Mist Spire II

[AmberVael]

Tucked away in the corner of the astral plane there is demiplane. This demiplane is Aesa's planar realm.
Though small, it contains a variety of terrain. There is a small wood, a lake covered with mist, foothills and the small mountain on which her tower has been built. A path leads up the mountain to Aesa's tower.
The realm is obviously real, but something about it seems insubstantial and not quite there. The feeling that you will simply wake up from a dream, or that you will pass through the ground, is easily ignored or forgotten, but never overcome. Its quite a pervasive and insistant sensation.
Storms and lightning continually flicker in the background, and a thin mist coils about the surface of the entire plane, adding to its surreal quality. The plane maintains a constant, cool breeze and slightly chilly temperature.
Anyone venturing here who has earned Aesa's ire or comes in an unwelcome fashion may find that the lightning is not just in the background, and that the mist is more than just a whispy thing around their feet.
The tower itself is fairly small, but not crampt.

Aesa has now opened up her plane for mercenary buisness. Aesa takes any jobs that she feels inclined to take, ranging from tracking to assassination.

There is a portal that connects the first floor of Aesa's tower to the streets, and there is a sign next to it that reads:
MIST SPIRE-
Home of Aesa, Diviner, Assassin and Mercenary for hire.
Inquire inside.

BASEMENT: This area is connected to a small network of catacombs that lead to numerous places of interest. A few of these are Aesa's summoning chamber, her vault where Zchiz is now kept, and a training room.

FLOOR 1: The first floor contains a desk, a large number of chairs around a table, a fireplace, and is in general a 'welcome' area.

FLOOR 2: The second floor is a small but comprehensive library.

FLOOR 3: This floor is reserved fro the private quarters. As of the moment, there are five bedrooms, a kitchen, and a small living area.

FLOOR 4: The literal top of the tower. You are outside on this floor, and can see the entire plane. Apparently it is a good vantage point for throwing lightning bolts at things.

[Takehiko the Marooned]

Rin backs off slightly. Mom?

[AmberVael]

Your father and I got into an argument. I told him I didn't want to be with him anymore. He attacked me, and I killed him. Aesa's voice is emotionless.

[Takehiko the Marooned]

Rin's jaw drops. Her feet remain planted to the ground.

[AmberVael]

Aesa casts a spell to clean herself off, then another to heal herself.

[Takehiko the Marooned]

Rin twitches. How... Why... She shakes her head. No...

[AmberVael]

Aesa looks Rin in the eyes. So you can surely understand why it might not be best for you to stay.

[Takehiko the Marooned]

I-... I can't beleive you... She run from the room, to downstairs.

[AmberVael]

Aesa does not follow her, attempt to stop her, or anything. She just continues to sit on the bed.
Libida raises an eyebrow at Rin as she runs down the stairs. Something up?

[Takehiko the Marooned]

Rin stops for a moment, looks at Libida, and falls to her knees, breaking into tears.

[AmberVael]

Libida is entirely shocked, then puts down her book and slowly sits next to Rin. Rin? Whats going on?

[Takehiko the Marooned]

She-... She-... Rin sobs, shaking her head and burrying her face in her hands.

[AmberVael]

Libida puts her arms around Rin, half-curious, half-hoping to earn points with mentor if he shows up.

[Takehiko the Marooned]

Mentor doesn't come. Rin continues to sob, wailing every once and a while.

[AmberVael]

Rin, honey, tell me whats happening.

[Takehiko the Marooned]

She-... She-... Dad is-... She sobs.

[AmberVael]

Libida waits for Rin to string together a coherent sentence.

[Takehiko the Marooned]

Rin takes a deep breath, a pained look still on her face. Dead...

[AmberVael]

Libida blinks. What?

[Takehiko the Marooned]

Dad is dead...

[AmberVael]

No... how? When?

[Takehiko the Marooned]

Rin just sobs, not answering her question

[AmberVael]

Libida realizes that means Mentor is gone and curses.

[Takehiko the Marooned]

Rin keeps crying, shrinking slightly when she hears Libida.

[AmberVael]

Libida sits the rest of the way down on the floor, crossing her arms.

[Takehiko the Marooned]

Rin shrinks a bit. What?

[AmberVael]

Well, its bad enough being enslaved to that bitch, but now I've lost a bet, the person who distracts her, and the person who entertains me. Libida doesn't really seem to care about Rin's feelings on the matter.

[Takehiko the Marooned]

Rin frowns and crawls away to the other side of the room, still sobbing

[AmberVael]

Libida picks up a book and starts reading, sighing as she thinks about how things just go worse. :P

[phoenixineohp]

The signature of a different sort of plane traveler might be picked up as Phoenix attempts to teleport into the tower, specifically to the hall outside Aesa's room.

[AmberVael]

Aesa raises an eyebrow and doesn't call up the wards of the plane, letting the teleport succeed.

