Quickly to Quelynos

It’s an oddly appropriate day for a trip to a realm beyond this one. A thick mist hangs over everything. It makes the edges of the world seem dream-like. It clings to clothing, ghostly fingers trying to hold onto those who walk through it. As if this reality doesn’t want to let go of you. Even so everyone heads inside the pub that was used as a meeting place last time. The Round Table has its back room reserved again, but no one expects to use it for long.

Telamon is striving to present a cheerful, worry-free countenance, though he can't help but feel nervous. Stepping into the back room, he draws his hood back. His garments are much more utilitarian this time around, less about show and more about function though they're well made and fitted. A simple tunic over breeches, the knees and elbows reinforced with canvas patches, tucked into his well-worn and comfortable black boots. His haversack slung at his waist, and the joined circlets on his brow.

He opens his haversack, checking through the contents, before closing it again.

Some noxious odor clings to something on Dolan's person, but it is only a whiff now and again, so it is difficult to identify its source. He is otherwise fully armed and armored and prepared for a potentially long journey. his clothing simple and utilitarian, with less hardware than Telamon sports. He stands rather than sits, learning against the far wall, his greatsword behind him, and no refreshments are provided this time.

Nervous? If the male half-elf is nervous, then that puts what Lysos is feeling two or three steps further than that. But, she arrived. Not duty, not obligation.. just.. a sense that if she didn't do something, that if she sat back and did nothing despite the glimpse she'd been given into these troubles... she'd regret it for the rest of her life.

Granted, with the situations she keeps getting herself into, that might not be that long a time. Regardless, she has shown up, bearing a new cloak, a pack and a walking stick.

Andelena walks into the back room of the Round Table with the pack that's been expertly packed--although for most in the room, exactly /who/ packed it is likely assumed to be the redhead giant herself. She has it hanging off her back underneath the normally svelte form of her white cloak in the breeze some distance away from her armor--but today, the Sunguard's sleek look is marred by preparations for a journey into Elsewhere.

And she looks none-too-thrilled about that fact. She pats Dolan on the shoulder as she enters the room. "Alright. Ready to go prance around in meadows with little winged fuckers, folks?" she asks the crowd.

"That is one manner in which our venture could be described," Verna opines as she enters the room not far behind the ginger linguist. Her hood is donned, perhaps for protection from the mist (or any loss of peripheral vision affects nothing given the fog). She is dressed for travel in her typical attire of grey over grey, accessorized with grey. "I am."

Telamon clears his throat. "To reiterate what I said before -- do not eat or drink anything offered to you in Quelynos. Do not introduce yourself as 'I am' or 'My name is'. Use 'You may call me', or 'Some know me as'. Do not thank them as it may be construed as acknowledging a debt. The Seelie Court is usually more mischievous than malicious, but I really don't want to explain to your friends or family why you're currently taking a six month sabbatical -- or more -- in the lands of the fey."

He runs his hand through his hair. "With any luck, the worst we'll face are some obnoxious pixies or a clurichaun that wants to challenge us to a drinking contest. Any questions so far?"

Dolan pushes himself away from the wall, half-smiling at Andelena as she pats him on the shoulder, but anything he was about to say is lost in Telamon's instructions. Surprised by the abrupt interjections, he listens carefully, then nods. "The way you phrase things matters. Got it, thanks."

"I'm hoping to avoid dealing with the fey any more than we have to," he goes on. "If you see any black roses, point them out, but don't touch them. They may bite." More than that, he doesn't explain. "We stay together. Our goal is to find the girl and protect her. I don't know what we'll find, or who or what may be after her, only that it's probably got something to do with the Nightmare."

"A vacation from all this sounds pretty nice right about now," Lysos admits quietly, but she nods and squares her shoulders. "No eats, no greets, no apreci... eets. Got it." She pulls her hood up over her head, tucking her curls under the cowl and behind her neck.

