First Five Starts Now
The Downfall of a Queen

The newly crowned Queen of Magus Orion is staring at her brother who is standing in the middle of a ball room filled with the most important people on Legon, just acting like it is a stroll through the park.

The silence was deafening. Everyone froze, looking on knowing full well what this could mean.

Silence was broken as Inasatra, eyes on fire raced for the two of them and stood by the Queen’s side. She was followed closely by her best friend and Obyren.

The two Magus Orion siblings whisper a few things to each other and they start for the ballroom doors.

Obyren and Jennilise have quick words, but Azatina shakes her head and hugs Jen. Then she points to Inasatra to follow and the three of them leave; waving off the guards as well.

Azatina’s best friend, still with a slightly shaved head comes back over and plops down in a chair, Obyren stands behind her rubbing her shoulders.

The room was now a medium roar of “oh my gods” and “where was he all this time,” as the room started to mingle again.

“Wow, that was a bit untimely, wouldn’t you say?” Khamyra says leaning back a bit, with an eyebrow raised looking at her table, “or maybe timely in a way?”

Obyren shakes his head, “quite the dramatic entrance really. He could of waited for this to be over…” he finishes trailing off, thinking.

“Could have done this weeks ago, hell a few days at least,” Jennilese says a bit angry, looks down, “this is her worst nightmare. A civil war.”

The Captain of the Magus Orion guard dips his head down, and looks at her from the side, “civil war? There is going to be a civil war? might want to be a bit quieter with that idea,” he says in a low tone for only the table to hear.

She shrugs her shoulders, pushes a fork a bit across the table staring, “why would he even show his face if that wasn’t his intent. Azza figured this would of happened sometime last week with all the invites and RSVP’s going out and coming in… but to do it an hour after the crown was put on her head?” She finishes off with a head shake and a sigh.

“This was deliberate”, the captain says not really meant to be heard, “but what is he trying to accomplish here…”

In the meantime desserts were being brought out and people were starting to make their way to the few tables grabbing some delicatessens.

Chance just stared across the room, in a trance thinking of what Azatina was going through and if he will have to crack some skulls soon.

More and more people start to mingle and “gossip,” most likely.

Khamyra and Cassie wander off, grab a small dessert and try to avoid Kellen.

Snapping out of his daydream, the tall Quarter Elf gets up and walks to the dessert table, eyes up what looks to be the most delicious blueberry pie he has ever seen. To the right is a bowl of this creamy white substance that he remembers as whip-cream. Nodding his head he goes to reach for a plate when he stops suddenly.

“To imagine Camerondale, a great Kingdom, having a mongrel as a Champion? It’s really embarrassing and makes them look weak…” Chance hears in his left ear and his hair stands up on the back of his neck.

The Champion looks to this woman, beautiful by all rights – Queen Alannya Tristina, giving him a patronizing smirk and staring him down. He then looks to his right, then kind of around the room and back to her, “I’m sorry, are you talking to me?” – Knowing full well that will antagonize her.

Anger builds a little in her face, she responds, “yes you worthless dungpile, and you will address me as a Queen, no surprise you have no manners or…”

She tries to continue but Chance interrupts, “well, when you act like a Queen, then I might actually treat you like one,” he finishes with a bit of whip, then points to the blueberry pie, “this pie looks amazing, I’ve had it before, it’s blueberry, and the whip-cream… oh, to die for.”

Queen Alannya’s face starts to turn a shade of red, her eyes are like slits and she begins to speak through her teeth, “I will requisition Camerondale for your arrest, have you shipped to me and I will execute you myself, you half breed pye-dog… your head will be on a pike by weeks end.”

Before she could finish the hand that was closest to Chance gets grabbed and crushed. A low but odd cracking sound with blood pouring out. The pain was overwhelming for the Queen but when she opened her mouth to scream, nothing came out. She slowly brings her eyes up to the tall quarter-elf’s and fear just overwhelms her.

The Champion’s eyes fluttered an orange, to a red and then flipped to a burning blue. He tilts his head to her and bends down to speak with her more clearly and to be quiet.

“There is one thing you are forgetting you old crone, I am the Champion of Finster, first and foremost. So you will have to requisition my Lord first,” he growls

Then her eyes start to well up, staring at this thing, in disbelief. The pain searing and the fear is overwhelming the Queen.

Chance’s eyes now fluctuate and are hard to comprehend as they turn to a deep endless black and some dark veins form all along his face, his voice turns to this empty shrill growl.

“He does not take kindly to those who threaten his disciples, let alone his Champion,” gripping her hand tighter, blood starting to pour out more, “your bloodline, your name is now cursed.”

Both of them stare at each other, one in unimaginable fear, the other now in unimaginable hatred.

“Every birth from your bloodline this day forth will be of hex blood,” he growls, wanting to slit her throat and dance in the puddle of her blood, “until your name, until your lineage ends and Legon can rejoice that this abomination of a family is gone. Forgotten to all.”

Chance stands up a bit straighter, slowly releases her hand, healing it all the while, face turning back to normal and looks over to the plates with the blueberry pie.

“I am telling you, these blueberry pies look amazing, would you like me to…” he starts to say, like nothing happened, pointing at the pies.

The Queen is staring at her hand, moving it around amazed it is still in tack, turns quickly and heads for the exit without a word. Blood dripping off the hand.

Shaking his head, he grabs the pie, dolaps a bit of whip cream on it and takes it. “Fine, more pie for me then…” He turns, only to find King Bozutto there.

The young King is front and center, white as a ghost, eyes as wide as saucers, “Chance. What. The hell. Did you just do?” Glancing at the Champion’s hand, that has blood dripping off it.

“What? The Pie? You want some?” the Champion says with a slight smirk.

Grabbing the plate from Chance, the furious King slams it on the table, making half of it fall off the plate. He grabs his elbow and starts walking him to the open porch area. By now the scene had a few people taking notice.

Cassie and Xavier are frantic after witnessing this, looking on and talking. Glancing at the Champion now and again.

Khamyra is standing by the table, having a very proud, yet very disappointing look. After a minute or two she scoffs a little and smiles with pride.

The two of them make it out to the porch and Chance is now feeling that what happened might not have been very good for the Kingdom.

Bozutto points at Chance’s hand, still dripping a bit with blood, “who’s blood is that? I just, I just can’t. Is this really happening? You… crushed her hand? I… I…” he stammers, puts his hand to his temple and turns a bit taking a deep breath.

The Champion straightens up, shakes off the blood the best he can, hands behind his back and looks out across the Autumn flower garden. Salivating a bit thinking of that Blueberry pie.

“Tell me exactly what was said, I need to hear every word… now!” the King says in an angry tone, looking straight up at the monstrous man in front of him.

Taking a deep breath he nods, “She said that Camerondale was embarrassing to have a mongrel as their Champion, then she proceeded to threaten my life; saying she will requisition Camerondale for my arrest and have me ported over to them where she will execute me herself, head on a pike and all that,” Chance finishes off in a deadpan delivery.

“Alright, no surprise, you had to know that is what she would come at you with. (sigh) Then what? When did the hand crushing come in?” the King says, now shaking a bit and starting to pace.

Taking a slow sigh, Chance continues, “I might have been a little over zealous and a bit, miffed…”

Bozutto wheels around grabbing his arm again, “a bit miffed? Crushing a hand is more than a ‘bit miffed.'”

Chance nods his head, and continues, “I told her that I am the Champion of Finster first and foremost and he does not take kindly to people who threaten his disciples, especially his Champion.”

Glancing over, the short King looks a bit perplexed among his frantic state, “That’s when you crushed her hand? Why did she not scream or anything?”

Trying not to smirk, the Champion replies, “fear. M’Lord she feared for her life. She realized she bit off a bit more than she could chew I suppose. Taking on a Kingdom is one thing, but taking on a God?”

“This is just… peachy. It is great, fantastic even!” the young King says, flailing his arms around, “we are going to have to issue an apology and a…”

Chance went to interrupt when the room inside grew quieter. The two conversing on the porch turn and look to see King Tazziar Tristina standing there, hands behind his back looking them over.

Bozutto all but shit himself, surprised at how quickly this was coming down. His idea to coach Chance on what to say is now in the toilet. Thinking to himself, this is it… a declaration of war.

“King Bozutto, congratulations on the announcement of your baby, that is wonderful news,” the tall elegant man says, almost gliding over to him, hand outreached.

Completely thrown by the gesture, expecting some verbal assault, the blonde headed King smiles, nods and shakes the ruler’s hand, “yes it was most pleasant news, and I believe it might be a boy.”

A big smile on the Augustian leaders face and nods, “excellent news indeed , not that a girl would of been bad of course.”

Bozutto smiles and nods, glances back to see Cassie, Xavier, and Jeramiah half staring out with worry washed over their faces.

The Baroness glances over to Khamyra who had a slight smile and walks to her. “So this doesn’t seem to bother you any? I did overhear you and Chance talk about him being more… mingaly on Freya.”

Khamyra softly chuckles, “yes, I did. Boy, did I get it, what did you call it? Mingaly full force. From the love fest with Queen Azatina in the middle of the ball room, to the interruption of the funeral to now this…”

Looking over to the two men conversing on the porch then back to Khamyra, the Baroness nods her head and sighs.

“But I made provisions for this,” the Warlock starts to say and looks into the Baronesses eyes, “I made them announce us as the Champion of Finster, had the clothes all decked out and I wanted it known that is who we are… make people think twice about confronting us knowing the ramifications.”

Shaking her head, “by people you meant the Queen,” Cassie finishes off.

Khamyra nods her head, “I know this is nerve racking and stressful. That bitch knew who she was confronting when she went after my husband. He reacted the only way he knew how when threatened and I am sure his little stow-aways didn’t help the matter.”

The Baroness gave her an odd look and wanted to ask about the “stow-aways” but thought better.

Out on the porch Tazzier continues, “If I may, I would like to speak with your Champion for a moment,” he says to Bozutto, glancing over to the massive man who is in this soft glowing outfit, standing at attention, looking a little worried.

The Camerondale King nods, steps back and stands there with his hands behind his back, forced fake smile.

The Augustian King chuckles, knowing what the Camerondale King must be going through right now, but speaks to him, “alone young King, I would like to speak with him alone…” he says, looking at him from the corner of his eye.

“Oh, well I should probably stay and…” Bozutto starts in, but the look from King Tazziar’s face tells him to shut up and move away. He just nods, and walks off the porch to the rest of the Camerondale party, nerves fried and praying for the best.

The Augustian King walks to the edge of the railing and looks out, “I bet this place looks wonderful in Spring, I have only been here once before…” he says, almost like he is wanting to have a small conversation.

Bowing to the King, “yes, M’Lord, I quite imagine it would,” Chance finishes out.

From the corner of his eye he smiles, then looks out again, “you treat me with the utmost respect Champion, is that not meant for my wife too… just for me?”

Chance mind starts to fire off in all directions. He can gravel and try to make amends that way, or he can be cute; but that did not work with the Queen… or, he could stand his ground.

With resolution, “If she spoke and acted like a Queen, yes Sire, I would most definitely treat her as such,” the tall man finishes, gritting his teeth and conflicted about what to do next.

The King, still staring out, makes an odd shape with his mouth and slowly nods his head, “interesting.”

For a few moments of awkwardness, time stood still for Cassie and Affinity knowing what was just said and their hearts plummeted. This could mean war. Bozutto glances at them, sees their reaction and his stomach knots up and he starts to feel sick.

The tall graceful elf turns to Chance, a small smile forming on his face, “hmm, where were you a few decades ago…” he says almost not towards Chance, but as an open statement.

The Champions mind is still racing, confused at that sentence and he blurts out without thinking, “I was… probably filling my diapers sire.”

