To Sam this is all a bit surreal and he’s having a bit of a hard time accepting it as real. As solid. From there being multiple downs to there being sit upon-able clouds… And Kobold villains? Kobolds? They’re tiny and, last he knew, didn’t fly…
“Brother?” Sam asks, surprised. He shouldn’t be, they don’t really know all that much about one another on a personal level. Not really… but still, brother?!?
“Sister?!?” He quickly follows up, a bit floored. He may have literally fallen into a sit on the floor if he really knew which way to fall…
This whole day has gone sideways. First Neferox attacking Vin now Elthana having family.. “Twin?” Sam asks, curiously. Some part of him thinking about what was said about her only being part of a soul or such. He’d have to wrack his memory but he knew he could find it amongst the cobwebs and litter if need be….
Muir listens to everyone and figures they all hve stories for another time when they are alone....He fights the urge to ask all of his questions, daydreaming of the answers.....he snaps to and realizes "Oh! I do have somehting from Sergor...Apologies, the excitement of traveling through a portal and meeting you all.....Apologies" Muir hands over the letter
"A MAN WHO LOOKS LIKE YOU? I CANNOT SAY I HAVE SEEN HIM RECENTLY, IF HE IS THE MAN I AM THINKING OF THEN IT WAS A LONG LONG TIME AGO THAT HE AND SERGOR WERE HERE LOOKING FOR YOUR... SISTER. AH HERE WE ARE!" Akiin takes the letter from Muir and opens it up, the piece of paper looks absurdly small in his massive hands but he reads it quickly and then looks around the group with interest, his eyes once again rest on Elthana with an expression of interest and concern, "OK!" he claps his hands together suddenly with the paper sandwiched between and a crackle of lightning explodes around his hands incinerating the paper instantly, he smiles wide "DO ANY OF YOU SPEAK THE LANGUAGE OF DRAGONS? HMMM? BECAUSE IF YOU DO I WOULD REFRAIN FROM USING IT IN THESE LANDS, IT IS CAUSE FOR CONCERN WOTH A DRAGON CULT ATTEMPTING INFILTRATION EVERYDAY, YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED. I WILL NEED TO SHOW YOU A FEW THINGS AND TELL YOU OF SOME OTHERS, BUT FIRST YOU ALL LOOK ENTIRELY EXHAUSTED, WOULD YOU LIKE TO REST BEFORE WE LOOK AT YOUR OPTIONS?"
"I've been told I barely speak common," Sam grumbles with a grin on the side of his face. "Anyway, I don't suppose we would randomly start speaking it even if we could. Not unless it was spoken to us first, yes?"
"I'm not exactly rested but given the time issue..." Sam says but looks around at the others to allow them to determine the issue. He knows how tired he is but they know themselves better than he does.
(In other words, Sam wants to press on quickly but will bow to anyone who says they need their sleepytime...)
Seeing Elthana's body language and then hearing Sam struggle through his thoughts on the matter of Ethana's... relatives, Gewyn taps his temple and casts a glance at Sam that says maybe we do our thinking up here right now.
Gewyn sits up from his reclined position and says, "As much as I love rest, I find it hard to settle until I've finished my set. The show must go on. If any of us need time to prepare, we should take it, but I anxious to give one our most important performances ever. It will be called Floating Assets! No, that isn't very catchy. Raising Funds? The Crashing Economy? The Heaviest Lode? The Taxpayer's Relief? Nah, I'll keep workshopping it. There's something there for sure."
Muir tired recalls Sergor's words "If you all recall Sergor's words... Sigurd had said 80 hours before the crash landing. However, Sergord...Sergor...apologies....I am quite tired.....He also said that for every 1 hour on our plane it is 4 hours here. It seems to me that we could sleep 8 hours and only have missed 2 hours of our world's time.....I am tired and a little sore from the bump I took being unaccustomed to portal traveling...What harm could 2 hours off the 320 we have be?"
Noting Sam's reaction and as Akiin talks about the length of time, Elthana shakes her head a bit as if she is clearing it, "Well, siblings might not exactly be right... but yes, that man is who I am looking for if you would have any lead on that at all...." she trails off as she notices Akiin look at her again after reading the letter. She wonders what it could have held, but is too tired to inquire.
She smiles as Gewyn starts going through random names to call whatever this is, but as Muir mentions he is ready for rest, Elthana readily agrees. "Yes.. two hours would be worth getting us all back to our usual keen selves."
"GREAT I WILL FIND A ROOM FOR YOU ALL, IT WILL GIVE ME TIME TO COLLECT SOME THINGS!" Akiin stands abruptly and usher's everyone out, down a decorated opaque crystal corridor and into a larger room with similar plinth and red crown like crystal in the middle with the transparent robes coming from it. This room has several beds all jutting from the wall made of crystal and the lining that thick cloud looking substance, akiin bends to enter and spins around Asif trying to show you all the entire room all at once, "IS THERE ANYTHING YOU NEED? MORE WARMTH?"
