RP:Die Trying

Part of the Dissonance Theory Arc

Summary: Khitti, acting in the role of temporary Imperator due to Lionel's disappearance, summons the Warrior's Guild and their closest allies to discuss plans for a united journey to the Demon Archipelago. Rilla, who has been there and barely lived to tell about it, describes her findings while the others deduce and deliberate. Quinton offers the Maighdean Mhara as a second ship alongside the Tranquility, and Iintahquohae provides Six as the third. Quintessa and Jessie prepare to assemble a magical invention that could save lives, as Rorin behaves in a Rorin-esque fashion and Krice surveys the situation. Risu seems oddly familiar to him, and he feels the same to her. Penelope offers to stay behind and serve as an emergency medic, determining -- no doubt correctly -- that many will require her aid. The fate of the world is once again in the hands of a ragtag crew of unenviables, so Brand and Sundance take one for the team by eating all of the cheesecake. Never say they aren't valiant.

Vigilanti Semper

Khitti || [1 of 2] ‘Don’t go into the cave.’ That’s what Rilla’s letter had said. Why do people tell Khitti -not- to do things?! Don’t you know she’ll never listen?! Sigh. The Interim Imperator was still of the opinion that they were going to go. -She- was going to go. Brand could just… drop her off or something at the cave and come back later. That’ll totally work, right? It definitely worked out for Rilla. Absolutely. Yes. No matter how much she tried to convince herself though, her anxiety got the best of her. And what does a Khat do when she’s ridiculously anxious? She bakes. She baked -a lot-. Most of the night before the meeting, the kitchen of the Ginger Snapped bakery was filled with the scents of various baked goods and Khitti singing one of Dominic’s new favorite songs: ♫How many shrimps do you have to eat, before you make your skin turn pink? Eat too much and you'll get sick, shrimps are pretty rich!♫ It was about flamingos, which was basically just a tall pink chicken to her and Brand’s kid, whose favorite animal was a chicken.

Khitti || [2 of 2] Fast forward to #MeetingTime. Anyone that wasn’t familiar with Vigilanti Semper’s layout was directed to the keep’s command wing and its Command & Control room. There they’d find the massive table in the middle of the room littered with several baskets of numerous types of goodies (and a personal size strawberry cheesecake specifically for Brand), and different kinds of drinks (alcohol/tea/water). A magical projector and the accompanying screen Khitti swiped from the Adventurer’s Guild headquarters was set up, showing off the map of the Demon Archipelago. And Khitti? Khitti was seated in the chair that Lionel should’ve been sitting in. It felt wrong. Like she was someone that was forced to replace a monarch so soon after their death. She was no leader, even if she did have a guild of her own. But there she sat nevertheless as everyone that was going to show up eventually did so, very much Tenbatsu Kaji-less.

Lionel || [1 of 3] They came from different walks of life. Some came from Lithrydel. Others from faraway shores. They came united with a common purpose; each of them had shared in some of the many adventures that the guild and its predecessors had undertaken. There was Quinton Navarre, a dear friend of Kasyr's who had gone missing for many years prior to his return. Age had added a few fine lines to his rugged, devil-may-care looks, but he still harbored an unmistakable boyishness about his features. The time he'd spent undercover per Lionel's recommendation had seasoned him, but his eyes seemed ever-haunted. Losing his sister, Caedan, during the years he was in hiding was a savage blow to Quinton's spirit.

Lionel || [2 of 3] Close to Quinton's side stood a woman known as Risu. She had become his first mate aboard the Catalian warship Maighdean Mhara, but her memories from more than two years back were completely erased. Risu could not recall a thing, and her perpetually worried frown served to emphasize that fact. Swarthy and pretty, the shape of her head and medium frame may have appeared oddly familiar to some who gathered here today. Her long, raven hair obscured the left side of her face, leaving her right eye to scan her surroundings with added vigilance. Risu's countenance was by no means identical to anyone in particular, but nevertheless it seemed… known, as if out of the pages of the past.

Lionel || [3 of 3] There were others. Sundance, a stout and unusually tall dwarf who had signed on with Brand's crew aboard the Tranquility after the deaths of his surrogate family, had once served Lionel dutifully. He knew Lionel as a prince -- the both of them were born in Catal, and Sundance and his ill-fated friends were guardians and caretakers of the recently-disappeared man during Lionel's early boyhood. Gruff and unshaven, he would have seemed stalwart and serious at first glance, but Sundance was among the first to laugh heartily at even the worst jokes he heard. Harry and Sali, two of Quinton's crewmates who had recently traveled to distant ruins with Penelope and Kasyr in search of clues on how to destroy Xicotl, were also here. Sali was an orc, and a strong one at that, and she carried herself as she knew it. Harry was human and downright small, and it was good that he stuck close to Sali, because he would probably be mincemeat without her. Lastly, there was Jessie. Jessie Raspberry, an overeager archaeologist and all-around adventure extraordinaire whose curiosity rivaled any cat. A years-long fixture of the Warrior's Guild, Jessie had proven instrumental in researching ways to defeat Kahran, and she knew more about the Shadow Plane and various other realms than most others who had never been there. A harmless flirt, the young lass had developed a bit of a fixation on Quintessa Dragana in particular; a moody and rebellious vampire was tough to ignore. And so they sat, each of them with their shared goals: to retrieve Lionel and carry on saving Lithrydel time and again. They were heroes, even if none of them seemed it -- a trait not uncommon among what breakers of the fourth wall would deem as 'player characters.'

Penelope arrived, and unlike last time, she made it early rather than last minute. Although in a spur, she pushed the meeting to one of the top priorities because… when it rains, it pours. In the group, she takes her place near the outer-skirts rather than the center of the meeting because not only did crowds make her uneasy lately, but she knew the others were aware others knew more about the issue at-hand. Yes, Khitti, the tea is appreciated as she makes herself a cup and lets it sit on the table in front of her. For those who come in and glance her way with familiarity, they would earn a very faint smile and cool eyes that were not the bright normal doe. When the meeting begins however, there is a furrow in her brow one of worrisome. How can anything be worse than Kahran? Or… scratch that. The memory of Kahran sinks in her head anyway. Penelope is quiet, observant, and willing to listen to the others if they have anything to input.