[phoenixineohp]

Phoenix lets go of a deep breath when she sees that she is in fact standing in the hall outside of Aesa's room.

She looks around and knocks gently on the door.
"Surprise."

[AmberVael]

The door opens of its own accord, and Phoenix can see Aesa scribing glowing, white runes all over the bedroom. They hang in the air, humming ominously.

[phoenixineohp]

Phoenix leans against the door way, looking in. Her right hand reaches into her pocket and pulls out a bottle of red wine.

[AmberVael]

Yes, Phoenix? Been having fun with your lover, while I've been killing mine off? Aesa voice is harsh.

[phoenixineohp]

"So that's what I felt." She shakes her head and pops the cork to the wine, taking a drink right from the bottle. When finished she wipes her mouth with the back of her hand.

[AmberVael]

Aesa scowls at the rune just created. Hiko and I had an argument... then he attacked me, so I killed him.

[phoenixineohp]

"Reasonable. That make up sex is going to be interesting." Phoenix looks round the room, as if everything is as common as it could be.

[AmberVael]

I don't intend for him to be revived. Aesa puts her hands behind her back and looks over at Phoenix, her face cold.

[phoenixineohp]

"Not interested to see what else he has in him? How any other games would go? Finished and done?" She hold the bottle out to her as she talks.

[AmberVael]

I've had enough with that miserable, self-pitying, submissive artist. Aesa takes the wine and summons up a glass for herself, filling it from the bottle before handing the bottle back.

[phoenixineohp]

"Attacking you wasn't submissive. But then again, I'm hardly here expecting you to go back there right now, tears streaming down you cheeks, 'Oh Hiko, what have I done?'" Phoenix acts this out like a bad bard. She takes the bottle and has another swig slightly smiling at her own joke. "But lovers quarrel. In our circles that tends to lead to something getting incinerated, or run through with a shiny sword a couple of times." She shrugs as she reaches into her bag and pulls out a black container. She takes off the lid to reveal a red semi-solid goo. She offers this to Aesa.

[AmberVael]

Aesa raises an eyebrow at the goo, sipping her wine. And what is this?

[phoenixineohp]

"It's like a candy. Here." She sets down the bottle and has a seat in the door way, leaning her back against it's frame. She hold the container in one hand and dips her index finger in with her other hand. She twirls it around untill there is a good glob of red goo on it before carefully bringing it out and up to her mouth.
"Mmmm. I thove thss stugh." She says cleaning off her finger. She holds it back out to Aesa.

[AmberVael]

Aesa gets the distinct feeling that something bad is going to happen when she tries some, but decides that her day has been hell anyways, and even if Phoenix is trying to do something it will make things more interesting. She mimics Phoenix's actions, tasting the red goo curiously.

[phoenixineohp]

It tastes like every good candy mixed together with a slight warmth added in. The warmth transfers to the person consuming it and can give them a warming, tingling sensation that is not unpleasant. This goo is clearly good good.

Phoenix busily takes another dip, her eyes lighting up like a child's.
"Mmm. So good. This is one of the few reliable pleasures I've found in life."

[AmberVael]

Aesa smiles a little. It is good. Where did you get it?

[phoenixineohp]

"I'm glad you like it. The Vistani use it as a component in something. I decided to kick out the unpleasant additive and was left with this wonderful concoction. Maybe after I introduce you to Fenix, he'll let me eat some off of you." She takes another dip, licking the traces off of herself.

[AmberVael]

Aesa gives an amused smile. You really think he would go for it? I mean, he didn't have the best reaction last night...

[phoenixineohp]

"Oh, I think we could convince him."

[AmberVael]

True... how should we go about it? I imagine you have a few ideas ready. Aesa grins and sips her wine.

[phoenixineohp]

"Oh I do. It's something that I am going to enjoy planning for a little while." She grins and licks her lips.

[AmberVael]

What? You aren't going to share your ideas? Aesa gives a mock sigh. I thought you trusted me, Phoenix.

[phoenixineohp]

Phoenix grins at her as she takes a drink from the bottle.
"This way you get to... enjoy... the planning part too."

[AmberVael]

Oh I'll look forward to it. Aesa crosses her legs, smiling deviously.

[phoenixineohp]

Phoenix tilts the bottle to her in a bit of a toast. She then finishes it off and sets it aside. She reaches into her pocket and seems to pull another one out of no where. Opening it she turns to Aesa. "I suppose that you are immune to this stuff too."

[AmberVael]

No, actually. And I'm something awful when I'm drunk. Aesa finishes her glass of wine. Of course, it takes a bit more to get me drunk, but other than that...

[phoenixineohp]

Phoenix raises her eyebrows. "Really. Wow. Your lucky then. Though it would be interesting to see you drunk, from a safe distance that is." She smiles and holds out the bottle.

