Senkha, Dizzy, & Oliver: March 5

Dizzy stares at the door, and squeezes Oliver's hand as tightly as she can.

Macglynn looks to steel himself as well before pushing the door open.

Senkha is still taking deep, steadying breaths and shaking enough that her legs are still squeaking. Loudly.

Macglynn shuts the door behind them and looks at Senkha. He smiles. "Ha' y'feelin'."

Dizzy edges behind Oliver slightly.

Senkha keeps her eyes closed, swallowing hard. "Oliver, I'd like to speak with Dizzy alone, please."

Macglynn blinks at you.
Macglynn looks down at Dizzy and squeezes her hand before letting it go. "Ah'll be right outsahd, then."

Dizzy shoots Oliver a desperate "OH GOD PLEASE DON'T" look before letting go of his hand and moving closer to the bed.

Macglynn does anyway. He doesn't look happy, but this needs to resolve itself. He turns and exits the room.

Senkha takes several minutes before finally opening her eyes and looking at Dizzy. She manages to keep a flat expression for a moment before softening. She pats the bed beside her, holding out her arms. "C'mere."

Macglynn whispers: There's a definite tension about him. A lot hangs on this, and the only thing he wants is everybody to be happy. He's not sure if that's possible, though. Hence the tension.
Macglynn whispers: Despite this, he does have one unrelated thought- Son of a bitch, I left my pipe in the room.

You all know the feeling, being stuck in a room with just you and your parent. You know you fucked up royally and you know your mom knows too. The already large room just seems even emptier and lonelier when Oliver leaves. When Senkha opens her arms, Dizzy just freezes for a moment. One step, another step, after what feels like an eternity Dizzy stumbles to the bed, and falls into her mother's arms. All done carefully enough to avoid the larger than life leg braces.
Dizzy doesn't say anything, just buries her face in her mother's chest and shudders a silent sob.

To Macglynn: Senkha isn't concerned with happiness anymore...it's something that will change and something that will never last. No, she's more concerned with that this whole thing is fucked up and despite everything, despite all that she's been through, it's on -her- to fix it.
Senkha holds Dizzy close, pressing her cheek against the girl's hair, not crying herself, but close enough to it. After a moment of just sitting there, and as if coming to a decision within herself, she whispers, "I love you, Monkey."

Macglynn whispers: He doesn't seem to feel bad for acknowledging it does rest on her. Adopting her was her decision as much as his, and while he feels guilty for pressuring her into saying yes, for once he knows: she could have said no.
Macglynn whispers: He is curious, though, if this decision of hers is real. Does she really love her?

Dizzy 's silent crying stops as soon as it starts. Her arms tighten around Senkha, "I love y'too."

To Macglynn: It's genuine. That's the difficult thing about it: no matter what's happened, fuck her life, she loves this little pain-in-the-ass child. She brushes aside the objections she might have to Oliver's thoughts about this being on her shoulders, because it does rest on her: it's her name on those papers, not his. And if she made this bed, she'll damn well lie in it.
Senkha takes another deep, shaking breath and presses her lips against Dizzy's head. "I know I promised you I wouldn't see you differently. I'm sorry that I had to break that promise...just that you -are- different."
Senkha says: Still my Monkey, though.

Dizzy nods a little, but remains silent. How are you supposed to defend yourself to that? How are you supposed to respond at all? She just gazes up at Senkha, a rare maturity shown on her face. It might be the same face that laughed as Senkha screamed back in the desert. But anyone could tell that it is a different person.

Macglynn whispers: Oliver seems proud of this decision. Proud, yet apologetic- I'm sorry I brought this on you. But thank you for sticking with me through it.

Senkha cringes slightly as she sees that look, remembering the last time she saw it, and shakes her head as if to remind herself: different place, different person, different circumstances. Don't be your mother, Senkha. Don't push her away. She manages a smile.
Senkha says: It's not a bad thing, you know. Changing means you're growing up, and I'm proud of you.
To Macglynn: She has no response to this. What could she say--you're welcome? It's my pleasure? All she can do is think of how much she hopes it'll be different this time around and how afraid she is that it won't be.

Dizzy heaves a sigh, "I don't like th'reasons why I changed." She can feel her cringe, and she quickly turns her face away.

Senkha lifts her hand and turns Dizzy to face her again. She smiles, sadly. "People never do. Most of the things that changed me are things I wish had never happened." She shifts her legs under the blankets with a loud screech.

Dizzy 's turn to cringe now. She tenses until the sound stops, but her grip on her mother's arm takes longer to loosen."'m sorry I was a mistake." Her voice is soft. She doesn't mean it in a backhanded comment kind of way.
Dizzy says: Shoulda jus' left you alone.

Senkha closes her eyes; Light-bless, who's been talking to this child and telling her Senkha's inner fears? "Not a mistake," she says after a long minute, thinking about how to phrase it. "Adopting you was something I didn't think through and did for the wrong reasons. That doesn't mean that I want to take it back--take you back. Just that...well. Sometimes, I don't know if Oliver and I are what's best for -you- is all."
Senkha says: It's not because I don't love you. It's because...well, when I look at everything that's happened, I have to ask myself if we're really good parents that we can't stop you from getting hurt so often.

Dizzy 's voice is soft, "I don't wanna go..."

Senkha sighs and shakes her head. "You're not going anywhere. Except to school. Dizzy, did I ever tell you about how I fell in love with your Daddy?"

Dizzy shakes her head.

Senkha says: We'd only been...well, dating sounds childish, but "seeing each other" for three days at that point. Your grandfather told me that Oliver was in love with me and that if I didn't love him, too, he'd go insane and kill himself.
Senkha sighs, shifting against the pillows and making a face as she tries to rearrange her legs with much noise. "So I decided, that night, that I was in love with your father. I don't know how well thought-out the decision was, or if it was the best decision I could've made at the time, but I've never gone back on it. Just like I won't go back on loving you."

Dizzy blinksblinks, "He- what?"

Senkha chuckles, mostly to herself. "Dad was just fibbing because he thought the two of us deserved a little happiness, and trust me, I gave him a piece of my mind when I found out."
To Macglynn: Of course, Oliver almost losing his mind when they went back to old Stratholme didn't help him seem much saner, but who's counting? Senkha is feeling more okay by the minute.

Dizzy frowns, "'s not very nice of him." Another sigh, another hug. "I'll be real good at school. I mean, I dunno about the school part but I mean I will be nice."

Macglynn whispers: Oliver laughs to himself. It's true, I gave you just as much trouble as she has.

Senkha grins wryly. "It was just a little trick to get us moving forward. I'm over it. And I know you will be. Dizzy...school isn't punishment for you. I think you'll have a really good time."
Senkha says: And it's just during the day. You get to come home at night, have dinner with me and Daddy, talk about your day. You've got -so- much potential, and I just want to make sure you're able to be the best woman you can be.
To Macglynn: Yes. You did. Why do I put up with you again? He'd feel a tickling at the back of his neck...

There's a thud outside, followed by a, "Dammit!"

Dizzy nods again, "Okay." A slight smile has returned, "Okay. That sounds kinna nice. Mebbe be a bit more norm'ler too."

Senkha laughs, in spite of herself. "And Light knows we're completely normal," she chuckles. "Dizz, I promise I'll keep trying if you will. This isn't going to be easy. There are going to be times when I'll look at you and remember how much...remember the way things hurt. And you'll do the same with me. It won't be easy, but if it was easy to love someone, it wouldn't be worth it, would it?"

Dizzy 's smile grows, "I'll try for you. No wait- ain't gunna try. I will do it. I will." For a brief moment, she almost forgets the less than ideal situation they are in. She doesn't see the braces or shadow burns or bruises. "I swear."

Senkha grins at Dizzy. "I know you will. You're a brave, strong, beautiful gi-- young woman. Light, you're sixteen years old." She pauses and then asks. "...do you remember when your actual birthday is?" Really stupid question, she knows.

Dizzy frowns slightly as she digs through the mountain of regained lost memories. "I- they-" She bites her lip. "It didn't matter t'them."

Senkha says: So November seventh, then.
Senkha 's smile grows a little mischievous.

Dizzy smiles, and nods a little. "Yeah."

Senkha hugs Dizzy tightly again. "Well. It matters to us, your birthday. Especially as you become more and more of a lady. And actually..." She lowers her voice significantly.
To Macglynn: ~smokescreen~!
Senkha whispers in Dizzy's ear, "I was wondering if you could help me make a surprise party for your Daddy."

Macglynn whispers: Indignance! Why are there suddenly secrets?

Dizzy 's grin widens, "I would like that very much. 'cuz I think my card had lotsa bad timing."

Senkha says: Your card? When did you make him a card?

Macglynn says: What th' hell are you two talkin' about in there.

Dizzy says: After I woke up- NOTHIN' NO EAVESDROPPIN'!

Macglynn stares at the door. "Wha-"

Senkha whispers to Dizzy, "We'll talk about it later," and then louder, "Fine, come in, since you insist on listening anyway." She shakes her head, chuckling.

Macglynn opens the door. "Makes me think yer talkin' about me, it does."
Macglynn folds his arms.

Senkha grins over Dizzy's head. "We were, and you know it. About how crazy you are."

Macglynn says: Ah'm not gunna get inna a debate over who's th' craziest in this room.

Senkha says: So! Once I'm able to sit up longer, I'll write to the headmistress and see about you starting classes soon. I really think you'll like it, Dizzy.

Macglynn nudges the back of Dizzy's head. "An' if y'don't, tough luck."

Dizzy frowns, "Only if I get to color lots."

Senkha 's expression grows slightly stern, though she's still smiling. "Mm, you're going to have to do what your teachers say. That's all part of growing up, Monkey."

Macglynn says: We'll make sure t'find yuh a place whut 'as plenty 'a art classes, though. Ha' 'bout that.

Senkha says: Or we'll find you an art tutor for the weekends.

Dizzy waves around her imaginary brush, "Gunna paint those things that you see on walls."

Senkha says: Murals?

Dizzy says: Yeah.

Senkha says: Mm, that'll be a good idea. You still need to learn to read and write, though. And to defend yourself.

Macglynn laughs. "When yer done wi' this, you'll be teachin' -me- t' write, Ah bet."

Dizzy says: I betcha I could teach you real good too.

Senkha smirks. "You have to learn a bit better before you can start teaching your Daddy things. You're both at about the same level now."

Macglynn 's shoulders sag. At the same level as a retard.

Dizzy says: Well I'm a real retikerlated person. I betcha I could do it.

Senkha says: ...retikerlated?

Macglynn says: ... See? Yer a'ready usin' words Ah don't know.

Dizzy frowns, "... reticulated?"
Dizzy says: No wait-
Dizzy says: Artikerlated.
Dizzy nods sagely.

Senkha says: Articulate.

Macglynn says: ...

Dizzy says: 's what I said.

Senkha says: Mm-mm, try again. Articulate.

Dizzy says: 'tickerlate.

Senkha says: Ar-tic-u-late.

Dizzy says: Articul-ated.

Senkha smiles. "Now take off the D at the end. Articulate."

Dizzy says: Articulate.

Senkha 's grin grows much wider; for some reason, this simple feat makes her look ready to burst with pride. "That's it! And yes, you are articulate."

Dizzy puffs her chest out proudly. Yeah, she so good.

Macglynn smiles. Maybe the world isn't ending.

Senkha says: See, that's the kind of thing you'll learn at school. That way, if you're ever wanting to talk to people who aren't able to understand you as well as we can, you'll be able to.

Dizzy says: Okay! Okay! I said I'd go and be good.

Senkha ruffles Dizzy's hair; doing so causes her sleeve to fall back and reveals the ugly purple burns on her arm. She doesn't seem to notice them to start. "I know you will. You'll make us all proud."

Macglynn glances to the burns, and his smile softens slightly. He sits down in front of them on the bed.

Dizzy says: When are we going home?

Senkha 's smile fades significantly. Now she sees the burns on her arm and tries to shake her sleeve down to cover them. It doesn't quite work; she glances over at Oliver as if asking him.

Macglynn says: Not jus' yet, though trust me, we want outta here.

Dizzy smiles, "I like th'boat but there are so many people. An' they 'r louder 'n me."

Senkha is still shaking her arm to try and cover up those burns. "They are. Don't seem to understand the concept of privacy, either."

Dizzy says: Well that is super rude.
Dizzy might be kind of a hypocrite.

Macglynn blinks and reaches out to pull her sleeve over the burns. He looks at her as he does this, hoping to make eye contact.

Senkha catches Oliver's eye and bites her lower lip, looking embarrassed. Despite this, she comments almost airily, "Well, Light bless them for their aide and hospitality, but the guests of the White Sigil have really never been known for their tact or manners."

Macglynn 's eyes close and his hand drops from her arm. He's laughing.

Dizzy blinks, holy crap he's laughing.

Senkha smiles as well, though not quite laughing.

Dizzy just smiles from ear to ear. She missed this.

Senkha says: Tell you what, Monkey. I'm going to give you an important job. Your Daddy's going to stay in here with me, and I need you to guard the door for us. I'll let you know every day who's okay to let in here. Everyone else, tell 'em to go love a bird.

