Blood of the Dragon IV

[Diachronos]

With the plant guardian Kalle Demos vanquished, our heroes have grown in power yet again. They now wield a greater portion of the godlike power left behind by the ones who had constructed the Towers, and have already proven themselves capable of facing their foes on multiple occasions.

The party descends from the heights of the tower in the Keladren Forest, only to find their companion Lux sitting by the tower doors and comforting a sobbing young girl. The girl is garbed in a black-and-pink dress, with her hair tied back with a large black bow and small streaks of ash on her cheeks. The girl appears distraught, though from the look on Lux's face it seems that she was in worse shape before they'd gotten back.

"There there, it's okay. We'll help you find your brothers and sisters, I promise."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The sound of bones snapping back into place can be heard as a deathly pale figure emerges from the chest of the mutated gold dragon. Xinia and Vale are both seated nearby, watching with only a hint of interest as the figure's body becomes clad in a leather jacket and pair of pants. He stands, reaching up to slick back his greasy black hair and to reposition his head another bony crack.

"Nice of you to finally join us, Necro. Did you enjoy your little stint as a fish?"

The man turns to Xinia, the bags under his eyes making it look as if he hadn't slept properly in weeks. A genuine smile crosses his face, and when he speaks he seems wide awake despite his appearance. "Of course, my dear. You'd be surprised how good it feels to have the simple-minded mortals of this world worship you as a god." He glances back at the unconscious form of Martiviraurix. "Not gonna lie, I'm gonna miss it once we move on to the next world, but our Master will probably appreciate the loyal pawns for a while. Not to mention all the souls waiting for him."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark approaches Lux and offers the stranger a smile. "Hello. I'm Stark. Hero extraordinaire. Rescuing people who are missing is something I do best! What's your name, Miss?"

[Prehysterical]

Vaex escorts Forseti out of the tower. He's sure that it will take the dragon some time to get used to his bigger body.

When they arrive at the entrance, Vaex eyes the new girl warily. A girl dressed like that by herself in the middle of the woods? This stinks like gnome perfume. Still, he stays silent as the girl introduces herself.

[Diachronos]

The girl looks up at Stark, clinging to Lux. "K-Killian..." She's calmed down a little more, though still visibly upset.

Lux strokes the girl's hair as she looks up at Stark. "I'm not sure how, but she was inside the remains of the tower's guardian when I found her. She doesn't remember how she got here, but she keeps telling me that she needs to find her brothers and sisters."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark immediately feels guilty about that and smiles to reach down and wipe some of the ash off her cheeks. "Ah, sorry about that Killian. I hope I didn't hurt you."

His eyes start to glow for a moment as he scans the young girl for any signs of magic auras.

After he's done that, Stark bows politely. "Now then, my young lady, you have my full attention. Where was the last place you saw your brothers and sisters, and how many do you have?"

How old is this girl exactly? Young like 6, young like 12, young like 17?
Detect magic: [roll0]

[Diachronos]

She looks about 6. Stark detects no magical auras coming from her.


Killian starts counting on her fingers. "Um... I have six. Four brothers and two sisters. The last place I saw them was in a big forest."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark nods. He stands up and turns to Teisa. "What do you think? Seen any humans around other than us recently?"

[Diachronos]

"Not unless you'd count the one who calls himself 'The Hydra' as being human."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark sighs and crosses his arms. "Nothing we can do about it then. Sorry, Vaex. If you're too impatient you can go back to the monastery and wait for us there, but I need to help this little girl reunite with her family." He smiles fondly at Killian. "She reminds me of Kyo a little bit."

The archmage nods to Killian. "Alright, come with me then. I'll help you look in the forest for your brothers and sisters."

[Diachronos]

Taalia crosses her arms. "Stark, I know you want to be the grand hero of the story, but can we really afford to put off our quest like this? I agree that we should help her get back to her family, but we have no way of knowing how long that will take. I hate to say it, but we probably don't have the time to go looking for people who could be anywhere in the world."

Killian looks up at them. "Can I go with you, then? I'm sure we'll find my brothers and sisters somewhere on the way."

[Prehysterical]

Vaex's expression is dark as his suspicions are confirmed. There is so much to argue about, but it would all be a waste. Instead, Vaex sighs and walks pointedly past Stark. "I'm going to go help our allies while you help our enemies. I'm starting to wonder if that elemental's intentionally steering you toward stupid decisions."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark glances at the young girl. "As you wish, princess. Vaex, this girl is coming with us. And if you say one word implying that I am in the wrong for refusing to abandon a child in the middle of nowhere I will put all of your belongings to the torch."

Stark picks up Killian and sets her on his shoulders.

[Prehysterical]

Vaex turns on the spot. "You really need to stop making promises that you can't keep. I suppose next you'll promise the girl that nothing bad is going to happen to her and we won't let her come to any harm. How long will it be before the Void forces her and you break that promise, Stark?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark shakes his head. "She will starve, or worse, if we leave her here. Children are the responsibility of everyone because they cannot care for themselves, Vaex."

[Diachronos]

Killian giggles as Stark picks her up, but her smile fades when Vaex and Stark start arguing. The look turns to one of stubborn defiance when Stark says that children can't take care of themselves, and she grabs a fistful of his hair. "I can take care of myself if I have to! I'm just as tough as my brothers and sisters!"

Nyktox snorts. "You shouldn't put small creatures by your head, Stark. They don't fight fair."

Killian stops and tilts her head, as if listening for something. Her smile returns after a few seconds. "They just talked to me! They said they have to move, but that they'll be waiting for me in the... the Del-groo Waste." She looks confused now. "Where is that? Is it nearby? Can we get there soon?"


The Delgru Wastes would be the desert on the western end of the Ves'Perix mainland, on the other side of the Dragonfire Crags. It's also on practically the opposite side of the continent from where the party is now.

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark winces. "The Delgru Wastes? I think I know a way to get you there, but we need to head back to Castle Duskmantle first."

[Prehysterical]

[roll0]
Vaex smiles at Nyktox's comment. "Well, you seem pretty set on this. While you give her back to the others, I can reconvene with Tiana and we can get to work on The Other Thing," he says significantly.

[Diachronos]

Lux holds her hand up to stop any further argument. "Vaex, we need to go back to Castle Duskmantle to see how things are in Nightveil and to see if Lord Khamer has found out anything about the other Towers. Would it hurt for us to bring Killian with us until we get there, and figure out what to do once we're there if we don't find any of her siblings on the way?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark extends a hand. "I believe there is a Circle of Magi near the Delgru Wastes. As an archmage, I should have some pull with them. I can borrow a scroll of teleportation from Rhaegos and take her there, and if we can't find her family I'll leave her in the Circle's care and be back within an hour, tops. It's not going to end the world if I take an afternoon to rest."

[Prehysterical]

Vaex growls before conceding the point. "Fine. But how, exactly, do you propose we get back to Castle Duskmantle? Are you going to knock on the Gravekeeper's door and ask for another tour of his den?"

[Diachronos]

"Well, that's always an option if we can get the-"

"NO. We're not going back there."

Taalia sighs. "We don't have many options aside from going back on foot. We have to meet up with Tiana back at the monastery anyway, maybe Master Tien Lung could help us get back there faster?"

[Prehysterical]

Vaex nods approvingly. "A dragon as old and wise as him must have something that he can use to help us. That does seem like our best bet."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark nods. "To the monastery then. Hold on Killian." He starts walking down the forest path with the girl on his shoulders.

[Diachronos]

Killian looks over at Forseti. "Can I ride on the dragon's back?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark looks over at Forseti. "How about it? Are you okay with letting her ride you?" he asks the dragon.

[Diachronos]

"Um... I guess?"
Killian laughs and holds out her arms toward Forseti, waiting for Stark to put her on his back.

[Prehysterical]

Vaex watches like a hawk as this goes on. He doesn't like the idea of a child riding Forseti like a pony, but he also doesn't have the authority to override the young master's opinion.

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark carefully picks Killian up and sets her down gently on Forseti, taking a moment to make sure she's secure and not going to fall.

[Diachronos]

Killian holds onto Forseti's neck and nuzzles her cheek against him. The look on Lux's face is like the look a mother would give when her child is doing something adorable.

Nyktox grumbles and sets off down the path. "Come on, Tiana's waiting for us."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark chuckles and ruffles Killian's hair. "Be careful, alright? And just hold on to him, don't hurt him." He moves over next to Taalia and takes her hand as the two of them walk. "Hey. How are you doing? Feel any different after you absorbed that power?"

[Prehysterical]

Walking up beside Nyktox, Vaex whispers, "Not a supporter of it either, I suspect? Why is it that the first thing warmbloods want to do when they see something majestic is to either kill it or ride it?"