[AmberVael]

A "safe distance" is out of sight. I can throw lightning a long ways, let me tell you, and I make very dangerous bets while I'm drunk. Aesa grins and takes the bottle. I remember this one time when someone dared me to pick a fight with a bouncer... I was in a normal form, of course...

[phoenixineohp]

Phoenix smiles, listening to her story.

[AmberVael]

Well, the bouncer was a big guy, burly, and supposedly a eunuch. They had been picking fun at him for a while, but he was too stubborn to really do anything. So they told me to... hit him where it hurt most... make fun of his lack, you could say. Aesa grins and sips her wine. So I started flirting with him, then when he didn't respond I insinuated a few things... and so he decides to hit me for my insults.

[phoenixineohp]

Phoenix raises an eyebrow as she takes another drink.

[AmberVael]

Aesa chuckles. He was more than a bit surprised when his punch just went through me... and the look on his face when I cursed him was priceless. Watching a man who relies on his strength suddenly lose it is very amusing.

[Takehiko the Marooned]

Rin sneaks into the room, wearing the clothes she wore when she and her brother first arived at the spire, and goes over to her fathers back, pulling a book out of it and tossing it aside before leaving again.

[phoenixineohp]

Phoenix shakes her head and smiles.
"Bad day in his books no doubt. Temper control is not an easy lesson to have taught to you." She smiles. "So what are the domains or specialties that you work with? Curses, runes obviously, energy draining..."

[AmberVael]

Aesa watches Rin out of the corner of her eye, frowning. She uses a small spell to bring the book she discarded to her hand. I know a variety of different spells, but my true speciality is divination. I do enjoy summoning, however.

[phoenixineohp]

Phoenix watches Rin.
"Hey, Rin. Want some candy?"

[Takehiko the Marooned]

Rin turns to Phoenix, her face, hidden under the hood of her cloak. Sorry... Don't feel much like celebrating dad's death with such niceties.

[AmberVael]

Aesa looks away from Rin, her face hard.

[phoenixineohp]

"It's not a celebration, it's a small comfort after a **** filled day." Phoenix smiles kindly at her.
"And do remember that death does not last like it seems it should." She holds the candy out to her.

[Takehiko the Marooned]

I'll just go wallow in hatred, but thanks anyway. She turns heel and leaves the room, slinging the bag over her back.

[AmberVael]

Aesa sighs, the good mood she had regained lost again. Well that was pleasant.

[phoenixineohp]

Phoenix shrugs.
"Kids. Hell, there are few people I know who don't want to kill one or both of their parents. Then again I might have a slightly tainted subject pool." She shrugs again and takes some of the candy herself.

[AmberVael]

She really did look up to me... Aesa looks towards the door Rin had left through.

[phoenixineohp]

"This doesn't mean she won't again. It just gives you some time before you have to worry about casting Zone of Silence on your room." She winks at her and lets out a low sigh.

[AmberVael]

Aesa chuckles. You aren't thinking of giving me a reason to cast that over my room, are you?

[phoenixineohp]

Phoenix stays quiet and just smiles at her.

[AmberVael]

Aesa raises an eyebrow, grinning. I see...

[phoenixineohp]

Phoenix stands and stretches, smiling.
"And I think that I shall leave you with that thought. Thank you for letting me come here. I hope to get to see more of it soon." She picks up the candy and puts the lid back on it, slipping it into her pocket.

[AmberVael]

Feel free. I'm sure you'd be quite interested by the rest of the plane. Aesa smiles.

[phoenixineohp]

"Naturally." She smiles and passes the bottle to her.
"Take care Aesa. Till next time." She vanishes.

[AmberVael]

Aesa chuckles and pours herself a drink, which she finishes off quickly. She lays back on the bed, half asleep, then opens up the book that had been left behind.

[Takehiko the Marooned]

Out falls dozens of pictures of Aesa, nome completly new, some pictures of Noriko re-drawn to show Aesa instead of his dead wife.

[AmberVael]

Aesa angrily shuts the book and puts it to one side, tempted to set it on fire. She settles down for the night.

[phoenixineohp]

((Uhhhh. Thats not going to help much... Sheesh. It's like guys are clueless or something. :P ))

[Takehiko the Marooned]

((Wasn't meant to help, sheesh. You think he really wants to hang onto that? :P))

[phoenixineohp]

((Who doesn't?))

[Takehiko the Marooned]

((Exactly! It's just like hot potato!

Y'know, until someone lights it on fire. Then the game would end kinda quickly. :tongue:))

[Takehiko the Marooned]

Rin sleeps curled up in a ball in a remote corner of the tower.

[AmberVael]

Aesa jolts awake and looks down at the floor. Her eyes narrowing, she begins to draw runes quickly and efficiently.

[Takehiko the Marooned]

Rin awakens, yawns, and begins putting things placed around the room inside her bag. Her face is still obscured by the hood of her cloak.

