SirAlexTheFirst: ~~~~START~~~~

Dark Japheth: Zao looks at his shiny ring and is very pleased looking.

SirAlexTheFirst: Everyone has gotten their equipment and is feeling nice and decked out.

AndrewRogue: (Wow. That's... really fast. O_O) *Aria looks happy to just have her armor back, even if its only temporary*

Dark Japheth: Zao goes to Aria. "I still wish to solve this peacefully. Are you still planning on a diplomacy mission?"

AndrewRogue: "Hunter... has a good chance of being right. They may very well just arrest me like Jerri. But... I don't want this to happen violently. If there's any chance..."

Dark Japheth: "Then it has to be taken. Life is precious." He nods.

AndrewRogue: *she nods in agreement* "Right."

AndrewRogue: (BRB. Bathroom.)

AndrewRogue: (Back)

AndrewRogue: "Do you think it has a chance of working though Zao?"

Dark Japheth: "I do not know. I hope it does."

AndrewRogue: "I guess I should explain this to you a little better then Zao. We're there as part of an investigation team for the Chruch of Gabriel."

Dark Japheth: "The Lightbringer?"

AndrewRogue: "I... think so."

AndrewRogue: "But that was what our offical duty was. And that was how we got involved on this whole quest thing."

Dark Japheth: "You are honored, then. And I am honored to work with you."

AndrewRogue: *she chuckles lightly* "Considering how disliked we are at times... I wouldn't consider it an honor."

Dark Japheth: "Sometimes, no matter who disagrees with you, you have to know that you are doing the right thing."

Dark Japheth: "Being good isn't always popular, and being popular isn't always good."

AndrewRogue: *she nods and smiles* "You're right."

Dark Japheth: "Take the example of Mushu Watanabe."

AndrewRogue: "...who?"

Dark Japheth: "He was the first monk. Of the school of the dragon."

Dark Japheth: 'People told him that to fight with no weapons was folly. He would be skewered."

Dark Japheth: "And then he challenged the Emperors two best Kensai to a duel. And he did not defeat them- nor did he lose. He simply dodged their blows so much that they tired themselves out."

Dark Japheth: "And then he gently pushed them over."

Dark Japheth: "Blows, I might add, that might split iron."

Dark Japheth: "He stood alone for his beliefs, and was persecuted for them- until they learned that with training, he was completely right."

AndrewRogue: "Wow... that's... that's amazing."

Dark Japheth: He smiles. "Proverbial anecdotes are my specialty."

AndrewRogue: *she grins* They are useful.

AndrewRogue: *she sighs* "So I guess what we're going to do is see if we can convince them to turn Verity over into our custody. Failing that... see if we can at least see what sort of guard they have him under."

AndrewRogue: *sigh goes at the end of her statement*

AndrewRogue: "...you really want to come with me Zao?"

Dark Japheth: "Yes."

Dark Japheth: "I wish to help you. You have helped me, Arianna of Gelendar."

AndrewRogue: "Not... really."

Dark Japheth: "Oh?" He smiles. "You gave me a purpose. And then you and hunter allowed me to help you. And I was allowed to stay in Hunters home."

AndrewRogue: "That's nothing compared to what you've done for us... or at least me."

Dark Japheth: *shrugs* "If the search for a purpose and subsequently gaining one is nothing, then I am nothing."

Dark Japheth: And Zao will smirk at the 'has done stuff for me thing'

AndrewRogue: "I... I didn't mean it that way."

Dark Japheth: He laughs. "I know.

AndrewRogue: "Well then. I guess the first step is going to be getting back to Whittyre." (Or waiting for Soppy)

Adm H Sopko: (Did somebody say my name?)

Dark Japheth: (No, keep on watching that aniem)

Dark Japheth: (anime)

Adm H Sopko: (I was eating)

Dark Japheth: (oh, ok.)

AndrewRogue: (Do we continue then?)

Dark Japheth: (I think so.)

SirAlexTheFirst: (Allin,gogogo! Kekekekkeke!)

AndrewRogue: Then lo, I assume our duo approaches Hunter.

Dark Japheth: Good assumption, because thats what we do.

AndrewRogue: "Hunter."

Adm H Sopko: (YOU LOVE HIM, DON'T YOU ARIA)

AndrewRogue: "I'm sorry I'm not half as sexy as Queklain. For this, I will punish myself by going to Whittyre with Zao and trying to solve this diplomatically."

AndrewRogue: Er... strike that.

Dark Japheth: ....XD

AndrewRogue: "Hunter... Zao and I still want to try diplomacy while we have time."

AndrewRogue: "I know its not a good chance... but it still is a chance to avoid all this."

Adm H Sopko: ::He turns to them. He is silent and thoughtful for a while before he sighs:: "If... you think it's necessary..." ::He looks a bit reluctant to say it::

AndrewRogue: "Hunter... I don't want this raid to have to happen. But I'm not dumb enough to slip up and ruin it."

Dark Japheth: Zao nods.

AndrewRogue: "But if there's any chance... I do think its necessary."

AndrewRogue: *she smiles gently* "But if anything does go wrong, I expect you to be able to handle this by yourself."

Adm H Sopko: ::Hunter goes silent again, thinking of the consequences this could have::

Dark Japheth: (....makes the Lea/Aria thing MUCH easier)

AndrewRogue: "You... okay Hunter?"

Adm H Sopko: ::In the end, he sighs and embraces Aria, whispering something in her ear::

AndrewRogue: *she holds him back*

Dark Japheth: (Listen check?)

*OnlineHost*: Dark Japheth rolled 1 20-sided die: 10

AndrewRogue: *and whispers as well*

Dark Japheth: Nope, don't hear it

SirAlexTheFirst: (.... you need a check to know what it is?)

Dark Japheth: Zao does.

Dark Japheth: Gorth doesn't

AndrewRogue: *she smiles as she pulls away* "Don't worry. I'm a lot stronger now. This'll be cake."

Adm H Sopko: ::Hunter doesn't look as amused:: "Just be careful."

AndrewRogue: *she nods, a bit more serious* "I will. I promise."

AndrewRogue: And lo, our intrepid duo heads to the teleporters?

Adm H Sopko: "I'll tell Jim... and I'll try my best if you don't succeed"

AndrewRogue: "I expect you to Hunter. Live up to what you told my dad."

Dark Japheth: We head to teleporters. Mhmm

Adm H Sopko: ::Hunter nods:: "Goodbye, Aria. Good luck."

AndrewRogue: "Thank you. If we don't meet up right away, you too."

Dark Japheth: "Indeed. May the seven glorious Kami shine upon you should we fail."

Dark Japheth: "And if we succeed, may this be rendered unnecessary."

SirAlexTheFirst: Sooo....

SirAlexTheFirst: Lo, to the teleporters.

SirAlexTheFirst: Whereupon you will find that travel to Whittyre is not permitted at this time.

AndrewRogue: Much as we found it the first time.

Dark Japheth: "This is disheartening."

