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* Mace paces around, his bootheels dull on the hardwood floor. * Dawn watches from the door, which he's leaning against. "You're going to wear a hole in the floor, Mace." <Mace> ::snorts:: Sylvie'll add it to my tab. <Dawn> ::grins:: Well, if you're actually enjoying yourself... ::he grins at Dusk, who is seated on the floor, carefully sorting spell components and an assortment of darts with brightly-colored tips.:: <Bienca> ::sniggers:: Are you paying her more now, or less, now that you're *not* sleeping with her? * Lisl takes a boat across to Pleasure Island, leading Michelle through a bewildering array of streets and canals before they fetch up in front of a well-appointed whorehouse. * Loria clings to Kevil's arm, somewhat embarrassed as they follow Rook, now also clad in pale yellow priest robes. Loria has her armor on, with a yellow tabard over it, her mace at her side. <Lisl> ::with an ironical bow, gesturing Michelle inside:: Sylvie's. * Michelle looks at the house laughing silently to herself before following Lisl inside. * Kevil is clad in charcoal-grey, loose-fitting and undecorated. He carries no weapons, but occasionally puts a hand over the pouch at his side protectively. * Michelle is dressed in the same plain dress she was wearing earlier, but she had added an apron with several pockets as well as a satchel slung across her torso. She carries a thin wooden staff and wears a man's ring, heavily jeweled on her right hand. * Lisl nods to the madam as they enter, dropping two gold coins into her palm. She's dressed as usual, though most notably *without* her wolf pelt, although the brooch that usually holds it is still pinned to her shoulder. A stone bottle is slung over one shoulder, but she appears otherwise unarmed. <Lisl> Mace is upstairs already? <Madam> ::nodding:: Yes, Miss. ::she looks at Michelle for a moment, shaking her head:: <Lisl> ::grins a little as she gives the Madam a small bow, a glint of silver showing at her collar as she ducks her head:: Worried about getting a reputation as a full-service house? <Madam> ::depositing the coins in her lockbox:: Not at all, miss. * Michelle smiles and curtsies to the madam, "Thank you for your hospitality." <Rook> ::bringing Loria and Kevil up to Sylvie's:: S'way, Guv'nor, m'lady... <Kevil> ::looks at the whorehouse with a grin:: Fascinating. <Lisl> Heh. In that case, I think I'm just as happy not knowing. ::glances at Michelle and nods to the stairs, starting up them herself:: <Loria> ::following Kevil, her ears burning, her eyes firmly glued to the floor:: * Michelle follows Lisl, smiling. <Loria> ::the whores lingering in the parlor stare at Rook, amazed. A few take the trouble to smile invitingly at Kevil.:: * Kevil smiles politely back, but shakes his head with perhaps just a hint of regret. <Madam> ::taking two coins from Rook:: Now this one's a shame. ::she looks thoughtfully at Loria:: They're upstairs, 5th door on the left. You're expected. * Loria blushes even harder, stepping behind Kevil. <Kevil> ::grins and takes Loria's hand as he follows Rook up the stairs:: * Mace paces around even more, his hands firmly clasped behind his back. * Lisl leads Michelle to the fifth door on the left, and knocks. <Mace> Come. <Dusk> ::tucking the last of his darts into his vest:: {They'll be-} ::looks up at the knock:: {See?} <Bienca> ::laughs:: Already, Mace? I haven't even gotten undressed. <Dawn> ::opens the door a crack:: Lisl. Michelle. ::he steps aside to admit them:: <Lisl> ::nods to Dawn, stepping through the door and lifting an amused eyebrow at Bienca:: I wasn't aware it was going to be that kind of party. * Michelle follows Lisl in and studying the room, her eyes lingering on the mirrored ceiling before turning back to Mace. <Mace> ::looking slightly relieved:: Mistress Michelle... Lisl. Glad you could join us. * Dawn closes the door and leans against it again. "You never know, with Bienca..." He winks at Bienca and grins at Lisl. <Bienca> ::grinning at Lisl:: What better time? * Michelle nods, "Thank you for inviting us Mace." * Lisl snorts. "Wouldn't miss it for the world, Mace." <Bienca> ::running her hands suggestively over her thighs:: Always good to remind yourself what you're fighting for. * Lisl snorts again, and shakes her head. <Dawn> ::rolls his eyes good-naturedly at Bienca:: Damn, woman. You'd think you hadn't just- ::he glances at Lisl and Michelle again, then grins and shuts up:: <Michelle> ::Michelle's eyes go unfocused for a moment:: Your friend did a rather good job of that. <Rook> ::knocking on the door:: S'us. * Dawn snorts and checks the door, then admits Rook, Loria, and Kevil. * Michelle shakes her head and smiles at Dawn, "I hope she didn't wear you out too much." <Dawn> ::grins at Michelle:: She's invigorating. <Bienca> ::smirking slightly:: Flattery will get you everywhere. <Dawn> Yes, darling, I know. ::leers at her:: * Kevil looks around appraisingly. * Loria looks around curiously. * Michelle grins and leans against the wall. * Mace offers his hand to Kevil. "Talarin." He bows to Loria. "Priestess." He takes a deep breath. "Priest." * Lisl grins a little. <Rook> ::straightens, fidgeting with his holy symbol:: * Loria reaches into her bag, pulling out several small vials. "I think you should all take one, for emergencies." * Kevil takes Mace's hand readily, his grip firm. "Sir." He looks around. "Anyone else joining this party?" <Mace> ::shakes his head:: No, we're it. I don't want to risk any more lives than I have to. Snowman'll keep my people together, should things go very badly. ::he takes the green-stoned ring off his hand and tucks it into Sylvie's bedside table:: <Dawn> ::accepting a vial from Loria:: What is it? <Loria> ::shuffling her feet a little:: Healing draught. I just made them. <Lisl> ::takes a deep breath:: Have you a spare, Loria? ::holding out a hand:: <Dawn> ::surprised:: Thank you, Priestess. ::he tucks the vial carefully into an interior pocket of his cloak. <Bienca> Amen to that, Priestess. ::she bounces her vial in her hand a few times before tucking it into her shirt:: * Loria counts them out. "I made as many as I could... " She hands one to Lisl. <Mace> ::examining the small glass bottle:: I thank you, very much, priestess. <Lisl> ::nods, and tucks it into her shirt with a faint jingle:: Thanks. ::looking wry:: Demon-bite and demon-blade... infects. <Rook> ::his voice filled with almost shy pride:: I be ready, m'lady. Th' Blessed Mother gived me sum spells. <Dawn> Oh! ::fishes in his pocket and pulls out a handful of small charms:: I haven't got enough to go around, but... ::he hands one each to Mace, Lisl, and Kevil. Each charm is a glass bead strung on a thrice-looped white hair.:: If there's a *big* emergency, she says, break the bead. ::he tucks a fourth charm, strung on purple hair with three beads, back into his pocket:: <Lisl> ::grins