Cherry's Quest For Knowledge - Complete

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*Tsidkenu
Posts: 156
Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am

Posted by *Tsidkenu »


As the cycles continue to tick on by of late, Sensate Namer Cherry Sapphire has been withdrawing herself more and more from public gatherings in the Bazaar. She has even begun wearing just a plain, drab brown robe and accompanying brown cloak and witch's hat instead of her far more usual splashes of vibrant colours and up-to-date styles and hairdos.

Those in-the-know with her personal dark know that the woman is planning a journey soon, for reasons she is trying to keep close to those who know her best. But one word does keep creeping out about her, grinding its way discreetly through the Cage's rumour mill.

Cursed.
*Tsidkenu
Posts: 156
Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am

Posted by *Tsidkenu »


"The Outlands guide has been paid and hired," Cherry thought to herself as she passed two platinum Mechanus cogs over to Asena in the marketplace. "Now it's just a matter of finding a portal close enough to the place. Sharon, Lance. . . don't let me down."
*Tsidkenu
Posts: 156
Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am

Posted by *Tsidkenu »


"Contacted Rain about the pack-golem. Hope it arrives soon because I need to start organising the supplies for the journey. And that would be much easier if I had the golem here to just load it all into! Don't let me down, Rainrix, please. Still waiting for Lance and Sharon to get back to me about where we are going to portal to. I hope it won't be too far away from our destination. The treants I have left in the Greenhouse for now where the dryads will take care of them. I hope they don't miss me too much."
*Red the Rogue
Posts: 72
Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am

Posted by *Red the Rogue »


Tír na nÓg. In trade speak, the "Land of Youth". Sharon knew little of the Outlands, despite having become a bit of a planeswalker and a gatecrasher. After speaking to Asena, it was clear that a walk from Tradegate could potentially take far too long for them, and any "map" on the Outlands would prove to be utterly useless. They needed a portal that would directly lead them to that realm, and enough supplies for roughly two tendays of travel to reach the way to the House of Knowledge.

Sharon organized her own pack, loading up on traveler's bread and mixed nuts for the journey, as well as bringing along a bow in case they can stop to forage and hunt along the trip. As she loaded the various magical pouches and satchels, her hand fell upon a sheathed blade, drawing her attention over to it immediately. Lifting the blade, she drew out the longsword from its scabbard for one final scan.


"... if I get out of control. Silver. Through here," echoed the desperate voice of Cherry. A frown crept up on her face. It was disturbing to think about holding a weapon she once avoided in her werewolf years, but far more so to prepare for the worst case of her friend becoming too far gone to warrant using it on her.

The sorceress slammed the silver blade back into its scabbard, then adorned it to her hip. She murmured a prayer to Selûne, asking for her guidance in the journey ahead, then stood up. She was prepared, but one final matter needed to be handled: The portal to Tír na nÓg. With courage, she stepped out of her apartment in the Cadence, then into the busy streets of the City of Doors.

Either someone will know of a portal there to Tír na nÓg, or she will find it herself, be it from Sigil or the Infinite Staircase.
*Tsidkenu
Posts: 156
Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am

Posted by *Tsidkenu »


"Saileach came back. . ." Cherry's mind wandered in deep thought as she wandered the Festhall's Sensorium. She didn't really know what to think about the startling revelation of the nymph's return.

"Just when things were reaching their peak. . . ugh. And she is so terribly injured. I feel just awful about it all. Saileach will not come with us, but she may still be able to help us locate a portal close to Tir na nOg in the Outlands. Rain has delivered the golem so that is one less worry. Damn portals. Never really were my thing. . ."

She sighed and looked into her hands. The sensory stone was not even a few hours old. She stared at it with an anxious intensity.

"Do I really want to know what Saileach went through? Do I really want to see what she saw, and feel what she felt? Do I really want to know?"

She tapped her chin as those complex questions mulled over in her mind, her eyelids slipping into thoughtful repose. One final, deep and heavy sigh emerged from her lips as she made her answer.

"Gilded Horrors."

Some minutes later, an ear-piercing scream echoed throughout the Sensorium. . .
*Tsidkenu
Posts: 156
Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am

Posted by *Tsidkenu »


"Everything is set. The portal to Tir na nÓg has been found. It is finally happening. . ."
*Tsidkenu
Posts: 156
Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am

Posted by *Tsidkenu »


An unconscious Cherry Sapphire was deposited to the safety of Sharon's home in the Clerk's ward to recover from whatever ordeal happened to her on her quest for knowledge.

Knowledge acquired, but at what cost?



