North by Northwest (storyline)/2023-11-13 - Prison Terms of Negotiation (log)

Eoantos 13-14, 5123

by Leafiara Autumnwind of the TownCrier

Disclaimer

This log is purely intended as an archival record of spoken words and actions of characters within the game as could be witnessed by the character or characters who were present to record them. Leafiara's player and the TownCrier hold no position on the veracity, falsity, legitimacy, nor illegitimacy of any character dialogue, opinions, perspectives, interpretations, and stances presented herein.

Synopsis

Commander Sablo over thoughts talks about someone's stiffened tongue, then arrives in Town Square Central. He says battling in the wilds wasn't as frustrating as getting a wizard to talk, then tells others they're welcome to bug Magister Enisius themselves and marches off. People head to the dungeon and Enisius says he fired the obelisk and nobody else; various people raise questions such as why he's saying that to them but wouldn't say it to Sablo, why the shots were so imprecise, and why he didn't stop when Elidal said to.

Enisius ignores all that, but answers other questions: blood magic is no longer required because it would increase risk, Elidal couldn't stop the obelisk himself because he wasn't informed how to, and the obelisk is adaptable and shouldn't be destroyed since it could stabilize or diminish the manastorms of Darkstone Castle.

People question what Enisius will do when Elidal decides his fate; Enisius doesn't know. Councilor Vaemyr proposes that Enisius shouldn't have the ability to operate the obelisk by himself; Enisius says that's stupid. Councilor Kayse says she wants additional to protocol to ensure the obelisk doesn't harm Wehnimer's Landing; Enisius asks what defense, weapon, or process the Landing is willing to share in cooperation. He suggests that if activating the obelisk requires someone from the barony and someone from the Landing, then the same could be true of activating the Consortium's pylon ship. He eventually agrees to additional safeguards that he and Magister Raelee will come up with, then says the Landing will do the same for Amos' pylon ship.

Editing Protocol of this Log

• NPC dialogue, NPC actions, and PC dialogue or actions which NPCs react to are bolded.
• Actions are edited out unless they come from NPCs, are necessary to understand the context of surrounding dialogue that meets all other criteria, or are within the first three of a PC's responses to an NPC who was directing actions or dialogue toward them.
• Greetings, farewells, dialogue on OOC ESP channels, and dialogue related to various services including but not limited to healing, resurrection, locksmithing, armor adjustments, and spellups are edited out unless they come from NPCs, are directed toward NPCs, or are necessary to understand the context of surrounding dialogue that meets all other criteria.
• Dialogue in languages other than Common is presented from the perspective of a character who only knows Common so as not to give preferential treatment to languages which the logging character knows.
• IC group whispers are excluded so as not to give preferential treatment to the group which the logging character is in.
• OOC whispers that don't come from NPCs are excluded due to being OOC.
• Visible whispers are presented from the perspective of a third-party observer.
• Other dialogue not mentioned above is included.
• Travel between a starting room and destination room is excluded unless it shows off unique and newly created rooms.
• Combat is excluded.
• Rights are reserved to include anything that seems especially amusing, all of the above notwithstanding.

Log

Sablo's Lament

[Town Square Central]

This is the heart of the main square of Wehnimer's Landing. The impromptu shops of the bazaar are clustered around this central gathering place, where townsfolk, travellers, and adventurers meet to talk, conspire or raise expeditions to the far-flung reaches of Elanith. At the north end, an old well, with moss-covered stones and a craggy roof, is shaded from the moonlight by a strong, robust tree. The oak is tall and straight, and it is apparent that the roots run deep. You also see the green Monthas disk, an animated flayed gigas disciple, the Chonkus disk, the Plonkus disk, a skeletal bone white serpent, a svelte buckskin mustang, the discordant Tikba disk, a surly wasteland spirit that is flying around, a frustrated luck spirit that is flying around, the Keletheryl disk, the porcelain Alexandrena disk laced with tiny cracks, the Diggin disk, the Phereclese disk, a matted palm rat, the clam-shaped Monza disk, a green-eyed black cat that is sitting, the Margus disk, a pale-faced coppery barn owl, a skeletal bull frog, the Wanheda disk, some wide stone benches with some stuff on it, an herbal remedy donation bin and a round silver-banded barrel.

Also here: Whimweaver Leafiara, Riptyl, High Lord Monthas, Town Councilor Vaemyr, Lord Thrassus, Chonkus, Plonkus, Town Councilor Kayse, Perigourd, Onicas who is sitting, Squire Alosaka, Tikba, Partolwine who is lying down, Keletheryl, Great Lady Alexandrena, Diggin who is lying down, Phereclese, Monza, Nathan, Lord Margus, Ceberon who is lying down, Wanheda who is kneeling

Alosaka exclaims, "Calming, she says!"

Alosaka says, "Where is that sweater..."

Perigourd thoughtfully says, "Need to get some hot chocolate in there.."

Lylia says, "Lovely to see everyone on such a chilly night. I so enjoy the snow when it is pristine."

Vaemyr says, "I shoulda brought some wassil from my house."

Thrassus asks, "It's chilly?"

Speaking to Thrassus, Lylia says, "I freeze easily."

Alosaka exclaims, "It is that time of year!"

Speaking to Kayse, Perigourd says, "Thank you no, I actually don't drink coffee as much as keep some for others."

Thrassus says, "It must be awful to not be an elementalist."

Speaking knowingly to Kayse, Perigourd says, "It's about all Kippe will drink."

Speaking slowly to Tikba, Kayse mouths, "What?"

Lylia says, "On the contrary; I rather enjoy the variety."

Speaking to Lylia, Perigourd asks, "The spice of life, no?"

Alosaka says, "Someday everyone will freeze to death, and on that day we will finally agree that the weather is too cold."

Speaking to Lylia, Perigourd says, "A very Faendryl sentiment, I think."

Lylia says, "Besides, I can warm up if I wish."

Monthas says, "The weather is too cold."

Kayse offers, "Might we well keep warm if we're all standing out here."

[General] Slapfu asks, "Got a purse or a bow or a shield on your other shoulder?"

Speaking in Tehir, Alosaka says something you don't understand.

Tikba weakly says, "Very strong."

Alosaka says, "If you just hold the coffee in your hand it will keep you warm."

Speaking to Alosaka, Perigourd says, "In some cases, it does well thrown in the face of an enemy."

Perigourd says, "Warms them up real fast."

Murharzarm says, "You know. Sod the outdoors right now. I'm going to a tavern."

Murharzarm just went northeast.

Alosaka says, "He has the right of it."

Lylia admits, "He may have the right of it."

[General] Sablo thinks, "He's stubborn, or his tongue has withered. Or both. I can't tell."

Perigourd says, "Still chillier up in Cold River."

Vaemyr says, "Ahh Sablo on thoughts it seems."

Thrassus says, "Ah, the Commander is about it seems."

Vaemyr asks, "Probably talking about Enisius?"

Leafiara asks, "He still investigating Enisius?"

Perigourd says, "One would suspect so."

Lylia says, "Presumably."

[General] Tikba mildly thinks, "Prison sometimes stiffens the tongue."

Vaemyr says, "No pukk to point us in the right direction tonight."

Speaking to Kayse, Tikba asks, "Shall we try to find the Commander?"

Sablo just came marching in.

