Sunday Group RP Forum

LOCATION : Gracklstugh DATE/TIME : The Same Fucking Night WHO : Lorelei, Saruuc, Angus, Quinn Lorelei feels an overwhelming rage swell up at Saruuc's casual address, at his insistence upon his statue's word.  Her bloody hand clenches, pain shooting up her arm at the motion.   "Your 'Lord' was not harmed."   She spits, interrupting the end of Saruuc's words.  Her grip on her great sword tightens and she raises it only slightly, her words cut off before she follows through her action.  "I am not here to discuss gods -" The force of Quinn's enthusiasm slams into her, arms encircling, and she feels his face bury in her neck, hears his words, weakly in her ear.  At that... at that some of her burning fury melts only a little.  It has been... so long since she has felt someone's arms around her.  And yet... she has purpose, she has words to speak, retribution to deliver.  Reluctantly, she presses her bloody hand against Quinn's chest and pushes him away, making idle note of the new scar on his shoulder she hadn't noticed before, eyes turned back to Saruuc, though something in her heart pangs at the loss. With a solid thunk, her sword is thrust into the ground and she crosses the gap between them.  Balling her fist, she swings, knuckles cracking across Saruuc's face.  In the same motion, her free hand comes up as his head snaps to one side, and she grips his jaw, turning his head back toward her as she leans down, her face inches from his. "If ever I kill you, Saruuc.  You will be on your feet, you will be armed and armored, and you will be facing me." Her voice is even and low, anger simmering underneath, but contained.  "Know that and sleep well."   She lets go of him, straightening up and turning away, tearing her sword back from the ground.  Her eyes meet Quinn's for a moment and she moves into his space, tilting her head up to keep her eyes locked with his, voice tight as she speaks.  "I am not him."  Her eyes turn away, weariness coming over her expression, the throbbing in her hand more intense now still, her ribs still bruised, her body still aching.  "And I am tired ." With that, she shoulders past Quinn, and the loud slam of her door is heard.

LOCATION : Gracklstugh DATE/TIME : The Same Fucking Night WHO : Lorelei, Saruuc, Angus, Quinn Thorum wakes up to screams, then a thud as Angus stumbles out of the room. "Angus, what the hell ya doin'!"   He then sits up and thinks about getting up.  "What the hell is all the commotion!?!"  That's when his darkvision takes in the form of a very large turtle sitting between his bed and Angus' bed.   "No...no screw this."  He rolls over, pulls the covers over his head and tries to go back to sleep.

LOCATION : Gracklstugh DATE/TIME : The Same Fucking Night WHO : Lorelei, Saruuc, Angus, Quinn Angus watches as Lorelei walks away, disapering into her bedroom. Fury rages through him at the complete ignorance of her actions, Rage billowing up through the core of his body ready to explode with the out of nowhere limp and the pain that comes with it, the searing pain pulsing through his back and chest as if he was impaled and hung for a time. Eventually Angus reaches Saruuc and Quinn staring at them both with deadly eyes locked on to them like a predator and its prey. "My sleep, rare FUCKING sleep, has been interrupted because of use three's constant bickering" Angus throws both hand out, open palms slapping Saruuc on the side of the face, heel of the palm colliding against the cheek perfectly, The right hand catches Quinn right on the cheek. "Now if she ever wakes me up, tonight or ever again when there is not something important going on, i hold you both fucking responsible". Angus pauses for a second to lean against the wall turning to walk away back to his room.  "Sort your shit out, or by my beard your heads will see my axe, before i go, anyone care to explain why there is a random creature by my bed?"

LOCATION : Gracklstugh DATE/TIME : The Same Fucking Night WHO : Lorelei, Saruuc, Angus, Quinn For some inexplicable reason, seeing Quinn so happy as he collided into Lorelei made Saruuc smile for once, even if it currently wasn't the best time. As Lorelei pushed him off, her grip on the sword growing, Saruuc's smile disappeared and he steeled himself for the sword coming to bare on his body, * just another part of the job* He told himself.  However, instead he bloody and partial broken fist came to grace his face with her full rage and emotion packed behind it, his thoughts were jumbled for a brief moment as he tried to maintain his composure * Just! Another! Part! Of! The job!* this time telling himself with a bit more force. The priests of his time took far more punishment than this, he was just struggling with the not responding portion. However before he can finish his little mantra, his face is suddenly grasped by Lorelei and her eyes attempt to stare daggers through his.  " If ever I kill you, Saruuc. You will be on your feet, you will be armed and armored, and you will be facing me.  Know that and sleep well" Hearing her threat/promise to him, Saruuc original anger is brushed away by thoughts from his past. "Stronger warriors, with more hatred and greater convictions have threatened me before. Now they sleep eternally and I remain." he mutters under his breath to no one in particular. He seems almost saddened by these thoughts and he face lowers to the ground as the pain from her punch starts to set in.  He barely recognizes Angus speaking to him before he is slapped back to reality by the hand of the dwarf who is also storming. For some reason he is grateful for the slap getting him out of his thoughts and stands back up from the chair and looks at Angus, " Thank you for that my friend" . Looking at Quinn he briefly smiles and begins going in for a hug before stopping himself mid-motion and realizing what he was about to do. *Ugh, by my Lord I need sleep*  and he instead brushes past Quinn and walks up to Lorelei's room. For a few moments he stands in front of the door, debating his next action. Several times his hand rises and falls from grabbing the door handle before finally settling at his side. He then grunts to himself before sitting down on the ground before her door, leaning his back against it and closing his eyes prepared to get some less than restful sleep. 

LOCATION : Gracklstugh DATE/TIME : The Same Fucking Night WHO : Angus, Pockets, Quinn Although Pockets tried, very hard, to go back to sleep when people started yelling. But Angus' angry words eventually made her get up. Her friend usually wasn't this angry, so it was time to investigate. Tired but kind of curious she opens the door to a - now mostly empty - corridor. She looked up at her friend to see him more exhausted than he's looked in a while. " Angus? What's going on? " Trying to fight her natural instinct of 'creature!' she kept quiet about that for now. " And are you okay? You look... tired. "

LOCATION : Gracklstugh DATE/TIME : The Same Fucking Night WHO : Angus, Pockets Angus limps up the hallway back towards his room, ignoring the words of Saruuc with a flap of his hand he bregudgingly sets off with hopes of some uninterrupted sleep. Thoughts of waking pockets up to examine the creature in his room come to mind but tiredness and pain take over. Then the creaking of the door ahead of his opens. "Angus? What's going on? And are you okay? You look... tired." With a sigh Angus responds in kind "Woke you up too eh? I don't know, fuckers are bickering again woke me up, made me trip over some creature next to my bed, I was going to say to you in the morning about it, seems friendly enough licked my face when i fell".  With a sigh Angus stops moving. "Actually would you mind taking a look at my leg, its been agony since i was woken up can hardly walk on it as you can probably tell, i cant explain it, came out of nowhere, only explanation i can think of its a delayed injury from when i over syrained myself holding that giant up". 

