Animus Sensbane

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*Animus
Posts: 24
Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am

Posted by *Animus »


[align=center]Mirtul 15, 1374 DR[/align]

I met with a disturbing man today known as Hildmor. Apparently, he was a lawyer hired for Raifael. I can only assume by Legault before he was murdered. I do not trust him. He uses fear and intimidation to extract the information he needs. Under ordinary circumstances, I would have little tolerance with such a man. Unfortunately, I am now bound by a truce and can bring no direct harm to Ceszar. Perhaps Hildmor's tactics will come of use and I did my best to explain the situation to him. Still, I will be watching his actions closely. This is not the first time I've dealt with such a persona.

Before that, I was able to speak with Naya'il McEwan, Kelth's wife. I was surprised to learn she had been trapped and only recently escaped from her predicament. It was nice speaking with her again and I opened my heart to her in regards to Rozalin's plight. I also sensed something had happened to Kelth but she had no desire to share the tale. She said she would offer what assistance she could and I in turned offered the same. It's always nice to make a new friend.
*Animus
Posts: 24
Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am

Posted by *Animus »


[align=center]Mirtul 17, 1374 DR[/align]

The waters of Aquallor were beautiful beyond compare. The way the water glows with a light of its own and the number of creatures that live within it... There are few words that could accurately describe it. My love and I spent a long time just standing on the deck and watching the horizon. We could see many storms in the distance but the captain assured us the yacht was taking the safest route through the plane.

We eventually returned to our cabin when we were suddenly greeted by the voice of the captain via the strange magic stone in the ceiling. Apparently the cruise was going to make a detour into Arvandor courtesy of Factol Moreus' to dine at his private mansion. However, things didn't go as planned as we soon learned the city was under a plague of were rats! The ship was hailed by the local militia and a request was made for any skilled warriors on board to lend their aid. At first, Moreus commanded the captain to turn around and continue the cruise, but, as soon as Moreus learned that the were rats were using his home as a base, Moreus drove the yacht onward.

Though it certainly wasn't my idea of a vacation, I was pleased when Sunshine said she'd be willing to go on another adventure. We joined up with the captain, who showed an obvious dislike for both of us. It seems like our job was just to clean out the stragglers as his men made their way into the nest through the sewers and took care of the high priest using the Factol's house as a base. The sewer route was being used because the priest had warded all the upper entries into the house and it was discovered the were rats were using the subterranean entrance from the sewers as their way in and out.

From there, things went strangely. Apparently, the two of us became enmeshed in some plot of the militia captain as it was revealed he was the were rat high priest. Rozalin and I slew him and his minions, and we made our way back to the yacht. Needles to say, dinner at the mansion was canceled. Eventually, the yacht set back out and the cruise continued very late in schedule. Our newest adventure over, my love and I retired to bed and each other's arms. I can only imagine what tomorrow shall bring.
*Animus
Posts: 24
Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am

Posted by *Animus »


[align=center]Mirtul 18, 1374 DR[/align]

The Silver Sea of Mount Celestia... undeniably beautiful but if I had known the "Planar Voyager" was going to sail though it's waters... The situation was odd, to say the least. As we stood on the deck and looked across the silvery waters to the mount in all its glory, Rozalin herself had to admit how beautiful it was, but that's not the point. Sunshine was never allowed to live. She spent all those years trapped in a false fantasy and now that she's free... gods! It's not fair! As the side of the deck became crowded while the other passengers rushed over to look at the mount, Sunshine and I slipped from the crowd and moved to the other side. I wanted to look at the sea stretching all the way to the horizon unimpeded.
*Animus
Posts: 24
Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am

Posted by *Animus »


[align=center]Mirtul 19, 1374 DR[/align]

We've returned to Sigil and, odd as it may seem, I am glad to be back. I am a Paladin and this is where I am needed. After returning to the inn, taking a moment to get things back in order, and several more moments to make love, we began moving back into our daily tasks. I escorted her to the Hall of Records and continued my daily duties of charity around Sigil and crusading in the Hells, the Abyss, and Carceri.

