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<blockquote data-quote="Delemental" data-source="post: 3131622" data-attributes="member: 5203">Shorter update this week (See? I can write short ones!).&nbsp; And we are getting dangerously close to catching up with current events - this session was played on September 1st.-----------------------------&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Morladim looked all around the site of the recent battle, his eyes burning with anger as he searched for something unseen.&nbsp; Finally, he turned to the Legacy.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “I understand there was an unpleasant surprise waiting for you here,” he said with a barely restrained snarl.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “That would be an understatement, Lord Morladim,” Lanara replied.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Tell me, where did that runt of a goblin go off to?”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “The last we saw of him, he was fleeing that way as the planetar was dealing with the dread wraiths that had been gathering souls to summon those nightshades,” Tolly said, pointing up the hill toward the manor.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “I have some chastisement to dispense, if you will excuse me,” Morladim said.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “We would very much like to speak with him again as well,” Tolly agreed.&nbsp; “I would suggest asking him how involved the Deathmistress was in this plot.&nbsp; He doesn’t seem intelligent enough for it.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “This is true.&nbsp; Rebukkax is charismatic, and clever for his race, but he is no great intellect.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Lord Morladim looked around at the party.&nbsp; He saw Kyle’s body laid out inside of Marc’s coffin, waiting in the wagon.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “I would advise you against doing that,” he said, nodding toward the coffin.&nbsp; “You may not care for the results.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Good point,” Lanara said.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “I assume you will be performing some manner of resurrection ritual?” the vampire asked.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Yes, in the morning,” Tolly said.&nbsp; “The planetar Phanuel has offered to perform the rite.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Morladim frowned.&nbsp; “I cannot say I approve of such magics being used within my borders, but I’ll not deny you your companion.”&nbsp; He gestured, and a shimmering doorway appeared in midair.&nbsp; “This should see to your needs,” he said.&nbsp; “One of you will need to come to give access to the celestial in the morning.&nbsp; I will be in the area for the next few days, asking questions, and would ask you to stay close at hand.&nbsp; I shall return with the Baron shortly.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Morladim turned, and transformed himself into a large bat again, flying off toward the manor.&nbsp; Autumn and Osborn pulled Kyle’s body out of the coffin, and took him inside the extradimensional mansion.&nbsp; Tolly, Crystal, Lanara, and Arrie decided to wait outside for Morladim’s return.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; He was back about twenty minutes later, this time walking back down the hill.&nbsp; One of his gauntleted hands was extended out in a claw-like gesture, and the hand shook slightly as if he were holding onto a struggling victim.&nbsp; Morladim walked down to where the party waited, and glared at the empty air in his fist.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “You may as well manifest, you pathetic excuse for a vassal,” Morladim hissed.&nbsp; “I’m sure everyone will want to hear what you have to say.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; There was a shimmering in the air, and Baron Rebukkax appeared, clenched tightly in Morladim’s grip.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “I believe you had questions,” the vampire said with a grim smile.
