Iames's Planar Realm

[Lord Iames Osari]

If you came from the police station (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=34169), the Temple of Iames (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=34540), or the Academy on Tyrath (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=27656):
You are standing in a small, four-sided gazebo. Three sides are filled with white light, and little plaques above each arch, from L-R, read: "Academy," "Station," and "Temple". If you turn around, you see a rolling courtyard, with gardens that remind you (if you've been there) of the Academy courtyard. Beyond the courtyard, there is a gatehouse, and then a large palace made of gray stone.

If you came under your own power (via some mode of planar travel):
You are standing in a courtyard in front of a gatehouse. There is a four-sided gazebo behind you, and before you is a large palace of gray stone.

The gatehouse is manned by a lantern archon named Lumen.

Guide to the floors of Iames's tower:
[More unexplored floors?]
[Library]
[Master Bedroom]
[Bath Room]
[Sparring Room]
[Tapestry Room]

Iames, Aerin, Vera and Game appear in a flash of violet light.

[AmberVael]

Verdandi looks around with interest.

[Lord Iames Osari]

The Lantern Archon bobs over. Welcome, Lord Iames. Who are these people with you? The gate begins to open.

My fiances and pet. He looks ruefully over his shoulder at Aerin. Spending upwards of ten years in one palace or another tends to give one a taste for luxury. The room is fairly sparsely furnished, but... well, you'll see. Iames walks through the gate.

[AmberVael]

Verdandi follows Iames, holding her hands open so that Game can fly if he wants.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Game takes to the air with a happy Chirr! while Aerin follows Vera and Iames, shaking her head at Iames's back.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames gestures at the structures around them. Most of this is all administrative kind of stuff. You'd be amazed how much paperwork goes into running a planar realm... He reaches a door in the base of a tall but unassuming tower. This is the our tower. He opens the door and waits for Aerin and Vera to go in.

[AmberVael]

Verdandi walks inside, ruffling her wings and then folding tighter on her back.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Aerin comes in, closely followed by Game.

The ground floor is a spacious chamber, the walls decorated with tapestries, some depicting Iames and Aerin's exploits, others showing some of Vera's achievements. The one directly across from the door is the one that catches the eye first.

There hangs an unfinished tapestry of exquisite quality, its millions of threads, no two the same color, forming ornately detailed patterns in the finished portion. As Aerin, Game, and Vera watch, the tapestry seems to grow ever so slightly as a few more threads are added at the bottom.

Iames, what is that? Aerin asks breathlessly.

[AmberVael]

Verdandi shivers and looks away.

[Lord Iames Osari]

That, Aerin, is the Tapestry of Fate. At least, our version of it. Scitayr gave it to me as a gift. Noting Vera's reaction, Iames frowns concernedly. If it bothers you, Vera, I can take it down.

[AmberVael]

No- no its okay. Verdandi smiles hesitantly, though she avoids looking at the tapestry.

[Lord Iames Osari]

I mean it, Vera. If it makes you uncomfortable, I'll give it back.

[AmberVael]

I really should not run from it. Verdandi looks at the floor.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Is it because you're part norn?

[AmberVael]

Verdandi flinches and nods.

[Lord Iames Osari]

What do you see when you look at it?

[AmberVael]

I see- I see- not literally, but- Verdandi shivers again.

[Lord Iames Osari]

What? Iames asks.

[AmberVael]

I see my sister. Verdandi moves closer to Iames.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames puts an arm around her. Maybe we should take a look at the other floors.

[AmberVael]

Verdandi nods in agreement, leaning against Iames.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames guides Vera and Aerin to the center of the room. Up one, he says, very carefully. The scene shifts, and they see a room completely devoid of furnishings. It is bare, with a polished wooden floor and walls.

[AmberVael]

Verdandi looks around and shrugs. Next floor I guess?

[Lord Iames Osari]

This is the sparring room, for when we want to practice. Assuming we need to practice what with all the fighting that goes on in Town. Iames smiles.

