Session Start: Sat Oct 01 11:19:25 2005 Session Ident: #Engel
[13:05] <SotDX> As you both remember,
[13:05] <SotDX> we left our proud and mighty Fellowship in a chamber
[13:05] <SotDX> at the Ramielite Monastery in Bologna
[13:06] <SotDX> resting after a long introduction to the History of the NSI
[13:06] <SotDX> Some of the interesting highlights from last session,
[13:07] <SotDX> included a developing relationship between Gar and Var
[13:07] <SotDX> More worrying signs from Ambriel
[13:07] <SotDX> and the near beating of a blind Monach (a highlight by far!)
[13:07] <SotDX> :P
[13:07] <Garathiel> (whoops)
[13:07] <SotDX> So,
[13:07] <SotDX> We pick up with our noble Engel meditating,
[13:08] <SotDX> resting in preparation for the continuation of their arduous journey
[13:08] <Garathiel> I forgot to mention were Gar meditates last session.
[13:08] <Garathiel> Can I still do so?
[13:08] * SotDX slams on the brakes, puts it in reverse, and turns to you
[13:08] <SotDX> Yep?
[13:08] <SotDX> Where does the war-bird rest her wings?
[13:09] <Garathiel> In front of the main door after she blocked the entrance to the second room from inside.
[13:10] <Garathiel> (glad I'm not the vulture of the fellowship...)
[13:10] <SotDX> So she sits inside the main room in front of the door and has blocked the door to the second room from opening
[13:10] <SotDX> correct?
[13:10] * SotDX scribbles down notes, and evil look in his eyes
[13:11] <Garathiel> Yes. I hope this caused no misunderstanding. She's inside with the fellowship, but still very paranoid.
[13:11] <SotDX> Sounds good to me. <evil chuckle>
[13:11] <Garathiel> (did I say something bad???)
[13:11] * Garathiel gulps.
[13:11] <SotDX> (nope. I'm just being a shit.)
[13:11] <Garathiel> (you're the GM, you're never the Good ONE (TM))
[13:12] <Variel> If we are describing sleeping arrangements I image Var by the window
[13:12] <SotDX> Ok
[13:12] <SotDX> now, moving on...
[13:12] <SotDX> All five of the Fellowship are in the same chamber,
[13:12] <SotDX> each slipping into a restful meditation at different speeds
[13:12] <SotDX> the first to drift off is Saphiel
[13:12] <SotDX> then Nos and Ambriel
[13:13] <SotDX> and finally, the two of you fall back into a semi-slumber
Garathiel’s Dream
[13:13] <SotDX> At first there is only rest and peace
[13:14] <SotDX> Slowly, though,
[13:14] <SotDX> you find yourself in a place of light
[13:14] <SotDX> and activity
[13:15] <SotDX> You are flying with a Fellowship
[13:15] <SotDX> all is right
[13:15] <SotDX> nothing seems wrong
[13:15] <SotDX> you lead them,
[13:15] <SotDX> into a battle ahead
[13:16] <SotDX> You turn to the right and to the left
[13:16] <SotDX> your eyes checking your fellows
[13:16] <SotDX> they are strong and ready
[13:16] <SotDX> proud and true
[13:16] <SotDX> They would follow you into the maw of the Fear-Lord himself
[13:17] <SotDX> You speak to them in your voice of Leadership,
[13:17] <Garathiel> (?????)
[13:17] <SotDX> words of strength and confidence
[13:17] <SotDX> You are their Michaelite,
[13:17] <SotDX> and you guide them as you must
[13:17] <Garathiel> (Do I as character think it is normal to be the Michaelite?)
[13:18] <SotDX> (yes)
[13:18] <Garathiel> (OK)
[13:18] <SotDX> (all seems right with this)
[13:18] <SotDX> You lead them down,
[13:18] <SotDX> the coast of a great lake,
[13:18] <SotDX> almost an inland sea beckons around you
[13:18] <SotDX> there are dead Engel around
[13:18] <SotDX> those already who fell in battle with something you have come to kill
[13:18] <SotDX> A Dreamseed they call it,
[13:18] <SotDX> but if the words of the messenger are true,
[13:18] <SotDX> it is more than just that
[13:19] <SotDX> Something that can change its form
[13:19] <SotDX> play with your mind
[13:20] <SotDX> As the five of you land, you call out orders to each
[13:20] <SotDX> The Gabrielite to your right has her sword out
[13:20] <SotDX> it burns
[13:20] <SotDX> for a moment, you look at her face in confusion
[13:20] <SotDX> (it’s your face)
[13:20] <SotDX> but then the confusion passes
[13:20] <Garathiel> (bah)
[13:20] <SotDX> To your right is your Ramielite
[13:21] <SotDX> She has a worried look,
[13:21] <SotDX> she the weakest of your Fellowship,
[13:21] <SotDX> her Order now skilled in battle
[13:21] <SotDX> but she will fight,
[13:21] <SotDX> she has a heart of steel
[13:22] <SotDX> And so it comes
[13:22] <SotDX> from the shadows by the water
[13:22] <SotDX> moving and flitting,
[13:22] <SotDX> neither thing or dream
[13:22] <SotDX> its form twists,
[13:22] <SotDX> cavorts,
[13:22] <SotDX> dances in the madness between seconds,
[13:22] <SotDX> Before your eyes,
[13:22] <SotDX> the light of your Gabrielite is shut
[13:23] <SotDX> You hear the words in your mind, your voice but not your voice:
[13:23] <SotDX> "I watched as our Gabrielite’s burning light was put to dark. I shouted as our Urielite flew no more. Before my eyes, the Raphaelite was unfleshed."
[13:24] <SotDX> And so it was
[13:24] <SotDX> There was only the two of you
[13:24] <SotDX> Atheriel
[13:24] <SotDX> and you
[13:24] <SotDX> You ordered her to run
[13:24] <SotDX> You would charge this insanity born of fever
[13:25] <SotDX> die fighting it
[13:25] <SotDX> but she should live
[13:25] <SotDX> she should warn others
[13:25] <SotDX> This was no ordinary Dreamseed
[13:25] <SotDX> But she did not obey
[13:25] <SotDX> "Tobriel, I am sorry"
[13:25] <SotDX> And a light blinded you
[13:25] <SotDX> it poured forth from her eyes
[13:25] <SotDX> A light that pulled at the darkness
[13:26] <SotDX> And then it was over
[13:26] <SotDX> Little Atheriel lay on the shore of the lake,
[13:26] <SotDX> her eyes white and empty,
[13:26] <SotDX> blood running as tears from them,
[13:27] <SotDX> she twitched and spasmed
[13:27] <SotDX> (take over)
[13:27] <SotDX> (Do you know where you are and who you are?)
[13:28] <Garathiel> (ah, no, but I believe Gar thinks she is Tobriel right now)
[13:28] <Garathiel> (and I don't know if she is still in this dream or waking up)
[13:28] <SotDX> (yep)
[13:28] <SotDX> (still in the dream, standing near the shaking form of her beloved Atheriel)
[13:28] <SotDX> (do you go to her?)
[13:28] <Garathiel> (ah, OK)
[13:29] <Garathiel> I (as Tobriel) run towards her, but dare not touch her.
[13:29] <SotDX> Atheriel:"So cold....
[13:29] <SotDX> so terribly cold...
[13:29] <SotDX> I can feel the darkness inside me...
[13:29] <SotDX> it is fighting...
[13:29] <SotDX> it wants out..."
[13:30] <Garathiel> "What is it? Can you talk to it? Does it talk to you? Can you reach any other of your order?"
[13:30] <SotDX> "I can see...
[13:30] <SotDX> I can see you in the days to come...
[13:30] <SotDX> It shows me things,
[13:31] <SotDX> Garathiel..."
[13:31] <SotDX> And with that you are not Tobriel,
[13:31] <SotDX> but yourself
[13:31] <SotDX> and aware
[13:31] <SotDX> you are fully awake, and yet still in the dream
[13:31] * Garathiel kneels beside the Rami, totally confused.
[13:32] <SotDX> "I saw him die...
[13:32] <Garathiel> "I am not Tobriel, I am Garathiel. But why am I dreaming this? What do you want to tell me?"
[13:32] <SotDX> sweet Tobriel.
[13:32] <SotDX> He loved me..."
[13:32] * Garathiel tries to touch the dream-Ramielite.
[13:32] <SotDX> Her skin is warm and cold at the same time,
[13:32] <SotDX> the sigil burning but the skin ice
[13:32] <SotDX> her body is wasting away before your eyes,
[13:32] <SotDX> growing thinner
[13:33] <Garathiel> "How can I know how this happened?"
[13:33] <SotDX> "I warned him about you.
[13:33] <SotDX> I knew he would meet you,
[13:33] * Garathiel draws back from the Engel, but still watching. It is horrible, looks and feels horrible.
[13:34] <SotDX> and I saw what they would make you do.
[13:34] <SotDX> You must not let them make you a monster."
[13:35] <Garathiel> "You are the second Engel who tells me this."
[13:35] <SotDX> "No, I am truly the first. Tobriel was only a messenger.
[13:35] <SotDX> I am the source."
[13:35] * Garathiel tries to look away.
[13:35] <SotDX> She screams in agony, the evil inside devouring her...
[13:35] <SotDX> "I must show you..."
[13:36] * Garathiel squeezes shut her eyes.
[13:36] <Garathiel> "OK, then show me.”
[13:36] <SotDX> "Come closer..."
[13:36] <SotDX> one withered claw-like hand beckons to you
[13:36] * Garathiel crawls a bit closer, only a bit.
[13:37] <SotDX> "I can not now show you all...
[13:38] <SotDX> it would destroy you...
[13:38] <SotDX> I showed Tobriel his death and it consumed him.
[13:38] <SotDX> But I can show you what must not come to pass...
[13:38] <SotDX> if only through a veil."
[13:38] <Garathiel> "Then do so. I must be able to... function, still."
[13:38] <SotDX> Her eyes begin to glow
[13:38] * Garathiel bites her lower lip at these words and bends a bit closer.
[13:39] <SotDX> The light burns brighter and brighter
[13:40] <SotDX> "Tobriel, you will come to meet a Gabrielite named Garathiel,
[13:40] <SotDX> and you must tell her,
[13:40] <SotDX> before you fall and she weeps over you,
[13:40] <SotDX> of the dark fate the Church will ask her to endure."
[13:40] <SotDX> And then all is white
[13:41] <SotDX> You are Garathiel,
[13:41] <SotDX> Gabrielite,
[13:41] <SotDX> Engel of Death,
[13:41] <SotDX> warrior of the High
[13:42] <SotDX> You fly with others of your Order
[13:42] <SotDX> and those of the others
[13:42] <SotDX> below you is an endless mass of running humans
[13:43] <SotDX> You know without knowing that this is the plain of Regea
[13:43] <SotDX> during a great Heretic War
[13:43] <SotDX> many years past
[13:43] <SotDX> and yet you are here now
[13:43] <SotDX> where you have never been
[13:43] <SotDX> You have never flown with these Engel
[13:43] <SotDX> they were already heaven-sent when you first came to Earth-fall
[13:43] <SotDX> And yet you fly
[13:43] <SotDX> here and now
[13:44] <Garathiel> It's OK, it's a dream.
[13:45] <SotDX> And then the voice of a Michaelite enters your mind
[13:45] <SotDX> "We have been ordered to make an example of those below us.
[13:45] <SotDX> Unleash your fury, Engel."
[13:45] <SotDX> You have been ordered to slay the fearful humans running below
[13:45] <SotDX> You know, as you knew where you are, that they are those who sided with the heretics
[13:46] <SotDX> they disobeyed the authority of the church
[13:46] <SotDX> but they are not warriors
[13:46] <SotDX> they are peasants
[13:46] <SotDX> farmers
[13:46] <SotDX> children
[13:46] <SotDX> women
[13:46] <SotDX> the soldiers are dead
[13:46] <SotDX> now these folk flee
[13:47] <Garathiel> 'An order is an order', so Garathiel thinks.
[13:47] <Garathiel> 'We may not like what we do, but we do it,' And she draws her own sword.
[13:47] <SotDX> And Virael is beside you
[13:48] <SotDX> And she shakes her head
[13:48] <SotDX> "But this is wrong!
[13:48] <SotDX> They are beaten
[13:48] <SotDX> afraid,
[13:48] <SotDX> running!
[13:48] <SotDX> What purpose do we serve in killing them?"
[13:48] <Garathiel> "Stating an example, sister." Garathiel looks at her.
[13:48] <Garathiel> "You can think on it after all of this is over. And now move!" Garathiel dives to fulfill her duty.
[13:49] <SotDX> You fly down with the others, a moment behind them as you were shouting at Virael
[13:49] <SotDX> you hear the screams of those below
[13:49] <SotDX> as the burning swords and weapons slash into them
[13:49] <SotDX> they are defenseless
[13:50] <SotDX> and die as the Engel of the Lord kill those who offend the High
[13:50] <SotDX> Do you join in?
[13:50] <SotDX> Or do the screams shake you?
[13:50] <Garathiel> Of course I join in. They are just faceless things to me.
[13:50] <Garathiel> And like Dreamseed they scream. Just they are not as bad and offensive as Dreamseed is.
[13:51] <Garathiel> So, it's just voices and bodies. Nothing more.
[13:51] <SotDX> You swing your burning sword
[13:51] <SotDX> and kill
[13:52] <SotDX> then you come to a child who has tripped
[13:52] <SotDX> and cowers before you
[13:52] <SotDX> her brown curly hair a mop
[13:52] <SotDX> her eyes filled with terror
[13:52] <SotDX> you have slain her mother before her eyes
[13:53] <Garathiel> I close my eyes and make an end of it. And quickly. Better not think of it.
[13:53] <SotDX> Before you swing you hear Virael's voice again
[13:54] <SotDX> as if she was in front of you
[13:54] <SotDX> she has taken the place of the girl
[13:54] <SotDX> but she is not whole
[13:54] <SotDX> her body is a dead thing
[13:54] <SotDX> stitched together
[13:54] <SotDX> pieces of her missing
[13:54] <SotDX> one eye gone
[13:55] <SotDX> the other dead
[13:55] <SotDX> bites and tears adorn her tortured form
[13:55] <SotDX> "What have you become sister?"
[13:55] <SotDX> she asks
[13:55] <SotDX> the irony terrible
[13:55] <Garathiel> "Fortunately not, what you are."
[13:55] * Garathiel swings to cut off the thing's head.
[13:55] <SotDX> "I died for life.
[13:55] <SotDX> your sword passes through her
[13:56] <SotDX> the battleground is empty
[13:56] <SotDX> the dead surround you
[13:56] <SotDX> and she stands before you
[13:56] <SotDX> You kill for death."
[13:56] <SotDX> thunder rolls across the sky
[13:57] <SotDX> the light fading
[13:57] <SotDX> the sky becoming dark
[13:57] <Garathiel> "That's the way it is. And you knew that, once."
[13:57] * Garathiel looks up into the sky.
[13:57] <SotDX> "You would kill these souls?
[13:57] <SotDX> What is their crime, sister?
[13:57] <SotDX> Why must they die?"
[13:57] <SotDX> Why must they die!?"
[13:57] <Garathiel> "They disobeyed the Church, the law, and the Lord."
[13:58] * Garathiel repeats her lessons learned in Nurimberga.