[Diachronos]

Taalia shrugs. "I feel... nervous. Like I'm getting a power that's supposed to help me be a better leader, without having any idea how to properly use it."

Nyktox shakes his head. "I get that she's a kid, but... come on, Forseti's a dragon. Dragons shouldn't be ridden, unless they give their full consent and there's an actual need for it."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark smiles. "Well, maybe you just need some practice? Vaex and I have kind of taken turns leading the chosen, but we can both default to you and let you get some practice making decisions and leading a group."

[Diachronos]

"I don't know if I'm ready for that, though. I never really had a need to take on a leadership role until now..."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark squeezes her hand. "I know you have what it takes to wield that sword, Taalia."

The statement brings back to mind his forward proposal earlier and he blushes and shakes his head, clearing his throat. "If you ask me to die for you, I will. I trust your judgment and I trust your intuition. I may be the 'grand hero' of this story, but every hero needs a princess." He smiles at her and then gestures emphatically to his own chest. "All you need is a confidence boost! Say, how about after we get back to the castle, we throw a victory concert? We've obtained power from three towers now, that's got to be worth celebrating! And with the Black Depth Initiates down...yeah! I bet the Nightveil's people would love to be serenaded by their princess. It would be great for morale, both theirs and yours. What do you say?"

[Prehysterical]

"Forseti is also a child raised among warmbloods. I'm still trying to teach him about having some of that draconic pride, but he obviously only listens to the parts about wealth and jewels. Maybe when she starts kicking him and telling him to fly, he'll finally get the message." Vaex secretly smiles at his imagining of Forseti's face when that happens.

[Diachronos]

Taalia thinks for a moment before shaking her head. "I'm... not up for that right now. Not with the price of our victory..."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Nyktox's crest rises slightly. "He needs to be around other dragonkin, not warmbloods. If there wasn't this mess with the Void we could take him to the Crags and get him started out right."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark nods. "For now, let's go see your uncle and find out what happens next."

[Diachronos]

Taalia smiles and nods in agreement. As they walk, her hand shifts so that her fingers can lace with Stark's. As this happens, Stark can practically feel Lux's jealous gaze on his back.

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark winces, but he decides to ignore it. His friend's feelings were important to him, but he had to keep Taalia's mind off Serana for now. "Not a concert then...but we could have a nice little party at my dad's bakery? Some good food, a chance for everyone to relax and smile, and Kyo and Qari will likely be excited to spend some time with you. Both of them are quite fond of you, you know."

[Diachronos]

"Really?" She rubs the back of her neck. "I didn't get that impression..."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark chuckles. "Oh, absolutely! Kyo only makes a doll of people she likes, after all. And remember, you were with me when we rescued her from that cold house. She's probably going to start calling you her big sister before too long." He grins at the thought and continues.

"As for Qari, she can barely shut up about you when you're not around! 'I hope I didn't upset Mistress Taalia!' 'I folded all your clothes neatly so you can look nice for Mistress Taalia.' 'Mistress Taalia is so nice to let us stay in her castle and use the hot springs whenever we want!' You definitely made an impression on her."

[Diachronos]

Taalia rests her head on his shoulder. "I wonder if it'll stay that way with everything that's been happening..."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark hesitates, then boldly slips his hand around her waist, a place he had never touched her before. He pulls her towards him and keeps her close. "Don't worry about that now. Just think about getting home. We made it. We fought past evil creatures from another world bent on destruction and we made it." He smiles and gives her a kiss on the cheek. "I'll be right back."

Stark slowly lets Taalia go and falls back to the back of the group. He slows his pace to match that of the alraune and walks next to her. "The Demos hit you pretty hard. Have you had a chance to fully treat your injuries?"

[Diachronos]

Taalia is blushing deeply as Stark moves back to join Teisa. The alraune shakes her head. "Not completely, but I'll be fine. I've been hurt like this before, all I need is a little time to rest and recover."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark nods and takes note of where she is injured. "[color="firebrick"]Our destination is Castle Duskmantle, in the Nightveil. Have you ever left Keledran before?[/spoiler]

[Diachronos]

Her injuries happen to be near her womanly features. "No, I haven't. What's it like in Nightveil?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark starts to stammer as he suddenly really misses Serana's bathing suit. "Er, well, there is very little plant life. The Tundra is covered by an artifact that dilutes sunlight so that it does not harm the vampires that live there. Taalia's mother is the Dread Queen, a cleric of immense power who commands the respect of an ancient dracolich and a true Lich high priest. Um...most of us are staying in the castle but you can probably find a nice spot outside...I'll use my magic to melt the snow so you can plant your roots."

He makes a conscious effort to keep his eyes on hers.

[Diachronos]

Teisa doesn't look too happy at his description. "It doesn't sound like a very pleasant place... no sun, it's cold enough for snow, and there are undead walking around freely?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark waves a hand airily. "If it makes you feel better, last time we were there we only stayed for a day and a half. We have a lot more work to do, so we'll be traveling to other places sooner than you think."

He points to his girlfriend at the front of the group. "And the undead are very friendly. Look at Taalia. She's a vampire...well, half-vampire, and she's very friendly!"

[Diachronos]

"But undead are... unnatural. It goes against the order of the natural world."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark frowns. "Well, I can see how you might think that. In Taalia's case, she was born dead, so her soul has not lingered in this world any longer than any other girl her age. The others, well...it seems like for the most part necromancy in the Nightveil requires the consent of the soul you wish to bind. Ghosts, zombies, skeletons, they're all common enough, but they live because they choose to, not because they are forced."

He shrugs. "Maybe that goes against the way things are supposed to be. Maybe it doesn't. But I figure that's not my decision to judge, and if it was a bad practice, the gods of the earth would move to correct it."

[Diachronos]

Teisa sighs. "I guess I'll just have to accept it for now. There's no sense in causing trouble with Taalia's kingdom when we have bigger problems to worry about."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark smiles. "Thatta girl." He claps her appreciatively on the shoulder before returning to Taalia's side, eager to reach the monastery soon.

[Diachronos]

Taalia takes hold of Stark's hand when he reaches her. "Stark... why did you make that proposal earlier?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark winces. "O-oh, that? I didn't mean anything as serious as what it sounded like. I just meant that I wanted to stay by your side and provide you with everything you needed as you ruled, to give my entire body and mind in service to you, to stay by your side in bad times and good, in sickness and in health, for as long as we both shall live, til death do us pa- oh I guess I was suggesting something that serious huh?"

He blushes and rubs the back of his neck. "W-well, don't take it too seriously. Some times I say stupid things because I want to look cool, you know? Hero complex and all that. You and I are way too young to consider that kind of arrangement."

"To be honest, she's probably the only princess in the world who wasn't married off to some noble she's never met by age twelve."

"Shut up, Cinderhulk!"

[Diachronos]

"I don't think we're to young for it." Realizing what she said, Taalia's cheeks turn as red as Stark's hair and she pulls her hood down over her head, mumbling something about excusing herself before falling back to the rear of the group.

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark frowns as she leaves. Things were getting complicated...but he couldn't think about his future right now. He had to make sure Tiana was okay...and probably apologize to Celeste for blowing her door down.

[Diachronos]

The party gradually makes their way back to the monastery, stopping once to camp for the night when it gets dark out. They arrive back at the monastery around noon the next day, only to find Tiana waiting for them in the main hall. The tiefling looks a bit different from before; her hair has been trimmed and brushed, and her clothes have been replaced with a simple blue-and-white monk's outfit. She smiles widely at them when they arrive.

[Prehysterical]

Vaex shrugs, at a loss at to how to respond to that. "Unfortunately, the world needs the two of us along with the others to stop the Void. Forseti is too stubborn to stay in the Crags by himself. I suppose he gets that from his mother..." Vaex grows quiet at the thought.

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark smiles and steps forward. "(Abyssal) Hey! It's been a while, er...I'm sorry, I've forgotten your true name. Zanaria?" he guesses, shaking his head. "(Abyssal) That's a cute outfit. Did you get it from Celeste?"

[Diachronos]

Nyktox sighs and nods. "I guess we'll just have to try to get this over with as soon as possible before the warmbloods do any more damage."

Tiana shakes her head. (Abyssal) "Just call me Tiana. And yes, I did get this from my sister.".

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark smiles. "(Abyssal) Between you and me, I've always thought 'Tiana' suited you better anyway."

He sighs and crosses his arms. "(Abyssal) Unfortunately, we have finished our business in Keledran. The plantlike creature next to Taalia is the last chosen member. Her name is Teisa. She can't speak Abyssal either."

