<[DM]_Hatter> The streets of the temple district is well worn, the Bahamut temple of which the party stands in front of, loud yelling and thrashing noises come from within as the following words are heard clear as day "YOU LET HER GET AWAY WITH SOME ADVENTURERS?! YOU ARE A BASTARD TO THE CHURCH, YOU COWARD! YOU SHALL BECOME ONE WITH DEATH FOR THAT!" following the noises is a simple disgruntled slam against the door and blood trailing from underneath the door.

<[DM]_Hatter> The blood slithers down the steps as it reaches onto the streets and stains the cobblestones with red. The death of a priest has been committed and the radical nature of the church of Bahamut has been shown as clear as day.

* [PC]_Lystos looks down at the blood trickling down the stone.

<[PC]_Lystos> "Ostia has changed in the short time I've been away. Why does Vilnius let them get away with this?..."

* [PC]_Lystos turns to Cyenen. "...So? Shall we?"

<[PC]_Cyenen> "Aye.."

* [PC]_Cyenen shakes her head and mutters solemnly "I do not understand the ways of humans Lystos.."

* [PC]_Lystos shakes his head. "I used to." He strides up to the door, trying not to step in the blood, and knocks. He waits for a moment, almost hoping for a response.

* [PC]_Cyenen follows him past the blood, making sure not to tred in it, and comes up behind his shoulder, glancing around the street with worried eyes

<[DM]_Hatter> The noises from inside of the church has become very quiet as a single voice is heard at the door "Help... Me..." in a low faint tone as scratching at the door echoes to the outside.

* [PC]_Lystos turns to Cyenen. "Ready yourself." He draws his shortsword with one hand and grabs the door handle with the other.

* [PC]_Cyenen nods once and pulls her bow from her shoulders, readying an arrow

* [PC]_Lystos flings open the door.

* [PC]_Cyenen points her arrow in the room, bracing herself

* [PC]_Lystos steps in, slowly, and inspects the temple.

<[DM]_Hatter> The church's main corridor leading into the worshipping chamber was filled with fifteen acolytes of which none were visibly armed as the man in front of the door was on his knees with a blade of a rather large great sword was sticking through his stomach "Please... Help..." his words were faint and cold as the reach of death was already upon him.

* [PC]_Cyenen looks at Lystos carefully, then moves over to the man, kneeling in front of him

* [PC]_Lystos sheathes his sword and kneels down in front of the priest. "...Priest. Have you the strength to speak?"

* [PC]_Cyenen glances at Lystos and whispers "Eller e kai amin " (there is nothing I can do for him..)

<[DM]_Hatter> The priest looks onto Lystos "The...Church...Tis corrupt... The bishop... He is dead... Men...of the...enemy...here...Sleep... is upon my body... I must...answer..."

* [PC]_Lystos rests one hand on the priest. "Be at peace, son of Bahamut."

* [PC]_Cyenen mutters a quick prayer "Aa' i'sul nora lanne'lle quel esta, Amandil" (May the wind fill your sails, rest well Priest.)

<[DM]_Hatter> The priest slumps forward as the sword leaves his back jolting onto the floor as the last of his blood spills onto the temple floor and only the acolytes look back onto the party.

* [PC]_Lystos rises, turns to Cyenen. "A corrupt temple. In my city. This will not stand." He looks to the acolytes. "...And I suppose these are its followers."

* [PC]_Cyenen stands from her position on the floor, drawing her bow once again to her shoulder and pointing it to the nearest Acolyte. "You. Speak now, or wish you had."



<[DM]_Hatter> The acolyte stand up from his seat with his robes draping down from his arms as his hands become fists "You are interrupting services... This is the church of Bahamut of Eldin. You wish not to step further than his body or else the same fate will befall you as well."

<[PC]_Lystos> "Eldin? What... How did they infiltrate our temple district?" He speaks almost to himself.

* [PC]_Cyenen steps forward and pulls her bowstring back, aiming for the Acolytes throat "Explain further."

* [PC]_Lystos draws his bow. and nocks an arrow, taking another target.

<[DM]_Hatter> The Acoylte laughs at the both of them "Bahamut damn you, Eldin shall rule the temples and take Ostia from the inside! You shall not prevail in this fight for we fight with a cause!"

* [PC]_Lystos 's eyes narrow as he draws his bowstring tight. "Not while it's heir draws breath, knave."



<[PC]_Cyenen> -r d20+4 *Init*

<Dicebot> [PC]_Cyenen rolled d20+4 *Init* --> [ 1d20=7 ]{11}

<[PC]_Lystos> -r d20+4 initiative

<Dicebot> [PC]_Lystos rolled d20+4 initiative --> [ 1d20=4 ]{8}

<[DM]_Hatter> -r d20+2 *All Acolytes*

<Dicebot> [DM]_Hatter rolled d20+2 *All Acolytes* --> [ 1d20=14 ]{16}



<[DM]_Hatter> A single Acoylte moves forward to the group stopping a mere ten feet away with his fists brought up in a fighting position, his heavy robes weighing down his movement and his posture is that of an inexperienced combatant.

<[PC]_Lystos> "Do not trust his incompetent stance, Cyenen. Eldin's sorcerers can be deadly."

<[PC]_Cyenen> "I was not planning on it."

* [PC]_Cyenen pulls the sting of her bow tighter, aiming for the acolytes chest



<[PC]_Cyenen> -r d20 *hit Acolyte*

<Dicebot> [PC]_Cyenen rolled d20 *hit Acolyte* --> [ 1d20=1 ]{1}

<[DM]_Hatter> Upon the release of her arrow, a cracking noise is heard as the shear for of the blow string flowing with the arrow sends a split up the arrow causing the arrow split itself in half and sweep around the Acoylte as if it was meant to be by his god.

* [PC]_Lystos turns and aims at Cyenen's target, loosing his arrow at the acolyte's head.

<[PC]_Lystos> -r d20+7 shoot the acolyte

<Dicebot> [PC]_Lystos rolled d20+7 shoot the acolyte --> [ 1d20=3 ]{10}

<[DM]_Hatter> Lystos' arrow flies by the Acolyte’s head, whizzing into the next room with greater force than Cyenen's arrow striking into another Acoylte being it is a tightly grouped room.

<[PC]_Lystos> -r d6 damage

<Dicebot> [PC]_Lystos rolled d6 damage --> [ 1d6=1 ]{1}

<[DM]_Hatter> The female acolyte lets out a scream of terror and pain as the other acoytles seeing the combat has begun, begin rushing for the back of the room towards the side exit that leads into the smaller street of which leads to the main district of the city. Five more of the acoytles show their true color as they pick up basic clubs advancing towards the party near the first Acoytle whom advanced first.

<[PC]_Cyenen> "Lystos! Stand your guard!" She pulls another arrow from her quiver, knocks it, and lets it fly at the first Acolyte

<[PC]_Cyenen> -r d20+7 *shoot the bastard*

<Dicebot> [PC]_Cyenen rolled d20+7 *shoot the bastard* --> [ 1d20=8 ]{15}

<[PC]_Cyenen> -r d8

<Dicebot> [PC]_Cyenen rolled d8 --> [ 1d8=1 ]{1}

<[DM]_Hatter> The arrow strikes the Acoylte in the chest as he staggers back from the blow holding onto the arrow with a growling tone "You shot a holy man! Bahamut damns you and will smite you for this!"

