Sanna looked at him intensely. "Do you have any idea how utterly boring it is living inside a rock? Playing nice and convincing her I was harmless...that was what I had to do to get an occasional chance to get out of that rock. It was a calculated act. I'm not your friend. There's nothing more that I can gain from you, so we're done now."
Seph stands there a look of shock on his face mouth opening and closing as tears well in his eyes he transforms into cat form and runs from the room.
Merle hisses and approachess Sanna "You arrogent conceited ^&*^(" She snarls in Sanna's face. "He actually really liked you which is much more than you deserve."
"Merle, that's enough," she said gently. "You don't understand. Sanna was created using a variant version of Mind Seed. That's a power that allows someone to implant their own personality in someone else so that it slowly takes them over and turns them into a copy of the original. She's everything that Gilbraithe Mai'im would have been if he'd been born as a female slave. And without his wealth and power she can't just torture people for fun. So she does everything in her power to cause emotional pain instead. She feeds off of it. Right now you're giving her exactly what she wants. Just let her be. She hates to be ignored more than anything else."
She turned, ignoring Sanna's snarl.
"I'll go and find Seph. It's not safe for him to be wandering this place alone."
"My greatest thanks for your help in bringing Lauralia to us. You will be remembered for as long as the Hanalindrim live here."
"It was our pleasure to assist, Lady Meralindiel and I'm sorry about your grandson... and your brother, Jena. The planting will take place tomorrow as scheduled?"
Karrin waits for all the excitement to die down before returning her gaze to Sanna, "And that is precisely what I'm talking about," Karrin says, "You play nice. You can alienate and hurt people on your own time, I'm sure you'll achieve your goals of dying miserable and alone, but if you want us to take you anywhere you try to act civil."
Karrin nods to Lady Meralindiel, then leans over to Isaac:
"I think we need to talk."
Karrin waits for all the excitement to die down before returning her gaze to Sanna, "And that is precisely what I'm talking about," Karrin says, "You play nice. You can alienate and hurt people on your own time, I'm sure you'll achieve your goals of dying miserable and alone, but if you want us to take you anywhere you try to act civil."
Ekuur listens to the back and forth, finally commenting simply, "Ignore her, Karrin, as Nari explains. Her arrogance is not rudeness, it is the false bravado of the fearful. She has seen the Silver Rose in battle; she knows she couldn't even hope to match up against all of us. And she knows that if she so much as reads one of our thoughts, she would be dead before she could make sense of it. She hopes to bully and bludgeon to assuage her own insecurity. Truly pitiful."
Turning to Isaac and Lady Meralindiel, he remarks, "I am also sorry for your loss at this heinous betrayel. Isaac, knowing the Morkarthau may attack, should we not remain to help protect Lauralia, at least until we are certain she is fully rooted?"
Karrin waits for all the excitement to die down before returning her gaze to Sanna, "And that is precisely what I'm talking about," Karrin says, "You play nice. You can alienate and hurt people on your own time, I'm sure you'll achieve your goals of dying miserable and alone, but if you want us to take you anywhere you try to act civil."Ekuur listens to the back and forth, finally commenting simply, "Ignore her, Karrin, as Nari explains. Her arrogance is not rudeness, it is the false bravado of the fearful. She has seen the Silver Rose in battle; she knows she couldn't even hope to match up against all of us. And she knows that if she so much as reads one of our thoughts, she would be dead before she could make sense of it. She hopes to bully and bludgeon to assuage her own insecurity. Truly pitiful."
Turning to Isaac and Lady Meralindiel, he remarks, "I am also sorry for your loss at this heinous betrayel. Isaac, knowing the Morkarthau may attack, should we not remain to help protect Lauralia, at least until we are certain she is fully rooted?"
Isaac shakes his head and he shares his focus between Ekuur and Meralindiel in his response- he's not exactly happy with the response, but he's not ashamed of it either.
"Planting will have to be enough, cutter. I hate teh leave as much as you do but they're gonna stay after the Chrysagmir so long as we're here and if a certain someone ain't out of our hair soon, I can't guarantee everything will be top-shelf much longer. We gotta give this plane the laugh as soon as we're able and unravel whatever cancer is spreading on the World Ash- our mission still stands."
