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Gossip BOB: Sun Aug 18 20:32:51 2013 by Martin (public)
GL-Rebma: intensity moderate, trace cost 1, expires 15 Sep
Title: Morfilod Gives Praise
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In Rebma, rumors are circulating that with the aid of a team headed by a member of House Morfilod the hostages have been rescued from the Dragon Queen. It is rumored that The Ghost City was also released from the clutches of a necromantic cult, and the kidnapped Rebmans will be coming home soon. No officials are saying anything about the status of the hostages or where they presently are. The children of Rebma still remain safe in the Palace for now. The High Physician, an Ygrayne, took a few members of his crew to go look to the welfare of the hostages. People are starting to wonder if the threat is gone now and have resumed moving about in the city. Many would like to take their children home. The High Priestess of Lir, Dryssana Morfilod assured all that the Regent will surely allow the children to return home when it is safe. She also stated that Rebma should pray to Lir to give Martin guidance and strength during this difficult time. Morfilod is deeply proud that one of their own was involved in such a daring event. She also encourages that thanks be given to all who were involved as Lir saw fit to ensure their mission a success.
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Seven Victims rescued, the Ghost city of Emor liberated from the clutches of Necromancy, an artifact containing the link to the Witch delivered to Feldane and a job well done with no casualties on our heroes side. A paranoid person might think it was too easy. The victims have been kept under watchful eye as they recover. All have been infected by chaos in one way or the other of varying degrees. One cannot be allowed any sharp utensils because they like to stab things, one child, Braitha, spends all her time humming the popular nursery rhyme: Three Blind Fish while she pulls at her hair, another sings nonsense hymns all day long to the dragon queen and a young boy who spends his time training as though he hasn't left the Coliseum. The rest have been sedated to keep them lucid enough to be harmless. All have scars of battle and mental torture.
And then there's the eighth victim in the dungeons of Gwyn Gaer, the man who tried to kill Martin.
OOC> Merrisol says, "Just for clarification.. It's Braitha, 3 other orphan (girls because they were working at the Houses then disappeared), and 1 Rebman family consisting of 2 adults, 1 servant, and a child? That totals 8."
Martin has been spending time between Rebma and the Sub, handling things he needs to handle there and returning to the Sub to check on the status of the Victims. He hasn't been spending his entire time on the Solar Flare but enough to make it noticeable at home. He's just returned from a meeting with his advisers and explained the situation. The threat to Rebma has been diminished, there is no need to call an attack force in. "Mr Merrisol." A sober Regent addresses the Captain of the Solar Flare as soon ashe finds him. "It has been suggested that Lord Ygrayne and a few members of his examine the patients." The tone of his voice indicates that it was more of a demand than suggestion. "The High Priestess of Lir also concurred. If you are willing, I will have them brought aboard."
Amy has just arrived aboard the Solar Flare, courtesy of a trump call. She however has managed to bring along a little tagalong, in the form of one Haydon, the kid tackling her at just the wrong (or right) time. So, the two come through, and Amy pauses to look at things.
Sol tends to those who demand most immediate attention here and there. Some, she provides something acceptable to deface or alter, others she shows how to make puzzles from humble objects such as lengths of straw or horsehair, some she sooths and sings lullabyes to. Presently she is showing one of the crew how to brew an old Kite recipe for tea to aid sleep.
After holding a long vigil in the trenches with the occasional nighttime foray to the surface to replenish air and battery, scouting confirmed the threat of Emor on Rebma was indeed diminished and the Solar Flare set a course for the lighthouses. It has surfaced to sea level to make an approach on the designated berth within Gwyn Gaer, with its vents open to fill the rooms with fresh and natural ocean air. Upon arrival, those going ashore or switching to the Wave Dancer for transport back to Amber disembark. Merrisol bids farewell to Liyandra on the docks, promises to renew their Big Fish Quest once this current business is seen to, then welcomes Sol aboard.
As he heads back down the hatch, considering how to treat or transfer the afflicted Rebmans, he consults with Amethyst by trump, and ends up bringing her through. Much to his surprise, he is forced to greet both Lady Amy and the boy clinging to her arm. "Lady Amy, welcome aboard the... Haydon!" He tries to frown and disapprove and a whole bunch of Captainly things, but in the end, extends his hand in welcome to the kid as well. "They are in the cabins to starboard," he tells them. "Find Sol that way, she'll tell you how they currently fare."
Hearing his name, he turns to see Martin and absorbs the new development with a pensive grimace. "Oh. I suppose they should be allowed to put their oar in at some point. But these are the same who wanted you to attack the city and leave your people to perish within?"
Amy reaches a hand to give Haydon a hug, shaking her head at the little child. "Easy now," she says. "Captain Merrisol, thank you. C'mon, Haydon, let's go find Sol, and see what is going on, right?" The healer spies her brother and grins over at Martin, offering him a wave, and then she moves over to Sol. Though maybe with a bit more direction, cause she does head the wrong way first.
Sol offers to the chef, "This is not for any children under six summers, yes? Six summers and older just to improve the taste, yes?" she looks up and offers a sunshine smile, "Hello."
Martin smirks, "Yeah, that's them. We'll discuss it later, he can wait. He's at The Fort at the moment with the guy who tried to kill me. Though we can't keep him cooling his heels for too long so we'd better get Quinlan here to look at them before he does." He looks none the worse for wear for having fought countless zombies and polished off the Solar Flare's liquor supply but he's had several days to recover. He eyes the kid, then his sister. Hopefully she hasn't heard about that part! He certainly won't talk about it. "Amy, hullo..." He beams at her and quickly tries to convey a I-didn't-do-anything-dumb-I-promise expression. Whew, she's headed over to Sol. Saved by the ... Kitzeh? He looks down to greet the kid. "Haydon, what are you doing here, kid? It's not yet time for you to be here..."
Haydon looks pleased to see Merrisol again and shakes his hand vigorously. "Thank you, sir. Thank you for what you've done. I'm here to see Braitha, I heard you found her!" He shifts his eyes from Merrisol to Martin and back again. The Regent's words do nothing to stop him in his tracks. "Please tell me she is okay! I've brought some of her favorite treats..." Big eyes gaze up at the captain of the Solar Flare. He tries not to get overwhelmed by the cool sub itself and does his best not to gawk even though he truly can barely contain himself with excitement. He holds a bag of crystallized candy sugar oysters in his hands and very difficult to ignore hopeful expression.
Also, I didn't realize Amy included him in her pose. sorry!
Martin smirks, "Yeah, that's them. We'll discuss it later, he can wait. He's at The Fort at the moment with the guy who tried to kill me. Though we can't keep him cooling his heels for too long so we'd better get Quinlan here to look at them before he does." He looks none the worse for wear for having fought countless zombies and polished off the Solar Flare's liquor supply but he's had several days to recover. He eyes the kid, then his sister. Hopefully she hasn't heard about that part! He certainly won't talk about it. "Amy, hullo..." He beams at her and quickly tries to convey a I-didn't-do-anything-dumb-I-promise expression. Whew, she's headed over to Sol. Saved by the ... Kitzeh? He looks down to greet the kid. "Haydon, what are you doing here, kid? It's not yet time for you to be here..."
