Henry Group RP Forum

Location: Taer Valaestas, Black Orb Inn Date/Time: 15th of Aryth, Late Evening Who: Hendrick, Jeezargo “I do not take you for a fool. I did not want to alarm you before having a chance to explain.” Jeezargo steps out. Taking note of Fosters presence, he give a quick wave and pulls out the key to Jenkins room, keeping an eye out for his weasel.

Location: Taer Valaestas, Black Orb Inn Date/Time: 15th of Aryth, Late Evening Who: Hendrick, Jeezargo Hendrick followed Jeezargo towards a door. Lupin rested, for the lack of a better word, in the hallway, noticing both of them walking towards whatever secret Jeezargo wanted to share. "Worry not, I will give you every chance to explain yourself. I even recommend you do. Few situations can be solved satisfactorily based on poor information. Bladetrust is your given name, surely you will attempt to live up to that. Now, show me, what is it in here you need me to see."

Location: Taer Valaestas, Black Orb Inn Date/Time: 15th of Aryth, Late Evening Who: Hendrick, Jeezargo As Jeezargo goes to unlock the door a sudden thought hits him. All he had to do was leave Jenkinson on that street, and all his issues would’ve been solved. His eyes go wide for a moment and his pupils contract. ‘I never could just leave a friend like that. Especially someone like poor Jenkins.’  Jeezargo shakes his head and unlocks the door, stepping into Jenkins room.

Location: Taer Valaestas, Black Orb Inn Date/Time: 15th of Aryth, Late Evening Who: Hendrick, Jeezargo, Lupin Lupin watched with some interest as Jeezargo led Hendrick out of his room and to another room in the hallway. He gave a short nod of acknowledgement to the two as he and Johannes watched the two cross the hallway. Hendrick's statement caught the gargoyle's attention.  'Explain yourself? Curious. It seems that something is indeed going on.' Lupin waited for the two to enter the room and close the door before he sent a silent message to Nala. 'If you can hear this, stay in your room. Something is happening with Jeezargo and Hendrick. I'll keep you informed if I learn anything.' Lupin kept his familiar close to his side as he listened through the weasel's ears for anything suspicious.

Location: Taer Valaestas, Black Orb Inn Date/Time: 15th of Aryth, Late Evening Who: Nala Nala sat on the floor with a semicircle of books and parchment scattered around her. She sat still, silent as her brain flickered between thoughts running in completely different directions, occasionally picking up her quill to make note of something off to the side. Her Book of Unspeakable Shame lay open to her left, Eldritch runes dancing across the pages. Her journal lay directly beside it, vertical columns of Draconic ciphers printed neatly, revealing nothing to the wandering eye. To her right, two rolled up pieces of parchment are ready to be delivered and one lays open, addressed to one named " Ex " but otherwise blank. Directly in front of her, the notebook that held all the information of the current case. She meditated briefly before picking up a quill and drawing an arrow, connecting one piece of evidence to an idea she had written down while inspecting the body.  Suddenly, Nala's eyes flicked open and she tilted her head, as if listening to a distant whisper. If you can hear this, stay in your room. Something is happening with Jeezargo and Hendrick . I'll keep you informed if I learn anything. A smile, almost wicked in nature, spread across Nala's dragon features. She picked up her quill and wrote down a few sentences and then underlined some other information before finally gathering her belongings and packing them into a satchel. She would heed Lupin's advice tonight. Tomorrow was sure to be interesting.

Location: ??? Date/Time 15th of Aryth, late evening Who: Callum Jenkins Blank. Empty. Nothing. He stood in a vast, white void, bare except for a bed and chest on the floor behind him and a glass mirror in front. Where walls should have been there was simply empty space. He looked up, and the colorless void seemed to stretched on forever.Returning his focus to the mirror, he gazed at the reflection before him. The pale face clawed at the edges of his mind. Who was staring back? Jenkins. The word popped up in his head unbidden.It was what the other had called him. Was that his name? He repeated the word aloud, as if testing the sound of it; it echoed in the blank space around him. It seemed so far away, coming from a source distinct from and outside of him. A foreign entity, planted inside his mind. Now other faces appeared alongside the one called Jenkins . Five more sets of eyes stared back at him, with faces white as chalk. Blood started to trickle down their cheeks, dripping silently down and out of the mirror’s frame. You killed them, Jenkins. Don’t you feel ashamed? A cold shiver ran down Jenkins’ spine. The Voice, from before. The terrible Voice that had taken the world away, the one that hurt and punished him for his crimes. The Voice that had let him forget everything but his guilt, and would not let him die.  You want the pain to go away. It will. I will free you from yourself, Jenkins. An awful laughter filled the air around him, bouncing off unseen surfaces in the chasm. He wanted to cry, but tears would not form. But not yet. You must atone for your sins, and these ghosts will go away. Until then... The faces screamed at him. Jenkins remained frozen in place, unable to move. From somewhere far off behind him, he heard the sound of a door open. "Jenkins, it's me. I'm back."

Location: Taer Valaestas, Black Orb Inn Date/Time: 15th of Aryth, Late Evening Who: Hendrick, Jeezargo “Hendrick, please...can you help him?” Jeezargo asked tentatively. “He acts as if he’s sick, and can’t remember anything.” Suddenly feeling very tired “I do not feel well and trust you to do your best to care for him. Please tell me what you find in the morning. Oh and be sure to lock the door.” Jeezargo slips out and down the hall to his room without waiting for a response, the exhaustion seeming to build faster the longer he stayed awake. Calling Eurgo into the room and telling him to guard against intruders, Jeezargo passes out instantly as his head hits the mattress.

Location: Taer Valaestas, Black Orb Inn Date/Time: 15th of Aryth, Late Evening Who: Hendrick, Jenkins, and something else.. Jeezargo had left Hendrick alone in a room with the young lad from the earlier that night. He was pale, cowered up in the corner, sweating heavily, looking into a distant realm. Only the flicker of a small candle saved this room from the ever-present darkness. Hendrick placed the candle about a foot or two in front of the boy and pulled a chair up. He lit a pipe and waited. How long was hard to tell. The candle had burned down significantly, when finally the boy's empty gaze wandered towards the fire. The eyes were white, no colour or anything was visible, just pure endless white. The candle started flickering wildly now, but the air was as still as Hendrick . Reflections in initially cold fiery colours were seen infinitesimally on the blank surface of the lads dead eyes. His face seemingly distorted into bizarre grimaces, but never long enough to actually be able to fully see them. Hendrick waited. Steadily, the reflections of the fire lasted longer, its colours turned warmer until it was unclear whether these were reflections any longer, or rather sparks of fire in the boy himself. Slowly his eyes turned their natural colour and he continued to look into the flame: "Welcome back son." The guards eyes moved slowly up from the flame, noticing a barely lit figure in robes and fiery hair. Piercing yet friendly eyes rounded of the appearance. "Jenkins, if I recall correctly. You ran into me earlier tonight. I understand you are an acquaintance of my friend Jeezargo. You have him all worried. I promised him to try to help you, a promise I intend to keep." Hendrick took the pipe, which was barely glowing, out of his mouth, emptied it on the floor and placed it in his pocket. The first movement he has made since he sat down in this chair. "It looks to me you might not have been with me in this room the whole time, have you? You see, I have experience with situations like these. In my time I have helped many people out of dire situations, which might be just too much for them. I know Jeezargo trusts you. And you can trust me. Now, tell me, what is it you have seen?" Somehow, without really knowing why, Jenkins looked back into the fire. And the flame stared back at him. 