Kayse mutters, "I--"

Leafiara recites:

"Everyone join--oh"

Vaemyr says, "He uhh found us."

[General] Murharzarm thinks, "A bit of stubborness is good."

Speaking politely to Sablo, Tikba says, "Commander."

Sablo slips a stained tome into his troll skin pack.

Alosaka evenly greets, "Commander."

Sablo says, "Evening."

Sablo says, "Snow again, so soon."

Alosaka says, "Hopefully not a harbinger of another winter like the last."

Sablo says, "Suppose it's quicker to fall without a giant...stone giant to block it."

Kayse casually says, "It is that time of year."

Leafiara slowly says, "Yes, it does happen about three months out of the year every year..."

Lylia says, "The years drift by as weeks."

Speaking to Leafiara, Vaemyr says, "Occasionally it'll still rain during those months."

Sablo says, "I'm not complaining."

Sablo says, "Reminds me of simplier times."

Sablo says, "When enemies were easier to spot."

Speaking to Sablo, Perigourd asks, "You find them less so?"

Leafiara says, "They're always easy to spot until you start seeking greater challenges."

Alosaka says, "I've always had a feeling about Octaven."

Alosaka says, "And I don't think I'm alone."

Speaking wryly to Alosaka, Leafiara says, "Yes, well, welcome to 5117."

Sablo nods at Perigourd.

An errant gust of wind swirls through the square, stirring up dust and rattling the branches of the oak tree. Small twigs, a smattering of leaves, and a lone acorn are shaken loose. The nutty projectile drops directly on Xorus's head, bounces off, and tumbles to the ground.

Lylia picks up a large acorn.

Sablo says, "It was easier on the field, in the wilds."

Lylia holds up her hand, palm facing up, and concentrates on its central point. Inky black lines appear in the air hovering over her hand, and you feel a distinct pull of air towards this point. The sound of reality and time being torn echoes out from her palm as a rippling black void slowly opens. The miniature fissure begins to feed on the air around you.

Lylia gingerly places her large acorn over her black void, which vibrates slightly before quickly suctioning in the acorn, where it disappears from sight.

Suddenly, Lylia's black void collapses in on itself with an audible *POP*.

Speaking to Xorus, Lylia says, "I have avenged you."

Tikba sympathetically says, "Soldiering is easy. Generalship is harder."

Speaking to Lylia, Alosaka exclaims, "But the oak tree remains!"

Speaking wryly to Lylia, Kayse asks, "Is the squirrel next?"

Xorus says, "Only one solution."

Lylia admits, "For now."

[General] Goldstr asks, "Warrior Sablo, ye be willin to follow Lord Eladil.s orders now?"

Blades asks, "What came first the tree or the squirrel?"

Sablo says, "It wasn't as frustrating as trying to get a wizard to talk."

Monthas asks, "Thought it as the egg?"

Speaking to Sablo, Perigourd says, "Yes, that can take some doing."

Lylia asks, "Did he say nothing at all, or merely nothing of use?"

Perigourd says, "Depending on the wizard at any rate."

Speaking to Sablo, Vaemyr asks, "Did you learn anything, at all?"

Alosaka says, "Enisius must have something to say, if only to protest his innocence."

Speaking to Sablo, Tikba asks, "What did you ask him?"

Sablo says, "There was some questions, some posturing, some stares. I tried some other things, that she taught me, but..."

Sablo shrugs.

Leafiara recalls, "It's a common occurrence in the Hall. I can't remember if it was Dennet or Cordarius who joked that they have a course on avoiding questions..." (OOC note: It was Cordarius.)

Sablo says, "You're welcome to go bug him yourself."

Kayse mutters, "Probably Dennet."

Lylia asks, "I would like to, yes. In the cells beneath the outpost?"

Sablo says, "Lord Elidal gave me a week to retrieve more information from his brother, before he makes a judgment."

Sablo nods at Lylia.

Thrassus says, "That would be good, yes."

Sablo says, "Good luck. The bearded worm wasn't squirming."

Speaking thoughtfully to Sablo, Tikba says, "A difficult responsibility for you."

Vaemyr says, "I wouldn't mind speaking to him as well."

Tikba says, "His life is in your hands."

Sablo marches off towards Rone Academy.

A Break and Then Entering

Leafiara says, "Maybe he didn't actually do anything--"

Tikba says, "Perhaps not so difficult."

Perigourd says, "Why.."

Thrassus asks, "Maybe he is going to a class of some sort?"

Alosaka says, "And he was never seen again."

Ouendi squeakily asks, "Who was that?"

Tikba says, "Let us find Magister Enisius, then."

Tikba says, "Perhaps we can be more persuasive."

Vaemyr asks, "Did he say if Enisius was in the outpost then?"

Lylia says, "I wish I had gotten a glimpse of the book he was reading."

Leafiara says, "Hmm, no Raelee."

Leafiara asks, "I suppose anyone's allowed in the outpost, then?"

Alosaka asks, "What exactly are we supposed to wring out of this wizard?"

Leafiara says, "Beats me."

Leafiara says, "I doubt he did anything."

Leafiara says, "Welp, moving."

[travel]

[Lower Dragonsclaw, Grasslands]

Growing among the warm grasses are a few scattered trees. It is hard to tell if the forest you can see to the west is encroaching upon the grasslands or if it is slowly being harvested and replaced for grazing. You also see a large stone outpost.

Also here: Town Councilor Vaemyr, Whimweaver Leafiara, Xorus, Imperatrix Lylia

>go gate

The oaken gate appears to be closed.

Lylia says, "Could have sworn he suggested the outpost's cells..."

Leafiara slowly says, "Nope, closed after all."

Leafiara says, "And this is why I wondered where Raelee was..."

Vaemyr says, "Ever since the Octaven situation it's been closed."

Alosaka says, "Say her name while spinning around three times."

Tikba says, "Magister Raelee is in the dungeon."

Blades says, "I'm moving back to the wastes, its snowing already here."

Tikba clarifies, "Not in the dungeon."

Leafiara affably implies, "So, we do have locksmiths here..."

Tikba says, "In the corridor of the dungeon."

Tikba yells, "Hello the outpost!"

Leafiara yells, "Trick or treat! I know the Ebon Gate festival is over, but why stop the fun?"

Alosaka says, "What is Enisius accused of, exactly? Aside from being a Magister."

Thrassus says, "Negligent use of the obelisk."

Speaking to a thick oaken gate, Kayse shouts, "We have permission from Commander Sablo to speak to Magister Enisius. Can you please open the gates?"

Leafiara says, "For some reason, Elidal thinks he fired the obelisk."

Speaking to Alosaka, Perigourd says, "I would suspect refusing to follow the direct orders of Lord Elidal, amongst others."

Lylia says, "Of the killing of Landing citizens who were in the Ember Vale when it was destroyed."

Speaking to Alosaka, Vaemyr says, "Firing the obelisk without permission, causing harm to landing defenders and citizens."

Alosaka says, "Eh."

Blades says, "Impressive, i know."

Tikba mildly says, "Perhaps merely a misunderstanding."

Alosaka says, "It did destroy the Vale, though."

Lylia says, "Just so."

Thrassus asks, "Hasn't Octaven been known to disguise herself as others in the past?"

