#A'zaela Linh

[onwesterlywinds]

PROMPT #1: Steer

Livvy Ahtynwyb had sometimes contemplated, long before learning how to sail, what she might name her boat if she were ever to have one of her own. The decision had seemed monumental, as pivotal to her reputation as a Sea Wolf as the naming of a paladin's sword: such names were often writ large in legends, as much as the names of the sailors they carried.

To her misfortune, the Garlean Empire had already taken all of the best references to Ivalician myth for their biggest and most powerful airships.

A few too many teary rounds of drinks at the meyhane (after a few too many fogweed cookies at the Baldesion Annex) had left her emotionally and mentally settled on the name Starbird, with blue trim and perhaps blue sails for good measure. This had lasted only until she'd floated the concept around Sharlayan's docks and Erenville had replied, as dryly as ever, "Larboard of Starbird."

So it was that Allegoria - a former racing sloop converted into its previous owner's liveaboard - made her inaugural sail from Limsa Lominsa's docks on a voyage to Tural.

They'd had a rough go of it with the storm. Ahtyn had counted down the bells for the rain to break - then the minutes, then the seconds. All the while, she had kept both her hands on the wheel, the better to attempt heaving to after the line on their sea anchor had frayed and snapped, whispering shanties and prayers and fae charms that had availed her hardly at all.

When the downpour at last slowed to a drizzle and the gusts calmed to a light breeze, she could not summon the energy to unclip herself from the stanchions.

The bright blue mainsail, Ahtyn's sole vanity throughout all Allegoria's outfitting, had taken the most damage: the winds had carved a slice clean through its middle, even after several reefs to limit its surface area. Despite all the buffeting they'd endured, they were lucky to have lost only a small portion of their provisions during the storm, in the form of a few of the larger bottles of wine that the Riot-Marbrands had left in the cockpit.

The others emerged slowly from below deck, whether due to seasickness or some other trepidation. A'zaela Linh's ears were so flat against her head that Ahtyn first expected them to be stuck that way; then she went over, unfastened Ahtyn's lifelines, and unzipped her foul weather cloak.

"How are you doing?" she asked.

Her back was sore, she realized - not from maintaining her posture over the wheel, but from her pixie wings being blown about in the gale. Ahtyn rolled out her shoulders and the wings gave a gentle flutter. "I think I'm okay."

"You look like you just sailed us straight through the Hell of Water," Sihtric commented as he exited the companionway, before seeming to remember the magnitude of the feat. "Thanks, Ahtyn. Knew we were in good hands."

"Only one problem," she said. "I think my fucking compass went overboard."

A'zaela and Sihtric merely stared at her, then out to the becalmed waves.

"We could try-" Sihtric began, then, "Never mind."

"What about-" A'zaela chimed in, but did not elaborate. Neither of them suggested waking Ashe or Edge for their suggestions.

"We're still connected to the Sandsea's communication network, though, aren't we?" Ahtyn asked. "If nothing else, they'll know where we are. Even if we don't know where we are."

"Unless we got blown into another reflection," said Sihtric helpfully. "In which case, we probably won't know it until we make landfall."

"Thanks for that."

"Anytime."

They would have to bring down the torn main and replace it with the spare. They would have to reassess the condition of the sheets and rigging and other lines. They had any number of tasks that would be essential for their safety regardless of whether or not they knew their course, and yet the sheer dread of how close they had come to death before even reaching Tural held Ahtyn in a stunned silence, rendering her unable or unwilling to mobilize her would-be crew into action. She followed her friends' gazes out to the sea beyond, as far as they could possibly be from assistance.

"Well," Ahtyn said at last. "Worst-case scenario… we wait for dusk, and hope for clear skies tonight. We can follow the stars west, even if it means we end up somewhere other than Tuliyollal." She paused as another thought struck her. "Unless…"

Ahtyn looked down at the wheel, toward where a certain engineer of the Ironworks and his interdimensional friend had performed modifications of their own: a panel only a few ilms wide, bearing the words "CAPTAIN'S USE ONLY: LIFT IN CASE OF EMERGENCY."

She lifted the panel with a single finger, and it flipped upward with a small clatter. Beneath it was another panel of identical shape and size, bearing two words: "LARBOARD" on the left, and "STARBOARD" on the right.

"Real helpful," she said, though Alpha and Omega would have no hope of hearing her and would likely offer no more than their respective head-tilts if they did.

But something else lay beneath the second panel. As Ahtyn revealed it, a black screen sparked to life - and within moments, their coordinates, heading, and speed shone across its surface in beautiful crystalline blue.

[dat-paw]

sometimes bein a friend means giving tough advice

feat. @thelegendofivalice

bonus:

feat. @thecat-inthehat

[foewreckem]

Prompt #10: Foster

( some undetermined day at the Sandsea, guest starring @thelegendofivalice whomst I cannot tag  )

-------

The squeak of running boots on hardwood interrupted A’zaela’s morning.

By now she knew the weight and cadence of those steps, and so she went up the stairs two at a time, prepared to sternly remind Alaq’it that she wasn’t supposed to be running in the godsdamned Sands--

But she stopped when she saw the younger girl’s stricken face. “What’s wrong?”

Alaq’it took a moment to gather her breath. “She is leaning badly!  Please, please come look at her again!”

A’zaela nodded and followed her swiftly out of the house and into the garden; Alaq’it stopped her mad dash at a very strange plant that stood out from the rest of the garden like a sore thumb. She watched anxiously as A’zaela leaned over to inspect the thing, taking the leaning part into her hand before tapping a green bulb with a smile on her face.

“She’s going to have a flower here, I think.” A’zaela motioned for Alaq’it to lean down next to her.

Alaq’it complied eagerly, relief washing over her face. “That is good, yes, she will not die?”

“She won’t.” A’zaela had a big smile. “But in Eorzea, there’s something we do for plants. It’s especially important here, where it’s so hot.”

Alaq’it was listening in rapt silence. A’zaela carefully raised a fist, and…

...pumped it in the direction of the plant.

“Go, plant!”

Now Alaq’it’s relief had dissolved into pure confusion, but at a nod from A’zaela, she raised her own small fist.

“Go… plant… go… plant!”

It was a good and balmy morning.

[crimson-bull]

Reasons Wretched and Divine

Before the party makes to board the shuttle, Malla takes A'zaela Linh aside. A'zaela is instantly uncomfortable.

Malla Velius: "Alaq'it has the Scorpio stone. Have you noticed anything unusual?"

Malla Velius: "Or is... this... how she behaves?"

A'zaela turns and stares at Alaq'it, as if she's trying to gauge her behavior.

A'zaela Linh: "I suppose your definition of strange may be different than ours. If you mean strange vocabulary and a bit of hyperactivity, that's entirely normal, yes."

Malla Velius: "I mean speaking in tongues and referring to herself in grandiose terms."

Malla Velius makes a straight face at A'zaela Linh.

A'zaela Linh returns the stare. Something about Malla puts her -- or her stone? -- on edge. "If she acts worse for wear on the mission, I will send her home. I've almost watched her die once. I will not let anything like it happen again."

Fawn, as always, is keeping to herself. She keeps glancing to each party member simply to check up on them.

Alaq'it is keeping a back to the wall, back from the group.

Malla Velius: "Good. The shuttle's almost ready; we can depart whenever you're prepared."

Malla Velius hasn't spoken with Rhotfarr Sundyrfyrsyn since the night Grissom died, but she makes a point to engage with him before they leave.

As Malla moves, Alaq'it slinks behind A'zaela, gripping her belt gently.

Malla Velius: "Is there anything else you need?”

Fawn gives the giant bag by her left a nudge with her foot. "Good to go here."

Ashelia Riot nods to Timid Fawn.

A'zaela Linh: "How are you faring?" A'z asks Alaq'it, hopefully quiet enough so Malla does not hear.

Rhotfarr Sundyrfyrsyn Bull shakes his head, "Nothin' that you could really provide me with. I'm ready to go."

Malla Velius nods again. "Then we'd best be off."

Alaq'it simply returns a smile to A'z, keeping the taller girl between her and Malla.

Fawn hoists the bag up from the ground, letting it hang from her shoulder. "Mhm. Let's."

Malla Velius: "I will warn you that Lady Fran is rather direct."

Malla says this in an almost /admiring/ tone.

Rhotfarr Sundyrfyrsyn: "So she ain't much different than you."

Malla Velius: "...More so than me."

With that, she flies the party into Rabanastran airspace.

A'zaela Linh: "...you're doing better, Bull?"

Rhotfarr Sundyrfyrsyn: "I had a lot of time to think. I guess 'better' is a good way to say it, yeah."

A'zaela Linh nods once, her face surprisingly neutral. Weeks ago, there might have been worry, empathy, even a bit of fear on her face. But now, there was simply nothing, as if she were trained to keep all emotion off her face. "I'm glad to hear it. Truly." We'll need your voice for this mission today. I'm glad to have you here." Her eyes train on Fawn. "All of you."

Fawn watches A'zaela and Alaq'it. With the lack of knowing them for less than a few weeks, she cannot  decipher if there is anything truly odd about them... At least with any subtle displays. "Of course." She directs to A'zaela.

Rhotfarr Sundyrfyrsyn: "Can't say I'm lookin' forward to playin' diplomat, but ya gotta do what ya gotta do."

Rhotfarr Sundyrfyrsyn shrugs at A'zaela Linh.

Rhotfarr Sundyrfyrsyn: "...as long as these people don't try to fight me, I think I'll do fine." he flashes a thumbs up.

Timid Fawn: "Let's hope not..."

Only Alaq'it went into the sewers the previous time, and it seems remarkably different to her: the atmosphere, while still ominous, does not contain the air of a place that is about to explode at any second.

Alaq'it is hanging back from the group enough so that she keeps everyone in her sight. Rhotfarr's comment about the Resistence fighting them has only fueled her quiet paranoia.

The Garamsythe Waterway is centuries old - and this time, Bull sees evidence of the ages past. He sees etching from times long ago, and though he cannot read their words, he can tell that they were carved to record dwindling water reserves as part of a final effort for survival. So too does he see evidence of current use - and current hardships. As he turns, he sees a young girl, no more than eight years old, but she meets his eye for no more than a moment before fleeing into the shadows.

