Seranna chuckled, looking at Zogith, "You hear that love? We've a full pardoned."
She rolled her eyes as she followed the group but she blinked a few times as she listened to the tales Yelenn weaved. She had no idea they had been through so much in the time they had been apart, “Oh my, all that, really? And here I thought living off of river fish was a significant low point.”
“Foul tasting creatures that they are.” Zogith added.
When the Warden inquired whether or not the sea monster was lonely, Zogith chuckled, “No, but then again, I’m married. I can’t speak for the others.”
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"River fish are yummy! And sea fish! And lake fish! And sky fish!" the Guard excitedly states as they walk, before hanging his head. "... Xeros misses fish."
When Zogith speaks the Warden's ears visibly twitch. "I take it that was the tentacled one?" she asks without bothering to open her eyes. "So you two are married? I had heard humans did that. How long have you two been together?"
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”The Tentacled one’s name is Zogith Vaelong and I would ask you address him as such.” Seranna said with a frown that only deepened when the Warden made an off-hand comment about their marriage being something that humans did. If there was one thing Seranna could not abide by, it was a racist. Zogith was well aware of the noblewoman’s irritation and placed a tendril upon her shoulder in an attempt to calm her as she huffed out “And what is that supposed to mean?!”
”-Our third anniversary is approaching.” Zogith explained, hoping to steer the conversation away from Seranna’s growing anger. It appeared to work, as those words caused her to soften. She looked around before looking down at her husband, biting her lip as a thought crossed her mind.
”That’s true…how awful to think that we will be celebrating our anniversary on this wretched island.” she murmured under her breath, tears welling up in her eyes.
”But we will live to celebrate it my love, this one and many more. Zogith assured her.
”Mn, apparently surviving is the standard of success now.” Seranna stated, growing more upset as she thought about it, pausing in their journey to wrap her arms around the sea creature, who rose up to meet her halfway, a series of tentacles enrapturing her briefly before the two seemed to remember they were in public and decidedly dialed back the PDA, ”Sorry, still sorting through all this you know.”
"My apologies," The Warden says in response to the addressing slight. Though at Princess Stabbity's umbrage she mumbles in a confused tone as the noble and her husband spoke "That... I heard Humans and other creatures that measured their life in years rather than centuries entered into monogamous relationships?"
She pushed aside her thoughts on whatever social faux pas she committed that caused that grievance from the woman as the couple talked with each other.
”Mn, apparently surviving is the standard of success now.”
"Your're more correct than you will ever know, Kitten." She solemnly says before adding "You two sound wonderful for each other. I hope that wonder carries you both throughout the remainder of your years."
”Oh, is that all…” Well now Seranna felt silly for getting upset all, maybe she was just on edge in light of everything that was going on. Zogith slightly confirmed that this was most likely the case. She took a deep breath, using the opportunity to collect herself, this place was making her moody and paranoid on top of that. A night in a clean, dry bed would do wonders for her disposition, and she was hoping to find just that back in that house that sat on top of the prison.
”Thank you. That’s kind of you to say. Another beautiful thing, not to be overlooked, is the fact that we don’t have to make it alone. We’ve fantastic friends along with us, who have been more understanding about our relationship most.” Seranna said with a smile.
”We are thankful for that as well. This group has become a safe port in a storm. The kindness you have already shown has done wonders for the soul.” Zogith mused, causing the noblewoman to grin.
”Such a poet.”
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”Another beautiful thing, not to be overlooked, is the fact that we don’t have to make it alone. We’ve fantastic friends along with us,”
You feel the Warden's grip on your shoulder reflexively tighten when Seranna says this.
"... you are quite welcome, Madame and Sir Vaelong." the Warden responds.
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"Very true, we all need to accept we aren't meant to be alone." the magus says quietly.
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Taking a few moments for it to sink in the Warden quietly says ”Thank you,” to Yelenn. ”Then tis a wonderful thing we currently are not.” she says just a bit louder, using her free hand to gently pat the Magi’s shoulder.
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Coming to the room they'd first entered through and the rope leading up, Yelenn comes to a halt. "So we'll need to climb up, unless you happen to be able to fly?" Yelenn asks the Warden with a grin.
”Hmm?” The Warden lets out before opening her eyes and looking at the rope. ”Well damn, no. My head’s too cluttered to concentrate on any spells, but being technically dead for who knows how long will do that for you. Guess this means I have to get up.” she says in an annoyed tone before motioning to be set down.
”Um, Warden?” Xeros speaks up as the Warden begins to stand, which causes her to look at him. ”... ah, right, right. The Geas. That should have faded when you found out Shuko had died but all the same,” she pauses to cough, ”As the Warden of this prison, upon actualization of our most dire task and v... victory over Shuko the Drifter, I grant you and your entire wing reprieve from the pact we formed. The citizens of Hadal thank you for your constant vigil and didligent service.”