[AmberVael]

Verdandi nods and yawns.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames smiles. Ready for bead, or are you still good for a while?

[AmberVael]

I probably should get some sleep.

[Lord Iames Osari]

In that case... Up three.

They appear in a bedroom. There is a large bed against one wall, and a walk-in wardrobe against the other wall.

[AmberVael]

Verdandi smiles and takes off her armor, and then falls on the bed as she is. She relaxes sleepily.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Aerin looks around the room, a smile playing on her lips. Why does the layout of this room seem so familiar, Iames?

Game looks around for somewhere to curl up, and settles on Vera's stomach.

[AmberVael]

Verdandi slowly begins falling the rest of the way asleep, waiting for Iames's answer.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames smiles back. I admit it. I copied the old room. With two differences. The bath is one floor down, and there are no succubi here to bother us.

[AmberVael]

Verdandi pets Game on the head a few times before falling asleep.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Always a good thing. Vala, I hated her. Aerin sits down on the edge of the bed. Whatever happened to her, anyway?

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames winces. I killed her after our fight. I prefer not to think about that time.

[Lord Iames Osari]

I can understand that. Aerin yawns. Night, Iames. She puts her sword and her gun away, and lies back on the bed.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Night, Aerin. Iames puts Vera's things down next the the wardrobe, hangs up his cloak, and joins Vera and Aerin.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Aerin walks out of the tower to the gazebo. She goes through the portal marked "police station".

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames follows Aerin.

[AmberVael]

Verdandi wakes up and exits the tower, then goes through the portal the others used.

[Lord Iames Osari]

[Master Bedroom]
Iames and Aerin appear and go to bed. Aerin goes to sleep almost immediately, but Iames can't help but notice Vera's missing presence. After a while, he goes to sleep.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Aerin gets up, leaves the tower with Game, and goes through the portal to the police station.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames gets up, dresses, and disappears.

[Lord Iames Osari]

[Master Bedroom]
Iames, Aerin, Vera, and Game appear. Iames takes off his cloak, sash, and boots and crawls into bed.

[AmberVael]

Verdandi takes off her armor and leans against a wall, thinking.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Aerin shifts Game to a corner of the bed and takes off her sword, sash, and the top of her gi, then gets into bed beside Iames, where she quickly falls asleep.

[AmberVael]

Verdandi draws her sword and sits down on the floor, holding the cold blade in her hands. She stares at it, pondering oaths and what it would take to dissolve the one that bound Aesa. Without realizing it, she slips into a deep meditation.
[hr]
In the morning Verdandi places her sword in her sheath and goes down to and through the portal for the Police Station.
[hr]
Vedandi comes back through, having had over half a day of meditation, but somehow exhausted. She swiftly heads to the bed and falls asleep.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames, having retroactively disappeared at some point a while back, reappears, carrying Aerin in his arms. He lays her on the bed and takes off her sword and boots. He then channels positive energy into her and watches her wounds heal. He leans over her and kisses her forehead. Good night, Aerin.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Aerin murmurs something, but the words, if there are any, are impossible to make out.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames sheds his own cloak, footgear, and armaments, and lies down between Vera and Aerin, just like always.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames wakes up and looks over at Vera to see if she's awake.

[AmberVael]

Verdandi is asleep, but is also very well rested.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames sits up and nudges her shoulder. Vera...

[AmberVael]

Verdandi opens her eyes slowly and smiles. Hmmm?

[Lord Iames Osari]

Time to wake up, beautiful. Aerin took a beating yesterday in the Arena, so she'll be staying here. Feel like doing anything?

[AmberVael]

No. Verdandi smiles widely and hugs her pillow, closing her eyes again.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Okay. Iames lies back down, then grins and psionically switches places with Vera's pillow.

[AmberVael]

Verdandi starts, opens her eyes and flares out her wings as she notices the change. When she sees what he did she hums with satisfaction and shifts her head a little. So what are we going to do today?

