Khaelanna vs. Team Idle Hands

Khaelanna yells: [Qiraji] "Kh'shab ahpt ras'zuj! T katc tajh m'rh ni'cht s'k m'jh H'satl SHAD'RA!!"

Apophan yells: Come to meet your end, Denouncers.

The ground beneath their feet begins to seethe and writhe. From under the sands crawl thousands of small spiders, creeping into pants legs and sleeves, causing irritation, discomfort, and distraction.

Llew stumbles back a bit as all the bugs come forth. "What th---"

Nialos doesn't seem all that bothered by the bugs, but his eye twitches. "...Annoying."

Oliver tries to push himself up again as bugs swarm around his body. His muscles stiffen and he almost collapses, but something drives him. He climbs to his feet and staggers to the others.

Nialos immediately sends a shard of ice towards the giant spider. Going straight for the -eyes-.

Marìus lofts his hands. A soft shudder rattles through his bones; The creation of an imprint, reaching into the flesh of his allies and establishing a mender's connection. He's prepared to mitigate incoming damage.

Llew rushes the Black Widow, following the ice shards, throwing star slicking through the air toward her abdomen.

Oliver steps forward. He has a hard time of it still. Instead, his swarm collects itself and flies to Khaelanna, the cloud of flesheaters getting their fill today.

Khaelanna raises one arm. A steaming fissure opens at Llew 's feet and from it a purple blast of searing Twilight magic issues forth, forcing the attacker back a step and carrying the possibility of serious damage if they don't move quickly enough.

Marìus honestly loves spiders. He really does. At the moment, however? Not quite. There's a shiver in the back of his mind-- An ethereal warning, in fact. The Sigil and allied comrades managing the distraction 'outside' are under *heavy fire.*

Llew is a slick rogue and darts out of the way!

Nialos runs forwards, hacking at spidery legs and whatnot in wild abandon.

Oliver hunches over. Bleeds more. He snarls and straightens out again, fists clenched, trying to get a grip of his movement.

Marìus thrusts out one arm. Narrows his eyes. "Oliver-- Goddess-bless, don't give up. One foot at a time. Manage your hatred and prepare."

Llew follows Nialos, sprinting at the Black Widow. He lets out a roar, his own eyes flashing dark as he thrusts at her abdomen with his main blade.

Nialos calls out over his shoulder. "Oliver! Your rotten ass is not allowed to drop!"

Oliver laughs. And then charges. He can't swing his blade effectively so he resorts to body attacks. He's an effective blunt weapon. He slams his plagued body into the Widow.

Ariadine nervously drums her fingers against the side of her leg. At the sight of Marius and Oliver she slips back into the crowd of somber and silent cultists.

Khaelanna raises both arms and shards of ice drop in rapid succession upon the group, dangerous sharp projectiles piercing anything not protected.

This is another one of those moments that Llew curses his simple leather armor.

Nialos dodges around the falling ice shards, moving his blade to hack at the main body.

Marìus all but -leaps- to one side. He's fast to loft his hands-- Raise barrier, shielding, against the onslaught. But Llew-- *Shit*.

Llew finds himself pummeled with shards of ice. He hunkers down, trying to deflect them to no avail. Rising, his already bloodied face now more bloody, he rushes forward in a rage, once again shoving his main blade at the Widow's midsection.

Marìus' talons crook, outstretched. Mending leaps to his fingertips, cast for their burdened ally.

Oliver allows the shards to penetrate into him. Whatever madness drives him, he moves as though possessed, not caring as ice hails down onto him. He raises a blighted fist and tries to punch her in the face.

Khaelanna has a bloody lip.

The air above their heads crackles and sparkles as it heats. An acrid scent of burning ozone permeates the area. An orange ball of flame coalesces… pulsing and glowing. Orange, black and purple tendrils of Twilight Flame explode with a hiss from its surface. The air around their bodies erupts in burning Twilight Flame. The searing tendrils injure and inhibit all but the most agile fighter. Can you move fast enough to survive?

Llew draws back, wiping the blood from his face. Agile yet -- yay rogue tank -- he manages to avoid being crisped.

Nialos finds himself shielded by a glowing mass of runic green, absorbing the Twilight Flames. He summons his runeblade yet again, and begins to hack in a frenzy at the giant freaking spider.

Marìus finds himself lunging through agitated sand a second time, ignoring the grotesque little spiders that still chew tiny holes through bare, unfortunate skin. A duo of them skitter into his mouth as he gasps-- and he bites into their delicate bodies, swallowing the refuse, closing his eyes to channel another mender's spell.

Oliver is an angry, shambling zombie right now. No, he's not going to dodge attacks. He's going to eat them. In the face.

Llew moves in quickly once again, slicing at Anna's midsection to keep her focus on him. He drives his blade, intent on tearing her open.

Focus regained, splayed hands clap together. Energy shifts. Marius threads the essence of renew between his allies. Who was...? *There*.

Khaelanna deflects part of the attack.

Oliver charges forward at her again. A horrible, black, corrosive substance leaks from anywhere something can leak from, and a choking gas rises from his throat. He's not thinking, but he's quite caustic.

Khaelanna throws a shimmering cloak over herself and vanishes from view, emerging behind Llew and rapidly shooting a small Fireball toward them. It hisses with near-solar heat as it boils forth, seeking flesh.

Llew apparently can dodge a rear attack.

Oliver turns as she blinks behind them.

Nialos whips around, snarling. "Tricky bitch..."
Nialos lunges forward, plague encasing his blade as it speeds towards the spider's abdoman.

Llew turns, flinging another throwing star aimed at Anna's throat.

Her position shifts. Marius' eyes follow the spideress as she moves behind Llew. It's an opportunity to lunge-- and he takes it. Claws, brutal, extend. He charges with a hard, blunt edge to his motions: And ever 'graceful' (hah) - does the only thing he's made for in close-quarters. Attempting to body-check her like a four-hundred-pound train.

Khaelanna glares angrily at Oliver.

Apophan yells: *As the final line of defense begins to crumble, a bolt of lightning slams into Anna d'Khael and Drathnor. Energizing them for whatever their final attacks shall be*

Oliver gives a low laugh. "Ah w-wonder ha' many bodies you-" He's interrupted as he retches up more black. So instead he casts. Tendrils of unholy reach into the ground to pull up what they can- apparently there's something, because one old weatherbeaten corpse rises. Oliver falls to his knees from the effort of the cast. His minion attacks.

Below their feet the ground near the mage begins to glow with blinding Twilight power, drawing life from those remaining within it. If caught within Neptulon's Fist you will feel your arms and legs turn frigid and your heart slow, as cold grips you. As their hearts slow, they feel fear grip them: they -must- break loose or the Fist might drag you into Death's domain! Only the most determined of fighter possesses the will to escape its penetrating grasp!

Llew leaps away at the last second, but is still knocked off his feet and hits the sand.

Oliver can't really avoid much. He's gripped. Thankfully, he's already dead and doesn't seem too bothered by the paralytic cold.

Nialos rages forth from the icy tomb, breaking off shards of ice, his eyes glaring daggers at the spider. His blade swings in a massive arc, aiming for legs, chest, anything.

Llew rises from the sand, sprinting forth with the intent to bodycheck Anna back into the dirt.

Marìus' better powers turn inwards. Focus-- Soft light. Oliver, goddess-bless: GET BACK ON YOUR FEET-! The spell is flung and cast, meant to energize his brutally savaged wounds.

Oliver is on his back. He can't move. He can hardly think. But now he's energized. He reels around to face Khaelanna. "YOU COME T' ME." He shoots out a death grip, pulling her to where he's locked in place and sends another plated fist into the side of her head.

Apophan yells: SHSSSSRRRARAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

"Darkness will consume you and all Denouncers! You will fail and never see daylight again! The Gods have returned and the destruction of your world is imminent! For me and the Faithful, we choose ASCENDANCY!!" Khaelanna laughs at Oliver.

Oliver retches black again. His entire body is shaking.

Nialos says: Oliver. Hold it together.

Wilhiém 's eyes roll back as he coughs, spits, and lets out obscenities.

Nialos says: We're almost done.

Final Battle: Marius vs. Apophan

[Khaelanna falls]

Apophan yells: SHSSSSRRRARAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
Apophan yells: Drathnor, take the Inquisitor from here.

Drathnor yells: As you wish.

Marìus yells: Sigil! Sound off!

Mayrù yells: Lio isn't in good shape! Over here!

Drathnor yells: YOU LUCKY FOOLS! Saved by the soveriegn. You will die!

Odynae yells: Tuse, Mayru, Dyna over here.