<[PC]_Cyenen> "There is a difference between holy man, and someone corrupt!!"

* [PC]_Lystos nocks another arrow and aims at the first acolyte. "Quiet your tongue, snake of a priest."

<[PC]_Lystos> -r d20+7 shoot the acolyte

<Dicebot> [PC]_Lystos rolled d20+7 shoot the acolyte --> [ 1d20=1 ]{8}

<[DM]_Hatter> As Lystos lets go of the arrow, the string of his bow snaps flinging wildly as the arrow slumps into the ground lacking the force necessary to carry it further than five or six feet.

<[PC]_Lystos> "Damn! What in Pelor's name..."

<[DM]_Hatter> The first acolyte advances onto Lystos with his fists only near his sides as he makes a swing for his head.

<[DM]_Hatter> -r d20+1 Attack on Lystos

<Dicebot> [DM]_Hatter rolled d20+1 Attack on Lystos --> [ 1d20=19 ]{20}

<[DM]_Hatter> -r d6+1 Damage roll

<Dicebot> [DM]_Hatter rolled d6+1 Damage roll --> [ 1d6=5 ]{6}

* [PC]_Lystos looks to Cyenen for a split second, then turns around to see a fist flying toward his face. Unable to dodge it, he is hit squarely on the jaw and whirls around. "GAH!... They hit harder than I remember!"

* [PC]_Cyenen gasps, but keeps her composure, and draws another arrow from her quiver and mutters to herself "Selune, guide my arrow.. please..."

<[PC]_Cyenen> -r d20+7 *hit*

<Dicebot> [PC]_Cyenen rolled d20+7 *hit* --> [ 1d20=2 ]{9}

<[DM]_Hatter> Cyenen's arrow makes a straight fly into the wall next to the five Acolytes while one of them looks at the other "We have...sticks... They have swords and arrows... Seem a bit unfair to you?" One of the other Acolytes lets out a heavy sigh "Yes... Very much unfair... We don’t get enough gold from Eldin for this..." as they spoke, two of the acolytes drop their clubs and drop to their knees praying "Forgive us, Bahamut... We did not intend for our greed to get the best of us..."

* [PC]_Lystos throws down the remnants of his bow. "Useless thing! Last time I ever buy cheap." He unsheathes his short sword and in one fluid motion, strikes for the first acolyte's neck.

<[PC]_Lystos> -r d20+3 sword slash

<Dicebot> [PC]_Lystos rolled d20+3 sword slash --> [ 1d20=6 ]{9}

<[PC]_Lystos> -r d6 damage

<Dicebot> [PC]_Lystos rolled d6 damage --> [ 1d6=3 ]{3}

<[DM]_Hatter> The sword slams into the Acolyte's neck bringing him down to his knees as the blood gushes from him and his eyes widen "Blood... Blood..." as those words left his mouth; he fainted onto the ground without hesitation.

* [PC]_Cyenen draws another arrow out of her quiver and draws it back, aiming for another Acolyte

<[PC]_Cyenen> -r d20+7 *hit*

<Dicebot> [PC]_Cyenen rolled d20+7 *hit* --> [ 1d20=15 ]{22}

<[PC]_Cyenen> -r d8

<Dicebot> [PC]_Cyenen rolled d8 --> [ 1d8=3 ]{3}

<[DM]_Hatter> The arrow strikes the second Acolyte as he steps back for moment "You wench!" he yells as he grasps the arrow tightly "Cant get this pesky stick out..."

* [PC]_Lystos whirls his sword around, slinging off the excess blood. "That's much more efficient..." He dashes for the nearest acolyte, and leaps at him, his sword falling first.

<[PC]_Lystos> -r d20+3 sword lunge

<Dicebot> [PC]_Lystos rolled d20+3 sword lunge --> [ 1d20=18 ]{21}

<[PC]_Lystos> -r d6+2 damage

<Dicebot> [PC]_Lystos rolled d6+2 damage --> [ 1d6=2 ]{4}





<[DM]_Hatter> The acolyte falls to the ground, grasping the blade into his chest as he coughs blood from the blade forcing into his chest heavily "Bahamut... shall... show... no... merc-" the words interrupted by the blood pooling in his mouth as his eyes roll into the back of his head.

* [PC]_Cyenen pulls an arrow from her quiver, and knocks her bow, pulling the string back and letting the arrow fly at another Acolyte

<[PC]_Cyenen> -r d20+7

<Dicebot> [PC]_Cyenen rolled d20+7 --> [ 1d20=12 ]{19}

<[PC]_Cyenen> -r d8

<Dicebot> [PC]_Cyenen rolled d8 --> [ 1d8=3 ]{3}

<[DM]_Hatter> The acolyte grunts heavily then lets out a huge grin "An arrow as a gift? How lovely of you, dear elf." as he grasps onto the arrow ripping it from his chest with ease.

<[PC]_Lystos> "...Oh, that is not good."

<[DM]_Hatter> The acolyte whom had been shot advances towards Cyenen with a grin, standing roughly seven foot tall with his club in his hand "Hello, little lady." with those words, a single swipe of his club was made at her.

<[DM]_Hatter> -r d20+2 Attack on Cyenen

<Dicebot> [DM]_Hatter rolled d20+2 Attack on Cyenen --> [ 1d20=18 ]{20}

<[DM]_Hatter> -r d8+2

<Dicebot> [DM]_Hatter rolled d8+2 --> [ 1d8=2 ]{4}

* [PC]_Cyenen staggers backward from the force of the club against her skull, but catches her footing with a snarl. She pulls another arrow from her quiver and doesn’t even bother to shoot. Stabbing the arrow forward and up towards the Acolyte.

<[PC]_Cyenen> -r d20+4 *stabbing with the arrow*

<Dicebot> [PC]_Cyenen rolled d20+4 *stabbing with the arrow* --> [ 1d20=20 ]{24}



<[DM]_Hatter> The large acolyte staggers backwards with an arrow shoved into his chest once again and his hand immediately moves to the arrow jerking it out with a grin as he hood fell off revealing his elven face but his size is not of the average elf "Heh... You have more than that?"

* [PC]_Lystos , still crouched low over the last priest he killed, pulls his sword out of the bleeding Eldinian, and turns his head to see Cyenen fighting the large brute. "Cyenen!" He shouts, and dashes toward the assailant, jumping and bringing the point of his sword down at the base of the large priest's neck.



<[PC]_Lystos> -r d20+3 sword stab from above and behind

<Dicebot> [PC]_Lystos rolled d20+3 sword stab from above and behind --> [ 1d20=2 ]{5}

<[DM]_Hatter> The attempt of a sword stab from above him results in a misdirected jump height, cleanly going over top of the lurched acolyte; landing on the other side of him with his sword slapping against the stone of the floor

* [PC]_Lystos crashes to the ground with a thud. "Gah!"