Stark extends a hand to Tiana. "(Abyssal) After all the time you spent in the Pit, I would never think to chain or collar you. You owe me, and the others, absolutely nothing. You have a home and a family again, after so long. If you wish to remain here, that is your right. And if you wish to come with us, we will welcome you with open arms."

He smiles. "(Abyssal) I am not your owner, your master or even your savior. We are friends. Equals. You have a choice here and you should make it carefully. Just because you choose not to fight doesn't mean I would never see you again. Don't let some prophecy or the kobold influence you here. The rest of us only fight because we made a choice. ...okay well in Vaex's case it's probably less a choice and more that he has no idea how to get home. You have that same choice."

[Diachronos]

Tiana shakes her head. (Abyssal) "What's the point in getting my old life back if I'm not willing to fight to defend it? If I'm supposed to be destined to help you fight this Void creature, that's what I'm going to do."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark grins. "(Abyssal) Just what I wanted to hear. Welcome back, Tiana. I've really missed you while you were gone. Now then, we should leave while there's still daylight. Go ahead and say good bye to your master and sister. We'll wait while you pack. We need to get back to Castle Duskmantle as soon as possible."

[Diachronos]

Tiana tilts her head. (Abyssal) "Why do we need to leave so soon? You just got back."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark frowns. "(Abyssal) Don't you remember? This whole time, Taalia has had no idea if her mother survived the attack on the Castle...she's probably worried sick thinking that her mother might be dead. And if Serana is dead, then the Nightveil needs their princess now more than ever. That's why we have to go now."

[Diachronos]

(Abyssal) "Okay, okay..." She heads to start packing her things.

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark watches her go, then sighs and begins asking around for the aasimar monk. He couldn't just leave the temple without making this right.

[Diachronos]

Stark finds Celeste sitting in one of the gardens, her eyes closed. She appears to be meditating.

[NeoSeraphi]

The archmage sits down across from her in silence, waiting for her to notice him.

[Diachronos]

Celeste barely even moves for close to five minutes before she finally speaks. "Can I help you with something? Or do you just enjoy staring at me?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark frowns. "Geez, jump down a guy's throat for trying to be polite. Look, Celeste, my behavior towards you before was extreme. I know it was extreme, and I knew it was extreme when I did it. That was unfair to you, so I wanted to apologize. Really. I'm sorry."

[Diachronos]

Celeste sighs and opens her eyes. "I'm sorry as well. Your social skills aside, I can tell you're a good person deep down, and I can't thank you enough for rescuing my sister from that vile place."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark chuckles uneasily. "Oh yeah! About that...um, look, Celeste, I know it hasn't been long, but Tiana has a power that no one else does. And she has decided she wants to use that power to save the world. To protect her family. To protect you. So...she's coming with us. Back to Castle Duskmantle."

[Diachronos]

"I know. She already told me, several times, that she's going to be leaving with you." Her hands clench into fists for a moment before relaxing. "I can't say I'm happy to hear it, but it's her choice. At least she has a choice in the matter this time."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark crosses his arms. "Well, aren't you sitting there like a sad sack. You have a choice too, you know. You don't have to stay behind this time. If you want to stay with your sister and watch her wake up and remember the person she used to be, and remember you, then you should come with us and remain with her. Your sister may die in this fight, so you should grab on to every chance you have to spend time with her."

[Diachronos]

"You think I don't want to? As soon as she told me she was leaving with you all, I told her that I was going with her. Do you know what she said? She told me to 'stay here where it's safe'." A somewhat defeated look crosses Celeste's face. "She doesn't want me to risk my own life if I don't have to."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark glares at her. "You're still doing it. You're still pushing her away, because you're scared that she's going to die and you're going to lose her again. If you weren't afraid, you would just come along. Tiana is strong, but she still doesn't remember everything her master taught her. If you come with her, you can help her train. Help her get better and smoother. She has strength and no finesse. You should do everything you can to bring balance back to her life. No matter what she says."

He reaches back and unhooks the amulet from his neck, placing it on the ground in front of her. "My mother made this for me. She died when I was five, and I have kept it with me since then. And I cherish every last memory I have of her, but it's not enough. Do you honestly think that if Tiana falls in battle that you will be satisfied? That you will look back and think 'Well, at least I honored the last request she ever made of me'? No! You will hate yourself, for the rest of your life, for not ignoring her wishes and going along with her to spend every last moment you could with her."

Stark thinks for a moment, then smiles. "Alright then. How about this? I challenge you to a duel. If I win, then you come with me and train as my student in the mystic arts. Tiana can't argue against that. If you win, then I'll give you this amulet. A symbol of my fondest memories, my prized possession, in exchange for taking your sister away from you. Do we have a deal?"

[Diachronos]

Celeste returns his glare, but instead of speaking she gets up and walks out of the garden. Stark is left sitting alone.

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark snaps his fingers. The garden is instantly an inferno, a wall of flames blocking Celeste's way. He stands up, chuckling to himself. "A wise monk once told me that I had terrible social skills, so I'm sorry if this comes off as rude. But you see, as a man, I cannot allow myself to be insulted by having my challenge refused by a warrior. And besides...I think it's very clear that you have a lot to learn from me. Particularly about what it means to have power, and what it means to wield it."

He takes the glove off his wrist, and Celeste sees the birthmark on his arm for the first time. The glove drops in the grass, and he cracks his knuckles. "I'm not going to hold back here. Tiana is my friend, and she's going to be miserable without you around. It's my fault that she got dragged into this mess in the first place, so I'll just drag you down with her."

[Diachronos]

Celeste turns around to face him. "Is this how you usually treat people? By bullying them into doing what you want with your magic? Did you do this to Zalaiya too?" She looks ready to fight now, and takes a few steps toward him.

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark chuckles. "I take the term 'hero' to be very loose, but I will say that when I see a wrong, I use the power I have to correct it. And what you're doing here is wrong. It's going to end up with both of you getting hurt. I will prevent that by force if necessary, because Zalaiya is my friend. And as for whether I did this to her...I can guarantee you that whatever I did to her, she suffered ten times worse from the man I rescued her from."

He meets her gaze. "Go ahead and work out all your anger here, because once I've beaten you and you're on the road with us I expect you to be all smiles. If you don't want to be coerced, then simply win."

Initiative: [roll0]

[Diachronos]

"You'll have to beat me first, you little brat."


Initiative: [roll0]

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark nods. "Well, after I win, it's your choice of 'Teacher' or 'Master', only. Your skill with meditation and a calm mind is perfect for shaping the Weave, I'll make a genius sorcereress out of you yet!"

Stark raises his hand and a barrier of flames encompasses his body. He chuckles. "Careful now. It looks to me like you're caught between lava and a Volcano at this point..."

He considers how to best approach this. He definitely doesn't want to kill the young lady, but he believes he can at least use some measure of power to make her surrender.

Using Arcane Barrier to give Stark 9 temporary hit points.

I'll go ahead and test the waters here with a scorching ray (I'm hoping that being twin sisters means that Celeste is at least as strong as pre-mythic Tiana): [roll0] vs flat-footed touch (so 10)
Damage: [roll1]
[roll2]
Damage: [roll3]

[Diachronos]

Celeste evades the spell, before charging in and aiming a vicious swing at Stark's face.

Unarmed Strike off of a charge, so +2 attack and -2 AC for one round
Hit/Confirm: [roll0]/[roll1]
Damage (nonlethal): [roll2]/[roll3]

[NeoSeraphi]

Celeste rushes forward to slam her fist into Stark, but his barrier knocks her hand away easily. "Cute. You're fast, but you lack any sort of power behind your blows. You don't have a reason to fight."

Stark shakes his head. "I will give it to you. I will beat this into you if I have to. A reason for you to fight. A reason for you to live. A reason for your fists to carry the same weight that mine do."

His eyes glow wild and he steps back. "Behold! The power of a God!" He conjures some black fire and smashes it into her.

Taking a 5' step back, then casting mythic empowered black scorching ray, spending a total of 3 mythic power (1 to cast the spell, and then 1 each for each attack roll).

Attack: [roll0] plus [roll1]
Damage: [roll2] plus half of [roll3]

Attack: [roll4] plus [roll5]
Damage: [roll6] plus half of [roll7]

[Diachronos]

Stark's spell knocks Celeste flat on her back, her clothes scorched from the black flames. She doesn't move at all after getting hit.

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark calms down and the fire dissipates. He gently picks the monk up and takes her to Lux to get treated.

[Diachronos]

Lux nearly drops the vase she's holding when she sees the shape Celeste is in. "Stark, what happened to her?!" She immediately begins tending to the girl's wounds.