[AmberVael]

Aesa pauses for a moment, then shakes her head and mouths something as she uses her runes to recreate, but not revive, Hiko.

[Takehiko the Marooned]

Hiko's body reforms before her, aa great portion of his upper torso and right should replaced with what appears to be brass plating for armor, bolted into his flesh. The skin around the device is warped, and a color somewhere in between gray and brown. Where his heart would be, a large, green crystal is set into his chest.

[AmberVael]

Aesa looks at it for a moment, and tries to transform the body to be without it, but still inhabitable and liveable.

[Takehiko the Marooned]

Aesa's magic diverts and flows directly into the crytal. It grows bright for a moment, and then Hiko's muscles bulge. Otherwise, he is completly unresponsive to the magic

[AmberVael]

Aesa rolls her eyes. Whatever. She uses another spell to try and pull Hiko's soul, willing or not, back into the body.

[Takehiko the Marooned]

Hiko's eyes flick open. Aesa.

[AmberVael]

What? Aesa looks at him almost boredly.

[Takehiko the Marooned]

He jerks up, then relaxes slightly, rubbing his temples. You kicked my corpse.

[AmberVael]

Repeatedly. Rin is downstairs, and Nobu is somewhere else. You might want to go to them. Aesa flicks her wings and seems to only half pay attention to him and what she is saying.

[Takehiko the Marooned]

Hiko nods, leaving the room. Downstairs, rin can be heard sobbing again.

[AmberVael]

Aesa entirely refocuses her attention to her possession of Verdandi.

[Takehiko the Marooned]

Rin and Hiko seem to be arguing, with her letting out another wail every once and a while.

[AmberVael]

Aesa's stares into her runes, still possessing Verdandi.

[Takehiko the Marooned]

Hiko and Rin continue argueing, even when she's done with her possession.

[AmberVael]

Aesa opens a gate to Trog's and goes through.

[Takehiko the Marooned]

Rin dissipears from the demiplane, Hiko shortly thereafter. Nobu alights in front of the tower, and enters, whistling to himself.

[Lord Iames Osari]

A portal opens in Aesa's room, and she steps through, then goes to bed.

[AmberVael]

Aesa wakes up and summons a scrying bowl, then pours her water of mimir in it. She begins to scry for signs of Svala, her thread, and the norns.

[Takehiko the Marooned]

Nobu looks through the tower again, eventually coming upon the room where Aesa is scrying. He watches, but doesn't disturb her.

[AmberVael]

Thought you would have left with the others. Aesa continues her scrying.

[Takehiko the Marooned]

Nobu raises an eyebrow. Where'd they go?

[AmberVael]

I didn't ask. Its not my concern. Aesa glances up at him for a moment before returning to her scrying.

[Takehiko the Marooned]

Nobu nods. Can I come in?

[AmberVael]

I guess... if you want to.

[Takehiko the Marooned]

Nobu smiles, entering the room, and sits down next to Aesa, his wings flicking behind him. He looks into the pool, curiously.

[AmberVael]

Nobu sees a mighty, massive tree. Within this tree he can see a squirrel scampering around, and an eagle rests on top of it. At the bottom of the tree is a dragon. The scrying sensor is moving slowly towards the bottom of the tree.

[Takehiko the Marooned]

Nobu raises an eyebrow. ... Nidhogg? He scratches his head. I forget the name of the squirrel and eagle... I just know that Nidhogg and the eagle are sending insults to eachother via the squirrel...

[AmberVael]

Aesa chuckles. Yes, thats Nidhogg. The squirrel is Ratatosk and the eagle is Vidofnir. The scrying continues to move downwards, focusing on one root.

[Takehiko the Marooned]

Nobu bites his lip. Three different roots for three different worlds...

[AmberVael]

Aesa nods and nods to the one the sensor is focusing. This one is the root of Asgard, where there is the Well of Urd and the norns.

[Takehiko the Marooned]

Urd, Verdandi, and Sk-... Nobu bites his tongue before he finishes the last word, knowing a bit of Aesa's issue with the Norn.

[AmberVael]

Yes. Them. Aesa does not look happy about the mention of any of them. The scrying sensor moves under the root slowly.

[Takehiko the Marooned]

Nobu watches the pool. Are you sure they can't see you back? Rin told me about senseing this sort of thing once...

[AmberVael]

Oh I'm sure they can. Of course, in all probability they would have known that I was doing this anyways...

[Takehiko the Marooned]

Nobu raises an eyebrow. And they just let you watch them?

[AmberVael]

Well, we'll see what they do, hm? Aesa grins. And while they don't like to admit it, I have gained far more mastery of Seid than they wanted me to get, so they would have problems dismissing my magic.

[Takehiko the Marooned]

Nobu grins. This'll be interesting.

[AmberVael]

Perhaps a bit dangerous too... Aesa instantly sends the sensor down all the way under the root, and Nobu can almost see it moving through something more than just time and space. The three norns are gathered around the well, weaving eternally.

