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* Meghan is sitting in the library at the top of the tower. Although the castle is ruins the library looks new. There are bookshelves along two walls and a sofa against the third with a window above it. There is a large table in the middle of the room with 4 chairs around it. Meghan is sitting on the sofa surrounded by books some open some not. She has one in her hand open that she is reading intently and one open on her lap * Kevil knocks tentatively at the library door. His face is solemn. "Bright star, have you a moment?" * Meghan looks up and smiles softly at Kevil "of course Kevil" she looks around and moves some books off the sofa and pats the space next to her "please come sit" * Kevil sits next to her. "If it is not disturbing, there are... some things I wish to speak of with you, now that it seems your... ordeal is past." * Meghan nods to him putting her book aside she turns slightly to face him "Is everything ok?" <Kevil> ::he half-smiles:: Nothing has changed, at any rate. What I wish to speak of... Well. Let me begin with the situation in Marsember, as it was when we left, yes? * Meghan nods to him <Kevil> You are aware that Charoli was tampering with people, in their minds, yes? You had seen her effects upon Friend Vallel, I believe, but were you aware there were others? <Meghan> Yes <Kevil> ::one eyebrow twitches at the brevity of her response, but he continues:: Were you aware of the... manner of her manipulation? How she did it? <Meghan> ::shakes her head slightly:: I don't really know. The only ones I was aware that she manipulated were Val and Gloss. But I really and not sure how exactly she did it. ::she motions to the books:: I have learned a lot about using psionics to help people and not much about manipulating their minds <Kevil> ::he nods:: No one is... purely innocent, d'va? We each have small desires, curiosities - fleeting thoughts that because we are decent people we could not conceive of following through with. Some of them may even be so buried as to not be known to us. ::he sighs:: Charoli's was an... insidious bit of evil. She collected these small things in their minds, and twisted them, and forced them to grow until they were no longer fleeting ideas but obsessions. <Kevil> And so sweet Glossaria's simple and honest curiosity about matters of the flesh became a driving need to experiment, no matter the harm to her person, her mind, or her reputation. And Lady Tyl'gainia's desire for... stability drove her from the arms of a man she loved and to one she barely even knew. <Meghan> ::nods to him then looks out the window:: It's sad that people with such abilities that could be used for such good twist them to be so evil <Meghan> ::looks back to him nodding again:: <Kevil> ::he nods:: I mention this now, because I did not know if you knew of her method. And I know you care deeply for Friend Vallel... And you must be prepared for what you may find on our return. <Meghan> ::looks at him for a moment as if she had not considered this:: Do you think he will still be under the influence of Charoli? <Kevil> ::he shakes his head:: No, but young men are... susceptible to terrible exaggeration of emotion at the best of times, d'va? For him to have suffered Charoli's touch upon his mind... It will take him a long time to under stand - with his heart, as well as his mind - that he is not to blame for the things he did under her influence. <Kevil> Because the *root* of those things came from himself, he may indeed never be able to entirely forgive himself for having those original fleeting thoughts and desires. He will, at the very least, be in a somewhat fragile frame of mind. <Meghan> ::nods:: I agree. I honestly have no idea what to expect of him when we return. I can only hope that somehow we can get back to the friendship we once had. <Meghan> ::sighs softly:: and even that I am not so sure of * Kevil looks at Meghan very seriously. "When you see him again, it might be best if you were... not distant, but not too friendly. And not too sympathetic. He may feel it necessary to apologize to you for how he treated you. I urge you to accept the apology, and not to tell him it is unnecessary. <Kevil> I know you wish to reassure him that you are not upset with him, but if he feels the need to atone, then the best thing you can do for him is to allow it, d'va? * Meghan nods to him <Meghan> I will do my best to treat the situation with much care * Kevil touches her hand. "He cares for you, or Charoli would not have been able to pervert that feeling. But you are such a sweet and forgiving person... I had to make sure you understood that immediate forgiveness is not always the best course. I am sure, with patience, you will be friends again." * Meghan nods to him again smiling softly "I truly hope so" * Kevil looks at her, almost uneasily, for a long moment. "There is... another thing I wish to speak of. I hope you will not be offended, but it is a thing I must say." <Meghan> Go ahead <Kevil> ::he pauses another long moment before taking a deep breath:: I know you were... very close to him. That he was a good friend when you found yourself in a strange place, and he helped you when you were kidnapped. I know you