Rhotfarr Sundyrfyrsyn: "It's always a damn shame when people gotta hide in their own home like this." he shakes his head, "Havin' to resort to livin' like rats because of somethin' so petty like power. Makes me sick." his face twists into a frown.

Fawn tries to figure what he says, or saw, rather. But she doesn't see a damn thing. "Are you spottin' somethin' we aren't, er...?"

Rhotfarr Sundyrfyrsyn: "Yeah, there was a girl there. Only got a glance before she ran off."

Rhotfarr Sundyrfyrsyn seems lost in thought.

Fawn tries to follow his gaze, or at least where it was.

A'zaela's eyes widen. "There are people...living here?" She frowns, now glancing all around her.

Rhotfarr Sundyrfyrsyn: "Unless kids are just playin' games in the sewers of an occupied city, I'd assume so."

Timid Fawn: "Both are believable to me, honestly." Her head slowly weaves and bobs as she's surveying the area herself even if there is no evidence for her to spy upon.

The party comes to a point in the tunnel that opens to a wide, sprawling view of the sewer system - the place where Malla had hinted a member of the Resistance would be waiting for you. She stands as though she has nothing else to do, her gaze calm. She is a Viera woman - and given her ears, she seems to have sensed your presence well in advance.

Fran: "Well met, Riskbreakers,"

A'zaela Linh: "Well met,"

Rhotfarr Sundyrfyrsyn: "See? What'd I tell ya? Not playin' around." he nudges Fawn.

Fawn feels an utter sense of... dread? Upon seeing Fran. Her gazed is averted but she gives a grunt in acknowledgement...

Fran casts them all - but mostly Bull - a very /intense/ look. It isn't inherently unfriendly, but you aren't certain what to make of it, either. "I understand you've come with questions for the Resistance. I cannot say I blame you."

Most of Alaq'it's face stays as it has been, but at the sight of Fran's extremely large ears, her mouth twitches almost imperceptibly into a smile. The effect is very short-lived.

A'zaela nods once, flipping through all of the things she could possibly even think to ask. She starts strong: "What can you tell us of Grissom? I was under the impression that he was a long standing member of the Resistance. Yet we've no idea why he turned coats and stole the auracite. Any information you have could be valuable."

Alaq'it Moks: "Yes, perhaps you know why he let his head get away from him."

Fran: "Grissom." Her face darkens visibly at the name. "I cannot say I know of everything that came to pass... but he coordinated with Lente's Tears - my faction of the Dalmascan resistance - for several years."

A'zaela Linh "And?" she asks, eyes sparkling from the new information. "Was there anything to foreshadow his dissent? A tie to the empire, a trigger -- anything?"

Fran places a hand upon her chin in a gesture of thought, "There were signs, in truth. All of them recognized in hindsight. He came to Rabanastre from Lea Monde, along with his brother - but at that time, there had been no resistance activity from the region in the better part of a year. My sisters in the Golmore Jungle said as much.That was... seven years ago."

Rhotfarr Sundyrfyrsyn: "Talk about a slow burn...what did he do for y'all?"

Fran: "He was a swordsman, his brother a thaumaturge. But of the two, Grissom was the strategist." Fran stares off into the distance, as though she has just realized something. "...And when he suggested we give the Virgo stone to Ashelia Riot as a token of goodwill, none of us in Lente's Tears thought better of it."

Alaq'it Moks: "Brother?" Her voice feels almost like a croak from speaking out of impulse; she swallows hard.

Fawn finally decides to chime in, recalling /some/ of the conversation from the infirmary. "...Do you and yours have any stones in your possession now?"

Fran turns to Alaq'it Moks. "Duane. He died in the Barheim Incident." She nods her head in a different direction - the direction which Alaq'it may or may not recognize as being the way toward the Barheim Passage. Alaq'it does not look away from Fran or acknowledge the Passage.

Fran: "No. At the time of your Grand Steward's first contact with Malla, we had only four stones in our possession: Virgo, Leo, Sagittarius, and Cancer. Grissom made away with them all."

Rhotfarr Sundyrfyrsyn seems lost in thought.

A'zaela's eyes narrow. "Surely you knew the dangers of handing auracite to strangers."

Rhotfarr Sundyrfyrsyn: "Those were the only four you had? We found the Taurus stone on his person...where would he have gotten that?"

Fran: "The stones responded to none of us - not even our leader. Or so we believed. Now we suspect Grissom may have been carrying more all along. Though where he found those... it is impossible to say."

Timid Fawn: "What about the one A'zaela picked up in the clearing? What was that one?" She looks between Bull and A'zaela.

Timid Fawn seems lost in thought.

Fran's eyes move back and forth between the four of them as she realizes that they have stones with them.

Rhotfarr Sundyrfyrsyn shrugs.

A'zaela Linh: "I am uncertain. I ended up giving mine to Ashelia."

Fran: "I thought we had agreed to meet in good faith, Riskbreaker. Or so Malla said."

At the words "in good faith", Alaq'it feels her pulse pick up.

A'zaela Linh: "The same good faith that you handed the Virgo stone to Ashelia Riot?" A'zaela asks, her tone flat. The stone pulses hot on her chest, and she winces and grabs at the hidden necklace around her throat.

Fran tenses, as though readying herself for an explosion.

Bull’s face turns stern, eyes shifting back and forth between A'zaela and Fran, "Please don't do this, we can't afford it. Any of us."

Fran: "As I said: a suggestion from an ally of many years. Neither I nor the leader of Lente's Tears would have-"

Alaq'it is now looking from Fran to A'zaela. Her head movements are slow and controlled, but her eyes are wide, cornered prey. Rhotfarr's words register dimly.

A'zaela's stone is a bright purple, exposing it for what it is; the Sagittarius auracite. She breaks out in a cold sweat and the metal becomes hotter in her hands, burning her.

A'zaela Linh: "I-I'm sorry, I--" she lets out a painful shriek and rips it from her neck, letting it clatter loudly to the ground.

Alaq'it's rising panic is slightly calmed by A'zaela's injury. "A'zaela. Your hands." She ignores the stone, reaching for A'zaela's hands to heal. Instead of healing, the burn seems to be turning slightly green.

Timid Fawn is visibly alert at this point, glaring at the stone. She turns her attention to A'zaela. "Are you alright?"

Fran is staring at the stone, still not moving from her defensive position.

A'zaela’s entire body shakes. "She--she's angry. I-I don't know--she's mad at me for not lying well enough. She wants Ashelia, she wants me back, b-but she hurt me, and -- OW!!"

Alaq'it Moks: "The healing... did not take," Alaq'it explains to Fawn, without taking her eyes of A'z.

A'zaela Linh stares at Fran, still truly trusting Alaq'it to heal her. She can't control aether -- she doesn't know what's going wrong with the healing. "I-I'm sorry, Fran. I...please. Bull. Keep asking questions. I-I don't want to ruin this, I..."

Alaq'it kneels by A'zaela and attempts to invoke a stronger Arcana. This time, the skin seems to be mending. Fawn shadows over the both of them just in case if things go awry with the mending.

Fran bends gracefully, picking up the Sagittarius stone by the chain.

Bull kneels next to A'zaela, "The stones are nothin' but trouble," he looks up toward Fran, "And will kill us all if we don't find a way to deal with them."

Fran: "It would seem so."

A'zaela flinches away when Fran touches the Auracite, as if something is about to strike her. She shivers as she feels eyes on her back, as though Shemhazai is glaring at her.

Fran stares for a moment into the stone's purple facets. Briefly, it's as if she can see something, and there's a flash - or maybe just a glimmer. But then the moment passes, and Fran hands the stone out to the two Roegadyn for one of them to take.

Timid Fawn: "Please, try to keep your wits about you... Breath slow and deep." She gingerly places a hand on A'zaela's shoulder. She doesn't quite understand what's ailing her, but she sees the physical symptoms.

Alaq'it stares at the stone hanging from Fran's fingers. "A'zaela, she is yours."

Bull puts his hands up, "I've had my fill of these damn things." he motions to Fawn, "She'd be the one to trust with it."

Fawn holds out her hands. "Never trusted the damned things to begin with..." She shoves the stone into her pocket without a second thought.

Fran gives a very cautious glance at Alaq'it, then places the stone in Fawn's hands.

A'zaela calms down for a moment upon hearing Alaq'it speak. It's...a sudden clarity. She knows what needs to be done.

Alaq'it grips A'zaela's shoulder tightly, and leans toward a tall ear for one more whisper, meant only for A'z. "Yours."

Rhotfarr Sundyrfyrsyn: "If only we could just...y'know. Dispose of them."

Timid Fawn: "Cast them to a volcano I say..."

Rhotfarr Sundyrfyrsyn: "Keep that safe until we can secure it somewhere it won't hurt anyone."

A'zaela takes a moment. She listens to Alaq'it. Then she looks at Fran, "Miss. What can you tell us about Ashelia? Not our Ashelia. There is another. Was another. Will be another? My Ashelia said something about it, but it...it didn't make any sense."

For the first time, Fran's eyes widen in surprise.

Fran: "...Malla must have told you of her. I will say no more. Should you be captured, should you or your stone fall into imperial hands, there is no telling who may come upon that information. Therefore, I will say nothing of the Princess."

A'zaela Linh: "What? No, I..." A'zaela rubs a hand over her eye. "I fear that the Virgo stone is taking her over. The Virgo and Sagittarius stone -- they plot together. While we were speaking...she had a vision. A vision of another Ashelia..."

Alaq'it Moks: "So, there IS another. Now." Alaq'it pats A'zaela's head as she stands.

Bull tilts his head at Alaq'it Moks, she's been acting...strange, stranger than usual.

A'zaela looks at Fawn. "It's why she's so angry. She knows I will protect Ashelia with my life." She looks at Fran, clearly upset, but understanding. "Of course. I'm...I'm sorry I let it happen this way."

Fran shakes her head, her hair swishing across her shoulders. "Of what visions the stone may have given your leader, I know nothing - only that, in legends, the stones have made prophets and saints of mortals ...I am sorry."

Bull scoffs, "These legends are just that, legends - too good to be true."