AndrewRogue: "Excuse me... sir? Is it completely disallowed? We are part of the investigation group from the Church of Gabriel."

SirAlexTheFirst: "Yes ma'am. At the moment we are allowing only dignitaries of the Yarovan through."

Dark Japheth: *has a wry smile, but says nothing*

AndrewRogue: "Ah. You mean like Mister Sopko?"

AndrewRogue: "Or his son, Hunter Sopko?"

SirAlexTheFirst: "...yes. You know them?"

AndrewRogue: *she nods and smiles*

AndrewRogue: "I was planning to meet with them there actually."

SirAlexTheFirst: "Well, we're not supposed to let you through unless you are them, but... I guess I can make an exception for a pretty young couple." He chuckles and motions for the two of you to go through the door behind him.

AndrewRogue: "Thank you!"

Dark Japheth: Zao will look amused and look at Aria, and then walk through the door.

Dark Japheth: And he will wish he had a circlet bad.

AndrewRogue: (Oh. I thought Hunter had double checked our supplies to see if we had one... Did that not work?)

SirAlexTheFirst: You do have a spare.

SirAlexTheFirst: Interestingly enough.

Dark Japheth: Zao wasn't given one, tho.

AndrewRogue: (Well... we did get a bunch of them. And... he didn't? Nuts.)

SirAlexTheFirst: ~Bamf~ Whittyre.

AndrewRogue: And where in Whittyre would that land us?

SirAlexTheFirst: It's a nice, sunny day.

SirAlexTheFirst: As usual.

SirAlexTheFirst: At.. uh... the teleporters?

Dark Japheth: Makes sense.

AndrewRogue: (Last time we ended up at the Church of Gabe <.<)

Dark Japheth: "So where from here? I didn't even need to change shape."

SirAlexTheFirst: (No. You walked there. From the teleporters.)

AndrewRogue: "I... let's go to the Church of Gabriel first. I'd like to retrieve my things if... if they still have them. And maybe one of the priests knows how to talk with the council or what not."

Dark Japheth: "...I brought your body to the church of Luthien."

Dark Japheth: "Would they not have your items? Or did you leave them before you fell?"

AndrewRogue: *she nods* "We had been staying at the Church of Gabriel. I'd left all my stuff there."

Dark Japheth: Zao nods.

Dark Japheth: To the church of Gabriel!

AndrewRogue: Indeed.

Dark Japheth: Do they skip there holding hands?

Dark Japheth: No? Ok.

AndrewRogue: I think not.

Dark Japheth: (*strikes one more anime stereotype*)

Dark Japheth: Church of Gabe. Is it still a huge football rally?

SirAlexTheFirst: No.

SirAlexTheFirst: It is not a huge football rally.

SirAlexTheFirst: It's quiet, again.

Dark Japheth: Zao is then very quiet and awkward looking.

SirAlexTheFirst: Nobody around the building, nobody around in the ground floor and sanctuary

AndrewRogue: *then Aria shall simply take Zao up to the top floor to see if 'her' room is still there*

SirAlexTheFirst: The afternoon sunlight makes very interesting colored shadows between the stained glass windows and the racks of guns and assorted armaments on the walls.

SirAlexTheFirst: It's there.

SirAlexTheFirst: The room has not vanished.

Dark Japheth: Thank GOD

Dark Japheth: ...is it the door from earlier?

SirAlexTheFirst: There are no longer any markings on the door

AndrewRogue: *this looks to be disappointing, but she shall try the door that was her room*'

SirAlexTheFirst: It opens at your knock.

SirAlexTheFirst: The room is clean, and looks as it did when you first arrived. None of your gear is there.

AndrewRogue: *Aria looks a bit disappointed, but will swallow it for now*

AndrewRogue: And to the second floor to see if any priests are around.

SirAlexTheFirst: There's one there.

AndrewRogue: "Excuse me... sir?"

SirAlexTheFirst: She looks bored.

SirAlexTheFirst: "Yes?"

AndrewRogue: *ma'am

SirAlexTheFirst: "Can I help you?"

SirAlexTheFirst has left the room.

Dark Japheth: "My companion seeks to find her things. She believes they were here once." Zao is quiet, but his voice has a subtle tone to it.

Dark Japheth: He's abusing his 22 charisma

Dark Japheth: well FUCK THE DM THAT BASTARD HOW DARE HE LEAVE

AndrewRogue: Sadly he wasted it <.<

Dark Japheth: Yes.

Dark Japheth: Yes he did.

AndrewRogue: Just copy and paste if he returns :p

Dark Japheth: Yep

AndrewRogue: On that note... diplomacy check testing.

Dark Japheth: Oooh, me too.

*OnlineHost*: Dark Japheth rolled 1 20-sided die: 17

Dark Japheth: 23.

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

Dark Japheth: Disguise with Alter Self!

*OnlineHost*: Dark Japheth rolled 1 20-sided die: 9

AndrewRogue: 26

Dark Japheth: 25 disguise!

AndrewRogue: Yay, I out diplomacy you <.<

Dark Japheth: Do you have ranks in it?

AndrewRogue: Yes.

AndrewRogue: <.<

AndrewRogue: I'm maxed, yo.

AndrewRogue: *punts fighter skills*

Dark Japheth: lol

AndrewRogue: No. Seriously.

AndrewRogue: Almost all my points are cross class.

AndrewRogue: Because Fighter skills blow.

Dark Japheth: How do you punt something that exists on a purely intellectual level?

AndrewRogue: I write them down and kick.

Adm H Sopko: Talking about skills are we?

Dark Japheth: Then you merely kick a physical representation of an idea

AndrewRogue: Screw you mister non-level 7 fighter.

AndrewRogue: <.<

AndrewRogue: Non-level 11 Fighter Skill List and Skill Points

Adm H Sopko: Level 6 Ranger, level 4 fighter

Adm H Sopko: Or DAoA Hunter...

Dark Japheth: lol

AndrewRogue: Hmmm... *wonders if Alex's power died* And screw your NPC PowArs <.<

Dark Japheth: I can't wait

AndrewRogue: *gets an idea*

Dark Japheth: One day, everyone will be in a resteraunt

Dark Japheth: and they will have a waitress who trips and spills their food all over them.

SirAlexTheFirst has entered the room.

Dark Japheth: Hey

Dark Japheth: SirAlexTheFirst has left the room.Dark Japheth: "My companion seeks to find her things. She believes they were here once." Zao is quiet, but his voice has a subtle tone to it.

Dark Japheth: Dark Japheth: He's abusing his 22 charisma

AndrewRogue: (Poor Charisma. What did it do to you?)

Dark Japheth: Dark Japheth: well Darn, it really stinks, poor alex got booted, man I love that guy

AndrewRogue: Dark Japheth: well FUCK THE DM THAT BASTARD HOW DARE HE LEAVE

SirAlexTheFirst: She looks at Aria. "Arianna of Gelendar, right?" And bites her lip.