Location: Taer Valaestas, Guard Barracks Date/Time: 16th of Aryth, Morning of the Jenkins Fight  Who: The party, minus Jeezargo and Lupin In  Lupin's pouch, a single folded sheet of paper can be found. The note would be written in a code only familiar to Nala, a quick version of the code from her journal that she had shown him. Nala,  Things are getting more and more complex as the night goes on. You were right. Jeezargo was involved, however he may not have been the killer. Keep an eye on Jeezargo and his "friend". I do not trust the lizardman, but I am still searching for proof. If something happens to me tonight or tomorrow, perhaps you will find this note. If my premonition is correct, I have made my peace. My only regret would be my inability to end my brother. . . I'm sorry. Lupin

Location: Taer Valaestas, Guard Barracks Date/Time: 16th of Aryth Who: Lupin, Nala, Hendrick, Fearfacer Nala sank to her knees at Lupin's resting form, and she laid a hand on his chest. " Lupin , my friend, I feel your pain." She said, a look of discomfort on her face. She finds the letter on his person as she searches for a healing potion, and reads it, smiling at his skillful use of the cipher she employed in her journal. She quickly puts the note carefully between the pages of her journal and uncorks a healing potion, pouring it down his mouth. After several moments pass and Lupin seems unresponsive, a small tear falls down Nala's  face. She turns to look at Hendrick and Fearfacer , still bickering about Jeezargo . "We have to help him! He's in pain!" She snaps at them. She stands up and begins desperately trying to pull Lupin down the hall, where hopefully she can get him back to the comfort of the inn.

Short Rest @ Gorgon Battlefield New party, new problems. New cleric who kept subtly catching her lying and then keeping his reaction to himself. New warlock who seemed so sincere while probably eating souls for breakfast. New rogue who sweetened her with cupcakes and offered to borrow her memories with magic. New stone statue frozen in the downswing of its sword strike, its face twisted in a snarl of rage and despair. New blood seeping into the churned mud of this field as the molten puddle of gorgon slowly cooled. Stella Starling could have spent their whole hour of downtime just thinking hard. Shuffling through memories of the last twenty-four hours, reflecting on hidden meanings she’d missed, calculating various threats to her safety and her mission. But she could only pretend to count her arrows and check her gear for so long before her intense silence drew suspicion. And besides, Stella had a little secret to check on before the party moved on. In fact, she had several. Stella hopped up from the grass and slung her heavy pack over one shoulder, staggering only slightly. Stupid strength penalty. She flashed her brightest smile in case anyone in the party was paying attention. “I have to fix my makeup. And my hair. And my clothes. Back in ten!” And she headed to the other side of the stone wall, hidden from view. Civilised people would hesitate to follow her in case she actually was getting undressed, but more likely she had only bought herself a minute or two. She dumped her pack in a pile of leaves, crouched down and, after casting a last glance around to check nobody was watching, slipped a small leather-bound book out of her pack. The Sisters Sinister was a classic novel about three sisters and their impressive capacity for ruthlessness, but that wasn’t why Stella leafed through it now, her fingertips skimming down the pages. It was the key to a book cipher. She flicked to a specific page and began scribbling on a sheet of paper, encrypting the text with practised speed. It took just sixty seconds to write out the full message and then Stella snapped the book closed. She folded the letter in half, then slipped it into a heavily embossed envelope. Stella whispered a few words over the letter - words of power, maybe; words of magic - before sealing it with a blank circle of wax in a dark purple. There. Now whistling a cheerful tune, Stella straightened to her feet, lifted her pack, and sauntered back toward the rest of the party, the encrypted letter tucked in a secret pocket. Game on.

Short Rest @Gorgon Battlefeild Rune surveyed the group he was moving to safety. They were odd to say the least, and he wondered if several were somewhat mad. None the less, this job payed well and they all seemed kind enough. Especially that Stella. Their similair skill sets were intriguing and this woman wove lies like an old seamstress. She would likely be a powerful ally if only Rune could get her to open up a little. Still debating the best way to approach, Stella suddenly sets off to refresh herself. Curious but not stupid, Rune stands and waits. When Stella comes back a moment later, looking no different then before, “I’m no master of fashion but I think you look about as beautiful as you did when you walked behind that wall.” He smiles and pauses a moment. “We seem to share many interest. Would you care to share how you got your skills? I, of course, will happily reciprocate.” Another smile and a flourished bow punctuate the end of his sentence as he awaits her answer.

Stella almost missed a beat when Rune immediately greeted her. Had he seen her tuck the encrypted letter into the pocket of her pack? Maybe she had a smudge of ink on her fingers? The scent of paper on her hands? The possibilities flashed past as Stella pretended shock. “You can’t tell the difference? Did I redo my makeup for nothing? I don’t stay this pretty without regular maintenance, you know.” Ink. Ink. Ink… Stella shifted the heavy pack off her shoulder and held it out to him, aiming to distract him from any lingering traces of what she’d been up to. “Can you grab this for a second? I think I put my powder brush in the wrong pocket. Thanks.” She pretended to rifle through the contents, then tighten up the buckles that held it shut, checking her hands as she did so. Palms clean. Fingers clean. The tiniest smear of ink on one fingertip, quickly wiped off. A minute trace of a paper cut. Good enough. Pack back on her shoulder, Stella widened her eyes innocently. “My skills? You mean in the kitchen? I’ll have you know I’m quite the baker. My scones are the fluffiest. I can make pastry with the best of them.”

Taking the pack with a weary eye, “Of course, though...”  Rune pauses as Stella tries to study her hands while looking through her bag. Careful to keep his eyes locked on her face, he uses his peripheral vision to watch as she wipes a black inky smudge from one finger, and notices a small cut on the other.  “...I’m surprised you need such cosmetics. I prefer a more natural look myself.” Runes face brightens at the mention of cooking “Ah! Another Culinary artist! I myself prefer cooking but I’d love to try your scones. Tell me, would you be interested in a short walk? It’s an excellent season to enjoy the flowers.” Rune offers an arm.