Karrin nods to Lady Meralindiel, then leans over to Isaac:
"I think we need to talk."
Isaac raises an eyebrow, a smirk halfway on his face.
"So long as it ain't so you can tell me to hit the weights, cutter."
"I'm getting sick and tired of these berts coming out of the woodwork trying to grab this Chrysagmir," Karrin says in hushed tones to Isaac, "I think we need to figure it's properties out exactly and figure out if it's worth tying to take back to Sigal. If it's some sort of artifact we got no choice but to take it with us, but if it isn't we can't keep doing this, and I'd say we smash it. I think it's proven far more dangerous then it's worth."
Karrin nods, half turns, then turns back and grabs one of Isaac's biceps in her powerful hand: "Also let's not shelve that weight lifting plan too quickly."
Justin watches the interplay regarding Sanna intently. He wisely (for once) decides to keep his mouth shut and listen for a change. (Although, by the brief glare that he gives Sanna when Seph dashes out of the room crying, it's not his first choice.)
In the end, he takes Nari's advice and simply turns his back on Sanna, ignoring her. (And trusting to his own paranoia to prevent her from surprising him.) He nods thoughtfully to both Ekuur and Isaac.
"Aye. As much as I would love to be a witness to the growth of a new proto-power, and maybe teach a certain betrayer a lesson, I agree with Isaac. What? That's happened before!" He says with false shock.
"We really DO need to get back to the world ash. By my original estimations we had several weeks before the growth had any noticeable change from when we saw it last. Since then I've made some observations about Lauralie, and I'm afraid my original estimates may have a been a tad,... optimistic. We need to get the Chrysagmir back to the site of infection and undo the damage. Soon. Quicker would be better."
"I'll go and find Seph. It's not safe for him to be wandering this place alone."
"Hey, that goes for you too! One of us needs to go with you, at least." He starts to take a step, but then glances at Merle.
"You two go find Seph. But if your not back in ten minutes we're all coming after you!" He gives a lop-sided grin.
"I'm getting sick and tired of these berts coming out of the woodwork trying to grab this Chrysagmir," Karrin says in hushed tones to Isaac, "I think we need to figure it's properties out exactly and figure out if it's worth tying to take back to Sigal. If it's some sort of artifact we got no choice but to take it with us, but if it isn't we can't keep doing this, and I'd say we smash it. I think it's proven far more dangerous then it's worth."
Karrin nods, half turns, then turns back and grabs one of Isaac's biceps in her powerful hand: "Also let's not shelve that weight lifting plan too quickly."
"I'm getting sick and tired of these berts coming out of the woodwork trying to grab this Chrysagmir," Karrin says in hushed tones to Isaac, "I agree that we take the seed's offer and get jumped back to the ash world so we can take that damn tangle out. Then, if we still have the Chrysagmir, we can finally get this thing out of play. Then we can come back here and help out if necessary. But clearly folks are more interested in this thing over the seed. Trying to hang onto both is a fools game. I remember some story about eggs and baskets or something. As long as we're here with the seed it means our enemies can pile on us. So maybe we should make a despite run at it."
Karrin nods having said her piece, then half turns, then turns back and grabs one of Isaac's biceps in her powerful hand: "Also let's not shelve that weight lifting plan too quickly."
Rhiannon shakes her head, especially when Karrin, already proven to be ridiculously strong, flexes her rather petite frame. She grins at Isaac's comment, reserving a glare for Sanna that while matching Justin's in intensity also carried a clear promise of violence.
"I'll go and find Seph. It's not safe for him to be wandering this place alone.""Hey, that goes for you too! One of us needs to go with you, at least." He starts to take a step, but then glances at Merle.
"You two go find Seph. But if your not back in ten minutes we're all coming after you!" He gives a lop-sided grin. [/QUOTE
Merle's hand hovers over her wand of Lightning bolt for a few moments before she sighs "Okay fine." she turns and heads in the direction Seph went.
Nari walks along with Merle as quickly as she can, her bare feet making very little sound.