LOCATION : Gracklstugh DATE/TIME : The Same Fucking Night WHO : Angus, Pockets, Quinn That was it - " A creature? What kind of - no, your leg comes first. Though... maybe we should ask Kennith? I'm not that well-trained in medicine. " She leaned down a little - barely, since he was a good two feet taller than her - and took a look at his leg. It seemed to be seriously injured, but that made little sense. " Yeah... there's definitely something wrong with it. I can try to cast Healing Word if you'd like me to? " Then his words finally fully caught up to her. " What do you mean it just showed up? I can't tell what it is, but that looks serious. I'm pretty sure you would have felt that immediately. " And that creature he was talking about, where did it come from? Could it have something to do with this?

LOCATION : Gracklstugh DATE/TIME : The Same Fucking Night WHO : Angus, Pockets, Quinn Angus couldn't help but feel a little disappointed. Pockets normally had all the answers after all or at least a theory. "Hmm, maybe try using your magic that normally does the trick doesn't it? Well yeah i guess i would, it has been known though that wounds can go unnoticed for a while and then creep up on you, normally that happens after the thrill of battle ends though. All i know for sure is, if it doesn't get better i aint got no choice but to fight if the Drow come for us".  Angus gets thinks to himself "Kenneth does know his healing things well, nah no point in waking him up too, it can wait til the morn". "If this doesnt work lets call it a night, Thorum will get mad if we wake him, Come to the room in the morning you can inspect the thing that is there, im too tired to deal with anymore tonight, but first lets see if your healing word helps, if not ill speak to Kenneth in the morning little lass".

LOCATION : Gracklstugh DATE/TIME : The Same Fucking Night WHO : Angus, Pockets, Quinn The Kender nodded and proceeded to cast her spell... but nothing seemed to change, which did even less to ease her worries. " I - I don't know if it's a good idea to wait until tomorrow with this. What if the creature in there caused this? You can't go to sleep with something harmful in your room . " She stood back up and crossed her arms. " I don't trust anything in this world further than I can throw it. And I am very, very weak. " Her face turned serious - until she realized " Wait! That's not how I meant that. I didn't - nevermind. " She huffed in frustration. " I just don't want the two of you to die in your sleep due to whatever the hells it is you have in there. "

LOCATION : Gracklstugh DATE/TIME : The Same Fucking Night WHO : Angus, Pockets, Quinn "What the creature caused this?" Pockets had a point but something deep down was positive the creature had no part to play in this injury, it was a gut feeling deep in the pit of the stomach. "You have a point, fine you can come investigate the creature but i'm going to bed, so keep the noise to a minimum please". The words went right over Angus's head, there was no question in his belief's that Pockets did not trust him. Confusion swirled around the thoughts of Angus for mere moments before the tiredness took over. "Come on the lass come look at the creature if you must".

LOCATION : Gracklstugh DATE/TIME : The Same Fucking Night WHO : Angus, Pockets, Quinn "Fine you can come investigate" , "Keep the noise to a minimum please" , "Look at the creature if you must" - Pockets was very confused. Had she done something wrong and couldn't remember? He was suddenly so irritated with her. She was concerned enough about her Dwarven friends that she would still check, but now the Bard moved on hesitantly. Considering that she didn't know what exactly it was she did wrong, Pockets made sure to keep as quiet as she could going in... but stumbled when she was faced with a tortoise. Granted, it didn't look like it came from around here and was pretty large, but it was still just a tortoise. She gave Angus a quick look to make sure that the sound she made wouldn't bother him and then carefully walked up to the beast. It didn't look evil, but Pockets decided to make sure and cast Speak with Animals on herself. " Hey you... uh... my name is Pockets. I was wondering if you could tell me who you are and where you came from and what happened to my friend's leg? "

LOCATION : Gracklstugh DATE/TIME : The Same Fucking Night WHO : Angus, Pockets, Thorum Entering the room the creature is right where Angus left it when he first left the room. Still pain and tiredness taking control of his frustrations as he continues to limp.  The bed does little to help the discomfort but being able to take some weight of the leg helps reduce the frustration. "Pockets.... I'm sorry for being snappy before, im more grumpy than usual tonight. Lets see what this fella has to say shall we" Angus grunts slightly as he shifts onto his side and watches Pockets interact with the creature.

LOCATION : Gracklstugh, Hold of the Deep King DATE/TIME : The Morning They Killed a Dragon, the Day After She Pissed Off a Statue WHO : Lorelei Malachai Lorelei's back hits the wall, and her weariness catches up.  Only hours into the day and, bruised and bloodied, exhaustion is beginning to win out.  Her heart is hammering in her chest, her mind spinning with what she's learned.  A name.  She has a name.  For five years she found nothing but the whispers of a sliver of a rumor of her mother passing through this town or that one.  Now, once she had given up, came here on the word of some old contact likely just trying to draw her back into her old work, she finds a name .  A name and a possible place .   She hates the part of her that thrills at the name, the part of her that once searched and searched for something other than justice... for love , for acceptance.  She hates the part of her that felt terror and sorrow upon learning of his imprisonment. Lorelei reaches up to rub her temple with a sigh.  None of this matters if we don't get out of here alive .   We . Despite what happened the night before, she still thinks we .  There is no we, she reminds herself, there is me, and there is everyone else.  That is how it has always been and that is how it always must be.  Even-  her gaze goes to Thorum as he calls out to her.  Dragonslayer .  She huffs a breathless laugh and raises her hand in acknowledgement with a smile.  "You did well, Thorum," she returns, "without you this day would not have been won, and I mean that truly."  Her gaze then turns to Quinn as he seems to be adjusting his cloak and her smile turns softer.  Her eyes continue passing over the group, resting briefly on Saruuc.  Her smile falters and yet... there is a fondness, despite their quarrel.  A kindred spirit.  -Even if I'd very much like there to be a we. Lorelei lets out a long sigh and looks up to the ceiling.  What am I going to do, now?