[Lord Iames Osari]

Well, I thought maybe we could get up, for starters. Although if you'd rather stay in bed, I suppose I can think of some alternate activities.

[AmberVael]

Verdandi blushes a very little. We had better get up, I suppose.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Yeah. Are you in the mood for a bath?

[AmberVael]

A bath would be nice.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames smiles. There's a bathing chamber right below this one.

[AmberVael]

That sounds good, but I don't think I want to get up. Verdandi smiles lazily.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames smiles affectionately. Okay then, lazy. Want me to take you there?

[AmberVael]

Hmm. Ok. Verdandi kisses Iames.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames wraps his arms around Vera, returning the kiss, and teleports them down one floor. Unfortunately, Iames forgot to teleport them sideways as well as down, so they both fall into the water with a big SPLASH!

[AmberVael]

Verdandi pulls back in shock, then gives Iames an amused but irritated look.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames grins at her. What?

[AmberVael]

Verdandi flicks water at him.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames continues grinning and flicks water back at her. Incidentally, the water is nice and warm. Iames's eyes glow violet briefly, and his clothes disappear from his body and reappear on the walkway around the edge of the enormous, swimming-pool-like tub.

[AmberVael]

Verdandi shakes her head at him and begins bathing herself in a methodical fashion.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames swims over to the central platform-thing, where the tower's teleporter is designed to put people, and opens a drawer in the side. Out of this drawer he takes a tube of some gel-like substance. He then pulls himself out of the water and sits on the edge of the platform, watching Vera. Would you like me to wash your hair for you?

[AmberVael]

You could if you wanted. Verdandi does not care one way or the other.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames sighs and reconsiders. Actually, considering how sleepy it can make you, it's probably better if I don't. Especially since I just got you out of bed. He slips back into the water and starts to wash himself, leaving the tube on the edge of the platform.

[AmberVael]

Verdandi shrugs and picks up the tube curiously. After a moment she sets it down and continues bathing herself.

[Lord Iames Osari]

It's specially made for washing hair, Iames tells her. They're having some trouble coming up with a marketable name for it, though.

[AmberVael]

Verdandi nods and picks up the tube again. She looks it over, puzzled, then squeezes some out into her hand.

[Lord Iames Osari]

You just rub it into your hair and then rinse it out once you've worked it through. Iames holds his hand out for the tube.

[AmberVael]

Verdandi flips the tube to him casually and awkwardly follows his instructions.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames squeezes some into his own hand, puts the tube back on the platform, and begins rubbing it into his hair, producing fair quantities of suds.

[AmberVael]

Verdandi eventually has enough of the experience and rinses out her hair.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames rinses his hair out as well, then puts the tube away. Let's see... where did they put the towels... Oh, yes. Iames climbs, dripping, out of the water and pulls a section of the wall aside to reveal a row of soft terrycloth towels. Iames selects one and begins to dry himself off.

[AmberVael]

Verdandi follows his example. So what now?

[Lord Iames Osari]

Now, we go back upstairs and get dressed. Iames finishes drying himself and bundles the towel up with his wet clothes. Then Iames puts an arm around Vera's shoulders and teleports them back to the bedroom ((Assuming that she's dry. If not, he'll wait until she is)).

[AmberVael]

Once they appear in the room, Verdandi dresses in her standard attire and debates whether or not to put on her breastplate. She shrugs and only buckles on her sword.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames dresses in his usual outfit as well. Well, one of the things I thought we might do tonight is have a nice romantic dinner together. We haven't done that in a long time. Since Aerin arrived, really.

[AmberVael]

Verdandi smiles as she arranges her tunic exactly how she wants it. That would be wonderful.

[Lord Iames Osari]

I know, and I'm sorry we haven't been able to do it more often. Are you ready to go?

[AmberVael]

Verdandi nods and takes Iames's arm.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames's eyes glow violet, and he transports them to Hookah Hank's.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames appears with Vera in his arms. He lays her on the bed, takes off her sword, and then gently tries to probe her mind for signs of anything wrong.