are grateful to him for these things. <Kevil> I know also that your powers came upon you suddenly, new and raw and nearly impossible to control. * Kevil looks at her steadily. "If, unused to the power you wield and unconscious of the effect it might have, you had attempted to influence someone's affections because you wanted to be less lonely, to be desired... That would be forgivable, d'va? But now that you are learning control, now that we will soon be returning..." His face is almost frighteningly serious. <Kevil> I must ask you for an oath, bright star: Swear to me that you will not use your power to influence another - not *ever* - for your own gain. That would be the road... to what Charoli was. * Meghan looks down at her hands for a moment then back up to his face her expression as serious as his <Meghan> Kevil I swear to you I would never do this. ::she sighs softly and looks down again shaking her head slightly and continues softly:: I would rather die than do anything remotely close to what she did. * Kevil nods, his face softening. "I know, bright star. And I know you would not have done such a thing consciously. But I felt I had to bring it to your attention that such a thing might have happened unconsciously if you were not vigilant against it." <Meghan> ::she looks up at him again her expression intent:: Kevil you must promise me if you ever feel that I am headed in this direction you will tell me, that you will hold me accountable for this. * Meghan nods to him * Kevil takes her hands. "I will, Meghan. It is not an easy road, I know. Even when one has the strength to stand alone, that does not mean one *wants* to." He smiles slightly. "But you are too dear a friend for me to lose to such darkness. I will help you stand fast." He leans over and kisses her forehead very softly. * Meghan squeezes his hands and smiles at him softly "Dear Kevil, I wonder if you will ever fully understand how important you have become to me. How lucky I am to have you in my life" * Kevil chuckles. "There are those, bright star, who would tell you it is dangerous to swell a Bard's ego so far." * Meghan laughs softly <Meghan> I'll just have to learn for myself ::She grins at him:: <Kevil> ::laughs:: I suppose you will. But for now, I suppose I should allow you to resume your studies. * Meghan glances around and then back at him "If you must" she smiles * Kevil chuckles. "It is not I, but you, who must." He stands and bows almost formally. "Thank you for listening, bright star. I know the matter was not pleasant." * Meghan she watches him for a moment and then smiles softly "Thank you for caring about me enough to bring it to my attention" * Kevil nods, then slips out of the library with a farewell smile. *********** * Meghan walks out of the tower over to where the tents are and begins packing her things. * Kevil is sitting in front of his tent, carefully whittling on a small wooden flute. * Michelle comes out of her tent with two bags. * Meghan comes out of her tent a bit later her things packed she places her bag in front of her tent and goes to sit next to Kevil * Kevil looks at the bag with some surprise. "Ready to head back so soon?" <Meghan> ::nods:: soon * Michelle stows the larger of her bags on one of the horses, then goes to the center of the courtyard and begins drawing a pattern on the ground in salt. <Kevil> ::sights along his flute, sighs, and tucks it into a bag. He looks up at Michelle.:: I guess we'd better start taking down the tents, then. * Meghan watches Michelle for a moment and then smiles at Kevil <Meghan> Probably * Meghan begins to take down her tent the motions very familiar to her now * Kevil crawls into his tent and tosses a couple of bags out. He re-emerges after a moment and dumps his bedroll on top of the bags, and begins to strike the tent. * Michelle shrugs, "If we don't leave tonight we won't be able to leave until tomorrow evening. If you want to stay say so and I'll leave this unfinished." * Meghan looks over at Michelle "We really should go tonight" * Kevil chuckles. "By all means, silver lady, don't let me stop you." He glances at Meghan. "Is there some rush?" <Meghan> ::shakes her head lightly:: not so much a hurry as the time for us to be here is over. It's time to go home now. ::she stops and smiles softly to herself:: * Kevil smiles at her. "Something amuses?" * Michelle mostly completes a circle, leaving enough room for a horse to pass through, then begins drawing patterns inside the circle, occasionally pulling different colored salts out of her bag. <Meghan> ::glances up at him and continues with her tent:: It's just nice to say Marsember is home <Meghan> I think it's the first time I've called it that * Michelle nods, "It's good to have a home...Though I've found it's your friends that make a place home." * Kevil nods as he finishes packing up his tent. "Friends and family." * Meghan nods agreeing with them both as she finishes packing her tent * Michelle continues drawing her patterns. * Kevil carries his bags and tent into the courtyard, setting them down well outside the circle, then stands passively, waiting for directions. * Meghan goes to the horses and brings them to the circle giving the reins to Kevil and then goes to get her