at the charm:: Zoya. * Kevil eyes the white hair speculatively, then grins at Lisl. <Dawn> ::nods, somewhat uncomfortably:: <Lisl> ::grins wider at Dawn:: She gave you the special one. Told you she liked you. * Mace puts his leather jacket on, patting the arms to check. "Next time, Dawn, get her a blanket, would you?" He sighs, adjusting a few of his nasties. <Dawn> ::doesn't quite glare at Lisl before turning to Mace:: I *tried* Mace. She said something romantic and nonsensical. * Michelle looks around, "I don't have anything to give people, and with Nacheyla's blessing it shouldn't become an issue, but if things get bad...If I can stand in a moon beam I should be able to protect all of us and teleport us out...but only if we're close together." * Lisl chuckles. <Mace> ::snorts:: I'll have to make her her own jacket... ::makes a few more adjustments:: <Dawn> ::grins at Michelle:: Don't worry about it. I'll handle any teleports that need to happen. <Lisl> Selûne's just past full. Shouldn't be a problem. * Loria squeezes Michelle's hand again. "I'll stand really close to you, then." <Kevil> ::eyes Dawn and mutters:: ...hope your ride isn't as rough as Zoya's... <Lisl> ::grins at Kevil:: * Michelle nods, "I know. Couldn't have chose a better time for this. My magic is about as strong as it's going to get." <Mace> ::looking at Michelle:: I didn't plan it that way, but it's good to know. We ready? * Dusk glances at Michelle curiously, then shrugs, climbing to his feet and tugging at his vest. * Michelle squeezes Loria's hand and smiles, "I wasn't going to risk offending you by suggesting it, but it would probably be a good idea. I've unfortunately done this dance before." * Michelle nods, "Ready." <Kevil> ::grins at Lisl:: Remember: I'm not the target today. <Loria> ::slightly uncomfortably:: I feel if I stop to think too much about this, I'll run away. I'm glad you're here. <Kevil> ::leans over to kiss the top of Loria's head:: You will be fine, n'shava. <Bienca> ::looking around:: Mace, your lady's not here. I think I'll take my good luck kiss from you. <Lisl> Ah-- nearly forgot. Mace... ::pulling a tiny vial from her pocket:: For you. Just in case. * Michelle smiles kindly at Loria, "That's a good feeling to have. If you're not at least a little scared you're liable to do something foolish." Squeeze's Loria's hand. "We'll be alright." <Mace> ::sighs:: Bie... <Bienca> ::firmly:: I'm not going into battle without one. <Dawn> ::laughs:: Give the woman a kiss, Mace. She's going to fight for you. <Dusk> ::grinning:: {We won't tell on you.} <Mace> ::shakes his head ruefully:: Fine... fine... ::he pulls Bienca to him, leaning her over and kissing her rather thoroughly:: * Kevil glances at Bienca and Mace, then grins and leans over to kiss Loria soundly. * Loria wraps her arms around Kevil's neck, twining her fingers in his hair. * Michelle looks around and shakes her head smiling. <Rook> ::looks pained and turns around:: <Lisl> ::nods at Kevil, her eyes somber as she touches the empty place on her shoulder where her wolf pelt usually rests:: I hope I remember, Kevil. Just in case-- if I berserk, don't attack me. Just-- yell my name at me a few times, and I should calm down. * Michelle looks sympathetically at Rook. * Dawn grins at Lisl. "You want a kiss? You know I'm still breaking my heart over you. Least you can do." <Lisl> ::snorts:: Don't press your luck, Dawn. * Kevil releases Loria with a satisfied sigh. "I *thought* that looked like a good idea." <Dawn> ::grins at Lisl:: <Bienca> ::breathing hard:: Your Jewel's a lucky girl, Mace... <Mace> ::looking slightly embarrassed:: Just... don't tell her. <Dawn> ::chuckles:: * Loria grins, looking a little less nervous. <Mace> ::clapping his hands together once:: Let's roll, people. * Dawn opens the door and gestures for everyone to use it. <Lisl> ::nods, slipping out the door:: * Mace heads out just behind Lisl. * Michelle follows Lisl out. <Loria> ::the moon is just peeking over the horizon, the first few stars of evening glittering in the sky, as they set out through the warrens of the dock area:: * Lisl glances at Mace for direction, her eyes reflecting moonlight eerily in the darkness. * Dawn stays fairly close to Mace, while Dusk brings up the party rear, both of them looking around alertly. * Mace leads the group to a tangle of buildings, all in complete disrepair. A few look as if they were scorched in a fire, and one is mostly toppled, boards and shingles littering the dirty street around it. * Loria clutches her pendant in one hand, her other hand on her mace. * Dawn eyes the burnt-out buildings with a critical eye. <Mace> ::softly:: This one. ::he indicates a shabby looking building, the windows boarded up:: * Lisl drops back slightly, putting a hand on Dawn's arm and leaning over to mutter softly in his ear. * Michelle follows Mace calmly seemingly unconcerned by their surroundings. <Bienca> ::stepping forward:: I'll check it. ::she pulls out her lockpicks from a vest pocket:: * Dawn grins at Lisl. "Aye, I'll try." * Bienca begins a thorough check of the area, scanning for traps and devices. She flashes a triumphant grin - almost all that's visible of her in the darkness - as she disables one. <Lisl> ::nods her thanks, clapping him on the shoulder:: * Dawn tugs on Lisl's sleeve and whispers to her briefly, his eyes moving from shadow to shadow around them. * Mace scans the area, his eyes darting from shadow to shadow, his weight forward on the balls of his feet. <Lisl> ::nods, grinning a little:: I'll try. * Lisl crouches, putting her hand to the ground and bringing her fingers to her nose, looking around alertly. <Bienca> ::a soft click and she slowly opens the door:: <Mace> ::his voice pitched low:: Careful, Bie. <Bienca> ::her voice also low, but irate:: One of these days, you're going to forget to say that and the whole world is going to come to an end. * Lisl looks up as Bienca opens the door, and taps Mace on the shoulder, her fingers moving. {I go with her.