"That looks really good!" Braydon tells Sol and can't help but turn back to Merrisol again. "Thank you, sir. Thank you for what you've done. I'm here to see Braitha, I heard you found her!" He shifts his eyes from Merrisol to Martin to Sol and Amy and back again. The Regent's words do nothing to stop him in his tracks. "Please tell me she is okay! I've brought some of her favorite treats..." Big eyes gaze up at the captain of the Solar Flare. He tries not to get overwhelmed by the cool sub itself and does his best not to gawk even though he truly can barely contain himself with excitement. He holds a bag of crystallized candy sugar oysters in his hands and very difficult to ignore hopeful expression.
The crew roster of the Solar Flare is deliberately short, mostly Begmans with a mix of scientific and mechanical skills, plus the willingness to mop up spills and take their turn at cooking. The one currently recording Sol's recipe, a goggle-eyed man named Franz, nods to her specifications and heads for the laboratory to concoct the mixture. Uh, not the kitchen? Nope. Lab. Oh, dem Begmans!
The contact with Quinlan comes like an icy wind.
The image of Quinlan is at a lamp-lit wooden table, looking over what looks like a Montevalno tourist guide. "Evening," he says pleasantly.
It has been a long journey in some ways. Maggie has spent time with each of the kids, telling stories of heroic Regents, bold submersible Captains and the honor of the average Rebman citizen. It may be futile, but she tries to give them a sense of pride in their homeland, their Regent and the crew that did so much to bring them safely home. Some of the kids are more receptive than others. Some not at all. Once the sub arrived at the island fastness, Maggie ducked into the personal quarters. After a shortish while she returens, decked not in Rebman finery but her everyday, boring ol' Wave Dancer getup. Spotting the loose cluster of Martin, Merrisol, Amy and Haydon, she walks quietly that way.
Sol tilts her head and her big gold flecked eyes follow with that curiosity of hers but then she looks back to Amethyst and then Haydon, "Hello, Haydon." She smiles warmly, "You have brought something for your friend to show she was missed? You're a true friend."
Amy looks over and smiles. "Hey, Martin. Did you miss me?" She's sporting a new tattoo, but that's sort of a side note. "Sol - A pleasure to see you again. Is there anything I might help you with?" she asks softly. "I am Amethyst Seville de'Mandrake, and a trained doctor." Not that the name matters exactly, but it's there. She glances at Haydon too, as he stops to talk to Martin and Merrisol.
Merrisol monitors the exchange between crew member and Sol sidelong, before nodding to Martin appreciatively as it is agreed to let 'their' people work with the afflicted Rebmans on board first. He fishes out the right trump from a tin, but takes a moment to look at poor hopeful orphan Haydon, with that clutch of sugared oyster treats. Reining in a sigh, he crouches to say to the boy, "Braitha's safe, she's free, but she's not out of the kelp yet. Give us a little more time and wait in the lounge, all right?" He thinks a moment, then adds, "Give me the treats, I'll pass them along to her and let her know you're waiting.. I think it'll help." He hopes. Straightening up while Sol addresses the boy next, he goes back to looking at the trump in his hand, and soon says, "Quinlan.. it's Merrisol. We spent a few days watching Emor, and it looks like the necromantic influence has withdrawn.. the city is back to being a ghost city, I guess. We're back at Gwyn Gaer now, and Martin's physicians are champing at the bit to examine those we've brought back.. but, thinking about that theory you had about the Witch.. well. Do you think you could come over now and examine them yourself first? We have a Mandrake on board, if that helps. No Feldanes though."
The image of Quinlan blinks. "Sure, I'll come take a look if you want," he says pleasantly. "As to to the Mandrake and the Feldane, tell them - when they're there - to look for signs of links, or siphoning magics. Something tying itself to their life force. When you're ready, bring me through."
Haydon beams at Sol, "Thank you, Sol." He says her name with great reverence as she is still a local legend. "I can.. I'll wait if she is not well." He looks over to the lounge and hands Merrisol the bag of treats. "I'll wait there then." He heads off. What a great opportunity, maybe someone will show him the whole Sub.
Martin glances over at Merrisol who seems to have taken the hint and is looking at a trump. He thumbs up. "Amy's also my sister." Martin tells Sol, "Think I said so before." He scratches his head thoughtfully as he attempts to remember.
Merrisol pauses a few beats, repeats, "..Links? You mean they're still.." then stops and suggests, "Uh, maybe you could tell her yourself. Lady Amy is right here." And he extends his open hand into the space as he steps back to make sure there's clearance room for a new arrival to the lobby.
Sol blinks and smiles, "Mandrake. I know the name. An honor, if I may be of service do not hesitate to summon." She assures Amethyst, "I gave...well. Not the cook, not the doctor, but the man with the curious eyeware...." she points towards the lab, "A sleeping remedy. If you are to oversee the care of these individuals you might inspect the recipe." She looks to Merrisol, "Feldanes? What need have you of Feldanes? If you require dominion of The Veil, I may be of service?"
Quinlan arrives, holding lightly to Merrisol's hand. "I'm told I should explain my concerns?" he says lightly. "Evening, everyone."
Amy turns as she listens to Sol, first. "I shall, thank you. It is good of you to help." She then turns to smile at Maggie, nodding at her. And then to Merri and, "Quinlan, nice to see you again. Did I hear my name mentioned?" Martin gets a bit of a shrug as he tells Sol she's his sister. "You never did say if you like the new tattoo, Martin," she asides, just to bug her brother. If she can. "Dad hasn't seen it yet. Do you think he'll choke?" Can't be helped - it is genetic." And well, Amy surely is not Rebman, so guessing how she and Martin are related - easily done.
Sol smiles to Martin, "IF you mentioned I falled to heed, I am pleased to meet you, Lady Amethyst."
Maggie pauses as things are happening near that grouping. She does not press in as it is clear that someone is coming in via trump. Sol is given a quick smile and a wave though Maggie does not move in that direction. Once Quinlan has manifested, Maggie offers him a smile as well. Tucking her hands into her pockets she moves to lean in an out of the way spot where she can hear and see what is going on, ready to be of help should she be needed.
Martin pffts, "He can deal." Quinlan's arrival gets his attention. "Ah, there you are." He looks relieved. "Good thing. Don't know how long I can hold them off for. I'm not sure what we need yet, Sol, but I think Quinlan can explain." He takes a long breath. "Lets get to it. Those candies migth help calm down the little girl, at least. They're quite addicting you know?" For Rebmans...
Merrisol opens his hand to release Quinlan and glances at Sol. "Yes.. of course, how stupid of me to overlook that," he murmurs with a smile. With a glance back towards the newly-arrived mage, he gestures to Sol. "Have you been introduced? Sol, this is Lord Quinlan. Sol is a Valkyrie of Kitezh. She bears innate knowledge and power with regards death and souls, I believe I have mentioned, in a sense, before." He steps a bit more to the side himself, as the lobby is quite full of talking people by now. He finds Maggie and updates her quietly.