[AmberVael]

Verdandi seems mentally strained, as if she expended too much effort on something.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames decides that sleep is the best option, and lies down next to Vera after shedding his cloak and boots. ((Night))

[AmberVael]

((Night.))

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames wakes up, smiles at Vera, puts on his cloak and boots, collects his pistols, and plane shifts into Town.
[hr]
Iames comes back through the portal from the station, goes up to the tower, and gets into bed.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames gets up, dresses, and goes into Town via the portal in the police station.
[hr]
Iames reappears and starts a sparring match with a solar.

[AmberVael]

Verdandi opens her eyes but does not get up. She looks around the room in confusion.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames has finished his sparring and is sitting at a desk in the main room. Hello, Vera. Have a nice nap?

((In a D&D game right now, posting may be slow))

[AmberVael]

Who are- Iames? Where am I? What is going on? Verdandi holds her wings and arms close to herself, trembling.

[Lord Iames Osari]

This is my planar realm, and you seem to have lost some memories. Iames's voice is concerned and gentle.

[AmberVael]

Verdandi's eyes stare off into space. Where is she?

[Lord Iames Osari]

Who? Iames asks.

[AmberVael]

Verdandi tries to get up but does not get any further than a sitting position on the bed.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames goes over to Vera and kneels next to her. Vera, what's wrong?

[AmberVael]

Verdandi starts and relaxes as she notices Iames again. Then she tenses and her eyes stare into nothing. She is gone.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Who? Your sister?

[AmberVael]

Verdandi cannot focus on Iames. She tries to respond, her eyes resting on him a second before her attention is drawn away again.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames tries to make telepathic contact with Vera's mind.

[AmberVael]

Iames touches her mind and immediately feels his thoughts and attention tugged towards something that is not there. There is a link in her mind that is broken and leads to nowhere, and she is constantly trying to find the other end.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames wraps his arms around Vera and at the same time he wraps a loving presence around her mind.

[AmberVael]

Verdandi lifts her arms a little and puts them around Iames, and not as much of her mind is drawn to the broken link, but she keeps searching. Iames begins to realize that this is a subconcious effort to restore the connection between her and Aesa.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames holds her tight. Vera... I think we should go to Valhalla. There's no way we can find out from here what's happened.

[AmberVael]

Verdandi does not hear Iames, and he can feel thoughts and memories seeping through the severed link and slowly fading away from her mind.

[Lord Iames Osari]

In alarm, Iames reaches out and tries to stop the flow of memories and thoughts.

[AmberVael]

The flow stops as he holds it back, and Verdandi comes to herself. What was I doing?

[Lord Iames Osari]

You were... fading away, through the link that used to lead to Aesa. Iames still sounds worried. I stopped the flowing, but I'm afraid to let go. I don't want to lose you, Vera.

[AmberVael]

Verdandi frowns, and Iames feels her examining the broken link. Aesa would not have broken it this way. Her death would not have caused it to snap like this either.

[Lord Iames Osari]

So who would be able to do that? The Norns?

((Ok, I have to go for just a little while. My computer is lagging really bad right now))

[AmberVael]

Verdandi slowly nods. They have the motivation as well.

[Lord Iames Osari]

And they would know that breaking the link would cause you to fade away?

[AmberVael]

We are not on the best terms. Verdandi gently crafts a mental barrier around the broken link.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames draws his presence away from the link, ready to seal it once more if Vera starts to fade again.

[AmberVael]

Verdandi's barrier seems to have worked. I do not think that this was only an attack against me, however.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Who else do you think they wanted to attack?

[AmberVael]

Aesa, who else? Verdandi tries to stand again, but between Iames's embrace and her own weakness she cannot manage to get up.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Oh. I thought you meant someone besides her. Iames helps Vera up.

[AmberVael]

Verdandi smiles at Iames and sighs.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Will you be alright?

[AmberVael]

Verdandi nods. I do not know about Aesa though.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Maybe we should pay Valhalla a visit and find out?