} <Dawn> ::narrows his eyes at Lisl's fingers and exchanges glances with Dusk:: * Mace nods. {Go} * Lisl nods, slipping after Bienca on silent feet. <Bienca> ::utters a choked cry, looking at the floor in the first room, stifling her hand over her mouth in horror:: * Kevil looks up alertly, his whole body tensing * Lisl moves up abreast of Bienca, looking at the floor and covering her nose and mouth. * Michelle steps in front of Loria. <Bienca> Gods... ::she staggers down the porch, bending over the rickety rail and vomits into the scraggly bushes:: * Lisl moves into the next room, slowly and quietly, senses alert. * Mace moves into the first room, looking around as his eyes adapt to the darkness. His expression drops into icy calm as he sees the bodies piled in the corner. <Bienca> ::wiping her mouth, she moves back into the house, steeling herself:: * Dawn puts a hand comfortingly on Bienca's arm as he follows Mace silently into the house. * Bienca begins a search of the bottom floor, checking for traps or secret doors. * Michelle looks cautiously into the first room, her features hardening. She signals for Loria to wait then heads into the house. * Kevil waits with Loria outside, his eyes on the shadows around them. <Bienca> ::her voice slightly strangled:: Under the... ::she points to the corner:: A door. * Lisl comes back out into the first room, setting her jaw and holding her breath as she gently moves the bodies aside. <Dawn> ::grimaces:: It would have to be, wouldn't it? <Loria> ::the bodies of three children, horribly mangled and chewed on, are piled in the corner:: * Dawn moves one of the bodies, his jaw set with anger. <Bienca> ::clenching her hands together:: Bastards... horrible... gods help us. * Michelle shakes her head and sighs, "I'll handle it." Michelle levitates the remaining bodies into a different corner, then empties the pockets of her apron and drapes the apron over them. <Lisl> ::glancing over her shoulder at Bienca:: They are. Or at least one is. <Loria> ::in a soft voice, to Kevil:: What are they doing? <Kevil> ::makes a face:: I imagine they are protecting you from a sight best not seen. <Dusk> ::gives Kevil a half-smile and a nod.:: * Lisl steps back to allow Bienca access to the door. * Michelle goes and signals for the others to come in, her face grim. <Bienca> ::her face set rigid with horror, she begins to work the traps on the hidden door:: Shit... Dawn, I need you... ::she brushes her hand over some pooled blood, revealing a magical sigil:: * Loria takes a deep breath and follows Kevil into the house, Rook right behind her. <Dawn> Hmm? ::he walks over and crouches by Bienca, examining the sigil:: * Bienca wipes her hands compulsively on her pants, almost whimpering. * Lisl glances up the stairs. "Just be a moment." She moves carefully up the stairs, keeping close to the wall, and disappears around the corner of the landing. <Rook> ::catching sight of the apron, and one small hand which protrudes, two of the fingers chewed off, promptly turns Loria away, keeping himself between her and the bodies:: * Dawn traces the sigil with one finger, frowning slightly, then speaks a short phrase. The sigil flares briefly with light, then fades out. "All yours, darling." * Mace nods, accompanying Lisl as they search the second floor. * Lisl returns to the landing after a few minutes, shaking her head at Mace, her voice low. "Place reeks of death and snakes, but none here now that I've noticed." <Bienca> ::lifting a slender rod from her lockpick kit, she pries the narrow door open, revealing a set of stairs headed down into blackness. The smell which issues from the cellar is horrid, wet and fetid.:: <Dawn> ::makes a face at the smell:: Shall I go first? ::looks at Bienca:: Or do you think there might be more locks? * Michelle pulls a vial out of her satchel, putting a drop of the liquid on her finger and then dabbing it on right below her nose. She holds the vial out, "Anyone else?" <Lisl> ::pausing halfway down the stairs as the stench rises, covering her nose and mouth again:: Gods... I guess she got it open. <Bienca> ::swallowing:: I'll go first... there may be more traps... stick close with me? ::she meets his eyes, her fear clearly visible:: * Loria nods, her eyes watering at the smell. "Please." <Dawn> ::shakes his head absently:: The smell may hold important cues... But thank you. ::he nods to Bienca:: I'm at your back. * Michelle hands the vial to Loria. <Bienca> ::dropping her hand to her small crossbow once, for comfort:: Thanks... ::she steps cautiously into the stairway, her nimble fingers running along the walls:: <Kevil> ::makes a face:: Me, too. * Lisl continues the rest of the way down the stairs, returning to the front room, her lip curling. "Upstairs is trashed. But nothing else." * Loria uses the perfume liberally, then hands it to Kevil. * Kevil brushes a drop of perfume into his neatly-trimmed mustache. "Anyone else?" * Lisl holds her hand up in negation, shaking her head absently as she watches the two descend the stairs. * Dawn follows behind Bienca, watching the space ahead of her, occasionally glancing up and around. <Bienca> ::reaching the bottom of the stairs, she looks around, the narrow corridor glowing faintly with some rotting phosphorescent:: Oh, gods... ::her voice is barely a breathy whisper. The walls are lined with the bones and skins of the dead, set into niches, their dried faces portraying fear, horror, and pain:: <Dawn> ::whispering:: Tymora's faceless coin... ::he carefully doesn't touch anything:: * Kevil absently hands Michelle her perfume back. <Bienca> ::breathing rapidly, her fist balled up over her open mouth, biting her knuckles:: * Lisl tilts her head, listening, and suddenly plunges down the stairs. * Michelle checks that the vial is closed securely then puts it back in her satchel. <Mace> ::hissing:: Lisl! <Dawn> ::starts to put a hand on Bienca's shoulder for comfort, then spins as Lisl bolts down the stairs:: What the- * Kevil goes to the head of the stairs, looking down after Lisl. * Lisl scans the cellar and curses. "Bienca, down!" She reaches towards the woman's head, Claws shimmering into existence around her hand. * Dawn drops, pulling Bienca with him. * Lisl slashes viciously at a thin, blood-red snake launching itself from a skull's eyesocket. <Bienca> ::cringes on the floor:: * Michelle heads for the stairs, "Lisl can probably handle it, but I suspect they know we're here now." <Kevil> ::quietly:: No sense making it easy for them, though. <Dawn> ::muttering:: Fuck. Snakes. ::to Bienca:: You bit? <Mace> ::the blood-red snake, hissing wildly, drops, sliding past Lisl's Claws and trying to coil around her:: * Michelle smiles at Kevil and replies in an equally quiet tone, "True enough." Turning to Mace. "I think either Lisl or I should accompany Bienca..." Whirls a ball of white light snapping into existence in her hand before she hurls it towards Loria. * Loria cries out in surprise, throwing herself to one side of the light ball, hitting the wall hard. * Kevil turns and bolts for Loria. <Lisl> Hells! ::grits her teeth, grabbing for the snake's head with her free hand:: <Loria> ::the man, his eyes glowing green, a rusty sword in one hand, screams in pain as the bolt of light sizzles along his chest, dropping the sword with a clatter:: * Dawn curses, then hisses an incantation. A stream of fire shoots from one hand to scorch the snake just below its neck. * Loria springs back, raising her mace defensively. The demon-man staggers towards her as she mouths a prayer, swinging her mace to connect with the man's leg. * Michelle drops her staff, rushing towards him, a white nimbus forming around her body. <Mace> ::the snake wraps its tail around Lisl's chest, squeezing the breath from her, the wicked mouth snapping in her