[Prehysterical]

As Stark comes back with the scorched, unconscious body of Celeste, Vaex jumps in place in horror. "By the Nine Hells! What happened?!"

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark chuckles. He sets the girl down gently. "Don't mind me. Just giving my new student her first lesson. Lux, do you mind? Celeste is going to be joining us on our journey. She will be learning the art of arcane from me."

[Diachronos]

Lux looks up at Stark. "What are you talking about? Are you saying you did this? And what do you mean she's your 'student'?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark nods. "...Yes. I did it. And unfortunately, the power I received from the tower just now activated without me meaning it to. I had no idea that the difference in power between normal spells and mythic spells was this vast...or that my own arcane power had shifted so violently."

[Prehysterical]

Vaex flails his arms in rage. He has no special fondness for the monk, but the mage's nonchalant attitude irks him. "Are you ****ing kidding me, Stark?! What did you try to teach her? That being on fire hurts?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark's gaze meets Vaex's. "...That is not your concern. Needless to say, my own power almost overwhelmed me and if I had not regained control at the last second, I probably would have killed her. This may not be an ideal result, but the experiment needed to be performed before I engaged in a real life or death battle. ...Now I know not to use this power if any of you are nearby. That's what matters, nothing else. She's alive, after all, and wounds can be healed."

[Diachronos]

Stark feels a massive pain in the back of his head as something hits him. When he turns around, he sees Tiana standing there, though from the look in her eyes he may as well be looking at a balor. It's the same look she'd given him when they'd first met back in Ixenpab. (Abyssal) "Why did you attack my sister?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark winces in pain and rubs the back of his head, cracking his neck as he turns around to face Tiana. "(Abyssal) Because she was going to listen to you, even though it hurt her. Because she was going to stay here and let you run off and fight for the world even though she'd just gotten you back after so long. And because I'm not going to sit back and watch another family be torn apart when we can help it, just because the two of you aren't smart enough to realize that you need to cherish what you've got while you've got it."

He shows her his amulet. "(Abyssal) My mother has been dead for a long time, and I'd give anything to see her again, even for just five minutes. I'd trade every gold coin to my name, I'd turn away from magic. That's what family is. And you don't know what you have until you lose it. Tiana, it's entirely possible you could die on this mission, and if that happens it would kill your sister. For her to have let you go out on this dangerous mission alone for months or possibly years without seeing you, only to find out some time later that you didn't make it...the worry, the stress, the waiting would be bad enough, but then to hear that you hadn't survived, it would break her."

Stark shakes his head. "(Abyssal) She's trying to do what you want because she loves you. But you are making a mistake because you can't remember what love feels like. So I'm bringing her with us, no matter what either of you says. Got it?"

[Diachronos]

Tiana is silent for a moment before she turns to leave. (Abyssal) "If you hurt her again, I'll tear your head off like I did with Arnen's."

Lux scowls at Stark as Tiana walks off. "You talk about how it would destroy Celeste to find out Tiana died while trying to save the world, but did you stop to think about how it would affect Tiana if you, the person who saved her from a life of slavery, killed her sister?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark sighs. "No. I didn't think of that. Because I wasn't trying to kill her. I'll apologize to her when she wakes up."

He sits down and looks down at his gloved hand, staring into space, completely silent and unmoving.

[Diachronos]

Lux finishes tending to Celeste's wounds. "She'll wake up before too long." She stands up and starts walking away as a couple of monks take the unconscious aasimar to her room. (Ignan) "You better get yourself under control, Stark. If you're going to let Cinderhulk or your new power control you like this, then... I won't have any choice but to ask Angela or my mother to deal with you before you hurt anyone else."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark is silent as Lux walks past him. He is deep in thought. Mythic magic is...destructive. Stark had been taught his entire life that magic was not a tool for war, but this power seemed to be only good for hurting people. This was the power the World needed him to have....so that he could fight the Void. But if this was the strength he was intended to use against them, how could he save Xinia and Vale without killing them in the process?

[Prehysterical]

Strangely, Stark's silent contemplation does not tempt Vaex into lecturing him further. At a loss, Vaex wanders to the garden, trying to get some fresh air.

[Diachronos]

Teisa nearly knocks Stark over as she runs into the smoldering garden, immediately conjuring water to douse any remaining flames and starting to mend the damage to the foliage.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Vaex enters a different garden, where he finds Forseti searching around the garden for something.

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark raises an eyebrow as she runs out there. "Evocation magic doesn't work that way, the only magic that could leave an actual mark on the environment is conjuration or transmu- sigh...what's the point?" He goes back to moping.

[Diachronos]

"Tell that to the poor plants that got burned by the fire!" She bends down and carefully lifts the singed branch of a small bansai tree, visibly wincing as she looks over the damage. "You poor thing..."

She doesn't seem to be angry at him, just distraught over the damage to the garden.

[Prehysterical]

Looking at Forseti curiously, Vaex asks, "What are you looking for? Is there a jewel in the garden?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark watches her tend to them and sighs. "Plants getting caught in the blast, huh? ...Another unintended side effect. Maybe I'm the one who needs a few days of meditation?"

[Diachronos]

"No, I'm looking for Killian. I know she's around here somewhere, but I haven't been able to spot her..."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Teisa looks over at him. "Maybe you should try meditation. Mages who specialize in fire magic are drawn toward Lord Ashler's chaotic nature, and they tend to lack the restraint necessary to avoid harming those who they have no quarrel with."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark nods. "I guess I'll ask Celeste to help me with that tonight while we're on the road. Maybe it will bring some peace to my heart."

"Like hell! You've only gotten more and more reckless since I woke up inside you! You're becoming the perfect vessel..."

[Diachronos]

"I wish you luck with that. From the sound of things, she might not want to help you with anything. I'd offer to help you myself, but I doubt that my sort of meditation would be of much help."

[Prehysterical]

"Is she hiding in the bushes? Is it a game?" Vaex grows worried at the mention of a missing Void servant.

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark nods and goes back to silent contemplation in his corner.

[Diachronos]

"Hide and seek. One person looks for everybody else who's hiding somewhere. She's really good at it though... probably because she's small like you and Nyktox."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Teisa finishes with the garden then comes over to sit beside Stark... though she's towering over him when she sits because of her flower. "I know you didn't cause the damage intentionally."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark glances sideways at her. "And? It would be better if it was intentional. Then, abstaining from repeating the behavior would be as simple as making a conscious choice. But it wasn't intentional. That means it could happen again. I mean, if that had been Taalia or Lux instead of Celeste...you're not going to make me feel better. I don't want to feel better about this. I want to hate myself. This fear, this anger, this is the only thing that will make sure I don't mess up again. I can't get complacent again."

[Diachronos]

"...Stark, do you know what is causing you to be reckless like this?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark sighs. Oh, right. She didn't know yet. He nods. "Yeah. Something happened at the second tower, I was possessed by Ashler's son. He's furious at his parents for the way they have treated him, and he wants to show that he's more powerful than the Keeper by killing his avatar, the Dread Queen. Taalia's mother. So, while he's inhabiting my body, I can hear his thoughts. They are...dark, murderous, lustful," he admits, his eyes slipping from hers down to her breasts for only a moment, before he looks back up to her. "It's been getting harder and harder to keep my own personality separate from his as I grow stronger."

[Diachronos]

Teisa listens quietly to his explanation. "Do you think consulting Lord Ashler would help your situation at all?"

[NeoSeraphi]

"I will roast her alive. Give me your body for ten seconds."

Stark gasps in pain and grabs at his wrist. He shakes his head, but the birthmark around his wrist begins to creep up his arm, snaking its way towards his elbow. He stands up and runs out of the garden, shooting past the others, out of the monastery, past the waterfall, before finally letting go of his arm. Cinderhulk growls as he looks around for something to expunge his anger on, and finally decides on torching a few wild animals.

After thirty minutes, the demigod finally runs out of steam and Stark collapses, unconscious.

[Prehysterical]

With Forseti's keen senses, this girl must be good at hiding. Vaex wants to track the girl down himself, but he reluctantly recognizes the importance of Forseti doing this on his own. Instead, he hangs back and watches the young dragon seek.
[roll0]

[Diachronos]

Stark is finally awakened... by the sensation of being immersed in cold water.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As Forseti trots off to look in another part of the garden, Vaex hears a small giggle from up above in one of the trees. When he looks up, he sees Killian holding on tightly to one of the branches.

[Prehysterical]

Vaex loudly says, "You know, my young master, as a flying creature, I'm surprised that you don't anywhere other than ground level. It's an assumption that might cost you very dearly one day."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark opens his eyes and sits up, rubbing them. "What? Where am I?" He looks around.