Drathnor yells: All of you shall fall before my axe! Stupid sons of bitches....

Apophan yells: You have desecrated thiss ... SACRED GROUND
Apophan yells: You have tresspassed where none who have can be allowed to live.

Marìus yells: And you have taken what is not yours to take. Gods are false, Apophan. Nice to see you again.

Apophan yells: You...
Apophan yells: I will do to you what I should have done in Shattrath or Falconwing Square!
Apophan begins to descende the stairs, lightning whips and lashes around him against the steps. The bolts lash against the walls leaving black trails. As he takes each step, his robes burn and melt away, revealing cracked, flame-covered metal beneath.

Llew remains there, halfway up the stairs, watching the creature.

Apophan looks at Llew, then the other groups.

Llew stares; rage boiling in his eyes. Bloodlust.

Marius' eyes level on Apophan. He's big. Bigger than he remembers, even-- and the energies that crackle 'round his body are not lost on the priest. Marius isn't a stupid man: This is not a fight he'll win on his strength alone.

Liotuse coughs, some blood coming out with it as he cocks the hammer for his rifle, staring up at the sky before getting up onto an elbow to at least look forward.

Apophan doesn't even register the death knight, only the one who leads the Sigil. The one who brought an army to his gates, who's people destroyed his silithid hive.

Dyna stands her ground, expression quite empty. She blinks down at Wilhiem, and offers a noncommital shrug. "- I thought I'd try." She returns her attention to Liotuse, and moves to crouch beside him.

One hoofbeat could break Marius' *spine*. But many are injured-- and the alternatives aren't pretty. What's worse is that the ley he'd prepared to contain him-- to try to contain him-- is gone. It'd fractured beneath the weight of its own design, re-directed in a last-ditch attempt to protect his Sigil back at the Hold. So.

Apophan takes his scythe and slams it into the ground, embedding it as rocks jut around it. Flame and metal course over his hands and elongate.

They've come this far. What now. Marius wets his lips. He feels very, very ordinary and very, very mortal right now.

Wil winces, takes out another adrenaline-shot bug. The stinger goes into his neck, out. Eyes wide and darting, diluted, he does the one thing logical in this situation - he pulls out a notebook and proceeds to take notes.

Liotuse's head cants to the side, gazing at the monster before them. All he can to is wheeze to Dyna, trying for a last attempt at humour. "...He doesn't look so big."

The Sovereign flexes his claws and hunches over, his Saronite tail emerges from behind his robes and snaps open and closed, either a five plated blade, or a spear point. A gift from Salarous.

Marius remarks, "--Sometimes I really do wonder, Apophan, if you were ever a son a mother once loved."

Apophan responds, "My mother iss the one who raissed me to be the bull I've become. She would be proud of my accomplisshmentsss...Not all adhere to your pathetic notions of what is right or wrong..."

Dyna nods to Liotuse. "Break him. Bind him. We're getting Strahm back." She moves to rest a hand on Liotuse's shoulder, and bows her head to murmur a prayer, holy energy trickling sluggishly from her palm.


Marius scoffs, "Really. Pathetic notions. Notions like 'love' at all, then. Things she, who you believe would be proud of you, perhaps believed in."

The monstrocity snaps with his molten claws, looking more like a bipedal giant scorpion than a tauren.

Marius continues, "She raised a monster. I suppose if she was proud of you-- she was a monster herself."

"That we are. Ooh-fuckin'-rah." It's grumbled to her as the stock of Liotuse's gun is braced against his shoulder and the end of the barrel pointed towards Apophan. Finger on the trigger but not firing. Yet.

The Sovereign gives a sickening chuckle, "Wrong." His hooves dig in, "Sshe wass worsse." And he bolts for the priest, fiery claw outstretched to flay and fry.

Wilhiem cocks an eyebrow and turns his notebook to the side, sketching madly. Hey, you don't see this every day.

He pulls either glove. There's something soft and resolute in Marius' eyes-- the strange understanding a man of his age comes to accept when he realizes he may die. With that reality ahead of him, there's no use in pretending he can resort to lesser measures. As Apophan speaks-- Marius has already ripped open his wrists. As Apophan charges-- Marius' blood is spilling against the earth. And he -DIVES- beneath the legs of this colossus, attempting to spirit himself between plate-clad battlements and behind the beast.

Apophan's fist slams into the dirt, sparks and glass from the heat fly in all directions.

The gust of power and earth slams against his retreating back. Marius is flung-- rag-doll-- across the sand. He rolls, falling against the stairs with a snap, and hunches at either knee.

Smoke rises from the Sovereign's back as he tears his claw from the ground and turns, snapping his claws and roars, his voice echoing off the ruins, rattling them.
He kneels...
... to the north.

The priest lets out a soft and shuddering breath. It hurts-- but most things worth doing certainly will. Marius' opened wrists continue to bleed the ink of his prospects against indifferent sand. And so he daubs his fingers into and against it. Slashes the grains beneath him. Places symbols against forearms, neck and either cheek. It's methodical ritualism, perhaps the only thing he'd hold in minor common with Apophan's ilk. It has a purpose.

An unearthly chant murmurs throughout the pillars, a distant buzzing sound gets louder and louder as a pale light falls upon him
Apophan rises, his claws flash with lightning and flame as he turns and charges towards Marius in a beastly rage, "WHY DO YOU PERSISST IN LIVING?! YOUR KIND HAVE NO PLACE IN THISS WORLD ANYMORE!" He rears back and vomits a torrent of liquid flame at the priest.

When Marius finally stands, he's a mess of personal gore. Not a second later he's on his knees *again*. And really-- you can't even *see* him if for the torrential waves of -fire- abruptly bathing his person. But those runes-- those strange little runes-- burn brightly against his flesh. When the dust settles, he's still there. And a barely-held barrier cracks audibly against Apophan's onslaught. Golden eyes steel his gaze.

Apophan brings his up claw to deliver the final blow.

There is a buzzing in the distance... the Swarms are begining to return...

Marius' outstretched right hand clocks in place. "... Ximiras."

The Sovereign pauses just long enough to hear the spoken word...

And there's a crack. Something sharp and curious, making the air heavy and pregnant and abruptly -solid-. Concussive force propels itself-- full blast-- at Apophan's massive person. There's death behind it.
Marìus yells: Get everyone and get -OUT OF HERE-. MOVE, Sigil!

The Sovereign had only paused long enough to hear the word but his claw continued down, right into the path of the force. His right, elemental, powerful arm collects the full force.
Apophan's arm... cracks.
Apophan's eyes widen as realizations sets in, the red cracks on his arm become white and glow, not burn.
Apophus's arm explodes in a massive torrent of lightning and flame. Up to the shoulder it is a ruined stump.
Apophan yells: HSRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
"BRYAGH!" The massive drake roars in the distance and lands behind the fire-bleeding Apophan.

There's a brief moment where he's certain he's blacked out. His world is red and black and white all at once, and his knees- barely holding his weight-- abruptly give out beneath him.

The drake snatches his master and takes him to the floating platform above the terrace.

Apophan bellows, "MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS! TONIGHT WE WILL DINE ON THE ASHES OF THE WHITE SIGIL!"
There is a humming noise as the central pylon of the defensive matrix glows a bright white.

Khaelanna yells: DESTRUCTION TAKE YOU ALL!

The yell is what brings Marius out of it. That -stupor-, making him useless. With his hands pressed against the earth, he can almost *feel* doom on his shoulders. Realization sets it.

The entire obelisk network, disabled after Bryagh's defeat... becomes active. Lightning flashes over the entirety of the city.

Marìus yells: ... Come to me. All of you. Now. -Please-.

Apophan yells: DO NOT LET THEM LEAVE. KILL THEM ALL. DRIVE THEM TO EXTINCTION!

Marius is writing against the sand. And the stone. And his -skin-. Faster, priest. Do this faster. Do this *faster*.

Dyna falls to a crouch beside Marius, reaching out to gingerly touch the Kaldorei with a very faintly glowing hand.

The buzzing intensifies as the entire Swarm appears overheard in a holding pattern over the crystal.

Khaelanna: *Maniacal laughter* "IT IS TOO LATE FOR YOU ALL!!"

Marius: "--Touch the runes. Touch the RUNES."

Dyna blinks at the words, and moves to touch the runes as directed.

Apophan's laughter echoes through the ruins.

Llew rushes quickly, barely able to see anything at all. One hand pressed to his head, he shuffles through the sand.

Mayru moves to touch as well, shadows trailing down her arm.

Khaelanna: *laughter continues as she swings into the saddle of the waiting drake*

Chuckling - then cackling, loudly, spitting blood and god-knows-what-else, Wil reaches for the runes.