Quinlan smiles. "We have, actually," he says. "I spoke with her a long time ago, during my graduate studies." He pauses, lips pursed, and says, "I think that's all the detail I'm allowed to give about the discussion, actually. So." He claps his hands together, once. "Moving on. I have a theory - just a theory - that these children represent a source of power to whoever's on the other end of that dead puppet in the mirror. That it's their life, or some manner of vital energy, that is needed by the entity. If there's a drain, or a link...well. I'm hoping a Mandrake or a Feldane can *see* that, if they're looking for it. It might be a very small or delicate spell, something subtle or gradual."
Privately, to Maggie, Merrisol takes note of the Wave Dancer ensemble, considers the meaning, and asks quietly, "Are you pressed to return to the Dancer? Liyandra has gone aboard, though not long ago."
Amy pauses as she listens to Quinlan, and then she inclines her head. "I can look, certainly," she says. Though she looks over at Sol, curiously. "Is that something you can do, on the flip side? I can see life, but not the opposite." She frowns a bit, and then says, "If that's the case, it shouldn't matter which of the children we look at, right? They should all have the same sort of thing?"
Sol frowns, "A necromancer and these children are afflicted by a blight? Blights are rather common-Lyonesse suffered from a series of most persistant ones-I am aware Necromancers from Cibola use similar magics though I am unsure if the necromancy fuels the plague, or the plague nourishes the necromancer in those magics. And I can see the measure of one's life-or if it is being spent."
RPG: Sol declares that she has the Touched by Death (DEA-TD) gift.
RPG: Amethyst declares that she has the Blood of Mandrake (BLD-MA) gift.
Martin blinks a few times as he listens and tries to look knowlegeable about the subject at hand ... unfortunately he's truly not that kind of mage. "I guess we won't know until we choose our first subject. I think we may wish to look at one of the adults first, just to be on the safe side before we try this on any of the kids. I think with all three of you we should be able to figure something out. Really I just want to make sure we can bring them back and disinfect them. If you think there's a link, we need to get rid of that too."
Maggie might be listening to Quinlan and the others, but her eyes settle on Merrisol as he approaches. She gives him room next to her against the bulkhead and listens to his quiet update. Leaning just a bit toward Merrisol she replies equally softly.
Privately, to Merrisol, Maggie's smile turns slightly wry, "Ready? No. But, I think that I should, honestly. The ship has been without both senior officers for a while now and the crew will be wondering. I got a note from Remi asking for help with something, but it was unclear just exactly what he wants. What about you?"
Merrisol looks up from his brief capitano-a-capitano with Maggie. He looks to make sure Haydon is not present for all this; one of the crew has by now taken the kid to see the engine room. A fantastic spectacle of clockwork and glowing lights that it is. "Let's adjourn to the crew commons. The adult Rebmans occupy the larger cabins, but if you want them brought up to the main level instead of going in to see one or the other, that can be arranged." He then looks back to Maggie to resume the side discussion, softly.
Quinlan smiles a bit. "For my part, whichever is easier," he says. "Just so long as I see each one you want me to, uh, sniff out...independently of the others."
Amy just shrugs. "Guess we should go look, shouldn't we? Or - that." She nods to Merrisol. "Sounds like a good plan to me, Captain. Might be easier to bring one to us than have us all traipse into a small cabin?" But what does she know? She looks at Quinlan curiously, and then back over at Merrisol. "But whichever way, I think we should get going. Haydon is only going to be distracted for so long."
Sol frowns gently at Martin at the disinfection comment. She notes, "I may hold them from death if necessary but it would be pointless to do so until the curse has been broken. I defer to the collective wisdom on this matter."
Martin nods with a "Make it so" expression and gestures forward towards the common room. "The mother of the family that was abducted, then we can look at Braitha." He seems to be eager to get this done quickly. Crotchety Rebmans have been talking off his ear all day, after all. Sol's words make him pause a moment as he looks at her and nods. "Sol's right, we need to break any curse first. But lets just first try and figure out what is going on, theories don't mean much until we have all the facts."
Merrisol nods reluctantly to the inevitability of Maggie's duties.. his own, too. "It seemed simple in theory.. that I would return to my posting on board the ship when the Solar Flare's purpose was done.. but it isn't, not even close." He catches her hand in his, impulsively. "If you have to go before this business with the examination concludes, I'll call you after, by trump."
Maggie's smile remains wry, "No. It isn't. If we had been thinking, we would have known that it would not be, Kerf." She nods toward the passage where the others have gone, "Although it is not a question of 'have to' exactly, I should go. I am of no help here now and the sub is not that big a ship." Her hand is easily caught and she looks up at him as her fingers lace with his, as unwilling to release him as she is to leave. But it is inevitable. "Please call me. Let me know how the kids are. And the adults, of course." But the kids!
Merrisol heaves a slow, low sigh, aware that the others have filed off to the commons. He leans down to kiss his Captain while the moment of privacy presents itself, then draws back and lets go. With a nod and an uncheery smile, he departs the lobby for the living/dining space.
Maggie returns the kiss, the touch of her hand lingering for an instant, the touch yearning and unhappy. She watches him head down to the commons then quietly slips off to return to the Dancer.
Merrisol follows after a few moments, although Maggie does not. She's off to the Wave Dancer, which had been missing both its Captain and First Mate for a while. That's no way to run a private navy! "Apologies," he says gruffly, and moves to assist with whatever examination format had been decided upon.. bringing someone up, or getting everyone down to a single cabin.
Martin nods, "This is more like it. Mr Merrisol, can you please have Mrs Fennyl come in? She's the mother of the family that was abducted. I would like to see about this link or curse that Quinlan has been theorizing first before we talk to the children. We can examine Braitha next." He makes the decision because well, he's the regent. He's allowed.
Quinlan just nods assent. Theories after all mean very little until they're tested.
Sol looks to Martin, "Are we to have her permission before whatever is about to transpire here, Lord Regent?"
Merrisol sees to the patient's deliverance from the cabin himself. The access hatches and cabins below weren't made with potentially violent detainees in mind, so descending into that environment and then persuading the occupant to cooperate enough to be brought back up, could be a bit of a sticky situation. Mrs. Fennyl's wrists are looped behind her in cord to prevent her doing harm to herself or anyone trying to treat her, so he escorts her every step of the way up the tightly spiraling stairway, then brings her to a seat at the table.
While they are waiting for Mrs Fennyl, Martin responds softly to Sol, "She is not in her right mind, my lady. I am certain, as her liege, this is the right thing for her and her family. When she is cured she will know it too. We will ask, but I do not believe she will give us any coherant response."
Mrs Fennyl was far from docile declaring that she wanted to see her child and husband immediately , luckily the sedative has made her a little less shrill and demanding. She looks tired and agitated. She is from a well-to-do non noble household. "Where is the dragon." She mutters fretfully under her berath whens she is seated. "Where is the dragon. I can't see the dragon." She may not entirely see everyone in the room, it's difficult to tell at first. She looks down at her hands, bound as the are.
"Mrs Fennyl.." The regent states softly. "You are safe, among friends."
"The dragon... where is the dragon..." she continues to mutter.
