[Alliance] Chapter Two: Session Eight
July 13th
Vel and Gil were invited into the manor of Zendarin and Sinestra. The manor itself is not quite as magnificent as some of the other manors that had been seen. Sinestra leads them in. There are a number of servants, but not many.
Sinestra turns back to the pair, and she bows her head and asks them to wait there as she informs Zendarin and the servants that two new guests would be present. She leaves them alone for a moment.
There are a few knick-knacks and books around. Vel goes to investigate the shelves, while Gil looks at the books at the table. Gil does happen to spy an intricate hookah, and there is a book about the basics of alchemy that seems to have a bookmark in it. There is also an empty glass on the table.
Gil doesn’t pry too much as he doesn’t want to be too intrusive, but he does happen to glimpse a case in the corner of the room. Inside is a display with a bunch of insects pinned neatly inside it. It’s mostly butterflies, as well as moths and some spiders of various breeds. Some are venomous. Suspended from the ceiling is also a dragonhawk skeleton, and in the hallway leading in there were some other arranged skeletons.
Vel, meanwhile, is taking a quick look at the titles of the books. There are a few books on anatomy, but there is nothing written by Kel’Thuzad. There is something of a sigh and a scoff as Kel’Thuzad mentally “comments” on the books on anatomy present. All of them are Thalassian in make.
As the pair are browsing, they hear a door open. They turn, and a young elven boy with dark freckles and amber eyes with scraggly orange hair opens the door for them. He greets them, and leads them to the dining room.
It’s a modest, circular dining room. It’s very tall, and the first thing they notice is a tree that grows up against the wall. It’s a darkwood tree, and the leaves have autumnal shades. There is a pristine, round table in the center. Sitting at the table already is Sinestra, as well as the blonde, well-kept man that is her husband, Zendarin. He stands and gestures with both hands.
He mentioned he had been wondering when he was going to meet them, but mentioned he was not surprised that it took their aunts so long to allow them to come meet their kin.
The first course is a salad and breadsticks.
Zendarin asks to what he owes the pleasure, and Vel expresses that they wanted to simply see how they were doing considering circumstances. Zendarin mentions that they were friends, and he admired him for speaking his mind.
However, Zendarin points out that it’s a curious thing that the twins arrived when they did. They’ve never showed up before this, Zendarin implies that they think he’s guilty. Vel and Gil rebuff that statement.
Sinestra sighs and cuts off Zendarin, saying that this conversation CAN wait. Turns out most/a lot of the Taxidermy is Sinestra’s-- her proficiency for alchemy lends well to the trade. Vel and Sinestra start small talking about Dalaran, anatomy, and the like. Gil chimes in as well-- he is able to share in what he’s seen in the while. Surprisingly! The boy twin keeps up.
The second course arrived, dragonhawk steak. It was delicious!
Zendarin, throughout the meal, watched the twins with a great degree of skepticism. Once they were digesting, Zendarin brings up the topic of their father. He also passes along condolences for the loss of their mother. Lirath kept up with his music, even if he did become a Farstrider.
Vel then tosses Gil under the bus and mentions his instrumental skills. Gil agreed to play and they head deeper into the manor in a room on the third floor. The room had a balcony and generally pretty atmosphere with a makeshift stage before them.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyFJRCR2J5s
Gil doesn’t tank it! He improvised a lovely tune, to the point where Sinestra clasps her hand in with Zendarin’s. As Gil finished up, spectral leaves begin to fall around him. His new lute is heckin’ useful.
Zendarin compliments his kin and gestures for him to take a seat beside Vel. Zen inquired about Gil and his mission being here, seeing as he was a Farstrider. Vel mentioned that they’re trying to gather clues. Zen mentions that Dar’khan was the last guest who was there, he was at the manor the day he died. They discussed tax law and magisterial duties for various territories. It’s mentioned that Dar’Khan often discussed important moments. DK wanted to use Zen as a mouthpiece for the Warlock situation, to drum up support. Zen, like many, underestimated DK.
Zen did not believe the Warlocks were the GREATEST threat, but he agreed that there was likely a traitor within the Magistrate. When prompted, he could not think of anyone who he “rubbed the wrong way” or made enemies with. Zen mentioned, too, that perhaps a jaded ex-lover may have had a hand.