A look of surprise, and a huge smile washes over his face. He then lets out a laugh that could be heard throughout the ball room. Chance’s face was a bit flush but with his patented smirk on his face.

The Augustians King, still bent over, is catching his breath and wiping a tear away. By then the onlooking people didn’t know if this was a laugh of disbelief, maniacal leading to war, or a genuine laugh because what Chance said was funny.

Affinity walks to her husband, they clasp hands glancing at each other with a small smile on their face. With the reaction the Camerondale Queen had, it must be good, Boz thinks to himself and takes a deep breath.

Xavier and Cassie look at each other and also let out a sigh of relief. The Baroness then has a smile when she sees her King and Daughter’s “cuteness” together.

“It has been… I am not even sure how long,” Tazziar says, finally getting himself situated, “that someone stood up to her, hell, stood up to me. All and well you should. She has been a menace to your people for far too long and I… I allowed it to happen for far too long.” He finished with regret in his voice.

Walking closer to chance their eyes meet, “I apologize for her… I apologize for myself,” the King finishes with a bit of distress and embarrassment on his face.

Nodding again, Chance smiles softly, “thank you M’Lord, thank you very much, that means a lot. I think the past is something we need to remember, learn from, mistakes and all. It is what we do in the future that will be the true judge of our character.”

The King, stunned by the thought, bows his head a bit, nodding it slowly, “for such a young warrior, you are truly a man of honor. I can understand why Camerondale and Finster chose you as their protector…” finishing off, impressed with his words.

Then, almost like he was snuggling up to the large man, King Tazziar Tristina starts, “just between you and me, word will be out soon enough though. I have filed for separation from her, the council approved it unanimously and she will no longer be in power. Her name has been drug through the mud the past 10 years and their power and influence has plummeted with the peoples disgust for their bigotry. Not to mention she has not produced an heir, though that situation was never pleasant,” he finished off with a chuckle.

“Maybe that is a good thing, sire?” Chance responds, lifting his eyebrow.

He smiles and nods. “I want to honor those who have been wrongfully suppressed, hunted, abused and killed. It is the least I can do. Then bring the rest of them back into our fold because…” he stops and almost tears up a little, “They are, our people. They deserve it.”

A huge smile washes over Chance’s face and looks to the King, “I would be honored if I could help… in any way.”

Nodding his head with an approving smile, he glances again to the Champion, “I never knew why Jeramiah and Grim-Eye had such an admiration for you, but I think I understand now.”

The tall quarter elf nods in respect to the King.

“But there is one thing,” he says, turning back to the ball room where everyone who was looking on is now scrambling around trying not to look conspicuous.

The two start walking and the King snorts a little, “she said something about… fuck, his blueberry pie?”

Chance stops suddenly and lets out his belly laugh, turns to the King, “well, it is her loss. That pie is to die for.”

Putting his hand on the Champions back, the King walks him towards the table, “alright then, lets try some out in honor of our little meeting we just had. But, we have to add that whip cream, it’s delicious!”

“Aye!” The Champion says feeling his royal court now much more at ease.

First Five Continues
The Elevation Of a Queen

The King of Augustia and the Champion of Finster have a plate of Blueberry pie and loads of whip cream together. Chit chatting and laughing.

Jeremiah excuses himself from the conversation with Grim-Eye and Viola, and walks to Bozutto, their eyes meet.

“Enjoying the mantle of ‘King’… sire?” the older man says with a bit of jest, looking straight ahead with a shit eating grin on his face.

Giving him a side-wards glance, Bozutto responds, “oh yeah, I’ll be saving money on hair brushes soon and my heart will be the strongest, most healthy one in all Legon if this keeps up…” he finishes with a bit of whip.

The older King smiles and nods, “take this as a big win, I think more was said out there than you realize…”

The young King interrupts him, giving him an inquisitive look.

Walks closer, leans down, “we are not only talking about Camerondale, but an entire blossoming religion,” the gray haired man says, hands behind his back, “whatever Chance said went over very well and they seem to be as thick as thieves right now. (pause) What he did to the Queen, did not affect Tazzier in the slightest. I am pretty sure he is fed up with her.”

Bozutto nods his head, talking a bit quietly, “that’s not the point, you don’t take the head of a Kingdom and bring your crusade into it at the possible expense of a multitude of lives,” having Jeramiah move a bit away from the group.

“Then how should he have gone about it?” the Older wiser King says, raising an eyebrow, following the young King.

A little flustered, “I am not sure, but this could have been handled much better,” the blonde King finishes a bit frustrated.

Jeramiah stands a bit straighter, “I do not think he has that kind of option or opportunity. He made the best of it,” the man says letting out a small sigh inbetween, “I always said the hardest job on Legon is being a King or Queen of a Kingdom…”

Bozutto glances over to Jerry, seeing he is looking out in a trance, deep in thought.

“But maybe I was wrong,” he finishes with a turn of his head, “being a Champion, a lead to a God and a growing religion might be even worse.”

After a few minutes, Bozutto quietly blurts out, “rumor has it King Tazzier filed for a separation and their council approved it, if you believe the gossip.”

A quick scoff, and a nod, Jeramiah finishes off while he walks away, “you can believe it.”

“It was nice meeting you and thank you for sharing the Pie, I would of never tried it,” the Augustian King says with a big smile looking towards the tall Champion.

With respect, Chance takes a deep bow and looks back up, “my pleasure M’Lord, and if I caused you any issue, I want to…” he went to continue and got interrupted by a hand on his arm.

“No apology needed,” Tazzier says, then finishes, “I must get going and get packed. The caravan to the shores of the Othellian Sea is leaving soon, and as much as I like Magus Orion I don’t want to be stuck here for another week waiting for them to return. Please say goodbye to everyone for me.”

The Champion smiles and gets a surprising warrior’s handshake from the King as he replies, “Of course M’Lord, safe travels.”

He quickly makes his way through the doors and the Augustian King pauses a moment seeing who was passing him by.

The Royal Camerondale court was all ready to go confront Chance, but wheeled around and watched as Azatina and her brother came in. The Queen… was without her crown.

Just as before the room grows deadly silent. Azatina’s mother and younger brother head towards them and they meet in the middle.

Looking closely both Azatina and her Brother Camden look like they have been crying.

Chance distorts his mouth and eyes up Inasatra who has a deadpan, no expression look on her face. In turn he gets this huge smile and even chuckles a little seeing that.

Khamyra walking to her husband, taking his hand, gives him the oddest look, “uh, hun, the Queen is without her crown… that doesn’t look good, not exactly something that is humorous.”

“Oh things are just fine, I bet you three silver she will be wearing her crown soon enough,” he replies back to her with a smile.

The Warlock gives him a surprised look and then turns her gaze to the middle of the room.

Azatina and Camden walk to the Diaz to the throne, and turn.

“I apologize to everyone for my, well, intrusion. Once I heard of the coronation I made it back here as soon as I could,” the Prince says very charismatically.

He turns to Azatina, they hold hands and smiles. The Prince hands the crown to his mother and he stands directly in front of his sister. Then he kneels.

“I, Prince Camden, of the Kingdom of Magus Orion, here acknowledges the coronation of our Queen, Azatina Gladestone,” he says loudly as everyone’s eyes are big and smiles all about.

Their mother puts the crown back on her head and Aza looks about the room and smiles.

The Prince stands and turns, “I vow to be by my sister’s side, the rightful Queen of Magus Orion to help her in any way necessary to make sure this Kingdom becomes the best it possibly can be.” He finishes off with a bit of flourish, turns and the two embrace.

Applause erupts in the room as the four of them, mother and brother included have a few moments to themselves.

This affords the Camerondale Royal party to confront Chance and find out what happened.

“Well, I guess we are not at war then,” Bozutto says somewhat quiet, frustrated still and a flush in his cheeks.

Nodding his head, Chance starts,”as fate would have it, King Tazzier apologized to me, instead.” Finishes that off strong to drive the point home.

Everyone’s eyes bulged, glancing at each other.

“You see the decades of my people being slaughtered has weighed on the Kings heart, and he felt it was time to change that. He was impressed that someone finally stood up to the Queen, and to him as well,” Chance finishes off grabbing for his mug of brew.

Khamyra is practically purring in his arm, cuddled close up to him.

“Dangerous way of doing that, putting Camerondale at risk to obtain the goal?” Bozutto fires back, still a bit angry.

Chance scoffs, looks down for a moment, then replies, “I was taken by surprise with her. But, someone had to do it, how many more of my people were to be slaughtered? I myself did not realize that reality until that woman hissed in my ear threatening me. The idea of hundreds of thousands of people having to endure that…” he finishes off with a shake of his head.

The Young king, half ashamed and half now more angry, stands for a moment then huffs and walks off, followed quickly by Affinity.

“Real subtle Chance,” Cassie barbs back to him with a raised eyebrow, “he still is your King.”

Jeramiah, on the outskirts chimes in, “let’s just leave it be for now, enjoy the celebration!”

Everyone nods and moves on towards the now confirmed Queen of Magus Orion.

Khamyra gets her husband to look her straight in the eye, “can you see the future now too? How did you know she was going to keep the crown?”

Smirking like he always does, “Inasatra looked constipated, so I knew everything was good.”

The Warlock, a bit shocked, forms a huge smile on her face and she lets out a laugh that made her cup her mouth as some people looked over. “You. You are something else.” she finishes cozy-ing up on his arm and walking him into the frey of the party.

“Chance! Chance!” he could hear from the Diaz as Azatina was waving him over.

Starting forward, he gets a little jerk (not Todd) and he glances down to Khamyra who is looking up to him. “Go on, I’ll be over with Cassie fending off Kellen…”

The Warlock goes to turn only to get her arm yanked softly, “No, my love, you are part of me through and through. I am at my best with you by my side,” Chance finishes with a pat on her hand as he wraps it around his arm.

Khamyra now on Cloud 9 with her skitzofrenic Husband the two walk over to the Gladestone family.

Azatina goes on to introduce her Mother and younger Brother and both the Champion and Warlock bow gracefully and pay respects.

“This is my Brother Prince Camden,” she says glancing over to him seeing the man has semi-wide eyes staring at the size of Chance and the aura he brings.

Chance goes to bow, but gets stopped, “No Champion, you do not bow to me after what you have done for my sister. Let’s talk,” he finishes out nodding his head a bit telling him to move away.

The two find a fairly quiet spot, and the Prince looks up to the Champion, “I want to give you a reward for all that you have done for my sister, it is the least I can do, hell, it is the least us Gladestones can do…”

The Champion nods and glances at him, “Anything? If it is in your power you will grant it?”

Nodding his head emphatically, “yes, if it is in our power, it will be.”

Chance leans down, face to face to the somewhat surprised Prince, “take care of Azatina. Be there for her. Do your job as a Prince and have her back. She means the world to me and I can’t always be here to help. Knowing that a Prince of Magus Orion is by her side, will make me very happy.”

“Umm, uh…” the Prince said, completely shocked and flattered. He was expecting a request for gold, weapons, or land and got a heartfelt response instead, “I will most definitely agree to that reward. I promise you I will be by her side and have her back from here on out.”

The two warrior handshake and the Prince walks to Azatina who was eyeing both of you up.

Khamyra takes your hand and you walk the Party speaking with Grim-Eye, Viola, Amara, and Hylora. Even had a long conversation about punching bad guys in the face with Lattimore. Then dancing, a few drinks, great conversation and a few laughs.

Standing in the middle of the room, Chance is slightly tipsy and pretty tired from the day’s events, last night and the dancing. Khamyra heads for the table to grab her bag as the party starts to wind down.