Xeros smiles wide as the Warden speaks before something catches up to him. ”But, we’re the only ones left.”
”I know, Xeros. I know.” she simply responds.
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Setting the Warden down gently, Yelemm watches the exchange, keeping an arm around her to support her as she coughs. "Do you feel strong enough to climb?" she asks. "The climb down wasn't fun, but we shouldn't have too hard a time figuring something out, to get you up there safely."
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The Warden's hand effortlessly glides towards the one Yelenn was using to support her, seemingly instinctively. "I should be okay as long as I don't over exert myself, which I tend to with ropes. Slow and steady is the name of the game here. Thank you for your concern, kitten." the Warden responds with a smile before looking back up at the rope. "That must have been harrowing I imagine, humans can't see that well in dark, otherwise you wouldn't be needing those wonderful little helpers of yours floating about?"
Sizing up the rope she promptly hops at it and grabs hold, causing it sway slightly. She stays like that, looking around without climbing before sighing and stepping back down. "No, no, there will be none of that." she mutters.
"I am the Warden here, we entered on my terms, and now we are leaving on them" she states as she closes her eyes momentarily and breaths deeply. Turning to Yelenn she smirks. "You'll have to forgive me for fibbing earlier, I just needed to find my balance." With that she points a finger as the Magus, visible yet faint ripples emanating from the digit. Then she points up, with the Magi's body floating off the ground to follow suit.
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Yelenn's eyes widen for just a moment before she breaks into a smile, tinged with a touch of curiosity as she studies the Warden's actions as she rises up toward the hole.
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The Warden winks at the floating Magus before she disappears into the hole above. Once Yelenn's up she turns to the others, "Okay who's next?" she says, with it quickly becoming apparent that she was thinking aloud rather than asking when she points at Yasmin, followed by Mylyna, then Seranna, then Zogith, then Xeros.
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She wasn't sure whether it was the levitation, the excitement of witnessing an innate magical ability in use......or the playful wink...probably a mixture of all three, but by the time she made it to the top Yelenn was a bit giddy, a grin still on her lips as she scouts the area, her witchlights orbiting her to illuminate everything.
The basement is just as it had been left, though the other dogs are nowhere to be seen.
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Seranna was hoping she was just paranoid, but this Warden’s behavior continued to draw her attention. She spoke strangely, acted strangely, and claimed to be too shaken to cast spells. Seranna thought for sure that was untrue, and sure enough her suspicions were confirmed when not even moments later the woman used her magic. The noble woman looked at Zogith with a curt gaze before she shrugged it off. This place was getting the better of her, which made it all the better that they were seconds away from escape.
When the Warden pointed her magic infused finger her way she brought up a dainty hand to spare her the use of the arcane digits, ”Thank you Warden, but this sort of thing is much more in our wheel house. We did come from a kingdom of cliffs you know.”
With that Seranna simply fell backward. With perfect timing several tendrils reached out for her, sweeping her off her feet and holding her bridal style. She smiled brightly at the entire display, now it was her turn to be pampered. Zogith once again took hold of the rope and began to pull the two of them up with one tentacle after another, moving along its length with the same ease any of those present would have shown walking across the room.
”See you at the top ladies.~” Seranna giggled as she threw her arms around her husband. The two of them reaching the top in relatively good time.
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Hearing the Xeros was given his freedom Mylyna gave a cry of delight and slithered to him, arms going around his neck and coils looping him in a full body hug. She released him as she felt the magic take hold of her and she looked almost panicked as she began to float upwards. She took deep breaths, with the usual heaving of her ample bosom, and calmed herself. When she reached the top she used her coils to pull her to the side and solid ground.
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Arching a brow at the rebuttal the Warden splayed out the rest of her fingers and palm in a flourish to assure Princess Stabbity she wouldn't carry through with the spell. "I did not know actually. That sounds like a wondrous place."
As the couple ascended in a scene she offered them a soft clapping. "Oh what fun they must have."
Hearing the Xeros was given his freedom Mylyna gave a cry of delight and slithered to him, arms going around his neck and coils looping him in a full body hug. She released him as she felt the magic take hold of her and she looked almost panicked as she began to float upwards. She took deep breaths, with the usual heaving of her ample bosom, and calmed herself. When she reached the top she used her coils to pull her to the side and solid ground.
Xeros eagerly hugged the Lamae back before she was lifted off the ground. "Now-now, kitten, do not fret. I won't drop you." The warden reassures her.
When it came time for the guard to ascend he slumped his limbs as he was lifted before trying to swim upward to speed up the travel. When he realized he didn't change his speed he stopped, then promptly started swimming again until he got to the edge of the hole.
