Safe Haven
Chapter 19

Session Start: Sat Aug 14, 1999 23:05
Session Close: Sun Aug 15, 1999 03:01
Elapsed Time: 3h, 56m
Total Elapsed: 89h, 48m

Cast (In Order of Appearance)
  • "Windstar" as Salah Paria
  • J. Desorme as Will Dosyani
  • Travis "Enygma" Saucier as Lamont Lockeheart
  • Nicole "Lucca" Dinner as Audrey Nanshete
  • Storyteller as Pseudo-Cassandra
  • Richard "RPG Storen" Gregorio as Lynna Handred
  • Jeremy "Bahamut" Baker as Miriamele
  • "Andrew" as Finn MacGovray
  • Supporting Cast: Ramus the Second, Chief Engineer Patricia, Dawson Iwada, Lalaith Ausa, Dayanara Tirulian, Guild Premier Nash Ausa, Guildmistress Mia Ausa, Susannah

    • Damon's Spire, Marius Zone

    [Storyteller] We last left the party at the top of what used to be Damon's Spire. With the destruction of the Electro-Wizardry Techno-Elemental (yes, I like saying that), the techno-magical magnet that was holding Vane in place shut down.

    More importantly, as confusing as it seemed, another player had entered the game. Dayanara, apparently another member of the Tirulian family, announced her presence to the party. However, Salah's sister, Madeline, turned against the party at the last minute, whisking Koran away before Dayanara could deal the death blow.

    You're at the top of the tower. From here, you can see some sort of fight taking place on the horizon.

    * Salah tightens her fist and loosens it with a deep, shocked look on her face.
    * Will lies on the floor, thoroughly beaten up and battered...
    [Lamont] Someone tell me what just happened please?
    [Audrey] Will...
    * Salah looks outward toward the ship that took Madeline and Koran away.
    * Audrey rushes to Will, and casts healing spells on him. ^^; As she's been doing a lot lately.
    [Lamont] Who was that woman?
    [Storyteller] The ship is long gone. In fact, it was headed in the direction of the fight.
    [Pseudo-Cassandra] I dunno... But I didn't like her.
    * Will coughs and struggles to get up from the floor.
    * Lynna grits her teeth...
    * Audrey closes her eyes and chants to herself. A bright blue light surrounds Will.
    [Audrey] Let Althena grant you a glorious boon! Recovery Litany!
    [Storyteller] Will is restored to full HP 'cause everybody will be when you get to Vane.
    [Lamont] I would really like to know...
    [Will] I guess I'm pretty worthless as a fighter... *cough* ... Thank you, Audrey!
    [Audrey] There... No! You're not!
    * Lynna looks to the fight that seems to be on the horizon.
    [Will] W-well... I've been decorating the floor lately...
    * Salah silently looks up to the sky, blinking back a few tears, then looking down toward the fight.
    [Lamont] We shouldn't delay... We should go to Vane.
    * Miriamele nods.
    [Pseudo-Cassandra] Damn straight. Sitting here will get us no where.
    [Audrey] So? You're just as important. :) We couldn't have won without you!
    * Audrey helps Will up.
    [Finn] Do you need help with him, Audrey?
    [Will] Thank you. :)
    [Audrey] I think he'll be okay. Thank you though, Finn.
    [Salah] Something's going on down there. It looks like a fight.
    * Audrey blinks at looks at the horizon.
    [Audrey] Koran?
    [Pseudo-Cassandra] Who cares? Let's get the hell out of Dodge.
    [Will] A... fight?
    [Miriamele] A battle, more like it. Fight is too simple a word.
    [Pseudo-Cassandra] All the more reason for us to make ourselves scarce.
    [Salah] I think it's Koran, he left on the ship.
    [Will] We should go see what's happening! It might be important!
    [Lamont] We should go to Vane...
    * Miriamele nods.
    [Lamont] Koran, Madeline, and that woman went that way.
    [Lynna] Then that's where we're going.
    [Lamont] Of course, I doubt we can reach Vane in time for any sort of aid.
    [Finn] As much as I'm anxious to get to Vane...
    [Audrey] Let's go to Vane!
    [Finn] We can't just pass something like that by.
    [Pseudo-Cassandra] There you go again, thinking negatively. Just shut up and let's get there.
    [Finn] Without at least investigating.
    * Audrey hmms...
    [Will] H-how big is it?... Can we tell?
    * Salah closes her hands, making them into fists then loosening them.
    [Audrey] Salah?
    * Lynna starts going down the tower without another word.
    * Salah turns toward the stairs and heads down the steps.
    [Salah] Let's go.
    [Lamont] Salah, why did you want to go with them?
    * Audrey puts her hand on Salah's shoulder.
    [Audrey] Are you going to be okay? Salah! O_o Wait!
    * Finn follows Lynna closely.
    * Audrey follows the others.
    * Pseudo-Cassandra heads after the others.