*&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; *&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; *&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Rebukkax was questioned for about an hour.&nbsp; The goblin revealed that he truly knew nothing about the summoning of the nightshades, that it really had occurred under his very nose.&nbsp; While Rebukkax couldn’t say for certain that Deathmistress Elissinara was behind the plot, he did suspect her, especially since his majordomo was currently nowhere to be found, and she was normally quite loyal to him.&nbsp; He also revealed that the two dread wraiths that had been gathering souls were more often in Elissinara’s confidence than his own; he frequently traveled his domain to see to the needs of his subjects, while the Deathmistress remained at the manor.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; They questioned him intently about the nature of the recent uprising among the shadows and wraiths, trying to determine if it had all been a cover for Elissinara’s plot.&nbsp; But it appeared that neither the Deathmistress or those directly under her were directing the revolt; it was an independent event that provided fortuitous cover for more sinister activities.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “I will be questioning your subjects in the morning,” Morladim said to Rebukkax.&nbsp; “I will, of course, require the use of your manor, such as it is.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The party looked at each other questioningly.&nbsp; In the morning?&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Between the remaining walls, and judicious use of darkness spells, I should have little difficulty holding audience,” Lord Morladim said to the unspoken question. “The wraiths and shadows will be decidedly discomfited.”&nbsp; He smiled.&nbsp; “I noted that there is an area of consecrated ground near the manor.&nbsp; I think I will have my subjects await me there.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “We will pass along your pleasure to Autumn,” Lanara said.&nbsp; “May I observe the questioning, my lord?”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Morladim chuckled.&nbsp; “You would be most welcome, my lady.&nbsp; You possess a keen wit and cunning mind.&nbsp; And I will likely weary of questioning at some point, and would welcome a brief respite to enjoy some more… leisurely activities.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “My talents are at your disposal, my lord,” Lanara said, bowing, “first thing in the morning, then?”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Indeed.”&nbsp; Morladim turned to the others.&nbsp; “You should rest yourselves now.&nbsp; I will spend the rest of the evening attempting to track down Elissinara, though I suspect she has fled my lands entirely.&nbsp; I will contact you when it is time to return to my castle.”*&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; *&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; *&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Kyle sighed contentedly as he laid back in the fragrant green grass, looking up at the sapphire sky above.&nbsp; In the distance, winged eladrins wheeled and spun in the air, too far away to see clearly.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; He didn’t hear the other person approach, but felt the presence nearby.&nbsp; He glanced over to see she had laid down next to him, mimicking his pose.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “You will have to leave soon, you know,” she said to him.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “I know,” he said.&nbsp; “I just wanted a chance to relax before I have to go back.&nbsp; There’s little chance for rest on Aelfenn in these times.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “I know,” Erito said sadly.&nbsp; “And I am sorry that you must endue such times as these.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “You could help fix that, you know,” Kyle said.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “I have worshippers among the Taurics too, Kyle,” Erito chided.&nbsp; “Many more, in fact, than I do in Affon.&nbsp; I could just as easily argue that I should support them against you.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Kyle groaned.&nbsp; “You know, when even a goddess can’t tell that I’m kidding around, it’s not even worth trying any more.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Erito laughed.&nbsp; “Never stop being yourself, Kyle Goodson, bad jokes and all.&nbsp; Humanity was never meant to be perfect, or else how could you grow?”&nbsp; She rolled over onto her side and looked at him.&nbsp; “Your ancestor and my Serenity, Justin Godscion, was never skilled with humor either.”&nbsp; She smiled warmly at him.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Kyle looked at his goddess, for a moment unnerved by the fact that he was speaking so casually to a deity.&nbsp; If she noticed his discomfort, Erito didn’t show it.&nbsp; “I came because I sensed you have something you wanted to say to me before you leave.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “I did,” he admitted.&nbsp; “Though I wasn’t sure how I would ask.&nbsp; I didn’t think stopping a passing eladrin and requesting a personal audience was going to go over so well.&nbsp; But now that you’re here… well, you’re very easy to talk to.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Thank you.&nbsp; What did you wish to say?”