<[DM]_Hatter> The large acolyte gives a loud thunderous laugh while he raises his club against Cyenen again "My pretty elf, you shall feel the wrath of my club and you have no hopes to leave this damned temple of Bahamut!" his arm swings heavily with the club aiming again for Cyenen's head

<[DM]_Hatter> -r d20+2 Cyenen

<Dicebot> [DM]_Hatter rolled d20+2 Cyenen --> [ 1d20=15 ]{17}

<[DM]_Hatter> -r d8+2 Damage

<Dicebot> [DM]_Hatter rolled d8+2 Damage --> [ 1d8=7 ]{9}

* [PC]_Cyenen staggers again, and catches herself, backing a few feet away, the pain in her skull reverberating throughout her body. Her mouth curves upward into a snarl and she pulls another arrow from her quiver, this time, taking care to aim it at the forehead of the Acolyte. "Do not touch me, you filthy bastard!"

<[PC]_Cyenen> -r d20+7 *shoot*

<Dicebot> [PC]_Cyenen rolled d20+7 *shoot* --> [ 1d20=18 ]{25}

<[PC]_Cyenen> -r d8

<Dicebot> [PC]_Cyenen rolled d8 --> [ 1d8=3 ]{3}

<[DM]_Hatter> The Acolyte gives a heavy cough with a small spurt of blood coming out as he steps back one step then jerks the arrow out as if it were merely attached by a thread "Your gifts warm my elven heart, dear lady. Sadly, you must DIE!!"

* [PC]_Lystos picks himself up off the floor, grabs his sword, and dashes around the large elf, who's still clearly distracted by Cyenen. He stabs at the bleeding elf's midsection, hoping to hit a vital organ.

<[PC]_Lystos> -r d20+3 sword stab from behind

<Dicebot> [PC]_Lystos rolled d20+3 sword stab from behind --> [ 1d20=11 ]{14}

<[PC]_Lystos> -r d6 damage

<Dicebot> [PC]_Lystos rolled d6 damage --> [ 1d6=5 ]{5}

<[DM]_Hatter> The large acolyte drops to his knees with a grin and looks onto Cyenen with a light hearted smile "You make...an old man...like me...very.......happy..." as the last words came from his lips, blood spilled out of his mouth as he slumps completely forward onto the ground

* [PC]_Cyenen staggers for a moment, then steps forward, kneeling on the ground and pushing the body of the man over, she looks him over with scrutinizing eyes, wondering what exactly he meant. Then looks through his clothes, and robes, trying to get any information from him.

* [PC]_Lystos swipes at the air with his sword, throwing off the excess blood before sheathing it. "I hate to take the lives of holy men, even if they are corrupt."

<[PC]_Cyenen> "It doesn’t matter now. What is done, is done...look over the other bodies. See what you can find for an explanation of this madness"

* [PC]_Lystos nods in agreement, and starts searching the bodies.

<[DM]_Hatter> Underneath the robes, a large mark scar on his chest in the form of an emblem from an Elven kingdom - one a lord or vanguard would bare for their king. The scar is old, faded but still noticeable even if it is a few hundred years old.

* [PC]_Lystos sees the scar on the old elf and walks over. "...What do you suppose the marking means?"

* [PC]_Cyenen gasps softly, and traces the scar on the man's chest with trembling fingers.. recalling the tattoo on her shoulder of the same emblem "Its.. this symbol... *looks up at Lystos*... this symbol.. is that of my father. I have the same symbol tattooed on my shoulder.... I do not know what he is doing here.."

<[PC]_Lystos> "This man is a servant of your father? This is strange... What could he possible be doing in Ostia? With Eldinian priests? Something does not add up."

<[PC]_Cyenen> "I... I do not know... I have never met my father. I was given the tattoo at birth, then when they discovered my cur... my ability.. they left me with another noble family... they thought I would become a monster.. I have no idea.. why he is here.."

<[PC]_Lystos> "Odd, indeed." He walks over to her and offers his hand. "Come. We must leave this place. If the guards see us here, there will be hell to pay."

* [PC]_Cyenen takes his hand and rises to her feet "Aye. We must make haste.."

* [PC]_Lystos leads Cyenen out of the temple, then surveys the scene and notices his broken bow on the ground. He walks over to his bow and picks up the pieces. "Hmm. Chaim's bowyers are far too stingy with their materials." With a sigh, he leaves the temple, closing the door behind him.

* [PC]_Cyenen chuckles softly, touching Lystos' shoulder. "Do not worry about buying a new bow my friend. You will have a fine one, just provide me with the wood you wish. I will craft you a bow."

<[DM]_Hatter> As they step outside, a loud battle cry is heard as if a war had started outside with the loud crashing of a blunt object against metal. The thunderous noise was enough to echo down the temple streets bringing the attention of every priest on the street looking directly up the street.

<[PC]_Lystos> "--What in hellfire was that?!"

* [PC]_Lystos looks around to find the source of the noise.

* [PC]_Cyenen looks up at the sound and immediately reaches for her quiver

<[DM]_Hatter> A second battle cry was let out as the voice became more feminine following a second clash of blunt force against metal and a loud thud to the cobblestone walkways was heard as it neared closer to the party.

* [PC]_Cyenen glances around whispering to Lystos "Be ready for anything!" *draws her bowstring tighter, and knocks an arrow

* [PC]_Lystos puts a hand on his sword's hilt. "It sounds... female," he said, almost in disbelief

<[DM]_Hatter> A woman wearing a male's robes begins running by with an emblem embrazed on the robes of Lystos' as she wielded a mace with three vanguards tailing. The woman spins around to one of the Vanguard's swinging the mace with expertise bringing another one of the guards to his knees as she kicks him in the ground and slams the handle of the mace into his head "STOP GETTING IN MY WAY, HEATHEN! I HAVE A MISSION!"

* [PC]_Lystos lowers his hand from his sword. "Oh, no... Makal.." He runs over to the girl wearing his robes. "Makal, stop! Stop striking my guards! They try only to protect you!"

<[DM]_Hatter> Makal glares at Lystos with a growl "They tried to keep me in that damned house when I told them it was important and they insisted that I stayed!" the muscles in her arms were apparently tripled in size and the two handed mace looked as if it were able to be wielded one handed by the woman.

* [PC]_Cyenen shakes her head in surprise and replaces her bow to her quiver on her back, then begins cleaning the blood off of her face, trying to find the source of the cut from the club.

<[PC]_Lystos> "They did so on my orders, Makal. You did not seem to be in any shape to travel, let alone move. They were only to guard you, and keep you safe at my estate. I did not know that you could be so..." He eyes her muscles. "...willful."

<[DM]_Hatter> Makal gives him a glare with placing the mace on her shoulder "They were not of the friendly kind, I asked politely to go to the market and they said I must stay. I asked to go to the temple, they said I must stay... I dropped two of your vanguards on the backstreet, two in the estate and you see the other before you... I am very sorry... I didn't know and they didn't say much..."

<[PC]_Lystos> "They are *trained* not to say much, Makal." He shakes his head, looking between the two elite guards, overwhelmed by this girl.

* [PC]_Cyenen once again shakes her head, and gingerly touches her scalp where she was hit over the head, pressing her hand to it to stop the bleeding

<[DM]_Hatter> "You need to train them to say more than 'You cannot leave' 'You must stay in the estate' and I may have deafened one... I didn't realize he was so close when I used that spell...." she gives a mild blush as the weight of the mace becomes extreme and it slips off of her shoulder "Bah! My spells... They faded quicker than I thought or I have been running longer..."