    Outside Damon's Spire, Marius Zone

    [Storyteller] The group follows Salah down the stairs and out the front of the building. The place is eerily quiet without the thunder and lighting, dead quiet in fact.
    * Lamont follows in tow, as usual.
    * Salah looks around for the raft that they used to get here.
    * Will looks at the spire with some regret, thinking how useful it could be if examined...
    * Lynna looks around for the boats that took them here...
    [Storyteller] You can see the decamole boat where it was dragged ashore. Unfortunately, it's little more than a pile of melted plastic slag now.
    [Lynna] Well, that's great...
    [Lamont] This is not good.
    [Audrey] We're stuck here? :/
    [Storyteller] There are a number of small pre-constructed buildings on the other side of the tower.
    [Will] We'll have to look for another way to get there...
    [Lamont] This is still wasted time. Every second we waste is a second Vane could fall.
    * Lynna runs her eyes over the tower, noting the buildings.
    [Will] Those structures are as good a place as any to look, I guess...
    * Salah heads for the buildings.
    * Will heads enthusiastically over to the nearest building, wondering what it contains.
    * Lynna follows Salah.
    [Lynna] I for one don't have the patience right now to walk...
    [Pseudo-Cassandra] Join the fucking club.
    [Storyteller] The plastisteel door is locked.
    [Will] Locked...
    * Lynna glares at Cassandra.
    [Lynna] I didn't ask for your opinion.
    [Pseudo-Cassandra] You got it none the less. Consider it a bonus.
    * Will takes his cane firmly in one hand.
    [Lamont] This is not the time for fighting.
    * Finn follows Salah...
    [Will] Well, I hope this is enough...
    * Salah sighs.
    [Lynna] I could think of a few nice tips for you right now... But I'm not going to bother.
    * Lynna turns away and inspects the door.
    [Lamont] Lynna, please save it. Arguing will not get us to Vane any faster. And please, you as well, Cassandra.
    * Pseudo-Cassandra grumbles.
    [Salah] Get out of the way.
    * Audrey sighs at it all. -_-
    * Lynna grumbles as well.
    [Lynna] I'm getting to Vane one way or the other...
    * Lamont looks at Salah.
    [Lamont] You never did answer my question...
    [Audrey] Lamont...
    * Salah ignores Lamont.
    [Audrey] I think we should leave Salah be for a while.
    [Lamont] I just want to know why she would considering going with those who have hurt the innocent...
    * Lynna tries another door.
    * Will moves up to the door of the building in a tense stance, swinging his cane backwards.
    * Salah starts gathering cold ice and air around her body. She creates a sword of ice and slams it into the door.
    [Audrey] Do you need help, Will? AH! O_o
    * Audrey almost gets hit with the ice! O_o
    * Will discharges a battering blow on the closed door, (hopefully) crushing it to smithereens! "Temple Blow!"
    [Storyteller] Salah's spell freezes the door solid. It groans, cracks, and disintegrates.
    [Audrey] Salah! Please be careful?
    * Will hits the air! Will loses his balance! Will tumbles into the inky blackness ahead!
    [Storyteller] Will falls through the missing door and lands on something rather hard.
    * Salah walks into the now opened door and besides Will, hoping not to step on him.
    [Storyteller] She does.
    [Will] Aack!!
    [Audrey] Salah! Salah, watch where you're stepping please! :/
    [Will] Oomph! O_o
    * Audrey helps Will up again.
    * Lynna looks over at the rest of the group, and sighs.
    * Lamont is silent. He has nothing to say.
    [Will] Ha ha...a...
    [Audrey] Will... Salah...
    * Audrey looks troubled.
    [Storyteller] The object in front of you is quite strange...
    * Lynna steps inside.
    [Lamont] What's this?
    [Storyteller] It has a fairly wide body made of metal tubing, four large, round black things are mounted at each corner. Mounted in the back is a device somewhat reminiscent of one of Myght's generators, but much smaller...
    [Will] I wonder...
    [Audrey] What is this? Not another whirring thing. -_-
    * Will taps the black things with his cane, experimentally.
    [Storyteller] They have very little give.
    [Lynna] Looks like Will's type of toy.
    [Lamont] I don't know much about machines, so I'll let Will handle this....
    [Audrey] Will... What is this?
    [Will] I see...
    [Storyteller] There are five fairly uncomfortable looking metal seats within the frame. Two in the front, one of which has a wheel and a small array of instruments in front of it. Three in the back. It looks like you might all fit if you got *very* "comfortable".
    [Finn] Well, not enough for all of us...
    * Will hops into the seat that is in front of the wheel and instruments.
    * Salah glances at Will and holds back a giggle while looking at her boot's imprint on Will's back.
    [Storyteller] There's a green button labeled "Starter".
    [Lamont] What is this?
    [Will] Now, how do you start the gener- ah!
    * Will pushes the button!
    * Lynna looks over the vehicle.
    [Lynna] If I wasn't so eager to get moving, I'd have been 100 miles away by now...
    [Lamont] Will, what is this thing?
    * Audrey peers at the buggy in a weary manner...
    [Storyteller] The engine sputters once, then starts. Two very bright lights on the front come on with it, shining light out of the makeshift garage.
    * Audrey gasps in surprise at the buggy starting up, and falls into the backseat! O_o
    * Salah jumps as the vehicle sputters to life.
    * Finn winces.
    [Will] I knew it! ^_^ It's an automated transport device!
    * Lynna shields her eyes.
    [Finn] So, we can just get in, and you can make it go places?
    [Audrey] Ow! ;_;
    [Will] We can ride this to Vane! Assuming we don't run out of fuel, but...
    [Will] Yeah! =D
    [Finn] Well, we've no time to waste, then!
    [Lamont] How are we all supposed to fit in there...
    * Finn jumps in...
    * Audrey erks as Finn sits on her hand O_o
    [Audrey] F--finn?
    * Will looks at the back seats, noticing the lack of space...
    [Lamont] Maybe we should get a wagon or something to pull behind it...
    * Lynna considers her options for a moment.
    [Salah] I guess we just have to umm get 'friendly'?
    [Finn] Oh, dear... I'm sorry, Audrey.
    * Lamont looks a little bit uncomfortable with this whole idea.
    * Pseudo-Cassandra gets into the thing.
    * Finn lifts up momentarily so Audrey can get her hand out.
    [Audrey] Ow... Finn? My hand... Please... No problem... Just get off, if you please? Thank you.
    [Lynna] Damn it. Why are things never easy.
    [Will] I'm not sure that would work, Lamont... I don't know how much power this engine has, or its consumption rate or total weight.
    * Salah climbs into the buggy.
    [Audrey] It's no problem.
    [Pseudo-Cassandra] Oh just stop your bitching and get in.
    * Audrey tries to get into the backseat, which is hard to do even with her petite frame.
    * Lynna tries to finds an open spot, shoving in with no regard for anyone else's comfort. ^^
    * Will scratches his head. ^_^;
    * Pseudo-Cassandra is in the back seat and stuff.
    * Salah squeezes herself into buggy's front seat.
    [Lamont] I just don't know...
    * Lamont looks away.
    [Salah] Umm...
    * Audrey doesn't sit on a lap. She just gets sat on. :P
    [Salah] Who's gonna drive it?
    * Lynna basically falls on top of Finn.
    [Audrey] (muffled) Will can...
    [Will] I can probably do it... I'm sure it can't be very hard!
    [Lamont] I guess I don't have a choice, do I?
    * Finn squirms uncomfortably...
    [Lynna] Move it, piano boy...
    [Salah] I can help you Will... If umm, you need it.
    [Lamont] I guess I don't...
    [Finn] No need to get snarky, little miss Mary Sunshine...
    [Will] Er... Thanks. ^_^
    * Finn moves over to accommodate Lynna.
    [Lynna] Sunshine? I think not.
    * Lamont slips into the buggy and tries to wedge himself in beside Cassandra.
    * Audrey gets squashed more. ^_^;
    [Storyteller] With much ado about nothing, everybody eventually clambers into the dune buggy.
    [Audrey] (muffled) How long will it take to get to Vane?
    [Pseudo-Cassandra] Oh Goddess damn it Lamont, just get into the fucking thing already.
    [Storyteller] Cassandra somehow ends up on Lamont's lap, while Miri ends up on Finn's.
    * Lamont blushes a deep shade of red.
    [Lamont] Um... OK.
    * Salah presses the gas pedal accidentally.
    [Storyteller] The buggy shoots forward.
    * Salah pulls her foot off the gas.
    [Will] Aaah! W-wait!
    [Pseudo-Cassandra] Don't get any ideas here, Lamont.
    [Salah] Umm. I guess that's what makes it go.
    [Lamont] I'd never think of it...
    * Lamont is still a deep shade of red... Could that be from the heat... or something else?
    [Salah] Okay, let's go.
    * Will nods!
    * Lamont looks over at Finn, face still beat red.
    [Finn] Get us out of here, Will...
    * Salah presses her foot on the gas pedal and let's Will steer.
    [Finn] Aren't you in a happy position, Lamont?
    [Storyteller] The buggy starts to move forward, slowly this time.
    * Will gives the steering wheel and experimental twist, and steps on the pedal, leading the buggy out.
    * Audrey meeps from the back, hating the Goddess damned machines. -_-;
    [Lamont] I don't know what to say... I've never been this... close... to a woman before.
    [Will] Whoops... Sorry!
    * Lynna looks over at the squashed Audrey, nodding to Finn.
    [Lynna] Yeah... He's always the lucky one...
    * Will removes his foot from Salah's.
    [Salah] Will, look out for the wall!
    [Finn] It's nothing to get embarrassed about; just relax and enjoy.
    [Storyteller] Will's actually a fairly decent first time driver it slowly pulls out, with the wheel turned it does a nice little arc around the corner of the shack.
    [Pseudo-Cassandra] Don't enjoy *too* much.
    [Finn] You never know when you'll get the opportunity again...
    [Audrey] (muffled) I'm trying...
    [Pseudo-Cassandra] Or I'll whip your ass.
    [Will] Don't worry. ^_^
    * Salah whews.
    [Lamont] Well, Finn, I'm just not used to it...
    * Lynna sighs.
    [Lynna] Will, if you get me killed like this, I'll haunt you till the day you die, understand?
    [Miriamele] Finn... That's my butt...
    * Salah steps on the gas pedal till it hits the floor.
    [Storyteller] Of course it's still moving... and the wheel is still turned... That tower is starting to look really big...
    [Will] O-okay, Lynna... A-actually... Yikes!
    [Finn] I'm not doing anything to your butt, my dear.
    * Lamont pulls his arms up from his sides to make a little more room, and places them around Cassandra. Boy is he red now...
    [Salah] Will... Ummm...
    [Miriamele] Audrey?
    [Lynna] Will! Turn the damn wheel already!
    * Will pulls on the wheel to avoid the tower!
    [Audrey] Yeah?
    [Pseudo-Cassandra] Watch where you stick those things.
    [Salah] I'm getting... dizzy...
    * Miriamele looks for the errant hand.
    [Lamont] It wasn't me.
    * Miriamele realizes it's her own... It fell asleep.
    * Lynna falls on Audrey more with the hard turn...
    [Storyteller] The buggy straightens out, heading in basically the right direction.
    * Audrey cries out! O_o
    [Will] W-whew...
    [Lamont] Will, will this thing get us there ahead of the Koran?
    * Salah whews and pats Will on the back.
    [Lynna] Sorry, Audrey... Blame the chauffer for this evening.
    [Audrey] It's... It's okay...
    * Lamont still has a red face, perhaps he's enjoying this... But if he is... It's not showing.
    [Will] I don't know... It all depends on what type of magical or mechanical propulsion devices he's using... Well, and if he has to restock it...
    [Finn] Lamont, relax... You're going to pass out if you get anymore blood into your face...
    [Will] Of course... with that kind of technology... I can only guess he won't have that much trouble...
    [Lamont] Sorry Finn... I'm just not used to this...
    [Storyteller] The buggy crawls along at only slightly more than a walking pace.
    [Audrey] (muffled) Not if I pass out first...
    [Will] To tell the truth, I think he'll get there before us... If he wants to...
    * Salah floors it.
    [Lamont] Unless that woman stops him.
    [Will] Salah, could you-- !!
    [Storyteller] The buggy pops a brief wheelie before taking off like a bat out of hell.
    [Lynna] Salah, what the hell are you pressing up there... Ah!
    * Lamont looks back over at Finn.
    [Lamont] So are you enjoying yourself?
    [Finn] Not particularly.
    [Audrey] Aaaahhh!! O_O What's that noise!!
    [Storyteller] Everybody in the back gets knocked around a bit.
    * Lamont shifts around.
    [Audrey] I think I'm going to be really sick...
    [Pseudo-Cassandra] Dammit Lamont, get your hand off my leg right now!
    [Lamont] Sorry...
    * Salah looks onward with a determined look on her face.
    [Storyteller] The electrical engine squeals loudly as it labors to produce the power Salah demanded.
    * Lynna's claw barely misses poking Finn in all the ruckus. ^^
    * Finn grimaces.
    [Storyteller] It quickly reaches max output, the buggy hopping along the rough ground.
    [Audrey] I think I'm really going to be sick... Ooooogh...
    * Will pulls down his goggles and adjusts his bandanna, giving him a slightly funny WW1 war pilot look as he wrestles with the steering wheel. ^_^
    * Finn looks down at Lynna's claw...
    [Finn] Watch where your hands are going...
    * Will realizes that the thing is fairly stable as long as he doesn't try to turn.
    [Lynna] Hey I am watching... If I wasn't you'd be minus an eye right about now.