LOCATION : Gracklstugh, Hold of the Deep King DATE/TIME : The Morning They Killed a Dragon, the Day After She Pissed Off a Statue WHO : Everyone (Thorum, Pockets and Kennith) Angus take's his cloth and wipes the blood clean from him Great axe, looking around at the destruction and chaos around him taking in the smell of charred flesh that engulfs the nostrils thinking to himself. "Ront? was missing? I did not know, I cant leave him behind not after what he has done for us". After quick sweep around the room making sure no one is still alive suffering from wounds, Angus approaches Thorum. " Brother, i want you to take Eldeth's hammer, I must go and try save that bloody Orc...No..I must save a FRIEND! I refuse to let him die to some ponse after everything we have been through as a growing Legion." Angus slaps his hand onto the back of Thorum's head and put's his forehead against Thorum's "Stay strong brother". Walking away as soon as he finish his words. Angus look's towards Pockets and Kennith and approaches them with a worried look. "Pockets, Kennith, I.. I want you to look after Thorum. He will try to save Ront but whats more important is that you all make it out of here alive, we have come too far to all die now, use need rest. The fact is...With my current condition i'm going to slow you all down, At the very least I can move quietly alone with Shelly, avoid suspicion and try rescue Ront. Worst case scenario i draw some attention away from you all and i die..But lets face it, I'm too stubborn for that. Pocket's thank you,..thank you for being you. You truly have made this adventure worth baring, but i need to break my promise, i can't protect you anymore. So i need you to look after you now, Okay?".

LOCATION : Gracklstugh, Hold of the Deep King DATE/TIME : The Morning They Killed a Dragon WHO : Everyone (Thorum, Pockets and Kennith) Pockets blinked quickly for a moment, then laughed in utter disbelief. " Uh - thank you, Angus. Really. But there is no way in the hells that we're leaving you behind. Or Ront. " She smiled at him. " You don't even know where he is - and what do you have that Ront doesn't? You're even slower now than before. " The Kender gave a cruel smile and waved her hand. " It was a nice little speech though. " Not wanting to stay around for a moment longer Pockets turned around to move the egg bundled in the clothes into her backpack and get the rest of the items into one or two of her multiple pockets.

LOCATION : Gracklstugh, Hold of the Deep King DATE/TIME : The Morning They Killed a Dragon WHO : Everyone (Thorum, Pockets and Kennith) As the dialogue between the masked men and Lorelei concludes Kennith goes and sits down to meditate and think about how many spells he has left for today. Kennith scowls for only a moment "Only two spells left for today, and the day has only begun...wonderful."  His thoughts are interrupted by Angus spouting some heroic bullshit about going to save Ront on his own and to look after Pockets. Kennith sighs, stands up and approaches Angus "Pockets is right Angus, we are not leaving you to go on a suicide mission alone." Kennith walks up and places a hand on Angus's shoulder and gives him a smile "We can all go together once we have had a slight rest to recover and more over I do not think that your mission would have any chance of succeeding or even pulling away attention from us in your current state considering your speed." Kennith looks over to Shelly with   a frown on his face. " Your only chance of even getting there would be to take Shelly with you to help you move around and Shelly has some injuries also she could rest off."   "Rest Angus, we can go rescue Ront as a group with time we have left in the city." With that Kennith goes to sit down and meditate on the spells he has prepared today.

LOCATION : Gracklstugh, Hold of the Deep King DATE/TIME : The Morning They Killed a Dragon WHO : Everyone  "No, Angus is right.  I mean not about going off on his own to save Ront, that's crazy talk."  Thorum rolls his eyes.   "But we don't have time to rest and compose ourselves.  Buppido is on his way to murder Ront right now.  If we wait even 5 minutes it may be too late for him." Thorum takes a deep breath to compose himself.  "Now some of you don't even know Ront and we don't expect you to risk your lives for him, so you can rest here or go find the lady who knows her way to the surface.  We'll come find ya in a couple hours.  If we ain't back don't wait for us." "I can't bloody believe I'm gonna risk my life for an orc..."  Laughs softly to himself.

LOCATION : Gracklstugh, Hold of the Deep King DATE/TIME : The Morning They Killed a Dragon and beheaded a Demon WHO : Everyone Angus smiles at his companions for the first time he felt like he was at home. "Well i wont lie i was giving you all an out, but if you'se are dead set on helping save Ront we need to leave now, If what Pocket's said is true i cant imagine he has much time left." Angus looks at Saruuc, Quinn and Lorelei and and smile's "I would not expect any of you to Risk your life to save someone you have not met, however I'm leaving regardless unless anyone has a better idea so save him?" Angus rests a hand on Pocket's hair and ruffles it a little and Pats Kennith's Shoulder "Thank you friends, Ive never had non-Dwarf friends before but from what i have seen use two are the fiercest and bravest warriors i have ever met, and you wee lass are a force to be reckoned with". Angus Smiles at Pockets and throws her a wink. "I hate to say it but, those who need to rest, should stay, the rest who are willing to go and try save our friends life, well..we need to hurry".