Azatina comes ripping down off the diaz after talking with her brother and practically tackles Chance in a big hug.

“One of these times you are going to knock me over,” the Champion says playfully, whirling the Queen around.

She looks up to him with her glittering eyes, a bit flush and radiating… she hasn’t looked this happy in, maybe ever since you have known her.

Chance gets a big smile on his face, tilts his head, “there it is, that smile. Nothing beats it.”

“Camden just told me of your request for the reward…” the Queen says, dipping her head, then looking back up with a few tears in her eyes, “you are the best.”

Finishing off with a big hug, she turns to see Khamyra standing there. Expecting a scowl from the Onyx Elf she only gets a warm smile and a chuckle.

“Queen Azatina, congratulations on the coronation,” Khamyra says walking towards her, giving her a bow, then speaking softly, “but I do have to get my husband to the room so I can take advantage of him in his tipsy state.”

A huge smile, wide eyes and the Queen belts out a huge laugh that everyone in the ballroom turns to see, smiles on all their faces.

The couple heads out after a few goodbyes, finds their way to the room, barely able to contain themselves and loud, obnoxious, crazy, chair breaking sex commences…

Turn Based Begins Here

Chance: Finish off strong!

DMaster: You fall asleep fairly quickly.

---

Mondalay 3:00 AM

---

Chance: Cuddle up with Khamyra until she gets too warm, then I eventually get up, sitting in the chair watching her sleep. I will go into Champion mode to help fight fatigue.

DMaster: Lukan jumps in your lap, walks in a circle for 1 minute, plops down and starts to nap

Chance: I will sit there, gently pet Lukan as he naps. Still watching Khamyra with a smile on my face

DMaster: Eventually the day dawns! A slight fog was rolling in, it seemed cloudy with light winds. Opening the window slightly you guess it’s about 40 degrees, might hit 50 today if you are lucky.

Chance: Keep petting the cat waiting for Khamyra to wake up. When she does I am just going to get on normal clothes, and wait to head down to breakfast.

DMaster: DM: Condensing. Khamyra wakes up, gets herself presentable. Both of you head down to breakfast and have a nice time. Then head back up, you get in your ceremonial Black Ward gear, then pack up and start your way down to leave. At the door is Azatina, Camden and Obyren next to each other saying goodbyes, thanking everyone. You are waiting in line to leave.

Chance: Big smile goes to my face seeing Azatina and Camden standing next to each other, with all that has happened recently. Curious to see who we will be traveling back with.

DMaster: You walk to them, Azatina gives you a big hug, hand shake from Camden & Obyren and you finally head out. A crowd growing as luxurious carriages are making their rounds to the end of the pathway. You see a few groups of people kneel before you, and you quickly acknowledge them & move on.

Chance: Wrapping my arm around Khamyra’s as we see the carriages hit the pathway. Making some small talk with her as we wait.

DMaster: It is more organized, less people there and eventually you get your carriage. Affinity and Bozutto get in first and they are guiding both of you into that carriage.

Chance: I will of course let the Queen and the King go first before helping Khamyra into the carriage, climbing in myself.

 
DMaster: You slowly make your way out of the city and onto the road. Once you hit the main throughway, the pace picks up. DM: Rolls a 5 for traveling. It goes somewhat slow. The fog is hindering the travel a bit and it can’t be more than 50 degrees now.

Chance: Stare out the window. Occasionally glance over to Bozutto and Affinity, as we are slowly moving along in the carriage.

DMaster: They seem a bit tired. The King has been going through a scroll, the Queen is reading a book, what you can see is for parenting. Khamyra is writing in a journal of sorts and from what you can tell some college related things.

Chance: Lean back in the seat, have a small smile seeing what Affinity is reading and just close my eyes a bit. Trying not to show how on edge my nerves are after all that has happened. Letting more of my thoughts about the similarities between me and Catalina. How I have questions for Edwin when I see his raggity ass again.

DMaster: DM: Condensing. The entourage stops at a small town called Northmills. Everyone does what they have to, eat, drink and urinate. Then off you go for roughly 5 hours. A bit longer of a ride to get to Orc Snout. You get to the small town around 5:30PM.

Chance: Smile goes to my face thinking about the rock that looks like a snout. If we are stopping, get out and do what we need to.

DMaster: KHA: Well grab your PJ’s hun. We are at our destination. DM: Todd didn’t realize they were staying here, he is a dingus. You are taken to the Blossoming Oak Tree Inn where Huxley greets you all. Then taken to the same room, guided by Gonbar who looks like he has taken his 2nd bath in as many months.

Chance: Ungear and get in some of my regular ward clothes before heading down to eat

DMaster: DM: Condensing. The meal was excellent. Just got a new chart book, trying it out now. They had a delicatessen called Red Snapper in butter sauce, Taters and greens. Not exactly royal like but I rolled an 18 for how good it was and everyone enjoyed it. New Meal Roll Chart!Then after some fleeting conversation the two of them head up to the room, Chance pins the Warlocks legs behind her head for 30 minutes and they fall asleep afterwards.

---

Tuskalay 7:00 AM

---

DMaster: Slept through the whole night for once. You both wake to the crier.
CRY: Looks to be clear for the day, some light winds but it might bite you a little with the temp barely hitting mid 40’s.
DM Condensing: The couple wakes up, has breakfast with everyone, gear up and move out. Get to the carriage, Clear skies, a bit chilly and doesn’t look like it will warm much either and a light wind.

Chance: Sitting back I will make small talk. Unless everyone in the carriage is busy doing their own thing

DMaster: They reciprocate, chit chatting with you. The King still seems a bit off put by you, but hey you almost sent them into war.

Chance: Not wanting to approach the subject right now I won’t speak with the King unless spoken too. Still trying to grasp the whole situation and his stance on it.

DMaster: DM Condensing: You stop at a small village, everyone drops waste in toilets, drinks some water, and has a snack. Back on the road, you make good time hitting Wheatshire again, now knowing you are under 4 hours from home. Again, the usual, pee, drink, eat. You are off again. (no encounter rolls, until…).

Chance: Dreaming of home. Finally.

DMaster: You are making good time. Suddenly the carriage comes to a somewhat abrupt stop, jerking you guys around a bit, a few guards race past the carriage. You can hear some yelling.

Chance: Stick my head out the window, to see if I can see what is going on

DMaster: Hard to see, Xavier is out there talking with Cassie. The lead guard is walking towards you fast.

Chance: Reach behind me, grabbing silent fate and my shield.

DMaster: Bartram sticks his head in
BAR: Someone standing in the roadway M’Lord, stay in here, I’ll post guards.

Chance: Nod head, glance to Khamyra.
Chan: Once I am out, throw up a ward to protect them, OK?

DMaster: She nods, and starts digging for components. The King is more annoyed than anything but Affinity seems a bit frightened.

Chance: Nod to the King and Queen, hop out of the carriage

DMaster: Cassie is jogging back to you, before she could say anything you hear
VOICE: Chance Axion! I must speak with Chance Axion, now!
Cassie lets out a sigh, eyes a bit big.
CAS: This better not be one of your fanboys
She says trailing off.

Chance: Shake head.
Chan: well, only one way to find out
Make haste to the front, drawing Silent Fate as I get closer.

DMaster: You get past the lead wagon, and there is a line of guards, about 12 of them – straight across. All have crossbows and are trained on the person about 30 feet out. The wind bites a bit, not that you are affected. From what you can see there appears to be a man in a dark coat, he has this thick high collar around his head.
MAN: Chance Axion, I know he is with you… Where is he?

Chance: Push through the guards a bit and look at the man

DMaster: They all look up to you, then on to the man in the middle. Most of the guards are a little rattled, his voice is booming.

Chance: Walk towards him, stay about 20 feet out.
Chan: You are louder than a dying wyvern, what is it man, what do you want?

DMaster: As you get semi-close, you notice the “coat” is a weak cantrip illusion (you suspect). It is a demon with his dark leathery wings wrapped around him. Only his red eyes peered out.

Chance: Walk a few feet forward, then flipping the switch I go over to full champion mode

DMaster: He steps back, eyes go a bit large. You can hear a gasp or two behind you as well.
DEMON: I don’t need this tomfoolery, I need to speak with Chance Axion!

Chance: Take a few more steps forward, keeping my “lock” intact the best I can.
Chan: Do you not know who you are looking for? I am Chance Axion.
Letting my eyes beam more

DMaster: His wings move out a bit more, tilting his head.
DEMON: You. Are Chance Axion?

Chance: Give him an annoyed look.
Chan: No, I am a wine and beer merchant taking orders for a party…
I move a bit closer
Chan: Yes, I am. For the love of Finster, what do you want?
Letting the power flow between me and Silent Fate

DMaster: He must have dropped the illusion, behind you, some commotion, a gasp or two.
DEMON: Where is Cescatia? Is she with you now?
Speaking a bit lower.

Chance: Raising my eyebrow
Chan: Cescatia?
Ponder a moment.

DMaster: DEMON: Yes. I didn’t stutter.

Chance: Give him a look and growl. Let my skin radiate. Then give him a “really” look.

DMaster: He breaks a little, steps back and gives you an odd look.
DEMON: I have many questions, but my Lord only needs one answer. Where is she?
The demon looks around to Cassie now 90 degrees to him, and Xavier who is on the opposite side. You also notice lots of gold accents on him. He flutters out his wings a little and again makes people uneasy behind you, but things are stirring in your head. DM: Todd rolls a 4+1 on a Wisdom save to hold in his “lockdown.” You get a slight headache, a few flashbacks hit you.

Chance: Lock that shit down now! Think of Khamyra, the kids.

DMaster: You wince for a second, put your hand to your head and that makes him tilt his head wondering what the hell is going on.

Chance: Chan: She is not here. I dropped her off about a week ago.
Saying this quickly to get him out of here to try and save the brain lock.

DMaster: DEMON: Where did you drop her off?

Chance: Chan: Somewhere you need not concern yourself with.
letting more power flow out of my eyes, trying to intimidate the Demon.

DMaster: Fails intimidation.
DEMON: If you value life, you will tell me now.

Chance: Walk even closer, swing my sword, aim at him, let it crackle.
Chan: Excuse you… (dawns on marble head) wait. The gold accents, son of a bitch.
Lower my weapon, turn my head, scoff.

DMaster: He flaps out his wings a bit and you can hear the commotion behind with guards and the like getting spooked and trying to re-gear themselves.

Chance: Chan: Zaremed. What the hell does he want with this… errr, well, with Cescatia?

DMaster: The lead guard yells out to calm the guards down. The Demon has black scaly skin, large dangerous teeth, but oddly enough; gold accents like he was royalty. His eyes bulge as he responds.
DEMON: You know of my Lord? He said you might be a bit different. I was curious, he spoke like he knew you as well.

Chance: Nod head, getting frustrated at the speed this is going at.
Chan: Why does he want her so bad? Kill her perhaps?

DMaster: Shakes his head
DEMON: Kill her, no. Most definitely not. But if you must know, she is not supposed to be here.
Pointing to the ground, meaning above-ground.

Chance: Chan: Not supposed to be here, above ground?
giving this demon a look

DMaster: He gives you a squint, then slowly nods his head
DEMON: Yes. That’s what I said, and that’s all I really know.

Chance: Chan: I should probably talk with my group here before…
Thumbing back to the carriages.

DMaster: DEMON: I don’t have time for this.
Grabs something from his pouch, that makes you step back and give him a look. He throws this velvet bag, somewhat burnt, at your feet.
DEMON: Tell me where she is or where you dropped her off and that is yours. I will tell you what it unlocks. Then I can be on my way and you can be on yours.

Chance: Firmly standing my ground, grab the pouch. Look in.
Chan: What’s this?