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Well, since this could very well be the only chance I get to talk to you for a while… at least, I hope… not that it’s not enjoyable, it’s just I don’t want to repeat how I got here…” Kyle took a deep breath.&nbsp; “There is a project I’ve been working on, or really getting into the initial stages of researching, that I feel that I need to explain to you, because, well, it really rather directly affects the Cycle.&nbsp; At some point, I know that I’m either going to need to get your approval for this, or else…” he swallowed, “I’m going to have to defy you over it.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Defy me?” Erito said.&nbsp; “You seem certain about this.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “I think it’s important enough that it’s worth the risk, Erito.&nbsp; I may as well be up front with you.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Erito nodded.&nbsp; “I’m listening.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “I wish to create a demiplane.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “This is hardly a novel exercise in arcane magic, Kyle,” she said.&nbsp; “A number of archmages have constructed their own demiplanes in the Ethereal.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “I’m building mine on the Shadow Plane.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Erito frowned.&nbsp; “An unusual choice.&nbsp; The Shadow isn’t very hospitable to the living.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “It’s not for the living,” Kyle explained.&nbsp; “I wish to create a demiplane off the realm of Shadow which will act as a sanctuary for the souls of those beings with psionic ability, a haven where they’ll be shielded from the destructive effects of the plane and no longer condemned to oblivion.&nbsp; I want to give the psions an afterlife, or as much of one as I can.&nbsp; I intend for it to be open to all psions, regardless of whose side they’re on – I’m hoping that once they have a choice, maybe they won’t have as much interest in Silko’s philosophies…”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Do not speak that name here!” Erito said, sitting up suddenly, and the sky grew dark.&nbsp; “You, who should know better!”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Okay, I’m sorry!” Kyle cried out, terrified.&nbsp; Seeing his fear, Erito calmed, and the sky grew light again.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “I am sorry as well, Kyle.&nbsp; You are not the cause of my sorrow.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Kyle looked sadly at Erito.&nbsp; “You remember him, don’t you? Even though no one else can.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; She nodded.&nbsp; “I remember him in perfect detail.”&nbsp; She settled back down onto the grass, and stared up into the sky, now clear of eladrin.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; They laid in the grass for a long time, silently.&nbsp; Finally, she turned to him.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “I am willing to let you try,” she said.&nbsp; “More than that, I can’t say at this time.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Thank you,” he said.&nbsp; “I don’t suppose you’d be willing to give me any hints?”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; She smiled.&nbsp; “And deny you the thrill of discovery, Kyle?”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “I can live with disappointment, really I can,” Kyle said.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Erito rose to her feet in a single fluid motion.&nbsp; “I’m glad to hear that, because it looks like it is time for you to go.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Kyle got to his feet and looked up.&nbsp; A winged form was descending toward them, but this was not an eladrin.&nbsp; The astral deva landed, came up within a few feet of Erito and Kyle, and immediately prostrated himself before them.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Just a moment, Kyle,” Erito said, “there are some formalities we have to get out of the way.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Mistress Erito,” the deva said, “My humblest apologies for my intrusion.&nbsp; I, who am not worthy to be in your presence, have come at the behest of my lord Krûsh for the soul of Kyle Goodson.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “He is here,” Erito said.&nbsp; “What business does Krûsh have with one of my flock?”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “The planetar Phanuel, who is also in the service of my lord, has performed a rite of resurrection on his behalf.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Erito turned to Kyle.&nbsp; “Do you wish to return to the living world, Kyle Goodson?”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “I do.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “This constitutes a disruption in the Cycle.