"Seph," she called softly. "Seph, where are you?"
"I'm getting sick and tired of these berts coming out of the woodwork trying to grab this Chrysagmir," Karrin says in hushed tones to Isaac, "I agree that we take the seed's offer and get jumped back to the ash world so we can take that damn tangle out. Then, if we still have the Chrysagmir, we can finally get this thing out of play. Then we can come back here and help out if necessary. But clearly folks are more interested in this thing over the seed. Trying to hang onto both is a fools game. I remember some story about eggs and baskets or something. As long as we're here with the seed it means our enemies can pile on us. So maybe we should make a despite run at it."
Karrin nods having said her piece, then half turns, then turns back and grabs one of Isaac's biceps in her powerful hand: "Also let's not shelve that weight lifting plan too quickly."
Isaac shakes his head and crosses his arms.
"Ye don't need teh lann me the Chant, cutter; I sodding gathered that much as far as givin' this plane the laugh. But we can't come back. A Power got penned in the deadbook in the Outlands, if ye recall, and then we found some spook possessing sods in Crux. Top it off with Yggdrasil's sickness and I'm reckoning some foul business is afoot on the Planes. The Norns told me not to miss the forest fer the trees and I don't tumble teh ditchin' their council. No offense to our hosts, but we're in the trees as far as I'm concerned. There's gotta be some well-traveled bloods connecting the dots and gettin' the Dark of it before it's too late. I'm thinkin' it's us.""If Lauralie can make portals, there's no reason Lady Meralindiel and her kin can't find help from the Ratatosk or elsewhere. They lasted this long, it ain't up to us to stay and play war. We tend to the World Ash, we return to Sigil and sort out the rest."
Nari and Merle wander the large temple complex looking for Seph. They can see that many Hanalindrim are hurrying to and fro; many donning armor as they head to their destinations. It seems word of the recent events has spread quickly
"Right," Karrin says with a nod, "We're pretty much in agreement then. I said we come back here if necessary, not that we had to. I just thought it might be nice hearing me agree with you rather then arguing with you all the time. You know, heavy is the hand that . . . hand? Head maybe? Well all that stuff. I'm not a yes ma'am, I'm not gonna tell you you're making the right calls cuz you're in charge. But we might actually be hurting the defenses cuz maybe folks are able to line up their motives if our two targets are together?
"But ya, something big is going on," Karrin says with a nod, "And hopefully our involvement remains inconspicuous. Mercs like us aren't heroes or whatever and the hero types aren't swords for hire. We do our jobs, help folks when we can, and hopefully avoid notice of anything remotely powerful enough to make waves. Though this spider queen lady seems to have her sights on us and that can't be good . . ."
Isaac shakes his head and crosses his arms.
"Ye don't need teh lann me the Chant, cutter; I sodding gathered that much as far as givin' this plane the laugh. But we can't come back. A Power got penned in the deadbook in the Outlands, if ye recall, and then we found some spook possessing sods in Crux. Top it off with Yggdrasil's sickness and I'm reckoning some foul business is afoot on the Planes. The Norns told me not to miss the forest fer the trees and I don't tumble teh ditchin' their council. No offense to our hosts, but we're in the trees as far as I'm concerned. There's gotta be some well-traveled bloods connecting the dots and gettin' the Dark of it before it's too late. I'm thinkin' it's us.""If Lauralie can make portals, there's no reason Lady Meralindiel and her kin can't find help from the Ratatosk or elsewhere. They lasted this long, it ain't up to us to stay and play war. We tend to the World Ash, we return to Sigil and sort out the rest."
the Seed's voice echoes in Karrin's, Ekuur's, Issac and the other's heads
Issac has the right of it. I will be able to help the Hanalindrim much better once planted. The Morkarthau had one chance to obtain the Chrysagmir and harm me; you thwarted that. My Mother needs to be healed, else all the planes fall into darkness. You bring the Chrysagmir to Yggdrasil and I shall defend my new home along with Lady Meralindiel
Justin can't help but roll his eyes at Karrin's comments, especially regarding Isaac. (Although he's careful to do it BEHIND Karrin's back!) He raises his eyebrows at Rhiannon with a one-shoulder shrug. If he noticed Merle's hand hovering near her wand, he didn't show it. He merely nods encouragingly as she leaves to go after Nari and Seph. He starts slightly at the seed-voice in his head, but only a little this time. (There's only so much surprised you can be in one day.)