Dizzy salutes smartly, "I can do that real good." Unsure if Senkha wants to be hugged or not, she just patpats her hand and wiggles off the bed. "I'M THE GUARD NOW."

Macglynn blinks at Dizzy.
Macglynn says: ... Well, that saves me th' trouble 'a bootin' folk out, Ah guess.

Senkha blinks as Dizzy takes her suggestion and goes to guard immediately. She starts to say "I didn't mean now..." but eventually just shrugs and sighs. "Mostly because you don't give a whit if she tells tactless morons where to shove it." Senkha grins.

Macglynn says: It's true.

Senkha says: Double standard.

Macglynn says: Not denyin' it.

Senkha says: Mm, but you're mad at Dad for doing the same thing.

Macglynn says: Yeah. Guess Ah am.

Macglynn says: Easier t' excuse kids bein' assholes'n grownups, though, heh.

Senkha tilts her head to grin at Oliver. "Easier to excuse cripples being assholes than people who can walk," she adds.
Senkha says: Not that I'm taking that as an excuse.
Senkha says: Just saying.
Senkha says: Assholes are assholes, age and bum legs notwithstanding.

Macglynn says: Yeah, yeah. Well. If she keeps folk out, then Ah suhjest not complainin'.

Senkha is still grinning, almost playfully. "Not me I'm worried about. I wouldn't complain if everyone were assholes to keep people out."

Macglynn says: Uh-huh.
Macglynn says: ...
Macglynn says: Hey.

Senkha says: Hmm.

Macglynn says: Ah mean' it. Thanks fer stickin' with this.

Senkha exhales quietly, her smile fading. "I never really had a choice from the get-go," she admits in a low voice. "By the time I met Dizzy, you would've died for her anyway, and it was either go along with you or lose you."
Senkha says: I made this choice. You know me well enough to know that I only run away from nasty battles...not from responsibility.

Macglynn laughs. "One could argue this's been somethin'a a nasty battle itself, eh?"

Senkha 's smile returns somewhat. "You could, yeah. Or at least fraught with nasty battle after nasty battle. Either way...I can't do to her what my mother did to me. I love her too much."

Macglynn pulls Senkha close, not minding the sound of her braces screeching. "Y'ain't a bad mother, n'matter whut y'think."

For some reason, this of all things breaks Senkha's composure. Just a bit--not enough to elicit outright sobbing--but enough that her voice cracks when she says, "I feel like the worst mother in the world."

Macglynn says: That honor goes t'yer own mother, don't y'think? Don't compare yerself t' that... look ha' happy y'make her. Look at all y'done an' gone through. Whether it's made y'scared 'a her or not... y'done great things fer her.

Senkha has leaned forward so that her forehead is against Oliver's chest. Her voice is somewhat muffled as she asks, "Like what?"

Macglynn says: Whuttya mean 'lahk whut'?

Senkha says: What've I done for her?

Macglynn says: Y'gave her a lahf far better'n th' one she had, an' hell- d'ya not remember all them tahms y'went runnin' after her? Y'may 'a hated it, but Light, no bad mother'd do that.

Senkha says: ...who in their right mind would let a child stay held by a madman? Light, I might've done that without being her mother.

Macglynn sighs. "D'y'see whut yer doin' here? Yer lookin' fer ev'ry excuse y'can t' call yerself a bad mother when y'done nuthin' but good. So we fucked up a bit with keepin' 'er disciplined- that was both 'a us."

Senkha says: ...I just don't know what I've done for her by being her mother that I wouldn't have done, say, if I was one of the Sigil. I mean...Light, half the Sigil went chasing after her all those times, too.

Macglynn just shrugs, shaking his head. "Well y'know whut? She seems t' love an' look up t' you a whole lot, an' Ah don't think she would if y'was doin' a bad job."

Senkha says: I know. I know. Just...nngh. Other people seem to have such an easy time of this motherhood thing.

Macglynn says: Y'know, Ah doubt they really do. An' b'sides-- Ah dun' think other mothers gotta deal with quaht th' level 'a bullshit you do.
Macglynn smirks slyly at you.

Senkha says: Probably not. I think I've just managed to win the familial lottery with the two of you.
Senkha says this deadpan, though Oliver could probably hear the smile behind her voice.

Macglynn says: Hey. hey. -You- picked -me-.
Macglynn says: Ah didn' want nuthin'a do with it! But no, y'had t'push it!

Senkha looks up at Oliver without moving her head. "How dare I. Tell you what, let's just forget the whole thing, then. My bad for pushing it." She's still deadpan.

Macglynn says: We're done here, then.
Macglynn moves to get off the bed.

Too bad Senkha's latched her arms around his waist, then. She's still looking up at him with a flat expression, but he's going to have to drag her with him if he goes anywhere.

Macglynn frowns. He swings his legs over the side of the bed and stands, with her still latched. He turns around so he's looking down at her as she clings to his waist.

Senkha 's braces screech horribly at this motion, though she eventually lets go, the playfulness gone from her eyes as one of her legs bends awkwardly and she can't unbend it. She gives a hiss of pain, sitting back upright.

Macglynn 's eyes widen and he reaches forward, arms around her shoulders. "Shit! Light, Ah didn' mean t'-"

Senkha shakes her head, trying to fix her legs. It's not working at all; those braces just won't move. "Not--nnh--not your f-fault...Light, -FUCK- this hurts..."

Macglynn pushes the blankets aside, reaching out himself to her legs. He gently puts a hand under her right one, easily lifting the heavy brace to put it in a more comfortable position.
Macglynn whispers: - He opens the bond willingly, unusual for him, and uses her pain as a guide. How he adjusts her leg is based entirely on what he feels from her.-
Macglynn slowly lowers her leg at an angle where the pain dulls.

To Macglynn: It wouldn't be the worst pain in the world, but the kind of thing that it would be annoying not to change, like sitting with your leg bent funny usually is. With the bond open, he can also sense how exhausting this night was for her, emotionally. How she just wants to be held.
Senkha cringes slightly at the movement but exhales in relief when her leg is set right.

Senkha!Imprint & Dizzy: February 19

Senkha 's imprint has been searching for a day now, never flagging or faltering or tiring, searching for any signs of Dizzy. Where she walks, Dizzy would hear the rustle of feathers, though Ariadine would hear a sound like knives scraping against each other.

Ariadine is still climbing out of the darkest recesses of her mind. The girl and the huge bear have been wandering for days. As the pair ascends through the darkness the sound of rustling wings grows louder. The starved looking bear growls suspiciously.

Senkha looks up at the sound of growling. "--Dizzy?"

Ariadine perks at the familiar voice, "Momma?" her voice is hoarse from lack of use. The girl's grip on the bear's fur tightens. Is it another memory replaying? Or is it real?

Ariadine 's voice gains a hysterical tinge, "Momma?!" She sounds so real. Matka remains silent, and lets out a tired and rattled sigh. "Momma?!" She jumps off of the bear's shoulders.

Senkha continues running until she can see Dizzy, wings rustling uselessly behind her. Why isn't she flying? Who knows? She rushes at Dizzy, arms open. "Baby, Monkey, it's me, I'm here now. Everything's going to be alright. It's okay, baby, I'm here."

Ariadine buries her face into her mother's chest and wraps her arms around her as tightly as possible, and finally after a month the girl bursts into tears.

Senkha presses her lips against Dizzy's head again and again, holding her tightly and letting her cry. As she does this, strength flows from her into the Guardian and Dizzy as well. "I'm here. We're going home, baby. You're going home."

Ariadine 's shuddering slows as the reassuring strength returns to her. Slowly, she looks up at her mother. "'m tryin' real hard t'be strong like I promised. I promise."

Senkha smiles down at Dizzy, brushing her hair back from her face and wiping away the last stray tears. "You've done perfectly. I'm so proud of you, Dizzy. You hung on, even though you must've been very afraid. I'm so sorry I couldn't come sooner."

Ariadine looks up at her hopefully, "You can get me out of here? We can leave? I wanna get out so bad." Matka grunts crossly at this, "It's never that simple." she growls.

Senkha sighs quietly and shakes her head. "It's not that simple, no. Dizzy, before you were born, your birth mother did horrible things to you. She made your mind--and soul--split in two. We need to find a way to put you back together again."

Ariadine looks back to the bear and then up to Senkha again. She looks crestfallen, "Is it real easy? Please- I can't be in here any longer. I can't. 's dark an' quiet an' please jus' don't make me stay any longer."

Senkha smiles at Dizzy, another wave of strength coursing through her. "We'll find a way to make it easier, your Guardian and I." She turns from Dizzy for a moment and bows deeply and respectfully to the great bear.

The bear grunts again, "At least this one knows what she is dealing with." Her dark red eyes flicker dully, "Perhaps you could be of use. I don't think I can do much since the other girl nearly killed me." She roars the last part furiously.
Matka breaks down into coughing hoarsely, her bony shoulders poke from her hide as she hunches over.

Senkha lets go of Dizzy for a moment and walks over to the great bear; only then can her size be really seen, and she's enormous. She kneels and places a hand on the creature's head, wrapping it in her wings. "I think I can help, if you will let me."

Matka looks up at Senkha dejectedly. "Do I have reason to hope? My own host has reduced me to a pathetic mess. I'm dying. All I want to do is fix this before I fade away." The bear's gaze flickers to Dizzy, "She doesn't deserve any of this."

Senkha rests her head against Matka's, strength flowing from her into the Guardian. "I will help you, and when we have succeeded, I will merge with you as Dizzy will merge with Ariadine. I will not let you fade away, not when you have kept my daughter safe."

Matka blinks slowly, she definitely isn't a normal guardian. The bear speaks of the girl in a more motherly tone than with any spite. "... Thank you." Dizzy watches the pair silently. Whether she could hear them or not is a mystery.

Senkha 's touch on the creature's brow is gentle, but firm. "Of course." She turns back to Dizzy with a smile. "Are you ready, Monkey?"

Ariadine perks, "Yes!" She scrambles over to the pair. She jumps around the two, "I'm ready! I'm ready! Ready!"

Senkha smiles and takes Dizzy's hand; the other hand remains on Matka's forehead, steadyingly, strength and energy still flowing into the creature. "Then let's go. It's your Daddy's birthday today, you know. What a great present this will be."

Ariadine grins, "'s a lot of cupcakes an' candles on 'em. He must be a hundred years old now."

Senkha grins and ruffles Dizzy's hair. "Not -quite- that many, but close enough. Your granddad's here, too...just wait 'till you meet him."

Ariadine smiles, "I can't wait!" She looks up at Matka, who just grunts crossly and begins to channel energy with Senkha.

Senkha & Dizzy: January 6

Senkha hesitates before knocking on Dizzy's door. "Monkey? You awake in there?"

Ariadine turns her head on her pillow to look at the door, her voice is tired and faint. "Yeah..."

Senkha pushes the door open just enough to slip through and sits on the end of the bed, reaching over to pat Dizzy's side gently. "How you feeling? Is it-- " Asking if it's getting better seems superfluous, so Senkha just leaves the question there.

Ariadine lays on her bed, jsut blankly staring at the ceiling. Her eyes have dark circles under them and her hair is an unbrushed mess. She obviously hasn't slept well or taken any care of herself in the past few days.
Ariadine says: ... 'm countin' th' time between each fade-away. 's abou' ev'ry five hours now.
Ariadine 's expression is just a tired, and resigned grimace.

Senkha nods understandingly, standing to take a brush from Dizzy's bedside table. "C'mere, let me brush your hair for you," she says quietly, more an attempt at some normalcy than anything else. "I read something today."

Ariadine slowly gets up from her side and crawls to sit in front of Senkha, "Really?"

Senkha begins to slowly and gently work the tangles out of Dizzy's hair. "I thought it might help you...it was in that big book that Grampa Marius gave me, the one that taught me how to fix brains."
Senkha says: It said that sometimes, bad things that happen to people can make it so that there's two people in one body...two personalities, sort of. Does that sound about right?

Ariadine nods slightly, "S'ppose it does..." A weak smile spreads across her face, the simple comfort of getting her hair brushed was a nice feeling. Especially coming from her mother. "Can I get fixed?"

Senkha sighs quietly at this. "Yes. But Dizzy...the thing is that I can't fix you. The only person who can fix you is you...but you -can- fix yourself." She moves onto the next section of hair, still brushing gently.

Ariadine 's shoulders sag at this, "...Jus' so tired."

Senkha leans forward to kiss the back of Dizzy's head. "I know, baby. I know it's exhausting. Somewhere in your mind, though, there's someone who can help you. If...if the other girl takes over and you can't get back, you need to find that helper."

Ariadine smiles weakly, and her voice squeaks slightly as she replies. "I have a helper?"

Senkha nods, moving on to another section of hair. "You do, just like I do and just like Daddy does. I imagine your helper...your Guardian...isn't too happy with the other girl."

Ariadine scowls, "No one is happy with her." she slowly leans back against Senkha. "So... when I do go. I can get back maybe?"

Senkha stops brushing Dizzy's hair and wraps her arms around her daughter's shoulders, holding her close. "Yes. You can. You are strong enough to get back and make the other girl go away forever, if you want."
Senkha says: But it's a strength you have to find yourself...I can't find it for you.