    Marius Zone at 50+ mph

    [Lamont] She's going to kill me if this ride gets any more bumpy...
    * Audrey meeps in the background.
    * Lynna hangs on, without squashing Audrey too badly.
    [Will] This is great! This is way past our current technology!
    [Storyteller] The vehicle whips through the plains, heading toward the hills. Each bump sends some part of some member of the party smacking into the metal frame.
    * Audrey gets squashed nonetheless.
    [Pseudo-Cassandra] I'm not too heavy, am I Lamont?
    [Lamont] No... not at all.
    * Salah holds onto the railings.
    [Will] If I had time to study it...
    [Storyteller] The hills quickly approach, you go up the side of one, crest the rise... and fly into the air!
    [Lamont] What in Lunar?
    [Finn] Ohhhh Goddess!
    * Will looks curiously at the other apparatus besides the starting button, pedals and steering wheel.
    [Lynna] I knew I was going to regret this...
    [Will] Whooo!!
    [Lamont] Will, I hope you know what you're doing...
    [Audrey] Ooooggghhh...
    * Audrey turns green...
    [Storyteller] Will's head bounces off the wheel as the vehicle hits the ground again.
    [Pseudo-Cassandra] Damn this is fun!
    [Storyteller] Audrey pukes on Lynna's shoes.
    [Will] Ow! X_x
    * Salah's hair flaps through wind at the high speeds.
    [Finn] Maybe you should slow down a little bit?
    [Lynna] What the... Audrey?
    [Audrey] Oh I'm so sorry, OW, Lynna!
    [Storyteller] Fortunately, only Will's goggles were damaged, not his head.
    [Finn] Just a slight suggestion...
    [Audrey] I didn't mean to...h god I'm gonna do it again. ;_;
    * Salah looks at Finn with a dark determined face.
    [Storyteller] Audrey pukes on Finn's shoes.
    [Lynna] For goddess sakes, lean off the side!
    * Will takes his goggles off ruefully...
    [Will] I think they're broken...
    [Storyteller] Another hill looms up in front of you.
    [Finn] SLOW DOWN!!
    [Audrey] I'm so sorry! ;_;
    [Audrey] Oh man ;_;
    [Will] Huh? Why?
    [Lynna] And Will! Slow the hell down!
    * Salah keeps the pedal floored.
    [Storyteller] You climb up the side of the hill...
    * Audrey pukes on whoever shoes she hasn't puked on yet.
    [Finn] Who the hell let her in the front seat?
    [Audrey] I think I'm all empty now... Oogh...
    [Lamont] Did... someone just get sick?
    [Will] Ha, ha...a...!
    [Audrey] (muffled) Me...
    [Lamont] I can't see... But I can smell...
    [Will] S-Salah!!
    [Storyteller] The top of the hill...
    [Finn] Can someone conceivably lift her out of her ensconcement?
    * Will moves her foot off the pedal, slowing down to a decent speed so they don't fly right into the ground!
    [Storyteller] The buggy cleanly comes over the top of the hill, this time with all four wheels on the ground.
    [Pseudo-Cassandra] You make a pretty good cushion Lamont.
    [Storyteller] Down...
    Up...
    Down...
    Up...
    Down...
    Up...
    [Lynna] Ugh...
    * Finn breathes a momentary sigh of relief...
    * Will whews...
    [Will] A second longer, and...
    * Audrey moans and gets squashed more.
    [Storyteller] A faint smell tickles your noses (except for Will, of course).
    [Lamont] Will, are we there yet? Not that this isn't a pleasant ride...
    [Will] No...
    * Lynna focuses her mind. .oO(Think about getting there... End justifies the means, eh...)
    * Will hmms, suddenly realizing something. He takes out his map, one hand still on the steering wheel.
    [Lamont] My back is starting to ache...his seat is quite a bit uncomfortable.
    [Pseudo-Cassandra] And how nice of you to cushion my back from that seat, Lamont.
    * Salah grabs her hands on the steering wheel.
    [Lynna] As Cass stated, join the fucking club. Koran and Xenobia's heads better be worth all this...
    [Audrey] A...re we there yet?
    [Storyteller] You all realize what the smell is...alt.
    [Audrey] Salt...
    * Lynna scans the landscape as it whizzes by.
    [Lynna] Hmm... You too Audrey?
    [Storyteller] You begin to go up a fairly steep incline... You hear the crashing of waves someplace in front of you...
    [Audrey] Are we near the ocean? I can't see...inn's back is blocking my view.
    * Will folds the map, trying to regain control of the steering wheel..._^;
    [Lamont] I think we're almost there...
    [Audrey] Thank Althena!
    [Will] Near the ocean... Why...
    [Audrey] ...h...h...orry...
    * Salah lets her hands off the steering wheel and returns her foot to the gas.
    [Lamont] .oO(This wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't for this seat being so hard...)
    [Will] Oh, right! Waves!
    [Storyteller] You're still going upwards...he sound of waves is getting louder.
    * Will kicks Salah's foot off the gas again.
    [Lynna] Umm...ill, you'd better stop...IGHT NOW.
    [Lamont] Let's go for it...
    [Will] I wonder...ow close are we...
    [Storyteller] You now see the water...ooming ahead...
    [Will] W-wait!!
    * Finn shudders slightly, a fleeting memory crossing his mind...
    * Will slows down.
    [Storyteller] Will doesn't know how...
    [Lamont] I bet this thing doesn't double as a boat...
    [Salah] Will...
    [Lynna] Will...ou'd better know HOW to stop...
    [Audrey] Are we near Vane?
    [Will] ...a, ha...a..._^;
    [Audrey] Will? ;_;
    [Salah] Ummm, I think...ou should press that other pedal.
    * Will looks for a lever/button/pedal marked "STOP"!!
    [Storyteller] There's a second pedal next to the one you've got your foot on.
    [Will] Other pedal? That one?
    [Salah] Yeah, that one.
    [Storyteller] Five...
    Four...
    * Will tries pressing it at the same time with the accelerator!
    [Storyteller] The engine roars then studders.
    [Salah] No!
    [Lamont] Stop it!
    [Will] Er, maybe I should let go of this one!
    [Pseudo-Cassandra] Stop the damn thing already!
    [Storyteller] Three...
    Two...
    [Salah] Let off the other pedal!
    * Will gets his foot off the accelerator.
    [Audrey] Mammaaaa...! ;_;
    * Lynna prepares herself for the worst...
    [Storyteller] One!?
    [Storyteller] As soon as his foot comes off, the vehicle abruptly stops! Everybody in back slams into the front seats. Will gets a stomach full of wheel.
    [Lamont] Ooof!
    [Lynna] It's about ti...rgh!
    * Audrey slams into the front seat with a crash! O_o...nd everyone slams into her in succession.
    * Lynna smacks into the seat hard.
    * Salah nearly flies out of the vechile.
    [Pseudo-Cassandra] Lamont get your hand off that right now!
    [Will] Oooph! o_o
    [Lamont] ...orry...
    [Storyteller] And Salah flies over the front, the only thing stopping her from taking a long dive is getting her foot caught around one of the tubes.
    [Pseudo-Cassandra] You'd better be fucking sorry!
    [Storyteller] But you're not moving.