[13:58] <SotDX> "LIES!
[13:58] <Garathiel> "I just do what Engel through all the ages have done."
[13:58] <SotDX> THEY WANTED TO BE FREE!"
[13:58] <SotDX> She laughs
[13:58] <Garathiel> "I bet lots of heretics would have said the same thing."
[13:58] <SotDX> "Are you a machine then?
[13:58] <SotDX> Something to set off without thought or any reason?"
[13:59] <SotDX> The twisted thing shakes its head
[13:59] * Garathiel looks at the animated corpse and then at herself.
[13:59] <SotDX> "Are you just a weapon?"
[13:59] <Garathiel> "I am. And you know that well enough."
[13:59] <SotDX> "Then you will bring the fire to them all.
[13:59] <SotDX> You will serve darkness,
[14:00] <SotDX> lies,
[14:00] <SotDX> and fear."
[14:00] <SotDX> There is laughter from somewhere distant
[14:00] <SotDX> not from her
[14:00] <SotDX> a man's laughter
[14:00] <SotDX> Virael stumbles away from you, over a rock,
[14:00] <SotDX> and looks back one last time with her lifeless eye
[14:00] * Garathiel looks around to find the man. And she tries to ignore Virael.
[14:01] <SotDX> "I'm afraid I must go. At least one of us died for something worthwhile."
[14:01] <SotDX> Dark Engel descend from the sky
[14:01] <SotDX> and fall upon her
[14:01] <SotDX> the sounds of their feeding overwhelm you
[14:01] * Garathiel quickly looks away. Virael will never change, even after death. Obviously the Lord did not grant her the return to their heavenly home.
[14:02] <SotDX> Then the laughing voice speaks from the shadows
[14:02] <SotDX> "You will take it from them for me.
[14:02] <SotDX> You will kill them all.
[14:02] <SotDX> And when I have it,
[14:02] <SotDX> the fire will burn!"
[14:02] <Garathiel> "Don't be so sure."
[14:03] * Garathiel is searching for the speaker and tries not to look at the black Engel.
[14:03] <SotDX> "Oh, you have already shown your true colors. Look on what you stand upon."
[14:03] * Garathiel refuses to look down. "I do know."
[14:04] <SotDX> "You stand on the bodies of children you slew for no other reason than our mad orders.
[14:04] <SotDX> You will bring it back to me.
[14:05] <SotDX> And on that day, you become what you always have been.
[14:05] <SotDX> A monster."
[14:05] * Garathiel says nothing but has her own thoughts on this. And they say it ain't over yet.
[14:06] <SotDX> "I will have the Grail."
[14:07] <Garathiel> "The Grail?"
[14:07] <Garathiel> (I guess she wakes up from here?)
[14:07] <SotDX> (nope)
[14:07] <SotDX> At the mention of the name
[14:07] <SotDX> you see it
[14:07] <SotDX> a silver chalice
[14:07] <SotDX> with crimson contents
[14:07] <SotDX> warm lifeblood
[14:07] <SotDX> it stands atop an altar
[14:07] <SotDX> in a grove of trees
[14:07] <SotDX> And you reach out to it
[14:08] <SotDX> drawn to it
[14:08] <SotDX> but something is pulling you away
[14:08] <SotDX> pulling you away from its majesty
[14:08] <SotDX> And then you awaken
[14:08] <SotDX> and find Variel touching you
Variel’s Dream
[13:13] <SotDX> At first there is only rest and peace
[13:15] <SotDX> Slowly, though,
[13:15] <SotDX> you find yourself in a place of light
[13:15] <SotDX> and activity
[13:15] <SotDX> You land before the house of Raisse
[13:15] <SotDX> her small home stands before you
[13:15] <SotDX> the sun is obscured behind clouds
[13:16] <SotDX> and a shadow falls over you as the day is lost
[13:16] <SotDX> What do you do?
[13:17] * Variel looks up at the sky
[13:17] <SotDX> The clouds are dark and turbulent
[13:17] * Variel feels an unusual chill in the air
[13:17] <SotDX> they bespeak of ill tidings
[13:18] * Variel knocks on Raissa's door "Raisse?"
[13:18] * Variel draws her wings in closer
[13:19] <SotDX> The door falls open
[13:19] <SotDX> before you
[13:19] <SotDX> the inside of the house is dark
[13:19] <SotDX> no candle or torch burns
[13:20] * Variel‘s hand goes to the short sword at her belt and she cautiously enters the room
[13:20] * Variel whispers urgently "Raissa?"
[13:21] <SotDX> Nothing returns.
[13:21] <SotDX> Not even an echo of your voice
[13:21] <SotDX> there is only a silence within
[13:21] <SotDX> the wind blows strong behind you
[13:22] <SotDX> almost pushing you forward
[13:22] <SotDX> into the house
[13:22] * Variel uses her ability to see in the dark
[13:22] * Variel fights the wind
[13:22] * Variel does not want to go into the house until she knows it is safe
[13:23] <SotDX> Then you hear her voice, sweet Raisse's old hoarse voice...
[13:24] <SotDX> "Come inside child. The rain will come soon."
[13:24] * Variel enters the room slowly
[13:26] <SotDX> everything is covered in dust
[13:26] <SotDX> birds scattered
[13:26] <SotDX> windows are shattered
[13:26] <SotDX> this is a place of emptiness
[13:26] <SotDX> of memory past
[13:27] <SotDX> You can see in your mind's eye
[13:28] <SotDX> Raisse sitting on her old couch,
[13:28] <SotDX> teaching you,
[13:28] <SotDX> talking to you,
[13:28] <SotDX> laughing with you,
[13:28] <SotDX> but now there is only dust
[13:28] <SotDX> emptiness
[13:28] * Variel’s heart aches at the memory of her friend
[13:28] <SotDX> "Do you miss me?"
[13:28] <SotDX> The sound is like the wind,
[13:29] * Variel looks up and around the room stepping further in
[13:29] <SotDX> whisper and subtlety
[13:29] <SotDX> but firm as fire
[13:29] <Variel> "Raisse is that you?"
[13:29] <SotDX> a footstep behind you
[13:29] <SotDX> and She is there
[13:30] * Variel turns
[13:30] <SotDX> she is young
[13:30] <SotDX> it is her,
[13:30] <SotDX> but she no longer is the old woman
[13:30] <SotDX> the crone, the hated one
[13:30] <SotDX> she is beautiful
[13:30] <SotDX> a woman of 25 summers
[13:30] <SotDX> eyes bright and sharp
[13:30] <SotDX> hair radiant and crimson
[13:30] <SotDX> no grey or white
[13:31] <SotDX> burning like the sword of the Engel of Death
[13:32] * Variel approaches the woman and hugs her "I have missed you."
[13:32] <SotDX> You pass through her
[13:33] <SotDX> as if she is just a ghost
[13:33] <SotDX> a phantom
[13:33] * Variel looks startled
[13:33] <SotDX> "Do not be afraid, Variel.
[13:33] <SotDX> You are dreaming."
[13:33] <SotDX> And you are
[13:33] <SotDX> and you know it
[13:33] <SotDX> you are aware
[13:33] * Variel nods, she suspected as such but didn't want it to be true
[13:34] <SotDX> "You have passed through the valley of shadow and graced the passages of death.
[13:34] <SotDX> This make you special, girl.
[13:35] <SotDX> You were given a death-vision."
[13:35] * Variel furrows her brow and nods
[13:36] <SotDX> "You must see.
[13:36] <SotDX> You may be all that stands before the death waiting for so many."
[13:36] <Variel> "What do you mean?"
[13:37] <SotDX> Raisse looks down and pulls a strange rock out of her robes
[13:37] <SotDX> she pulls it apart
[13:37] <SotDX> exposing a reflective interior
[13:37] <SotDX> she looks up at you
[13:37] <SotDX> and her face is painted
[13:37] <SotDX> strange blue swirls
[13:37] <SotDX> adorn her
[13:37] * Variel steps back from her
[13:38] <SotDX> She steps toward you
[13:39] <SotDX> Holding the two halves of the geode together
[13:39] <SotDX> "It must come to pass. The cycle begins and ends. Order must be served."
[13:39] <SotDX> She holds the two halves before you and blows a shiny dust all over you from the rock!
[13:40] * Variel coughs
[13:40] <Variel> "You are crazy!"
[13:40] <SotDX> But a wind whips through the room
[13:41] <SotDX> and Raisse is just the old woman you once knew
[13:41] <SotDX> she is proud, though
[13:41] <SotDX> and tears run down her face
[13:41] <SotDX> A door opens to what was once the cooking chamber
[13:41] <SotDX> but beyond it is only a bright light
[13:41] <SotDX> and green grass
[13:41] <SotDX> wind from the sea
[13:41] <SotDX> "You must go."
[13:42] * Variel turns dazed and confused toward the grass and the wind
[13:42] <SotDX> "Your future awaits you, Variel of the Wind."
[13:42] <SotDX> You are drawn toward the door
[13:43] * Variel goes through the door and spreads her wings to the wind, this is what she understands, not riddles and dust.
[13:44] <SotDX> The house vanishes behind you as you step into the light
[13:44] <SotDX> You are on a grassy green hill
[13:44] <SotDX> the sun burns down brightly
[13:44] <SotDX> the clouds open wide
[13:44] <SotDX> blue waters around you
[13:44] <SotDX> you are on the coast of an island
[13:44] <SotDX> a great hill
[13:44] <SotDX> the ocean air is fresh and pure
[13:46] <SotDX> Something is different
[13:46] <SotDX> you stand atop this hill
[13:46] <SotDX> as an Engel
[13:46] <SotDX> but you are changed
[13:47] <SotDX> there are scriptum on you that is not of the Church
[13:47] <SotDX> you stand naked
[13:47] <SotDX> your wound no longer an atrocity
[13:47] <SotDX> but a sign of honor and beauty
[13:47] <SotDX> you are painted with the blue markings that you saw on Raissa
[13:47] <SotDX> the swirls of pattern and spirit
[13:48] <SotDX> The wind beckons you
[13:48] <SotDX> the sun calls
[13:48] <SotDX> Do you fly, Engel?
[13:49] * Variel opens her dove gray wings and takes to the air becoming one with it.
[13:49] * Variel closes her eyes and rides the wind without a thought.
[13:50] <SotDX> You fly over the water and toward the mainland,
[13:50] <SotDX> the harmony of the place pure and right
[13:50] <SotDX> This is the land of spirit
[13:50] <SotDX> it calls to you
[13:51] <SotDX> you feel more alive than your earliest days
[13:51] <SotDX> strong
[13:52] <SotDX> You land in a grove of trees
[13:53] <SotDX> a simple robe awaits you on a branch
[13:53] <SotDX> and you clad yourself
[13:53] <SotDX> chanting begins...
[13:54] <SotDX> Around you are gathered the speakers
[13:54] <SotDX> hoods covering their faces
[13:54] <SotDX> the chant
[13:54] <SotDX> "The Keb"
[13:54] <SotDX> "The Keb"
[13:54] <SotDX> "The Keb"
[13:54] <SotDX> "The Keb comes"
[13:56] <SotDX> The sky darkens
[13:56] <SotDX> And you see a young boy run across the clearing
[13:56] <SotDX> into the trees
[13:57] * Variel follows the boy
[13:57] <SotDX> It has grown dark under the trees
[13:57] <SotDX> the clouds are speeding up
[13:58] <SotDX> moving across the sky unnaturally
[13:59] <SotDX> the whispers of the chanters come again
[13:59] <SotDX> "the keb"
[13:59] <SotDX> "the keb"
[13:59] <SotDX> "the keb"
[13:59] <SotDX> The boy's voice comes from the dark trees
[13:59] <SotDX> "You came here to take it from us."
[14:00] <Variel> "Take what?" "What would you have that I want?"
[14:01] <SotDX> "The Chalice"
[14:02] <Variel> "What chalice?"
[14:02] <SotDX> And then you see it
[14:03] <SotDX> in the dark that overwhelms you
[14:03] <SotDX> fires breaking out all over the sacred lands
[14:03] <SotDX> the fire held back
[14:03] <SotDX> comes again
[14:03] <SotDX> burning
[14:03] <SotDX> consuming
[14:04] <SotDX> You see the lands of the NSI burn
[14:04] * Variel shudders at the horror of such sacred land burning. Is this what the chalice does, hold back the flame?
[14:05] <SotDX> The fire is too much, and burns you
[14:05] <SotDX> and you awake
Variel and Garathiel Awake Together
[14:06] <SotDX> Variel, you awaken from the burning
[14:06] <SotDX> and find yourself alone in the room
[14:06] <SotDX> with only Garathiel
[14:06] <SotDX> still asleep
[14:06] <SotDX> she is shaking
[14:06] <SotDX> obviously upset
[14:06] <SotDX> and she mutters one word
[14:06] <SotDX> "Grail?"
[14:07] <SotDX> Variel, what do you do?
[14:07] * Variel cautiously goes over to Garathiel and touches her hand ready to move if she strikes back
[14:07] <Variel> "Gar...Gar wake up"
[14:08] <SotDX> Gar opens her eyes
[14:09] * Variel steps back ready for anything
[14:09] * Garathiel flinches back and bumps against the closed door with her wings. They have unfurled to half their actual size which makes a mess of crumpled feather on the wall behind her.
[14:09] <Garathiel> (feather origami for starters)
[14:09] <SotDX> (describe how each of you look to the other)
[14:09] <SotDX> Gar, you notice that the two of you are alone
[14:09] <SotDX> and it looks like dawn from the window
[14:10] * Garathiel looks at Variel with a mixture of pure horror, disbelief and a slight hint of madness.
[14:10] * Variel looks disheveled and confused
[14:10] <Variel> "Gar..are you all right?"
[14:11] * Garathiel shakes her head violently and looks around. "But you look like shit, too."
[14:11] * Variel studies her cautiously, she never knows what to expect from the Gabrielite
[14:11] * Garathiel 's voice trembles.
[14:12] * Variel nods and holds herself "You look like I feel."
[14:12] <Garathiel> "Did you see something odd?"
[14:12] <Garathiel> (Gar has got no real word for 'dream while sleep')
[14:12] * Variel closes her eyes and shakes her head not really an answer, but you know the answer is yes
[14:13] <Garathiel> "Did you see a silver chalice?"
[14:13] * Garathiel folds her wings, discards the fragment of a broken feather and runs both hands over her face. Her cheeks feel wet.
[14:14] * Variel sits on the floor and nods "I saw a lot of things...confusing things."
[14:15] <Garathiel> "Yes, I did, too."
[14:15] <Variel> "The chalice was mentioned… but I didn’t see it."
[14:15] * Garathiel looks around for a scrap of paper and something to draw with.
[14:15] <SotDX> Sure.
[14:15] <SotDX> you can take it from Saphiel's satchel
[14:15] <SotDX> she'll love that
[14:16] * Variel looks up at Gar startled that they would be dreaming similar things.
[14:16] <Variel> 'What does it mean?"
[14:16] <Variel> "Where are the others?"
[14:16] * Garathiel grabs one of Saphiel's precious sheets and a coal pen to start and draw. A rough sketch is finished within a few minutes. While she draws (and exhibits her secret passion) she says, "I don't know. But I'll sketch this before I forget."
[14:17] <Garathiel> I think it's rare enough for a Gabi to get her hands on paper and a drawing tool. She can draw, but she doesn’t want to make it public.