DMaster: There is a Key in it, an old big one. Glancing up you see two devils running around and another peeling skin off you, fires in the background, unbelievable heat. You back up a bit, grab your head and even yelp a bit. At first you thought it was from whatever this key is but you realize, you are just losing your lock. The Demon moves a bit forward looking concerned, as concerned as a Demon can look.

Chance: Sigh, figuring Cescatia is safe where she is at, what does it matter, I am losing my apples here.
Chan: I dropped her off at the Temple of Animax in Camerondale. That is where she wanted to go. Are you taking her back to Ikon?

DMaster: DM: Rolled again to see if he can keep it together and makes it with a 15 WIS roll.
He seems thrown at that name, turns his head a bit, then eyes you up.
DEMON: In a manner of speaking yes. How do you even know…
He grows rigid. Looks down, shakes his head
DEMON: Why would you take her there? Well, this complicates things.

Chance: Shrug shoulders.
Chan: She wanted to go there. So I took her, it was on the way, so to speak.

DMaster: He is looking to the ground, now rubbing his chin with his tail

Chance: Chan: No offense, but you are not exactly instilling thoughts of unicorns and rainbows to my people back here, and we need to get going.

DMaster: He nods his head
DEMON: Thank you for your time, Chance Axion.
He pulls out his wings then stops, everyone is again gasping and scrambling

Chance: Wave my hand to get him to stop.
Chan: hey! Wait! So what the hell is this key for?

DMaster: He smirks.
DEMON: That key opens a door in the Ruins of Grimble Thorn. My Lord felt it was appropriate for you to have, and there are probably a few things of value there. Well, things you should know and things you can, well, use if things come to pass.

Chance: Think to myself, come to pass? WTF is he talking about?

DMaster: Nodding his head, he starts to walk off.
DEMON: And Zaremed says you play knuckle bones like shite.

Chance: Smirk and shake my head, then point at him.
Chan: He still owes me a mug of ale, and none of the cheap shit either!

DMaster: Shrugs his shoulders, chuckles and he takes off. Hovering at first. The group behind you, as you look, all have wide eyes and shitting their pants. He gets higher, his wings starting to move, then he flies off to the West.

Chance: Turn back to normal and grab the bag, walk back to the group. Trying to get myself back in check.

DMaster: Cassie and Xavier grab you and pull you aside, and they have wide eyes looking at you.
CASS: Chance, are you alright? It looks like you haven’t slept for a week, and you are sick. Did that thing, demon or whatever do something to you?
You are dizzy, have a headache and you can feel your stowaways are wrestling inside of you.

Chance: Shake head.
Chan: I need Khamyra, someone go get my wife.
Shake head.
Chan: My lock is… not exactly full proof right now, need Khamyra.

DMaster: Xavier turned to run, but stopped as the King and Queen were walking towards them. Khamyra trailing fast behind, who looks exasperated, hand in pouch glancing around, hoping the danger has passed.
XAV: M’lord! You should not be out here!
Some guards are trailing him and her as well.
KHA: Sorry, he didn’t want to stay in the carriage.
She shrugs her shoulders, glances over to you and her eyes bulge.
KHA: Chance!
You are wobbling a bit.

Chance: Hold my head, smile a little seeing Khamyra.

DMaster: Both the King and Queen go to say something to you, but stop seeing your condition. Bartram lays out the protest that they left the carriage, but Bozutto is ignoring it. You have pale skin, bloodshot eyes, sunken cheeks – eye sockets and a few faint lines of veins across your upper head area. Khamyra races to you, pulls your head down and snuggles in. Cheek to cheek, you smell her perfume, feel her warmth and everything starts to settle. Some power starts to transfer, she whispers in your ear.
KHA: You are safe my Champion. Nothing will harm you now, not with me around… my love. Come on back to me. I’m here.
She kisses your cheek and a spark hits. You feel almost instantly better, the rumblings of the inner demons, so to speak, fall dead silent. DM Silent Roll :19.

Chance: Wrap my arms around her, hugging her.
Chan: Khamyra.

DMaster: She smiles snuggling in. It’s a powerful moment, always is. Both of you tear up a little as the emotions capture both of you. The group steps back a bit and glances at each other.
BOZ: Is this really the time for cuddles, I would…
He goes to finish only to get a hard nudge from Affinity. He looks to her wanting to yell at her too, but her look made him stop dead in his tracks. The King puts his hands on his hips and sighs.

Chance: Say it quietly.
Chan: You are my everything

DMaster: Her eyes get big and a huge smile washes over her face, gripping you tighter. You glance up, a bit misty eyed because this was a powerful moment. The group all looks at you amazed.

Chance: Chan: What now? Don’t tell me I have a tentacle growing out of my forehead?

DMaster: Cassie shaking her head, slight smirk
CASS: No, you are back to normal, if that is possible.
Giggles all around.

Chance: Scoff and giggle.

DMaster: KHA: A Demon, above-ground? For what purpose?
She looks up still snuggled in, must have heard the guards talking.

Chance: Sigh a bit
Chan: Lets all get in a carriage and I will explain what I can. This way we are not holding everyone up.

DMaster: They all agree and get into the royal carriage.

Chance: I will tell them what I can but keeping out that Cescatia is an angel and thanking Finster that Velencia has this tattoo on me.

DMaster: They are wide eyed, shaking their head a bit. A few questions were asked and you answered them.
BOZ: Wait wait wait. Animax has an older brother? Can Gods can have siblings?
Everyone looks stunned.

Chance: Smirk.
Chan: Apparently so.

DMaster: BOS: You are yanking our chain aren’t you?
Giving you a scolding look.

Chance: Shake head.
Chan: Nope, I met him myself.

DMaster: Cassies mind is turning. Look at you.
CASS: So you met this Ikon, down in the Underearth? I vaguely remember that name in your report, but I was assuming it was some Demon or entity. Is this someone we should be worried about? – Hell… I hope not.
She trails off staring across the carriage. Everyone nods their heads with a few scoffs.

Chance: Chan: I don’t know. It was at the end of my journey through…
Pause, look down, clench my jaw.

DMaster: Khamyra leans into you a bit, tightens her grasp on your hand.

Chance: Chan: …the fires. He told me he had important things to discuss, but.
Stop and think, raise an eyebrow to myself.
Chan: Snapped his finger and the next thing I remember I was in a bed in a Hill Dwarf village.

DMaster: Bozutto sighs, goes to scold Chance but Cassie beats him to the punch.
CASS: You had that info in your reports, right?

Chance: Nod head. Looking around the Carriage.

DMaster: BOZ: I need to read the reports better evidently.
Affinity perks up a bit. Her face flushing from being uncomfortable, and probably having to pee again.
AFF: Why does this, Ikon is it? Why would he want this Cescatia? Why did the Demon?

Chance: Shrug shoulders and shake my head. I know the admonition of information in its own way is a lie, but WTF, I am the Champion of an evil God… I am going to rest my ideals on that right now.

DMaster: XAV: That Demon. He was using a cantrip of sorts, it did not look like anything but a thin man in a large coat. Why the deception? Why here and now? Why the urgency? And, You played Knucklebones with this high level Demon?

Chance: Smirk a bit.
Chan: No, I don’t think we did, but he does owe me a mug of ale (snicker), But I do not know why the urgency. It has been about a week since I dropped off Cescatia, guess he was tired of looking for her on his own.

DMaster: XAV: With all my travels. That is the first Demon I have ever seen. It was really an odd experience.
Cassie nods, glancing at her brother.
CASS: It was like I should have been afraid, and I was, to a certain extent.
The Duke now has a curious look on his face,

Chance: Chan: Most Demons have an ability to cause Fear, much like a Dragon apparently.
Glancing over to Khamyra with a small smile.

DMaster: She gives you a “really” look, glancing at him from the corner of her eyes. Everyone again is wide eyed, looking around.
BOZ: I’m not even going to ask. I thought my life was stressful. But you Champion, take the cake.
Cassie giggles and nudges her daughter.
CASS: I’d say Khamyra had it the roughest, baby sitting Chance.
Affinity nods, they giggle a bit.

Chance: Let out a small chuckle, give them a “really” look and smile at them. After I am done and it quiets down, I lean to Khamyra.
Chan: I sent for you cause I could feel my little stow away stirring, and those flashbacks. That worries me… a lot.
Wince a bit.

DMaster: She leans over, kisses your cheek, whispers
KHA: Understood, but for now, you are with me, safe and sound my Champion.
The entourage finally makes it back to Camerondale after a few more hours of travel. It is 8:30PM and everyone says goodbye and head their separate ways. Your luggage, as it were, is being taken to your home.

Chance: I will make a trip to the temple after dropping everything off. Tell Khamyra to lock the key up and maybe do some research on where these ruins are.

DMaster: DM Note: I always like to comment on things that happen during the adventure. Well the DM had a hotdog incident; while playing I was cooking up hotdogs and mac – n – cheese. I grabbed one of the hot dogs to cut it into pieces and put into the mac, and it went flying. I tried to grab it but it slipped out of my hands propelling it against the wall, along the counter and onto the floor. Needless to say I was not a happy DM with my wiener on the floor. LOL!
It is about 9:30 PM once you get in, say hello to Novalee, check in to the kids who were sleeping. You hand Khamyra the key and tell her what?

Chance: I tell her exactly what the demon said about the ruins and the door perhaps? The name and what little details the demon gave me

DMaster: Her eyes are bulging out her head
KHA: Wait, did you just say “Ruins of Grimble Thorn.”

Chance: Nod my head at her

DMaster: She looks stunned, as though she has heard of this place before. Sighs with a bit of playfulness, smiling. She pats your hand, takes the Key and walks up the stairs to your room.

Chance: watch her walk away before I shake my head and decide to head to the temple. More secrets I assume.

DMaster: The temple is about 5 minutes away, a couple minutes from the Compound

Chance: head to the temple and head inside if it is open this late at night

DMaster: You know that the temple does not close its doors, unless a Champion of Finster is in there tearing it down from the inside out.

Chance: Nice. Thanks for reminding me.

DMaster: DM: Condensing. Chance makes his way there and gets stopped by two war Clerics. After failing at persuasion, eventually the one guard leaves to get Saundra, threatening to report him.

Chance: Chan: fine, report me if you must
Give my patented smirk and shrug shoulders

DMaster: He shakes his head, but it wasn’t more than 30 seconds and Saundra shows up
SAU: Chance, come on in. Sorry about that. We are on a bit of a high alert and they do not know our history.
She waves you in

Chance: Chan: it’s okay, I am sure most haven’t gotten the memo
Shrugging shoulders, smirking still.

DMaster: She is wrapping herself in some coat, fidgeting with her hair a bit. You think you either woke her up or got her out of her bed chambers. She guides you to a chamber in the temple.
SAU: Sit sit
She points at a luxurious seat in the room, by a table. It is 20 x 20 with some refineries for food, storage and work. Kind of like a makeshift kitchen if you were going to guess. Must be an out of the way place for her, more privacy. Decent size table in the middle with a fun looking candle holder in the middle. Four seats around it and an odd looking candelabra hanging that does not seem to use lights. Every room is very well lit, and this is no exception.

Chance: Take a seat to where she pointed

DMaster: Saundra grabs a pitcher of water, pours both of you a mug, hands it to you and sits down across from you. She looks tired, which is unusual for her, hair is a bit of a mess and it does look like a night gown under her robe.

Chance: Chan: I am sorry to pay a visit this late at night but I just got back from the Coronation and wanted to check in on our little guest.
looking down, fidgeting with my hands.

DMaster: She gives you an eyebrow raise.
SAU: Yes. Our guest. She has been asking for you.