[Takehiko the Marooned]

Nobu watches in wonder. I've... Wow... I've only seen the Well in books...

[AmberVael]

Its rather interesting, but I prefer not to look at it... Aesa casts the magical sensor around quickly, and it still seems to move oddly. One of the norns frowns and looks up. She appears to be a middle aged woman.

[Takehiko the Marooned]

Nobu bites his lip. Who's that?

[AmberVael]

Verdandi the norn. She governs the present, which is probably why she is noticing my manipulation of fate that helps hide this scrying... Aesa manipulates the scrying to become more set and still, but allows it to turn around, watching.

[Takehiko the Marooned]

Nobu nods. So the only person who wouldn't know we were here would be Urd, perhaps?

[AmberVael]

I've specifically shielded this scrying from her sight. It took alot of effort, but I have learned how to block most of my spells from her knowledge.

[Takehiko the Marooned]

And Skuld?

[AmberVael]

Oh, sorry. I meant I shielded myself from Skuld. I am a bit focused on her at the moment... Aesa scowls.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames steps through a portal.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Aerin comes out behind him.

[AmberVael]

Verdandi comes through the portal last, and it closes behind her. The portal has lead them what appears to be a summoning chamber in some, roughly worked stone room. Aesa sits in the center, a few circles of runes glowing in the air around her. Each of them seems to be a scrying to somewhere else. The first depicts the three norns, another a clashing of warriors and a grand hall in the background, and the third a small, bubbling spring.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames looks at each of the scryings with interest, as his player has to go for a short time.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Aerin looks around at the room.

[Takehiko the Marooned]

Nobu backs up slightly. Sorry.

[AmberVael]

((Aesa is at two places at once, in case you are wondering. She has a special illusion spell, so she is not truly in the summoning chamber, but she looks like it.))
Aesa shakes her head. Not your fault.

[Takehiko the Marooned]

Nobu crawls back up next to her and looks at the pool. Why are you focusing on her?

[AmberVael]

Because she is the most dangerous and most likely to react in a way I do not desire. Also, she is the one who knows me the most and hates me the most.

[Takehiko the Marooned]

Nobu gulps, and nods. What are you looking for, here?

[AmberVael]

Skuld removed a single thread from existance. The thread that contained the life of Svala, my only friend from when I dwelt with the norns.

[Takehiko the Marooned]

Nobu frowns. If she was removed... Wouldn't you have never known about her?

[AmberVael]

Skuld cannot affect my own fate, as I am part norn myself, so I am the only one other than the norns and Verdandi who knows of her existance.

[Takehiko the Marooned]

Nobu nods. And me, now?

[AmberVael]

Correct. My influence has changed fate from the way the norns intended.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames turns to look at Aesa. So, could you show me some memories of Svala?

[AmberVael]

[Summoning Chamber]
Aesa nods and her form flickers, then she diverts the scrying of valhalla to somewhere else... the scrying races through different scenes, finally settling on one.
There is a woman in white and blue, but oddly blurred, as if she was a half finished piece of art. She appears to be laughing about something, but the sound is faint and indistinct.

[Takehiko the Marooned]

Is that bad?

[AmberVael]

For the norns? Yes. As for me... I benefit from it greatly.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames watches the scrying, trying to identify as many elements of the memory as possible - the time of day, the season, the sound of her voice, anything and everything. This takes time and concentration, obviously.

[Takehiko the Marooned]

What about for the rest of us?

[AmberVael]

The entire scene seems faded and oddly misty. Aesa frowns and concentrates on it, making it slightly clearer. Would having something of hers help you at all?
[hr] The rest of you? If you have fate, your fate gets changed in minor ways. If you have free will, most likely not.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Aerin examines the scrying of the spring.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames nods. Yes, it would.

[AmberVael]

The bubbling spring looks to be made into a somewhat crude well, and a root of a massive tree grows above it. Aesa takes off her bracelet and hands it to Iames.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames takes the bracelet and concentrates on it. ((object reading))

[AmberVael]

The bracelet reads that its previous owner is a valkyrie/norn/fiend. Female. 123 years old. Chaotic Neutral. She gained the object from the previous owner as a gift.
The owner before Aesa was an Apsaras. Female. 207 years old. Chaotic Good. She created the bracelet.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Aerin looks at the scrying of the three norns.

[Takehiko the Marooned]

Nobu nods, and sighs. Some people...

[AmberVael]

[Summoning Chamber]
The scrying of the norns is oddly boring. They weave endlessly, cutting and adding continually.
[Bedroom]
Aesa nods and yawns. Well, thats the way it is.

[Takehiko the Marooned]

Nobu sighs. I know, I know... Ye looks back up at her. Tired?