    Coastline, Marius Zone

    [Storyteller] Straight ahead, there is a sheer cliff face.
    [Lamont] Now what?
    * Lynna shakes her head, getting rid of the dizziness...nd abruptly spots Salah dangling.
    * Will lies over the steering wheel, half-conscious..._@
    [Audrey] @_@ (dazed) Sure...riz...'d love for you to draw pictures of me with my undergarments on...ah hah hah..._@
    * Lynna hits Audrey when she hears that comment.
    [Audrey] Ow! O_o Wh...hat did I do?
    * Salah looks at herself and feeling an enormus discomformt.
    [Storyteller] Fifteen feet to the left and right respectively, the land slopes down towards the shore.
    * Lynna grabs Salah and pulls her back into the buggy.
    [Lamont] I hope you're alright Cassandra...
    [Pseudo-Cassandra] I'm fine.
    [Lynna] Salah...hat's twice you owe me.
    [Lamont] What do we do now...
    * Salah lowers her head. "Sorry...
    [Storyteller] You can see Vane out in the water.
    * Finn draws in a breath...
    [Storyteller] Koran's ship is flying circles around the city, beams of energy lancing out from underneath.
    [Pseudo-Cassandra] Hey there's Vane.
    [Finn] Oh my Goddess!
    [Salah] Koran!
    [Will] ...ugh...-vane...
    * Finn clambers out of the buggy and starts running towards Vane.
    [Lamont] I can't see, what's going on?
    [Storyteller] Smaller magical bolts shoot up from the grounds.
    [Salah] Sis-sister...
    [Audrey] O_o I think I hit my head too hard...Looks at Vane*
    [Storyteller] Finn stops at the edge of the cliff (or he can die, it's up to you).
    [Lynna] Not now Audrey...e found the place.
    [Will] E...... What...? O_o
    * Salah leaps out of the buggy and runs up to the cliff's edge gazing up at the ship and Vane
    [Storyteller] The magical bolts seem to have little effect on the faintly glowing vehicle.
    * Audrey stumbles after Salah.
    * Lynna looks at the ensuing battle...
    * Finn briefly contemplates diving into the water.
    [Lynna] How can we get there?
    [Lamont] How far our is it?
    [Will] What's going on!?
    [Storyteller] Down below, Finn sees a familar watercraft heading towards Vane.
    * Salah lowers her head and closes her eyes.
    * Finn gapes.
    [Finn] It's the Dragonmaster!
    [Audrey] The ship we were on!
    [Lamont] Dragonmaster? There's a Dragonmaster here?
    * Will looks at the gradient of the sides to the left and right to see if he could drive the buggy down to the shore.
    [Storyteller] Will could do it easily, but Finn is outside the buggy right now.
    * Lynna looks into the water, noticing the clouds of a steamship.
    [Lynna] How about that...
    [Audrey] It's a ...hip...ub...omething Lamont...^;
    [Storyteller]
    [Lamont] Oh...
    [Will] Dragonmaster? Where?
    [Lynna] Looks like Ramus is having fun without us.
    [Will] Let's go down to the shore! Maybe we can get there!
    * Finn hurriedly gets back into the buggy.
    * Lynna examines the slope of the cliff's sides...
    [Finn] NOW you can slam the gas pedal.
    * Will resumes his position as driver, waiting for everybody to hop in.
    * Salah sighs and looks up.
    * Will nods!
    * Audrey hops in the front seat before Salah can! ;D
    [Salah] Maddy...
    * Lynna shrugs, and gets back into travel hell.
    * Lamont laughs lightly.
    [Lamont] I thought one of us might be a Dragonmaster or something...hat a thought.
    [Will] Oh! Hi Audrey! ^_^
    [Audrey] Hi! ^_^
    [Storyteller] The flying craft looses a volley of fire into one of the towers.
    [Audrey] It's much better in the front than the back! ^_^
    [Will] Salah!
    [Audrey] Salah! We have to hurry...
    * Salah climbs into the buggy, noticing how squished it is in the back, she sits next to Audrey in the front.
    [Will] Okay!
    [Audrey] ...
    * Finn winces as if physically injured while watching the assault on Vane.
    [Audrey] .oO(I hate this!)
    [Lynna] Let's just go...'m not getting any younger, or Vane any prettier.
    * Will turns the wheel to face the left descent, and slams his feet on the accelerator!
    [Lamont] Whatever we're gonna do, let's do it!
    [Salah] .oO(Madeline...ister...lease...
    [Storyteller] The vehicle shoots off down the side of the hill. In a scant few seconds, you've reach the shore. The vehicle slides into the water a few lengths before stopping.
    * Will then promptly focuses on straightening the vehicle so it won't crash somewhere or run around in circles!
    [Pseudo-Cassandra] That's the spirit, Lamont! Let's get this show on the road. Vane's not gonna get any better!
    [Storyteller] The electric engine sputters, sparks, and dies.
    [Lynna] This thing obviously can't float...
    [Will] Uh oh... think I fried it...
    * Lynna hops out onto the shore.
    [Finn] Damn...
    * Salah climbs out of the buggy.
    * Finn gets out and stands on the shore.
    [Finn] We have to get over there somehow!
    * Will hops out of his seat and sloshes back to shore.
    * Audrey climbs out, her feet getting soaked.
    * Pseudo-Cassandra gets out of the buggy.
    [Pseudo-Cassandra] Here Lamont...et me help you...
    * Pseudo-Cassandra helps Lamont out of the buggy.
    * Salah wades into the ocean to the point where her knees are getting wet.
    [Audrey] What do we do now?
    [Storyteller] The MSS Dragonmaster is a few hundred yards off shore, but quickly heading in the direction of Vane, a good deal farther out.
    [Lynna] Rrgg...'m not going to stand here and watch...
    [Finn] We have to get the Dragonmaster's attention somehow.
    [Will] If we could call it's attention...
    [Lamont] I could call on some light spells...
    [Storyteller] Most of the flyer's fire seems to be directed at or near the Silver Spire.
    [Audrey] ...
    * Will hmms...
    [Lamont] Maybe then they would see us.
    [Lynna] Lamont...end up a light blast...t could be a flare.
    [Will] I wonder...ould Miri's Sun spells... Yeah! That would work too!
    [Salah] Use your light magic Lamont!
    [Finn] Give it a go, Lamont.
    [Miriamele] I can try.
    * Lamont sends a Pulse Laser into the air.
    [Finn] Or Miri...
    * Audrey feels rather usless...nd buggysick. -_-
    [Will] Try too, Miri!
    [Miriamele] Lamont...im right above it...se your biggest spell!
    * Lynna grins a little sadistically...
    [Lynna] I can always get their attention in another way...
    [Lamont] OK...
    * Lamont sends a Pulse Laser right above the ship.
    [Lamont] Please see this...
    [Miriamele] Ready?
    [Will] What do you mean, Lynna...
    [Miriamel] Together......
    * Lynna shakes her head.
    [Lynna] Nothing.
    [Lamont] 2...
    [Miriamele] 3...
    [Audrey] I don't think they have time to stop for us...
    [Miriamele] SOLAR FLARE!
    [Lamont] LASER GRID!
    [Storyteller] The two forms of light energy expode over the ship in pretty display of pyrotechnics.
    [Lynna] Too bad we're not here for the fireworks...
    [Storyteller] You can barely see somebody run around the back. In the dark, you see a glint of reflected light.
    * Lamont waves both hands.
    * Salah flails her arms and calls out to the ship.
    [Audrey] ... They see us?
    [Will] ...m...
    * Lynna stands on the shore, arms folded.
    [Lamont] You know... hope they don't think we were attacking them...
    [Will] I really hope...e doesn't think we might be attacking...
    [Will] Ha, ha...a...^;
    [Storyteller] Incase you forgot, it's night right now. Vane is lit up as always, and Koran's flyer glows with a purple light.
    [Finn] That would be silly...
    * Will nods at Lamont...
    [Lamont] Come on...ee it! We have to get ot Vane...
    [Storyteller] The MSS Dragonmaster-A begins a slow turn to staboard.
    [Finn] You fired into the air.
    [Audrey] They see us! O_o
    [Salah] They saw us!
    [Salah] They're coming!
    [Lamont] Good job, Miriamele.
    * Finn sighs with relief.
    [Audrey] Thanks you guys...
    [Lynna] Well, I could always project some Illusions... But I see it's not necessary.
    [Miriamele] You too, Lamont.
    [Lamont] ...h I didn't do anything major.
    [Will] Okay...ow let's think about what we're going to do once we get there...^;
    [Salah] Well tell Mia and Nash our story.
    [Storyteller] Ten minutes later, the MSS Dragonmaster-A is close. They send out one of the launches; when it reaches the shore...
    * Ramus II hops out.
    [Audrey] Ramus!
    [Finn] I don't think we have time to do any talking.
    [Ramus II] You *trying* to blow me up or something?
    * Lynna smirks a little.
    [Lynna] Well, if it isn't Ramus...'m hurt you haven't kept in touch...
    * Ramus II smiles.
    [Finn] Ramus...
    * Salah shakes her head with a smile on her face.
    [Finn] We need to get to Vane!
    [Salah] We need a lift.
    [Lamont] I don't believe I know you...
    [Ramus II] I gathered...et's go.
    * Ramus II runs through the water back to the boat.
    * Salah hopes on the long boat.
    * Finn runs after him.
    * Will nods, not knowing Ramus. ^_^;
    [Lynna] Don't have to tell me.
    [Storyteller] The MSS Dragonmaster-A has already begun turning to head back out.
    * Will hops in.
    * Lynna runs as well...
    * Pseudo-Cassandra follows.
    * Audrey follows.
    * Lamont follows as well, and stumbles a bit, but manages to make it keeping his outfit mostly dry.
    * Salah trips on the boat and starts falling.
    [Audrey] At least boats don't make me sick...
    * Ramus II catches Salah and pulls her in.
    [Ramus II] You okay, kiddo?
    * Salah blushes.
    [Salah] Yeah, I'm fine...ust not used to this...
    * Lynna climbs aboard.
    * Lamont eyes Ramus II.
    [Lamont] I don't believe we've met.
    [Ramus II] All aboard thats going aboard! Men...orward...troke! Stroke! Stroke! Stroke!
    * Lamont looks out over the water at Vane.
    * Lynna keeps her eyes glued on Vane.
    * Salah dangles her hand in the water while looking toward Vane.

