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The small party breaks camp late in the morning and travels most of the day along the mountainside. They come to a small rise around early evening just as the sun is beginning to set. As you come over the top of the hill the ruins to the castle appear before you. They indicate that at one time the castle was huge and powerful. The outer wall is peppered with holes and there is ivy growing to the midpoint in the wall. There is a large opening in the middle of the wall where a door once stood but now is nothing. There is one tower that stands taller than the outer wall. It has a few gaping holes in it but otherwise looks whole. * Meghan stops taking a few deep breaths as she gazes at the castle * Michelle surveys the ruins. * Kevil looks around alertly, ready for any sign of danger. <Kevil> ::to Michelle:: Van or rear? <Meghan> ::the wind softly blows but there is otherwise no sense of movement:: * Meghan stands waiting for Michelle and Kevil to set the pace * Michelle smiles at Kevil, "Given the way you move, you can take point. But give me a moment, there's someone in there, I want to try and find out where." <Kevil> ::grins:: That was going to be my next question. * Meghan moves her gaze back to the castle her fingers gently closing around the stone hanging from her neck * Michelle glances at Meghan. * Meghan glances back to Michelle <Meghan> Whatever it is ::pauses looking back to the castle:: it's here <Michelle> What Sissra wants you to get? * Meghan nods <Michelle> ::to Kevil:: As near as I can tell whoever's in there is in or near the courtyard. <Kevil> ::nods:: All right. Both of you wait here and be as quiet as possible until I give the all-clear. <Meghan>::looks at Kevil and nods:: <Michelle> Be sure to holler if you need help. Yohko will be there as quickly as possible. * Meghan goes to stand close to Michelle watching Kevil * Kevil slinks across the ground toward the castle, barely visible even to the two ladies, who were watching him to begin with. He seems to be moving slowly, but covers the ground faster than expected. Shortly, he is crouching against the castle wall, several feet from the doorway hole. <Kevil> ::Much slower, Kevil slides up close to the doorway. He pulls something small out of his pocket and holds it in front of himself, his hand shifting every so often.:: * Kevil looks up at the ladies, and makes a quick "come here" gesture, then lowers his hand to about knee-level, then lifts one finger to his lips. * Meghan continues to watch Kevil closely * Kevil repeats his gestures. * Meghan glances to Michelle * Michelle heads towards Kevil, trying to pick a path with a little overgrowth and loose stones as possible. * Meghan follows Michelle closely * Meghan stops close behind Kevil as they reach him * Kevil winces slightly at the ladies' less-than-stealthy approach, but manages not to say anything. When he speaks, it's very quiet - not quite a whisper. "The courtyard seems empty. I'm guessing what you sensed is in the tower, Lady Michelle. Can you tell us how this... person is disposed?" * Michelle closes her eyes, clearly concentrating. <Michelle> I think whoever it is, is expecting us, but I'm not sensing any hostility. * Meghan glances between Kevil and Michelle but is quiet <Kevil> ::looks back and forth between them:: So? We're not going to be able to sneak in. At least, *you're* not. Shall I go in alone, or do we knock on the door? <Meghan> ::softly:: she's waiting for us. We should just go in. <Kevil> ::raises an eyebrow:: All right. I will still go first. Just in case. * Meghan nods to him <Michelle> And I'll bring up the rear. * Kevil walks two steps into the courtyard, pauses briefly to look around, then heads toward the tower's door. * Meghan follows him As you pass through the door to the castle you'll walk into a large open area. The sun shines down lighting the whole courtyard. There is what looks to be a stable to the left and a few open doorways to the right. The tower is directly in front of you with a small doorway leading into it. * Michelle follows Meghan. A woman appears at one of the doorways to the right. She appears to be about 5' 9" and has long flowing white hair. Her face is full of wisdom and she smiles softly as she approaches the group. She is wearing a red robe that hangs loosely on her thin frame, and she has a tall staff in one hand. She stops a few feet from you and leans lightly on the staff and looks at each of you hard in turn. At last her gaze falls on Meghan and she nods slowly and then stands tall. "My name is Mysteria Welcome to Castle Kilgrave." Her voice is soft * Michelle shakes her head but remains silent. * Kevil stops abruptly at the woman's appearance, then bows warily in