* [PC]_Cyenen chuckles softly, and grimaces as the motion of her body jostles her hand. "Makal... you seem... *grimaces* ...determined."

<[DM]_Hatter> Makal's attention shifts from Lystos to Cyenen and she steps back somewhat with a tad bit of shock then notices the blood "You are hurt, milady... Do you wish treatment?" her voice turns from the hardened voice of her battle cries to the soften voice that was natural to her.

<[PC]_Cyenen> "Its... its nothing...we got into a little... arrangement in the... Makal, if you could, it would be very... *grimace* appreciated..."

<[DM]_Hatter> Makal's steps softened as she steps forward to Cyenen examining the injury on her head with gentle eyes "Could you...sit down or lean over... I fear I'm not as tall as people expect for my kind..."

<[PC]_Cyenen> "Aye..." *sits gracefully on the pavement in front of the temple with cautioned eyes.

<[DM]_Hatter> Makal's hands work swiftly through Cyenen's hair finding a number of small lumps and a gash from a club "Pelor... What did you get hit by?! An oxen?!" her eyes follow the wound as she examines further "I am able to heal the wound but the bruises will stay..."

<[PC]_Cyenen> "We heal quickly, my people an I. Do not worry about the bruising Makal. You have done all you can."

* [PC]_Lystos moves over to the other two, eyeing Makal. "I am sure you left my estate in ruins, by the looks of my guards... Did you at least retrieve my note? The one that told you to *stay where you were?*"

<[DM]_Hatter> Makal mutters lowly as she places her hand over top of the wound pushing down on it lightly as the light from her hand brightened into a soft glow then fades.

<[DM]_Hatter> -r 2d8+3 Healing Cyenen

<Dicebot> [DM]_Hatter rolled 2d8+3 Healing Cyenen --> [ 2d8=11 ]{14}

<[DM]_Hatter> The light from Makal's hand slowly heals the wounds given, restoring her health to the best of her ability and she lets out a small smile "That does it for the wound..." she turns to Lystos "...I must confess, I cannot read common very well and its hard to read when someone writes like an orc in a hurry..."

* [PC]_Cyenen chuckles softly, and rises to her feet. "Thank you Makal. It is appreciated.."

* [PC]_Lystos 's face turns into a light smile. "Heh... well, I was-- I just... Never mind." He chuckles a bit, and turns to his guards, and walks over to his "elite vanguard," now sprawled about the street.



<[DM]_Hatter> Makal lets out a heavy sigh and looks at the two "I was running from your guards to make it to the port, potentially steal a ship to do the bidding of Pelor as he came to me in my sleep with the great horrors that the dwarves exterminated..."

* [PC]_Cyenen glances at Lystos, then looks back at Makal. "Tell me of this tale."

* [PC]_Lystos looks to Cyenen, then to Makal, then back down at one of his guards. "I believe I pay you too much."

<[DM]_Hatter> "Necromancy, the art of raising the dead in horrid forms... A man is trying to bring back the arts of it and make himself into an abomination of nature..." Makal grows pale at the thought "He thinks of becoming one of the undead to reign over them all..."

* [PC]_Lystos turns to Makal. "A necromancer? Here in Ostia?" He approaches the girls.

<[PC]_Lystos> "I thought the necromancy ended with the race of dwarves."

<[DM]_Hatter> Makal shakes her head "Off of Ostia, in Iron-hold... Where the dwarven dead walk and guard the book that holds many dark secrets... He goes to it..."

* [PC]_Cyenen shakes her head in disbelief. "'Ksher ea" (evil ones)

<[PC]_Lystos> "Iron-hold is just in the bay. It is not far." He turns to Cyenen. "What do you think?"

<[PC]_Cyenen> "We should stop this madness... but we need to clean up first Lystos. You need a new bow, and I need to acquire arrows and a dagger... and we all need more food. It would be unwise to go forth unprepared."

<[PC]_Lystos> "Indeed. I may require medical treatment, as well..." He rubs his jaw. "The first priest nearly broke my jaw."

<[DM]_Hatter> Makal eyes Lystos with a tad bit of shock "You've been hit? You didn't say much of anything about it..." she gives a brisk walk to him in his robes grumbling "Tall elves, I have to get the short stick..." as she places a hand on his cheek with a few brisk words from her lips as the softening light aura'd from her hand onto his cheek

<[DM]_Hatter> -r 1d8+3

<Dicebot> [DM]_Hatter rolled 1d8+3 --> [ 1d8=7 ]{10}

<[DM]_Hatter> The aura's light heals the pain from the hit but leaving the jaw still tender and sore. "That is the best I can do..."



* [PC]_Lystos , straightening up again, rubs his jaw, and feels the pain fading away. "It feels much better, Makal. Many thanks." He smiles a bit.

<[PC]_Cyenen> "Alright. Lystos. What wood do you wish your bow be made from?" Also, do you know of a place in this city that supplies weapons? I should like to acquire something more... close range than a bow."

* [PC]_Lystos turns to Cyenen, "We need either yew or oak. Onne of the two will suffice. Come. We need supplies, as well as wood. You'll find the shops here store very high-quality merchandise."

<[PC]_Lystos> "And yes, there is such a place. We will stop there first."



* [PC]_Cyenen bends a hand down to Makal "Coming Arwenamin??" (my lady)

<[DM]_Hatter> Makal shakes her head briefly and smiles "I will wait here, the docks isn't too far from this place and you will be coming by here... I am tad bit... exhausted from the running..."

<[PC]_Cyenen> "Behave yourself? I do not think Lystos can afford to replace many more guards.."

* [PC]_Lystos nods to Makal. "Do not stray too far. The streets can be dange--" He turns to the guards again, and back to Makal. "...You will be fine," he says with a smile.

* [PC]_Cyenen chuckles to herself and turns to Lystos

* [PC]_Lystos nods to Cyenen and motions. "This way," he says, and leads her down the long road through the temple district. "Cyenen... I am sorry if Makal's presence makes you uncomfortable."

* [PC]_Cyenen nods calmly "It is fine. I just need to open my eyes a little. In fact, there is no longer a cloud of hatred where it once was. She is not as bad as it seemed. My vision is no longer... obstructed by foolish emotions.."

<[PC]_Lystos> "That is a good thing. That is a very good thing. I am glad to see that you can grow out of your anger." He softly smiles at her. "That is the first step on that better road that I spoke of on the island."

[PC]_Cyenen> "Aye... It seems I let my emotions cloud my thoughts too often... I am truly different than my kind. We do not usually allow ourselves to feel so swayed by something so trivial. But, it has passed. Let us leave it there,"

* [PC]_Cyenen looks up and him and smiles genuinely, letting herself really smile. "And now, let us find you materials to make you a true elven bow."

<[PC]_Lystos> "I agree. The armory is around the corner." He points ahead.

* [PC]_Lystos leads Cyenen around a corner, to a weapons store nestled in the corner of the market district. "This is it. 'Civil Arms.' The owner is a good friend of mine."

<[PC]_Cyenen> "Hopefully he will be lenient in the pricing then... we do not have much."

* [PC]_Lystos looks down to Cyenen. "You mean that *you* do not have much." he smiles widely as he opens the door, the bell clinging as he enters.

