You have just entered room "AND."

AndrewRogue: (I love AIM exploding when I close other windows.)

SirAlexTheFirst: Any particular type of picture?

Dark Japheth: Hmm.

Dark Japheth: Yes. I want to find a section detailing historical figures.

Dark Japheth: And see them. So I know what they look like. Any pertaining to Nagukor, such as Brandon the Apprentice, I want to get down perfectly, so I might impersonate them to irritate a few people in my homeland.

SirAlexTheFirst: Historical figures....

SirAlexTheFirst: There are some. Not many pertaining to Nagukor.

Dark Japheth: Damn. I'll find any that might be recognizable to sages in Nagukor.

Adm H Sopko: AFK for two shakes of a jiff

SirAlexTheFirst: Hm.

Dark Japheth: If I can find none, I'll settle on Warriors of Hope. And anyone related to Whittyre.

SirAlexTheFirst: There are, in fact, no pictures of Nagukorian historical figures.

Dark Japheth: Nice!

AndrewRogue: (ACK. Phone. One sec! >_<)

Dark Japheth: Zao makes a mental note that one day, he will have a picture up in this place

Adm H Sopko: Back

SirAlexTheFirst: Some pictures of the Warriors of Hope, though.

SirAlexTheFirst: Evrain

Dark Japheth: Cool. Its nice to attach faces to the figures I've already read about.

SirAlexTheFirst: Throkk

SirAlexTheFirst: (by the way, that doesn't really look like him, for those who met him earlier)

AndrewRogue: "Really doesn't look like Throkk..."

SirAlexTheFirst: Lanathadar Mongo

Dark Japheth: Zao- "..Probably. Aren't they all dead now? Who knows?" He shakes his head. "Good use of artistic liscence. Throkk using a form of magic."

AndrewRogue: *she smiles* "We've met him."

Adm H Sopko: ::Hunter nods sagely::

AndrewRogue: *and she stays for a long moment at the picture of Lathander*

AndrewRogue: *Lanathander

Dark Japheth: "..You are truly the most lucky people I have ever met. How does he live?"

Adm H Sopko: "Very simply."

Dark Japheth: "And did he truly build the foundations of penobscot by himself?"

Adm H Sopko: "He had help... but he did lead the way."

AndrewRogue: *she nods in assent as she continues looking at the piccy, then she joins them*

SirAlexTheFirst: Joins who where?

AndrewRogue: (...brain no worky type type no. Ahem. Strike that line._

AndrewRogue: *)

AndrewRogue: (Have we examined/searched the majority of the museum?)

SirAlexTheFirst: Emily

SirAlexTheFirst: And... most of the interior, yes.

Adm H Sopko: Valky!

AndrewRogue: (Emily is Lenneth? <.< Oh. And is there an outdoor section too?)

SirAlexTheFirst: Yes, there's sculpture and gardens outside.

AndrewRogue: (Might as well examine the whole museum.)

Dark Japheth: Yes! Sculpture.

AndrewRogue: (Personally, Sculpture > Painting.)

Dark Japheth: (Thats because you are insane and have no true appreciate of art)

SirAlexTheFirst: So...?

AndrewRogue: (Although... we still need pictures of Ced and Nellix before we continue out. <_<)

Dark Japheth: We walk outside! Well, Zao does.

Dark Japheth: (Cer and Nellix. Technically, yeah. But then why not include Johan, and Sarah, and perhaps Nividea? Astaroth?)

Dark Japheth: (Gabriel? I think we can stop with what we've got.)

AndrewRogue: (Good point.)

AndrewRogue: *Well... Aria follows Zao.*

SirAlexTheFirst: Ceredryn

SirAlexTheFirst: Out in the back are the gardens, which are filled with wondrous plants and flowers, and the occasional nice sculpture. Usually of people.

Adm H Sopko: ::Hunter admires the gardens. He's always been more of a landscape person::

Dark Japheth: Zao admires all of it. But he does look at sculptures.

AndrewRogue: *Aria takes in all of it... while of course keeping an eye out to see if they get lucky and find her mom*

SirAlexTheFirst: Spot checks.

*OnlineHost*: Adm H Sopko rolled 1 20-sided die: 15

Adm H Sopko: 254

Adm H Sopko: 25 even

*OnlineHost*: AndrewRogue rolled 1 20-sided die: 2

SirAlexTheFirst: Nice check...

AndrewRogue: 2

*OnlineHost*: Dark Japheth rolled 1 20-sided die: 13

Dark Japheth: 13.

SirAlexTheFirst: Hunter spies Miss Jess off in a corner of the gardens, carrying a large bag.

Adm H Sopko: "Ah! Found her!" ::He points her out to the rest, and summarily leads Aria over to her:

Adm H Sopko: ::Still unconciously holding Aria's hand::

AndrewRogue: *follows, gesturing for Zao to come along*

Dark Japheth: Which Zao does.

Dark Japheth: Quietly.

Adm H Sopko: The cats come out of the bushes and maul him

SirAlexTheFirst: Miss Jess is staring at one of the statues, absorbed.

Adm H Sopko: Which is it of?

Dark Japheth: Which statue?

Dark Japheth: bah

SirAlexTheFirst: It's a somewhat abstract statue, made of twisted bands of metal in the rough shape of two children skipping.

SirAlexTheFirst: Nothing particularly special to any of you.

AndrewRogue: "Uhm... hi Mom!"

Dark Japheth: It looks beautiful, though, but Zao will instead watch Aria and her mother.

SirAlexTheFirst: She jumps a bit. "Aria! Hello, dear!"

Dark Japheth: (You watch, she doesn't read the news.)

AndrewRogue: (Works for me.)

SirAlexTheFirst: Turning around, she addresses the group with a smile. "What a surprise to find you all here! Are your adventures going well?"

Dark Japheth: (Yes, but it means this entire trip was useless. Thats 2/2 times Zao has proved to be obsolete.)

AndrewRogue: *she nods* "Yep! We've been having a great time lately, haven't we?"

Adm H Sopko: ::He smiles:: "Not the easiest time, but it's been good."

SirAlexTheFirst: "Fantastic! Are you sure you're all right, dear?"

Dark Japheth: Zao nods assent.

SirAlexTheFirst: Give me a Will save, Aria.

AndrewRogue: ...crap.

*OnlineHost*: AndrewRogue rolled 1 20-sided die: 17

AndrewRogue: 19 cut it?

SirAlexTheFirst: Ouch.

AndrewRogue: (So close, yet so far?)

SirAlexTheFirst: You don't see or feel anything unusual. Miss Jess keeps talking. "Oh, you must all come back to the house with me for lunch! I just bought the most wonderful sandwich fixings! And there;s fudge!"

Dark Japheth: Zao's eyes get huge as he turns chibi. "You make Fudge?" His eyes go to Arianna, but he doesn't have telepathy!