"Oh! That would have been a rather severe blunder," she says as she kneels down to scoop up the calm dog before ascending herself. "Do not worry... Yelenn? I did not forget your familiar." she states, guessing from the tone in her voice obviously as to who the dog belonged to.
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”Oh, it truly is.” Seranna swooned in reference to the Warden's comments about Esca, “Such majestic cliffs overlooking the sea, the view is so moving this time of year. Esca is the art capital of the world, people from everywhere would come to find inspiration. I’m sure all of you would love it.”
Seranna’s smile faded slightly as they reached the top, joining Yelenn. She held Zogith a little tighter and rather than set her down he pulled her closer. She nuzzled against what could only be presumed as his cheek before she looked up at one of the floating orbs of light that followed the magus around, tracking it with her gaze as she thought aloud, ”Before all of this happened, you would have been honored guests at my estate. We would have had so much fun together. But those days are done, aren’t they?”
”Well, we have been pardoned.” Zogith said in jest, bringing a smile back to his lover’s face.
”That’s true. Should that pardon hold any weight in the modern judicial system-“ and she was pretty sure it didn’t, ”-Who knows, maybe we could actually return to that life. If it ever came to that, I just want you to know that you are welcome to visit as much as you like, and stay for as long as you like, and I extend that to all of you, that includes you Xeros. We would throw a celebration worthy of shaking the cliffs themselves…Ah, so bold of me no, to dare to dream?”
"I'm ready anytime," says Yasmin with a slight quaver. Seeing her friends ascend the passage helps to assuage her fears a bit... but actually floating is something new for her, and it's clear that she's a bit nervous about the experience.
"Xeros would like that." the Guard responds.
"Don't fret, Kitten." The Warden repeats as she sends the Sha'ir above before following after.
"That would depend on how much, if any, of my House remains. Of course having a long indisposed family member all of sudden show up would complicate matters I presume, one reason I avoided politics and went down into the public sector, despite my mother's protests." she states as she follows up.
”Regardless if you feel the need to carve a bloody vengeance to rightfully return to your home feel free to call on me, it’s the least I can do to repay you.” she says as she sits the dog down.
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"I can't imagine she was any happier than my mother was with me when I told her I was marrying Zogith. She was the one pressuring me to find a husband...I guess she just assumed it would be someone within the same species. Poor woman nearly fainted once she got the screaming out of her system." Seranna reflected as she toyed with her wedding ring.
When the Warden offered her aid to regain her position by force if necessary, Seranna looked up at her, considering the idea for longer than she really should have, "Thank you...I will, I will remember that."
The Warden chuckles. ”Oh hoho, an outcome to make an Efreeti smile.”
At Seranna’s sidestep acceptance of the offer the woman gives her a bow of her head.
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Yasmin rises slowly and starts to spin in an uncomfortable circle. "Oh... oh!" she exclaims as she rotates clockwise.
"Floating in water is one thing, but this is... new!" she manages to choke out, finally grabbing for solid ground and getting her feet back under her at the end of the ride.
She takes a few moments to rearrange her disheveled gear and says, "Well... now what?"
”Let me know if you ever want to go for another trip,” The Warden offers Yasmin.
”Hmm, now? What were you doing before?” she asks as she looks around the basement. ”I’d like to know why someone broke into my prison. And then apparently did nothing. But those questions can wait I think. Baser needs need attending to.” she says then promptly adds ”Food. I am rather famished.”
Yelenn smiles, watching her friends interact. She goes down on one knee to Play with the dog for a minute, vigorously scratching behind his ears. "He's not really my familiar. My study of magic is a bit more focused on weapons and artifacts. But he's adorable all the same."
Standing she looks to make sure that everyone is ready, marveling at the fascinating group they'd managed to assemble. "I can't even begin to imagine how hungry I'd be in your situation," she says to the Warden. "A meal and some decent rest in a safe place is just what we all need right now. Follow me!" she says leading the way toward the house proper.
With the retrieval of the pooch Mylyna gave a squeal of delight. She'd forgotten all about the dog they'd brought with them and she slithered up to give it some attention. She scratched it's ears and chin when Yelen did and cooed over how good of a dog it was. She realized she wasn't sure what gender the dog was and looked up, "So does anyone know if the dog is a boy or a girl dog?" While she awaited an answer Mylyna continued to stroke the anumal's ears and side.
"Let's see what's left to eat in the house larder," says Yasmin.
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Eyes lidded the dog contently lets the Magus pet him.
Yelenn chuckles, "Based on a cursory glance...I'd say boy."
”Adorable and well trained.” The Warden comments. When Yelenn suggests food and rest she smiles and follows along after the Magi. As does the dog once it’s done being petted.