face:: * Michelle turns to miss the demon-man and slams into the wall, quickly surveying the room. * Dawn spits another incantation, and a half-dozen purple-limned bolts streak from his fingers to impact the snake. <Mace> ::the snake hisses, black ichor spurting from several wounds... its coils loosen, falling nearly limp:: * Kevil spins around, his eyes on the shadows, looking for more <Lisl> ::growls, her eyes yellow as she grabs the snake by the neck, just behind the head, pulling it off of her.:: * Loria raises her voice in a commanding prayer, pointing one hand at the possessed man. "Sleep!" The man blinks a few times, then collapses bonelessly to the floor. <Dawn> ::panting:: Bienca, love? You okay? * Michelle retrieves her staff, keeping one eye on Loria. <Bienca> ::from the floor:: Fine, just dandy... never better... ::her voice is slightly hysterical:: <Dawn> ::to Lisl:: You think there's more of them? * Lisl snaps the snake's spine with a quick twist, slicing the head off with her Claw just to be sure before pulling the rest of the snake-- all fifteen feet of it-- free of its hiding place. * Mace crosses the room, holding out the small phial of blood to Loria. "Help him, priestess." He eyes the sleeping man, his expression oddly pained. <Loria> ::to Kevil:: Open his mouth. ::she shakes the phial once, loosening the stopper:: <Lisl> ::holds up a hand:: Quiet for a moment, let me listen. ::standing in the center of the cellar and turning slowly, making no reaction to the wall decorations:: <Kevil> ::nods and pries the man's mouth open carefully:: * Michelle goes about half way down the stairs and calls out softly, "Lisl you want point or rear guard. We just got attacked up here as well <Lisl> Quiet a moment, 'chelle, still checking.... * Mace looks down at the man, shaking his head. "Kegger... damn... stupid bastard." * Loria opens the phial, dabbing the stopper in the man's mouth. "Blessed Mother, please, restore this man, release his demon..." <Dusk> ::walks over to look down at the possessed man, making a face:: {It'll only get worse, Mace.} * Mace nods once gruffly. * Lisl stops, cocking her head down the hallway. "Something else... end of the hall." She points. <Dawn> How many? A nest, or a man? <Loria> ::the man known as Kegger twitches, then convulses, vomiting up a thick mess of green smoke... the smoke, shaped like a snake, glowers at Loria before dispelling. The man twitches a few times, his eyes opening once, then closing as he exhales deeply. He does not breath again.:: * Loria shudders. "Oh, no... no... please... don't die..." * Michelle watches the exorcism and nods, "I might be able to catch one then." <Lisl> ::shakes her head:: Too faint. ::frowns in concern at Bienca:: Bienca? Are you up for a few more traps? <Bienca> ::getting to her feet slowly:: I'll live... ::she swallows:: Yeah... <Dawn> ::sympathetically:: You don't have to, you know. <Bienca> ::taking a deep breath:: No one's better than me, here. I ain't gonna let you get a poisoned needle, just cause I'm squeamish. <Lisl> ::puts a hand on the taller woman's shoulder:: Only if you're up for it. Take it slow. * Loria trembles, taking the dead man's hand, praying frantically, her hand on her pendant. <Dawn> ::nods:: All right, love. <Kevil> ::puts a hand on Loria's shoulder:: N'shava... There is only so much you can do... <Loria> ::shaking her head:: He's gone... I can't... ::she swallows:: <Kevil> ::nods:: I know, love. <Rook> ::sighs:: Demn. * Mace 's mouth tightens, then he nods to Loria. "He died free of it, Priestess... " <Bienca> ::nodding:: I'm fine, I'm fine... ::she looks to Lisl:: Which door? <Lisl> ::nods to the end of the hall:: Try the one on the end. * Loria nods, praying softly over the dead man. "Blessed Mother, protect this man's soul to the next world." <Bienca> ::nodding:: Right behind me, Lisl, Dawn. ::she pulls her tools out again:: <Lisl> ::nods:: We're right here. ::glances at Dawn with a small grin:: Thanks for the backup. <Dawn> ::nods and follows Bienca, his steps silent. He gives Lisl a faint grin:: I was there. <Bienca> ::glancing at the left hand side door:: This is a cell. ::she indicates the lock:: It's to lock people in, not out. <Dawn> ::grins at Bienca:: You saying even I could open it? <Bienca> ::nodding:: Not a hard lock, I'd think. You can't pick a lock you can't get to, after all. <Lisl> ::raises an eyebrow:: I was just wondering if she was saying that meant she *couldn't* open it. ::grins at Bie:: * Loria stands up, looking around again, trying to calm her breathing. * Kevil gives Loria a sympathetic look, then looks around. "Well? Do we go down, or wait?" * Bienca stops at the end of the hallway, checking the door and lock. "Poisoned needle lock..." She pulls out some wire, twisted in a loop and begins to work on the lock:: * Dawn peers over Bienca's shoulder with professional interest. * Mace heads down the stairs, looking around, then back up. "It's clear this far." * Lisl watches behind them, warily. <Bienca> ::taking out a thick pad of leather, she holds it over the keyhole, twisting the wire. The needle extends and she catches it in the leather:: * Lisl glances back at the faint sound. "Very neat." * Michelle gestures for the other to precede her down the stairs. <Lisl> ::mutters:: Easier than my method. * Kevil starts down the stairs after Mace. <Dawn> ::grins at Lisl:: Would that be the "just get stuck" method? <Bienca> ::examining the needle curiously:: Kezteth. Very nasty. ::she folds the leather several times, then, wincing, tucks the package into one of the niches.:: Don't touch it. Not even the leather. <Lisl> ::quirks one side of her mouth up:: Something like. <Lisl> ::nods:: Lock safe to touch? <Bienca> ::in a low voice:: You'd be dead before you even felt the pin-prick. ::she nods:: Should be. No one uses more Kezteth then they absolutely have to. <Dusk> ::waits for Michelle to go down the stairs before him:: * Mace heads back down the stairs, stopping midway down the hall. <Lisl> ::grins a little, reaching over Bienca's head to try the door:: * Michelle studies Dusk for a moment, then nods and lets Dusk bring up the rear. * Dusk gives Michelle a courteous smile. * Loria looks around at the bodies in the hallway, her expression filled with loathing. "How can such evil exist..." * Dusk pauses at the top of the stairs, his lips moving silently, and a shimmer of illusion coats the room, hiding the signs of their passage. <Michelle> Because great good requires such evil as a contrast. <Kevil> ::snorts at Michelle:: You sound like a theologian. * Michelle shrugs, "If you've got another explanation I'll gladly listen to it." <Dawn> ::glances around at Michelle:: How about, "because there are evil fucks in the universe"? <Mace> ::the door swings open soundlessly and they look into the room. The room is huge, the walls glisten with slime. Deep near one end is a huge polished stone