Fran gives a smirk - though not necessarily an unkind one.

A'zaela stares at Fawn again -- at the pocket she put the auracite away in. "Perhaps we should all start putting a bit more stock in legends."

Fran: "They certainly served Grissom well."

Rhotfarr Sundyrfyrsyn: "So well that he became more machine than man then got his head cut off. Yeah, REAL well."

Fran: "Hm?"

Fawn keeps an eye on A'zaela, uncertain of her potential desire to retrieve the stone back or not. "He was off when we found him. Metal legs... Metal voice. Weird." She says to Fran. "Was he like that when he joined?"

Fran: "No. He was Hyuran."

Timid Fawn: "No fixed limbs or anything? None of that?" Fawn isn't that great at words but she's trying.

Fran: "No." She seems certain of it, after having known and fought alongside the man for seven years.

Timid Fawn seems lost in thought.

Rhotfarr Sundyrfyrsyn: "Even up to the point he took the auracite and fled, fully himself at that time?"

Fran: "...He was gone for stretches at a time, but I would certainly have noticed if he had become what you describe."

A'zaela Linh: "That means from the time he deserted and the time we found him, he was turned into a metal shell of what he once was. He still bled, but...he was..."

Timid Fawn: "Do we have a timeframe of that?" She asks no one in particular.

A'zaela Linh: "No. I don't know. Malla might."

Timid Fawn: "Fair. I might ask her on our return." She nods.

A'zaela Linh: "At least...we know that having so many around us is incredibly dangerous. Do you know of a way to destroy them, Miss?" For some reason, she can't bring herself to say's Fran's name, like she doesn't deserve it after what Shemhazai made her say.

Fran: "I do not. But I will consult with my people - and determine if a solution may lie in myth."

Rhotfarr Sundyrfyrsyn: "A legend to destroy another legend, how fittin'." he chuckles at the thought.

Fran: "Precisely."

A'zaela finally stands. She's run out of questions, but she looks around at everyone else who might have one. Her gaze lingers on Alaq'it. Thinking. Knowing.

Alaq'it meets her stare. "You are well?"

A'zaela Linh only nods.

Timid Fawn shifts her gaze briefly in Fran's direction, but not /on/ her. "...Do you have any questions for us, Fran?"

Fran purses her lips. "You say that you have found more stones. How many do you have?"

Fawn squints for a moment, holding up both hands to count on each finger. At least she's trying to remember them all.

A'zaela Linh looks at Fawn, then Bull. "Was it...ten? So many numbers flew around the last time it was brought up..."

Alaq'it Moks: "More than he left the Resistance with." Alaq'it moves her stare back to Fran.

Rhotfarr Sundyrfyrsyn: "Ten by last count, yeah." he nods firmly.

Timid Fawn: "I know someone made mention that two were missing..."

Fran: "And your Grand Steward. You say the stone has spoken to her?"

Fawn looks to A'zaela to answer that one.

A'zaela pauses, her chin quivering for a moment, almost scared to say anything more about Ashelia out loud. "She's..."

Bull gives A'zaela a stern look, "She's what? This is important, if you know anythin', it'd be best to tell us."

A'zaela Linh swallows. "Let's just say we need to get the stone away from her."

Fran nods. "I will remain in contact with Malla, in that case."

Rhotfarr Sundyrfyrsyn: "Might be best we get the stones away from everyone who's got one, honestly. Causin' quite a pain."

Fran: "I must take my leave. Be well. All of you."

Timid Fawn: "Take care." She bids farewell to Fran with a small wave.

A'zaela does not say goodbye. She doesn't want to say anything. She's a mixture of ashamed and embarrassed, making her jaw lock.

Fran inclines her head to Fawn and departs.

Rhotfarr Sundyrfyrsyn: "I think she likes you." he nudges Fawn, giving a laugh.

Fawn's face turned a deep shade of red. "Sssh." She avoids everyone's gaze.

Alaq'it Moks: "I do not think... I do not think that is wise until we know a way to destroy them." She says this after giving a halfhearted wave to Fran, before turning to put the others in her view. She tilts her head at Fawn a bit after Rhotfarr's comment.

Rhotfarr Sundyrfyrsyn: "I think that it'd be a lot easier if we did, they've been no help to us. None at all."

Alaq'it moves to check A'zaela's hand as she responds. "You are not wrong, but you saw what they did to Grissom, gathered in one place."

Timid Fawn clears her throat. "Right... We'll have to keep tight communications in the hopes of knowing how."

Alaq'it Moks: "If we keep them separate until we know how to destroy them, it will minimize such a thing happening again."

Alaq'it Moks: "Yes... and he did say she likes you."

Rhotfarr Sundyrfyrsyn: "Keep 'em separate, but secure them apart from each other. Out of people's hands."

A'zaela lets her hand be taken, but she is wary now. Yet...she still trusts Alaq'it, and does not let her hestation show.

Timid Fawn: "...As much as I enjoy playing in smelly sewers, I think that's all we can do here for now."

Alaq'it Moks drops A'zaela's hand and nods to Fawn. "I will... I think it is called 'taking point'." She scurries ahead at this point.

A'zaela Linh lets Alaq'it run off, but stops both Bull and Fawn, speaking quietly. "Alaq'it has a stone. A dangerous one, I think."

Rhotfarr Sundyrfyrsyn: "All the more reason to take it from her."

Timid Fawn: "Exactly."

A'zaela Linh: "I agree. But...do not talk about it around her. She..." she holds out her hand. It's still slightly green, "If it's anything like mine, she's a ticking time bomb. Let me handle her. Please."

Rhotfarr Sundyrfyrsyn: "That stone's gonna make her erratic, and erratic means dangerous. I hope you know what you're doin'."

A'zaela Linh: "...I do. I made a promise to myself a long time ago. I won't let anything happen to her."

Timid Fawn leans in to examine A’zaela’s hand, her face scrunching in disgust. "That's... Let me clean that up." She goes for the pack straped to her belt, pulling out a few square gauze and a bottle of what appears to be alcohol.

A'zaela flinches back a little, but lets her hand be taken. The Sagittarius stone...it was too close. But Fawn was right-- it needed to be cleaned. "...Thank you...I watched Alaq'it almost die once. Right after Sylvan...'died'. I almost lost two that day. It won't happen again. Ever. I'll rip that stone from everyone's hands, if I need to. I swear it." Tears spring to her eyes--not from the alcohol, but she hopes it seems that way.

Timid Fawn: "Anytime... It ain't lookin' pretty right now, but let's hope this helps." She opens the bottle and pour a fair amount of the clear liquid over the wounds. "If you need back up, we are only a call away. You know that, right?"

A'zaela Linh: "I do. I won't hesitate to ask. I promise. And...I'm sorry. I messed up today. I didn't mean to ruin this for all of us..."

Timid Fawn wraps up A'zaela's hands as neatly as she can in bandages. "I feel this little meetin' went okay." She smiles reassuringly.

Rhotfarr Sundyrfyrsyn: Bull puts a hand on A'zaela's shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze, "We all screw up sometimes, what's important is we learn from it and be better from it." he gives her a smile and a thumbs up.

Timid Fawn: "Exactly. It's already happened. No point in dwellin' on it." She gives the bandages a little tug to test their tautness before letting the Miqo'te's hands go.

A'zaela Linh nods, giving a small smile. Then she gestures toward where Alaq'it ran off. "Thank you. I'll....thank you."

A'zaela Linh: "...We should probably find her before she gets lost."

[thecat-inthehat]

Soapy Buckets

A'zaela Linh cleared away the bodies with the help of Linini Mooglesworn, and has taken up scrubbing the floor with a fervor. It's been some hours after the event, and some of the blood has dried, but it doesn't stop her. Ingvald Bloodhound takes one look, then goes to find a stronger detergent. Nivelth Ajuyn walks through the hall, looking at the wreckage, and stops right where she left the auracite. She toes it with her boot, before leaning down to pick it up. Carefully. A'zaela Linh: "Are you certain that's a good idea?" A'zaela asks. She doesn't try to stop her, but her question is a bit more terse than usual. Nivelth Ajuyn: "No. But I can't just leave it here for someone else to find." Ingvald Bloodhound returns with several cakes of soap and a bucket of cold water, as cold water is better at drawing out dried blood. Ingvald Bloodhound: "Here." Ingvald Bloodhound sets down the bucket and puts himself to work scrubbing. A'zaela hums at Nive's response, then turns her face to look at Ingvald. "Thank you. The help is appreciated." Nivelth Ajuyn comes over, the stone in her hand. "... Ingvald, right?" Ingvald Bloodhound: "Right. You're Helisent's friend, yes?" Nivelth Ajuyn: "Sister," she nods. "She told me about you." Ingvald Bloodhound nods. Ingvald Bloodhound: "Can you spare a hand?" Nivelth Ajuyn nods, giving a little sigh. She puts the stone in her pocket, and ties the pocket shut. "Yes. It's my mess, it's only fair." A'zaela Linh is glad Nivelth said his name -- A'zaela is fairly certain she's never met this man before, and though she's wary, she's also tired, and anyone on this ship right now is either an ally, or dead. Ingvald Bloodhound is just glad to have someone to talk to who won't start quoting couplets at him.