[Diachronos]

"But she can't fly, how would she... Oh, there you are!" He trots over to the tree with a wide grin on his face. "I finally found you."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Stark finds himself lying in the water at the edge of the lake surrounding the monastery, with Nyktox standing a few feet away with his arms crossed.

[Prehysterical]

Vaex rolls his eyes light-heartedly at Forseti's carefree attitude. "So, now it's your turn to hide, correct?"
Today is my birthday, so I will be offline most of the day.

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark sits up and rubs his eyes. "Thanks for the awakening. Sorry for taking off like that."

[Diachronos]

Forseti nods and stands on his hind legs to help Killian down. "You should join us, Vaex."

Killian nods in agreement. "Yeah! You'll actually be fun to find. Forseti sticks out too much."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Nyktox grumbles. "At least you didn't nearly kill someone this time... You know, you're surprisingly heavy for your build."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark sighs and walks into the area he had left before. If Celeste is still unconscious he takes a potion from his belt and pours it down her throat. Either way, he then sighs and looks at her.

"I am sorry for attacking you so fiercely. It was very reckless and, I admit, I lost control of my magic for an instant."

[Diachronos]

Stark finds Tiana and Celeste packing in their room. They both scowl at him, and Tiana looks ready to cross the room and punch him in the face.

"Only for attacking me? Not for threatening me, or forcing me to fight when I refused to take your deal?" She stands up, her fists clenched. "You almost killed me trying to make your stupid point! I'm starting to wonder whether you're partially responsible for Zalaiya's aggression."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark shakes his head. "I am not going to apologize for threatening you or for forcing a duel. I did both of those things with your and Tiana's best interests in mind, because neither of you want to be separated but you both are trying to take care of the other when what you need is to simply stay together."

[Diachronos]

"Who are you to decide what we need, Stark? What, you think just because you have this great, world-saving power that you know what's best for everyone in the world?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark sighs. "Yes, I do think that. But, I am no enchanter. I cannot sway your decision except by force, and I have already done that. If you are firm in your decision to stay behind, then so be it."

"(Abyssal) Time's up, Tiana. Gavin is likely hot on our tail at this point, so unless you want this place to end up like the castle, get your things and let's go."

[Diachronos]

(Abyssal) "I'm not going anywhere with you, Stark."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark extends a hand and the motion turns into a flourishing bow. "So be it."

He turns around and walks out of the room. "Alright, if we drag our feet any longer Vaex will...wait, where is Vaex?" he asks Teisa, looking around in confusion.

[Diachronos]

"I think he and Forseti were playing with Killian in one of the gardens." She looks past him toward Tiana's room. "Is she still packing?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark stares at her. "...We are talking about the same person, right? You know Vaex is the scaly one with the crossbow and the bad attitude?"

He shakes his head. "After what I did, she wants nothing to do with me, so she's not coming anymore. We will just have to fight the Void as five."

[Diachronos]

Teisa stares back. "But... isn't she one of the heroes drawing power from the towers? Don't we need her for this?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark nods. "That's right! Without her, we haven't got a chance. The world is doomed and we will all be eaten. But we still have to try."

[Diachronos]

Teisa looks like she's about to argue when Tiana comes out of her room, looking like someone pushed her out. Her bag is slung over her shoulder, and Celeste is now standing in the doorway with her arms crossed and a hint of a grin on her face. "What are you waiting for, Zalaiya? The world's not going to save itself."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark smiles. "All we can do is hope the two of them don't suffer too much in the process."

He nods to Tiana, but doesn't speak to her, figuring it's best to keep a distance while she calms down. He gets the group together and checks on Vaex in the garden.

[Diachronos]

"Why would they suffer? This is their choice, isn't it?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark looks over at Taalia, then outside at Vaex, and back to Nyktox. "We are all suffering," he says in a depressed, highly un-Stark tone.

[Diachronos]

Teisa sighs and leans against the wall. "It's a lot different from Keladren, that's for sure... how can everyone be suffering, though? Do you not want to be the hero that saves the world?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark's shoulders slump. "Yeah. I did. Now I'm not so sure anymore."

[Diachronos]

"Why not, Stark?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark turns around. "Because if the Void destroys the world...that means that I won't ever get the chance to."

He walks away from her, clearly too upset to continue this conversation. Stark waits for Vaex and Forseti so they can head out.

[Prehysterical]

Unaware of the drama transpiring outside the garden, Vaex finds himself professionally challenged by the girl's statement. "If you can find me, I'll be very impressed." Waiting until Killian is counting, Vaex tries to find himself a good hiding spot.
[roll0], +whatever cover bonus he can find. Also, hiding with shadow leather is cheating. He's a right spoilsport, isn't he? :smallwink:

[Diachronos]

Killian finds Forseti almost immediately, the dragon's size making it tough for him to find a good hiding place. She has absolutely no luck finding Vaex, and after half an hour she huffs and stamps her foot. "Okay, okay, you win!"

[Prehysterical]

Stepping out from behind the tree that Killian had leaned against while counting, Vaex smugly remarks, "Sometimes, your enemies hide in the most unlikely of places. I suppose it's my turn to count now?"

[Diachronos]

Killian nods and turns to go find a hiding place, only to bump into Teisa as she approaches. "It looks like we're about ready to head out, Vaex. Have you had a chance to speak with Master Tien Lung about a fast way to Nightveil?"

[Prehysterical]

Vaex runs a claw over his crest in embarrassment. "Er, ah... No. I shall speak with him immediately." Flapping his wings, Vaex seeks the draconic master.

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark is sitting silently in the room where the others are, staring at his staff. He seems oblivious to the movements of everyone else around him.

[Diachronos]

Vaex finds Tien-Lung at one of the balconies higher up in the monastery, perched on the balcony and overlooking the training yard below. "I was wondering when you would come to see me. How may I aid you, greenblood?"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Taalia sits down beside Stark. "It's not normal to see you brooding like this. What's wrong, Stark?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark sighs. "I...I think it might be better for everyone if I kill myself before Cinderhulk gets complete control of my body," he admits, quietly enough that only Taalia can hear him.

[Prehysterical]

Bowing respectfully, Vaex responds, "Great One, is there any way you could speed us on our way to Castle Duskmantle? We must return and check on the status of Queen Serana. Her daughter has been very worried. It will be a stopping point before we head to the Delgru Wastes. Is there anything that I should be aware of in that place?"

[Diachronos]

Taalia narrows her eyes and squeezes Stark's hand, hard enough to cause him pain. "Don't ever say that again, Stark. Don't even think it. You're strong enough to resist him."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark sighs. "And if I can't? I just seriously hurt someone using an initiate level spell. If I grow to be as powerful as Rhaegos Cinderhulk might seriously destroy the entire world. Is my life really worth the risk?"

[Diachronos]

"Hm... I will see to finding you quicker passage to the palace. As for the Wastes... I can not speak from experience, but I do know a fair bit about the region from my studies. It is a vast land of desert sands and barren ground. Water is as precious as gold to the locals of the region. Speaking of which... I advise watching your step in the Wastes. The denizens of that region are accustomed to, and bitter about, being hated for their race, and have little patience or welcome for outsiders."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Taalia holds his hand tightly. "Do you really think you have no chance of stopping that from happening? What happened to all your confidence, Stark?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark sighs. "I messed up and now Tiana hates me. Tiana was the person who had the biggest reason to think I was a real hero and I ruined all that. Why should I feel confident?"

[Diachronos]

Taalia goes quiet for a moment. "....What did you do this time, Stark?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark blinks. "Oh, you weren't here? I challenged Tiana's sister to a duel to try and convince her to come with us so they wouldn't be separated. She refused and I forced the issue, then I lost control of my magic and almost killed her. So I'm not feeling too great about my chances to control anything right now."

[Diachronos]

Taalia stares at him before sighing. "Why can't you let people live by their own decisions, Stark?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark pulls his hand away. "Because I am stubborn and nosy and I enjoy controlling other people. All signs that I'm not in control of Cinderhulk at all. Still think I shouldn't kill myself?"

[Diachronos]

She pokes his forehead. "I think you need to get that little spark under control. Find someone who can help you with that, who can help you strengthen your mind to keep him from taking over."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark goes back to moping, his mood still completely depressed.

[Diachronos]

Taalia grabs Stark's hair and turns him to face her. "Listen to me, Stark. You helped me through my mother's death, and I'm going to return the favor. If I'm not allowed to fall into despair over what's over and done with, you sure as hell aren't allowed to give in to your fears about what might happen."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark looks up glumly at her. "And why am I supposed to feel better? I almost killed an innocent person for a stupid reason because I couldn't control my impulses."