Ariadine sinks into her mother's arms, a hopeful smile spreading across her face. "I will try my hardest. I don't want t'let you down anymore..."

Senkha looks surprised at this, frowning at Dizzy. "You don't let me down, Monkey. You never let me down. I...sometimes I'm afraid of loving you too much because I'm afraid of how much it would hurt to lose you, but you never let me down."

Ariadine says: 'm afraid of what she will do t'you 'n Daddy. Don't want you t'look at me any diff'rent 'r forget what I really am when I am gone.

Senkha closes her eyes and takes a deep breath, exhaling slowly. "You know I could never forget you. And I know who you really are. I always will. And I know that you'll always fight to come back to us."
Senkha says: Just like I'll always fight to find you. Just like Daddy will always fight for both of us.

Ariadine says: I love you so much Momma. Y'gave me everything I ever could need 'r want and now something that 's me but not me is ruining it all and hurting you an' Daddy an' everyone I loved an'--
Ariadine says: ... If I came back... would y'ever look at me th'same?

Senkha hugs Dizzy more tightly. "When you come back, yes. You will always be my babygirl, no matter what happens. Nothing and nobody can change that or take it away. I promise."

Ariadine turns in Senkha's arms to return the hug. Her small shoulders shudder under Senkha's grasp as she begins to cry. The full on I've been holding this in for a week fml kind of cry. Because seriously, fuck their lives.

Senkha holds Dizzy close and tight, kissing the top of her head and smoothing her hair down. "We'll get through this, Dizz. We will. I have faith in you, and you know that Daddy and I will never give up."
Senkha says: No matter what happens, we will always find you, and I know you'll always find a way back to us. That's what love does.

Ariadine 's crying slowly comes to an end. Curling her fingers into Senkha's vest and nestles her head against Senkha's chest. Ha, free boobage. "Okay."

Senkha continues to hold Dizzy close, resting her cheek against the girl's hair. "No matter what anyone tells you and no matter what happens, remember that you're stronger than you think you are. You can control your mind. You can beat this back."
Senkha says: And someday, maybe not today and maybe not tomorrow, you will.

Ariadine nods, "I promise t'win." She looks up at her mother and smiles. "'s almost time again, gonna fade-out."

Senkha smiles back at Dizzy and kisses her forehead. "I promise that you'll come back, no matter what. I know that you're my strong, beautiful girl, and I will always love you."

Ariadine smiles, "I love you Momma."

Senkha smiles at this and kisses the top of Dizzy's head again. "I love you, too, Monkey. No matter what."

Ariadine crawls off of Senkha's lap and resumes her laying down position in bed. "I taught Daddy t'braid his hair, y'know. You should ask him to braid your hair."

Senkha laughs quietly, sitting back on the bed and touching her hair lightly. "So he told me. I'll ask him, but I think it'll be better if you do it when you come back. Deal?"

Ariadine closes her eyes, "Deal. Need t'get more ribbons for his hair. He needs one that ain't green..." Her voice trails off until her small form goes limp for another blackout.

Senkha's smile fades as Dizzy's form goes limp. She stands and leans forward, pressing her lips against the girl's forehead. "I swear to you, Dizzy, you can fight this. Don't listen to her lies. You're more powerful than you know."

November 25, Part III: Reunited with Dizzy, Oliver Leaves

To Macglynn: And then there's a wave of nausea, despair, and loss. And then just blankness, an emptiness of any emotion. Her thoughts sound more than a little odd. "You can come in now."

Ziichi is soaking wet. Yay. "Sinka?!"

Macglynn smiles at Dizzy. "Hey. Ha' 'bout we go an' say hi t'yer mother?"
Macglynn says this very loud.

Senkha 's voice is flat and emotionless. Her expression is blank. She looks at Ziichi. "Ludo is gone."
Senkha says: I am going to see my daughter now.

Ziichi creases her eyebrows. "Where did 'e go?"

Senkha doesn't answer this. Her expression remains completely blank as Oliver and Dizzy enter the room. "Hello."

Ziichi growls and then turns and leaves, quickly. When Ludovick outright breaks promises, something is up.

Macglynn looks at Senkha, brows lofted almost as though he expects something. "Hey."

Ariadine smiles and runs over to the bed, "Momma!"

Macglynn whispers: "Look at 'er. She's jus' -terrifahd- 'a th' state yer in, ain't she."

Senkha lets Dizzy hug her, though she doesn't return the hug, except with a light pat with her right hand. "Hello," she repeats.

To Macglynn: Nothing.

Macglynn leans on the doorframe. His expression goes from expectant to unimpressed.

Senkha 's head wound has begun to bleed again.

Ariadine crawls onto the bed beside Senkha, "'M sorry! I was 'fraid you were dead!" She looks over her mother, "Are you okay?"

Senkha says: ...no.

Ariadine smiles, "'Kay..."
Ariadine says: Have 'y seen Stehl?

Macglynn turns abruptly and leaves.

Senkha blinks a few times, shaking her head. She frowns, touching her hand to her head wound and bringing it down to see blood on her fingers. She finally turns to -look- at Dizzy. "--Dizzy."

To Macglynn: Her entire mind is hugely suppressed, but the suppression is starting to fail. She barely squeezes something out. "Ludo is going to kill himself and I couldn't stop him."

Ariadine looks up at Senkha and answers reluctantly, "...Yeah?"

Senkha lifts her right hand to touch Dizzy's face. "Why'd you have to run off?" she asks before her voice breaks. She pulls Dizzy tightly against her, shaking with sobs.

Macglynn whispers: His response is a quick and very direct, "Why." He's obviously referring to his reasons for killing himself, not why she couldn't stop him.

To Macglynn: More of the emotion leaks out, and none of it's good, save for a sort of minor key version of the joy he felt earlier. "Faronne was unfaithful. He's going to carve out his own heart."

Ariadine wraps her arms around Senkha and remains silent, letting her mother cry. "'M-m sorry."

Senkha just holds Dizzy tight for a long moment, crying, before pulling back and giving her daughter a very watery, very weak smile. "I'm s-so glad you're alright."

Macglynn whispers: King of sensitivity he is, today. "Whore girlfriends is th' best thing ta kill yerself over."

Ariadine says: I'm glad 'y are too...
Ariadine eyes Senkha's bloodied hands, "Momma... 'y okay?"

To Macglynn: Once again, it's as though she's been slapped. The slow leak of emotions gets larger, but she draws back. If this was happening face to face, she'd be leaning back and staring at him like D:

Macglynn whispers: Good thing he's not there, then. He's pacing out on the ship's deck, milling over what's gone on today, but not really to any end. Just milling.

Ziichi comes inside and then starts rifling through Marius' desk drawers to find the GOOD STUFF for pain killers. She's leaving burnt fleshy bits stuck in the process; her hand to her shoulder is... burnt up badly, and smells disgusting. The leather has melted into her flesh as well.

Senkha has put Dizzy to sleep on the bed, touching the girl's face with her good hand, before standing. She would be alarmed at Ziichi, but at this point it's like, what else is new? So she simply asks, "What happened."

Ziichi glances over, shrugs her undamaged shoulder, and returns to looking. She finds a small bottle and pulls it out, then finds herself a syringe. Based on her expression and demeanour, she's pretty much in the same space as Senkha is about injuries.

To Macglynn: She listens. Less willingly and more because she wants to know what he's thinking of her at the moment. Because she needs more punishment.

Senkha says: Did you find them?

Ziichi shakes the bottle a bit, then growls and grabs the bottom drawer, ripping it open and breaking the lock. She is going to be in shit later. So much shit. She hurts too much right now to care, though. Her only response to Senkha is a grunt as she finds herself some morphine. Yes, please.

Senkha sighs, giving up on getting any information tonight. Cradling her left arm against her chest, she turns and very stiffly leaves the room.

Macglynn whispers: His thoughts are kind of a tangled mess on stream-of-consciousness, though an overlying theme to them that she may find, and probably find suitable punishment, is an uncharacteristically angry internal monologue about keeping up face in front of children. This past week has been brutal to him, hell, the past ten years have been brutal, but that's not his daughter's concern.

Senkha sags against the doorframe, as if she's just been punched in the gut. The wound on her head is bleeding profusely now, making her look quite the gory mess. She takes a deep breath and exhales before stumbling forward, towards the dock.
Senkha doesn't even see Oliver. Capital!

Macglynn has since quit pacing and has seated himself, looking dully out over the water. There's also a... really large grub in his hand. It squirms, and he sighs and throws it onto the dock. Go away. It lands with a thud.
Macglynn looks at you.
Macglynn says: ... Sen-
Macglynn stops. No, screw this.

To Macglynn: She's trying to withdraw even further, but her emotions are -screaming-. She's terrified, angry, heartbroken, confused, and a failure. And she keeps feeling like she's in that space again. And it won't stop.

Senkha doesn't hear him. She does, however, stop once she reaches the dock, more because she's lightheaded than anything. She takes a knee, closing her eyes and trying to think of -something- to calm her, but she usually thinks of Oliver...and he's angry.

Macglynn gets up and walks back inside.
Macglynn walks by Senkha, blade slung over his shoulder. His thoughts are closed, the old but familiar haze blocking anything that'd pry.

To Macglynn: "Wait."
Senkha says: Wait.
Senkha says: Wait. Please...I'm sorry. I'm sorry...

Macglynn whispers: There's nothing. Emptiness. A sort of dark, allowing nothing in nor out.

Senkha is hobbling as fast as she can, which isn't fast at all, considering. But she's a rogue. She starts to break into a run.
Senkha grabs Oliver's cloak and falls on her bad hand, crying out. "Please! Please, I'm sorry, I'm sorry--"
Senkha says: Don't make me do this alone, I can't be alone, please, please...
Senkha says: I'll do whatever you want me to do, please, please, don't leave me alone again...

Macglynn turns, causing his cloak to tear free from her hands. Something isn't right about his eyes. "Go back to th' ship."

Senkha falls back when he does this, looking like hell. She catches his eyes and instantly her mood changes. "Go. Feed your blade. Go -now-."
To Macglynn: The command comes mentally, too. She doesn't command him...well, ever. But now she is.

Macglynn turns sharply and walks away, without so much as another word.

Senkha sits for a moment and then pushes herself up. She squares her shoulders, wincing in pain at the left, and begins to walk, shufflingly and slowly.

November 25, Part I: Oliver Finds Dizzy

Macglynn whispers: Suddenly, there's a spark of pure -joy- from his end.

To Macglynn: Senkha is too deep asleep to notice.

Macglynn whispers: JOY.

To Macglynn: SLEEP.
To Macglynn: She's starting to wake up, slowly, but there's a lot of pain. "...Oliver, what..."

Macglynn whispers: JOY.

To Macglynn: Now she's awake. "Is she...?"

Macglynn whispers: "She's safe."
Macglynn whispers: JOY. ALSO BAWW.

To Macglynn: "Is she hurt. Is she awake."
To Macglynn: Also a whole lot of pain.
To Macglynn: "Oliver, answer me. Is she hurt? Is she awake?"

Macglynn whispers: "We'll be there soon. She's fahn."

To Macglynn: Sudden panic. "No. No no. Not here. No."

Macglynn whispers: "We're coming there." He sounds firm.

To Macglynn: "NO."
To Macglynn: "Take her home, please, take her anywhere but here, SHE CAN'T SEE ME LIKE THIS."

Macglynn whispers: "She's upset an' wants t'see you, dammit!"

To Macglynn: "NO."
To Macglynn: "Take her home. Don't let her see me like this, I can't see her like this."

Macglynn whispers: "Fer Light's sake, what's more importn', yer pride, or yer daughter?"

To Macglynn: Mental silence, as if she's just been slapped. But there's a sense that it's not about pride. She doesn't want to scare Dizzy. She doesn't want Dizzy to know how hurt she is. And...she's angry? Hurt? Betrayed? None of that makes sense. She pushes it away.

Senkha is half awake and groaning something panicked under her breath. She's trying to get off the bed on the opposite side.
Senkha is not doing very well with this.

Ziichi moves over towards Senkha, touching her arm softly at first, and then holding her firmly. "Sinka, Olly's bringin' 'er. Don' fall down an' git y'self 'urt. Tha' ain' help no one."

Macglynn whispers: His thoughts are curious. Is it really about not wanting to scare her? What's more terrifying to a child, seeing a hurt parent, or being told that they can't see a parent right now?

Senkha panics more at the touch. "Get off of me, she CAN'T COME HERE, get off of me!"

Ziichi moves her hand away and creases her eyebrows. "W-Why, why ain' she come 'ere, Sinka?"

To Macglynn: Senkha's gone into total panic mode because SOMEONE IS TOUCHING HER. Dancing at the Shady Serpent, dancing at the Shady Serpent, dancing at the Shady Serpent--

Senkha doesn't answer, just trying to get away to absolutely no avail. It hurts too much to move so she just tries to pull the covers over her instead.

Ziichi sits back a bit and watches Senkha, chewing her bottom lip. After some time, she pulls her boots off and sets them beside the bed, then settles with her back against the headboard and sings softly in Thalassian; it's pretty much her one talent. ...although she's not bad at sewing.

Senkha manages to get most of the blankets over her left side, though she only keeps them over her head for about half a second before throwing them off. She looks like she's gone -completely- insane (Gone? ha.).