&nbsp; Who will pay the Tithe?”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Krûsh will pay the tithe on behalf of Kyle Goodson,” the deva said, “in recognition of Phanuel’s loyal and devoted service to Good.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “The Tithe is accepted,” Erito said.&nbsp; “Kyle Goodson is released from my domain to return to the living world.”&nbsp; She turned to him, a tiny smile on her lips.&nbsp; “May he exercise more caution and not have to return until the day of his Final Rest.”She turned to the deva again.&nbsp; “You may await him at the gates of my realm.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Yes, Mistress,” the deva said, and vanished.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Erito turned to Kyle.&nbsp; “It’s been a pleasure, Kyle.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “For me too.&nbsp; Thank you.”*&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; *&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; *&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Kyle gasped as his eyes opened.&nbsp; Blurry at first, his vision quickly cleared.&nbsp; The first thing he saw was Phanuel’s face looking down on him.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Welcome back, my son,” he said.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Kyle looked around the room. He was laying in a plush bed in a rather opulent room, obviously a mage’s mansion. Standing a short distance away was Autumn and Tolly, waiting expectantly.&nbsp; Osborn was right behind them, a look of hope mixed with trepidation on his face.&nbsp; He couldn’t see the others, though his line of sight was obscured by a nine-foot planetar.&nbsp; No one wore weapons or armor.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “We won, right?” Kyle asked weakly.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Indeed you did,” Phanuel said.&nbsp; He held out a hand, and showed Kyle the shattered remnants of the pearl he’d given the wizard a few weeks ago.&nbsp; “You no longer carry my gift,” he said.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Kyle nodded.&nbsp; “Then I’ll just have to work harder to keep her safe without you.”&nbsp; He remembered the words that Phanuel had spoken into his mind when he’d been given the pearl.&nbsp; You are closest to my daughter in both body and spirit.&nbsp; I would see her safe from harm.&nbsp; If her life hangs in the balance, shatter this, and I will come to you.Phanuel stepped back, and addressed the rest of the Legacy. Kyle could see Crystal in the back of the room, but didn’t see Arrie or Lanara.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “I cannot tarry,” Phanuel said.&nbsp; “He will need rest to recover his strength.&nbsp; You will be safe enough in this place.”&nbsp; He placed a comforting hand on Autumn’s shoulder, and then walked out of the room, leaving the party alone together.&nbsp; Shortly after Phanuel departed, Arrie came into the room.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Nice to have you back, Kyle,” she said.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Nice to be back,” he said.&nbsp; “What happened?”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “We destroyed the nightwalker and nightcrawler,” Tolly answered, “and the nightwing fled.&nbsp; Lord Morladim arrived and has taken Baron Rebukkax captive.&nbsp; We believe that it was the Deathmistress who was responsible, however.&nbsp; Morladim and Lanara are interrogating the other incorporeals now.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “So obviously I was the only casualty,” Kyle sighed.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “True,” Tolly replied.&nbsp; He leaned in close and spoke softly.&nbsp; “When you’re up to it, you’ll want to talk to Osborn.&nbsp; He’s feeling somewhat guilt-ridden over his part in your demise.&nbsp; The confusion spell was potent.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The wizard nodded.&nbsp; “I’ll talk to him.&nbsp; It wasn’t his fault.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Tolly smiled.&nbsp; “And now I think there’s someone else who wants to see you, so we’ll leave you two.&nbsp; She’s been awake all night by your side.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The rest of the party withdrew, leaving Autumn and Kyle alone.&nbsp; The aasimar didn’t say a word, but just climbed into the bed next to her husband.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Nothing to say?” Kyle asked.&nbsp; “No lecture?”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “No lecture,” she said, nuzzling up against Kyle.&nbsp; “I just want to be close to you.&nbsp; I know from personal experience that you’re going to be off your feet for a few days, and I intend to spend as much of that time as possible right here.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “That’s the best news I’ve had in a while,” Kyle said.</blockquote>