Leafiara says, "Of course, the irony is that the only reason Elidal has to believe Enisius fired the obelisk was words from Enisius about only people of their 'blood' being able to operate the obelisk."

Alosaka says, "Perhaps we were in the wrong place at the wrong time."

Vaemyr says, "I mean perhaps he thought that disobeying orders was the way to get promoted or knighted."

Leafiara says, "But then Enisius wouldn't say he did it."

Thrassus asks, "Or am I thinking of someone else?"

Speaking to Vaemyr, Alosaka admits, "There is a precedent for it."

Lylia muses, "While I do not know him all that well, promotions and accolades seem to hold little interest for him."

Lord Thrassus just went northwest.

Leafiara says, "Octaven herself hasn't impersonated anyone, but she was trying to make Vlashandra impersonate Raelee to assassinate her father, so it's not entirely out of the question--"

Alosaka says, "Well."

Alosaka says, "It's snowing, I'm cold, and we're not getting inside."

[Leafi attempts to fog to Raelee inside]

Alosaka says, "Be safe, friends."

Leafiara despondently says, "Worth a try."

Leafiara says, "I'd try to pick the lock, except I know we have better locksmiths than me here."

Gate was closed? OOPS?

[travel]

From nearby, you hear Tikba yell, "Thank you!"

Leafiara exclaims, "Aha!"

Leafiara exclaims, "They heard us at last!"

Vaemyr says, "There we go."

Vaemyr says, "Just needed to make enough noise I guess."

[General] Murharzarm asks, "What is this?"

Kayse says, "Where is..."

Blades says, "Must've missed that giant hole in the gate."

Leafiara asks, "...where was it again?"

Vaemyr says, "Going the wrong way."

Vaemyr says, "Back to the kitchen."

Leafiara says, "Hm."

Leafiara says, "Uh..."

Leafiara says, "Oh."

Vaemyr says, "Oh wait."

Speaking With Enisius

[Hendoran Outpost, Dungeon]

The air is cold and the earthen walls are hugged by shadows, each one like dancing silhouettes flickering about from the lit torches set along the path. Iron-barred doors line the hallway of the dark dungeon. You also see the discordant Tikba disk and a hand-crafted rocking chair.

Raelee asks, "Where are the others?"

Leafiara pleasantly says, "Ah, finally."

Leafiara cheerfully exclaims, "Good eve!"

Vaemyr says, "Doing Cryheart impressions."

Kayse says, "I thought it would be nice to get everyone in here that has been waiting patiently at the gate."

Lylia says, "I would wish you a good evening, but...I am not sure the present circumstances would fit."

Blades says, "Wish they'd put rocking chairs in all the dungeons."

Enisius stiffens at the sight of the crowd, but does not move from the bars of the cell. His indigo eyes are still sharp, not even the slightest tired or haggard, but his face now is wreathed with thickening strawberry blonde beard.

Vaemyr says, "Good evening Enisius."

The voice of Enisius says, "Hi."

Leafiara amiably says, "For what it's worth, if you say you didn't do it, I believe you."

The voice of Enisius asks, "Do what?"

Blades says, "Hows that cell? Rare that i'm on the otherside."

Leafiara considers, "Then again, even if you don't say that, but also don't say you did it, I'd just assume you didn't..."

Perigourd says, "Fair eve."

The voice of Enisius says, "Oh. Yes, I did that."

Leafiara amusedly says, "Oh."

The voice of Enisius says, "No one else."

Leafiara says, "I think that's Guts on his way."

Tikba carefully says, "You accomplished what you set out to do. The Ember Vale is no danger to us now."

Blades says, "Thanks for the warning."

Lylia says, "If you mean 'I singlehandedly destroyed the greatest threat to the settlement and to the Landing since Gnul,' then I suppose congratulations are in order."

Leafiara confusedly asks, "Wait, why are you telling us you did it if Sablo just said you refused to tell him anything for, what, weeks?"

The voice of Enisius asks, "Congratulations?"

Tikba agrees, "Yes. You destroyed our enemies."

Lylia says, "Yes. You eliminated a dire threat to us and to the settlement."

The voice of Enisius says, "It was so destructive, so chaotic, so uncontrolled and not even timed or angled accurately and wasn't rea...."

Vaemyr says, "There are some... mixed opinions I think on what happened."

Tikba says, "I am sure you will do better next time."

Perigourd says, "Your father must be proud."

Perigourd says, "He didn't seem to care for the reivers."

Enisius paces for a moment, before tightening his grip on a bar of the cell. Then he relaxes.

Tikba says, "There is always more to learn."

Lylia says, "Some of us are well aware that there is not always time for refinement when there is a war to be won."

The voice of Enisius says, "No, he has no love of reivers."

Vaemyr says, "Aye... it's surprising. After all your practice shots into the bay I expected it to be much more precise magister."

The voice of Enisius says, "Who does? Wild men, wild ways. Old ways."

Perigourd says, "I've known many of them to be honorable."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Git up blade!"

Blades asks, "No?"

Vaemyr says, "It almost seemed like someone who had never used it before had fired it, or it had been recalibrated at the last minute."

The voice of Enisius says, "Yes, absolutely. Precision is the reward of study, of preparation."

Speaking wryly to Vaemyr, Leafiara says, "Convenient, isn't it."

Raelee slowly agrees, "... it is, yes."

Speaking to Vaemyr, Lylia agrees, "Indeed."

Xorus says, "With less precision, one merely needs more power."

The voice of Enisius says, "Anything else is absurd. A failure."

Perigourd asks, "Why didn't you shut it down when Elidal asked you to?"

The voice of Enisius says, "A waste."

Speaking wryly to Vaemyr, Tikba murmurs, "Do you doubt his confession?"

Speaking drunkenly to Blades, Gutstorm slurs, "Me dunk ya affer ok?"

Speaking to Tikba, Vaemyr says, "I'm saying I expected better of a magister as meticulous and prepared as Enisius."

Blades says, "As long as you're not tryin to kiss me, i guess this is a win."

Speaking to Tikba, Leafiara acknowledges, "Don't know why we're getting it so quickly if Sablo couldn't get anything for so long."

The voice of Enisius says, "If you are trying to weave a word dance around my admission Vaemyr, you won't succeed. I am smarter, in here, or out of here."

Vaemyr smirks.

Tikba wryly says, "Sablo says he found you quiet."

The voice of Enisius says, "Because Sablo could not smash me with a hammer."

Speaking to Perigourd, Geijon says, "This looks in hand."

The voice of Enisius says, "He had little use for my real words."

Leafiara amusedly says, "Well, alright, fair enough."

[General] Xess thinks, "Comin."

Tikba carefully says, "Elidal was distressed, that night, to find that he could not deactivate the obelisk."

Perigourd says, "What I find interesting.. is this is the most you've had to say since we've met you of your own volition."

Tikba says, "He said you had told him it was tuned to your blood, and his."

The voice of Enisius says, "Yes."

Raelee slowly asks, "... how much of your blood is required?"

Vaemyr asks, "Well, since you obviously aren't going to change your mind about the confession, protecting either your father, mother, heck maybe you are protecting Elidal himself. Let's discuss Darkstone perhaps?"

Gutstorm drunkenly wonders, "Enisius, how come yoo wear yoo brudder face, me never'd wear Dwi face."

Tikba politely says, "I think we should remain on the topic of the obelisk, since it seems pressing."

