covered wagon we can rent for the journey. It's not luxury, but it's going to keep us dry and out of sight. Would that work for everyone?"

Elleandra answers by shivering and coughing. The fit is unpleasant to watch, but it ends once Kamaria takes up her position at the druid's side. "I cast your yes vote for you, Elly," she says warmly.

Merek looks between the people, and nods a bit, "I would be willing," he offers, then he plays with the toy in thought, he does seem to be a bit more himself, if only from the fact he keeps his mind upon a little conversation and all. "I need to find a cure, and a arm."

-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=<* A10: Temple of Eluna *>=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

Eluna's temple stands near her brother's, and trees of the grove often wander their vines that way, only to be chased away by the priests--much as two children might battle in the back of a cart. Eluna's temple is composed of solemn, alabaster pillars and marble, as ancient as Her brother's though more austerely kept. Each pillar represents a phase of the moon, over which She has dominion. Their surface is scribed with the words of ancient dreams, those first recorded in the known world, when mankind was first awakening to their significance.

In the center of the temple lies a grand pool. Serene in its surface, it reflects the open sky overhead, though the temple is covered by an arched ceiling. At all times within the surface may the stars be seen. Surrounding this pool are a number of tasseled rugs, on which petitioners sit and meditate, or seek counsel for interpretation of their dreams.

Warriors of Daeus are often found here, providing guards where the wards of Eluna prefer introspection and contemplation. These fighters bear dual symbols, signifying the tie between divine father and divine daughter. They and the priests here speak in quiet voices, reminiscent of Eluna's place as the Dreaming Goddess.

To the north of the temple is a modest library, its function primarily in the way of records--recording of dreams, of meditation, of theories of the proper use of magic--teachings directly opposed by the Shadow Goddess, Taara. It is this last shift that has seen an increase in the number of guards among the temple, and the increased adoption of the Star of Tears among the belts of Seers.

-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

Braelnoir cants her head and looks back at the talk of wagons and she makes her way back. On Elleandra's cough, she brushes her fingers along her bandolier pouches and, on a particular pouch, opens it to withdraw a small potion vial, which is then offered over to the sick woman, another of her hands fumbles a little bit more along those pouches, but pulls out a second identical vial. Antiplague. It's all she's got, but she tries. That one goes to Merek.

The carriage when it arrives, is large enough for everyone, and quickly covers the distance. It is able to enter Alexandria before the gates are closed. The ride isn't long, a little rough and it pulls up to the Temple of Eluna. The nearest Silverguards are warned before the chimerarilith emerges.

Cryosanthia helps everyone out of the carriage, hangs her head as she looks at the silverguards. Her tail is dragging.

Elleandra looks at the offered potion and promptly intercedes, ensuring that Merek isn't able to grab the offered potion, either. "I appreciate the gesture, Braelnoir, but if there is even a drop of magic in that, it will cause us great trouble. We may spread the plague to you. I don't imagine that having two serious ailments at once would be anything but horrible."

Upon arriving at the temple, she helps Elleandra get out of the wagon and guides her inside. "Eluna," she notes, laughing, "Always Eluna with you, isn't it? Still, it seems she has her eye on your people as of late. I favor Althea, myself. She's going to work a miracle for me."

Braelnoir endures the ride tucked in as small as she can manage in the wagon, not looking at anone in particular, though she fidgets with her earring. It's hidden under all that hair, but there's probably no good reason her hand is at that angle for so much of the trip. She makes herself as helpful as feasible in her unenvial position, then, once everyone else is out it's her turn. A large, spaded silver tail, a couple meters long, pokes out of the back of the wagon at first, coiling on itself on the street before, with several slapping sounds, and a little scraping against the wood, a silver snake woman with four arms draws herself out into view.

Merek looks between the people, while he nods a bit. He doesn't take the potion, which is because Elleandra actually picked it up. He then thinks about it for a bit, "What are we doing?" he asks, nodding a little bit to the pat he was given.

A short-statured xian man enters the temple on your heels, and makes his way slowly and with care to a priestess of Eluna. He passes right by you to do so. There's a raven on his shoulder, and it cocks its head at the group as he passes by, but the man himself says nothing to anyone as he moves to talk to the priestess quietly. Their low murmuring voices are not loud enough to interupt your conversation.

"It's the Temple of Eluna because Merek is a Seer of Eluna, and because Seldan is here. This is where you should come tomorrow to get healed Elly." Cryosanthia says, completely oblivious to everyone else moving around her. Watching only Merek, Braelnoir as she uncoils like an eel from a basket from the wagon, and the elf and half elf.

"We're finding you a bed, Merek, so someone can clean you up and see to you, then I am going to lie down."

The white-scale sounds like she really wants to lie down. She's curled up on herself, eyes mostly closed, and all her movements seem pained.

Kamaria lends Elleandra her shoulder. By now, the druid is feverish and struggling again with her cough, peppermint oil or no. "Let's get you to a place where you can rest. I'm sure the Fernwood remembers us." She pauses to tip the wagon driver. To Cryosanthia and Braelnoir she says, "Thank you for your help. I mean it. Hmm, maybe we'll name our first after you." The half-sil laughs and looks ahead into the darkness, "We'll find Seldan and get this dealt with as soon as possible. And you get healing too, both of you! And rest!"