Macglynn whispers: A mental sigh, if one is possible. Also something of a mental wince. He's going to get anger-braned later and he knows it.

Senkha throws the blankets from the bed to the floor in her increasing panic. And then cringes in pain, right hand shooting to her left arm. She just gives up and lies back, sobbing silently and squeezing her eyes shut.

Ziichi watches Senkha quietly, then looks over towards the windows. She slides off the bed and pads barefoot over towards the bank of glass, opening them one at a time to get air and light in. Dizzy did this for her; it's only fitting she do the same.

To Macglynn: Dancing at the Shady Serpent, dancing at the Shady Serpent, dancing at the Shady Serpent...

Rescuing Dizzy: November 1

Macglynn has an obvious madness about him, and as Senkha approaches, he turns quickly back to face the manor and trods across the bridge. Good day, Eddy.

Senkha doesn't speak at all, the same madness about her, as it has been for the past two days. She keeps behind Oliver, breath heavy and measured like a creature waiting to prey on something.

Macglynn 's pace is quick but even. A gargoyle lands on the rooftop and shrieks as they approach, signaling the presence of their target.

Senkha snarls.

Macglynn kicks in the door! Dust rains down on the two of them, but he doesn't even blink. He doesn't need to.

Senkha has a mask on. Blinking is totally optional.

Bordros yells: Disciples, I request a certain novel: Biography... You know the one.

Senkha frowns at the odd crackling between her and Oliver, as if the connection has gone bad. She shakes her head a few times, trying to clear it, but to no avail. She looks at him and shrugs, then snarls as she hears the voice.

Macglynn doesn't seem to mind the absence of his communication. He's heard the voice; his target is confirmed. He draws his blade and charges forward, toward the source of the voice.

Bordros yells: If I find geist spittle on the cover once more, I'll have each of your decrepit heads! You hear?

Macglynn looks at Bordros.

Senkha follows, slipping into the shadows once the target is acquired. She does, however, laugh softly as she does this. Here we go.

Bordros yells: Anita?

Oliver leaps over the edge, bullrushing Edwin the moment he sets a sight on him. Stupid? By most logical accounts, yes.

Senkha remains in the shadows, prefering the subtle route, but before long, she is behind Edwin, daggers drawn to catch him if he falls.

Bordros heard the not-so silent running of plate boots, flicking a Death Gate behind Dizzy and the rotting aberation, as he was rushed, he attempted to powerhug her into the gate, to lead them to another room of the manor.

Ariadine lets out a panicked squeal as she is shoved into the gate her scream cut off by the teleportation.

Bordros yells: You'll have to do better than that, Slackjaw!

Senkha snarls in frustration as they disappear, her snarl sounding something like "I fucking -HATE- Death Gates." She glances to Oliver, looking around at their new friends and aggravated at not being able to communicate with him silently.

As Edwin departed from the room, geists sprang from the ceiling, quickly circling the pair.

Macglynn is entirely silent as she's once again ported from his grasp, the only sound the sharp clang of his blade against the stone floor. A geist jumps his back, and he's quick to twist and fall back, landing on his side and impaling it with a shoulder spike.

Bordros yells: You know, you really shouldn't interrupt -family- business! Uninvited guests are -not- welcome in my manor!

Senkha pulls a trio of boomerang-shaped, blessed daggers from her belt and throws them in an arc, attempting to catch as many geists as she can with them.

The remaining geists were felled, the gate to the next room opening.

Senkha continues onward, stopping to pick up her daggers.

Bordros yells: Come forth, Blightreaver and wench. My daughter awaits your -attempts-!

Oliver raises a hand and the mutilated corpses of the geists rise to his command. They're even less intelligent than they'd usually be, but it's meat to throw. His eyes widen and the remnants of his lips twist into a grin. He loves games.

Projection Eddy claps his hands, the bones in the room forming to skeletal monsters, them forming a phalanx in the room, "You'd be wise to hurry it up, I grow bored."

Senkha looks unimpressed, though she stands by Oliver--Blightreaver, at this point, really--letting him control the geists. The undead are not her target tonight; she couldn't care less what happens to them.

Bordros yells: How much longer do you have left... You aren't taking my daughter from me.... NOT -AGAIN-!

Oliver is a completionist at heart, and enough drops of water will fill a bucket. He focuses on the undead, not wanting them in his way. His eyes brighten and a blast of frost pulses from him, hopefully freezing the construct.

Dizzy looks up to Bordros, a faint smile playing across her lips. "...Told you."

"Anita... The captured hicks will be your next -lesson-... And I'm not allowing you to hold back." he leaned down to kiss the top of her head.

Dizzy ducks the kiss, a cold look of pure hatred replaces the smug and childish smile.

Edwin ruffled her hair, being all tall and british-deader-ey.

Bordros yells: You know... A woman came by last night, is this the fodder your throw at me?

Senkha hangs back with some irritation, not wanting to get caught in the pulse of frost at the construct. If the pulse hit, however, she would charge forward to hit the construct at any weak point it might have. She doesn't seem to be hearing Edwin's voice in the least. She's far past goading.

The phalanx was infact frozen, making the weak points easily strikeable. Most likely shattering them to bits.

Dizzy slowly begins to edge behind Bordros.

Edwin smiled cockily, he's too dern snooty to notice!

Senkha pulls her daggers from the shattered phalanx with a snarl then stands and begins to advance silently, dangerously, on where she sees the two of them in front of her.

Bordros yells: Good show.
Bordros yells: Well go on, strike me!

Oliver runs a circle around the side of the room, attempting to surround them between Senkha and himself. There are many bones in this room, much to his delight, and as he passes them they rise, clattering together to form skeletal minions.

Senkha continues to advance slowly, finally breaking into a run as the distance between them grows smaller. She leaps!...

Phantasmal-Eddy peers to Oliver, clapping unimpressidly and yawning. Edwin smiled, the images would fade for a moment as Senkha ran through them, reforming. Edwin laughing all the more obnoxiously.

...and falls to the ground, daggers catching in the stone, a snarl in her throat. She looks up to Oliver, silently, not even hearing the laughter but glancing at the side doors. Which way...?

Bordros says: ...You really -are- quite simple. Woi would I give you the -prize- of my presence so easily?

The steel doors clanked open, "Do go and -attempt- at finding me." the images faded, them likely going to another room to be all hologram-like.

Oliver halts. Okay, illusions. He also looks pretty unimpressed and runs forward, the skeletal constructs and straggling geist-ghoul shambling behind him.

Senkha stops when she sees the two of them in front of her. Not going to leap at air again, she looks at the skeletal constructs and geist ghoul. Send them in first, she seems to say without saying.

Bordros yells: So pitiful... You risk -so- much for -my- child.

Loathe to take an order from her, Oliver sends the constructs in anyway.

Necromancers poured from the various doors in the room, the hoods veiling their faces and each had a skeletal minion to call their own.

The necromancers scowl, flinging Death Coils and all matter of spells at Oliver's 'army', whilst their constructs went in for the more 'up close and personal' approach.

Oliver seems particularly happy about this, because fighting the living is so much easier than fighting the dead. Something jabs at the minds of anything nearby, like a pickaxe slowly working into a rock wall. A sharp sound.

Senkha should probably know better than to make suggestions by now. She crouches and leaps to grab the wood beams of the ceiling, holding herself above the constructs before swinging down behind one of the necromancers and slitting his throat. She laughs delightedly and disappears into the shadows in a puff of smoke to give the next necromancer the same treatment.

The necromancers react instantly, fumbling to the ground and covering their ears. Senkha would make quick work of the next poor sap, him too occupied with doing such.

The sharp sound grows in strength and he crouches. Let them come.

Senkha seems immune to the sound, moving on to her third and fourth targets, still laughing with delight as their blood spatters across the floor in very stylish patterns. She should be an interior designer.

The necromancers slain, the abberations just sift into bone, crumbling to the ground.

Bordros yells: You're so... Persistent. Fine, meet me in my quarters.
The images faded.

Oliver's usefulness is limited here; she with light-blessed blades, and he only with plague. These are the words he's awaited and he takes off, his constructs running first. A wave of unholy energy bursts from him as he runs, knocking back anything that would dare try to stand in his way.

Bordros yells: ...'Ello.
Edwin would flick his wrist, attempting to send Dizzy to a chained-off section of the room, via Death Gate, of course.

Dizzy withdraws the scalpel she has kept in her sleeve all day and silently moves behind Bordros.

Oliver runs forward. Not always the best of plans, but he's not really the best of minds, so it's okay. He sends out a Death Grip, trying to pull Eddy away from Dizzy so she doesn't become collateral damage of what's about to happen.

It's hard to tell if Dizzy is flushed with excitement or fever. The small girl looks exhausted and ill. Seeing the book that everyone has spoken of she lets out a strangled cry and tries to shove the scalpel into the center of the book.

Senkha follows Oliver and the constructs, though her approach is more strategic and cautious. As they reach the chamber, she slips into the shadows.

Dizzy was pushed aside! GAME OVER MAN, GAME OVER.

Edwin is grip'd! As he ascended upon Oliver, he attempted to lay a spiked shoulder into his cranium, positioning himself as he soared.

Dizzy drops to her knees, the last of her energy spent on the attempted book-shanking. Letting out a tired sigh she falls to her side and she slips into unconsciousness.

Oliver twists his shoulder to block one spike with another. The left spikes crumple in like foil on the impact, but his head is safe. The shriek is constant now, like a mosquito in one's ear, picking, picking, picking at anyone's thoughts, held back only by the smartly-placed wards.
Oliver is pushed to the ground by the momentum, but doesn't let himself fall without trying to bring a plated elbow into Eddy's temple.

Senkha, still unphased by the constant mosquito shriek, appears from the shadows behind Edwin, giving a soft, wicked laugh. One blessed throwing dagger she attempts to drive into the base of his skull before disappearing again.

Edwin was stabbed! Her received the elbow, his jaw cracking unnaturely. He attempted to open a gate -under- Oliver, opening it on the ceiling. If this would work, he'd attempt to use Oliver as a deader landing pad to the cobble below.

Dizzy shudders as the sound of the shrieking even slightly awakens her. Curling up into a ball she rocks back and forth slightly and covers her ears. She's not so sure of what is nightmare and reality anymore.

Oliver falls through, and lands again on the stairs with a sharp crack issuing from both his body and armor. He makes something of a snarling sound and the shrill noise grows even louder and more painful, like claws. He grips Edwin by the hair and attempts to smash his head into the stairs.

Edwin is smashed, roaring and snarling under Oliver's grip, he attempted to pull away from this... And lose quite the chunk of his GLORIOUS HAIR!

Senkha's had this noise in her head the past three days and has boned it in the past, so...whatever. She appears from the shadows again, landing on her knees on Edwin's back, knives drawn. She attempts to drive them into his neck, still laughing.

Dizzy lets out a wail as the shrieking intensifies along with the manic laughter.

Edwin's hair is pulled away, the not-so-healthy strands easily being ripped from the rotting head, he flung his arms back, writhing and wailing, "This shan't be your day!" his voice slobbery, he attempted to grip Senkha's hands by moving his arms awkwardly behind his back before this could occur, hopefully.

Senkha seems to shudder somewhat at the sound of Dizzy's wail, bringing her daggers up from trying to decapitate the monster before he even begins to flail. She tries to step on his head as she turns around and walks down the steps towards Dizzy.

Oliver tosses the handful of glorious British hair to the side. He picks up his blade, having dropped it in the fall.

Senkha kneels beside Dizzy, though she doesn't remove her mask because Light only knows what's going to happen if she does that. She reaches for Dizzy, her voice coming out weak and croaky. "Mah--Monkey. Baby. Momma's here."

Dizzy shivers and shakes, her wailing intensified. In a full out delirium the sounds of battle, laughter, screams, and shrieking finally breaking her. She thrashes wildly in Senkhas arms, sobbing. "'Nother dream! 'Nother dream!"

Senkha just holds tightly to Dizzy, closing her eyes. She tries to reach out her mind towards Dizzy, fighting against the painful wards to do so. "Not a dream. Not a dream, Monkey. I'm here. I'm taking you home."

Ariadine 's thrashing lessens as Senkha tries to calm her. The girl wraps her arms around her mother and her screams calm.

Senkha holds Dizzy as tightly as she can, glancing back towards Oliver and Edwin, her eyes lighting on the book. She looks around, trying to find some way to get at that book without letting go of her daughter. The way she's holding on, it seems she never intends to let go again.

Macglynn seems to be temporarily brought to a right state of mind by the sound of his daughter's screams. He looks past Eddy and right to her, but the name-- this time he answers his name, and he looks up at Eddy with a smile that could only be described as "demented". He moves as though he's laughing, but there's no sound. Not out loud. The shriek continues to pick against the wards, turning into the familiar metal-on-metal grind straight into the thoughs of anyone nearby.

Ariadine shudders at the returning sounds and hangs onto Senkha as tight as possible.

Bordros hands did not go to his ears as he heard this, but to his tome. He hobbled awkwardly down the stairs, almost sobbing, "...Ch-....Ch-..." he collapsed to his knees, a thick, black liquid pouring from under his mask.