    MSS Dragonmaster-A, Enroute to Vane

    [Storyteller] The launch quickly reaches the MSS Dragonmaster-A. Before you're even fully aboard, the engines being belching steam and smoke.
    [Ramus II] Come to the bridge with me.
    [Lynna] .oO(Almost there...'m going to get the whole story out of you Koran...fter I wring your overpowered neck...
    * Finn follows Ramus to the bridge.
    * Audrey follows quietly.
    [Lamont] This is so confusing...
    * Lynna walks along.
    * Salah looks at Ramus and nods.
    * Will follows.
    * Salah follows everyone to the bridge, but stops, looking out towards Vane and Koran's flyer.
    * Ramus II walks over to the intercom-type thing.
    [Ramus II] Patricia! More power!
    [Patricia from Below] Yeah, yeah, keep your pants on.
    * Lynna starts to think about the events back on the ship...
    [Audrey] What is Koran doing, exactly?...
    [Storyteller] You hear what sounds like an explosion below decks. A huge blast of black smoke bellows out from the stacks. The Dragonmaster begins accellerating rapidly.
    [Audrey] W...hat?! O_o
    [Storyteller] The Silver Spire seems to have taken the brunt of the damage. In fact, as you get closer, it looks like it's about to collapse.
    [Will] Whoa...
    [Lamont] Come on...e have to get there.
    [Lynna] Koran sure doesn't waste any time.
    [Patricia from Below] Sorry bout that...e just loaded the magic Presto Logs.
    [Ramus II] Just make sure we get there in one piece.
    [Will] Magic presto logs... What kind of fuel is that?
    [Audrey] Why destroy the Silver Spire?
    [Lamont] I find that the best thing to do...s not ask.
    [Ramus II] (into a different voice piece) Gunnery crews! Verify range to target and open fire!
    [Lamont] Because the Silver Spire is Vane's primary defense system, Audrey.
    [Audrey] Oh...
    [Lynna] Lamont's right.
    [Storyteller] The bolts of magic shooting up from the city still seem to have little effect on the ship...
    [Lamont] I wonder if that Woman is still in the ship.
    [Pseudo-Cassandra] I hope she fell out.
    [Storyteller] BOOOOOOOOOOOM! The main gun of the Dragonmaster-A belches forth, sending a massive shell screaching at the aircraft.
    * Lynna stares out the window.
    [Lynna] Come on...
    [Storyteller] It hits and actually manages to knock it off course.
    [Lamont] Good hit!
    [Storyteller] The aircraft swings around to make a pass at the ship.
    [Will] Wooah! That's what I call projectile propulsion! O_o
    [Audrey] Wow...
    [Finn] Nicely done...
    * Salah stands on the deck of the ship, continualy looking at the battle of lights and sound.
    [Ramus II] Everybody grab hold! Helm! Hard to starboard!
    [Will] What does that mean!?
    [Lamont] Maybe we should go out on deck and let the ship have it with our spells.
    [Lamont] At least it might buy this vessel some time.
    [Storyteller] The ship heels as it begins to turn, bolts of energy from Koran's approaching flyer boiling the water scant feet off the side of the ship. It swoops away and heads back towards Vane.
    [Lynna] Perhaps I can distract him...
    * Audrey blinks. O_o
    [Ramus II] Not likely.
    [Lamont] Fire again...
    [Storyteller] The flyer makes another pass at the Silver Spire. Just as Lamont speaks, the main gun opens fire again.
    [Lamont] ...
    [Storyteller] It hits the back of the flyer, knocking it lower in the air.
    [Will] Does this thing have any other weap- ah! There it goes again!!
    * Salah tightens her fist.
    * Audrey feels helpless, not knowing what to do, or how to stop this...
    * Lynna closes her eyes, and tries to project an illusion around the huge ship in defense...
    [Storyteller] The flyer passes by the side of the Silver Spire, shooting at it about half way up...he tower begins to topple and fall.
    [Lamont] This is not good for Vane...
    [Audrey] ...ane...
    [Storyteller] Lynna fails to spin an illusion of that grand a scale.
    * Will is practically hopping from place to place, looking out the window at the airship, at Vane, trying to find out things about the artillery of the MSS Dragonmaster.
    [Lamont] Come on we have to keep firing!
    [Ramus II] They can only load so fast.
    * Lynna shakes her head in frustration.
    [Lynna] Damn it... can't do anything...
    [Storyteller] The flyer swings around the other side. A blue beam lances out from the underside of it and grabs the falling tower section.
    [Finn] Ohhh...
    * Salah stands on deck, and runs up to the front of the ship.
    [Finn] Is there absolutely nothing we can do?
    [Will] What...?
    * Lamont fires a Pulse Laser at Koran's vessel.
    [Storyteller] Lamont's spell bounces harmlessly off the hull.
    [Storyteller] The flyer begins to move off, the upper section of the tower suspended beneath it by the blue energy.
    [Lamont] What is it doing...
    * Lynna joins Salah out on deck, regardless of her personal safety.
    [Will] Was that the purpose of the attack... Steal the Silver Spire!?
    [Lynna] You're not going again...
    [Audrey] ...h no...ith their defenses...oran'll be unstoppable...
    [Ramus II] Hard to port! Bring the main gun around! I wanna get one more shot at that thing!
    * Lynna starts following in the footsteps of Lamont, firing dark lances of energy upon the craft...
    [Lamont] Why would someone want to steal Vane's defenses? If you wanted to eliminate Vane...ust destroy it...
    [Storyteller] The ship heels hard again as it comes around. Everybody gets knocked to the deck.
    * Lynna falls down in the middle of her attack...
    * Audrey doesn't go too far, since she was on deck. ^_^
    * Lamont falls over.
    [Storyteller] The Dragonmaster get's off one more shot before Koran's flyer gets away, Silver Spire in tow.
    [Will] Ah!
    [Ramus II] God damnit!
    * Pseudo-Cassandra falls into Lamont and slides with him across the deck.
    * Salah maintains her balance.
    [Audrey] Vane...
    [Ramus II] Slow to half! Get ready to dock with Vane!
    * Audrey bows her head.
    * Finn starts shaking...
    * Lynna pounds the metallic deck, still prone...
    [Lynna] I'm going to get...im...
    * Ramus II goes over to Salah...
    [Ramus II] Are you okay?
    [Lamont] Are you alright Cassandra?
    [Pseudo-Cassandra] Fine...
    * Salah lowers her head, a tiny tear drops from her eyes.
    [Salah] I... don't know anymore...
    * Will scrapes himself off the floor.
    [Will] ...rgh...
    [Audrey] Will...re you all right?
    [Ramus II] Things will turn out. They always do. Althena makes sure of that...
    [Storyteller] A woman runs up to the bridge.
    [Will] I'm all right... But...his was a total failure...
    [Salah] I... hope so.
    [Audrey] ...
    [Patricia] Sir...e blew shaft one and boiler two...e've only got one engine, number three, left. We're going to be in Vane for a while.
    * Will coughs.
    * Lynna grabs onto a rail and hoists herself up.
    * Audrey helps Will up, her head down.
    [Ramus II] Very well.
    * Lamont gets up and helps Cassandra up as well.
    * Finn gets to his feet silently.
    [Storyteller] Half an hour later, everybody has managed to clean themselves up.
    [Lamont] Everyone OK?
    [Audrey] I'm fine...
    [Finn] In a manner of speaking, I suppose...
    [Lynna] ...
    [Storyteller] The battered battleship pulls into one of the docks of Vane.
    * Audrey sounds very depressed...
    * Salah remains silent.
    * Will nods, looking paler by the day.

    Floating Magic City of Vane

    [Storyteller] A tall woman in the robes of a First Rank sorceress meets you at the docks. She escorts the party, Ramus II, and Patricia through the city. The damage is more extensive than just the tower itself. Rubble is strewn all over the city, although the mages are already busy repairing.
    * Lamont looks to see if he recognizes the woman.
    [Lamont] This is horrible...
    [Will] T-this looks bad...
    [Audrey] No...
    * Lynna doesn't seem to look upon the ruined city with any sympathy.
    * Salah glances at all the rubble and destruction of the city but remains quiet.