[14:17] * Variel closes her eyes and leans against the wall
[14:17] * Variel looks down at her arms half expecting to see the shiny dust from the stone or the blue tattoos
[14:18] * Variel takes a deep breath to calm down and watches Garathiel
[14:18] * Garathiel closes her eyes a few times, squeezes them shut and tries to remember as much as possible of the dream-image of the chalice. The sketch becomes more detailed as she proceeds and calms down a bit. She is no novice to drawing, that is clear.
[14:18] <SotDX> Variel does see a faint dot of blue paint on her right elbow
[14:18] <SotDX> how did it get there?
[14:18] <SotDX> it is the color of the swirls from the dream
[14:19] * Variel’s eyes open wide and she rubs her right elbow as if rubbing something off
[14:19] <Garathiel> "It was made of silver. I'm not sure, perhaps gems set here and here. It's becoming blurry. And it was filled with a warm red liquid. Blood, I guess."
[14:19] <SotDX> Variel, the calming peace and harmony you felt with your scar is gone
[14:19] <SotDX> that from the dream, I mean
[14:19] <SotDX> it has faded
[14:20] * Variel mutters "It keeps the infernos from coming."
[14:20] * Garathiel looks up. "I guess so. Someone in my vision said, the fire would come when it was gone."
[14:21] <SotDX> Variel, This does make you think of what Ambriel said in the thermae
[14:21] <SotDX> about what supposedly the witches there could do
[14:21] * Garathiel hands the finished sketch to Variel.
[14:21] * Variel nods and takes the sketch from Garathiel
[14:21] * Variel studies it
[14:21] <SotDX> The sketch is quite good
[14:21] <SotDX> while you did not see the chalice in your own dream
[14:21] * Garathiel quickly puts the pen back into Saphiel's satchel and rubs her hands clean.
[14:21] <SotDX> you know this is what the boy spoke of
[14:22] <Variel> "This is it....though I didn't see it I KNOW this is it."
[14:22] <Garathiel> "What shall we do with the picture? Show it to Ambriel?"
[14:23] * Garathiel has managed to calm down while she was working and gets up slowly to stretch. While she does this, her eyes wander around the room, checking for the objects left behind.
[14:23] <Variel> "I am not sure he would believe us if we told him. Though he did mention that the women controlled the fires...perhaps this is how."
[14:23] <SotDX> Nosfriel and Saphiel's stuff is still there
[14:23] <SotDX> as is Ambriel’s
[14:23] <SotDX> but the three Engel are not present
[14:23] <SotDX> the side door is no longer barred
[14:23] <Garathiel> "Where are the others? Did you wake up before they left?"
[14:24] * Variel stands up and hands the parchment back to Gar.
[14:24] * Garathiel looks at the side door, frowning in thought.
[14:24] <Variel> "When I woke up they were gone, you were the only one here."
[14:24] <Garathiel> "I think I would very much like to talk to Saphiel." She takes the sketch, folds it carefully and hides it under the folds of her skirt.
[14:25] <Variel> "I am not sure how they would have gotten past you." Variel smiles weakly
[14:25] <SotDX> As I said, the side door is no longer blocked
[14:25] * Garathiel moves to the side door and opens it carefully.
[14:25] <SotDX> and it has a way out in that room
[14:25] <Variel> "Maybe we are still dreaming”
[14:25] <SotDX> there is a door out of that room
[14:26] <SotDX> the sun outside glows brighter
[14:26] <SotDX> as dawn comes closer to an end
[14:26] <SotDX> and the feeling of strange unreality fades
[14:26] <Garathiel> "Perhaps we are still dreaming. But first I’d like to check the details of this dream. Is that what you call this state? See things in your mind while you meditate?"
[14:26] <SotDX> you both are more certain you are awake
[14:26] <Variel> "That is what humans call it."
[14:27] <SotDX> You hear a dog barking outside
[14:27] <Garathiel> "So, what would we call it?" Garathiel leaves the room through the door, stands for a few seconds and then carefully stretches her wings.
[14:27] <Variel> "I've only experienced this one other time...."
[14:27] <SotDX> and the sound of monks beginning their daily work
[14:27] * Garathiel listens to the sounds of the waking day and then tries to locate the church. The time should be right for early mass.
[14:28] * Variel follows Garathiel still a little disoriented
[14:29] <SotDX> Ambriel enters via the external door in the smaller chamber
[14:29] <SotDX> surprised to see you both awake
[14:29] * Variel turns to Ambriel
[14:29] <SotDX> His seems calm,
[14:29] <SotDX> relaxed
[14:29] <SotDX> his eyes alert
[14:29] <SotDX> "Good morning."
[14:30] <SotDX> He pushes past you both and walks into the main chamber
[14:30] <Garathiel> "Good morning. Have you been at the Laudes?"
[14:30] <SotDX> Ambriel shakes his head
[14:31] <SotDX> He starts adjusting his pack
[14:31] <SotDX> and gathering his things
[14:31] <Garathiel> "Where are the others?" Gar looks at Ambriel and snorts when he disappears.
[14:33] * Variel starts getting her things together "I guess that is our cue it is time to go."
[14:33] <SotDX> Ambriel turns back to you both
[14:33] <SotDX> "I'm not certain.
[14:33] <SotDX> I believe Nosfriel went with Saphiel to the library.
[14:33] * Garathiel shrugs, following the others inside and starts to pack up her things as well.
[14:33] <SotDX> She had trouble resting, unlike you two.
[14:34] <SotDX> Nos went with her to keep her company.
[14:34] <SotDX> I...
[14:34] <SotDX> well I needed some time on my own.
[14:34] <SotDX> I slept outside."
[14:34] <Garathiel> "Ambriel, may I ask something?" Garathiel shakes her head slightly. She did not sleep. She meditated.
[14:34] <SotDX> He nods to you
[14:35] <Garathiel> "Would it not be more wise if you stayed with the Fellowship while we rest?"
[14:35] <SotDX> Ambriel nodded.
[14:35] <SotDX> "I slept on the roof."
[14:35] * Garathiel looks at the Michaelite, prepared for another argument but then relaxes a little.
[14:35] * Variel studies the two of them ready for the oncoming argument and relaxes when there isn't one
[14:35] <SotDX> Ambriel:"I just needrf more air. But you are right."
[14:36] <Garathiel> "All right. Maybe another suggestion - for the fellowship."
[14:36] <SotDX> Ambriel smiles, amused.
[14:36] <SotDX> "Yes?"
[14:36] * Garathiel points towards the direction of the church where the bells start ringing. "They are just preparing the second morning mass. Maybe we should attend. I feel need for some prayer."
[14:37] <SotDX> Ambriel considers.
[14:37] <SotDX> "I understand how you feel, but we really need to get moving. We need to reach Dijon today."
[14:37] <Garathiel> "As you wish." Gar is a bit disappointed but tries not to show it.
[14:38] <SotDX> Ambriel stops and looks at Variel
[14:38] <SotDX> "Variel, is something wrong?
[14:38] <Variel> "Yes?"
[14:38] <SotDX> You seem... distracted. Did something happen while I was out?"
[14:38] <Variel> "No...no, everything is all right."
[14:39] <SotDX> Ambriel nods, but still looks at the two of out of the corner of his eye
[14:39] * Garathiel unbolts the main door, cleaning up the room as good as she manages and starts to carefully pack up the things of the absent Engel.
[14:39] <SotDX> Ambriel nods, but still looks at the two of you out of the corner of his eye
[14:39] <SotDX> Ambriel:"Why don't you two fetch Saphiel and Nosfriel?"
[14:39] <Garathiel> In lifting Saphiel's satchel she groans, only half mocking. Then she mutters something under her breath.
[14:40] * Variel turns and closes her bag and picks up Nos's bag
[14:40] <Garathiel> "I want their things out of this room. We can get this and get them and be on our merry way. It's more efficient."
[14:40] <SotDX> Ambriel nods, again amused.
[14:40] <Variel> "Lets go find them, you said they were in the library?"
[14:40] <SotDX> He nods.
[14:41] * Variel goes out the door assuming Gar is coming behind her
[14:41] * Garathiel walks past Ambriel, sighing deeply. There is one thing she wants to ask the Urielite in private.
[14:41] <SotDX> The two of you are outside
[14:41] <SotDX> the grass is covered in dew
[14:41] <Garathiel> (Ambriel not in sight?)
[14:41] <SotDX> small insects flit here and there
[14:41] <SotDX> Ambriel is still inside
[14:41] <SotDX> gathering this and that
[14:41] <SotDX> and consulting a map (perhaps)
[14:41] <Garathiel> "Variel, can I ask you to keep that secret?"
[14:42] <Variel> "I suppose after our little experience, I can."
[14:42] * Variel smiles
[14:43] * Garathiel smiles back. "Don't tell the other the thing about the Grail. I'm not sure what to make of it yet. I believe it would be better if we kept our... dreams secret."
[14:43] * Variel nods "I was actually thinking the same thing."
[14:43] <SotDX> You are walking towards what you believe to be the Library
[14:44] <Garathiel> "Yes... But I would like to ask Saphiel a few things about visions. This troubles me. I believe I saw something I could not have known in any case. And Ramielites should be experts with visions."
[14:44] <SotDX> A monach enters ahead of you
[14:44] <Variel> "Be cautious, for I am not sure where these ‘visions’ come from."
[14:44] <Garathiel> "I just want some general information... and some paper."
[14:45] * Garathiel manages a slightly impish grin.
[14:45] * Variel laughs gently, the Gabrielite is beginning to grow on her
[14:45] <SotDX> The Library doors are in front of you
[14:46] * Garathiel looks around for the monach.
[14:46] <SotDX> he went inside
[14:46] <SotDX> you are still outside
[14:46] <SotDX> do you go in?
[14:46] <Garathiel> "Maybe someone could tell us if we're in the correct building here.”
[14:46] <Garathiel> (attempting to, but first ask directions)
[14:46] <Variel> "I think we will know when we see all the books."
[14:47] <SotDX> so you are standing in front of the wooden doors
[14:47] <SotDX> Borne approaches from behind you
[14:47] * Variel opens the door not waiting for Gar
[14:47] <SotDX> Borne is careful to speak from a distance
[14:48] <SotDX> "I am approaching, friend Engel..."
[14:48] <SotDX> Does Variel pause?
[14:48] * Variel pauses and turns to the monach
[14:48] * Garathiel turns around to face Borne. "Good morning, Borne." She sounds friendly.
[14:48] <SotDX> Borne, the blind monach, approaches
[14:48] <SotDX> Borne smiles and nods back to each of you
[14:48] <SotDX> fairly accurate as to where each of you are
[14:49] <SotDX> its a bit unnerving
[14:49] <SotDX> "If I may be so bold, I did overhear you wondering if you are at the library.
[14:49] <SotDX> You are correct in your guess.”
[14:49] * Garathiel takes the broken fragment of her feather from her belt and reaches out for the blind man’s hand. "I have something for you. For the incident yesterday."
[14:49] <Garathiel> (it's a broken piece of a primary, about 100 cm long)
[14:49] <SotDX> He takes it from you, seeming shocked and amazed
[14:50] <SotDX> his face lights up
[14:50] <SotDX> with a spiritual reverence
[14:50] * Variel looks amused and surprised
[14:50] <SotDX> "Oh blessed be!"
[14:50] <SotDX> He holds it between his old wrinkled fingers
[14:50] <SotDX> gently touching it
[14:50] <SotDX> feeling its texture
[14:50] * Garathiel turns a little red, trying not to look too embarrassed and finally busies herself with Saphiel's satchel.
[14:50] <SotDX> "I shall cherish this, noble Engel."
[14:51] * Garathiel nods. "Some say my wings resemble those of a barn owl. For the colour of it."
[14:51] * Garathiel briskly turns and walks towards Variel.
[14:51] <SotDX> "I would never compare such a radiant being to a mere owl. But my thanks."
[14:51] <SotDX> He turns to the library doors and opens them for you both
[14:51] * Variel holds the door open for her and pats her on the shoulder as she passes
[14:51] <SotDX> "Enter"
[14:52] <SotDX> (there are two doors, Variel holding one and Borne holding the other)
[14:52] <SotDX> (heh, its easier on the wings)
[14:52] * Garathiel enters the library, still a little pink around the nose. "Couldn't leave him here without apology, now?" She mumbles to herself, but Variel can hear it.
[14:52] * Variel laughs under her breath and enters the library
[14:52] <SotDX> Borne follows behind the two of you
[14:52] <SotDX> the library is quite large
[14:53] <SotDX> filled to its roof with thousand of books and texts
[14:53] <SotDX> it is the finest repository of knowledge in all of Michael's lands
[14:53] <SotDX> or so they say
[14:53] * Garathiel stares in amazement, mouth hanging open. Never has she seen so many books in one place!
[14:53] <SotDX> already nine monachs are here and there, working on projects
[14:53] <SotDX> reading, writing,
[14:53] <SotDX> Borne stands beside you
[14:53] * Variel looks around the room, she is impressed, but would be more impressed had it been a forest of trees
[14:54] <SotDX> a wide smile on his face
[14:54] <SotDX> "It is a most glorious place, indeed.
[14:54] <SotDX> Nothing compared to the libraries in Prague,
[14:54] <SotDX> but all the same."
[14:54] * Garathiel finally manages to close her mouth. "It indeed is." That is all she manages to say. She then carefully looks around for Saphiel and Nosfriel.
[14:54] <Variel> "I never imagined so many books."
[14:55] <SotDX> Another Monach enters behind you
[14:55] <SotDX> and is startled at the sight of two Engel inside the door
[14:55] <SotDX> "Forgive me!"
[14:55] * Garathiel quickly moves aside to make room.
[14:55] <SotDX> He nods to you both, and looks around
[14:55] <SotDX> Borne smiles. "Steven, it is alright. These are members of a Fellowship
[14:55] <SotDX> which stayed here the night.
[14:55] <SotDX> Go on about your studies."
[14:56] <SotDX> The young monach, little more than a youth, moves on looking nervous and amazed at the sight of two Engel such as you
[14:56] * Variel smiles at him "Good morning"
[14:56] <SotDX> Borne:"I will be over to aid you in a moment. (he says to Steven)"
[14:56] * Garathiel boldly steps into the library and starts her search for Saphiel and the Raphaelite.
[14:56] * Variel looks on the other side of the library for Saphiel and Nos
[14:57] <SotDX> There are many nooks and crannies to the large three story edifice
[14:57] <SotDX> many small tables in dark corners
[14:57] <SotDX> Borne walks over and whispers to an aide behind a desk
[14:57] <SotDX> and then returns to you both
[14:57] <SotDX> "Engel, I can guide you to your brothers if you wish?"
[14:58] * Variel nods "That would be very helpful."
[14:58] * Garathiel nods at Borne and then softly says, "Yes, of course. Do you know where they are?"
[14:58] <SotDX> Borne:"The aide told me where they rest. Follow me."
[14:58] <SotDX> He leads you both down one long corridor. Books rise around you on shelves fifteen feet in the air
[14:58] * Garathiel frowns, looking at Variel. "Rest?" she whispers. She follows Borne.