"Damn, I'm gonna have to keep my mouth /shut/," Andelena opines with a groan and a sigh as she looks over at Telamon. "I'll do my damndest to be nice and to... not thank people, which is gonna be the toughie, but /damn/."

She looks at Dolan and nods. "Right. Girl's the priority here. If we can manage to get to her, then everything else will be worth it."

"Noted," Verna acknowledges Telamon's words, "and my gratitude for the advisements. My experience with the realm and its denizens is limited. Perhaps more may be gleaned in the course, but, indeed, the girl is the priority."

At mention of gleaning, a coppery spheroid the size of a melon rises from behind her to hover over one shoulder. The occasional companion not so recently apparent as of late turns its amber 'eye' across the others in near-silent observation. "On that note, Arbiter GH-057 shall accompany us to observe and analyze."

Telamon nods firmly, relaxing a bit. "You're going to probably see some strange things. If we had more time, I'd work with some Ea-bound fey -- those fey that live here rather than Quelynos. Get you used to the weirdness. But... needs must when the Tyrant drives, and so on."

His lips quirk up, and he remarks, "So, if anyone needs to use the privy, go ahead and do so. I suspect we're all going to be a little busy soon enough."

Lysos's lips twitch into a smile.. for a few seconds. Then the smile disappears, her eyes widen.. and with a quick "Excuse me," she slips out of the room. Presumably to find the privy.

Dolan regards Telamon thoughtfully as he listens. "You're leading, and you're speaking for us if we have to deal with the fey," he replies. “Our priority is to find the girl. We'll be led to her. I was promised that, and I have no reason to disbelieve."

"Already used the little lady's room on my way here. Let's get this show on the road," Andelena says, although it's hard to imagine anything with the word 'little' in it ever applying to her. She squeezes Dolan's shoulder in a warm gesture, giving him a reassuring smile in that way that only the Sunguard can. "Once, uh, Lysos is back, that is."

The aforementioned arbiter emits a few soft chirps at Verna's head. A sigh escapes her hood before she comments with mild annoyance. "No, arbiter, the reference is not applicable to yourself. I will make explanatory material available for your study after our return." She then addresses the group. "I can transport us as soon as all are prepared and present." Her hood subsequently focuses upon Dolan. "If you have any notion of a location, it may be of assistance, but planar travel is not so precise."

Telamon smiles slightly to Dolan. "Yeah, but what path will we take to get to her?" He chuckles softly as Lysos ducks out for a moment, waiting for her to return before continuing. "I'm not well versed on planar travel, so I'll defer to Mourner Verna on this one. But a direction to aim for might not be a bad thing."

"Which reminds me... akar irhandi," he murmurs, wrapping a shimmer of starlight around himself, armor wrought of force and magical energy that soon fades. "Never hurts to be careful."

GAME: Telamon casts Mage Armor. Caster Level: 8 DC: 17

"No, I don't. Start by getting us there and we'll figure it out from there." Dolan doesn't seem to show any interest in using the privy.

Lysos returns a relatively short time later, a bit out of breath, hands still moist from washing. Sleeves a bit damp from her haste. "Sorry, sorry," she says, closing the door behind her. "I'm ready." She's not, really. The 'as I will ever be' is implied.

"Same boat as my man here--don't know my ass from higher up in that... place, so just get us there and we'll sort it out, please, Mourner," Andelena replies. She may be a little caustic at times, but at least she can say please and thank you. (Well, she can say both of those for /now/, that is.)

"Oh.. please don't accidentally drop us in the plane of fire," Lysos adds, shuddering a little. "I can still smell it."

"Worry not," Verna notes to those concerned, "we will arrive in the desired plane, and most likely with all organs and appendages in their proper relative locations. Clasp hands and we shall depart. Maintain a firm grip." She steps up adjacent to whomever is nearest and lifts her hands. One goes to the scales about her neck as the other begins to gesture, drafting precise motions in the air. Lacking other clasping ability, the arbiter lowers to her non-gesticulating shoulder to rest itself thereupon.