Speaking to Gutstorm, Leafiara deadpans, "Hall of Mages pastime. Remember Vlashandra?"

Enisius glances from behind the cell in Gutstorm's direction.

The voice of Enisius says, "No blood remains required."

Tikba patiently asks, "Why could Elidal not deactivate the obelisk?"

Raelee quietly mutters, "Because Elidal is no mage."

The voice of Enisius says, "Continued use of blood magic opens additional parameters and increased risk levels."

Tikba carefully says, "Ah."

The voice of Enisius says, "Because he was not informed how to at the time."

Leafiara asks, "Wait, did they unban blood magic from accepted Imperial practices at some point?"

Lylia asks, "When people speak of blood, they are imprecise in their language. Do you mean someone 'of the blood' must use it, as in your lineage? Or do you mean actual blood?"

Vaemyr asks, "Aww so it uses another mechanism now to operate?"

The voice of Enisius says, "He had not even witnessed me test it."

[General] Kisun thinks, "Ok, ok.. The stump does have a name."

Tikba says, "He was careless."

The voice of Enisius says, "Our bloodline currently, yes."

The voice of Enisius says, "Adaptable, because all things should be. Which is why you should not destroy it."

[General] Directed to Devoryah, Mauss assures, "Oof. I'll give ya a dope wrappin' if ain' no empaths."

Perigourd says, "Hard to see what use it has beyond destruction."

Thrassus says, "There are no current plans to destroy it."

Tikba says, "Destruction is often necessary."

Thrassus says, "That'd be a massive waste, in my opinion."

Leafiara says, "On the other hand, Elidal claimed half of our friends are more dangerous than the obelisk anyway. Which, given the crowd I'm looking at right now, might be accurate."

Lylia says, "Thank you. This clarifies matters for me. 'Of the bloodline' is a more secure basis for unlocking its power than actual blood. That is easy enough to extract."

The voice of Enisius says, "Destruction if wielded finely, crafted with care, and executed with a desired outcome calculated, is merely a stepping stone to creation or betterment."

Speaking drunkenly to Leafiara, Gutstorm slurs, "Me not dat dangeroush."

Kayse inquires, "What other uses does it have?" Kayse stares in the direction of the cell. "Have other plans in mind?"

Tikba carefully says, "There are some who would like to destroy the obelisk, but some of us would prefer to keep it against future enemies."

Lylia lightly says, "Hard to see what use a sword has beyond destruction, but I do not see us all quibbling about those."

Vaemyr says, "I would argue that there are quest a few whom would want to see the obelisk dismantled, even if they are not here tonight."

Vaemyr says, "Quite a few even too."

Perigourd says, "So you turned it towards the reivers yourself then? Elidal said it was supposed to be angled toward Darkstone Castle."

The voice of Enisius says, "The energy could potentially stabilize or diminish the mana storms of Darkstone Castle."

Raelee says, "Pylons, obelisks..."

Tikba mildly asks, "Have you tested this theory?"

The voice of Enisius says, "...or have devastating results."

The voice of Enisius says, "No."

Speaking to Raelee, Perigourd says, "Plinite."

Vaemyr says, "Or expand them."

Lylia wearily says, "There were probably those who, when offered fire, looked upon it with mistrust and continued to eat their haunch raw."

The voice of Enisius says, "I have only fired the obelisk over the bay."

Raelee says, "In many ways, they are but extremely large, extremely powerful wands."

Raelee says, "One can do a lot with a wand."

Vaemyr says, "That's the thing about manastorms, the effects change that even the exact same experience and variables might yield a different result from one time to another."

Speaking to Vaemyr, Raelee says, "Then one must be certain to apply to chosen effect at the precise time."

The voice of Enisius says, "Incorrect."

Raelee says, "Study the patterns, understand the patterns."

The voice of Enisius says, "While only initial, the research team has provided some details of the Castle's manastorms."

Thrassus asks, "It's cyclical?"

The voice of Enisius says, "There has been little change to their patterns over the course of a decade."

The voice of Enisius says, "More study will need to be undertaken."

Thrassus says, "Interesting."

Perigourd says, "Most things are."

Tikba carefully says, "I am given to understand from Archious that if such an experiment were unsuccessful it might destroy the universe."

Raelee says, "True chaos is so rare it may not even exist."

The voice of Enisius says, "Even the chaos has established a sense of order."

Vaemyr asks, "So do you surmise that it is not a naturally occuring one?"

Gutstorm drunkenly claims, "On behalf of da research team, me need a shample of yoo blood, Enisius."

The voice of Enisius says, "No."

Speaking optimistically to Tikba, Leafiara says, "Maybe it'll only create the next Wizardwaste or Bleaklands instead."

Thrassus says, "Manastorms are not a natural occurrence whatsoever."

The voice of Enisius says, "A thing does not need to be natural to have a pattern."

Thrassus says, "At least I've never heard of a natural one."

The voice of Enisius says, "A tapestry threaded can be a tapestry unraveled."

The voice of Enisius asks, "You are aware of your role in the war of shadows, yes?"

Thrassus says, "That is true."

Tikba uncertainly asks, "What is the war of shadows?"

Leafiara helpfully says, "Maybe you should define 'your' in this case."

Vaemyr says, "Some were around then, some were not."

The voice of Enisius says, "A creature forged of Drake and Ur'Daemon, unraveled in the end."

Lylia says, "Althedeus."

Leafiara understandingly says, "Ah, 'your' as in 'the Landing's'."

The voice of Enisius says, "Yes."

Lylia says, "But of course it was known by many names."

The voice of Enisius says, "Yet still ended the same."

Vaemyr says, "We do have a good history of breaking and or killing things."

The voice of Enisius says, "A creature of chaos, a storm of chaos, it can all unwind the same."

The voice of Enisius says, "It is merely discovering the manner in which to conduct it."

The voice of Enisius says, "Without killing a lot of people. My brother does not want that."

Tikba mildly says, "Neither do the people."

Perigourd asks, "What does he want with such conducted chaos?"

The voice of Enisius says, "No I can't imagine they do."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Wuttin if we kill a shelect few doh?"

Lylia points out, "We do not have an Aralyte Halanori Faendryl to lend assistance this time."

Enisius looks like he's about to vomit for a moment, then holds it back and his eyes water.

Leafiara pragmatically says, "Alright, understood. So we evacuate the area before any final experiment--"

Lylia suspiciously asks, "Are you well?"

Thrassus asks, "Are you quite alright?"

The voice of Enisius says, "It is dirty."

The voice of Enisius says, "I am fine."

Tikba carefully says, "You hope to use the obelisk to unwind the mana storm, and thus to render the castle safe to occupy."

The voice of Enisius says, "It smells of urine, and a reiver woman."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "We should innoculate him from getting a disease down here, me give him him a shot."

Blades asks, "Is this your house?"

Blades peers quizzically at Gutstorm.

The voice of Enisius asks, "My house?"

Speaking drunkenly to Blades, Gutstorm slurs, "Raelee live here."

The voice of Enisius says, "My house is in Nydds. Collecting dust. While I am here. Bound to this land."

Speaking to Gutstorm, Raelee corrects, "Raelee *works* two floors up."

Speaking drunkenly to Blades, Gutstorm slurs, "See how she not wanna take credit for her handy werk?"