[AmberVael]

I am not sure that is a good idea. Verdandi is clearly troubled by it all.

[Lord Iames Osari]

You're probably right. At least not until I've regained my full abilities, if even then.

[AmberVael]

Verdandi looks at Iames in concern. What do you mean?

[Lord Iames Osari]

Oh, Vael's former comrades have these magic charms that drain divine abilities, and one of them got used on me. The effects are temporary, but it's taking time for me to recover. He shrugs. I'll be back at full strength in a couple of days. He steps back from Vera to see if she can stand on her own, but he stays close enough to be able to catch her if she starts to fall.

[AmberVael]

Verdandi staggers as Iames lets go of her, but catches her balance with her wings. She slowly pulls herself upright, though she is shaking from the effort.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Vera, is this a side effect of the link breaking, or is it something else?

[AmberVael]

I would assume it is a side effect. Verdandi leans back against Iames and then holds him as tightly as she can.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Do you think it would be best to try and move around to fix it, or to go back to sleep?

[AmberVael]

I do not think I could stand staying still right now.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Very well. Where should we go?

[AmberVael]

Verdandi clings to Iames's arm. Where can we make it to quickly?

[Lord Iames Osari]

Anywhere you like. Trog's, Hank's, the pond...

[AmberVael]

Verdandi smiles. Lets go to the pond.

[Lord Iames Osari]

As you wish, my Necessity. He kisses her briefly, then plane shift/teleports them both to the pond.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames, looking rather haggard, appears with the sleeping Vera in his arms. After laying her down on the bed, he sits down and begins to meditate. Slowly, the signs of battle and weariness begin to fade away.
[hr]
Iames opens his eyes in alarm and disappears.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Aerin wakes up and goes to the sparring room to train for the Arena battle.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames reappears, sighs, and goes to bed.

[AmberVael]

Verdandi wakes up and cuddles next to Iames as she tries to comprehend everything that happened the night before.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames stirs and his eyes open slightly. He smiles just a little bit and pulls Vera fractionally closer, but doesn't say anything.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Lyrak pokes his head through the portal from the station. Huh. And I've been walking that whole way all this time. He comes all the way through, then goes through the portal into the Temple.

[Takehiko the Marooned]

((Meanwhile... Hiko's unconscious in a bar.

Heh. :biggrin:))

[AmberVael]

What are we going to do, Iames?

[Lord Iames Osari]

About Aesa?

[AmberVael]

Verdandi nods, tears leaking from her eyes.

[Lord Iames Osari]

I don't know. Is your link still there?

[AmberVael]

Yes. Verdandi says hesitantly.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Is it possible that she could take you over again?

[AmberVael]

Verdandi slowly nods and hugs close to Iames in fear.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames holds her tight. Vera, something Aesa said last night is bothering me. She said that I "keep you like a pet".

[AmberVael]

Verdandi looks Iames in the eyes and waits for him to continue.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames's eyes are troubled. I want you to tell me honestly. Do you feel like I think of you or treat you like a pet?

[AmberVael]

No, Iames. Do not let Aesa's words trouble you. Verdandi kisses him gently. You have made me happier than anyone else ever has.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames smiles. Thank you, Vera. Hearing you say that makes me very relieved. Also, we don't need to worry about the Tarrasque anymore.

[AmberVael]

That is good.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Yes. So, shall we continue our conversation from before Hiko's paper crane interrupted us?

[AmberVael]

What were we talking about? Verdandi struggles to remember.

[Lord Iames Osari]

The wedding. I had just said that we hadn't done any planning for it.

[AmberVael]

Oh, right. Verdandi shifts her head down onto his chest to get comfortable and to hide her blush.

[Lord Iames Osari]

So, do you have any ideas for who and what you would like to
have at the wedding? Or where you'd like to have it?

[AmberVael]

Verdandi shakes her head and just holds Iames tighter.

[Lord Iames Osari]

So you're going to let Aerin and me decide it all?