AndrewRogue: "I... think we can stay for a short time. I'd actually just come by because I... I needed to pick up another set of clothes!" *she nods* "And yes Zao. She does. You'll love it!"

AndrewRogue: "Right Hunter?"

Adm H Sopko: ::He nods:: "Lunch would be a good idea."

Dark Japheth: "Yes. Arianna of Gelendar, you have a wonderful mother." Zao nods. "We have not met before. I am Isawa Zao-Lot." he bows.

SirAlexTheFirst: Miss Jess bows back. "It is a pleasure to meet you, noble Isawa."

Adm H Sopko: "How have things been in Gelendar since we've been gone, Miss Jess?" ::Getting in good with the parents never hurts::

SirAlexTheFirst: "Oh, we've been fine." She smiles at Aria. "Your father came back safe and sound yesterday, and everything is just fantastic."

AndrewRogue: "Ah! Dad's back?"

SirAlexTheFirst: "Mm hmm!"

AndrewRogue: "That's wonderful!" *she grins with double relief*

SirAlexTheFirst: "Have you been looking through the museum?"

AndrewRogue: *she nods*

AndrewRogue: "We were taking some time off to just appreciate things."

SirAlexTheFirst: "Did you find anything you liked in particular? I love coming here..."

AndrewRogue: "Nothing in particular... its all really pretty. What about you two?"

Adm H Sopko: "The picture of Throkk was interesting, as a comparison..."

Dark Japheth: Zao speaks. "The woman in red was perhaps the greatest. The Palace of Frost lived up to expectations. The best drawn was the one of the Lanathadar, though."

SirAlexTheFirst: "Ah, those ones. I know they're artists renditions, and not really what they looked like, but they do embody the ideals to a fine degree, don't they?"

Adm H Sopko: ::He nods;: "They are quite admirable works, yes."

AndrewRogue: "Agreed."

Dark Japheth: "Yes."

SirAlexTheFirst: She sighs contendedly. "This whole place... it reminds me of some of the vacations your father and I used to take... Well, I won't bore you all. Let's do lunch!"

SirAlexTheFirst: She nods her head towards the gates out.

Dark Japheth: Zao nods, and will begin walking once someone else does.

AndrewRogue: *follows with Hunter in tow assumedly*

Adm H Sopko: ::Follows! Still hlding Aria's hand:

Dark Japheth: Zao follows and watches.

SirAlexTheFirst: To the house then!

AndrewRogue: (Those two holding hands with poor Zao just tagging amuses me for some reason.)

Dark Japheth: Zao isn't poor! He's happy! He'll get FUDGE! and he's chibi, so he's all smiles and ^_^

AndrewRogue: (Yay! Fudge! Which I now want.)

AndrewRogue: (So lo, our intrepid heroes + mother make it back to the house?)

SirAlexTheFirst: So Miss Jess opens up the house and goes to the kitchen immediately. "Did you visit here before coming to the museum?"

AndrewRogue: "Ah... yes. I needed to get something to wear."

SirAlexTheFirst: "Oh, goodness yes, hon! Take all the clothes you need, we're not wearing them!" She laughs.

SirAlexTheFirst: Then, after a moment, "Oh, dear? Could you come here please? I need to talk with you about something..."

AndrewRogue: *she chuckles as well* "I... seem to have bad luck with whatever I bring." *she guides Zao down into a chair* "Ah. Yes. Or course!" *and she... somewhat reluctantly lets go of Hunter's hand*

Dark Japheth: Zao sits. "Arianna, you do not have large cats that seek to eat me, right?"

Adm H Sopko: ::Hunter sits down, getting comfortable and looking to Zao:: "You're certainly an upbeat man, Mr. Isawa."

AndrewRogue: *as she walks to the kitchen* "Nope! No pets!"

Dark Japheth: Zao laughs. "Perhaps. Am I so unlike many others in this world? I simply appreciate a good joke."

Dark Japheth: Zao- "Good, lady Arianna." Zao relaxes a bit more clearly.

Adm H Sopko: ::He chuckles and nods:: "Too true.:

AndrewRogue: (Do converse :p)

Dark Japheth: "And please, Hunter Sopko, do not call me Isawa."

Dark Japheth: "That is my family name, which I am no longer a part of."

Adm H Sopko: "Alright... then just call me Hunter."

Dark Japheth: "I will do this for you." he bows.

Adm H Sopko: "Heh. Thank you, Zao."

*OnlineHost*: AndrewRogue rolled 1 20-sided die: 16

*OnlineHost*: SirAlexTheFirst rolled 1 20-sided die: 11

Dark Japheth: "Do you think they might need help in the kitchen?"

Dark Japheth: (...I had that typed before the two of you rolled inits to fight the fudge golem invariably in the kitchen)

AndrewRogue: (XD)

Adm H Sopko: "So what were you doing in Whittyre again, Zao? You never got to go into much depth."

Dark Japheth: He laughs. "I pulled a few pranks at home, and was politely given an invitation and a ticket on a boat to this continent."

Dark Japheth: "And Whittyre interested me, being a nation of unorthodox sorcerors, like myself, and I sought to learn what I could."

Dark Japheth: "Their 'technology' is beyond Nagukor. I thought perhaps some of it might help my country."

Adm H Sopko: ::He smirks:: "Perhaps... I'm still a bit skeptical"

Dark Japheth: "Then, the Yarovan business happened, and I realized that being there was obsolete. Until your charge, Arianna of Gelendar, fell into a crater near me, I was planning on returning home."

Dark Japheth: "Skeptical? Of what? Their intelligence is undeniable, and their technology a beautiful gift to the world, now that it will be shared."

Adm H Sopko: ::He nods:: "And I still apologize for that... if you'd like, I can provide you with a ticket home as compensation."

Dark Japheth: He looks at you, horrified. "Why would I want to go home? Here, I have new experiences. New things to see. From this continent, there are stars I can see that are hidden to those of us in Nagukor."

Dark Japheth: "And you have already offered me succor within your home, Hunter. I am already in your debt, not the reverse."

Adm H Sopko: ::He nods:: "If you truly see it that way, then I won't argue. And I guess you were in Whittyre longer than I was... However, from my assessment of them, technology is a very dangerous thing."

Dark Japheth: At that, he begins laughing. "Perhaps, Hunter. Perhaps. It is a tool. It is no more inherently dangerous than magic, or perhaps even a sword."

Adm H Sopko: "It can provide many good services, and improve the quality of life... but it seems to have made their general populace complacent, ignorant and content with the oppressive survelliance and monitoring of the government."

Dark Japheth: "That is a problem inherent with the people, not a fault of the technology. Don't blame the tool for the incompetant user."

Dark Japheth: "Or the harp for the inadequate performance."

Adm H Sopko: ::Hunter shakes his head:: "There is a difference in those comparisons."