LOCATION : Gracklstugh, Hold of the Deep King DATE/TIME : The Morning They Killed a Dragon and beheaded a Demon WHO : Everyone Quinn looks at Lorelei briefly, seeing the fatigue that the early morning has imposed on her and the rest of his party. He closes his eyes for a moment, looking for the nub of arcane energy he can tap into; it was dull and unresponsive 'No more shots for awhile yet, if I meditate I may be able to get some that energy back however...'  As he finishes his thought he eyes the man with the tower shield, 'who even are these masked men... why do they seem to have items of great power and enormous amounts of strength, it's unlike anything I've ever seen before... and Lory... why didn't you tell me...'   He dismisses the thought, looking away from here and adjusting his cloak to fit more comfortably.  He then hears Angus speak up, about some sort of rescue attempt. The others joined in nodding their agreements. He looks them over before walking up. "Rousing speeches all round, however, you're forgetting that whilst this barrier they" - He pauses his sentence to point to the crouched form of the two masked men, "- are preventing what remains of Gracklstugh's militant factions from barging in here and overpowering us, I believe that we are much the same confined within the barrier... also... I understand the need to save a friend, I have failed once myself... but." He paused for a moment, looking his companions over,  "We're tapped out... we have nothing left right now, heading out there to attempt to track down someone means time... time we don't have, we don't even know where this Orc is, or even if he is the Orc that stranger was talking about. If we leave now, unprepared, we would be rushing into the grave. I will take on the responsibility of his loss, I will bare all of your anger... but... I can not allow you to leave, not like this, not for this purpose... any of you. We've only been together for a short time, my opinion may mean little to nothing to you, but I care for you all deeply, I won't allow you to charge after a folly endevour that will only have your heads decorating spikes."  He leans forward, pointing to each of his companions as he speaks.  "Don't be foolish, we have managed to escape disaster this day, barely. Only a moron would invite more danger on themselves, especially in our condition... No. When this barrier fades, we must be rested, we must have the capacity and energy to escape this hell. We must leave, as soon as possible. In the end, the life of an Orc is not worth all of yours, regardless of how much love you held for him in your hearts." Quinn begins to almost look sorrowful, pleading in his words.  "If you leave... if you go regardless of what I say... I don't think I can go with you. I have my own missions I need to achieve before my death... This cannot be where our story ends. Don't go.... Don't go."  He quickly turns away at the last word, walking over to Lorelei, collapsing beside her, back against the wall. Facing her, he brushes some hair from her face, revealing some deep bruising and dried blood, "You are hurt... here,"  He pulls off his fur-lined cloak, bundling it up into a ball, handing over to her.  "You should rest, we will need you at full strength if we are to survive what comes next."

LOCATION : Gracklstugh, Hold of the Deep King DATE/TIME : The Morning They Killed a Dragon and beheaded a Demon WHO : Everyone Saruuc is standing back at first, admiring his dagger and it's effectiveness. "Why did I not use this dagger more often in the past? Perhaps there is more here to be discovered..."   His attention however, is then snapped back to the room as a whole as everyone begins making speeches in turn.  "Well seeing as how everyone else has said their piece, I suppose it is my turn. I believe our time here in this city is running short and we must escape as soon as possible. Rather than wait the grace time given to us, we should use this opportunity while the city is still in turmoil to grab what we can and escape as far as possible."  Finishing his words, Saruuc sits in front of the ritual site where he consumed the sins of the succubus and enters a state of prayer. 

LOCATION : Gracklstugh, Hold of the Deep King DATE/TIME : The Morning They Killed a Dragon and beheaded a Demon WHO : Everyone The Bard was still busy moving things around when Angus came over to ruffle her hair. Ducking her head out of the way she slapped his hand away and continued to move things from A to B. Why did she have so much shit with her? What was even the purpose of half of these things? What was she gonna do with this broken quartz - and where the hell should she put the 100ft. of rope? That damn rope was so unhandy. Eventually Pockets decided to just throw it to the side for now. Stupid thing. The others' ropes had been much more useful than hers. She looked at all the rest of the stuff in her backpack and just decided to dump it all on the floor. The egg was more important. Most of her stuff was books or papers, disregarding her tools - which she did technically need - and still it all felt important to keep around. Even if she didn't take it with her, these things should stay with the group. They were useful . For a good minute the Bard just stood there and felt overall tired and defeated, but then she found the robe of eyes she'd taken off of the Daelkyr priest. Inverting it, so that the telling eyes were on the inside, she put all her stuff that didn't fit into her pockets and bound it up with the stupid rope. Kinda useful rope now, she guessed. Satisfied that all her stuff was taken care of - although it was yet undecided if she could actually carry all of it - Pockets got up. " Let's go save the Orc and kill the traitor. " With that she waited for the others to get ready.

LOCATION : Gracklstugh, Hold of the Deep King DATE/TIME : The Morning They Killed a Dragon and beheaded a Demon WHO : Everyone Thorum laughs when he hears Quinn's speech. "Ya hear that Angus, only a moron would go after the orc.  Looks like the new guy is finally gettin' ta know us.  Quinn, you stick with us and someday you'll be damn glad ta have moron one and moron two here ta come save yer ass."  He points at himself and Angus while talking.

LOCATION : Gracklstugh, Hold of the Deep King DATE/TIME : The Morning They Killed a Dragon and beheaded a Demon WHO : Everyone As the conversation stirs around her, Lorelei closes her eyes.  They're going to get themselves killed .  She wants to interject, but what to say?  Don't throw your lives away?  Does this person deserve saving?  All lives must end?  She hasn't the energy for a diplomatic speech.  She stirs when she hears Quinn's voice, and she opens her eyes again.  She feels a small amount of relief that the task is taken from her by both Quinn and then Saruuc's part.   "We all have our journeys ahead of us still."   She mutters her small part.   "If we die here, no one is saved." She looks back to the floor as Quinn approaches her, sitting against the wall beside her.  She flinches slightly as he brushes the hair from her face, his fingers brushing a bruise blooming on her cheek.  Her eyes meet his.  And then there's this .  Lorelei had given no care to who had heard her conversation with the masked men.  In this moment she's keenly aware of her pale skin and her crimson eyes, and the analytical gaze that Quinn sometimes sports.  But if he knows then why is he not recoiling from her? He offers the fur to her and she holds it in her hands, brushing her fingers over the fur, soft here and matted there.  She idly runs her fingers through tangled spots of dirt or blood, smoothing it back.   "Thank you." She says quietly, and she meets his eye sorrowfully, apologetically, for what she fears she must say.  She looks up toward the group, seeming so set on their path of destruction.  "All of y ou who charged into the keep of a king you do not know of a city that despises you, to save people who do not want you. I have made a vow... to preserve the righteous, so that they may find their fate.  So that they might live to see their great destiny.  And I would preserve you.   That I why I followed.  By following that vow, fate, my mistress led me to my own goal.  But I am..." her voice breaks somewhat "... weak .  We are weary and injured.  What can we do but charge headlong into failure?  Why does this person deserve your lives in what could be futility?  I would follow you.  I must follow if you go, my oaths demand nothing less, but please-" Lorelei takes a steadying breath, and she blames her tiredness and injury for the stinging behind her eyes that she has to blink away.  Her voice goes quieter as she looks back to the stone beneath her.   "- D on't ."