Chance: Raising eyebrow
Chan: She has? (clear throat) Well on our way home we had a bit of an encounter

DMaster: She sighs as though already knowing what you are about to talk about.
SAU: I was wondering when it would start. The encounter had to do with our, “little guest?”

Chance: Look at her surprised a little.
Chan: Yes. Seems like they want to bring her back home

DMaster: After a moment of staring into her mug, she glances to you
SAU: Who are “they?”

Chance: Sigh a bit and look at her, making sure everything is still locked down before I continue

DMaster: Unless you are confronted head on with things you are good. But since it happened recently, it was good that you checked. Bottom line, you feel fine

Chance: Chan: On the way back we ran into a demon on the road, it asked for me by name. Said that he was sent to retrieve her. I guess to bring her back home?

DMaster: She looks a bit surprised.
SAU: Demon? I suppose that would make some sense. Not who I was expecting though.

Chance: Chan: and of course I am stuck right in the middle of it as always.
I begin to give the details of the encounter to Saundra

DMaster: She shakes her head
SAU: I don’t know how they would have got your name, but they seem like they know what’s going on too.

Chance: Chan: It was a minion of Zeramed, a Sovereign of the Fire. We have had, well, dealings in the past.

DMaster: Her eyes bulge.
SAU: Wait. You dealt with this Zeramed? I have heard of the Nine Sovereigns of the Fire, but never heard of anyone meeting them and living. Thank Animax you did not meet the Monarch.
She finishes off with a scoff and a chuckle.

Chance: Start laughing a bit.
Chan: You mean that monstrous Demon, 20 feet tall if not more. Doesn’t say much, doesn’t have too. His “throne” was as big as my house in Grayshale. The heat that comes off him…

DMaster: She is giving you a funny look, more of a “uh huh sure thing” look.
SAU: Chance, it’s late. I don’t need a bedtime story.
Shaking her head a bit.

Chance: Stare at her blankly. Then lift an eyebrow.

DMaster: Her expression of playfulness turns to shock.
SAU: You met him. How are you still alive?

Chance: Chuckle and look down.
Chan: It is something that I can’t recall, literally can’t recall without having some… issues. Though my body made it out of the fires, my mind did not. Let’s just say, I have something holding it together up there for the time being.
Scoff a little.
Chan: Anyways a discussion for another day. You said something about “not who you expected?”

DMaster: After a minute of her trying to wrap her mind around things, she glances back up.
SAU: Yes. There is a group called The Avalon Conclave, at least that is what they are called in all the information I read. If Demons are looking, then I am sure this Conclave is not far behind.
She takes a slug of the water

Chance: Chan: so tell me about this Avalon Conclave
Sipping on my water.

DMaster: With a heavy sigh, puts her mug on the table then she stands up.
SAU: I just learned about them from my Lord. Been researching ever since.
She sighs puts her hand to her temple and looks across the room
SAU: He never makes it that easy really. But from what I gathered, they are a band of mercenaries that are, well, Angels. Created, built and manipulated by Ikon. I do not know much more than that, other than they will be out looking for Cescatia; probably now gunning for you too. If a Demon knows your name, I imagine they will too.
She walks a bit a ways.
SAU: Chance. (she snorts) You brought me a whole lot of sh… err, “crap” my friend.

Chance: Look down, fidget with the handle of the mug.
Chan: I am tied up in this mess as well Saundra, since everyone seems to be asking for me
Rubbing my temple

DMaster: She whirls around, looks at you.
SAU: You know what this means right? The emergence of an angel on Legon.

Chance: Nod head, look back at her.
Chan: the start of one big damn headache

DMaster: She chuckles, then her smile turns.
SAU: Cescatia. The Angel is what they call a harbinger. She is the first, and her real designation is… Blood. She is the harbinger of blood.

Chance: Eyes get big.
Chan: Blood. Who’s blood?

DMaster: Giving you a look, and another sigh.
SAU: The Blood… of Legon.

DMaster: Let the color from my face drain, stare straight out.
Chan: That. Sounds unpleasant.

DMaster: SAU: Apparently there are 5. Pain, Sorrow, Darkness and finally Death.

Chance: Slowly nod my head, staring still.
Chan: Why couldn’t there be one called Dukes Ale? Or Fuzzy Blankets… or boobs.

DMaster: She tried to suppress her smile but it broke through.
SAU: Oh Chance, despite all this mess, I do miss our little run ins. By Animax, I miss the Isles.
She stares off into space for a bit.

Chance: Chan: Me too. Well, no wonder the demon said she doesn’t belong here.

DMaster: She nods
SAU: You can’t tell anyone of this, not a soul.
Looking about the room. Then back to you.
SAU: According to what we know, Animax’s teachings and his mini prophecies, this is the beginning of the end for this world.
Turns a bit around, winces from the anxiety and stress.

Chance: Chan: So if they retrieve her, this prophecy, this “end of Legon” will go away?

DMaster: Shaking her head.
SAU: I am guessing they are trying to stop it. If this world ends, so does the under-earth I suppose.
She turns and the stress is over taking her. A tear starts to roll down her cheek.
SAU: There have been three Era’s. I will only live in a century of them and now. Now is when it starts. The burden is squarely on my shoulders.
Look at you.
SAU: And yours.
Thinking for a moment, small smile
SAU: Well, Naya’il’s too.

Chance: Give her a look and shake my head.
Chan: Velencia’s too now.

DMaster: She gives you a look and shakes her head.

Chance: Interrupting anything she has to say.
Chan: She is the lead of the Finster religion. It is growing pretty fast, I witnessed many people who recognized me, or sensed me and they knelt before me. I did not think it would be so fast.
Shaking my head.
Chan: Plus she has resources that either of us couldn’t even imagine.

DMaster: A little anger in her face, face flushes a bit, and turns. Her head drops.
SAU: You are right. Unfortunately she might be an integral part in getting this Angel back to where it belongs.

Chance: Chan: Hell, if I have to, I’ll take her back home myself

DMaster: She is looking about the room, rubs her hands together.
SAU: I don’t think it is that simple, returning her could trigger something that is worse. I don’t have enough information right now. And, to add to the complexity, I am not sure you would even make it back to, what is it called, Godhaven? Who is to say Ikon doesn’t want the end times?

Chance: Chan: ummm, Saundra only a select few people know this. I am entrusting this information to you as well. I have met Ikon and have been to Godhaven.

DMaster: Her head snaps to you.
SAU: What?? You meet monstrous Demons, make it through the fire and you meet the mysterious unknown god, Ikon? Godhaven is a “god plane” and I am not sure… anyways. You have to know this is hard to believe.

Chance: Shrug shoulders, lean back into the chair.
Chan: It comes with the mantle of Champion. I am fated to be where I am fated to be, and it never seems to be on a boring beach front with skimpy clothing, duke’s brew and my beautiful wife Khamyra. The things I have seen, the things I have done…
Clench my fist and shake my head.

DMaster: Saundra shakes her head again, gives you a warm smile. Then sits down, edge of the seat
SAU: Can you tell me how? Or is that part of the “lock” you have?

Chance: Smile.
Chan: No, my dealings with the fire are the only things locked down, the rest is open. But it is unfortunately not very interesting…

 

DMaster: Saundra is listening, she breaks out some wine and you guys have a glass together. After you recount meeting Ikon.
SAU: I wonder if you must have triggered something? Pure guess here. Not sure you were supposed to be there and that set something off?
She gets up pacing

Chance: Shake head.
Chan: I don’t know, that is as good a theory as any I suppose.

DMaster: She sighs
SAU: There is so much more to talk about, but I am exhausted. I am going to bed.
She does look sleepy. After a moment of deliberation.
SAU: Go talk with her, I have her in the radiant Chamber, I hope the little truce Animax and Finster have will allow you to be in there with her.

Chance: Nod my head at her
Chan: well only one way to find out isn’t there
sigh a bit

DMaster: She yawns and stretches.
SAU: If anything earth shattering comes out of this, let me know.
She beckons you on, and the both of you walk to the golden doors. The one Rosalinda took you too and you found out you were cursed. She opens it and you walk in. The light fluctuates a bit but seems to stop after a minute. Saundra nods.
SAU: Looks like my Lord wants you here. When you are done, I am sure you can let yourself out?

Chance: Turn and look, nod.
Chan: Of course, thank you Saundra. Sweet dreams.

DMaster: The door closes behind you. Cescatia is sitting on a pedestal of sorts, eyes closed perched. Reminds you of a bird. Her eyes snap open, head quickly turns to you.
CES: You!
She walks to you, looks up

Chance: Looking down at her
Chan: You have been asking for me?
Hands behind my back

DMaster: She smiles and you notice right away she seems different. More confident perhaps, and her wings are out.
CES: Yes. I was hoping you found my sisters?
Her voice is different, it almost has a reverb sound to it. In some ways like yours when you get a bit pissed off. But she does not seem mad.

Chance: Raising my eyebrow
Chan: And just why would I be doing that?

DMaster: She shrugs her shoulders
CES: You found me, you will find them too.
Big smile, a small giggle
CES: Eventually

Chance: Shake head
Chan: I do not know why you would think that. No offense, I am an extremely busy man and looking for random Angels is not on my to-do list.
trying to remain calm
Chan: Plus, why would I want the world to end?

DMaster: She shakes her head and she is like a 5 year old, bounding about. Even floats a bit with her wings.
CES: No, No. I tell Saundra it is not the end, it is the beginning of… the beginning.
She is flailing her arms around
CES: Something like that. We will start anew! No mistakes, and a paradise on Legon.

Chance: Think for a moment.
Chan: And what of the people that like it the way it is?

DMaster: She shrugs her shoulders
CES: They will understand.

Chance: Shake head.
Chan: Considering they would be dead, I doubt they would “understand” anything really. And what of my children who haven’t even begun to enjoy life yet?

DMaster: Gives you a look, seems a bit frustrated with you.
CES: There will be children, sisters, brothers, families. There will be a new order, a new world…
Her eyes fluctuate this red, burn and it turns back to normal quickly but her voice turns guttural.
CES: …New Blood…
You get chills down your spine

Chance: Step back, turn my back to her for a moment. Trying to calm down
Chan: I came here to let you know they are trying to retrieve you

DMaster: CES: They?
She says floating back down to the ground.

Chance: turn back to her and look down, and point at her
Chan: I should have given up your location to them knowing what I know now…

DMaster: She shakes her head, still frustrated a bit with you.
CES: No worries Carrier of Atticus. I am protected here
Her face fluctuates, almost like a skull, it makes you jump. As she said this she changes back, it seems to be random, voices, lights, visions and it is off putting

Chance: Turn my lights on, just my eyes.
Chan: You sit there calm and say no worries; when you are talking about a new world and no thought about the people in this one. You have to know I will do everything in my power to keep the world the way it is
clenching my fists, staring at her.

DMaster: Her eyes grow bigger, steps back.
CES: You can try to do that.
Like something triggered, she bops her head about, turns to you, grabs your hand and a burst of light hits you. A vision of that steel contraption, the one that looks like a heart. comes to you but ends almost as soon as it began. She backs up, eyes wide, while her face is flushing. You stumble back a little too.
CES: Oh… I… That wasn’t supposed to happen.
She puts her head down, walks over to the corner of the room looks to be taking a drink. Without turning around.
CES: Leave. Leave now.

Chance: Shaking my head, needing to think, I grit my teeth and walk out the door.

DMaster: The doors close behind you. Standing for a moment thinking, you see a monk walk up and put what looks like a bar across the door, chants a word and walks away. The door seems to have a blue hue to it and is humming.