Akiin pulls out a metal fork like instrument and taps it on the plinth, in reaction the room itself vibrates, singing back to the particular frequency of the vibration of the fork. Suddenly lightning crackles through the transparent pipe and toward the plinth, the red crown like crystal atop it receives this contained lightning and begins to warm, heating the room.
"320 if their calculations are correct. If the draining effect doesn't worsen. And since we do not know exactly what must be done we don't know if 320 hours is a lot or a little time to do it in," Sam cautions. "But if rest is needed then it is needed."
As they are lead to the new room Sam continues looking around amazed at it all. He still can't shake the feeling that this is a dream of some kind what with it being so different from what he knows to be true and real. Still, dream or no, little to be done but go with it. "Feel free to rest up. I shall stand watch. I'm not thinking we'll need it but one never knows when kobolds may attack..." In truth Sam isn't sure if they need a watch or not but better to have one and not need it, etc etc etc...
Muir smiles graciosuly at Akiin "No, I am quite well here. Thank you again for your hospitality. I can only hope that once this is all done, I could visit and write about our shared histories!" The thought excites Muir causing his ears to flap quickly.
He turns to Sam "Are you sure you don't want a little rest....This portal jumping and no sleep has made me quite tired."
The sensation of losing which way is up and which way is down is quite sudden to both Vin and Nef but in this situation, it is a time that Vin shows up. He can quickly discipline his mind to adjust to a world where up and down are not necessarily the same. He feels his experience flying on Br’yze helped a lot with that as he had a bit of fun doing loop-de-loos on their way back to Marblestead (much to Nef’s worry). Nef however, doesn’t do as well. Perhaps because she is very much not acting like her normal self and what happened recently or perhaps, she is very used to having four feet on the ground and certainly doesn’t seek ways to fly.
As a result, Vin is able to land on his feet and seems to be focusing on adjusting to the sensation of this world and Nef lands smack dab right on the ceiling far less gracefully than she would like. The hound is certainly having a terrible day today. Vin spends a bit of time trying to help Nef adjust to a situation he seemed to adapt to more quickly than most as introductions begin. He realizes quickly that this is a place of importance and splendor. His eye light up at the sight of so much amazing things around them.
Nef eyes the various threats around but doesn’t make any aggressive moves for once. Vin seems to be communicating with them mentally. Those familiar with the pair can recognize it at this point whereas other would likely only think Vin quiet. It is clear Vin is taking a bit more of a direct role in keeping Nef in check and she is responding to this. As a result, he is a bit distracted but able to listen in and the large hound isn’t growling threats to everyone in the room she doesn’t know.
Once the hound settles down and seems satisfied that no one is attacking Vin is able to shift his attention to the local leader and what is happening as he listens in to tales of flying kobolds causing trouble and the main obstacle for them getting a load stone. He also hears Elthana mention her brother and sister. Vin figured she had a family but never really bothered to ask. He never felt it was his place to ask about family having not had one himself. However; now, it seems more appropriate to know more about his friends.
Elthana doesn’t seem too keen on answering questions about her family right now so Vin doesn’t push. He does however feel exhausted after all the work they did saving folks and getting here. Not to mention he would like to clean up a bit after his injury and recover for a bit.
Some seem eager to get started immediately while others would like to rest. Vin looks to nef and then to the others and says “I think we should rest. There’s a lot we don't know about here and it would give them a chance to get us information on where we can help and more details on what could hinder us getting to a load stone. This gives us a chance to recover after everything we did rescuing folks in our world and give them a chance to gather relevant information for us to review before heading out.”
Elthana frowns at Sam's suggestion. "Sam, I only need to meditate in a trance where I will still be conscious in order for me to get a long rest. Please, we need you at your best, not in a state of exhaustion as time is not on our side. I will be able to hear if anything disturbs us."
She then heads over to Akiin once everyone has settled into a bed, and asks, "May I have a quick word with you?"
“I’ll be fine,” Sam assures. “Not saying I’ll stay up all night but we shouldn’t fall out of habit keeping watch. ‘Sides, the adrenaline will kick in and wake me right up if needed.”
“If nothing else, I’ll have some time with Òrga and Boris…”
(1st level exh is no big deal anyway… Sam wouldn’t be concerned til it starts affecting his attacks.)
The group find themselves in varying states of comfort ready to shed the exhaustion from the previous days meetings and celebration, and then the shift in the landscape of their realm before the ensuing disaster, and now this new mission. Alot seems to have piled up in the past 24 hours.
Gewyn figures out the name of his next song, Muir compiles and reviews his findings on portals in his head, Sam and Vin take some solace in comforting their respective animals, and elthana takes her leave to speak in private with Akiin.
Once Elthana returns and everyone is more or less settled, it occurs to you all that you have not had much time to catch up with each other on personal matters since arriving in Marblestead. Aside from interviewing employees and adjusting the homestead at least one person has been missing from the home everyday since you arrived back from Hokum. This is the first night spent together again.
Sam settles his butt down onto one of the cloudy beds and all but groans in appreciation of the comfort of the thing. He had stood earlier, out of a sense of disbelief if for no other reason, and he is regretting that now. Passing up such comfort was almost sinful... Or was such comfort what was sinful? Sam didn't much care...