LOCATION : Gracklstugh, Hold of the Deep King DATE/TIME : The Morning They Killed a Dragon and beheaded a Demon WHO : Everyone Thorum looks over as Lorelei speaks.   "Bah, don't be ridiculous Dragonslayer.  We ain't expecting ya ta come with.  If we're ta get outta town in time we need someone to round up the troups in the inn and get a plan together.  Maybe find that lady who knows the way to the surface.  Trackin' down Buppido should be easy he was half dead by the sound of it.  Me and Angus can take car of it.  You guys need to come up with a plan of escape while we're out.  We'll be back in a jiffy. As to why were savin' the darn smelly orc."  Thorum sighs.  "I owe him.  He saved our lives more then once.  I can't bloody well leave that alone.  You know how embarrassing it would be if people heard I owed my life to a smelly orc?  I gotta make that even!"  Thorum smiles and winks at Lorelei.

LOCATION : Soulforge DATE/TIME : ??? WHO : ??? As the Horizon Company fought the ethereal snake creature and its thralls, Invidia found his mind wandering. He had commanded Mai to go forth and cut into their enemies, but couldn't actually see the fight well enough to contribute. "I wonder how that sorry group of refugees are doing," he wondered while suspiciously eyeing a glowing wall. "They should've found their way out of the Underdark by now, though with that kleptomaniac kender leading them, I'm not so sure. Probably burned down a city or something." Invidia snorted before turning his attention back to the battle, which had grown fiercer in the meantime. The ferocious duregar had been singlehandedly keeping the beast at bay, but that state of affairs couldn't last for long. A sickening crunch sounded out, accompanied by a cry of pain and the sound of two metallic objects hitting the ground. Just past the stout cleric, he saw Mai arc his blade to cut into the naga. His fellow caster Lucian ran forward with a cry of "Veger!", robes flapping haphazardly.   Invidia's hair stood on end and breathed in the ozone as Lucian channeled the powers of his patron to restore vitality to their fallen friend. After a brief moment, the cleric Cyprus did so as well, calling forth the life giving power of the sun. Invidia assumed Veger had gotten up to continue the fight: a meaty thwack pushed the spirit back into Invidia's vision, accompanied by powerful blasts of eldritch energy. With a great roar, the serpentine creature struck back, fangs spitting venom and death at the two who had denied it a kill. Cyprus didn't bring his shield up fast enough and took the brunt of the damage as the spirit naga sunk its fangs deep into flesh. Dark venom visibly coursed its way throughout the cleric's visible skin and brought the man to his knees. "I'm fairly certain it had less heads a second ago," Invidia thought. He flung his hand at the scaled beast, calling forth glowing magical orbs that flew forward. The naga's eyes widened as it withdrew from the cleric, but too late. Several missiles flew down its gullet. For a moment, the naga stood still with a quizzical expression on its face. Then, it detonated, sending chunks of snake meat flying everywhere.  Invidia rolled his eyes at the drama of it all as he moved forward to inspect the cleric. "Oh, don't be a crybaby," he murmured while cleaning out the two festering incisions on the cleric's neck. His thoughts wandered again. "I miss Globbagool. I hope no one hurt him. He was always so appreciative of my food."    

LOCATION : Gracklstugh, Hold of the Deep King DATE/TIME : The Morning They Killed a Dragon and beheaded a Demon WHO : Everyone After Kennith got over the weird feeling that someone was throwing shade at his party he did his best to analyze the situation at hand. It seemed like half the group wanted to rescue Ront, while the other half just wanted to get up, take their things and leave this city. “We need a plan… a good one at that.” Kennith said under his breath. After looking over the party’s condition over and thinking of the best ways to go about achieving both saving Ront and exiting the city as safely as possible, Kennith stood up and announced “I feel like we need to lay a plan in place. The group seems to have different priorities and to achieve them all in a timely and safe manner would be extremely difficult to say the least.” Kennith paused for a moment hesitantly as he went on. “We currently have 2 to 3 things that we need to complete before we are able to leave Gracklstugh. Firstly, we require the documents to leave Gracklstugh, the clerks room is probably near this one and Pockets will need both the materials and an example to go off to forge the documents necessary to leave the city.” Kennith paused for a moment to think and reconsider something. “It would be wise for ether Angus or Thorum to help her with this since I assume they are the only two people here who are up to date on their dwarfish.” “Secondly, a lot of members want to rescue Ront and want him rescued now. The best candidates to do this right now would be myself and Sarruc.” Kennith said gesturing to Sarruc. “That leaves Quinn, Lorelie and ether Angus or Thorum to rest and recover or help us rescue Ront. I assume whoever isn’t helping pockets will come with as you brothers seem most adamant on saving him.” “and that’s the gist of my plan… is everyone ok with it? We can gladly change it if anyone wants to help or doesn’t want to help with their part. If not, we can meet up at the inn once everyone is done with their part.” Kennith said with a nervous smile.

LOCATION : Gracklstugh, Hold of the Deep King DATE/TIME : The Morning They Killed a Dragon and beheaded a Demon WHO : Everyone Saruuc appeared to be praying in the eyes of the rest of the party, but he had actually been using the time to contemplate his new life thus far. He was a follower of Arduk, reborn again in order to raise his religion to its heights once more. Yet up till now all he had managed to do was not die several times in a row and now apparently help bring the sins of a succubus to an end. "What am I even doing with this life? I must find us a new home, not be..." his quiet voice was suddenly silenced by hearing Kennith say his name.  Realizing he had just been forcibly roped into hunting down the traitorous party member of theirs, Saruuc rose up and quickly voiced his opinion. "Why are we spending any time on hunting down a half dead traitor just to rescue another member that is probably already dead as it is. We shouldn't be resting or rescuing, we should be retreating."

LOCATION : Gracklstugh, Hold of the Deep King DATE/TIME : The Morning They Killed a Dragon and beheaded a Demon WHO : Everyone Kennith paused for awhile at hearing Sarrucs opinion on the matter. He knew Sarruc would probably be the one to speak up about not liking his plan, he was one of only ones who actually didn't get to do what they wanted. "I can understand your point of view Sarruc, we really should be getting the heck out of here as soon as we can... However, what is to stop Angus, Thorum or even Pockets from just going to save Ront in your stead. For all we know we could be grabbing a marriage certificate instead of an exit document"  Kennith exhales after this and breaths deeply. "Ront has been with their group a long time Sarruc, I get that you haven't known Ront for a long time, however they have and I truly believe the quickest and safest way out of the city out of this city." Steadying himself Kennith walked over to Sarruc and stated. "While it may not be the task you wish to do Pockets, Angus and Thorum are placing their trust in you to complete this task in their stead. Just as you should place your trust in them to retrieve and forge the required documents to leave the city. Give and Take... that is all i ask.  