GAME: Verna casts Plane Shift. Caster Level: 19 DC: 22

As you gather, all around you the world shifts. It's a sickening motion, the colors swimming over your vision so that it seems far more natural to close your eyes. Though that only emphasizes the sense of moving without having moved. Then just as quickly, you're _elsewhere_. The moon hangs huge and full in a sky of sunset colors. There's a sound like crickets everywhere around you and the grass is a bright red-fuschia color and is grown wild. There's no path, no sign of anything for miles around you but hills and grass.

There's a distinct sense that you're being watched. As if silent observers are everywhere around you. The intent of the watchers doesn't seem hostile, but it is definitely interested.

There's a flicker then, a flash of gold in the sky. A twinkle like a star that flashes between there and not-there. It grows closer and closer until you realize that it's not actually disappearing. It's just so small that the light is flashing off of its body off and on. The tiny thing gets closer and it's form takes shape.

It's a tiny, cat-sized gold dragon, and it's headed right toward you.

Telamon looks around with interest and curiosity, the completely -different- world oddly familiar to him. "All it needs is the scent of lavender," he says softly, smiling a bit as he reaches down to brush his fingers across the tall grass.

Straightening up, he checks on the others to make sure they all arrived in one piece, before the glint in the sky catches his attention. "Now what is that?" he comments, peering up as the tiny creature soars towards them.

Lysos's cheeks bulge for a second, her eyes wide as she stumbles, letting go of the the arm she was holding to grip her staff, planting it in the ground. Then, slowly, the cheeks deflate as she lets out a long sigh.. only to be drawn in once again as a gasp as she sees the dragon. Still holding her walking stick in front of her like some kind of warding talisman, she throws her other hand up. "Defendarus!" A translucent, partially spherical shield of energy shimmers briefly before disappearing.

GAME: Lysos casts Shield. Caster Level: 10 DC: 19

Dolan, who had taken the opportunity to reach for Andelena's hand and wrap his own hand around her wrist, blinks, staggers, shakes his head. "Is planar travel always that disorienting?" he complains, straightening up and blinking, then squeezing his flesh eye. Closing an eye does not help, when the other one has no eyelid.

Then, Telamon mentions an incoming. He blinks again, squints at the incoming gold thingy. "What in all the green garden hells is that?" he mutters, staring closely at the newcomer, then steps back a pace. "Whoa! It's a dragon!"

"Oh gods, please don't turn us into little winged--wait, that thing's... Hells, Bry, I think... yeah, that's a /dragon/?" Andelena says/asks, not quite sure if what she's seeing is real as her steel-grey eyes go wide and her hand goes to the hilt of her sword, just in case she needs to draw it. "I mean, a little one, but that's... a /dragon/? Am I seeing this right?"

Verna may or may not be more familiar with the transition, but it remains disorienting. She is stock still for several moments before motion returns; specifically her hood as she looks about. The first blatant difference is the enlarged full moon, especially in the contrast of clear sky to fog. It holds her attention a moment.

Arbiter GH-057 takes the transference as if it were made to do so. It begins scanning about, initially focusing on the grass seeking the sounds of the crickets, but then there is the incoming motion. It whirls around to point its amber eye at the creature that is perhaps no larger nor smaller than it. A light flashes in the gem eye.

Then there is a shrill, mechanical squeal that yet is intelligible to all "CHAO!-ZZZZT" Sparks spit from random places along its surface and the gem dims to a sputtering flicker as it drops several feet to the fuschia grass.

Verna's focus is finally pulled to smaller shiny objects and she likewise stares a moment. No sparks are loosed, however. "Tanithariairisixchel?"