Rilla was a big fan of missions, of being outdoors, or doing something. She was not a fan of meetings, or groups, or anything that made her be inside for any length of time. It was a work in progress, it was the best that she could do. She came early and took a seat all the same, dressed all in black and covered up in her cloak to hide the wrapping around her arms. They were still tender despite having help getting a decent meal and a healer. Auburn hair was down for a change, loose curls fell into her face and she furrowed her brow, pushing it up from her forehead with a breath before finally giving in and raising one arm – slowly – to push it from her face. She straightened up from her slouched position when her name was spoken, bright blue gaze flashing nervously as she cleared her throat. “What happens in there isn’t right.” She said hesitantly, in the moment it had been easier to ignore. Time made it worse. “And he isn’t there, so why bother?” She moved to shrug and her breath hissed through her teeth, head down. “Whatever that place is, someone doesn’t want us there alone. Go together or don’t go at all.” She eyed Khitti hesitantly, shrinking back in her seat at the feeling of eyes on her.

Quintessa Dragana had arrived not long after Khitti, the scent of the bakery below the apartment she’d been staying at since things went downhill at the Mage’s Tower alerting her something was wrong. The changeling knew by now when Khitti was in a foul mood and had done her best to avoid her ire by offering to help her carry some of the baskets of goodies for the meeting. This was of course a clever ruse so the teenager could help herself to them before anyone else could, but she didn’t need to tell her mentor that. She already had enough on her mind. At the Headquarters Proper, Quintessa hasn’t taken a seat yet, her mismatched eyes glued on the projection of the Demon Archipelago with curiosity. The island seemed simple enough but the strange woman knew that when things get simple they get hard, so this was likely not going to be an easy journey. However, the hexblade was operating on partial knowledge, so she had no idea what to expect or how this archipelago had anything to do with the disappearance of Lionel. Quintessa would save her questions for later, though. Likely the others that were gathering here would have less information than her and thus the holes in the story would be filled. By the time the changeling turns around many more people have arrived, so she takes her seat next to Khitti and scans the room of familiar faces, giving a friendly smile to Jesse in particular, whom Quintessa knew was fixated upon her and took any opportunity to drink in the attention. Others were offered courtesy nods and smiles, Penelope, and the crew of the Maighdean Mhara, but the arrival of Rilla really catches the dark fae’s attention, sapphire and topaz eyes glimmering with suspicion. Quintessa could see in the woman’s gaze that she’d experienced something harrowing while visiting the Demon Archipelago, and it only made her all the more excited to see for herself. “We all go together then, those that can stomach the danger anyway. I did not join this guild to idly sit on my hands while the Imperator is missing. I have never faced anything in my life that I could not overcome, and I won’t be scared off by some cursed island either.” Quintessa’s mismatched gaze flickers back to Khitti. “No matter what I’ll be there to join you.”

Rorin stood around and looked pretty typical. Worried, pale, and a little resigned to his fate. That’s just kind of his face usually but yeah, it was pretty telling. His goatee had gotten a little scruffier and his eyes a little puffier. Khitti was equipped with baked goods. He was equipped with charts. Lots of charts. He had profiles of everyone here, simple stuff, designation, experience. Some of them he knew personally anyway, even from the time he was squired to Lionel after hauling cargo and then Kahran set fire to the camp. Boy that had been something. The paladin had managed to secure ships, manage cargo, and set up all the paperwork, footwork, and any other kind of work they had needed. It was just a matter of waiting for Khitti to come back and Rorin was glad she did. If both her and Lionel disappeared he would have really lost it. Here they were and Rorin now knew that both Khitti and Lionel shared the common trait of sucking at motivational speeches. Also, who the heck is Rilla? Oh, that one. Well, it took a lot of balls to go out there alone. “You at least made it there and back. Tell us about it.”

Brand was here to kick ass and eat cheesecake -- and he was all out of asses to kick. For the moment, anyway. Maybe he’d go find some more after he finished stuffing his face, but for now the cheesecake was his sole focus. He wasn’t even listening to Khitti, not really. He’d already heard everything she had to say today. Helping her prepare was one of his husbandly duties, or something. So why was he here (besides the cheesecake)? Well, it was a show of support, mostly. Brand was a part of the Warrior’s Guild (insofar as Brand ever considered himself a part of anything). Lionel was his friend, too. And, one way or another, Brand would be involved in the operation to go find him.

Krice stood somewhere in the back, away from the higher concentration of people - and tall enough to see over most of their heads where necessary. Wearing his usual black garb with his mythril katana strapped to his back, he looked no different or otherwise prepared despite the topic that had drawn he and his allies to these headquarters. Typically stoic, those who didn't know him might have found it difficult to sight the concern in his gold-streaked eyes for the absence of the guild's leader. 'Literally faded from existence' was the phraseology used by Khitti in her letter. Disconcerting at best. Penelope caught his eye but her smile did not trigger one in kind; he was too focused on the seriousness of the situation, and they weren't on the best of terms. Still, he noted the lack of green in her own eyes and stored it for later usage. Risu was the next to catch the warrior's attention, a lingering stare acknowledging her appearance from the obviousness of her height to the subtlety of blemishes on her skin. She -felt- familiar more than looked it, but he lacked the pieces necessary to solve that particular puzzle. Once Khitti began to speak, Krice gave her most of his attention, the rest of it divided among the others present. Certain smells took precedence over others--still-healing wounds over sugary cakes--just as certain sights did; Khitti when she spoke, Rilla when -she- spoke, the magical projection of the Demon island of which the aforementioned woman seemed so wary. Her caution was met with a focused stare in acknowledgment of her concern, shifting to the familiar face of Quintessa upon hearing her two cents. Typically arrogant brat-child. They had recent history as well, more negative than he'd have liked it to be, but that wouldn't stop him from performing his role in the rescue of their missing comrade. The enigmatic swordsman continued to listen, attentive and watchful, for further information.