Ah. Another gentleman who preferred the natural look on women, as long as it came with a flawless complexion, sparkling eyes, and bright cheeks. Stella almost made a comment so sharp it would have required an attack roll, but turned it into a teasing smile instead. “Is this how you work your magic on women? Take them for a romantic stroll, pick them a few flowers, lower their defences? Well, it happens I enjoy the countryside, at least the parts that aren’t full of gorgons. Lead on, sir.” She slipped her arm through his.

Rune leads them off into the field a ways, walking slowly and admiring the landscape as he mulls over his words. “Many woman would enjoy such things. As for lowering defenses? I think it’s mutual. A quiet walk alone together, secrets shared among flowers or beneath tress...truly it’s magical moment between two people. Though I think it’s fair to say your no normal woman, given you get cuts and ink on your fingers while you apply your make up.” Rune slightly raises one eyebrow as he turns to face her, looking deeply into Stella’s eyes. His own eyes reflect a certain hurt and old pain, but also a child-like curiosity. “I am not interested in stealing secrets my dear, I only offer an ear to listen and an open mind to your opinions.” Rune turns and picks a small blue and pink wildflower, and pretends to examine it closely.

Hmm. He’d noticed the ink. Stella briefly debated how to handle that, but chose to laugh - a light trill, as if he’d been joking. “Rune, you’re hilarious. Ink! That’s just the funniest… uh…” Her words trailed off as he locked eyes with hers. His were a strange blue, edged with gold. And that look lasted well past a casual glance into meaningful staring. Wow. This felt intense. Like he was about to kiss her, or stab her, or possibly use his creepy magic to rip her memories right out of her. Should she draw her rapier? Hit him with a spell? Was he rifling through her thoughts right now? Fuck. Stella pictured a cheesecake with great dedication, hoping that was all he could pick up from her. Sweet, creamy filling. Crumbly biscuit. Nothing about certain secrets she had buried very deep. He finally broke the gaze, and Stella blinked. Several times. “Uh…” Stella cleared her throat. She’d almost missed his last words. “Well, that’s… kind of you. But I really have no secrets, except that I think needlework is the invention of the devil. And I don’t think you want to hear all about me stabbing myself in the thumb with a needle while trying to mend my shirt.” She might possibly be babbling right now. That little moment had raised her heart rate to the point where Rune might actually see her pulse hammering in her throat. She had almost convinced herself she understood Rune - he was hardly the first man she’d had to tie in knots. But now she was thinking very hard about his conversation with Hendrick. The creeping realisation that he was reading Hendrick’s mind in some way. The fear that Rune might actually be here for the same reason she was… and worse, that Rune might already know that. Because if he knew what was really going on, she was going to need a lot more than her rapier. No. She must be even more paranoid than usual right now, because when she stared at him hard, nothing in his stance revealed a threat. Maybe she needed a lot *less* than her rapier? Maybe she needed to be subtle here. Something about his offer to listen felt different this time - felt fraught with some kind of emotion. Maybe it was the little wildflower. All right, then. “Fine. You want my opinions, tall man? Well, get ready to parry, because I’m dealing piercing damage.” Stella stepped up to him, which was distinctly unintimidating given her diminutive height, and put her hands on her hips. “You’re a talker, I know that much. You’re fascinated by people around you. You’ve done nothing but ask questions so far - about who we all are, where we come from, what we’re doing here. And I don’t think it’s pure curiosity. I’m not even sure that it’s part of some underhanded scheme. I think it’s something else. “Do you know the story of the old man with no shoes? He walked every day and the rocks on the road bruised his bare feet. He learned to live with the pain, and each time he came across somebody with no shoes, he felt for them. He’d ask them where their shoes were. If they needed a healing salve. Just because he knew how it felt.” Stella went for the emotional sneak attack: she reached up and picked an ivory flower from the crook of a tree branch and tucked it gently into his collar. “I think you’re asking questions because you want to be asked. I think you have a whole lot of words bottled up and you’re just looking for somebody to uncork them. You hope somebody will listen to you the way you’re ready to listen to us.” She adjusted the ivory flower for best effect, almost holding her breath. “Did I hit?”

Rune thought back to his adopted mother, to the fire, to the running and daughter that didn’t know him. Old pain crept into his heart as he slowly released the flower to the ground. “Yes it is certainly funny to think you’d use ink isn’t it?” A soft but knowing smiles indicates he knows somethings off but is letting it slide. “Sewing an invention of the devil? Ha! And here I thought you a fine seamstress of tales. I didn’t realize you liked to sew with blade like pins.” As Stella stepped up and placed her hands on her hips, Rune couldn’t help but think of how cute she was when being tough. It was rather endearing. Rune listened intently and as her words pierced his heart. His gaze fell on her own dark brown eyes, shining like that of a trusting young doe as the light hit them, the breeze gently blowing back her hair. Placing a hand gently upon hers, holding them against his collar below where the ivory flower rested, carefully adjusted for display. Runes eyes water somewhat as he says  “Your words are that of a hammer and anvil , striking true with every word.” Rune again pauses and stares, trying to read Stella’s feelings. “Pain and hardship is something difficult to share, but it’s truly uplifting to do so with those who can relate. Your story is a good one, and I have a personal favorite that shares the same meaning. You have thrusted and now I will parry by asking this. You are so very careful in your actions and words. Is it because you once hurt someone through them? Or because you hide something you are afraid to share with others? I sense a pain in you, or maybe I am mistaken. May I offer my help to you? A look of pure sincerity rests on Runes face, his normal smile gone, replaced by a much smaller smile, of someone who is nervous but trying to be helpful. 

Location: Gorgon Battlefield Date/Time: 17th of Aryth, after walk with Stella Who: Nala, Rune Upon returning from his walk with Stella, Rune goes over to Nala, curious about her knowledge about books and magic. 

Location: Gorgon Battlefield Date/Time: 17th of Aryth, after Rune's walk with Stella Who: Nala, Rune As Rune approached Nala , he would notice her writing in her journal with a strange alphabet. As the knowledge of others coursed through him, he would see that she was writing with the Draconic alphabet, though the writing itself still made no sense. She wrote from the top of the page to the bottom, and the letters were a jumbled mess. Puff bristled as he approached, which caught Nala's attention. She shut her journal casually and then soothed the psuedodragon before turning to look at him. "Hello. Rune , isn't it?" She asked.

Location: Gorgon Battlefield Date/Time: 17th of Aryth, after walk with Stella Who: Nala, Rune Put off slightly by the bristled psudeodragon but curiosity winning in the end, Rune says “Hi there, writing anything of interest? And I must say, that’s a fine guard dragon you have here, protecting such a fine treasure as you.” Rune gives a smile and wink and sits across from Nala, careful not to sit to close for fear of getting bitten.