Dark Japheth: He nods assent. "Yes. No simile can hope to achieve the truth of the matter. Perhaps the technology is to blame, and perhaps not. I will not blame it, nor exalt it- it is like most things, dangerous only in

Dark Japheth: some hands."

Adm H Sopko: "It itself isn't to blame, but has the capability of giving people who have no understanding of the consequences more power than say, magic, or a sword. Little training necessary, yet vast power could be

Adm H Sopko: utilized by these people. And combine that with the way these pople live. They're controlled through the technology by the government quite effectively. Using the newspapers on the terminals, the government easily controls

Dark Japheth: "The flaw there is that many sorcerors are ignorant as to consequences. We sorcerors, and the Shujenga of my home, are born with their power- and few study the cause, or reason."

Dark Japheth: *add that once you've finished and Zao will finish response.

Adm H Sopko: what people know, and can shape their opinions. It is a truly scary concept from where I'm sitting."

Dark Japheth: "Again, the people are controlled through the technology, you say."

Dark Japheth: "Where I come from, no technology is needed, yet the people are controlled no less thoroughly."

Adm H Sopko: "How so?"

Dark Japheth: "Face."

Adm H Sopko: (FACE)

Dark Japheth: He realizes immediately you likely don't know what he's talking about. (that *was* intentional)

Dark Japheth: "Face- the concept of standing, I suppose, but not merely that."

Dark Japheth: "Face is honor. And it is dignity, and compassion, and strength."

Adm H Sopko: ::He nods, following::

Dark Japheth: "It is also unswerving faithfulness to the Old Ways, to the ways that waste effort and energy, expending them uselessly like rocks thrown to the sea."

Dark Japheth: "If a man begins developing a new fishing pole, one not merely a bamboo stick with string upon the end and a worm tied upon it... perhaps one with more mechanical advantage..."

Dark Japheth: "or perhaps with a reel, like those I saw in Whittyre..."

Dark Japheth: "If any see this man, they will report him to the Emperor's Servants. Or they will quietly quash it."

SirAlexTheFirst: Aria and Miss Jess come out now, bearing sandwiches and fudge.

Dark Japheth: FUDGE!

AndrewRogue: "Sorry about that." *smiling*

Dark Japheth: Zao turns chibi, his eyes get huge.

Dark Japheth: "It is alright. I thank you again for the hospitality. I am sorry I did not offer to help."

Adm H Sopko: ::Hunter smiles to her:: "It's no problem, really."

AndrewRogue: "Its no problem at Zao." *offers out the dish*

SirAlexTheFirst: Miss Jess bows to Zao again. "It is not necessary, son of Isawa. You are an honored guest in our house."

Dark Japheth: He smiles, and bows.

Dark Japheth: (She knows! She knows! She's been to Nagukor!)

Dark Japheth: (GLEEEEEE!)

Dark Japheth: Zao can hardly contain his excitement although he is likely wrong.

Adm H Sopko: ::Hunter takes some fudge and eats quite happily::

SirAlexTheFirst: *sits down* "So what brings y'all back here?"

AndrewRogue: *she manages to set the trays down and seat herself as well once everyone is served. Of course taking a piece or two for herself*

AndrewRogue: "Just taking a little break and trying to... ah... wanted to make sure none of that silly news from Whittyre was upsetting you."

Dark Japheth: Zao digs into fudge!

Adm H Sopko: ::Gives a silent cheer for Aria seeing her do that without tripping or losing her balance:: "Well, after our trip to Whittyre, we figured we'd take some time off and rest, check up on things."

SirAlexTheFirst: Miss Jess laughs. "Oh, yes, those silly stories. What on earth would make them say my little girl was dead? Of all the things to scare a mother with..."

Dark Japheth: Zao nearly chokes but says nothing.

*OnlineHost*: Adm H Sopko rolled 1 20-sided die: 17

Adm H Sopko: ::Hunter manages to conceal ANY sign of surprise from that::

AndrewRogue: "They're... really bad with news out there. Making all sorts of things up."

SirAlexTheFirst: She looks at Hunter and Zao-Lot to see if they have any answers.

SirAlexTheFirst: (Where's Lea, anyways?)

Adm H Sopko: "Yeah. Like I was saying to Zao, they have their populace so well trained that they'll believe anything they tell them."

AndrewRogue: (She stayed to do buisness no? Wanted to avoid making this more awkward.)

Dark Japheth: Zao speaks up. "I found her body." He is quiet, and in fact, he doesn't face them as he says it.

Adm H Sopko: (Lea had things to do at home. We were only gonna be gone for a few hours)

AndrewRogue: ~ZAO!~

Dark Japheth: Can I hear that?

Dark Japheth: :P

Dark Japheth: I have no telepathy circlet, you know.

Dark Japheth: :P

SirAlexTheFirst: Yes.

SirAlexTheFirst: You can hear it.

Dark Japheth: OH well.

Dark Japheth: I touch my temples to my forehead. "Ow!"

AndrewRogue: You just have to be close.

SirAlexTheFirst: The circlets, and Aria, can transmit to anybody nearby.

Dark Japheth: "What was that?"

AndrewRogue: "Nothing." ~I can speak to you like this. She doesn't know I really died. Please please please don't say anything like that!~

SirAlexTheFirst: "Are you all right, sir?"

Adm H Sopko: ::Hunter thinks to himself:: ~This isn't going to end well... Jess is more intelligent than to fall for this transparent act

Adm H Sopko: ~

AndrewRogue: (*snickers*)

Dark Japheth: "Alright."

SirAlexTheFirst: Miss Jess is very quiet.

Dark Japheth: "I'm sorry. Momentary lapse of judgement."

SirAlexTheFirst: She looks at Aria.

AndrewRogue: *she stands up slightly hastily* "Want another sandwhich?"

SirAlexTheFirst: She looks at Hunter.

AndrewRogue: *and she does go over to the tray to get one having finished her fudge*

Adm H Sopko: ::He nods to Aria:: "Sure."

Dark Japheth: Zao looks like he wants to disappear.

AndrewRogue: *and she kindly brings him one as well*

Dark Japheth: And looking in his eyes, he racks his brains trying to figure out if he can use Major Illusion to do that very trick.

SirAlexTheFirst: Spellcraft check.

*OnlineHost*: Dark Japheth rolled 1 20-sided die: 19

Dark Japheth: 32.

SirAlexTheFirst: The answer is quite simple: No.

Dark Japheth: Heh.

AndrewRogue: *hands it to Hunter* "Here you go." *she reseats herself* "So... ah... when is Dad supposed to get back?"

SirAlexTheFirst: "What was that about a body?"

AndrewRogue: "A body?" *she does her best to not look like she heard Zao well*

Dark Japheth: Zao thinks. And he begins gesturing a little bit, but it mostly looks like him fidgeting. (casting a Silent Detect Thoughts)

*OnlineHost*: SirAlexTheFirst rolled 1 20-sided die: 15

Dark Japheth: Hoping. oh gods, hoping beyond hope, that she's already got a good explanation and I just need to rip it out of her skull despite her succeeding admirably at the will save.