Leafiara repeats, "Bound? Even if you're cleared of charges, you couldn't leave?"

Blades says, "Smells more like you down here."

Speaking flatly to Leafiara, Raelee asks, "I cannot leave. Why should he be able to?"

Speaking to Leafiara, Vaemyr says, "He's still bound to his brother's service."

Leafiara idly says, "And people wonder why the Landing has concerns about its freedoms."

Tikba calmly says, "He is free to leave if he wishes to."

Tikba says, "Perhaps he does not wish to."

Tikba wryly clarifies, "Well, not as long as he is in the cell."

The voice of Enisius says, "I am bound because I gave my brother my word."

The voice of Enisius says, "I am not bound in chains. Or even bars, not really."

Speaking in Faendryl, Lylia asks something you don't understand.

Leafiara understandingly says, "Oh."

Leafiara says, "Maybe a poor choice of words then if you're here by choice."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Yoo need shumpin ta keep ye company, Enisius."

Tikba says, "You have chosen your path, and you must walk it."

The voice of Enisius says, "It still feels the same."

Gutstorm carefully places a pudgy stuffed scarlet owl on the floor.

Lylia says, "Some choices are more difficult than others. Yet one does what one must."

(Gutstorm pushes the owl towards Enisius' cell.)

Tikba evenly says, "When you doubt it, remember the moment you chose."

Tikba says, "You will remember why you thought the choice was the right one."

Enisius pushes the owl away with his foot. His boots are clean and pristine.

The voice of Enisius says, "I have company."

The voice of Enisius says, "The voices in my head, driving me to experiment with blood magic and conquer the world."

Leafiara muses, "I suppose rats are company. Guts would know too--"

Enisius smirks behind his cell.

The voice of Enisius says, "I jest."

The voice of Enisius says, "I am told I should jest."

Vaemyr says, "Your jokes are getting better."

Lylia says, "I appreciate that you do it so well."

The voice of Enisius says, "My mother visits."

Leafiara brightly agrees, "That was a good one!"

Xorus says, "Unraveling the threads of heaven."

Tikba wryly says, "Your jests should be obviously unbelievable."

The voice of Enisius says, "Sablo visited once."

Vaemyr says, "Soon you will need to start teaching your brother."

The voice of Enisius says, "A guard got turned around the wrong way, came by once."

Perigourd asks, "What of your father?"

The voice of Enisius says, "I also killed a rat."

The voice of Enisius says, "My father has been occupied."

Blades says, "Well must be boring in there."

The voice of Enisius says, "It is understandable."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Gutstorm vishited yoo one time too."

Blades drops a crystal tumbler of rye whiskey.

Blades says, "There you go."

Raelee says, "... do you require anything from upstairs? Much of the equipment is still in shambles, but the library was relatively undamaged."

Enisius pulls his hand from the bar, and tries to slyly wipe his palm against the hem of his robe. Then sighs, and tries to wipe the hem of his robe.

Kayse asks, "Enisius, Sablo had a blood-stained tome when he arrived earlier. A bit out of character for him to have a book--any idea what it was?"

The voice of Enisius says, "I will be out soon. I am fine. My mother has brought me a few of my things as needed."

Enisius looks down at his palm.

Vaemyr says, "Perhaps we could get you some... clean washclothes, or at least a hankerchief or something."

The voice of Enisius says, "Thank you."

The voice of Enisius says, "Yes."

The voice of Enisius says, "Please. A stack of them."

Lylia carefully places an embroidered sapphire silk handkerchief on the floor.

Lylia says, "I shall need that back, but you are welcome to borrow it."

The voice of Enisius asks, "It was a bloodstained tome?"

Tikba suddenly says, "I will be right back."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Yoo need cloth to wipe yoo hand Enisius?"

Kayse says, "I believe so--something was on it."

Lylia stresses, "Borrow. It."

Kayse says, "Maybe it was jam."

Kayse smirks.

Vaemyr says, "What sablo had? yeah he was taking it to Rone Academy of all places."

Speaking drunkenly to Lylia, Gutstorm slurs, "Ya not gonna shee dat hanky agin."

Lylia says, "You would be surprised."

Leafiara admits, "I didn't think much of it since nothing stained in blood catches my attention from him, even a book."

Speaking to Vaemyr, Perigourd says, "Quite a few scholars there."

Enisius passes through the metal bars of his cell, kneeling awkwardly to pick up the handkerchief then steps back through the metal bars of his cell.

Perigourd says, "Perhaps he wished to ask them about it."

Speaking wryly to Leafiara, Kayse says, "It was more the fact he had a BOOK."

Speaking to Kayse, Leafiara confesses, "I figured maybe he stole it from a slain Grimswarm or something."

Tikba indicates a curved invar razor as a possible option.

Speaking to Leafiara, Vaemyr says, "I mean I am fairly sure I have a few bloodstained tomes in my library so..."

Speaking curiously to Tikba, Leafiara asks, "For his beard?"

Tikba carefully places a curved invar razor on the floor.

Blades asks, "I like where your head is at?"

Blades glances at a curved invar razor.

Blades says, "Oh."

Blades says, "Yes, beard."

The voice of Enisius says, "I do not know what he is reading, or carrying. None of my books are stained. I doubt Magister Raelee's are either."

Raelee offers, "If I do have any so stained, it is because I acquired them in that condition."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Keep da beard, nook more shophishticated."

The voice of Enisius says, "I am told he is being groomed. Or so I have heard. Mother mostly."

The voice of Enisius says, "My mother, not your mother. I apologize for any confusion."

Leafiara amusedly says, "We know, we know."

Speaking to Raelee, Vaemyr says, "Aye sometimes it is not possible to risk harming the book in order to remove stains from such old tomes."

Leafiara repeats, "Groomed, though? Hm."

The voice of Enisius says, "Sometimes a sword can be too sharp."

Speaking to Vaemyr, Raelee agrees, "What removes blood often removes ink."

The voice of Enisius says, "Or a hammer too bulky."

Thrassus asks, "Groomed for what, exactly?"

Perigourd says, "The latter may be a truer statement."

The voice of Enisius says, "Perhaps so he himself is not so bulky."

The voice of Enisius says, "The man is built for pits not camps."

Raelee says, "Crafting a visage of nobility."

Lylia says, "It is not the first time I have seen him with a book, or at least in the proximity of books."

The voice of Enisius asks, "Did it have words?"

Leafiara reasons, "What he's been doing of his own volition worked to get him this far--"

Enisius smirks in the half shadow of his cell.

[General] Markx asks, "Yes?"

Lylia admits, "I did not see, but probably."

The voice of Enisius says, "A jest. Another one."

The voice of Enisius says, "I am getting good at these."

Thrassus says, "I think he fits his role quite well, to be honest."

Kayse agrees, "Perhaps it was a picture book."

Blades says, "I prefer pop up pictures. They're so surprising."

Speaking to Blades, Perigourd says, "You might perhaps like Dreamfire then."

Moving Forward

Tikba carefully asks, "Sablo said that Elidal will decide on your fate next week. Do you know what you will say to him?"

Blades says, "I'll stick with whiskey."

The voice of Enisius says, "I am unclear."

Leafiara recommends, "Say that you think a fine is fair and pay it."

The voice of Enisius says, "Sometimes we communicate best without words."