Iintahquohae didn't know her way around despite this being her third visit to Vigilanti Semper, so she kept to Kasyr's side in case he decided to lead the way. Her face is set in a slight frown as she walks, apparently mid-conversation with her sire. “...Thankfully we have insurance and get a new ship built to replace Five. Whoever took it between here and Rynvale is good. Shame they blew her up, though. I have to find out who did it.” Partly to figure out how in the world they did it and partly to reprimand her father's, now her, crew for being so unobservant. Normally, the seamstress would beeline to any sweets that have been placed out and pop something in her mouth and pocket a few for later, but now it didn't seem appropriate. Last time she munched on something here, the person she was chatting with disappeared. She spies Rilla while taking a seat and half waves, concern briefly taking over her features. The last time they crossed paths was here with Rorin, and now Ri didn't look good. She'll have to ask later. Nudging one chair to her side out for Kasyr to take, she focuses on Khitti. Her input to what Khitti had said seemed redundant to voice as she had essentially written the same thing to her and Kasyr previously, but thought she might as well. Iintahquohae intended to go to that cave, dangerous or not. Her reasons for doing so were half selfish she thinks, recalling Lionel's explanation of what that cave may be able to do for her. A hand rubs at the side of her neck, right over tattoo wrapped around her throat, “I'm going as well, danger or not. I'm down a ship, but if we need more to split up into groups, I have seven waiting.”

Kasyr s' expression is grim. There was far too much at stake to begin with, too many potentially apocalyptic occurences to trace for the Kensai to be able to relax at a given moment. And now the Lynchpin of one of those endeavours had found themselves summarily erased from multiple moments in time. "...Why not just one point? How does that even work?" Was one of them not Lionel? Were neither? Was it perhaps tied to his curious existance, which had at one point required Quinton to support itself. It's in this distracted state that he all but steps into Rilla- one hand awkwardly reaching out to steady himself on her left shoulder. Mind you, if she ends up reacting poorly courtesy of her injuries, he'll instead just try to catch his balance on ehr other should..er... You know what, collapsing into that chair Inks provided seems like the best choice here. "I mean, I think it's a foregone conclusion that I was going, en fait. That said- considering we were already going to to toe with a giant subterrenean geranium- Je veut des... Er, Rather. I'd like some details on what's so awful about this island that makes it -worse-." Despite the relative levity of his words, the Kensai seems to have adopted a rather studious look as he waits the interim imperators clarifications.

Khitti || [1 of 2] “Just because you didn’t -see- Lionel, doesn’t mean he wasn’t there. Sometimes, those that are taken are hidden in plain sight,” Khitti said. It had been that way when Brand had been kidnapped in the Shadow Plane. The anti-mage that tortured him had glamoured himself as Brand and Khitti had been none-the-wiser for several months as James Juniper had gathered information on the Shadow Plane’s harbinger, as Khitti was known to be called in that other plane of existence. “‘Together or not at all’ it is then.” Unfortunately, Brand was the only one here to have any context on that reference--he had the damn thing tattooed on his shoulder, after all. “The Demon Archipelago is unpredictable. As I told Rilla recently before she went on her scouting mission, the archipelago’s climates are all over the place despite the fact that it is not that far south of Rynvale.” Meaning, they’ll have to prepare for anything, weather-wise. “There’s a region covered in eternal darkness, others where people disappear in an instant. The ruins along the southern shores are there from people that tried to settle there. They were wiped out within days of reaching the archipelago. The difference between us and them is that -we- know what we’re getting into and I trust Brand’s ship more than any other to get us there as safely as possible. I would be fine with at least one more ship to go there, but too many and we risk any sort of element of surprise that we might have.” If they even have it at all.

Khitti had heard everyone’s confirmation that they were all going, but Kasyr’s words were acknowledged out of all of them, “If Xicotl and his little friends are playing with chronomancy, do you really think they’d stop at just -one- place in time? We don’t know how many other times Lionel could’ve disappeared. He’s not always with all of us. He could’ve been petting stray cats in Chartsend and disappeared then for all we know.” Khitti was growing frustrated. She hated meetings and having to hold them. She was tired of sitting around, reading books all day on this stupid place. “They already have closed my Shadow Plane portals. Those goddamn thralls are immune to my shadow magic because of the attack here. They quickly became immune to Magik’s fire. They’re messing with time -and- anti-magic. If we do not go soon, regardless of the dangers, things are going to get even worse.” Khitti’s olive-green line of sight shifted towards Rilla, “What exactly happened in that cave?” Khitti had not wanted to put Rilla on the spot--she wasn’t even a member of the guild--but the information was needed. “You’ve made us aware that it isn’t good, but we need to know what to expect, to try to avoid it if we can.”

Lionel || Risu's chocolate brown eyes lingered on Krice for several seconds before she willed herself to look away and offer a friendly nod to Quintessa. Had she given Krice a similar nod? Or did she simply stare awkwardly like a deer caught by light-of-lantern? She wasn't sure either way. When her captain briefly took control of the conversation, she sighed with relief; whatever the reason was that she had sensed something almost neighborly in the silver-haired swordsman, she could now focus on things she -did- know instead. "Speaking of ships," Quinton announced to the room. "No disrespect intended to the Tranquility and her vivid Captain Brand -- I love that boat like a cliched warlord loves cackling -- I think we'd best include at least one more stately watercraft in this expedition, in case things get far too wet for one of them. This place sounds, in a word, choppy." The roguish Catalian then winked at Iintahquohae, someone he had never seen in his life as if they were chums. "The Maighdean Mhara is the second-best warship I've ever steered, and I have steered at least two warships; legend has it there may have been a third. But if you think one of your seven could give us a nice, even-numbered trio, I'm all for it. The Tranquility," he saluted Brand, "the Mhara," he literally saluted himself, "and, say, Lucky Number Six? Do you actually call them by number?" It seemed almost cruel to a lifelong sailor. "But I digress. Kas," he added as he sat down, "remind me later what the frak 'geranium' means. And I do mean later. Let's focus on the task at hand. My crew is ready and able to assist." With that, Quinton seemed to have completed his part in the proceedings. Elsewhere, Jessie Raspberry let out a whisper of a giggle. The world was ending, but at least Dragana-senpai had noticed her.