"So it's been a bit," Says as he runs his hands into Ógra's mane and faces them, turning to look at Boris as well. No good excluding anyone... "Been a while since you been around. Things get choppy for you, I imagine... Not always being there to take in the full course of events, as it were. Anyway, we're back home. My home... Not sure if you all have a sense of home or not? Boris has seen a bit, seen Drawin's workshop at least, and a bit of town. Turned some heads he did, didn't you Boris? Will be amusing to see what they think of a Lion parading around as well, yes?"
In such a way Sam catches the animals up on what has been happening of late. He keeps his voice on the softer side out of concern of the others trying to get some rest, and he does adopt the almost silly kind of tone one often uses with pets and animals... But he gives them a recap of the events from the stopping of the hag to current. The further back events are more recaps as they have both partaken in some of those events but from the meeting of Griff onward he is a bit more detailed as neither was around a ton. Sam really goes into details when he gets home though, back to Northmorrah.
"Was very eager to see Drawlin and figure out what we could do with the ore, all right. Earthencore, he named it. Well, he didn't name it but he told me that's it's name. It's not totally new, just rare around these parts," Sam explained to a yawning Ógra and a laying down Boris. "We fetched the witch, of course. Hazel is an odd one but she knows a thing or two about most everything. Not sure she is a witch witch but I'd lay money on her over this Hog guy any day... I'll get to him, don't worry..." Sam tells the beasts about how the three of them worked the metal - the ore and the dwarves armor made of the same thing - and made Sam the stone looking armor he is wearing now. He admits he doesn't know how much Hazel did, or if she did any magic at all, but he cannot complain one bit how the armor turned out.
"That's taken up most my time, really. Shocked we got it done as quick as we did, really... And of course we checked out the new homestead and hired some workers...." Sam continues and will go on to talk about Hog (who Sam is not overly fond of... Big oaf who wakes up half the house with each step he takes!) and Adda and Edda of course. "Come to think of it, perhaps I shouldn't talk about them too much just at the moment," Sam adds with a furtive glance around suddenly remembering there was apparently a beef here with kobolds. But surely the twins couldn't be part of that.
Sam will then talk about the shindig of how they were all shown off to the masses until the world started falling down. "And that's about when I pulled you two out again... So now you are all caught up, eh? Any questions?" Sam really didn't expect the Lion the Boar or the wardrobe to have any though...
An insanely busy day. Vin listens to Sam recount the events of the day and realizes just how nuts it has been. To think, just this morning he was fretting what to wear. He also realizes it's been a bit since he saw the others. So much has been going on. They've only gotten together for a couple interviews but each person has their own goals and agendas. Their own problems and mishaps.
Elthana has siblings for one and never mentioned them. Vin got the sense it's very complicated and Elthana probably had a reason to not bring it up. He wluld like to help though and it seems she might have family here in this world. A world her people have been hiding the entire time. Vin isn't mad, more impressed they managed to keep it a secret for so long. That couldn't of been easy.
Instead of directly asking about her family though Vin decides to begin dialog with something he feels is a bit more neutral of a topic. He reaches into his pack and pulls out what looks like a notebook. Then he hads it to Elthana saying, "I know you have a lot on your plate but wanted to hand this to you before I forget. I was going to ask for help on figuring out what it means. It's a bit too confusing for me."
He hands the book over to her if she'll take it then says "Hopefully I can help you in some way too. You know I want to help, right?" His intention clear, offering to listen and aid in her problem but she doesn't have to tell him anything if she doesn't want to. He knows family is complicated even if all he's had has been Nef. He also looks to the others and adds "I always want to help. So, hopefully you can rely on me some... even if it's just something minor." Opening the doors for conversations on what everyone's been doing.
The hound still seems cowed and uncertain. She's laying down but a bit away from everyone. Head slumped but clearly listening as her ears are perked and swiveling towards any exits or entrances to the room. If someone is trying to spy, she's trying to catch them. She seems distracted though and not at all like her typical self.