Senkha once again screws her eyes shut under her mask, focusing hard on working through the wards to shield her mind. As she hears Edwin's choked sounds, she looks back at Oliver again, opening her eyes just barely. "Get-the-book," she says through gritted teeth before resuming her efforts, obviously putting herself in a lot of pain to do so.

Macglynn stands. He's been injured, this much is clear from the matte black substance that drips from his body onto the stairs.
Macglynn looks at Bordros.
Macglynn smiles at Bordros.

Bordros just laughed, "You know... Never thought it'd end this way... -Here-." he chortled, "I suppose you'll have my daughter... Heh... Heh." his tome glowed brightly, him placing his hand to the ground, almost slipping in a pool of blackened blood... His own ichor.

Macglynn doesn't allow this. Not for a second. He rushes him again with his good shoulder, one hand lifted. The air is humid here, to his luck, and the moisture gathers around his hand to form a dagger of ice, which he tries to bring down on the book before it does... whatever it's doing, yo.

The dagger goes cleanly into the book... Though, it didn't feel like pages. It felt like skin. Edwin -screamed-, falling to the ground and clutching where his heart would be. His ghastly white hair began to reform to it's living, raven hue. The dim glow from his eyes fading, the body flopping to the side, "...And so... The book dies before the writer." his head fell against the stone... Dead.
The blackened ichor made a -pool- of blood around Edwin's character, his dying features looking -young-.

Senkha gives a soft, satisfied laugh as she sees Edwin fall still, the glow from his eyes fading. Her gaze then turns to Oliver; she is still wearing her mask, but there's an aura of expectation about her.

Macglynn twists the dagger in the book until the ice has melted in the heat of the underground. He tears the tome from its chains and proceeds to shred it with his hands.

The tome is shredded! Voices seeping through as Oliver did so, "...Free at last. Finally... A fitting grave for the old, withered prick."

Senkha holds Dizzy more tightly against her, still giving Oliver a look of expectation. After a few moments, she speaks, rasping: "Bl-- love. You're hurting -her-."

Macglynn throws the remains down and turns up the stairs. His cloak probably does that awesome fwooshy thing. A blight seeps up from the cracks of the floor, eating away at what remained of the body's flesh. There's a final, sharp, jarring metallic screech, and then silence as he leaves.

Senkha exhales slowly, no longer trying to ward Dizzy's mind, the pain in her own mind leaving. She's not going to even bother trying to heal in here, but simply stands, lifting Dizzy with her as if the child weighs nothing. "See, Monkey? It's time to go home."
Senkha pauses at the top of the stairs.
Ariadine smiles faintly before slipping into a slightly more peaceful fevered slumber.
Senkha leans hard against one of the braziers until it falls over, sending fire to the ground below. FWOOM!
Senkha says: Capital.
Senkha stops once they're outside the manor, exhaling in relief as the wards let go of her mind and her mental pings no longer hurt like hell. She frowns not to see Oliver, because he is the best psychopath husband, then kneels, laying Dizzy on the ground.
Senkha says: --should try to get you a little less...unwell before we go home.

To Macglynn: *Coming through loud and clear! "Where are you."*

Senkha removes her mask, letting it hang loosely down her back, and looks Dizzy over for any injuries she may have, aside from the high fever. She doesn't know how to fix that one just yet.
Senkha closes her eyes and puts her hands on Dizzy's body. She's putting more effort into this than usual: the words on her arm slowly begin to seal up and her broken leg mends smoothly. The infection doesn't disappear completely, but it lessens some...enough that she can get to Stormwind before treatment. And then Senkha remembers that she can contact the Sigil! Marvels!

Macglynn whispers: The response is a practically incessant chattering. An unbroken train of thought. Mine-- nothing-- STOP--done-- can't-- home-- LEAVE ME.

Senkha drops the hand that holds her signet ring and looks down at Dizzy again before slipping her hands under the girl's body. She lifts her daughter once more and begins the long trek home.

To Macglynn: *When she is stable, I am coming for you. Calm yourself before then.*
To Macglynn: *...on second thought. Calm yourself fast and come home. She needs you.*

----

To Arubrey: "We have her."

Arubrey whispers: "-- Where was she?" Relief.

To Arubrey: "His manor. She's sick. Are...where are you?"

Arubrey whispers: "I'm in Silvermoon - I can start making my way out. Where's the manor?"

To Arubrey: "Destroyed. I burned it down. I'm taking her home."

Arubrey whispers: "Do you need me -- should I be there?"

To Arubrey: "I would like you to be here."

Senkha dismounts from her mammoth, holding Dizzy in her arms. She gives Tyvllor a terse nod. "Thank you for coming," she says in a croaky voice and fumbles with her key to unlock the door.
Senkha steps inside; the wards thrum musically as they recognize her presence.

Arubrey whispers: "Tell me where and I'll hoof it now."

To Arubrey: "Home. My house."

Arubrey whispers: "Alright."
Arubrey whispers: "I'll be there as quickly as possible."

Senkha just keeps going until she reaches Dizzy's bedroom and lays the girl on her bed. Stehl-the-whelp comes careening down from upstairs and leaps onto the bed beside Dizzy, chittering nervously. A flower sprouts on her forehead.
Senkha says: --I mended the worst of her wounds, but she's badly infected. She's burning up.

Tyvllor says: She's likely been surrounded by undeath. A variety of afflictions could persist.

Senkha nods her understanding. Her voice comes out flat and emotionless. "I know how to seal wounds. I can't cleanse infections, not with my knowledge."

Tyvllor sets the leather bag he was carrying on the railing.
Tyvllor says: Knowing how to seal wounds is well enough for someone not trained with the Light.
Tyvllor pulled off his gauntlets and set them aside.
Tyvllor thinks this house is to small for him. He kneels by the bedside in order to be closer to the poor child. Rubbing his hands together they become enveloped with a soft glow of Light.

Macglynn very quietly walks into his home and shuts the door. He walks over to one of the chairs in the main room and sits, hunched forward, blade still strapped to his back.

Tyvllor moves his hands to hover over Dizzy's body, tendrils of Light delicately weave down around her body. Gently feeling out sources of Infection, and discerning her over all state.

Senkha seems to register that her armor, covered with undead goo and blood and such, probably isn't helping the infection any. She stands a good several feet away, watching Tyvllor work. When she hears Oliver come in, she turns her head towards the door.

To Macglynn: *I need to get out of this armor; can you please come and watch her a moment?*

Macglynn is still very silent. The chair creaks under his weight as he pushes himself back up to stand, and he instead hovers in the doorway of Dizzy's room. His eyes are closed, as though he's concentrating.

Senkha sees Oliver appear in the doorway and silently steps out, beginning to work the ties of her armor as she does.

Macglynn whispers: His mind is in a complete state of chaos right now. Blightreaver makes up for his outer quiet with a constant stream of consciousness directed at anyone dumb enough to speak to him. Like Senkha!

Arubrey knocks the door three times.

Senkha lids her eyes, inclining her head towards Oliver. She's exhausted, but she'll multitask tonight. She turns to answer the door, as if she already knows who it is.

Tyvllor nods and mumbles to himself as he comes across the sources of the infection, and other maladies that plague her. He starts with the simplest ones to remove, as the glow from his hands intensifies. He begins the arduous process of cleansing the infection from her body.

Senkha says: --Twin. Come on in. Tyvllor is cleansing the infection now.

Arubrey says: ... Infection?

Macglynn whispers: DO NOT SPEAK belongs to STUPID, STUPID CAUSED THIS STOP IT

Arubrey lets out a long, drawn-out sigh.

To Macglynn: There's a calmness, an exhaustion in her mind. That voice has been her constant companion since they met up two days ago. Who caused it? Me? You?

Senkha nods weakly, eyes closed. "She was kept in that filthy house for those three days. He broke her leg. Cut into her arm." She sounds detatched and clinical.

Arubrey nods his head, looking over the scene. Then back to her, returning the same vacant expression. "Where do you need me?"

Senkha pauses, considering. She looks up the stairs to where her discarded armor lies, then at the kitchen. "--can you cook?"

Arubrey says: ... Uhhh.
Arubrey says: I can try?
Arubrey scratches at the back of his head.

Senkha says: I haven't eaten in th-- a lot of days. Dizzy will want something when she wakes, tonight or tomorrow. I...
Senkha looks at the kitchen again as if she has no idea how it works.

Arubrey says: ... Okay.
Arubrey sighs, moving into the kitchen. Digging around in whatever's avaliable to him here. ANYTHING IN PARTICULAR?

Senkha lowers her head in an expression of gratitude. "Thank you," she whispers, going back to stand in the doorway beside Oliver. After a moment, her legs fail her and she just sits on the floor, leaning against his legs.

Tyvllor worked hard, rooting out bits of infection from Dizzy's body and cleansing them away. The Tendrils of Light continued to weave gently around her body, his fingers would twitch occasinally.

Macglynn whispers: YOU HIM not a NOT-- COULDN'T DIDN'T -- the words trail off into a rageful sound, like something shattering- DO NOT SPEAK

Senkha closes her eyes, still leaning against Oliver. The pantry is well-stocked with all manner of food, including the ingredients for pancakes, lots of eggs (LOTS of eggs), and even more jerky.

Ariadine the fevered flush to her face lessens slightly. The troubled expression across her sleeping face melting into a slight frown as her ragged breaths even as well.

Arubrey looks around - grinning. Cake. He can make a cake with all this. He gathers together a few bowls, cracks the eggs. Dried and wet seperated in their own bowls. HARD AT WORK.

To Macglynn: Not speaking. She doesn't even try to speak, though her exhaustion seems to seep through to him. It's over now. It's all over now. Rest.

Tyvllor then turned his attention to the largest bit's of infection now. Digging deep he began to cleanse them away with the Lights strength, focusing on one at a time, moving systematiclly through her body. It would take him a bit longer, but he would leave no source of infection present.

Macglynn slowly gets to his knees. Rest. It's time to rest.

Senkha moves as Oliver kneels, leaning against him. She opens her eyes slightly looking over at Dizzy and Tyvllor. Her voice comes out faintly. "--how is she?"

Tyvllor says: She is strong. The infection was potent, but not the worst I've seen.

Senkha says: Th-thank the Light.

Tyvllor began the withdraw the Light from her, the infections rooted out and cleansed. He went back over once more, and strengthend Senkha's mendings before fully extinguishing the Light.
Tyvllor straightend and wiped a bit of sweat from his brow, he let out a long breath. Then turned to his bag, undoing the straps and opening it. He removed three vials of a deep sapphire colored liquid, and set them on the railing.

Arubrey sighs, mixing the two bowls together. A pan retrieved. The oven was prepared during this time and by the time everything was ready - it was tossed inside.

Ariadine mutters something and turns in her bed, groping for some invisible being and grabs Stehl instead. She tries to hold him tight like a plushy. Her recognizable snores start.

Senkha exhales slowly at this sound and moves as if to push herself to her feet, though she doesn't quite manage it for a few tries. When she finally does stand, it's shakily.

Tyvllor says: She has come out of this physically much better then I feared she would. As for these. *He gestured to the vials* Mix them with water and let her drink it, they are supplements that will help her strength recover.

Senkha says: Th-thank you. Thank you so much. We can't thank you enough.
Senkha 's voice is weary and weak, but the gratitude laced through the words is genuine.

Tyvllor picked up the bag and flung it over a shoulder. "I need no thanks for this. Children are sacred, I would give my life for them."

Macglynn 's eyes are still closed, his brow still knit in concentration.

Senkha says: --still. Thank you so very much. If...could you inform the rest of the Sigil? I know many of them were worried.

Tyvllor says: As for you two, do what you need to do to get rested and strong. She'll need you both when she awakes.
Tyvllor says: I will inform them all, they will be very glad to know you all are safe.

Senkha says: Thank you. Thank you so much.
Senkha rests a hand on Oliver's head.

Tyvllor picked up his gauntlets and slide them on as he walked past them. "Be happy for her when she wakes."

Macglynn 's hand clutches his knee, and his fingers dig in. He doesn't stand with his wife.

Tyvllor slid himself into the seat of his mechanical Chopper. He flicks the ignition and it comes to life with a belch of smoke.

Senkha stands by Oliver a moment more before going to sit on Dizzy's bed. She places one hand on her daughter's forehead and closes her eyes.

Arubrey peers over towards the couple - a frown. His hand resting on the counter. It'd be a bit before it was baked. He merely sighed, stepping around to hover over Oliver. Watching his niece.

Senkha furrows her brow, her fingers on Dizzy's forehead tensing slightly. She gives a gasp as if something has been drawn from her. After another moment, the room fills with an inaudible rushing sound. Imprint in place, wards in place. She opens her eyes and bends down to kiss against Dizzy's forehead.
Senkha says: She'll sleep peacefully now. I--
Senkha sags, her knees buckling. She puts her hand on the bed to keep herself from crashing down on the floor hard. "--is dinner ready?"

Arubrey says: -- Should be.

Senkha nods but doesn't stand. She scoots forward on her butt, however, until she's sitting in the doorway area, looking from Arubrey to Oliver and back again.

Arubrey moves to the oven - a mit placed onto his hand. It's retrieved from inside, the oven cooled after. It's emptied onto a plate, a knife cut into it. Plates are set out - and soon Senkha is presented with a slice. A weak, meager little smile offered to her.

