The Griffin Sword Saga (storyline)/2004-11-08 - Eryael's Anchors (log)

Ulstram and Chaeye have joined forces to find a way to pierce the minds of the four leaders of the Dark Alliance through their dreams. Having been successful at sabotaging Zerroth half a year earlier, the Resistance now strikes at the next target - the one who has been leading the current onslaught against Solhaven. Eryael is their target, and they enter his mind on 11/8/04. Within, they must endure a variety of gruesome torture devices, both as victim and torturer, before they can delve deeper into Eryael's mind. Having passed through those trials, they eventualy reach a series of sigils, which share some of Eryael's deepest memories about his own conversion to Mularos. Once through them, they finally reach the heart of his mind, where they find grew a single multihued rose. A sphere of power, given to those venturing within by Ulsram, is hurled at it, forcing Eryael into an unnatural coma and tearing apart the dream world.

Meanwhile, within the dark sanctuary of the Dark Alliance supporters, by its shrine dedicated to Eryael's aspect, several dedicated to Mularos wait and spill their blood, intent on giving Eryael their strength - or at least warning him of the assault. In his final moments before slumber, Eryael reaches out to two of them, Avidleigh and Uniana, establishing them as his Anchors - and his eventual means of return.

This log is from Avidleigh's perspective. It has been lightly edited but retains a number of mychars.

[A Small Shrine]
The lingering scent of rose hangs in the air of this chamber, and crimson-hued tendrils of incense twine about slowly before fading away.  A lithe statue of pale ivory marble melds out of the far northeastern wall, depicting a man with his hands bound above his head and a faint, twisted smile on his face.  A small altar is erected before the man's feet, and a large crimson orb pulses with crackling energy atop it.
Also here: Uniana who is kneeling
Obvious exits: southwest

You ponder the meaning of Uniana's existence.
You glance at a large statue.
You sigh quietly.
You kneel down.
You tilt your head down.
You remove an eahnor hilted skinning knife from in your buckled leather boots.

You run the edge of your hilted skinning knife in a slow, methodical circle across your wrist until blood blossoms upon your skin - it rises up instead of falling, swirling into the orb with a faint *whoosh* sound.

(Uniana suddenly blinks and turns her head away from the orb.)
(Uniana gazes at Avidleigh with bloodshot eyes.)
Uniana tilts her head down.

You glance at Uniana.
You shake your head.

You run the edge of your hilted skinning knife in a slow, methodical circle across your wrist until blood blossoms upon your skin - it rises up instead of falling, swirling into the orb with a faint *whoosh* sound.

(Avidleigh flatly says, "Nothing. He will not hear us.")

You run the edge of your hilted skinning knife in a slow, methodical circle across your wrist until blood blossoms upon your skin - it rises up instead of falling, swirling into the orb with a faint *whoosh* sound.

The crimson orb's surface writhes with crimson chains for a moment as it flares to a blinding glow, and then it slowly fades to normalcy.

(Uniana pushes her dagger into her well-wounded forearm, digging it in with force. Tiny pearls of scarlet well up from the wound float towards the orb.)
Speaking firmly in Elven, Uniana says, "He will hear us. Look...he grows stronger with our devotion."
Uniana gazes with interest at a crimson orb.

You sigh.
You gaze thoughtfully at the crimson orb.

>look orb
Glimmering with innumerable facets, the orb appears to be of natural make - though what could have naturally spawned such a thing is not known.  A deep incarnadine light sparkles within its core, and wisps of hazy red luminescence flit up from it regularly before dispersing into the air like tendrils of smoke.

You quietly say, "I only hope it is so."

You run the edge of your hilted skinning knife in a slow, methodical circle across your wrist until blood blossoms upon your skin - it rises up instead of falling, swirling into the orb with a faint *whoosh* sound.

Uniana runs the edge of her wavy vultite dagger across her wrist, and as the blood blossoms upon her skin it swirls upward toward the orb and disappears within it.

You run the edge of your hilted skinning knife in a slow, methodical circle across your wrist until blood blossoms upon your skin - it rises up instead of falling, swirling into the orb with a faint *whoosh* sound.