Justin replies aloud, bowing slightly towards the seed.
"You are a truly noble being Lauralie. Not that I'm surprised about that, considering your lineage." He smiles.
"And before we get all busy and forget, I thank you for your help with Nari. You gave her a splendid gift. I promise we shall do our best to heal Yggdrasil. And soon. But I think we would be remiss, Not to mention making your parent very cross, if we did not stay long enough to see you safely planted in your new home first!" He says with a grin that speaks volumes, mostly Are you kidding?!? I wouldn't miss this for all the portals in Sigil!'
He turns to their hostess and his face becomes serious. "I am sorry,..." He starts to say, then clamps his lips tight, as if realizing that they probably don't really want to hear any of that right now. HE looks at the rest of the party, then claps his hands together and rubs them briskly.
"Right! So,... enemy attacks, security issues, obviously your a little behind schedule. What can we do to help?"
"Excuse me, have you seen a small cat running past?" Nari asks a passer-by, her concern for Seph overcoming her natural shyness. The servant shook their head and hurried away to do whatever task they'd been in the middle of. She sighed.
"Seph! Seph, where are you?" she called out again.
Seph finds a quite spot where he transforms back into Hybrid form sniffling quietly to himself
"Seph C'mon Now is not the time for this." Merle yells
"Maybe we're going about this wrong...if you were in his position, where would you go? Somewhere out of the way...that felt safe, so probably a small nook or something. Let's search for those kinds of places."
After a while the pair do find Seph sitting in a corner tail curled up round him. still sniffiling slightley
Nari spots a small alcove where Seph is hiding near a statue
Nari kneels down beside Seph.
"I'm sorry," she said, simply.
Seph wraps his hands round Nari "Y-you were right about her she is just a nasty horrible person." He says between hiccups.
Merle pats Seph on the back a few times.
"I wish I hadn't been right. You're one of the most important people to me and I am so sorry that she hurt you. You did nothing to deserve to be treated that way," Nari said, smoothing his hair and speaking quietly to try and comfort Seph and help him calm down.
After a few minutes Seph seems to calm down standing up and looking at Nari "T-thank you." he says to her
She smiled at him. "Of course, Seph. You're my friend and I care about you. I've lost track of how many times you've comforted me when I was upset. Of course I would do the same for you."
"Actually, Merle and I were really worried when we had such a hard time finding you. It's not safe to be alone here. We should all head back before the others get worried about us."
"Okay" Seph responds changing back into a cat and clambering onto Merle's shoulder.
Nari, Merle, and Seph hurry back to rejoin the others.
On the way back Merle begins to bombard Nari with questions about her new body and how it feels moves etc Seph sitting on Merle's shoulder rolls his eyes.
"One question at a time," Nari laughingly replies. "Well....it's really amazing. I don't see quite as well as I used to, but this body doesn't have any scars and none of the bones have ever been broken so it doesn't pull or ache when I move. It feels like I can just move so freely now. And it's not so humiliating if people see....although it was still plenty embarrassing showing up completely naked. And I just feel so full of energy," she said, trying to answer as many of Merle's questions as she could.
"Thats good." Merle responds "What about your things though you just gonna let Sanna have them?"
"Well...I'll miss the chain shirt I think, but the rest....it's not important. I took my pins and my bow and there isn't anything else irreplaceable there. It doesn't bother me to let her have it. She'll need it more than me since she'll be on her own."
"I know she's an awful person, but even if it was because it was in her own self-interest, she did help me often. There were a lot of bad situations that I wouldn't have been able to get out of without her help. Letting her keep that stuff is a pretty small repayment for that, really."
Merle looks at Nari "So what does it feel like not having her in there anymore? Will you miss her?"