statue of a woman with the body of a snake. Live snakes, of every color and description, slither over the statue, their scales rustling over the stone. One man, leaning against the stone coils of the snake, looks over at them with no surprise.:: * Michelle smiles faintly, "Fair enough." <Dawn> ::muttering:: Shit. Dusk, get up here! * Michelle starts to rush forward, then catches herself, redoubling her attention behind them. <Lisl> Oh goody. A welcoming party. <Civil> ::his eyes cruel:: Mace... and assorted friends. How kind of you to drop in. ::he catches sight of Bienca and leers at her, a long snake tongue slithering out of his mouth with a flicker:: <Dusk> ::pushes gently past Loria and Kevil, peering around Mace into the room. He snorts and begins casting silently:: <Bienca> ::flinching, she drops her hand to her crossbow, slapping a quarrel in and raising the bow:: <Dawn> ::growling:: I always knew you were a snake, Civil. <Lisl> ::glances back over her shoulder at Michelle:: I think we found the source of our pest problem. <Michelle> ::still looking behind the party:: Let me know if you need any help exterminating them. <Kevil> One of them, anyway. <Civil> ::grinning:: Good evening, sunshine... I'm *sure* we can find a use for you. ::he gestures and two demons, full-fledged and nearly nine feet tall, step out of the shadows:: * Dawn pales, but stands firm. * Dusk's spell finishes, forming a cloud of foul-smelling green smoke in the center of the room. At Dusk's direction, it begins drifting toward Civil and the snakes. <Mace> ::one of the demons howls something in an alien tongue, his huge clawed hand pointing towards Loria, who collapses to the ground, clutching her head and screaming:: <Rook> ::dropping instantly to her side, his hand on his pendant, praying:: <Lisl> ::narrows her eyes:: Hells... ::urgently:: Dawn... got a light? * Dawn snaps a brief syllable and a glaring purplish light illuminates the room. * Michelle looks over her shoulder as Loria screams, but maintains her vigil as Rook begins praying. <Mace> ::the smoke drifts towards the snakes and several of the smaller ones twitch, convulsing before they die. One demon leaps forward, its wings spreading as it speeds towards Dusk, lashing out with one massive arm at the mage:: * Kevil leaps toward Loria as she screams, but hangs back to let Rook pray over her. * Lisl steps in front of Dawn and Dusk, Claws out to parry the descending arm. * Dawn stands in front of Dusk, giving his poison cloud time to work. He snarls a few syllables and more purplish bolts streak toward Civil. <Civil> ::steps back to the statue, touching a glowing green stone in the center of the woman's forehead:: Il Roche ran for it, Mace... left you alone... * Mace pulls his knife out, dropping into a fighter's crouch. "Come for me, you betraying bastard..." <Civil> ::with contempt, he brushes the magic purple bolts out of the air:: Nice try, sunshine... * Loria recovers, gasping, as Rook's spell finishes. <Mace> ::the winged demon knocks Lisl off to one side, flapping its wings once with a crack and landing near her to engage her:: * Lisl is thrown back several feet, her ribs making an audible crunch as she's slammed into the wall. Nevertheless, she grins, her eyes yellow, staggering back from the impact and shaking herself, one Claw black with demon ichor. * Dawn snorts. "I'll show you some sunshine, you ass." He moves into the room just behind Mace and begins another incantation, pulling a tiny dart from his pouch and flicking it at Civil. The dart turns into an arrow that streaks toward Civil <Bienca> ::dodging to one side, she fires a bolt at Civil:: * Michelle spares a moment to point her staff at the demon engaging Lisl, a pair of argent spheres streaking from the staff. * Kevil touches Loria's face once, then moves into the room to stand beside Mace, his stance low and wary. * Loria gets to her feet slowly, joining hands with Rook, the two of them start praying in unison, their voices growing louder. <Mace> ::the statue creaks, groaning, as the stone woman opens her eyes, glaring redly around the room:: <Civil> ::laughing, his serpent's tongue slithering out of his mouth again:: I think I will see some sunshine, you faithless little whore. ::he gestures at Dawn negligently:: * Lisl sets herself again, checking the stone bottle at her side worriedly, and grinning as she finds it unscathed. She unloops it from her side. "Here you go, mother, a birthing present from me to you." She swings the stone jug over her head and lobs it into the middle of the remaining snakes, ducking and shielding her eyes as it shatters on impact with the stone floor. <Mace> ::the far end of the room explodes into flames, most of the remainder of the snakes dissolving in the hot flames:: * Dawn dodges, but doesn't quite get out of the way of Civil's spell. A shimmering sphere encloses him. <Bienca> Dawn! * Michelle looks over her shoulder and curses for a moment before gesturing with one hand and whispering a few words. * Dawn makes a shooing gesture at Bienca, kicking at the sphere angrily. * Dusk lets his poison cloud evaporate, now that the baby snakes are dead, and begins another spell. * Lisl launches herself at her nine foot opponent, Claws poised to tear at the sails of its outspread wings. <Civil> ::laughing again, he draws an oddly shaped sword, the blade somehow glowing black and shimmering:: Come on, Mace, then... ::steps forward, raising the blade:: <Mace> ::Michelle's spell fizzles around the surface of the sphere, with no effect:: <Dusk> ::Almost two dozen black tentacles spring from the floor around the base of the statue. The tentacles flail wildly, grabbing at anything within reach and attempting to rip it to shreds:: <Mace> ::the demon spreads its arms, grabbing Lisl in a tight embrace and squeezing:: * Dawn gestures that Michelle should turn her attention to the actual battle. * Michelle curses, clearly divided between the need for a rearguard and the desire to help. * Mace nods, stepping forward again to engage Civil, the two of them trading a few exploratory blows. * Kevil moves to help Lisl, leaping with the grace of a predator cat onto the demon's back. <Mace> ::the giant statue moves again, struggling with the tentacles that attempt to hold it to the ground:: * Michelle tosses her staff to Rook, not really paying attention to whether he catches it or not and cups her hands, a sphere of white light growing between them as she sings softly to herself. <Civil> ::dodging a blow, then reaches into his vest, pulling out several small darts, he flickers them randomly at the crowd gathered near the door:: * Lisl struggles in the demon's grasp, growling as her hipbones grind and crunch, managing to free one hand and reach inside her vest. "You want blood? I'll give you blood!" She touches a finger wet with silver fluid to the demon's chest. <Dusk> ::dodges one of Civil's darts and