Senkha reaches up and takes the plate of cake. She hesitates for half a second and then digs into it as if she has never eaten before. She doesn't say anything to Arubrey but it's clear she's grateful.

Macglynn isn't catatonic, but his gaze is fixed on his hand clutching his knee.

Arubrey shrugs his shoulders, sighing.
Arubrey says: -- I...

To Arubrey: "Thank you. I'm sorry."

Arubrey whispers: "It's okay."

Arubrey whispers: "I'll - get going. Shouldn't take up the space. Cake is ready for when she wakes up."

Senkha continues to stuff her face, actually bending down to lick the plate when she finishes. Oh Light, is she hungry. She's not quite in her right mind yet. And the cake is good.

To Arubrey: "Kay. Thank you for this, twin. I love you."

Arubrey whispers: "Love you two."

Senkha only realizes once Arubrey has gone that she's eating like a pig. She blinks a few times and sets the plate down, looking to Oliver. "--alright?" she asks outloud, even though she doesn't need to.

Macglynn takes a while. He takes a long while, in fact, and his first response is a simple shudder. "Good."

Senkha surreptitiously picks up the plate to gather a few more crumbs. "We make a good team," she comments, licking cake from her fingers. She's obviously trying to recenter both of them, calm them both, bring them back to "normal."

Macglynn laughs, but doesn't smile with it. "We do."

Senkha wordlessly reaches out a hand towards Oliver, not to ask him to come closer or to touch him even, but just to let him know that she's there. "She won't have nightmares tonight, or if she does, I will be there to stop them."

Macglynn says: Sleep, though.

Senkha nods slowly. "I will. I put an imprint of myself in her mind to destroy anything he left behind. When she's recovered more, I'll destroy any remnants myself. I won't let this break her."

Macglynn says: When Ah pulled 'im away from 'er. Ah wasn't watchin'. She was tryin' ta kill him.

Senkha blinks a few times at this. "...huh. I didn't see that either." After a moment's consideration, she frowns. "Where did she--?"

Macglynn says: A knife. Or somethin'.
Macglynn says: She 'ad it fer 'is book.

Senkha blinks a few more times, looking at Oliver. Some part of her might usually put pieces together and make sense of things, but though her mind is still racing, her body is too tired after three days of no rest. "She...I have a lot of work to do."
Senkha says: When she's better.

Macglynn says: Don't hurt y'self.

Senkha looks slightly guilty at this, leaning against the doorframe. "I did. Not badly, but those wards were torture. I'll need a couple of days before I can fix anything, I think."

Macglynn sighs softly. After the quake, he stands. His expression is unfocused and tired. He looks terrible: his left shoulderplate is smashed in on itself, and he's been slashed in numerous places. His tabard is stained black. Again.
Macglynn says: Y'can't quite mend bones, can yah?
Macglynn smiles and laughs softly.

Senkha says: I can. Mended hers.
Senkha rests her head against the doorframe still, looking at Oliver the a bemused half-smile.

Macglynn says: Y'look ready t' fall over.

Senkha says: It's just my body. I haven't got your stamina...if it hadn't been such horrible circumstances, I would've liked what we did this weekend.
Senkha frowns as she says this because, really, who enjoys themselves when lost to bloodlust with their crazy husband? Apparently she does!

Macglynn says: Whut we did--

Senkha says: --yeah.

Macglynn closes his eyes. "Ah'm glad y'was there."

Senkha presses her lips together and nods after a moment. Now she does reach out to ask him to come closer. "I'm glad that I found you. I'm glad we were together."

Macglynn shakes his head. He doesn't say it, but he reminds her of the condition he's in. He shouldn't be near anybody.

Senkha says: --right. Do...nnn. How bad is it?

Macglynn says: Ha' bad's whut.

Senkha waves her hand towards him, indicating his injuries. "Are you still bleeding? Do you need me to call somebody? Or will a quick bath suffice?"

Macglynn grabs at his tabard with both hands and looks down at the cloth, once a dirty white, now caked with black. "Most 'a it ain't mahn."

Senkha nods, looking at the tabard. "If you want to take it off, I can wash it with my armor tomorrow."

Macglynn grunts. "Fuck it. Ah can't wear this damned armor anyway. We got a damned hose?"

Senkha nods, looking over towards the door. "Just around back. Connects to the lake. Want me to help?"

Macglynn says: ... No.

Senkha says: If you're sure.
Senkha doesn't move to get up even if he's not sure. She doesn't seem to have the energy left to stand.

Macglynn turns and unclasps his cloak. He throws it to the stone floor. He then lifts his tabard over his head and throws it to the floor as well. It actually makes a wet *splat* as it hits the floor. He rests his sword by the door and walks outside.

Senkha just watches Oliver go outside, looking at his tabard and cloak where they fell. She doesn't make a move, just sagging against the doorframe. She would be asleep, but it seems she's waiting for something.

Macglynn picks up the hose and frowns at it, in a Dirty-Harry-make-my-day kind of way.
Macglynn sighs and throws the hose onto the ground again, and begins to unbuckle his pauldrons. He sets them in the grass, giving the busted one a light kick and a shake of the head.

Senkha actually laughs weakly, as if she's seeing something funny. Granted, she's really just seeing what Oliver's seeing, but it's funny.

Macglynn 's brows furrow and he drops his just-removed chestplate from his hands and pounds on the wall.

Senkha winces as he pounds on the wall and, with an enormous effort, gets up. She skirts around the tabard and cloak, stumbling around the side of the house.
Senkha says: Mm?

Macglynn turns around. He's just picked up the hose, is shirtless and covered in blight, and looks somewhat angry, but more embarrassed. A small stream of water trickles from the hose. "Hi."

Senkha leans against the wall, standing by sheer force of will alone. She manages a gentle smile at Oliver. "Hi. Maybe shouldn't bang on Dizzy's bedroom wall?"

Macglynn stands there, staring. The hose still dribbles and splatters on the stone. "Maybe y'shouldn't laugh."

Senkha sighs softly, shaking her head. "Do you need a hand with that?" she asks, still leaning.

Macglynn says: ... No.

Senkha, Dizzy & Marius: October 23

Ariadine yaaaawns, and rubs her eyes. Long days require long rests. Her hair hangs loosely past her shoulders. Glorious, glorious bedhead.

Senkha sits on the doorstep outside, her geistskin armor in her hands along with a needle and thread. She's very intently concentrating on mending it, pausing every so often to touch the skin on her right cheek.

Ariadine wanders across the house, her bare feet not making a sound. She smiles at the sight of her mother at the doorstep and hurries behind her for a surprise hug.

Senkha jumps slightly at the surprise hug and then chuckles, putting down the armor and her needle, her arms coming up to hug Dizzy. "Morning, sleepyhead. Did you have good dreams?"

Ariadine smiles and nods, "Yeah, real good." She sits beside Senkha, "Did you?"

Senkha shrugs, turning to face Dizzy a bit better. "I don't think I dreamed. I was too tired."

Ariadine wiggles her toes and looks at them thoughtfully as she speaks, "Those kinda sleeps 'r real nice too."

Senkha says: Mm, I wish I had more of them sometimes. I'm pretty sure your Daddy's going to have had more than his fair share of that kind of sleep by the time he wakes up.

Ariadine says: He's gonna be okay, right?

Senkha smiles brightly and nods, looping her arm around Dizzy's shoulders. "Yeah, he'll be fine. He's had worse than this before...in fact, that whole...thing last night with him being alive probably made it so he'll be better even sooner."

Ariadine smiles happily, "'S real good!"

Senkha nods again, still smiling, though her smile fades slightly. "How about you? How's your arm? No more hurting, right?"

Ariadine looks to her arm, the runes are gone but 'NO HOPE' is faintly scarred."I feel real good! No more hurting."

Senkha runs her thumb over the scars, silent for a moment. She takes a slow, heavy breath. "...I'm sorry that I wasn't there, Dizz. I'm sorry I couldn't come. I'm sorry I..." She lets the words trail off there.

Ariadine smiles sadly at Senkha and hugs her, "'S not your fault 'r anythin'. I know you woulda come if'n you could." She pauses, "Please don't cry, Momma."

Senkha swallows hard; she was getting ready to do just that. She blows out a quiet breath, silently counting to ten. "I just didn't want you to be hurt or scared...or think that I wouldn't come for you, because you know, no matter what anyone says, if you ever need me, I'll come for you."

Ariadine nuzzles Senkha's cheek, "I know, I b'lieve you ferever 'n ever."

Senkha 's breath hitches as Dizzy nuzzles against her, but she forces herself not to cry. Instead, she smiles. "That's good, Dizz. Never forget that. It'll never change." She then laughs quietly. "We keep missing our chance to have breakfast for dinner, huh?"

Ariadine shrugs, "'S okay, I'm real pay-shunt!"

Senkha says: That you are! A million times more patient than I am, I'll tell you that!

Ariadine nods sagely, "'S okay, 'm real may-chur too."

Senkha gives Dizzy a slanted grin. "Now, who told you that?"

Ariadine says: I did!

Senkha says: You did! Do you know what it means?
Senkha stiffens and holds Dizzy closer as the ground moves. Earthquakes, what the hell, man.

Ariadine says: Means I'm real omnibiblishunt... Uh, SUPER ALL KNOWING SMART.

Senkha now does laugh, less out of disdain and more out of omg so cute. "So you're super all knowing smart enough to tell me...hmm. To tell me how to spell mnemonic?"

Ariadine says: Yeah! I can spell ev'rything now 'cause you are a super good teacher!
Ariadine says: M-e-n-e-m-o-b-m-l-i-b-d-i-b-l-y-b-u-n-k.

Senkha grins and laughs, nodding and deciding that it's fair enough. "Close enough! And, hmm. Super-all-knowing-smart enough to tell me how to get to the stars for a vacation?"

Mariius pulls back his hood with a quiet shake of his head. A smile.
Mariius lids his eyes.
Mariius says: -Evening, you two.

Senkha has her arm around Dizzy's shoulders. Her right cheek looks like something bit into it and she's moving stiffly, as if heavily bandaged. She blinks at Marius' facial hair. What is that she doesn't even. "Marius, it's good to see you."

Mariius nods.

Ariadine smiles shyly at Marius and waves. She doesn't recognize him.

Mariius lofts his brows, examining the facade of the home. "... It's nice." -He says, if gently. "-Big. Good build. I used to have a friend that lived out this way in a similar model."
Mariius says: But then; it seems you've had trouble here all the same.

Senkha gives Dizzy a sideways hug. "Dizzy, you remember Mr. Marius, right? He's a really good friend of Mommy and Daddy's." She watches Marius' assessment of her house. "Mm. An unwanted friend knows how to find it and how to get into our heads from outside."
Senkha glances over towards the graveyard behind Marius where she buried Bordros' most recent head last night. Her bitten cheek twitches.

Mariius says: Mn. But I'm here to see that changed. *-And with an abrupt lurch of his shoulder, he swings a massive pack off one pauldron and into his hands.*
Mariius says: I think it's time Bordros and my wards get aquainted.

Senkha says: I think that would be an excellent idea. I'd love to watch and help, if you don't mind...in case we ever have to move again and just for the knowledge itself.

Ariadine punches the air, "Gonna get his ass-beat real bad!"
Ariadine nods sagely.

Senkha grins and ruffles Dizzy's hair, standing with some difficulty and collecting her armor and sewing materials as she does. "Like he did last night."

Mariius says: That's fine, Senkha. You can speak while I work; Tell me what's happened. It will be some time, but the best of these precautions cannot come quickly.

Senkha says: Mm, I'd rather it take a while and be done -right- than for it to be rushed we find ourselves vulnerable.

Mariius says: Moreover. I've fashioned something for your daughter.

Ariadine blinks.

Senkha gives Dizzy an excited grin. "Hear that? Presents for you, Dizz."

Ariadine points at herself. Who, me?

Mariius nods at you.

Ariadine grins, "I like presents lots."

Mariius says: -It's a charm. A deeply powerful little trinket; something that will give your aggressive problem a nasty shock should he manage to snare you directly. once spent, the power it holds will be spent as well-- But in that process, he may find himself reduced to ash.
Mariius says: -May I come in, Senkha?

Senkha says: Of course.
Senkha gestures to the door, holding it open.

Ariadine follows Senkha!
Ariadine scuttles off to her room.

Senkha says: --er. Sorry about the mess in the kitchen. Breakfast-for-dinner was kind of interrupted last night.

Mariius picks out a bit of counterspace-- and methodically, quietly, begins setting out his tools.

Senkha indicates the mess of eggs, dirty dishes, flour, and other things that would've gone into a wonderful meal if the night hadn't turned into so much what-the-fuckery.

Mariius says: I'll help you clean, dove.

Senkha half smiles and half cringes as she hears this, touching the wound on her cheek again. She nods and starts piling up dishes to throw in the tub to wash. "...Oliver was alive last night," she blurts after a moment of gathering.

Mariius starts off with the 'gift' he'd developed earlier in the week-- Back when he'd first learned of these targeted attacks, and had procured a small amount of ash left-over from one of Bordros' charred vessels.