It won't feel good, but it will work. There's a moment where the lot of them might damned well feel like they've been turned inside -OUT-. But it's done-- some great warble of energy rocks the land beneath their feet, and a runegate-- a portal-- swallows his fellows up with one destination: Home. The Quel'talan. Their -family-.

The crystal makes a screeching noise, similar to the dead Hivemother... The ENTIRE Swarm dives, stinger first for the invaders...

The Insects find only sand. "NO!" Apophan howls....

Appearing in a crack of electricity, the mangled and Elementium-plated Strahm stands on the stairwell, glaring down at the circle of Sigil and friends, blades drawn.

Dyna looks up just in time to catch sight of Strahm... and then is pulled away with a faint screech.

Liotuse more or less -collapses- as he's ripped from Ahn'qiraj and thrown down into the magical gate.

November 25, Part II: Senkha and Ludovick

Senkha is muttering something under her breath; it almost sounds like the words to a song. Her voice is shaky and breathless. Her right hand clutches at the bed, trying to pull herself over to the side, but she can't quite manage it. This sucks.

Ludovick knocks on the door, hood pulled well over his face.

Ziichi sets her gauntlets aside as well, leaning her hip against the table as she watches Senkha. When Ludovick approaches, she glances towards him. "Hi."

Ludovick gives Ziichi a dead stare, pale as a ghost, making his bruises stand out further. "I do not have much time for talking," he says flatly.

Senkha 's panic attack actually steadies slightly at the sound of Ludo's voice. "Lu-- Ludo?" she asks in less than a whisper.

Ziichi moves over and pulls Ludovick's hand softly. "C'mon an' see 'er, Ludo."

Ludovick just found out his wife is fucking around. He is a robot. He steps into the room, looking Senkha over with a blank expression. The hand that holds Ziichi's is limp.

Senkha is all jacked up to hell, left hand swollen and unable to close. She's also halfway between a panic attack and trying to be normal. She gives a half-sob and sounds insane. "H-hi, Ludo. I'm gl-glad...glad you're alive."

Ludovick simply tosses his stave aside where it clatters to the ground. He's banged up, but not nearly as bad as Senkha. He looks very close to saying something, but keeps his lips pursed, sitting on the edge of the bed.

Ziichi watches each of them, then steps back and heads into the front of the ship to check on Dizzy, chewing away at her lip as always.

Senkha has no idea what's going on with Ludo, but as he doesn't freak out at her appearance or ask what happened to her, she looks very happy to see him. She tries to push herself towards him, but it hurts too much. "Ludo. Ludo, y-you're alright. I'm so glad."

Ludovick simply stares down at Senkha, as if she's no more interesting than a bug on the sidewalk. "You do not seem to be," he says flatly.

Senkha frowns at his tone more than his words, finally managing to get herself into a sitting position with some pain. "...what's wrong?" she asks in a low voice. She's calmed significantly, though she still lets out small hiccups every now and again.

Ludovick shakes his head, keeping his hollow eyes on her. "Nothing."

Senkha says: Ludo, you look like you're dead. -Tell- me...we've known each other our whole lives, don't shut me out.
Senkha says: Is Faronne alright? She didn't get hurt, did she?
Senkha tries very hard to make it sound like Faronne getting hurt would be a bad thing.

Ludovick, at the mention of Faronne, looks away and to the floor. His posture is that of someone who is wholly defeated, and wouldn't fight off death for anything if it came to them.

Macglynn holds up a finger to Dizzy as if to say he'll be back in a moment, and walks briskly to the back room.
Macglynn says: What th' shit are you wearin'.

Senkha tries to push away from the headboard and towards Ludovick. This doesn't work, so she just reaches out towards him...and drops her hand when she sees Oliver, her concern fading into a deadened expression that matches that of Ludo's.

Ludovick ignores MacGlynn, keeping his eyes on the floor. He's also ignoring Senkha, and, well, everything.

Senkha 's expression remains flat and dead; the gash on her head, however, reopens. A tiny trickle of blood starts down the side of her head.

Macglynn stares you down.
Macglynn says: Senkha.

Senkha looks at Oliver, looking not at all unlike a crazed rabbit about to be caught by a snake.

Macglynn also looks at her. He doesn't say anything, though, and eventually just leaves.

Ludovick continues to be a dead robot.

Senkha sags in relief as Oliver leaves. It's only then that she touches her hand to her head and sees the blood on her fingers. "--fuck."

Ludovick 's eyes lazily drift over to Senkha. "You are bleeding," he observes.

Senkha swallows hard several times and closes her eyes, her hand still over the gash. It slowly seals itself, though she glances to the door warily. "...I can't...I...fuck." She drops her hands to her lap, defeated. "Ludo."

Ludovick is now staring at Senkha, unblinking. "I am here to be used. Do what you need with me," he says in monotone, as if he's a vending machine that dispenses only deadpan stares and bad advice.

Senkha looks at Ludovick. "Tell me what happened. That's what I want from you right now. I need to think about something other than how I feel right now."

Ludovick takes this as his cue to look away, pulling his hood back. He looks like his world has pretty much just ended. "My efforts were in vain."

Senkha 's expression becomes sympathetic, no longer panicked. "...not Urien, I hope?"

Ludovick shakes his head.

Senkha says: But someone.

Ludovick shrugs, resting two fingers against his temple.

Senkha nods and pushes herself forward with an enormous amount of effort. She tries to rest her right cheek against Ludo's shoulder, but her lack of left hand results in it being just her forehead against his shoulder, like a shoulderpalm or something.

Ludovick doesn't respond to this at all, despite Senkha's obvious physical pain. "I should go," he says flatly. "I have work to do tonight. The Light's justice will see this through."

Senkha doesn't move from this position, despite its awkwardness. "Ludo...I need you to stay alive for me tonight."

Ludovick 's head slowly turns to regard Senkha. "My heart has been taken from me. I have one no longer. With no heart, I do not live."

Senkha looks up at Ludo from his shoulder, her eyes filled with tears. "Ludo...please don't do this. -Please-. I...I can't do this. My daughter's out there. We just found her alive, she was missing for three days."
Senkha says: And I'm so -angry- with her, she broke my heart. And I'm afraid to see her because I don't want to break hers.
Senkha says: She -hurt- me. And I can't do this alone. Oliver doesn't understand it at all. But I know...I know that -you- do.

Ludovick 's eyes are clearly watching Senkha, but they are glazed over. "What do you wish me to do," he says in monotone. "I am but a tool now." Yes, he is a tool.

Senkha finally manages to lift her right arm to go around Ludo's waist, holding herself close against his side. "I need you to stay alive for me, until I've come back to myself more, until I'm less broken. When I'm not in pieces anymore, when I'm whole again..."
Senkha says: ...if you still want to die then, if you still want to kill yourself then, I won't stop you. Light knows I've wanted to kill myself more times than I can count.

Ludovick shows the first hint of emotion he has during the entire conversation, huffing through his nose. "I can make no promises," he sighs. "You are my friend, and I care for you."
Ludovick looks away, and back to the floor.

To Mariius: Her mental voice is very tightly controlled, as if she's holding a LOT back. "Ludovick is going to kill Faronne and himself. I'm trying to talk him out of it. I'll let you know if I need help."

Mariius whispers: "Just tell me. I'll disable him."

Senkha looks up at Ludo again, swallowing hard and letting out a quiet sob. "Ludo...I care for you, too. You're all I have of my past anymore that made me happy. I...can't lose you now, too. Not after losing Riley."
To Mariius: "I will."
To Macglynn: If Oliver is paying attention at all, he'd notice that her thoughts are about six billion times calmer...and not at all on her family. They're also about six billion times sadder. The saddest thoughts.

Ludovick shifts slightly, leaning back and pulling Senkha's head into his lap to rest. He has yet to smile or even frown. "I have never wanted to die. However, lessons must be taught to those who would seek to toy with my very dreams."

Macglynn whispers: If Senkha is paying attention, Oliver is discreetly discussing with Marius that his daughter was encased in shadow magic when he found her and wtf is dis.

Senkha turns her head in his lap so that she's looking up at him. "What will your death teach her?" she asks in a thick voice.

Ludovick has one arm wrapped around Senkha's side, the other hand resting on his knee. "That she has broken my heart. She wanted it, after all. I will simply deliver it to her personally."

Senkha grimaces at this statement and shakes her head. "Ludo...I think that by her actions, she's shown that she's unrepentant. If she -is- unrepentant...what's to make her so punished by your death?"
Senkha says: If she's cruel enough to break her heart, why would she be soft-hearted enough to have her heart broken by you?