Chance: Damn, think to myself. That’s under lock and key. Making my way out of the temple I head to the stables and grab Toby. Hop on the horse and head to my favorite stump to sit on and think

DMaster: It is almost high moon now. A few minutes of sitting, a flash of light behind you. It’s Finster.
FIN: Chance?

Chance: turn my head and look, get up and bow a bit
Chan: we have troubles Finster

DMaster: He is in spectral form. He looks distorted, like a TV signal that is not coming in good. He lets out a laugh
FIN: You don’t say. I can’t stay long, in fact only a few seconds. Just understand that we know about it all and we are working on it.
He looks around frustrated, growls a little.
FIN: If I had any idea how many problems, how limited, how frustrating it was to be a fucking god I don’t think I would of ever attempted an ascension.
His vision distorts badly.
FIN: I’ll be in touch soon. Got to…
A weird zap, and he disappears before he can finish his sentence.

Chance: Look up, tilt head.
Chan: Alright. That sucked.

Chance: Sigh a bit and go over and pat Toby. Climb back up on him and head home. Really not wanting to deal with Velencia, but it looks like I will need her help for this one. Put Toby in the stable and head to the house

DMaster: It’s quiet and dark, looks to be a smidge past high moon.

Chance: Sit in the living room, going over everything in my head

DMaster: Ikon has children, they are angels. One is on Legon and it is causing quite the stir. Blood. What does it mean that she is called blood. A new world? Paradise? If paradise is on Legon, what the hell would Summer Isle be then? You shake your head, frustrated at the complexity of all the information and how it or if it works together, if it even does. As you think, you yawn a bit. Then you doze off.

Chance: Of course I do, everything is wearing on me.

---

Wedmak (Wednesday) 4:00 AM

---

DMaster: You are frantic. Deep in the fires. The Monarchs face directly into yours, tilting his head and laughing. Demons and devils running about. Then the scene changes, a cascade of water falls on you, in a shimmery pool and Khamyra is there smiling naked. She walks to you, rubs your cheek, “chance, hun.” Then she gives your cheeks a slap, “wake up!” Waking up you see your wife standing over you, wide eyes.
KHA: Hun, you… ok?
Novalee is behind her wide eyed and concerned. Khamyra is standing over you, lets out a sigh,
KHA: Nightmare?
The cute blond elf comes over.
NOV: Nightmare? Oh M’lord… err, Chance. That was quite the noise you were making.
She says with a giggle. The site and voices of these two ground you immediately.

Chance: Smile softly as I look up
Chan: What time is it?

DMaster: KHA: I am guessing a little past 4 AM? Have you been down here the entire time?
She is helping you up

Chance: Nod head and give Novie a playful nudge.
Chan: A lot on my mind, Guess too much thinking and I fell asleep down here.

DMaster: Novie gives you a quick hug and you and the Warlock head to bed, and fall asleep

Chance: hold her close to me until I wake up or until she gets to warm

DMaster: The crier wakes you up
CRY: It’s a cold one today on this wonderful Wedmak. Bring your coats and mittens! It is 7:00 AM people, time to rise and shine!

Chance: sit up and let her sleep, go clean up and change before I have to head to work.

DMaster: Khamyra is already getting ready.

Chance: Chan: and so back to our regular lives again.
Turning to her, smiling softly.

DMaster: She stops and looks at you.
KHA: Thank Finster
She says with a chuckle.

Chance: sigh and shake head
Chan: not sure when I will get home love, with everything going on

DMaster: She nods, gives you a kiss and you guys head out after giving your lil’ ones some love.

Chance: Make my way to the Dahlia’s entrance and head in.

DMaster: No one is there except Bastian looking through books and such, he glances over smiles.
BAS: Welcome back part-timer! Just who I wanted to talk to.

Chance: Shake head.
Chan: So where is everybody Bastian?

DMaster: BAS: They are with the heads and Cybill, going over some leads and reviews.
After a few moments, the Captain is walking up the stairs to you
BAS: We wanted to talk with you anyways
HAR: Morning Chance.

Chance: Nod my head
Chan: Morning Cap.

DMaster: DM: Condensing. Chance goes over everything that happened at the Coronation. Even the bad bits.
HAR: Chance. You could have caused an all out war.
A bit red faced shaking her head.

Chance: Shrug my shoulders.
Chan: Agreed. But they would have been taking on Camerondale and my lord Finster.

DMaster: HAR: That is not the point!

Chance: Nod head.
Chan: Well, with all due respect, that is the point. King Trestinia was wise enough to understand that, plus he thinks his wife is the spawn of evil itself. The war would have been over before it began, and the underearth would be breached everywhere in their city and…

DMaster: The Captain puts her hand up.
HAR: Again. Not. The Point. You could have been more diplomatic and avoided all this.

Chance: Wait a few seconds, give her almost a glare.
Chan: That. “Was,” me being diplomatic.

DMaster: She throws her hands in the air with a disgusted scoff.
HAR: I guess it is nothing to worry about if you guys patched things up.

Chance: Shake my head.
Chan: Captain, we did more than that, we forged an alliance. If not for Camerondale but for my people and my Lord Finster.
Point to my ears.
Chan: The King wants to bring the “woven” back into the fold, make them part of their society again. He wants me to help and to introduce the religion to them.

DMaster: Wide eyes she scoffs a little.
HAR: Well. Alright then, I guess despite the journey this situation took, the destination was good.

Chance: Nod head and just shut up before I get myself in trouble.

DMaster: She heads down the stairs.
HAR: Bastian, catch him up, we are almost done with the review.
Out the door she goes. Bastian wide eyes looking at you.
BAS: You have grown some balls let me tell you…

Chance: Chuckle.
Chan: If telling the truth means I am growing balls, then someone find a turnip cart to put them in.

DMaster: A smile breaks over his face and a hearty laugh.
BAS: Just a turnip cart huh? Anyways, lots has been happening but I will clue you in to the ones Dahlia is working on.
He rifles through a few papers, both of you sit.
BAS: The big one is that we have figured out that children are being taken from the Pit. Of course it is in the Pit. We have little to go on but a weird card that looks like part of a transportation sigil.
Twitches, mumbles, then continues.
BAS: Also in the Pit, there seems to be some monster or shadow or something roaming about causing widespread panic. With you meeting up with a Demon, I am putting 2 and 2 together wondering if there are a few of them looking for this… Cescatia.
He chuckles, rubs his hands together.
BAS: my theory is full of holes… like why the Pit, what is really being accomplished here and this has been taking place for over a week now. On and off. Sometimes twice a night, while other times it doesn’t show up for days.

Chance: Lean back, nod.
Chan: That sounds interesting.

DMaster: By then you hear the group coming up the stairs. First was Emeric, then Veronna, then Carver and following is some guy you have never seen before.
EME: Chance. Welcome back.

Chance: Nod head.
Chan: Thank you.

DMaster: They all sit down talking, Sakine coming up with a box and slams it on the table, slides it across.
SAK: I am not your delivery woman, got it? Grab your own food! Unless its a keg of beer, then I’d be more than happy to fetch it for you.
She turns and walks to her alcove in the room. Then stops, wheels around and looks at you.
SAK: Chance is here? Nice to have that piece of man meat back.

Chance: Give her a look and laugh, smiling.

DMaster: Everyone shrugs their shoulders and digs into Breakfast. Carver got up to get some mugs, walks to you and pats you on the back. Veronna nods and smiles. The new guy has only looked at you once, shakes his head some and bites his food.

Chance: Give him a look and just smile at the rest of the group

DMaster: EME: Since we are all here together for the first time in weeks? Chance please give us a short review of what happened with the teleportation and then the Coronation.

Chance: Nod head and start in.
Chan: Well, me and Khamyra were… (tell the teleportation tale, change it that we stumbled across the cave with Cescatia and of course not breathing a word she is an angel)

DMaster: BAS: So you just found this woman in a coffin and there were, what did you call them, Verwandelens?

Chance: Nod head.
Chan: Similar to Werewolves I am guessing. Strong, fast and their claws were like razors.

DMaster: BAS: Who is this Cescatia and does the Temple still have her?

Chance: Nod head.
Chan: Yes, they do. But she is on lock down until they can come up with more and better information.

DMaster: Emeric gives you a look.
EME: I know you spoke of her briefly, but I did not know she was in the temple, an odd place for her to go or request to go… I guess. Why didn’t we know?
Rubbing his chin, shaking his head.

Chance: Shrug shoulder.
Chan: When have I had the opportunity? Between getting thrown halfway across Legon, to the Coronation this is the first time, literally I have had to sit down.

DMaster: He sighs and nods.
EME: How did the Coronation go, I heard there was an issue?
Giving you a look.

Chance: Chuckle, and adjust myself in the seat, finish off my beanwater.
Chan: Well, we arrived in the Magus Orion capital… (tell the tale)

DMaster: By the end of the tale, Emeric is rubbing his temples, Veronna is staring at her mug – wide eyes, Carver has wide eyes and smiling and the other guy seems almost uninterested. Emeric shaking his head.
EME: You threatened a Queen’s life. Crushed her hand… Chance.
Bastian gets him to stop.
BAS: Emeric, been there done that. Captain has been here and they went over everything.
The leader of the Dahlia lets out a long exhale, shakes his head.

Chance: Giving everyone a look, smile a little… give it an evil twist.

DMaster: Emeric stands up, looks back to everyone.
EME: First and foremost, since we can’t depend on having the full four at all times.
Pauses a moment to drive the point home.
EME: We have recruited from outside the Ward, a man we have been trying to get for years.
The man blushes a little and shakes his head.
EME: Stand, just for a moment. This is Marzio Dawson. Was taking your position in the ranks while you were gone.
He stands and puts his hands out like he is annoyed.

Chance: Smile and nod to him figuring this is going to be another, know it all, better than me, ass-wipe.

DMaster: He sits back down.
EME: We will have to figure something else out for five members now. I have scheduled time with Helkyr to figure this out.

Chance: Nod head, lean back up.

DMaster: He talks about the Child abductions and some of the things that happened, but none of it was new information. You can tell by his voice he was frustrated. He then slides a 10″ x 10″ card, heavy paper stock and it has, what looks like a quarter of a sigil on it. It has a few burn marks and some odd writing on the back that cuts off too. Like this was part of a bunch of cards that formed something bigger.

Chance: Grab it, looking at it
Chan: it looks a lot like what would be used for a teleporting sigil, Bastian you should be able to…

DMaster: Looking over to him he shakes his head.
BAS: I don’t have anything on this stuff. Everything we did in Breakwater is gone, or Velencia took.
Emeric reacts to that name, shaking his head. The new guy snaps his head to Bastian, wrinkles his forehead.

Chance: Chan: So where did you find this?
Looking to Emeric

DMaster: EME: It was stuck half under a door on Mason Street. We looked in that house, it was recently vacated and we found nothing.
Shaking his head, frustrated still.
EME: It is literally the only real clue we have, and hell it might not have anything to do with it.
Slamming his hand down on the table.

Chance: Chan: Well, there is one way we can definitively find out!
Raise my eyebrows.

DMaster: He nods, glances to Bastian
BAS: Well, gear up and let’s get to the stables
The new guy wanted to say something, but didn’t.

Chance: Chan: Great. Velencia. Hope I can hold my breakfast down.
Get up and put the card on the table. Gear up and head back up grabbing the card, putting in one of the many pouches.

DMaster: DM: Condensing. The two of them head out to the stables, grab their horses and ride. It is cold enough to see your breath. It was about 20-25 minutes and you came up to the gated little valley area of Velencia’s. Getting off the horses.

Chance: look over at Bastian and shrug shoulders.
Chan: let’s get what information out of Velencia that we can and get out, the less we have to deal with her the better
Hop off Toby and take him to the stable or where we can tie the horses up

DMaster: Approaching the guards, they bow in respect to you.
GUARD: M’Lord?