own tent and bags * Michelle glances at Kevil, "Why don't you pack those on the horses, this won't work so well for inanimate objects." <Kevil> All right. ::he begins loading the horses with the packs.:: * Meghan sits on the ground next to her bags and tent her head bowed and her eyes closed * Michelle stand up and hurries over to Meghan, wrapping her up in a hug, "What's wrong Meghan?" * Kevil looks at the women with concern. * Meghan holds on to Michelle for a moment her breathing deep and slow she whispers "I'm having pains" <Michelle> Where love? * Meghan gasps lightly and leans heavily against Michelle "Oh I think it's the baby" * Michelle places a hand over Meghan's belly, a soft white glow emanating from the hand. * Kevil walks over and crouches next to them. "What is it?" * Michelle sighs, and cradles Meghan's head to her shoulder, "Kevil could you fill a mug with water for me, hot if we have any left but cold will do and bring me my brown bag that I keep my medical supplies in." * Kevil stands and walks off quickly. <Michelle> Now love, when Kevil gets back I'm going to give you something for the pain, but you have to promise me that you'll try to calm down and relax. * Kevil returns with Michelle's bag and a large mug. The water in the mug is just short of boiling. "What can I do?" * Meghan nods to Michelle as Kevil returns * Michelle glances at the mug, then pours half its contents out and rummages through her bag, finally pulling out a vial of white powder, some of which she sprinkles into the mug, "Get me some cold water, I don't want her burning herself when she drinks this." * Kevil shrugs. "You didn't say it was for drinking." He takes the mug from Michelle and touches his finger to the surface of the water, whispering. When he hands it back to Michelle it has cooled somewhat. <Meghan> ::Whispers:: Thank you Kevil * Michelle looks in Meghan's eyes, "Meghan, the baby is fine...But you're worrying about things to the point that you're making yourself sick. If you don't calm down and relax you could miscarry." Michelle takes the mug from Kevil and pushes it into Meghan's hands. "Now drink this and promise me that you'll relax." * Kevil looks at Michelle, weighing the truth of her words. * Meghan nods and drinks everything in the mug * Michelle takes the mug from Meghan and looks in her eyes, "Promise?" * Meghan looks up at Michelle her gaze soft she whispers "I promise" * Michelle pulls Meghan into a hug, "Remember, whatever is bothering you, your friends are here to help you." * Meghan nods hugging Michelle back gently "I know" * Meghan glances up at Kevil and offers him a soft smile * Michelle pulls back and looks at Meghan again, "Do you want to talk about it or just get back to Marsember and have a good night's sleep in a real bed?" <Meghan> ::Softly:: I just want to be home * Michelle smiles, "I'm afraid I don't have any ruby slippers for you, but I'll see what I can do." <Meghan> ::grins at her:: <Kevil> ::nods:: By all means. Lady Michelle, if you will finish your preparations, I will finish with the horses and keep an eye on Lady Meghan for you. ::he smiles at Michelle:: * Michelle rises, gathers up her bag, smiles at Kevil and then goes back to working on her magic circle. * Kevil smiles at Meghan. "Stay there and rest." He picks up her bags and begins tying them to the horses. * Meghan smiles to Kevil and watches him * Kevil finishes in short order and then sits next to Meghan on the ground. "Still feeling all right?" * Meghan nods to him "Better yes" <Kevil> Good. Do you know what happened? <Meghan> I'm just worried. I kinda let it overtake me instead of controlling it <Meghan> ::shakes her head:: I know better. Just old habits slipping through I think <Kevil> ::nods:: That can be a problem, I understand. <Meghan> ::Smiles at him:: thank you for finishing with my things <Kevil> You're welcome. I wouldn't want you to hurt yourself any more. ::he smiles:: * Meghan nods and glances over at Michelle * Kevil follows Meghan's glance. * Meghan smiles softly as she watches Michelle * Michelle finishes a set of patterns inside the circle and rises, stretching her back as she does so, "Alright, you can bring the horses over, but be careful your bring them in through the break in the circle." * Kevil stands. "Stay there and rest." He begins to lead the horses through the break in the circle one at a time. * Meghan s smile widens a bit her eyes still on Michelle * Michelle smiles at Meghan, "Once we've got the horses in, it's just a matter of you two coming in, closing the circle, and casting the spell." * Meghan nods to her slowly standing <Kevil> ::to Michelle, as he leads the last horse into place:: You won't be unduly drained by this? <Michelle> That's why I'm using the circle. I won't be up for a fight once we're done, but I won't suffer anything that a good nights rest won't cure. * Meghan walks slowly to the circle standing just outside it watching * Kevil looks impressed, but says nothing. He stands with the horses, holding their reins to keep them in place. * Michelle walks to the edge of the circle, holding her hand out to Meghan, "Come in Meghan." Michelle smiles, "Or are you having second thoughts about returning so soon?" * Meghan takes Michelle's hand