Ludovick shakes his head. "She flogged herself...the night before. I suppose after she...," he trails off, choosing not to finish that sentence. "She is the only woman I have ever given my love to, or my fidelity." He gulps, reaching into his robes to ferret about for a cigarette, lighting up and taking a long drag. "I have a dead heart in a dead world, Senkha. There is nothing for me here."

Senkha resists the urge to facepalm at this emoness and pushes herself up from Ludovick's lap. She cringes in pain as she does so, a pain that's not only outward but inward as well. "And what of those who haven't hurt you? Why would you punish us?"

Ludovick slides his hand from Senkha, simply leaving it to rest by his side. "Life moves on," he says with a shrug. "I may survive this, after all. It depends on if my hand is steady enough, and my mind is quick. The removal of my heart may go smoothly."

To Mariius: "...he wants to remove his own heart. Does that even work?" Again, she's holding back a torrent, but she's reaching out for him quite a bit more than usual. Healing Senkhas = bad idea, Marius.

Mariius whispers: ~He'd die before he actually managed it, I'd imagine."

To Mariius: "Then you may want to knock him out shortly. I don't know that I'm getting through to him."

Mariius whispers: "Alright."

Senkha says: ...you'd die before you even reached your heart, Ludo.

Ludovick shakes his head. "Not with the proper mending and will. The Light will see that the woman I thought I would be atoning for every misdeed with together will suffer just as I have."

To Mariius: "...yeah, he's a loss. How do I knock him out?"

Senkha just sort of stares at Ludo as if he's speaking a different language. The language of the even crazier than Senkha.

Mariius fits at his gloves. -And then whips around like a two-ton truck to SLAM Ludovick in the back of the head-- knuckles crooked-- and aim to knock him straight out.

Ludovick is cracked in the back of the head, falling to the floor and crumbling into a heap. He seems shocked, and even more betrayed than before, still just a bit conscious. -

Mariius says: -This is so you don't kill yourself. Stop making the 'woe is me' eyes.

Senkha peers over the side of the bed, looking very apologetic. "...I'm sorry. You're not thinking clearly. We'll talk about it more when you wake up."

Ludovick taps the wedding ring on his finger, disappearing with a loud crack.

Senkha says: --No!
Senkha is staring at the spot where Ludo was on the floor, face aghast. "--no, no-- LUDO!"
Senkha yells: LUDO!

Senkha, Oliver, Salarous & Marius: October 24

Senkha's shoulders sag; she decides that her own family's health is more important than old friends. "...wanna go to the Lighthouse, love?"

Macglynn says: Th' Lighthouse! Don't y'think we should be not leavin' Dizzy alone?
Macglynn says: An' fuck th' runes.

Senkha says: You might not have faith in Marius, but if those runes are good enough to protect -his- daughter...

Macglynn says: Ah trust mah own two hands more'n anythin' else.

Senkha sags again, tired of arguing and just plain tired. She leans her head on the front of the saddle. "You can barely walk."

Macglynn also sags forward in the seat, his chin resting on the... dragon neck thing. "Don't ask me t'xplain it."

Senkha says: We'll go home then.
Senkha says: Oliver, I...I'm sorry. About this whole thing.

Macglynn says: Ah don' even know whut happened.

Senkha looks straight ahead as she talks. "Whatever it was that woman gave you, your body already thinks it's -necessary- for your suvival."
Senkha says: If I'd stayed, as you asked me, it wouldn't have ever happened.

Macglynn says: Ah didn' ask you t' stay.
Macglynn says: Or... did-
Macglynn frowns.

Senkha nods slowly. "You did. You said Dizzy needed me here."
Senkha says: All I could think of was tearing that monster apart...and I did. And now things are a mess.

Macglynn says: Oh please dun' start feelin' guilty over that too.

Senkha sighs, frustrated, pressing the heels of her hands into her eyes. "I'm not guilty. I'm...I'm afraid, Oliver. I'm afraid of what this has already done to you."

Macglynn looks at her, insulted. "Nuthin's been done t' me! Ah ain't runnin' off after 'er a 'spite all we know, right?"

Senkha cringes at the tone of his voice, looking away. "No. You're not. I'm just afraid of what I felt when I looked tonight...you're not going after her, but if you had some of it in your hands, would you be able to give it to me and let me take it away?"
Senkha may not be looking at him, but she's definitely staring at his mind to see if he'll be honest.

Macglynn says: It wouldn' be possible t' split it?

Senkha closes her eyes, her shoulders sagging.

Macglynn looks at you.
Macglynn says: What?

Senkha makes like she's going to walk to the door, almost in a daze, but then simply sinks to the ground and just stares, her hands resting face-up on her lap, shaking.

Macglynn falls to his knees beside her and wraps an arm over her. He leans in close. "Senkha. Ah don't like lookin' without you tellin'. Please -tell me-."

Senkha 's shaking only grows worse as Oliver puts his arm around her; she's actually beginning to hyperventilate and sob uncontrollably. If there are any words coming out, they can't be understood.

Macglynn looks at her desperately. "Senkha, please!" He removes his arm from around her and crawls in front of her and takes her by the shoulders, trying to get her to face him. "Please."
Salarous slides from his saber and moves over quietly- dropping his shadows as he approaches.

Senkha continues to hyperventilate and sob, hands and arms shaking uncontrollably. She's shaking her head no, no, no, but she doesn't even know what she's saying no to. Some primal part of her tries to grab onto Oliver's hands but she can't seem to find them. This only makes her panic more.

Macglynn's attentions are so focused on Senkha he doesn't see Salarous approach. He moves his hands from her shoulders to her cheeks, his hands shifting with them as she shakes her head 'no'. He tries to get her to focus on him. "Senkha. -Please-."

Salarous steps forward quietly- "..Senkha-...Oliver have you the strength to carry her within?" Eyes lidded, he peers from the couple to the door behind the Knight.

Macglynn looks up at Salarous, his eyes tired. After a moment, he confirms, "Yes."

Senkha once again tries to hold onto Oliver's hands, finally managing to catch hold of them, but her hands are so shaking and tense that she actually claws at her own face in the process. She sounds about a moment away from screaming.

Macglynn whispers into Senkha's ear as he stands and picks her up. His knees buckle a bit; he's clearly not ready, but be walks to the door just the same.

Salarous says: - Is the door unlocked?
Salarous moves to try and open it.

Macglynn says: Yes.

Salarous pushes the door shut firmly and turns, frowning quietly.

Macglynn sets Senkha in the chair and kneels by her side, holding her steady.

Senkha doesn't fight against Oliver's arms around her, but she's fighting against something. She has no idea what. She seems to have no idea that they're even in the house or that anyone else is there. If not for Oliver holding onto her, she'd have fallen to the floor by now.

Macglynn whispers: *"Sal'rus is 'ere. Y'called an' 'e's here, gunna be okay."*

To Macglynn: *She can't conceal her emotions and he doesn't even have to dig for them. Everything she's felt the past three days is right there on the surface, along with something that almost sounds like Senkha screeching in rage, YOU DID THIS TO HER! YOU DID THIS!*
To Macglynn: *it all resembles a very messy tornado*

Macglynn smiles at Senkha, calmly.

Salarous - If Oliver was not there, he perhaps would speak- or try to comfort her. But with him here he does not feel it is his place- and so, arms set over his abdomen, he watches with quiet eyes. He would be here if he was needed.

Macglynn 's smile fades, as though something's just struck him across the head. His hands shake, but he holds onto her. It looks like it pains him to do so, but his eyes slide over to Salarous and he mumbles, "... Help me calm her."
Macglynn says: Uh.
Macglynn says: Please.

Salarous frowns quietly at Oliver, "...Are you alright?" He moves down to kneel infront of Senkha- he watches her a moment, then firmly grasps her features. "Senkha. -Senkha-. *Look at me.*"

Mariius grumps. And lets himself in.
Mariius : -He just as quickly leans against the wall and folds his arms.

Senkha cringes at Salarous' touch. She's still sobbing hysterically and hyperventilating. Also, excitingly, she's beginning to send out waves of extreme emotion towards anyone who happens to be in the vicinity. It's ugly, guys. Some part of her tries to obey Salarous and look at him, but she only manages to succeed for a few seconds at a time.

Salarous - Mental barriers aged thousands of years hold steady: The emotions wash over him, giving him tastes of what she was suffering but held firmly at bay. "Senkha. Good- good. Hold my gaze, Senkha. Look at me." He takes one of her hands- presses the palm of it firmly down against his own chest. "Slow your breathing- In. Out. Do you feel? Like this." He inhales deeply- exhales slowly, having her feel the rise and fall of his chest. "Come now- try it with me." He tries to maintain her gaze- breathing in and out, slow and deep.