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames shrugs as he realizes that the bracelet must have been affected by the removal of Svala's thread. He sits down and meditates, concentrating on the appearance of the bracelet, everything he could figure out from the memory, and Svala's name, casting his mind adrift through the universe in search of anything that might resonate well with the things he's concentrating on.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Aerin sees Iames go into a trance and moves to guard him against any random dangers that might pop up. She doesn't really expect anything, but it never hurts to be careful.

[AmberVael]

Keeping track of so many things at once is a bit tiring, yes.

The bracelet emanates a very strong connection with Svala, and he get the briefest hint of recognition from Aesa and Vera, and somewhere far away there is somethign else...

[Takehiko the Marooned]

Nobu bites his lip. I can leave if you want.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames follows the trace.

[AmberVael]

Aesa looks at Nobu. Honestly, I would be grateful. And... you might want to go find your father and sister... She pops out of existance, leaving the scrying bowl on the bed.

[Summoning Chamber]
Aesa watches Iames carefully, then refocuses her scryings to another place far away. It appears to be a strangely decorated hall, in a very different style than can be found in Town.
Iames finds the same place Aesa is scrying.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames looks around the hall.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Aerin cranes her neck to look at Aesa's new scrying.

[Takehiko the Marooned]

Nobu bites his lip. Ooookay. He leaves the tower, and begins flying around the plane again.

[AmberVael]

The hall seems to be made of a bronze and gold material, and hangings and drapes of red silk deck the entire area. At one end is a throne like chair, with a bare chested man with yellow silk pants and a random red silk cloth wrapped and drapped over his shoulders and arms. He wears an odd headress, and his eyes are closed. Necklaces of gold, silver, pearl, and shells hang from his neck.
Aesa raises an eyebrow.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames tries to further narrow down the trace.

[AmberVael]

Iames sees one of the man's necklaces which appears to be gold is actually a string of some kind, and resonates with what he has been tracing.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames attempts to create an avatar in the hall.

[AmberVael]

The man does not open his eyes to look at the avatar, but beckons to him. Why do you come to my hall? What do you need of Durjaya?

[Lord Iames Osari]

I come seeking that necklace, Iames points to the one that resonated, for it contains the essence of a friend's friend who has long been thought gone forever, and my friend wishes her to return.

[AmberVael]

This? You want this, daivayuta? Dujaya plucks at the necklace. Why should I give it to you?

[Lord Iames Osari]

Because I promised to get it. If you wish me to perform some task or service in exchange for it, I am willing to do so.

[AmberVael]

Hmm... a task, a task. Service? No... chance? Yes... everything is solved by chance, whether we admit it or no. Do you have a game of chance to play, daivayuta?

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames thinks. There is a game from my home, called Enkiduan's Gambit, which uses 6 dice. Iames explains the rules (http://www.exploretravel.com/upperlevel/FARKLERULES.pdf).

[AmberVael]

((Oh fun. Farkle.))
Dujaya nods. It will play well. He hits a small chime with a mallet and a servant comes in. Bring us dice. The servant bows low and returns with a set of six golden dice. I will roll first.
[roll0]
He keeps the one and rolls again.
[hr]((This is going to involve lots of double posting...))
Set aside: 1
(5d6)[5][6][5][4][3](23)
He sighs and takes a 5.[hr]Set aside: 1, 5
(4d6)[3][2][2][3](10)
He passes the dice, not having gained any points.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames takes the dice and rolls them.
[roll0]
He takes the two 1s and sets them aside.
[hr]
Iames rolls the dice again.
(4d6)[5][5][2][4](16)
He takes a 5 and sets it aside.
[hr]
Set aside: 1, 1, 5
(3d6)[2][2][4](8)

Iames passes the dice, not having gained any points.

[AmberVael]

Dujaya grins and scoops up the dice, rolling them again.
[roll0]
He smiles and takes his three fives, staying with that and passing the dice.
Score: 500.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames rolls the dice.
[roll0]
Iames takes the 3s and sets them aside.
[hr]
Iames rolls the dice.
(3d6)[1][4][1](6)
He takes the 1s, and then passes the dice.
Iames's score: 500

[AmberVael]

Dujaya takes the dice and rattles them for a moment, then casts them.
[roll0]
[hr]He takes a one and rolls again.
(5d6)[2][5][3][6][6](22)[hr]He takes the five. Set aside: 1,5
(4d6)[2][3][3][3](11)

He takes the threes with a grin and passes the dice.
Score: 950

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames takes the dice and shakes them, then lets go.
[roll0]
He takes the 1 and sets it aside.
[hr]
Iames picks up the the dice and rolls again.
(5d6)[2][5][4][3][5](19)
He takes a five and sets it aside.
[hr]
Iames rolls again.
(4d6)[2][3][5][5](15)
Iames takes the 5s and passes the dice.
Score 750.