[AmberVael]

I have no one to invite, and there is no place that I am attached to. Also, I think you and Aerin have very different customs than I do, and I do not know how to help you plan a wedding your way.

[Lord Iames Osari]

That is true. But if we can find a way to incorporate your customs into the wedding, I would very much like to do so. And assuming we can bring Aesa back to the stage where she was able to love openly and without intervention from Valhalla, I think that she would make a fine guest.

[AmberVael]

Verdandi's ears and cheeks burn. Maybe I would prefer to use your customs.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames notes the redness of her ears and smiles, affectionately amused. Why is that? What are your customs?

[Hoseki]

((Obviously she's secretly from Betazed.))

[AmberVael]

Verdandi determindly does not look at him. I think that I will leave them up to your imagination. What are yours?

[Lord Iames Osari]

Well, it depends on the people, really. But generally, everyone dresses up in nice clothes and stands around socializing for a while. Then the bride or brides sometimes change into different clothes to get married in, but that's optional. There's a cleric of Maia, who has to dress in white robes and who reads the vows, as well as a cleric of Vala, Valdersaan, or Maleth to witness the vows. After the vows, there's a kiss, and after that it really depends. Either the newlyweds can go off together immediately, or everyone can stand around socializing and eating for a while. Or practically anything else. And there can be dancing.

[AmberVael]

Verdandi relaxes. I think I would enjoy a wedding like that.

[Lord Iames Osari]

That's good. Now, we either need to figure out a way for all three of us to kiss at once, or settle on some kind of order.

[AmberVael]

Verdandi smiles. Well you can be in more than one place at once, you know.

[Lord Iames Osari]

True. I hadn't considered that option. That's a very good idea. It has only one problem.

[AmberVael]

Verdandi waits for him to explain.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Vera, it isn't just that I'm marrying you and marrying Aerin. You and Aerin are also marrying each other. I know that Aerin can't be in more than one place at once, and I from what I've seen, neither can you, although I could very well be wrong there.

[AmberVael]

Oh. Oh. Right. Verdandi curls up in shame.

[Lord Iames Osari]

A kiss on the cheek would suffice. So, I think we should work out an order. Iames kisses Vera's forehead.

[AmberVael]

Verdandi nods, still ashamed.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Vera? What's wrong?

[AmberVael]

I never thought of it that way.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Oh. It upsets you?

[AmberVael]

Verdandi shakes her head. No, it is better that way.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames nods. I think so too.

[AmberVael]

Verdandi sighs and relaxes against him.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Aerin appears on the teleporter spot, nude, with her skin still slightly damp from the bath. She sees Iames and Vera on the bed. Oh. Sorry. I thought you would be in Town by now. Hope I didn't interrupt anything. She goes over to the wardrobe and begins putting on a clean outfit.

[Lord Iames Osari]

You didn't interrupt. We'd just finished discussing the wedding. How was training?

[AmberVael]

Verdandi listens with a smile on her face.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Aerin finishes getting dressed. Oh, it was alright. Antimagic wouldn't have been such a problem for me if it wasn't for that brute's insane strength. I checked, though, and he's not on the roster of actual combatants, thank Vala.

[AmberVael]

Verdandi suddenly remembers something and looks about the room for Game.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Game is nowhere to be found in the room.

[AmberVael]

Verdandi shrugs and smiles over to Aerin. Perhaps the three of us can try and do something today?

[Lord Iames Osari]

Sure. Any ideas?

[AmberVael]

Lets go find something new. I have had my fill of taverns and bars and temples. Verdandi gets up out of bed and dresses.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames gets up himself. So, we'll just wander the streets?

[Lord Iames Osari]

Sounds like a plan to me.

[AmberVael]

We do not have to be limited to the streets. We could wander away from town if we wanted. Verdandi pulls on a pair of hiking boots.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames goes over to the teleporter. True. I don't think I've been in the woods yet.