Muir laid in his bed a while with his eyes closed trying to go over everything that's happened. He lays quietly recounting the days he's been in Mabelstead....Hearing the others whispering and talking, he quickly sits up in bed. "There are a few things I would like to say and review."He looks at the others waiting for their attention before continuing "First of all if we are to work together, including Nefferfox, we need to help each other through honest words and cultivate good relationships. I will start. I would like to apologize to Nefferfox and Vin. I should not have reacted out of anger. I let it get the best of me. I could only take so many threats to all of us and snapped. I should have handled it better and I apologize. With that said I went to the Cavalcade this past week and spoke to a Mr. Biggly. What a lovely character. There we reviewed portals, realms, and beings. I would love if Nefferfox could correct me where my research has strayed from the truth.....especially now that the portals are all opened around the realm." (Muir produces a map). "I believe this here is the realm of fire in Lyvander...the other lights in the sky are accounted for..Hokum Fae, Marblestead is Air, out over the water, the lights we saw north of here, seems to make sense that it is the realm of water, Chattel I believe is earth because in my research their mines are perfected carved circles...like the beasts we fought....which leaves us with Fire and Lyvander. In my research with Mr.Biggly we came across a painting that was described by a planewalker. Int his painting there was a woman with a tatoo of an X on her face riding a dragon and another woman who looked like Rynwell....." Muir let's that linger for a second before continuing "The woman's name with the x is Roxs'hian the Nefarious. The rulerrr of hell. What is interesting is a story that was written and passed down" Muir recounts the story to the group
A lord of hell who had it all, legions of grunts under them, a steady supply of souls, and all the torment one could ask for, they were pleased with their life in the realm of fire but something was missing. They indulged in their vices, they exploited others for pleasure but something was still missing. One day they came across a lost soul, a wanderer from the living world touched with celestial blood. The lord of hell caught them and began toying with them, telling them all of the harm that would befall them, the celestial suggested a wager'if I can't give you something that you want, then you can take my soul and do with it what you will', a soul holds more power to a demon if it is given willingly, and more so of celestial origin. The demon lord took the wager and asked the celestial to fill the hole in their life and within one year find the thing that was missing. The celestial accepted, and demon lord was pleased with this wager assuming that the task was impossible.The celestial asked for one thing in order to complete the task, they asked to live with the demon lord, and so it was. The demon lord went about their business torturing and dominating souls, every night coming back to their lair and greeting the celestial, for the good days and the bad, for the stresses and the celebrations, the celestial became a stable part of the demon lords life, soon they were like old friends, looking forward to speaking about each others day, and later they became more than friends
Muir pauses and looks at Nef "I am wondering if you know this as a fact or if the stories are wrong." Muir stops there waiting to see if anyone has questions but particularly hoping Nef will help before continuing with more information
Elthana about stumbles back into the room as she finds a bed and attempts to make herself comfortable. She stares at the ceiling as she listens to Sam talk to his animals. She always found this a bit odd but yet endearing about Sam. The idea of Orga in the parade amuses her a bit though.
She is startled from her position by Vin as he hands her the book. Sitting up more and willing herself to pay more attention to her friends here, friends she hasn't really seen in awhile, and hasn't spent any real time with them since she found out.
"Of course, let me see what this is." She briefly flips through it, then sets it aside as she hears the other things Vin has said. "I know. You are a great helper in all things and a very good listener. I uh, I'm not sure where to start? Morris wasn't too far off on his prophecy...most of it makes sense now at least."
At that moment Muir pops up and Elthana goes quiet as she is curious as to what the loxodon wants to say. Her eyes go a bit wide at all the information that comes forth. Unsure what it all means and what needs to happen. Unsure what to ask, she starts with, "Why are you asking Neferox if what you are saying is true?"
Vin began with talking with Elthana. As she takes the book he says "I'm all ears if you want to share. It sounds like you're learning a lot. I realize its not hard to share about things that trouble us... I guess I should set a good example though. This began as a search into who my mother is... or was... I didn't share at first what I was up to... sorry; but it led to this book as it shifted from finding clues on her into helping the orphanage I grew up at. I think something weird is going on around it and I think there is an answer in this book."
Their conversation would be placed on hold though as Muir begins to bring up the very topic that set Nef off earlier. Vin looks to her all coiled up and now her ears are perked towards Muir. Vin goes over to her and lays a hand on her. The gentle boy probably the only one willing to approach the clearly agitated but held back hound. Red eyes flared with anger but also darting towards Vin in concern. A clear desire to not have repeat of before. As Vin reaches out she flinches in surprise but he's able to pet her calmly as he says out loud for other's benefit, "It's okay Nef. You're right, he doesn't understand. That's why we help him. We don't want him to get incorrect information. He's trying to help me. If I'm connected to all this then wouldn't you want me to have the right information? I have to admit... I want to know more. It seems like bits of this information is getting out anyway. Share what you can. It doesn't have to be everything but share what you feel can help."
Vin looks to Muir and says "She's... this... this is a lot, its not just her feeling the pressure of this topic. If this... is what I think it is... Muir, please understand we need time to think. To process... until.. well, until I was targeted I never really gave much thought to my parentage..." he looks down sad "I thought... I just wasn't wanted. This is a lot to take in and for Nef..." He looks to the black hound. "If she needs to hold things back I believe she has a reason to. Can you accept what she can share? There might be things she can't answer. We just ask for patience as she shares what she can when she can. However, I think she can help us understand the information we do get... right Nef?"
Vin looks to Nef, continuing to pet them calmly and reassuringly. "Help them and me understand Nef. This clearly means a lot to you and it's tied to me but... they are not our enemy. They want to help and if they don't understand... well... you can help us understand. Things are changing all over the world Nef. We need to change with it. I know it's not your strong suit but share a little bit for now. You don't need to feel like you have to share everything. I think it would be too much to expect that, but it looks like others know at least bits of what's going on. Muir learned this from somewhere so makes sense others will too, lets make sure we are prepared, you, me and our friends. What can you tell us about what Muir learned?"
