The InvestigationRoom play from 7/8 - 7/9/17Lilwen Nickleby - Today at 8:41 PM
Two days.. or was it three? One? Time stopped meaning anything when she opened the door to her grandmother's bloody room. However long ago now she was still hard at it, refusing sleep and running solely on mulled wine and lukewarm chicken soup. Not that she remembered the soup, or the wine, or the way the staff kept a waterglass filled while she devoured page after page of research.
Needless to say she looked worse for wear as she swayed in the library aisle reading yet another tome on religion and ancient history. Her clothes were rumpled and the belted green tunic sported a wine stain from a day ago. Her hair was a wild mess, the short wavy strands worriedly mussed from her constantly raking her fingers through it.
Zephyr Kaliba - Today at 8:53 PM
The library was, as always, quiet. Not that the young man was craving such a thing at the moment, but at current with his mother and uncles pacing about in the meeting room, he felt a bit useless. So he'd retreated here to see if he could help with the research at all. He'd been pointed towards the back by library staff. Zephyr was a known face here, expected to maintain his studies even when he and Laelia visited New Arisalon.
Knowing the library well, Zephyr weaved between the aisles upon aisles of bookshelves, looking about for the Nickleby girl he knew was around here somewhere. His clothing was black, a leather vest worn over a tunic. Trousers, high boots. Black leather bracers molded to his forearms. With the current climate and attacks on his family, he was armed with two blades, a long sword at his left hip and a short sword at his right.
He ducked around another massive bookcase and saw her. He immediately stopped, watching her sway with exhaustion. She looked like a mess, clothing rumpled and stained, hair mussed. But she couldn't be more beautiful. She was trying to help his grandmother, his 'aunt', his family. Catching himself staring, he averted his eyes and cleared his throat to alert her to his presence. "Hello." He said awkwardly. "Are you Lilwen?"
Lilwen Nickleby - Today at 9:04 PM
"Just leave it on the table," she muttered by rote, likely having been repeating that phrase the whole time. There was something to the voice, however. Young, but firm and used to being listened to. She looked up blurry eyed, blinking widely as she tried to get her tired eyes to focus. Were there two of them? Oh. Nope. Just the one.
Aww. He was cute. She'd once had a prince doll that resembled the boy, it made her expression soften with nostalgia and added a certain warmth to her smile unsuitable for typical first encounters. "Am I...? Oh. Yes. I'm Lilwen. Lilwen Nickleby," she added, switching the book to her right hand to politely offer him her left. "And you are...?"
Zephyr Kaliba - Today at 9:12 PM
His head canted. You don't know? He almost replied, but kept his tongue firmly wedged in cheek as she continued to confirm that she was indeed Lilwen Nickleby. "I'm Zephyr Kaliba." He answered, extending his own hand to shake her's. A firm grip, but not overpowering. The handhshake was an art, according to his mother. It was the introduction of your character, first impression. She'd made him practice.
Elyn Kaliba - Today at 9:17 PM
Elyn spent some time in the room before finally leaving. Her mind just repeating the same thing over and over. Grandmother poisoned. Shelzi missing. Elyn dissapointing her father. Mind you, the first two were obviously more important than the latter, but that didn't make her feel any better. 'don't you understand?' he said in that tone. A tone and gaze she never really saw before then. Even in training, when she failed at something, Reign never... She pushed the thoughts from her mind. Now was not the time to feel sorry for herself.
She stalked through the castle, doing the opposite of what her father told her. If he wanted to go running off without his magic, he could go right ahead! But people didn't have time to look for him when they had to find Shelzi. Maybe he was right... Maybe the room was important and they could find her. But if Elyn knew one thing it was that people only got into more trouble by running of and doing their own thing without communicating.
Lilwen Nickleby - Today at 9:18 PM
"Another Kaliba?" she blurted, having no filter at this point of her exhausted state. I'll never keep all of you straight." Her lower lip pushed out only a bit and then just like that she was done pouting, letting it go with a weary sigh. As for her handshake, it was friendly and firm. Her mother had made her practice, too.
A crease formed between her brows as she thought hard down the family tree she'd only learned a couple days ago. "Let's see there's Reign, Laelia, Trent, Victor, Verity, Elyn, Zephyr... Oh." She beamed at him. "There you are. Hello, Zephyr. Quick as a switch her face fell again. "Your grandma is sick." And hers was missing. "Are you alright?"
Trent and Ardyn - Today at 9:21 PM
Ardyn looked rather concerned at the open parchment in front of him at the desk. The diagram made enough sense, the ritual too. His limited knowledge of magic in this way was strained by what Trent had explained. Through the magic of Oneiromancy and the Gift of Morpheus, he could send Ardyn into this, Lonnie woman's consciousness, or rahter her dreams. He'd be without power there, save for his own will- greatly diminished as he was a 'guest' in anothers mind.
He'd need to make contact with her, and get the information from her- any information in fact. Then, the spell would draw him back into his body. Easy. It ddidn't sound easy. It sounded...well, terrifying now that he knew of Lonnie's obsessions.
Zephyr Kaliba - Today at 9:25 PM
Zephyr couldn't help but grin at her exclamation. "We kind of grow on trees." He jested wryly. "If it helps you organize us, Gen- uh, Laelia is my mother." He didn't need to refer to her as General here.