returns a salvo of his own:: <Bienca> ::screaming, she drops, one of Civil's darts quivering in her throat:: <Mace> ::the demon screams, arching back as his chest bursts into oily flames, roaring and biting at Lisl, catching her arm in its mouth, biting her hand off at the wrist.:: * Michelle grows the sphere until it's the size of a basketball, then pushes her arms forward, the sphere transforming into a bolt of light that lances out at the statue. * Dawn yells, banging impotently on the walls of his magical prison. * Loria dashes forward, kneeling at Bienca's side, praying urgently. * Kevil is thrown from the demon's back as it flails. He twists in the air and lands with a tumbling roll, slamming with a huff of expelled air against the wall. * Mace and Civil exchange several more attacks, each probing for weakness. Mace's blade scores a hit along Civil's shoulder, opening a thin cut that weeps viscous green blood. <Michelle> ::Michelle's moon earring flares brightly. Michelle gestures angrily and bands of light form around the head of the demon Lisl was fighting, muzzling it:: * Lisl howls and tumbles bonelessly to the ground, her Claw vanishing into silver mist as she loses the hand. <Mace> ::the demon, still roiling with smoke, falls back, the skin melting off its bones as it dissolves into ash:: * Loria plucks the dart from Bienca's throat, tossing it aside as she continues to pray. <Civil> ::gloating:: Go ahead, Mace... kill me... I'll only become worse than you can imagine... eternal life, Mace... you can't hurt me. * Kevil looks around quickly with narrowed eyes. His eyes light on the statue and he grins, beginning to chant quickly, under his breath. <Mace> ::the statue rears back, a high pitched keening as the light ball strikes her:: <Michelle> ::Michelle's moon earring flares brightly. Michelle gestures angrily and bands of light form around the remaining demon before solidifying into shackles:: <Loria> ::the remaining demon howls, biting at the shackles, before growling and pointing at Michelle with one clawed hand:: * Dawn bursts forward as the bubble of energy holding him suddenly dissipates. He looks around, his eyes narrowed angrily. * Lisl shrieks in pain again, back arching as her crushed hipbones reseat themselves and fuse back together. She levers herself up on her good hand, eyes burning yellow, and sits up, pulling Loria's potion from her shirt and splashing some of it over the stump of her wrist with clenched teeth before drinking the rest. <Mace> ::the statue shimmers, screaming as the stone body melts into flesh, a nasty combination of snake and human, bleeding ichor from a wound in her side:: * Dawn glances at the statue and grins nastily, barking out a spell that sets up a wall of fire running straight through the ex-statue. <Mace> ::the demon chews the shackles, screaming in pain and anger, freeing itself:: * Dusk points at the shackled demon, a half-dozen orange bolts of magic streaking toward it. <Mace> ::the snake-woman wails, thrashing and convulsing as the fire overtakes it, a thick, noxious smoke roiling out of its body:: * Mace ignores Civil's ravings, feinting once towards the head, then ducking in, closing and driving his blade into Civil's breastbone with a sickening sound of shearing bone:: <Kevil> ::shouting:: LISL! ::he points at Civil:: Bleed on him! * Lisl gets to her feet, teeth set in a grimace, and dashes towards Mace to back him up, her good hand reaching into her vest. * Michelle begins charging up another light sphere. <Civil> ::jerks and vomits up a mouthful of green slime, his sword falling from his hand. With his other hand, he reaches up, clawing at Mace's face.:: <Mace> ::the other demon, wounded and slowing, gestures, vanishing in an flash of green and orange light:: * Dawn races toward Mace, a small globe of fire cradled in his right hand. * Mace screams as Civil's fingers, strangely talon-like, rip across his face, soaking them in blood. <Lisl> ::urgently:: Mace! ::dropping to her knees and sliding the last few feet, forcing the vial between Civil's lips and tipping it a little.:: * Michelle fires her sphere off at the former statue, her original target having fled. * Mace staggers backwards, clapping his hand over his eye. <Dawn> ::snarls and grabs Mace, dragging him away from Civil as he fumbles in his pockets for Loria's healing potion:: <Civil> ::screams and convulses, his whole body jerking spastically as the blood touches his lips:: <Lisl> ::mutters:: Nacheyla, he may not be worth the clothes he's wearing, but please save this worthless weasel's soul.... * Dawn knocks the cap off the healing potion and puts it to Mace's lips, looking around frantically for Dusk. * Lisl holds Civil down, half-lying over his chest to pin him. <Mace> ::the statue flops one last time before collapsing in a heap of charred flesh:: * Dusk looks around as the ex-statue collapses. His eyes widen and he bee-lines for Dawn and Mace. * Michelle rushes into the room, surveying the wounded. <Mace> ::the room begins to shake and shudder, bits of the ceiling falling in:: <Dawn> ::looks up and bites off a curse.:: * Kevil looks at the ceiling, then runs for the hallway. "Loria! GET OUT!" <Lisl> Hells... ::glancing up and yelling:: 'Chelle! Can you do something about the roof? * Michelle gestures and mutters. <Civil> ::opening his mouth, a coil of smoke pours out, forming into a squat, nasty looking snake. The snake flickers its tongue once at Lisl, then vanishes in an explosion of green and orange light:: * Loria looks up at Kevil, angry with fear. "She'll die..." <Michelle> ::An earth elemental rises up out of the floor, positioning and shaping itself to support the roof of the cavern:: * Kevil looks down at Bienca, then back at the collapsing room. He positions himself behind Loria. "Work faster, then." * Lisl sighs in relief, rising from the body and looking around. "Mace? How is he?" * Mace drinks the potion, closing his one good eye as the healing magic surges through him. * Michelle rushes to Mace's side, her hands encased in blue-white light even before she gets there. She places her hands on the wounds on Maces face, closing her eyes in concentration. <Loria> ::clenching her teeth:: I am... ::she pulls out another potion, forcing it into the black woman's mouth:: * Dusk glances at Mace and Michelle, then nods to Dawn and runs to help Loria with Bienca. <Bienca> ::coughing, she rolls onto her side, dry-heaving helplessly:: * Lisl keeps a weather eye on the ceiling, face taut with tension. <Loria> ::patting Bienca's shoulder:: Come on, come on... * Dusk scoops up the dart Loria discarded and examines the remaining traces of poison. * Dawn kneels by Mace, watching Michelle helplessly. <Michelle> ::After a minute or two the glow around Michelle's hands fades and she sits back, sighing.:: * Mace opens both eyes, the wound closing, but leaving a thin twisted scar across his