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To Sam this is all a bit surreal and he’s having a bit of a hard time accepting it as real. As solid. From there being multiple downs to there being sit upon-able clouds… And Kobold villains? Kobolds? They’re tiny and, last he knew, didn’t fly…
“Brother?” Sam asks, surprised. He shouldn’t be, they don’t really know all that much about one another on a personal level. Not really… but still, brother?!?
“Sister?!?” He quickly follows up, a bit floored. He may have literally fallen into a sit on the floor if he really knew which way to fall…
This whole day has gone sideways. First Neferox attacking Vin now Elthana having family.. “Twin?” Sam asks, curiously. Some part of him thinking about what was said about her only being part of a soul or such. He’d have to wrack his memory but he knew he could find it amongst the cobwebs and litter if need be….
Muir listens to everyone and figures they all hve stories for another time when they are alone....He fights the urge to ask all of his questions, daydreaming of the answers.....he snaps to and realizes "Oh! I do have somehting from Sergor...Apologies, the excitement of traveling through a portal and meeting you all.....Apologies" Muir hands over the letter
"A MAN WHO LOOKS LIKE YOU? I CANNOT SAY I HAVE SEEN HIM RECENTLY, IF HE IS THE MAN I AM THINKING OF THEN IT WAS A LONG LONG TIME AGO THAT HE AND SERGOR WERE HERE LOOKING FOR YOUR... SISTER. AH HERE WE ARE!" Akiin takes the letter from Muir and opens it up, the piece of paper looks absurdly small in his massive hands but he reads it quickly and then looks around the group with interest, his eyes once again rest on Elthana with an expression of interest and concern, "OK!" he claps his hands together suddenly with the paper sandwiched between and a crackle of lightning explodes around his hands incinerating the paper instantly, he smiles wide "DO ANY OF YOU SPEAK THE LANGUAGE OF DRAGONS? HMMM? BECAUSE IF YOU DO I WOULD REFRAIN FROM USING IT IN THESE LANDS, IT IS CAUSE FOR CONCERN WOTH A DRAGON CULT ATTEMPTING INFILTRATION EVERYDAY, YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED. I WILL NEED TO SHOW YOU A FEW THINGS AND TELL YOU OF SOME OTHERS, BUT FIRST YOU ALL LOOK ENTIRELY EXHAUSTED, WOULD YOU LIKE TO REST BEFORE WE LOOK AT YOUR OPTIONS?"
"I've been told I barely speak common," Sam grumbles with a grin on the side of his face. "Anyway, I don't suppose we would randomly start speaking it even if we could. Not unless it was spoken to us first, yes?"
"I'm not exactly rested but given the time issue..." Sam says but looks around at the others to allow them to determine the issue. He knows how tired he is but they know themselves better than he does.
(In other words, Sam wants to press on quickly but will bow to anyone who says they need their sleepytime...)
Seeing Elthana's body language and then hearing Sam struggle through his thoughts on the matter of Ethana's... relatives, Gewyn taps his temple and casts a glance at Sam that says maybe we do our thinking up here right now.
Gewyn sits up from his reclined position and says, "As much as I love rest, I find it hard to settle until I've finished my set. The show must go on. If any of us need time to prepare, we should take it, but I anxious to give one our most important performances ever. It will be called Floating Assets! No, that isn't very catchy. Raising Funds? The Crashing Economy? The Heaviest Lode? The Taxpayer's Relief? Nah, I'll keep workshopping it. There's something there for sure."
Muir tired recalls Sergor's words "If you all recall Sergor's words... Sigurd had said 80 hours before the crash landing. However, Sergord...Sergor...apologies....I am quite tired.....He also said that for every 1 hour on our plane it is 4 hours here. It seems to me that we could sleep 8 hours and only have missed 2 hours of our world's time.....I am tired and a little sore from the bump I took being unaccustomed to portal traveling...What harm could 2 hours off the 320 we have be?"
Noting Sam's reaction and as Akiin talks about the length of time, Elthana shakes her head a bit as if she is clearing it, "Well, siblings might not exactly be right... but yes, that man is who I am looking for if you would have any lead on that at all...." she trails off as she notices Akiin look at her again after reading the letter. She wonders what it could have held, but is too tired to inquire.
She smiles as Gewyn starts going through random names to call whatever this is, but as Muir mentions he is ready for rest, Elthana readily agrees. "Yes.. two hours would be worth getting us all back to our usual keen selves."
"GREAT I WILL FIND A ROOM FOR YOU ALL, IT WILL GIVE ME TIME TO COLLECT SOME THINGS!" Akiin stands abruptly and usher's everyone out, down a decorated opaque crystal corridor and into a larger room with similar plinth and red crown like crystal in the middle with the transparent robes coming from it. This room has several beds all jutting from the wall made of crystal and the lining that thick cloud looking substance, akiin bends to enter and spins around Asif trying to show you all the entire room all at once, "IS THERE ANYTHING YOU NEED? MORE WARMTH?"
Akiin pulls out a metal fork like instrument and taps it on the plinth, in reaction the room itself vibrates, singing back to the particular frequency of the vibration of the fork. Suddenly lightning crackles through the transparent pipe and toward the plinth, the red crown like crystal atop it receives this contained lightning and begins to warm, heating the room.