* [PC]_Cyenen walks in after him, keeping her gaze down and following him closely. Remembering his comment about "safety" and the battle they had not long afterwards

<[PC]_Lystos> "Valen!" he shouts, not seeing his friend. "Valen! Are you about?!" He walks through the store heavily, among the weapons racks.

<[DM]_Hatter> Valen lets out a strong yawn from behind the counter raising from his seat as he rubs his eyes "Who is it?! Who is that calls my name at such an unholy hour?!"

* [PC]_Lystos strides up to the counter, looking around. "Your stock seems to have improved much since I was here last." He holds out his hand to his comrade. "How are you, friend?"

<[DM]_Hatter> Valen takes Lystos' hand and gives a firm shake "Lystos, you bugger - you left and you come back with a female and a nice looking one at that! How do you do it?!" Valen gives a laugh

* [PC]_Cyenen looks up at the man behind the counter, and holds her head high with grace, staring at him with a look of incredulity on her face. "Lystos. Amin n'rangwa edanea" (Lystos.. I do not understand the ways of these humans.."

* [PC]_Lystos hears Cyenen and laughs heartily. "My luck has served me well, it seems. My friend, we are in need of a dagger, for the Elven beauty. Have you anything in her size? Also, we require wood and string with which to craft a bow. Preferably oak, but yew will suffice."

<[DM]_Hatter> Valen perks his brow slightly "Lystos... A dagger..? Why the nine hells a dagger? Its like a poker but a little sharper..." he reaches under the counter pulling a long straight dagger made exactly for stabbing "This is the only one I got and I swear to the gods, once it is gone then I'll never look at another one of these things again."

* [PC]_Lystos looks at the dagger, then back at Cyenen. He says in elvish, "Would you prefer a short sword?"

<[PC]_Cyenen> "Then do you recommend something else.. Valen? My bow is not enough for short ranged combat. I need something I can maneuver quickly. What do you suggest?"

<[DM]_Hatter> Valen gives a heavy laugh and points to the two handed sword made for a large sized creature on the wall "That is my recommendation to all up-close combat needs."

* [PC]_Lystos whistles. "That is quite a sword."

* [PC]_Cyenen looks at Lystos, with a look that says -I am not amused- and mutters under her breath "ve' edan feuya ten' lle" (This human disgusts me)

<[DM]_Hatter> Valen gives a slow nod "That, is the sword of your king whom gave it back to me after he finished using it, Lystos. It took months to clean the damned thing from all the blood and even longer to get it to shine again..." He gives Cyenen a look while reading her lips "I can speak your language, elf. Its best to keep the tongue still and the mind clear of such thoughts in the presence of one."

* [PC]_Lystos chuckles. "The Marquis used this? Old Vilnius... He is a remarkable fellow..." He turns to Valen. "My friend, she has a short temper... be careful." Changing the subject, he points to the corner of the store. "Look, Cyenen, short swords! I think that that may be what you need..."

<[DM]_Hatter> Valen gives a sigh "We have long swords, Lystos... She can wield one of those if her arms will hold it."

* [PC]_Cyenen nods at Valen. "Diola lle" (thank you)

* [PC]_Lystos turns back to Valen. "I think her arms will be more than adequate, Valen. See if you can't find something to suit her. If I understand correctly, she is interested in a scimitar."

<[DM]_Hatter> Valen grabs his cane raising from his seat slowly making his way to the weapons rack  on the other side of the shop sliding a scimitar with its sheath off of the rack "You should know by now, my fancy weapons are always by the door..." he hobbles back over the counter laying the sword on it "Wood... I only have yew and that’s by the door..."

* [PC]_Cyenen nods to Valen "May I see it?"

<[DM]_Hatter> Valen nods and waves his hand "Take the Scimitar and the wood, I'll go beat the money out of one of his guards later... After I saw the hooded woman lay one out in front of my shop, I think I could take one."

* [PC]_Lystos nods, and walks to the door. Grabbing the yew wood, he returns to the counter, beside Cyenen. "Thank you kindly, Valen. As always, your heart holds the strings of your coin pouch."

* [PC]_Cyenen takes the scimitar off of the counter, and bows gracefully before the Valen "Aa' menealle nauva calen ar' malta" (may your ways be green and golden) then turns to Lystos "It seems, that we should visit your family before we leave?

* [PC]_Lystos nods, extends his hand toward Valen, smiling widely. "We are in your debt."

<[DM]_Hatter> Valen takes his hand and shakes it "The bloody guard is still sitting out there if you wish to scold him for being distracted by a female with a mace."

* [PC]_Lystos laughs. "I shall do just that. Come, Cyenen, let us be off. Tell Myra and Jesse that Uncle Lystos is thinking about them." He makes his way to the door and holds it open for Cyenen.

* [PC]_Cyenen chuckles softly and walks towards the door, belting the scimitar around her waist "It is good to carry a blade again... *grins* your family must be missing you?"

<[PC]_Lystos> "Well, I have seen my mother, but father is... occupied. Being the Marquis of a country that is always on the brink of war can be time-consuming. But, if luck has it, we may find the both of them unoccupied."

<[PC]_Cyenen> "Then let us pay them a visit.. it has been long since I was able to really sit down and speak with someone. I should think it might be a good thing to relax"

<[PC]_Lystos> "Indeed. Shall we get Makal before we are off? Wait...Perhaps it is best if she stays where she is. I am sure that mother is inconsolable about the state of the house after a strange girl smashed her way through it."

* [PC]_Cyenen chuckles "Up to you my friend. I should wish to clean up however."

* [PC]_Lystos sighs. "Makal, I hope that you left something of my house standing..." He turns to Cyenen. "Let's go."

* [PC]_Cyenen follows him chuckling to herself "A woman on a mission... with a mace..and hired guards... BAD combination"

* [PC]_Lystos starts walking towards the main gate, motioning for Cyenen to follow. "I have not seen Valen for nigh on two years." He chuckles. "It was good to speak to him."

<[PC]_Cyenen> "Human males... no respect!"

* [PC]_Lystos turns to Cyenen in astonishment. "Hold your tongue! That man has seen more wars than both of us put together... His two children, Myra and Jesse, should be about six now. Hehe... They call me 'Uncle Lystos'."

* [PC]_Cyenen nods her head and keeps her comments about the vulgarity of human males to herself

<[PC]_Lystos> "You know, his wife was an elf. That is how he knows the language. She is... gone now, though."

<[PC]_Cyenen> "I see. how did she.. die?"

* [PC]_Lystos turns to Cyenen in astonishment. "Dead? Oh, she's not dead. She simply grew tired of the city. She left him to raise those two children alone, that blasted woman..."

<[PC]_Cyenen> "I... see. What was her name?" She continues walking with him, getting closer to his estate, keeping her gaze focused in front of her, staying aware.

* [PC]_Lystos ponders for a moment. "...Kyria, I believe. Kyri-- something or other... Bah, it is of no importance. What is important is that she cleaned him out when she left him. Took all of his gold. That is how I know him. I funded his store, and helped him get off of the ground once again."

<[DM]_Hatter> The party closely nears up on the Estate of which owned by Lystos, a fairly large estate that would be beautiful if it were not for the fact that two guards lay in the street at the main gate - a tree toppled over by a guard's body nearby and several other points of chaos sprayed across the landscape nearby.