Uniana runs the edge of her wavy vultite dagger across her wrist, and as the blood blossoms upon her skin it swirls upward toward the orb and disappears within it.

You run the edge of your hilted skinning knife in a slow, methodical circle across your wrist until blood blossoms upon your skin - it rises up instead of falling, swirling into the orb with a faint *whoosh* sound.

You run the edge of your hilted skinning knife in a slow, methodical circle across your wrist until blood blossoms upon your skin - it rises up instead of falling, swirling into the orb with a faint *whoosh* sound.

Uniana runs the edge of her wavy vultite dagger across her wrist, and as the blood blossoms upon her skin it swirls upward toward the orb and disappears within it.

The crimson orb's surface writhes with crimson chains for a moment as it flares to a blinding glow, and then it slowly fades to normalcy.

Alisaire looks thoughtfully at Uniana.

You see Uniana.
She appears to be a Nalfein Elf.
She appears to have come of age and shorter than average.  She has pale lilac eyes and ivory skin.  She has long, silky black cherry-hued hair twisted into loose ringlets.  She has a delicate face and thin eyebrows.  She has lush carmine-tinged lips.
She has a fractured and bleeding left hand.
She is holding an engraved wavy vultite dagger in her right hand.
She is wearing a spherical deep black pendant, a blackened eahnor wire caul inlaid with amethyst shards, a floor-length sable robe, some plush ebon velvet robes, a slender incarnadine ribbon choker, a plum-edged crimson velvet kirtle delicately beaded around the deep backless cut, a series of vivid bloodjewel bracelets, and some ankle-tied ebony silk slippers.

You slowly and deliberately empty your filled lungs.

You run the edge of your hilted skinning knife in a slow, methodical circle across your wrist until blood blossoms upon your skin - it rises up instead of falling, swirling into the orb with a faint *whoosh* sound.

Uniana runs the edge of her wavy vultite dagger across her wrist, and as the blood blossoms upon her skin it swirls upward toward the orb and disappears within it.

Speaking firmly in Elven to a crimson orb, Uniana says, "Do not let this happen. Keep your strength and fight back. You are more powerful than this."

Alisaire whispers, "How long has Uniana been here?"

Uniana runs the edge of her wavy vultite dagger across her wrist, and as the blood blossoms upon her skin it swirls upward toward the orb and disappears within it.

You glance at Alisaire.

Alisaire cocks her head at you.

You quietly whisper to Alisaire, "Since shortly before the last of the assailers were taken."

You run the edge of your hilted skinning knife in a slow, methodical circle across your wrist until blood blossoms upon your skin - it rises up instead of falling, swirling into the orb with a faint *whoosh* sound.

Alisaire nods to you.
Alisaire ponders.

(Uniana flinches harshly as she continues to dig the dagger into her wrist, her skin weeping scarlet from the wound. The thin strands of liquid linger on her skin for a moment before becoming absorbed into the sphere.)

Uniana runs the edge of her wavy vultite dagger across her wrist, and as the blood blossoms upon her skin it swirls upward toward the orb and disappears within it.

You sigh quietly.

You run the edge of your hilted skinning knife in a slow, methodical circle across your wrist until blood blossoms upon your skin - it rises up instead of falling, swirling into the orb with a faint *whoosh* sound.

The crimson orb's surface writhes with crimson chains for a moment as it flares to a blinding glow, and then it slowly fades to normalcy.

Uniana runs the edge of her wavy vultite dagger across her wrist, and as the blood blossoms upon her skin it swirls upward toward the orb and disappears within it.

You run the edge of your hilted skinning knife in a slow, methodical circle across your wrist until blood blossoms upon your skin - it rises up instead of falling, swirling into the orb with a faint *whoosh* sound.

You run the edge of your hilted skinning knife in a slow, methodical circle across your wrist until blood blossoms upon your skin - it rises up instead of falling, swirling into the orb with a faint *whoosh* sound.

Uniana runs the edge of her wavy vultite dagger across her wrist, and as the blood blossoms upon her skin it swirls upward toward the orb and disappears within it.

You run the edge of your hilted skinning knife in a slow, methodical circle across your wrist until blood blossoms upon your skin - it rises up instead of falling, swirling into the orb with a faint *whoosh* sound.