[AmberVael]

Verdandi thinks for a moment before she nods and joins him, picking up her sword as she goes. That would be a new place to go.

[Lord Iames Osari]

We'll have to stop on the sparring level so I can pick up my sword.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames nods. Sparring Dojo.

The scene shifts to the empty room with the polished wooden floor and walls. Well, the formerly polished wooden floor and walls. There are scorch marks everywhere, a couple of gashes, and general signs of recent and intense combat.

Iames shakes his head. Aerin, you know who gets to fix this, right?

[AmberVael]

Verdandi looks around the room with a hint of alarm.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Yeah, I do. But I'll do it tomorrow. Because right now, we're exploring the woods. Aerin goes over to where her sword and holy symbol are lying on the ground, picks them up, and rejoins Iames and Vera. Noting Vera's look, she says, This wasn't all me. Some of it was my opponents.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames shakes his head. Tapestry Room.

They are now in the room with all the tapestries, facing the door that leads outside.

[AmberVael]

Verdandi nods and waits in silence, still vaguely disturbed at the sight. As they reach the tapestry room her unease magnifies.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Well, if you're going to practice for something, why would you set the bar for your practice lower than what you're practicing for? If that makes sense.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames goes to the door and opens it.

[AmberVael]

Of course it does. Verdandi swiftly follows Iames and hurries out the door.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Aerin goes out the door herself. Game comes swooping out of the sky to land on Vera's head.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames comes out of the tower and chuckles as Game peers down at Vera.

[AmberVael]

Verdandi smiles and picks the Critt off of her head and cuddles Game against her cheek, holding him in both hands.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Chirrr-rr? You felt afraid. Why?

[AmberVael]

Just old memories. Verdandi pets Game and begins to walk to the portals.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames walks next to Vera, smiling at her and Game.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Aerin takes up a position on Iames's other side.

Game reaches one paw up and begins batting at Vera's lock of hair.

[AmberVael]

Verdandi stops in front of the portals and considers them. Which one should we take? She scratches Game and tosses her hair out of the way with a smile.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Police Station. We can check on business as we go out.

[AmberVael]

Verdandi nods and goes through to the Station.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Aerin follows.

[Lord Iames Osari]

And Iames brings up the rear.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Lyrak comes out of the portal to the Temple of Iames and goes through to the portal leading to the police station.
[hr]
Lyrak and Tehanu go back.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames, Aerin, and Vera all appear in the master bedroom. Iames lays Vera down on the bed. I seem to be doing this a lot, lately. And then Iames and Aerin go to bed as well.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Aerin gets up, goes down to the sparring dojo, and begins to clean up.

[AmberVael]

Verdandi slowly wakes and looks around.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames also wakes up. Vera? Are you alright?

[AmberVael]

Verdandi gives an uncertain nod.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Are you sure? Does anything seem strange or unfamiliar to you?

[AmberVael]

I- Verdandi leans over and hugs him.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames hugs her back and wonders what she was about to say.

[AmberVael]

I'm fine, Iames. Verdandi closes her eyes.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Thank Maia. Your voice sounds different, though.

[AmberVael]

Wha- it does? Verdandi is a bit frightened. Hellfire, of all the things to go wrong, it has to be something obvious.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Just a little bit. So, Vera, do you remember much of what happened last night?

[AmberVael]

Verdandi shakes her head. Not really. I remember going up to the cave- and then- She shakes her head again.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames frowns. That's unfortunate. I was hoping you'd be able to tell me what the cauldron was for.

[AmberVael]

Verdandi shrugs.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Well, hopefully it'll still be there. Maybe you'll be able to figure something out if you see it. Ready?

[AmberVael]

What? You want you want to go back? Verdandi is frightened by the idea. Damn nosey gods.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Well, if you can tell me what might have been going on, then we might know why your voice is different. So, yes.

[AmberVael]

It is probably just a side effect of Aesa manipulating my mind.

[Lord Iames Osari]

A side effect? Iames frowns. That could be a sign of lasting damage. May I take a look?