LOCATION : Gracklstugh, Hold of the Deep King DATE/TIME : The Morning They Killed a Dragon and beheaded a Demon WHO : Everyone Sighing deeply Saruuc looked back at Kennith, "I understand what you are asking of me, and why you are asking it of me. But I worry for the survival of the group as a whole. I understand Angus's heart is unchangeable in this matter, but risking all of these lives for one, no matter it's importance is not equivalent exchange. Would Ront even ask any of us to do this? Would he ask you to risk everything to save his single life?" Looking into the eyes of the dwarves he knew that no matter what he said they would go.  "Fine I understand this is where you all stand. But we three risk our lives walking out into a city in chaos. Kennith I suggest you make peace with your divine purpose, for your journey may be concluding sooner than expected." 

LOCATION : Gracklstugh, Hold of the Deep King DATE/TIME : The Morning They Killed a Dragon and beheaded a Demon WHO : Everyone "Thank you for understanding and your help Sarruc. I feel like my plan is better than everyone just doing what they wanted too and running around haphazardly. " Kennith stretches his neck getting himself ready for the task ahead. "and as for making peace with my divine purpose, I only receive visions of what Tira Miron the Silver Flame requires of me or needs done. Anything I do that does not pertain to those visions, well... " Kennith pulls his pack onto his back and steels his resolve. "that's my own choice, my own purpose."

LOCATION : Gracklstugh, Hold of the Deep King DATE/TIME : The Morning They Killed a Dragon and beheaded a Demon WHO : Everyone Emotions stir inside the pits of Angus's stomach when everyone sais their peace, understanding of each persons worries and emotions.  "I understand your feeling's on the matter Saruuc, and i do not expect anyone to risk there lives unwillingly, for someone they do not know. I believe Thorum would be best suited for this task, he has a better understanding of the more literature side of things, i tend to be a bit brash and to the point". Hindered by the thoughts of putting peoples lifes at risk Angus sighs out deeply closing his eyes before opening them wide. '"It's no lie, this is a fools errand and could be extremely dangerous. I think maybe erm, Saving Ront would be futile and not worth the risk of the lives we have here, now im no fool, and this decision is rendering alot of guilt within me but it may be the best choice going ahead".

LOCATION : Still Gracklstugh DATE/TIME : Who The Hell Even Knows  WHO : Lorelei, Lanore Everything went so wrong, so quickly. As the party scatters about, setting up whatever traps and the like that they think will help, Lorelei growls in frustration.  The direct approach would be quicker.  Why not just go for the caves?  We have precious little time to waste.   With a sigh, Lorelei stabs her sword into the ground and reaches up to rub her temples, leaning against a nearby wall.  She feels a wave of shame.  For the last several hours, anger, impatience and frustration has ruled her, and she has let it.  Those are the curses of my blood.  Do.  Not.  Give.  In.   And yet, she did.  She is lucky that the alcohol was poisoned, and that she was unconscious before she could do something she would regret.  Lorelei's hands drop to her side and she stares up into the darkness above.  Stone and shadow to the edges of even her vision.  It feels like that is all they will see forever. Lorelei turns her gaze toward Lanore, the woman that they had unceremoniously dragged along on this fool's errand. "I'm sorry." She calls to her, "I have been... frustrated with this day , with this place , and I have forgotten myself, my honor.  Though I have introduced myself, I feel I have not properly met you.  You certainly did not meet me at my best,"   Lorelei holds out her arm toward Lanore in greeting . "I apologize for dragging you into this, but truly we need all the aid we can find, and I swear to you that we will repay the debt, Lanore van Helgen."

LOCATION : Yet again Gracklstugh DATE/TIME : Derro quarter WHO : Thorum, Pockets Thorum pulls pockets to the side to speak with her alone.  "Pockets, I don't know that we are making the right decision here.  Angus knew the risks...he would want us to leave..."  Tears begin to fall from his eyes as he says these last words.  "But I can't make that decision...I need you to help me Pockets...I don't...I can't...if we should leave just say it.  I will follow your lead, but I can not make that decision..."

LOCATION : Still Gracklstugh DATE/TIME : Who The Hell Even Knows WHO : Lorelei, Lanore Lanore observes the chaos around her as Lorelei addresses her, glancing back in time to extend her own hand to shake Lorelei's hand.  "There's nothing to apologize for.  I volunteered.  You haven't exactly caught me at my best either, so we'll just have to consider first impressions null and void.  And quite frankly this is quite fascinating, I would love to do an ethnography of this group.  So much has happened in the past five minutes."   Lanore now fixes Lorelei with a more concerned look, "Do we even have a plan for getting out of here?" 

LOCATION : Yet again Gracklstugh DATE/TIME : Derro quarter WHO : Thorum, Pockets The Kender's eyes opened wide in surprise. It had been a while since she'd seen Thorum cry, and she remembered the last time very well. Pockets lifted her hands to his face and wiped away some of the tears with her thumbs. " Thorum - we are not leaving right now. You and I both know that Angus isn't always the best at making decisions - " She went quiet for a moment, considered his words, then continued. " But you are also not wrong. Things may look very bad very soon. Some of the others want to leave right now and we have no right to stop them. " Her eyes wandered towards the city, then back to Thorum. " But I want to save Angus. That is my choice. " She gave him a small, sad smile. " I can't chose for you, either. And I won't. But I am not leaving this city without that stubborn son of a bitch brother of yours. " Now Pockets gave him a full on hug and softly asked: " What do you want to do? Only you yourself. Do you want to safely be out of this city by tomorrow or do you want to be fighting your way out of it with Angus? "

LOCATION : Still Gracklstugh DATE/TIME : Who The Hell Even Knows WHO : Lorelei, Lanore "Oh, we have a plan." Lorelei mutters in response, raising a sardonic brow at Lanore. "We excel at making plans.  It's the follow-through that becomes troublesome.  You've only just arrived, so it's likely you never found out that you're not allowed to leave.  Even more so now with all the chaos, perhaps."  Lorelei lowers her voice, leaning closer.  "We've... acquired some documents that will allow us to leave, fate-willing.  However the grace period in which they will work expires in... now less than fourteen hours.  This excursion is... cutting it close, perhaps even eliminating our chance altogether."   Lorelei sighs, looking to the ground. "However, the others... do not deserve to die here alone."   She huffs a laugh, looking back at Lanore with a slight grin.  "If you already think we're quite the varied group, wait until you meet the hobgoblin."  Her smile falters, and she turns her gaze away, again.  "...If he's still alive, void take him."