He shrugged at her question, glancing way as she asked him to confront something like feelings. "I'm fine, I guess." He answered. "Feel a bit useless. Thought I'd come see if I could help over here. You look dead on your feet. When was the last time you slept?" He asked turning a frown her way.
Elyn Kaliba - Today at 9:29 PM
Try as she might to put something of a decent expression on, Elyn looked miserable as she entered the room. Her eyes glanced around until they settled on Ardyn, trying to read his expression. They were supposed to be gone already- heading to silem with New Arisalon behind them. She took in a small breath before walking up to him, leaning up against the desk.
"What's the plan." Straight to the point. No hello, no how are you? Elyn felt lost and rather useless comapred to Trent, Reign, Ardyn, and Lilwen. Her arms hugged herself, frowning.
Lilwen Nickleby - Today at 9:31 PM
"I slept the night our grandmothers... no. That's not right. I slept, uh, the night before our... they...," she fluttered her left hand. No reason to say the sad stuff. They both were well aware. Time for a new subject.
Lilwen turned towards the book laden table and used a forefinger to air-tap for emphasis, "I have them arranged on the table semi-chronologically. Ancient Religions, Ancient History, The Cohesive Annals of the Temple of Light...impressed you all had three copies of that by the way my mother has been trying for ages... What was I saying? Right. I..."
And then her mind shut off. Poof. Gone. Black. With effort she peeeeeled her eyes open and grinned at the cute boy across from her. "I'm fine. Really. I was saying..." What had she been saying?
Too Many Kalibas - Today at 9:32 PM
From the doorway, an ominous presence entered, moving with slow wraith-like fluidity. The he mof her gown flutered such that it seemed as though her feet barely touched the floor. "Trent..." Milhin said with quite lilting tones as she intruded. "I believe you should let me be the one." She glanced to Ardyn. Quite frankly she didn't believe he had the aggression or conviction necessary to do what must be done in a situation such as this.
Trent and Ardyn - Today at 9:37 PM
"Well, hard as it all is.." he said pushing the parchment aside- he glanced up at her reaching for her hand as she leaned on the desk. " I was thinking first, I'd hold you for a minute- take a moment..just a moment to think. And after I kiss you, Elyn... I'd tell you what I've been told the plan is."
He rose from the desk and crossed over, so he could pull her to him, and he did. Ardyn drew her into his arms to shield her for a short moment from the world, his right hand scattered into her hair and without hesitation he put his lips to the corner of her mouth. Silently he counted the seconds that would form the moment's reprieve. He whispered something inaudible to others in her ear, before releasing her slowly.
When he did he noted the Necromancer. He felt a little relieved once she spoke.
Trent Kaliba looked entirely rested, and that was a bit odd. He'd been referencing and crossreferencing spellcraft, counter spells, divinaitons- and further he'd been doing so with haste. In the 'war room' he was seated behind a table in which maps of the city were overlaid. He had the thought, as no teleportation seemed particularly evident in the magical screening of Shelzi's room that she was in New Arisalon even now. Beyond that, he was waiting for Lilwen's research to pan out anything about this, Brightest Light foolishness.
His reply to Milhin was almost flippant. "If you can do so without killing her....I would have you do it. No need to put the boy through undue stress. Her mind wouldn't be the safest place for him. Despite the mind being welcome to his presence."
Too Many Kalibas - Today at 9:41 PM
A pale brow lofted dubiously at Lilwen's attempt to stutter through her explanation. "Really. That's why it took you about 3 trys to say what you were trying to say." He muttered. "You're not fine. You're severely sleep deprived." He reached out to snatch the book out of her hand. "Put your head down for a few minutes so you don't pass out on your feet." She was so pretty, and the young man felt compelled to try and ease her burden. Which was odd for Zephyr. "Don't worry. I'll keep reading."
Too Many Kalibas - Today at 9:45 PM
Violet eyes narrowed briefly at Trent's flippant tone. Milhin approached the desk at her own pace, moving on no one's time but her own. Her eyes lowered to the parchment Ardyn had been peering over. "If you truly desire her alive, send me into her thoughts the same way. The way I possess would put her health at risk, even if it does not kill her. But I have the stomach for it." She glanced back to the boy, Ardyn. If the relieved expression on his face were any indication, he did not.
Elyn Kaliba - Today at 9:51 PM
Shoulders fell as arms came to wrap around her. Ardyn was warm and protective, but it also made her feel like everything was going to spill out all at once. Her lips returned the light kiss, pulling only a few inches away from him to face Trent and Milhin. For a moment she just listened to the two of them speak about the Lonnie girl, gazing down at the parchment.
"I'm not sure if you know, uncle, but my father is gone.... to the temple of magic." She didn't tell Trent or Milhin too much more details, but she did give Ardyn a glance. "He might be trying to find Shelzi there."
Outside of People Palace came a bright light until a petite figure manifested in front of the guards. The woman wore a gown of pale grey with auburn strands of hair drifting around her shoulders as she stepped forward. It was here she stood only out of respect for the relationship her daughter had with New Arisalon and because of Laelia.
"I seek Trent or Reign Kaliba," her voice was soft as she spoke, but her expression somber. Sinead's amber hues rested on the soldier as they moved to her request.
Too Many Kalibas - Today at 9:54 PM
He hadn't expected her to stop so quickly, he'd been more focused on the book as he'd been following her. Zephyr came screeching to a halt, reaching out his free hand to steady Lilwen as he lightly bumped into her. "What?" He was a genius? "What did I do?" His brow furrowed with confusion as he glanced between the girl and the book.