((Huge huge thanks to DM Ariella for spicing up the Forgotten Plateau for the quest in Scintilla's stead, and for all the players who made the event such a fun one. That includes you, Rexxar the troublemaker :P ))
*Tsidkenu
Posts: 156
Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am

Posted by *Tsidkenu »


Seven familiar people lingered in the Bazaar, waiting for one single word of instruction. . .

Cherry Sapphire: "I think it's time."

Namael Altha'Niel: *stands*allright

Cherry Sapphire: ((And for RP sake we can just 'pretend' Lance came. Not our fault he was AFK or whatever :P ))

Kaya Tempest: *She looks to Leonidas and grins.* It's not foolish if I set a spending limit! I just want to watch a wheel spin. Enjoy. *Waves.*

Namael Altha'Niel: dont be silly with your currency *mock scolds kaya wiggling a finger*

Cherry Sapphire: Cherry stood up and wandered back over to the pack golem.

Cherry Sapphire: Cherry did a triple check of all the equipment.

Cherry Sapphire: She then let out an anxious sigh.

Tahir-Suli: Are we prepared?

Cherry Sapphire: She looked at Nami, and also past Nami at all her friends gathered.

Cherry Sapphire: "I. . . I am ready."

Danae Gren: As ready as I think we can be.

Namael Altha'Niel: *smiled encouragingly*

Sharon Raynsford: So am I.

Asena: "Let's go then."

Cherry Sapphire: She looked at the golem. "Follow me."

Cherry Sapphire: She looked around and everyone.

Cherry Sapphire: She looked nervous.

Cherry Sapphire: "This way."

Silk: Name the gems and I may have them.

Sharon Raynsford: *nods her head to Untaramar* Keep the place warm, eh?

Cherry Sapphire: "To the Greenhouse."

And on the way to the Greenhouse they had an all-too-familiar encounter. . .

Rexxer Killgore: *looks between them!*

Sharon Raynsford: Hey Rex.

Rexxer Killgore: What is all this!

Danae Gren: *She groans*

Rexxer Killgore: or I guees something you do not want to tell poor rexxy huh?

Rexxer Killgore: I see how it is! *snickers*

Sharon Raynsford: *smirks at Tahir* Just a little private talk, is all.

Rexxer Killgore: Yeaa little private talk all it is! *sarcastically*

Rexxer Killgore: *goes to grab danaes hat!*

Asena: "Regardless of if it is a private talk or not, your company was not requested."

Sharon Raynsford: *nods her head*

Tahir-Suli: Ayup. - and a long walk. Now shall we get going ladies?

Danae Gren: Don't you dare. *She states sternly at her hat being grabbed*

Rexxer Killgore: *he would run off with it after lifting it and snickers!*

Cherry Sapphire: Cherry also stares sternly.

Danae Gren: REX

Asena: "I don't recall him being this insufferable in the past."

Tahir-Suli: Me neither.

Tahir-Suli: Lets just get moving.

Tahir-Suli: WE got a hell of alot of walking to get through

Danae Gren: *Grumble!*

Danae Gren: Aye.

Rexxer Killgore: *runs with the hat!*

Tahir-Suli: You cannot.

Rexxer Killgore: And why?

Rexxer Killgore: I knew them longer you know!

Tahir-Suli: Those here have been very specifically selected.

Asena: "You're a xaositect."

Asena: "You're just a detriment."

Tahir-Suli: For their individual skills. You provide nothing and lack basic social graces.

Cherry Sapphire: "Because I'll not have you ruining something I've planned my whole life. Now begone."

Rexxer Killgore: Of and because of that I am still the same Rexxer guys!!

Danae Gren: Rexxer she said no.

Danae Gren: *Grumble grumble*

After dealing with the chaotic ogre, the group pressed on to the Lower Ward.

Cherry Sapphire: "Let's go the long way, Danae."

Tahir-Suli: Invisability might work.

Danae Gren: Righty

Tahir-Suli: But after that, I think he got the point.. finally.

Cherry Sapphire: "I'd rather not waste my spells just yet."

Cherry Sapphire: "Rexxar. . . he was alright. . . until he decided to become a Xaosman."

Tahir-Suli: Indeed..

Danae Gren: Yep.

Sharon Raynsford: *waves her hand briefly* Apologies.

Tahir-Suli: It is quite alright

Cherry Sapphire: "Don't blame you from running from that barmy addlecove.”

Sharon Raynsford: I was more worried that his actions would get us casted out from just about any god realm.

Finally they entered the Greenhouse after passing through the Lower Ward

Danae Gren: *She took a deep breath in and out, given how nice this place is*

Cherry Sapphire: "Before we go, there's something I need to do."