Dark Japheth: (That is SO taken out of context.)

AndrewRogue: "Ah... yes. That would be me." *she smiles weakly*

SirAlexTheFirst: "Your things were taken out of the room a day or two ago. I wasn't around... ah... a Brother Bandon, or such, from the National Labs came by to take them, I think."

Adm H Sopko: (HAHAHA(

AndrewRogue: *she pales slightly, having forgotten about the fact that he was staying there*

AndrewRogue: "Ah... was he... was he okay? Is he still staying at the labs?"

SirAlexTheFirst: "You do know him, right?"

SirAlexTheFirst: "Ah, yeah, I think he's still there. Can't have gone too far in just a... well, okay, he could, but he wouldn't just steal all your stuff, right?"

AndrewRogue: "N-no. He..." *she sorta trails off* "Speaking of... do you know anyway to talk to the council or folks in the labs?"

SirAlexTheFirst: "Go up there and ask, I guess." She shrugs. "If you want some sort of official thing, ask a terminal."

AndrewRogue: *she nods* "Thank you very much then miss."

Dark Japheth: "Thank you, noble Priestess. May your wisdom guide the world weary to salvation." *nods once, then turns to Aria*

SirAlexTheFirst: *nods to Zao* "Thank you."

Dark Japheth: "So now, to a terminal?"

Dark Japheth: (to Aria)

AndrewRogue: *she nods* "I... Yes. We need to do that first."

SirAlexTheFirst: So...

Dark Japheth: To the TERMINAL

AndrewRogue: Indeed. And once at the terminal, Aria will attempt to see if there is some way to arrange a meeting with the council or what not.

SirAlexTheFirst: "A council can be convened whenever is convenient for all of its members. One member is sufficient for bringing a proposal to the entirity of the Council of Whittyre."

SirAlexTheFirst: "This allows citizens to have real contact with lawmakers they know, anytime. The government is here to help you."

AndrewRogue: Does it mention how to contact a member?

SirAlexTheFirst: No.

SirAlexTheFirst: Not specifically.

SirAlexTheFirst: Asking?

Dark Japheth: Yes

SirAlexTheFirst: "The best way to contact someone in Whittyre is via this terminal or a similar facility. Simply indicate that you wish to call the person, and they will be notified if available."

Dark Japheth: "Please list the members of the council, and political leanings if possible."

SirAlexTheFirst: The terminal rattles off a very long list of names, with political statements.

Cyril Shinsei has entered the room.

Dark Japheth: I want to pick one that seems somewhat progressive sounding. Also, preferably, someone who seems to have history or political opinions (positive or negative) about Nagukor.

Dark Japheth: Of course, Aria is free to disagree with me.

AndrewRogue: Aria's political talents are lackinig. She'll trust you well enough on this case.

SirAlexTheFirst: Righto then

Dark Japheth: Anyone in particular, or is there another HUGE list?

SirAlexTheFirst: The terminal clears, and asks "Please state your names and purpose for calling?"

SirAlexTheFirst: Ah - the one most closely matching your description would be a senior member named Rufus Bell.

SirAlexTheFirst: He's been to Nagukor.

SirAlexTheFirst: Once.

AndrewRogue: "Ah... Arianna and Zao-Lot Isawa. We're part of the Gabriel investigation team and needed to speak with the council."

SirAlexTheFirst: That's about as much as you can find...

SirAlexTheFirst: "Thank you. Please wait."

Dark Japheth: (I was hoping to make positive the fact I'm from nagukor- either agreeing or disagreeing with my home nation depending on policy and. you used your real name.)

Dark Japheth: (well it was fun, Aria, but now it seems our little sojourn is over.)

AndrewRogue: (...whomp her <.<)

SirAlexTheFirst: After a few moments, the voice speaks again. "Councillor Bell will speak with you in a moment. Please hold."

Dark Japheth: "Thank you."

SirAlexTheFirst: And minutes after that, Aria is tapped on the shoulder by a nondescript man in a black formal suit and white bow tie.

AndrewRogue: ...

AndrewRogue: THAT will cause her to practically leap over the terminal as she is scared out of her wits*

SirAlexTheFirst: "Miss Arianna, Honored Isawa, if you would follow me please? Councillor Bell would like to see you in his apartment...? Are you all right?"

Dark Japheth: Zao nods. "She is fine. Just easily startled. I am glad you are not a large cat."

Dark Japheth: "Thank you." He nods. and turns on autofollow.

AndrewRogue: "W-where did..." *she takes a deep breath* "N-nevermind."

AndrewRogue: "I'm fine. Yes. We'll follow you."

SirAlexTheFirst: The man sets off at a quick pace, stepping on and through the teleport pads like one who has done so all his life. He probably has, at that.

AndrewRogue: *Aria just closes her eyes as she uses each one to kick down the disorientation*

SirAlexTheFirst: After a mere minute of this traipsing, he veers off towards a particularly tall spire, speaking under his breath before entering it.

Dark Japheth: Listen

*OnlineHost*: Dark Japheth rolled 1 20-sided die: 8

Dark Japheth: 8. Ok.

AndrewRogue: Same

*OnlineHost*: AndrewRogue rolled 1 20-sided die: 14

AndrewRogue: 14

AndrewRogue: NO!

AndrewRogue: 15!

Dark Japheth: OMG

SirAlexTheFirst: Through the doorway, you can see a warmly lit hallway and rows of boxes of some kind - but as soon as you step over the threshold of the building, you find yourselves in a home-ish room full of Nagukorian art and furniture.

Cyril Shinsei: !!!!

SirAlexTheFirst: And, that's not enough to hear what the guy said.

Dark Japheth: Zao... sighs. Contentedly.

AndrewRogue: *she looks about a bit warily*

Dark Japheth: "A biwa. I have not seen one since... since I left." He looks around. And SMILES

SirAlexTheFirst: Sitting before you in this room is a rather pasty old gentleman, with a long white Nagukorian-style beard. He nods in polite greeting.

AndrewRogue: "Ah... hello sir."

Dark Japheth: Zao will turn on the charm and smile. "I am Zao-Lot of Nagukor. And this..." *gestures to Arianna* "..is Arianna of Gelendar."

SirAlexTheFirst: "Good afternoon, Arianna, and good day, honored Isawa."

Dark Japheth: He nods politely. "Thank you for seeing us in your home." And then he will shut up and wait for Aria.

SirAlexTheFirst: The man bows deeply to Zao before continuing, "I am Rufus Bell. You wished to speak with me on a matter?"

Dark Japheth: *BOWS as well*

Dark Japheth: (OOC question- this guy is a poser nagukorian, isn't he?)

SirAlexTheFirst: (Oh lord yes.)

AndrewRogue: "Ah..." *she half bows, half curtsies*

Adm H Sopko: (LOL)

Dark Japheth: (...Otaku scum.)

Dark Japheth: (I didn't know, tho, the name Rufus was CLEARLY nagukorian in origin so I had to ask.)

AndrewRogue: "Ah... yes."