As Mrs. Fennyl is brought up, Amy finds a spot to stand, where she can see the woman. She lets herself find that mental state where she can see the life force, watch all the brightened colours on all the people in the room, her eyes almost glowing with the intent.
Quinlan finds a place to sit, so as not to inadvertently loom or anything. He, too, studies the woman, inhaling deeply. Rather meditatively, if one didn't know what it was for.
Sol frowns gently, "I fear, lord regent, this will not end well." Her big hazel eyes study Martin with the first true hint of concern-and strangely it is NOT for the patient at all, but for Martin for some reason. She murmurs to Ms. Fennel, "This one." She points to the woman so the woman sees she's being addressed but not by any name, "Why do you demand that which is not revealed to you?" in her thick Kitezh tone, adopting perhaps the tiniest edge of authority.
Merrisol notes the positioning of people within the oblong room, as though gauging the angles wherein one might be caught in the crossfire of magic eye-lazars. After puzzling over the bit of dialogue between Sol and Martin that he'd been present to hear, Merri glances at Martin questioningly and makes a gesture towards the Rebman woman's bound wrists. Loosen the bonds?
Martin pauses for a moment at the look Sol gives him; he scratches the back of his head as though he's most certainly thinking. "Wait!" He suddenly states. Clearly something that the Kitzeh said must have sunk in or at least triggered the gut-instinct. "Lirs on a bike, I'm an freaking idiot! Quinlan, stop whatever you're doing. Stop it right now!"
"I've seen the Dragon all these nights." Mrs Fennyl's eyes grow wide and worried and her words desperate. "The Dragon Queen is our salvation. Where is she! Where did she go.. I must see her!" she looks back and forth desperately.
Quinlan blinks, turning toward Martin in confusion. "All right," he says slowly. "But I think I'm a bit lost now."
Sol murmurs, "All salvations and saviors reveal themselves to the worthy. What does The Dragon weigh in those in order to be worthy?" She too looks to Martin, puzzled by his sudden alarm, and curious. As if she had absolutely nothing at stake here.
Amy is just watching, there's nothing to what she's doing that should harm anything. She does blink though, glancing over at Martin. "What's going on?" she asks softly.
Merrisol's browline drops in response to Martin's outburst, though he only gives the Regent of Rebma a passing glance before returning it to the subject of study. His frown deepens.. if only he had stocked that liquor shelf more thoroughly.. ol' Marty is probably operating with a dry brain right now. That can't be good.
Martin sighs, "I need to rethink this whole thing. Everything smells bad. My people were used, taken and now we are probing them without any thought as to the consequences. Rebmans. These are the people I'm supposed to protect, to help. My people." He puts his hands on his hips as he looks at the group. "Every step of this thing I've been asked to make a decision that could undermine everything I've worked for. I could have made some very bad decisions, but I didn't, so far. This may be one of them. It could be seen very differently. We..." He gestures to the group as a whole. "Cannot treat her like this. It's wrong, and if it is spread to the rest of Rebma, it will be seen as wrong and a violation of trust. We need her consent. She is not a child." Perhaps Merri is right, a too sober Martin thinks too much.
Quinlan smiles, leaning back in a somewhat surprised pose. "Every now and then surprise is a good thing," he says quietly. "I'll wait for your cue."
Amy pauses as well, and she inclines her head. "As Quinlan says."
Sol smiles warmly to Martin. Now he gets it. She offers a soothing, encouraging smile and murmurs soft soothing sounds in her native tongue even if the woman lead up doesn't understand it,.
Merri hangs out by the 'patient', his gaze slip-sliding across to the various people involved in this would-be scan, clearly astonished both by the decision and the murmurs of acquiescence. He settles back on his heels, fitfully, then narrow-eyes in thought. "Quinlan. You've been around the inside of Mrs. Fennyl's home, haven't you? Maybe, you could dress up this space like it to remind her of the things that really mean something to her?"
The woman looks towards Sol, wide-eyed. She seems confused and a little scared. So many people in the room she does not know. Sol, she seems to remember. The lady who purged the black algae from Rebma. Is it... "Is it you?" Her eyes open in wonder. "I...I..." she frets in her bonds. "I need to fight. I need to fight for the dragon queen. She will save us all...."
Martin looks relieved and then smiles at Merri's suggestion. "Brilliant." he acknowledges and breathes a sigh of relief. At least no one thinks he's crazy.
"Please....I need the power of the dragon... I need to feel her again." The Rebman woman pleads.
Quinlan blinks. "Um. All right," he says, and closes his eyes. Around them, the space takes on the look of the woman's home. It's definitely magical, and if one focuses on any part of it the reality is clearly visible underneath. But it's kindly meant, at least.
Sol lifts a tiny hand and murmurs, "The hardest part of battle is the eve before-all things come to wait, be at peace and rest." She murmurs reassuringly, "In time."She pats the woman, "Rest." She looks to Martin and Merrisol, "A gease."
Amy just settles where she is, waiting and watching. Cause this is a bit out of her league, really.
Merrisol lifts brows at Sol briefly, then takes a short look around at Quinlan's handiwork. He's never seen the home in question himself, only heard about the investigation. Still, it looks pretty spi... oh wait. He averts his gaze from the illusion and looks quickly back at Mrs. Fennyl, half-expecting her to drop off to sleep from Sol's soothing suggestion.
Martin tries hard to look unintimidating as possible. The familiar surroundings from her home seem to calm down the woman and she begins to relax considerably.
"It is true." Mrs Fennyl begins to breathe evenly and seem less fretfull. "A warrior must have a clear heart." Her eyes look heavy. "I should..." she blinks a little. "Dinner. we should be having dinner soon..." Her words seem to slur a little and she looks extremely drowsy as though she is going to fall asleep at any minute.
"Geass?" Martin repeats the unfamiliar word, not sure what it is that Sol is referring to. "Can you explain? What's going on? What do you mean?"
Amy watches as Sol seems the only allowed to even look at the woman and somehow identify that there is a geas in play. Her brow furrows a bit, and she shrugs. "How is our looking at her any different?" she wonders softly. "Call me when you all need me," she offers instead, turning to leave.
"Magical compulsion," Quinlan clarifies quietly. "It's ...sort of like an oath you're incapable of breaking. To a certain degree, it removes free will. But only to a degree. Whatever the geas is about."
Sol pauses to consider carefully, "MY thari is limited for talk of magic. I will try." She offers in her thick accent, "A gease is a...curse. A Compelling need. A compulsion which resisting can make the geased ill, mad, even die." She coos and leads the woman to someone to catch her, "rest well, sister." She then looks to Martin, "Even if one has the will to resist, a gease ensures those so snared are good for nothing else...and suffers. I know of no way to break a gease. For some it might perish if the object were destroyed-for others it is failure and they suffer tremendously before dying."
Merrisol is close by already, stoops and picks the woman up out of the air as she droops. He looks her over to make sure she's really dozed off and not faking it to get close enough to bite someone.. someone like him! "Should we just assume that this same cruel compulsion has been laid upon the children?" he demands in a hush. "Is it something separate to worry about, or part of the Black Water taint? Or is there a taint at all?"