    Magic Guild Mansion, Floating Magic City of Vane

    [Storyteller] The woman leads you up to the guild mansion and walks past the guards like nobody's business.
    [Lamont] ... hope that no one was badly injured...
    [Woman] This way.
    [Will] H-hai!
    * Finn follows her, his face impassive and deathly pale...
    [Woman] Please wait here.
    * Audrey looks at Lynna, Salah, and Finn and begins to look troubled again...
    * Lamont awaits.
    [Lamont] This is very bad...
    [Man] (from outside) Heyya! Wait up! Wait up! Damn you Finn, you're a hard man to track down!
    [Storyteller] The woman goes into the great chamber, just as Dawson enters the room.
    * Lynna stops.
    [Dawson] Jeezus, Finn...a' look like shit! I thought we were tryin' to fix that!
    [Finn] Dawson!
    * Audrey blinks at the newcomer.
    * Salah glances at Dawson with a silent face.
    [Finn] I'm so glad to see you...
    [Audrey] A friend of yours, Finn?
    [Finn] I only wish it were under better circumstances.
    * Dawson runs up and hugs Finn in that manly sort of way that shows he really cares without being mushy and girly.
    * Finn hugs Dawson back in the same manner.
    * Lynna folds her hands.
    [Lynna] Just what we need...yle's replacement.
    * Lamont just watches.
    * Dawson is covered in grease and grime.
    [Audrey] Lynna...
    [Pseudo-Cassandra] Shhh! That's the last thing we want...yle.
    [Finn] You've gotten me filthy, Dawson...
    [Dawson] So...ow was my shooting?
    [Will] Lyle's replacement... ^^;
    * Finn smirks.
    * Dawson steps back.
    [Finn] Pretty damn good, I'd say... But not good enough...
    [Dawson] Sorry...ot a bit carried away...
    [Will] You were the one shooting...
    [Dawson] Yeah...'m better at the math than the guys he's got onboard. I was there, so I figured why not make myself useful.
    [Lamont] ...ath...as never been my ally.
    [Storyteller] The woman comes back out.
    [Finn] Why in the world would they want to steal the tower?
    [Lynna] Yeah...ell it wasn't useful enough, I'd say.
    [Woman] Premier Nash and Guildmistress Mia will see you now.
    [Audrey] Maybe he plans to make a force field of some kind?
    [Dawson] La?
    * Salah nods.
    [Audrey] ..._o Nash and Mia...!
    [Lamont] Wow...e get to see the Premires...
    [Will] That was pretty good!
    [Lalaith] Dawson.
    [Lamont] I never got to see them...
    * Audrey begins to look nervous. ^^;
    * Lynna silences herself for a moment.
    [Finn] A friend of yours, Dawson?
    [Dawson] La!
    * Dawson hugs her too.
    [Lamont] ...er robes aren't going to enjoy that...
    * Salah looks emotionless, but slight tremble in her lower lip appears for a few seconds.
    * Lalaith actually hugs him back.
    [Lamont] That's Lalaith Ausa...he's the daughter of Nash and Mia. I only got to see her once, when I studied here...
    [Lalaith] Come on, don't wanna keep ma and pop waiting.
    [Lynna] Well, looks like Finn's friend is more than he seems to be.
    [Finn] Oh ye of little faith, Lynna...
    [Lamont] ...eems like everyone is more than they seem to be...
    * Lalaith grabs Dawson by the arm and pulls him in.
    * Dawson grabs Finn and drags him along.
    [Audrey] Hello Lalaith. ^_^
    * Salah follows Lalaith.
    [Lamont] .oO(Besides me.)
    * Audrey follows everyone.
    * Will follows too.
    * Finn removes Dawson's hand...
    [Finn] Hey, cut that out. I can walk.
    * Lynna follows last, behind even Audrey or Lamont...

    Great Hall, Magic Guild Mansion

    [Storyteller] You walk into the Great Hall...he room is impressive, even with the rubble from the collapsed ceiling. The marble pillars have viens of gold running through them. The grout between the white floor tiles is gold as well...
    [Will] W-wow...
    [Storyteller] The deep red carpet leads up to a pair of large chairs. Sitting in the two large chairs are a middle aged man and woman.
    * Audrey wows...
    * Lynna takes her time, looking at the hall somewhat unimpressed.
    [Lamont] Since I never graduated from the guild...'ve never been in this place...
    [Storyteller] They each have their own aura of power. But somehow sitting together, they radiate more than the sum of their parts.
    [Storyteller] Standing before them is a moderately tall red-haired woman.
    [Mia] What could he have possibly wanted with the Silver Spire?
    * Salah's eyes widen.
    * Lynna runs her gaze to the two sitting down...nd spots the woman.
    [Salah] Dayanara...
    * Will stands meekly in the background.
    * Finn stands beside Dawson...
    [Audrey] Dayanara...
    * Audrey stands beside Will.
    [Dayanara] The Silver Spire is made from old equipment with Terran technologies. Obviously Koran is after those.
    * Lynna stands afar and alone, not trying to be too obvious.
    [Mia] The shield generator? But...
    * Nash puts his hand on hers to stop her for a second, but he does it so lovingly, it's almost sick.
    [Dayanara] Koran's goals are complete madness.
    [Nash] Our other guests have arrived.
    [Dayanara] About time they did.
    * Audrey doesn't think it's sick. Audrey awws quietly. ^_^
    [Dayanara] They are late! Late late late.
    * Dayanara turns to the group.
    [Dayanara] You daytime talk show rejects should have been here 10 minutes ago.
    * Salah tilts her head and looks questionly at Daya.
    [Salah] What are Koran's goals?
    * Audrey curtises in respect.
    * Lalaith stands silently beside Dawson.
    [Mia] Dayanara, please!
    * Lynna tilts her head to glance at Dayanara.
    [Lynna] I bet she'd know ALL about that, now wouldn't she...
    * Dayanara turns back to Mia.
    [Dayanara] Anyway...
    [Will] W-well... We ran into some technical trouble...
    * Lamont stands near the rear of the group, as usual.
    [Mia] What could he possible want with the shield generator...
    * Salah shouts to Daya.
    [Salah] Tell me!
    [Audrey] Salah...hhh...ow is not the time...
    [Nash] Silence, child!
    [Storyteller] Salah is smacked with an irresistible compulsion to stop yelling.
    [Dayanara] Well... I'm not really sure... But it might have something to do with the old star port...
    [Nash] Star port?
    * Lynna then glares at Nash for a moment.
    [Mia] Star port?
    [Lalaith] Star port?
    * Audrey decides to go with the trend.
    [Audrey] Star Port...
    [Dayanara] I hear an echo... Yes, a Star Port. A place where space ships land and take off.
    [Will] Shield generator, terran technology, star port...
    [Mia] More ships like the one he attacked us with?
    [Will] Space ships...?
    [Nash] Is he planning to take over the world?
    [Dayanara] Koran's goals are most likely alot bigger than just Lunar, but I don't know what he's up to overall.
    * Mia sighs.
    [Dayanara] Madness is never predictable.
    [Nash] We learned that well. Long ago... So... You think these kids can do the job?
    * Audrey blinks.
    * Nash gestures to the party.
    * Dayanara turns to the party.
    [Dayanara] Most likely... They have quite a group here...
    * Lynna glares at Nash again, whispering low...
    [Lynna] Kids?...
    * Mia smiles.
    [Will] .oO(Th-this is too much... can handle normal vehicles, enormous electromagnets, hidden bases... But this is too much...hat am I doing here...)
    * Audrey puts a hand on Will's shoulder, in a reassuring way, with a smile.
    * Dayanara walks over to Miriamele.
    [Dayanara] Although I expected *you* to be bigger.
    [Finn] We'd be glad to do whatever job it is...
    * Nash looks at Lynna curiously, like he's trying to place her.
    * Lynna turns her back to everyone. .o(I can't stand this... I'm leaving in 5 more seconds...)
    [Miriamle] What do you mean?
    [Dayanara] Nothing...evermind.
    [Storyteller] Salah finds herself able to talk again.
    * Dayanara looks at Cassandra... then her chest...
    [Dayanara] And you I expected to be smaller.
    * Pseudo-Cassandra hmphs.
    [Salah] I don't want any part of this!
    [Dayanara] And then we have the boys... How cute. *giggle*
    [Lalaith] May I be excused, mother?
    [Salah] I never have!
    [Mia] Of course, dear.
    * Lynna turns back around, facing Nash again, feeling his eyes on her.
    [Will] C-cute?
    * Lalaith and Dawson slip out a side door.
    * Dayanara looks over at Finn and takes a small sniff.
    [Dayanara] Uh huh...ust as I thought...
    [Audrey] (uitely) Yeah, Will... Bute...
    * Finn follows Lalaith and Dawson with his eyes...
    [Finn] Excuse me, ma'am?
    * Dayanara walks over to Lamont.
    [Dayanara] And you must be... *sniff*... ha...
    [Lynna] .oO(I'm going to kill that jerk if he wants me to bow to him... After what happened...)
    * Dayanara eyes Finn and Lamont.
    [Dayanara] Holy shit! There are two of them...
    * Nash looks at Lynna again, certainly not expecting that sort of vibe from her. He stops.
    [Nash] Two of what?
    [Dayanara] *cough* Um...wo very cute guys here! Make that 3!
    [Finn] What has wrecked your composure, dear?
    [Will] ...
    [Lynna] Sure Daya... and I'm drooling all over myself right this second.
    * Finn looks at Dayanara.
    [Dayanara] Your striking beauty, Finn. *wink*
    * Audrey looks down.
    [Finn] Surely I don't smell *that* bad...
    [Audrey] .oO(Everyone is special. Everyone has something important about them. Except me... I'm just a shy priestess...)
    [Will] (wispering to Audrey) Why is she acting funny like that...
    * Audrey blinks.
    [Audrey] I'm not realy sure, Will... Maybe she thinks you look nice. :)
    * Dayanara smiles at Will.
    [Dayanara] You must be the brains here, huh?
    [Audrey] See? ^_^
    [Mia] Would you like some time to freshen up? We can continue this discussion later.
    * Audrey nods.
    [Audrey] Thank you, Madam Mia...
    [Lynna] If you're not going to talk about Koran any more, I'm leaving. I don't belong here.
    [Nash] Miss Handred... I would be honoured if you would remain here as a guest of the Magic Guild.
    [Will] I-I wouldn't say that..._^; I'm just an inventor...r... But of my depth here...
    * Salah breathes heavily.
    [Dayanara] You're very very cute. *giggle*
    * Lynna looks over him again.
    [Salah] I... don't want to do this.
    [Finn] Mia... Nash... May I ask you a question that perhaps doesn't relate to the matter at hand, but does have personal significance...
    [Audrey] ...
    * Nash is sincere.
    * Dayanara looks over at Lamont.
    [Dayanara] And you're a shy one... think you and I need some... one on one time a little later, ne?
    * Audrey looks at Will, then Dayanara...
    [Lynna] Sure, now you're honored, high and mighty guild primier...
    * Will blushes.
    [Will] Ha, ha...a...
    * Lynna folds her arms, unafraid.
    * Audrey turns around.
    [Mia] Why don't you get some rest? It's late. We can talk again in the morning.
    [Lamont] I don't know if that would be a good idea...
    * Finn sighs...
    [Dayanara] Oh don't worry. *giggle*
    [Finn] Alright...
    [Dayanara] Right now I have bigger fish to fry though... I believe Aunt Salah would like to speak with me.
    * Audrey lets out a quiet sob and tears out of the room!
    [Lynna] But don't expect me to forgive you. I don't forget things easily.
    [Will] W-well... I don't see why not...
    [Mia] Very well.
    * Lamont walks over to Finn.
    [Lamont] Do you smell anything on me?
    [Will] ...udrey...
    * Salah lowers her head and sighs.
    * Lynna turns on her heels and walks out.
    * Dayanara walks over to Salah.
    [Dayanara] You don't look so good.
    [Salah] I don't even know why I've been following these people.
    [Finn] I don't smell anything at all, Lamont. And what about me? Do you smell anything?
    [Lamont] Why did she smell us? No, you don't smell weird at all...
    [Salah] Maybe... Maybe it was because I had no other place to go.
    [Finn] I have no idea...
    [Dayanara] Come with me Salah, I'll help clear your thoughts of doubt.
    [Finn] She's kind of an odd one anyway. Maybe it doesn't mean anything.
    * Will rests against a wall, looking tired.
    [Lamont] She's got a lot of charisma... But for some reason, I find myself not drawn to her...
    [Mia] If you don't mind, we're going to retire for the evening...
    * Salah looks at Dayanara.
    [Mia] Preventing the brunt of that ships attacks from hitting us took a great deal of effort.
    [Salah] I... just want to know... who I am.
    * Dayanara smiles brightly.
    [Dayanara] I'm sure it'll be enlightening. It was for me when I found out.
    [Nash] Miss Handred, may I speak to you in private?
    * Salah takes Daya's hand.
    * Lynna stops at the door.
    * Dayanara leads her out of the room.
    [Storyteller] Dayanara leads Salah elsewhere.
    [Lynna] What could you possibly have to say to me...
    [Lamont] .She's an odd one.
    [Pseudo-Cassandra] I saw you oogling her!
    [Nash] I'd like to talk to you, if that's okay with you?
    [Lamont] .No... I wasn't...
    [Will] I think I should go to my room...
    [Lamont] Talk with who?
    * Nash is talking to Lynna.
    * Mia walks out of the main chamber.
    * Will makes his way out of the main chamber, looking rather lost.
    [Lynna] Well if you feel you can waste your time on someone who doesn't deserve it, go ahead.
    [Lamont] Finn, what do you think she was refering to...
    [Nash] Come back to my office, if you would.
    [Finn] I have no idea, Lamont.