All the same, he didn't question what she thought he'd done. She looked so exited and almost a little bit nuts that he didn't dare delay her. Zephyr reached for her hand and grabbed it before pulling her along swiftly behind him on the way to the meeting room.
Trent and Ardyn - Today at 9:58 PM
Trent looked up from the tome, at the table across the room from Ardyn and his niece. Rising slowly from his seat, he nodded. " If you are enthusiastic about the task, then I'll not waste time, Milhin. Thank you." he gestured to the hallway. "The prisoner is not far off... Let's go. I've nearly prepared the ritual entirely." Then he stopped and turned to stare at Elyn.
"The Temple of Magic you say..." Trent looked almost hungry at the idea. "Why would he look for her there....are you saying she is there, or that a method to find her remains?"
Ardyn's arm slipped from behind her, but the other dwelled a little longer between her and her uncle.
Too Many Kalibas - Today at 10:01 PM
Hands clasped in front of her demurely and she nodded her acknowledgement, wandering towards the door. She paused, glancing over her shoulder as Elyn informed them of a new development. "A relic from his time as Avatar, perhaps?" She inquired.
Elyn & Sinead - Today at 10:04 PM
Despite not agreeing with her father's mission, she did understand the dangers of telling them too much. She wanted to tell Trent everything- something about him almost did too, but her fear of failing her father had different words leaving her lips.
"I don't know. She was the goddess of magic, after all. Perhaps he thinks she left a clue." She was mad at Reign. She wanted to... No. She wouldn't dare wish any harm to him, but maybe him staying at the temple was for the best anyways.
Elyn nearly jumped at the sight of Zephyr and Lilwen, staring at her with slight confusion until everything seemed to click. "Where is it?"
Too Many Kalibas - Today at 10:08 PM
Zephyr looked a touch bewildered as they came to a halt in the meeting room, hands clasped and Lilwen holding up his hand with the book. He still hadn't worked out what she'd discovered. A narrating book? Were they talking about the night they'd all wound up in the cellar? He cast Lilwen a wary glance. "She's really sleep-deprived." He said, as though that could explain her erratic behaviour.
Elyn & Sinead - Today at 10:09 PM
The goddess moved with fluid grace through the halls, her eyes glancing towards the guard and every time their eyes met, she gave him a soft, but wry smile. It was strange, leaving the temple. Here her light was still powerful, but in her mortal form it wasn't as strong as she'd like it to be. There was something about People's Palace that seemed off.
Sinead knew a lot of things. She knew Rosewyn was alive, at least. She also knew that her sister was missing. People thought the gods so powerful that they could control everything and knew all but this was one example that it was not the case. Tyr and Sinead might have been gods, but they were merely hosts that had to follow the rules of give and take just like everyone else.
She knew Rosewyn would be fine, although she would offer her services if asked. However, Sinead was here for one reason only: to find her sister. Someone took her... and all she knew was that it was related to the light.
Everybody - Today at 10:12 PM
Reign had not hesitated to enter the ruins, and knowing where he was going he reached his sanctum earlier rather than later. Upon his entrance he felt something strange crackle across his skin, and felt his mind feel that familiar brush of the arcane. For the first time since his fight with the Imperator, Reign felt the faintest amount of magic at his disposal. He almost though it an illusion, and perhaps it was. When he reached to touch his power, he found it limited- as if put on loan. He could build, draw more of it- but rather quickly it began to leak out until just that small amount remained.
The pinpoints of light above on the ceiling came alive, and the cosmos and their representations swirled about the nexus of perception he had wrought, a Goddess' power without measure funneled through the hands and artifice of an Avatar. He had built this to find Shelzi once before...in a much different situation. The pedestal holding the basin of quintessence, the atomic power of magic- the sheer unadultarated power within the phenomenon it glowed across it's runed surface, the silver liquid rising from the bowl in a spiralling ascent. The voice was audible, coming from the floor the walls, the celing.
"You've returned, Avatar...diminished."
Victor Kaliba followed the Goddess when she was ushered into the meeting room, more than enough to stop traffic, and more than enough to stop whatever conversation was going on. This...this was weird.
Ardyn was still trying to understand why they wanted the instruction book to a madcap adventure of walking down doorways and through halls.
Trent had put his own plan on hold, and though the swirling conversation in the room continued he didn't forget what was said. Further, he had sense enough to drop it. The arrival of Sinead was foreseen to some extent... He felt safer around her, touched despite his grief. His rage. His worry. His mind was unchanged, but with this mission- at this time, he fought for the angels. At least a little while longer, despite their misguided rhetoric.
Everybody - Today at 10:25 PM
Reign nodded, despite the eyeless room which spoke to him. "Yes. I am. Save your- " The voice of the observatory, cut him off. "I should remind you then, that using the Observatory could cause irreprable damage to you. While tailored to you and those like you- without your magic, your Arisalonian blood could be greatly compromised. Communing with the Web is not in your best interest, Avatar. Perhaps you should ask someone else to do it for you?"
"Even the goddamned construct is patronizing." he said with a wave of his hand before submerging it deep in the silver quintessence within the basin. Reign as usual, did not hesistate when gambling......