Location: Gorgon Battlefield Date/Time: 17th of Aryth, after Rune's  walk with Stella Who: Nala, Rune Nala gave an apologetic smile to Rune and scratched the top of Puff's head.  "I'm sorry. He is a bit overprotective sometimes around new people. He won't hurt you, though." Nala takes out a couple of sugar cubes, shows them to Puff , and then sticks them out for Rune to grab. "Take these, he'll be sweet if he thinks he'll get a treat out of it." Nala turned to face Rune , considering his question about her writing. "I like to record the events of the day in my journal. It's ah, a good way to help clear my mind. Today has been particularly interesting." Nala glances over to Stella briefly, wondering if she would come to join the conversation as well, but her eyes returned to Rune's and she gave him a friendly smile. "I don't think I ever properly introduced myself. I'm Nala Delmirev ." She offers him a handshake.

Location: Gorgon Battlefield Date/Time: 17th of Aryth, after walk with Stella Who: Nala, Rune Rune takes the sugar cube and cautiously holds it out to the fierce little dragon. “Ah a journal of sorts! I must say it seems to be in code? Or is your book perhaps enchanted so only you can read it? Rune smiles and leans across, taking her hand, giving a firm but gentle shake.  “Pleasure to meet you Lady Nala. Yes I am Rune, no last name I’m afraid.” Rune leans back and begins flipping a coin, and doing other small tricks with it as he talks. “I must say today has been interesting, but I’d love to here why you think so.” 

Location: Gorgon Battlefield Date/Time: 17th of Aryth, after Rune's walk with Stella Who: Nala, Rune With the sugar cube set in his sights, Puff saunters up, raising his front claws high as he steps like an arrogant cat. He sniffs at the cube, and then at Rune , and once he decides that the man means him no harm, he gently pushes his snout into Rune's hand and takes the sugar cube between his teeth. He exhales happily, a tiny bit of smoke coming from his nostrils, and he curls into a content ball between the two to nap. Nala grins at Rune .  "He only sleeps near people he trusts, so you must have done something right!" She chuckles and shakes her head. "That dragon has been with me since childhood. He's a lazy, pampered thing but he's my best friend." She smiles sadly, as if recalling a memory. Nala thought of her actual best friend, whom she had not yet heard from. She decided she would write another letter later. "I keep my journal in code, yes. I usually don't write much of import, but of course today I have noted the arrival of two strangers, yourself and Stella , as well as the fact that my friend has been turned to stone. Writing these things helps me think clearly. And why do you think today has been interesting?" She responded politely, trying to engage Rune as he had done for her.

Location: Gorgon Battlefield Date/Time: 17th of Aryth, after walk with Stella Who: Nala, Rune Rune viably quakes a little, but smiles as the dragon rests and eats the cube. Visibly relaxing with Puff now content Rune lets out a pent up breath.  “Glad to be off on the right paw with him. He certainly seems a trusty beast and loving to boot. Your relationship shines brightly. You seemed saddened by this? Is something on your mind? Rune pulls out a small sphere covered in buttons, with each button having a rune, and begins to absently press them. For every one he pushes the rune lights up blue or changes colors if pushed again. “Well, I’ve helped several people escape a city on high alert without any issues and have met someone with very similair...interest. It’s dedinitely a a change from the day to day. So why do you keep your day to day in code? It seems a odd, if good intellectual exercise.

Location: Gorgon Battlefield Date/Time: 17th of Aryth, after walk with Stella Who: Nala, Rune Nala's facade drops a bit as Rune parses out that she had something else on her mind. "Yes, well, I am worried about a friend I haven't heard from in a while. I know he's fine, but, we had a bit of a falling out, and he blames himself." She waves a hand. "It's nonsense, really. It's nothing to worry about." Rune asks about the journal, curious about her intentions. Nala considers the question carefully, pondering upon how much to reveal. "Well, it is in part an intellectual exercise. Adventuring is exciting, but I like to have something to do that can work my mind without actually putting me in danger. It's quite a relief of stress after a long day. I highly suggest taking up the practice. And aside from that, I like to know that should someone attempt to be too curious, my thoughts are revealed at my own will, and not at the will of someone trifling through my things. While I don't think that will happen, I believe that the extra precaution is worth it." She gives Rune a cryptic smile.

Location: Gorgon Battlefield Date/Time: 17th of Aryth, after walk with Stella Who: Nala, Rune Rune takes mental note of Nala’s careful precautions  “Ah, would you care to share the memory of this falling out? Sharing hardships often leads to a lighter load. Don’t feel pressured of course I merely offer because I am uniquely suited to understand.” Rune smiles a little sheepishly but offers out his hand. “I will definitely consider such a thing. It’d be helpful if you showed me a few ciphers to help jump my memory.”

Still Short Rest @ Gorgon Battlefield, Before Nala Scene Good gods, this one was persistent. Didn’t everyone like to talk about themselves? Stella had practically set up a little stage with a spotlight for him and he still wanted to ask her questions instead. Fine. Stella let him cover her hand with his, since she had clearly asked for that one. His warm palm gently captured her smaller hand and Stella might have been able to feel the pulse at the base of his throat were it not for his light armour. It was almost sweet how far he had dropped his guard. She could have struck right then. Just clamped her hand around his throat and scared seven kinds of shit out of him with every means at her disposal. But Stella had learned at her mother’s knee that it wasn’t enough just to terrify people. Sometimes gentle words cast a much more powerful spell. Hand still pressed against his armour, Stella gazed up into his eyes. She didn’t bother fluttering her lashes or biting her lip; she already had his full attention. And this time, she was ready for the intense stare. “You’re right, it’s difficult to share. And as long as you dodge my questions, I’ll dodge yours. Is that what you want? Because believe me, I can parry all day long. But I’ll cut you a deal. You tell me your deepest secret first” - she tapped his chest with her finger beneath his palm - “and I’ll tell you mine.”

Still Short Rest @ Gorgon Battlefield, Before Nala Scene Rune mentally cursed. Time for a leap of faith I suppose. “ Alright, mrs swordsman, you want to know my big bad secret? Rune drops their gaze for a moment, waying the best way to say such things. After about a minute he re-opens his eyes and says in a very quiet hushed voice, one of secrets, “I have a daughter whose never met me. When I was younger I spent some time in Sharn, and had a lover. When her family discovered she was to give birth, they drove me off, due to us not being wed. I spend every night wondering what she’s like. If she wonders about me. I also lost my mother to a fire. Our entire street was burned down and I never found her. I didn’t even say goodbye when I left her that afternoon.  I’m just trying to make the world a better place....for her and for my mother...”  Tears have slowly began to fall from Runes cheeks and he closes them as he finishes, unable to continue, his darkest moments laid bare to this woman, his final attempt to crack this woman’s carefully made shell. I hope this is worth it Rune thinks quietly and opens his eyes to stare at her hair, unable to meet her eyes. So much like his mother’s.  