    Guild Premiere Nash's Private Office, Magic Guild Mansion

    * Lynna follows Nash a little grudgingly.
    * Nash holds the door open for her.
    * Lynna goes inside.
    * Nash closes the door behind them.
    [Nash] Can I get you anything?
    * Lynna shakes her head.
    [Lynna] No... I'm fine.
    [Nash] As you wish.
    * Nash walks around the desk and takes a seat.
    * Lynna finds a chair nearby.
    [Nash] First things first... I wanted to appologize.
    [Lynna] I don't know if a simple sorry is going to cut it.
    [Nash] I know it won't. I'm not about to make excuses, but unfortunately I don't know everything that goes on around here. Had I known, I would have done something.
    [Lynna] Yes, yes, like the goody two-shoed guild that everyone looks up to...
    * Nash sighs.
    [Lynna] I don't blame you for having reservations...
    [Nash] If it makes you feel any better, I have revoked Professor Florn's Grandmaster rank. He's now officially a Master, and no longer a Professor of Magical Science.
    [Lynna] Well, at least you did something right. But it doesn't help me now... You could have just straight out explained that there were prejudices... At least I'd get a straight answer... Rather than putting me through all that hell for nothing in the end.
    [Nash] Florn was one of the old holdovers from Ghaleon's term of service. I couldn't get rid of him without good reason. Unfortunately, his treatment of you, and that of his students, became that reason.
    [Lynna] Don't apologize for him. It's over now, anyway.
    [Nash] I'm well aware that you got the short end of the stick... I'd like to make it up to you in some way. Anything in Vane is yours for the asking.
    * Lynna leans back.
    [Lynna] That so, hm?
    [Nash] It's the least I can do.
    [Lynna] But I doubt you have the things that I really want. Nobody has those...
    [Nash] Then perhaps something to help you on your quest?
    [Lynna] Look, Nash. Until I get my hands on Koran and Xenobia, I won't ever be satisfied... They've said some disturbing things... and now I have more answers than questions. And I don't want them handed to me on a silver platter either...
    * Lynna puts a clawed hand on the desk.
    [Lynna] And until then, I don't want any favors. I don't want pity from you, or anybody else, either.
    [Nash] At least let me equip your party... So you'll be ready for whatever lies ahead.
    * Lynna gets up.
    [Lynna] Do what you want... I'm only staying here as long as I have to.
    * Nash sighs.
    [Lynna] They'd probably need all the help they can get anyway...
    [Nash] Then it's done. And I still owe you. One of the guards can show you to the guest quarters if you'd like...
    [Lynna] I'll find them myself, thanks.
    * Lynna opens the door, without being excused, and leaves...
    * Nash chews on the end of a pen as she walks out...