A'zaela Linh: "So...what happened? I admit I missed quite a bit while I was out." Ingvald Bloodhound shrugs mid-scrubbing. Nivelth Ajuyn goes to grab one of the rags, and starts to scrub, her mouth set into a frown. "We were in the infirmary with Grissom, discussing the stones, Lea Monde, and other such things. I admit my memory is a tad hazy, due to the fight." Nivelth Ajuyn: "Ashelia got a call on her linkpearl, telling us that Garleans were infiltrating, and attempting to apprehend people. Either us, Grissom, or the Troupe, I'm not certain." Ingvald Bloodhound frowns - mostly at the mention of Lea Monde. A'zaela Linh: "I called her," she clarifies. "I saw them making their way to the Prima Vista." What she doesn't say is that she remembers nothing after that, from until the moment she stepped onto the ship and saw what remained. Nivelth Ajuyn: "Ah," Nive nods, and scrubs again, tail flicking behind her. "... Bull, Tai, and Fawn found three of them. Tai cut one, Fawn managed to stun another, and Bull... Bull grabbed one, and ripped off his helm, and squeezed his neck until he died." A'zaela Linh remembers how one of the bodies looked and realizes that Nive's description very much matches one of them. She presses her lips together. "How...very unlike him. Though this is not the first case of him...lashing out lately." Ingvald Bloodhound says nothing but takes note. A’zaela’s gaze flickers to Ingvald. Is he a part of the Riskbreakers? Should she be talking so openly? Nivelth Ajuyn: "Really." She murmurs. "Fawn seemed to think it was the stone..." Nivelth Ajuyn glances at Ingvald as well, though more out of curiosity. A'zaela Linh: "I was with them when he found it." She pauses. "It wouldn't shock me if that were the cause. Though I do worry for him." Ingvald Bloodhound: "That's right - you went into the Snowfly Forest." A'zaela Linh: "Yes. Where we found Grissom. Did you happen to know him?" Nivelth Ajuyn: "Snow fly...?" Nive asks quietly. Ingvald Bloodhound: "Grissom? No. I'd merely heard of the forest through myth - though Orella thought me a fool for mentioning the legend." A'zaela Linh raises a brow. "Myth?" Nivelth Ajuyn echoes the brow raising. Ingvald Bloodhound: "It's long been said that the forest changes itself - not unlike the Black Shroud." Nivelth Ajuyn clicks her tongue, shaking her head. "Another sentient forest. I wonder if that one will exile me too." Nivelth Ajuyn scrubs again, harder, and goes over to where the man she had partially disintegrated stained the floor. Ingvald Bloodhound: "From what I heard, I believe it's meant to exile everyone." But he shakes his head and does not pursue the topic further. A'zaela Linh: "It certainly wanted us gone. It was only home to Grissom and some bugs. Pyreflies?" Ingvald Bloodhound: "Snowflies." A'zaela Linh: "Ah. Yes." She looks embarrassed. A'zaela Linh: "It was very strange. We made it in there fine. We walked for what seemed like hours to find Grissom. I remember...so many of them surrounding us. They entirely blinded us--they're very bright. Then...nothing. It took us only minutes to get out of the forest." Nivelth Ajuyn: "That's... horrifying." Ingvald Bloodhound nods, thinking the stories check out. A'zaela Linh: "...Nivelth. Would you describe your stone to me? How it felt when you picked it up the first time? How it felt earlier when you attacked that man?" A'zaela Linh: "I've been asking about the Auracite, but nobody seems to want to give me an answer." Nivelth Ajuyn nods at that, looking ... relieved. "Certainly. I don't know how others compared, but ... the instant I touched it, I was acutely aware of every living thing's mortality. Especially my own." Nivelth Ajuyn: "It was concerning, but no more concerning than say, Ifrit's need to make people worship him, or Leviathan's need to drown every enemy -- I simply thought it was a mental trap. I'm rather good at circumventing those." Ingvald Bloodhound wonders as he scrubs how Orella's stone might be affecting her. Nivelth Ajuyn frowns a little, and looks at the stains. "I didn't realized I had the stone in hand, when I attacked the man. I had it in my pouch, tied up, and safely tucked away. The next thing I was aware of, the man's armor was being melted by one of my spells. That -- my spells don't do that.” Ingvald Bloodhound: "...When you say melted..." A'zaela Linh shifts her position once Nivelth is done speaking, her scrubbing perhaps a bit rougher. Ingvald Bloodhound looks around but doesn't see any burning. Nivelth Ajuyn: "... The bio spell hit the back of the man's curiass, and burned through it. Not unlike acid. My spells are designed to wither and chip away at someone's vitality, and given enough power, I can harm wood, and other such materials." Nivelth Ajuyn: "The man died because the spell ate through his armor and into his heart and lungs. I ... have no idea why my spell was so powerful." Ingvald Bloodhound glances downward to the pocket where her stone might be. Nivelth Ajuyn sees his glance and grimaces. "True. It's likely the stone." Ingvald Bloodhound: "...I wonder if it would behoove us to see some of the principal's research on the stones." Ingvald Bloodhound: "Jenomis, the Sharlayan scholars he's hired, that useless dolt Garlond..." Nivelth Ajuyn: "I've tried asking him, but he practically runs away every time I get out a few questions, citing 'work'." Nivelth Ajuyn makes a face at the thought. A'zaela Linh: "...Hinako seemed rather informed. Perhaps we should ask her." Ingvald Bloodhound: "Either, or both." A'zaela Linh nods. Ingvald Bloodhound: "As many perspectives as we can get would be helpful." Nivelth Ajuyn: "I agree. A'zaela... how did Bull react when he picked up his? Did you find any other stones?" A'zaela Linh: "Well...he just picked it up. It fell out of his boot when I stabbed my lance through it. I'm not certain anything happened at all then. But...a few days later, he was rather aggressive towards...M...Maya? Malla?" She glances down at the scrubber in her hands as her face takes on a mixture of confusion and embarrassment. A'zaela Linh: "S-sorry...names."

Nivelth Ajuyn nods, thinking on her own experiences. She notes how A'zaela hasn't answered her second question yet. A'zaela Linh: "...but Bull has never been so aggressive before. I don't see why he would be -- she's Ashelia's family. She hasn't done much at all to prove herself unworthy of our trust. Besides...the Garlean occupation, I suppose. Ingvald Bloodhound: "I've been keeping an eye on Malla. At Rosenheim's behest." Nivelth Ajuyn: "Rosenheim... Ashe's father?" A'zaela Linh: "Rosenheim?" she asks, aghast. Ingvald Bloodhound's eyes grow wide with awe upon seeing Nivelth Ajuyn. Ingvald Bloodhound: "Is that-" Hearing the name instantly makes A'zaela warmer towards Ingvald. Ingvald Bloodhound isn't certain whether or not Nivelth Ajuyn is supposed to know that. Nivelth Ajuyn: "Ashelia told us, in the infirmary." She waves a hand. "It's relatively new information. I admit, I had suspected he was her uncle. They have the same ears." Ingvald Bloodhound: "...Ears." Ingvald Bloodhound wonders if this is a Miqo'te thing. A'zaela Linh lightly shakes her head. Nivelth Ajuyn flicks an ear and doesn't elaborate. Ingvald Bloodhound: "Hm." Ingvald Bloodhound: "I was under the impression that his survival was a great secret." He does lower his voice at that. "As is his mission." Nivelth Ajuyn: "He... he's been lurking around the Sandsea for moons..." She asks, but furrows her brow. "Or are you referring to the mission that Ashelia mentioned?" Ingvald Bloodhound nods to you. Ingvald Bloodhound: "I suppose we'd best not speak of it further." A'zaela Linh doesn't mention what she knows -- she feels she doesn't need to at this point. "You mentioned you were watching her for him. Was there any particular reason for that suspicion?" Ingvald Bloodhound: "On the contrary, his wish was that I protect her from harm if need be." He chuckles, clearly to show what he thinks of this. "I've no doubt she could take me in any fight." A'zaela Linh smiles lightly. She seems to relax at that. "Considering the Riot family history, and what little I feel I know of it, it does make sense that Rosenheim would send another." A'zaela Linh: "...But I believe now more than ever that you would do well to keep an eye on Bull and Fawn. Especially since she took away his stone this evening." A'zaela Linh glances down. "I do not like being suspicious of my allies. I don't like that this is what it's come to." Ingvald Bloodhound: "To tell you both the truth... it was a good excuse to ensure Orella wouldn't be getting up to too much trouble." Ingvald Bloodhound has always been suspicious of his comrades - all but one. Nivelth Ajuyn looks down at her lap. "I don't understand. I have mental barriers in place, I fight gods for a living. I shouldn't be affected like this." A'zaela Linh: "...We all fight Gods here. I'm beginning to believe that no one is safe. Even the strongest of minds." Ingvald Bloodhound: "It's one thing to fight a god and another to communicate with one." Nivelth Ajuyn huffs softly, and rubs her forehead. "I would ... appreciate it if either of you kept an eye on me as well." Ingvald Bloodhound: "I will." A'zaela Linh: "...The last I heard, there were ten stones. We have many potentially effected Riskbreakers in our midsts." A'zaela Linh: "...We'll be needing to watch a lot of people." Ingvald Bloodhound: "I'll keep an eye open." Nivelth Ajuyn: "Agreed. I will as well, as much as I'm able. I also need to start compiling more reports... I need to write about what happened today." A'zaela Linh: "I can finish up here myself if you wish to retire for the evening." A'zaela Linh: "As long as we're not in combat, you should be safe." Ingvald Bloodhound places his bar of soap and his sponge back in the bucket of water - and to his credit, the area he's scrubbed is practically pristine. A'zaela's is looking fine as well -- perhaps not perfect, but definitely better. Nivelth Ajuyn: "I think... I think I ought to," Nive murmurs. "I have a lot to think about." Ingvald Bloodhound: "I would imagine so." Ingvald Bloodhound: "Do not forget to rest." A'zaela Linh nods. "Have a good night, Nive. Do not be afraid to find me if you need me." Nivelth Ajuyn: "You as well, A'zaela," she smiles. "You're always welcome.”

[lovedbytheaxe]

Snowfly Forest

The shuttle drops Bull, Fawn and A’zaela about a quarter malm away from the Snowfly Forest, at the point where trees begin to appear one at a time. There's still a bit of desert to traverse, but the forest takes shape so soon that it's almost eerie. Before long, the paths are well past overgrown; you have the sense that to turn around will be to lose your way entirely.

Crimson Bull frowns, attempting to push himself through the overgrowth. Crimson Bull: Wish I could lose a couple feet of height, damn brush. A'zaela Linh: It's only a bit better down here. A'zaela says, brushing away a twig that swipes at her cheek. Crimson Bull looks to Fawn Crimson Bull: Any idea where to begin? Timid Fawn herself huffs in irritation, she takes out a sizable knife from her hip and begins to take the lead, whacking away at any poor plant in their path... It's not a machete, but it will do. 