[AmberVael]

He takes the dice and tosses them idly.
[roll0]
He takes the three sixes and the five and passes the dice back.
Score: 1,600

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames rolls the dice.
[roll0]
He takes the 1 and puts it aside.
[hr]
Iames rolls the 5 dice.
(5d6)[3][5][4][4][5](21)
He takes the 5s and puts them aside.
[hr]
Iames rolls the remaining 3 dice.
(3d6)[5][2][3](10)
He takes the 5 and decides to be happy with it. He passes the dice.
Score 1,000

[AmberVael]

With a grin, Dujaya takes the dice and rolls them.
[roll0]
He takes the threes and one and adds them to his score, passing the dice back to Iames.
Score: 2,000

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames rolls the dice.
[roll0]
He takes the 1 and puts it aside.
[hr]
Iames rolls the 5 dice.
(5d6)[1][2][1][1][5][4](14)
Iames smiles, taking the 3 1s and the 5 and adding them to his score, then handing the dice to Dujaya.
Score 2,150

[AmberVael]

Dujaya frowns a little and thumbs his necklace.
[roll0]
He shakes his head at the twos and takes the one.[hr]Dujaya tosses the dice.
(5d6)[3][5][1][3][6](18)
He takes the one again and rolls once more.[hr](4d6)[1][5][5][4](15)
Dujaya scans the dice, then grins and takes all but the four and rolls the last die. He rubs the necklace with a thumb.[hr](1d6)[5](5)
Dujaya grins and counts up the points, then rolls all of the dice again.[hr](3-1 3-5)
Dujaya casts the dice once more.
(6d6)[3][3][1][3][5][5](20)
He stares at the dice for a moment, then picks them all up again and rolls, shaking his head and grinning.[hr](4-1s, 5- 5s, 1-300)
(6d6)[5][4][2][5][5][2](23)
He picks up the three fives and adds it all up.
(400 from ones, 250 from fives, 300 from three threes, and 500 from 5 fives. 1450.)
Score: 3450
He hands the dice to Iames.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames watches the incredible series of rolls in disbelief, then picks up the dice and rolls, muttering a prayer to Fortuna, reminding Her of how he went along with Her crazy pimp-suit idea..
[roll0]
Iames takes the set of three.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames rolls the 3 dice.
(3d6)[5][5][1](11)
Iames grins and adds them to his score, then picks up all the dice.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames rolls all 6 dice again, blowing on them for extra luck.
[roll0]
Iames blinks, adds the dice to his score, and keeps going.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames rolls the 6 dice yet again, hardly daring to believe his luck.
[roll0]
And, indeed, his lucky streak begins to run out. He takes the 1 and the 5, setting them aside.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames rolls the 4 dice.
[roll0]
He takes the 5 and sets it aside.

[AmberVael]

As Iames rolls the dice, the three lands and suddenly it bounces oddly, but understandably considering its angle. It lands on a four.
Back in the summoning chamber, Aesa grins.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames blinks, smiles, and does a mental tally before continuing.
He picks the dice up and rolls all 6 again.
[roll0]
He takes the 1 and the 2 5s and double checks his points before looking up at Dujaya and saying, That makes 5,150 points altogether, I believe. He offers the dice.

[AmberVael]

Dujaya frowns mightily and takes the dice. He rolls them between his fingers and then tosses them.
(6d6)[5][6][2][1][4][4](22)[hr]He takes the one and rolls again.
(5d6)[6][3][3][3][1](16)[hr]With a grin he takes the three and 1, then rolls once more.
(1d6)[5](5)[hr]He picks up all the dice and rolls them again.
(6d6)[2][3][1][6][6][5](23)[hr]He takes the one and rolls the dice again.
(5d6)[2][5][1][2][5](15)[hr]With a reckless grin he takes the one and two fives, then rolls the remaining two dice.
(2d6)[1][5](6)[hr]Chuckling, he picks up the dice and rolls them all.
(6d6)[1][5][6][5][4][5](26)[hr]With a prayer and a rub of his necklace, he takes the two non-scoring dice and rolls them.
(2d6)[4][6](10)
With a sigh he drops the dice. You win, daivayuta. He takes off the necklace and grudgingly hands it over.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames accepts the necklace. Thank you, Dujaya, he responds, and plane shifts back to Aesa's plane and teleporting inside. ((assuming Aesa lets him))

[AmberVael]

Dujaya curses and goes to his room of games to add this dicing game to his collection.
[hr]Aesa grins as Iames comes back. Very good.

[Lord Iames Osari]

The avatar of Iames hands her the necklace/thread, then disappears. The original Iames stands up. You're welcome.

[AmberVael]

Aesa runs the thread through her hands, humming to herself. She does something with it that causes it to shrink and connect into the world around them, and suddenly there is a slightly ripple of laughter as a woman appears.
http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h107/sjunderw/Svala.png
In ways, she is like Verdandi and Aesa, but at the same time she is distinctly different. For one, as impossible as it may have seemed before, she surpasses them in beauty. Not by much, some would argue, but it is undeniable that she does. Also, she seems far less suited for combat, but has the musculature and build of a dancer. She blinks for a moment, then sways and gets caught by Aesa. Her blue eyes rove around the summoning chamber questioningly.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames smiles. Hello, Svala.