Mariius doesn't seem to change, much. He shifts just-so, utterly quiet.

Macglynn is not thousands of years old and his illusions and mind powers are kind of like card tricks compared to these people, so he just tiredly- and worriedly- holds Senkha stable.

Senkha 's hand claws inadvertently at Salarous' chest, but after a moment, she manages to focus on him. She tries to match her breathing to his, but it takes a while for it to actually take effect, and her breathing is shaky either way, choked with sobs still.

Salarous ' voice is surprisingly soothing- its dark timber encouraging as he holds her gaze. "Good- ...good. You're doing well, Senkha." He doesn't seem to mind- or give much attention to the clawing; simply holding her hand in place. His other rises- brushes gently at her features and presses ebony hair back away from her eyes. "You're safe- you're alright. Oliver is here- Marius and I are as well. Everything's alright." He moves just a touch, going to gently tip her chin in MacGlynn's direction.

Senkha 's eyes dart almost frantically between Salarous and Oliver, her hands slowly calming their shaking. The hand that's not on Salarous' chest she reaches over and puts on Oliver's left cheek. She's still not speaking, though, but she is much calmer.

Macglynn blinks at you.

Mariius says: ... What happened, Salarous? *Softly*

To Macglynn: *Don't leave me.*

Macglynn says: Ah'm not gunna leave you.

Mariius doesn't say it. Gods-- he never would. But there are times he think Oliver should, however much he supports their relationship.

To Macglynn: *Don't leave me. It's less to do with the panic of that moment and more to do with the entire situation: mentally and physically.*

Salarous shakes his head a little at Marius- before slowly releasing Senkha back to Oliver and moving back the wall.

Senkha 's breathing slows and calms, her hiccuping sobs diminishing. She lets her hand fall into her lap and sags for a moment, only then realizing that other people are in the house. "--oh."

Macglynn smiles at you.
Macglynn says: Hey.

Senkha says: Oh...oh...oh no. No. I'm sorry, this wasn't...I mean. I didn't mean to...I...
Senkha gives up.

Macglynn 's still smiling. "Welcome back?"

Salarous says: It's alright, Senkha. We have our moments. All of us.

Mariius smirks at Salarous helplessly. "... Some more than others."

Salarous smiles quietly at him.

Senkha blinks at Salarous; even though she's been looking at him and being calmed by him for the past several minutes, she's only just realized that he's here. She then looks to Marius, her shoulders sagging weakly.
Senkha says: --I'm sorry. I should've held it together. I don't know what came over me.

Mariius says: .. You're stressed.

Salarous says: All is well.

Mariius says: I'm sorry if the debaucle at the ship prompted this to occur.

Macglynn says: ... It was me.

Senkha looks at Oliver when he says this, almost like she's about to cry again. "--no. It's not your fault. It's that Price woman's fault for giving you that...that drug without..." She sighs again, looking at Marius. "...he's already dependent on it."

Mariius frowns.
Mariius says: ... Then what--?
Mariius says: he craves it? Physically? Like withdrawl?

Macglynn looks at Mariius.

Senkha makes an uncomfortable face, still leaning on Oliver a lot. "...it's all he's thinking about. Even right now. And...I...I probed deeper than I maybe should have. His body thinks he needs it."

Macglynn admits, shrunk back a bit, "Like it's s'posed t' be that way."

To Macglynn: *It's -not- your fault. You didn't know what it was. It's not your fault. I don't blame you. I don't blame you.*

Mariius says: .. Were he alive, I could perscribe something that would ease the withdrawls. But I've nothing that will work on an undead's chemistry.
Mariius says: Admittably. It's not a situation i've encountered before.

Macglynn says: Ah'll be fine.
Macglynn says the flatly, as if he wants the subject dropped.

Senkha nods weakly. One arm comes up around Oliver's shoulders, trying to hold him closer to her. "I didn't know what to do. After everything, I..." She shrugs, not quite looking at anyone. Nervous breakdowns are embarrassing.

Mariius doesn't really... Say anything. Mostly out of respect for Macglynn. But you can see the worried expression on his face creeping into his eyes.

Salarous says: - If it's getting him addicted, and he can't flush it by the usual means of undeath, it must be afflicting his soul to some degree.

Macglynn says: ... My soul.

Salarous nods gently.

Macglynn lets Senkha go and stands. "--Excuse me."

Salarous says: All the more reason to have it handled sooner then later.

Senkha looks at Oliver, panic creeping back into her features.

Salarous nods once at Senkha- and follows.

Senkha says: Oliver--?

Macglynn runs upstairs and grabs his runeblade, pulling it from the cloth it had been wrapped in. The runes pulse bright- brighter than normal.

Mariius settles a hand on Senkha's shoulder. He calls after his lover gently.

Salarous rests a hand on the doorway, grimacing quietly as he watches him.

Senkha relaxes some at Marius' touch, but she still looks back towards the stairs with concern.

Macglynn holds his blade up and eyes it curiously. He then looks at his left hand and the restored finger. He touches his hand to his neck. He mumbles quiety, "Can't make life from undeath."

Salarous says: What is it, Oliver?

Macglynn turns around. He looks like he's suppressing a great deal of pain. "There's only one thing that'll empower a deader so much he'd feel alive."
Macglynn dramatic gopher turn.
Macglynn lowers his blade so the point rests on the floor. "Th' blade is energized."

Salarous peers at him quietly, "...Is there something that can be done?"

Senkha sags against Marius' hand, as if she's feeling every bit of pain Oliver is feeling. Because, well, she is. Silly thing, these bonds.

Mariius says: ... Energized. *-And he calls up gently.* -What does that imply?

Macglynn 's grip on the blade fails, and it clatters to the floor. He's a little deadpan. "No. They're-"
Macglynn dryly states, "Souls."

Mariius blinks.
Mariius says: ... -Souls-? The sword is energized with -souls-?

Senkha gives a dry sob. She hasn't really got any tears left to cry, but damnit, she'll try.

Mariius cups her cheek, baffled as he stares at the landing.

Senkha says: Th-that's what empowers a Death Knight. Keeps him going. Remember in the h-house in Ironf-forge?

Mariius says: Well-- yes. But why would-- how did--

Macglynn can't support himself in the quake. He falls to the floor.

Senkha says: Whatever that -bitch- gave my husband must have been made with so--

Salarous takes several swift steps forward to try and help catch and steady him- though it mostly fails, given he himself has issues keeping his grounding. Grunts a bit.

Senkha cuts herself off as she hears Oliver fall. She goes to stand but gets dizzy and sinks back down in the chair.

Macglynn holds up a hand. "Ah'm good. Ah'm jus' good... right here on th' floor."

Mariius says: .. That's how she unmade undeath. By injecting his body with temporary life; An echo of life. A harvest of souls.

Salarous offers Oliver a hand up.

Senkha nods weakly, closing her eyes. Suddenly, this burden is a different sort of heavy, and she's not sure if it's better or worse.

Macglynn shakes his head, holding up his hand to decline. He looks like he's in shock somewhat.

To Macglynn: *"You didn't know, you couldn't have known. You didn't take them yourself. -It's not your fault.-"*

Salarous nods a touch, watching him quietly. Mn...

Macglynn dully states, "They're mine, now."

Salarous peers at MacGlynn quietly, eyes lidded. "...It's not your fault. You couldn't have known."

Senkha screws her eyes more tightly shut and leans back in her chair, as if listening for something.

Mariius wets his lips.
Mariius says: .. Could they be freeds, perhaps, with a paladin's calling.

Macglynn says: If th' blade was broke.

Senkha says: ...no.
Senkha says: No, no.
Senkha shakes her head firmly, almost violently.

Mariius nods.

Macglynn says: S-Senkha, they'll be-

Senkha actually shouts it. "NO!"
Senkha says: It's not -worth- it!

Salarous says: That is not an option, Oliver.

Mariius says: .. What's done is done.

Macglynn says: ... Then they are gone.

Salarous says: We'll figure it out.

Macglynn whispers: *and i am damned for living*

To Macglynn: *THIS WASN'T YOUR FAULT*

Mariius takes Senkha's hand to steady her, squeezing gently.

To Macglynn: *You are -not- damned, this WASN'T YOUR FAULT! You didn't take those souls, they were -forced- on you! It's no different!*

Macglynn whispers: "THERE'S A CHOICE."

To Macglynn: *...please*

Senkha sags against Marius' hand, barely whispering, "...please."

Macglynn whispers: "... For you."

Mariius wets his lips.
Mariius says: ... Salarous. You're a warlock. Have you any way to-- ... I don't know.