[QUOTE="Delemental, post: 3131622, member: 5203"] Shorter update this week (See? I can write short ones!). And we are getting dangerously close to catching up with current events - this session was played on September 1st. ----------------------------- Morladim looked all around the site of the recent battle, his eyes burning with anger as he searched for something unseen. Finally, he turned to the Legacy. “I understand there was an unpleasant surprise waiting for you here,” he said with a barely restrained snarl. “That would be an understatement, Lord Morladim,” Lanara replied. “Tell me, where did that runt of a goblin go off to?” “The last we saw of him, he was fleeing that way as the planetar was dealing with the dread wraiths that had been gathering souls to summon those nightshades,” Tolly said, pointing up the hill toward the manor. “I have some chastisement to dispense, if you will excuse me,” Morladim said. “We would very much like to speak with him again as well,” Tolly agreed. “I would suggest asking him how involved the Deathmistress was in this plot. He doesn’t seem intelligent enough for it.” “This is true. Rebukkax is charismatic, and clever for his race, but he is no great intellect.” Lord Morladim looked around at the party. He saw Kyle’s body laid out inside of Marc’s coffin, waiting in the wagon. “I would advise you against doing that,” he said, nodding toward the coffin. “You may not care for the results.” “Good point,” Lanara said. “I assume you will be performing some manner of resurrection ritual?” the vampire asked. “Yes, in the morning,” Tolly said. “The planetar Phanuel has offered to perform the rite.” Morladim frowned. “I cannot say I approve of such magics being used within my borders, but I’ll not deny you your companion.” He gestured, and a shimmering doorway appeared in midair. “This should see to your needs,” he said. “One of you will need to come to give access to the celestial in the morning. I will be in the area for the next few days, asking questions, and would ask you to stay close at hand. I shall return with the Baron shortly.” Morladim turned, and transformed himself into a large bat again, flying off toward the manor. Autumn and Osborn pulled Kyle’s body out of the coffin, and took him inside the extradimensional mansion. Tolly, Crystal, Lanara, and Arrie decided to wait outside for Morladim’s return. He was back about twenty minutes later, this time walking back down the hill. One of his gauntleted hands was extended out in a claw-like gesture, and the hand shook slightly as if he were holding onto a struggling victim. Morladim walked down to where the party waited, and glared at the empty air in his fist. “You may as well manifest, you pathetic excuse for a vassal,” Morladim hissed. “I’m sure everyone will want to hear what you have to say.” There was a shimmering in the air, and Baron Rebukkax appeared, clenched tightly in Morladim’s grip. “I believe you had questions,” the vampire said with a grim smile. [CENTER] * * *[/CENTER] Rebukkax was questioned for about an hour. The goblin revealed that he truly knew nothing about the summoning of the nightshades, that it really had occurred under his very nose. While Rebukkax couldn’t say for certain that Deathmistress Elissinara was behind the plot, he did suspect her, especially since his majordomo was currently nowhere to be found, and she was normally quite loyal to him. He also revealed that the two dread wraiths that had been gathering souls were more often in Elissinara’s confidence than his own; he frequently traveled his domain to see to the needs of his subjects, while the Deathmistress remained at the manor. They questioned him intently about the nature of the recent uprising among the shadows and wraiths, trying to determine if it had all been a cover for Elissinara’s plot. But it appeared that neither the Deathmistress or those directly under her were directing the revolt; it was an independent event that provided fortuitous cover for more sinister activities. “I will be questioning your subjects in the morning,” Morladim said to Rebukkax. “I will, of course, require the use of your manor, such as it is.” The party looked at each other questioningly. [I]In the morning?