Timid Fawn: I'm more concerned for about any unsavory insects around here. Crimson Bull: Yeah, that's true...don't wanna get bit by anythin' dangerous. Sure enough, little white insects flit well over your heads. Sometimes they gather, but for the most part, they stay well away from the adventurers down below. A'zaela Linh takes note of them, being reminded of the fireflies she was so fond of when she was younger. Timid Fawn pauses at a fork, or it at least looks like one. She then freezes entirely, trying to listen to the sounds in the distance. She scowls. Crimson Bull puts a hand to the haft of his axe, ready for anything to jump out of the brush. Timid Fawn looks between A'zaela and Bull.  Timid Fawn: I'll let you two decide too on which way to go. We're a group after all. A'zaela Linh reaches for an ornate dagger at her hip, knowing that swinging her lance around here is more likely to swat at the ankles of her allies than be of any use.

A'zaela Linh and Timid Fawn see that one path looks somewhat more traveled than the other; stems are bent back somewhat, as if pushed through.

Timid Fawn nods forward to the path straight ahead that appears to be more traveled. Timid Fawn: This way maybe? Timid Fawn decides to stay her knife for now. Less noise to deal out. A'zaela Linh's ears flick as she listens for any more signs of trouble. She has a feeling trouble is going to find them no matter which path they take. Azaela Linh: That works. Timid Fawn frowns and tries to push through the thicket.. Crimson Bull: Suppose if I were on the run I'd pick a maze to hide in too...

With that, the trio set foot into a clearing. But while you were heading due south into the forest and you have not changed your course in the slightest, the light through the trees indicates that you are going due west.

Timid Fawn: I guess so... Crimson Bull: Remind me to cut this whole forest down when we're done here. Timid Fawn: And what good'll that do? Crimson Bull: It'll make me feel a hell of a lot better!

Once they enter the clearing, A'zaela's footsteps still, and a perceptive eye would see her tail and ears twitch intermittently.

A'zaela Linh: Do you all...hear that? A’zaela Linh asks while pushing further inside. She stops in the middle and kneels over to pick something up. Timid Fawn herself grows even more silent, if that were even possible and listens in on their surroundings. Timid Fawn: Best not stay out in the open like this for long... What do you hear? A'zaela Linh: Music. A’zaela Linh says calmly. A’zaela Linh: It's...this. A’zaela Linh holds up a stone. It's warm to touch, and it feels comforting in her palm. A’zaela Linh: Strange. I haven't heard this since… I don't know. I don't remember where I last heard this. Crimson Bull tilts his head curiously at the stone Crimson Bull: Well that's...suspicious? Timid Fawn squints at it. Timid Fawn: I only hear the forest… Timid Fawn leans in to take a closer look at it. Timid Fawn: Weird... A'zaela Linh runs her thumb over it, and a thought occurs to her. A’zaela Linh: It's...Do you remember what Ashelia's aunt said? That man -- he took auracite with him when he fled. Perhaps this is...? Crimson Bull: Seems odd he woulda just...dropped it out here. Crimson Bull gazes upon A'zaela Linh in deep reflection. Timid Fawn: I mean, he coulda been a little careless with it. ‘Specially fleein' like that. I dunno. Crimson Bull shrugs. Crimson Bull: Suppose it's better in our hands than his. Timid Fawn: Maybe... A'zaela Linh: Perhaps he's closer than we think. Crimson Bull: Only one way to find out, let's keep movin'. Timid Fawn: Could be... Keep your eyes 'n ears extra peeled.

The path grows ever darker, and the snowflies gather in greater numbers. Their buzzing fills the air until the noise is almost deafening.

Crimson Bull plugs his ears. Crimson Bull: What the hell is happening!? With fewer traces of sunlight, it becomes harder and harder to navigate. Only Bull and Fawn notice a pattern to the insects' movements: unlike most insects, these are billowing together /toward/ the darkness. And on the ground are specks of dark blood.

Crimson Bull takes a knee, inspecting the blood Crimson Bull: Here. Blood...think he hurt himself out here? Timid Fawn kneels down as well, looking the blood over for signs of its age. It's fresh. And the trail grows heavier as it leads on, into the darkness. Timid Fawn DEEPLY frowns, then points directly to the darkness, shouting over the buzzing of those dumb insects. Timid Fawn: Hope none of ya are afraid of the dark! Crimson Bull: Not that I'm aware of, no! A'zaela Linh: I've dealt with worse!! ...Probably?? Timid Fawn: Good! C'mon then! Stay close together! Timid Fawn proceeds to follow the swarm of insects, ever tense in her gait.

The snowflies have gathered in full overhead - and, just when their swarm cannot get any thicker, they dive in unison, obscuring the party in as deep a white as the darkness beyond is black.

Crimson Bull squints, shielding his face from the snowflies. Crimson Bull: Damn! Timid Fawn takes several swings at them from her face... What she swats away is replaced instantly. A'zaela Linh: OK, I'm okay with darkness but I HATE bugs!!

While all three of the party are strangers to this terrain, all three are experienced enough with their homelands to know that /something/ unnatural is taking place. Something does not want them here. But once again, to turn around is to be lost.

Crimson Bull shouts, still protecting his face from the onslaught of snowflies. Crimson Bull: No other way to go but forward! Push on! Timid Fawn desperately wants to light a torch-- a stick but that might not be a good idea for several reasons... A'zaela Linh is pushing forward as fast as she can. For someone who's covering her eyes and mouth, she's making pretty decent headway.

It goes on for a hundred paces - nothing but the snowflies, and the dark. And then it ceases.

Crimson Bull: What the...?

The party is alone, surrounded in a clearing so dark it may as well be night - and in the center of the wood stands a dark shape.

Timid Fawn feels more tense than ever. The abrupt end was beyond eerie. Crimson Bull readies hand on the haft of his axe, wary of the surrounding darkness Crimson Bull: Eyes up. Never know what could be there. Timid Fawn whispers, staring down the dark shape. Timid Fawn: Guys... Do you see this? A'zaela Linh's dragon sneaks out and circles around her wearily. It casts some light on the area, but not much beyond where she stands.

The figure turns in the darkness.

Grissom: Welcome, Riskbreakers.

The voice is wrong - metallic.

Crimson Bull jumps back in surprise, drawing his axe. A'zaela Linh reaches for her lance, her face drawn. Crimson Bull: Some kind of welcome that was! Timid Fawn sharply inhales as a chill goes down her spin, staring intently at the figure. She too draws her weapon.

Bull and Fawn see that this can only be Grissom - but though Hyuran, he's as tall as a Garlean. It's the shape of him that's all wrong, though: his Garlean helm is askew upon his head, and his limbs are too thin. They're the limbs of an automaton... or a dullahan.

Crimson Bull frowns. Crimson Bull: You must be the rat we're lookin' for. Why not make it easy and just surrender yourself? Grissom: A snake, perhaps. But not a rat. Grissom wears a single leather boot; the other foot has given over entirely to sheet metal. Timid Fawn: He don't feel right... Timid Fawn looks between A'zaela and Bull. Crimson Bull: What the hell are you...? Crimson Bull tightens his grip on his axe Crimson Bull: And give me a reason I shouldn't cut you down and find out.

By now, given her Miqo'te vision, A'zaela, too, can see the man's monstrous form in full.

A'zaela Linh: You must have had your reasons for doing this. Is...this why? Grissom: I am what the 9th Bureau made me to be. Is that not answer enough?A'zaela Linh: ... Timid Fawn: Whatever it is, we take it down now, and ask later. Crimson Bull smirks at Fawn. Crimson Bull: I'm all for it. A'zaela Linh isn't sure she is, but...she's in the minority here. Grissom - because it can only be Grissom - takes a single metallic step forward. Timid Fawn takes the blunted of her axe and bends while stepping forward too, swinging her axe towards his legs as swiftly as she could to try and knock him off his feet. Grissom steps aside with almost impossible speed. Grissom: This, too, was the legatus' design. Grissom draws a rapier, which glows with a horrible, nauseating sort of darkness. Timid Fawn mimics sidestepping, in an attempt to avoid being hit herself. A'zaela Linh: I don't understand. Reports said you were hyuran! This isn't something that can happen overnight! Grissom: Perhaps not. Or perhaps you, too, will come to see. A'zaela Linh has the feeling that he's staring into her somehow - or perhaps he's staring at the stone she has so recently tucked away. Crimson Bull rotates his axe in his hands, attempting to swing the flat of the axehead into 'Grissom's' body in an attempt to floor him. Grissom evades. But he makes no motion to counterattack just yet.

A'zaela Linh does a signature dragoon jump. She's unnerved, panicky--she goes for something risky and deadly.

In an instant, Grissom disappears. He's teleported - but he reappears in the same place where A'zaela lands. Her spear catches him on his right foot, the one still made of flesh; blood sprays out across the leaves, leather and skin tears... and something rolls out from within.

Crimson Bull, still riding an adrenaline high, launches himself into Grissom with a shoulder tackle. Grissom is staggering, and the blow lands; he's thrown further off-balance, his sword flailing wildly. Timid Fawn draws herself backwards to avoid him until she finds an opening to swing that same blunt side of her axe against his lower back to stun or temporarily immobilize-- she doesn't wanna kill him yet!

Grissom is thrown back, stunned; he sinks to his knees and coughs up another spray of blood. Grissom: R-Riskbreakers. Grissom repeats again, in that horribly metallic voice. His sword is well out of his reach, and with his mutilated leg and new head wound, he isn't getting up. But neither is he willing to back down. Crimson Bull looks around, he hears...a voice? Someone...familiar. He works his way through the clearing until he comes across a stone. Crimson Bull: What the… Crimson Bull murmurs to himself. Timid Fawn comes up behind Grissom while fetching a length of rope from her travel pack and ties his arms behind his back. She briefly gives her attention to Bull. Timid Fawn: What's the matter? Crimson Bull picks up the stone, it feels...soft, warm...like clay. Crimson Bull: This here. He musta been holdin' on to it. Grissom: It's beginning. Grissom says. His voice is growing weaker... and more human. Timid Fawn purses her lips in discomfort. Timid Fawn: What's beginning?

Yet for all his fading vitality, Grissom stares directly at Bull, then at A'zaela.