AndrewRogue: "I came to speak with you about Verity."

SirAlexTheFirst: The old man blinks in slight confusion. "Yes? What about him?"

Dark Japheth: Zao will murmur a little bit quietly, his fingers twitchy.

Dark Japheth: (Detect Thoughts)

*OnlineHost*: SirAlexTheFirst rolled 1 20-sided die: 5

SirAlexTheFirst: What's the DC on that?

Dark Japheth: 18.

SirAlexTheFirst: Roight.

AndrewRogue: "Ah... well... as I'm sure you know we're with the Gabriel Investigation Team."

Dark Japheth: If only it were illusion! It would be 22.

SirAlexTheFirst: His fingers twitch as Zao's do. "That is most dishonorable, Isawa-san. Take care that you do not accidentally do such a thing again."

AndrewRogue: *she blinks, looking a bit confused*

Dark Japheth: .....chibi Zao will blush and look very stupid.

SirAlexTheFirst: Then, to Aria, he continues. "Yes, I know, although I am a bit confused as to what precisely you are investigating. Something to do with Verity, perhaps?"

AndrewRogue: "Several things, one of which is Verity as a matter of fact."

SirAlexTheFirst: "I see. And how do I factor into this?"

AndrewRogue: "Mostly to do with the fact that Whittyre has taken custody of Verity."

AndrewRogue: "And... to be blunt, I would like him released back into my custody."

SirAlexTheFirst: *nods* "And how do I factor into this?"

AndrewRogue: "As a member of the council... wouldn't you be in charge of dealing with this sort of thing?"

SirAlexTheFirst: "Perhaps. You say... you want him back into your custody?"

Dark Japheth: "Yes."

SirAlexTheFirst: He blatantly ignores Zao, waiting for an answer from Aria.

Dark Japheth: Zao, noticing he's being ignored, seems to fidget, but isn't actually casting a spell this time! Gasp!

*OnlineHost*: SirAlexTheFirst rolled 1 20-sided die: 6

AndrewRogue: *seeing that he is* "Yes. We apprehended him following the incidents in Gelendar, and you seem to have almost stolen him from us."

SirAlexTheFirst: "Well, there lies the rub, Aria-kun - may I call you that? We did steal him from you, forcibly in fact, as you no doubt know."

Dark Japheth: "I'm not familiar..." *fidget* "...with the law of Whittyre. However, in Nagukor, which you seem to be familiar with, jurisdiction over criminals is dictated by the clan most harmed by the villains misdeed"

Dark Japheth: *misdeeds

Cyril Shinsei has left the room.

Dark Japheth: No spell this time, either, but this is the first time Zao has been caught in a while. And he DOES frown quite a bit at the KUN

SirAlexTheFirst: "Ah, this is true here as well. It is true that we are committing a misdeed, in that sense. However, the elder members of the Council, along with some of our top researchers, have decided this to be the best course."

Dark Japheth: "May I inquire as to the purpose?"

SirAlexTheFirst: "They say that we have need of Verity, grave need, such that it makes the injustice we commit look slight compared to the injustice that would be done giving him over to others."

Dark Japheth: "Gelendars holding facility, while perhaps not as well funded or guarded as yours, is sufficient for one lacking in arcane skill. And furthermore, they have coteries of mages to deal with errant spellwielders."

Dark Japheth: "Regardless, it is not in your jurisdiction. And while I am heartily impressed by your desire to do good over the rightful, and honorable, thing to do, it is spitting on the culture you surround yourself with."

SirAlexTheFirst: "Ah, ne, there too lies the rub. The most pressing concern as to keeping Verity here is to keep him safe from Gelendar - they would kill him, I am told."

Dark Japheth: "There is an execution planned. But you are a bureocrat, much like myself. And there is no clear emperor. Therefore, it would be best to assume that, like most matters of state..."

Dark Japheth: "The entire thing is wrapped in so much paperwork that much time would be spent deciding on the precise manner and date of the execution."

Dark Japheth: "And interrogations preceding said execution."

SirAlexTheFirst: "Ah, but there lies the rub. Our Emperor - the Council - has spoken, and it has spoken that Verity shall stay here..."

Dark Japheth: "The country your precious draperies and furnishings come from does not intervene in the affairs of other countries, though talk of it had gone on."

Dark Japheth: "And yet your country has the need to police the affairs of fully competant and developed nations not unlike yourselves, save for your technological advances."

SirAlexTheFirst: "Your very presence in this room betrays your words, Isawa. As I have said - that we are partaking of the business of other countries is unfortunate. But, it is also our business. There is nothing that can be done."

SirAlexTheFirst: He breaks off there, smiling. "Could I get you some tea, Aria-kun?"

Dark Japheth: "I do not act on behalf of my country. I act on behalf of a vow I made."

Dark Japheth: "You know, the suffix you use, kun, is used only on males."

Dark Japheth: Zao will smirk.

SirAlexTheFirst: "...oh? My apologies. Yet it has a nice ring to it." Rufus looks at Aria.

AndrewRogue: "No. I'm fine. And I'd perfer to be called 'Arianna' Mister Bell. Kun is not part of name, no matter what gender it applies to."

Dark Japheth: "While it does...." at this point, he whispers to himself in Nagukorian, fairly confident the man doesn't understand him.

SirAlexTheFirst: "Ah, I see. I offer my apologies then." He bows.

AndrewRogue: "Mister Bell... I mean no disrespect towards your country or the men you have working for you. I am however quite upset by what is occurring. My friends and countrymen risked and gave their lives to see Verity initially

AndrewRogue: and furthermore apprehended. After the chaos that followed, Verity was given a second chance at life by none other than the god Nellix and we allowed him to take advantage of it by settling with his wife Aurelia under the

Dark Japheth: (Alex, if I were DMing now, I'd give you a hero point for SERIOUSLY irritating my character. I think this is the closest I've had a character to violence without having him draw a sword and gut the otaku.)

Dark Japheth: (I mean... thats... spectacular. Congrats, you rock.)

AndrewRogue: guard of the cleric Jerriford, whom I have also heard you have apprehended. I have no intention of returning Verity to Gelendar. This matter however, is exceptionally important. If you will not turn Verity over to me, then I

AndrewRogue: will very well ask that you take me to speak with someone heading this issue, as well as allowing me to see the condition under which you are keeping. From what I have heard, the manner in which you took him was

AndrewRogue: rather distasteful."

AndrewRogue: (And may I attempt to throw Diplomacy behind that?)

SirAlexTheFirst: Sure!

*OnlineHost*: AndrewRogue rolled 1 20-sided die: 4

AndrewRogue: Fuck you AIM

AndrewRogue: Fuck. You.

AndrewRogue: 13, 15 if he's good aligned.

Dark Japheth: 13 then, no otaku is good

SirAlexTheFirst: Councillor Bell listens through all of that, nodding.

Adm H Sopko: (Be happy! Thats 4 TIMES the number we were expecting!)