"320 if their calculations are correct. If the draining effect doesn't worsen. And since we do not know exactly what must be done we don't know if 320 hours is a lot or a little time to do it in," Sam cautions. "But if rest is needed then it is needed."
As they are lead to the new room Sam continues looking around amazed at it all. He still can't shake the feeling that this is a dream of some kind what with it being so different from what he knows to be true and real. Still, dream or no, little to be done but go with it. "Feel free to rest up. I shall stand watch. I'm not thinking we'll need it but one never knows when kobolds may attack..." In truth Sam isn't sure if they need a watch or not but better to have one and not need it, etc etc etc...
Muir smiles graciosuly at Akiin "No, I am quite well here. Thank you again for your hospitality. I can only hope that once this is all done, I could visit and write about our shared histories!" The thought excites Muir causing his ears to flap quickly.
He turns to Sam "Are you sure you don't want a little rest....This portal jumping and no sleep has made me quite tired."
The sensation of losing which way is up and which way is down is quite sudden to both Vin and Nef but in this situation, it is a time that Vin shows up. He can quickly discipline his mind to adjust to a world where up and down are not necessarily the same. He feels his experience flying on Br’yze helped a lot with that as he had a bit of fun doing loop-de-loos on their way back to Marblestead (much to Nef’s worry). Nef however, doesn’t do as well. Perhaps because she is very much not acting like her normal self and what happened recently or perhaps, she is very used to having four feet on the ground and certainly doesn’t seek ways to fly.
As a result, Vin is able to land on his feet and seems to be focusing on adjusting to the sensation of this world and Nef lands smack dab right on the ceiling far less gracefully than she would like. The hound is certainly having a terrible day today. Vin spends a bit of time trying to help Nef adjust to a situation he seemed to adapt to more quickly than most as introductions begin. He realizes quickly that this is a place of importance and splendor. His eye light up at the sight of so much amazing things around them.
Nef eyes the various threats around but doesn’t make any aggressive moves for once. Vin seems to be communicating with them mentally. Those familiar with the pair can recognize it at this point whereas other would likely only think Vin quiet. It is clear Vin is taking a bit more of a direct role in keeping Nef in check and she is responding to this. As a result, he is a bit distracted but able to listen in and the large hound isn’t growling threats to everyone in the room she doesn’t know.
Once the hound settles down and seems satisfied that no one is attacking Vin is able to shift his attention to the local leader and what is happening as he listens in to tales of flying kobolds causing trouble and the main obstacle for them getting a load stone. He also hears Elthana mention her brother and sister. Vin figured she had a family but never really bothered to ask. He never felt it was his place to ask about family having not had one himself. However; now, it seems more appropriate to know more about his friends.
Elthana doesn’t seem too keen on answering questions about her family right now so Vin doesn’t push. He does however feel exhausted after all the work they did saving folks and getting here. Not to mention he would like to clean up a bit after his injury and recover for a bit.
Some seem eager to get started immediately while others would like to rest. Vin looks to nef and then to the others and says “I think we should rest. There’s a lot we don't know about here and it would give them a chance to get us information on where we can help and more details on what could hinder us getting to a load stone. This gives us a chance to recover after everything we did rescuing folks in our world and give them a chance to gather relevant information for us to review before heading out.”
Elthana frowns at Sam's suggestion. "Sam, I only need to meditate in a trance where I will still be conscious in order for me to get a long rest. Please, we need you at your best, not in a state of exhaustion as time is not on our side. I will be able to hear if anything disturbs us."
She then heads over to Akiin once everyone has settled into a bed, and asks, "May I have a quick word with you?"
“I’ll be fine,” Sam assures. “Not saying I’ll stay up all night but we shouldn’t fall out of habit keeping watch. ‘Sides, the adrenaline will kick in and wake me right up if needed.”
“If nothing else, I’ll have some time with Òrga and Boris…”
(1st level exh is no big deal anyway… Sam wouldn’t be concerned til it starts affecting his attacks.)
The group find themselves in varying states of comfort ready to shed the exhaustion from the previous days meetings and celebration, and then the shift in the landscape of their realm before the ensuing disaster, and now this new mission. Alot seems to have piled up in the past 24 hours.
Gewyn figures out the name of his next song, Muir compiles and reviews his findings on portals in his head, Sam and Vin take some solace in comforting their respective animals, and elthana takes her leave to speak in private with Akiin.
Once Elthana returns and everyone is more or less settled, it occurs to you all that you have not had much time to catch up with each other on personal matters since arriving in Marblestead. Aside from interviewing employees and adjusting the homestead at least one person has been missing from the home everyday since you arrived back from Hokum. This is the first night spent together again.
Sam settles his butt down onto one of the cloudy beds and all but groans in appreciation of the comfort of the thing. He had stood earlier, out of a sense of disbelief if for no other reason, and he is regretting that now. Passing up such comfort was almost sinful... Or was such comfort what was sinful? Sam didn't much care...