Senkha says: ...Salarous is a warlock?
Senkha had no idea!

Mariius nods quietly.

Macglynn seems to be in far too much of a moral dilemma right now to care about this news.

Salarous says: ...- I may able to try and soul drain them from the blade. ...It's- not something I've ever tried before. And I'm sure there may be failsafes to the blade safeguarding its souls- but... I can try.

Mariius wasn't afraid to say it; they knew him for his Sindorei orgins.
Mariius helps Senkha up. Eventually he just -picks her up-, knowing how unsteady she is. He makes for the stairs.

Senkha is so glad Marius read her mind.

Macglynn says: It'd likely put me out again, but-- where'd they go from there?

To Macglynn: *For Dizzy.*

Mariius seats her on the bed quietly.

Salarous says: If their bodies still exist, we might be able to find them. If not- we release them to be on their way.

Mariius nods gently. "I can help them find the between."

Macglynn stammers, "Hundreds."

Mariius says: -You didn't kill them, Oliver-.
Mariius says: She did.

Senkha sort of falls off the bed and crawls over to Oliver. He may not want her nearby, but she still wraps her arms around him, settling herself as close to him as she can. For both of them.

Mariius jerks in place. "---!!" But calms as he realizes what she's doing.
Mariius rubs at his face.
Mariius says: ... I don't want that we put either of you at risk. But it's my only thought just the same.

Macglynn says: ... Light whut's happened t'me these past eight months.

Mariius peers at Salarous in understandable concern.

Senkha looks at Oliver with concern and touches her hand to his left cheek. She manages a sad sort of smile at him. "I did. Oops."

Salarous' eyes are lidded and quiet on Oliver, arms folded beneath his chest in a relaxed manner. He doesn't seem especially sunsettled.

Macglynn frowns. He stands, despite her clung status, and straights out his tabard. "Ah became a whiner's whut's happened. Wuz'at you?"

Salarous - An ear twitch, a jerk of his head. For a moment he watches the window- and then back to Oliver and Senkha.

Mariius places a hand on his arm, peering at the window.
Mariius says: ... Why do you do that.
Mariius says: What do you see.

Salarous says: Hm? Nothing.

Mariius says: -It started after Athanae took you.

Salarous rubs at the dark circles under his eyes as he watches Oliver. "...Would you like us to try, Oliver?"
Salarous says: ...- I'm just being jumpy, Mine.

Senkha also stands, still holding Oliver around the waist.

To Macglynn: *"You never whine, love. Even when you have nails in your head or almost die, I've never heard you complain."*

Mariius thins his lips. "...." But says nothing more on the subject.

Macglynn says: No sense not givin' it a shot.
Macglynn whispers: "Sure whine about m'self a lot, though, don't y'think?"

Mariius departs Salarous side, gaining his distance and peering between the two. "Senkha--" And he gestures to her. "With me."

To Macglynn: *"...yes. You do. I do wish you wouldn't...I'm rather fond of you, you know." There's a sort of fondness in her mind and a familiarity. It's part of the making of him*

Salarous nods quietly.

Senkha looks at them and holds her arms around Oliver's waist for just a second longer, kissing his right cheek. She steps back to Marius and wraps her arms around his waist instead, looking small and childlike.

To Macglynn: *"...please don't leave me. I love you."*

Mariius wraps a heavy arm 'round Senkha's person like a comforting shawl.

Macglynn watches his wife leave his side. He looks at Salarous and holds out his blade, his expressions something of, "let's get this shit done".

Salarous watches him for a lingering moment. His guise drops then- the tall Sin'dorei standing with back straight and shoulders squared. "...If you are able- I would ask that you open what channels you can to make this easier- it will be less painful, and more successful, if such things can even occur." A hand is lifted then- and with little to-do, slips of shadow-clad power seep from his palm and leap to wind greedily around the blade.

Senkha is mostly huddled up against Marius, childishly and worriedly, watching the process with wide eyes.

Macglynn nods, and genuflects before Salarous with his blade displayed before him. He lets the shadows twist and grab at his blade, wincing as they do.

Salarous - Hungry shadows reach tiny claws for the essence of souls- they dig in and start -dragging- with the potent force of the power behind it. Salarous eyes narrow- tension running throughout his frame as he feeds his power into the spell: Tearing a soul from a body was difficult- but trying to pull many from a sword? A new experience all together.

Macglynn 's hands tighten around the hilt of his blade, and his eyes widen, flaring with runic energy as his blade reacts to the outside intrustion. The blade itself glows a pale blue, and flames of lichfire whisp up from the runes like smoke. There's a sharp sound, something unidentifiable and otherworldly, and Oliver screams as the soul is torn from his blade and ripped from his essence. One.

Mariius grits his teeth. "...."
Mariius ' eyes fall on Salarous quietly. A soft nod.

Macglynn shifts on his knees a little, getting comfortable. His head is low. He is so ready.

Salarous - A crystal forms in his free hand- pale purple in hue, and alive with energy. It's tucked into his pack- his palm reaches again, and the spill repeats. A little stronger- a little more knowing, it moves forward this time with a better idea of how to see it done.

Senkha instinctually buries her face in Marius' side at the sound Oliver makes, gritting her teeth. She gives a small whimper, determined to be strong...but not that strong.

Macglynn is on fire. That's what he feels, and that's what he knows as each soul is torn from his blade. There are a few that have been spent and are beyond saving. With each soul, the process grows easier on him, though never painless.

Salarous - It's something Salarous executes with disturbing ease, though his features are masked his eyes show little of mercy or remorse for his actions: A stony wall of absolute indifference. In truth- he almost keeps going, beyond the point which he should- it becomes -too- easy, and the reward of power is invigorating. The last soul hits his palm- his extended hands fingertips twitch just a little, shadows flare towards oliver- then there's a soft breath, and the power dies down.
Salarous allows his arm to return back to his side, his expression showing nothing.

Mariius lets out a breath he hadn't know he'd been holding. His grip on Senkha is strong-- and careful.

Senkha's fingers have dug into Marius' robe; with every scream of Oliver's, she lets out a growl of pain. By the time it's done, she's barely standing on her own, brow and face drenched with sweat, hands and legs shaking.

Mariius drops a bit; Eases Senkha down, that she might sit.

Senkha does sit, though she's still trying to cling to Marius and bury her face in his robe. She looks nauseated.

Macglynn stares at the carpet with an equal display of emotion: that is to say, none. His hands are glued to his blade, his eyes are wide, and the runes have calmed to their typical glow.

Mariius says: --Salarous. *Gingerly.*

Salarous says: ...Are you alright, Oliver?
Salarous peers over at him.

Mariius parts his lips.

Macglynn whispers: *I need to kill.*
Macglynn stands and without waiting, takes his blade and runs without a word.

Salarous - Parts his lips. Takes after him.

Senkha speaks mechanically. "He needs to kill."

Salarous draws to a stop.
Salarous says: ...Mn.

Senkha says: There are murlocs down by the river. He kills them.

Salarous holds to the banister a moment, frowning quietly after him.
Salarous says: ....Very well.

Mariius lofts a hand towards Salarous.
Mariius upturns his palm.

To Macglynn: *she gingerly reaches out for him...not to do anything but to let him know that she's there and she's not leaving*

Salarous takes his hand quietly and moves over beside him.

Mariius tugs him close, winding one arm around his middle. He bows his forehead against Salarous' own.
Mariius says: -Good work.

Senkha hasn't yet stopped clinging to Marius' legs, though when Salarous approaches, she lets go and tries to assume a more ladylike pose. She looks like she just gave birth or something, what the heck.

Salarous smiles faintly, eyes lidded. "...Some of the souls are spent beyond proper repair- ...but. A majority of them are still 'healthy.'"

Mariius grunts faintly, nodding his understanding.

Macglynn whispers: *Oliver is in a frenzy. Please leave a message after the tone.*

Mariius : -And parts his lips for a soft, if brief kiss.
Mariius says: I'll stay here. Keep an eye on things.

Senkha says: Nnn...
Senkha pushes back from Marius and tries to stand. She manages, with some effort, and staggers for the door.

Mariius says: Senkha--
Mariius says: Be careful. Give him some time.

Salarous offers him the kiss- then settles to watch Senkha. It was likely he would remain as well.

Senkha nods, putting a hand on the doorjam. Whether she actually heard is a different question entirely.

Macglynn returns some time later, his blade dragging in the dirt behind him. When he sees her in the doorway, he drops the blade, and runs up. He hugs her.

Senkha leans against Oliver, her arms coming around his waist. She doesn't say a word, but from the way she's clinging to him, the meaning is clear enough.