forehead and down the side of his cheek. * Michelle looks over to Loria and Bienca, "How is she?" * Mace looks up at the ceiling nervously. "Dawn... " * Dawn sighs with relief, then glances over his shoulder at the earth elemental holding up the ceiling. In a mildly hysterical tone, he said, "Boss. Mind if we run like fuck now?" * Mace nods. "Good plan, I'm happy to be a part of it." * Dawn grab's Mace's forearm and pulls him to his feet. <Lisl> ::looks around:: Anyone need carrying? How's Bienca? <Loria> ::nodding:: Get her up, Lisl, she can't walk. * Michelle stands as well, gesturing everyone out of the room ahead of her. <Lisl> ::nods:: On it. ::strides quickly over and kneels, hissing a little as the stump of her left hand touches the floor and quickly using her right to lever Bienca off the floor, cradling her as she lifts her easily.:: <Kevil> ::impatiently:: LORIA... * Loria stands, nodding, and pulls Rook to his feet. "Coming." She dashes down the hallway, pulling Rook along behind her. * Kevil follows Loria and Rook, looking back nervously every few steps. * Dusk tucks the dart into his vest and runs for the entrance. * Mace claps Dawn on the shoulder once and heads out of the room, moving quickly. * Dawn follows Mace closely. * Lisl follows Kevil, Bienca in her arms, muttering, "Gods above and below... haven't seen this many damn snakes in one place since Chult..." <Loria> ::the earth elemental shudders, more of the roof falling in:: * Michelle follows the others out of the room, stopping a few paces past the entrance and turn back towards the chamber. She claps her hands and bows formally to the elemental, "I thank you for the great service you have provided us and apologize for summoning you so rudely from your home. Return now to your home and bear us no ill will." <Mace> ::the elemental sinks into the ground with a groan, the room collapsing behind them:: * Michelle finishes and turns to run after the others. <Mace> Go, go... ::running flat out:: * Lisl dashes up the stairs, turning sideways to guard Bienca's head. * Dawn is at Mace's heels, panting. * Loria stops in the first room, wringing her hands as the floor shudders. "Can we bring the bodies? They shouldn't be laid to rest here." * Michelle is a several paces behind Dawn, her skirt held up over her knees as she runs like mad. <Lisl> Loria, if we stop, *we're* going to be laid to rest here. Go! * Kevil gives Loria a look, then nods shortly, snatching up Kegger's body and lugging it toward the door. <Rook> ::grasping Loria's arm:: M'lady, live first! ::he yanks her out of the house:: <Dusk> ::bursts out of the stairway and bolts for the door:: * Michelle bursts out of the stairwell, hurling a lightning bolt against the wall near where the child lie, knocking a sizeable hole in it. * Lisl dashes out of the house, stopping a little ways out to lay Bienca gently on the ground before turning and sprinting back to the door. * Kevil dumps Kegger's body on the pavement outside the house. * Loria sprawls gracelessly onto the ground outside the house as Rook trips over the bottom step of the porch, sending them both tumbling. * Lisl ducks back into the first room. "Thanks, 'chelle." She bends and scoops up the bodies in her arms, holding her breath as she ducks out the smoking hole. * Mace sprints out of the house, stopping in the yard, panting. * Dawn follows Mace out into the yard, his breath ragged. <Michelle> ::seeing that Lisl has the bodies Michelle teleports the rest of the way out of the house, panting for breath in the street with the others:: <Mace> ::the house shudders several times, then, with a crashing rumble, collapses into a heap of dust, smoke, and broken boards:: * Dawn throws himself to his knees beside Bienca, protecting her head from the rain of rubble. * Loria cries out sharply as a piece of flying slate strikes her in the leg, knocking her down just as she's getting to her feet. * Michelle waits for the building to finish settling then looks towards Bienca, "How...Is she?" * Lisl staggers towards the others, dropping the sad bundle in Michelle's dirty apron next to Kegger's body and dropping to the ground herself. "Well. That was fun. Loria! Hells..." * Kevil dives for Loria, scooping her up and pulling her further from the house. * Mace looks around, his body still held tense, listening. "Dawn, patrol whistles... 'port us." * Dawn looks around himself. "Fuck. Everyone gather close." * Michelle nods, straightening and moving closer to Dawn. * Lisl closes her eyes and nods tiredly, hauling herself to her feet again and picking up Bienca. <Mace> ::glowering angrily down the street as he catches sight of a patrol of Dragons:: * Kevil steps closer to the rest of the group, cradling Loria in his arms <Dusk> ::puts a hand on Mace's arm, pulling him yet closer to Dawn.:: * Dawn reaches into his cloak and pulls out a small crystal dagger as he climbs to his feet. He glances quickly at the patrol and spits out his incantation. The entire party disappears in a swirl of blinding white magic. * Mace claps a hand to his left eye, wincing at the light. * Dawn looks around quickly as they appear in the alley outside Sylvie's. "Good. Didn't miss anyone." * Mace shake Dusk off irritably. "Damn Dragons..." * Dawn sags against the building's wall, panting. <Dusk> {Not going to fight off demons just to lose you to Dragons.} <Lisl> Damn... that was smooth. It didn't make me sick... er... ::looks pale, and turns to vomit quietly in the corner of the alley:: * Mace sighs, nodding once. "One of these days, though..." <Dusk> ::nods:: * Kevil carefully sets Loria down again. "Are you all right, n'shava?" * Michelle sighs, "Mace, Bienca, Lisl, inside. I want to make sure the three of you are going to be alright before I collapse for a day or two." <Lisl> I'll be fine... ::wiping her mouth and muttering:: In a month or so.... * Loria shakes her head. "I think... " She draws in a sharp intake of breath as her foot touches the ground, almost falling. "I think my ankle's broken." <Kevil> ::curses softly and picks her back up:: Michelle? <Loria> ::looking disgusted:: Why do I have to keep hurting my leg? * Michelle looks at Loria with sympathy, "Can you carry her Kevil. I'll patch it up once I'm sure no one's life is in danger." <Kevil> ::nods:: All right. ::he carries Loria into the whorehouse:: * Lisl carries Bienca inside, nodding to the madam. "Spare bed?" <Madam> ::raising her eyebrows:: Feather's room is still empty. ::she presses her hand to her mouth:: <Lisl> Which one? <Mace> ::shielding his eyes from the candle light:: Second door on the right, Lisl. <Lisl> ::nods shortly, carrying Bienca carefully up the steps:: * Michelle follows Mace, making certain none of her charges get lost. * Dawn and Dusk follow Mace into the whorehouse and up the stairs to Feather's room. * Kevil follows slowly, doing his best not to jar Loria's leg. * Mace collapses into one