Gossip BOB: Sun Aug 18 20:32:51 2013 by Martin (public)
GL-Rebma: intensity moderate, trace cost 1, expires 15 Sep
Title: Morfilod Gives Praise
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In Rebma, rumors are circulating that with the aid of a team headed by a member of House Morfilod the hostages have been rescued from the Dragon Queen. It is rumored that The Ghost City was also released from the clutches of a necromantic cult, and the kidnapped Rebmans will be coming home soon. No officials are saying anything about the status of the hostages or where they presently are. The children of Rebma still remain safe in the Palace for now. The High Physician, an Ygrayne, took a few members of his crew to go look to the welfare of the hostages. People are starting to wonder if the threat is gone now and have resumed moving about in the city. Many would like to take their children home. The High Priestess of Lir, Dryssana Morfilod assured all that the Regent will surely allow the children to return home when it is safe. She also stated that Rebma should pray to Lir to give Martin guidance and strength during this difficult time. Morfilod is deeply proud that one of their own was involved in such a daring event. She also encourages that thanks be given to all who were involved as Lir saw fit to ensure their mission a success.
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Seven Victims rescued, the Ghost city of Emor liberated from the clutches of Necromancy, an artifact containing the link to the Witch delivered to Feldane and a job well done with no casualties on our heroes side. A paranoid person might think it was too easy. The victims have been kept under watchful eye as they recover. All have been infected by chaos in one way or the other of varying degrees. One cannot be allowed any sharp utensils because they like to stab things, one child, Braitha, spends all her time humming the popular nursery rhyme: Three Blind Fish while she pulls at her hair, another sings nonsense hymns all day long to the dragon queen and a young boy who spends his time training as though he hasn't left the Coliseum. The rest have been sedated to keep them lucid enough to be harmless. All have scars of battle and mental torture.
And then there's the eighth victim in the dungeons of Gwyn Gaer, the man who tried to kill Martin.
OOC> Merrisol says, "Just for clarification.. It's Braitha, 3 other orphan (girls because they were working at the Houses then disappeared), and 1 Rebman family consisting of 2 adults, 1 servant, and a child? That totals 8."
Martin has been spending time between Rebma and the Sub, handling things he needs to handle there and returning to the Sub to check on the status of the Victims. He hasn't been spending his entire time on the Solar Flare but enough to make it noticeable at home. He's just returned from a meeting with his advisers and explained the situation. The threat to Rebma has been diminished, there is no need to call an attack force in. "Mr Merrisol." A sober Regent addresses the Captain of the Solar Flare as soon ashe finds him. "It has been suggested that Lord Ygrayne and a few members of his examine the patients." The tone of his voice indicates that it was more of a demand than suggestion. "The High Priestess of Lir also concurred. If you are willing, I will have them brought aboard."
Amy has just arrived aboard the Solar Flare, courtesy of a trump call. She however has managed to bring along a little tagalong, in the form of one Haydon, the kid tackling her at just the wrong (or right) time. So, the two come through, and Amy pauses to look at things.
Sol tends to those who demand most immediate attention here and there. Some, she provides something acceptable to deface or alter, others she shows how to make puzzles from humble objects such as lengths of straw or horsehair, some she sooths and sings lullabyes to. Presently she is showing one of the crew how to brew an old Kite recipe for tea to aid sleep.
After holding a long vigil in the trenches with the occasional nighttime foray to the surface to replenish air and battery, scouting confirmed the threat of Emor on Rebma was indeed diminished and the Solar Flare set a course for the lighthouses. It has surfaced to sea level to make an approach on the designated berth within Gwyn Gaer, with its vents open to fill the rooms with fresh and natural ocean air. Upon arrival, those going ashore or switching to the Wave Dancer for transport back to Amber disembark. Merrisol bids farewell to Liyandra on the docks, promises to renew their Big Fish Quest once this current business is seen to, then welcomes Sol aboard.
As he heads back down the hatch, considering how to treat or transfer the afflicted Rebmans, he consults with Amethyst by trump, and ends up bringing her through. Much to his surprise, he is forced to greet both Lady Amy and the boy clinging to her arm. "Lady Amy, welcome aboard the... Haydon!" He tries to frown and disapprove and a whole bunch of Captainly things, but in the end, extends his hand in welcome to the kid as well. "They are in the cabins to starboard," he tells them. "Find Sol that way, she'll tell you how they currently fare."
Hearing his name, he turns to see Martin and absorbs the new development with a pensive grimace. "Oh. I suppose they should be allowed to put their oar in at some point. But these are the same who wanted you to attack the city and leave your people to perish within?"
Amy reaches a hand to give Haydon a hug, shaking her head at the little child. "Easy now," she says. "Captain Merrisol, thank you. C'mon, Haydon, let's go find Sol, and see what is going on, right?" The healer spies her brother and grins over at Martin, offering him a wave, and then she moves over to Sol. Though maybe with a bit more direction, cause she does head the wrong way first.
Sol offers to the chef, "This is not for any children under six summers, yes? Six summers and older just to improve the taste, yes?" she looks up and offers a sunshine smile, "Hello."
Martin smirks, "Yeah, that's them. We'll discuss it later, he can wait. He's at The Fort at the moment with the guy who tried to kill me. Though we can't keep him cooling his heels for too long so we'd better get Quinlan here to look at them before he does." He looks none the worse for wear for having fought countless zombies and polished off the Solar Flare's liquor supply but he's had several days to recover. He eyes the kid, then his sister. Hopefully she hasn't heard about that part! He certainly won't talk about it. "Amy, hullo..." He beams at her and quickly tries to convey a I-didn't-do-anything-dumb-I-promise expression. Whew, she's headed over to Sol. Saved by the ... Kitzeh? He looks down to greet the kid. "Haydon, what are you doing here, kid? It's not yet time for you to be here..."
Haydon looks pleased to see Merrisol again and shakes his hand vigorously. "Thank you, sir. Thank you for what you've done. I'm here to see Braitha, I heard you found her!" He shifts his eyes from Merrisol to Martin and back again. The Regent's words do nothing to stop him in his tracks. "Please tell me she is okay! I've brought some of her favorite treats..." Big eyes gaze up at the captain of the Solar Flare. He tries not to get overwhelmed by the cool sub itself and does his best not to gawk even though he truly can barely contain himself with excitement. He holds a bag of crystallized candy sugar oysters in his hands and very difficult to ignore hopeful expression.
Also, I didn't realize Amy included him in her pose. sorry!
Martin smirks, "Yeah, that's them. We'll discuss it later, he can wait. He's at The Fort at the moment with the guy who tried to kill me. Though we can't keep him cooling his heels for too long so we'd better get Quinlan here to look at them before he does." He looks none the worse for wear for having fought countless zombies and polished off the Solar Flare's liquor supply but he's had several days to recover. He eyes the kid, then his sister. Hopefully she hasn't heard about that part! He certainly won't talk about it. "Amy, hullo..." He beams at her and quickly tries to convey a I-didn't-do-anything-dumb-I-promise expression. Whew, she's headed over to Sol. Saved by the ... Kitzeh? He looks down to greet the kid. "Haydon, what are you doing here, kid? It's not yet time for you to be here..."