You run the edge of your hilted skinning knife in a slow, methodical circle across your wrist until blood blossoms upon your skin - it rises up instead of falling, swirling into the orb with a faint *whoosh* sound.

The crimson orb's surface writhes with crimson chains for a moment as it flares to a blinding glow, and then it slowly fades to normalcy.

Uniana runs the edge of her wavy vultite dagger across her wrist, and as the blood blossoms upon her skin it swirls upward toward the orb and disappears within it.

You run the edge of your hilted skinning knife in a slow, methodical circle across your wrist until blood blossoms upon your skin - it rises up instead of falling, swirling into the orb with a faint *whoosh* sound.

Uniana runs the edge of her wavy vultite dagger across her wrist, and as the blood blossoms upon her skin it swirls upward toward the orb and disappears within it.

Uniana's face turns slightly pale.

You lean back.
You sigh.
You glance at Uniana.
You lean to your right.
You quietly whisper to Uniana, "...every drop, sister?"

Speaking quietly in Elven, Uniana says, "There is no life for me without him." She pauses for a long while and gazes into the depths of the orb before simply saying, "every drop."

You sigh.
You lean back.
You nod.

You run the edge of your hilted skinning knife in a slow, methodical circle across your wrist until blood blossoms upon your skin - it rises up instead of falling, swirling into the orb with a faint *whoosh* sound.

Speaking quietly in Elven, you say, "Then I will be by your side, if it is your wish."
Speaking quietly in Elven, Uniana says, "If you will, I would have it no other way. I see the way his name changes your face. I wonder if anyone else can understand."

Uniana turns to face you.

Speaking quietly in Elven, Uniana says, "Save you, my sister."

You cock your head at Uniana.
Avidleigh smiles briefly, but sincerely.
You tilt your head down.

You run the edge of your hilted skinning knife in a slow, methodical circle across your wrist until blood blossoms upon your skin - it rises up instead of falling, swirling into the orb with a faint *whoosh* sound.

(Uniana keeps her eyes on Avidleigh as she slices across the inside of her elbow with ease, peeling the skin.)

Speaking quietly in Elven, you say, "So be it."

Uniana turns to face a crimson orb.
Speaking quietly in Elven to a crimson orb, Uniana says, "Please, hold on."

Uniana runs the edge of her wavy vultite dagger across her wrist, and as the blood blossoms upon her skin it swirls upward toward the orb and disappears within it.

The crimson orb's surface writhes with crimson chains for a moment as it flares to a blinding glow, and then it slowly fades to normalcy.

You sigh.

You run the edge of your hilted skinning knife in a slow, methodical circle across your wrist until blood blossoms upon your skin - it rises up instead of falling, swirling into the orb with a faint *whoosh* sound.

You run the edge of your hilted skinning knife in a slow, methodical circle across your wrist until blood blossoms upon your skin - it rises up instead of falling, swirling into the orb with a faint *whoosh* sound.

You run the edge of your hilted skinning knife in a slow, methodical circle across your wrist until blood blossoms upon your skin - it rises up instead of falling, swirling into the orb with a faint *whoosh* sound.

Speaking quietly in Elven to a crimson orb, Uniana exclaims, "Hold on. You are so strong, you will not let them undo the strength you have within. I know this. Please, fight back, Eryael, fight back!"

Uniana runs the edge of her wavy vultite dagger across her wrist, and as the blood blossoms upon her skin it swirls upward toward the orb and disappears within it.

You shake your head.
You sigh.

You run the edge of your hilted skinning knife in a slow, methodical circle across your wrist until blood blossoms upon your skin - it rises up instead of falling, swirling into the orb with a faint *whoosh* sound.

Uniana sighs heavily.

Uniana runs the edge of her wavy vultite dagger across her wrist, and as the blood blossoms upon her skin it swirls upward toward the orb and disappears within it.

The crimson orb's surface writhes with crimson chains for a moment as it flares to a blinding glow, and then it slowly fades to normalcy.

You run the edge of your hilted skinning knife in a slow, methodical circle across your wrist until blood blossoms upon your skin - it rises up instead of falling, swirling into the orb with a faint *whoosh* sound.

Alisaire takes a few steps back.
Alisaire sits down.