Penelope stares at Rilla carefully as she speaks. The woman looked familiar. Moss eyes stare at each movement the vampire makes and the freckled healer can feel nervousness waft off of her. Tea ripples form in her cup from gripping to hard. Whatever happened in the Demon Archipelago created a rattle. The healer breaks her gaze away from Rilla’s face, but still side-eyes the physique of the woman. Her movements seemed slow—stiff. After all, a healer was always curious, but she keeps herself from interrupting. ‘Go together, or don’t go at all’ lingers in front of the healer. Go. How? The look on Rilla’s face… scares the healer, for she was dealing with her own post-traumatic stress. Not to mention she does not need to go through another episode. Because of the tension, the healer reaches for a baked goodie to stuff in her face out of stress, okay? She lets the others converse with frustration while she indulges herself because of thick air. Perhaps Nel going was not the best idea, but it did not mean she would not offer to be in the background. To be on the medical side of it all. “Uh,” she clears her throat from the bits of pieces sticking to the roof of her mouth, but that was when the questioning about Rilla’s experience and before Rilla can answer, Penelope lifts a hesitant hand and adds, “I’ll stay behind,” beat, “but in a close range. After all, you all are aware that I am not—“ a fighter, yes. “I believe that you all will look out for each other, and I’ll be there waiting in case something… messy happens,” bad choice of words, but she eyes Rilla. The Ardelian was just trying to lighten the air, but doubtful. Anyway, she then reaches for her tea to let the vampire tell her point-of-view.

Rilla nodded to Iintahquohae, but looked away to focus back on the others. It would have likely been the right choice had her friend been a little more careful. She jumped at the sudden touch, cursing under her breath as she whipped around to see someone that she’d only ever really heard about, seen in pictures. Between the surprise at a kind of familiar face and the surprising flash of pain she just gave a nod and sat back down silently – he moved on, so would she. Especially how few of them she knew despite the lengths she went to in order to help. She shook her head at Quintessas words, a wry smile flashing across her lips. “Oh, I’m going back. I’d have gone back a third time if I had any more time.” Her brow furrowed – she’d said that she would find Lionel, but surely two broken arms and being gently deposited nearby so close to the meeting was some kind of sign to stay back. That, and she needed her arms to man a boat regardless of how small or large it was. She turned to look at Rorin, the man who had to speak to his boss, who needed a plan, quiet as she listened to everyone volley between them. She was an outsider here and hyperaware of it. She cleared her throat, crossed one leg over the other, the toe of her black boot tapping in the air nervously. She needed to move. She watched Khitti, cautious to upset her given how close she was to the situation. Her gaze only broke when Penelope spoke, and a hint of a smile flashed on her face at another familiar face. After a beat of silence, she spoke,“I made it there twice. I’m not really sure how I got back either time. The journey’s no trouble if you’ve got any sense. Head West, I’ll navigate the lead ship,” as if that was a matter-of-fact and Rilla had some right to tell anyone what to do, “though there’s something odd about the placement of Arrogance.”

Rilla’s chair scraped against the floor as the young vampire stood and crossed to the strange screen that she would absolutely have questions about later if she had a drink or two. She stood aside it, although gesturing was essentially a no go, so what -really- was the point in standing. “Both times I came from the East, and I should have seen Arrogance first, but it was the Cave of Regrets instead. Either the map is wrong, or –“ or what? She bit the inside of her cheek, suddenly feeling very on-the-spot although she’d done it entirely to herself. The young vampire surveyed the room, cautiously searched each face as she spoke, “the first time everything was rain and water and then I was in Rynvale like nothing had happened. The second I was at the cave, and that disappeared –“ a normal addition to any story – “there was someone there, but not really. An elf – I think, not from here.” She shook her head, considering her words going forward. “Then I was in Soulscrush about to die until I wasn’t.” It was all very confusing, and despite having ample time to consider it while she tried to let her arms heal enough to at least pretend to be able to defend herself. She swallowed hard, crystalline gaze fell on Khitti as she spoke, a second request for information that she wasn’t entirely certain how to phrase so that they would understand. Wasn’t sure that she wanted to. Her breath shook and her gaze dropped, wasn’t that the last question – about the cave? “The cave is –“ she paused, bit her tongue and toed the ground with one booted foot – “whatever’s in there knows your deepest regrets,” how appropriate, “and failings, and all the things you say to yourself that you’d tear a throat out over coming from anyone else.” Her words turned into a growl as she spoke them, anger was easier than addressing it. “It didn’t touch me – aside from the maggots – but I’d take on the beasts again in a heartbeat over going back in there alone.”

Quintessa is perturbed by Khitti’s new revelation. “They are affecting the Weave?” The changeling was of course speaking of the universal flow of magic. Only tampering with nexus points or source wells could do such a thing, but were the thralls capable of such. “We cannot allow this- they threaten to destroy everything in existence if they continue down this path.” Quintessa’s overconfidence had quickly shifted to a serious need to stop whatever was going on, and Rilla’s words only helped to reinforce it. The dark fae wasn’t sure she wanted things poking into her mind and tapping into her deepest regrets; That would be quite problematic. “Frakking hell, that island sounds like a magical nightmare. Perhaps several different lay lines intersect there, causing sporadic environmental changes to the atmosphere, dilations in space-time, and your random bouts of teleportation.” The corners of the changeling’s mouth turn downward. “Whoever is going, we need to be extra prepared for we might find there and even more prepared to experience the unimaginable, but how do we even know going to this island will help? Our scout reported back nothing but danger, but danger alone doesn’t mean we are any closer to fixing this. The world is full of danger right now. Multiple forces are converging to ruin everything, how do we know for sure Lionel is on the Demon Archipelago or that the island holds the clues to finding him?”