Too Many Kalibas - Today at 10:26 PM
The Goddess of Light, of all people, walked into the room. The room was becoming crowded, far too crowded for the Necromancer's liking. Milhin cast a glance towards the desk where the details of the ritual were settled. Another glance was cast in Trent's direction before the ebon-clad female wandered out the door and down the hall. Lonnie Thatcher was not far away.
Elyn & Sinead - Today at 10:28 PM
Sinead's gaze found Victor first with a rather amused look. She could feel it within him. Her light that she wished to spread forth and preserve. The true light. Not the one that apparently found its way into New Arisalon. She moved on to the rest of the room, slowly taking in the sight of all the Kaliba's and the three that didn't belong to the family by blood, but through... Other relationships. Finally, she settled on Trent, who she had been told was in control.
"I'm not here to step on any toes or change any plans." She hadn't meant to stumble into a family meeting, but if Sinead was embarrassed, she didn't show it. Instead she gave a small bow of her head to Trent before watching Milhin leave. "I am here to help."
Elyn & Sinead - Today at 10:31 PM
Elyn turned her attention to the goddess, but didn't say much. If gods were getting involved then that meant they were all in big trouble. She reached to take Ardyn's hand in her own, pulling him off the side of the room.
"I'm worried about my father," she whispered low to him. "He just left and thinks he can find Shelzi but... I know what he's like. I can't just leave him, Ardyn..." Even if she was mad at him. "He went to the room, saying it's the only way to find her."
Everybody - Today at 10:32 PM
Trent remembered Milhin's declaration, and further felt relieved. She would stay on course despite any distractions. Ironic...it coudl be MIlhin who saved Rosewyn Kaliba.
He nodded low, a respectful motion fitting for a Kaliba. "Laelia is oldest, she can take command if she wishes. I was only the one to find her." He said with a humility that rang true for the most part. "Tell me, Lilwen what you mean about this book- " he waved his hand and with a jolt of magic which started at the soles of her feet and rushed up every nerve ending and charged every synapse, he rewarded her work with instant restfulness. It felt in that moment that her magic, latent and dormant as it was- suddenly suffused her body and replenished it.
It was the kind of magic other wizards dreamed of. He could do it without speaking a word. Trent certainly hadn't been that powerful before.
Too Many Kalibas - Today at 10:37 PM
Laelia had been lingering at the edge of the room, lost in her own thoughts for a long while. She'd been listening, but hadn't felt the need to interject any. With a rare display of affection for anyone outside of her family, she leaned away from the wall and moved towards Sinead, wrapping her in a hug. "Thank you." She murmured.
Trent's comment elicited a response, however. "I don't think this is the type of situation where one needs be in command. We are all affected by this." She then fell silent, looking expectantly at Lilwen.
Too Many Kalibas - Today at 10:40 PM
Milhin, meanwhile, left the family gathering behind. While they all bickered and talked to no end about what must be done. The Necromancer would take action. She descended to the subfloors of the Palace, intent upon her destination. With each step taken, her eyes narrowed further and she dug into the darkest parts of herself. Admittedly they were not so deep or difficult to reach. But they were parts that had been balmed by the love of a sister, the affection of a dear friend and lover. Still, however, easily tapped.
The magic cell where Lonni Thatcher was being held was locked, but when Milhin approached, the guards opened it for her without a word. No doubt they had been informed by the Lord Magister that Milhin LeNoir was to be allowed entry.
Everybody - Today at 10:41 PM
Ardyn leaned in carefully, "If you think we need to go- we can go..." He whispered. Ardyn was understandably slow to speak in this case.
Lilwen Nickleby - Today at 10:42 PM
Her eyes watered at the instant relief. Aches, pains, and absolute exhaustion had been weighing on her far more than she thought! She hadn't noticed until it was suddenly gone. And Trent had done it.
"Thank you." She couldn't look away from him. At least not until she realized there was an actual goddess in the room. Of course she was the last to clue in on it. "H-hi. Right. The book."
Lilwen straightened up and poured out everything she'd inhaled in all that time. "The Blessed Light is an off-shoot of the traditional Light religion," her eyes slid to Sinead and her face turned bright red. It was like telling a storybook character their own bloody story. "They..." Trent's magnetism dragged her eyes back to him. "They call themselves the Light's Shadows. They believe the current goddess of Light is not the true goddess of Light and instead worship a female deity they call the Brightest Lady.
"There's a short little creed they go by, the child's version I found went something like: The Brightest Lady once ruled the Light from the Heavens, but she grew weak and became burdened with grace. It was then that she withdrew and entrusted a beloved few to quest for the Light in Her stead. Tainted love stains the way. Fly true, fear not the lightning for within it lay grace. When the Legacies meet, when the Light again shines within Arisalon, She will walk our world again..."
Lilwen lifted a shoulder. "While reading Zephyr said something that reminded me about that weird book I found in the library. Who has it?" She looked over at Elyn and Ardyn.
Too Many Kalibas - Today at 10:44 PM
Laelia listened to the words, lips pursing more tightly, eyes widening with each passing phrase. "No." She truly hoped her interpretation of the words was not the true meaning.
Elyn & Sinead - Today at 10:45 PM
"Laelia," her name whispered with affection as she wrapped her arms around the girl. They had all been so brave and noble to do everything on their own. She also needed to make sure that they understood this was not her light.