Dark Japheth: I will commence weeping now.

Adm H Sopko: ::Hunter accepts the sandwich, and eats quietly, assessing the situation::

*OnlineHost*: SirAlexTheFirst rolled 1 20-sided die: 13

Dark Japheth: Can I hear anything from her?

SirAlexTheFirst: No.

Dark Japheth: ...Well horseshit.

SirAlexTheFirst: Unless your DCs are much higher than I think they are.

Dark Japheth: 18 for that.

Dark Japheth: It'd be 22 if it were illusion!

AndrewRogue: "Ah... did you say something about a body Zao?"

Dark Japheth: He speaks, finally, after much contemplation. "Yes. I found a body, remarkably similar. That is likely why there is a mix up."

Dark Japheth: "After all, your daughter is alive and standing before us. It was a good simulacrum, though, good enough to fool even the church of Luthien where I brought her to be ressurected."

SirAlexTheFirst: Oh for heaven's sake.

SirAlexTheFirst: Give me a Bluff check.

*OnlineHost*: SirAlexTheFirst rolled 1 20-sided die: 13

Adm H Sopko: ::Hunter just shakes his head at the whole situation::

*OnlineHost*: Dark Japheth rolled 1 20-sided die: 15

Dark Japheth: Charisma?

SirAlexTheFirst: Yes.

Dark Japheth: Then 21.

SirAlexTheFirst: Miss Jess looks back at Aria.

SirAlexTheFirst: She says nothing.

Dark Japheth: If anyone can sense Zao's thoughts, at this point, he's thinking <Oh spirits please please please. Please let her be stymied before my clearly hastily made error in speaking.>

AndrewRogue: *she... doesn't really offer assent. She's a bad liar. She is in so much trouble* ~Should... I just tell her Hunter?~ *she sounds a bit downtrodden. She doesn't really think she bought that*

Adm H Sopko: ::He nods to Aria:: "Miss Jess, I apologize for this display... but you really deserve better than it. I want to tell you the truth of what happened in Whittyre."

AndrewRogue: *she sighs* "Right."

SirAlexTheFirst: She sighs. "Actually, hon, I think that story might belong a bit more to Aria."

Adm H Sopko: ::He nods calmly to her:: "If you'd rather hear it from her, alright."

AndrewRogue: "I'm... sorry." *she looks quite abashed* "I... did die."

SirAlexTheFirst: *sighs again* "Well, honey, I figured that one out a while ago. How, and why?"

Adm H Sopko: ::Hunter braces for impact::

AndrewRogue: "I was at a ball with Hunter, Yaravon was throwing a party to talk about their trade contract. Hunter's father, Will, was there. He came over and talked with us for a while and I went for a walk with him at his request."

AndrewRogue: "He... took me to the top of the city dome. And we talked a while."

Dark Japheth: (I have a funny mental picture of Aria's mom saying "This is why you don't trust strangers, hunny.")

AndrewRogue: (XD)

SirAlexTheFirst: "Hunter's father?"

AndrewRogue: *she couldn't look more uncomfortable really* "Y-yes."

SirAlexTheFirst: "Go on..."

SirAlexTheFirst: The door opens, and Tarin steps in, walks over, grabs one of the remaining sandwiches and sits down in an open chair. "Good afternoon, everyone. Don't mind me."

AndrewRogue: "He... was concerned about what we were doing. And... he was under the impression that we we're doing something... very..." *she vaguely trails off*

SirAlexTheFirst: Everyone waits.

Dark Japheth: ZAO FLINCHES. FLINNNNCHES

AndrewRogue: *she swallows again* "He thought I was going to kill the head of Yaravon. And that we wanted Verity caputred."

AndrewRogue: "By Whittyre."

SirAlexTheFirst: Tarin mutters "Well, don't you?"

AndrewRogue: *the poor girl looks like she wants to disappear now. A shame major illusion won't cut it* "He... was really upset. And he pulled out this thing... a gun? I think that's what he called it."

SirAlexTheFirst: brb

AndrewRogue: (Want me to just continue or wait for you?)

AndrewRogue: "I managed to knock it out of his hands but... up there I could barely stand. He just pushed me and I slid down the side. I... tried to talk to him, convince him he was wrong. He... he didn't want to do it. He

AndrewRogue: realized he made a mistake at the last second. I... I..." *she stumbles over it* "...just lost my grip. Then I fell."

SirAlexTheFirst: Tarin nods in sympathy. "First death is always hard. How are you feeling now?"

AndrewRogue: "All things considered... fine."

SirAlexTheFirst: "What happened afterwards? Did you meet Philemon?"

AndrewRogue: "Who?"

SirAlexTheFirst: "Hm..." He rubs his chin.

SirAlexTheFirst: Miss Jess is looking at her husband, startled. "Honey? Our daughter DIED!"

SirAlexTheFirst: Tarin nods. "It happens."

Dark Japheth: Zao nods, but says nothing.

AndrewRogue: *its already gone so far... Might as well just finish the stuff. Her dad seems to have a damn fine idea of stuff* "I... went to Hell afterwards."

Dark Japheth: (..Tarin is officially the coolest NPC in Amaryllis New Dawn.)

AndrewRogue: (Second'd)

Adm H Sopko: (No wuv for Lea)

AndrewRogue: (She falls under Cohort/PC-Lite <.<)

SirAlexTheFirst: At that, Tarin blinks.

Dark Japheth: (She's not that cool. Tarin is badass. "First death is always hard." Goddamn. AWESOME)

SirAlexTheFirst: "Really. I'd heard it didn't exist. Any idea why, exactly? And how did you come back?"

SirAlexTheFirst: Jess on the other hand is looking like she's about to pass out.

AndrewRogue: "It... seems to be just there for sending souls to oblivion. I... I think Sahkmeht does it to those who betray her. That's why I was there." *she gives a really weak shrug* "Nellix sent me back though."

SirAlexTheFirst: "Now, hold on." Tarin's hand moves to his side. "Let me get this straight. You went to Hell because you.... betrayed? SAHKMEHT?"

SirAlexTheFirst: Jess just kind of whimpers.

AndrewRogue: "I... was stupid. She fooled me into believing she was someone else. A benevolant patron who wanted to make the world a better place. I... denied her while we were fighting Verity for Excalibur."

SirAlexTheFirst: Tarin shakes his head. "Daughter mine, what HAVE you been up to?"

AndrewRogue: "...a lot. And even more we still don't understand."

SirAlexTheFirst: "Sahkmeht's dead, first of all. Excalibur is gone, second of all. I'm glad that you finally wised up and fought Verity, but have you been doing drugs? Tell the truth, now."