LOCATION : Yet again Gracklstugh DATE/TIME : Derro quarter WHO : Thorum, Pockets Thorum sighs.  "You know damn well what I WANT to do.  But I don't just have meself to think about here.  There is Kennith and Lorelei and Quinn and little Stool.  Not to mention the promise me and Angus made to Eldeth."   He shakes his head.  "I just don't know anymore.  I think...I think I'm sick of the underdark..."   Thorum gives Pockets a weak smile and sighs again.  "Screw it we're already in this deep.  Lets go get our boys."  Thorum takes a moment to wipe his eyes and compose himself before going back to the others.

LOCATION : Still Gracklstugh DATE/TIME : Who The Hell Even Knows WHO : All those whom remain Quinn squats and sits on his heels for a moment, fingers raking through the dirt. 'Always, there must be some more trouble with us.' He smiles to himself absently, turning his head towards what serves for a sky and closing his eyes, breathing deeply through his nose. 'I suppose we have very little choice... if only the damned fools had listened to me...' he brings his chin down once more, looking under his eyebrows at those members in his party, all a little worse for wear, skin that was paling by the day, even Lorelei, and dark bags were forming under each of their eyelids.  'The sooner we are gone, the better, I worry how long we can stay down here before we too are affected by the shadow of madness that looms always in this place.'  His vision flicks towards the walls of the cavern, trying to find a good vantage point if Bupidido was to make an appearance at this location. It seemed, at least for the most part the walls were shear and wouldn't support his weight on any of the outcroppings.  Looking back at his companions, he notices Pockets laying a hand on Thorum's shoulder as he wipes away a tear.  Quinn feels his own heart rock with the currents of emotions... standing an stretching he walks between the two groups. "Listen to me, my friends..." He begins, not exactly sure what he was trying to do.. "We have all known each other for only but a short time, some-" he indicates to Lanore "Only today... but." He pauses for a moment, willing the tears that threaten to flood over his eyelids "People like us.... the things we do... it can leave us without family or perhaps we do what we do, because our families are no longer with us. But somehow, against the odds, we are all together, here, in this place. In this time. Together. A family." He gestures a hand outwards towards Thorum,  "Thorum... know that I think of you as family, as my clan, as my brother-" His eyes drift over to the others in his party,  "... and you all, are my family..."  "Thorum... I will not have you make a decision that would break your own heart, because in turn that would break mine."  He pauses again, looking at the ground, his cheeks slightly rosy, not exactly sure still what he was hoping to achieve by talking to them all in this manner. "We have seen so much, in so little a time... I have no doubts we will see the end of this, our story continues, so-" He looks up, a single tear running down his cheek, but with dedication in his eyes,  "Shoulder your burdens, get your weapons sharp, and steel your resolves. We will find our family members, we will destroy the fuzzy-fuck-nugget that is Bupidido and we WILL ALL leave here ALIVE." As he finishes his sentence, he feels his confidence wain for a moment, feeling a bit silly at his attempts to rouse their morale... it seems like an age passes as they look through him. He swallows deeply, waiting for what happens next. 

LOCATION : Still Gracklstugh DATE/TIME : Who The Hell Even Knows WHO : All those whom remain A yawning silence stretches between them.  Unbidden, Lorelei feels a laugh bubbling up.  Perhaps hysteria finally setting in, and a small sound escapes her before she smothers it.  She looks at Quinn with a fond, mildly amused expression.  So terribly sweet.  We've known each other for but days and yet such familiarity, such attachment.  Family?  How silly, how wonderful, how awful.   Lorelei wishes she were so quick to find friends in those around her, but years of experience has beat the optimism from her bones.  And yet... and yet she feels an aching in her heart at the absence of Saruuc, whom she should despise and mistrust most of them all, whom holds for her a kernel of fury in equal measure next to the aching.  And she feels a pang of sympathy for Thorum, his brother maybe lost, and Pockets, so clearly determined to keep her friends together.  There is a quiet admiration there for the kender with such a heart that Lorelei has never had.  Lorelei who has had to give herself rules , had to dedicate herself to something more to find potential for goodness in herself.  And Quinn... well... Quinn.  Standing between them, talking of family and fostering hope .   Her fatalistic nature can see nothing but doom ahead.  But all things must die.  Perhaps your purpose is not your father, not the creature you met in the shadows, but something more humble.  Perhaps your fate is simply to die for someone, maybe even fail to save them, but try nonetheless.  Preserve the righteous.  How much more righteous must you be than a daring rescue of a lost brother and friend? Lorelei casts a wry glance at Lanore, gesturing to Quinn.  "See?  We have a plan."   She clasps Lanore's shoulder briefly, and looks back toward Quinn.  "I'm pretty sure I still owe Saruuc another right hook or twelve."   She nods affirmatively.  "I'm never going to say this is a good idea.  It's a terrible idea, and we're all fools.  But, well... yes, here we are, aren't we?  I can't promise I won't gripe the whole way along, nor will I make any promises of alive ... but I never said I wouldn't try."

LOCATION : Still Gracklstugh DATE/TIME : Derro town  WHO :  Everyone Thorum walks up, puts a hand on Quinns shoulder, nods to him and says, "What the bloody hell is a fuzzy-fuck-nugget?"  

LOCATION : Still Gracklstugh DATE/TIME : Who The Hell Even Knows WHO : All those whom remain "Never Mind Thorum, must just be a Breland thing."  Quinn chuckles in response. 

LOCATION : Still Gracklstugh DATE/TIME : Who The Hell Even Knows WHO : All those whom remain "Breland huh? Damn...pretty sure my country is at war with yours. At least it was last time I heard news."  He thinks for a moment.    "Well, I guess if we leave the continent we don't have to worry about that."

LOCATION : Still Gracklstugh DATE/TIME : Who The Hell Even Knows WHO : All those whom remain Lanore glances around at the group, taking in their distress and their new found determination.  As Quinn and Lorelei say their piece, she shifts her weight and plants the butt of the Thunder Cannon on the ground.  "Well, I've thrown my hat in the ring for less."   She turns to Thorum and Pockets, " We've not been introduced, but I gather it is your one of your kin who has gone missing."   She pauses and then grins widely, "We'll pull his ass out of the fire, for sure."  She turns to Quinn, "By the by, from what you were saying earlier, you wanted to stake out the area."   Lanore rummages through her bag and produces a pair of green tinted goggles, "These would help with that." 