Chance: Chan: I need to talk with Velencia

DMaster: He nods but stops Bastian.
GUARD: Only the Champion is allowed in.
BAS: Aww come on…
He looks disappointed.

Chance: Chan: I will mention your here Bastian, maybe Velencia will wanna see you as well
Giving him a smirk and a playful nudge.

DMaster: They guide him over to a hut, which looks like for the guards and or visitors. You head in, walk a good 5 minutes and make it to the intersection. You can hear weird squawking down one way. Velencia comes out of her room yelling.
VEL: Tell those turkeys to stop squawking! I swear…
She stops, a wave of disappointment washes over her.
VEL: Son of a bitch… What the hell do you want, Chump?

Chance: Chan: well just grand to see you too, skank.
Smirking at her
Chan: I have need of your knowledge on sigils.

DMaster: VEL: Sigils… You want to know about Sigils. You don’t want to tell me what the fuck is going on with our Lord and why he is giving me wack-ass dreams and cryptic messages, but you are all in for information on sigils.
She guides you into the war room, sighs heavily.
VEL: Fine. This is all very frustrating.

Chance: Chan: I wish I could have brought poor Bastian in here

DMaster: She looks surprised, then smiles
VEL: He’s here? I’ll go visit him after. So what is up Finsters ass, and why are you always the hemorrhoid?
Hamza sees you and comes over to say hi, smirks at the jab.

Chance: Chan: When aren’t I the hemorrhoid? I am your hemorrhoid to deal with too, Priestess
Smirking, shaking Hamza’s hand.

DMaster: She nods and smiles a little. She looks at you
VEL: What do you need to know about sigils?

Chance: Chan: before I get into what is up Finster’s ass. Let’s discuss this, the Dahlia is working on missing children, they think this is part of the investigation. This was found at the scene.
Pulling the card out to show Velencia.

DMaster: She takes it, looks and her eyes bulge. Then she wrinkles her nose, sniffs it and jams it back into your stomach

Chance: Chan:oof! What the hell?

DMaster: VEL: It’s Imyrillion you daft twit. Just sniff it.

Chance: Smell it, sink my shoulders.
Chan: Fuck.

DMaster: She thinks for a moment, a bit surprised by it really. Then grabs it again,
VEL: Hmmm, let’s see here.
She walks over to one of her books, leaf’s through it. Hamza is glancing over smirking waiting for the inevitable fight. Rawek makes his way in, gliding along.
RAW: Champion, good to see you.

Chance: Nod to him.
Chan: You too Invoker.

DMaster: Velencia tilts her head after reading for some time, looks at you.
VEL: You found this, at a scene of some missing children?
She waves you and Rawek over

Chance: Chan: well, one of the Dahlia members did, yes.
walk over to her

DMaster: She shows you it is exact for a transportation sigil, an unaltered one – meaning one she did not mold for her purposes. it is straight up Imryllion sigil. It is just what seems to be a 1/4 of it, like someone cut the card like a pizza – in all 4.
VEL: Just wonder what the other side says, it is cut off and we can barely understand their, well, language if you can call it that. I think the one word I can read is blood and that makes sense since they use blood magic.
Rubbing her chin looking over a book.
VEL: To know where it leads to, we need the symbols, those guiding symbols. Those ones on the wall from Breakwater? Without those all we can do is recreate a sigil, that goes… no where.
Growls a little.
VEL: That bitch is now stealing kids? Lovely. That’s even under me, usually, most of the time.
Rawek and Velencia glance at each other.

Chance: Sigh and shake my head.
Chan: Since when did she start stealing kids unless it is to experiment on them?

DMaster: She shakes her head.
VEL: If I would venture a guess, experimentation is not out of the question, but if it is children…
Again Rawek and Velencia glance at each other.
RAW: Then it might be to start something new. It would be loads easier to kidnap adults and do experiments, get away with it, children tend to uh.. (chirp) attract attention.

Chance: Give him a wide eyed look, tilt my head.
Chan: You don’t say?

DMaster: RAW: Might want to see if pregnant women are going missing too. (squawk!) You know, I am sure the current following she has have dwindled and they are… well, different. Like that woman we found back in Knightsmoor.

Chance: Chan:I guess that is as good a guess as any.
Giving him a look, then to the Priestess.

DMaster: VEL: Curious, but I am not sure what a quarter of a sigil will do for her or them
Velencia in deep thought for an extended time.

Chance: Snort a little.
Chan: I think we broke the Priestess, she hasn’t spewed anything in over a minute.

DMaster: Slowly glancing up to the Champion with a semi-angry look.
VEL: Listen pye dog, you came to me for help, I have way too much to do and…
Rawek places his hand on the Priestess, leans in and quietly speaks to her.
RAW: Easy my Priestess. Easy.
Pats her arm, and you think the bird is smirking.

Chance: Chan: Haven’t had your beanwater yet?
Raise an eyebrow.

DMaster: She nods her head, face gets a little less red.
VEL: So do you know what Finster wants? Or needs? His visions have been a dog’s breakfast, I almost don’t want to go to sleep sometimes.

Chance: Chan: Well, something is going on. He appeared to me, but only half-way or something. He was not very visible. He said he knew what was going on and they were working on it. Then he complained about how limited things are… but he disappeared before he could finish anything else.
Sigh and look at her a bit

DMaster: She gives you an odd look.
VEL: Must be nice to speak with him face to face
Saying that grumbling, jealousy in her voice.
VEL: It could explain why my dreams have been so messed up. Something is going on up there.
Pointing up, sighing.

Chance: Nod head, thinking, yeah that would make sense.

DMaster: VEL: I am going to tell you what I saw, you can tell me if it means anything to you, is that ok for your pea brain?

Chance: Chuckle a little, and smile.
Chan: Yes my Love, sounds delightful.
Bat my eyes to her.

DMaster: Rawek lets out a soft bird laugh that quickly gets squelched when Velencia scowls at him.
VEL: I see this woman, she is hot, blonde, and glows sometimes. I am guessing. Maybe she had wings?

Chance: Nod head.
Chan: That is probably Cescatia.

DMaster: Priestess and Invoker exchange glances.
VEL: Nice to have a name with the face but care to share more?

Chance: Sigh heavily, look at her.
Chan: This can’t leave this room.

DMaster: Velencia scrunches her face.
VEL: Everyone. Out of the room! Now!
The two other clerics and acolytes leave as well as Hamza. Door closes. A loud sigh erupts from Velencia.
VEL: I am guessing this is something I should have been told about a long time ago…

Chance: Nods head.
Chan: Well I have been unavailable for almost 2 weeks now, if you don’t remember when you…

DMaster: Rawek gives you a loud annoyed chirp and that makes you stop.

Chance: Regroup.
Chan: Cescatia, she is an Angel.

DMaster: Both their eyes are as wide as you have ever seen them. The Priestess glanced over to Rawek.
VEL: I am a little rusty on my Angel lore, but what I recall, it’s not good.
He is slowly nodding his head.
RAW: Give me a moment, I want to look some things up.
The bird jumps down from the seat and waddles over to a bookshelf.
VEL: While he is looking, I also been getting what I can only assume is a demon. Dark, red eyes.

Chance: Chan: Accents of Gold perhaps?

DMaster: Eyes big again, nodding her head.
VEL: Yes. Of course, something else you haven’t told me.

Chance: Shake head.
Chan: Easy there “vel” that just happened yesterday. He stopped the Royal caravan to speak with me. Not to mention, I just got back from that trip last night, damn girl. Barely time to even breathe.

DMaster: Her face turns red, but stops from laying you out verbally.
VEL: Well, what did he want?

Chance: Chan: Wanted to know where Cescatia is.

DMaster: VEL: Did you tell him.

Chance: Chan: Yup.

DMaster: VEL: by Finster, of course you did. Why would you have done that?
She says, throwing her hands up in the air.

Chance: Chan: Listen, when it comes to Demons and the Fire, my mind is shaky at best. I needed to get him away from me before I lost it. Plus there is no way he could get at her anyways.

DMaster: Shaking her head disgusted, she continues with her visions.
VEL: A large chamber, looks ancient. I think there is a sword on this altar of sorts. Glowing?

Chance: Shake head.
Chan: That doesn’t sound familiar.

DMaster: Nods her head.
VEL: Some weird short guy, glowing eyes, balding.

Chance: Chuckle.
Chan: That is Animax.

DMaster: Her eyes bulge a little.
VEL: That. Is Animax? He looks like a ditch digger that forgot how to dress.

Chance: Laugh, shrug shoulders.

DMaster: She is thinking for a moment.
VEL: Another man, taller, a bit rotund, dressed in white, blonde curly hair, glowing eyes?

Chance: Nod and smirk.
Chan: That is Ikon.
See if they know who he is.

DMaster: She grows rigid. Looks over to Rawek who is putting a few books on a close by table. He glances over
RAW: Oh dear. Ikon. He is back now?

Chance: Chuckle.
Chan: Doubt he ever left.

DMaster: Velencia goes over to help Rawek with the books, and makes it back in front of you as you are looking over the table to them.
VEL: Not sure this one will make sense, but it has been in a few of my visions. Fantastical looking people, in armors and such. Its the foggiest and least clear of anything I am getting.

Chance: Squirm my mouth around.
Chan: Avalon Conclave perhaps?

DMaster: Staring at you she shrugs her shoulders. Glancing over to Rawek who stopped for a moment to think.
RAW: I got nothing. What is this, Avalon Conclave? Do you know?

Chance: Snort, chuckle.
Chan: More Angels. Bounty hunters I think, working for ol’ big brother.

DMaster: Rawek is slowly shaking his head, Velencia’s mind is blown for the third time today.
VEL: Lastly, my dreams. They always end with blood, lots and lots of it. Very weird.

Chance: Nod head again.
Chan: Cescatia is an angel, a harbinger of the end times and her designation, her true name…

DMaster: RAW: …Blood.
Absolutely floored at what is being said, her face gets flush.
VEL: Goddammit chump! You could have led off with that instead of, I don’t know, instead of…
She is furious, eyes ablaze. Rawek again, gets her to calm down. She sighs, walks to a shelf, grabs a bottle and takes a swig

Chance: Keep smirking, though that will probably piss her off.
Chan: Might want a few more swigs.

DMaster: Rawek is pointing at some ancient writings in a worn out journal. In a drawing of sorts, there is a big circle, with 4 mini circles at each end, symbols and writing you don’t understand. Then there is a bigger circle in the middle that just has a symbol in it.
RAW: The five angels of the end times.
Looks up to you.

Chance: Nod head.
Chan: Yup. Spoke with Saundra about this yesterday.

DMaster: Velencia slams her hand down on the table.
VEL: You mother fucker. You speak with that bitch before speaking to your own Priestess? How dare you!
Her eyes ablaze, in obvious exhaustion and absolute frustration.

Chance: Tilt head, act like it doesn’t bother me.
Chan: Of course I did, that is where Cescatia is being held. I wanted to check in on her. Saundra is the only one that would allow me to be there, and I wanted to pump her for as much information as I can so we can be better informed. Jebus Vel, calm the fuck down.

DMaster: VEL: Quit calling me “Vel” you mangy, ugly piece of…
Rawek to the rescue again, calms her down. She takes another drink of whatever is in the bottle.
RAW: Well, the story matches up. “Cescatia” and “Blood”
He says pointing at the drawing in the book, pointing to the top one.
RAW: This one worries me, I am guessing this is the final Angel, it labels it Death. but it does not give a name like the others.
He moves that book out of the way and starts looking at other books.

Chance: Chan: Yeah, there is Blood, Sorrow, Pain, Darkness and Death.