Uniana glances at Alisaire.
Uniana turns to face a crimson orb.

Alisaire removes a leather-hung gnarled bone amulet from in her long doeskin vest.
Alisaire raises an eyebrow in Uniana's direction.

You feel something grip you, something invisible, silent, and soon enough it begins to work its way into your head, grasping, clawing, pulling.  You hear a familiar, soft voice speak within your head, "I am with you.  I knew.  But it is too late... but perhaps not too late to save myself.  Be my anchor.."  Soon after the voice speaks, a tremendous surge of pain grips your body, flowing through your veins through what seems like an eternity.  As it subsides, you hear a faint, almost imperciptible heartbeat alongside your own... and the presence in your head fades to silence.

You shudder.

Alisaire glances down at her gnarled bone amulet as she taps it lightly.  Something black darts through the blood red crystal imprisoned within the gnarled bone amulet.

(Avidleigh drops her knife with a clatter.)
You drop an eahnor hilted skinning knife.

Uniana shudders.

You moan.

Uniana screams!

Alisaire raises an eyebrow.

(Uniana cries out in agony, "NO!")

Alisaire asks, "Su'u?"

Speaking weakly in Elven, you say, "An...chor.."
(Avidleigh fumbles for her knife.)
You pick up an eahnor hilted skinning knife.
You sway side to side on your knees.
You lean back.
You pant.
You stare at your hilted skinning knife.

You run the edge of your hilted skinning knife in a slow, methodical circle across your wrist until blood blossoms upon your skin - it rises up instead of falling, swirling into the orb with a faint *whoosh* sound.

Alisaire furrows her brow.
Alisaire looks thoughtful for a moment, then shrugs.

(Uniana's body is racked with violent shakes, she slowly turns her head toward Avidleigh. Her  pale lilac eyes search over the half-elf's face with question.)

You whimper.
(Avidleigh turns wide and staring eyes to Uniana.)
Speaking weakly in Elven, you ask, "Did you...feel...?"
(Avidleigh reaches out her free hand for the orb, then draws it back again, covering her heart with an almost reverent gesture.)

(Uniana opens her mouth to speak but just moves her mouth, tears pouring from her eyes.)

You breathe very slowly and deliberately, calming yourself.
You stare at Uniana.
You shudder.
You shake your head.

(Uniana uses her left hand to pull the dagger from her right, the onyx thorns along the hilt buried deep within her palm.)

(Avidleigh's voice drops to a pained whisper, which she directs at Uniana. "Feed it anyway.")

Uniana cocks her head at you.
Uniana tilts her head down.

You slowly and deliberately empty your filled lungs.

You run the edge of your hilted skinning knife in a slow, methodical circle across your wrist until blood blossoms upon your skin - it rises up instead of falling, swirling into the orb with a faint *whoosh* sound.

Speaking softly in Elven, Uniana says, "Feed him." She turns toward Avidleigh and whispers, "Feed us."

Uniana runs the edge of her wavy vultite dagger across her wrist, and as the blood blossoms upon her skin it swirls upward toward the orb and disappears within it.

You shudder.
You nod to Uniana.

You run the edge of your hilted skinning knife in a slow, methodical circle across your wrist until blood blossoms upon your skin - it rises up instead of falling, swirling into the orb with a faint *whoosh* sound.

Alisaire surveys the area.
Alisaire furrows her brow.
Alisaire put a leather-hung gnarled bone amulet in her long doeskin vest.

(Avidleigh's whisper is wondering as she rakes the knife along the length of her inner forearm. "Feed...us?")

You run the edge of your hilted skinning knife in a slow, methodical circle across your wrist until blood blossoms upon your skin - it rises up instead of falling, swirling into the orb with a faint *whoosh* sound.

You run the edge of your hilted skinning knife in a slow, methodical circle across your wrist until blood blossoms upon your skin - it rises up instead of falling, swirling into the orb with a faint *whoosh* sound.

You whine.
You feel that nervous twitch starting up again.

You run the edge of your hilted skinning knife in a slow, methodical circle across your wrist until blood blossoms upon your skin - it rises up instead of falling, swirling into the orb with a faint *whoosh* sound.