[14:59] <SotDX> at last he leads you under an arch into an antechamber
[14:59] <SotDX> Nosfriel sits mediating behind a table
[14:59] * Variel shrugs
[14:59] <SotDX> Saphiel has books around her
[14:59] <SotDX> three deep
[14:59] <SotDX> and her head rests
[14:59] <SotDX> on the page
[14:59] <SotDX> though you can hear a slight snore
[14:59] <SotDX> she is not merely meditating
[14:59] * Garathiel manages not to giggle.
[15:00] <SotDX> Borne steps aside. "And here they are. Now, if you will excuse me,
[15:00] * Variel goes over to Nos and touches him on the shoulder
[15:00] <SotDX> I have some reading I must attend to."
[15:00] <SotDX> Nosfriel opens his eyes and smiles up at you.
[15:00] * Variel shakes her head at the sleeping Ramielite
[15:00] <Garathiel> "Thank you", Garathiel nods into Borne's direction and then concentrates on Saphiel again, carefully reaching out for her.
[15:00] <SotDX> Nosfriel:"Ah. Morning?"
[15:01] <Variel> "I see you found repose in the library...the books that boring?"
[15:01] <SotDX> Garathiel wakes Saphiel by tapping her on the shoulder
[15:01] * Variel grins at the Raphielite
[15:01] <SotDX> she snorts, rubs her eyes,
[15:01] <SotDX> blinks,
[15:01] <Garathiel> "Good morning, sister!"
[15:01] <SotDX> and then looks at you all confused
[15:01] <SotDX> Saph:"Huh.... whu....."
[15:01] * Garathiel sets the heavy satchel on the floor beside Saphiel, grinning.
[15:01] <Garathiel> "You have got mirrored letters on your cheek."
[15:01] <SotDX> Nosfriel:"She dozed off a few hours back, and I did not have the heart to wake her."
[15:02] <SotDX> Saphiel blushes, and rubs at her face
[15:02] <SotDX> Saphiel:"I was deep in thought..."
[15:02] <Garathiel> "So I see." Garathiel nods, still grinning.
[15:02] <SotDX> Saphiel:"I was... a.... planning for our journey."
[15:02] <SotDX> She stands, adjusting her ruffled robes
[15:03] <Garathiel> "That's wonderful. Ambriel wants us to be back in the air ASAP."
[15:03] <SotDX> the book on the table
[15:03] <SotDX> it has a sketch of a chalice
[15:03] <SotDX> that looks very familiar
[15:03] * Variel leaves Gar to deal with Saph and she beckons Nos to follow her out
[15:04] <SotDX> Nosfriel:"That is fine. I think flight will clear my head."
[15:04] * Garathiel hesitates and looks a bit closer at one of the books.
[15:05] <SotDX> Nosfriel starts to follow Variel, confused as to why she turns back to look at the books on the table
[15:05] <Variel> One of the books has captured her attention
[15:05] <SotDX> Nosfriel:"Eh?"
[15:05] <SotDX> Saphiel does not even notice, still trying to wake up
[15:06] <SotDX> do you two look at each other?
[15:06] * Garathiel looks at Variel, brows raised slightly. She says nothing but it's almost audible what she thinks.
[15:06] <Garathiel> "Saphiel, could you tell us what this book and the picture is about?"
[15:09] <SotDX> Saphiel blinks at you
[15:09] <SotDX> Saphiel:"What?"
[15:09] * Garathiel points at the illumination.
[15:09] <Variel> "The book with the picture."
[15:09] <Garathiel> "What is this?"
[15:09] <SotDX> Nosfriel leans over to look at it, somewhat impatient. "Looks like a cup to me."
[15:10] <SotDX> Saphiel looks at the book. "Oh, that."
[15:10] <SotDX> She sighs
[15:10] <SotDX> Saphiel:"Its nothing. Just myths."
[15:10] <Garathiel> "What myths?"
[15:10] * Garathiel is becoming a bit more insistent but is careful not to push it.
[15:10] <SotDX> Nosfriel:"Myths?"
[15:11] <SotDX> Saphiel nods. "Myths. Mythologies. False stories, rumors... legends.
[15:11] <SotDX> It’s a book about some of the legends of the NSI from before the floods.
[15:11] <SotDX> From the time before."
[15:11] <Garathiel> "Yes, but what is this particular myth about?"
[15:11] * Variel is letting Gar do the talking, but she is just as anxious."I know what myths are, what is the story behind the cup."
[15:11] * Garathiel points at the drawing again.
[15:11] <SotDX> Saphiel nods, sighing.
[15:12] <SotDX> Saphiel:"Its the myth of the Sangreal."
[15:12] <Garathiel> "Sangreal?" Garathiel tastes the new word, frowning.
[15:12] <SotDX> Nosfriel looks back the other way, impatient to get going
[15:12] <Variel> "Which is..?"
[15:12] <SotDX> Nosfriel:"Didn't you say Ambriel was ready for us to leave ASAP?"
[15:13] <SotDX> Saphiel rolls her eyes. "You know. The Grail. The Holy Grail?"
[15:13] <SotDX> She obviously expects you know the story of it, which neither of you do
[15:13] * Garathiel looks up at Nos, nods and then reluctantly draws away from the table. "We can talk as we go back to the cella, yes?" She is anxious to get her answer. "No, I have heard of _a_ Grail. But I don't know what it is or does."
[15:13] <Variel> "He was still getting his things together...now what is the story behind this Grail thing."
[15:14] <SotDX> Saphiel rubs her head, still groggy. "Well,
[15:14] <SotDX> the grail is a mystical artifact,
[15:14] <SotDX> by most accounts Holy...
[15:14] <SotDX> its a sacred cup that held the blood of God's son according to some legends.
[15:14] <SotDX> It was much sought after,
[15:14] <SotDX> and there is an entire myth-cycle in early to late
[15:15] * Garathiel 's brows climb up very high at the mentioning of God's son.
[15:15] <SotDX> NSI culture pre-flood
[15:15] <SotDX> that revolves around it."
[15:15] <Garathiel> "I didn't know, God had a son."
[15:15] <SotDX> "It's all rubbish, of course."
[15:15] <SotDX> Nosfriel sighs. "He does not have a son. That is part of the false faiths from before the floods."
[15:16] * Garathiel nods, motioning the other Engel to get going. Now she is ready to leave - after one last thing. "Yeah, right... Saphiel, do you know where I can get some paper here? And pens?"
[15:16] <SotDX> Saphiel:"The important part was the grail was seen as an extremely valuable mystical artifact that men searched for their entire lives.
[15:16] <SotDX> It was said to grant immortality and wisdom, and be a direct conduit to the power of God."
[15:17] <SotDX> Saphiel shakes her head.
[15:17] <SotDX> Saph:"I brought my own."
[15:17] <Variel> "The direct path to the power of God?"
[15:17] <Garathiel> "Hmpf." Garathiel stores the information about the Grail to puzzle over later.
[15:17] <SotDX> Saphiel picks her few items she brought with her and stuffs them back into her satchel she sees was brought
[15:18] * Garathiel starts to wander off into the direction of the aid-desk she has seen earlier.
[15:18] <SotDX> Saphiel does not respond to Variel's question (at least yet)
[15:18] <Garathiel> (aid-desk)
[15:18] * Variel shakes her head and follow Garathiel
[15:18] <SotDX> Garathiel, you find Borne first, sitting at a table,
[15:18] <SotDX> he seems to be reading?
[15:18] <SotDX> he has a strange wire going to his ear
[15:18] * Garathiel discretely clears her throat and stares at the wire.
[15:18] <SotDX> and a golden rectangle he is slowing moving down a page of text
[15:19] <SotDX> that is connected to the wire
[15:19] <SotDX> he stops moving the object down the page
[15:19] <SotDX> and turns to you both
[15:19] <SotDX> he pulls the wire from his ear
[15:19] <SotDX> a strange bud on its end was actually in his ear
[15:19] <SotDX> "Yes?"
[15:19] <SotDX> "Can I help you, Engel?"
[15:20] * Garathiel grimaces and steps back a little. "Sorry to bother you again. But do you know where I might get paper and pens here?"
[15:20] <SotDX> Saphiel and Nosfriel approach behind you
[15:20] * Garathiel stares at the bud end.
[15:20] <SotDX> Borne:"Sadly, I have little use for them any more, but I think I can find some for you."
[15:20] <SotDX> He smiles
[15:21] <SotDX> He stands, and tucks his strange contraption into his pocket
[15:21] <Garathiel> "That would be... most efficient." Garathiel blinks.
[15:21] <SotDX> the book he was "reading" looks normal
[15:21] * Garathiel 's eyes are now glued to Borne's pocket.
[15:21] <SotDX> written in Latin
[15:21] <SotDX> He walks across to a desk, opens its drawer, and returns with a few pages of paper and some more pencils
[15:21] <SotDX> Borne:"Here you are, Engel."
[15:22] <SotDX> Nosfriel:"What is the device you had before, if you don't mind me asking?"
[15:22] * Garathiel looks at the paper, then the pocket and carefully takes the sheets and pencils. "Thank you very much." She puts them into a bag at her left side.
[15:22] <SotDX> Borne smiles and pulls it out of his pocket and hands it to Nosfriel
[15:22] <SotDX> Borne:"It is an invention of the Raguelites when their order still existed.
[15:22] * Variel looks curiously at the device in Nos's hand
[15:22] * Garathiel tries to get a closer look at the thing.
[15:23] <SotDX> It lets my blind self still enjoy the written page, and still savor the written word."
[15:23] * Variel steps back and allows Gar a look
[15:23] <Garathiel> "It reads books to you?"
[15:23] <SotDX> It is a golden box with a kind of window on the bottom
[15:23] <SotDX> Borne nods. "It speaks the words to me."
[15:24] <Garathiel> "Hm." Garathiel blinks, takes one last look at the thing and decides it's no apparent weapon.
[15:24] <Variel> "Speaks the words to you? How does it do that?"
[15:24] <SotDX> Nosfriel smiles, shaking his head. "Fascinating."
[15:24] <SotDX> Saphiel just blinks, still half awake
[15:24] <SotDX> Borne looks at Variel (so to speak), and shakes his head.
[15:24] <SotDX> Borne:"I do not know how it works, only that it does.
[15:24] <Garathiel> "I think the box is the eye, and the bud is its mouth."
[15:25] <SotDX> The Raguelites were masters of all things arcane and cunning."
[15:25] <Garathiel> That's Garathiel's final analysis of the thing and ends the subject for her.
[15:25] <SotDX> Saphiel:"Sadly, they are no more."
[15:25] <Variel> "What do the words sound like, can one who does not read know the words on the page?"
[15:26] <SotDX> Borne smiles, pleased by all the interest. "It speaks in a warm voice,
[15:26] <Garathiel> A bit puzzled by this question, Garathiel frowns at the golden box.
[15:26] <SotDX> feminine in nature,
[15:26] <SotDX> and reads Latin with ease.
[15:26] <SotDX> I imagine that it could read for anyone,
[15:26] <SotDX> but it was given to me when my eyes were taken."
[15:27] <SotDX> At the mention of his lost eyes Saphiel swallows loudly
[15:27] <SotDX> the idea still disturbs her
[15:27] * Variel is curious to try it, but it would be blasphemous to even have such a thought.
[15:27] * Garathiel grows impatient and looks towards the entrance of the library.
[15:27] <SotDX> Saphiel:"I wish the Raguelites were still around. It would be amazing to see their inventions."
[15:28] <SotDX> Nosfriel echoes Garathiel's growing impatience. "We should be going."
[15:28] <Garathiel> "Ambriel will be looking for us." At the repeated mentioning of the raguelites, she frowns a little.
[15:28] <SotDX> Borne nods, taking the box back and placing it in his pocket
[15:28] <SotDX> Borne:"Good journey to you, noble Engel."
[15:28] * Variel "Thank you again for your kindness."
[15:28] <Garathiel> "Thank you for the help, Borne. May the Lord and Gabriel smile upon you."
[15:28] <SotDX> Borne nods
[15:29] <SotDX> Saphiel yawns
[15:29] * Garathiel raises her hand in sort of a blessing gesture, then turns around and starts to herd her brothers and sisters towards the entrance.
[15:29] <SotDX> The Fellowship head outside
[15:30] <Variel> "Saph...are you ready to take to the air again?" Variel states as she goes toward the door.
[15:30] <SotDX> leaving the dark confines of the Library
[15:30] <SotDX> Saphiel blinks, and nods
[15:30] <SotDX> Saph:"I guess."
[15:30] <SotDX> she lugs her many books
[15:30] <SotDX> Ambriel awaits the group of you
[15:30] <Variel> "Do you want me to take some of those?"
[15:30] <Garathiel> "We can take a few of your books. Ambriel wants us to be in Dijon tonight."
[15:30] <SotDX> he is staring up at the sky
[15:30] <SotDX> Saph shrugs, but hands each of you some of the heavier tomes
[15:30] <SotDX> Ambriel smiles at the four of you
[15:31] <SotDX> Ambriel:"At last. I thought I was going to have to send in a search party."
[15:31] * Garathiel places the books in her own satchel and nods at Ambriel. "Sorry, took a bit longer than expected."
[15:31] * Variel places the tomes in her bag
[15:31] <SotDX> Saphiel:"Had to give a history lesson on famous cups."
[15:31] <SotDX> Ambriel merely raises an eyebrow, and hoists his own bag on his shoulder
[15:31] <Garathiel> "It's NSI related."
[15:32] <SotDX> Ambriel:"Well, lets take to the air."
[15:32] <SotDX> He readies himself,
[15:32] <SotDX> and then takes off
[15:32] <Variel> "We wouldn't keep Saph sidetracked for nothing." Variel grins
[15:32] * Garathiel is the last one to take off - as usual - and flies in the hindmost position - as usual.
[15:32] <SotDX> And you all take to the air
[15:32] <SotDX> flying into the morning sky
[15:33] * Variel is in the middle with Nos, allowing Ambriel the lead until they get into unknown lands
[15:47] <SotDX> And so we fly
[15:47] <SotDX> Five Engel
[15:47] <SotDX> rising above the clouds
[15:48] <SotDX> high above the earth
[15:48] <SotDX> two of you have shared a secret
[15:48] <SotDX> of mystery, death, and fate
[15:48] <SotDX> The Grail? A vessel for life or death, but of importance unknown
[15:48] <SotDX> Did the others have dreams?
[15:49] <SotDX> What of Ambriel and his secrets?
[15:49] <SotDX> or slumbering Saphiel
[15:49] <SotDX> Nothing is said
[15:49] <SotDX> only the wind and the sky know the truth
[15:50] <SotDX> With time the five of you fly over the waters of the Adriatic
[15:50] <SotDX> leaving Michael's Lands behind
[15:50] <SotDX> The waters crest below
[15:50] <SotDX> the wind blowing them
[15:50] <SotDX> a few ships pass on the sea
[15:50] <SotDX> the sky is cloudy,
[15:50] <SotDX> as always
[15:51] <SotDX> but for the moment, you fly free of rain
[15:51] <SotDX> Ambriel flies ahead of you all
[15:51] <SotDX> guiding you as the day passes
[15:51] <SotDX> Somehow the journey seems easier today
[15:51] <SotDX> time passes faster
[15:51] <SotDX> Saphiel does not struggle as hard
[15:52] <SotDX> you both shoulder her burden
[15:52] <SotDX> Nosfriel glides effortlessly
[15:52] <SotDX> You fly for hours
[15:52] <SotDX> and have not taken a break
[15:53] <SotDX> Ambriel has said to you all
[15:53] <SotDX> in his voice of unspeaking
[15:53] <SotDX> that he wants to try and make it to Dijon
[15:53] <SotDX> before you rest
[15:53] <SotDX> and as the hours mount
[15:53] <SotDX> you all begin to feel the journey
[15:54] <SotDX> You have flown for nearly 300 km
[15:54] <SotDX> far into Raphael's lands
[15:54] <SotDX> and you are nearing the City of Dijon
[15:55] <SotDX> All of you are tired
[15:55] <SotDX> even Ambriel seems as if he is flagging
[15:55] <SotDX> Variel alone seems to be still able to fly on
[15:55] <SotDX> Variel, the pain is only a dull reminder of old wounds
[15:56] <SotDX> today you have flown as a Urielite should
[15:56] <SotDX> you could fly on if needed
[15:56] * Garathiel keeps an eye on Saphiel and Nosfriel while they go.