Later in the day I stopped by room ten to visit my sister. Kalina and Dom had a wonderful time and had returned shortly after Rozalin and I had left. Unfortunately, the two had an argument almost as soon as they returned. It seems Dom is showing more interest in Nestrianna and her connection to that strange staff he received from the Deck of Many Things than Kalina's connection to that book we found in the ruins of Brass. I offered my help and Kalina was eager to show me; however, I became too impatient. I bombarded her with questions as she showed me the book and she became angry. I apologized for being rude and reminded her that I am her big brother. She calmed down at that but made no move to retrieve the book she had put away. We discussed other things until she expressed a desire to rest and I bid her goodnight.

Late in the evening, I intercepted Sunshine on her way back from the Hall of Records. After embracing, we went to Khazeet's bar to enjoy a drink together. Save for the two red robed men that kept running around, laughing, and kept interrupting us to ask where to buy everything, the evening was pleasant and we had a chance to speak to two new faces. A dark skinned woman named Kefalee, a yu-anti male named Sa'aloskhatn, and Teir Galamae, a blond haired elf. Sunshine eventually expressed she was tired and we returned to our room after politely excusing ourselves.
*Animus
Posts: 24
Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am

Posted by *Animus »


[align=center]Mirtul 20, 1374 DR[/align]

I had the chance to see Zilvai and Geir again. I was surprised when I went to scry Zilvai and found the device leading me to the inn. Sure enough, Geir answered the door to room three and Zilvai was right there in the room. I eventually learned Zilvai had spoke with Aras and her involvement in Raifael's escape had been sorted out. She was free to walk Sigil again.

Unfortunately, a lapse in judgment almost led me to make a grave mistake. Zilvai, recognizing that I am half-red dragon through sorcery, asked if I could help Geir achieve the same since Zilvai believed Geir had dragon blood in her veins. The rituals that lead to one becoming a dragon disciple can be very dangerous and I had to find out how Zilvai knew this. She suddenly became very remote and refused to answer my question. I had to keep pressing her until she finally admitted she tasted Geir's blood.

From then on the two began acting strangely. Any time I directed the conversation towards asking why Zilvai tasted Geir's blood, they kept trying to change the conversation. I decided to be blunt and plainly asked them what they were hiding. Again, attempts are misdirection was made until Zilvai started shouting at me. I recalled well what Zilvai told me of her ambition, and, due to my experiences with Arvolexia, my mind began to whirl with all the fell possibilities behind Zilvai needing Geir's blood. I said goodbye and immediately left the room, my spirit crushed by the thought of another trusted friend using me.

Later, I was intercepted by Geir who wanted to apologize because she felt bad that I was forced out. In no mood for mind games, I plainly asked her what Zilvai had done to her. Once again, misdirection was used but I was fed up with it. I told her to tell Zilvai to leave me alone. She growled as me as I stepped past her and grabbed my arm. She then quickly whispered to the truth of what happened between the two.

Needless to say, I was surprised. My suspicions had been completely wrong and I had forced Geir to reveal something she found embarrassing. I apologized for my mistake and left very much relieved. I almost made a new friend in Geir.
*Animus
Posts: 24
Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am

Posted by *Animus »


[align=center]Mirtul 21, 1374 DR[/align]

Today was rather uneventful for me, a very rare occurrence. About the only thing worthy of note is a conversation I overheard at Khazeet's bar around noon. Unfortunately, I can't remember much of it. Sunshine and I were very passionate the previous night, and I had a very difficult time waking up, which is saying a lot for a half dragon. A white haired man was talking about anarchy and that the true rebellion was being rebellious but not allowing yourself to change because of it. I wish I could remember more, but my head just wasn't awake.

I suppose I must happily confess that I've become addicted to Sunshine!
*Animus
Posts: 24
Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am

Posted by *Animus »


[align=center]Mirtul 22, 1374 DR[/align]

It's amazing what you can miss when you are busy. I am a Sunite and yet I never saw the affections blossoming between Kestal and Aras. It wasn't until earlier today I realized the two were more than friends now as I spoke with them at the bar. The topic of where I had been had come up and I told them about the cruise Sunshine and I had taken. I had to explain what a cruise was to Kestal and she really liked the idea. Aras made a suggestion they take a trip to Limbo together and it was decided. I hope the two have a lovely time.