You stare at a crimson orb.
Speaking softly in Elven to yourself, you say, "No."

You run the edge of your hilted skinning knife in a slow, methodical circle across your wrist until blood blossoms upon your skin - it rises up instead of falling, swirling into the orb with a faint *whoosh* sound.

Uniana's hand trembles.

You shake your head.
You shake your head.
Speaking firmly in Elven, you say, "Save it."
You turn to face Uniana.
You touch Uniana.

Uniana turns to face you.
Uniana whispers, "Sister, mine."

Speaking in Elven to Uniana, you say, "Save it all. For us."
You nod.

(Uniana wraps her arms gently around Avidleigh.)
(Uniana presses her forehead to Avidleigh's.)
Uniana whispers, "Thank you for being with me, even unto the end."

Avidleigh smiles slowly, her lips twisting upward in a beautific smile.
You kiss Uniana.
You nod.
You quietly whisper to Uniana, "Always, sister. Forever."

Maimara just arrived.
Maimara says, "Hmm."

You shudder.

Uniana whispers, "Forever and beyond."

You stare at Uniana.
You nod to Uniana.

Maimara says, "I haven't seen living, breathing beings in here for a long time."

Uniana blinks at Maimara.

You tilt your head up.

(Uniana stares up at Maimara, if only now aware of her presence.)

Maimara raises an eyebrow.

(Uniana leans back and furiously wipes the tears from her cheeks.)

Uniana put an engraved wavy vultite dagger in her sable robe.

Maimara says, "An appropriate place to cry."
Maimara asks, "Who are you?"

(Avidleigh sits back on her heels and scrubs a palm down one cheek.)

Uniana quietly says, "Uniana of house Le'Gondren."

You say, "Brethren all, it seems, if we are here."
You glance at Uniana.
You glance at Maimara.

Uniana cocks her head at you.
Uniana nods to you.

Maimara shrugs.
Maimara says, "Do not mistake my surprise for scorn."

Uniana quietly says, "Silent servant of the Alliance and of Sorrow."

Maimara says, "Mm."

(Uniana places a hand over her heart and stares back at the orb strangely.)

You gaze thoughtfully at your hilted skinning knife.
You say, "...the orb will not flare again."
You shake your head.

Maimara raises an eyebrow.

Alisaire tilts her head up.
Alisaire nods to Maimara.

Maimara nods to Alisaire in greeting.

You put an eahnor hilted skinning knife in your buckled leather boots.
You glance at Uniana.


[Avidleigh briefly has connectivity issues.]


Maimara asks, "Do you always cry?" 
Maimara raises an eyebrow. 

Uniana quietly says, "No, only when I really mean it." 

Alisaire leans back. 
Alisaire stands back up. 

Uniana asks, "May I be so bold as to inquire as who you are?" 

Maimara chuckles. 
Maimara says, "Maimara Andriatti." 

Alisaire quietly says, "Greetings, Maimara.  It has been some time." 
Alisaire smiles faintly. 

Maimara says, "Indeed." 

Alisaire asks, "Is Xavean well?" 

Maimara says, "Aye." 

Alisaire nods. 

Uniana blinks at Maimara. 

Maimara says, "As well as a wraith can be... I suppose." 
Maimara chuckles. 

Uniana stands up. 
Uniana tilts her head down. 
Uniana quietly says, "My apologies." 
Uniana curtsies to Maimara. 

Maimara asks, "What for?" 

Uniana says, "Not knowing you upon sight."

Your face goes blank.

Maimara says, "There's a reason I've been in hiding."
Maimara says, "So such recognition would fade."
Maimara says, "It's good to know that my effort has paid off."
Maimara says, "I heard tidings..."

Uniana places her hand on her deep black pendant.

Maimara says, "It has been long since I have heard anything, but tonight I heard a dread rumor."

Uniana whispers, "What do well tell the others?"

Maimara asks, "So tell me, is it true?"

You cock your head.
You glance at a crimson orb.
You quietly whisper to Uniana, "Nothing, yet. Let us think on this. And... feel it."

Alisaire says, "They have begun an attack against Eryael."

You say, "...they have ended an attack against Eryael."
You stare at nothing in particular.

Maimara asks, "And they have succeeded?"