Everybody - Today at 10:46 PM
Trent nodded at his sister's words, having never considered command a topic until a god brought it up. His intense stare lingered on Lilwen as she delivered the information . It was valuable, but cryptic.
" My Tyran history is foggy, Laelia. Enlighten me, we didn't all grow up here." He said with a feigned impatiene, a moment's impropriety designed to lighten the weight.
"I can feel the light in the girls mind," she spoke of Lonnie. There was no need to fill Sinead in on the events. "Except it's not... in my grasp." She turned to Lilwen as she began to explain... and boy she did.
Too Many Kalibas - Today at 10:48 PM
"I...really hope I'm wrong." She said, shaking her head. "If I'm not...Brightest Lady...perhaps Dreanna...or even Shelzi when she was goddess of light. Tainted love...Legacies meet...Shelzi and Reign...She will walk our world again. Please tell me I'm wrong. And they aren't after the baby."
Lilwen Nickleby - Today at 10:48 PM
As for Lonnie Thatcher, the redheaded servant lay curled up on her side, her plain, freckled face turned towards the predator entering her cell. She was blissfully ignorant, more heavily dosed with the poison than poor Rosewyn above.
Everybody - Today at 10:50 PM
Trent looked a little disapointed at the explanation, not that it wasn't astute, just that it wasn't enough. Being after the baby made perfect sense. He understood that. He understood the idea, of the allegory, but he didn't have a lot on why...
Religion was always confusing.
Lilwen Nickleby - Today at 10:52 PM
Lilwen was shaking her head. "I don't think the baby is the Legacy, I think we are." She twirled her finger to indicate the small group of youths gathered to one side of the room: herself, Zephyr, Elyn, and Ardyn. "Maybe even you," she added (hopefully) as she looked back at Trent. "That's why I need to know where that book is. I need to see something."
Everybody - Today at 10:53 PM
Reign seized at the rampant energies drawn from the quinteseence and the mental static he received as slowly things came into focus., " Show me Shelzi." he said before the observatory could ask him what he wished. "Where she is right now.." He qualified.
He could feel himself already slipping, the void his mind was in did not have the magical anchor he once had, and it was through will- passion, resolve that kept him from burning up under the magic.
Too Many Kalibas - Today at 10:54 PM
The door closed behind Milhin with a slam. She was not phased by the sound that echoed in the stone room. "Hello sweet girl." The Necromancer crooned, tone drippingly saccharine. She came to kneel beside the comatose servant, one hand extended to Lonnie's forehead, the other to rest against her heart. "We're going to play. I hope you enjoy games as much as I do."
"Death Ward."
Too Many Kalibas - Today at 10:57 PM
"That's comforting." Laelia muttered. She'd been burned by prophecy before. It wasn't outside the realm of possibility that she would jump to the worst conclusion. "If the baby isn't some sort of..intended reincarnation of this Brightest Lady...then who is she?" The question was rhetorical. She wasn't expecting an answer.
Lilwen Nickleby - Today at 11:00 PM
For Reign the magic abruptly became a current instead of a tide, carrying him smoothly through the tangled weaves. The energy behind this magic quivered and sparked, similar to a powerful beast finally being unleashed. It coiled and embraced him, granting an added strength and layer of protection he could no longer maintain. The sense of movement abruptly ended, leaving him to vibrate and hover in one spot.
Shelzi was very close. So close he'd smell her, feel her hair sliding over his arm, hear her familiar, quiet humming. There was no sense of urgency or immediate danger.
Too Many Kalibas - Today at 11:04 PM
Energies thrummed around Lonnie, sinking beneath the skin and into her very veins and bones, bolstering her heart and organs, securing her against death. One never knew what the complications of such an interrogation could be and she wasn't going to risk Trent's wrath or disappointment by not covering her tracks.
Milhin then proceeded to cast the ritual. It had seemed simple enough the way Trent had explained it to her, from what she had seen on the diagram. Milhin found the outside world, the physical realm around her grow hazy, muted, then numb as she plunged into darkness, carried by the Gift of Morpheus into Lonnie's unconscious.
Everybody - Today at 11:06 PM
Trent brought his hand to his forehead, the members of their little coalition dropping like flies. Thumb and forefinger applied pressure to his temples trying to massage away his frustration. They knew things- sure. But not enough to ensure Shelzi's safety, much less find these new enemies. "Okay... the book. Did Elyn have it? Someone get the book." He said with a gesture of his hand to nearby aides.
Reign floating against the ether, found himself tempted to remain. The comfort the Web had was seductive. It sought to consume in it's own neutral way. Anything to keep it's power growing, or even in flux. Reign knew this, so he knew how to resist it. "SHOW ME HER." He insisted upon it, and for a moment a spark of power all his own finally began to manifest.
Within his mind's eye he felt a fire, a warmth like a match struck at a pilot light- fuel being added every second, every moment. For the now and just right now, Reign found a conduit of power that the Darklight hadn't fused closed.
Too Many Kalibas - Today at 11:07 PM
Zephyr looked about helplessly. He had no idea where this book was. He wasn't sure he'd even seen it. He then quickly noticed he was still holding Lilwen's hand. He abruptly let go, subtly glancing about embarassedly before wiping the palm of his hand on his thigh.