The tiny dragon comes to a slowed stop as a spell is cast at her approach. She seems a little suspicious of those that are readying their weapons, but Verna's 'introduction' of her makes her perk up significantly. "IT IS ME!" She says happily, weaving her way around everyone's heads. She seems to be making a choice of some sort before she lands neatly on Verna's head. She scowls at the orb on the ground briefly and sniffs. "Hello!"

Telamon just... kind of boggles at first. But then reflexes and natural instinct take over, and he sketches a bow to the tiny creature. "And a good day to you, friend. Verna, I presume you know this fine looking lass?" He's laying it on a touch, but a guide definitely couldn't hurt. Spreading his hands soothingly, his expression cheerful. "It's good to see a friendly face here."

Lysos slowly lowers her hand, letting her breath out again. She opens her mouth to apologize.. then shuts it. Didn't Telamon warn them about what things not to say? Fighting down her panic, she instead tries to smile for the little dragon, gesturing placatingly with her one hand. So much for first impressions.

She turns a little bit, then pokes at Verna's.. companion.. with the bottom of her walking stick. "I think it's dead, Mourner."

And - Verna seems to _know_ this creature. Dolan's mouth flops open, his jaw going slack at the interactions. "Andie, are you seeing what I am seeing?" he manages finally. "That's - she's - that's fucking incredible.'

GAME: Verna rolls will+2: (2)+24+2: 28

Andelena's similarly slack-jawed. Her hand goes away from the hilt of her sword and reaches out to Dolan, taking him by the arm as though she's trying to find an anchor in this strange, strange place, and now this strange... yet astoundingly amazing... happening. She nods, trying to figure out the words to say for a moment.

"That's... Wow." Andie's voice is choked, and the Sunguard finds herself raising a gauntleted hand to wipe away a tear. "Holy shit," she murmurs. "Gorgeous. Gorgeous creature."

"I do," Verna affirms, though an edge to her tone suggests a dislike at the fact she has a suddenly-acquired hood ornament, though perhaps not at the ornament, herself. "She is an ally that has aided several at various times against various threats. Without prior arrangement nor warning." The last is also not conveyed so delightfully.

An annoyed sigh emits from her hood as she crouches to retrieve the buzzing arbiter and stuff it brusquely into a satchel beneath her robes. "It yet functions. It is a agent, a scout, of Order. As you -might- infer, Tanithariairisixchel is -somewhat- chaotic. As well, I have no fish."

Sitting on Verna's shoulder, the little dragon preens. She knows that she's being talked about and she obviously loves the attention. She arches her neck to show off her lovely horns. She curls her tail around to show it off as well. As it IS her best feature. In her opinion. She makes a piqued noise as her perch bends over, but balances perfectly atop Verna's head just the same. "Good peoples!" She comments pleasantly, until Verna mentions the sad facts of life. "No fish?"

"I'm a bit surprised you brought it. Him. Whatever," Telamon comments to Verna. "Quelynos itself is ...not exactly an orderly place to start with." He smiles at the tiny dragon. "Afraid not. It's business today, sad to say. Perhaps another time?"

He can't help but chuckle. "And gods, if you don't remind me of Pothy... right down to the size and the desire for snacks..."

Dolan leans up on tiptoes and kisses Andelena on the cheek. "We're pretty damn blessed," he agrees, but turns his attention to Tanith, turning his head fully towards her. "Um, hi. So you haven't happened to see a girl with pink eyes here, have you?" At the same time, his hand reaches for Andelena's, fingers looking to snake between hers.

Gorgeous? Incredible? Lysos looks side-eyed at the small dragon. Seeing mostly sharp teeth. Claws. Horns. "Yeah... amazing..." she says weakly, stepping away from the shorted out spheroid as she offers a smile, at least, to Tanith. "Forgot the fish," she tells it, somewhat lamely, before stepping even further aside, quieting so that Dolan can explain the mission.