“That is a can of worms, itself, my friend” - Zen when mentioning the relationship between Kilnar and DK. He mentioned that many think she may have had a hand in it.
“The more someone knows, the more likely they are to want to know more.” Zen stated in discussion with Vel. They discuss ambition is what got the magister got him killed. Vel seemed to be on the same page.
Gil, examining Zen, notes that his cousin is holding something back. The topic of what, though? Out of his reach.
Magister Rommath is noted as someone who has a greater ambition. Rommath was cross with Kael’Thas 20 years ago when Kael made/gave someone else a seat on the council.
The Drathir manor fire was mentioned, as Zen gave the hint that clues would be there. Perhaps his childhood home? Drathir did not live in the city until after the Troll War. He lived and studied at Dawnstar Spire.
The Spire was between 20 - 30 miles from the Farstrider Enclave from Season One where the gang met up with Vareesa. It’s close to the former Trolllands of __NAME___, it’s close to a small town where Drathir grew up.
Zen seems to be holding things back, still. Either way, Vel thanked her cousin for his time. Zen invites them back, hopefully with less BUSINESS. Sinestra offered to help Vel with Alchemy in the future, if she would ever be interested.
OH MY GOD WHAT ARE TENSES
At Vel’s handshake in leaving, Zen actually recoiled at her cold hands. He notes them, but says little.
As soon as they get farther away, Gil and Vel touch base about Zen withholding information. She notes that Zen inferred Kilnar in the crime. Gil thinks he’s more involved than what he’s leading on. Vel supposes, but notes that he wouldn’t have much to gain by releasing Warlocks into the city.
Gil and Vel begin to bicker about seeing the whole picture or focusing on one thing at a time. “The quickest way to untie a knot is to cut in in half!”
‘That will leave a lot of people killed.”
“I HAVE FAITH IN US!” Gil announces.
Vel, before leaving, gives Gil the coin she received from the con man. She stated that she was on her way to Kilnar’s and for Gil to inform the others about what was found. Vel also notes that Kilnar is far too smart to be so sloppy, as all points seem to lead to her.
0:36
Announcement
0:41
Meanwhile, Uther and Arator had headed to one of the chapels of the Holy Light in Silvermoon. They pass through the Dusk District, and they see a lot of people already engaging in night-time activities such as “escorts” and gambling.
Arator is trying extra hard to keep his eyes to himself. He had sent a glance at a particularly beautiful elf woman, and she winked, and his eyes snapped forward again and his ears flush red.
Uther comments they had seen combat, this can’t possibly make him uncomfortable. Arator starts to respond, and just then the woman approaches and he mutters “by the Light”. She encourages him that she is more interesting than the cobblestone, and then Arator asks if they can help her with everything, and she said that she could ask the same thing.
Uther mentions that “the littlest of whiles would be slightly too long,” and comments that she’s beautiful enough that she won’t be wanting for company for long.
They start to walk away, and the woman waves, but Uther finds himself going through his schedule and realizing that he… maybe could find some time to come back later. Possibly.
They pass a grass path that is likely used by mounts to get through the city.
However, Uther isn’t thinking about that. He’s thinking about that girl. And he almost walks directly into the path of a hawkstrider in the process. Arator asks if he’s alright, and he says that he was fine, and they should keep on their way.
They head to the main chapel that is north of Falconwing Square. It is not nearly as grand as the Cathedral of the Holy Light in Lordaeron, but it has the elvish flair to it.
As they enter, they see a woman with a crooked nose speaking with another man. The man places a small amount of holy water on her forehead before seeing her off. Another man is nearby, physically sweeping with a broom, which is rare for Silvermoon.
Arator and Uther approach the sweeping man, and he looks up. He then puts a small pair of spectacles on, and he welcomes them to the church as it isn’t often that Knights of the Silver Hand come so far north.
Uther expresses they were in Silvermoon on unrelated business, but had thought to stop by and see if they could help. The man introduces himself as Brother Ponaris, and he mentions that some of their acolytes were fetching some supplies for a small midsummer festival, but given they were not there, there were some mundane tasks that needed to be done.
He didn’t wish to ask a knight, but he’s a bit low on hands presently.
Uther states that no one is above the most menial of tasks and they would be happy to assist. They help to sweep and move around a few crates and such over the next couple over.