Grissom: Sword in hand, a warrior... clutches stone to breast... In sword... etched he h-his... fading memories. Timid Fawn grows frazzled, looking between the three. Timid Fawn: Godsdamn it, what's he on about?! A'zaela Linh: I don't know!! I hate this cryptic stuff! Crimson Bull looks to the stone in his hand. Crimson Bull: Somethin' involving this, I'm assumin'. Grissom: In stone, his tempered skill. By sword attested...

By now, Grissom’s voice is utterly human.

Grissom: By stone... revealed. Grissom goes still. Crimson Bull shakes his head. Crimson Bull: Ravings of a madman, maybe? Who knows. Timid Fawn pushes through this strangeness and tries to take off his helm to see if this is truly their target-- don't want to leave with the wrong man.

The man's helmet is almost - almost - sealed to his flesh. But it comes off with a good tug, and beneath it is an almost serene face. He's breathing, but very faintly.

Timid Fawn: Bull, are fine with carryin' him back? Otherwise we can take turns. Don't wanna tire ourselves over him... At least this way. The forest beyond is not entirely silent, but the snowflies have mostly dispersed.

Crimson Bull nods. Crimson Bull: Not a problem! I'll carry him as far as you want me to, yes indeed! Crimson Bull starts shake his limbs out. A'zaela Linh: I will...disarm him.

But the sword he carried is gone.

Timid Fawn: Right. Just let me know when you need a break... I want out of here as fast as possible for us. Timid Fawn nods to A'zaela Linh. A'zaela Linh pulls away from him after a solid search and shrugs. Crimson Bull begins to jog in place, he's feeling...jittery. Timid Fawn feels entirely confused. She thought the sword was there a second ago? A'zaela Linh glances at her and shares a feeling of apprehension. Timid Fawn does a quick body pat down of Gissom before giving the all clear.

There are no more perceivable weapons or stones or anything that might be a threat. There is only what looks like a small rosary, tucked beside his skin.

Timid Fawn nods to Bull.   Timid Fawn: He's all yours. Let's get going. Crimson Bull nods enthusiastically, tossing the man over his shoulder. Timid Fawn lofts a brow, taking serious note of Bull's shift in behavior. Crimson Bull: Everything's fine dear, let's get him back. Crimson Bull smiles at Timid Fawn. A'zaela Linh's brain immediately goes into a loading screen when Bull says "dear". She suddenly feels like she's missed something important. Timid Fawn scowls in suspicion. He's never called her dear before. Timid Fawn: Right... Timid Fawn starts back trying to find the path they took in. Grissom is heavy due to the changes that have overtaken his body. The path itself is easy enough to find and follow on the way back.

Crimson Bull: You could stand to lose a couple pounds there big boy! Goodness me! Crimson Bull bursts out laughing. Timid Fawn: Bull, lower your voice. We're still in a thick forest with the unknown... Crimson Bull cups his hand over his mouth. Crimson Bull: Oh! Right. When the party at last emerges, no less the worse for wear, it is the dead of night. Even so, the shuttle awaits to take them back to the Prima Vista - with Malla flying.

A'zaela Linh doesn't like how easy it was to get out compared to how hard it was to navigate, but she supposes she can't complain too much.

[scales-claws-and-thorns]

A'ZAELA FOR THE HEART MEME

VISUAL ATTRACTIVENESS: 💗💗💗💗(purely aesthetic appreciation of looks)

Tai smiles, “She is pretty adorable, isn’t she? And she has rather striking eyes.”

FRIENDSHIP LEVEL: 💗💗💗(how close a friend they consider them)

“Alas, due to my own absences, I don’t know her as well as I may like despite how long we’ve worked together.” He shrugs, “Like I said, it’s my own fault, really.”

SEXUAL DESIRE: 💔(wanting to have sex with them)

Tai snorts, “A question that I’d be much more able to answer if I was currently without a partner.” He smiles coyly, “Perhaps ask again if that were to ever be the case.”

ROMANTIC INTENT: 💔(hoping for a romantic relationship)

“Again, I’ve no intention of being with another.” He pauses, thinking for a moment, “I cannot say if the interest would be there otherwise. Another question for a different time.”

[greenmagic-oilspill]

Some assorted screens I never got around to posting. In the first two, Edge meets with Ashelia Riot, Crimson Bull, and Alaq’it Moks after they all arrive in Rhalgr’s Reach to aid the Resistance and discuss plans to go to the East.

In the third picture, Edge and A’zaela ventured into the Peaks for the first time, and find flowers that they thought Ashe would like.

Meanwhile, in one of her trips back to the Sandsea, Ashe meets with Granny Moss and they discuss the grave tidings from Ashe’s informant in the East - that a monstrous Garlean weapon called Vegnagun is nearing completion.

[theriskbreakers-rp]

[moonlifter-archive]

so i changed upa’s skintone to match her sister’s.. She’s so much darker now i die? also her blue eye was lightened just a shade >w>

[safestsephiroth]

@sylvan-rain @thefateofivalice @dragoons-spear-fish-the-sky

[onwesterlywinds]

PROMPT #2: Horizon

When the Crystal Tower had first emerged along Mor Dhona's shattered skyline, Ashelia Riot's initial reaction had been one of dismay - as well as no small amount of indignation that the wreckage of the Praetorium had already been overshadowed. But the ubiquity of NOAH's operations in the region helped to restore some normalcy to life at the Sandsea: in keeping with Sylvan Rain's prediction, the realm's next crop of would-be heroes turned to new horizons scarcely three weeks after the Riskbreakers' grand victory, and no small number of them were set on plumbing the Labyrinth of the Ancients.

A'zaela Linh was among them.

The Riskbreakers lacked two significant resources following Operation Archon: leads, and coin. The Eorzean Alliance had seen fit to reinstate the utmost confidentiality to any further missions against the Garlean Empire, and Ashe found the mere thought of begging Raubahn Aldynn for her inclusion galling in the extreme. The mad rush of visitors to the Sandsea's bar, inspired by the company's fifteen minutes of fame, had since slowed to a trickle; the resulting profits had prevented them from bankruptcy but did not leave them with enough overhead to make the kinds of investments that would ultimately provide security in near- or long-term future.

That made A'zaela's partnership with NOAH something of a godssend, as it would empower them to keep an ear to the ground for intelligence of a realm-threatening nature. Even so, their best dragoon would need outfitting for such a dangerous mission.

"Really, Ashe, it's fine," A'zaela said for the umpteenth time as Ashe pulled her axe from the belly of a particularly large leech. "I-I can find other work to get the equipment I need. You should think of yourself."

It was a polite way for her to say that Ashe was still wearing the same cast-off warrior furs that had barely deflected Gaius van Baelsar's bullets. All the same, Ashe shook her head. "Nonsense. You're out in the field far more often than I am."

A'zaela wrinkled her nose but offered no protest to that logic.

Ashe stared down at the dead leech without the faintest idea of how best to claim her proof of victory from its slimy hide. "If you're looking to repay me," she said, "consider a detailed report on the Crystal Tower's interior more than sufficient compensation." She settled on skinning the turgid lump of flesh as if it were a sandworm, then regretted the course of action immediately as a foul-smelling ooze emerged from beneath her axe's heel.

The task did not require two people, and yet A'zaela surged into action at the creature's tail. "I can start by telling you what I've seen so far."

"Please do."

"The good news is that the Labyrinth's dangers seem to be… self-contained, if that makes sense? They were created to guard the Crystal Tower. Even now that they've woken up, they're not in any danger of leaving."

Ashe breathed a sigh of relief, even as she tore the leech's pelt free.

"But there's a lot we still don't know." It was reassuring to Ashe that her friend used the word "we" to describe NOAH and its work. "Like how so many of the Tower's defenses are intact after so long, let alone how they operate at all. G'raha - he's a researcher from Sharlayan - he expects that Syrcus Tower will be even more dangerous, since it was the center of the Allagan Empire."

"Well," Ashe said. For a moment, she might have left her remarks there; then she stood and straightened her back, and the Crystal Tower shone out at her through Mor Dhona's roiling, aether-drenched sky. "…Fucking Allagans."

"A-Ashe?"

"I'll not claim to be especially well-versed in history," she said, perhaps as a concession, "but it is always striking to me that none of our present troubles would exist without the Allagan Empire and its legacy: Dalamud, Garlemald-" Ludo. The thought, the memory of him might have stopped her nascent rant on any other day, with any other friend in her company. "I cannot look on that bright blue eyesore without imagining the endless conquest once required to sustain it - all the Ala Mhigos and Domas of ages past. Power begetting power; misery begetting misery."

When she turned back to A'zaela, it was to find her with her ears lowered, her tail curled almost between her legs.

"I'm sorry, A'zaela," she said at once, surprised to realize that she meant it. "I didn't mean to imply- That is, I know you despise the Empire as I do."

"I understand," A'zaela replied, though her voice had fallen even quieter than usual.

Ashe busied herself with scraping away as much of the leech's subcutaneous fat as she could, then folding the pelt into her satchel. "Do you think there's a way for Allag's legacy to be redeemed?" she asked at length. "That all its technology could be… I don't know, repurposed? That it could come to stand for something greater than oppression?"

But A'zaela simply shook her head. "I don't know, Ashe." She, too, stared up at the glowing crystal spire, though her face conveyed a more mundane sadness than Ashe might have expected. "I suppose… I suppose we'll find out. When the expedition's over."

***

Ashe spent much longer in the Seventh Heaven's bathrooms than she'd intended, but the leech's stink had lingered all up and down her arms in a manner that no amount of scrubbing had seemed able to remedy and she was loath to greet Ilberd in such a state. When at last she emerged devoid of her armor, Astodan stood next in line for the toilets, this time wearing a porter's coat and a low turban to hide the linkpearl in his ear.

"Your comrade should know," he murmured, "that her activities have attracted the notice of a particularly high-ranking imperial defector."

She knew better than to draw attention to the warning by acknowledging it in public - and yet the mere possibility of a threat to A'zaela of all people sent a chill through her blood. "What do I need to do?"

Astodan scowled at her. "I'll inform you should I learn more."

The bastard would make her work for the information, much as he always did, but it did not bear thinking of with A'zaela unreachable in the Labyrinth. She pushed past Astodan without another word to him and made her way over to her old contact flashing Resistance hand signals from the bar: hostile territory, ready to engage.