[15:56] <SotDX> Ambriel speaks in your minds:
[15:56] <SotDX> "We will not stay in Dijon itself,
[15:56] <SotDX> but on the shore of the Lake Elsen.
[15:56] <SotDX> I do not want to answer questions in the city."
[15:57] <SotDX> He begins to descend
[15:57] <SotDX> the day is almost gone
[15:57] <SotDX> perhaps an hour left before darkness falls
[15:57] <SotDX> at present there is no rain
[15:57] * Garathiel is glad for this decision and follows the fellowship down.
[15:57] <SotDX> but the skies seem likely
[15:58] <SotDX> Ambriel lands at the shore of the lake
[15:58] <SotDX> on a small outcropping close to the water
[15:58] <SotDX> Garathiel, something about the shore of this lake seems familiar
[15:58] <SotDX> in a BAD way
[15:58] <SotDX> hard to place
[15:59] <Garathiel> From the dream?
[15:59] <SotDX> perhaps...
[15:59] <SotDX> Yes!
[15:59] <SotDX> Garathiel, as you land
[15:59] <SotDX> you are certain of it
[16:00] <SotDX> it was here that Tobriel/You fought the dream-creature
[16:00] <SotDX> it was there,
[16:00] <SotDX> on the shore where Atheriel was consumed
[16:00] <SotDX> and you were shown...
[15:58] * Variel circles over the destination to make sure everything is allright before she lands.
[15:58] * Variel lets the others land first
[15:58] <SotDX> the city is twenty kms to the east
[15:59] <SotDX> a fishing/farming village is 10 kms to the north on the far shore of the lake
[15:59] <SotDX> the water of the lake seems peaceful
[15:59] * Garathiel feels uneasy to land here, and she stays in the air as long as possible, circling with Variel.
[16:00] <SotDX> Nos and Saphiel land happily
[16:00] <SotDX> Saphiel drops her satchel and stretches
[16:00] <SotDX> Nos walks to the water and kneels down to get a drink from the clear lake
[16:01] <SotDX> have you two landed?
[16:01] <Garathiel> Garathiel, yes. As the last one to land.
[16:02] <SotDX> So I assume Variel lands?
[16:02] <Garathiel> But as soon as Variel lands, she walks over to her.
[16:02] * Variel lands with Garathiel realizing she will not land until Variel lands
[16:02] <SotDX> (feels like we need Air Traffic Control)
[16:02] <SotDX> (grins)
[16:03] <SotDX> Nosfriel stands after sipping the cool waters
[16:03] <SotDX> Nosfriel:"Ahhhhh."
[16:03] <SotDX> Nos stretches, pleased
[16:03] <SotDX> So Gar approaches Variel
[16:03] * Garathiel whispers to Variel, "This place is no good. I saw it in the dream. Something very bad happened here."
[16:03] * Variel looks concerned at Gar's words
[16:03] <SotDX> Saph looks at the two of you whispering, and shrugs
[16:04] <SotDX> she pulls an apple out of her bag and starts munching on it
[16:04] <Garathiel> "Maybe we shall ask Ambriel to fly a patrol here. Just to be sure."
[16:04] <Variel> "Perhaps we should post more than one lookout."
[16:04] <SotDX> Nosfriel walks over to the two of you wondering what is wrong
[16:04] * Garathiel nods eagerly.
[16:04] <SotDX> Nosfriel:"Is something the matter?"
[16:04] <SotDX> Ambriel is just standing looking around distractedly
[16:05] <SotDX> Saphiel:"<crunch crunch>" (eating apple)
[16:05] * Garathiel looks at Nosfriel, than nods at variel and walks over to the Michaelite.
[16:05] <Variel> "Just a little concerned about the surroundings."
[16:05] <Garathiel> (if Variel has something to say, she can tell it to Nos.)
[16:05] <SotDX> Nosfriel looks puzzled. :"At such an idyllic spot as this?"
[16:05] <SotDX> Ambriel doesn't look at Gar as she approaches
[16:06] <Garathiel> "Are you all right, Ambriel?"
[16:06] <Variel> "Everything seems alright...but Gar's instincts are telling her something is wrong."
[16:06] <SotDX> Ambriel blinks strangely at you. "What?"
[16:06] <SotDX> Nosfriel:"Well, I think this spot is wonderful. A slice of heaven even."
[16:06] <Variel> (Has Gar left Nos and Var to talk?)
[16:06] <Garathiel> "You look distracted. Sort of." Garathiel stops a little distance away from the Michaelite, studying him.
[16:06] <Garathiel> (yup)
[16:06] <SotDX> (you are all close enough to overhear each other
[16:07] <SotDX> (unless you want to whisper or move further away)
[16:07] <Garathiel> (no, nothing like that)
[16:07] <SotDX> Ambriel blinks at you, his eyes strangely out of focus. :"I am fine, Gabrielite."
[16:07] * Variel walks away from the group and signals for Nos to follow
[16:07] <SotDX> He rubs his face
[16:08] * Variel keeps one eye on the situation with Gar and Ambriel
[16:08] <SotDX> Nos looks confused, but follows
Nosfriel and Variel alone
[16:08] <SotDX> Nos follows you
[16:08] <Variel> "Have you noticed anything funny about Ambriel?"
[16:08] * Variel is whispering
[16:09] <Variel> "I mean he seemed fine this morning and now he is irritable again."
[16:09] <SotDX> Nosfriel:"Yes."
[16:09] <Variel> "There was something yesterday..."
[16:09] <SotDX> Nos:"But then we are all tired."
[16:10] <Variel> "No...this was different."
[16:10] <Variel> "and I wanted to ask you about it."
[16:10] <SotDX> Nos listens
[16:11] <SotDX> Nos:"Alright."
[16:11] <Variel> "At first I couldn't find him in the trees and then I heard a strange noise, a whoosh and a sound from him of great relief."
[16:12] <Variel> "I found him sitting on a fallen tree and his voice was oddly slurred...like a human who had had too much rice wine."
[16:12] <SotDX> Nos grins:"A 'whoosh'?"
[16:12] * Variel nods "I'm being serious."
[16:13] <Variel> "When I found him his eyes were very clear though he was covered in a fine sheen of sweat."
[16:13] <SotDX> Nos nods, becoming more serious
[16:13] <Variel> "Engel don't sweat."
[16:13] <SotDX> "Sweat?"
[16:13] <SotDX> Nos nods
[16:13] <Variel> "I am just concerned....his behavior is so erratic."
[16:13] <Variel> "It seems more physical so I thought I would ask you."
[16:14] <SotDX> Gar seems to be walking away from Ambriel now
[16:14] <SotDX> Nos:"I see. Well, there is one distinct possibility."
[16:14] <Variel> "And that is?"
[16:15] <SotDX> Nosfriel:"A drug."
[16:15] * Variel looks horrified "A drug?"
[16:15] <Variel> "Thats alters behavior?"
[16:15] <SotDX> Ambriel is walking over to you
[16:16] * Variel steps away from Nos at Ambriel's approach
[16:16] <SotDX> Nosfriel has not noticed, and says:"Some Michaelites take them to help with stress."
[16:16] <Variel> "Ambriel"
[16:16] <SotDX> Nos frowns, and then turns to greet the Michaelite as well
[16:16] <SotDX> Ambriel glares at both of you
[16:16] <Variel> "Did Gar speak of her concerns?"
[16:17] <SotDX> Ambriel:"Are we not a Fellowship?"
[16:17] <SotDX> His voice is harsh
[16:17] <SotDX> He rubs at his arm again
[16:17] <SotDX> Ambriel:"Gather with the others. Immediately."
[16:18] <SotDX> (what do you do?)
[16:18] * Variel nods and hurries over to the other, she needs to consider what Nos told her.
[16:18] <SotDX> Nos walks over as well
The Remaining Fellowship
[16:08] <Garathiel> 'So, we're back to the formal business again', Garathiel thinks with an internal sigh. "I wanted to suggest we fly a patrol and put up posts."
[16:08] <SotDX> Ambriel looks around, as if having trouble understanding your words. "We are safe here."
[16:09] <Garathiel> "Yes, we may be. But I have a very odd feeling about this place."
[16:09] <SotDX> Ambriel shakes his head, seemingly annoyed. "An odd feeling?"
[16:09] <Garathiel> "Let's call it an instinct." Garathiel looks at the lake and tries not to flinch.
[16:10] <SotDX> You could swear you see bubbles for a moment rise to the surface about 15 feet off in the water
[16:10] <SotDX> but then they are gone
[16:10] <SotDX> perhaps only in your head
[16:10] <SotDX> perhaps
[16:10] <SotDX> Ambriel seems more annoyed.
[16:11] * Garathiel is starting to lose the patience for Ambriel's behaviour. "Call it a recommendation if you will."
[16:11] <SotDX> Ambriel:"I will consider it. Now, lets make camp. We need to hear the next portion of Sa... <he pauses>"
[16:11] <SotDX> He blinks
[16:11] <SotDX> Ambriel:"Of Saphiel's story."
[16:11] * Garathiel watches Ambriel closely.
[16:12] <SotDX> Ambriel grunts, shaking his head.
[16:12] <SotDX> Ambriel:"Forgive me if I seem off, but I am tired, just as you are.
[16:12] <SotDX> Let us be vigilant, but gather together all the same."
[16:13] * Garathiel shrugs, turning around. "As you say. I will secure the surroundings in preparation for the camp."
[16:13] <SotDX> Ambriel:"Thank you, Grathiel."
[16:13] <SotDX> (yes, he does mispeak your name)
[16:14] <SotDX> Garathiel, Variel and Nos are standing about twenty feet away whispering
[16:15] <SotDX> Gar, what are you doing?
[16:15] * Garathiel does not care what they are whispering. She is frustrated and starts to do what she wanted to: secure the surroundings of the camp. While she does so, she picks up dry wood for a fire and the occasional odd plant which looks interesting.
[16:15] <SotDX> Cool
[16:15] <SotDX> Ambriel seems to be annoyed by them whispering,
[16:15] <SotDX> and walks over to them
[16:16] <SotDX> Variel has moved way from Nos as Ambriel approaches them
[16:18] <SotDX> Saphiel has finished her apple, and offers a second one to Garathiel
[16:18] <SotDX> Saphiel:"Do you wa-wa-want one?"
[16:18] <SotDX> Variel and Nos come back to the camp
[16:18] <SotDX> Nos does not look pleased
[16:18] <SotDX> a large frown on his face
[16:19] <SotDX> how does Variel look?
[16:19] * Garathiel turns around, one arm full with dry wood, two interesting looking plants in the other and offers a trade. "Yes, why not? Do you know these flowers here?"
[16:19] * Variel’s brow is furrowed, she is upset as well.
[16:19] <SotDX> Saphiel takes the flowers and shakes her head
[16:19] * Garathiel looks at Nos and Variel and asks herself what the heck happened there.
[16:19] <SotDX> Saph:"You and your plants!"
[16:19] <SotDX> She smiles
[16:19] <SotDX> Ambriel is still off where they were, fuming
[16:19] <Garathiel> "I think they look nice. And the white one smells sweet. Like honey."
[16:20] <SotDX> Nos says nothing
[16:20] <SotDX> and sits down
[16:20] <SotDX> thinking
[16:20] * Garathiel puts down the wood, digs a small pit and arranges everything for a small fire.
[16:20] <Variel> "Is there something that needs to be done to help set up camp...or do you want me to take the first patrol?"
[16:20] <Variel> Its obvious Variel needs something to do before she explodes
[16:20] <Garathiel> "Well, maybe you can take a survey from above. I only took a quick walk around."
[16:20] <SotDX> Saph is fumbling with a book
[16:20] <SotDX> Ambriel walks up
[16:20] * Variel nods and takes a deep breath
[16:21] <SotDX> Ambriel:"Did I not make myself clear before?"
[16:21] <SotDX> He glares at Variel and Garathiel
[16:21] <Variel> "No patrol?"
[16:21] * Garathiel looks at the Urielite and tries a small smile while she digs up a small capsule to squeeze it over the wood. The material starts to smoke instantly and bursts into small flames.
[16:21] <Garathiel> "Bah. He seemed indifferent enough. Ask him." Garathiel sits back and watches the flame consume the wood.
[16:21] <Variel> "I was asking Garathiel what needed to be done around the camp."
[16:21] <SotDX> Ambriel's face reddens
[16:22] <Variel> "You obviously wanted to be left alone."
[16:22] <SotDX> Ambriel forehead glistens with the first signs of sweat
[16:23] <SotDX> He mutters something under his breath
[16:23] * Garathiel already regrets her last words and tries to smoothes things down. "I don't know what you decided concerning security, Ambriel."
[16:23] <Variel> "So, what are we doing about security? Garathiel, expressed a concern and I feel we should trust the Gabrielite's instincts."
[16:23] <SotDX> Ambriel blinks, sighs, and seems to calm a little, or perhaps just resign himself
[16:24] * Garathiel looks up and studies the Michaelite's face. This leader is more than weird. Forgetting names, being off in thoughts...
[16:24] <SotDX> Ambriel:"Fine. If my orders are unacceptable, and you wish to defy me, I will do the first patrol.
[16:24] <SotDX> I will return shortly.
[16:24] <SotDX> In the meantime, Saphiel, start your lessons."
[16:24] * Garathiel gets to her feet.
[16:24] <SotDX> Ambriel takes off
[16:24] <Garathiel> "Ambriel, no one said anything about unacceptable."
[16:24] * Variel huffs "If someone would tell me the plan I would follow it."
[16:24] <SotDX> he is already gone
[16:24] <SotDX> flying up in the sky
[16:25] <SotDX> Saphiel seems bewildered
[16:25] <SotDX> Saphiel:"What was that all about?"
[16:25] * Variel shakes her head "This is NOT good."
[16:25] <Garathiel> "He said something to me, but I guess he told you something entirely different. Now he's gone, on his own, which is just the plan I never had in mind."
[16:25] <SotDX> Nosfriel sighs
[16:25] <Variel> "He just yelled at Nos and I for talking."
[16:25] <SotDX> Saphiel:"For talking?"
[16:25] <Variel> "There were no orders except to get back with the rest of you."
[16:25] <Garathiel> "What does it hurt to repeat his orders so that everyone can hear them?" Garathiel stares at Variel. "He did what?"
[16:26] * Variel flings herself on the ground and sits upset.
[16:27] <SotDX> Nosfriel:"Perhaps we should make the best of our situation, as it is."