[Diachronos]

Taalia growls and stands up. "Forget it. I don't know how I was dumb enough to fall for you..."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark stands up and grabs her arm. "I'm...sorry. I'll get myself together. I just...I'm terrified that I'm going to hurt you, Taalia, and I couldn't live with myself if that happened. It's just...it's so hard to be strong right now."

[Diachronos]

"Then start putting in the effort to make sure you don't lose control like that instead of brooding, Stark."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark winces. Geez, would it kill her to show just a little compassion for his situation? What was with this red dragon bedside manner? "I don't even know how to do that. You make it sound so easy, but this is a pact, and the creature attempting to control me is a demigod. How am I supposed to train to fight that?"

[Diachronos]

"One of the monks here can probably help you, Archmage Rhaegos or High Priest Tharas might have some ideas.... if we find a priest of Ashler they might have similar troubles if they're influenced by His power the same way you're being influenced."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark sighs and hangs his head. "I'll speak to Rhaegos after we get back. But Tiana still hates me."

[Diachronos]

"Just give her time. She'll calm down after she's had time to think things over."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark nods and stands up, picking up his staff. "Alright then. Time to suck it up and get back to business. Haaaaaaah. Alright! Let's get back to the castle so I can throw you that party!" He says, his transformation back to the happy-go-lucky hero almost impressive.

[Prehysterical]

"Sounds like my kind of people," Vaex replies without a trace of sarcasm. "Oh, one last thing... Could you please speak to Forseti before we leave? He might listen to another dragon more than he does to me. This quest of ours is causing him to grow more rapidly than I can handle."

[Diachronos]

Taalia laughs. "That's more like it. Let's get everyone together so we can head out once Vaex is done."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tien-Lung gives Vaex a curious look. "I had noticed his increased growth as well. What would you like me to speak with him about? Has he shown an interest in training here? Or has his behavior been off?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark nods and gets back to his normal self, giving directions to Teisa, Tiana and Lux about what they need to pack and any supplies they might want to grab from the monastery while they are there. He gets the entire group ready to go as soon as Vaex returns.

[Prehysterical]

"Forseti sees himself as one of the warmbloods. That's not an attitude that he can afford to keep, not with the kind of power that he is accumulating. Someone is eventually going to get hurt. Do you know what I mean?"

[Diachronos]

The others gather up their belongings and a few supplies that the monks offer, and proceed out to the courtyard to wait for Vaex.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"I see. You fear that he is growing too comfortable around their kind, and that he doesn't yet understand the risks of acting like a child around them as he grows. I will have a word with him on that, though I fear at least part of this lesson is one that he will have to learn on his own."

[Prehysterical]

"Thank you, Wise One." Heading out to the courtyard, Vaex says to Forseti, "Tien Lung wants to have a word with you before we leave. We shall wait outside for you."

[Diachronos]

Forseti nods and heads off to speak with Tien-Lung.

About ten minutes later, the two dragons enter the courtyard, with Forseti wincing slightly as he sits down beside Vaex. Tien-Lung stands at the center of the courtyard as he addresses the others. "I understand that your quest is urgent, and your next destination is a fair distance away by foot. For this reason, I've decided to bring you there myself."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark bows. "Your assistance is greatly appreciated, Master. Also...you can send the bill for repairing the garden to the Nightraven Estate..." he chuckles uneasily.

[Prehysterical]

Vaex nods eagerly at Tien Lung's announcement. "And how will you do that, Wise Master?"

[Diachronos]

Tien-Lung lowers himself to the ground. "What better way than to fly?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark nods and raises his staff. "Alright then. All aboard the Dragon Express flight straight to Castle Duskmantle. Please secure your belongings and children with approved fasteners and put away all magical devices in preparation for takeoff. Our in-flight stories will be told by Taalia Duskmantle, tailored for viewers of all ages!" He walks up to the monk and swiftly mounts the creature.

[Prehysterical]

Vaex rolls his eyes before bowing respectively before Tien Lung and climbing aboard.

[Diachronos]

After everybody has climbed on, Tien-Lung and Forseti lift off and begin flying north toward Nightveil. The flight takes a couple of hours, ending at the gates to the city.

It's apparent that the city is still recovering from the Initiates' invasion. Several buildings are damaged or collapsed, and blood can be seen in the snow in a few places. The locals appear withdrawn, with some casting nervous glances at the party as they pass. Soldiers, both living and undead, are actively patrolling the streets, occasionally stopping at one of the standing buildings and knocking on the doors to question the inhabitants.

Tien-Lung bows after they climb down from his back. "I wish you luck in your journey."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark looks around at the devastation, his mind immediately kicking into overdrive as he analyzed the situation. The best thing to do, both to aid in recovery and also quell all the morale issues within their own party, was to split the group up and have them cover different ground.

Taalia obviously would go to the castle to check on the council, her mother, and likely her uncle.

Lux would want to see to her estate, but after she was done she could check on all the other minor nobles and make sure their needs were being met.

Vaex would likely be best suited to check on the status of the Sunveil and the catacombs. Forseti would go with him.

Teisa could make sure that Xinia's presence hadn't left any negative dark aether effects in local vegetation or wildlife.


Stark himself should go check on the Circle of Magi to help contain any abominations that had come about from the self-defense instinct of mages during the attack.

That left Tiana and Nyktox to check out the city itself, as well as the castle walls and security.

With that kind of resource management the entire city's problems could be dealt with within the hour. He turns to the group to voice his commands, then stops himself. No. This wasn't good for the long run.

Stark smiles at Taalia. "What are your orders, Princess?"

[Prehysterical]

Vaex thanks the elder dragon before the master flies off. Upon hearing Stark's questions, he waits for Taalia's answer. She is the Princess, after all.

[Diachronos]

"Um..." Taalia is visibly nervous at having everyone waiting on her for instruction. "Maybe we should go to the palace to find out what shape the city's in?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark bows. "Your wish is my command." He leads the group back to the castle, keeping an eye out for the flitting assassin.

[Diachronos]

The group makes their way to the castle, where they find the place in the middle of repairs. Wendy and Gwynn are overseeing the construction, though Wendy waves to them when she spots them.

High Priest Tharas emerges from a corridor, his attention focused on what looks to be a map or blueprint of sorts. General Gathard is beside him, and the two appear to be arguing about something. Archmage Rhaegos isn't in his usual perch over the throne, instead actively helping the workers move the replacement stones into their places in the wall.

Khamer is dejectedly gathering up the tapestries and other decorative items that had filled the hall, many of which are damaged in some way.

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark walks up to Khaner. "Where is Serana?" he demands bluntly. The incident at the monastery has his nerves shot and he's not in the mood for any nonsense.

[Diachronos]

Khamer looks up at him, an annoyed and weary look on his face, and when he speaks it's in barely more than a whisper. "We don't know, Stark. And before you say anything, understand this: we've looked everywhere. We can find no trace of her on the Material Plane or any other. Rhaegos and Tharas have been spending every spare moment they have searching for her, both with scrying and divinations, and they even braved the Corpse King's unholy realm to look for her. Tharas' phylactery was with her, and he has not felt its destruction or presence since Kul'Nehr'Zug swallowed her. Dread Queen Serana is nowhere to be found."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark sighs and walks back to the group. He grabs Taalia by the arm and marches her over to her uncle. "In that case, here is your new Dread Queen. And I will be her chief advisor. I don't care what you say, Khamer, the lot of us have been through Hell since we left. I am temporarily joining the war council until Serana is found. And Taalia will be the beacon of hope these people need in this dark time."

[Prehysterical]

Racking his brain, Vaex tries to help the situation. "Hmmm... I know it's a long shot, but... Maybe you could try again with Taalia's help? As her direct descendant, she would attune with her most. It's not like we lose anything if it doesn't work."

[Diachronos]

Khamer stands up and turns to Stark. "Those are not your decisions to make. The Council is selected by the Dread King or Dread Queen, as are their advisors. And only the Gravekeeper can decide if she is going to be the next Dread Queen."

He turns to Vaex. "That could work, though after how many times we've tried I don't know if Taalia's assistance will be of much help."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark frowns. There were so many things he wanted to say here. They didn't have time for politics. This was a warzone. The people needed to believe that there was hope. There needed to be someone in charge of the reconstruction.

Instead, he takes a breath. No need to fight. No need to get angry. If this was what needed to be done, then fine.

"If the Keeper is the one to decide who the next Dread King or Queen is, then that's fine. When will He decide that?"