I noticed Geir slumped on the ground opposite of us and walked over to kneel down next to her after excusing myself from Kestal and Aras. She and Fargul had been throwing words at each other. The two don't get along well but Zilvai still trusts Fargul, so Geir puts up with him. I was then approached by an armored man who had business with me. It didn't take me long to recognize him. I excused myself once again and spoke to him out of sight of the bar. He's ready to make his move.
*Animus
Posts: 24
Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am

Posted by *Animus »


[align=center]Mirtul 23, 1374 DR[/align]

Love often finds itself tested. I can remember the many times Kalina needed my support as she tried to figure out her relationship with Dom and still recall the time Rozalin doubted our love. It seems the love of another couple has come into question. The differences in their life spans have caused a rift the two are unable to work out. Kari wants to try all possible methods save necromancy to extend Roland's life, Roland, however, seems to be pessimistic to the idea and is willing to simply accept his short life. While that, in itself, is wise, I fail to see the harm in trying at least. This argument has lead to a separation between the two and Kari has filed a restraining order against Roland. I have promised to speak with Roland in regards to this. I have a feeling there is more to this than meets the eye.

On a lighter note, Kari has agreed to perform the wedding ceremony for Sunshine and me. We went over the details in our room then traveled to the inn to find a book on elvish customs. After Kari found what she needed, she said her farewells and left the two of us in the Hall of Records. As I thought of our soon to be union, my passions for my love flared as I embraced her and whispered an idea into her ear. We escaped to a secluded section in the massive library and let our passions take us. Despite knocking over so many books, we were not interrupted.

After cleaning up our mess, the two of us went to the bazaar and I saw my friend, Elsibeth, selling some of the wares she has acquired. Sunshine purchased some new gear and received a very valuable amulet from Elsibeth as an early wedding present. Sunshine went to try on her new armor and I was stunned by how she looked upon her return. She continues to grow stronger each new day.

A journey to the beast lands was planned with the members of the party being Sunshine, Geir, an odd drow woman named Spiral, and a barrel chest man that hailed from the same prime as Geir called Alric Thorinson. The two enjoyed each other's presence. I journeyed along to act as a bodyguard and healer, as I have done many times before. Things went well though I had to keep an eye on Spiral. I was pleased to find I didn't have to watch Sunshine at all. With her cold iron great sword and divine prayers, she made short work of the Unseelie with little trouble at all.

As we journeyed into the deeper forest, Alric wanted to retire and wished us well as he returned to Sigil. We then later joined up with a monk named Hitomi Yasumoto. Many tattoos covered his body and they glowed depending on the powers he was using. We also ran into a rude man that spoke in the draconic tongue. He implied anyone that did not know draconic was imperfect. We avoided him as we continued our adventure.

I started to notice Spiral becoming irritated and how her eyes kept darting to the surrounding woods. Was she looking for someone? She eventually said she needed to retire and we agreed to escort her. On the way, I noticed how she kept touching her head and seemed to be in pain. As soon as we left the portal, she nearly collapsed. We escorted her back to the room and, though all of us wanted to help, she said she wanted to be alone.

At the bottom of the stairs, said farewell to us, leaving Geir, Sunshine, and myself alone. Spiral's condition brought up the topic of Svartalfar, whom seem to be the drow of Geir's prime. I explained what I knew of the drow and it lead to a general discussion of the differences between Midgard and Toril. I was surprised to learn of the many differences for creatures I am familiar with, such as giants in Midgard, Jotun, being nearly as powerful as gods.

Eventually, I was able to realize Geir was no ordinary human but an Aasimar of Midgard, much like me, though she implied she was much stronger. She spoke of a prophecy she left unfulfilled and seemed to be troubled. I told her if there was anything I could do to help, I would be willing. Geir grinned and told me my offer was very generous but I had no idea what I was offering. I just smiled and told her I trust she would not abuse our friendship. She immediately replied by saying she trusts I won't fall in battle. Not really understanding, I simply nodded. She then told me I would make a powerful... Einherjar, powerful enough that she would be tempted to return home quickly. She told me Einherjar are practical immortal warriors and spoke again of this last battle known as Ragnarok...