"That looks really good!" Braydon tells Sol and can't help but turn back to Merrisol again. "Thank you, sir. Thank you for what you've done. I'm here to see Braitha, I heard you found her!" He shifts his eyes from Merrisol to Martin to Sol and Amy and back again. The Regent's words do nothing to stop him in his tracks. "Please tell me she is okay! I've brought some of her favorite treats..." Big eyes gaze up at the captain of the Solar Flare. He tries not to get overwhelmed by the cool sub itself and does his best not to gawk even though he truly can barely contain himself with excitement. He holds a bag of crystallized candy sugar oysters in his hands and very difficult to ignore hopeful expression.
The crew roster of the Solar Flare is deliberately short, mostly Begmans with a mix of scientific and mechanical skills, plus the willingness to mop up spills and take their turn at cooking. The one currently recording Sol's recipe, a goggle-eyed man named Franz, nods to her specifications and heads for the laboratory to concoct the mixture. Uh, not the kitchen? Nope. Lab. Oh, dem Begmans!
The contact with Quinlan comes like an icy wind.
The image of Quinlan is at a lamp-lit wooden table, looking over what looks like a Montevalno tourist guide. "Evening," he says pleasantly.
It has been a long journey in some ways. Maggie has spent time with each of the kids, telling stories of heroic Regents, bold submersible Captains and the honor of the average Rebman citizen. It may be futile, but she tries to give them a sense of pride in their homeland, their Regent and the crew that did so much to bring them safely home. Some of the kids are more receptive than others. Some not at all. Once the sub arrived at the island fastness, Maggie ducked into the personal quarters. After a shortish while she returens, decked not in Rebman finery but her everyday, boring ol' Wave Dancer getup. Spotting the loose cluster of Martin, Merrisol, Amy and Haydon, she walks quietly that way.
Sol tilts her head and her big gold flecked eyes follow with that curiosity of hers but then she looks back to Amethyst and then Haydon, "Hello, Haydon." She smiles warmly, "You have brought something for your friend to show she was missed? You're a true friend."
Amy looks over and smiles. "Hey, Martin. Did you miss me?" She's sporting a new tattoo, but that's sort of a side note. "Sol - A pleasure to see you again. Is there anything I might help you with?" she asks softly. "I am Amethyst Seville de'Mandrake, and a trained doctor." Not that the name matters exactly, but it's there. She glances at Haydon too, as he stops to talk to Martin and Merrisol.
Merrisol monitors the exchange between crew member and Sol sidelong, before nodding to Martin appreciatively as it is agreed to let 'their' people work with the afflicted Rebmans on board first. He fishes out the right trump from a tin, but takes a moment to look at poor hopeful orphan Haydon, with that clutch of sugared oyster treats. Reining in a sigh, he crouches to say to the boy, "Braitha's safe, she's free, but she's not out of the kelp yet. Give us a little more time and wait in the lounge, all right?" He thinks a moment, then adds, "Give me the treats, I'll pass them along to her and let her know you're waiting.. I think it'll help." He hopes. Straightening up while Sol addresses the boy next, he goes back to looking at the trump in his hand, and soon says, "Quinlan.. it's Merrisol. We spent a few days watching Emor, and it looks like the necromantic influence has withdrawn.. the city is back to being a ghost city, I guess. We're back at Gwyn Gaer now, and Martin's physicians are champing at the bit to examine those we've brought back.. but, thinking about that theory you had about the Witch.. well. Do you think you could come over now and examine them yourself first? We have a Mandrake on board, if that helps. No Feldanes though."
The image of Quinlan blinks. "Sure, I'll come take a look if you want," he says pleasantly. "As to to the Mandrake and the Feldane, tell them - when they're there - to look for signs of links, or siphoning magics. Something tying itself to their life force. When you're ready, bring me through."
Haydon beams at Sol, "Thank you, Sol." He says her name with great reverence as she is still a local legend. "I can.. I'll wait if she is not well." He looks over to the lounge and hands Merrisol the bag of treats. "I'll wait there then." He heads off. What a great opportunity, maybe someone will show him the whole Sub.
Martin glances over at Merrisol who seems to have taken the hint and is looking at a trump. He thumbs up. "Amy's also my sister." Martin tells Sol, "Think I said so before." He scratches his head thoughtfully as he attempts to remember.
Merrisol pauses a few beats, repeats, "..Links? You mean they're still.." then stops and suggests, "Uh, maybe you could tell her yourself. Lady Amy is right here." And he extends his open hand into the space as he steps back to make sure there's clearance room for a new arrival to the lobby.
Sol blinks and smiles, "Mandrake. I know the name. An honor, if I may be of service do not hesitate to summon." She assures Amethyst, "I gave...well. Not the cook, not the doctor, but the man with the curious eyeware...." she points towards the lab, "A sleeping remedy. If you are to oversee the care of these individuals you might inspect the recipe." She looks to Merrisol, "Feldanes? What need have you of Feldanes? If you require dominion of The Veil, I may be of service?"
Quinlan arrives, holding lightly to Merrisol's hand. "I'm told I should explain my concerns?" he says lightly. "Evening, everyone."
Amy turns as she listens to Sol, first. "I shall, thank you. It is good of you to help." She then turns to smile at Maggie, nodding at her. And then to Merri and, "Quinlan, nice to see you again. Did I hear my name mentioned?" Martin gets a bit of a shrug as he tells Sol she's his sister. "You never did say if you like the new tattoo, Martin," she asides, just to bug her brother. If she can. "Dad hasn't seen it yet. Do you think he'll choke?" Can't be helped - it is genetic." And well, Amy surely is not Rebman, so guessing how she and Martin are related - easily done.
Sol smiles to Martin, "IF you mentioned I falled to heed, I am pleased to meet you, Lady Amethyst."
Maggie pauses as things are happening near that grouping. She does not press in as it is clear that someone is coming in via trump. Sol is given a quick smile and a wave though Maggie does not move in that direction. Once Quinlan has manifested, Maggie offers him a smile as well. Tucking her hands into her pockets she moves to lean in an out of the way spot where she can hear and see what is going on, ready to be of help should she be needed.
Martin pffts, "He can deal." Quinlan's arrival gets his attention. "Ah, there you are." He looks relieved. "Good thing. Don't know how long I can hold them off for. I'm not sure what we need yet, Sol, but I think Quinlan can explain." He takes a long breath. "Lets get to it. Those candies migth help calm down the little girl, at least. They're quite addicting you know?" For Rebmans...
Merrisol opens his hand to release Quinlan and glances at Sol. "Yes.. of course, how stupid of me to overlook that," he murmurs with a smile. With a glance back towards the newly-arrived mage, he gestures to Sol. "Have you been introduced? Sol, this is Lord Quinlan. Sol is a Valkyrie of Kitezh. She bears innate knowledge and power with regards death and souls, I believe I have mentioned, in a sense, before." He steps a bit more to the side himself, as the lobby is quite full of talking people by now. He finds Maggie and updates her quietly.