Ponaris thanks them at one point, and had asked them their names. Uther introduces himself, and Ponaris recognizes the name immediately as the Prince of Lordaeron. He also recognizes the name “Windrunner” when Arator introduces himself.
The other priest that was working is Brother Galell, who they were also introduced to.
After some time, Brother Ponaris continues to look outside, as if waiting for something. Uther mentions he seems troubled, and Ponaris mentions the acolytes were not back yet but they should have been back. He just sent them to Falconwing Square. Granted, there was plenty to do, and men their age tend to get distracted by… all sorts of things.
Uther mentions that he and Arator could try to go find them for him, and Ponaris mentions they were headed to a small general store in Falconwing Square. It was called the Dawnfeast Emporium.
The pair head off, and they arrive right around dinner time. The market is jumping. There is a scantily-clad male dancer performing, and a patrol of the Guardians of Eternal Spring. Uther is able to follow the street signs pretty well.
However, Uther starts to see a crowd forming in the distance as they make their way. Arator asks what that’s all about, and Uther returns it would be hard for them to find that out from here.
At that moment, echoing in a loud, androgynous voice, an arcane construct calling for a citizen to halt, as they are under arrest. It then says “resisting arrest. Activating termination protocols.”
The crowd starts to scream and run, and the blue crystal in its chest glows red. It’s walking toward a young man in priestly garb. It raises its hand to strike at the acolyte, but the acolyte says a prayer and holds his hand up, casting Blessing of Salvation. He then cowers beyond the magical, divine ward. As the construct tries to attack, it fails to do so, blocked by the ward.
Construct: “Error.”
It then looks at the nearest civilian.
Construct: “Accomplice detected.”
It rushes in, and then drops the bystander in one strike. It then attacks a second bystander, and drops the second one. It was a kid, probably no more than 14 or 15, and he seemed completely crushed by the attack.
The nearby Guardians of Eternal Spring are trying to control it, but the construct turns toward it with a statement of “Error. Counterfeit amulet detected,” and then charges for the Guardians next.
Arator looks at Uther, says they need to help them, and immediately runs for the construct. He uses his channel divinity, allowed everyone around him to be able to take the dodge action as a bonus action. The Guardians try to pile on the construct, and Uther also runs in.
Uther quickens a greenflame blade, but misses, but then follows up with a smite, which smashes into the construct. However, his third blow gets blocked by the creature’s arm.
Arator follows up, but it also blocks his blow.
Meanwhile, the acolyte continues to pray, and Uther and Arator feel a soft blessing upon the two of them. The Guardians continue to attack, and the arcane construct turns on Uther and Arator, and points its hands at the two of them. Uther is able to withstand the hold person, but Arator is paralyzed.
One of the guards manages to land a hit, and connects with the core, knocking the constructs concentration free, which releases Arator. He then looks at Uther and tries to distract the construct, helping Uther out.
The construct tries to attack Uther, and it goes wide with both its blows.
The guard that landed before continues to strike true, scoring another strong hit. The acolyte, meanwhile, runs away, after shouting “good luck!” to the group.
Uther’s greatsword is wreathed in holy energy as he channels the Light, and he slams the blade into its crystal core. It tumbles over, and he continues swinging his greatsword into it, channeling more holy energy. It swings at Uther, missing once, but then smashes into his armor. However, a holy shield around him shatters, as the temporary hit points he acquired from his interaction with the shard dissipate.
The guards continue to attack, pinging hits off of the construct.
Uther then follows up, his sword keening as he drives through the middle of the construct, slicing it in half.
The Guardians go to check on the bystanders that were hit, and the kid was beyond saving, but the other was stabilized. They thank Uther, and Uther mentions this probably doesn’t happen often. The Guardians agree, and mentions the amulet had failed… somehow. Despite the fact that the amulet was new.
He then mentions that this is the third construct that’s gone rogue, and Uther asks who is responsible for enchanting the amulets normally, but the Guardian doesn’t have any information. It’s a bit above his pay grade. However, he also said that if they were to stop by Morningtide Hold later, they would get compensated.
Uther glances at the dead kid, and mentions that any pay they should be given should go to the kid’s family instead. The Guardians acknowledge it and set about their business.
The acolyte also thanks Uther and Arator for their help, and Uther mentions that Brother Ponaris had been worried. The acolyte said he didn’t do anything, but he got helped. Uther said he could explain later.