AndrewRogue: (I know <.<)

AndrewRogue: (BRB, freezing my ass off.)

SirAlexTheFirst: "None of what you have said changes the matter, however. We have urgent and great need of Verity. Nobody else does. Therefore, we have taken him. The loss of his liberty is regrettable,

SirAlexTheFirst: as is the manner in which he was seized, but given the constraints of time and the exigencies of the situation, it was all we could do. Keeping Verity here is worth all of that and more, as the people who know say.

SirAlexTheFirst: I could take you to someone more elder than I, but I assure you that they would say the same thing. This was decided upon by a unanimous vote of the Council."

Dark Japheth: "Might we know the reasoning that Whittyre is keeping Verity? Other than his safety. What is this need you have for verity?"

Dark Japheth: Zao pushes with all his VERBAL MIGHT and diplomacy check

*OnlineHost*: Dark Japheth rolled 1 20-sided die: 12

Dark Japheth: 18

SirAlexTheFirst: "You might not."

Dark Japheth: "Without divulging the reasons and necessity, all you are doing is a severe breach of communications and relations between nations."

Adm H Sopko: (DAoA Hunter: "Give us Verity, bitch" ::Rolls Diplomacy:: 56. "Yes, sir, Master Hunter-kin!")

Adm H Sopko: (kun even)

Dark Japheth: "You sew strife. If you truly have great need of verity... why not release him to Gelendar, and keep a retinue of mages to study him while there? It would fulfill your desire to study him...."

Dark Japheth: "And it would please Gelendar, and its people. Furthermore, you are being seen as a somewhat petulant deity figure, who parents all other nations. This would solve that issue of image..."

Dark Japheth: "As well as keeping your thumb on him at all times."

SirAlexTheFirst: "You make many assumptions, Isawa - most of them wrong. The government of Gelendar worked with us and aided in the location of Verity for his capture."

SirAlexTheFirst: "In fact, they thanked us for removing him from their responsibility. National relations are hardly at risk."

Dark Japheth: "I am merely repeating what I was told by my cohort." He turns to Aria with a slight grimace.

Dark Japheth: "Regardless. Can you not at least allow them a token victory? Perhaps while the state agrees with you, the people do not?"

AndrewRogue: *Aria looks a little ashamed*

SirAlexTheFirst: "Substitute 'Gelendar' with 'I', and perhaps the truth will be more apparant." Bell looks vexed. "I fear the truth is that you, Aria-kun, and perhaps the rest of your investigation group

SirAlexTheFirst: are the only ones who see any of these things, and the only ones who want Verity back, and that you are claiming to speak for all of Whittyre, for the Church of Gabriel, and many other things when you speak only for yourself."

Dark Japheth: "In actuality, I care not for his release. Or for his imprisonment."

Dark Japheth: "I was chosen to assist my friend Aria here partially because I have no connection with Verity."

Dark Japheth: "Impartiality."

Dark Japheth: "Do you mind if I pose an entirely theoretical question?"

SirAlexTheFirst: "Hai?"

Dark Japheth: "Do you have loved ones? I mean... like a wife, or concubine, or someone you particularly care for?"

SirAlexTheFirst: "Why do you ask?"

Dark Japheth: "Pure speculation. A theoretical exercize, Mr Bell."

SirAlexTheFirst: "What if I do?"

Dark Japheth: "What if your wife were convicted of a crime? In Whittyre."

Dark Japheth: "Again, this is pure speculation."

SirAlexTheFirst: "Then, she would be punished."

Dark Japheth: "But what if then, the nation of Nagukor, which you clearly love from your usage of its words and your decor.."

Dark Japheth: "Decided that, for no apparant crimes against the nation of Nagukor..'

Dark Japheth: Zao finishes... "To keep her in their nation. In the Emperors holding cells."

Dark Japheth: "Where the most vile of bandits and traitors are behind bars. When asked, the emperor will only state that 'she is necessary'. Would you not be concerned?"

SirAlexTheFirst: "If Nagukor had such a need of her as this, then I would approve, even though it would pain me."

Dark Japheth: "Yet you have no proof, nor even a statement, with which to understand."

Dark Japheth: "They claim nothing save great need. Would you not rightly be wondering what exactly the pressing need could be that would keep your wife from you?"

Dark Japheth: And sense motive

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

Dark Japheth: Well

AndrewRogue: (...)

Dark Japheth: Clearly he is a rabbit

Dark Japheth: Or maybe I think he REALLY is from Nagukor, I dunno

AndrewRogue: (He loves you Zao. And he really is in dissonance.)

Dark Japheth: (I hate you.)

Dark Japheth: (:P)

SirAlexTheFirst: "Ah, but then, your analogy becomes flawed. If my wife had arrived on my doorstep from a portal to another world, and had died and risen from death several times...

AndrewRogue: "Once."

SirAlexTheFirst: I would then agree that she should be handed to the care of experts in the subject for a time."

Dark Japheth: "It is not flawed. This Verity has loved ones, and friends. Any inquiries as to what is happening with him have had poor results."

SirAlexTheFirst: "And besides which - who are you to demand such a thing as this? Are you Verity's loved one, that you would care so? Or do you yourself have some pressing need of him?"

Dark Japheth: "Again, I am but an intermediary, chosen for my lack of personal feeling towards the prisoner."

Dark Japheth: "But I have met his wife, briefly."

SirAlexTheFirst: "And why are you here and her not?"

Dark Japheth: "Because I am able to remain objective on this and not be swayed by emotions towards it. I suspect, based on her demeanor, that she would not even ask, but simply control your mind."

Dark Japheth: "By words or magic, I know not. But she would. Or perhaps with a sword. I am civilized man, I will do none of these things."

Dark Japheth: "Furthermore, she might also be taken for questioning. No reason has been given- perhaps she too would 'help' your country."

SirAlexTheFirst: "And you would do this for such a person? When she is the only one who actually wants to see Verity free?"

Dark Japheth: "I would. This is the difference between our peoples, I think, Rufus."

Dark Japheth: "Either way, with her best interests at mind, and a desire to save people from injustice, I have agreed to help do this."

SirAlexTheFirst: "But there lies the rub. I do not believe you. Is his wife truly the only one who would see him freed?"

Dark Japheth: "Perhaps. If there are others, I know them not, save for my friend Aria."

SirAlexTheFirst: Bluff me.

*OnlineHost*: SirAlexTheFirst rolled 1 20-sided die: 18

*OnlineHost*: Dark Japheth rolled 1 20-sided die: 8

Dark Japheth: Thats... not good

Dark Japheth: +18 tho

Dark Japheth: so 26.

SirAlexTheFirst: He sighs. "And there lies the rub. We cannot change the decisions of the Council, especially not ones of this magnitude, on the whims of one person.

SirAlexTheFirst: "

Dark Japheth: "Of course not. I did not ask you to do so."

Dark Japheth: "All I ask is that you present our arguments to the council. You are a representative of the country?"

SirAlexTheFirst: "I am."

