Sojourn in Selentia
GAME: Telamon casts Mage Armor. Caster Level: 15 DC: 19 GAME: Telamon casts Overland Flight. Caster Level: 15 DC: 23 GAME: Telamon casts Greater Teleport. Caster Level: 15 DC: 25
It's a bright, cheerful day in Selentia. A day where it seems like everyone is hustling and bustling to and fro. Admittedly this is less true in the sector of the city that Andelena's family has their dwelling in, but here the streets are still fairly busy. The main difference is that those going to and fro here have carriages to carry them.
Either way the traffic is sufficient that you don't stand out terribly much. Though that's unlikely to last forever.
The residence itself is quite active as well. Curtains are being shaken out in the warm air. Maids with their sleeves rolled up clean laundry in side yard. Gardening is taking place. It's spring and there's much for the servants to do.
The forgotten Calogref is here. Andelena isn't making an attempt at hiding herself, because she won't hide, can't hide, and isn't good at hiding by nature. She was, after all, the stubborn flower that resisted every attempt from her mother to be stomped into place, and the lionhearted woman finds herself here in full armor, full white cloak, and with Deliverance on her hip--as ready as she'll ever be.
"It'd be a nice day if it wasn't for all the scent of bullshit we're about to have sliding up our nostrils," Andelena mutters as she walks steadily. "Speaking of which, how are we coping with the thick fucking carpet of bullshit my mother's likely got rolled out waiting for us? I'd say she's even got the table set for dinner, but she doesn't think _that_ highly of any of us."
It is hard for Dolan not to stand out, in a place like this. He has chosen a high-collared shirt for this purpose, and over it an open, sleeveless vest of a spring green silk adorned with gold thread, intended largely for show and reduce his standing out. He has eschewed the armor, but a longsword is strapped at his hip, and the leather cuff is still very much in place. Still, he seems in reasonable spirits, and if much of that is pressed into a cool Corona's focus, that is to be expected. "Your mother doesn't think highly of anyone but herself, Andie," he points out flatly. "All the same, I'm here for information, not a fight."
You'd think Telamon would still be in an icy mood after inspecting the state of his home, especially after Marsward Seraquoix trashed it. Still... it's just -things-. Although Tel was quite irked at the destruction of his wardrobe -- what is it with werewolves trashing his shirts and tunics?
But this is where they push back and hard. Telamon is dressed a little differently, too. He wears a linen peasant's tunic in a cream color, laced up the front, over simple brown woolen trousers tucked into his walking boots. Over this he wears a long, sleeveless robe in gray. His hair caught back by his circlet, he casually leans on an ironwood staff, the bronze head comprised of three intersecting circles.
"She may not try to manure the fields for us, Andelena," Tel replies. "She may know we've already started rolling up the ends of this little scheme. So be ready for things to go full evocation."
No one shows any indication of stopping the three as they head up to the front door. It is closed of course, but the butler is standing right inside and he frowns at the sight of Andelena even moreso than the others with her though they earn their own expressions of displeasure. "You are not welcome here Andelena. Nor are your... companions." This last word is said with particular distaste.
Andelena knew this was coming. Her expression doesn't change whatsoever, determined and only determined. "I'm here to speak to Seb," she says. "I know Mother does not want to speak to me. I am not here for her. I am here for Seb." There is a weight on that last word, the slight flaring of the nostrils.
Dolan doesn't move, either, merely fixing the butler with the full weight of the inquisitor's hard stare. "I don't really care what Her Ladyship wants," he adds to Andelena's point. "Master Sebastian's likeness was used in a demon attack on the Temple of Daeus in Alexandria. I feel certain that the Calogref family would not like its name tied to such an atrocity. If Her Ladyship is wise, she will allow us to clear the air and determine the truth of the matter. We need not speak to her, only him."
Telamon just stares at the butler. It's the thousand-yard blank gaze of someone who doesn't really see a person, just an obstacle, an inconvenience. It's specifically designed to terrify annoying, obstreperous bureaucrats and minions who seem to be hell bent on getting in the way.
In other words, Tel is so spectacularly unimpressed by this man he gives the impression he'd rather step over him than even bother stepping on him.