DMaster: VEL: Yeah, sounds like one hell of a party. But why now? Is it because of Finsters Ascension?
Rubbing her chin, thinking.

Chance: Shrug shoulders.
Chan: This could be happening no matter what else has happened.
Keeping the idea that me visiting Ikon could have started this, I don’t need her all up in my shit again.

DMaster: VEL: So you visited this Angel, what did she say.

Chance: Explain to her about Cescatia talking about starting new, wiping everything out. Then the weird vision of that contraption, and that threw her.

DMaster: VEL: What contraption that looks like a heart? What, huh, why?
She is beyond frustrated at the situation and you. She is almost hyperventilating.
RAW: Let’s just stop. (Squawk!) and digest what we know now. We are getting overloaded.

Chance: Nod head, agreeing with him.

DMaster: VEL: Great. Finster gave me an extra 20 years of life so I can, what, listen to this idiot (points at you), listen to birds all day and watch the fucking world burn. Awesome!
She slams her hand down on the table again.

Chance: Give Rawek a look as well
Chan: Well, there is Imryllion, Varrow, the usual ass-bags and now, Angels and the end times…

DMaster: She shakes her head
VEL: HA! Guess it won’t matter much now will it? The end is coming. So Imryllion can suck it, she can rule ashes, because this world is going to burn!!
She finishes with a flourish of her hands, and a glug of the bottle.

Chance: Chan: Is that it?
Looking at the two of them.

DMaster: Rawek is deep into a book, scanning it over. Velencia is trying to calm down.
VEL: Did Brown Eyes talk to you yet about this weekend?

Chance: Shake head, sag shoulders.

DMaster: She nods her head.
VEL: Great. Everything is just fucking great. No one listens, no communicates and everything is like a fleeting thought anymore. We have real problems that take priority. Not some side quest while you are off at work!!!
In huff, take a glug.
VEL: Anyways, we want to investigate some ruins, they are beyond ancient, at least the lower region. But we will need you for your thieving skills mostly. Won’t need you for your brains, thankfully.

Chance: Shake head, scoff.
Chan: OK, and?

DMaster: VEL: Rumor has it the ruins have a door that is near impossible to pass. So between you and the ol’ Warlock, you are bound to get through.

Chance: Smile. Chuckle. Thinking, if this is Grimble Thorn, Velencia is going to explode.
Chan: Oh, Grimble Thorn perhaps?

DMaster: Her eyes widen, she slams both hands on the table and stares at you. Fire shooting out her eyes.
VEL: Then you did talk with Khamyra. Goddamnit chump!

Chance: Shake head. Start to walk out.
Chan: Nope. But I did acquire a key that will open a certain door in a place called, what was it again, Grimble Thorn!
Say it louder as I am walking farther away.

DMaster: Rawek and her exchange glances.
VEL: Wha wha what?
She is in disbelief. Rawek chirps at her.
RAW: You two are connected in every way. If only you got along better.
Velencia gives him a sharp glance.
VEL: I have been researching those ruins for weeks now, since I discovered information on them. You just stumble over some ass-face demon who just throws you a goddam key!
Throwing her arms up in the air.

Chance: Chan: Champions mantle my dear Priestess. I have to get back to work, come on let’s go say hi to the Master Witch.

DMaster: The two of you are walking back to the valley area, it is a good 5 minute walk. It was oddly quiet between you two when she stopped you.
VEL: Chump

Chance: Turn to her
Chan: Yes?

DMaster: Even though it was dark you can see her eyes a bit twitchy, deep thought kind of thing.
VEL: I have always wanted to know why Finster chose you. It is a mystery that boggles the mind.
She shifts a bit.
VEL: We knew you were not the first Champion Finster chosen. In fact he has chosen at least 2 before you. Mind you it was over a century ago or more.

Chance: A little surprised.
Chan: Well, OK. That actually makes a bit of sense. They were killed I suppose?

DMaster: She sighs heavily.
VEL: Well, in a manner of speaking. They lasted… a day.

Chance: Eyes bulge.
Chan: A… day?

DMaster: Nodding her head.
VEL: Yup. I only had one witness report, and they said he exploded.

Chance: Scoff a little look down. Why didn’t I explode, thinking to myself.

DMaster: VEL: We are guessing the other one exploded too, we got nothing of his exploits or anything he did. Right now we have almost a book filled with yours. So the question still remains, why you? and, why didn’t you go, boom?
Giving you a look, knowing you don’t know the answer.
VEL: If only…

Chance: Chuckle.
Chan: Not sure. But, what the fuck.

DMaster: She actually giggles at that comment.
VEL: Finster had not chosen a Champion in over a century so there has to be something about you. He had to know you could handle the mantle, but how. What is it about you?

Chance: Fling my hair back, give her a dashing look.
Chan: My looks. My dashing good looks and charm.

DMaster: Staring at you, subtle shake of her head.
VEL: I think I am going to be sick.
You two head for the exit and to Bastian.
VEL: So just let Brown Eyes know if you are going to go for this trip. Its Saturlay, so you will have to take off from your precious Black Ward.

Chance: Nod head.

DMaster: You walk to your horse to get it ready. You see Velencia plant one hell of a kiss on Bastian and walk off. He heads over, dreamy eyed and smiling.
BAS: That was (twitches), worth the wait.
Giggling he gets his horse ready and you two ride back. On the way back you are yelling a few things to him, explaining what happened. To an extent of course.

Chance: Ride and yell.

DMaster: You two get back, stable the horses and head back to the Dahlia headquarters. Walking in, everyone is there looking through things. The place in full swing with investigation. A map or two, a sextant, conversations and lots of books.

Chance: Walk in and stand at the table.

DMaster: EME: Well, what did you find out?

Chance: Chan: Not a ton that we didn’t already know but we feel this is part of a transportation sigil, cut into 4’s. Why I do not know. Velencia confirmed it was identical to Imryllions.
Throw the card on the table, looking at everyone.
Chan: To know where this leads to, we need certain symbols that will guide the transportation from the sigil to another sigil that is prepared for it. Not exactly easy to do, as you well know… how it can turn out. So until we can find those other three cards, then we are out of luck.
Shrug shoulders.

DMaster: Bastian is rubbing his hands together.
BAS: It’s colder than a witches tit out there!
He rubs his nipple, frowns

Chance: look over and smirk
Chan: Well, alright then.
Look at Emeric and Bastian
Chan: Emeric, Bastian, I will need Saturday off, if that is ok.

DMaster: Bastian smirks and scoffs. Emeric just
takes a long breath.
EME: Do we have a choice?
Bastian shakes his head
BAS: Sure you do. After being in with your Priestess for so long I imagine she is dragging you into something else, care to share?
Everyone looks at you.

(asking Todd if he wants to or not)

DMaster: The day moves on, some investigation, a detailed map of the pit and everyone is looking it over trying to figure out a game-plan. The captain comes up and talks about plain clothes guards that will patrol the pit for the next week or so trying to get anything that might help. About 5:00 PM, Emeric disperses the lot of you to head home.

Chance: Get un-geared up, head for home.

DMaster: You head out and make it home. Khamyra is walking down the big staircase to your right, looks to have just changed from work clothes.
KHA: Looky here! A man in the house. A strapping one at that.

Chance: Smile and walk over to her, give her a hug.

DMaster: She hugs back. DM: Get to use my food chart again! Wee!
KHA: GO get changed, Novie is making her Freeland stew.

Chance: Nod head, head up and change, head back down.

DMaster: DM: Condensing. You head down, play with the Kids for a few, help feed them. Have a wonderful meal with Khamyra, Novie. Sisse and the Kids. It was quite relaxing. The three of you put the kids to bed once Sisse leaves. Then have a quiet moment in the living room. Novie excuses herself, and heads to bed.

Chance: Chan: So. Apparently Finster chose other Champions before me.

DMaster: She takes a sip of her wine, looking into the fireplace and nods her head.
KHA: Yes. I think Cullun told us that a while ago. Did you say Champions, plural?

Chance: Nod head, take a sip. Glance over to her.
Chan: Over a century ago and they, well, they died.

DMaster: KHA: Well, obviously it’s been over a century.

Chance: Chan: True, but I have it on good authority that they died within a day. Boom. Exploded.

DMaster: Her head snaps to you.
KHA: Say wat now? Who’s authority.

Chance: Chan: Velencia and Rawek. Research or some shit. At least two of them.

DMaster: Her eyes wide, staring into the fireplace.
KHA: When did she tell you this?

Chance: Chan: Today, I had to talk to her about Sigils (explain what else we talked about, visions, etc – holding back the Angel part for now)

DMaster: KHA: They exploded? (scoff), Then… how…

Chance: Stop her from asking.
Chan: I don’t know, and right now, at this moment, I don’t care.
Finish my wine.
Chan: Let’s go upstairs, and you can make me explode.
Stand up and hold out my hand.

DMaster: The look of humor, disappointment and amazement all wash over her face at that comment.
KHA: I suppose. A woman’s work is never done.
The two of you head upstairs and fornicate. And yes… boom.

---

Thuralay 7:00AM

---

DMaster: You wake up together, a few kisses and snuggles then the both of you are off. Getting ready, nuzzling the kids, etc.

Chance: Finish with my morning rituals, PLOP! Then head to Dahlia headquarters, wonder what I will be in for today.

DMaster: As you pass the Castle, it seems odd. Four guards at the entrance and doors.

Chance: Shake head, shrug shoulders. Head on in.

DMaster: Walking in you see everyone standing around, they all glance over to you.
EME: Just the man we need to talk to.
The Captain comes ripping up the stairs and into the room. She looks a bit frantic.
HAR: I thought I saw Chance… oh there you are.

Chance: Stop look around, curious.

DMaster: HAR: What the hell is going on at the Castle, it is in lockdown and no one knows why?
Giving you a stern look.

Chance: Shake head.
Chan: I have no idea. I saw 4 guards per entrance, but didn’t think anything of it.

DMaster: She glances at Emeric who hands you a note with a Royal seal on it.
EME: A note, from the court.
Everyone is now staring at you.

Chance: Open it, read it.

DMaster: “Chance, Your presence is requested in the throne room immediately, signed King Boz.”

Chance: Tell them what it says.

DMaster: Shaking her head,
HAR: Damnit. Well head on over there and report back as soon as you can, to let us know what’s happening.

Chance: Nod head with a chuckle knowing, if the Ward doesn’t know the reason, I doubt I’ll be telling them anything. Sigh, go and get geared up. Head out.

DMaster: You walk to the Castle, have to get through three sets of guards, show the ring and the note, then finally head into the throne room. Bozutto is on his throne, crown in his hand twirling it around. Affinity is with her mother at the far end. Jeramiah and Ronnald have a stack of scrolls and books, somewhat defeated looking. Xavier is leaning back in a chair, feet up on the table.

Chance: come running in and slide to a stop, looking at everyone in the throne room before bowing

DMaster: Bozutto stands and looks at you.
BOZ: Ahh Champion. There you are. Long time no see.
Saying with a bit of whip. There is a man in the middle of the room, looking forward.

Chance: Chan: You wanted to see me, my King?
Bow, then look at him.

DMaster: A man standing in the middle, twirls around and smiles. Then his eyes bulge seeing your size and what you are wearing.
MAN: Whoa, no need for muscle, I am not going to beat anyone up!
He says with a bit of muse to it, glancing back to the King, then back to you.
BOZ: No he is part of the Court. He is our Champion. Chance I want you to meet…
The King started, only to get interrupted.
RAN: Ransom. Ransom Delasaro…
The man glances over to Jeramiah and Ronnald, they frown but nod their head
RAN: Apparently, I am your rightful King.