They return to the chapel, and Ponaris sends the young acolyte off to dress his wounds. The rest of the acolytes had also returned.
Ponaris continues to thank Uther and Arator for their help, and Gallel also approaches and expresses the same. Uther says “Light protect you” and states if they could do anything for them, they would let them know.
1:35
Uther and Arator turn to leave, but just outside Gallel approaches again. He correctly identifies they are looking into the assassination of Dar’khan, and explains he and Liadrin are close, which is why he knew about it. He heard that Queen Menethil had arrived, and said he could help. Dar’khan had saved his life, Liadrin’s, and Lor’themar’s life once. They had gotten into a scuffle with trolls once.
But, if Uther needed anything, he would help in whatever ways he could. He was busy over the next few days, but if Uther got in touch with him in a few days, he can maybe help.
Gallel then goes back in.
At that point, Uther gets a Sending from Vel.
"More daggers have been found in the underground. I acquired information. Inform others as you see them. We were held up."
Uther fills her in, briefly, that they also got some information. She does not respond, but there’s really no reason to.
They then start to head back toward their home base, but Uther starts to veer down an alley. Arator mentions that it isn’t the fastest way home, and maybe he should lead.
The suggestion from the woman from before is strong.
Uther tells Arator he can go on. He can find his way back to the Spire, fine. Arator is hesitant, but steps away. Uther turns to go back in the direction he had last seen the woman.
Arator then runs after him, and asks again. Uther is pretty sure he’s fine. Arator, however, goes and touches his shoulder. There is a flash of anger for a moment, but then it’s gone.
Arator raises an eyebrow. “Are you alright, Uther?”
Uther: “I think I am… now.”
Arator: “Uther. Were you going to meet with that woman from earlier?”
Uther: “That was exactly what I was going to do.”
Arator: “That spell shouldn’t have done anything unless the creature was otherworldly in nature. She may have been a demon.”
Uther comments that she still thinks he is under her spell, and that it could be another lead. He persuades Arator to come with him to pursue it.
1:45
Meanwhile, back with Tess and Vincent. They had finished up with Rorha. Vincent goes and buys some potions, along with Tess. They find two potion stores. One is Tinah’s Tinctures, which is a lot calmer, and the other is one run by the alchemist guild, named Sundew, and it seems to be a bit higher quality.
Inside is an older gentleman who is counting coins very. Very. VERY. Slowly. Vincent waits until he finishes his first stack, but then he immediately goes into another stack, and Vincent interrupts him. He doesn’t stop until he finishes the second stack so he “doesn’t lose track” and *then* greets them.
He mentions he hopes they have sufficient coin for where they are browsing, and Vincent reassures him they do. The man then goes back to counting after saying he is there for questions if needed.
They find all sorts of things. There is every type of healing potion, as well as a variety of other potions. There is also some jewelry, both enchanted and mundane. It’s all very extra.
Vincent’s eye is twitching. Tess notices.
Vince just goes and buys 2 healing potions, as does Tess.
They go over to man and he starts counting out all 200 gp very. Slowly. Vincent comments on how slowly he’s going, and the man mentions they look like rather… unscrupulous folk.
Vincent jabs that he’s observant and the man just says “you’re right.”
He then uses identify, as a ritual, for every stack of 10 coins. It takes the better part of 2.5 hours. Tess amuses herself as much as possible by memorizing the types of potions available. She rattles them off to Vincent as they leave.
They hear about the encounter with the arcane construct, and they ask around. They are able to glean that a human and a half elf paladin had taken care of it, and they immediately know who it was. The arcane construct situation is rather strange, but then they decide to head back to report in.
2:02
Vincent and Tess arrive around 8, but it doesn’t seem that Uther is there as they report in with Jaina. Gil also meets up with them, and he asks where Uther is.
Vincent has no idea.
Jaina comments she hopes that Uther doesn’t get into trouble, and Vincent asks if that’s common. Jaina says that he gets it from his father.
They debate on whether or not they should try to find Uther, but Jaina doesn’t have any sort of divination magic. Tess may try to use her nose.
Gil also asks Jaina if it’s possible to track the location of other daggers using one of the ones they have. Jaina ponders, and mentions the spell locate object. However, there are limitations.