of the chairs, closing his eyes. * Dawn takes up a position on one side of Mace, his breath still coming hoarsely. <Sylvie> ::a moment later, wearing only a thin sheer robe which reveals more than it covers, she pokes her head into the room:: Well, thank all the gods, you're still alive. * Lisl sets Bienca down gently on the bed, wincing a little as she slides her left stump out from under her. * Dusk goes straight to the bed to examine Bienca. * Loria looking over at Lisl. "Blessed Mother! Lisl, your *hand*!" * Kevil sits carefully in a chair, turning so no one can accidently kick Loria's leg. * Michelle waits for Lisl to set Bienca down then begins examining her, her hand passing over Bienca's body and leaving behind a faint blue tracery that quickly fades. After a few moments she straightens and sighs, "She'll be alright. She just needs rest." <Lisl> ::glances at Sylvie:: More or less. Civil's dead. ::with grim satisfaction:: But the demons will have to take his soul on their own time. Nach kicked out the snake. <Sylvie> ::shuddering, brushing her hands down her thin robe:: I never liked him. <Dusk> ::gives Michelle a look, then shrugs:: * Michelle steps over to Lisl, "Let me see that Lisl." <Lisl> ::glances down at her wrist, and back up at Loria:: It'll heal. <Rook> ::kneeling near Loria, almost timidly putting his hands on her leg:: I kin help this... ::he looks up at Loria:: <Lisl> Just make sure the demon-taint's gone, would you, 'chelle? ::shakes her head:: That was one nasty overbite he had.... <Rook> ::biting his lip, he looks over at Kevil:: Guv'nor, ye'll want ta hold her, I needs be settin' this furst. * Michelle nods, "You'll be alright Lisl." <Kevil> ::looks down at Rook tiredly and nods, carefully holding her leg immobile:: * Loria whimpers as Rook puts a hand on either side of her leg and pulls down hard. * Michelle glances at Rook, then moves over to Mace, re-examining his wounds. <Loria> ::with a sickening crack, Rook snaps the bones back into place, then begins praying in a quick, reverent voice, holding her leg with both hands:: * Kevil eyes Rook, then switches his hold on Loria to something a little more comforting. * Loria screams once as he sets her leg, then slumps against Kevil as the spell goes off. <Lisl> ::nods:: Thanks, 'chelle. ::pulling a clean kerchief from her belt pouch and wrapping it quickly around the end of her wrist, tying it off with her teeth to hide the pink flesh already beginning to show around the edges of the wound:: * Mace opens his eyes blearily, looking up at Michelle. He squints in the light. <Bienca> ::coughing, putting one hand to her throat, she sits up:: What... ::she looks around:: What happened? <Lisl> ::looking up from the bandaging:: Mace? How's the eye? <Dusk> ::puts a hand on Bienca's shoulder, urging her to lie back down:: * Loria pulls Kevil to her, shaking with reaction now that everything is done. <Dusk> ::to Bienca:: {We're back at Sylvie's. Everyone is... fine, or at least will heal.} * Kevil holds Loria carefully, stroking her hair and murmuring soothing nonsense. <Loria> ::in a shaky voice:: I volunteered for this, didn't I? ::she shakes her head a few times:: * Michelle drops her hands and sighs, "I'm sorry Mace. That hurried this is the best I could do for you. I MIGHT be able to improve on it, but I'd have to reopen all the wounds, including the ones to your eye itself. Right now you're going to have those scars for life. The light sensitivity will diminish, but you'll probably always be a touch light sensitive." <Lisl> You were outstanding, Loria. I'm proud of you. <Kevil> ::quietly:: You did wonderfully, n'shava. <Mace> ::tiredly:: I'm usually out mostly at night... ::he winces again:: * Michelle nods, then walks over to Loria and kneels to examine Rook's work on Loria's leg. <Rook> ::hovering over Loria protectively, he glowers jealously at Kevil again:: * Dawn opens a drawer and rummages. Finally he comes up with a gauzy black scarf, which he hands to Mace. "Tie it over your head, around your eye. It'll help." * Mace nods tiredly, binding the scarf around his head. "I feel like a privateer." * Kevil gives Rook a mild look as he strokes Loria's hair. "Thank you for your help, Brother Rook." * Michelle nods, looking to Rook, "You did a good job." <Lisl> ::half-grins:: Very dashing, Mace. I'm sure your lady will approve. 'Specially since you came back in mostly one piece. <Rook> ::twitching his mouth into a rictus imitation of a smile, he nods:: Thank ye. * Michelle stands, "Anyone else have anything they want looked at?" <Bienca> ::twining her fingers through Dusk's hair, smiling weakly at him:: <Kevil> ::looking around:: Can we get a carriage to take us home? I do not think Loria is up to the walk, and I am certainly not up to carrying her so far. <Lisl> ::smirks a little:: Thank the gods Frosty's not here to hear you say that... <Dusk> ::leans over to kiss Bienca's forehead:: {Rest. You will feel better after some sleep.} <Sylvie> ::nodding:: I'll call you one... ::she smiles at Kevil and hurries from the room:: * Michelle looks at Loria with mild concern, "Pain or exhaustion?" <Kevil> ::smiles at Michelle:: Exhaustion and shock, I think. * Michelle nods, "Okay. I won't offer her anything for pain then." <Kevil> Nothing that a little time will not cure... But you could use some rest, yourself. <Loria> ::muttering to herself:: I'm fine... insane, I think, but fine... * Michelle nods, "Someone think they can get me home or should I just find a bed to crawl into?" <Sylvie> ::a few minutes later, she comes back:: Carriage is here, sir. It's a good sized one, if you want to share. <Lisl> ::snorts:: Plenty of choice, here. But I can get you home if you'd prefer, Michelle. <Lisl> ::glances at Kevil:: We could share a ride, a little ways... I want to report to Zoya, too. * Michelle giggles softly, "Right now I'd prefer going to bed. In the morning I'll want to be home though. I can stay awake for a few more minutes." <Kevil> Thank you, Mistress. ::he stands with Loria and looks at Lisl:: You are welcome to share the carriage. I just want to get Loria home. ::he carries her carefully out of the room and down the stairs.:: * Mace squints at Lisl. "Could you pick up my lady and bring her back here? I think we'll probably crash here for the night, but I'm sure she'll be happier if she's with me." <Lisl> ::nods:: As you like, then. ::standing:: Kevil, I'll head home with you. ::looks at Mace and nods:: I will. * Michelle retrieves her staff and trudges down the hall after Kevil and Loria, "Goodnight everyone." * Lisl leaves the room and heads down the stairs after Kevil and Loria. <Mace> ::nodding again:: Thank you all. <Lisl> ::pausing in the doorway to grin back at him, a tinge of gold in her eyes:: Our pleasure, Mace. See you soon. * Mace closes his eyes again, leaning back in his chair. |
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