Dark Japheth: "A shard of Whittyre's emperor, so to speak. Then certainly, you can present it to the other members. The other fragments of your emperor."

Dark Japheth: "Will you do this for us?"

Dark Japheth: Zao nods, for seemingly no reason.

SirAlexTheFirst: "I recall, however, that you demanded Verity be handed over- - there has been no talk of the Council before now." He smiles. "I will certainly do this for you."

Dark Japheth: (*scrolls up to check*

SirAlexTheFirst: "Be warned that I fear they will say as I have said."

Dark Japheth: "I apologize for the rash and fiery nature of my constituent. Her views are not my own. I have only suggested the possibility."

Dark Japheth: "She is the one who demanded. I apologize for her again. I ask you one more thing."

SirAlexTheFirst: "Hai?"

Dark Japheth: "Though I understand that you alone, even if you were so swayed by my arguments and my friends..." he shudders at the hai but keeps going... "statements.."

Dark Japheth: "You would not be likely able to change the councils mind..."

Dark Japheth: "Can you at least offer us some proof of his welfare?"

SirAlexTheFirst: "I will see what I can do. I can guarantee nothing, but I am confidant that the Council will be able to find some token to give reassurance to his wife."

Dark Japheth: "I would be willing to repay such a boon to you. Perhaps I can teach you my language in the future."

AndrewRogue: *she grits her teeth*

SirAlexTheFirst: *looks towards Aria* "Aria-kun? Have you more to say?"

Dark Japheth: "My companion does not deem this sufficient, though I think it might be. Do you have... a..." he searches for the word. But can't find it, so he finishes. "She would like to see him."

SirAlexTheFirst: Bell shakes his head. "That is not possible."

Dark Japheth: "Might I inquire as to the reason?"

SirAlexTheFirst: "He is being held in the National Labs. Security is, by necessity, strict there. I understand that they are keeping him very busy, as well."

Dark Japheth: "Manual labor, and the like?"

SirAlexTheFirst: "Something like that."

Dark Japheth: sense motive.

*OnlineHost*: Dark Japheth rolled 1 20-sided die: 3

Dark Japheth: Heh

Dark Japheth: proof- aim hates me.

AndrewRogue: Aria too <.<

SirAlexTheFirst: He is brown like the willow.

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

AndrewRogue: 13!

SirAlexTheFirst: And supple like the... um... willow.

AndrewRogue: "They are... holding him for manual labor?"

Dark Japheth: With a look that Zao shoots at Aria, he cuts her off. "When might we get the token to reassure Verity's wife?"

AndrewRogue: *is cut-off*

SirAlexTheFirst: "As I have said, nothing can be guaranteed. I will do my best to deliver it to you as soon as possible."

Dark Japheth: "You must understand, Rufus Bell, that I am operating in this city for a fairly limited time."

SirAlexTheFirst: He spreads his hands. "I am sorry..."

Dark Japheth: "When is the next council meeting?"

SirAlexTheFirst: "I can call one for tomorrow evening to discuss the matter. You are right, in that the Council should revisit the issue at least."

Dark Japheth: "Thank you, Rufus."

SirAlexTheFirst: "Arigato, Isawa-san."

AndrewRogue: "Thank you Mister Bell." *its a lil strained*

Dark Japheth: Zao will bow, and then leave.

SirAlexTheFirst: He looks at Aria once more. "Truly, there are none others than his wife who would see him free?"

AndrewRogue: "I would very well see him free."

AndrewRogue: "And if I'm right, the rest of Amaryllis as well."

AndrewRogue: "But if you mean people in specific..."

SirAlexTheFirst: "Ah?"

AndrewRogue: "It looks like there are people who have interests in Verity. I was killed afterall, and it has something to do with this whole mess. And there seem to be divine forces that have interest in him as well."

AndrewRogue: "But..." *she shrugs* "All I know is myself and Aurelia wish him freed for sure."

SirAlexTheFirst: "Ah, so." He nods. "That is why we keep him here, in part - to protect him from those people. Anyone trying to get to him will face nothing but their own deaths."

AndrewRogue: "Oh?"

SirAlexTheFirst: Oh, and Bluff that for me

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

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

AndrewRogue: Oh. Yeah.

AndrewRogue: Thannnnks AIM

AndrewRogue: Now you do that.

AndrewRogue: 32

SirAlexTheFirst: "Hai. The labs have not worked on the world's best weapons for nothing." Bell smiles grimly.

AndrewRogue: "Those... gun things?"

SirAlexTheFirst: "Ie, ie. More. They have some things... che, you wouldn't believe them. Best you not worry about it - just be safe and know that he is too."

AndrewRogue: "Speaking of, what about my friend Jerriford? I have heard that he was arrested."

SirAlexTheFirst: "I have not heard anything of that, I am sorry."

AndrewRogue: Hi, sense motive?

*OnlineHost*: AndrewRogue rolled 1 20-sided die: 5

AndrewRogue: 2!

AndrewRogue: Nope.

Dark Japheth: He has green leaves like the willow.

SirAlexTheFirst: He is quite like the mango.

AndrewRogue: *Aria's head jerks to the side slightly, then she shakes it and faces him again*

AndrewRogue: "That... is odd. He came here to meet us and has practically vanished. I heard Verity's wife lost him on a visit to the labs."

SirAlexTheFirst: "Ah... perhaps you should ask her, then? Or someone in the Labs? I do not know much about what goes on there, although some of my colleages do."

Dark Japheth: "Might you name a few, that we may ask before we must return?"

AndrewRogue: "Could you... yes." *she seems to be staring at a point somewhere behind Bell*

SirAlexTheFirst: "Hai, hai. Marc Fremont is a man I would suggest speaking with at the labs. Also Reese, the newly graduated director there."

Dark Japheth: Zao nods. "Thank you."

AndrewRogue: "And... just use a terminal to speak with them?"

SirAlexTheFirst: "Hai." He nods.

Dark Japheth: "Thank you. As for the token... when can that be delivered?"

Dark Japheth: "If, indeed, it can be done."

SirAlexTheFirst: "I will find you. You need not worry."

Dark Japheth: You know

Dark Japheth: That pretty much unnerves Zao

Dark Japheth: phantasmal killer this goddamned Otaku

Dark Japheth: no I'm just kidding.

AndrewRogue: (I was gonna say go ahead. <.<)

Dark Japheth: "...I will not. Thank you."

AndrewRogue: "Thank you Mister Bell."

SirAlexTheFirst: He smiles again, and snaps his fingers, and you're back outside the spire.

Dark Japheth: Once outside... "I... was so close to killing him...'

Dark Japheth: Zao sighs.

AndrewRogue: ~Don't say a word while we are in this city Zao.~

Dark Japheth: "He raped my culture. My language. My homeland. Argh! ARGH."

Dark Japheth: After this rant.

Dark Japheth: "Alright."

Dark Japheth: "What to do now?"