Alisaire blinks at you.
Alisaire cocks her head at you.
Alisaire furrows her brow.

Speaking quietly to herself, Alisaire says, "Then it wasn't merely delerium from the blood loss.."

Alisaire looks thoughtfully at you.
Alisaire surveys the area.

You point at a crimson orb.
You say, "Our last efforts. It is over. It will not flare. There is no one to take the blood, to take the power."
You slowly and deliberately empty your filled lungs.

Alisaire says, "I will return later.  Perhaps."
Alisaire turns around.
Alisaire just went southwest.

Maimara softly says, "He is dead, then."

You shiver.

Uniana tilts her head down.

You say, "He is something."

Uniana frowns.

Your face goes blank.

Maimara asks, "And you despair?"

You say, "There is pain. It will pass. It always does."
You sigh.

(Uniana nods slightly.)

(Maimara chuckles softly, gazing at the orb, her face impassive, yet bemused.)

You say, "And when it passes... there will be things to replace it."
(Avidleigh casts Uniana a searing, significant look.)
You ask, "And there will be no entertaining thoughts of suicide. Correct?"
You cock your head at Uniana.

Maimara says, "The weak resort to suicide."

You say, "We can no more kill ourselves than we could kill him."
You nod to Maimara.
You say, "Just so."
You stand back up.
You dust yourself off.

(Uniana's face breaks with a smile before she shakes her head quickly at Avidleigh.)

Maimara says, "And the strong survive to serve the Great Lord."

You reach over and gently rest your hand on Uniana's shoulder.
You nod to Maimara.
You smile quietly to yourself.

Maimara says, "Eryael is not the end."

You shake your head.

Maimara says, "He never was.  He was a servant, like the rest of us."
Maimara shrugs.
Maimara places her hand on her faint scar.
Maimara stares at a crimson orb.

You say, "Yes. A chosen, beloved servant, but a servant nonetheless."
You ponder the meaning of life, the universe, and everything.
You shake your head.

Maimara says, "The Master lives... and His power grows."

You slowly and deliberately empty your filled lungs.
You nod.
You cock your head at Uniana.
You say, "We must talk, you and I."
You nod to Uniana.

Maimara says, "Every attack they wage will only feed Him, until He bursts."

Uniana quietly says, "Mmhm."

You glance at Maimara.

(Uniana nods seriously at Avidleigh.)

Maimara asks, "Would you that I leave you alone?"
Maimara says, "I did not mean to interrupt."

You say, "I would hope growth would come before bursting."

Uniana says, "We can excuse ourselves..."

You wrinkle your nose.

Maimara waves her hand in a dismissive gesture.
Maimara says, "I shall go."

You say, "There is no interruption."

Speaking to Maimara, Uniana says, "It was an honor meeting you, finally."

Uniana tilts her head down.

Maimara asks, "An honor, aye?"

Uniana says, "Yes, I have heard much about you."

Maimara says, "And here, I have been thinking I was unwelcome amongst my circle of allies."
Uniana says, "The source I heard most of your praise was more than an ally, if I may be frank."

Maimara asks, "Oh?"
Maimara asks, "Dare I ask?"

You take a few steps back.

Uniana says, "You may, M'lady. Yet I am not permitted to answer."

Maimara says, "In time."

You examine Uniana closely, sizing her up and taking note of all the details.

Uniana tilts her head down.
Uniana nods.

Maimara says, "Just remember this."

(Uniana moves next to Avidleigh and slips her hand into the half-elf's.)

Maimara says, "If faith did not waver... faith would not be renewed."
Maimara says, "It is the natural course of things."

(Avidleigh slowly strokes the pad of her thumb over the back of Uniana's hand, almost absently.)

Uniana nods to Maimara.
Uniana says, "Yes, M'lady."
Uniana joins your group.

You smile quietly to yourself.

Maimara says, "Evening to you."
Maimara bows.

You nod to Maimara.

Uniana says, "And you."

Maimara turns around.
Maimara just went southwest.

You slowly and deliberately empty your filled lungs.
You stare at Uniana.

(Uniana slowly moves her hands up either arm, her fingers moving slowly over her body.)
Uniana folds her arms, grasping her shoulders.
Uniana is hugging herself.