gently and walks into the circle shaking her head lightly * Michelle lets go of Meghan's hand, bending down to close the circle. <Meghan> I'm ready to go home * Meghan moves to stand close to Kevil * Michelle straightens, smiling at Meghan, then closes her eyes and begins a quiet chant. * Kevil smiles reassuringly to Meghan, then half-closes his eyes, listening to Michelle's chant. <Michelle> ::A sound slowly joins Michelle's chant, almost as if the castle and tower where accompanying her.:: * Meghan glances around one last time at the castle and tower <Michelle> ::Other sounds that don't appear to have any source slowly join the performance:: * Kevil presses his lips together, restraining himself from joining in the accompaniment. * Meghan smiles at Kevil and slips her hand into his squeezing it gently <Michelle> ::slowly a second set of images appears, seemingly superimposed on the first as the second set of accompaniment rises to match the first, and a third set of sounds adds a base line to the song:: <Michelle> ::the image of the castle and tower slowly fade along with their songs as the image of a pool of water in a forest glade solidifies around you:: * Kevil smiles at Meghan, but keeps his lips pressed together. <Michelle> ::the second accompaniment fades and Michelle's chant draws to a close, the bass line echoing for a few additional notes before Michelle opens her eyes:: * Michelle smiles at Kevil and Meghan, "Marsember's just a short walk away. The War Wizards get upset if you transport yourself directly into the city." * Kevil sighs, letting out his breath in a soft hum that would have perfectly matched the tone of the chant. * Meghan smiles taking a few steps towards the city * Michelle smiles at Kevil, "Have you heard it before?" * Michelle takes the reins of one of the horses and moves to follow Meghan. * Meghan takes a deep breath and closes her eyes the warm night air surrounding her <Kevil> ::shakes his head:: It was familiar, but I don't think so. It was very beautiful, though. * Michelle smiles at Kevil, "Thank you, but I can't take credit for it." * Meghan looks back at Kevil and Michelle <Kevil> Well, you performed it well, even if you were not the composer. * Michelle giggles, "Thank you Kevil." * Kevil glances into the woods and frowns. "You ladies keep going. I'll catch up." He heads into the dark trees at a jog. * Meghan watches him go concern crossing her face * Michelle takes the reins of Kevil's horse and keeps walking towards Marsember. * Meghan falls into step beside Michelle slipping her hand to the woman's holding it gently * Michelle smiles at Meghan, "So are you going to want a hot bath when we get back or are you going to go straight to bed?" <Meghan> I think bed would be best. I can take a bath tomorrow * Michelle grins, "Good, that means I'll have the bath ALL to myself." * Meghan smiles <Meghan> I'm sure you'll enjoy every minute <Michelle> Just a few more minutes. What's wrong? <Kevil> ::glances at Meghan, then sighs:: There is an illithid in the area. * Michelle raises an eyebrow at Kevil, "I'm not familiar with the term...And I'm afraid it's too dark to ride the horses." * Meghan looks at Kevil frowning slightly * Kevil is looking around, watching the darkness suspiciously. "We'll be fine if we keep moving." <Kevil> Do you have psionic wards? * Michelle frowns, "I've never really tested their full effectiveness, but I don't think they could actually stop a determined attack." <Meghan> How close do you think it is Kevil <Kevil> ::tensely:: I don't know. I found bodies in a shallow grave with wounds that look like an illithid's marks. * Meghan looks around * Michelle gestures ahead, "The city gates are just over this ridge...I hope we can talk to guards into opening them for us." * Kevil keeps looking around nervously. "We'll be safe if we can get into the city. They won't risk a confrontation there." <Kevil> ::grins tightly at Michelle:: I'll get us in, one way or another. * Meghan glances at Kevil and continues walking quickly <Michelle> ::the party crests the rise, the forest having been cut down between them and the city walls. The city gates stand closed.:: * Meghan sighs softly as the city gates come into view <Meghan> ::there is a guards house just outside the gates and a rather burly looking guard standing in front of it leaning back against it:: <Meghan> ::the guard stand straight as the party approaches the gate:: * Kevil speaks up as the guard notices them. "Three to enter, sir." <Meghan> ::the guard glares at them and crosses his arms:: You are out rather late aren't you <Kevil> Rather. ::Kevil steps closer to the guard:: Be a friend, fellow. The girl is with child, and there are... things in the forest. <Kevil> ::he glances over his shoulder nervously:: We've been travelling for weeks. <Meghan> ::the guard looks hard at the three again and nods moving to open the gate and let them through:: <Kevil> Thank you, friend. The gods' blessings upon you. * Michelle leads the horses in through the gates. <Meghan> :the guard simply nods and closes the gate behind them:: * Kevil heaves an audible sigh of relief as the gates close behind them, then sees the ladies to their home. |
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