Lilwen Nickleby - Today at 11:08 PM
Lonnie Thatcher's mind was far more simple than may be expected, but potentially more disturbing - it was all about Ardyn. Floaty visions of hoped for futures playing out in dragging reptition. Ardyn smiling at her from his favorite garden chair. Ardyn leaving candies behind for her to find later. Ardyn surrounded by a bouquet of mint and chocolate roses. Ardyn on bended knee with tears in his eyes as he imploringly asked her to marry him.
But beneath all that Ardyn was a blinding white light.
Everybody - Today at 11:10 PM
It took no small measure of focus, but he remembered that MIlhin had not heard all of the plan involving Ardyn. If she could not do what Ardyn could've done- it would've been quite difficult. Sending a missive across the very plane of waking reality and slumbering dream, the message was short. "Interact not with the mind, but with the dreamer."
Lilwen Nickleby - Today at 11:12 PM
"I wash them, y'know," she told Zephyr with a frown, mildly insulted since he was wiping his hands.
Boys and their girl cooties.
She turned away and watched as somebody ran out and returned with a familiar book. "That's the one! Give it to Zephyr...please," she added, realizing she must sound bossy. Her cheeks flushed. "He hasn't touched it yet."
She turned back to Trent to explain (and impress, hopefully.) "The words in the book kept changing when a different one of us touched it. I want to test it." Because that's what you did when you had a hypothesis.
Too Many Kalibas - Today at 11:15 PM
"You haven't been out of that Library for days." He uttered, head lowering slightly at her accusaion. "My hand was sweaty." Had it been? He hadn't noticed even if it had. And he hadn't really minded holding her hand. Oh look, there was a book she wanted him to hold instead. Glad to have her focus move from his slight against her, Zephyr accepted the book and opened it, peering inside.
Everybody - Today at 11:16 PM
Trent, rightfully so was impressed with the young girl. It showed on his face, and on the fact that he hadn't started yelling. He gave Lilwen a smile, genuine as it was. "I am seeing my investment returned with you. You've a mind for this sort of thing. I'll not forget that."
Trent approached the group with the book, considering idly what would happen if he touched it. Then he decided that may be a horrible idea. His glance to Zephyr found him smirking inspite of himself. They'd all be paired off before long. Speaking of...where did Elyn and Ardyn go?
Too Many Kalibas - Today at 11:18 PM
Milhin mentally sneered at all such images of the boy. Clearly Lonnie Thatcher was obsessed and delusional. And yet, Milhin could use that to her advantage. Though there was so much light that it felt somewhat uncomfortable, but the experienced Necromancer shoved that discomfort down deep and away from her current situation.
A flicker of thought impressed upon her. A thought that was not her own, did not possess her voice. Of course Trent would know this is where she had disappeared to. And with his message in mind, the intruder into Lonnie's dreams transformed herself into a black butterfly, paper-thin wings carrying her lightly and effortlessly through the woman's dreams to find a particular dream where perhaps Lonnie and Ardyn interacted. Milhin would not address Lonnie directly. She would address Lonnie's dream, seeming no different than any other dream obstacle.
Lilwen Nickleby - Today at 11:21 PM
Reign
The magic reacted with what should be a familiar impishness, tendrils coyly flexing away, playing at leaving before returning with a loving caress. This magic knew him. The air in front of Reign lazily peeled back and folded on itself to reveal a very pregnant Shelzi sitting in a rocking chair. Dressed in the same nightgown she'd been wearing the night of the disappearance, her lips were curled in a soft smile while she rested bloodstained hands on her swollen belly, rocking at a slow, leisurely pace.
But he could not advance.
Trent & Reign Kaliba - Today at 11:25 PM
Reign paused, he could not help but steel himself against the emotions that rose up, a rising tide that could extinguish the fragile flame of his returned power. It was psionic in nature, something different than magic... Something far more internal.
Reign's manifestation emboldened him, but he knew he had no method in which to break through. So he looked for another door, "Show me an agent of the Brightest Lady...Show me who did this." He willed, his expectations...limited.
Lilwen Nickleby - Today at 11:28 PM
Zephyr
The pages flipped rapidly as soon as Zephyr opened it, revealing a single sentence upon the page: "Zephyr steals the pendant."
Milhin
Lonnie's dreams were boringly easy to meld into. Ardyn, Ardyn, Ardyn. Something different: Lonnie beaming as Ardyn escorted her down a narrow way, perhaps an ally, towards a building with a symbol hanging above the door: A golden flame mirrored in flat black beneath. There were words: The Light's Shadows.
"Remember, darling. Once you see Her you must fall to your knees immediately."
Lilwen Nickleby - Today at 11:32 PM
Reign
The magic quivered, the image in front of him rippling and there was a strong sense of frustration. The image gradually cleared, even clarifying so he could make out the rust colored stains smeared over the nightgown at her belly.
Too Many Kalibas - Today at 11:32 PM
Zephyr stared down at the page, brows raising. "Zephyr what?" He exclaimed. "What pendant?" He lifted his head, looking around to all of his family members, looking even more bewildered than when he'd first entered the room with Lilwen on his heels.
Too Many Kalibas - Today at 11:36 PM
The butterfly latched onto that particular dream. It seemed to have promise. She took note of her surroundings, committing them to memory even while understanding that dreams never quite showed locations correctly. It was better than nothing. The Light's Shadows This seemed important. And so the butterfly descended and its delicate feet found dream-Ardyn's back and clinged to dream-fabric as they were about to enter the building. For now, the dream spy was content to ride the dream and learn what she could.