LOCATION : Yet again Gracklstugh DATE/TIME : Derro quarter WHO : Thorum, Pockets (&Everyone) Pockets followed Thorum back to the rest, keeping a hand on his arm and whispered " I'm sure Sarith will get Stool out. They'll make it. And we will, too. You got this. " She finally raised her voice. " And the rest... well. You just heard the everyone's opinion! " Her eyes scouted the crowd. " Almost everyone's. Yo angel boy, what's your stand on this? "

LOCATION : Still Gracklstugh DATE/TIME : No clocks in the Underdark.... or sun WHO : All those whom remain Kennith sat at a table currently thinking about what exactly went wrong with his plan. It was so simple, they would follow Buppido back to his lair, knock him unconscious and rescue Ront. Literally how did we scre" And the rest... well. You just heard the everyone's opinion! " Her eyes scouted the crowd. " Almost everyone's. Yo angel boy, what's your stand on this? " Kennith stood at this. "What do you freaking expect, it was my plan that got Angus and Sarruc into this mess... I am going to do everything in my power to bring them back alive. Also 'angel boy'? I am unsure on how I should feel about that nickname." Kennith shrugs "Well there are worse things to be called i guess." 

LOCATION : Still Gracklstugh DATE/TIME : Thorum time! WHO : All those whom remain Thorum suddenly notices the new girl talking to him.  "What?  Oh hi.  I'm Thorum Bronzebeard.  Sorry I ain't been me normal cheerful self.  Me brother is out there possibly dead or dying so I'm a little preoccupied as I am sure you can understand.  Once we're out of here I'll buy you a drink and we can properly get acquainted."  He pauses for a moment then continues.   "Thank you for helping by the way.  You certainly don't need to.  No one will blame you if you high tail it and leave while the going is good.  But I do appreciate your help."

LOCATION : Still Gracklstugh DATE/TIME : In before shit hits the fan WHO : All those whom remain Pockets smiled when Kennith spoke. This is all she'd wanted, a group that sticks together and fights for each other without giving up at every corner. " Yeaaah sorry about that Kennith. I just remembered college back home - we would totally have spent this time throwing an 'end of the world' party. And then I thought about how stupider and stupider we sounded as time - and alcohol - went by... " Her eyes went big and she looked at the group. " Actually - we have some time to kill don't we? "

LOCATION : Still Gracklstugh DATE/TIME : 2nd breakfast WHO :  All the cool people "No."

LOCATION : Still Gracklstugh DATE/TIME : Will we ever know? WHO : Lorequinn He Nods towards Lanore in thanks, placing his hand over hers, closing it around the glasses,  "I appreciate it, but first..."  Quinn gives her hand a gentle tap, not looking at her, only looking at the pale beauty shouldering her longsword.  "Lorelei!" Quinn pipes up, as he walks away from Lanore,  He steadies himself, as a memory washes over him, a fond and sweet memory that seemed to tap all the sadness and misery from his bones, the touch of her ruby lips against his cheek, the scent of her hair as it swept over him.  "I... I meant what I said..." He scratches his head unsure of himself for a moment, letting a touch of cherry rogue his cheeks,  "I care for you all enough now... that I don't want to lose you... any of you, not like I did before... I can't let that happen again." He smiles nervously for a moment,  "I will not fail again..." He pauses for a second, looking quickly over his shoulder as he leans in a says, "Thank you... for before..." He clears his throat looking back,  "For.. the kiss."  "I know you hate promises that can't be kept and you have your own missions, that 'this'-" he motions between her and himself "Is more than likely just a distraction...but."  He looks down at his hands, rubbing them idly,  "... I will always, always, watch your back, that I promise."  He finishes his sentence by outstretching his arm to the right,  as a flurry of raven black feathers seem to drift like snowfall around them and the warble of raven's fills the air. 

LOCATION : Still Gracklstugh DATE/TIME : Will we ever know? WHO : Lorequinn Lorelei pauses when she sees Quinn approach from the corner of her eye, hearing her name called.  She straightens her back, raising her chin proudly, feeling ready to face the challenge ahead, and there's a teasing smile playing on her lips.  As he speaks, her smile falters, a sadness for the losses he's endured before, her gaze becoming soft. Then her cheeks burns as she remembers the kiss she'd placed on his cheek, before the plan went to hell and frustration took over every sense.  She has to look away as he unknowingly speaks the thoughts she had had that first night that she realized she longed for his company.  Distraction.   To make something so small.  To reduce feelings she knows she should not allow to something she can handle.  Lorelei tucks a stray lock of hair behind her so slightly pointed ear, shame gathering in her chest. Tear off the bandage.  Do not let him think that impossible things can be.  Before it is too late and there is nothing to salvage in the fallout. Lorelei meets his eyes again as he makes his promise, and he's right, she hates it.  A wind kicks up around them, startling her, and it takes her a moment to realize that there is no breeze in the Underdark, and that is when the sight of a pitch black feather floating gently down catches her sight.  Instinctively she reaches out toward it, her hand cupped beneath the feather as it falls.  Movement around her tears her gaze away, and she sees a dozen more, swirling down, and she hears the distant warble of a raven.  Then her eyes fall upon Quinn again as the feather touches her palm and she closes her hand loosely around it, and her heart gives a flutter. It's already too late, isn't it? A sad smile comes to her lips and she looks back down at the feather.  She laughs.  She's not sure if it's a childish glee at the sudden spectacle or a bitter mockery of her own foolishness.  Her expression cracks in but a second, either way, regretful and sad, she meets Quinn's eyes again. "Who are you, Quinn Riverward?" She asks, realizing how nonsensical it is to, not expecting an answer.  A hundred expressions cross her face, fondness, confusion, joy and fear among them, and she shakes her head.  She opens her mouth to speak, stopping, unsure, then starting again.  "I ought to be offended."  She says, simply to say something as she gathers her thoughts.  "I can well take care of myself, thank you.  And I am... rude , and brash.  Who would bother-" to care for me .  She bites her tongue before she finishes that. Mira bothered.  Now, Quinn. "And I have..."  She lowers her gaze, loosing her grip on the feather, letting it flutter to the ground.  " Kept things to myself that one has a right to know before making... promises.  Would you deign to protect a liar?  A woman so caught in foolish fancy that she fears to tell a truth so significant to her person that it could possibly be the only truly important thing about her?"