AndrewRogue: "If Sahkmeht's dead, then very well tell me why I ended up in that horrid place fighting for my existence against that... that abomination! Why it was trying to...!" *her voice raises notably*

Adm H Sopko: ::Hunter reaches over and puts his hand on her shoulder, trying to calm her::

Dark Japheth: "I feel I am somewhat out of place here. Shall I go?"

AndrewRogue: "Its fine Zao."

SirAlexTheFirst: Tarin considers. "You are free to do as you wish, noble sir. We would have you remain, but you are free to depart if you desire."

Dark Japheth: "If you would have me remain, then so I shall." He sits, and listens.

SirAlexTheFirst: "So, you died, and went somewhere horrid, and fought an abomination, and then Nellix sent you back?"

AndrewRogue: *she bites her anger back a bit* "Y-yes. And Excalibur is not lost."

SirAlexTheFirst: He sighs. "Was that really your first death?"

AndrewRogue: "I... don't know." *she gestures towards Hunter* "I... was supposed to have died once more. Hunter found me without a head. That's... how she fooled me and got me to swear loyalty to her."

AndrewRogue: "But... Nellix said I hadn't died before."

Adm H Sopko: ::A shiver runs up Hunter's spine at that::

AndrewRogue: *quietly to him* "Sorry."

SirAlexTheFirst: *puts his hands on his temples* "Aria, this is why we warned you about becoming an adventurer. The few real adventurers out there tend to have bad things happen to them."

SirAlexTheFirst: "Even more so you - you can't even see through a lying bi- *ahem* elf girl when she leads you into a trap. How do you expect to keep going like this?"

AndrewRogue: "..."

SirAlexTheFirst: He waits for your answer.

Adm H Sopko: ::Hunter holds himself back, almost leaping to her defense verbally. He stops though, considering his words and holding back still. He squeezes Aria's shoulder though, showing his support a different way::

SirAlexTheFirst: Miss Jess interjects, "Dear, you're being a little harsh on her, don't you think? She did get out, and she said Nellix likes her..."

AndrewRogue: "I know bad things happen to adventurers. I figured it out just after I met them. I still have some scars running from my shoulder to my knee from my first real fight."

AndrewRogue: "I've been covered in my friends' gore after a little girl ripped his arm off and crushed his skull."

AndrewRogue: "I've seen more more corpses... killed in such horrible ways... then I want to."

SirAlexTheFirst has left the room.

SirAlexTheFirst has entered the room.

SirAlexTheFirst: (YAY)

AndrewRogue: "I've watched my friends get beaten within an inch of their lives."

AndrewRogue: "I've just about been killed here in my house."

SirAlexTheFirst: Tarin stands up and glances out a window. It's a sunny day outside.

SirAlexTheFirst: "So.... why, Aria?"

AndrewRogue: "Because they need me."

SirAlexTheFirst: "Who?"

Adm H Sopko: ::Hunter knows where this is going, and he doesn't picture it ending pretty::

AndrewRogue: "My friends. I'm tired of seeing them get hurt, tired of seeing them die."

SirAlexTheFirst: *sighs* "Why are they getting hurt and dying? Why aren't you all just staying home and working and raising families?"

Adm H Sopko: ::He is, however, very impressed with Aria's passion::

Dark Japheth: Zao is, as well. And Zao desperately wants to speak! But he will not jeapordize the fact that he is honored guest.

SirAlexTheFirst: "Think carefully, by the way. You don't have any protection from wrong answers anymore." Tarin draws his sword and looks at it, and Miss Jess gasps.

Dark Japheth: Zao readies an action to cast Enervation.

AndrewRogue: *she stands up* "Don't make this come to bloodshed Dad. I'm tired of it."

Dark Japheth: The trigger action, of course, will be him making any aggressive motion towards Aria, Hunter, Zao, or Miss Jess.

SirAlexTheFirst: "So, why are you choosing to be in a line of work that guarantees that you WILL see a lot more of it?"

Adm H Sopko: ::Hunter readies to push Aria out of the way should Tarin strike::

AndrewRogue: "You know dad... Hunter was one of the people chosen for this. He's about the only one who remains. I was one of the last chosen."

AndrewRogue: "We're supposed to stop five evils across Amaryllis."

SirAlexTheFirst: "Why?"

Dark Japheth: ("You are ruining my character concept of being an adventurer!")

Adm H Sopko: (Lets go on an adventure!_

SirAlexTheFirst: ("Everyone loves you, Aria!")

AndrewRogue: "I don't know why we were chosen. I don't know why we're supposed to do it. But I've seen what these evils are doing. We've... I'VE shown I'm capable of doing something about it. <more>

AndrewRogue: I'm tired of people getting hurt. If we can truly do something about it, fine. Hunter isn't ready to give up, and I'm not letting him wander into this alone!"

AndrewRogue: (More actually, give me just a sec.)

SirAlexTheFirst: He waits patiently.

AndrewRogue: "Its wrong to let a crime go when you can stop it. Isn't that what you told me? Fine! I'm stupid, I'm weak, I'm foolish, I'm inept and I can barely walk but I can DO SOMETHING. I can protect the people I care about, and

AndrewRogue: help them stop whatever these five things are! I don't care who wants us to or why we're supposed to anymore! It needs to be done!"

SirAlexTheFirst: "Okay. I'll take your place. Stay here with your mother and be safe. What do you say?"

AndrewRogue: "...what?"

AndrewRogue: *she looks a bit taken aback*

Adm H Sopko: ::A suspicion Hunter had before is confirmed::

Dark Japheth: (....That was unexpected and throws me completely for a loop)

AndrewRogue: (Gil: Do it!)

Dark Japheth: (Gil: Then you get to play a character who doesn't suck at stats or will saves!)

Adm H Sopko: (No)

Adm H Sopko: (gil: YOU'RE RUINING MY CHARACTER CONCEPT)

SirAlexTheFirst: He leans forward. "Why you, specifically? And don't say "Because the gods told me to", you just told us about supposedly dead gods lying to you and betraying and old legends being lies."

SirAlexTheFirst: "So all your friends are doing it. If they jumped off a bridge, would you do it, too? So you love someone who's doing it. That's great. Your mother loves me, and yet she's fine staying here."

SirAlexTheFirst: Tarin looks to Jess for confirmation on this one, and, after a moment, she nods assent.

Dark Japheth: (He just rolled a 20 on his "Make your daughter feel Stupid" skill check)

SirAlexTheFirst: "So you're an all right fighter. For how much longer, though? You've been killed twice, the gods - or something - are after your head, you've got huge scars from a single battle..."

SirAlexTheFirst: "On top of that, you're getting all over the world news as a crazy dead concubine to a porno cleric!"

Dark Japheth: (...Thats... good logic. Man, I like Tarin.)

SirAlexTheFirst: "Now, you're my daughter, and I love you. And I'm willing and probably more able than you are to take your place out in the field. Stay home."

Dark Japheth: Zao realizes this is probably close to common, and stops his readied spell.

AndrewRogue: "No."

AndrewRogue: (I want the power of Megid!)