[AmberVael]

Svala's eyes focus on Iames, and then she smiles faintly. Oh, I won. Aesa frowns at her, and Verdandi gets the slightest hint of what is going on, but not really.

[Lord Iames Osari]

You won? You mean the dice game, or something else?

[AmberVael]

A bet with Loki. Svala grins weakly and looks up at Aesa. Hey. Aesa shakes her head and smiles at Svala.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Oh, I see. Well, it's good to meet you, Svala; I imagine Aesa will fill you in on what's going on. I, unfortunately, have to turn in; my player has a class in the morning and he's been missing a lot of sleep lately. He takes Aerin's hand and looks at Vera. Do you want to come with us, or stay here for a while longer?

[AmberVael]

Verdandi takes Iames's hand. Svala waves to them all.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames opens a portal to the bedroom.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Aerin waves to Svala and steps through.

[AmberVael]

Verdandi goes through the portal.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames follows her, and the portal closes behind him.

[AmberVael]

Aesa and Svala look at each other, then Aesa sighs. You're heavier than you look. Better than looking as heavy as I am. Is there somewhere I can- Aesa instantly teleports them up to the bedroom, and Svala looks around. Ok. That works. Aesa grins at her and pushes her towards the bed, then goes and looks out the window. This is your bed, isn't it? You think it matters to me? No, but I shudder to think of what exactly I'm sleeping on... Aesa chuckles and looks back at her. Don't worry, I only use the finest angel feathers for the bed. Svala rolls her eyes and gets comfortable, swiftly falling asleep. Aesa smiles fondly at her, and then keeps up her vigil by the window throughout the night.[hr]In the morning, Aesa has fallen asleep at the window, and Svala has woken up. Singing to herself, she finds slight traces of teleport spells and follows their lead into Trog's Tavern as she teleports away.

[Takehiko the Marooned]

Nobu wakes up and flies back to the tower, looking around.

[AmberVael]

Aesa has woken up by now, and she is walking around the tower without a destination.

[Takehiko the Marooned]

Nobu spies Aesa and waves. Have dad and Rin come back yet?

[AmberVael]

...you don't know what happened, do you? Aesa looks at him carefully.

[Takehiko the Marooned]

Nobu raises an eyebrow. ... Huh?

[AmberVael]

Aesa sighs and leans against the wall. Hiko and I... got into a fight. Literally and figuratively.

[Takehiko the Marooned]

Nobu bites his lip. Is everyone okay?

[AmberVael]

Well... I revived Hiko after I killed him... so physically... yes.

[Takehiko the Marooned]

Nobu shudders, taking a step back. You killed dad.

[AmberVael]

He attacked me! Starting chopping at me like a homicidal maniac and wouldn't stop! What was I supposed to do?

[Takehiko the Marooned]

Nobu lip twitches, and he nods. But... Why would he attack you?

[AmberVael]

Aesa sighs. Like I said, we got into a fight. I insulted him and told him I was leaving him, and then...

[Takehiko the Marooned]

Nobu bites his lip. That... That doesn't sound like dad... He shakes his head. I-... He takes another step back.

[AmberVael]

Aesa sighs and looks at the ground.

[Takehiko the Marooned]

Nobu looks back up, a sorrowful look on his face. Do you regret it?

[AmberVael]

I... do I? I honestly don't know anymore, Nobu.

[Takehiko the Marooned]

Nobu bites his lip. Would you kill Rin?

[AmberVael]

No. Aesa's answer comes quickly and without hesitation, nearly overlapping Nobu's question.

[Takehiko the Marooned]

What about me?

[AmberVael]

Not unless you gave me real reason to do so.

[Takehiko the Marooned]

Nobu frowns and sighs. After a moment, he speaks again. Why do you like Rin so much?

[AmberVael]

I... I think... Aesa leans against the wall. I never thought would, and never really will, have a child of my own. Rin... she almost changed that.

[Takehiko the Marooned]

Nobu looks at the ground. Oh... Okay.

[AmberVael]

We both wanted it, and we both admitted it, and so we just... connected, for that time. Though I suppose I ruined it.

[Takehiko the Marooned]

Nobu's wings twitch, and he sighs. I envy her ability to do that... I'm not much of a people-person.

[AmberVael]

Nobu... Aesa looks at the floor. You haven't left, despite what happened... if anything, that makes you more empathetic than her.

[Takehiko the Marooned]

Nobu looks away. I-... If I could get her back...

[AmberVael]

Aesa shakes her head. I don't think she will come back, Nobu.

[Takehiko the Marooned]

Nobu bites his lip. I could try...