(Avidleigh's gaze roams over Uniana's face, and her brow furrows slightly.)
Speaking slowly in Elven, you ask, "Do you think it could have been wishful thinking?"

(Uniana suddenly laughs as her pale lilac eyes become glossy with tears.)
Speaking in Elven, Uniana asks, "And we both felt it?"

You chuckle to yourself.

Uniana vigorously shakes her head.

Speaking in Elven, you ask, "...well. Perhaps not. Can you... feel it still?"
(Avidleigh touches Uniana lightly on the chest, over her heart.)

You feel a faint pulse beating alongside yours, then it fades into the seemingly thundrous beat of your own heart.

(Uniana nods to Avidleigh, covering the pale girl's hand with her own.)

You take a deep breath.
You slowly and deliberately empty your filled lungs.

Speaking in Elven, Uniana says, "Yes, there. Strangely---warm and wonderful."

(Avidleigh's ruddy eyes fill with tears, but they do not break their confines.)
You slowly and deliberately empty your filled lungs.
You shiver.
You nod.

Uniana cries with happiness, laughing through her tears.
Uniana turns to face a large statue.
Uniana kneels down.

Speaking in Elven, you say, "Then... here. Ours. Safe, I hope. As long as we live."
You fold your arms, grasping your waist.
You shiver.

Speaking warmly in Elven to a large statue, Uniana says, "Thank you, thank you so much. I knew you wouldn't leave me."
(Uniana glances up at Avidleigh and nods.)

You think to yourself, "Your hand, my Lord. Thank you so much for protecting Your child."
You tilt your head down.
(Avidleigh blinks rapidly, and two tears drop to the floor.)
You rub your dark ruddy-pink eyes in an effort to refresh them.

Speaking in Elven, Uniana asks, "What...does this mean for us?"

You cock your head at Uniana.
Speaking in Elven to Uniana, you say, "We keep him safe."

Speaking in Elven, Uniana says, "I almost feel as if I should take a great deal better care of myself."

Speaking in Elven to Uniana, you say, "Until he is strong, and he chooses to leave us, or as long as we live."
You laugh softly, trying to hide your amusement.
You nod to Uniana.
Speaking in Elven, you say, "I would very much suggest that."

(Uniana holds her open hands in front of her and gazes intently at them.)

(Avidleigh rubs the heel of her hand over her heart, back and forth.)

Uniana gazes fondly at a crimson orb.

Speaking in Elven, Uniana says, "Of all the ideas I had concerning what would happen tonight, nothing could have prepared me for this."

(Avidleigh is hard pressed not to shout aloud in exultation.)
You try hard not to grin.
You clasp a hand over your mouth.

(Uniana tilts her head back and laughs carelessly.)

You stare at Uniana.
You raise your voice in merry laughter.
(Avidleigh doubles over, laughing and gasping for air.)
You cough.
You cough.
You clasp a hand over your mouth.
You kneel down.
You pant.

Uniana gets a blank look on her face.

You pass a hand over your face to bring some color back into your pale veined complexion.

Uniana places a hand over her heart.
(Uniana grips at Avidleigh's hand gently.)

You think to yourself, "Mustn't lose myself in relief. Mustn't mustn't."
You breathe very slowly and deliberately, calming yourself.
You nod.

Speaking in Elven, Uniana says, "I am all the more pleased to share this with you. It only serves to increase my joy."

You smile at Uniana.
Speaking in Elven, you say, "There is no greater closeness than the sharing of... a soul, I suppose."
You cock your head at Uniana.

(Uniana places her other hand atop her heart, smiling at Avidleigh.)
Uniana nods to you.

You flash a wide grin.
Speaking in Elven, you ask, "But now... Now perhaps we should go back. Heal ourselves and keep ourselves safe. And wait for... for their return, yes?"
You cock your head at Uniana.

Uniana laughs with delight, her eyes full of merriment.
Speaking in Elven, Uniana exclaims, "Yes, congratulate the heroes!"

(Avidleigh's expression blanks and becomes quite serious.)
Speaking firmly in Elven, you say, "But."

Uniana furrows her brow.