GAME: Dolan rolls intimidate+1: (10)+20+1: 31 GAME: Telamon rolls intimidate: (2)+28: 30
"It is my duty to inform you that the young master is not currently seeing visitors." The butler intones dully, his eyes languid with a lack of care - until Dolan mentions demons and then he pales slightly and seems stymied by the accusation. "Um..." Eyes flicker to Telamon and then back to Dolan. "That is... I can not speak for her ladyship. And she is in a private meeting at the moment. If you wish, I can inquire, but I have strict orders not to allow anyone to see the young master Sebas. I'm sure you can understand that."
Still, he looks shaken.
Andelena stares down the butler. "Why is no one allowed to see Seb at the moment?" she asks. Bluntly. Very, very bluntly. The steel-grey eyes are setting it up for Dolan and Telamon to jump in like snarling wolves over her shoulder.
"I don't even need to ask, Andie. If he, or someone using his face at the Lady's behest, was responsible for something like that, and Her Ladyship wanted to hush it up, of course she'd lock him away. In the holy name of the Draco Solis, master. Is the young man present in this house, yes, or no?" Dolan's stare could pin a demon to a wall with a million daggers. _Don't lie to me,_ his tone warns.
Telamon leans forward. Just a bit. Ever so slightly. But his eyes are alight, starlight in the dark depths, as he says very quietly, "Perhaps once you've answered Andie and Dolan's questions... and pointed us to where you have Seb confined," he clearly isn't buying the line about 'not receiving visitors'. "... you should go find something else to do. Preferably not in the mansion."
The butler seems most comfortable dealing with Andelena oddly enough, seeming to shake off some of his fear and regather himself. "I am not at liberty to spread rumors about the young master." He stiffens his spine and eyes Dolan. "Of course he is here, and I do not appreciate your allusions about the lady of this house."
He actually seems to grow a little angry at Telamon's suggestion. Eyes narrowing at the three on the doorstep. "I will not give up my duty! As I said. I will relay your message if you three will _wait here_ for my return. Otherwise you will receive no assistance from me at all!"
"Sagird." The name of the butler falls from Andelena's mouth. She sighs lightly. This is a man that has served her family all of these years--in a house known for turnover for staff, that is a comment on his character. "Can you tell me, as a woman of this family concerned for her little brother, if he's in his room at the moment?" She knows which one it is.
"I'm sure you don't." Dolan does not sound overly concerned, but turns his full head to Andelena when she starts to speak. "You know, I don't think it's necessary for us to see him, Andie. If he's not taking visitors, then I'm sure I can get to the bottom of what really happened elsewhere, without bothering Her Ladyship." The mobile side of his face pulls up in a smirk.
GAME: Telamon casts Suggestion. Caster Level: 15 DC: 21 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+6: (15)+6: 21 GAME: Telamon casts Suggestion/Quicken. Caster Level: 15 DC: 25 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+6: (17)+6: 23
Telamon looks just about fed up with this. He murmurs, softly, "Nigak duga tam," and looks the butler in the eye. "I think you should tell us where Seb is being kept." It feels like the spell isn't working right -- so he grabs a tiny handful of time, and murmurs the incantation again, before continuing, "I -really- think you should tell us where Seb is being kept." His lips are curled in contempt. "Or get out of my way. I'm not picky at this point."
GAME: Telamon rolls spaceBS: aliased to Bluff+3: (1)+24+3: 28 (EPIC FAIL)
The butler looks at Andelena, and his gaze softens slightly. "For old times sake I would, but I mislike and distrust your companions Andelena." He sighs and nods politely to Dolan. "As you will ser."
He seems about to close the door and then Telamon speaks. His eyes narrow. "Ser... Was that a _spell_?" Sagird's eyes flash with anger. "How dare you ser try to influence a butler of this house! Begone with you! All of you before _I_ call a magistrate!"
With that he closes the door _very_ firmly.
"We'll need to move fast," Dolan mutters as the door fairly slams shut. "I don't doubt he'll be spirited off now that they know we know where he is. That private meeting, wouldn't I love to be a fly on the wall for that." He turns his back on the door, so that a lipreader watching him from the window cannot see. "Andie, which window is his?" he asks crisply and in low tones.
Andelena sighs deeply. "Okay. Welp. That could have gone better." She spins on her heel and looks to Telamon, following Dolan's cue. "Okay. This is the one time in your life you're going to have a Daeusite tell you to go be a fucking creep with their blessing. My little brother's bedroom is on the second floor like the rest of my family's bedrooms. If you go around the back, it'll be the last one on the right--it gets the most sunshine in the morning."