Gil then goes and fetches some of Uther’s clothes so Tess can get some of his scent to try and track him down. Starting where the arcane construct went berserk. Gil knows that it isn’t common for them to go berserk, and mentions he would prefer there was something messing with them rather than them all breaking down.
Unfortunately, Jaina doesn’t have sending prepared, and can’t message her son.
The group heads into the streets. Tess tries to follow Uther’s scent, but it’s hard while not in her worgen form. Gil finds a long blonde hair near the square, but that doesn’t mean anything. He’s in Silvermoon.
However, they do find some scuff marks on the stone pavement. They seem to be made by someone wearing heavier armor. Then, Gil senses a hot, bright presence.
It’s a demon, coming from somewhere in the midst of the Dusk District in the same direction that Tess seems to tracking Uther’s scent.
Gil informs the rest that there is a demon around. They start rushing forward as fast as they can in the direction of the demon.
Meanwhile, Uther and Arator are heading in the direction of where they had met that enrapturing woman. They find the entrance to the establishment, which is called the Siren’s Sanctum. Arator asks Uther if he’s sure about this, but Uther said they need to try and see if there is any information they can garner. Uther tells Arator to give him ten minutes after she likely will invite him to her room, and then burst in stating there is an emergency.
They couldn’t give her time to spring any traps (though, granted, walking into the room may be one).
As soon as they walk in, a half-elf man approaches. He is quite well decorated, with a mane of black hair. He invites them inside and tells them to make themselves comfortable. He then continues that they can find any sort of person in the Siren’s Sanctum, including dwarves, as it would happen.
Uther expresses that his interest was piqued by a woman he met earlier, but he described her as having hair like fire. The half-elf said he has good tastes. Her name is Cenelia.
The half-elf then claps for wine to start the evening. He drinks a glass in one go, and then shatters the glass on the ground into a shower of sparkles.
He then leans in toward Arator, asking what would interest him. Arator is awkward.
Uther: “An observer!” The man mentions there are few places to observe as fine of things as the Siren’s Sanctum, and he whisks Arator away. Before long, the woman descends the stairs.
Cenelia: “Well well. If it isn’t the knight errant back from his do-gooding. I’m glad you took me up on my offer.”
Uther: “Strange. I haven’t been able to get you out of my mind all day.”
Cenelia chuckles and approaches, running a finger down his jaw line. “I have that effect on people. But we’ll have to do something about this armor. We will have to slip into something more comfortable.”
She then gently guides Uther upstairs. Uther specifically makes his footfalls heavy to give Arator an indicator of where he’s going, though meanwhile, a beautiful high elf has planted herself on Arator’s lap. He is sitting completely rigidly, making polite conversation. He’s very awkward in this situation. He acknowledges he heard Uther.
As Uther follows Cenelia, she asks him if there are any “fantasies” that he’s had. Anything that he’s always secretly dreamed of on those quiet nights alone, yearning for the company of another.
She then mentions she’s had a few fantasies herself, though most of them didn’t involve her being alone with a paladin. Cenelia snaps her fingers, and the door locks behind them.
Cenelia: “Especially not one that thinks he’s clever.”
He turns around, and he sees something else in the room. It’s a massive creature with bright red skin and fel green eyes. It attacks, narrowly missing Uther. The succubus then reveals her form.
Uther clanks his hand against his chest, and symbols of the Holy Light appear on her armor. The demonic temptress grins, and stretches a whip between her hands.
Arator tries to break free of the ladies, as he feels his help is needed, but as he tries to convince the ladies to get off they aren’t going for it.
The succubus swings her whip at Uther, but the blow misses as it bounces off the holy shield.
Cenenlia: “Ohhhh~ Looks like we’re going to have some fun with this one.”
She looks to the shadows, and Uther feels a sharp pain in his back. There is an elf that appeared behind him, and his eyes are slightly glassy. However, he found a weak point in Uther’s armor.
Meanwhile, Vincent vaults over a cart that veered in front of him. Gil follows after him.
Meanwhile up in the room, the succubus tries to trip up Uther, but fails to do so. Vincent bursts into the brothel, and sees Arator.
Arator: “Vincent!?
Vincent: “YOU BUFFOON.”
Arator: “HE’S UPSTAIRS. GO.”