[16:27] <Garathiel> "Saphiel, I trust you keep a mission report of sorts?" Garathiel is now really irritated with the Michaelite.
[16:28] <Variel> "He told Nos and I to get back with the rest of the fellowship, there were no concern for security."
[16:28] <SotDX> Saph looks up. "You mean a journal of our mission?"
[16:28] * Garathiel nods at Saphiel. "Yes, a journal."
[16:28] <SotDX> Saph nods.
[16:28] <SotDX> Saph "Though I've been told it will go only to the Konstitory."
[16:28] * Garathiel draws a deep breath. "Very well then. I ask my concerns to be noted. Together with this incident which happened to me as follows..."
[16:29] <SotDX> Nos sits up to listen
[16:29] * Garathiel starts to summarize her short dialogue plus the odd behavior of the Michaelite, together with the false naming of herself.
[16:29] <SotDX> Saph nods, but then says:"So he's distracted and gets names wrong.
[16:29] <SotDX> We only just met, you know."
[16:29] <Garathiel> "And he didn't get my name wrong only this once but more than once. besides, he seems to be miles away in thoughts at times. Distracted."
[16:29] <Variel> "Yeah reporting that will fix everything."
[16:30] * Variel is disgusted
[16:30] <SotDX> Nosfriel:"He is taking something."
[16:30] <Garathiel> "I am just trying to voice my complaints. He may be the Michaelite, but if he is inadequate, we all will suffer. I will in no way be blamed for his mistakes."
[16:31] * Garathiel looks at Nosfriel, shaking her head, unclear about what he said.
[16:31] <Variel> "Garathiel, you won't be blamed if he gets us all killed first."
[16:31] <SotDX> Nosfriel sighs
[16:31] <Garathiel> "I want my veto noted, that's all."
[16:32] <SotDX> Saphiel:"Its noted. So should I pick up on the history of the NSI... or...?"
[16:32] <Garathiel> "The one thing we could do, Variel, is coordinate our activities. Between you and me. Then go to Ambriel, tell him how we plan to work, make him accept it. Then we won’t have this discussion again."
[16:32] <SotDX> Nosfriel:"I will stand with you."
[16:33] * Variel smiles weakly at Nos and touches his hand "Thanks."
[16:33] * Garathiel waits for Variel's answer to her suggestion.
[16:33] <Variel> "So Gar, what is your suggestion?"
[16:34] <Garathiel> "I just said. We two should work together for the security issue here. Work out a pattern for patrol and such. Then we put that before Ambriel. Once he knows, we can proceed as we see fit here."
[16:34] <Variel> "I agree something needs to be done, since the Michaelite seems...preoccupied."
[16:34] <SotDX> Saphiel:"So, until he gets back...?"
[16:35] <SotDX> the light is beginning to fade
[16:35] <Garathiel> "We can do some planning."
[16:35] <SotDX> it will be dark very soon
[16:35] <Garathiel> "And I want to know what you meant, Nosfriel. What is he taking?"
[16:35] * Garathiel looks at the darkening sky with some concern. She has lost sight of the Michaelite and starts to poke at the fire in frustration.
[16:35] <SotDX> Nos:"I don't know. Tell them about the 'whoosh', Variel."
[16:35] <Garathiel> "*whoosh'?"
[16:36] <SotDX> Saphiel:"Who-o-o... huh?"
[16:36] <Variel> "When I went to look for him yesterday...before I found him I heard a whoosh noise and a deep relaxed sigh."
[16:37] <Garathiel> "Which means?" Garathiel is looking at both Nosfriel and Variel.
[16:37] <SotDX> Nos:"It is not unknown for some Michaelites to become dependant on a drug,
[16:37] <SotDX> something to help them deal with the stress or pressure of their role.
[16:37] <Garathiel> "DRUGS?" Gar is jumping to her feet in disgust.
[16:37] <SotDX> He came to Roma after experiencing something very traumatic,
[16:38] <SotDX> perhaps something was prescribed to him there."
[16:38] <SotDX> Saphiel seems confused
[16:38] <Variel> "Hell Nos we all had something traumatic but you don’t see me on drugs."
[16:38] * Garathiel paces around the fire.
[16:38] <SotDX> Nos:"I could be wrong."
[16:38] <Variel> "I don't think you are."
[16:38] <Garathiel> "We should coordinate ourselves so that we could function without him in worst emergency."
[16:39] <SotDX> Nos:"If something should happen to him, I think Variel should lead us."
[16:39] * Garathiel searches the sky for the Michaelite.
[16:39] <Variel> "Gar, we need to confront him on this...before we reach the NSI."
[16:39] * Variel looks startled at Nos's suggestion
[16:39] <Garathiel> "I don't think confrontation would do the situation any good. We should have a backup plan."
[16:39] <SotDX> Saph just shakes her head in disgust and goes back to her book
[16:39] <Variel> "He is going to get much worse if he can't get this drug."
[16:40] <Garathiel> "Swell."
[16:40] <Variel> "and use the backup plan if necessary."
[16:40] <SotDX> Nos:"I've said my opinion."
[16:40] <Garathiel> "Then we should work on that plan. I've got an idea on that one."
[16:40] <Variel> "I am all ears."
[16:40] * Garathiel looks at the sky again and again, half afraid to find nothing, half afraid to find something.
[16:41] <Garathiel> "First we should do this coordination thing. I see that some of us already have experience flying within a fellowship."
[16:41] <Variel> (I turn on my senses to make sure he is not about.)
[16:41] <SotDX> Nos:"I think all of us."
[16:41] <Garathiel> "We should go through the theory of what to do under attack and so on. So we are not taken by surprise when it happens."
[16:41] * Garathiel nods at the Raphaelite.
[16:42] <SotDX> Saph ignores you all the more
[16:42] <Garathiel> "Saphiel, I think this concerns you as well."
[16:42] <Garathiel> "And maybe you've got an opinion here as well."
[16:42] <SotDX> Saph:"battle...battle...battle... you really live up the ste-ste-ste.... the type"
[16:42] <Variel> "Keep the healer and Saph in the back, no offence, and leave the fighting to Gar and myself while the other retreat."
[16:43] <Variel> "we aren't holding a position, I vote for leaving if we have to."
[16:43] <SotDX> Nosfriel:"I will fight when needed, sister."
[16:43] <Garathiel> "Yes." Gar turns at Saphiel. "That's the worst case scenario. We as well need to plan what to do when retrieving information."
[16:43] <SotDX> Saph: "I'll fight if I have to."
[16:44] <Garathiel> "Like it or not, we also need to keep an eye on Ambriel."
[16:44] <Variel> "Knock him out and drag him out of harms way."
[16:44] <SotDX> Nos:"I'd suggest more than one when at all possible."
[16:44] * Garathiel looks at Variel in question, if she can sense or see the Michaelite.
[16:44] * Variel listens
[16:44] <Variel> (do I hear anything, I already had my senses heightened earlier)
[16:45] <Variel> "I only hear something in the water."
[16:45] * Garathiel flinches at the mentioning of the water.
[16:45] <SotDX> Saph sighs
[16:46] <SotDX> she goes back to her book
[16:46] <Variel> "Seems harmless enough. Perhaps it is just a turtle or a fish."
[16:46] <Garathiel> "Perhaps. Can you show me where it comes from?"
[16:46] <SotDX> Saph:"Gabrielites can break all life down to just a se-se-series of battles."
[16:47] <Garathiel> "Tell me about it. Bathing is just another battle for me, sister." Garathiel tries to joke but it comes out more like a very bad one.
[16:48] <Variel> "Ambriel will be landing in a moment."
[16:48] <SotDX> Saph:"Great. And you did not let me follow his orders."
[16:48] <SotDX> she frowns
[16:49] * Garathiel nods. "Nos, when anyone wants to confront him about the drug, it would better be you." She speaks quickly and softly.
[16:49] <Variel> "well, Saph, then why don't you start."
[16:49] <SotDX> Nos nods, not happy, but agreeing
[16:50] * Garathiel retreats for now, looking up to observe the Michaelite's arrival.
[16:50] <Variel> "The thing I heard was out about 20 feet in the water."
[16:50] <Garathiel> "OK, best show me now."
[16:50] <SotDX> Saph:"Killer fish..."
[16:50] <SotDX> she grins
[16:50] * Variel stands up and walks over to Gar
[16:51] <Garathiel> "You have any idea, how big their teeth are?" Garathiel grins waekly at Saphiel and then asks Variel to show her the place.
[16:51] * Variel approaches the edge of the water where she heard the sound
[16:51] <SotDX> Ambriel lands a few feet away and walks up to the camp
[16:51] * Variel has her hand on her short sword
[16:51] <SotDX> he seems much more relaxed
[16:51] <SotDX> calmer
[16:51] <SotDX> perhaps the flight has calmed him down
[16:51] * Garathiel tries to see anything in the water, her hand on the hilt of the sword as well.
[16:51] <SotDX> the water is dark
[16:51] <SotDX> and smooth
[16:51] <SotDX> a few ripples from the wind
[16:51] * Variel studies the dark water
[16:52] <Garathiel> "We have something long to poke with?"
[16:52] <Variel> "You aren't using my bow."
[16:52] * Variel grins
[16:52] <SotDX> Garathiel, you are standing about right where Atheriel died right before Tobriel eyes
[16:52] <Garathiel> "I wasn’t talking about the bow. More of a broken branch or something."
[16:52] <SotDX> Ambriel:"What are they up to? Fishing?"
[16:52] <SotDX> Saphiel snorts
[16:52] <Variel> "I thought I heard something out there."
[16:53] <SotDX> Ambriel:"Ah. Well, all seems clear around us."
[16:53] * Garathiel turns around to look at the Michaelite. "No. Variel said, she heard something. We're just checking if it's not something like a giant crocodile."
[16:53] <SotDX> He walks up to the two of you
[16:53] <SotDX> Ambriel:"I want to apologize. It was a good idea to check the area more."
[16:53] <SotDX> He smiles at both of you
[16:54] * Garathiel nods at Ambriel, smiling back weakly. Then she picks up a dead branch and pokes around a little in the water, feeling silly.
[16:54] <SotDX> Nosfriel gives you both a knowing look from behind him
[16:54] <Variel> "I guess we should go back."
[16:55] <Variel> "I will keep my ears open."
[16:55] <SotDX> Saph:"Ambriel, I'm sorry I haven’t started the his-his-his... the lesson yet.
[16:55] * Garathiel mutters something about stuffed crocodiles and drops the branch reluctantly. She finally sits down, but her imagination is already running wild.
[16:55] <SotDX> I thought it would be best if you heard it also?"
[16:55] <SotDX> Ambriel only nods
[16:55] <SotDX> Ambriel:"Good idea."
[16:56] <SotDX> Ambriel hunkers down by the fire
[16:56] * Garathiel returns to the campfire and seats herself. Her eyes are turned away from the flames to adjust them to the darkness.
[16:56] <Garathiel> She already has the creeps.
[16:56] <Garathiel> If someone says 'boo' beside her, there will be a world of trouble :-P
[16:56] <SotDX> Saphiel sits up, her book propped in the her lap
[16:56] <SotDX> Nos gives Variel a concerned look, and then sits down also
[16:56] * Variel sits by the fire with her bow across her lap, eyes focused on the lake beyond.
[16:57] * Variel is checking the head of her arrow
[16:57] <SotDX> Saph:"Where did I leave off last night?"
[16:57] <SotDX> She checks her notes, trying to remember
[16:58] <Variel> "Left off with the rise of the Dru if I remember correctly."
[16:58] <SotDX> Nos:"It was a little after that, if I recall..."
[16:58] * Garathiel nods.
[16:58] <Garathiel> “Something about the thanes and the dru, and the dru not wanting to reign.”
[16:59] <SotDX> Saph nods. "Here it is."
[16:59] <SotDX> She takes a drink of water, and begins
[16:59] <SotDX> Saph:"When I left off last night, the city of London had become the most powerful city in all of the NSI.
[16:59] <SotDX> The Dru, or the Handmaidens of Fate, had seized power,
[17:00] <SotDX> and had formed a government made up of Thanes, regional lords,
[17:00] * Variel places her arrow in her lap with the bow
[17:00] <SotDX> based in London called the House of Thanes.
[17:00] <SotDX> There were also four "Great Thanes",
[17:00] <SotDX> the strongest regional lords of each Isle.
[17:00] <SotDX> They declared the lands to be under a Splendid Isolation,
[17:01] <SotDX> and that the Church was not allowed (or its 'Wyrms') to set foot or fly over their lands.
[17:01] * Garathiel takes out a whetstone and one of her daggers and starts to sharpen the blade quietly - as not to disturb anyone. She keeps an eye on the surroundings.
[17:01] <SotDX> It took pressure from the other free cities for London to become how it is today,
[17:01] <SotDX> a Free City and port for all of Europe.
[17:01] <SotDX> The Church is allowed into London, but only there.
[17:02] <SotDX> I think I also mentioned what happened to the Great Thane of London, Basil the Wise.
[17:02] <SotDX> Did I?"
[17:02] <Garathiel> "yes."
[17:02] <Variel> "He died mysteriously."
[17:02] <Garathiel> "That strange ailment."
[17:02] <SotDX> Nosfriel runs his finger across his neck
[17:02] * Garathiel sees the gesture and grins.
[17:02] <SotDX> Saph nods
[17:02] * Variel laughs at Nos
[17:03] <SotDX> Saph:"The best the history can tell us is that the Dru called against the opening of London as an open city,
[17:03] <SotDX> perhaps resistant to outside influences at the heart of the kingdom.
[17:03] <SotDX> The House of Thanes voted against their wishes, chiefly because of Basil's championing the cause as a way of keeping war with the Church at bay,
[17:03] <SotDX> also for his own personal wealth.
[17:03] <SotDX> He won, but died within the year of a wasting disease.
[17:04] <SotDX> There is no confirmation that the Dru did it, but there seems to be similar deaths through their history.
[17:04] <SotDX> You don't live long after offending the Dru."
[17:04] <SotDX> Saph snorts
[17:05] <SotDX> Ambriel:"And thus London becomes the most powerful city in all of Avalon."
[17:05] <SotDX> Saph nods
[17:05] <SotDX> Saph:"Yes. Its hard for us to find information on their history after that.
[17:05] <SotDX> While the Church is allowed in London, they have been very successful at keeping agents of the Church from entering their lands otherwise.
[17:06] <SotDX> But we do know some of the big events.
[17:06] <SotDX> In 2344 a great war broke out among two of the fore-past isles.
[17:06] <SotDX> It was between the Scots and the Cymru.
[17:06] <SotDX> We don't know much about this war,
[17:07] <SotDX> but it seems to have been very vicious. Many died.
[17:07] <SotDX> It raged until 2356,
[17:07] <SotDX> and while I do not have details as to how it ended,
[17:08] <SotDX> it is clear the Dru played a major part in ending the conflict.
[17:08] <SotDX> They are credited in all sources as being the negotiating body,
[17:08] <SotDX> and bringing a lasting peace between the warring nations.
[17:08] <SotDX> Again, the Dru are the co-co-connective glue that keeps everything together."
[17:09] <SotDX> She pauses to drink again
[17:09] * Variel turns in the direction of the water
[17:09] <SotDX> Saph:"In 2389 something important happens,
[17:09] <SotDX> the creation of a new body or organization called the...