AndrewRogue: (<.<)

Dark Japheth: (I bet you do. To get it, you have to swim through a sea of blood.)

SirAlexTheFirst: "Why not?"

SirAlexTheFirst: (The heck you do. You have no idea.)

Dark Japheth: (And do other things)

Dark Japheth: (No, I don't. I don't get free access to old logs. :P)

SirAlexTheFirst: (Your character concept gets freaking ruined.)

Dark Japheth: (That too.)

Dark Japheth: (*stops his own OOC*)

Adm H Sopko: ((::Pokes Andy:: ))

AndrewRogue: (I'm almost done <.<)

AndrewRogue: (Alex is too good at making me look stupid)

Dark Japheth: (lmao. Its like a DBZ episode)

AndrewRogue: "I know you love me. But what good is it for me to just stop here and give up? I have not come through all this to just surrender and start waiting tables! I'm strong Dad. Strong enough to protect them,

AndrewRogue: strong enough to do this."

Dark Japheth: "May I offer a suggestion?" Zao says meekly.

SirAlexTheFirst: "Right. That's why you got thrown to your death by a simpering trader who's never killed a man before in his life." Tarin nods, and turns to Zao. "Yes, honored one?"

Dark Japheth: "Your daughter is perhaps one of the strongest willed women I've ever met. Even being thrown from a mile high dome did not stop her from assisting her friends."

Dark Japheth: "And if after death, such a horrible death, she still would not, I do not think it possible for her will to be swayed without a powerful enchanter."

SirAlexTheFirst: "Well, hell, I survived, why stop now? Let's keep going until I don't!"

Dark Japheth: "But if you do wish to assist her, and keep her safe from harm, perhaps you could come along anyway. I am certain a man of your power would be able to help his daughter while she continues to do what she wishes."

Dark Japheth: Zao is quiet, but finishes. "I am sorry if my suggestion is stupid. I am naive in these matters, and perhaps I am wrong to presume this much." He exhales. "I can only offer my words to help."

SirAlexTheFirst: Tarin barks a laugh. "We can't always do what we wish. Would that we could. But - the real reason I came back here was to warn you, Aria."

SirAlexTheFirst: "Gelendar is putting a watch on you. That's military speak for an order to kill and dispose of on sight if you do anything remotely important."

SirAlexTheFirst: Miss Jess looks horrified. "Tar - you wouldn't. Stop!"

Dark Japheth: (Tarin sucks now.)

SirAlexTheFirst: Tarin continues, "Of course, I'm not going to, which will probably cost me my job there. Conveniently leaving me available to take your place."

SirAlexTheFirst: "Now, if you keep going, you do realize that this is only the beginning. There's politics out there that are going to want you dead on pretty much all - hell, maybe ALL sides. Sooner or later, they're going to get you."

AndrewRogue: *her voice is actually reaching a point near a growl* "Why?"

SirAlexTheFirst: "And if you're on bad terms with the gods, well, what do you think will happen next time you get killed?"

SirAlexTheFirst: Tarin sits back down. "That's my question. You still haven't answered it."

AndrewRogue: ~NELLIX! What the hell is this all about?~

AndrewRogue: *she just stands there, clenching her fists in a very un-Aria manner*

Dark Japheth: Zao begins murmuring a short poem. "Caught in thy net of shadows, what dreams hast thou to show? Who treads the silent meadows, to worship thee below?"

Dark Japheth: But thats all.

Adm H Sopko: (?)

SirAlexTheFirst: Tarin continues to wait for Aria's answer.

Dark Japheth: (Just a little poem I wrote one day when bored out of my mind and thinking about Aria's little plight with Sakhmet)

SirAlexTheFirst: Miss Jess continues to sit, shocked. A tear runs down her face.

AndrewRogue: (*apologizes* Striaghtening something out. I'll speak in a moment.)

AndrewRogue: "Fine. You want to know the answer? I'm willing to do it so my friends, no matter how stupid or moronic they are, don't have to suffer in the same way I have! I crawled out of that fucking pit by myself! FINE! PROVE

AndrewRogue: YOU'RE STRONGER THAN ME! Prove that I'm still that incapable twit who left home in the stupidst manner possible. I'm not going to be jerked around like this anymore!"

AndrewRogue: (More)

AndrewRogue: "I don't even care about what the gods say anymore! I'm probably going back to hell when I die again! I don't care about any of that anymore! Don't you think there's something wrong when the military is ordering you to kill me

AndrewRogue: if I do something ever remotely important?"

AndrewRogue: *even

SirAlexTheFirst: "Actually, yes, I do, and that's why I want you to stay home."

AndrewRogue: "Then what difference does it make? Instead of me being in this danger, its you. Instead of you worrying about me, its the other way."

SirAlexTheFirst: "The gods don't want me dead. I haven't made any promises to Sahkmeht, or whatever."

AndrewRogue: "...do you think that makes a difference anymore?" *her voice drops off suddenly* "Do you think removing myself from this is going to fix my mistakes?"

Dark Japheth: <Perhaps it is those reasons that she was chosen by the very spirits.>

AndrewRogue: "I don't know what happens next time I die. I may very well end up back in that pit in hell to be sent to oblivion."

SirAlexTheFirst: "Yes. I'm sure you've read all sorts of books and heard these stories before, when someone is cautioned to just stay home and quit it. They never do. They always keep on going, and either win gloriously or win and die."

SirAlexTheFirst: "Real life isn't like that, though. You don't even know if you're on the hero's side. The heroes always tell the villains that same thing, and the villains never listen either."

SirAlexTheFirst: "Perhaps if someone actually did, the opposition might just be human enough to forgive them and leave them alone. You ever consider that possibility?"

AndrewRogue: "Do not patronize me! Who was it that wanted Aurelia dead on the floor here?"

SirAlexTheFirst: "That would be me, because she was leading you into a trap in which thirty soldiers gave their lives, you and all your friends still almost died, and a certain important little girl got lost track of."

SirAlexTheFirst: "Now I ask you, was I right, or was I right?"

AndrewRogue: "What does Marion have to do this?"

AndrewRogue: *with

SirAlexTheFirst: "Well, now, that I don't know. But I do know that her father's been around here, is practically mad with grief because she's apparently dead or gone, and is considering trying to kill you in revenge."

SirAlexTheFirst: Tarin continues after a moment, "That's fairly irrelevant, though. Your main answer seems to be so that your friends won't have to suffer like you. That's very noble. But is it true?"

SirAlexTheFirst: "Do you really think that you can stop them from suffering? Or are you just making them suffer more, by robbing them of the ability to take on their own suffering and making them see you in pain?"

SirAlexTheFirst: Miss Jess gets up and just leaves the room.

Dark Japheth: (Tarin-1. Aria -0)

AndrewRogue: "...Hunter?"