The voice of Enisius asks, "Is a fine faiir?"

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Dependsh on da fine."

Vaemyr says, "So, as far as darkstone, have you begun to dive into the... previous owner or owners at all yet, and whatever might still be lurking there? The manastorm certainly seems like it's the biggest problem, but it's possible it's both a way of keeping things out, but also keeping them in."

Lylia says, "I do not see where there was any crime at all."

Leafiara says, "Reparations have been offered in the past pretty often."

Leafiara says, "It's fairly typical."

Leafiara shrugs indifferently.

Tikba says, "Some of the people who were injured feel you were injudicious."

Thrassus says, "It's my opinion that tactical ineptness is not a capital offense."

Tikba carefully says, "You must persuade them that you will be more cautious in future."

Speaking to Tikba, Perigourd says, "Some of the injured don't think he was the one responsible."

Lylia mildly replies, "Some people who have tasted my cooking feel I was injudicious with the spicing. I do not, I hope, owe them reparations."

Speaking offhandedly to Perigourd, Leafiara says, "Well, that too, sure."

Speaking wryly to Perigourd, Tikba says, "That should make the trial very simple."

The voice of Enisius asks, "How would these people be persuaded?"

Kayse reticently asks, "No crime when some of our citizens were injured?"

The voice of Enisius asks, "Are these the same people who loathe all things imperial?"

Speaking drunkenly to Xorus, Gutstorm slurs, "Lylia in cook?"

Thrassus says, "Not quite, no."

Blades says, "I wouldn't eat it."

Tikba politely says, "Town Councilor Vaemyr is one who felt at the time the activation was unwise."

Thrassus says, "I would suggest a joint oversight of the obelisk."

The voice of Enisius asks, "Is it coins they seek?"

Speaking to Tikba, Vaemyr says, "I mean, I am recomending to Elidal that Enisius no longer have the ability to operate the obelisk by himself, the biggest issue is him disobeying orders."

Lylia says, "It was not within our gates. Alas, our laws end there."

The voice of Enisius says, "Well, Town Councilor Vaemyr is present."

Vaemyr says, "I certainly am."

Tikba wryly says, "You have heard from his mouth what he seeks."

The voice of Enisius says, "That is stupid."

The voice of Enisius asks, "Would you possess the knowledge to create an animate as you do Vaemyr, but be content to be unable to ever wield it, or command it?"

Vaemyr says, "I do not believe the firing of the obelisk at the time it was fired was wise, timing it during the rescue opperations only hindered our efforts, and had things actually been planned and coordinated, there would not of been so much unneeded distruction."

Kayse crisply says, "Magister Ensius--I have a question for you."

Tikba amusedly says, "Vaemyr possesses the knowledge to summon demons as well."

Tikba says, "But the use of such an art is illegal within the Turamzyrrian Empire."

The voice of Enisius says, "No it was not wise. It wasn't even angled properly. It wouldn't have had to been fired as many times as it had been."

The voice of Enisius says, "That wouldn't occur again."

Speaking to Tikba, Leafiara agrees, "That's why I asked earlier if something changed. It's hard to keep up lately with all these Imperial laws changing."

The voice of Enisius asks, "Yes Town Councilor Kayse?"

Kayse evenly says, "How can you ensure that the obelisk doesn't harm Wehnimer's Landing in the future? I am all for gaining knowledge but there is a cost to that and the safety of our people."

The voice of Enisius asks, "How do you want to be ensured?"

Raelee quietly states, "All knowledge comes with cost."

Blades says, "I'm gunna go with he can't."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Should entrusht it care to Xorus and meshelf."

The voice of Enisius says, "Also, to be noted, Town Councilor Vaemyr has still not answered my question."

Speaking drunkenly to Lylia, Gutstorm slurs, "Research team and all dat hooplah."

Tikba mildly says, "If you asked Envoy Tikba, she would suggest that the use of the obelisk should require the agreement of at least two people, one of whom must be a representative of the Landing."

Vaemyr says, "Yes I can create animates, and have the knowledge of summoning demons even."

Speaking drunkenly to Tikba, Gutstorm slurs, "Me represent da landing."

Thrassus says, "That is a valid suggestion."

Kayse says, "I do not think I can be assured that the obelisk won't fall into the "wrong hands" or be fired on Wehnimer's."

Speaking to Gutstorm, Tikba says, "A different representative."

Blades says, "Accurate depiction of the population."

Kayse says, "But I would like a protocol in place, regardless."

The voice of Enisius says, "Now, imagine Town Councilor Vaemyr, that you were told you cannot do any of those things."

Vaemyr says, "And if I served a Lord, then yes if they told me not to use them, then I would not."

Blades says, "Model citizen probably."

The voice of Enisius says, "My life is comprised of many protocols."

The voice of Enisius says, "There is high value in them. I am not adverse to adding another."

Kayse counters, "Then it should be easy for you to come up with one regarding this."

Speaking drunkenly to Blades, Gutstorm slurs, "Da militia declined me apple-cation because dey say assa sheleberty, me may draw to many people inta militia and dere barracksh now big nuff to accomdate dat kinna influx."

(Kayse stares sternly into the darkness of the cell.)

The voice of Enisius asks, "But is the request fair?"

Vaemyr says, "If the landing had laws to prevent that, like they did years ago, I would never bring them in town, or use them there. There are rules to follow, and you have admitted to breaking such rules, even admitted that you were reckless."

The voice of Enisius asks, "What defense, or weapon, or process is the Wehnimer's Landing willing to share protocol and cooperation with the Barony of Darkstone?"

Kayse asks, "How much do you value your research?"

Blades asks, "Who did you interview with?"

Blades peers quizzically at Gutstorm.

Speaking drunkenly to Blades, Gutstorm slurs, "No interview."

Kayse asks, "When it comes to protecting our citizens, I think it's only fair to request this. Is this not a compromise for you being able to conduct your research and keep your....toy?"

The voice of Enisius says, "He did not interview. He scratched some barely legible words together and my brother made me approve him."

Blades asks, "Is it becuase you were hit over the head and rang the alarm in a panic?"

Blades peers quizzically at Gutstorm.

Tikba wryly asks, "Are you asking what we have to offer Darkstone?"

Vaemyr says, "Are you asking if the Obelisk should be jointly operated? All I mentioned is that it should not be able to be opperated by a single person."

Tikba says, "I promise I will not shoot you with an obelisk."

Leafiara asks, "Since you said blood isn't required anymore, would it be difficult for someone with the talent of, say, Grand Magister Octaven to commandeer the obelisk in its current state?"

Tikba asks, "Can you say the same?"

Speaking to Tikba, Raelee says, "What he is asking is this..."

Raelee asks, "What would the populace of Wehnimer's Landing say if we informed you that you required our permission to use the pylons scattered about your town?"

Blades says, "Don't cut yourself."

The voice of Enisius says, "No, it's not required to fire it, as in, providing more blood. It is still required by the bloodline to be used at this moment."

Lylia clarifies, "Forgive me, Enisius, but do you mean that blood is not needed anymore, or that your original safeguard was that it had to be operated by one 'of the blood' and this safeguard still remains?"

Leafiara says, "Ah."

Lylia nods understandingly.

Lylia says, "Thank you for clearing that up."