Ariadine emerges from her room with a packet of crayons and her journal. Coloring time.
Ariadine spreads her materials out over the rugs.

Stehl-the-whelp comes trotting downstairs, yawning himself, and littering flowers on the stairs. He curls up next to Dizzy to inspect her drawing.

Mariius parts the lid on a delicate box. Inside, a small silver heart-shaped charm is inlaid with a bright emerald shell. It dangles from a thin silver chain; something simple and elegant.

Ariadine begins to draw a Scarlet and Stehl adventure!

Mariius says: --One of the most powerful emotions in this world, Senkha, are derived from the raw power of a mother's rage.

Senkha grins wryly, placing the stacked dishes in the sink and touching the back of her head. "--I think I broke your wards with it," she admits sheepishly.

Mariius holds the box to her inspection. "--This is for Dizzy. It's imbued with your imprint; Something I used to fashion a spellward that will react to sinister intention. I've keyed it to recognize Bordros' presence with a sample of ash I'd recovered from one of his many incarnations."

Senkha looks in the box, not an expert on warding but definitely an expert on pretty jewelry. "It's beautiful. I think she'll love it...it's certainly already giving me some peace of mind about..." She hesitates before saying, "...when I can't be there."

Mariius says: -If he tries to hurt her, your Imprint will recognize the intent and trigger the spell I've interwoven through the charm itself. Not only will you know that something is wrong; You'll feel drawn to it. Can use this strange instinct to find her.
Mariius says: The spell itself is as powerful as Salarous' fare; A flare of reconstituted holy energy; Enough that it would see a ghoul combust on the spot. If triggered, the necklace will crumble; There's a lot of energy in this little trinket, and it won't survive the expulsion.
Mariius says: But it's something.
Mariius says: I didn't know how to fashion it. Salarous keeps these materials for his jewelcrafting. I found the pendant-- and got to work.

Senkha smiles, touching the pendant with her index finger. "It means so much to me, Marius. Thank you. And my thanks to Salarous, too...does he know you took this?"

Mariius says: He doesn't; but we trade materials often. It's no bother. *-And he hands it over quietly.*
Mariius says: -When you slip it around her neck, the charm will activate.

Senkha hugs the box to her chest for a moment and closes her eyes, as if to imbue it with even more of her essence, though she has no idea -how- to do that. "Thank you," she repeats, quietly, and sets the box on a cleared-off piece of counterspace.

Mariius nods at you.
Mariius lets out a puff of a sigh, lofting his eyes to the space around him.
Mariius says: ... Well then.

Senkha says: Mm.

Mariius flicks a glass bowl with purified water from his flask. Not seconds later and he slits the palm of one hand with his ritual athame, curling the wounded hand into a tight fist to perpetuate the flow of blood. It drips steadily into the basin beneath it.

Senkha mindlessly begins scrubbing away at some egg that got onto the counter last night. "...what all do you know about Bordros?" she asks after a moment's silence. "I mean...I know he's got a rune -book- instead of a rune -blade- and killing him is a bitch..."

Mariius says: I know the name. And I know I've known him as an enemy in the past. But to be painfully honest Senkha; So many antagonists knock at my doorstep that time has stripped him from me. If I possessed knowledge of him once, I know nothing now beyond vague inclinations. Perhaps I thought him destroyed.

Senkha gives Marius a sad smile; she knows all about having way too many enemies. "We thought he was destroyed the night before last, but last night, as we were getting ready for dinner, Dizzy started screaming and clutching at her arm, and we heard his voice." Only now does her own voice betray the horror she felt in that moment, a horror she's been hiding from her husband and daughter.

Mariius shakes out his injured palm, sealing the shallow wound with a flicker of mending. Thereafter, dark ink-- Midnight Ink-- is added to the unusual concoction.
Mariius says: He projects thoughts and sensations through the mental plane, then.
Mariius glances at her. Two fingertips swirl through the thick, murky solution before him.

Senkha nods, grimacing. "I was able to ward Dizzy's mind last night, but it took a lot of concentration. The good news, though, is that it was -very- easy for me to enter his mind. For all his offensive understanding, he doesn't have an inkling about defense."

Mariius says: A curious thing, for a man that shows mental prowess. What do you know of this book?
Mariius' hands roam to a small, carefully wrapped bundle set gently on the countertop. The cloth is soft, white and intricate, and it's folded back to reveal a faintly glimmering Vial of the Sunwell.
Senkha says: Only that it's what houses his soul. Oliver told me last night to make sure that I destroyed it, but he's no fool. He doesn't keep the book on his person...it's likely with whoever is helping him to keep reviving.
Senkha's eyes widen at the sight of the vial, though she doesn't comment on it, not knowing specifically what it is. It's shiny, though, and obviously powerful. Impressed Senkha is impressed.

Mariius removes the small plug, unscrewing a secure cap and peering at the contents therein. It's two years old, now-- And he's used the dwindling contents -very- sparingly.
Mariius tips the containt just-so. Finger-tap. A sole droplet connects with his prepared solution-- and there's a flash. Blinding light. It simmers and dies, leaving a calm and completed ward-ink ready-to-use in the glass basin.
Mariius : -A motion of his hands. Snap-- pop. The container is sealed, and re-wrapped with silent reverence.

Senkha cringes at the sudden flash of light, holding her hands in front of her face. She watches the vial be sealed and wrapped and put away with a sort of awe and a definite aura of ooh shiny.

Mariius says: -Vial from the Sunwell, Senkha. *-He purses his lips.* -Old, now. Old power.

Senkha's mouth falls open at this. "The -Sunwell-?" she asks in a hushed voice, like they're speaking during a prayer or something. "Light...

Mariius lifts his eyes, peering in her direction. "--It's not a sample I can simply 'refill', and so I use it very sparingly. Not even the ship's wards contain this specific touch-- I reserve it for dire situations or places of great and precious quality. My child's bedroom, for example."

Ariadine draws Stehl and Scarlet shooting flower-fart lazers at a dark figure with blue eyes.

Senkha continues to stare with her mouth hanging open, now looking at Marius directly. Tears have come to her eyes, and her voice is choked as she speaks. "Marius, I-- thank you. I can't say how honored I am."

Mariius smooths one hand over the cloth that safeguards the vial's remnants. "-Would you like to see it?" -And he holds it out gingerly. "-Keep it in the house, with you. The presence of the vial alone will further fortify the wards here; And serve warning to Bordros' ilk."

Ariadine scribbles "DARGON KILLER" over the dark figure's head and begins to add more and more multi-colored flowers to the fart-flower-laser-beams.
Ariadine offers Stehlp a crayon, "Whaddya think 's missin'?"

Senkha holds the vial as if she's holding the most precious thing in the world ever. AND BREAKS IT! No. She doesn't break it, but she does look at it wordlessly, breathless at the sort of honor and trust this means. "This is--" She shakes her head unable to finish the sentence and holds the wrapped vial close to her heart. "I will find someplace where those earthquakes won't shake it loose. I...thank you."

Mariius inclines his head.

Stehlp points to several places on the drawing: Scarlet needs to be prettier, the dark man needs to have scars from where Mommy tore him apart, and Stehlp's muscles need to be bigger.

Mariius peers into the small bowl between his hands. He paces with it, evaluating the household as he goes. One clawtip drags through the inky solution. And for lack of a better place to start-- he starts with the door to the home. It's an entrance; Both a physical path and a symbolic origin.

Ariadine gives the dark figure lots of ugly scars, gives Scarlet long eyelashes, and bulks up the Stehlp.

Stehlp chitters his approval.

Ariadine grins, this is true art.

Mariius says: ... Why don't you give her that necklace. Please don't mind if I grow distant-- the work takes my mind from me, at times.

Senkha watches Marius silently, still holding the vial close to her heart, as delicately as if she's holding a baby. She nods silently. "...still have to tell you what happened to Oliver last night. It...let me know."

Ariadine adds in Oliver with a smiley-face rune sword and instead of his usual blue eyes and white hair she gives him brown eyes and sandy-blonde hair.

Senkha holds tightly to the vial in one hand and picks up the box with Dizzy's necklace in the other. She turns and knocks on the door to Dizzy's room. "Monkey? Can I come in?"

Ariadine says: Yeah!

Mariius taps an ink-ladden talon against the woodframe-- and starts the intricate process. Scritch-scritch-scratch. One becomes dozens becomes hundreds of tiny little symbols and circles; Runeweaving, true to every form. Golden eyes grow dim and far-away, where pupils twitch and dilate between structures. Seen but not seen. Not even the quakes can shake him from it.

Senkha slips into Dizzy's room, plopping down cross-legged on the rug. She chuckles at the picture. "You're quite the artist, Dizz! You should draw something for Mr. Marius to thank him for helping us today."

Ariadine nods solemnly and pulls up a new sheet of paper and begins to draw a very large Marius with an epicly long beard and giant fists with a white kitten on his head.

Senkha smiles and places the box down on the floor in front of her, lifting the lid. She nestles the vial on her lap and lifts the necklace from where it's nestled. "Dizz, look at this. Mr. Marius brought a necklace for you...it'll protect you from the bad man."

Mariius' hand moves with the confidence of a man possessed. The design-- the rites-- the complications; They're all at the cusp of his mind's eye, writ into wood and across walls and windows and frames and furniture. He doesn't double-back; Doesn't erase a single mark with the smudge of one hands. A streak-- a hard line. Intersecting cross-patterns loop through base constructs and overley's. Here-- Here. Yes, this-- Protection. Guardianship. Second nature. Senkha may be initially perplexed by the fact that her entire households is getting chalked up BUT HEY it'll be gone soon really!
Mariius spreads his hands against the wall, paused. His inkbowl sits between the cradle of one forearm. Silence; He's feeling through his work. It's solid. He continues.

Ariadine 's eyes widen, "Woah..."
Ariadine smiles, "'S pretty." She gently prods the pendant.

Senkha nods, smiling at Dizzy. "It's got a part of me in it so that if he ever comes after you again, I'll blow him to pieces." She moves to fasten the necklace around her daughter's neck. "Just like I promised."

Ariadine grins widely, she likes the idea of bad-guys getting blown to pieces.
Ariadine adds herself to the picture sporting her new necklace and riding on the back of a steroid pumped Stehl.

Senkha sits back on her heels, observing Dizzy. "It's very pretty on you. Mr. Marius is a good man for helping with this...he's almost your grandfather sort of, in a way."

Ariadine claps excitedly.
Ariadine says: I like fam'lee.

Mariius' pace is wicked. If he was moving fast before he's lightning now. It's easy to get caught up and swept away once a Construct began fleshing itself out beneath one's hands. All the hundred-thousand little peices start fitting together; Start taking on a life and a purpose all their own. That purpose is growing with each 'penstroke', programming itself to Marius' intended design. There isn't an inch of floorspace that isn't struck with black ink or shot-through with contact equations. He's a hundred steps ahead of himself whilst still strangely and fully aware of the endless tapestry behind him.

Senkha smiles as well, picking the Sunwell vial up again and holding it tenderly. "So do I. We're lucky to have family like Mr. Marius."

Ariadine says: What's that?

Senkha says: This, my little monkey, is a vial of water from the Sunwell. The Sunwell is where the High Elves got all of their magical power until the Lich King destroyed it. If we keep it safe here, it will keep -us- safe.
Senkha oversimplifies leik woah for Dizzy's benefit.

Ariadine totally doesn't get it and will skew all information gathered for future lols.
Ariadine nods sagely.

Senkha says: And right now, Mr. Marius is drawing runes all over the house to keep the bad man out...everything about him.

Ariadine grins, "Can I help make runes too?"

Senkha shakes her head. "Now that we can't help with. Mr. Marius has been doing this for thousands of years; we don't want to accidentally mess things up."

Ariadine says: Okaaaaay.
Ariadine goes back to drawing her thank-you note.

Senkha smiles, leaning forward to inspect the thank-you note. "Hmm. I'll bet that if you worked real hard at it, you could be a famous artist someday."

Ariadine nods sagely, "I bet I could. But I don't wanna draw. I wanna be a brain fixer."

Senkha says: A brain fixer! What do brain fixers do?

Ariadine smiles proudly, "'Y fix brains." Duh, mom.

Senkha seems surprised, but nods understandingly. "How do they fix brains?"

Ariadine says: Hard work an' brain magic.

Senkha says: Brain magic? You mean like what I do?

Ariadine nods at you.

Senkha is about as touched by this as she was by the gift of the Sunwell vial. She reaches over to ruffle Dizzy's hair. "I'm sure you'll be an amazing brain-fixer, Monkey. Maybe we can work together someday."

Ariadine says: I bet we could! But then I would be grown up and I'll be the boss!

Senkha raises her eyebrows and laughs. "Oh will you? And what will we do when you're the boss?"

Ariadine says: We'll fix people with broken souls and brains!
Ariadine says: Make them sleep and be happy 'gain!

Senkha says: Make them sleep?

Ariadine says: People with hurt souls can't sleep happy.

Senkha smiles sadly, touching her temple with her right hand. "Mm. Though I don't know that even the most powerful brain fixers can fix that. Mr. Marius is the most powerful brain fixer I know..."

Ariadine says: I'll be powerful-er!
Ariadine is super serious.