So many odd terms and questions they bring. I wanted to speak to her more of it but the night was late and Sunshine was practically falling asleep on her feet. I wished Geir well and returned with Sunshine to our room for the night.
*Animus
Posts: 24
Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am

Posted by *Animus »


[align=center]Mirtul 24, 1374 DR[/align]

I spoke with Hildmor once again. It seems his investigation is complete and he has much information in regards to father's murder and Ceszar. He gave me certain tidbits of information, much of which confirming what we already expected. However, he at least discovered the location of father's remains... in the ditch. Unfortunately, this is useless. There are thousands of bones down there containing all the dead tossed within. To find father's remains among them all... impossible. Father shall never receive his proper burial. A true resurrection could be attempted but it would be useless unless father's soul is willing to return. As for the rest of the information, Hildmor requires a very large sum and desires a truce with the entire family. I went ahead and signed a contract with him but warned him that the others would have to decide for themselves. I have much to discuss with Kalina.

After returning to the bazaar, I ran into Zilvai once again. The meeting was... awkward. I told her that Geir had spoken with me and apologized for my embarrassing assumption. We then asked how each other was doing since we last met... and Zilvai made a very strange comment. It had only been two days since I had last spoken with her, yet I am fairly certain she implied it had been over a week. No, her timing couldn't be that far off. I must have misheard her. Regardless, she indicated something was wrong and I asked her if she'd like to go somewhere and talk about it. She agreed and I led her up Rozalin's and my room.

Once there, Zilvai revealed she had been wrong about the doom of her world. She spoke with three Halflings from her world known as the gem sisters, and learned they had recently escaped from the troubles still plaguing her old world. Arcane magic in Zilvai's world apparently feeds off the life source of her planet and, in order to restore this, a construct called a Faex was made by the evil gods that reside there, known as the Fallen. The Faex restored this lost energy by feeding off other worlds. Zilvai and a band of warriors destroyed the Faex; however, the gem sisters indicated a new one had been created in its place. Zilvai wishes to amass an army and to travel to her prime to make war against the Fallen. Such a task will take much time and persuasion, but Sigil is the city of doors with portals leading to thousands of worlds. Zilvai has her work cut out for her, and I have offered whatever aid I can provide.

Zilvai suddenly became depressed once again and slumped in her chair. She began to wonder what she would do once her task was complete. She missed her father and mother but Aramas has a lot of painful memories for her. She also spoke of how she lost her colors when she came to Sigil, that her heart was colorless and uncaring, and that she thought of committing suicide. I kept comforting and encouraging, pointing out how wrong she was and even offering to dye her hair. She was amazed at how positive I am, and I told her that my experiences have shown me there is always light no matter how dark things become. She then asked me to keep an eye out for a silver pendant with the name "Jezzara" inscribed on it in the event I ever were to find myself in her world. As unlikely as it is for that to happen, I agreed to keep my eye open for it. We embraced and she thanked me for being such a good brother to her. She left my room, a bit more cheerful, and I shouted to her that I still wanted her to meet Kalina.
Mirtul 31, 1374 DR
*Animus
Posts: 24
Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am

Posted by *Animus »


[align=center]Mirtul 25, 1374 DR[/align]

How can I be such a fool at times? Today, I went to see Zilvai again and see how she was faring. She let me into her room and found the library to be in disarray. She greeted me warmly but it was clear she was hiding something again. I asked if anything was wrong and, at first, she said everything was fine though it was clear she was lying. I didn't want to pry, so I just asked if she was certain. She then tossed a crumpled up parchment to me and, after unfolding it, I found myself looking at a set of runes. Each symbol seemed at least seem similar to the letters Z I L V A I.

Zilvai then revealed that "Zilvai" was not her real name. She thinks when she was small; she thought letters were written in this manner. She didn't realize they were runes until she found an old sash with the runes inscribed on them. It was then she realized her name isn't really a name at all but a runic inscription. She managed to translate them and find that each rune translates into Sadness, Sorrow, Agony, Fate, Hope, and Redemption.