[dat-paw]

when u and ur friend are both Chaotic Dumbass and u gotta figure out whose turn it is to use the single brain cell you have between the two of you

[foewreckem]

determination, alaq’it.

[inspired by a previous rp with @thelegendofivalice , @thecat-inthehat, and @silverscalesgoldeneyes]

[thecat-inthehat]

Entry 5

[inside an arcanist’s grimoire is a bundle of parchment, notes and journal entries from the previous bout in the Palace of the Dead. It has several rings of tea stains from a chipped mug, and a few writing utensils around. The pages and grimoire are scattered around on a desk, and lie next to a napping coeurl kitten.]

We’re home. It's been almost a full night since we got back, but I put off writing because I needed to spend time with Mila and the sky. Being underground never used to bother me, but the caverns filled with voidsent certainly started to do that.

I don't know how I can recover from this, honestly. Sleeping is going to be a task and a half, and I need to try and learn how to use my globe, not have a crash course in it. Maybe after I nap I’ll look through the Riskbreaker’s library to find a book about astrology.

I feel better, after tea and a shower, but I'm scared to sleep. And I made my good tea too, the one I was saving. After all this, I deserve it. Boni and A’zaela both are with their lovers now, probably trying to scrape together some sense of calm or normalcy. Akhutai left as soon as we got back to the house, teleporting off somewhere with the words “I have to see if it was real”. I pray he's alright… He hasn't fully healed from his wounds, and he's yet to see a healer in the house. I've only known him a short while, but he's my friend, and I'd loathe for him to die just from a wound that I couldn't heal.

Speaking of Tai, I've noticed something odd with him…. sometimes people refer to him as Akoo, and then correct themselves to Tai. Almost like he's a different person….? I don’t actually know if there’s anything actually going on there, but… I’ll keep my mouth shut for now.

Thankfully Mila hasn’t minded me leaning on her, and she’s more than happy that I’m back. She practically bowled me over when we teleported back to the house-- gave Tai and A’zaela a fright too. She’s been grooming me non stop too -- though now she’s moved to my chest, and not my hands. I think she hates the scent that the Palace left on me, which… I don’t blame her for in the slightest. That place smelled horrible, and I feel like it’s still lingering on me even after I took a shower. 

I’ve rambled on enough. Time to actually write about what happened. We heard a growling as we stepped through the last door way, and it felt like it was the same creature that attacked Tai. It followed us around the whole time, always on the edges of our sight, and made us more afraid than before. I hate feeling afraid, but that Palace is made of fear.

A’zaela was the first to use the pomander that we had saved, because none of us wanted to touch it. A thick cloud of vapor surrounded her, and in her place was a monster. Larger than all three of us, fangs and claws, prowling around on all fours… I believe it’s classified as a manticore, but gods above it was frightening. The monster swiped left and right at the Voidsent, and they died instantly. We cleared room after room like that, following her form as close as we dared. I think Tai was especially shaken up over it -- he muttered something about hating the idea.

We found another pomander of Rage a few floors later, after a Gravekeeper was making rounds and giving us trouble. Bonibel decided to take it, and I couldn’t help but start to observe her as she transformed and cleared the next floor. The pomander wasn’t strong enough to force a permanent transformation, but I can’t help but suspect that it was made with that intent, and the magicks have faded over the eras. Both her and A’zaela’s power was terrifying, but was mercifully short lived.

The growls got louder as we came to the last floor, and suddenly we were standing in a ritual circle. I’ve seen the like before, but never to that degree. It was covered in paint and blood, the lines shaky and made with an unsteady hand. By that alone, whatever ritual she was trying to do would have failed. Arcanima uses runes and ritual circles, but this seemed…. Older. Like magic that shouldn’t be here.

The monster that had been chasing us for the entire journey was at her side, shifting shape and changing constantly, never still. I think it was the failed experiment of whatever ritual she was trying to do, but I don’t know… I didn’t get a chance to really look, as she saw us and attacked. Her laugh nearly drove me mad -- it sounded like the Siren, but so, so much worse. I was flinging spells and cards left and right, trying to keep everyone healed while shifting our fates just enough to let us live. It was the hardest battle I’ve ever done. She had so many spells and effects at her disposal, that I thought maybe she was a Void Queen come to our world, but … 

Tai was stony the entire time he fought her. I think he saw someone else, instead of the actual woman in front of us. I worry for him -- this whole thing feels like it struck too close to home. A’zaela knew what she was getting into when she led us in, because she had gone under with Lady Sylvan and Lady Ashe. Bonibel has a spine of pure steel, and she knows how to handle herself, even if she’s distraught. I … well. My breakdown over the Siren notwithstanding, I’ve been able to handle this fairly well. I’ll have nightmares, sure, but…

[several lines are scratched out, and started over on a new paragraph.]

I’m worried. These people are close to me, but I can’t seem to help them. I’ve formed a bond with them throughout this, but I don’t know if it’ll last, or if it even has any meaning out of that place. I don’t want to just pretend that it never happened, but I can’t even think about confronting my own fears.

Perhaps I’m just being optimistic, and placing too much stock in bonds forged by fire. Maybe I just miss Hel and Shine so much that I’ve started to project my own loneliness onto others who don’t deserve it. Either way, I need to try and sleep, or at least pretend to.

I’m going to put all these entries together in one of my old grimoires, and come back to them later, after my mind has done some healing. Perhaps I’ll see things that aren’t clouded by my current judgement.

[lovedbytheaxe]

Ashelia Riot goes to find Jenomis, just as she said she would; along the way she runs into Ingvald Bloodhound and orders him to keep an eye on Malla. Linini Mooglesworn: Will the troupe leave Kugane if we ask them to? Rhotfarr Sundyrfyrsyn: I don't think we're givin' them much of a choice! Nivelth Ajuyn: We're in their home, not ours... Sylvan Rain nudges Bull and whispers. Sylvan Rain: But what if we start a fight with them and then lead them away from the ship. Just some soldiers... Rhotfarr Sundyrfyrsyn tightens a fist, eager at the prospect Rhotfarr Sundyrfyrsyn: Much as I'd love to we'd be stranded. Rhotfarr Sundyrfyrsyn looks back to Fawn. Rhotfarr Sundyrfyrsyn: And I can't leave her here alone. Linini Mooglesworn: And then arrested by the Sekiseigumi. Linini Mooglesworn adds with an annoyed grunt. Sylvan Rain rests her hands on the back of her head and sighs, almost pouting, but says nothing. Timid Fawn looks to Bull and makes a peculiar face. Three Garlean soldiers have commandeered a shuttle to the Prima Vista; in the time it takes for Ashelia Riot to find Jenomis cen Lexentale, they have proceeded to break open the bay doors.

Linini Mooglesworn: All right, so they're forcing their way in. Linini Mooglesworn notes, her voice level. Linini Mooglesworn: Then they have reasonable cause to suspect our presence here. Akhutai Urit is glad he wore his sword. Timid Fawn regrets not having her axe..... Rhotfarr Sundyrfyrsyn: They don't even have tickets, awful mean of them to just barge in! Timid Fawn begins shoving and moving crates in front of the door in the hopes to slow them. Linini Mooglesworn is armed only with a dagger at her belt. Hinako Daigo tries hard to concentrate. Akhutai Urit places a hand on the hilt of his sword. Linini Mooglesworn draws the dagger at her belt, which feels too tiny even in her hands. The Garleans take an authoritative stance as they board from the airship's main entrance. There is still a hallway before they make it to the tiring room.

Nivelth Ajuyn pulls out her book, flipping through the pages until a carbuncle appears. Rhotfarr Sundyrfyrsyn rolls his shoulders, saying nothing. He begins to increase his pace until he's in a full sprint, straight toward the Garlean soldiers. Akhutai Urit draws his blade slowly, the metal of it clicking into place to resemble a katana. He smirks. Akhutai Urit: I do wonder if you fine people have permission to board. Akhutao Urit darts forward with the aim of cutting at least one down. Timid Fawn is just quiet, watching them for the moment with a hateful expression on her face. Rhotfarr Sundyrfyrsyn skids to a stop directly in front of the first soldier, winding up to throw an uppercut to dislodge the helmet from the soldier's head. It hits; the soldier goes down like a sack of bricks. Akhutai Urit moves to cut a deep diagonal slash across one of the soldiers. The momentum of his forward movement carries him past a little ways and he turns, readying his blade for another strike. Unbeknownst to the others, linkpearl turned off, Ashe whispers in the navigation deck. Ashelia Riot: Come on, Zaela. The second soldier is gravely wounded by Akhutai's strike; a shower of blood pools across the Prima Vista's rug. Timid Fawn hesitates, unsure if the guy even wants to come closer at this point... She charges towards him anyways tries to throw a pretty hefty punch towards his face. He, too, staggers and falls to his knees. Akhutai's victim manages to retreat back to the airship, dragging Bull's with him; however, the man Fawn punched is still prone. Rhotfarr Sundyrfyrsyn turns his attention to the prone solider, approaching him and placing a large hand on the top of their helmet, trying to pry it off. Linini Mooglesworn: Well, this will certainly summon a whole contingent of soldiers to the Prima Vista... The helmet comes off easily. Akhutai Urit growls as his victim makes for his escape. The grip on his sword tightens as his eyes flash. Rhotfarr Sundyrfyrsyn throws the helmet aside, it bounces off the wall and lands on the ground. In the same motion, Bull wraps his massive hand around the solider's throat, lifting him as high as he can. He finally speaks Rhotfarr Sundyrfyrsyn: Look me in the eye as I end your life. Rhotfarr Sundyrfyrsyn then begins to squeeze. Timid Fawn bolts over to Bull and tries to pry his hands off the soldier's throat. Timid Fawn: BULL. STOP. Rhotfarr Sundyrfyrsyn continues squeezing, as if in a trance, his eyes wild with rage. Hinako Daigo furrows her brow and pulls her shakujo out from behind her back... Rhotfarr Sundyrfyrsyn finally gets what he's looking for, a sickening 'pop'. The soldier goes limp, and he tosses the body aside. Akhutai Urit marches over to exit where the Garleans were escaping and watches them. He seems to be fighting a battle of sorts with himself, eyes flashing all the while. Timid Fawn aims for the most vulnerable spot on a man... his eyes and nose. She hauls back a fist and punches him squarely in that region-- too late, she punched Bull and now there's a dead man. Nivelth Ajuyn barely spares a glance at the man that Bull just killed, and instead flings out a hand, the tattoos on her arms glowing. With barely a warning, a Bio spell shoots out of her hand, and eats through the man's armor like corrosive acid. Hinako Daigo's mouth goes agape, then she runs at Akhutai and puts her Masakaki between him and the Garleans. Hinako Daigo: That's enough. Not having a weapon near at hand, Eindride drifts behind the group, for the sole purpose of not getting caught in the middle. Nivelth Ajuyn is standing in the hall, her eyes trained on the man and her right arm outstretched as she flings the spell. In her other is a glowing, purple stone, held aloft at her side. The Prima Vista's engines begin to warm up again. The party has one minute left before the ship sets sail, full speed ahead, to Dalmasca. Akhutai Urit drifts his gaze downwards and over to Hinako. He exhales slow and sheaths his sword. Akhutai Urit: Yes. I suppose you are right. Akhutai Urit turns away. Akhutai Urit closes his eyes tight as the feeling of time slowing around him permeates. Rhotfarr Sundyrfyrsyn blinks, seemingly unfazed by the punch. He turns his attention to Fawn, a tinge of a teal glow can be seen emanating from the pouch on his belt. He towers over Fawn, that wild look still in his eyes.