Vincent goes for the stairs, but is blocked by the man in charge of the brothel. Tess then gets to the outskirts of the brothel.
Arator twists out from under the ladies, apologizing, and then starts running to follow Vincent.
Up in the room, the rogue continues to stab at Uther, but misses.
Uther: “Foul creatures. Into the Light, I command thee!”
He shoves his greatsword into the floor, and there is a pulse of gold light. The succubus shields her eyes and screams a bloodcurdling scream. However, the hulking demon grunts, seemingly not affected.
Arator runs up the half-elven man and tries to hold the man back, apologizing and mentions that he will explain later. However, the man grabs him instead. But the man is now out of the way.
Meanwhile, the hulking demon is not connecting as Uther blocks his blows with his sword. The succubus is panicking, running for a way out, and she looks toward the window. She goes and tries to move the dresser out of the way, but she is unsuccessful.
Gil has now arrived at the brothel, and Vincent gets outside Uther’s door. Vincent retrieves his thieves tools and gets the door unlocked. He then sees the massive, shirtless, red demon inside. It turns on Vincent, confused, but tries to attack Uther again.
Tess runs in and sees Arator being manhandled by the proprietor of the Siren’s Sanctum. However, Tess runs past them. The man grabs at her, but misses.
Uther tries to attack the hulking demon, but misses. The rogue manages to jab a blade into his back.
The proprietor tries to deck Arator, but misses. Meanwhile, Gil zooms past with zephyr strike.
Gil: “Arator, you deserve some of this.”
Arator: “Gil!?”
However, Gil knows that the demon he see sin the room is a felguard. Gil tries to fire an arrow at the felguard, but it misses. However, he lands the second hit, and the felguard staggers back.
Arator finally breaks free of the proprietor and runs up the stairs. He casts protection from good and evil on Gil.
Tess vaults up into the room and sees the demon, and she goes to stab her, but Uther shouts at Tess not to hurt her because she’s turned. Tess instead goes for the rogue. She drops into her stance and then thrusts her rapier forward, nailing a good blow in his gut.
The succubus continues to try and flee the scene, but can’t budge the dresser.
Uther slams into the felguard with his greatsword, but misses the second blow. Vincent follows up with his silver sword, landing a good blow into the felguard. The silver carves straight through its flesh. Vincent then follows up with a second blow using his other dagger, but it seems to not be quite as effective.
The felguard swings around, but misses both attacks on the rogue. People scream as the glaive slams into the floor outside the door.
Gil finishes off the felguard as he turns on Vincent. The arrow pierces straight through the demon’s skull, and its body starts to dissipate.
Gil steps into the room and sees the succubus still trying to get out, and the rogue duking it out with Tess. Gil asks if the rogue is actually on the demon’s side, and Uther said he seems charmed. Gil fires an arrow into the rogue’s leg. He stumbles to the ground.
Gil shouts at Tess to finish the demon, but Tess hesitates, waiting for Uther’s lead.
However, the succubus is now shoving the dresser aside to be able to squeeze through the window. On that note, Tess jumps on the succubus. However, it seems her weapon doesn’t seem to be as effective as Vincent’s silver blade was on the felguard.
The succubus turns back, the fear leaving her face, and she jumps back, shattering through the window. She tries to charm Tess, but she is unsuccessful. She flies off into the sky.
Vincent runs to the window and fires his crossbow. He successfully knocks her out of the sky and she hits the pavement.
Arator goes to the rogue and starts to heal him a bit so he doesn’t bleed out.
Uther fires off a guiding bolt at the succubus, and a faint light envelops her form, guiding the next strike.
Gil jumps out the window, firing off two arrows as he does. Both arrows connect, and she fades and disperses.
At that moment, the brothel proprietor storms in wanting to know what’s going on.
3:42
Uther: “When you said you had something for every taste, I didn’t know you meant demons.”
Proprietor: “You aren’t saying I’m associated with the unscrupulous sorts, are you?”
Uthers: “No, but I’m saying she was a demon.”
Despite the intimidation tactics from Vincent, the proprietor screams at them to get out immediately before he calls the guards. Gil waits for them outside.
Arator tries to apologize, but the man screams at them to get out again.
Gil was able to identify the demon as a succubus, a demonic temptress, while he waited for them outside. The rogue was kicked out with the rest of him, and he’s rather confused at what’s going on.