<[PC]_Lystos> "And... and... Oh, NO!" He runs up to the lawn.

* [PC]_Lystos 's eyes widen in horror and he turns slowly to Cyenen. "You... have no idea... how angry... my mother will be. She spent fifteen years growing that tree." He shakes his head. "She will recover, but she will most definitely need an ale or two."

<[PC]_Cyenen> "Makal... it seems... has.. made quite a mess of things.."

* [PC]_Lystos looks down to a guard, passed out at his feet. "Dragon kin... truly amazing." He walks up to the front door...and sees that it has been caved outward.

* [PC]_Cyenen follows Lystos, stepping forward and mutters "Oh...my... Lystos.."

<[PC]_Lystos> "By Pelor..." He turns to Cyenen. "That door was reinforced with three layers of plate steel." He turns back to the gaping hole where the front door was and scratches his head. "I will suggest to mother that this may be a good time to remodel..."

<[PC]_Cyenen> "Maybe, it was a bad idea to visit your family? If this is what happened to the outside... I daresay I am afraid of what lies inside.."

<[PC]_Lystos> "Curiosity, I believe, has piqued my interest." He steps inside and looks around

<[DM]_Hatter> Across the room lays several guards on the ground, a few minor holds and cracks in the walls themselves as several doors seem to be broken off by the bodies of the guards as they flew trying to stop Makal from leaving the Estate.

* [PC]_Lystos pauses for a moment, then begins laughing hysterically.

* [PC]_Cyenen 's eyes widen and she begins to laugh as well, wondering what the Marquise must be thinking about the type of "friends" his son brings home

<[PC]_Lystos> "HAHA! Oh, mother is going to be *so* angry! Haha... I... erm... I guess I should not laugh..."

<[PC]_Cyenen> "I wonder how you will explain this one.. I am sorry mother, but I guess the poor girl didnt know her own strength? Let us hope your parents have a strong sense of humor.."

<[DM]_Hatter> One of the guards stumble out of the one of the broken doors holding his arm in pain as it appeared to be bending the wrong direction and coughs slightly "Sir... Did you have us guard a lady that... didn't need guarding...?"

* [PC]_Lystos looks at the guard. "Apparently so, guard. I hope that she killed no-one..."

<[DM]_Hatter> The guard shook his head "She took great care in throwing us rather than hitting us very hard... I fear for your poor father, he grabbed her by the arm and she threw him half way across the court yard."

* [PC]_Cyenen goes pale and looks at Lystos with a worried look on her face

<[PC]_Lystos> "Oh, no... Father.... Guard, try and find my mother. If she is injured, call for a medic." He turns to Cyenen. "The courtyard. NOW."

* [PC]_Lystos sprints through the shattered halls to the door to the courtyard.

<[DM]_Hatter> The guard limps up the steps slowly in search of the madam with a pace of that of a war veteran whom earned the purple heart, slow and steady.

* [PC]_Cyenen follows Lystos on his heels and glances around trying to find a crumpled body...

* [PC]_Lystos exits hurriedly into the courtyard, and looks around, trying to find his father.

<[DM]_Hatter> The courtyard, the worst point of the disaster as she started her breakout in this area, having guards slumped on top of the walls, laying in the fountain, in the bushes and his father limping around examining the damages of what had happened "What in Pelor did Lystos bring home?! A furious beast in Elven skin?!"

* [PC]_Cyenen shoots a glance at Lystos before moving slightly behind him, worried for her safety.

<[PC]_Lystos> "Father!" He runs up to Vilnius, grabbing him by the shoulders. "Father! Are you injured?"

* [PC]_Cyenen stands back, holding herself with grace, but trying to seem inconspicuous.

<[DM]_Hatter> Vilnius shrugged Lystos softly "Bah! It takes more than a woman to injury me even at my age! But... Damn, she can swing a mace... Asmond, our guard captain, was sent over the main wall with one hit! It was marvelous!"

* [PC]_Lystos stands up straight again. "Thank Pelor. We'll check on him in a minute... Dad, where did you see mother last? I sent the last remaining guard to search for her..."

<[DM]_Hatter> Vilnius laughed whole heartedly "Mother is gone, she left for her sister's estate a mere two hours before this fiasco started! What remaining guard? I sent the remaining guard to chase her down and apparently, they must have failed horribly."

<[PC]_Lystos> "Well, that is -- Wait a moment... There was only one guard left standing, and I spoke to him in the foyer."

* [PC]_Cyenen raises her eyebrows. “Amin eos Maienseo.” (I will check) She moves back into the manor, pulling the scimitar from the sheath, and wheeling it through the air, testing it in her hands. It would be a good weapon.

<[DM]_Hatter> Vilnius gives a heavy sigh "He probably got thrown off of her from trying to keep her in the estate... What is she? Where did you pick up such a lass that can take out every single one of our guards like that?"

]* [PC]_Lystos sighs. "She is a dragon kin, dad; part-elf, part-dragon, all rage. Of course, I did not know the rage bit until this little happening..."

<[DM]_Hatter> Vilnius lets out a heavy sigh and puts a hand on Lystos' shoulder "If you are to wed the dragon-kin, please... Do not tell your mother about this incident, she would be questioning your sanity further than we already do..."

* [PC]_Cyenen walks back out into the courtyard and calls to Lystos "Uuma dela Lystos. Maien quel." (Do not worry Lystos.. It looks fine.)

* [PC]_Lystos nods to Cyenen and sighs. "Dad..."

<[PC]_Lystos> "Do you need medical attention, dad? Is anything broken, hurting at all?"

<[DM]_Hatter> Vilnius looks at him with a strange look "You... are considering... marrying the dragon-kin?" with those words he waves his hand at the medical attention "I didn't need it with the dragon, Vallanrus threw me half way across the ocean and I don't need it now."

* [PC]_Cyenen jerks her head up at the mention of "the dragon" but composes herself and calls to Lystos "Should I... go and wait with Makal?"

<[PC]_Lystos> "What? I did not say..." He stammers a bit, catching himself. "Dad, she is a friend, that is all... and how in Pelor's name will we get this place fixed up again before Mom gets back? Weeks of reconstruction will not be adequate..."

* [PC]_Lystos turns to Cyenen "No. No, Cyenen, that will not be necessary. We will depart soon. First, however..."

<[DM]_Hatter> Vilnius laughs heavily at the time estimated "Its been a while since you been home... An enchantment was placed on the house by an old friend and the house repairs itself to an extent and it will not matter too much - should come together within a week..."

* [PC]_Cyenen chuckles softly and decides it is safe to approach the marquise.

* [PC]_Lystos is shocked. "Oh. Well, that is... that's good news." He turns to Cyenen. "Dad, this is Cyenen. She is another friend... I do not believe that she will destroy anything, however."

* [PC]_Cyenen bows her head slightly to the Marquise. " Cyenen Rydari of Lothlien.. please to meet your grace."

<[DM]_Hatter> Vilnius looks onto Cyenen with a quirked brow "I am Vilnius Harken of Ostia. No need to bow..." his gaze changes to Lystos leaning over to him whispering "Do I dare question why you have two females of both Elven descent and very charming with you? Are you involved with both of them in the romantics or is it more of a physical?"