Senkha & Marius: October 23

Mariius eases open the door with a careful word-- Something slipped to the newly established ward system.

Macglynn is unconscious! Amazing. When is he not? His chicken every so often plucks another bug from his exposed decay.

Mariius says: ... Mn. I don't see Senkha-- she's possibly upstairs with Oliver. Dizzy's room is here; we can set Ziichi there, I'm sure.

Senkha is sound asleep with a crossword puzzle resting on her chest. She is snoring lightly.

Kyrita buckles a little from the quake, stepping in. She moves to place the sleeping Ziichi as suggested, tucking the child into one of the far beds. The teenager is quickly draped over with a blanket, before pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. She stands, grinning to Marius. "Sure we can be in here?"

Mariius says: I told Senkha I'd bring Dizzy back safely-- and so. *He nods gently, setting Dizzy out on her bedspread as well.* I guess it was a lot of excitement.

Kyrita says: Something upset Ziichi. Couldn't figure out how.
Kyrita says: Wore my mask to cheer her up.
Kyrita says: ... Look.
Kyrita says: Help me.
Kyrita says: Trying to.
Kyrita says: Lick my eye.

Mariius says: ... What.
Mariius says: -I-- Oiy.

Kyrita thinks this is the best clipped-through-hair ever.

Senkha stirs slightly at the sound of voices downstairs. She pushes herself into a seated position, rubbing her eyes and yawning, and looks down at Oliver. Gives a sigh and then slips out of bed, pantsless and groggy to stumble down the stairs.
Senkha says: Nn. Someone here?

Kyrita says: -- Hi.

Mariius says: I and Kyrita, Senkha. Ziichi and Dizzy are here; they're both asleep.

Senkha stares at Kyrita, bleary-eyed, then at Marius. She's not quite awake yet. "Lot of exciteme-hent?" she asks, yawning mid-sentence. That Kyrita has a giant Gnome face doesn't phase her after this weekend.

Kyrita 's hand comes to lift the mask upwards, revealing her grinning visage. "Hi Senkha. Okay if I left Ziichi in a bed?"

Mariius says: -They both had a good time. Ziichi seems ... upset, though. I'm not sure why.
Mariius says: I just have a feeling that it has to do with Ludovick.

Kyrita says: Think it was because of Ludo.
Kyrita says: -- Yah.

Mariius says: ... Who I need to -talk to-.

Kyrita says: Asking about him.

Senkha tilts her head one way and the other, blinking when Ludovick is mentioned. "Ludo? He and I go wa-ha-hay ba-ack." Another huge yawn. She glances at the ceiling uncertainly, as if trying to will Oliver awake.

Mariius says: ... Do you suppose you could grant me an audience with him?
Mariius says: I want to know how close he is or is not to ziichi.

Kyrita says: -- Platonic lovers.

Senkha says: I could try. He and I are supposed to have tea sometime soon, and you could 'show up.'

Mariius says: ... That's an oxymoron.

Kyrita says: Well. Not lovers.
Kyrita says: She loves him though.
Kyrita says: -- And knowing her.

Mariius says: ...

Kyrita says: Love is a bit much.

Mariius lets out a long, drawn-out sigh.
Mariius says: Great.

Senkha gives a sleepy, wry smile. "Oliver and I have to be Platonic because I'd die." She is so out of it guys.

Kyrita says: Kek.

Mariius says: .. Yes, well. Brainsex. There you go.

Senkha says: Brainsex. We had real sex last night. He was ali-hive.
Senkha yawns again and smiles with half-lidded eyes. She might still be sleeping. Hard to tell.

Mariius rubs at his features.
Mariius says: ... How is he, anyway.
Mariius says: Mind that I check his vitals? ... So to speak.

Senkha 's eyes open wider, which is not that hard, all things considered. "Sure! I'd like that a lo-hot. C'mon upstairs, he's sleeping, has been since he died last night."
Senkha beckons for the merry party to follow her upstairs.

Kyrita says: -- I'll stay down here.

Senkha sits on the edge of the bed, patting Oliver's hands. She also tries to soothe the chicken nesting by his head.

Macglynn looks actually rather peaceful, and about as healthy as a rotten, sunken-cheeked, pale, old person can be.

Mariius frowns softly as he approaches Oliver's bedside. Two fingertips press gently against the side of his next. he's not looking for a pulse-- he's taking a sort of 'imprint' of his general state; Determining the basic heartbeat of his undead energy.
Mariius says: ... Mn.
Mariius says: I hope he'll be alright when he wakes. Everything 'seems' normal.

Macglynn's blade feeds a steady flow of energy to him, it's all just a matter of when it's finished. Marius may notice some sort of disturbance from Faronne's drug?

Mariius says: As normal as undeath can be, I suppose.

Senkha is beginning to wake up a bit more and nods slowly. "He's got his tongue and eyes back...and his left ring finger." This last one seems to bother her slightly, but she doesn't state why.

Mariius peers at her quietly.

Senkha says: ...the feeling I put back in his right hand is gone, though. I won't put it back.

Mariius says: You realize something, Senkha.

Senkha says: Hm?

Mariius says: I don't know what kind of sorcery was implemented that was actually capable of granting him life--
Mariius says: But that it could. That it could be real, and note an illusion--
Mariius says: That he's returned somewhat -restored-, if even -dead-...
Mariius says: -That's a breakthrough. That's nothing short of a miracle.
Mariius says: It defies everything we know about the plague and how it works.

Senkha clenches her teeth and looks down at her sleeping husband. "I know. That's why I don't trust it. It seems too good to be true...if not for that, I'd be chasing Ms. Price down to find a way to get enough for him for all time."
Senkha says: ...well, that and it made him...well. -High-.

Mariius says: ... It still begs the question; How was it done at all. And can it lead to a cure for the -plague-.
Mariius looks at her in all seriousness.

Senkha speaks slowly and hesitantly. "...do you think I should try to get some more? Not for Oliver, but to study?"

Mariius says: .. Yes.
Mariius wets his lips.
Mariius says: -Because I have never.
Mariius says: Ever.
Mariius says: Encountered anything capable of what this... potion has done.

Senkha nods slowly, chewing on her lower lip. "That's what terrifies me. Whatever can do this must be incredibly powerful...and if it is, if it's a real cure, then it begs the question of why whoever created it isn't mass-producing it and fixing...well."
Senkha says: Everyone.

Mariius says: Or at least offering it up for research.

Senkha says: Exactly.

Mariius says: I don't know. This 'Miss Price' sounds like a strange character.

Senkha says: I met her the day I was reacquainted with Ludo...she was helping to save Ziichi from an attacker.

Mariius narrows his eyes. You can see that something sits poorly with him.

Senkha says: What is it?

Mariius says: ... I've heard of three-degrees of seperation. But this is ridiculous.
Mariius moves 'round the bedside, reaching to fold his arms around Senkha's shoulders.
Mariius says: Don't worry. It'll be alright.

Senkha says: Marius, I'm afraid. I'm afraid of what sorts of side effects that drug will have...I don't want to lose my husband.
Senkha leans against Marius weakly, clearly exhausted. She closes her eyes and gives a soft sigh, once again seeming far too old for her age.

Mariius says: ... I will not let you lose your husband.

Senkha doesn't open her eyes. She just leans against Marius, relieved at having someone to hold her instead of being the one holding things together..
Senkha sighs. "This weekend's kind of been...like that." She shifts to the side stiffly, touching a hand to the wounds on her face and her bandages.

Mariius says: -You're still healing yourself, Senkha. *-And he eases his palms against her shoulders, scowling quietly.

Senkha suddenly looks more than a little sheepish, ducking her head. "I was too tired to close them all the way. I had the bites cleansed this morning, just in case."

Mariius says: ... Honestly, Senkha-- I'm worried about healing you again. Your body will grow over-accustomed to my touch at this rate, and yet I dislike the option of letting this mend-over naturally due to the rather... unfortunate reality of your dangerous situation
Mariius says: That said. You need to come with me to Kalimdor.
Mariius says: -Because at this point? You need the touch of a moonwell's graced waters.

Senkha blinks at Marius. "Right now?"

Mariius says: When prudent. I can understand if you'd rather not leave his side at the moment.

Senkha says: When he wakes, and if I can move him...Light, you don't think a Moonwell would help him, do you?

Mariius says: They're sacred waters, Senkha. An undead won't be welcomed.

Senkha says: --oh.
Senkha looks back at Oliver with a torn expression. She touches her right cheek again, feeling the nasty tears in flesh. She sighs weakly.