Trent & Reign Kaliba - Today at 11:40 PM
" The child...My child." Reign shook his head. "Grace. We would name her..." Wait a second. Shelzi's hands were covered in blood. She...wasn't wounded. What had she done? She had...huh. "Olympus." he said, calling the Observatory by it's proper name.
"Reconfigure from Observation to Communication. I want to speak to her." He altered the runes on the basin blindly, able to feel them more than see them. He was running out of time, the mental power it took to envelop himself in protection couldn't last forever.
Too Many Kalibas - Today at 11:47 PM
She had a potential location. It wasn't enough, however. She needed more. The butterfly flitted away from the fizzled dream, wings beating furiously as the insect danced with the Gift of Morpheus. Another dream, another bit of information. With Lonnie locked in her slumber, Milhin had time to flit here and there as she pleased, looking for more.
Lilwen Nickleby - Today at 11:47 PM
Reign
If he listened close he might hear a faint feminine chuckle, Shelzi but not as she was, but as she'd once been. The vision faded away, leaving him in darkness.
"I knew you would find a way. I've only a little tucked away here. Ask quick. I can be here but I cannot altar the threads."
In front of Reign was a brilliant white light, requiring one to suffer through the initial burn of it before an image within became clear. Shelzi, but her presence was dim. Her, but only in the same way a reflection or portrait is her.
Too Many Kalibas - Today at 11:54 PM
"That's the thing about prophecies." Laelia said, reaching up to ruffle Zephyr's hair. "They're never clear. And you often don't know what they mean until you're right in the center of it. So many potential meanings and interpretations." She knew from experience. She'd almost died due to prophecy once.
"How...is stealing a pendant supposed to help anything? Steal it from who?" Zephyr asked, looking down at the page. "Can't you tell me more?"
Lilwen Nickleby - Today at 11:54 PM
Milhin
Fortune was with Milhin. The landscape bled into the inside of a chapel. The pews were handcarved, simple, the altar a white cloth draped over a plank of wood. On the cloth was the symbol of a gold flame mirrored in black underneath. The two of them walked arm-in-armdown the aisle and filed into a seat near the front. Ardyn put an arm around her shoulders and pulled her close as they waited.
An imposing man stepped to the front, dressed in gleaming armor like a warrior or knight. But when he spoke his voice was a smooth bass rumble, his words spoken so even the space between them somehow felt important. "Another of our number has been Graced with a vision of our Lady." There was a great deal of clapping. He waited patiently. "Ardyn, if you would please step down..."
Lilwen Nickleby - Today at 11:57 PM
Zephyr
All the other pages were blank for him except the one. Lilwen nodded with sad expectation, "That's what it did, what it does. We have to figure out who else could be considered a Legacy or what have you and see if it reveals any more." She glanced over at Trent. "Right? Who is left?"
Too Many Kalibas - Today at 11:57 PM
"Verity? Victor?" Zephyr asked, looking at his uncle questioningly.
Trent & Reign Kaliba - Today at 11:58 PM
Victor nodded, and without much fanfare reached out and touched the book.
Too Many Kalibas - Today at 12:00 AM
Ahh! The butterfly leapt to and fro in the air, flitting up high to the ceiling, blending into the shadows of the chapel rafters. She took great care to observe the symbolism of the room, the visage of the man in gleaming armour.
She watched as dream Ardyn was called upon. Milhin assumed these moments were all construed in Lonnie's subconscious for a reason, and she intended to follow them as much as she could before it became unfruitful. And then she would become less a passive participant of these dreams.
Lilwen Nickleby - Today at 12:07 AM
Reign
"Yes before but after... that isn't important. I have plucked what strands I...tell Sinead I am sorry..." Her voice was strained but continued. "The Light's Shadows are IN New Arisalon. Reign... I have her, we're safe...... dammit...* And then it was gone, much of the power stored there depleted.
Victor
The book performed as before, eerily flipping through pages to reveal a new sentence. "Victor hangs on to the griffin."
Lilwen Nickleby - Today at 12:09 AM
Milhin
Ardyn stepped to the front and smiled shyly at those in the pews. "I have indeed been Graced with a vision of the Lady and Babe. Although it is my wife's story I feel more important." He smiled adoringly at Lonnie... What was his last name? What was it? What...? The vision swirled and wavered, the dreamer distressed as the conscious realizes a gaping hole in their fantasy.
Too Many Kalibas - Today at 12:13 AM
No, no, no, stay with it you dense bitch... Milhin cursed, willing the dreamer to continue with the dream, to ignore the slight hiccup. Last names didn't matter in dreams, details were never constant. They were easily passed over. Give me the man's name, sweet girl. Just his name. And then we can play.
Trent & Reign Kaliba - Today at 12:17 AM
Reign could only smile faintly. Shelzi had prepared for it.. For all he knew, she was safe. It was the only thing he did know. He also knew something else. The Light's Shadow was in New Arisalon, and Darklight or no...it was a light he was going to extinguish.
He disengaged from the apparatus, and when he felt himself back in his body, he collapsed to the floor feeling as if he had lost no small amount of strength. Quickly in a panic he searched for that little flame still being fed fuel.
He gasped for air, struggling to stay conscious, and for a moment he nearly laughed. The light had not went out. However small- he was not so diminished after all. "Olympus, reconfigure. Sanctuary. " he said rolling over onto his side as his disorientation quickly had him about to vomit. It wasn't graceful, but here he could rest- solidify that spark.