Quinlan smiles. "We have, actually," he says. "I spoke with her a long time ago, during my graduate studies." He pauses, lips pursed, and says, "I think that's all the detail I'm allowed to give about the discussion, actually. So." He claps his hands together, once. "Moving on. I have a theory - just a theory - that these children represent a source of power to whoever's on the other end of that dead puppet in the mirror. That it's their life, or some manner of vital energy, that is needed by the entity. If there's a drain, or a link...well. I'm hoping a Mandrake or a Feldane can *see* that, if they're looking for it. It might be a very small or delicate spell, something subtle or gradual."
Privately, to Maggie, Merrisol takes note of the Wave Dancer ensemble, considers the meaning, and asks quietly, "Are you pressed to return to the Dancer? Liyandra has gone aboard, though not long ago."
Amy pauses as she listens to Quinlan, and then she inclines her head. "I can look, certainly," she says. Though she looks over at Sol, curiously. "Is that something you can do, on the flip side? I can see life, but not the opposite." She frowns a bit, and then says, "If that's the case, it shouldn't matter which of the children we look at, right? They should all have the same sort of thing?"
Sol frowns, "A necromancer and these children are afflicted by a blight? Blights are rather common-Lyonesse suffered from a series of most persistant ones-I am aware Necromancers from Cibola use similar magics though I am unsure if the necromancy fuels the plague, or the plague nourishes the necromancer in those magics. And I can see the measure of one's life-or if it is being spent."
RPG: Sol declares that she has the Touched by Death (DEA-TD) gift.
RPG: Amethyst declares that she has the Blood of Mandrake (BLD-MA) gift.
Martin blinks a few times as he listens and tries to look knowlegeable about the subject at hand ... unfortunately he's truly not that kind of mage. "I guess we won't know until we choose our first subject. I think we may wish to look at one of the adults first, just to be on the safe side before we try this on any of the kids. I think with all three of you we should be able to figure something out. Really I just want to make sure we can bring them back and disinfect them. If you think there's a link, we need to get rid of that too."
Maggie might be listening to Quinlan and the others, but her eyes settle on Merrisol as he approaches. She gives him room next to her against the bulkhead and listens to his quiet update. Leaning just a bit toward Merrisol she replies equally softly.
Privately, to Merrisol, Maggie's smile turns slightly wry, "Ready? No. But, I think that I should, honestly. The ship has been without both senior officers for a while now and the crew will be wondering. I got a note from Remi asking for help with something, but it was unclear just exactly what he wants. What about you?"
Merrisol looks up from his brief capitano-a-capitano with Maggie. He looks to make sure Haydon is not present for all this; one of the crew has by now taken the kid to see the engine room. A fantastic spectacle of clockwork and glowing lights that it is. "Let's adjourn to the crew commons. The adult Rebmans occupy the larger cabins, but if you want them brought up to the main level instead of going in to see one or the other, that can be arranged." He then looks back to Maggie to resume the side discussion, softly.
Quinlan smiles a bit. "For my part, whichever is easier," he says. "Just so long as I see each one you want me to, uh, sniff out...independently of the others."
Amy just shrugs. "Guess we should go look, shouldn't we? Or - that." She nods to Merrisol. "Sounds like a good plan to me, Captain. Might be easier to bring one to us than have us all traipse into a small cabin?" But what does she know? She looks at Quinlan curiously, and then back over at Merrisol. "But whichever way, I think we should get going. Haydon is only going to be distracted for so long."
Sol frowns gently at Martin at the disinfection comment. She notes, "I may hold them from death if necessary but it would be pointless to do so until the curse has been broken. I defer to the collective wisdom on this matter."
Martin nods with a "Make it so" expression and gestures forward towards the common room. "The mother of the family that was abducted, then we can look at Braitha." He seems to be eager to get this done quickly. Crotchety Rebmans have been talking off his ear all day, after all. Sol's words make him pause a moment as he looks at her and nods. "Sol's right, we need to break any curse first. But lets just first try and figure out what is going on, theories don't mean much until we have all the facts."
Merrisol nods reluctantly to the inevitability of Maggie's duties.. his own, too. "It seemed simple in theory.. that I would return to my posting on board the ship when the Solar Flare's purpose was done.. but it isn't, not even close." He catches her hand in his, impulsively. "If you have to go before this business with the examination concludes, I'll call you after, by trump."
Maggie's smile remains wry, "No. It isn't. If we had been thinking, we would have known that it would not be, Kerf." She nods toward the passage where the others have gone, "Although it is not a question of 'have to' exactly, I should go. I am of no help here now and the sub is not that big a ship." Her hand is easily caught and she looks up at him as her fingers lace with his, as unwilling to release him as she is to leave. But it is inevitable. "Please call me. Let me know how the kids are. And the adults, of course." But the kids!
Merrisol heaves a slow, low sigh, aware that the others have filed off to the commons. He leans down to kiss his Captain while the moment of privacy presents itself, then draws back and lets go. With a nod and an uncheery smile, he departs the lobby for the living/dining space.
Maggie returns the kiss, the touch of her hand lingering for an instant, the touch yearning and unhappy. She watches him head down to the commons then quietly slips off to return to the Dancer.
Merrisol follows after a few moments, although Maggie does not. She's off to the Wave Dancer, which had been missing both its Captain and First Mate for a while. That's no way to run a private navy! "Apologies," he says gruffly, and moves to assist with whatever examination format had been decided upon.. bringing someone up, or getting everyone down to a single cabin.
Martin nods, "This is more like it. Mr Merrisol, can you please have Mrs Fennyl come in? She's the mother of the family that was abducted. I would like to see about this link or curse that Quinlan has been theorizing first before we talk to the children. We can examine Braitha next." He makes the decision because well, he's the regent. He's allowed.
Quinlan just nods assent. Theories after all mean very little until they're tested.
Sol looks to Martin, "Are we to have her permission before whatever is about to transpire here, Lord Regent?"
Merrisol sees to the patient's deliverance from the cabin himself. The access hatches and cabins below weren't made with potentially violent detainees in mind, so descending into that environment and then persuading the occupant to cooperate enough to be brought back up, could be a bit of a sticky situation. Mrs. Fennyl's wrists are looped behind her in cord to prevent her doing harm to herself or anyone trying to treat her, so he escorts her every step of the way up the tightly spiraling stairway, then brings her to a seat at the table.
While they are waiting for Mrs Fennyl, Martin responds softly to Sol, "She is not in her right mind, my lady. I am certain, as her liege, this is the right thing for her and her family. When she is cured she will know it too. We will ask, but I do not believe she will give us any coherant response."
Mrs Fennyl was far from docile declaring that she wanted to see her child and husband immediately , luckily the sedative has made her a little less shrill and demanding. She looks tired and agitated. She is from a well-to-do non noble household. "Where is the dragon." She mutters fretfully under her berath whens she is seated. "Where is the dragon. I can't see the dragon." She may not entirely see everyone in the room, it's difficult to tell at first. She looks down at her hands, bound as the are.
"Mrs Fennyl.." The regent states softly. "You are safe, among friends."
"The dragon... where is the dragon..." she continues to mutter.