[Diachronos]

"He will decide when He chooses. We have no way of knowing when that will be until it happens. Now if you don't mind, I'd like to end this conversation before you put any more pressure on our princess." Sure enough, Taalia seems withdrawn from what they were discussing.

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark clenches his fist. "Fine then."

Stark heads upstairs. Lots of work to do, but his friends took priority. He finds Qari's room and knocks on the door.

[Prehysterical]

Looking up at Taalia, Vaex says, "For now, let's just focus on trying to find your mother." Turning back to the alchemist, Vaex asks, "What needs doing?"

[Diachronos]

The door opens, and Stark barely has a chance to see Qari before she's throwing herself at him. "Master! Master, I'm so glad you're safe!" The ifrit woman is clad in only a towel, and from the dampness of her hair it seems she just got done with a bath.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Khamer sighs and gestures to the pile of objects he'd accumulated. "Well, right now I'm busy cataloging all of the relics that were lost or damaged in the attack. It's starting to look like it'll be easier to just make a list of what got through unscathed." He nods toward Tharas and Gathard. "Those two have been arguing nonstop about how to respond to the attack. Tharas wants to launch a counteroffensive immediately since they're on the run and likely have valuable objects that they stole during the invasion, Gathard is refusing to organize a strike force until the city's had a chance to stabilize and regroup so we're not left vulnerable." He gestures to Rhaegos and the drow sisters next. "Wendy and Gwynn are busy with reconstruction, and Rhaegos has been helping with that when he's not searching for Her Majesty or the Corpse King's vessel."

Taalia takes a few breaths. "Uncle, I want to help organize the rebuilding. I'm the closest thing the Tundra has to a successor until the Gravekeeper chooses the next ruler, so it's only right that I take on Mother's responsibilities and-"

Khamer holds up a hand to silence her. "Taalia, I know you want to help, and I know you're trying to do what you believe your mother would want you to do. But I can tell that you're still coping with what happened. I appreciate your desire to help, and I know everyone else would too, but... please, give yourself time to recover. You'll burn yourself out if you push yourself too hard, and none of us want to see that happen to you."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark chuckles and hugs the woman, not at all surprised to have caught her in a compromising position (though a bit surprised she opened the door in one). "I'm glad to see you're alright too, Qari. I'm sorry I was gone for so long. I really didn't mean to leave you behind. I promise you can come with us on the next trip." He smiles. "I have gained...more power than I was expecting. So hopefully we won't have to fight too much more before we win."

He looks down at her and sighs. "Also, I know I have been unfair to you, regarding your duties to me. I know you want to take care of more than just cooking and cleaning. So...I'm going to make a change to your wardrobe."

Without another word, he walks over to her dresser, picks out one of the outfits Ashe bought for her, and pulls some scissors out of his bag. He quickly cuts the outfit up until it's little more than rags, and quickly snips the pieces until they create a long trim that runs from the hip to the arm. He places it down on the bed. "It will please your Master if you wear this for him. Get dressed." He turns around to give her some privacy, but does not leave the room.

I know I'm terrible with descriptions, but this is what I'm going for here:
http://img1.ak.crunchyroll.com/i/spire2/d6f75003f286826ef879980e9189978c1371101006_full.jp g

[Diachronos]

"You don't need to apologize Master. I should have been there when you were ready to leave, it's my own fault that I didn't get to go with you."

When he creates the new outfit for her, she eagerly puts it on. When he turns around to look at her, she is standing proudly and giving him a look that suggests that she hopes he likes the way it looks. There's another look in her eyes, though... it almost looks like she's happy to be given this sort of outfit, as if it makes her feel more at home.

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark blushes at the sight but clears his throat. "I want you to know, I've spoken to Taalia and made it clear to her that, at least as long as the war is going on, I need attention from more than one woman. Now, I still want my first time to be with her, but after that you can expect to be taking care of all your master's needs. Understand?"

After she answers, Stark continues. "I want you to cut up one of your other outfits like I did that one, and unless you're going outside in the cold, I want you wearing one of them at all times. That means it's your duty to wash both of them regularly. Do you understand?"

Once he has her answer again, Stark nods. "You can take care of that later. For now, I don't want you to leave my side." He touches her collar with a smile and then leaves with her to find Kyo.

[Prehysterical]

Vaex looks pointedly at Khamer. "You know, everyone lately seems to be saying that Taalia can't do something rather than saying that she can do it if she sets her mind to it. Not a great way to instill confidence in the future ruler of the Tundra." He looks up at the half-vampire. "There is strength in you and a liveliness that I have not seen. You can do this. I believe in you, at least. What are your orders, Princess?"
[roll0]

[Diachronos]

She answers in the same way, with a wide smile, both times. "I understand completely, Master." When he leaves, she sticks by his side, her head resting lightly against his arm.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"...You're right, Vaex. I might not have the practice or any proper training, but I'm still the only living member of the Veiled Tundra's royal family with any real claim to the throne right now... It's time I started acting like a leader." She turns to Khamer. "Can you gather the Council in the war room as soon as possible, Uncle?"

The old vampire looks ready to argue, but he nods instead. There's a glint in his eye, and it's not hard to tell that he's trying not to smile. "At once, Your Highness." He bows and heads over to Tharas and Gathard to end their dispute.

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark knocks on Kyo's door. "Kyo? It's me, Stark! Remember? The boy from the cabin?" he calls softly.

[Prehysterical]

Indicating himself and the others, Vaex asks, "What about the rest of us?" His eagerness is tempered by restraint as he doesn't want to step on the current ruler's freshly exposed toes.

[Diachronos]

The door opens, but it's not Kyo standing there. Instead, it's Ren and the doll she'd made of Qari, both of them looking up at Stark and the ifrit.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Taalia thinks for a moment. "We need to find out where the other towers are, but I don't want to leave the city exposed again. We need to make sure the city's ready for defense against another attack in case they try it again."

************* Meanwhile... ***************
Malcolm wipes his brow as he straightens up from tying a bundle of wheat. The harvest was going to be hard again this year, but at least it was because the crop had been more successful than expected. He looks over to where his eldest son Barnaby is helping Malcolm's wife Eliza gather tomatoes. The sight brings a smile to his face; they might not be a wealthy family, but their life is a simple one, and one they all could take pride in.

His youngest son Will comes running up, pointing in the direction of the pine forests of the Beastlands. "Pa! Pa, Bloo came back! But he ain't actin' right..." Malcolm raises an eyebrow and walks over to his son after picking up his sickle. The family hound was finally back? He'd been gone for a week, not like him at all. Hopefully he hadn't gotten himself injured, or worse. "Alright, Will, let's go bring him home."

They head to the edge of the farm, and find the old mutt trudging up the hill. "There you are, you scruffy knucklehead. Come on back to the house, Bloo." Malcolm's welcoming smile fades; something wasn't right. Bloo wasn't acting like himself at all, not the way he walked, not the way he was reacting to them, he just seemed... vacant.

Until he got closer.

The dog snarls and charges, leaping up and clamping onto Malcolm's arm as he knocks the farmer to the ground. He lets out a yell and begins hacking at the crazed animal with his sickle, shouting at the dog to get off of him. Nothing seems to work, even though the sickle was biting in for what should've been a crippling blow.

Just when it seems like the dog was about to kill Malcolm, an arrow strikes Bloo in the eye and he goes limp. Malcolm climbs to his feet, clutching at his bleeding arm as he turns to see his oldest daughter approaching with a longbow drawn. "Pa, what happened?! Where did that rabid dog... wait... is that Bloo?"

Malcolm nods and walks over to meet her. "He just attacked me, but he wasn't acting right before that."

Will lets out a gasp and points, and Malcolm turns to see what he's pointing at... and sees a massive pack of undead shambling over the next hill toward their farm.

Far behind, watching from the trees, a pale man giggles in delight. "Now this is my kind of 'political intrigue'."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark blinks. "Oh. Hey Ren. Do you know where Kyo went?" he asks, smiling down at the doll. He still wasn't sure how that thing could even reach to open doors.

[Diachronos]

Ren turns and points at the bed, where the collection of Kyo's dolls had grown to include just about every servant in the palace, as well as the members of the Council and... Gustav?

[Prehysterical]

Vaex nods in understanding. "If you will allow it, I would like to be present in the war room to present my own ideas for the defense. The underground passages are a kobold's job, to be sure." Pausing for a moment, Vaex leans forward and asks in a whisper, "What about the girl? Do we really want a servant of the Void sitting in with us at a private council while her brothers and sisters scheme toward our demise?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark walks inside and reaches into the pile of dolls, searching around until he finds the girl and pulling her out of the pile. "Hello Kyo. How are you today?"