A minute. A'zaela makes it onto the Prima Vista in under a minute. She barrels in, her eyes wide, blood spattered across her cheek. A’zaela Linh: ASHELIA! A’zaela Linh screams, oblivious to the chaos around her. But Ashe is nowhere to be found, at least not at first; she's deep in the safest part of the Prima Vista with Jenomis and his children.

Timid Fawn stares with a mixture of fear and her own anger. Timid Fawn: Bull! What in the hell's was that?! Timid Fawn fails to move an ilm as he towers over her. Rhotfarr Sundyrfyrsyn says nothing, staring into her eyes...he blinks rapidly, shaking his head. Linini Mooglesworn stands with Hinako and Akhutai, speaking to the Garleans. Linini Mooglesworn: Leave. At once. Linini Mooglesworn tells them. Linini Mooglesworn: Or you will meet the same fate your comrade has. Linini’s voice is strong, but she tries not to look at Bull and what he has done. Hinako Daigo frowns, and grips Masakaki tighter as she looks back to Bull and Fawn. The unconscious soldier that the escapee was carrying looks strangely... stiff, however. Linini Mooglesworn is also nervous about Nive, but tries not to show it. Timid Fawn's brow begins to shift into a scowl. She knows exactly what's happening...Or she’d like to believe so. Timid Fawn: Give me your stone. You won't get it back until we're back home. The soldier turns and flees, slamming the bay door definitively behind him. With that, the Prima Vista takes off. Linini Mooglesworn turns her attention to Bull, Fawn, and Nive once the soldiers are gone. Rhotfarr Sundyrfyrsyn pulls the stone from his pocket, staring into it with a rage he'd never felt before. Timid Fawn: Give. Me. The soulstone. Timid Fawn says firmly. Linini Mooglesworn: Nive, are you well? Nivelth Ajuyn's pupils slowly return to their full roundness, and she yelps and drops the stone from her hand. It glimmers faintly on the ground, before going dark. Nivelth Ajuyn looks at Linini Mooglesworn and panics! Rhotfarr Sundyrfyrsyn begins to quake, letting out a primal scream as he throws the stone to the ground, it bounces along the floor a few times before resting a distance away from himself. Linini Mooglesworn looks at the stone as it clatters to the floor, and she almost moves to grab it, but something about it is so dark, so repulsive to her, that she winces and draws back. She then stares up at Nive with something like fear in her eyes. Nivelth Ajuyn: I ... That's impossible, I shouldn't have -- Linini Mooglesworn actually takes a step back from Nive. Ashelia Riot: Riskbreakers. Ashelia Riot says over the linkpearl. Ashelia Riot: What's everyone's status? Timid Fawn tries so very hard to remain unphased by his reaction. Slowly, she makes her way to the discarded stone and picks it up. She lets out a heavied sigh as she spends her gaze to the rock, Bull and then the corpse. Hinako Daigo is somewhat livid, but she gathers herself enough. She returns her shakujo to her back and walks over to the body - or whatever may be left of it at this point. Nivelth Ajuyn stares at the man she flung her spell at. Even from this distance she can smell the decay and rot that the spell inflicted on the body. Akhutai Urit returns over the linkpearl. Akhutai Urit: Accounted for. But I think you should come here. Hinako Daigo offers a moment of silence. Hinako Daigo winces at the smell of decay brought on by Nive's spell, but she nonetheless appears to be giving a hushed prayer to the fallen man. Linini Mooglesworn tears her eyes away from Nive. Rhotfarr Sundyrfyrsyn remains silent, a bowed head. A balled fist, a single tear falls. Rhotfarr Sundyrfyrsyn: I...I messed up. Ashelia Riot arrives at a hurried walk, then stops as she sees the scene spread out before her - including the two corpses. A'zaela Linh makes her way in proper, eyes landing on the carnage. Hinako Daigo then walks over to the other man killed and does the same, a bereft sigh escaping her lips. Hinako Daigo offers a moment of silence. Ashelia Riot does not ask what happened. She takes in the stone as Timid Fawn picks it up, and Bull's reaction, and Nive's, and somehow pieces it all together. Eindride Stokys lips purse into a thin line, unsure of what there is to be said or done. Linini Mooglesworn is comforted by Ashelia's presence, surprisingly. Linini Mooglesworn: We let one soldier escape. Linini Mooglesworn relaxes her pose before Ashelia Riot. Timid Fawn lets out another weary sigh and shoves Bull's soulstone into her pocket, finally shifting her gaze to everyone else. She has nothing to say. Ashelia Riot isn't certain whether or not letting one escape is better than letting all of them, or none of them, escape. Linini Mooglesworn: We did not learn why they came here to begin with, unfortunately. There were... distractions. Rhotfarr Sundyrfyrsyn drops to his knees, unable to look up and face anyone present. Ashelia Riot: We will have to hide them before there are questions. I have no intentions of concealing this from Jenomis - but the crew do not need to see this. Ashelia Riot: And we will take into account what went wrong. Nivelth Ajuyn walks forward to the man that she killed, staring down at him. Her tail is puffed up to an almost comical degree, if the situation weren't so serious. Ashelia Riot: Fawn. Please deliver that stone to Malla. Hinako Daigo seems lost in thought. Timid Fawn: Will do. Timid Fawn gives a small nod to Ashelia. Eindride Stokys: Those stones are a menance. Eindride Stokys muttered under his breath, more pointedly than his current expression conveyed. Hinako Daigo looks to her side, not at anyone particular. Hinako Daigo: Well... now we see plain what is on the line. Ashelia Riot studies Eindride Stokys very closely, aware that she is so far not making good on her promise to bring him home safely to his brother. A'zaela Linh: I will clean up. No one else need worry about it. I suggest everyone head elsewhere until then. Akhutai Urit: Malla is keeping at least one other stone. I would ask... do we know how safe they are or would be in her keeping? Linini Mooglesworn: I... I'll help. We can stow them in the cargo hold until the next time we land, then we can bury them. Nivelth Ajuyn: ... be careful of this one. The Bio spell should be used up, but ... Timid Fawn gives her attention back to Bull, frowning deeply. Ashelia Riot: Very safe. She has not mentioned the location even to me. Linini Mooglesworn: Safe for her? Perhaps a better idea than what A'zaela was thinking -- to throw them from the ship entirely into the Ruby Sea and forget about them. It's what they deserve for -- ... What a strange thought that was. Linini Mooglesworn: Possessing two stones at once could not be good for anyone. Ashelia Riot: I agree. ...We'll consider alternative methods of storage as our next course of action. Akhutai Urit nods. Ashelia Riot: Everyone had best get some sleep. We'll be arriving in Dalmasca before long. I'll- Ashelia Riot again gets a strange, distant expression on her face. Akhutai Urit: ...We should also endeavor to keep an eye on. Akhutai Urit glances around the room. Akhutai Urit: Anyone who has...or had a stone. Timid Fawn: Sleep? After this...? Timid Fawn mutters to herself. Fawn approaches Bull with caution, trying to lay a hand on his shoulder. Timid Fawn: ...Bull. Nivelth Ajuyn looks at Tai, and nods. Nivelth Ajyun: Please. By all means, keep an eye on me. This shouldn't have happened. Linini Mooglesworn: Do you not possess one, Tai? Rhotfarr Sundyrfyrsyn places his hand on Fawn's, looking up at her. Rhotfarr Sundyrfyrsyn: I...I'm sorry. Ashelia Riot: ...Hinako. Eindride. Come with me. Akhutai Urit: I do. And I am not the only one. But I still would rather keep mine instead of putting them all in the same place. At least until we know of a safe way to deal with them. Eindride Stokys tilts his head and lets out a held-in breath, but does as he's told. Hinako Daigo: ...Grand steward. Hinako Daigo says in affirmation, after turning toward Ashelia. Timid Fawn's brow wilts with another mixture of feelings. She whispers. Timid Fawn: There's nothing you can do about it now. Come on, stand up. I'm not mad at you. Rhotfarr Sundyrfyrsyn sighs, shaking his head as he gets to his feet. Linini Mooglesworn stares at Ashe. Linini Mooglesworn: What is wrong? Ashelia Riot leads Eindride and Hina through the halls, back to the medical bay, and her heart sinks in her throat as she finds the door left ajar. Rhotfarr Sundyrfyrsyn places a hand on Fawn's shoulder. Rhotfarr Sundyrfyrsyn: Thank you… Rhotfarr Sundyrfyrsyn can't find it in himself to look her in the eye. Ashelia Riot tears aside the chirurgeon's curtain and sees Grissom - his head separated from his macabre body, his throat slit, blood pooling across the white room. Hinako Daigo is taken aback.