Rorin kinda scratched his head. Right! Rilla and Inter-quote-hay. He knew what her actual name was and it’s pronunciation but had never seen it spelled. “Right, the naval captain and the supplier, I’ve factored you in on pages five and eight. Your contribution will be welcome to the hunt.” He huffed for a second. He didn’t like that Rilla had forged ahead first. It was pretty presumptive and kind of rude, in his opinion. He hoped she has something to provide for it all but Khitti also has good info. “Right, could you tell me more about how he disappeared exactly? And... when? We can’t be sure what will help us here.” Everything is of value. No one had ever accused Rorin of being under prepared. Germanium is a silver like metal element by the way. “Right, Xicotl. Are we perfectly sure this is related to that? We can’t pretend Lionel never carried any other weird chronologically inclined enemies.” Oh it’s time for Rilla Recount. Rorin scribbled down notes on everything she said. “Fear and hallucinations. I wonder if there’s a supernatural predator using the cave as it’s home. But... an elf? Can you tell me more about that?” An odd thought itched in the back of Rorins head. Something about a man he never quite trusted because it was someone he never really knew. Maybe Rorin was just being paranoid. Then again... “what ever happened to Esche,” the paladin murmured to himself. He snapped to attention at Quintessa having questions. “We are definitely extra prepared. As for how we might help, I’m aware Lionel mentioned something about multiple swords to multiple people or something about those lines, and he had a map of this in his room. So it’s a safe bet that if we collect the necessary parts and or people and bring them to the necessary place - which the island may help or hinder us to do so, as magic living places are want to do - he or his location will indeed be revealed. If he’s still alive...” that sounded negative. It was. Lionel was mortal now, and he was doubly mortal without Hellfire. Frankly he didn’t have a whole lot of being-erased-from-all-places-and-time left in him most likely. But hey, that was a negative thought that could be crushed by jelly filled donuts, and so it was.

Brand brandished his fork at Quinton. “What he said.” Lifting the fork to his forehead, Brand saluted his fellow Catalian… then went back to eating his cheesecake. He wasn’t always a man of so few words, but he certainly was when there was food to be eaten or fighting to be done or caves to avoid going into. Speaking of caves, he’d sworn them off after his last experience with the Shadow Plane. Khitti knew why. It was a whole thing now, and Brand certainly wasn’t going to get over his cave phobia by entering something called the “Cave of Regrets.” Nope. He regretted going into -normal- caves enough already. And no amount of cheesecake could convince him otherwise.

Krice's lips parted just a little as if he was going to speak, his gaze drifting toward Penelope. Despite their unfriending, he knew just as much as anyone that she wouldn't be suited for so dangerous a mission - which was particularly obvious when she began to nervous-eat. The healer herself spoke up just then, however, and the warrior rescinded his need to suggest that she remain on this side of the Demon Island. Quinton's style of input reminded him of Lionel and he adopted a wry smirk as a result; weird, but not altogether unwanted. They were all here with the intention of looking for the Guild's leader, after all. Revelation of Rilla's visit to the dreaded location was all the explanation he needed to understand the apparent pain she was in; given her near-death experience there, she must have been severely injured. This also made more sense of her presence here in this meeting - her knowledge of their apparent near-future destination. Various names of locations and critters seemed to go over the warrior's head--he was distracted; cut him some slack--so when there was a temporarily lull in talking, he interjected to reassure Khitti that he was ready to go. Together or not at all. " Point me in the right direction and I'll go kill some things," was his muted but resolute bid of support. If he thought anything about a magical place that could tread through the vast memory network of his mind, he didn't express it. Instead, his gaze drifted across Risu once more as he turned his attention to Rorin, who asked all the right questions along with Quintessa. Iintahquohae was someone who did earn the warrior's attention briefly by virtue of her input, but overall, he focused on the bulk of the conversation and waited for the answers that might shed light on Lionel's general whereabouts. His expression had since shifted more pensive than stoic, crimson eyes shadowed by contemplation.

Iintahquohae ;; “Absolutely. Naming them One through Eight is the simplest way to go I think,” Iintahquohae replied to Quinton. “You can have Six.” When Rilla describes her experience with the Demon Archipelago, particularly about the cave, she is most attentive. The notion that whatever lurked in the cave seemed to behave like a terribly blunt mirror of sorts didn't frighten her. Her shoulders rise and fall when Quintessa speaks next, uncertain in her own assumption that Lionel disappeared and reappeared on the island. “When I spoke to him, just before he disappeared, he and I were talking about the island – that cave, specifically. In my mind it wouldn't hurt to look. As he disappeared while I was with him, he mentioned the three of us,” a pause follows, in which she points at Khitti, jabs a thumb at Kasyr, then herself, “and our swords. Other than that, I have nothing else. ...Did he say anything to any of you regarding specific people and their swords, or anything related to the Demon Archipelago before he disappeared for any of you?”