her direction. "Lady." * Michelle watches Meghan for some cue as to how to react. * Meghan looks at the woman for a moment before stepping forward and nodding to her "I am Meghan, Lady" * Kevil keeps pace with Meghan, stepping to the side so she can converse, but ready to intercept any surprises. * Mysteria smiles softly and steps forward touching Meghan's cheek lightly "I know child. I have been waiting for you" * Michelle moves to stand a step behind Meghan's right shoulder. * Meghan glances at Kevil and then back to Mysteria and smiles softly to her. She gestures to Kevil "This is Kevil," and then turns to Michelle "And this is Michelle" <Kevil> ::looks distinctly nervous as Mysteria approaches:: * Michelle nods to Mysteria. * Mysteria looks at them both again nodding to them. "Meghan is lucky to have friends such as you to watch so closely over her. You need not worry though, she will be safe here from any outside dangers" <Kevil> ::raises an eyebrow eloquently:: And from inside dangers, Lady? * Meghan looks closely at Mysteria * Mysteria glances to Kevil "The only danger to her she can easily avoid herself Lord Kevil. I assure you though I will never leave her alone nor ask to take her out of sight of either of you" <Meghan> ::whispers softly:: You know what it is I am here to get don't you <Kevil> ::smiles, but does not relax his wary stance:: I hope I do not give offense, Lady, but I have promised to protect her. It is not a duty I will give over to any other, on any word other than her own. * Mysteria nods to Meghan her expression going soft "That I do child. But as you have thought the past few days it is not what you expect it to be. I can not tell you much, but I can tell you this... <Mysteria> It is not simply a thing Sissra has brought you here for. Your expectations of coming and finding whatever it is and leaving are far from the truth. She brought you here to teach you ::pauses:: about yourself as much as how you can help others. Remember that. * Mysteria looks to Kevil again smiling "I would never ask you to give up that duty nor do I think Meghan would" * Michelle nods as if she expected something along these lines. * Meghan takes in Mysteria words her gaze never leaving the womans face. <Mysteria> So now child it is time. You must pick only one to accompany you ::she waves her hand to Michelle and then Kevil:: once you have we shall begin * Meghan blinks and glances to Kevil and then Michelle her face filling with concern * Mysteria steps back from the group * Meghan looks to Michelle * Michelle returns Meghan's gaze. * Meghan turns and looks to Kevil for a moment and then back to Michelle * Michelle shakes her head, "I can't make this decision for you Meghan. You'll never be able to help anyone, or care for your child if you don't learn to make your own choices." * Kevil is waiting impassively, showing no sign of his feelings. <Meghan> ::softly:: There is a reason why Sissra asked me to bring Kevil. I'm sure this is it. * Meghan turns back to Kevil smiling softly <Meghan> Somehow I don't think you would be very happy if I went without you either. * Kevil nods once at Meghan, half-smiling, then looks at Michelle. "She'll be safe with me." * Mysteria steps forward again <Mysteria> Ready? * Michelle nods to Kevil. * Meghan turns and nods to the woman * Kevil nods. * Mysteria turns and walks towards the tower * Meghan follows * Michelle watches the party leave. * Kevil follows closely behind Meghan. She leads you past the tall tower and in through a door on the opposite side of the castle from where you entered. You'll pass through a few rooms most of which are empty, some housing broken tables or chairs. After a few more minutes of walking you enter a large room with a single pedestal in the middle. * Kevil looks around carefully at every area they pass through. Sitting on the pedestal is a silver circlet with a small purple stone set in it. Mysteria turns and looks at Meghan for a long moment. "You've worked hard with Michelle, and gained more control over your abilities. But I can still sense you doubt." She looks to Kevil briefly and then back to Meghan. "Even the people you feel closest to can not completely convince you that you are worthy of the abilities you have been granted. But you are so close. So here you have reached your final test of you confidence in yourself." She motions to the pedestal and the silver circlet. "This was once Sissra's. It will enhance your abilities but not give you anything more that you believe you have. It will not tolerate doubt Meghan." Her gaze is hard as she finishes. She gives Kevil one last glance and then turns walking from the room. * Kevil leans against the wall next to the door, seemingly casually, relaxing slightly as Mysteria