[17:09] <SotDX> "
[17:10] <SotDX> she checks her notes
[17:10] <SotDX> "the Artificers of Goibniu."
[17:10] <SotDX> You can tell the word was hard for her to get out
[17:11] * Variel focuses on Saphiel again, but with one eye and ear on the surroundings.
[17:11] <SotDX> "This group has some kind of connection to the Dru, but with one major difference.
[17:11] <SotDX> Gender.
[17:11] <SotDX> The Dru are all female,
[17:11] * Garathiel looks at the lake as well, a bit tense.
[17:11] <SotDX> while the Artificers are mixed.
[17:11] <SotDX> They seem to be fully supported by society,
[17:11] <SotDX> and start developing heretical technologies and weapons.
[17:12] <SotDX> Everything seems based on a mythological underpinning of gods and spirits,
[17:12] <SotDX> and yet they start rebuilding the sinful technologies of the world before."
[17:12] <SotDX> Nos nods. "Technology. That sounds troubling."
[17:12] <SotDX> Ambriel:"Has anyone here ever been shot by a gun?"
[17:13] <SotDX> Ambriel winces at the memory
[17:13] * Variel looks surprised
[17:13] <Garathiel> "No?" Gar looks at Ambriel with surprise.
[17:14] * Variel shakes her head "no"
[17:14] <SotDX> Ambriel smiles at Variel:"One time I ran into one of Isabella's soldiers without you there
[17:14] <SotDX> to help me."
[17:14] <Variel> "Guess its good you have me around now."
[17:14] * Variel smiles
[17:14] <SotDX> Saphiel considers being shot, and decides it is an experience she does not wish to have
[17:14] * Garathiel grins as well, but her attention is still directed towards the lake.
[17:15] <SotDX> Ambriel:"Firearms can do you great damage."
[17:15] * Variel is still listening at the lake
[17:15] <SotDX> Nosfriel:"Aside from being sinful."
[17:15] <Garathiel> "They told us it punches real big holes into you. Especially on the side where the projectile emerges."
[17:15] <SotDX> Ambriel nods, again wincing
[17:15] * Garathiel does not seem to like the idea of making this experience personally.
[17:15] <Variel> "They tell us to avoid them."
[17:16] <Garathiel> "Funny, do you tell this to the bullet when it comes flying at you?"
[17:16] <Garathiel> "'No, don't hit me, I’m avoiding you!'" Gar sighs.
[17:16] <Variel> "No you just dodge and fly like hell away from it."
[17:16] <SotDX> Saph:"Well, I'll get more to that later, but be aware that the warriors of the NSI may be armed with such weapons.
[17:17] <SotDX> Shall I continue?"
[17:17] <Garathiel> "Great. Next thing we know is that we're being shot at by submachine guns."
[17:17] <SotDX> Ambriel nods
[17:17] * Garathiel nods at Saphiel.
[17:17] <SotDX> Saph shakes her head, and continues, turning the page
[17:17] * Variel remembers the gun she saw many years ago in the hut of the old woman.
[17:17] <SotDX> "It was 2420 when Dreamseed first appeared in Europe.
[17:17] <SotDX> They also appeared the same year in the NSI.
[17:18] <SotDX> There are many stories we have of people writing of demons and dark gods.
[17:18] <SotDX> They blamed a lot of this on the anger of gods, not the Lord of the Flies.
[17:18] <SotDX> The Dru again calmed the populace,
[17:18] <SotDX> their warrior fighting back the creatures,
[17:19] <SotDX> and their priestesses seeking answers as to what they were and from whence they came.
[17:19] <SotDX> Things seem to calm down until 2455.
[17:19] <SotDX> "
[17:19] <SotDX> Nos:"The Infernos."
[17:19] <SotDX> Saph nods, impressed.
[17:19] <SotDX> "Yes, the appearance of an Inferno off the coast of nearby Iceland caused massive panic.
[17:20] <SotDX> There are some reports of sacrifices,
[17:20] <SotDX> both human and otherwise,
[17:20] <SotDX> and panic.
[17:20] <SotDX> Again, the Dru keep the peace.
[17:20] <SotDX> They gather in council, and supposedly seek guidance from the powers of Dan, or Fate."
[17:21] <SotDX> She pauses, the next part bothers her
[17:21] <SotDX> "The last time an Inferno was reported to draw close to the shores of Avalon was
[17:21] <SotDX> in 2468.
[17:21] <SotDX> After that date no Inferno is reported to approach the NSI."
[17:21] <SotDX> She looks up at Ambriel with a strange look,
[17:21] <SotDX> and then continues
[17:22] * Garathiel looks at Variel and silently mouths, 'The Grail?'
[17:22] <SotDX> "The past 150 years have been a time of flourishing industry and development.
[17:22] * Variel shrugs "maybe"
[17:22] <SotDX> Transportation and industry,
[17:22] <SotDX> technology,
[17:22] <SotDX> and all kinds of development.
[17:22] <SotDX> For example, the people of the NSI supposedly live by the dictates of clocks constantly.
[17:23] <SotDX> They even adorn themselves with strange instruments of time,
[17:23] <SotDX> following the guidance of these contraptions.
[17:23] <SotDX> There are stories of Zeppelins,
[17:23] <SotDX> odd floating vessels that ferry people through the air in transgression of all the sacred laws,
[17:23] <SotDX> taking passengers across the isles.
[17:24] <SotDX> There are great bridges that were slowly built over the waters, linking the fore-past isles into a unified whole.
[17:24] <SotDX> There are metal carriages that travel on tracks and belch smoke that take people along the ground at great speed.
[17:25] <SotDX> And now we come to Brian's Long Walk."
[17:25] <SotDX> She pauses, rubbing her temple
[17:25] <Garathiel> "Who is Brian?"
[17:25] * Variel listens to the night as Saphiel pauses
[17:26] <SotDX> Nos looks at Variel and smiles
[17:26] <SotDX> Saphiel continues, "Brian of Rochester.
[17:26] <SotDX> He was the Great Thane of London in 2585.
[17:26] <SotDX> He is the reason we know as much as we do.
[17:26] <SotDX> He had a crisis of faith,
[17:26] <SotDX> or so it is said,
[17:26] <SotDX> and left his city and sailed across to Europe.
[17:27] <SotDX> He made a long pilgrimage alone
[17:27] <SotDX> all the way to Roma,
[17:27] <SotDX> and threw himself at the feet of the Pontifex.
[17:27] <SotDX> He begged to be forgiven
[17:27] <SotDX> for his sins and crimes.
[17:27] <SotDX> And I think we all know what happened to him then."
[17:28] <SotDX> Saph smiles
[17:28] <SotDX> Nos has a blank look
[17:28] <SotDX> Nos:"We do?"
[17:28] * Variel shakes her head
[17:29] * Garathiel shakes her head as well.
[17:29] <SotDX> Saphiel sighs in disgust."Do they teach you nothing?"
[17:29] <SotDX> Ambriel just waits for to go on
[17:29] <SotDX> "Well, the Pontifex blessed him, forgiving him many sins,
[17:30] <SotDX> and Brian gave us a good portion of what we know about the missing years in the NSI.
[17:30] <SotDX> The Pontifex named him a Gabrielite Custos and sent him to Nuremburg.
[17:30] <SotDX> Sadly, though...
[17:30] <SotDX> he died before ever reaching the city."
[17:30] <SotDX> Nos nods, not surprised
[17:30] <Garathiel> "Another strange ailment?" Garathiel grins.
[17:30] <SotDX> Ambriel considers
[17:31] <SotDX> Saph checks her notes
[17:31] <SotDX> Saph:"Not much is said in the history, other than he died on the road."
[17:31] * Variel is pondering the ramifications if the Dru's reach is so long.
[17:31] <Garathiel> "Let's say this doesn't come as surprise."
[17:32] <SotDX> thats when you hear footsteps coming up from the north
[17:32] * Variel turns at the footsteps and stands bow ready
[17:32] <SotDX> Ambriel leaps up
[17:32] * Garathiel listens and gets to her feet, sword in hand.
[17:32] <SotDX> A boy appears out of the darkness
[17:32] <SotDX> about nine
[17:32] <SotDX> he carries two pails
[17:33] <SotDX> looks like a farmer boy
[17:33] <SotDX> He seems scared
[17:33] * Variel relaxes her bow
[17:33] <SotDX> Saph seems annoyed to be interrupted
[17:33] <SotDX> He looks at you all
[17:33] <SotDX> with his frightened eyes
[17:34] <SotDX> and says something in a language not all of you understand
[17:34] * Garathiel lowers her sword and looks at the boy, then at Ambriel who should speak for all of them in this case.
[17:34] * Variel waits for Ambriel to say something
[17:34] <SotDX> Ambriel looks at Saphiel: "Do you understand the language?"
[17:34] <SotDX> Saph nods. "French."
[17:35] <SotDX> Ambriel bites his lip. "Yes, good. But what did he say?"
[17:35] <Variel> "He is asking if we want food."
[17:35] <SotDX> Ambriel looks at you and smiles.
[17:35] <SotDX> "Thanks. Please tell the boy we will take what he offers and give him and his family a blessing."
[17:36] * Variel gives Ambriel's reply in French.
[17:36] <SotDX> The boy smiles, nods, and comes closer,
[17:36] <SotDX> still nervous about being around ENGEL!
[17:36] * Variel adds we mean him no harm
[17:36] * Garathiel sheathes her sword and looks at the boy and his offerings, examining both.
[17:36] <SotDX> He pulls out bread, cheese, and some milk from his pails
[17:36] <SotDX> he also has some fruit
[17:36] <SotDX> he empties both pails
[17:37] <SotDX> and then steps back
[17:37] <SotDX> still obviously nervous
[17:37] * Variel thanks him very much
[17:37] <SotDX> Ambriel kneels down beside him
[17:37] <Garathiel> "Can you ask him something?"
[17:37] <SotDX> letting you thank him
[17:37] * Garathiel looks at Saphiel and at Ambriel.
[17:37] <SotDX> and then puts his hand on the boys head and blesses him in Latin
[17:37] * Variel nods to Garathiel
[17:37] <SotDX> the boy does not understand the Latin, but understand the meaning and closes his eyes in reverence
[17:38] * Variel translates the blessing to the boy
[17:38] <Garathiel> "Ask him if he knows of something that lives or lived in the water here. Something dangerous."
[17:38] * Variel waits until Ambriel is finished and asks Garathiel's question.
[17:38] <SotDX> The boy looks out at the water, and then back at you all
[17:39] <SotDX> he answers in French
[17:39] * Garathiel waits for the translation.
[17:41] <Variel> Yes, once there was a bad thing here.
[17:41] <Variel>
[17:39] <SotDX> But then Engel came a few years past
[17:41] <Variel>
[17:39] <SotDX> and destroyed the bad thing.
[17:41] <Variel>
[17:39] <SotDX> Now lake is free of evil.
[17:41] <SotDX> Nos nods. "Well, I'm glad to hear that."
[17:41] <SotDX> Saphiel nods also. "As long as the lake is really free of evil."
[17:41] <Garathiel> "I think I even know who died here."
[17:41] <SotDX> Ambriel:"I wonder what Engel fought here... eh?"
[17:42] * Garathiel looks over the water with a sadness in her eyes.
[17:42] <SotDX> Ambriel turns to Gar
[17:42] * Variel thanks to boy again for his kindness
[17:42] <SotDX> The boy nods.
[17:42] <SotDX> he says something more in french
[17:42] <SotDX> motioning with his pails
[17:42] <SotDX> and then starts to walk over to the water
[17:42] <SotDX> Variel, he says:
[17:42] “He tells you he is going to get water with his now empty pails
[17:42] <SotDX> and return to his farm
[17:42] <SotDX> to tell his family of your beauty”
[17:42] * Variel asks the boy if he wants help getting the water
[17:42] <SotDX> he shakes his head
[17:43] <SotDX> (it would be wrong to ask an Engel to help with such a mundane task)
[17:43] * Garathiel looks back at the child, not really seeing him. She waits until the boy is gone to answer Ambriel's question.
[17:43] * Variel keeps an eye on him as he gets the water.
[17:43] <SotDX> The boy kneels down right where Nosfriel had got his water to drink
[17:43] <SotDX> and lowers his first pail in
[17:43] <SotDX> Ambriel:"Have you been here before, Garathiel?"
[17:44] * Variel watches the boy
[17:44] <SotDX> The boy finishes the first pail,
[17:44] <SotDX> and lowers his second into the water
[17:44] <Garathiel> "No, I have never been here before. But my former Michaelite had been. His fellowship, including a Ramielite named Atheriel died here. He alone survived."
[17:44] * Garathiel keeps an eye on the boy while she speaks.
[17:44] <SotDX> Ambriel:"Ah. Must have been a terrible battle."
[17:44] <Garathiel> "More horrible than you can imagine." Garathiel frowns darkly. "Atheriel died just over there." Garathiel points at the spot.
[17:44] <SotDX> The splash is heard by you all
[17:45] <SotDX> and it is close
[17:45] <SotDX> but it is too late
[17:45] <SotDX> something long and black comes out of the water
[17:45] * Garathiel gasps, drawing her sword again and leaps towards the water.
[17:45] * Variel knocks an arrow into her bow and aims
[17:45] <SotDX> wrapping itself around the boy
[17:45] * Variel fires the arrow
[17:45] <SotDX> and pulling him into the dark water
[17:45] * Garathiel hacks at the long black thing.
[17:45] <SotDX> too late to hack at it
[17:45] <SotDX> one pail floats on the water
[17:45] <SotDX> the other on its side on the shore
[17:46] <SotDX> water pouring out of it
[17:46] * Garathiel goes after the boy, under water.
[17:46] <SotDX> the water is smooth
[17:46] <SotDX> You dive in?
[17:46] <Garathiel> Voice can wait, Gar jumps after the boy into the water.
[17:46] * Variel is in the air seeing if the creature resurfaces
[17:46] * Garathiel holds her breath. Like most Gabrielites she can swim, even if only a little. But that might be more than the others can.
[17:47] <SotDX> So Garathiel crashes into the water after the boy
[17:47] <SotDX> trying to save him
Garathiel in the water
[17:47] <SotDX> You are under the water
[17:47] <SotDX> swimming in the dark
[17:47] <SotDX> trying to find some sight of the boy
[17:47] <SotDX> your sword out but not ignited
[17:47] <Garathiel> I activate God's armor.
[17:47] <Garathiel> And use the wings to swim.
[17:48] <SotDX> At first there is nothing
[17:48] <SotDX> but then the water gets cold
[17:48] <SotDX> VERY COLD
[17:48] <SotDX> DEATHLY COLD
[17:48] <SotDX> and you hear the voice
[17:48] <SotDX> Atheriel's voice
[17:48] <SotDX> "comes down into the dark with us...
[17:49] <SotDX> be one with me...
[17:49] <SotDX> I will show you what is to come...
[17:49] <Garathiel> Gar ignites the sword now as well.
[17:49] <SotDX> and what has passed..."
[17:50] <SotDX> Something very large and strong impacts you, and you and it both go up and out of the water
[17:51] <Garathiel> OK, I try to hit it and make it let go off the boy.
[17:51] <SotDX> you don't even see the boy
[17:51] <SotDX> it and you crash onto the shore
[17:51] <SotDX> it has long legs about 10 feet long
[17:51] <Garathiel> Great.