GAME: Lysos rolls bluff: (10)+23: 33
GAME: Verna rolls will+2: (6)+24+2: 32 

Now Andelena's crying /and/ blushing. To say she's having a moment is a bit of an understatement. "O Morning Lord, what blessings you have given us today," she murmurs, drying her eyes. "Damn it, Bry, I feel like we packed everything /but/ the fish."

She looks to Tanith now and says, "I'm sorry, little gold one, but we need aid. We need to find a girl with pink eyes. She's called Phyrelia. Do you know anyone by that name and description?"

Verna's hood snap-pivots to Telamon. Her response is no less abrupt and direct as her turn. "Of course! I may not be as familiar as yourself, I am not a fool!" The rest of her rotates beneath to square up upon him and her volume rises. "It -chose- to accompany after my warnings! Its curiosity and the dragon are to blame, not I!"

"Yes I do!" Says Tanith (for short) excitedly, perking up. "I can take you! I am helpful!" She seems pretty happy with the idea of being able to aid you guys and she shifts slightly on top of Verna's head. At least until Verna starts to... yell. Then she takes flight again, alarmed by the loud voice. "I'm to blame?" She dips mid-air, looking mournful and slightly dejected.

GAME: Dolan rolls perception: (3)+9: 12
GAME: Andelena rolls Perception: (8)+7: 15
GAME: Telamon rolls perception: (10)+12: 22
GAME: Verna rolls perception: (14)+29: 43
GAME: Lysos rolls perception: (4)+10: 14
GAME: Verna rolls will+2: (13)+24+2: 39

Telamon raises his hands again. "Peace, Mourner. We cannot control -everything-." He leans in a little slightly, and furrows his brow. "Are you all right?" He gestures for Tanith. "No, no, little one. We are merely worried about our friend, called Phyrelia. It's not your fault."

He gestures subtly to Dolan and Andelena, before addressing Tanith again. "I'm sure you are a fine friend, especially to those who need assistance."

"Yeah." Dolan, clearly a little over his own head but recognizing when to play along. One does not argue when a dragon of any size offers to help. "Mourner, it's fine. Let's focus on finding her." Back to Tanith. "You know where she is? Can you take us to her?"

"Yeah, uhh--everything's okay, Mourner," Andelena says, placatingly. She's trying her hardest to keep her head on straight. At least she's stopped crying for now, although that look of awe is still ever-present in her eyes as she looks at little Tanith. "Little golden one, please take us to her if you are willing to guide us."

Lysos's eyes widen a little bit, but she says nothing, just nodding. Slowly turning away from the others.. not so much she loses sight of all of them out of the corner of her eye, but enough so that she's not directly looking at any of them.. gazing about the landscape instead.

Are Telamon's raised hands a posture of aggression? Submission? Either interpretation provokes an aggressive response. From the depths of Verna's hood, bright amber eyes lock upon his as she steps towards him. A gloved finger points accusingly at him, all but jabbing him in the chest. "We can control OURSELVES! So do so! If we are to find her, then FIND HER!"

From within her robes, the buzzing stops, replaced by a moment of silence. Abrupt metallic squealing follows, again intelligible to all who hear it.

"CHAOS! CHAOS!"

See? It is fine. It is all fine.

Tanith is confused. There's yelling. But there's more requests for her aid. So she perks herself up and flies a little bit in one direction, humming quietly to herself and then looking back at the people. "This way?" She asks curiously. "She was running, but told me to come here. She will not be in the same-place. But I can get close!"

Telamon looks down at the finger. Then at Verna. Raises an eyebrow, deliberately, before speaking, "Of course." With that, he looks to where Tanith is flying. "Close is a good start!" he tells the tiny dragon, walking in the same direction as it. "Sometimes the journey is just as important as the destination."

He beckons to the others to follow, as he strides along easily. "So Tanith... do you know why we are here? Did she tell you about it?"