Vaemyr says, "Although, yes I actually think having the Obelisk potentially be a cooperation point in the defense of the Landing and the Barony of Darkstone is a great idea."

Speaking to Raelee, Tikba says, "We do require the permission of the Empire to use our pylons."

Leafiara muses, "In that case, the suggestions offered here seem reasonable and relevant."

The voice of Enisius says, "So correct, it can only be activated currently by my brother and I."

Tikba mildly says, "We are fortunate that Earl Jovery is so magnanimous."

Vaemyr says, "Or your mother or father I would think."

Thrassus says, "The pylons are under control of the Mayor to my knowledge."

The voice of Enisius says, "You might think."

Vaemyr says, "Or perhaps clones, we've seen plenty of those before."

The voice of Enisius says, "I am not adverse to cooperation, if absolutely required."

Lylia says, "We would have to ask Grishom Stone if clones count as 'of the blood.'."

Blades says, "Maybe Gutstorm is actually the Mayor."

Speaking to herself, Leafiara ponders, "Hmm, wonder how closely those Reach clones approximate the bloodline..."

The voice of Enisius says, "But my brother is a man of fairness, even if he does not always display it well."

Vaemyr says, "Anyways, your recklessness proves that you need additional safeguards on firing it."

Speaking to Tikba, Raelee says, "And you have open permission to use them so long as they are here, and you do not require someone from this Outpost to grant you permission for each firing."

Speaking in Faendryl, Lylia says something you don't understand.

Speaking to Raelee, Tikba asks, "If we used the pylon to open fire on Darkstone Barony, do you think things would change?"

Speaking in Faendryl, Lylia grimly intones something you don't understand.

The voice of Enisius asks, "If it is to take a man of the Barony and a man of the Landing to activate the obelisk, will such an action also be done for your pylons? For the Consortium's pylon ship that did, infact, be used against your town with devastatiing results?"

Speaking drunkenly to Tikba, Gutstorm slurs, "It would boter me alot if we did dat."

Speaking to Tikba, Perigourd says, "No one has fired the obelisk on the Landing, so that's someone a moot argument. One could argue that the Landing could choose to do that if they wanted, for the moment."

Speaking slowly to Tikba, Raelee says, "My point is, do not ask of Darkstone what you would not tolerate the Empire asking of you."

Perigourd says, "Somewhat of one, rather."

Lylia adds, "Or woman. Someone whom we all agree has the Landing's best interests at heart."

Thrassus says, "I would think that an equal exchange."

Kayse corrects, "Wasn't that ship sold so it would technically not be the consortium's anymore?"

Speaking drunkenly to Tikba, Gutstorm slurs, "Oh, yoo meant Barony, not Cashtle, carry on."

The voice of Enisius says, "That isn't my point."

Vaemyr says, "The pylons already take multiple people to fire, the pylon ship you speak of was an Imperial weapon, purchased by a merchant and sold to a warlord."

Vaemyr says, "So yeah I sure as heck wish it had more safeguards."

The voice of Enisius says, "A warlord who is a Landing citizen and an influential figure in your town, with suspected ties to unscrupulous figures like Octaven."

The voice of Enisius asks, "Am I wrong?"

Tikba mildly says, "I would be happy to discuss a relationship with Darkstone Barony based on mutual agreement."

Lylia agrees, "I believe we are all unmoored and drifting from the point, which is not to quarrel among ourselves, surely."

The voice of Enisius says, "I am not wrong."

Tikba says, "But that is not the relationship we have."

Tikba says, "We must proceed along the path Earl Jovery has laid out for us."

Vaemyr says, "The Warlord I speak was the wraith."

Vaemyr says, "The merchant is Amos."

The voice of Enisius asks, "Are they different?"

Kayse says, "Yes."

Gutstorm drunkenly interjects, "Amos not to be trushted."

The voice of Enisius asks, "Are they?"

Enisius smirks from his cell.

Kayse asks, "Was the Wraith a Wehnimer's citizen?"

Tikba says, "On that path, it is my place to ask of the Barony guarantees that the weapons it brings will not be used incautiously."

Leafiara wryly says, "I've been saying that since 5120, Enisius, just... they never go along with it due to insufficient proof or some such, so just drop it."

Leafiara chuckles.

Perigourd says, "He was certainly funding many of them in their clandestine organization for years."

Speaking drunkenly to Blades, Gutstorm slurs, "Me gotta bard where ever me go now."

Tikba mildly says, "Perhaps Elidal will decide that he has no need for the good feelings of the people of the Landing."

Blades says, "Me too."

The voice of Enisius asks, "I thought this was a discussion?"

Blades says, "Mines not a potato though."

Kayse reticently says, "I am not and I have not suggested having two people fire it, but I would like some protocol in place to protect the town. I would hope the other citizens standing in here especially those who are politicians and Rooks would agree."

Speaking to Kayse, Perigourd says, "I think it should be dismantled."

The voice of Enisius says, "My brother wants nothing more sometimes than the good feelings of the people of the Landing. Which we could debate the usefulness of that."

Tikba mildly says, "Then I hope he will hear our concern regarding the obelisk."

Speaking to Kayse, Vaemyr says, "Multiple people was one idea, the main thing is it needs... safeguards."

Lylia asks, "Did we come down here to discuss safeguards with a man in a cell who is not in a position of power?"

Leafiara asks, "Honest question: is the bloodline not a sufficient safeguard at the moment, then?"

Speaking bluntly to Leafiara, Tikba says, "No."

Speaking to Leafiara, Perigourd asks, "Do you believe Enisius fired it?"

Speaking to Leafiara, Vaemyr says, "It sure wasn't the night it was fired at the ember vale."

Speaking to Perigourd, Leafiara replies, "Nope."

Blades says, "I came down here to drink cause Kayse grabbed my hand to come along."

Speaking to Lylia, Kayse says, "I came to get an answer so I can perform my job."

Perigourd says, "Then that's your answer, I'd wager."

Lylia says, "I believe we all came for answers, but the questions we hoped to ask are diferent."

Blades says, "And this is a lovely chair."

Enisius reaches into his bookbag and pulls out a small scroll, reading it with his eyes.

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Dat my chair."

Blades says, "Not anymore."

The voice of Enisius says, "Common foundations."

Speaking to Lylia, Kayse admits, "I had no intention of speaking to him."

Enisius places the parchment back into his bookbag.

Tikba politely says, "I heard the answers I wished to."

The voice of Enisius says, "Reminders, from my mother."

The voice of Enisius says, "Common foundations."

The voice of Enisius says, "You would like extra safeguards? Correct."

Lylia asks, "A familial motto of sorts?"

Vaemyr says, "Common ground I think is the uhh more common saying."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Woah, me hadda vision."

Tikba says, "Magister Enisius is competent. I would like him to aid us, as we enter Darkstone Castle, rather than languish in a cell."

The voice of Enisius says, "In Riverwood, where life is on the water, a foundation means more than just that."

The voice of Enisius asks, "You would like extra safeguards? Correct?"

Speaking tiredly to Tikba, Kayse says, "Yes, and speaking to him about what I inquired is part of that."

Leafiara says, "Wards, passwords, guards posted at the obelisk... many possibilities, I suppose."

Vaemyr says, "Yes I would like to see extra safeguards."

Kayse says, "But no one can see beyond that."