Kasyr wriggles his fingers in an awkward hello at Rilla, before steepling them in front of himself. That impromptu greeting aside- he has plenty to do when it comes to digesting the deluge of details directed at the gathering. Such as smirking at Quinton's turn of phrase, and helpfully muttering something that sounds suspiciously like 'Shrubbery' at his reply for clarification. It's inaccurate, but who cares. The important parts come as the meeting continues to gain a dreadful sort of momentum, effectively confirming that not only has the realm been suffering from a dreadful conspiracy full of body snatchers, it now also has a secondary calling card of one of the swordsman nemesises in the form of chronomancy. Was it really Xictol at the heart of this, or had the parasite finally emerged from the wood work to try and ensure that the continent finally fell to ruin? "Calice." And obviously, when it rains it pours- so of course there was news that even without time travelling, the giant plant gods minions are either influencing or connected to the flow of magic, and rapidly gaining the ability to immunize themselves against unconvential warefare. "Ffffff-" Honestly, With all that said, the idea that, "The islands are peut-etre Sentient, to some degree?" seems genuinely less terrifying. At least, they weren't -actively- plotting to herald in the end times. Yet. Probably. Kasyr finally takes that moment to pour a shot of alcohol into his tea, only stopping when Rorin begins commenting on swords. A sentiment that the seamstress echoed not long after. And yet, the Kensai was drawing a blank on what weapons that could have referred to. "..Swords or weapons, specifically? You don't even have a-" There's an inhale there, the Kensai narrowing his eyes a little bit at Iintahquohae, before he awkwardly waves it off, "Nevermind." Had he seen something when he'd been shunted in time? And what did that mean on Kasyr's part, and Khitti's. Had she ended up marked, or was it something else? Their illustrious leader had now earned a much more earnest bit of scrutiny.

Khitti || [1 of 2] Everyone had their comments, questions, and concerns. Khitti listened to them all, as patiently as someone like her could. Were she an actual feline, her tail would be swishing back and forth in a careful, precise manner to denote her irritation. Arrogance. Regrets. Khitti didn’t need any of the former and had enough of the latter. She didn’t need any of their collective doubts. She didn’t need Rorin questioning Rilla in the manner that he was when Khitti was the one to give the order in the first frakking place. “Lionel O’Connor is in that place because he has been there before,” she said, a little too loudly and perhaps a little too coldly. Khitti withdrew a book from her satchel, opened it to a page she’d bookmarked, and slid it across the table. The text detailed Lionel’s journey to the Demon Archipelago with a woman named Aeryn nearly fifteen years ago. “Both times he disappeared in front of one of us, it has been during something having to do with Xicotl. Are you seriously so naive to think that this isn’t connected, Rorin? Just because you’ve not been around to see what’s been going on of late doesn’t mean things aren’t. This is Lionel we’re talking about here. Things have happened like this before, where a spider has weaved its web through many points in time for it all to join together later on. It was that way with Kahran. It is constantly that way with me and the Shadow Plane. Please use your brain for logical thinking for once instead of doubting anything anyone has to say or their actions.” Yeah, Khitti was still upset about their last little get-together several months ago. “I will leave the books here that I gathered, so that everyone can have a chance to look it over in the meantime. More maps will be drawn up. Groups per ship will be sorted out and sent to all of you when they’re ready. And if that elf just so happens to be there again, we will question them.”

Khitti || [2 of 2] "As for the swords you speak of, Iintahquohae, there will only be two. Tenbatsu Kaji and I have… parted waves--I mean ways.” Despite her anger a moment ago, Khitti couldn’t keep from grinning at the thought of tossing that gods forsaken sword into the gods forsaken ocean so it can sink into the gods forsaken abyss beneath the waves. But, the grin soon vanished and her demeanor returned to that stern one.“I don’t give a damn if it was involved. Whatever it was, it’s on you two now.” Khitti grabbed the unopened bottle of whiskey that’d been on the table in front of her, the poor thing forgotten during the duration of a meeting. “I need sleep… and then I need to find Magikrios.” That elf had wanted information and he was going get it. After Khitti got drunk and slept off her anger for a while.

Lionel || Jessie Raspberry was relieved when Quintessa hastily cited every danger that she herself had abruptly envisioned now that a more detailed analysis of the islands was at hand. The routine culling of entire civilizations in a wide -- though centralized and essentially quarantined -- landmass was one thing. The destruction of the very fabric of the universe was another. As far as Jessie was concerned, death was horrible, but at the end of the day, it was also 'just' a statistic. And the higher that statistic numbered, the worse she was compelled to feel. Plus, there was that little bit about how she might survive Xicotl's culling, which was a bonus that did not apply to that other option. "Everything she said and more," the scholarly Ms. Raspberry plainly stated, seconding the findings of her peer in intelligence and -- in Jessie's personal perception -- beauty, besides. It wasn't until after she had spoken those words that she realized she was basically daydreaming; Khitti had already left. "Oh," she said sheepishly, immediately stuffing a donut in her face and walking away with the odd gait of a person who had just been publicly humiliated by her own scientific obsession. Quinton gave Kasyr a polite pat on the back. "Just like old times." That was all that needed to be said. He and Risu, followed in short order by Harry and Sali, exited C&C. Sundance, on the other hand, lingered. And why not? He had been eating and drinking nonstop since he got here.

Penelope returned the smile to Rilla before her eyes met Krice. The smile faded, but there was… something off. Regret? It was hard to tell. Then the tale began which snaps that very-so-brief attention away from the man. The Ardelian listens carefully and leans forward over the tea that has barely been touched. It was the smell instead of the taste that was the most soothing. Rilla’s words were confusing to piece, for only Rilla had the eyes on what she saw. When the cave is mentioned, this is when healer’s face turns grim—hollow. It was not death that she feared, but… facing the truth. The vibration through tea begin again. Yes, she would not step foot in any “Cave of Regret”. It was confirmed to stay behind on the ship. Facing her regret? Why, that would be the biggest mistake of all. What Rilla experienced earned her a lowered head in emotional understanding. The anger. The unexplainable words. It was relatable. Juniper eyes then bounce around the room for other reactions and Rorin soars in with the negative. Rorin, stahp. Lionel is mortal, but Lionel is Lionel. He always pulls through, right? Dang, Brand’s cheesecake looks good—maybe she should make her own when she gets home. Eat the whole thing? Probably a horrible idea, but not in the moment. Khitti puts the thoughts to rest and the girl closes her eyes with… relief? Patience? Who knew, but she knew she needed to not waste time and to come up with her own medical plan for the trip.