"So it's been a bit," Says as he runs his hands into Ógra's mane and faces them, turning to look at Boris as well. No good excluding anyone... "Been a while since you been around. Things get choppy for you, I imagine... Not always being there to take in the full course of events, as it were. Anyway, we're back home. My home... Not sure if you all have a sense of home or not? Boris has seen a bit, seen Drawin's workshop at least, and a bit of town. Turned some heads he did, didn't you Boris? Will be amusing to see what they think of a Lion parading around as well, yes?"
In such a way Sam catches the animals up on what has been happening of late. He keeps his voice on the softer side out of concern of the others trying to get some rest, and he does adopt the almost silly kind of tone one often uses with pets and animals... But he gives them a recap of the events from the stopping of the hag to current. The further back events are more recaps as they have both partaken in some of those events but from the meeting of Griff onward he is a bit more detailed as neither was around a ton. Sam really goes into details when he gets home though, back to Northmorrah.
"Was very eager to see Drawlin and figure out what we could do with the ore, all right. Earthencore, he named it. Well, he didn't name it but he told me that's it's name. It's not totally new, just rare around these parts," Sam explained to a yawning Ógra and a laying down Boris. "We fetched the witch, of course. Hazel is an odd one but she knows a thing or two about most everything. Not sure she is a witch witch but I'd lay money on her over this Hog guy any day... I'll get to him, don't worry..." Sam tells the beasts about how the three of them worked the metal - the ore and the dwarves armor made of the same thing - and made Sam the stone looking armor he is wearing now. He admits he doesn't know how much Hazel did, or if she did any magic at all, but he cannot complain one bit how the armor turned out.
"That's taken up most my time, really. Shocked we got it done as quick as we did, really... And of course we checked out the new homestead and hired some workers...." Sam continues and will go on to talk about Hog (who Sam is not overly fond of... Big oaf who wakes up half the house with each step he takes!) and Adda and Edda of course. "Come to think of it, perhaps I shouldn't talk about them too much just at the moment," Sam adds with a furtive glance around suddenly remembering there was apparently a beef here with kobolds. But surely the twins couldn't be part of that.
Sam will then talk about the shindig of how they were all shown off to the masses until the world started falling down. "And that's about when I pulled you two out again... So now you are all caught up, eh? Any questions?" Sam really didn't expect the Lion the Boar or the wardrobe to have any though...
An insanely busy day. Vin listens to Sam recount the events of the day and realizes just how nuts it has been. To think, just this morning he was fretting what to wear. He also realizes it's been a bit since he saw the others. So much has been going on. They've only gotten together for a couple interviews but each person has their own goals and agendas. Their own problems and mishaps.
Elthana has siblings for one and never mentioned them. Vin got the sense it's very complicated and Elthana probably had a reason to not bring it up. He wluld like to help though and it seems she might have family here in this world. A world her people have been hiding the entire time. Vin isn't mad, more impressed they managed to keep it a secret for so long. That couldn't of been easy.
Instead of directly asking about her family though Vin decides to begin dialog with something he feels is a bit more neutral of a topic. He reaches into his pack and pulls out what looks like a notebook. Then he hads it to Elthana saying, "I know you have a lot on your plate but wanted to hand this to you before I forget. I was going to ask for help on figuring out what it means. It's a bit too confusing for me."
He hands the book over to her if she'll take it then says "Hopefully I can help you in some way too. You know I want to help, right?" His intention clear, offering to listen and aid in her problem but she doesn't have to tell him anything if she doesn't want to. He knows family is complicated even if all he's had has been Nef. He also looks to the others and adds "I always want to help. So, hopefully you can rely on me some... even if it's just something minor." Opening the doors for conversations on what everyone's been doing.
The hound still seems cowed and uncertain. She's laying down but a bit away from everyone. Head slumped but clearly listening as her ears are perked and swiveling towards any exits or entrances to the room. If someone is trying to spy, she's trying to catch them. She seems distracted though and not at all like her typical self.
Muir laid in his bed a while with his eyes closed trying to go over everything that's happened. He lays quietly recounting the days he's been in Mabelstead....Hearing the others whispering and talking, he quickly sits up in bed. "There are a few things I would like to say and review." He looks at the others waiting for their attention before continuing "First of all if we are to work together, including Nefferfox, we need to help each other through honest words and cultivate good relationships. I will start. I would like to apologize to Nefferfox and Vin. I should not have reacted out of anger. I let it get the best of me. I could only take so many threats to all of us and snapped. I should have handled it better and I apologize. With that said I went to the Cavalcade this past week and spoke to a Mr. Biggly. What a lovely character. There we reviewed portals, realms, and beings. I would love if Nefferfox could correct me where my research has strayed from the truth.....especially now that the portals are all opened around the realm." (Muir produces a map). "I believe this here is the realm of fire in Lyvander...the other lights in the sky are accounted for..Hokum Fae, Marblestead is Air, out over the water, the lights we saw north of here, seems to make sense that it is the realm of water, Chattel I believe is earth because in my research their mines are perfected carved circles...like the beasts we fought....which leaves us with Fire and Lyvander. In my research with Mr.Biggly we came across a painting that was described by a planewalker. Int his painting there was a woman with a tatoo of an X on her face riding a dragon and another woman who looked like Rynwell....." Muir let's that linger for a second before continuing "The woman's name with the x is Roxs'hian the Nefarious. The rulerrr of hell. What is interesting is a story that was written and passed down" Muir recounts the story to the group
A lord of hell who had it all, legions of grunts under them, a steady supply of souls, and all the torment one could ask for, they were pleased with their life in the realm of fire but something was missing. They indulged in their vices, they exploited others for pleasure but something was still missing. One day they came across a lost soul, a wanderer from the living world touched with celestial blood. The lord of hell caught them and began toying with them, telling them all of the harm that would befall them, the celestial suggested a wager'if I can't give you something that you want, then you can take my soul and do with it what you will', a soul holds more power to a demon if it is given willingly, and more so of celestial origin.