Stella blinked. She had always wanted baby daughters of her own. Badly, in fact. And it didn’t take a divination spell to realise that if and when she first held that tiny bundle in her arms, her heart would be instantly lost. If anyone tried to keep her from a daughter of hers, she would burn down the world to get them back. She would murder anyone who kept them apart. What on earth would bring Rune all the way out here? They must be thousands of miles from Sharn. How could he stand to be so far from his own daughter? But maybe Stella just didn’t understand the immensity of what Rune had been through. Maybe losing a baby daughter without ever even getting to see her had broken him. Cracked his whole heart in two. And left him wandering the continent, too full of grief to settle, still searching for anywhere that felt like home. Stella could imagine what that felt like. “Well, that’s…” Stella cleared her throat. “Tragic. That’s tragic. I’m sorry.” It suddenly felt cruel to ask any more questions. Especially since Stella would have bet good money that his daughter had been told he had abandoned her. She had no right to interfere with his private tragedy. “I suppose I owe you my deepest secret, then.” Fuck. Stella pinched the bridge of her nose. This whole conversation felt loaded, felt dangerous. She could still scare him off instead of answering him, but… “Do it. Hit me with your creepy memory thing. And I’ll tell you.”

Still Short Rest @ Gorgon Battlefield, Before Nala Scene Rune opened his eyes and a smile flickered across his face. “A child alone is life changing. To have it stripped from you and to never be allowed back...Tragic indeed.” I think we’ve got something here. Perhaps she too has a child she cannot see? How ironic that would be.  Rune chuckles at the mention of “creepy mind thing”. “Is it that creepy? I always thought it was rather marvelous to be able to share memories.” His normal smile returns and softens as he takes each of Stella’s hands in his own and leans his forehead to touch hers, closing his eyes. “I promise it doesn’t feel weird. I don’t think anyway. (Chuckle) I’m ready whenever you are.” Rune closes his eyes and if Stella paid close attention, she could feel the slightest bit of warmth envelope her mind, like a warm blanket by a fire. She would feel the little bit of sweat from Runes nervous hands, feel the elevated heartbeat as he waited to see what she had to show him. 

Location: The Mermaid's Reef, Taer Valaestes Date/Time: Marked 16th of Aryth Who: Letter from Knight Gautreme to Hendrick After lengthy "discussion" our Changeling friend has finally provided the information we were looking for. You'll be pleased to hear that he has been found guilty of fiend worship, and has changed form for the last time. Curiously enough he took your likeness when we took his head; I guess you made an impression. You certainly left an impression on the guard. The entire city is looking for you, which will interfere with our plans for months to come. The only reason you're leaving this building alive let alone the city is because I have a job for you.  Your target is Thaldrin ir'Korr, a heretic who betrayed the Flame during the final years of our stand against the Lycanthropic scourge. Ever since he's been a thorn in our side, and an extremely elusive one at that. He's been subverting our operations and the sacred purpose of the Church for over 30 years, and is extremely dangerous. He has a number of Shifters who are fanatically loyal to him, and possibly other agents we don't know about. He's holed up at the Star Haunt,  a fortress we abandoned decades ago; hiding right under our noses all this time. Tell your allies whatever you deem necessary to convince them of your cause, but Thaldrin must die. His servants are of no consequence, deal with them as you see fit. Once the job is done, leave Cyre. You're a liability here. You've now drawn too much attention to yourself and to us in both Thrane and Cyre. Your failures are mounting, Eye, and our patience grows thin. Don't screw this up. -G

Location: Gorgon Battlefield Date/Time: 16-17th of Aryth Who: Hendrick, ??? The letter surely left his mark on Hendrick . He had opened it after they had cleared the gates of Taer Valaestas. The story about their changeling friend raised a rare smile. Yes, I tend to leave an impression. He immediately snapped out of these thoughts of vanity. The news was dire, but in all honesty, he had expected worse. He had made his peace, was willing to give himself over to the Everlasting Fire. Cyre was his last straw or so he had thought. But he had been wrongly accused before. And he will have to suffer for his carelessness in choosing his friends, again. In a way though he knew that this was what the Flame wanted and needed him to do. No matter the cost. His eyes lit up briefly thinking  about the Heretic holed up in the Star Haunt , this place of great honour and symbol of the divine cause. The journey to the North was taken via these revered ruins on his suggestion. A minor complication has led to the demise of one of Hendricks ’ allies already, a worthy fighter who could have been recruited to the cause. He walked up to the enormous monument that was Fearfacer and used his magic to carve the tiniest symbol of the flame into his friend. Maybe we can bring him back, there could be powerful divine magic left at the Star Haunt . Unlikely, but it will do as a decent enough reason to convince most of the group to come. We can consider how we flee Cyre after that. Hendrick was sitting at the fire after having tended to some wounds and contemplating how much his new acquaintances should know. The shadow folk, Rune and Stella , had wandered off, Blue was busy trying to use basic wound binding techniques with laughable success and Nala (or Rachel ) was nose-deep in her book again, the nature of which Hendrick was still glad to not know about. He decided to change his posture slightly and develop a hint of a smile. Now he was ready to be approached whenever anyone felt up to it. Staring into the flame he knew that it would be the right person.