* [PC]_Lystos 's eyes widen. "Dad! For the love of Pelor, this girl would sooner kill me where I stood, much less do anything else, and the last one..." He waves around. "Did this!"

* [PC]_Cyenen chuckles softly. "If it is not so bold to say, Marquise, I am a simple friend, we happen to be journeying together... nothing more. But I highly thank you for your compliments..."

<[PC]_Lystos> "So, no, Dad, I do not believe that my companions are sexual in nature." He turns to Cyenen. "Why do you chuckle?"

<[PC]_Cyenen> "I find your father, extremely funny. It seems that he finds more humor in this situation than you do! I think we will get along!"

<[DM]_Hatter> Vilnius shrugs "You never know a woman's true intentions until they get you in private quarters... I remember your mother being a quiet and innocent soul until she locked me in her room for a night without her father's blessing..."

<[PC]_Lystos> "DAD!" His eyes grow sharp.

* [PC]_Cyenen laughs and takes the Marquise' arm. "It seems we both find this funny, your grace!"

* [PC]_Lystos turns to Cyenen, then to his father, then laughs out loud. "...There are no words." He then walks out of earshot. "I shall check on Asmond. I will return..."

<[DM]_Hatter> Vilnius laughs and nods in agreement "Yes.. Yes, we do..." leans over to Cyenen whispering "He never wishes to tell me anything, do you know any happenings of the nature I speak of with him and the young dragon-kin?"

<[PC]_Cyenen> "Oh I do. Another of our companions... was married to her. But I am afraid it was a ruse, and now, it seems as if your poor son, has taken a liking to her. Succumbed to her charms." <[DM]_Hatter> Vilnius leads Cyenen to one of the stone benches that still exist from the chaos at went on and offers her a seat as he sits down "So... He fell in love with a woman that supposedly married to another man and now, she is working her charms on him?"

<[PC]_Cyenen> "I do not know how he feels for her. I simply know that he sees another when looking into her eyes. I do not know how she feels for him besides being indebted, and feeling as if he is her only friend. But there is something between them my lord."

<[DM]_Hatter> "He sees another..? Could it be Samantha, whom he spoke of - I met only once and he disappears for a bloody forsaken amount of time..." Vilnius gives a heavy sigh "Do you know what this young dragon-kin is by chance? She works a mace like a warrior but her strength was incomprehensible..."

<[PC]_Cyenen> "her name is Makal. She was involved with Bahamut, but, i believe Pelor saved her. I am not sure WHAT she is... besides being half elf, half dragon. "

<[DM]_Hatter> "Makal... Of the dragons..?" Vilnius looks puzzled for a moment

<[PC]_Cyenen> "She is a princess."

<[DM]_Hatter> "...You jest...I hope..."

<[PC]_Cyenen> "No... I don’t. You spoke of Vallanrus earlier? Yes, well, it seems that we are also involved with him.. in fact, he has taken a liking to me.. in a way that... he wants me to be his... partner.."

<[DM]_Hatter> Vilnius falls off of the stone bench backwards with laughter "Vallanrus!! HAHA! That dragon bastard!! His daughter is heir to the throne!! His brother from what others say including the commoners say he doesn't haven't a thought of what his brother did!"

<[PC]_Cyenen> "Makal.. is Vallanrus'... daughter?"

<[PC]_Cyenen> "A!! Tua amin!!" (OH! Help me!!)

<[DM]_Hatter> "If that be the princess' name then yes, that would be Vallanrus' daughter from his brother's wife. A lovely event... He is exiled and he manages to still cause a suitable amount of hidden chaos..."

<[PC]_Cyenen> "THAT is the reason he was exiled?"

<[DM]_Hatter> "No, no no... He was EXILED for treason but that’s a long story..."

* [PC]_Cyenen stands up swiftly from her seat on the bench, and helps the Marquise to his feet

* [PC]_Lystos can be seen dragging Asmond into the house, on the opposite end of the courtyard.

<[PC]_Cyenen> "I do believe we have a lot to talk about my liege.. These things seem prudent...”

<[DM]_Hatter> Vilnius takes her hand raising to his feet dusting himself off turning to see faintly on the other side of the courtyard "Lystos, does he live or are you dragging the body of Asmond for a funeral?"

* [PC]_Lystos exits the house, after putting Asmond in a bed, and walks over to his father and Cyenen. "No, he is quite alive -- alive enough to curse 'that blasted girl.' He said much worse, but I shan't repeat it."

* [PC]_Cyenen laughs halfheartedly "Lystos, it seems there is much to discuss...about Makal... and Vallanrus."

<[DM]_Hatter> "He isn't used to be thrown over a wall into the neighboring street with one hit! He is quite accustomed to being able to handle the threat but apparently, this threat... Happened to take him for a trip this time..."

<[PC]_Lystos> "Apparently, Dad." He turns to Cyenen. "What about her?"

<[PC]_Cyenen> "She seems to be, Vallanrus'... DAUGHTER."

* [PC]_Lystos 's eyes widen. "...That is... definitely... news to me..." He seems shell-shocked.

<[PC]_Cyenen> "Quite."

* [PC]_Cyenen looks over at the Marquise, then back at Lystos, then sits on the bench and laughs

<[PC]_Cyenen> "It seems... that we... are in quite... of a mess here...."

* [PC]_Lystos 's gaze is frozen on the wall behind where Cyenen was standing.

<[PC]_Lystos> "A mess does not even begin to describe it."

<[DM]_Hatter> "Vallanrus claims to have been exiled for a few life times but in truth, his exile never officially begun until he committed treason by throwing a somewhat important priest whom was the only one to have had knowledge of the Tiamat ritual off of the main tower..." Vilnius laughs "I was told by close dragon whom lives in town about the chaos it caused."

<[PC]_Cyenen> "A dragon... wants ME... Lystos... wants the dragons DAUGHTER!!" *laughs in bell like tones until tears form in her eyes*

* [PC]_Lystos slowly turns to Cyenen. "This is humorous to you, is it not?"

<[DM]_Hatter> A small bird flies to Vilnius with a note attached to its ankle as Vilnius pulls the letter from its flight allowing it to continue undisturbed "Ah... The another letter..."

* [PC]_Lystos sighs.

<[PC]_Cyenen> "I find the humor in it Lystos. At least YOU do not have a dragon pining after you like some love struck fool! *chuckles* "I am sure, that things are not grave ALL the time..."

* [PC]_Lystos nods. "You speak truth there." He turns to his father. "From whom?"

* [PC]_Cyenen stands up from her spot on the bench and walks over to Lystos, turning towards the Marquise, composing herself

<[DM]_Hatter> Vilnius clears his throat "To the Lord Harken of Ostia, The news on this island is grim. The princess has gone missing soon after the discovery of a man whom was heir to the throne was spotted in the docks... He was spotted with a half-elf male, an Elven female and a rogue. The rogue lies dead in the streets. They were last seen sailing to Ostia. Any information you gather will be appreciated. Signed, Maxwell. Ah... He seems to be quite concerned..."

* [PC]_Lystos turns to Cyenen.

* [PC]_Cyenen sighs

<[PC]_Cyenen> "and THIS is why I made her stay on the island!"