Braelnoir watches the reactions of the guards, just in case, but on Merek's question, she lightly sets a hand on his shoulder, then gesturse to the temple before one of her free hands says, "wave point down point wave wiggle flick" She regards the elves and gives a little nod, then turns to Cryo, trying to tuck down under her shoulder to offer support. She doesn't ask about why this temple isn't good enough, she settles for making sure she gets... wherever she's going. <unknown>

GAME: Merek rolls will: (10)+18: 28

Merek seems to think about it, while he looks to the place, and inhales. Then he sighs, "... I am going to seek atonement, I might build a new arm," he then admits while he nods between people. "I apologize." He then looks to Cryosanthia and Braelnoir, as well as to Karasu.

It seems that Karasu notices that he's garnered some attention, though from the expression in his dark eyes he's not sure why Merek is looking at him. He finishes his quiet conversation with the priestess and then quietly joins the group. "Pardon. Did... you need me for something?"

"Yes. Please forget your thoughts of revenge. He has no meaningful answers. Go inside and rest." The white-scale hangs heavily on the chimerarilith, her breathing hissing through her nostrils. She looks at Karasu with her very bruised face. The sith looks like she was repeatedly punched in the eyes. She gestures towards Merek, "This is one of Eluna's Seers. He was wounded during the giant ooze, lost his arm, has bouts of delirium. He is present now, but needs attention and a careful watch. Please take care of him. I have to get back to the Temple of Daeus."

She exhales and leans some more on the silvery woman beside her. A quiet explanation, "They've set a room aside for me there.

Braelnoir nods, looking with concern to the whitescaled sith, though Merek catches her attention. Two of her hands join into signing, "left thumb left right flick left flick" She flashes a weak smile to the Xian fellow, then turns her attention back to Cryo for her explaination. At the end, a hand throws a thumbs-up, and she tries to see her sister safe. Getting past the door is going to be fun. <unknown>

Merek nods to the three, "Nice to meet with you," he offers, then he waves a little with the hand while he begins making a way into the Temple's private clergy healing station and enters one of the nice areas as well.

Karasu looks a bit startled by the request, but he bows to Cryosanthia, and makes a comforting hand-gesture to Braelnoir. Silently without words, but with the motion of his fingers he tells her that he will see to it. So when the pair turns away, he follows in Merek's wake to ensure that the man gets to a place where he can find some rest.

"Peace on your Nessstsss." Cryosanthia says, turning for support by Braelnoir. "C'mon, lets be fast. Maybe we'll see Sunblades I know."

The pair head away to the Temple of the Dragonfather.

Braelnoir
Oh, Hell...!

A lithsome figure, this, possessed of facial features fitting an Acanian woman of perhaps twenty years with fine, even features and stern eyebrows over wolflike amber eyes. Four plus feet of black hair, shimmering green in certain angles and violet in another, fluffs out from her scalp to drape down around her, parting only for the long, sharp points of her ears and the black, segmented antennae that sprout from the center of her brow. Her torso carries to a human shape, with slightly broader shoulders, suggesting perhaps an additional Aesir heritage though a multitude of miniscule silver scales turns her skin into a somewhat clouded mirror. Further, there are a pair of arms to either side, and her figure transitions at the swell of the hips into a long, serpentine tail that ends with an almost draconic spade. On the knot of muscle of her upper right arm's shoulder, the tint of the scales is closer to polished malachite within the heartlike borders of some kind of howling skull mark that's been burned into her.

The only 'jewelry' upon her person is a copper earring in her left ear, from which dangles a small brass skeleton and an artfully simple gold ring on the finger of her upper left hand.

A fine, nearly black, breastplate, tempered to an almost iridescent blue violet, is cross strapped at her back. Her right hand is clad nearly to the elbow in a blued, spike-laden gauntlet, while the upper left is protected by a half-fingered leather affair with an hourglassed demi gauntlet over that, stamped with the symbol of Kor, and the lower left hand is clad in a heavy spiked gauntlet of fine, solid make, probably an Arvek design.

Her other accoutrements are manifold and equally diverse. A Khazadi bandolier containing Gods-know-what crosses her torso right-to-left to leave the pouches lining the inward curve of her waist without impeding her sword arm(s). An Aesir warhammer rides double frogs on her right hip, while a short sword rests in a sheath on her left.

Karasu
Karasu is a few inches short of six feet tall, his frame thin and somewhat lanky in a way that belies his strength. He moves gracefully, like a dancer might. Light on his feet and languid in his movements he always steps with great care. His eyes are narrow, tilted, and pitch black so that one can not distinguish between iris and pupil. Karasu’s face somehow manages to convey years well beyond the few that he has lived, mostly through those dark eyes. His hair has outgrown itself, hanging over his eyes in the front and along his jaw on the sides and halfway down his spine in the back though he usually keeps it tied back in a low tail. It’s thick and black as a raven’s wing with just that faintest hint of blue that truly black hair has.

He would be a handsome man if not for the general impression his expression gives at all times. The impression that he could be sleeping or /anything/ else rather than speaking to someone. Karasu never smiles.

The dark-eyed man is dressed in a short-sleeved black shirt with a high collar stretched upwards around his neck loosely. Over that he wears a vest of some kind of thick cloth, dark grey in color that is clasped over either shoulder with the symbol of a dark bronze scale. He wears dark pants that fall to his feet which are usually clad with thin black sandals. Usually over all of this he wears a high-necked black coat that falls to the ground opened or closed depending on his mood and lined with red.

Around his neck can occasionally be seen a glimpse of silver, a thick chain of metal wrapped there hiding amid his clothing. Karasu’s various weapons are hidden about his body. A strange diamond-shaped dagger with only the hint of a handle. A black-painted crossbow with a hard pointed edge protruding underneath the arc of the bow itself that looks as though it has some indercernable purpose. And frankly, who knows what else hides itself there.

A raven is always calmly perched on his shoulder.