Still Short Rest @ Gorgon Battlefield, Before Nala Scene “Marvellous?” A short laugh escaped Stella. Marvellous indeed, unless your success, your safety and even your continued survival depended on intense secrecy. He took her hands, and Stella wanted to pull back. Even more so when he leaned his forehead against hers. This felt more intimate than any kiss, any words. Her spine crawled. This man was a stranger; he should lie to her, threaten her, even hit her. She knew how to handle that. This slow, magical sense of warmth circumvented every defence she had. And she needed all of those defences right now, because with Rune rifling through her thoughts, one wrong memory could get her stabbed in the throat. Stella shut her eyes, and took the plunge - framing the exact memory she wanted him to see. A lake of ice. A sky of clear glass. A frozen mist, hanging on the still air. “I crossed the lake on foot,” Stella told him in a low voice. “I tested the ice with every step. Sometimes it cracked and the echo would split the silence. Once I went clean through the ice and I had to pull myself out before I drowned there.” The air seared her lungs as she lay on the shore gasping for breath. Her heavy coat clung to her, the cold burning in her bones. A path led ahead. “I trudged for hours. My wet clothes froze. I never realised how heavy ice was until I was wearing an inch of it.” A great house loomed before her, windows dark and shuttered. Steps led up to a barred door. “I disarmed the first trap on the steps. The mechanism had frozen long ago, but the tip of the arrowhead still cut my fingers. The door was rigged with a tripwire.” Her hands flexed, remembering the sting. The door ground open, casting pale winter light across flagstones. “I missed the pressure trap in the floor. I stepped on the wrong flagstone and it clicked. Ever been set on fire with a spell while dying of cold? Your skin crisps right off.” A massive vault hulked before her, set with a round door. Runes shimmered around the edge of the door. The taste of magic prickled on her tongue. “The vault was lined with an inch of lead to protect against divination magic. They put sixty-seven traps on that thing. Sixty-seven fucking traps I had to disarm or trigger to get in. I couldn’t even turn the wheel to open the door in the end. It must have been frozen shut, or maybe I was too weak by then. I had to jam a crowbar in the spokes to get enough mechanical leverage to turn it.” A terrific grinding that reverberated in her bones. A squeal of metal that had been rusted shut for decades. A rush of cold air from the darkness inside the vault … She must have pulled her hand from his without realising, because her palm now pressed over her leather armour, just above her heart. It had started to race so hard she could feel the thumping even through the stiffness of leather. “In the vault…” Her voice went all twisted and she had to choke down the tightness in her throat. “In the vault…” Enough. She yanked free of him and took several steps back, losing the warmth of his strange magic. Her heel caught on a root and she almost stumbled. This had been a stupid plan. Rune had probably been systematically stealing all her secrets while she told him all about a lake of ice and a sky of clear glass. She dropped one last sentence on him like she’d smash a darkness bomb on the floor right before her ambush. “The sixty-eighth trap was inside.”

Still Short Rest @ Gorgon Battlefield, Before Nala Scene Rune experiences the memory as Stella did. He felt the bite of the cold and shivered. He felt the exhaustion she felt, dragging her legs, slogging on. Rune felt the blood run down her fingers as she cut herself and wondered W hy? Why does she want to get here so bad? He  gasps as the flames broiled her frozen skin, feeling every flame sweep across her.. Felt the numbness and pain in her fingers as she carefully disarmed trap after trap, again...again...and again. This determination is insane! She’s so much stronger then I ever imagined. As she forced the door open with the crowbar, the memory began to fuzz and Rune could feel her pulling away his minds eye slowly turning to black as she yanked her whole body away. Rune steps forward and reaches out to catch her as she trips, but it’s unnecessary.  “I’m....I’m sorry to make you relive such hardship. Your spirit and determination are like a mountain. Truly you shine brighter then any star.”  Rune hears her tone and wonders what she’s thinking. He thinks about her careful words, her clever analysis of him, reading him as an open book. She is afraid of what she cannot control.  Quickly, Rune steps in front of Stella and kneels before her, gazing up into her eyes, the eyes he has carefully studied this entire time, reading, judging, gleaning whatever he could. I know what must be done. Swiftly now. A daggers black blade swishes through the air as the handle is pressed into Stella’s hand and the blade pressed against Runes throat. His gaze never falters or leaves hers.  “You have all you need. Your afraid, and I get that. But I’m here, ready to help you face it. If your afraid of me, end it here, right now, and go on with your life.... ” Rune pauses before swallowing spit, the blade making the smallest cut on his throat. “Or face your fears with me, knowing you’ll always have a friend you can trust.” Runes eyes glow with more intensity the Stella would have seen so far, the gold gleaming as the suns rays hit them.

Location: Gorgon Battlefield Date/Time: 17th of Aryth, after walk with Stella Who: Nala, Rune At Rune's suggestion, Nala visibly blanches.  "No, I-I'm sorry. The last time I promised someone a memory, they stole it." She looked down at the letter sticking partially from her bag, a greeting written to Ex , but otherwise blank. She blinked away a sudden urge to cry. The way Ex had looked at her after Voodoo had taken her memories of him; the way he blamed himself for her memory loss - it was the last thing Nala wanted to think about, or share with someone for that matter. "But I can definitely teach you about a few ciphers." Nala takes a blank sheet of parchment out of her bag and carefully folds it to create a crease. She then rips through the creases, creating two thin strips of parchment. She writes out the Common alphabet on both strips and then brings the ends together to create two rings.  "There are a few different ciphers that I like to use, but this is my most common one. I pick a letter to represent the first letter of the alphabet and I align them like this," She twists the rings around so that the 'A' on the first ring is right beside the 'R' on the second. "Now, you write your message using the new letter correspondences. Obviously this isn't terribly difficult to figure out if someone were to attempt to read it, so I like to use multiple correspondences in the same document." Nala remained there, teaching Rune about her various ciphers but not revealing her own code to him. Finally, after she was finished showing him a couple of examples written quickly and without the aid of the key she had made for him, she gave him a smile. "You can keep that decoder - I have the combinations memorized by now." She said. "And thank you for your kindness." She looked as though perhaps she wanted to say more, but she dropped the thought and went to throw the leftover parchment into the flames of the fire.

Location: Gorgon Battlefield Date/Time: 17th of Aryth, midday Who: Hendrick and Nala Nala approached the fire, crumpled up parchment in hand and a small, sad smile on her face. As she threw the parchment into the flames and watched them burn, she noticed a serene-looking Hendrick sitting on the other side, also smiling. Nala walked over to him and sat down beside him, watching the flames twist and writhe for a moment. Small sparks and bits of charred paper spun into the sky and fell at their feet. "You seem to be in a good mood." She said finally. "How is that?" Her tone was the opposite of accusatory; rather one of genuine interest. She looked at Hendrick , the only person left who she could say she knew. Even then, she knew so little. A weight settled in her heart as Nala mourned the friendships of which she kept losing sight. Not for the first time that night, tears welled up in her eyes, though she tried to hide this from Hendrick .

Location: Gorgon Battlefield Date/Time: 17th of Aryth, midday Who: Hendrick and Nala "Ahh, Lady Nala . Is it not strange how life moves forward, but so many of our friends took an earlier exit on this lightning rail?" He gave her a questioning but genuinely empathetic look. “Is it not fitting that our new acquaintances are already scheming in the woods whilst we are here, trying to ease our many pains.” Hendrick’s look slowly intensified, his eyes piercing the Dragonlady. “What did you make of the events at the Barracks, where Jenkins , Jeezargo and Lupin had left us?” “We had to flee afterwards and the help I found will require a favour of us in return. The place we are going to is home to a traitor of my people. We need him brought to justice, Lady Nala . Can I count on you for this?”