Gil then turns to Uther, and Arator suggests they head to the palace.
Gil comments that he will have to tell his mother. Luckily, Vel wasn’t present that night. Arator suggests they discuss things in the morning. No sense in repeating the story multiple times.
They head back to the Spire together, and Gil informs them all of what he and Vel found out. He tells them that Vel did all the legwork in getting the information on the troll daggers. Unfortunately, Zendarin didn’t have much.
Meanwhile, Vincent informed them of what he and Tess found with Rorha.
Jaina asks where Uther was during everything. He explains he found a lead on potential demon activity and went to go and investigate it. The lead was the demon. Uther explains everything.
Jaina mentions she doesn’t want Gil to report things to his superiors. She prefers they all keep a lower profile, if possible. She can make sure the information gets back to the people that need to know.
Jaina tells Uther not to be so reckless. Uther is weirded out that she’s not yelling, but she doesn’t need to.
They all go to bed.
3:43 Meanwhile, Vel had made her way over to Kilnar’s. As she heads in, and she gets to the gate. She is immediately allowed inside, as the guards recognize her. The magistrix had been expecting her at some point.
Vel is led through the familiar halls, where she came upon Kilnar feeding her fish in the massive aquarium. Kilnar expressed her excitement in seeing Vel, today, of all days. She gestured for Vel to sit, there was a table set with six chairs at the ready. Kilnar is expecting company, along with Vel.
Kilnar recalled how Gil caught her last time he was here, she inquires after Lirath as well. She also notes that she certainly thinks that Vel thinks that she may be involved. Vel states her intelligence and how Kilnar would be getting particularly sloppy, if so.
Kilnar thanks Vel many times over, and they both share that they’re of similar minds. They want to solve this and be done with it. Vel asks her to, “Help me, help you.”
Kilnar agreed, stating what the Seeker of Wisdom does. She, apparently, had things that are
Vel suggests that they begin by trying to clear Kilnar’s name. First, starting with where her “Asara, the dear, is a very close friend of mine and was also a close friend of your mother’s.”
They discussed Finnell and how Kilnar taught her magic, that and how Finnell adapted Kilnar’s magics. The SCROLLS _____ are lost, but Kilnar has some excerpts. Hence, how Finnell learned such interesting tricks. On the other hand, Asara “was a bit of a natural.” Kilnar would have taught Vel’s mother those tricks, but she since passed.
Kilnar says that Asara is not guilty, though she could certainly accomplish it… it would not be worth it.
Vel reveals that whoever killed Dar’Khan was using those very tricks.
Kilnar: “Vel, perhaps we could make a bit of a deal. I want to bring you into my inner circle, people who I can trust above all, but I will need something more than just word. I would be willing to strike a bargain with you.
Are you familiar with the spell Geass?”
Vel knew it.
“It would be rather simple, I need assurance that you won’t use the things I tell you to put me into any further trouble. This includes amidst your people. They’ll be very interested to find where you found this infmroation, but there are certain points of incriminating evidence, I will need your discretion on.”
Kilnar then offered that she would do the same thing to herself for Vel’s sake using a self-Geass scroll.
“As I showed you, this city is bustling with informants. This whole world is like that. I’m sure you’ve seen it.”
To Vel, it seems that Kilnar wants to be honest with her. It’s hard to tell, but KT doesn’t like it one bit. No way, no sir. KT tries to dissuade her with, “You have no idea what she may try, Velameestra.”
Kilnar says that it is okay if she refuses. “There’s not need to decide today, but the longer this goes, the more difficult it will be to protect each other, if we cannot be truly candid.”
At that moment, Kilnar’s guests arrive. She offers that Vel could stay the night. Vel agrees. Kilnar also mentions that she will start writing up the scrolls, offering that Vel can always amend the scrolls.
Kilnar takes Vel’s hands, only recoiling slightly. Vel will decide upon seeing the Geass scrolls.
“I'M HOME” Finnell comes walking in, arms outspread. She recognizes Vel immediately. From behind Finnell, Theo arrives, as does Thaxdorlan(sp). Everyone greets each other. The dwarf is gruff.
This just in: Finnell isn’t allowed to put her feet on the table.
The table is set with tea, surrounded by “friends.” Vel sits down for a tea party.