Moving back up into the first floor you find Wallace effortlessly sleeping on the chair where he was left, the fireplace simmering. Though the front door is ajar.
Noting the front door ajar with Wallace still asleep in the chair, Yelenn holds up a hand to those behind her, quietly drawing her sword as she moves into the room, her attention focused on the unsecured entrance.
The Warden halts when Yelenn puts up her hand.
Yelenn notices some small dusty paw prints leading through the otherwise pristine floor to the door, but other than the chill seeping in that is all that seems to be here.
"Small paw prints, maybe a cat? But last I checked cats couldn't open doors." the magus whispers creeping forward. Moving to the door, she nudges it more widely open with her foot, blade held at the ready.
Carefully gazing outside into the evening Yelenn spies no sign of whatever made the tracks, or anything else for that matter. The tracks are more noticeable in the snow, which has apparently started to turn to slush. The tracks continue until on out of sight.
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"Tracks led out into the snow and off into the distance beyond line of sight." Yelenn says with a shrug as she closes the door.
With the door's closing Wallace stirs and yawns as he looks over at the door. "You're back," he sleepily says. Looking around he smiles when he sees the others, though he blinks and his eyes widen when he sees the Warden. And Xeros. Mostly Xeros.
"Hi." the Guard says when he feels a gaze burrowing into him.
"Hi Wallace, did you have a good rest? We've brought back a couple other people from our exploration down below." Yelenn says considering her words carefully.
Yelenn's words break him out of his fixation as he turns to her with an excited smile. "Yeah!" Tossing the coat over the arm of the chair he hops to his feet. "Pleased to meet you, I'm Wallace!"
"Xeros," Xeros replies.
The Warden smiles down at the child. "Please to meet you, Wallace, I am Grand Arcanix Shalavast."
Xeros nods in agreement before catching his head and jerking it in the direction of the Warden. "No it's not."
The Warden blinks. "Excuse you?"
"That's not your name." he continues.
"... yes it is," The Warden counters, obviously dumbfounded.
Xeros shakes his head. "Nala. Shivinii called you-"
"That's a NICKNAME, Xeros," she interrupts with a tired sigh. "My name is-"
"Nalada," Xeros interrupts, which causes her to throw her hands up. "Exactly!"
Xeros nods "Yeah," he happily says.
The Warden blinks, turning her eye movements into a stare as she encourages to obviously him to go on, he simply tilts his head. "That's not what you said though."
"Yes it is." she immediately counters.
"No..." Xeros lets outs as he starts to back away from the Warden, confusion blatant in his voice.
Blinking a few more times the Warden turns to the others. "That... is what I said... isn't it?"
"Um, pleased to meet you, Xeros, and... uh, Nalada" Wallace awkwardly adds.
"You actually said Grand Arcanix Shalavast." Yelenn says with a hint of concern in her voice.
The Warden tilts slightly when Yelenn tells her what she said. "Dear Shala... ahem, Grand Arcanix Shalavast is... was... a member of my team. He helped devise the receptacles we used to sustain ourselves in our watch over The Drifter. He specialized in studying memories and dreams and spells that harness them but he had become increasingly focused on souls of late. He was down there sleeping with the rest of us."
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"Could there have been some... I don't know... 'bleed' of his personality, his soul, into yours during all that time in the receptacles?" wonders Yasmin.
"It's... possible..." Nalada starts, from her speech and the way her eyes flickered back and forth obviously trying to piece together the possibilities. Suddenly stopping she closes her eyes. "I was in too much of rush, trying to process everything, I should have stayed and checked on the others. They're all dead, of course, I know that, I know that. And their receptacles destroyed... all of them... so it's possible, rather than moving on... they found something to cling to..."
She chuckles. "Marvelous things, souls. Fonts of life, vaults for all our memories and experiences, tenacious and fervent in their need to cling to existence, destructively so even..."
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"It would help to explain the whorl of necromantic energy around you when you collapsed just before you recovered, and in the crystal. He may have somehow tied your souls to each other, keeping you tethered during your suspended state." Yelenn says, her academic intrigue evident in her voice. "Perhaps it was even a failsafe, guaranteeing that as long as one of you survived, your combined knowledge and experience would live on somehow."
Nalada's lips curl up into a smirk. "He would do something like that, marvelous bastard. I wonder, how many am I now? How many did he save? How much did he save?"
"I guess we'll just have to find out." Yelenn replies.
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Mylyna began to feel the could very quickly as they headed back towards the mansion. That she was naked had little to do with it, you just couldn't clothe that much serpentine mass. She slithered quickly in the door as they entered and went to where the fire had been burning before in hopes that it was still going. That something might be wrong didn't occur to her so she was oblivious to any danger or the conversation that was going on.