"It's strange. I feel free, and lighter somehow since I don't have to spend so much time fighting her, but at the same time it's a little lonely. I was just a little kid the last time I was alone in my own mind. I'm not quite sure how to deal with that. Although I think it will be much easier to relax now that I don't have to be on constant guard."
"Overall, even though it feels strange....no, I don't think I'll miss her at all. I did need her before, but....I think I'm strong enough to handle things without her now. And even if I'm not, I'm not all alone. I've got you and the rest of the Silver Rose, too. And that's why I think it will be alright the way it is."
"So uh you wouldent be upset of I roughed Sanna up a bit before she left." Seph glares at her "What I'm just asking." She responds
"I told you, Merle. She feeds off of your negative emotions. That's the pay-off for her acting like that. She wants to see you suffering. If you want to really annoy her, just ignore her. She doesn't care about pain. There's nothing that you can do to her in that way."
He turns to their hostess and his face becomes serious. "I am sorry,..." He starts to say, then clamps his lips tight, as if realizing that they probably don't really want to hear any of that right now. HE looks at the rest of the party, then claps his hands together and rubs them briskly.
"Right! So,... enemy attacks, security issues, obviously your a little behind schedule. What can we do to help?"
Lady Meralindiel looks at Justin and smiles sadly. Justin can see a small trace of the hurt behind her flawless features. Her beauty literally takes away his breath as her eyes seem to swallow him. She reaches out and lays a hand on his.
"Thank you Justin. Maelrin has always been a troubled person. How troubled, obviously even I was unaware. His treachery explains so much from the past years. "
She stops, eyes shining with unshed tears.
"I think for now we should prepare for tomorrow. The oracles have been cosulted, the Greensingers are ready, and at dawn we shall go forward. With Lauralia planted, we shall have new protections, ones that treachery will not be able to touch."
Lady Meralindiel glances over to Jena, now sitting down and being consoled by several guards that seem to know her.
"I would advise that if you will be sleeping tonight, to be ready for anything. More than likely the Winter Queen will try force where guile failed. I don't know what she could do, but having Maelrin in charge of so much here, anything could be prepared."
She reaches in and kisses Justin on the cheek. A faint smell like a spring morning fills Justin's nostrils
"If you will excuse me, I must try and console my granddaughter. She and her cousin were very close."
Lady Meralindiel turns and walks over to her sobbing granddaughter.
Justin bows slightly to the Lady, unable to choke out words past the sudden lump in his throat. When she turns away, he gingerly touches the cheek she brushed.
"What?" He asks the others when he sees them looking at him.
"Guys gotta have a soft spot somewhere. We can't all be hard-core all the time like Kar,... Er,... Isaac over there." He mutters.
"You heard the Lady. I for one don't feel much like a nap. But I'm half out of spells right now. If I don't catch a few winks I won't be worth much when the Ice-bug tries her hand."
Justin looks around, not hearing the usual disdainful sniff or caustic comment he's gotten used to hearing from Merle. (Particularly regarding his 'usefulness' in a battle!)
"Oh,... consarn it. I TOLD her not to take too long! Where did Seph go run off to? How far can the little guy get anyway?" He grumbles, making as if to head for the door himself any moment now.
"Geez Calm down I'm back so you can relax." Merle responds as she Seph and Nari re-enter. She looks likeshe is about to say something else when Seph gives Merle a light clout on the back of the head with a paw. "Ow what was that for I hadent even said anything yet?" She hissed at Seph.
"Yeah but you were thinking it." Is his responce
A soft smile is present on Rhiannon's face as she takes in the interactions of the group.
[b]We do need rest, especioally those of you with spellcasting abilities though we need to ensure vigilance while we rest. I will gladly take first watch tonight.
Isaac arches an eyebrow at Justin's comment. "Everyone's a bloody comedian.", he thinks.
"First thing's first, cutters- we aughtta do a head-to-toe scan of our gear teh make sure Maelrin didn't leave us with any surprises in our packs. Then, we search our quarters for the same. Nothin' overlooked, no surprises- berk had plenty of opportunities and just because we didn't scan him doesn't mean he didn't do anything."