[Diachronos]

Taalia glances over at Killian, who is on Forseti's back again and hugging the dragon's neck. "Vaex, what makes you so sure that she's a servant of the Void? I agree, the way we found her is really suspicious, but... she doesn't seem anything like the others."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Stark doesn't find Kyo in the pile, though he does find a doll that looks similar to her that is holding over a dozen smaller dolls in its arms. This one doesn't seem to be animate, though.

Ren climbs up onto the bed and tugs on Stark's sleeve, pointing at the Gustav doll.

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark picks up the Gustav doll gently. "Um...hello?" he asks.

[Prehysterical]

"She may act innocent- Hells, she might actually not wish harm on us- but that doesn't change the fact that her presence is a threat to our very reality. Remember how it... she... corrupted that plant back at the Tower? And Stark said something about not all the servants being willing. Still, they are servants nonetheless. Her being here is like a walking through a prickly bush, Taalia. You can't just retract the thorns."

[Diachronos]

The doll doesn't move. Ren grabs Stark's hand and points to the door, the doll, then the door again. Qari speaks up. "Oh, I forgot. Kyo seems to have taken a liking to that... thing that Lord Khamer made. She may be playing with it in the courtyard again."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"...You might be right. We'll have to keep an eye on her, and keep her away when we're discussing something important, but I don't think we can rule out her innocence completely."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark blinks. "She plays on it? Well, that can't be good..." He nods his thanks to Ren and heads down to the courtyard with Qari.

[Prehysterical]

That will have to do. "All right, then, let's not waste any more time." Turning to the others, Vaex says, "Anyone who wants to come to the war room is welcome. Otherwise, feel free to help out around the city. Gods know that these people can use all the help that they can get..."

[Diachronos]

Stark and Qari head down tot he courtyard, where they find Gustav sitting against a wall. Kyo is curled up against him, her head resting on his leg as she sleeps.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The others look between themselves. Teisa is the first to speak up. "I'm going with you. Anything's better than going out in this cold."

Nyktox shakes his head. "I want to see if the troupe is still in the city. If they are, I probably won't be back until later today."

"I'd planned to help with any wounded that still need treatment."

Taalia nods. "I'll see you all later, then. If you don't have anywhere else to stay, I'll have rooms ready for you in the palace tonight." She turns to Vaex. "We'd better get to the war room. I don't want to keep the Council waiting any longer than necessary."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark smiles fondly, and quietly walks over to her. He picks her up carefully and sits her on the back of his shoulders, holding tight so she won't fall even if she doesn't wake up.

[Prehysterical]

Vaex nods and beckons Forseti along as they walk to the war room. "Perhaps we should have some of that cake later? I've heard that it's good for relieving stress." Vaex licks his snout at the thought of cake.

[Diachronos]

Kyo lets out a little grumble and settles herself onto his shoulders, still fast asleep. "She's opened up a lot in the past few days. She still shuts herself in her room most of the time, but she doesn't run and hide from other people as much as before."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Forseti nods. "I wonder if it'll be the same kind as before, or if they're making a different flavor."

As Taalia, Vaex, Forseti, and Teisa head to the war room, hurried footsteps follow them up the hall. Looking back, Wendy is running to catch up to them. "Vaex, your traps worked perfectly in the catacombs! I have to learn more from you!"

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark chuckles and looks up at her. "Kyoooo...your big brother is back..." he whispers softly, seeing if that would wake her up.

[Prehysterical]

Vaex stops as Wendy pursues them, his scaly brow raised in surprise. "Wait, I thought your sister was the one interested in traps? And, truth be told, the dragonfire trap was unsuited to the occasion. Something more mass-fire and less precise would have been better to deal with the undead hordes. I had to rely on Stark's magic, something that I don't enjoy doing."

[Diachronos]

Kyo stirs and slowly opens her eyes. When she sees that she's on Stark's back she tightens her arms around him a little more. "Hi, Stark."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Wendy skids to a stop. "Gwynn's better at traps, but I like the intricacy of the mechanisms. Something about all the little parts coming together into a cohesive instrument of security just excites me."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark smiles. "I'm sorry I had to leave. But I hear you've been a good girl for your Aunt Serana. That's good."

He takes her upstairs and tucks her in among her dolls. "Sorry I woke you up. Go back to sleep and I'll check on you later."

After he puts the young girl to bed, Stark pulls his robe off and hands it to Qari. "We're going outside to survey the damage and I need to check on Teisa. Be polite to Mistress Teisa. I haven't decided yet whether I like her or not."

[Prehysterical]

"Huh." Vaex is surprised by her enthusiasm. "I don't know how much time I would have to teach you anything with all the reconstruction and our quest going on, but I'll do what I can. Perhaps you could teach me the simplest aspects of alchemy in the meantime? It would be useful to be able to make basic potions."

[Diachronos]

Kyo nods and yawns, snuggling into the pile of dolls until she's almost completely hidden by it.

Qari takes his robe and folds it before draping it over her arm. "Should I get changed to go outdoors, Master?"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Wendy grins. "I'd be happy to. It's only fair, after all! Now, were you interested in potions, or alchemical items like tanglefoot bags and thunderstones?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark blinks. "No, just put my robe on over that. It will keep you warm, and more importantly it marks you as my woman."

He heads downstairs with Qari and checks the area and outside to see if he can find Teisa.

[Prehysterical]

As they walk and talk, Vaex's eyes light up. "Tanglefoots and thunderstones? That would be right up my tunnel! If I use those effectively, we don't need potions!"

[Diachronos]

Stark doesn't find Teisa outside, though he does spot Tiana and Lux heading toward the infirmary, and Nyktox heading out into the city.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Wendy pulls out a few different items and starts going over the intricacies of constructing them. Most of it goes right over Vaex's head, though, and it seems like he's going to need a little proper training to really understand how they're made.

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark stops the girls and asks them who they're going to see in the infirmary.

[Diachronos]

Tiana fixes an unhappy look on Stark as Lux answers. "We're helping tend to the soldiers who were wounded in the battle."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark nods and pulls out his two potion of cure critical wounds, handing them to Lux. "In case there are more men than you can treat. Do you know where Teisa went? I need her to help me contain the dark aether presence in town."

He looks over at Tiana. "(Abyssal) I understand that you are upset with me, but Qari has been here alone and worrying about all of us. It would make her feel better if you said something to her. I can translate for you."

[Diachronos]

Lux nods back toward the palace. "I think she's going with Princess Taalia to the war room."

Tiana shakes her head and keeps walking, leaving Lux behind to talk with Stark.

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark watches Tiana go with a sigh. Not yet, huh? Well, it had been pretty recent. He turns to Lux. "Well, I'm going to go see your parents. Gotta make sure your estate wasn't damaged too badly in the attack. Then I need to go to the Circle and check on everyone there, and finally I'll survey the town. Let the princess know that I'll be out all day."

He sighs as he shakes his head. "And I think I'm starting to get ahold of myself. I think I need to give in to temptation in order to resist it. As long as I'm trying to fight everything off, I get overwhelmed, but if I let the darkness out just a little, I should be able to control it. So don't worry about me."

[Diachronos]

"Stark, are you sure it's a good idea to just let yourself go like that? What if Cinderhulk's waiting for you to let him out so he can take control for good?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark sighs. "I'm trying to find a happy balance here, Lux. I don't know what else I can do. I just want to avoid another disaster like what happened at the monastery. Come along, Qari."

He nods to Lux and walks to the war room to see if he can catch Teisa before the meeting starts.

[Diachronos]

Stark catches up to Teisa, who is standing beside Taalia while one of the drow engineers rambles about alchemical creations.

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark smiles. "Teisa, Qari. Qari, Teisa. Teisa can you help me with something? I need to make sure none of the plants around here have been infected by Xinia."

[Diachronos]

Teisa raises an eyebrow. "'Infected'? What do you mean?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark lifts his head and shows Teisa the mark Vale left on his neck. "It's called 'dark aether'. The servants of the Void use it to kill plants and animals and turn them into vessels that store energy for them to consume, like healing potions for us."

[Diachronos]

Teisa reaches up to touch the mark, though she jerks her hand back before it even touches his skin. "It feels like the same evil energy filling the slips in Keladren."

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark nods. "I doubt Xinia had time to infect anything while she was here, but better safe than sorry, right?"

[Diachronos]

"Right. Let's go." She starts walking, but stops and turns back to him. "...We don't have to go outside, do we?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Stark chuckles. "It may surprise you to find that yes, approximately 95% of Tundra fauna live outside."

[Diachronos]

Teisa groans. "But it's so cold out there! I'll wilt in minutes if I go outside!"