As Mrs. Fennyl is brought up, Amy finds a spot to stand, where she can see the woman. She lets herself find that mental state where she can see the life force, watch all the brightened colours on all the people in the room, her eyes almost glowing with the intent.
Quinlan finds a place to sit, so as not to inadvertently loom or anything. He, too, studies the woman, inhaling deeply. Rather meditatively, if one didn't know what it was for.
Sol frowns gently, "I fear, lord regent, this will not end well." Her big hazel eyes study Martin with the first true hint of concern-and strangely it is NOT for the patient at all, but for Martin for some reason. She murmurs to Ms. Fennel, "This one." She points to the woman so the woman sees she's being addressed but not by any name, "Why do you demand that which is not revealed to you?" in her thick Kitezh tone, adopting perhaps the tiniest edge of authority.
Merrisol notes the positioning of people within the oblong room, as though gauging the angles wherein one might be caught in the crossfire of magic eye-lazars. After puzzling over the bit of dialogue between Sol and Martin that he'd been present to hear, Merri glances at Martin questioningly and makes a gesture towards the Rebman woman's bound wrists. Loosen the bonds?
Martin pauses for a moment at the look Sol gives him; he scratches the back of his head as though he's most certainly thinking. "Wait!" He suddenly states. Clearly something that the Kitzeh said must have sunk in or at least triggered the gut-instinct. "Lirs on a bike, I'm an freaking idiot! Quinlan, stop whatever you're doing. Stop it right now!"
"I've seen the Dragon all these nights." Mrs Fennyl's eyes grow wide and worried and her words desperate. "The Dragon Queen is our salvation. Where is she! Where did she go.. I must see her!" she looks back and forth desperately.
Quinlan blinks, turning toward Martin in confusion. "All right," he says slowly. "But I think I'm a bit lost now."
Sol murmurs, "All salvations and saviors reveal themselves to the worthy. What does The Dragon weigh in those in order to be worthy?" She too looks to Martin, puzzled by his sudden alarm, and curious. As if she had absolutely nothing at stake here.
Amy is just watching, there's nothing to what she's doing that should harm anything. She does blink though, glancing over at Martin. "What's going on?" she asks softly.
Merrisol's browline drops in response to Martin's outburst, though he only gives the Regent of Rebma a passing glance before returning it to the subject of study. His frown deepens.. if only he had stocked that liquor shelf more thoroughly.. ol' Marty is probably operating with a dry brain right now. That can't be good.
Martin sighs, "I need to rethink this whole thing. Everything smells bad. My people were used, taken and now we are probing them without any thought as to the consequences. Rebmans. These are the people I'm supposed to protect, to help. My people." He puts his hands on his hips as he looks at the group. "Every step of this thing I've been asked to make a decision that could undermine everything I've worked for. I could have made some very bad decisions, but I didn't, so far. This may be one of them. It could be seen very differently. We..." He gestures to the group as a whole. "Cannot treat her like this. It's wrong, and if it is spread to the rest of Rebma, it will be seen as wrong and a violation of trust. We need her consent. She is not a child." Perhaps Merri is right, a too sober Martin thinks too much.
Quinlan smiles, leaning back in a somewhat surprised pose. "Every now and then surprise is a good thing," he says quietly. "I'll wait for your cue."
Amy pauses as well, and she inclines her head. "As Quinlan says."
Sol smiles warmly to Martin. Now he gets it. She offers a soothing, encouraging smile and murmurs soft soothing sounds in her native tongue even if the woman lead up doesn't understand it,.
Merri hangs out by the 'patient', his gaze slip-sliding across to the various people involved in this would-be scan, clearly astonished both by the decision and the murmurs of acquiescence. He settles back on his heels, fitfully, then narrow-eyes in thought. "Quinlan. You've been around the inside of Mrs. Fennyl's home, haven't you? Maybe, you could dress up this space like it to remind her of the things that really mean something to her?"
The woman looks towards Sol, wide-eyed. She seems confused and a little scared. So many people in the room she does not know. Sol, she seems to remember. The lady who purged the black algae from Rebma. Is it... "Is it you?" Her eyes open in wonder. "I...I..." she frets in her bonds. "I need to fight. I need to fight for the dragon queen. She will save us all...."
Martin looks relieved and then smiles at Merri's suggestion. "Brilliant." he acknowledges and breathes a sigh of relief. At least no one thinks he's crazy.
"Please....I need the power of the dragon... I need to feel her again." The Rebman woman pleads.
Quinlan blinks. "Um. All right," he says, and closes his eyes. Around them, the space takes on the look of the woman's home. It's definitely magical, and if one focuses on any part of it the reality is clearly visible underneath. But it's kindly meant, at least.
Sol lifts a tiny hand and murmurs, "The hardest part of battle is the eve before-all things come to wait, be at peace and rest." She murmurs reassuringly, "In time."She pats the woman, "Rest." She looks to Martin and Merrisol, "A gease."
Amy just settles where she is, waiting and watching. Cause this is a bit out of her league, really.
Merrisol lifts brows at Sol briefly, then takes a short look around at Quinlan's handiwork. He's never seen the home in question himself, only heard about the investigation. Still, it looks pretty spi... oh wait. He averts his gaze from the illusion and looks quickly back at Mrs. Fennyl, half-expecting her to drop off to sleep from Sol's soothing suggestion.
Martin tries hard to look unintimidating as possible. The familiar surroundings from her home seem to calm down the woman and she begins to relax considerably.
"It is true." Mrs Fennyl begins to breathe evenly and seem less fretfull. "A warrior must have a clear heart." Her eyes look heavy. "I should..." she blinks a little. "Dinner. we should be having dinner soon..." Her words seem to slur a little and she looks extremely drowsy as though she is going to fall asleep at any minute.
"Geass?" Martin repeats the unfamiliar word, not sure what it is that Sol is referring to. "Can you explain? What's going on? What do you mean?"
Amy watches as Sol seems the only allowed to even look at the woman and somehow identify that there is a geas in play. Her brow furrows a bit, and she shrugs. "How is our looking at her any different?" she wonders softly. "Call me when you all need me," she offers instead, turning to leave.
"Magical compulsion," Quinlan clarifies quietly. "It's ...sort of like an oath you're incapable of breaking. To a certain degree, it removes free will. But only to a degree. Whatever the geas is about."
Sol pauses to consider carefully, "MY thari is limited for talk of magic. I will try." She offers in her thick accent, "A gease is a...curse. A Compelling need. A compulsion which resisting can make the geased ill, mad, even die." She coos and leads the woman to someone to catch her, "rest well, sister." She then looks to Martin, "Even if one has the will to resist, a gease ensures those so snared are good for nothing else...and suffers. I know of no way to break a gease. For some it might perish if the object were destroyed-for others it is failure and they suffer tremendously before dying."
Merrisol is close by already, stoops and picks the woman up out of the air as she droops. He looks her over to make sure she's really dozed off and not faking it to get close enough to bite someone.. someone like him! "Should we just assume that this same cruel compulsion has been laid upon the children?" he demands in a hush. "Is it something separate to worry about, or part of the Black Water taint? Or is there a taint at all?"