Mariius says: I know it's not a... desirable notion, right now. But I feel the waters would do you well. They can cleanse and better your wounds; help them sew up quickly. put some strength back in your limbs.

To Macglynn: *"Can you hear me? Please tell me you can hear me."*

Macglynn whispers: *"Oh, hi."*

Senkha suddenly smiles, relief washing over her features.

To Macglynn: *"Thank the Light. Love...can you hear anything that we're talking about?"*

Macglynn whispers: *His voice seems very far away, like he's not putting much energy into this. "Not been payin' attention."*

To Macglynn: *"Marius wants to take me to Kalimdor to heal my wounds. I...don't want to leave you, but..."*

Macglynn whispers: *"Go. May not act like it all th' tahm, but Ah'm grown up. Where will Dizzy be?"*

To Macglynn: *"She's downstairs, safe. Marius runed the house, so you're protected. Kyrita is here."*

Senkha opens her eyes and looks to Marius. "He wants me to go."

Mariius nods quietly.
Mariius says: -When?

Senkha says: When do you think would be best?
Senkha says: ...he just wanted to make sure Dizzy is safe.

Mariius says: This house-- and your sleeping daughter-- are currently blessed by the presence of the same catagory wards that I use to protect my -children-. The vial remains here: The presence is strong and the construct is set.
Mariius says: Right now. They're as safe as they're going to get-- even from these quakes, of the moment.

Senkha nods slowly and rises from the bed with some stiffness. She reaches for her discarded leggings and boots and tugs them on, not even pausing to consider how this all looks. "...then I suppose now is good."

Mariius nods quietly.

Senkha leans down and presses her lips to Oliver's. "I'll be back soon."

[They travel to Auberdine]

Mariius smiles gently.
Mariius says: .. I had to ask a favor of the sentinels. But they've agreed to allow this. It.. --Does occur to me, all the same, that you may not want we do this in such an otherwise open place. I can take you to another if you'd rather; Kaldorei don't share some of the same stipulations as men."

Senkha puts her hands on the moonwell's stones and peers at the water. "I...suppose here mightn't be bad. Unless you think somewhere else would be better."

Mariius says: You'll be the one devoid of your armor, Senkha. It's why I ask; I've no want to trouble your modesty.

Senkha looks around at the sentinels and, eventually, shrugs again. "I think here is fine. Traveling..." She leans more heavily on the stones, pressing a hand to her side. "...took a lot out of me."

Mariius says: Just as well, Senkha. This is the deeper part of the pool, here. *-And he holds a large white cloth to her inspection. It's too thin to be a towel; something for her modesty, perhaps.* --Strip yourself of armor, and you may use this to cover yourself.
Mariius says: -Ease in. It'll be warm, dove; The waters here always are when you need them to be.

Senkha takes the cloth and swallows hard before undressing, quickly. She takes more time removing her bandages, wincing as the cloth pulls away from her wounds, then wraps the cloth about her. She turns and tries to find a good place to ease herself into the water.
Senkha says: --just climb in? Like a bath?

Mariius remains at the edge of the pool with his eyes adverted. A wry smile paints his lips at her amusing question.
Mariius says: It's sacred water, Senkha; But still water, all the same. Go ahead. I'll turn back when you're submerged a bit and help you clean your wounds out.

Senkha exhales slowly. "Right." She steps into the water, as if expecting it to be cold, and is surprised to find it just the opposite. Still, she takes a few minutes to find her way to the deeper part of the well and, removing the thin cloth, sink down until the water comes up to her chin.
Senkha says: --alright.

Mariius : -The water's of a moonwell-- any pure well-- are drawn to purify the unmade. It's -soft- more than wet; Warm more than dense. The powers here are very old and every-helpful.
Mariius pulls his boots, setting them on the lip of the well proper. His robes are clean and so he doesn't mind them; Just slips into the water and focuses a healer's sight on Senkha's back. Ginger fingertips touch here and there, and if it's intimate-- It's only a mender's touch, just the same. He 's procured a half-shell; Something he can used to douse her still-healing injuries proper. Ugh, Elune-bless; She has bits of soiled bandages ground into the worst of them.
Mariius kneels down.

Senkha closes her eyes, grimacing as Marius begins to clean out the wound on her back. That one's the worst, long and deep and across the small of her back, where Bordros' axe caught her. Another deep wound travels from just below her heart to her lower righthand side. And then there are the bite marks--a graze on the back of her head and a tear on her right cheek. Her neck is also burned raw.

Mariius treats each wound with a tenderness reserved for his family and his patients. He carefully splits the flesh of sealing lacerations-- Makes a point of letting the water cresh through each exposed gash. It steals the pain from her; drinks it in. Destroys it. And then again and again, the half-shell smooths clean water around her neckline, where painful-looking abrasions are brought relief and due health. Gingerly, his fingertips knit through tense musculature; He knows the human body well enough to loosen it up and work it out with a strange, removed understanding of the dense, fiberous tissue.
Mariius says: ... You took a beating.

Senkha, without realizing it, has begun to weep as Marius cleans her wounds. It's a cleansing sort of weeping, not from pain or anything similar, but just an emptying. "H-he made me cry blood," she confesses, almost childishly.

Mariius lids his eyes quietly.
Mariius says: ... No pain can last forever, Senkha. You needn't cry, thought I know it sometimes-- ... That it sometimes helps to be capable of it.

Senkha swallows hard, trying to gain control of herself, but it's near impossible. She sags in Marius' arms, her limbs trembling, eyes lidding. "...and even after that f-fight...still, he'll come back..." She winces again at the pain of her wounds being cleaned.

Mariius kneads gently beneath the water. He feels along the forming scar-tissue beneath his hands, stroking a thumb along the crest of it; The bizarre knowledge that it's smoothing out under the literal inspection of his touch.
Mariius says: -The things worth doing are rarely easy, Senkha. You stand and fight, and you progress. We're learning. He'll meet his end one way or another; Eventually they run out of tricks. Or glass mirrors to break.

Senkha inhales sharply at this sensation, her breath hitching, and again exhales. She swallows hard again and lifts a hand to wipe the tears from her cheeks, nodding. "Oliver said he would help me practice what I learned in your book, so we both can get better."

Mariius nods gently.

Senkha 's voice is growing faint, less from weakness and more from relaxation, the way one's voice relaxes during a really good massage.

If he's anything, he's good with his hands. Surgery makes that a necessity. A sentinel nearby casts them a watchful look as Marius wets her hair and combs it through, grooming the girl of grit and dried blood. He preens over her scalp and he dips his head gently over one shoulder. "--Are the wounds better? They're looking it."

Senkha touches her hands to the wounds on her back and side, inspecting herself. Her hands aren't as practiced, but she can tell when something's doing better, and she nods. "They feel it. That's...kind of amazing, really..."
Senkha says: I've never even had the Light work so well.

Mariius nods to himself. "--I've a dry shif for you, if you're ready to get out."

Senkha nods slightly, her hands subconsciously coming to cover herself.

Mariius reaches to the bank, pulling a second cloth from beside both pack and boots. He ruffles it up, holding the fabric open. Golden eyes slip closed; It's simple respect.

Senkha rises slowly, taking the shiff and wrapping it around her in a fluid motion. She tucks the end of the cloth in and moves toward the edge of the well.

Mariius : -The subtle internal glow of his eyes ignites -after- he hears her soles hit the stone around them. He lofts himself out of the water-- wrings the hem of his robe-- and fits his boots back on either foot with a bemused grunt.
Mariius says: Feel free to your armor.
Mariius says: -I'd like that you dress into something lighter when you get home; your skin needs to breathe.

Senkha reaches down and dresses as quickly as possible, glad she's only wearing a shirt, leggings and boots. She runs her hand through her hair and turns back to Marius. "Alright. Would, um. Would my training robes do? The ones I got to practice Viramata things?"

Mariius says: That's fine, Senkha.
Mariius taps his com. "...."

Senkha looks down at her ring and sighs softly. She doesn't say anything into it; it's not her place. "I'm going to head home now then. Marius...thank you."

Mariius says: You needn't thank me, Senkha. Take care of yourself.
Mariius says: I'll see if I can't look into what's going on.

Senkha once again wraps her arms around Marius' middle. It's clear that her gratitude is for more than just a nice bath.

Mariius smiles down at her, ruffling the girl's still-damp hair. "
Mariius says: Go ahead, Senkha. I'll probably grab a bite to eat and berate Arubrey. *wry*

Senkha looks up at Marius with a soft smile and blows him a kiss, more daughterly than anything. "I'll get back to you with that sample. And...yeah. He'd probably enjoy that."

Mariius inclines his head.

Senkha touches her hand to her heart, bowing slightly.

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.