Reign exhausted from his attempt, didn't move for a long while.
Trent & Reign Kaliba - Today at 12:18 AM
Trent nodded, though waited for results from Laelia to go through- it didn't look like he'd be able to avoid the strange book. He reached out, brushing fingers against the book- his interest in how the book would react to his own wards protecting his annonymity.
Too Many Kalibas - Today at 12:15 AM
"A griffon huh? Maybe you and Uncle Trent should try?" Zephyr asked, holding the book out to his mother and Trent.
Laelia looked at the book dubiously. "I'm not certain there will be any effect, but in the interest of making sure." She shrugged. "Better to know." She would place out her hand to the book on the off chance more information could be found. "You should take it to Verity as well."
Lilwen Nickleby - Today at 12:19 AM
Milhin
Ardyn. Lonnie shook with nerves as the impressive armored man gestured for the two of them to step into an office. A nod indicated they should sit in the chairs in front of a cherrywood desk and Ardyn held hers for her and patted her shoulder before sitting himself.
The scene gradually brightened, the change in illumination happening so slowly it nearly went unnoticed until it began to hurt the eyes.
"Inquisitor Allen it is an honor to sit here in front of y---"
The dream fizzled out, the mind settling into a black abyss of exhaustion.
Too Many Kalibas - Today at 12:19 AM
Zephyr nodded and looked over at Lilwen. "Verity is with Grandmother, making sure she stays stable."
Lilwen Nickleby - Today at 12:24 AM
Laelia/Victor/Trent
The book remained only a book for Laelia, no mystic flutter of pages or even a pulse of magic to be found. There was a spark when Trent touched it, almost a bratty-zap meant for sheer onryness instead of any real attempt to injure.
Too Many Kalibas - Today at 12:25 AM
Milhin recoiled from the brightness of the light, hissing savagely until there was nothing but blackness surrounding her. She could not tell where her dainty wings ended and the darkness began. The abyss of dreamlessness was lovely. But altogether useless. It was time to leave. She could do more. There was more she wanted to know, more she had to offer. Her leverage was still hiding up her sleeve and she had no qualms about using it. But there were no more dreams to chase, and so Milhin gradually pulled herself out of the dreamless abyss and slowly felt awareness of her own body filter back into her consciousness.
Pins and needles pricked at her feet and legs and with a sigh of irritation she spent a moment working them out of her legs to ensure she could stand without her legs collapsing out from beneath her.
Trent & Reign Kaliba - Today at 12:25 AM
"Yep, I'm thinking it doesn't like me much."
Lilwen Nickleby - Today at 12:27 AM
"It needs to go to Verity, although...," Lilwen bit her lip and looked at Trent. Because he was so handsome...and it was currently relevant to look at him. Ahem. Her cheeks were pink when she went on. "Could it wait? Maybe she should be left to..." care for the sick Rosewyn, she finished silently out of consideration.
"It all happened in the same order before. So... Zephyr has to find and steal a pendant?" she guessed.
Too Many Kalibas - Today at 12:28 AM
"That settles that. It isn't meant for us." Laelia mused with a smirk, glancing at her son. She couldn't even look down at him anymore. He was taller than she was. "You'd better find that pendant. Apparently this has nothing to do with me." And she found that amusing. Particularly how lost Zephyr looked.
"I...guess." Zephyr said absently, closing the book. "Depends. How urgent is it? I mean...we don't know when Grandma is gonna wake up. Maybe we should just go and let Verity touch it. It would only take a minute."
Trent & Reign Kaliba - Today at 12:30 AM
He glanced over the book, and took note of the gemstone hanging from it's marker. "Do you think that perhaps that's the pendant? Or" he paused. Milhin was back. "We should take some time to rest...actually rest." he said with a gesture to all of htem. "Milhin finished her interogation, we'll compiled what we know (post logs) and continue after some rest. Besides...on of the rings gates has been used. I believe Reign has returned. I wager we let Verity touch it, just to see- then summarize what we know."
Too Many Kalibas - Today at 12:32 AM
Finally, Milhin stood up and smoothed out the skirts of her gown, combing fingers through her hair. With a fatigued exhale, she finally tapped lightly on the cell door, and it was opened from the outside. After she left, the guards looked within, perhaps surprised to find Lonnie Thatcher laying in exactly the same position as she had been before, seeming none the worse for wear.
Milhin ascended back into the upper floors of the palace, wandering with her same slow gait, coming finally to stand in the doorway of the room once more, a pleased smile curving her mouth.
Lilwen Nickleby - Today at 12:34 AM
It sounded good to Lilwen so she nodded. She gave the jeweled bookmark a thoughtful look. "Why would Zephyr have to steal that though?" She shrugged and suddenly began to seriously want for a bed. And food. Food first.
"I'm hungry." She did one of her awkward nod/bow/dip things and then wandered out in search of something to eat.
Too Many Kalibas - Today at 12:36 AM
"It's hardly stealing if I already have it. Maybe the pendant is something that looks like it? I don't know." He looked down at the book awkwardly as Lilwen left the room, leaving the book in his possession. "Uh..."
Laelia took pity on him. "Come on, Zephyr. The rest can wait until we've had a rest." She threw an arm around her son's shoulder and pulled out the room, casting a wary glance at the Necromancer as they went past.