leaves. * Meghan looks at Kevil then back to the pedestal with the silver circlet on it <Kevil> Bright star... ::he hesitates, not sure he should interrupt:: * Meghan walks to stand a few feet from the pedestal simply looking at it * Kevil watches Meghan uncertainly. * Meghan takes a deep breath and steps forward until she is directly in front of the pedestal. She very slowly reaches out hr hand and lightly touches the circlet. At the same moment a wall of magic glowing soft purple falls around her enclosing her with the pedestal * Kevil takes a sudden step forward as the magic wall appears, then clenches his fists and stands still. "Lady Meghan?" * Meghan gasps softly and turns touching the purple wall but not being able to reach past it. * Meghan looks to Kevil her eyes filled with fear "Kevil" * Kevil meets Meghan's eyes calmly. "I am here." * Meghan looks at him for a moment and then nods slowly turning back to the pedestal. She reaches for the circlet once more and grasps it with both hands. The purple stone glows bright as both hands fall on it. * Meghan closes her eyes and leans hard against the pedestal as images fly through her mind. First of the past, before she came to Marsember, then after. Much more vivid images many of the containing Vallel. <Kevil> ::softly:: Remember, bright star, what I told you: You are you. You do not need these powers to be unique. You do not need the love or approval of any other to be special. Your strength is in *your* heart, your power in *your* soul. * Meghan can hear Kevil's words faintly in the back of her mind. The images begin to flow faster being more of the most recent past with Michelle and Kevil in them. * Meghan pushes herself against the pedestal it being the only thing that is holding her up. Tears begin to flow very slowly The black unicorn goes past Michelle running towards and through the door that Kevil and Meghan went through and Kevil would then see it come to a quick halt inside the room and walk slowly to stand in front of Meghan outside the magical wall * Kevil looks at the unicorn, and bows. * Michelle chases after the unicorn, stopping in the doorway, watching Meghan and the unicorn. * Meghan looks up slowly * Michelle slams into an invisible barrier at the doorway and presses herself against it, watching what goes on inside. * Meghan falls to the floor very much looking like there is a battle waging within her. The unicorn steps closer until it is just up against the magical wall but not past it * Kevil steps carefully away from the unicorn and glances at Michelle. * Michelle shoots a glance at Kevil then returns her gaze to Meghan. * Meghan pushes herself into a sitting position and slowly reaches up placing the circlet on her head the purple stone still glowing * Kevil suddenly swivels his head around to look at Meghan, something like shock on his face. * Kevil meets Meghan's eyes through the hazy purple glow and nods once, slowly. <Meghan> ::the unicorn would at this moment look up at Kevil as if waiting for a reaction from him:: <Meghan> ::the unicorn looks back down at Meghan:: * Meghan begins to tremble and then as quickly as it appears the magical wall disappears and the stone stops glowing. The unicorn steps to meghan as she leans forward and she rests against it's head the horn gently touching the top of her head. They sit like this for the shortest moment before she stands with the help of the animal. She turns slowly and looks at Kevil her face tired but well <Michelle> ::Seeing the barrier around Meghan down, Michelle tests to see if she can enter the room:: * Michelle walks into the room and approaches Meghan and the unicorn, stopping a few steps away. * Meghan looks at Michelle and smiles tiredly quickly stepping to the woman and pulling her into an embrace. * Kevil slumps against the wall, sighing with relief. * Meghan looks at Kevil from her embrace with Michelle * Michelle returns the hug, "Are you alright Meghan? I was so worried when I saw the unicorn charge by." * Kevil smiles at Meghan. "You're welcome, bright star." * Meghan nods stepping back <Meghan> I am ok. * Kevil straightens again and bows deeply to the unicorn. * Meghan turns and steps to the unicorn reaching up to stroke his nose for a moment gazing into his eyes. He nods and looks at both Kevil and Michelle then back to Meghan for a moment. The he leaves moving quickly from a trot to a run as he passes the door to the castle. * Meghan turns and watches him go then moves to stand near Michelle * Kevil leans back against the wall. * Meghan looks to Kevil her face filled with concern "Kevil?" * Kevil smiles. "I'm all right, bright star. Just a little tired." * Michelle looks to Meghan, "So what's next?" * Meghan looks to Michelle. <Meghan> We need to stay