GAME: Telamon casts Message/Quicken. Caster Level: 15 DC: 22 GAME: Telamon casts Greater Invisibility. Caster Level: 15 DC: 23
Telamon nods tightly to Andelena and Dolan, before murmuring something quickly. "I'll be in touch," he says politely, before starting to float away... but as he does, he murmurs, "Irhandi, paphal kalag," and simply vanishes from sight. Invisible, he swiftly glides over the house, seeking out the bedroom Andie mentioned. He frowns at the drawn curtains, before shifting to the next window down, checking it cautiously.
The room that Telamon checks is in fact occupied. But not with Sebas. Or at least not as Andelena had described him. This is a somewhat older man, though not old enough by any means to be Andelena's father. This then must be her older brother. He is staring longingly into a mirror and talking quietly to himself as he holds a small portrait in his hand. He of course, doesn't notice Telamon at all.
"Let's walk," Andelena suggests, looking to Dolan. Dropping her voice, she says, "Make them think we're giving up and leaving. Kind of wondering if we can't sneak in through the kitchen. I used to sneak out through there all the time as a kid..."
"Yeah. We're not getting anywhere standing out here. I've got a few other ideas." Dolan reaches to take Andelena's gauntleted hand, making sure that the way he brings it to his lips is visible from the door. Whether anyone is looking, he neither knows nor cares, but assumes that they are. "Don't want to wait long." He releases the hand, then, and walks away from the door purposefully.
GAME: Telamon rolls sense motive+3: (5)+20+3: 28 GAME: Telamon casts Blink. Caster Level: 15 DC: 21
Telamon furrows his brow invisibly, and murmurs, "There's an older man here, talking to himself. I... don't think he's well. Not old enough to be Andelena's father. Hold on, going inside..." He takes a deep breath, and says, "Pes gur irhandi." Flickering in and out of reality now, slipping through the windowpanes like a ghost to hover in the room, trying to remain very quiet and still.
The man is staring at a mirror, an image of a woman in his hand. He stares at the mirror and her image equally. "Ah Respa! Without you I am but half a man!" He says the words dramatically, his eyes closing and his head canting toward the picture.
"Twas you whom would a battle draw, And I your knight to defense, A thousand nights I have dreamed, You have left me with-out sense!"
This last line draws a cry from him and he writes furiously on a paper before him with his free hand. "Why Respa! Why can I not see you now? I am lost without you!"
That information from Telamon makes Andelena's steel-gray eyes go wide with surprise. "Does he have brown hair? If so, that's my older brother, Gale," she relays back through the message spell. "'Not well' is not fucking like him considering he lives for fencing and sticking his dick in everything he thinks he's got a chance with."
She sighs and looks to Dolan, following him. "I don't fucking like this one bit," she says. "Gale's an idiot and I won't pretend to like him for a moment, but... sick? That's not like him."
"I'd put good money he's had help," Dolan mutters, stopping and listening with crossed arms. "See if you can get both of them out of there. Where are you coming to? We'll have to meet you and get out."
Telamon makes a face at the poetry. Dear gods, does the man have no ... no, he probably doesn't have any talent. But he makes a note of the room, before waiting for the 'downbeat' of the blink spell. Then he passes through the wall between Gale's room, and what is ostensibly Seb's. Hopefully it's not an abattoir, or worse, a trap.
In the next room is a young man who is very clearly Andelena's younger brother. He is laying on a bed, looking at the windows which are closed and quite wide awake. He has a firm cast on his right arm and leg as well as sporting a nasty looking bruise on his face. He looks rather tousled. No one else is in the room with him, and he seems to notice Telamon as little as the other man had.
GAME: Telamon casts True Seeing. Caster Level: 15 DC: 23 GAME: Telamon rolls spellcraft: (7)+16: 23
Telamon stares at the sprawled young man, before slipping outside to murmur another spell. Looking back in, he restrains a curse, before pulling back through the windows on the 'downbeat' of the blink to hover outside. "We have a problem," he mutters to Andie and Dolan. "I've found Seb, but he's possessed. And I don't have a spell to suppress that -- remind me to fix that issue." He pauses, taking a breath. "Where are you? I can try and teleport us straight to you but I'll need Dolan to try and kick this thing out."
"Not far at all, Telamon," Andelena responds through the message spell. "We've been walking away from the entrance all leisure-like. Let's have us duck out of view from the house somewhere and then you pick us up."