Rilla ultimately is not here to save the world. She’d set her sights on helping to save Lionel, but that was the extent of her investment thus far. She listened silently, but it wasn’t a place for her to meddle. These people knew more about it than she ever would. But at this point she was also the only one in the room who’d been there and back this many time, presumably. She considered Quintessa’s words with a tilted head, shifted her weight side to side gingerly. It took a lot out of a person being nearly crushed beneath an avalanche. “I was the admiral,” She corrected Rorin politely, “and the leader of The Fold. And tactical leader for Gisiae en Adon.” For a moment she tilted her chin up and met his gaze evenly. “And we weren’t together, I broke in and you let me search the office.” A wicked smile spread across her face, “I appreciate that.” She looked away, up to the map once more, having seen both ends but nothing in between, she already knew that she needed to try again to find a way in and out without being sent through time or space back to the beginning of her journey. “There wasn’t much to tell about the elf. His accent was wrong, but I never saw his face. But he did save my life for whatever reason. And he wasn’t a -physical presence- so much as a voice, or an apparition. Maybe a hallucination.” It was hard to tell, delicate brows furrowed and she shook her head. She gave a quick nod to Kasyr in the affirmative, she didn’t know for -sure- that the islands were actively trying to break her down when she was there, but it was a pretty strong feeling. She fell silent when Khitti spoke, happy to be away from the explosion when it went off. It was better to be silent, a fly on the wall while they bickered between themselves. Her gaze cast up to the map once more studying it with eyes only in an effort not to move her injured parts.

Rilla was still another moment before she moved stiffly back to her seat, which she nudged under the table with one hip. Her head dipped, curls falling and shattering her porcelain face into pieces, an easy disguise for the bitter taste that speaking of what had happened left in her mouth. But, taking the cue that the meeting was over she surveyed the room once more. “If you have other questions, I’m with the healers.” She said simply, leaving a beat for objections before turning to leave as well.

Quintessa first looks to Rorin and then to Inks when they move or less gave her the answer she needed. She trusted them enough that they wouldn’t just make that up, so she offers the two a nod in confirmation. “So it is all connected. Good. It’ll mean less loose ends to tie up in the long run.” The mention of swords wasn’t lost on the changeling, and her mismatched gaze lingers on Kasyr and his fledgling for a while longer than it should have. With an uncomfortable sigh, Quintessa stands again to get a closer look at the projection, a pale finger interfering with the image as she presses it against the map. “So, we are going to this cave?” Her slender digit hovers over the Cave of Regret for a moment before she turns back around to see that people were beginning to depart. “Oh, meeting adjourned then?” Quintessa still had more questions, mostly of a magical nature which she knew most here would not be able to help, all except for one. “Miss Raspberry! A moment before you go…” Quintessa moves to take the book Khitti left for them, holding it up slightly. “You want to meet with me later in my quarters? I have an idea for a device that’ll hopefully help us navigate through the dangerous, magical ocean around the islands and your knowledge of topography will be very helpful. I’ll see you there, right?” Quintessa didn’t need to confirm her answer to know she’d be there. “And Rilla,” The changeling remembered her name from the time they met in Vailkrin, but she had no idea that she was so involved with the Warrior’s Guild. “If you have a moment to speak to me about this cave, I’d very much like to pick your mind. So far, you are the only one who’s been there and lived to tell the tale in all of history. Whatever you can describe about it will be immeasurable for my research.”

Rorin pointed to Inter Quote Hay. “See, there it is. Swords, sword holders, all together now. That’s uh... pretty much all we have to go on there.” As the answer to Quintessas very important question. He tumbled a well worn coin between his fingers thoughtfully. He stopped for a moment when Khitti called him naive. Doubting. That’s weirdly hurtful and personal. He felt like she probably could have said that to him individually instead of insulting him in front of the group. He didn’t want to rise up to that. He took a deep breath and tried to reflect. “I see that you might be receiving these questions in a way I did not intend. I want to assure you, I am only asking them because I want to consider every angle. Each challenge we face is new and unique, and it is difficult to be fully prepared. Thank you for this information. I will take it into account refiguring our supplies.” There. Pleasant. Polite. Diplomatic. Right? He nodded towards Rilla, who he definitely remembered now. “You don’t have to break in. You can use the front door. No big deal - in the future please try to wait until we all head out onto the deadly frontier together.” Then at least you have company on the boat back when every bodies arms are broken together. “Heavy accent...” he was gone again.

Brand was now out of cheesecake, and Khitti had already left. The Guild knew what preparations they’d need to make, more or less, so there was really no more reason to stick around. Sundance could continue eating to his heart’s content and report back anything Brand might miss by ducking out from post-meeting social time. Time to go.

Krice may or may not have found Rorin's manner of query a little less tactful than it should have been, but what -was- obvious was his miniscule disapproval of Khitti's subsequent tone toward the other man; an apprehensive dip of his left brow. This disapproval faded within seconds because he understood the reason for her anger and frustration; Rorin had simply wanted to find out more about the situation, but his manner of inquiry was less than stellar. At any rate, when Khitti stood to depart, he bowed his head in respectful farewell and took only two steps forward to skim the information on the open tomes left there for scrutiny. While he read, the warrior divided his attention to those who remained behind, asking questions of each other and answering what could be answered. Quintessa's focus on Rilla was of particular interest to the warrior, who subsequently shifted to face the two women. He remained at the far side of the table to the magical projection and glanced briefly at the brat before regarding the vampire. " I'd also like to know more - particularly about its magical properties if you managed to glean that." His peripheral vision caught sight of Quinton's group departing, a turn of the head aligning his gaze with Risu just as she cleared the threshold and stepped out of sight. That one perplexed him, and it perplexed him further that he didn't know -why-. His eyes passed over the retreating Brand on their way back to Rilla.