AndrewRogue: *she sighs* "L-let's see if we can get in contact with someone in the labs. Bandon... would probably like to hear from me. And maybe we can talk to Marc or Reese."

Dark Japheth: "Very well." He nods. "I hope Marc and Reese are not mages."

Dark Japheth: "That was fairly embarassing." He sighs.

AndrewRogue: "Reese is... what were you doing anyway?"

Dark Japheth: "What? When?" Zao turns chibi.

AndrewRogue: "That thing, where you waggled your fingers and then he did."

AndrewRogue: "Then... then he told you it was rude and you shouldn't do that."

Dark Japheth: "OH. I was casting a spell. Normally, that one goes off without a hitch."

Dark Japheth: "He counterspelled it."

Dark Japheth: He's speaking in clipped sentences, kind of fast.

AndrewRogue: "What... kind of spell?"

Dark Japheth: "Ummm..."

Dark Japheth: He turns red and looks left and right. "That thing? You know... how... you use telepathy?"

Dark Japheth: "Sort of the same thing." He has shifty eyes.

Dark Japheth: You can PRACTICALLY SEE the >.> and the <.<

AndrewRogue: "Yesss?"

Dark Japheth: "Umm... well."

Dark Japheth: "I really shouldn't say in this city." This is CLEARLY an excuse

Dark Japheth: I'm not even going to roll bluff on it. Cuz I'd beat your sense motive unless I rolled a 1 and you rolled higher than 12.

Dark Japheth: :P

AndrewRogue: *her eyes narrow slightly* "When we finish then."

Dark Japheth: Chibi Zao- "^_^"

Dark Japheth: He clicks on Autofollow.

AndrewRogue: To a terminal!

Dark Japheth: Yay terminal!

SirAlexTheFirst: And?

SirAlexTheFirst: It's now fairly late afternoon...

AndrewRogue: Bandon is in the labs!

AndrewRogue: We contact him!

AndrewRogue: He shall tell us of other people!

AndrewRogue: So get Kirk off Staci!

SirAlexTheFirst: You don't contact him. He is unavailable.

Dark Japheth: Hose em off.

AndrewRogue: Awww ;_;

Dark Japheth: lol

AndrewRogue: How about Reese?

SirAlexTheFirst: Reese is also curiously unavailable.

AndrewRogue: How about Marc?

SirAlexTheFirst: So is Marc.

AndrewRogue: How about... Miss Mab? <.<

SirAlexTheFirst: Seriously?

AndrewRogue: Sure. Aria remembers she's supposed to be in charge of the labb-y things.

SirAlexTheFirst: The terminal lights up with the image of a chipper middle-aged human woman. She speaks, cheerful. "Good evening, Arianna! So nice to speak with you at last! How goes your investigations?"

AndrewRogue: "Ah... not particularly well as I'm sure you've read."

AndrewRogue: *Aria sags slightly at the terminal* "And... yourself? Have you been well?"

SirAlexTheFirst: Mab looks disappointed. "That's a shame. I'm glad to see that all those nasty rumors about you have been put to rest, though."

SirAlexTheFirst: "Oh, me?" *laughs* "I'm fine, dear. Better than ever."

AndrewRogue: *Aria... is paling while she stands there, and actually begins leaning up against the terminal*

AndrewRogue: "I... that's nice to hear..."

*OnlineHost*: Dark Japheth rolled 1 20-sided die: 2

AndrewRogue: *she rubs at her eyes*

Dark Japheth: Zao pushes his mask off a little, so he can see out of it. Man, it must have slid down.

AndrewRogue: "E-excuse me... a friend of mine... Bandon... he's not around is he?"

AndrewRogue: ~H-Hunter?~

SirAlexTheFirst: "Well, goodness, where are my manners. What has precipitated this call, dear- ahh, Brother Bandon, of course!"

SirAlexTheFirst: Mab nods sagely for about a second before succumbing to a few peals of laughter, which chime like bells.

Adm H Sopko: I can't hear you outside the dome

AndrewRogue: Actually... doesn't Aria's penetrate?

Adm H Sopko: Oh yeah. It does

Dark Japheth: Zao fidgets. I'm going to use Lore to see if I can detect thoughts on the terminal!

SirAlexTheFirst: "I'm afraid he's not around," she continues, "but I can get a message to him if you like. And don't worry about all your things, he has them here."

Dark Japheth: The answer is no, of course, so Zao sighs, but looks very anxious.

SirAlexTheFirst: No.

AndrewRogue: "I-is there any-anyway I could pick..." *she swallows* "Pick them up?"

AndrewRogue: ~I... really feel sick...~

AndrewRogue: "Zao... Zao..." *she jerks away from the terminal in a lurching fashion and practically slams into the ground. She tries to push herself back up*

SirAlexTheFirst: "Why, certainly! Just come on down to the Labs, and we'll have them here. You can meet Bandon, too, he'll be around by that time. Surely you and he will have lots to talk about!"

Dark Japheth: Zao runs to her, and picks her up. "Are you ok?!"

SirAlexTheFirst: From the terminal, Mab's tone changes to concern. "Dearie? Aria? Are you all right? Aria?"

Dark Japheth: Zao turns to the terminal. "Miss... Mab, I think? Do not worry. I have her."

AndrewRogue: "I'm..." *she clutches at her head* "...say sorry..."

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

Dark Japheth: "...Aria. I'm bring you to the temple."

Dark Japheth: As before, he attempts to pick her up and carry her. Teleporter nearby?

AndrewRogue: *she's practically relying wholly between her polearm and Zao to stand* "Wha...?"

SirAlexTheFirst: Always. But you're taking her away?

Dark Japheth: Yes.

Dark Japheth: "...Your skin. Its... turning transparent>"

Dark Japheth: "And the red. That can't be good."

SirAlexTheFirst: Mab's practically shouting now. "What's going on there? Is everything all right? Should I send someone?"

Dark Japheth: To Mab- "...No. It will be alright. I'm right by a teleporter to the temple. I will have the priests cure her. Thank you, Mab."

AndrewRogue: "It's... what...?" *she's starting to sound half dazed*

AndrewRogue: "Its... all right? Everything's okay? Really? Really? No..." *she talking to... not Zao at least*

AndrewRogue: ~Not feel good...~

AndrewRogue: ~Zao... dragging me...~

Dark Japheth: Zao keeps on helping her. Mhmm. As he does so, he tries to detect thoughts. God I abuse that spell, and the fact that I can cast it 8 times a day.

AndrewRogue: ~Really... really sick... Sorry. It... it should pass...~

Dark Japheth: "Aria? Is this what you were talking about? The echoes?"

AndrewRogue: Can I just opt to fail my save? I don't think Aria seems much to block this sort of thing right now.

Dark Japheth: ...I think you *can* voluntarily fail but I'm not sure on that one.

AndrewRogue: "Nellix? ...who?"

Dark Japheth: "Its ok, Aria. Everything will be alright."

Dark Japheth: As they walk, Zao will hum a tune.