Location: Gorgon Battlefield Date/Time: 17th of Aryth, midday Who: Hendrick and Nala Nala chuckled bitterly at Hendrick's analogy. "I just hope we can find a way to help Fearfacer . I...I had really grown to care about him in the short time I've been with you all. He deserves a better fate than to be cursed to stone for the rest of eternity." Her eyes fell onto the statue, Fearfacer's face was contorted in anger and he was clearly it in midst of battle. She gave a deep sigh. “What did you make of the events at the Barracks, where Jenkins ,  Jeezargo and Lupin had left us?” Hendrick asked her. "I don't know what to think. To be completely honest, so much of it is a complete blur to me now. I just remember putting Jeezargo to sleep and then trying to wake Lupin ." Nala looked uncomfortable, as if there were threads in this story that she knew weren't connected, but she couldn't figure out how. "What happened to Jeezargo ?" She asked finally. “We had to flee afterwards and the help I found will require a favour of us in return. The place we are going to is home to a traitor of my people. We need him brought to justice, Lady Nala . Can I count on you for this?” Nala gave Hendrick a smile, but her Dragon-like face was furrowed into concern. "You're all I have left, Hendrick , of course I'll help you with this. Just," she took a deep breath. "Promise me that you won't leave me, too? I can't deal with any more friendships lost at this point." Her eyes drifted down and she focused on a spot of blood on her clothing.

Location: Gorgon Battlefield Date/Time: 17th of Aryth, midday Who: Hendrick and Nala ( Fearfacer ) deserves a better fate… “I agree, milady. He was not one to say goodbye to easily. But maybe, I don’t know, there is the off-chance of us finding some powerful divine magic in the Star Haunt. Which is another reason to go there.” Hendrick sighed audible. “I did have grand plans for him.” …What happened to Jeezargo ? “In all honesty, I do not know fully. There was some great evil involved, which turned him mad. I don’t think he was fully possessed, but it did not seem like he had much choice in the matter.” His voice softened, his eyes staring into distant places. “I could not save him. I have tried, but to no avail. In the end, I gave him the chance to join the Everlasting Flame, where he could atone for his sins and be free from the evils of this world.” He looked up at Nala with a question on his mind. Here sincere and childlike eyes made it hard to ask the question he wanted to ask. “Hmm, do you remember Captain Blake and the guards at the barracks? What happened to them?” …Promise me you won’t leave me? Hendrick felt the sorrow in her voice. She seemingly had no concept of it all. Highly intelligent but deluded, probably outright mentally unstable. Her moral compass seemed intact and well, but somehow only showing three directions, completely ignoring what most people consider abhorrent and vile. He knew she would eventually be his downfall. Ever since she had joined, people started dying. The question was, could she be helped? “I am glad you join me on this task, but child, I cannot promise this I am afraid. However, I will do all in my power to share some of this journey with you. I have a feeling things might not get much better though.” Hendrick said, looking into the confused eyes of the mad dragon next to him. He noticed that she had seemed slightly perplexed by the speck of blood down her robe. “Do you know where you got this smudge from?”

Still Short Rest @ Gorgon Battlefield, Before Nala Scene Stella might have let slip the ghost of a laugh. Poor Rune. For a while last night he’d had her seriously worried that he might be an assassin, here to kill someone: that he might be as bad as she was, maybe even worse. But their meeting in this sunlit glade had made it clear Rune was nothing more sinister than a smooth talker who missed his family. And the saddest part was that even now, Rune still didn’t have one snowflake of a clue what was going on. The hilt of the black dagger pressed into her palm and her grip tightened around it as he knelt before her, no longer so tall. It felt good. Felt like power. But Stella had never needed a weapon to deal the killing blow. Her smile was wintry. “That part wasn’t my deepest secret. That was only the introduction.” She used the point of the dagger to lift his chin a fraction, just to rattle him a bit. “Have you ever been cursed, cupcake? It sears itself into you like it’s writing itself on your bones. Your blood burns. Your heart is exploding in your chest. It feels like dying. That was how it felt to take that sixty-eighth trap right to the face. And that part wasn’t even the worst. Curses are slow, curses are lingering. Curses make you pay for a lifetime.” She spoke softly. “When cursed girls make friends, they suffer. When cursed girls rely on anyone, they suffer. When cursed girls fall in love, they suffer . It’s meant to drive you into the wilderness until you curl up and die of loneliness. So even if you survive the vault, your life is nothing but grief. And I don’t think I need anyone’s friendship badly enough to trigger another attack of that curse. So I’ll pass. Thanks.” Her face an expressionless mask, Stella let the dagger drop and walked away. This conversation was over.

Still Short Rest @ Gorgon Battlefield, Before Nala Scene This may have been a bad idea. Rune thought as Stella tightened her grip and lifted his chin. This wasn’t his first time at knife point but it certainly was going how he hoped. Cupcake? Ah she thinks me soft and silly?  I’ll need to fix that. “Your right, I’ve never been cursed! Rune called out as Stella began to walk away. Calling upon his Mystic abilities, he picks up his dagger and teleports, his figure blurring. Reappearing in front of Stella, Rune steps forward and hugs her, one hand grabbing her dominate hands wrist, the other wrapping around her should, his dagger pressed against her upper spine. Rune speaks softly and says “Careful shortstuff, this cupcakes poisoned.” He steps back quickly, sheathing his dagger and crossing his arms in one fluid motion. Let’s try being blunt. “Listen, if you don’t want a friend because of some curse on you fine. But at the very least, it sounds like you need help. Your genius is obvious so I’m assuming you’ve already tried paladins, clerics, healers and the like. Why don’t you finish sharing this memory and accept some help? Runes smileing demeaner has vanished, replaced with a quietly fierce frown, a challenge in his voice as he speaks. His eyes no longer shine but seem darkened, despite the suns rays. “In case it wasn’t obvious, I experience everything  you do while we share your memory. I felt your exhaustion, your pain. I felt your determination. What I don’t know is why. Rune extends his hand his brows furrowed. “You think this curse is so bad? Let me experience it as you did.” He waits, his quiet but dark gaze locked with hers, a silent challenge to her statement.  Why am I so determined to do this?  Rune thinks quietly, careful not to change his expression. I want to know what drove her. I want to know how someone can be so determined, to risk life and limb. More importantly what drives her now? She seems to fake innocence to cover up an artic side. But why?...So many questions, so much mystery. 

Location: Gorgon Battlefield Date/Time: 17th of Aryth, after walk with Stella Who: Nala, Rune “Oh I’m not capable of anything like that. I’m simply able to experience the memory by sharing  it with you. It’s fine if you don’t want to though. Slightly confused Rune asks  ”What kindness might that be? I know I’m a pleasent thing to look at but I doubt that’s the case here.” giving Nala a sly but joking grin. Rune is very familair with the concept of ciphers, but pays attention and thanks Nala accordingly. “Nala I have an odd question. I am a stranger to you and thus your best suited to answer this for me. What do you think of me so far, and what kind of person do I seem to be?” 