Raelee dryly says, "I am willing to supervise all usage of the obelisk."

Enisius nods and draws a finger through the air, and a fiery red check mark appears then fades.

Blades says, "Shocking."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Not sure we kin trusht Raelee, haff yoo sheen her Lab?"

The voice of Enisius says, "I agree on additional safeguards."

The voice of Enisius says, "There, common foundations."

Kayse appreciatively says, "Thank you, Magister."

Vaemyr says, "Then I guess the next part will be to come up with the form those safeguards might take, do you have suggestions of your own? You've heard some of ours."

The voice of Enisius asks, "Magister Raelee and I will submit alternative safeguard ideas, and....you will too?"

The voice of Enisius says, "Then we can explore additional common foundations."

Tikba politely says, "That sounds best."

Vaemyr says, "That works for me."

The voice of Enisius asks, "Are you open to safeguards or protocols for use the pylon ship at the docks?"

Enisius holds his finger up into the air, waiting.

Kayse says, "Yes."

Vaemyr says, "Yes."

Tikba shrugs her shoulders slightly, lifting her wings slightly.

Thrassus nods.

Check!

The voice of Enisius says, "Magister Raelee and I will submit alternative safeguard ideas, and....you will too."

Kayse says, "I think Amos should be consulted as well, since he owns the ships. I will reach out to him."

The voice of Enisius says, "Please send those clean cloths as soon as you can."

The voice of Enisius says, "Another week will be torture."

Gutstorm drunkenly reiterates, "Amos not ta be trushted."

Blades says, "We could call your mom."

Speaking to Gutstorm, Kayse challenges, "You are not to be trusted."

Raelee mentions, "... I can likely spare some bottles of the alcohol solutions for cleaning from the stores upstairs."

The voice of Enisius says, "Yes. Empty them out and bring them."

Speaking drunkenly to Kayse, Gutstorm slurs, "Me nebber gibbed anyone a wig wit cootiesh innit."

The voice of Enisius asks, "Did we achieve progress?"

The voice of Enisius asks, "Or, accord?"

Lylia says, "In many ways, yes."

The voice of Enisius says, "I fear the reiver brain is rubbing off on me in here."

Xorus asks, "Would Amos agree to be limited in the firing of his pylon ships, without himself being party to firing the obelisk?"

Blades says, "I'm pretty tipsy, i achieve what i desired."

The voice of Enisius says, "Her sweat is everywhere."

Tikba wryly says, "You are different, when you have no work to do, and cannot wash your hands."

Lylia says, "How vile."

Kayse says, "We will see."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Me back wad gettin shore."

The voice of Enisius says, "I am still working."

Speaking to Xorus, Vaemyr says, "Well we need to brainstorm potential, safeguards first. Like Enisius said."

Thrassus says, "Scorch the surfaces of the cell with flame, that should take care of any... lingering residues."

Vaemyr says, "The two party thing, is one option, but I'm sure there are others. I also find Amos to be a reasonable person, albeit someone driven by profit. So there's always a potential to make a deal."

Vaemyr says, "Perhaps the landing purchases the ship ourselves for example."

Lylia says, "Oh, I do have one other question, Enisius, if I may."

Enisius runs a hand through his thickening beard.

The voice of Enisius says, "You may."

Lylia asks, "I know my opinion of the outcome of that night; what is yours? Did the obelisk accomplish what you expected?"

The voice of Enisius says, "But I am tired, and by tired, I mean growing uncomfortable with the length of this conversation."

Lylia says, "I understand; it is why I did not ask a lengthy, open-ended question."

Lylia smiles.

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Yoo should try talkin to Yardie shumtime."

Lylia says, "You are not the only person I know who dislikes an open-ended question when the hour is late."

The voice of Enisius says, "The Ember Vale is no longer a threat."

Kayse amusedly admits, "True."

Lylia nods with satisfaction.

The voice of Enisius says, "It would seem the objective was met."

Tikba says, "Good work."

Tikba wryly says, "Now we must make the obelisk no longer a threat."

Tikba says, "But it will be easy enough, with common ground."

The voice of Enisius says, "It will be another twenty seven years until their children return for war, unless they are dealt with as well."

The voice of Enisius says, "The obelisk is not a threat."

The voice of Enisius says, "People are."

The voice of Enisius says, "Perhaps you are trying to safeguard the wrong thing."

Lylia says, "Thank you for taking the time to answer, and speaking of time, I shall not take up any more of yours."

Tikba sympathetically says, "I fear there is no stomach for rooting out the remainder of the reivers."

Leafiara pragmatically says, "Eh, there'll be far more of us by then than them, barring catastrophe like something going away with Darksto--"

Thrassus says, "If it is any consolation, I found the performance of the obelisk extremely impressive even with the straying aim."

Leafiara muses, "Maybe I better not jinx it."

The voice of Enisius asks, "Impressive?"

Enisius scoffs from his cell.

Lylia asks, "You did not think it so?"

Thrassus says, "The potential is."

The voice of Enisius says, "A sliver of its potential, not even calibrated, or angled, or even charged enough...."

The voice of Enisius says, "But, the Ember Vale is no more. Objective complete."

Gutstorm drunkenly remarks, "Dat kinna carelesh."

Lylia sympathetically says, "I am certain there were Faendryl summoners who felt the same."

Speaking to himself, Perigourd says, "Probably why I haven't had any lasting effects from it.. yet."

The voice of Enisius says, "Okay. Bye."

Speaking wryly to Perigourd, Tikba says, "We must leave it to your children to face them down next time."

Vaemyr asks, "If you don't mind... why wasn't it callibrated or angled or charged appropriately?"

Enisius disappears into the depths of his cell, and you can hear him ruffling around in his bookbag.

Discussion Afterward

Tikba says, "It will not be for two more decades."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "He prolly in a rush."

Vaemyr says, "Ahh well guess that'll need to wait till another time."

Blades says, "He has lots of business to attend too in there."

Leafiara affably concludes, "All in all, a pleasant night. Three of the last three prisoners I've met in this dungeon are people we ended up eventually getting out of the dungeon and I look forward to a fourth in the future."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Welp, me gonna go shee how bad Raelee damiched me lab."

Speaking to Tikba, Perigourd says, "It may be some time before they're led astray again."

Speaking to Leafiara, Vaemyr asks, "Three?"

Speaking to Perigourd, Tikba says, "It seems a habit."

Speaking to Vaemyr, Leafiara says, "Vlashandra was years ago, I realize."

Speaking to Tikba, Perigourd says, "For those of Hagga's line, indeed."

Thrassus says, "He's probably going to try drinking whatever he finds up there."

Lylia hisses, "Vlashandra."

Speaking to Tikba, Perigourd says, "One of the reasons we killed her."

Vaemyr asks, "Vlashandra, Rheshay, and?"

Speaking slowly to Vaemyr, Leafiara says, "...Enisius."

Speaking mildly to Perigourd, Tikba says, "But not her children."

Speaking to Tikba, Perigourd says, "That she had kin wasn't known to me."

Vaemyr says, "Oh I thought you were meaning him as a fourth."

Lylia says, "Alendrial. Thadston."

Xorus says, "Glethad."

Lylia asks, "We have spent so many fruitful hours here, have we not?"

Tikba amusedly says, "So many of our friends seem to become imprisoned."