Adm H Sopko: ::Hunter sighs, not being able to stay out of this any longer. He considers his words carefully, then speaks calmly::

Adm H Sopko: "Tarin... Aria, unlike your wife, obviously isn't content with staying home while you go out. I can tell you are the type of man who took the type of job he did so his

Adm H Sopko: children wouldn't have to, and I respect that. However, there is more at stake here that simple politics, or even our lives. At the risk of sound like

Adm H Sopko: a raving lunatic, or a fool, we're talking about the world. All of Amaryllis. Too many major shifts are happening all at once in the structure of the land, and we have touched on the forces behind them.

Adm H Sopko: I've talked with almost every party in this grand scale, and I can tell you, unless we have people who can put everything together, and are willing to follow through on it, it won't end well. Your scope is

Adm H Sopko: too small. You are letting your love for your daughter blind you to the bigger picture. If you truly care that much, then join us, with your daughter. Protect her as we go along. I believe then you will see what we are

Adm H Sopko: trying to accomplish."

SirAlexTheFirst: Tarin flips a hand at Hunter. "Nice sentiments, but it doesn't address the question. And you're wrong - my scope is probably just as large as yours. But different."

SirAlexTheFirst: "I guarantee you haven't spoken with almost every party, not by a long shot. Neither have I."

SirAlexTheFirst: "The question to YOU right now is, does it hurt you to see Aria in pain, or not?"

Adm H Sopko: "Of course it does. But however much it might hurt her to say this, whatever happens, happens. If she dies, I can only grieve and push on. However much it might hurt, her life nor her death would distract me from achieving

Adm H Sopko: greater good."

SirAlexTheFirst: "So, it does hurt you to see her in pain - and you'd keep going on no matter what happened or what she chose to do."

SirAlexTheFirst: Tarin turns back to Aria.

SirAlexTheFirst: "Well? How's about it, Ari?"

Adm H Sopko: "You mistake my words, Tarin."

Adm H Sopko: "The only way that works is if your daughter is living true to her emotions. I won't accept it otherwise. Forcing her to stay here is completely against the spirit of my statement."

SirAlexTheFirst: *sigh* "I can't force her to do anything. Just pointing out that she has no reason to go out and keep putting herself at risk needlessly."

Dark Japheth: "As Hunter and your daughter have both said, this is not what anyone would consider needless."

Adm H Sopko: "I've been working on that... as much as I can... I refuse to commit to any action that is needless... but Tarin, what when we are needed? What would you consider that to be?"

SirAlexTheFirst: He ignores this and waits for an answer from Aria.

AndrewRogue: "I don't believe what I'm endangering myself needlessly."

AndrewRogue: *that

AndrewRogue: "And I'm not confident you can do any better in my place then I can."

AndrewRogue: "And I'm sure as anything that Hunter can't do this alone."

Adm H Sopko: ::He nods sagely::

SirAlexTheFirst: "Really."

SirAlexTheFirst: "So, you're doing all this because you honestly believe you're the best person for the job?"

Dark Japheth: (Tarin 2, Aria 0)

AndrewRogue: "I don't know if I am. But I know I can do it. And I'd much rather it be me risking my life than someone else."

SirAlexTheFirst: "Why?"

AndrewRogue: "Because I'd rather see myself hurt and maimed than anyone else."

Adm H Sopko: (Aria gains 50 bajillion Heartfelt Defender levels)

SirAlexTheFirst: "And your wishes trump those of everyone else who doesn't want you to get hurt and maimed because?"

AndrewRogue: "They don't. We're at an impasse. I don't want you hurt. You don't want me hurt. But someone is going to end up that way no matter what we do."

AndrewRogue: (more)

AndrewRogue: "Perhaps I'm wrong to think this way. But whether or not they want to see me in pain, I want to guard them far more than I fear what happens to me. All I can ask is that they understand that my personal

AndrewRogue: sacrifice satisfies me. I expect you to understand its because I can't stand to think that another one that I care about is going to die when I can do something about it."

SirAlexTheFirst: "So, what you're really saying here is that you're going out and doing all this because you want to?"

AndrewRogue: "Yes."

SirAlexTheFirst: There is a long silence.

SirAlexTheFirst: Tarin finally shrugs. "Well, then. Dunno how you got to be such a masochist, but be it as it may. Why'd you come back here?"

AndrewRogue: "To try and minimize whatever problems my death caused."

SirAlexTheFirst: "By lying to your mother and pretending it never happened?"

AndrewRogue: "I didn't want her to have to know that I've been dead."

AndrewRogue: "Apparently I was wrong."

SirAlexTheFirst: "You think it's not gonna happen again? Or that she's not gonna find out eventually? Or that lyin' to her would soften the blow when you got REALLY dead and Sahkmeht or whatever eats your soul?"

SirAlexTheFirst: *shakes head* "Don't lie to your mother again."

SirAlexTheFirst: "Anything else?"

AndrewRogue: "I must admit, I have been wondering what you've been up to."

SirAlexTheFirst: "Arguing against you being killed, and getting sent out on assignments for it."

AndrewRogue: "Who specifically wants me dead here?"

SirAlexTheFirst: "Some of the families of the soldiers you got killed, lots of the higherups who don't like you fooling around with Whittyre and think you're affecting my professional judgement - which you are."

SirAlexTheFirst: "It's a pretty tense time right now, and there are a lot of people advocating stabbing first and Speak With Deading later."

Dark Japheth: <Their shortsightedness and lack of belief in the sanctity of life will surely damn them to the darkest abyss.> Zao thinks as he listens

AndrewRogue: "Lovely. Why exactly is it so tense?"

SirAlexTheFirst: "Well, at the time you left, it was because Verity had an entire damn army with him and more magic than we could shake a stick at, and you were supporting him."

SirAlexTheFirst: "Or if not supporting, at least getting duped by him. You've been pretty important for a while now, you know that? The trading companies seem very interested in your little group."

AndrewRogue: All of them?"

SirAlexTheFirst: "Yep."

AndrewRogue: "Wonderful. Do we have specifics on who there wants us dead, or is this some other interest?"

SirAlexTheFirst: "Depends. Just your location and activities mainly. What they're really tryin to say is that something up there is screwing around with you. Nobody knows what, and nobody particularly likes having loose cannon adventurers

SirAlexTheFirst: wandering around."

AndrewRogue: "Does anyone here really care that Whittyre brought in those Exo-Suit things to capture Verity? That he took Excalibur? That Nellix seems to be working to reform them?"

SirAlexTheFirst: "Whittyre was a joint operation. We're not too happy about it, but the people in charge decided that Verity had to go, and as long as Whittyre kept him away from us they could do whatever."

SirAlexTheFirst: "Well, I'm not too happy about it."

SirAlexTheFirst: "Other folks at HQ aren't too happy that the rest of you 'Verity-supporters' weren't tagged with him, of course."

SirAlexTheFirst: Tarin continues, "Excalibur is a myth as far as I know, or anyone I know knows. As for Nellix, you find two people that agree on what he's really doing and I'll bake you a cake."