    Front Hallway, Magic Guild Mansion

    [Mia] Miss... Miss!
    * Audrey stops.
    [Audrey] Y... Yes?
    * Mia runs up, holding the hem of her robe.
    [Mia] Are you unwell?
    [Audrey] Oh... Madam Mia... O_o
    * Audrey wipes her eyes.
    [Audrey] I'm fine. Just a bit overwhelmed, I suppose...
    [Mia] Please, just Mia. And I can understand that. I didn't get your name...
    * Mia holds out her hand...
    [Mia] Mia Ausa, Leader of the Vane Magic Guild... But, like I said, call me plain old Mia.
    * Audrey giggles a bit, and shakes Mia's hand.
    [Audrey] I'm Audrey Nanshete, Junior Priestess at the Temple of Althena...
    [Mia] One of Jessica's students?! Oh, how perfect!
    * Audrey blinks.
    [Audrey] Excuse me? ^^;
    [Mia] Jessica is an old friend of mine. How is she?
    [Audrey] Last I heard, she was fine... But she went on extended leave for quite awhile, and I have not heard about her since...
    [Mia] She never returned from the Frontier? That's not good news...
    [Audrey] She... went to the Frontier? That I haven't heard... I just heard she was going somewhere, and would not return for a while...
    * Audrey then blinks...
    [Audrey] Xenobia... No... can't be...
    [Mia] What of Xenobia?
    [Audrey] Xenobia took the form of a woman named Imogene, and claimed to be Jessica's replacement for Head Priestess until she returned...
    [Mia] Oh dear... You mean Imogene never made it to the shrine... This is worse than we thought...
    [Audrey] Imogene... was a real person?
    [Mia] Yes, she was the head priestess here in Vane.
    [Audrey] I see. Both of their disappearences have to be connected somehow... and now the Temple doesn't have a Head Priestess, so far as I know...
    * Mia leads Audrey down the hall.
    [Audrey] Mia... What do you make of this?...
    [Mia] This is dire news indeed... I'm not sure what to make of it. I'm sure Jessica is fine. She can handle herself.
    [Audrey] I hope so...
    [Mia] Besides, I heard Kyle went with her.
    * Audrey blinks.
    [Audrey] Kyle? Is there anything I can do to help?
    [Mia] You can be strong for your friends. Every adventuring group needs a good priestess.
    [Audrey] You... think so?
    * Mia nods.
    [Mia] I can't count the number of times Jessica pulled my behind out of the fryer. Dragonmaster Alex too...
    * Audrey smiles.
    [Audrey] I try hard... But sometimes... Ijust feel like... as a person... I'm too shy to really... make something of myself other than my healing... I'm not even sure why I'm saying this to you, bothering you with my problems...
    [Mia] I used to be just like you.
    * Mia smiles.
    [Mia] And look where I ended up?
    * Mia points all around.
    * Audrey smiles.
    [Audrey] I... think I see. Thank you, Mia. I feel much better. :)
    [Mia] Good... Now go back to the Great Hall... Will is waiting for you.
    * Audrey blinks.
    [Audrey] He is? O_o
    * Mia turns down a side cooridor.
    [Audrey] I thought...
    [Mia] Yeah... and don't worry about Dayanara. She's much too old for him. By about 300 years.
    * Audrey giggles.
    [Audrey] I... see. Thank you again, Mia.
    * Mia vanishes into the mansion.

    Side Chamber, Magic Guild Mansion

    [Dayanara] So I imagine you've got some things you want to ask me, Salah. So please, ask me anything that's puzzling you.
    [Salah] I... I have no idea what's going on... Who I am... and why...
    * Dayanara leans up against a wall and stretches out her arms.
    [Dayanara] You are Salah Tirulian... You are the younger sister of my father, Neal.
    [Salah] I've heard someone say that to me once before... And I could get no more information other than that.
    * Salah removes her pendant from her pocket.
    [Salah] Why do I have this? What is this for?
    * Dayanara eyes the pendant.
    [Dayanara] Because it's pretty?
    [Salah] The truth.
    * Dayanara shrugs.
    [Dayanara] I really don't know why. Perhaps you should ask Dad.
    [Salah] If I knew where he was...
    [Dayanara] When the time is right, he'll find you. Let me tell you how I found out. See, I was... er... will be on a trip with a young man named Shiro. And we were going to enter the Red Dragon Cave... and he appeared...
         At first we all thought he was one of the enemy... So we attacked... Only Dad took out everyone except me and Alexis... and well, Alexis and I had to work together... But in the battle, Dad snapped my arm in two... which I got him back for, but that's not the point.
         Anyway, after the battle, and we were victorious... He healed me... and the look in his eyes was that of a caring parent... That's how I knew that he was my father. The rest of everything fell into place afterwards. The best thing to do is not worry about it until...

    Upper Floor, Magic Guild Mansion

    [Storyteller] One of the magicguards shows Finn upstairs to the guest chambers.
    [Magiguard] Third door on the left sir...
    [Finn] Thanks...
    * Finn walks to the door and opens it. He goes in and looks around.
    [Storyteller] You see a statuesque, almost amazon woman sitting in a chair, her back to you. Long blonde hair cascades down her shoulders... She doesn't seem to be aware of your entrance.
    [Finn] Oh my god... Susannah?
    [Susannah] Finn... I can't stay long...
    * Finn walks over to her as if in a trance...
    * Susannah moves from the chair to the interior of the bay window.
    [Susannah] Sit with me?
    [Finn] You're... here. Alive. I'm not dreaming. You're actually here.
    [Susannah] No, you're not. You're awake... But I'm not really here... I'm... elsewhere.
    * Finn shakes his head in astonishment...
    [Storyteller] Her voice quavers with a great deal of strain.
    [Finn] Oh, okay... that figures, I guess. Yes, I'll sit with you.
    [Susannah] Thank you...
    [Storyteller] She almost sounds like she wants to scream out in pain.
    [Susannah] How have you been?
    * Finn sits down...
    [Finn] Never mind that... You sound like you're in agony.
    [Susannah] I am... But I can manage.
    [Finn] What's going on?
    [Susannah] It's very hard for me to project over this distance when you're awake. But I had to see you... touch you...
    * Susannah reaches out a hand, running her fingertips down his arm.
    * Finn feels a stab of ferocious ecstasy...

    [Lamont] «ooc: If Finn creams his twinkie, I think we need to up the rating on this RPG »

    * Susannah closes her eyes tightly, they flutter back open moments later.
    * Finn caresses the side of Susannah's face.
    [Finn] You can quit this projecting business, can't you?
    [Susannah] No... Not until my work is done. I can't leave here, where I am, until I have.
    * Finn touches his ring.
    [Finn] Where is here?
    [Susannah] The Frontier.
    [Finn] What in the name of the Goddess are you doing there?
    [Susannah] Making a very important decision... with... an old friend.
    * Finn chuckles.
    [Finn] You're so vague. When will the time come when "all will be revealed", as you have said?
    [Susannah] Soon... very soon...
    * Susannah closes her eyes again...
    [Finn] Susannah... hat's in this ring that you gave me?
    [Susannah] It's a Blue Dragon Diamond... I got it from her... Got it...
    [Finn] From who?
    * Susannah's face contorts into a grimmace of excruciating pain...
    [Susannah] Finn...
    * Susannah leans toward him...
    * Finn leans towards her too...
    * Susannah kisses him deeply...
    [Storyteller] But only moments after their lips make contact he looses all feeling... And she's gone.
    * Finn exhales a deep and shuddering sigh, his face sinking into his hands...
    [Susannah's Voice] I... love...
    [Finn] I... love you too...

    Great Hall, Magic Guild Mansion

    [Storyteller] Audrey heads back to the great hall at Mia's direction. The only person still there is Will... Probably because he doesn't have a damned fool clue what's going on.
    [Audrey] Will?
    [Will] Er, Audrey...
    [Audrey] Hey... are you okay?
    [Will] Just a little tired... And useless...
    [Audrey] Useless...
    * Audrey sits next to him.
    [Audrey] You're not worthless... Or useless... None of those...
    [Will] Th-thank you...
    [Audrey] Really... Do you realize we wouldn't be this far without you?
    [Will] N-no way... I just tinker with things... I'm really more qualified as an inventor than an adventureperson...
    [Audrey] No... We wouldn't have even begun to understand those whirring things, or use that buggy. And you fight well! I've seen groups of monsters fall to that hammer of yours. Your magic is really impressive too...
    [Will] N-not really... It's pretty easy to figure out how to work those things... and... those were weak monsters... and I'm the one who generally falls to the groups of monsters now...
    [Audrey] I think that's silly. Those monsters were pretty strong, and I'd never be able to figure out those whirring things. No one could. But you can. Myght chose you for a reason, because he knew you were a special person... smart person. I can see why he picked you.
    [Will] I... I'm not that smart... You just have to look how I ended up... and... well, even if I was, all these things are just way over my head...
    [Audrey] They're over mine too. *giggle* But if we stick together, I'm sure we can tackle anything thrown at us... Don't you think?
    [Will] Spaceships... Terran technology... shield generators... giant electromagnets... I got as far as little electrical things... I'm not sure...
    [Audrey] I think we can...
    [Will] ...
    * Audrey smiles and puts a hand on Will's own.
    * Will smiles up. ^_^
    [Audrey] No matter what happens. I respect and admire you. I will always believe. ^_^
    * Will blushes...
    [Will] Th-thank you... again... I'm, um, saying that a lot recently...
    [Audrey] It's nothing. :)
    * Mia enters the room.
    [Mia] Isn't it time for you kids to get some sleep.
    * Audrey looks up.
    [Audrey] Hello again, Mia...
    [Mia] You've got a big day tommorow.
    [Audrey] Oh! ^^; Yes... guess you're right.
    [Will] H-hai..._^;
    * Audrey stands up.
    [Audrey] I'll see you tomorrow, Will?
    [Mia] Come on, I'll show you to your rooms.
    * Will nods..._^
    * Mia grabs them both by the hand and hauls them off to rooms, giggling all the way. She's more of a child at heart than any of the party ever where.

    Last Modified: Sunday, 17-Sep-2006 21:11:05 CDT
    http://www.privateworks.com/sft/logs/chapter19.shtml