Suddenly, Geir stepped out of the bedroom while barely wearing anything at all. I couldn't help but blush as I said hello to her while Zilvai became very angry and embarrassed. I couldn't help but chuckle as the two began to squabble over what was a decent way to dress. Then suddenly Geir called Zilvai "Mistress." As I frowned at that, I noticed Zilvai cringing at the use of the word. Old suspicions crept back into my mind as the two continued to squabble. I took a seat as the two began to whisper then Geir suddenly left the room, apparently to get some decent dresses.

Zilvai took the time to pull a large tome out from her book shelf and set it down on the table. Still concerned, I asked her if mistress was just a name and that Geir was not really her servant. She said she'd explain it later and pushed the tome towards me. The cover had the same runes on it that were on the paper. She told me the book was full of the runes but it was beyond her abilities to decipher them all. Geir then returned to show off her new dress, which I thought was very lovely, but then she made a note of the collar of her neck... and there it was. Why I didn't notice it before, I don't know, but around Geir's neck was a slave collar.

Throughout the rest of the discussion over the book, I became emotionally indifferent, my old suspicions of Zilvai fully resurfaced. Things became awkward and when I said goodbye, I called her "mistress" instead of sister. I then returned to Rozalin's and my room, laid down on the bed, and tried to figure out things as I stared at the ceiling. Soon a knock came at the door and I walked over to answer. It was Geir. She said Zilvai thinks I hate her and Geir wanted me to speak to her. I nodded and followed her back to their room silently.

I followed Geir into the bedroom and found Zilvai sitting in front of the fireplace, hugging all the pillows. Geir pointed to the collar and explained to me she wanted it. She put the collar on herself and gave the key to Zilvai. Geir explained she was used to always being directly controlled by someone and wearing the collar felt comfortable to her. It was just a game and Geir teases Zilvai now and then because it embarrasses Zilvai. Geir was not Zilvai's slave.

I knelt down and apologized to Zilvai and told her that the situation reminded me of Arvolexia and Raifael. At this, she became angry that I had thought she was like Arvolexia and ordered me out of the room. I nodded slowly, apologized once more, and went to leave. Geir caught me at the door and once again told me how Zilvai had never done anything to her. I told her I knew and felt so foolish for completing the mistake I had avoided a few days ago. I returned to my room, sat down at the desk, and poured my heart out into a poem. I stopped by Zilvai's room, briefly knocked, and then slide the note under the door.

I walked down to the bazaar and noticed Gwynn at Khazeet's bar. I somberly said hello to her and it didn't take long to realize something was wrong. She asked if I wanted to talk about it, and I said that would be nice. We went to one of the side booths at the inn, and I explained my mistake with Zilvai. Gwynn told me I should slow down and not be so quick to judge, something I'm normally very good at. I'm letting what happened with Arvolexia have too much of an effect on me.

Just talking with Gwynn helped a little, and then I asked how she was doing. It turns out she's depressed too. She spoke with Teir, an elf that knew her and Neli before Gwynn disappeared. It turns out Neli had arranged with several people, Teir included, to emotionally torture Gwynnithe after the two first broke up. I was shocked by this, though I suppose I shouldn't. She did murder Dom. Gwynn had been searching for something to show Neli was redeemable after the murder, a thought I understand all too well. But people can only be redeemed if they wish to be redeemed. You can't force it on anyone. All you can do is love them and hope you inspire them.

We spoke for a little longer but Gwynn had to be somewhere. After saying our goodbyes, she ran out of the inn while I went upstairs and entered Elysium. I spent some time wandering the beach, but I eventually found myself back inside the inn, staring at the door to Zilvai's room. Hesitantly, I made my way up the stairs and knocked on the door.

Zilvai and Geir were standing right there. I nervously greeted Zilvai and she returned the greeting. She said she got my poem and was sorry that she may have over reacted. I apologized for making the assumption in the first place. I asked for her forgiveness, and she opened her arms, waiting for a hug, as she said I was forgiven. We embraced each other warmly, ready to leave the mistake behind us. Geir said she was ready to go to bed and Zilvai kissed her goodnight. Zilvai wasn't ready for sleep and wanted to go for a walk. I asked if she'd like some company, which she did, and we agreed to meet at the bar.