<[DM]_Hatter> Vilnius looks at the two then scratches his head for a moment "Hm... Maybe it would be best if you get your friend and spend the night here... I can send out letters during that time to cover your tracks and keep everyone happy."

* [PC]_Lystos nods. "That sounds like a plan. We certainly have enough beds. Well, *had.*"

<[PC]_Cyenen> "That would be very much appreciated your grace. I would like to clean up a bit.. it has been a long while since I have been able to change out of these clothes.."

<[PC]_Lystos> "And we have some catching-up to do, father. I would very much like to hear the goings-on here at home."

<[DM]_Hatter> A second bird flies in, an extremely large owl with a package and a letter attached "What in the blazes... I swear, Lystos... This gets ridiculous some days... Five and six birds flying through this blasted place and not a single one of them bring good news..." he says as he pulls the package off of the owl with the note shooing away the owl

* [PC]_Lystos shrugs.

<[DM]_Hatter> He opens to package first seeing a large some of platinum coins sprayed inside the leather boxing "Well... Someone is generous..." he reads the letter while staring at the coins "Heh... This is good news. Someone says to have spotted the ship carrying the 'princess' to the northern tribes... Please do stay the night even though you are somewhat safe."

<[PC]_Cyenen> "What? I am sorry, please, what does the letter say?"

<[DM]_Hatter> Vilnius looks at her with grin "The Platinum in this box is from my personal horde, this letter is to ensure that all know of my daughter's whereabouts are to be unknown to even myself. A ship heading for the northern ice was seen sailing with several captives, one with the likeness of my dear daughter, it is to remain this way. Signed, Vallanrus of the Sea."

* [PC]_Lystos 's face becomes relaxed once again.

<[PC]_Lystos> "At least he will not be hunting for us."

* [PC]_Cyenen looks down in shock "Vallanrus... is protecting us?"

<[PC]_Lystos> "It seems so. Come. We must retrieve Makal, and return here. We will bring her on her quest tomorrow. It is far too late in the day to set sail, anyway." He turns to his father. "Dad, we will be back as soon as possible, with Makal in tow. If any guards come to... well, you will think of something." He smiles at his father.

<[DM]_Hatter> Vilnius sits back down on his stone bench and sighs "If any guards come... I'm sending their arses back to the academy for training..." he gives a heavy sigh

* [PC]_Lystos laughs out loud. "Cyenen, would you like to come along? ...or perhaps my father would find more happiness in sharing your company?"

* [PC]_Cyenen looks at the marquise, and looks at Lystos “ I do not want your son getting into trouble. It seems I have had to save his "arse" *uses quotations* quite a few times lately"

<[DM]_Hatter> Vilnius gives a smile "It would be pleasant to have someone to actually be able to defend me if something would to come up... Bloody useless guards..."

* [PC]_Lystos nods. "I shall return with Makal posthaste. You might want to try waking up a few guards, too, Cyenen. For safety's sake."

* [PC]_Cyenen chuckles calmly "GO Lystos. Before I have to show you what HASTE means." She turns back to Marquise "It seems I should try to wake some of these useless guards huh?"

<[DM]_Hatter> "Give them a swift kick to the head if they do not wake up from mere calls or shakes..."

* [PC]_Lystos begins walking towards the capital, heading for the docks. "Heh... Dad is incorrigible. Always wanting grandchildren." He smiles and chuckles.

* [PC]_Cyenen busies herself with waking and reviving the guards and helping the Marquise putting things in order

<[DM]_Hatter> Makal looks up to the sky with her arms folded in front of the Bahamut temple with town guards moving bodies out of the building investigating the scene further. The day had so quickly turned to night as if it were meant to be a starry night for the moments she waits "...My friend..."

* [PC]_Lystos walks up to Makal. "You did not read my note. It's Lystos. Lystos Harken." He smiles a bit. He turns to the temple. "That was a mess..."

<[DM]_Hatter> Makal turns her head to Lystos "A mess indeed... Lystos... I am gravely sorry for what I did... I have felt guilty for it since I calmed down and I shouldn't have beaten so many guards..."

* [PC]_Lystos shakes his head lightly. "No need to apologize. It is their job to be beaten for my family's sake."

<[DM]_Hatter> Makal looks down with guilt and sighs "The old man... He grabbed my arm... I hope I didn't hurt him... I wish he didn't grab me when I was in that state..."

<[PC]_Lystos> "Hah. Vilnius. My father is an old coot, but he is stronger than he seems. You did not injure him, thank Pelor."

<[DM]_Hatter> "Lystos... You have forgiven me for so much... I do not know what to say... I destroyed your home... Left your guards in shambles... Accidentally took down a beautiful tree..." her eyes well up slightly "I might have even killed one or two..."

* [PC]_Lystos places a hand on her shoulder. "Oh, don't cry. It is fine. We all live, none are seriously wounded, and all of the damage is repairable. The trees, too, can be replaced."

<[DM]_Hatter> Makal wraps both arms around him "You... lent me your cloak... You tried to save me and yet I have done nothing but cause your group agony..." a few tears drop within the starlight as she puts her forehead to his chest.

* [PC]_Lystos is stunned, his arms slightly akimbo above her small frame. He lowers them to her back. "Shh. There is nothing to forgive." He is taken back, to those few years ago. The last time he held Samantha.

<[DM]_Hatter> "I have done so much wrong... Adonis wants me to die... The Elven woman... She loathes me... All because of my actions..." Makal looks up at Lystos with tear-filled eyes "Yet... You... You kept me safe... You... left your cloak on me when you went..."

* [PC]_Lystos looks down at her. "It was the least I could do. I could not let you freeze in that cabin, Makal."

<[PC]_Lystos> "You... remind me of someone... too closely for me to let anything happen to you."

<[DM]_Hatter> "So... Where do we go? It’s dark... It’s cold... I'm hungry... And... Never mind..." Makal releases her arms and just gives a smile.

* [PC]_Lystos releases his arms from her as she releases hers from him. "We return to my estate. Everyone is waiting there... well, nearly everyone. We will rest, eat, drink, and be merry, and tomorrow, we will begin your quest. The hour is late. Let us be off. I shall escort you." He extends his hand for her to take.

<[DM]_Hatter> Makal blushes somewhat and places her hand in his looking around quickly "Doesn't... Pelor frown upon a priestess and a man walking with hands joined..?"

* [PC]_Lystos looks down to her and smiles slyly. "I was not aware. If you find it unpleasant, feel free to release my hand. If you do not, then it may stay. It is your decision."

<[DM]_Hatter> "...It will stay..."

* [PC]_Lystos smiles broadly. "Then it will stay. And we will go. Come." He leads her forward, toward the city gates, in the direction of his villa.

<[DM]_Hatter> Makal slowly walks beside him, flipping her hood up quickly to mask her face from the public "I do not know if this place knows my face... I would be scared if to be recognized and it got back to father..."

* [PC]_Lystos nods. "I agree." He reaches for his hood and drapes it over his head. "Let me put mine on, as well. We will be anonymous together." Becoming wary, he glances around, and, seeing nothing particularly dangerous, slows for Makal.

<[DM]_Hatter> The two slowly come upon the Estate with a sight to see that the door had been put back on its hinges and the destroyed garden was no longer as destroyed, the tree still laughing on the ground where the guard had been put through it but a guard is seen examining the tree and area for further damages.