[17:51] <SotDX> and two tendrils are wrapped around you
[17:51] <SotDX> your sword is burning though
[17:51] <Garathiel> OK, now, Samson's Hair to see where it has weak spots.
[17:52] <Garathiel> As long as my sword arm is free I don't care.
The Fellowship above water
[17:47] <SotDX> Variel has taken to the air, bow ready
[17:47] <SotDX> Ambriel is shouting orders
[17:48] <SotDX> Garathiel is under the water
[17:49] * Variel is using heightened senses
[17:49] <Variel> (how long has she been under?)
[17:50] <SotDX> just about twenty seconds
[17:50] <SotDX> then a massive splash
[17:50] <SotDX> as Garathiel and something long black and leathery come crashing out of the water
[17:50] <SotDX> onto the shore
[17:51] <SotDX> it has several long tendrils
[17:51] <SotDX> and one massive body
[17:51] <SotDX> and it has wrapped its arms around Garathiel
[17:51] <Variel> (is it dead?)
[17:51] <SotDX> nope
[17:52] <SotDX> it is writhing around
[17:52] <SotDX> trying to kill Garathiel and eat her
[17:52] <SotDX> you do not see the boy at all
[17:52] * Variel fires another arrow at the main part
[17:52] <SotDX> there is large beak mouth at the base of it
[17:52] <Garathiel> (just like the water thing in LotR that's guarding Moria?)
[17:52] <SotDX> yep
[17:52] <SotDX> a little smaller
[17:52] <Garathiel> (EEEEK!)
[17:53] <SotDX> but just as fugly
[17:53] <Garathiel> Gar uses Samson’s Hair to determinate some weak spot and then screams something about the beak and the center of the thing.
[17:53] <SotDX> Garathiel, samson's hair tells you the weak spot is warmth
[17:53] <SotDX> it is a creature of coldness
[17:53] * Variel knocks another arrow into her bow and aims at the beak
[17:53] <SotDX> Garathiel, your arms and shoulders grow incredibly cold
[17:53] <SotDX> stiff even
[17:53] <SotDX> as if it sucking the heat out of you
[17:54] * Variel fires the arrow
[17:54] <Garathiel> "FIRE! Use the Fire!"
[17:54] <SotDX> Variel,
[17:54] <SotDX> two arrows have hit it at the base
[17:54] * Garathiel aims the burning blade at the tentacle that is wrapped around her.
[17:54] <SotDX> one impacts against the leathery skin
[17:54] <SotDX> without much impact
[17:54] <SotDX> the other hits in the beak
[17:54] <SotDX> which makes it let out a howl
[17:54] <SotDX> Garathiel, you manage to cut through one of it tentacles,
[17:55] <SotDX> but two others wrap around you tighter
[17:55] * Variel aims another arrow and fires it in the same place
[17:55] <SotDX> and your sword is pinned still in your hand
[17:55] <SotDX> but hard to move
[17:55] <SotDX> Ambriel is next to Garathiel slicing with his own sword
[17:55] * Garathiel hacks at another tentacle and tries to free herself. "It hates fire!!!" she screams again.
[17:55] <SotDX> Nos has his scythes out
[17:55] <SotDX> Saphiel is somewhere behind
[17:55] * Variel lights an arrow on fire and aims at the beak area again.
[17:55] <SotDX> Variel, it rolls a little, its beak harder to hit
[17:56] <SotDX> it is now all the way out of the water
[17:56] <Garathiel> "Let GO, Atheriel!" Gar uses the burning blade like a scythe now.
[17:56] <SotDX> its long body writhing almost like a serpent
[17:56] <SotDX> Then you all hear a female voice:
[17:56] * Variel concentrates and fires any where she can near the beak or center
[17:56] <SotDX> "Please... let me show you... what is to come..."
[17:56] <SotDX> It is Saphiel, behind you all!!!
[17:57] <Garathiel> "Knock her out!!!"
[17:57] <SotDX> Variel, your burning arrow hits the thick outer skin and just sizzles and goes out
[17:57] <SotDX> Garathiel, your sword is finally pulled from your hand
[17:57] <SotDX> and falls to the ground turning off
[17:57] * Garathiel dares not to look at the Ramielite and now she concentrates on the beak.
[17:57] * Variel lights another one and aims and fires
[17:58] <SotDX> The next arrow hits and does little damage
[17:58] * Garathiel repeats her request for someone to knock Saphiel unconscious and tries to somehow twist out of the tentacles.
[17:58] <SotDX> Saphiel is still chanting
[17:58] <SotDX> Garathiel, your left arm breaks under the pressure
[17:58] <SotDX> Now Ambriel has gotten wrapped in a tentacle
[17:58] * Variel pulls out her short sword and dives into the fray next to Garathiel trying to cut the tentacle
[17:58] <SotDX> Nos is free, and turns to head back to Saphiel
[17:59] * Garathiel screams bloody murder, ignores the broken arm and tries to grasp something sharp. Retrieve her sword.
[17:59] * Variel is careful to not land in the water but trying to keep aloft
[17:59] <SotDX> Variel,
[17:59] <SotDX> you hear the cry of the winged serpent
[17:59] <SotDX> ready to scoop up the ground
[17:59] <SotDX> it is coming for you
[17:59] <SotDX> you are there on that mountain
[17:59] <SotDX> the darkness coming for you
[17:59] <SotDX> the hungry beast
[17:59] <SotDX> you panic
[18:00] <SotDX> you see them all dead
[18:01] <SotDX> The beast is devouring them
[17:59] * Variel freezes and screams
[17:59] <SotDX> Variel falls to the ground
[18:00] <SotDX> At once the beast seems to grow weaker
[18:00] <SotDX> Garathiel, you are free enough to struggle loose
[18:00] <SotDX> one arm broken
[18:00] * Variel screams "Oh God no Not again."
[18:00] <SotDX> Ambriel is still wrapped up tight
[18:01] * Variel shrieks "All dead, NO NO NO."
[18:01] <SotDX> Gar, what do you do?
[18:01] * Variel has her hands over her eyes at this point
[18:02] <Variel> (are they her old fellowship, or the new ones?)
[18:02] <SotDX> Variel, the new one Fellowship mixed with the old
[18:02] <SotDX> the faces change
[18:02] <SotDX> back and forth
[18:02] <SotDX> and you hear a voice
[18:02] <SotDX> "Come into the darkness...
[18:02] <SotDX> I will show you a palace
[18:02] <SotDX> a place is made for you
[18:02] <SotDX> at the table of your peers”
[18:02] * Garathiel struggles free, but instead of running, she dives for the main mass of the thing, whipping out one dagger.
[18:03] <SotDX> It seems distracted somehow,
[18:03] <SotDX> weakened
[18:03] <SotDX> Nos shouts from behind
[18:03] <SotDX> "I've knocked out Saphiel!"
[18:03] * Variel shakes violently ignoring the words...."No never...not the darkness."
[18:03] <SotDX> Gar, you are at the core of the beast
[18:03] <SotDX> its many eyes now stare up at you
[18:03] <SotDX> lost
[18:03] <SotDX> confused
[18:04] <SotDX> Do you attack?
[18:04] * Variel looks up startled, the voice silenced
[18:04] * Variel is disoriented
[18:04] <Garathiel> OK, she will use Samson's Hair again. Tree of Gnosis is the exponential form of it. With this she will be able to determinate the absolutely weakest point of her opponent and hit it.
[18:04] <SotDX> Gar glowing with light strikes at the heart of the beast
[18:04] * Garathiel attacks the one eye that seems most vulnerable to her. She just knows, it is the small one to the left, That one, not to others. And so she plunges her dagger into it with all her strength.
[18:04] <SotDX> her blade penetrating deep within it
[18:05] <SotDX> and it lets out a scream that slices through the night
[18:05] <SotDX> Ambriel is dropped to the ground as it spasms
[18:05] <SotDX> Saphiel screams also
[18:05] <SotDX> Gar, you pull your arm out of it wet with black ichor and red blood
[18:05] <SotDX> the form begins to shrink as you stand on it
[18:05] <SotDX> its body pulling back into some other shape
[18:06] * Variel falls to the ground sobbing with shame and relief
[18:06] * Garathiel pulls the dagger back out and dimly notices it is... Tobriel's.
[18:06] <SotDX> You hear a dim voice... all of you... from the dying beast
[18:06] <SotDX> "I am sorry Tobri.... I loved you..."
[18:06] <SotDX> "I couldn't let you die..."
[18:06] <SotDX> Gar, you leap off of it
[18:07] * Variel looks up through her tear stained face
[18:07] <SotDX> as it shrinks down into the desiccated remains of what might have been an Engel...
[18:07] <SotDX> once...
[18:07] <SotDX> black
[18:07] <SotDX> twisted
[18:07] <SotDX> skeletal
[18:07] * Garathiel looks at the dead body, then slowly turns away and vanishes into the bushes. Some strange retching sounds emit from the greenery.
[18:07] <SotDX> Ambriel stands,
[18:07] <SotDX> his face cut,
[18:08] <SotDX> and he says a prayer of thanks that the Fellowship survived such a monstrosity
[18:08] <SotDX> Variel,
[18:08] <Garathiel> (I think she will be out of order for a few minutes)
[18:08] <SotDX> you notice a floating mass on the water
[18:08] <SotDX> the boy
[18:08] <SotDX> his face beneath the waves
[18:08] * Variel stands up and in a daze goes to the boy and into the water and pulls him out
[18:08] <SotDX> he is dead
[18:08] * Variel’s motions are automatic
[18:09] <SotDX> his neck crushed by the beast
[18:09] <SotDX> his innocent face looks up at you
[18:09] * Variel pulls him out of the water and carries him to the shore.
[18:09] <SotDX> Ambriel stands silent
[18:09] <SotDX> Nosfriel kneels beside the unconscious form of Saphiel
[18:09] <SotDX> guilty at having to knock her out
[18:09] <SotDX> And Gar is retching in the bushes
[18:09] <SotDX> the apple she ate had no longer inside but out
[18:09] * Variel places the boy on the ground and falls beside him in shock over what she witnessed again.
[18:15] <SotDX> Gar rejoins the group?
[18:15] <Garathiel> Yes, after five minutes of 'being busy'
[18:15] <SotDX> Variel lays next to the boy
[18:15] * Variel is still shaking
[18:15] <SotDX> Ambriel just stands silent, staring at the body of the thing
[18:16] <SotDX> now in the fetal position
[18:16] <SotDX> (the body, not him)
[18:16] <SotDX> Nos stands near Ambriel
[18:16] * Garathiel walks over to the corpse, kneels beside it and examines it carefully.
[18:16] <SotDX> it is definitely of a human or Engel
[18:16] <SotDX> and there are the stumps of wings on the back
[18:16] <SotDX> but the skin is black
[18:16] <SotDX> and leathery
[18:16] * Variel tries to sit up but nothing is really in focus
[18:16] <SotDX> the eyes empty sockets
[18:17] <SotDX> the air is cold around it
[18:17] * Garathiel carefully touches it.
[18:17] <SotDX> the skin is cold,
[18:17] <SotDX> but something changes
[18:17] <SotDX> a warmth flows into it
[18:17] <SotDX> from you
[18:17] <SotDX> the flesh changes
[18:17] <SotDX> grows pink
[18:17] * Garathiel quickly snatches back her hand.
[18:17] <SotDX> the wings reappear
[18:18] <SotDX> and the dead Engel who was once known as Atheriel still lies dead on the ground
[18:18] <SotDX> but is whole again
[18:22] <SotDX> Somehow Garathiel's touch seemed to bring Atheriel’s violated body back to is rightful state
[18:22] <SotDX> Ambriel and Nos though both stepped back when it happened
[18:22] <SotDX> startled
[18:22] * Variel is startled, though it takes a little longer for what happened to get through to her.
[18:23] <SotDX> The usual death signs of a Ramielite soul leaving her body are in place
[18:23] <SotDX> her eyes are black
[18:23] <SotDX> and the small outgrowth on the back of her head
[18:23] * Garathiel lets out a deep sigh and then looks around. Then she carefully picks up the dead Engel.
[18:23] <SotDX> Nosfriel:"Is it safe?"
[18:23] <SotDX> Ambriel shakes his head.
[18:23] <SotDX> Ambriel:"Is Saphiel alright?"
[18:24] <SotDX> Nos shrugs. "Physically, yes... but mentally..."
[18:24] * Variel struggles to stand up watching the others
[18:24] <SotDX> Nos goes over and helps Variel up
[18:24] * Variel takes his hand, she is not shaking, but still shivering
[18:24] * Garathiel carries Atheriel away from the Campfire and then gently lays her on the ground. Then she starts collecting more dry wood to build a funeral pyre.
[18:25] <SotDX> Ambriel helps Garathiel in building the pyre,
[18:25] <SotDX> never suggesting anything else
[18:25] <SotDX> should be done
[18:25] <Garathiel> "We need to be safe. And the boy, too." Garathiel says only these words during the hours to come.
[18:25] <SotDX> Nos:"I had to hit Saphiel with the handle of one of my scythes."
[18:25] * Variel sits down next to Saphiel and strokes her hair.
[18:26] <SotDX> Nos:"Are you alright, Variel? Did it... do something to you?"
[18:26] <SotDX> He carefully chooses his words
[18:26] * Variel shakes her head, "Just the old shadows, Jocie...I mean Nosfriel."
[18:26] <SotDX> Nos flinches, understanding. He nods.
[18:27] * Variel studies Saphiel "Will she be all right?"
[18:27] <SotDX> Ambriel helps you light the fire and burn the bodies
[18:28] * Garathiel lays Tobriel's dagger on Atheriel's body before she lights the pyre with her sword.
[18:28] <SotDX> Saphiel opens her eyes as Variel strokes her hair
[18:29] * Variel looks down at her, so like Faliel in some ways.
[18:29] <Variel> "Saph..?"
[18:29] <SotDX> Saphiel:"uh... what... "
[18:29] <Variel> 'Saphiel...can you hear me?"
[18:29] <SotDX> Saphiel’s eyes are confused
[18:30] * Garathiel asks Ambriel to speak a prayer while the flames rise. The stench is enough to keep every human being away. But it is necessary.
[18:30] <SotDX> Ambriel does say a prayer over the dead
[18:30] <SotDX> Saph:"It was... cold...
[18:30] <SotDX> There was a voice...
[18:30] <SotDX> like a sister in...
[18:30] <SotDX> my head..."
[18:30] <SotDX> She blinks, confused,
[18:30] <SotDX> and then tries to get up
[18:30] <SotDX> she rubs the back of her head and winces at the bruise
[18:31] * Variel watches as she gets up "I know"
[18:31] <SotDX> Saph:"The voice drowned me out... I was lost for a minute...
[18:31] <SotDX> I saw such strange things..."
[18:31] <SotDX> she shakes her head and sighs
[18:31] <SotDX> Saph gets up and moves around getting her bearings
[18:31] * Variel shudders at her own sights.
[18:32] <SotDX> Ambriel calls out to the others
[18:32] <SotDX> Ambriel:"We shall keep a guard the rest of the night.
[18:32] <SotDX> Nos, I want you to see to Garathiel's arm.
[18:32] <SotDX> We leave in the morning,
[18:32] <SotDX> and I for one will not be sad to put this place behind us."
[18:32] * Variel stands up and approach the others hugging herself.