Speaking firmly in Elven, you say, "It will be easier for you, among them, to keep your relief. But don't let them see the... joy. Unless it would serve you to do so."
You nod to Uniana.

Uniana ponders.

Speaking quietly in Elven to yourself, you say, "This will be difficult."

Uniana nods to you.

You slowly and deliberately empty your filled lungs.
You nod.

Speaking in Elven, you say, "Masks on, poise, and the show continues."

Speaking in Elven, Uniana says, "Who are we to tell? Even some of our allies will not be pleased."

You stare at nothing in particular.
You glance at Uniana.
You grimace.

Speaking in Elven, you say, "No one. Yet. Let us.... think on this, first. If no one knows, no one can betray us. We must keep him safe."

Uniana bites her lip.
Uniana nods to you.

Speaking in Elven, you say, "Soon... perhaps soon he will wish to make it known to the faithful."
Speaking in Elven, you ask, "Turn your ear inward, my sister. Listen to.. your heart?"

You give your eyebrow a little workout.
You grin slowly.

Speaking in Elven, Uniana says, "My loyalty would say to speak to Savius, but I share a greater bond now with you, my Sister."
Uniana smiles brightly and nods.
Speaking in Elven, Uniana says, "Yes, we must always listen to our hearts."

Speaking in Elven, you say, "He may be safe. But first, a time of rest and understanding."
You laugh softly, trying to hide your amusement.
You nod.

Uniana slowly empties her lungs.

You stand back up.
You dust yourself off.

Uniana takes a deep breath.

You glance around the room.
You nod.

Speaking in Elven, Uniana says, "I feel like I can breathe again."
Uniana stands up.

Speaking in Elven, you say, "After so much heart-wrenching terror, this is... enough to make one giddy."

Speaking in Elven, Uniana says, "I...I for once am speechless."

You laugh softly, trying to hide your amusement.
Speaking in Elven, you say, "That will serve us."
You reach over and gently rest your hand on Uniana's shoulder.
Speaking in Elven, you say, "Up, up. Let us find a new locale and remember our places."

Speaking in Elven, Uniana says, "Mmhm."

You nod.
You hum quietly to yourself.

Uniana attends to her crimson velvet kirtle, making the kirtle as presentable as possible.
Uniana removes a spherical deep black pendant from her neck.

You remove a spherical deep black pendant from around your neck.
You slowly and deliberately empty your filled lungs.

Uniana nods to you.
Uniana traces a series of glowing runes while chanting an arcane phrase...

You nod.
You raise your deep black pendant and find yourself enveloped in darkness...

[Shrine of Suffering]
Wide, polished columns of deep black marble ascend toward the ceiling, a contrast to the pure white 
walls of the chamber.  Set between the low pillars is an altar of flawless ivory, elaborately inlaid 
with bloodjewels and a base twined with thorny, carved brambles.  Overlooking the altar, a statue of 
a young man with his arms stretched above his head, casts a slight shadow across the room.
Obvious exits: out

You hang a spherical deep black pendant around your neck.
You run your hand across your deep black pendant and it darkens to near invisibility.
You glance around the room.

Uniana suddenly fades into view.

You peer out and see ...

[Garden of Suffering]
Pure white cobblestones mark the entrance to a low-roofed marble shrine, its alabaster surface wrought 
with a tangle of crimson veins.  Fluted columns of the same unblemished ivory hue line the walkway 
leading to the small structure, each set with stylized black daggers overlaying faceted ruby hearts.  
Well-trimmed topiaries flank the edges of the garden, their inorganic shapes and deep green leaves 
adding a touch of elegance to the surroundings.
Obvious paths: out

You smile quietly to yourself.

(Uniana glances down at her wrist.)

You glance at Uniana.

Uniana whispers, "That might be a tell. I should look into it before I find the others."

You ponder.
You nod to Uniana.
You give Uniana a lingering kiss on the cheek.

Uniana whispers, "Listen to your heart, Sister."
Uniana gives you a lingering kiss on the cheek.
Uniana traces a series of glowing runes while chanting an arcane phrase...
Uniana gestures.
Uniana suddenly disappears.

You focus your mind on Uniana and think: "Always and forever."
You sigh.
You tilt your head down.
You nod.