here. For a few days. There is a small library at the top of the tower that houses book about empathy and psionics that I can learn a lot from. * Kevil straightens again and stretches. "I'll go bring in the horses." * Michelle grins at Meghan, "So are the stairs serviceable, or will you need to learn to levitate to the library?" * Kevil slips out of the room, humming softly under his breath. <Meghan> ::smiles back:: I think the stairs will do for now. I don't think I could take on much more tonight though. ::she reaches up and lightly touches the purple stone resting on her forehead:: I think I have taken all I can for one evening * Michelle nods, "Probably wise. You need to learn your limits. And until your child is born you should be careful not to exceed them." * Meghan nods to her. * Meghan links her arm through Michelle's "We should go see if Kevil needs help" * Michelle smiles at Meghan, "Certainly. You could probably use a good meal anyway." * Meghan nods <Meghan> I think I have earned it ::winks at Michelle:: * Meghan stops pulling Michelle close to her she says softly "Everything ok Michelle" <Michelle> Probably. * Meghan glances wit Kevil with the horses and then back to Michelle * Michelle looks in Meghan's eyes, "Wondering what you're thinking?" <Meghan> ::softly:: trying not to think to much right now. ::she pauses and then begins even more softly:: I mostly just have this very strong desire to help someone now that I truly feel that I can. * Michelle tilts her head to one side, "Anyone in particular?" <Meghan> And to learn everything I can about my abilities now that I know what they really are * Meghan shakes her head. "No not really. Myself partly. My baby partly" * Meghan looks deeply at Michelle * Michelle stands on tiptoes and kisses your forehead, "Both are worthy of your assistance." <Meghan> From the moment I realized I was pregnant all I could think was who could I find who would be will to help me raise this child because I could never do it on my own. I know now I can. * Michelle pats your cheek, "You should never have doubted that. I'm glad you don't anymore." * Meghan tilts her head looking quizzically at Michelle <Meghan> I'm sorry but what is it exactly that you feel you have lost Michelle * Michelle smiles at Meghan and shakes her head, "Are you sure you want to know Meghan?" * Meghan nods * Michelle sighs regretfully and looks at the floor, "My chance to love you." * Meghan looks slightly confused <Meghan> Why do you feel you have lost it Michelle? * Michelle looks at Meghan, "I don't mean as a sister or a friend...I mean as a lover." * Meghan s eyes widen slightly she whispers "I don't understand" * Michelle sighs and looks at the floor again, "And that's why I've lost my chance." * Meghan reaches out touching Michelle's chin gently lifting her gaze "I didn't say I wasn't willing to understand Michelle * Michelle holds Meghan's gaze. * Meghan smiles softly to her * Meghan pulls Michelle close hugging her gently stroking her hair * Michelle returns the hug, crying gently on Meghan's shoulder. <Michelle> I've wanted to tell you since you moved in...But I knew you weren't strong enough to know...So I tried to hide it...And then I thought I was going to lose you... * Meghan nods pulling back to look at Michelle * Michelle looks in Meghan's eyes, a few tears pooling in her own. <Meghan> ::softly:: so tell me now * Michelle sighs in frustration, then grabs Meghan's shirt and pulls her close, kissing her deeply. * Meghan is surprised at fist but then responds kissing Michelle back * Michelle breaks the kiss and smiles hopefully at Meghan, "Do you love me Meghan?" <Meghan> I do Michelle ::pauses:: but not that way. Not that I couldn't, but I never thought about loving another woman that way. I'm not saying it could never happen. I just don't know Michelle * Michelle giggles, "You're still not thinking like an empath...If you haven't figured it out by the time we get home, ask me and I'll show you what a simple thing love is." * Meghan nods slowly looking thoughtful <Meghan> I will <Michelle> Something I can help you with, or do you need to think things through on your own? <Meghan> I think I need to think through it on my own. We had such defined ways of love that I am not completely aware of the ::she smiles:: simplicity of it. * Michelle giggles again her eyes sparkling, "I do remember. But you won't be very happy if you try to cling to them." * Meghan nods smiling wide <Meghan> I have just begun to realize that <Michelle> Good. Then why don't you rest while I go get started on dinner. * Michelle walk out into the courtyard to prepare dinner. * Meghan nods and walks to where the tents are and crawls into her own to rest. |
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