She sighs _deeply_. "Possessed. Of fucking course she would. I hate that fucking woman so much--"
"Peace, Andelena," Deliverance says, gently. "Focus on Seb right now. He needs you. Brydion, you will be instrumental in this."
"I can take care of that." Dolan isn't even listening to Deliverance right now, and responds immediately. "Pick us up and take us somewhere where I can get my armor on quickly. I don't want to try it without armor on, unless Andie's ready to step in. I can handle the possession."
GAME: Telamon casts Blink. Caster Level: 15 DC: 21 GAME: Telamon casts Greater Teleport. Caster Level: 15 DC: 25
Telamon does just that, rejoining Andelena and Dolan as they hasten to an out of the way location so that Dolan can shuffle into his armor. It goes faster with someone to aid Dolan in getting into the stuff. Then with that taken care of, everyone is ready to get going back to where Sebas is waiting. A teleport later from Telamon, and they're in!
No sooner are they there however than their presence is noted by Sebas, who lifts a hand to his lips. "They're here." His eyes are dark and his voice empty in a way that chills Andelena.
GAME: Telamon casts Wall of Force. Caster Level: 15 DC: 23 GAME: Dolan casts Cast Out. Caster Level: 8 DC: 16 GAME: Dolan rolls melee: (13)+11: 24 GAME: Dolan rolls 1d20+8: (16)+8: 24 GAME: Andelena casts Daylight. Caster Level: 6 DC: 17
The plan's in motion. When Telamon and his friends appear in the room, though, his eyes narrow with Seb's hissing voice. "Well, shit," he says calmly. Then he points at the door, and says, "Emegar gisig, duksium sisig!" A hexagonal pattern of lines flashes into existence before fading again, as he growls, "Hit it, Dolan! For his life and soul!"
Already prepared and knowing that he'll need to move quickly, quietly, and without hesitation, Dolan had let out a deep breath once he'd armed, and nodded to Telamon, already with the stylized platinum dragon in his hand. He's had practice at this, and he knows exactly by now what he is doing. He barely waits for Sebas to respond and does not wait for Telamon's signal before lunging at him, holy symbol leading. "In the name of the holy Knight, you do not own this body!"
It plants firmly in the middle of the injured man's chest, and flashes with bright sunlight for the briefest moment before the room is plunged into darkness. "Got you," comes Dolan's voice from the inky blackness. "Tel, get us out of here!"
The room's plunged into darkness, but Andelena was prepared for that possibility after the last demon possession she and Dolan participated in. "Oh, no, you can fuck off back into your shitty fucking little hole in the ground in the Nine Hells where you can go _fuck yourself_," Andelena hisses, her anger almost as incandescent as her faith in the Knight. She raises her pendant of Daeus from where it hangs on her neck, and she utters:
"Holy Knight, bring me light to banish the dark!"
The pendant goes bright with light, shining up the room and banishing the darkness that the cast out demon brings with it.
The darkness retreats with the sound of a demons fury. But the creature can not stay in the light. It's gone. Seb is tangled in Dolan's arms, grasping at the other man for security in the dark. "Is that you Brydion?" The light returns and he sees Andelena. "Get me out of here!"
His eyes are pleading, his hands tight on Dolan. "Please!"
GAME: Telamon casts Greater Teleport. Caster Level: 15 DC: 25
"We've got you, Seb." Dolan's arms are strong as they reach to support the man, lift him up. "Don't resist the spell, we're getting out. Now." He waits for Andelena to grab him and Telamon, trusting her with a glance to close the gaps and make the link that will make the spell possible.
Andelena immediately jumps in to close the gaps, taking hands. "I promised I'd always take care of you, Seb--we're getting out of here," she tells him in the quick span of time before Telamon's spellwork goes off. It's not time to sigh in relief. Not yet. They can do that when they get there.
Telamon laughs triumphantly, seeing the fiend retreat and Andelena blaze with light. The elegant half-elf grabs Andie and Dolan. "Hang on, friend," he says with a genial smile. "We're about to go for a ride! Anungal, kaskal nu siten, ula'ulla!" His starry eyes blaze with light, as the shimmering multicolored sphere wraps around the four of them, carrying them away...
...reappearing just outside of Alexandria, near one of the watchtowers. The sun is shining here too, banishing shadows and fear, as they emerge from the teleport spell into a field of sweet-smelling grasses.
-End