The demon lord took the wager and asked the celestial to fill the hole in their life and within one year find the thing that was missing. The celestial accepted, and demon lord was pleased with this wager assuming that the task was impossible.The celestial asked for one thing in order to complete the task, they asked to live with the demon lord, and so it was.
The demon lord went about their business torturing and dominating souls, every night coming back to their lair and greeting the celestial, for the good days and the bad, for the stresses and the celebrations, the celestial became a stable part of the demon lords life, soon they were like old friends, looking forward to speaking about each others day, and later they became more than friends
Muir pauses and looks at Nef "I am wondering if you know this as a fact or if the stories are wrong." Muir stops there waiting to see if anyone has questions but particularly hoping Nef will help before continuing with more information
Elthana about stumbles back into the room as she finds a bed and attempts to make herself comfortable. She stares at the ceiling as she listens to Sam talk to his animals. She always found this a bit odd but yet endearing about Sam. The idea of Orga in the parade amuses her a bit though.
She is startled from her position by Vin as he hands her the book. Sitting up more and willing herself to pay more attention to her friends here, friends she hasn't really seen in awhile, and hasn't spent any real time with them since she found out.
"Of course, let me see what this is." She briefly flips through it, then sets it aside as she hears the other things Vin has said. "I know. You are a great helper in all things and a very good listener. I uh, I'm not sure where to start? Morris wasn't too far off on his prophecy...most of it makes sense now at least."
At that moment Muir pops up and Elthana goes quiet as she is curious as to what the loxodon wants to say. Her eyes go a bit wide at all the information that comes forth. Unsure what it all means and what needs to happen. Unsure what to ask, she starts with, "Why are you asking Neferox if what you are saying is true?"
Muir answers "I mean to ask Neferox if what I say of the realm of fire is true being they told me that I was wrong before they lept to attack me"
Vin began with talking with Elthana. As she takes the book he says "I'm all ears if you want to share. It sounds like you're learning a lot. I realize its not hard to share about things that trouble us... I guess I should set a good example though. This began as a search into who my mother is... or was... I didn't share at first what I was up to... sorry; but it led to this book as it shifted from finding clues on her into helping the orphanage I grew up at. I think something weird is going on around it and I think there is an answer in this book."
Their conversation would be placed on hold though as Muir begins to bring up the very topic that set Nef off earlier. Vin looks to her all coiled up and now her ears are perked towards Muir. Vin goes over to her and lays a hand on her. The gentle boy probably the only one willing to approach the clearly agitated but held back hound. Red eyes flared with anger but also darting towards Vin in concern. A clear desire to not have repeat of before. As Vin reaches out she flinches in surprise but he's able to pet her calmly as he says out loud for other's benefit, "It's okay Nef. You're right, he doesn't understand. That's why we help him. We don't want him to get incorrect information. He's trying to help me. If I'm connected to all this then wouldn't you want me to have the right information? I have to admit... I want to know more. It seems like bits of this information is getting out anyway. Share what you can. It doesn't have to be everything but share what you feel can help."
Vin looks to Muir and says "She's... this... this is a lot, its not just her feeling the pressure of this topic. If this... is what I think it is... Muir, please understand we need time to think. To process... until.. well, until I was targeted I never really gave much thought to my parentage..." he looks down sad "I thought... I just wasn't wanted. This is a lot to take in and for Nef..." He looks to the black hound. "If she needs to hold things back I believe she has a reason to. Can you accept what she can share? There might be things she can't answer. We just ask for patience as she shares what she can when she can. However, I think she can help us understand the information we do get... right Nef?"
Vin looks to Nef, continuing to pet them calmly and reassuringly. "Help them and me understand Nef. This clearly means a lot to you and it's tied to me but... they are not our enemy. They want to help and if they don't understand... well... you can help us understand. Things are changing all over the world Nef. We need to change with it. I know it's not your strong suit but share a little bit for now. You don't need to feel like you have to share everything. I think it would be too much to expect that, but it looks like others know at least bits of what's going on. Muir learned this from somewhere so makes sense others will too, lets make sure we are prepared, you, me and our friends. What can you tell us about what Muir learned?"