And that's where everything turned upside down again. I sat down at the table, taking a moment to rest. I saw Zilvai approaching and waved her over, but she became distracted when saw a bunny sitting on the ground. I couldn't help but smile as I watched her kneels down to pet the creature, accidentally scaring it into a water dish, soaking the poor creature. A crowd formed around her and the rabbit as I watched.

Suddenly, Necroth emerged from the crowd and suddenly sat down in the chair on the opposite side of the table. I haven't seen the tiefling for quite some time. He asked me how I was doing and, after glancing to Zilvai, I said I was fine. He then asked if I'd like to join him for a drink, to which I agreed though it looked like he needed it more than anything. After sipping some of the wine, which had an odd taste, he asked if I had seen my wife about as he began to sip as well. He then said it seems as if she found her way back into the cage. A bit confused by his statement, I thought he meant Rozalin and was talking about our return to Sigil after our cruise. But he wasn't. He revealed that Aska was once again in Sigil.

I couldn't believe. It didn't make sense. When Necroth had first told me of Aska, I had spoken with others that had seen her and told them to relay the message that I'm always staying at the inn. I waited there for her and I also searched for her. I eventually gave up, assuming it had just been a mistake or perhaps a very, very sick joke. And that was the end of it. She never showed up and no one ever spoke of her again. And now she suddenly comes back again? It just didn't make sense!

Necroth explained some things to me, but I was in a daze. Spiral, a drow woman I had traveled with to the Beastlands a few days earlier, suddenly appeared and Necroth revealed Spiral and Aska knew each other. I told Spiral we needed to talk and we went to the inn where it was quieter. There Spiral, or rather, Lilbh'ianin, revealed that Aska was like a sister to her and the two had been helping each other. Aska doesn't seem to remember anything and she gets headache when she tries to, while Lilbh'ianin gets headaches too for some reason she seemed hesitant to reveal. She also told me Aska "woke up" in the Abyss and made her way back to Sigil from there. Lastly, she told me Aska stays in the Beastlands because she can't take the foul air of Sigil for so long.

Still in a state of disbelief and confusion, I ran for the Beastlands with little thought. I spent nearly all day searching as much of the plane as I could, but I couldn't find Aska. Exhausted, I returned to Sigil and made my way back to Rozalin's and my room. I sat down at the table, sorting through my emotions. Then the door opened... and Rozalin stood in the doorway. It was then the full reality of the situation dawned on me.

I motioned for her to sit down and we spent a long time discussing what happened today. Eventually, Rozalin asked me the inevitable question, whom did I want to be with? The question stunned me and I had to take a long time to ponder the answer. I can't deny I still love Aska, love is eternal, but I love Rozalin, too. I looked into Rozalin's eyes, recalling all the time we had spent together and all the things about her that I love. And, ever so slowly, I came to a decision. I wanted to be with Rozalin.

I had thought that would be the end of it, but Sunshine said she couldn't believe me. She said she needed time to think and I said I would go for a walk. When I returned, I asked if she needed more time, but she didn't know. I asked if she'd like to go for a walk with me at Elysium and she hesitantly agreed.

As we walked together, Sunshine said she felt like she was just a replacement for Aska. That everything I feel was meant for Aska and not her. I told her that wasn't so, that I loved her for being Rozalin. She was not just a replacement. I asked if there was anything I could do to erase her doubts and prove my love, and she didn't know. I told her to have faith in our love and she said she couldn't. I kept telling Rozalin I wanted to be with her, but she just couldn't bring herself to believe it. In the end, she said she needed more time to think on it. I nodded in understanding, though I can't deny how much my heart aches.

Rozalin said she wanted to lie down, and it was decided I would move back out. I returned to our-her room to gather my things. As I turned, I saw her standing there and approached her. Her eyes went down to the engagement ring on her hand as she rubbed it idly. I smiled faintly as she did so, waiting to see if she had anything to say. But when she looked up at me, her face was still unsure. She told me she would come find me. I said farewell, told her I loved her once more, left my copy of the room key on the table, and left.

Now, here I am. Back in my old room at the inn... and very much alone.
Kythorn 1, 1374 DR
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