SirAlexTheFirst: You can fail

AndrewRogue: She does so.

Dark Japheth: Zao- "Clear your mind. Calm down. Take a deep breath." Pant as he drags her. Lousy 10 str.

Dark Japheth: "YES!" He is almost angry, but you know he isn't. "Everything IS OK."

AndrewRogue: *she does her best to lend an ability to walk*

Dark Japheth: "Deep breaths."

Dark Japheth: He shakes his head. Almost as if to clear his own mind. "Slow down. Think slowly." Helpin oh yeah helpin

AndrewRogue: *and... she stops*

AndrewRogue: *just right there, and staggers out of Zao's grip*

AndrewRogue: "I... I'm fine."

Dark Japheth: "Yes. You are fine. Do not worry. I would still be uncomfortable if you were to be sick. And I could have helped. We should still go see a temple."

AndrewRogue: "I'm... its gone."

AndrewRogue: ~...fine now. I'm fine.~

Dark Japheth: "What's gone?"

Dark Japheth: "The echo?"

AndrewRogue: "But... but yes. Let's go see a temple." *her eyes narrow slightly* "And then see if Mab is still around. No I was... I felt like I'd been running for hours."

AndrewRogue: "I had a headache."

AndrewRogue: "I... felt sick."

Dark Japheth: Zao- "I could feel that much."

Adm H Sopko: (Hunter: "YOU SAID YOU WEREN'T PREGNANT!)

AndrewRogue: (XD)

AndrewRogue: So... which temple were we heading towards? Or is there a nearby terminal?

Dark Japheth: You know, I was thinking Gabriel

SirAlexTheFirst: You weren't heading anywhere in particular... just the nearest terminal... so you're in the middle of the city with no idea where you really are.

Dark Japheth: That rocks. I ask random guy on the street where the nearest terminal is.

SirAlexTheFirst: That'd be the one you just walked away from.

Dark Japheth: "...Other than that one?"

SirAlexTheFirst: The one the next block down.

Dark Japheth: We head there. bad mojo and all.

SirAlexTheFirst: Righto. And?

AndrewRogue: Dial Mab again. It was rude to do that to her.

Dark Japheth: Zao will stand on the other side of the terminal

SirAlexTheFirst: Okay.

Dark Japheth: Because Zao was rude and is fairly afraid of Mab.

AndrewRogue: *Aria's hand hovers above the terminal for a moment*

Dark Japheth: actually

Dark Japheth: "Do you want me to?"

AndrewRogue: *Aria jerks back from the terminal, falling backwards, her hands clutching at her head*

Dark Japheth: Zao now holds her again. "Ok. It is likely not good for you to do this. Do you want to go home?"

AndrewRogue: *actually Aria doesn't stand*

AndrewRogue: *she doesn't even move*

AndrewRogue: *she shakes*

AndrewRogue: *and shakes*

Dark Japheth: ............Zao picks her up.

Dark Japheth: "Aria! Aria!"

AndrewRogue: *and shakes more for good measure*

AndrewRogue: "N-n-n-no."

Dark Japheth: By *picks her up* I mean that he lifts your head off the ground and your torso.

Dark Japheth: "Aria!"

AndrewRogue: "Not again, not again, not again, not again, not again, not again."

Dark Japheth: "Aria. I am here. I can help you. What is happening?"

AndrewRogue: "It... it again. No no no no no..." *she takes a sudden deep breath to calm herself*

Dark Japheth: "Breathe. Take a deep breath. Breathe."

AndrewRogue: *she forces herself onto her knees, taking deep breaths*

AndrewRogue: *then she forces herself to her feet*

AndrewRogue: *then she steps towards the terminal again* "We... we're leaving after this."

SirAlexTheFirst: And?

Dark Japheth: "Aria. Let me do this."

AndrewRogue: "I... I need to see if its this... J-just help me."

AndrewRogue: *and... let's try for Mab one more time*

Dark Japheth: "Alright." Zao will stand behind her and be READY completely READY to catch her if she falls.

SirAlexTheFirst: Okay.

SirAlexTheFirst: Mab's face appears on the terminal. She looks quite pale, scared, and you can see that she has perhaps shed a tear or two.

SirAlexTheFirst: "Aria! Thank the gods! What happened?"

AndrewRogue: "N-nothing. I-I've been sick lately. How do you... how do you know me anyway?"

SirAlexTheFirst: "Why, Hunter told me all about you, and ever since then I've wanted to meet the young lady who had such courage! I watched the news as well, and was overjoyed to see that you've come here -

SirAlexTheFirst: but have you been having any problems? is there anything I can do to help you?"

Adm H Sopko: (Yep... just like you wanted to meet the stubby legged dwarf)

SirAlexTheFirst: "Aria?"

AndrewRogue: "S-shut up. What are you talking about?"

AndrewRogue: "Who is not a woman?"

AndrewRogue: "Who?" *its practically growled*

SirAlexTheFirst: "Ari-....." Mab breaks off. "Perhaps you should get some rest, dear. You sound quite... unwell. I'll get your belongings back to you later."

AndrewRogue: "Is it you?"

AndrewRogue: "Who are you Mab?"

SirAlexTheFirst: ".... get some rest, dear. You're not well at all. Please, mister-" she looks at Zao-Lot, with concern, "See that she gets some rest and proper care for a while."

AndrewRogue: "Why do you care?" *she practically growls it at the machine* "Where is Jerri?"

Dark Japheth: Zao nods. "I will."

Dark Japheth: But he senses motive on Miss Mab.

*OnlineHost*: Dark Japheth rolled 1 20-sided die: 11

Dark Japheth: 11. I get nothin

SirAlexTheFirst: She seems sincere.

SirAlexTheFirst: And quite like the maple.

Dark Japheth: Zao is gently muttering a song. "Holding on to broken dreams/A fist of streaming sand/Trying to grasp the whisping smoke/The silt of never never land."

Dark Japheth: Just a mantra to himself, really.

Dark Japheth: Maple. Hmm.

Dark Japheth: If the other guy is a willow....

SirAlexTheFirst: Mab, looking frightened now, has just shook her head and vanished from the terminal.

Dark Japheth: "...We need to leave Whittyre, Aria."

AndrewRogue: *and Aria lovingly hammers her fist down on to the terminal*

Dark Japheth: "Now. Not a minute sooner." Zao is practically begging.

SirAlexTheFirst: "Please do not use excessive force against terminals. Although we are sturdy, nothing is unbreakable."

AndrewRogue: "R-right."

AndrewRogue: "Now. We need to go back now."

AndrewRogue: *she nods*

Dark Japheth: And to a teleporter they go!

AndrewRogue: Back to Pernolde!

AndrewRogue: I think.

SirAlexTheFirst: Gelendar.

SirAlexTheFirst: Perenolde.

SirAlexTheFirst: Right.

SirAlexTheFirst: I am teh confuzed.

SirAlexTheFirst: Bamf.

SirAlexTheFirst: ~~~~END~~~~