SirAlexTheFirst: "Course, most people say that he's the one behind you guys...." he looks at Aria expectantly.

AndrewRogue: "First point- Excalibur is real. Or at least a moderately powerful magical blade that can talk, help me figure out to break with my 'patron' and bend Verity's morality was lying around."

SirAlexTheFirst: "Right in the middle of the Church of Christ, conveniently. Or maybe it was just Nellix."

SirAlexTheFirst: Tarin shakes his head. "Sorry. I'll shut up with the skepticism now. You don't have to prove anything to me."

AndrewRogue: "Second point- I'm not sure who exactly is doing anything anymore. Hunter at least was sent by Gabriel. Hence why Called was killed with them."

AndrewRogue: "Nellix seems to have an interest in things, but he isn't doing anything so direct to manipulate us. And he damn well isn't showing a lot of interest explaining."

AndrewRogue: "Now then, since I'm corrupting your judgement so much, is there someone else I should be watching to kill me?"

AndrewRogue: *should I be waiting for someone else on this watch to kill me

SirAlexTheFirst: "No. I'll take care of that."

AndrewRogue: *she drops her sharp commentary a bit* "Please... try not to get yourself into much trouble?"

SirAlexTheFirst: "Don't worry about me." Tarin smiles.

AndrewRogue: "Let them call me a Verity-supporter or what not, but letting Whittyre have him was a mistake."

AndrewRogue: *she sighs*

SirAlexTheFirst: "Probably. There's going to be a raid, two or three days from now, led by the Church of Gabriel to take him back from Whittyre."

Adm H Sopko: "Is that something Gelendar supports?"

SirAlexTheFirst: "Mostly. We're lending them some supplies."

Dark Japheth: "Did not Verity kill a lot of Gelendar citizens? Why would they aid in his return?"

AndrewRogue: "You hand Verity over... then you support this raid?"

AndrewRogue: (Gack... beat me.)

Adm H Sopko: ::He nods, not going further::

SirAlexTheFirst: "Return? I think I misspoke."

SirAlexTheFirst: "Take him away from Whittyre, would be a much better way of putting it. I don't think they plan to let him loose."

Dark Japheth: "Ah. So your country may try him."

Dark Japheth: "Yeah, that never made sense- why does Whittyre imprison a man for crimes he committed against Gelendar? But now I see things more clearly."

SirAlexTheFirst: "Actually, I believe the plan for the raid is more of an... assassination mission."

Dark Japheth: Zao-lot merely sighs at this.

AndrewRogue: "Life gets more complicated by the moment, eh Hunter?"

Adm H Sopko: ::Hunter nods,:: "Indeed it does, Aria. Never a dull moment."

AndrewRogue: "Has there been any information about the Hummers floating around lately?"

AndrewRogue: "Or has that mostly been confined to Asgard?"

SirAlexTheFirst: "That cult, you mean?" Tarin rubs his temples again. "I haven't heard anything about it."

AndrewRogue: "That worries me as much as everything us does."

AndrewRogue: *she finally lets loose a heaving sigh* "I... I think its probably time to leave."

AndrewRogue: "Hunter? Zao?"

SirAlexTheFirst: *nods* "There's not much I can say to you. Enjoy life."

Dark Japheth: Zao nods assent. "I am sorry to have interfered in what must have been a private moment. But I must speak with them."

Dark Japheth: "Tarin, I respect you much, and it was a pleasure to be your honored guest." he bows. "May one day I be capable of treating you as well as you have treated me tonight."

Dark Japheth: Replace "them" with "my companions"

Dark Japheth: Or rather "your daughter and hunter"

SirAlexTheFirst: Tarin bows to you again. "It was a pleasure having you here."

Dark Japheth: He leaves with the others, but will not be first to do so.

AndrewRogue: "I'm sorry that it had to come down down to this."

AndrewRogue: *down x1

AndrewRogue: "We'll see what happens I suppose."

AndrewRogue: "But Dad... really... please be careful?"

SirAlexTheFirst: "I will be. You.... have fun."

Dark Japheth: Well now Zao shall leave.

AndrewRogue: *she hugs him tightly* "I... really hope I see you again."

SirAlexTheFirst: *hugs Aria back* "Depends on you, Aria. Depends on you."

Dark Japheth: Zao waits outside, pacing. Pacing. Thinking. He has something to say and needs to find the words for it.

AndrewRogue: She shall also go say farewell to her Mom. Or try.

SirAlexTheFirst: Miss Jess has been crying, and won't say anything to you, just hugs you closely.

AndrewRogue: *Aria can't really manage much either* "I'm sorry." *is about all she can eek out*

AndrewRogue: *and then she shall take Hunter's hand (or not if he decides to resist following his awakening <.<) and leave in a slight bit of haste*

Dark Japheth: Where you will find Zao, humming a little tune. "I am sorry, Arianna. I did not know this would happen."

AndrewRogue: "I... probably should have expected something like this.:

Dark Japheth: "Maybe. I am sorry, I did not know I was to lie to them."

AndrewRogue: "Don't worry about it. I shouldn't have been lying in the first place."

Dark Japheth: "Depends. In retrospect, no, but it was a lie with good intentions."

AndrewRogue: "It doesn't really matter anymore. Its past. I guess. I'm sorry you had to sit through all of that Zao."

Dark Japheth: He shakes his head. "Do not be sorry. But I will ask of you only one more favor."

Dark Japheth: "Once that is done, I will ask no more, and if your answer is in the negative, I will not pressure you further."

AndrewRogue: "What is that?"

Dark Japheth: You seem destined to do something great for this world- something that has not been done in nearly five centuries."

Dark Japheth: "You are actively pushing to make the world a better place, and to combat evil where you find it."

Dark Japheth: "And... you are doing something worthwhile. Something meaningful. I am but a humble sorceror from Nagukor, but I will offer my assistance in your endeavor."

AndrewRogue: *she looks at him for a long moment* "After you heard all that... you actually want to accompany us?"

Dark Japheth: He smiles. "After I heard all that, how could I not want to help you?"

Dark Japheth: "Your goal is a pure one, ordained by the highest of the high in this continent, and opposed by many who are mislead about you, or in allegiance with your enemies."

Dark Japheth: "I can help you find those enemies, if you should so wish it."

AndrewRogue: *she sighs and leans tiredly against Hunter* "I... what do you think?"

Dark Japheth: (Goddamned nail polish, why don't you DRY)

Dark Japheth: **pokes Soppy*)

Dark Japheth: *(

AndrewRogue: (It looks like an end tag may be appropriate <.< This would be something she wouldn't answer herself, and being on the crazy east coast and all, I do believe Sopp and Alex are exhausted.)

Adm H Sopko: (Yes. I'm near delerious)

SirAlexTheFirst: ~~~~~END~~~~~ Then