Senkha says: I'm sure you will! Just promise you'll be careful...you know how Mommy gets headaches sometimes?

Ariadine nods at you.

Senkha says: It's because sometimes, my mind is so powerful that it hurts me. Be careful...let your mind grow on its own.

Ariadine blinks at you.
Ariadine nods at you.

Senkha ruffles Dizzy's hair again. "When things are a little less crazy for us, maybe I can see about Mr. Marius teaching you the way he taught me."

Ariadine 's eyes widen and she tackle-hugs Senkha, "Thankyouthankyouthankyou!"

Senkha laughs in surprise, hugging Dizzy back. "It's no problem, Monkey. I bet your mind's just waiting for someone to teach you how to use it to fix people.'

Ariadine nods solemnly.

Senkha says: It'll probably take some time, and Mr. Marius might not be able to start teaching you for a little while, but we'll get there.

Ariadine says: I'm real pay-shunt!

Senkha kisses the side of Dizzy's head, smiling. "Good girl."

Ariadine hugs Senkha again, and crawls onto her lap.

Senkha shifts the Sunwell vial aside to make room for Dizzy and holds onto her, giving a sigh of contentment. She does reach up to touch the bite marks on her cheek for a second, though.

Ariadine says: Momma can I be a pumpkin-dragon for Hallow's End?

Senkha laughs. "I've been meaning to ask you what you wanted to be for Hallow's End. And sure, we can do that. We're going to go Trick-or-Treating with Miss Kyrita and Ziichi and...the draenei who doesn't have a jaw."

Ariadine perks at the names, "Ziichi, Keereetuh, and Locobocobusts?"

Senkha says: Locobocobusts?
You blink at Ariadine.

Mariius knocks quietly.

Senkha slips Dizzy off her lap and gets up to open the door. She smiles at Marius. "How's it going?"

Mariius gestures behind him. "... Just her room left." -And he rolls his sleeve across his nose, smearing the blood from it. "If she's alright with that."

Ariadine says: 'S okay!

Mariius inclines his head.

Senkha looks down at Dizzy and smiles. "We'll step out to give you room to work."

Ariadine nods at Mariius.
Ariadine says: Is he like... A jillion years old?

Senkha gapes at the chalk all over the walls and floors, the windows, the ceilings. She has to blink a few times before she answers Dizzy. "Ten thousand. I think."

Ariadine says: Jillion.

Mariius gets back to work. Given the scale of the household; This won't take too long. The rest... --Well. The walls outside are softly illuminated with the scrawl.

Senkha shrugs, not wanting to argue it. "Jillion."

Mariius : -And it passes soon enough. He eventually appears at the thresholde to Dizzy's room looking moderately worn. "... Well then."

Senkha cradles the vial of Sunwell water in her hands and puts an arm around Dizzy's shoulders. She looks up to Marius with a smile. "All done?"

Mariius says: -- I suggest you shield your eyes momentarily. Just about.

Senkha nods and lets go of Dizzy's shoulders to cover her eyes.

Ariadine covers her eyes but tries to peek through her spread fingers but shuts them tight as

Marius kneels. In the end. Every last connecting symbol ultimately links up with small circle in the middle of the main room. It's the heart of the ley. Marius sinks to his knees and plants one hand against the floor, dead-center in the middle of this icon. With a sharp breath, a word of lasting power curls past his lips. The ink adorning the walls flares brilliantly; Paints the whole of the household in a cascade of triggered energy. There's a thrum-- a heartbeat of sound and sensation-- and then nothing. The writing is gone. It's curled up like ash, spend, crowding the floor with sweepable soot.
Mariius pushes the back of one palm against his nose.

Senkha continues to hold her hand over her eyes, wincing slightly at the sound, then removing her hand to look around in amazement. "Uther's beard..." she murmurs.

Mariius says: ... -- It's set. The ley is binding... -And the mess is easily cleared.
Mariius says: You may not see them, but it's there.

Senkha says: I believe you. Marius...this means the world to me. To us. I...

Mariius smooths two fingertips through the ash on the ground. "--This is just a byproduct of that activation."
Mariius peers up at Senkha quietly.

Senkha shrugs simply, giving a smile that says that words and thanks simply aren't enough. "Thank you."

Mariius says: -You needn't thank me, Senkha. I want to protect you-- and your family.
Mariius says: The least you deserve is a safe home.

Ariadine moves up to Marius and offers him her thank-you card. "Thank you Mister Maryus!"

Mariius blinks. Takes this 'card'. Blinks again.
Mariius peers at it.

Senkha 's smile grows wider and warmer. She places a hand over her heart and watches the interaction, a twinkle in her eye.

Mariius says: ... You know.
Mariius peers at Dizzy seriously.

Ariadine blinks at Mariius.

Mariius says: ... That is a -perfect- likeness of me. *Yes. He grins.* You're a very talented artist.

Ariadine beams proudly, "Thank you!"
Ariadine salutes Mariius with respect.

Mariius points at the paper. "... You even added Clarice. She's amazing, Senkha."
Mariius says: I'll take this home and frame it.
Mariius patpat's Dizzy's head affectionately.

Senkha is smiling brightly, like she may burst with pride. "Isn't she? I told her that she should be an artist, but she wants to be a brain fixer."

Mariius smiles a little.

Senkha says: And I think she can be whatever she sets her mind to.

Mariius says: -Who's to say *-And he flips up the thank-you card, presenting it to Senkha's inspection.* -That brightening someone's day with art alone isn't enough, in large part.
Mariius peers back at Dizzy. "-Kindness is never wasted. You can help people with it."

Ariadine is totally loving this, "I'm onna good start!"

Senkha smiles her agreement and appreciation. This is such a good night compared to the last two, seriously.

Mariius says: You certainly are, m'dear.
Mariius says: Senkha... By the by.

Senkha says: Mm?

Mariius says: -There's a campsite I'd like to show you to. Some place secluded and hard to find; a place you and your family can go to relax without incident. I'd like to show you there.

Senkha says: I would appreciate that. I...also need to talk to you about something that happened last night. Unrelated to Bordros.

Mariius nods at Ariadine.
Mariius says: Certainly.
Mariius says: Let me know when you're free. Dizzy would probably like it there, too.

Senkha glances nervously at Dizzy, chewing the inside of her lower lip. "Would, ah. Would it be alright for us to speak privately?" She seems to be asking Dizzy's permission more than Marius'.

Ariadine nods at Senkha and runs back to her room and tries to yank Stehl by the tail and drag him with her has she runs.

Stehlp is dragged, yelping, back to Dizzy's room!

Mariius helps himself to a seat once she's left the room. he tucks the little card into a secure place in his pack, and then mottles at the sweat on his brow with the back of one hand.

Senkha runs her hand through her hair a few times and finally blurts out, "How much time has to pass before you can tell if someone's pregnant?"

Mariius says: ... Well, that depends on the woman. Missing your cycle, spotting or cramping; Tenderness of the breasts... --All possible signs. Some tests are available as well... But why do you ask?

Senkha swallows hard. "You're not going to believe this...but, um. Oliver was alive last night. Flesh and blood. Heartbeat. He could feel. He could -eat-. He could..." Senkha leaves off there.

Mariius lofts his brows. What.
Mariius says: ... I don't-- ...
Mariius says: -I don't know that I... -understand- how that happened. *And he furrows his brows.* But you're-- Senkha. Even if-- ...

Senkha brings her hands up to her hair again, her distress evident. "I don't either! It must have been dark magic, and I wasn't here to stop it, and I don-- even if what?"

Mariius says: ... Senkha-- you're barren.

Senkha blinks a few times as if not quite processing this. "I'm-- " She lowers her hands to her abdomen, pressing against the scar under the leather. "--but I thought if I..." Again she stops and finally says, "...oh."

Mariius thins his lips.

Senkha forces a laugh, shaking her head. "Well. That answers -that- question." Her smile doesn't completely reach her eyes.

Mariius says: ... When you were on the floor, with Oliver, after what They did to you. I had my hands in your insides, Senkha. I knew then, but it just-- Unless something's *changed* since, you were not capable of pregnancy.

Senkha's shoulders sag some, and the look in her eyes grows cold. "I see," she says quietly. "I suppose it's just as well. We couldn't anyway...last night was just a fluke. A mistake."

Mariius says: ... I'm glad you were able to experience it all the same. Though I-- ... feel, for Oliver.
Mariius says: He came to terms once. Having to again is-- ... Mn.

Senkha says: --he knew it was limited. He told me as soon as he saw me that he had five hours. But he...he wants it again. I don't know what to make of it.

Mariius says: -Wouldn't you-?

Senkha says: Of course! I understand and...and part of me wants it, too. I just don't know if it's -right-. If this...whatever it was. If it's right to use it.

Mariius says: ... I wouldn't, Senkha. It will make him hate what he is more than he does, and destroy his contentment with the life he's learned to create for himself in undeath.

Senkha exhales slowly, relief showing on her features. "That's what I'd thought. I was glad to see him back to 'normal' last night...even with the pain he went through to get there."

Mariius nods quietly.
Mariius says: ... Don't let him ache for what he's lost, Senkha.

Senkha says: I won't.

Mariius says: -Make him believe in what he has now. *-And he nods.*
Mariius bows before you.

Senkha, for just a moment, sags with the weight of the past several days. She closes her eyes and looks far older than she is, but she nods and walks forward, wrapping her arms around Marius' waist in a hug.
Senkha says: Thank you, Marius. For everything. You have my gratitude--and my love.

Mariius says: Ironbolt's Halloween Ball is coming up in just over an hour, now. *-And he smooths a palm over her hair.* -Try to perk a bit. You're family to me; I want to see you smile more. Quakes and all. *A wry look*

Senkha looks up at Marius and gives him a smile; it's tired and wavery, but it's real.

Mariius nods at you.

Senkha says: Enjoy the ball. I wish any of us were feeling up to it. Light be with you, Marius.

Mariius smiles kindly.
Mariius says: -We'll try. let me know when you're ready to take that small trip. I think you'll like the area.

Senkha says: I will. It'll do all of us good, I think. It'll probably be a couple of days at least, but I'll let you know.
Senkha steps back and bows before Marius, a gesture of respect.
Senkha says: ...Marius. I've just had an insane idea.

Mariius says: -I'll see you soon, dove. Call me if you've need of-- ... eh?

Senkha says: Dizzy would love a Hallow's End Ball, but I have to stay here with Oliver. Do you think you could take her? It would make her week.

Mariius blinks. Looks over his shoulder.
Mariius says: ... Well, yes; That'd be fine.
Mariius says: She'll be in the company of Sigil; So I wouldn't worry.

Senkha absolutely beams and runs to the back room. "Thank you!"
Senkha says: I never do where you're concerned.
Senkha knocks on the door. "Dizzy! Dizzy, love! Do you want to go to a ball?"

Ariadine pokes her head out of the door, nodding furiously. "YES!"

Senkha grins. "Mr. Marius is going to take you to a ball! Do you want me to fix your hair up before you go?"

Mariius smiles helplessly.

Ariadine nods again, "Yeah yeah! Wait! I got something in my room." In this next part we appreciate the beauty of the 'A WIZARD DID IT' phrase as Dizzy reemerges from her room in a very round pumpkin outfit with little red dragon wings.
Ariadine says: Can Stehl come?!

Senkha says: Sure! Just keep a close eye on him and stick by Mr. Marius all night, okay?

Ariadine salutes you with respect. Well, she tries to salute, but her hand can't reach her arm in her super awesome costume.

Senkha grins and kisses Dizzy on the forehead. "Good girl. Be safe and have f un."
Senkha says: Thank you, Marius.

Ariadine half waddles have runs to Marius, "I betcha can't guess what I am-- OH! IS THERE GONNA BE CANDY?"

Mariius says: ... Alright then, Dizzy. Let's head to the Sigil-boat and meet up with the others.
Mariius says: I'll take care of her, Senkha.

Ariadine says: Love you!

Mariius summons his spectral mount, reaching to pulling Dizzy alongside him.

You wave at Ariadine.
You blow a kiss to Ariadine.
You sigh at Macglynn.
Senkha kicks off her boots and slips into bed with Oliver, smiling contentedly.

Macglynn at least -looks- 100% better, though he's not woken up. His runeblade pulses a dull blue beside him as it works to energize him.

Senkha starts humming quietly--not exactly cheerful, more like trying to cheer herself up. She closes her eyes and leans back against the pillows. "And to think, last weekend, we were most worried about me making nice with Blightreaver. Ha!"

Macglynn doesn't respond, as would be expected. He looks peaceful enough, and clean. Somewhere between Senkha's last time seeing him and now, his chicken has nested beside his head, and curiously pecks at his hair.

Senkha continues her monologue with an ironic sort of laugh. "You know what's funny? I can't have kids. Isn't that funny."

Macglynn is the best audience, truly. Lucy looks up at her voice, though. She puffs out her feathers.

Senkha smiles at Lucy and wiggles her fingers at the chicken in greeting. "I mean, not that I could have kids anyway, but I thought maybe after last night..." She trails off and shakes her head. "...no."

Lucy's feathers settle back against her and she settles back in her blanket nest by Oliver's head. She pecks at a bug that's found its way out of his cheek.