Iintahquohae's eyebrows raised just a bit when Khitti spoke again, more at the notion that it appeared to be down to Kasyr and herself to be the...sword people? That'll be the title she gives them for now. Huh. Well, dull brown eyes cast sidelong glance at her sire. He's right, no sword on her. “He specifically said swords to me, but..” She thinks she understands his expression, but is uncertain. Something to ask about at another time if it's important. As it appears that others are parting, the seamstress stands to leave. To Kasyr, with a look to Rilla as well, inviting her to tag along indirectly if she wanted to. “I'm heading home. I'm hungry and I should probably get Six prepped. You're welcome to come along. Father might like the company.” That and she'd like to know more about the cave, but didn't want to bombard Rilla. Before departing, she reaches for the nearest plate of cookies and wraps four in a handkerchief before stuffing them in her pocket.

Kasyr is doing his best to maintain a neutral expression through all of this, but as the meeting begins to dissolve, he finds himself feeling a familiar pang of frustration. Just as was the case with the syndicate, he'd found himself in the midst of a high profile operation, and functioning off the bare minimum of information needed. And worst of all, a relative lack of clarity on where the fault actually began. Had he not been captured, perhaps he could have figured more of this himself- but as it stood, he was at the mercy of the machinations of his peers in the guild. "Do we need both of the weapons? Do we somehow need to figure out how to retrieve the third?" Thhe seamstress is given a sidelong glance, her guess in this instance perhaps more insightful than his, given her proximity to the event which heralded things, "I'll come along, enfin. I figure that would be best. But, I hope we're able to have a better idea of what exactly we're doing- other than simply landing on beaches and hoping that our dive into disaster somehow triggers what we need to do." It was so much easier when their goals were clear cut. Before he ventures off, the Kensai glances back towards Krice, and by proximity Rilla and Tessa, "Let me know if you stumble onto anything, enfin. I have my own suspicions, but I really can't be sure." Suspicions, and perhaps even a fear, were one possibility necessary. "A bien tot."

Lionel || Jessie blinked. She then blinked again for good measure. Her cheeks were now a shade of pink she didn't believe existed. Did Quintessa just invite her… to her quarters? What in the world could be better than a sudden sexual request? Oh-oh -- Quintessa had invited Jessie to her quarters to discuss magic and technology instead! That, ladies and gentlemen, was the one thing better than the dirtier thoughts that first coursed through the woman's mind. Science -- it's better than sex. Stay in school kids. "You're damn right you will, you gorgeou --" Lady Dragana was already speaking with somebody else now. That was fine. This was fine. Everything was going to be fine. "Hey." She tapped Sundance on the shoulder. "Everybody's, like, leaving. Let's maybe do the same." Sundance shrugged. "So long as me and Captain Brand still have cheesecake, there's no standing up." Glancing down at the table, it dawned upon the dwarf that there was no more cheesecake. "Right, then, lass. Lead the way."

Penelope :: As Khitti makes her move, Penelope takes a moment before she follows suit. There is one glance at Rilla before she goes, “Those healers have you in good hands. Be careful, yeah? Any trouble, write me.” Her gaze then falls on Krice, one last time, before she then makes her way out of the room. Time to make the trek home with thick thoughts. Possibly about cheesecake? Or maybe it was regret? If anything, the two would probably be combined.

Rilla || “That’s not going to happen. Khitti gave me the go ahead, so I went. You might be scared, but I’m not.” Rilla watched Rorin for an extra beat, despite her own sometimes extreme anxiety being indoors, around strange sounds, generally anything that suggested she was being followed again, risking her life didn’t frighten her at all. “If you want to stay behind and wait to find out what’s ahead until it’s too late to get out safely be my guest, that doesn’t mean everyone else has to be okay with risking their lives to test a theory when one person can go, come back, and know more.” Her voice rose as she spoke, if anything more annoyed by the calm answer than not. She turned on her heel at the mention of her name, winced in pain at the motion in her upper back. She gave a quick nod, “I can tell you about it,” she looked from the woman over to Krice who offered a slight smile and another nod. The others leaving passed her, and as they did she offered smiles and nods and pleasantries. The last several days had been emotionally draining to say the least, and recounting it could be little better. “I don’t know a thing about magic, truthfully, and I don’t know how it could have done what it did.” In all her years of fighting for her life nothing had ever done that. “But tell me what you want to know, and I’ll do my best to answer.” She had no interest in recounting it twice, she looked between the two of them expectantly. “We can do this now, or you can find me tomorrow. I won’t be able to go back for another few days at least, maybe a week. I don’t know, I’ve never been injured as a vampire.”

Krice knew that Rilla would need to wait for the departure of others - since some of them were talking to her - to conclude before she could the questions he and Quintessa had asked of her. It was in this interim that he noticed Penelope's glance and he reciprocated it, his expression thoughtful. Regardless, everyone was leaving now and he wasn't one to keep them. Noting Rilla's waning strength due to hidden injuries, the warrior was more than willing to let her go. They could find her for more information at a later date. " Soon, then. Take it easy." His customary farewell. The warrior would spare a glance at Quintessa and wait for both women to begin their departure before he followed suit; after a moment spent lingering to once more regard the open tomes and the information therein.

Quintessa basically was able to read Jessie’s reaction through her expression, and the changeling winks flirtatiously at her before waving her off. “It’s a date then.” Mismatched eyes return to Rilla, stopping upon Krice hesitantly before she cleared her throat. “We can speak tomorrow, for now get some rest. I can offer my services as a necromancer to speed up that process as well, if you desire. Vampire biology is an area of expertise of mine and I’d be more than happy to assist you for free.” If nothing else was left to be said, Quintessa would offer a final “Farewell,” before heading back to her quarters to study the book. She had to read this quickly if she still wanted time to set up an experiment for Jessie to review for her.

Kasyr actually does pause at Rilla's comment, his calico ears cropping up in response. Whilst the advice he was about to grant certainly leaned upon questionable grounds, they were on a deadline, and certainly couldn't afford to deal with matters when the crew was in anything save optimal condition, "At worse, you could always feed a bit in excess. It tends to help with healing, though to what degree depends on how long you've been one, Madamoiselle." There's a certain frostiness to the comment, which doesn't quite leave his voice when he adds, "Just make sure not to take too much. I dislike needing to put down feral thralls, enfin."