[/I] “Between the remaining walls, and judicious use of [I]darkness [/I]spells, I should have little difficulty holding audience,” Lord Morladim said to the unspoken question. “The wraiths and shadows will be decidedly discomfited.” He smiled. “I noted that there is an area of consecrated ground near the manor. I think I will have my subjects await me there.” “We will pass along your pleasure to Autumn,” Lanara said. “May I observe the questioning, my lord?” Morladim chuckled. “You would be most welcome, my lady. You possess a keen wit and cunning mind. And I will likely weary of questioning at some point, and would welcome a brief respite to enjoy some more… leisurely activities.” “My talents are at your disposal, my lord,” Lanara said, bowing, “first thing in the morning, then?” “Indeed.” Morladim turned to the others. “You should rest yourselves now. I will spend the rest of the evening attempting to track down Elissinara, though I suspect she has fled my lands entirely. I will contact you when it is time to return to my castle.” [CENTER]* * *[/CENTER] Kyle sighed contentedly as he laid back in the fragrant green grass, looking up at the sapphire sky above. In the distance, winged eladrins wheeled and spun in the air, too far away to see clearly. He didn’t hear the other person approach, but felt the presence nearby. He glanced over to see she had laid down next to him, mimicking his pose. [COLOR=Plum]“You will have to leave soon, you know,”[/COLOR] she said to him. “I know,” he said. “I just wanted a chance to relax before I have to go back. There’s little chance for rest on Aelfenn in these times.” [COLOR=Plum]“I know,”[/COLOR] Erito said sadly. [COLOR=Plum]“And I am sorry that you must endue such times as these.”[/COLOR] “You could help fix that, you know,” Kyle said. [COLOR=Plum]“I have worshippers among the Taurics too, Kyle,”[/COLOR] Erito chided. [COLOR=Plum]“Many more, in fact, than I do in Affon. I could just as easily argue that I should support them against you.”[/COLOR] Kyle groaned. “You know, when even a goddess can’t tell that I’m kidding around, it’s not even worth trying any more.” Erito laughed. [COLOR=Plum]“Never stop being yourself, Kyle Goodson, bad jokes and all. Humanity was never meant to be perfect, or else how could you grow?”[/COLOR] She rolled over onto her side and looked at him. [COLOR=Plum]“Your ancestor and my Serenity, Justin Godscion, was never skilled with humor either.”[/COLOR] She smiled warmly at him. Kyle looked at his goddess, for a moment unnerved by the fact that he was speaking so casually to a deity. If she noticed his discomfort, Erito didn’t show it. [COLOR=Plum]“I came because I sensed you have something you wanted to say to me before you leave.”[/COLOR] “I did,” he admitted. “Though I wasn’t sure how I would ask. I didn’t think stopping a passing eladrin and requesting a personal audience was going to go over so well. But now that you’re here… well, you’re very easy to talk to.” [COLOR=Plum]“Thank you. What did you wish to say?”[/COLOR] “Well, since this could very well be the only chance I get to talk to you for a while… at least, I hope… not that it’s not enjoyable, it’s just I don’t want to repeat how I got here…” Kyle took a deep breath. “There is a project I’ve been working on, or really getting into the initial stages of researching, that I feel that I need to explain to you, because, well, it really rather directly affects the Cycle. At some point, I know that I’m either going to need to get your approval for this, or else…” he swallowed, “I’m going to have to defy you over it.” [COLOR=Plum]“Defy me?”[/COLOR] Erito said. [COLOR=Plum]“You seem certain about this.”[/COLOR] “I think it’s important enough that it’s worth the risk, Erito. I may as well be up front with you.” Erito nodded. [COLOR=Plum]“I’m listening.” [/COLOR] “I wish to create a demiplane.” [COLOR=Plum]“This is hardly a novel exercise in arcane magic, Kyle,”[/COLOR] she said. [COLOR=Plum]“A number of archmages have constructed their own demiplanes in the Ethereal.”[/COLOR] “I’m building mine on the Shadow Plane.” Erito frowned. [COLOR=Plum]“An unusual choice. The Shadow isn’t very hospitable to the living.”[/COLOR] “It’s not for the living,” Kyle explained. “I wish to create a demiplane off the realm of Shadow which will act as a sanctuary for the souls of those beings with psionic ability, a haven where they’ll be shielded from the destructive effects of the plane and no longer condemned to oblivion. I want to give the psions an afterlife, or as much of one as I can. I intend for it to be open to all psions, regardless of whose side they’re on – I’m hoping that once they have a choice, maybe they won’t have as much interest in Silko’s philosophies…” [COLOR=Magenta]“Do not speak that name here!”[/COLOR] Erito said, sitting up suddenly, and the sky grew dark. [COLOR=Magenta]“You, who should know better!”[/COLOR] “Okay, I’m sorry!” Kyle cried out, terrified. Seeing his fear, Erito calmed, and the sky grew light again. [COLOR=Plum]“I am sorry as well, Kyle. You are not the cause of my sorrow.”[/COLOR] Kyle looked sadly at Erito. “You remember him, don’t you? Even though no one else can.” She nodded. [COLOR=Plum]“I remember him in perfect detail.”[/COLOR] She settled back down onto the grass, and stared up into the sky, now clear of eladrin. They laid in the grass for a long time, silently. Finally, she turned to him. [COLOR=Plum]“I am willing to let you try,”[/COLOR] she said. [COLOR=Plum]“More than that, I can’t say at this time.” [/COLOR] “Thank you,” he said. “I don’t suppose you’d be willing to give me any hints?” She smiled. [COLOR=Plum]“And deny you the thrill of discovery, Kyle?”