Location: Gorgon Battlefield Date/Time: 17th of Aryth, midday Who: Hendrick and Nala Hendrick's questions made Nala feel uncomfortable, as if she was at some kind of disadvantage. She cycled through a series of thoughts and ideas, trying to make sense of the situation, but Hendrick seemed genuinely concerned, and she could not figure out why. Nala was not so arrogant as to think she knew everything, but one of the singular truths rising above the rest was that regardless of indiscernible memories, Nala was the moral paragon, the strategist, and she was not often made to feel uncomfortable. She straightened up and looked at Hendrick , wiping under her left eye. "Of course I know Captain Blake ! Where was he in that fight, anyway? For Captain of the Guard, he was quick to leave us to our own devices!" Nala's tone grew indignant and she began stoking the flames with a nearby stick.

Location: Gorgon Battlefield Date/Time: 17th of Aryth, after walk with Stella Who: Nala, Rune "Perhaps you don't consider saving me from eternity in a jail cell a kindness, but I do." Nala replied, arching her Draconic-equivalent of a eyebrow. "I so often find people whose first instinct is to distrust, no doubt as a result of a traumatic past, but I've found that the best people I've known in this life are the ones who trusted first and asked questions later. They paid dearly for this flaw; always giving more love than the world was willing to reciprocate. In the end, these people were taken advantage of. But nonetheless, they are among the best of us, and I admire the quality deeply, though my own circumstances prevent me from being the same."  Nala had Puff breathe a bit of fire into a wine skin filled with water, and then she took a few herbs she was carrying and crushed them into the hot water. After waiting a few moments, she dug out most of the herbs with a spoon and then sipped the concoction. "I call this 'The Spice of Life'. It's a tea blend of orange, coriander, and cinnamon." She held out the wine skin, inviting Rune to take a sip. "If you want complete honesty, I think you have good intentions and are probably a very lovely being. I just wonder how long it will take before that pleasant demeanor fades into cynicism. Naivety is a blessing in these lands, but once you learn of the threats that surround us, it's hard to maintain that smile. Regardless, I envy you your happiness. I only wish I could go back to days where I was truly happy, though I imagine those must not exist, since I can't remember them. You remind me of a friend, though, and I cannot help but enjoy your company." She took a big gulp of her tea and closed her eyes briefly as she meditated on the flavors in her mouth. She briefly thought of Diego , and wished that he was here to enjoy the tea with her. She smiled, knowing that he would have been itching for the next fight, much like Fearfacer . She allowed the thoughts to come, and then to pass, and after several moments, she realized her eyes were still closed. She opened them and blinked several times, before returning her focus to Rune . "And what about your thoughts of me? I don't often hear peoples' first impressions, and I value the opportunity for candor." Nala gave him a sheepish grin.

Location: Gorgon Battlefield Date/Time: 17th of Aryth, midday Who: Hendrick and Nala …For the Captain of the Guard, he was quick to leave us to our own devices! It was difficult to make anything out of this. Hendrick noticed the evasive attitude and decided this might not be the time to press the issue. Maybe that moment would come at some point. For now, he was relieved, he could count on Nala for the task ahead. For what it was worth, she seemed to be a true ally. “Yes, he was not of much help at all in this confrontation. I am glad to have you on my site though instead of him. What do you make of our new shepherds?” Hendrick grumbled, “They have been gone for quite a while...”

Location: Gorgon Battlefield Date/Time: 17th of Aryth, after walk with Stella Who: Nala, Rune Rune gives a small shrug “We were hired, but you all seem to be worth saving. Your welcome.”  Rune takes a small sip, careful to pour it into his mouth. “Well, it’s not mint hot chocolate but it’s still pretty good.”  Rune contemplates the flavors and wonders if it was wise to just taste this without checking it for poison. True she had taken a sip first but she would likely have an antidote. Rune listens intently to her assessment and simply nods, absorbing the information. At least I don’t come off as an asshole. Better then last time for sure.  Seeing Nala take a much larger gulp, Rune dismisess the idea as paranoia and instead studied Nalas features. She seemed to be bit younger then himself though it was tough to tell with dragonborn.  At Nalas question Rune pauses and considers carefully on what he has learned about Nala so far. Not much. “I think you have much worldly wisdom and seemed to have had many bad life experiences. Despite your saddened outlook you still seem to find happinesses in the little things. You certainly seem a trustworthy friend and someone worth getting to know.” Feeling rather tired Rune lays down and looks up to admire the clouds drifting lazily by. “Would you care to rest quietly beside me and just watch the clouds awhile? That’s something I like to do to clear my mind.” Rune winks and then looks up, admiring the sky.

Still Short Rest @ Gorgon Battlefield, Before Nala Scene Stella heaved a very deep sigh. In the last thirty-six hours she had dodged his unwelcome questions many times. She had rebuffed him with a verbal slap to the face. She’d tried being understanding. She’d tried listening to his story. She’d even tried telling him about the lake of ice, the vault, the curse. And still he just couldn’t let her be. Putting his hands on her? Pressing his dagger to her back? She should have greeted that with severe consequences. With so many spell slots unused, she still might. But he was trying to bond with her. It would hardly be fair to use Suggestion to make him her puppet for eight hours, and besides, the rest of the party might notice. Once again, Stella did her best to be patient with him. “I don’t think you understand, my little bonbon. I literally can’t tell you any more. The effects of the curse would be incapacitating. Even sharing this much will have a penalty.” Her hand almost lifted to rub her temples where the tightness of a headache had set in, but she stopped herself. “Go away, Rune. Go write a letter to your daughter. Tell her you love her. Tell her you miss her so much, you’re pestering total strangers to tell you their secrets because you just can’t stand not knowing what her life is like. That’s why you’re really asking, isn’t it? That’s why you can’t let this go. You can share memories with everyone around you, but you can’t share hers. Just write it all in a letter. When you finally meet her, she’ll know you’ve been thinking of her.”

Location: Gorgon Battlefield Date/Time: 17th of Aryth, midday Who: Hendrick and Nala " Stella and Rune ?" Nala thought for a moment, deciding how she felt about them privately. "I think they are interesting characters. They've given me no reason to think ill of them. Why, do you have other insights?" She asked Hendrick , eager to hear his opinion.

Still Short Rest @ Gorgon Battlefield, Before Nala Scene Rune stood quietly and lowered his hand. Perhaps I’m pushing her to much. Why do friendships have to come so slowly? Patience. I must be patient. Like Moca.  “Please pardon my persistence. I really do feel like I can help. Also yes, I don’t really understand what this curse has done to you or fully understand how you got it. Perhaps we can talk about it more at a later time when your feeling better. I do have a letter written. Several in fact.” Rune shuffles his feet a little. “It was her birthday yesterday.” With a sigh, Rune pulls out a small peice of chocolate, miraculously un-melted. Offering his arm and holding the chocolate in the other he gives a small apologetic smile and says “I don’t suppose chocolate and finishing our walk in silence would help you feel the slightest bit better?”