GAME: Verna rolls will+2: (2)+24+2: 28
GAME: Dolan rolls sense motive: (11)+11: 22

"If we can control ourselves, how about you start by controlling yourself, Mourner? We have a mission to be about." Dolan is about to turn to follow Telamon, but abruptly stops, and turns slowly to face Verna, fully and completely. "Tanith. Telamon. Wait a minute." He's now ignoring _everyone_ else, and reaches for the sunburst at his neck, touching it to his lips. "Holy Knight, what's going on? Show me," he whispers. A moment or two, and he frowns. "Mourner. Hold still. Something isn't right."

"What's going on?" Andelena asks, looking at Dolan. She puts her hand to the hilt of her sword, curiosity crossing over to a deadly serious gaze as she realizes the tone in Dolan's voice. "Is there something wrong with the Mourner?"

GAME: Verna rolls will+2: (17)+24+2: 43

Verna's gloved finger curls in with the rest as Telamon turns his back to her and steps away. Leather creaks as the fist clenches and she appears about to lash out or, at the least, dart after him when Dolan speaks up. He makes a valid, logical argument and she is given pause. A moment of rational thought, analysis, and realization. "I. AM. TRYINGGGRRR!" It is perhaps a moment of distraction in that contest, also, and Verna...slips.

Much of the difference in stature between her and the others is suddenly removed as she gains several inches in height. A midnight-furred muzzle with decidedly numerous and quite un-Mourner like teeth pushes itself from her hood. A shake of her head drops it to fully doffed to allow her ears to clear.

"GO! RRRUN!" she manages crudely growl out.

Tanith hovers mid-air. Telamon's simple question is forgotten when Verna changes. "Help?" She asks, wafting to and fro indecisively.

Lysos presses her eyes closed, massaging the side of her head with two fingers as she repeats to herself. "This is fine. Everything's fine." A few more times, with some careful breathing.. then she lifts her chin and raises her shoulders and turns back to face the group. In time to see Dolan's concerned instructions to Verna and Andelena's hand falling to her weapon. So much for calming exercises. "Hey. Wait. Let's not do anything hasty. Let's.... " Then she pales.

Flashbacks to that night at the gates. She backs away a step. And another. "Mourner..." she calls, her voice trembling. "I don't think we can run." Because then she'll just chase us. "Mourner, please. You can stop this."

This is a distinctly unexpected and definitely unwelcome outcome. Telamon pauses at Dolan's call, and starts to turn... just in time to see Verna doing something he -did not want-. "Oh shit," he mumbles. He's pretty certain Verna-as-a-wolf won't have access to her extensive spell repertoire, but it's still not something he'd want to chance.

Hopefully.

His hands are half-raised, ready, but he casts no spell yet. Instead, he says, "Mourner, that's a terrible look for you. I think you should concentrate on Auranar instead." Hoping the invocation of Verna's better half might break through to her, give her focus.

GAME: Verna rolls will+2: (16)+24+2: 42

"Tanith, we want your help, but we've got a problem," Dolan says quickly to the dragon. "The Mourner's been infected with lycanthropy!" He continues to stare at the Mourner, even as he backs away, holding on to whatever he's looking at.

After a moment, he snaps out, "Get the pouch that thing of hers is in! It's got something evil in it!"

GAME: Andelena rolls 1d20+7: (10)+7: 17
GAME: Andelena rolls 1d4+4: (2)+4: 6

Andelena grinds her teeth. Her hand remains on the hilt, but she doesn't draw, staring down the lycanthrope-Verna. She's not trembling, but she sure isn't pleased.

Then Dolan says the magic words. Andelena, as always, leaps into action at his direction--lunging for the bag he's indicated, gauntleted fingers snatching it away as it snaps at the shoulder despite the risk of danger to herself from the new form. "Got it!" she shouts.

Tanith is ready, and willing to be helpful! She ignores the confrontation at large and dives toward Verna. Landing neatly on her head once again. This is... not really appreciated, but she digs her little claws into the wolf-Verna's fur and holds on tightly. "I HELP!"

-TBC