[/COLOR] “I can live with disappointment, really I can,” Kyle said. Erito rose to her feet in a single fluid motion. [COLOR=Plum]“I’m glad to hear that, because it looks like it is time for you to go.”[/COLOR] Kyle got to his feet and looked up. A winged form was descending toward them, but this was not an eladrin. The astral deva landed, came up within a few feet of Erito and Kyle, and immediately prostrated himself before them. [COLOR=Plum]“Just a moment, Kyle,”[/COLOR] Erito said, [COLOR=Plum]“there are some formalities we have to get out of the way.”[/COLOR] “Mistress Erito,” the deva said, “My humblest apologies for my intrusion. I, who am not worthy to be in your presence, have come at the behest of my lord Krûsh for the soul of Kyle Goodson.” [COLOR=Plum]“He is here,”[/COLOR] Erito said. [COLOR=Plum]“What business does Krûsh have with one of my flock?”[/COLOR] “The planetar Phanuel, who is also in the service of my lord, has performed a rite of resurrection on his behalf.” Erito turned to Kyle. [COLOR=Plum]“Do you wish to return to the living world, Kyle Goodson?”[/COLOR] “I do.” [COLOR=Plum]“This constitutes a disruption in the Cycle. Who will pay the Tithe?”[/COLOR] “Krûsh will pay the tithe on behalf of Kyle Goodson,” the deva said, “in recognition of Phanuel’s loyal and devoted service to Good.” [COLOR=Plum]“The Tithe is accepted,”[/COLOR] Erito said. [COLOR=Plum]“Kyle Goodson is released from my domain to return to the living world.”[/COLOR] She turned to him, a tiny smile on her lips. [COLOR=Plum]“May he exercise more caution and not have to return until the day of his Final Rest.”[/COLOR] She turned to the deva again. [COLOR=Plum]“You may await him at the gates of my realm.”[/COLOR] “Yes, Mistress,” the deva said, and vanished. Erito turned to Kyle. [COLOR=Plum]“It’s been a pleasure, Kyle.”[/COLOR] “For me too. Thank you.” [CENTER]* * *[/CENTER] Kyle gasped as his eyes opened. Blurry at first, his vision quickly cleared. The first thing he saw was Phanuel’s face looking down on him. “Welcome back, my son,” he said. Kyle looked around the room. He was laying in a plush bed in a rather opulent room, obviously a [I]mage’s mansion[/I]. Standing a short distance away was Autumn and Tolly, waiting expectantly. Osborn was right behind them, a look of hope mixed with trepidation on his face. He couldn’t see the others, though his line of sight was obscured by a nine-foot planetar. No one wore weapons or armor. “We won, right?” Kyle asked weakly. “Indeed you did,” Phanuel said. He held out a hand, and showed Kyle the shattered remnants of the pearl he’d given the wizard a few weeks ago. “You no longer carry my gift,” he said. Kyle nodded. “Then I’ll just have to work harder to keep her safe without you.” He remembered the words that Phanuel had spoken into his mind when he’d been given the pearl. [I]You are closest to my daughter in both body and spirit. I would see her safe from harm. If her life hangs in the balance, shatter this, and I will come to you.[/I] Phanuel stepped back, and addressed the rest of the Legacy. Kyle could see Crystal in the back of the room, but didn’t see Arrie or Lanara. “I cannot tarry,” Phanuel said. “He will need rest to recover his strength. You will be safe enough in this place.” He placed a comforting hand on Autumn’s shoulder, and then walked out of the room, leaving the party alone together. Shortly after Phanuel departed, Arrie came into the room. “Nice to have you back, Kyle,” she said. “Nice to be back,” he said. “What happened?” “We destroyed the nightwalker and nightcrawler,” Tolly answered, “and the nightwing fled. Lord Morladim arrived and has taken Baron Rebukkax captive. We believe that it was the Deathmistress who was responsible, however. Morladim and Lanara are interrogating the other incorporeals now.” “So obviously I was the only casualty,” Kyle sighed. “True,” Tolly replied. He leaned in close and spoke softly. “When you’re up to it, you’ll want to talk to Osborn. He’s feeling somewhat guilt-ridden over his part in your demise. The confusion spell was potent.” The wizard nodded. “I’ll talk to him. It wasn’t his fault.” Tolly smiled. “And now I think there’s someone else who wants to see you, so we’ll leave you two. She’s been awake all night by your side.” The rest of the party withdrew, leaving Autumn and Kyle alone. The aasimar didn’t say a word, but just climbed into the bed next to her husband. “Nothing to say?” Kyle asked. “No lecture?” “No lecture,” she said, nuzzling up against Kyle. “I just want to be close to you. I know from personal experience that you’re going to be off your feet for a few days, and I intend to spend as much of that time as possible right here.” “That’s the best news I’ve had in a while,” Kyle said. [/QUOTE]

Verification