Tahir-Suli: If he persisted, we would have removed him by force. Do not think on it too deeply.

Cherry Sapphire: She commanded the golem to stop.

Asena: "It smells nice in here.."

Tahir-Suli: Strange place to build a greenhouse.. but it atleast feels..somewhat cleaner here.

Cherry Sapphire: Cherry disappeared into one of the little grottoes.

Sharon Raynsford: It's one of the only places where greenery can thrive in the Cage.

Danae Gren: \\*Imagines Lance strapped to the golem to take care of camping and supplies*

Asena: "The Festhall has a few spots."

Tahir-Suli: Then why put it next to the Lower ward..?

Danae Gren: *Shrug*

Cherry Sapphire: The smell of incense begins to fill the place.

Sharon Raynsford: I... don't decide these things. Perhaps because of the portal to Krigala is here
and not in the Lady's Ward?

Danae Gren: *She smiles faintly at the smell of incense.*

Tahir-Suli: Still. I am glad for it. same reason I keep plants at the Oasis.. just leaves the air..stagnant and horrid otherwise.

Asena: "Her serenity's whims are unkowable."

Danae Gren: *Shifty look* I'm going to get some bread real quick.

Danae Gren: *Danae wandered up to buy some fresh bread, and other little pastries*

Sharon Raynsford: *quietly checks all her gear, making sure she's entirely prepared*

Tahir-Suli: It is going to be okay, Sharon. Dont worry too much. - The packs have been checked numerous times.

Danae Gren: *Danae came back with fresh bread and pastries, currently eating a scone and looked between them all* Anyone want one?

Danae Gren: *Danae may still have been hungry from yesterday...*

Asena: "Are any of them made with meat?"

Danae Gren: I uh... got bacon, cheese and egg bread.

Sharon Raynsford: I've supplies of my own, too, you know. *smirks faintly, then looks at Danae* I'll have one.

Danae Gren: *She rustled in the basket* Uhm.. blueberry, cherry, or chocolate?

Danae Gren: I have.. Oh got apricot too.

Cherry Sapphire: Cherry was praying for a while in silence in the grotto. She sure was taking her time.

Sharon Raynsford: ... Chocolate!

Danae Gren: *She snickers digging out a chocolate one for Sharon* Here ya go.

Sharon Raynsford: *she spoke a little too excitedly at that, bouncing on her feet*

Tahir-Suli: *he stands and waits.... patiently*

Sharon Raynsford: Eee! *she takes it and bites into it*

Asena: Asena takes the thing with bacon. She's still a werewolf and prone to certain things.

Gren: *And Danae too gave Asena the bacon-egg-cheese bread* That one is really good when toasted and butter.

Asena: "Smells good now." she gnaws on the loaf.

Cherry Sapphire: Cherry got up from her prayers and came back out of the grotto.

Danae Gren: *Danae finished her scone and packed away her basket*

Cherry Sapphire: She dusted twigs and leaves off herself.

Tahir-Suli: Checked everything 100 times yet, Sharon?

Danae Gren: Don't make fun of her. She chuckles*

Tahir-Suli: Sorry, Sorry. Exaggeration. 50.

Asena: "Where was the door?"

Danae Gren: PSssh

Cherry Sapphire: "It's up here. . .Sharon. . ?"

Sharon Raynsford: Coming.

Cherry Sapphire: Cherry made her way up and pointed at the archway near the window.

Cherry Sapphire: "It's right there."

Namael Altha'Niel: anyone wishes for mind blank placed upon themselves?

Cherry Sapphire: "We may be walking for some time, Nami, save your spells. . ."

Tahir-Suli: I'll be fine, I'm sure..

Sharon Raynsford: *she holds up a hand and concentrates. She knew the portal was there, and worked to figure out the key. Her other hand raised up to slowly pull the portal open*

Cherry Sapphire: Cherry stares at the portal and released a big, deep sigh.

Danae Gren: We'll be fine. *She nodded encouragingly.*

Tahir-Suli: Unless any object, I shall go through first.

Cherry Sapphire: "Um. .. okay. . ."

Namael Altha'Niel: i dont!

Tahir-Suli: *he draws a blade from its sheath* Then we go.

Asena: "If you really want. I'll need to assess our bearings after."

Cherry Sapphire: She commanded the golem to follow her.

Cherry Sapphire: Cherry slipped through after them.

Tahir-Suli: Mrrhm..

Sharon Raynsford: Go ahead, Namael.

And so they passed through the portal to Tir na nOg and happened upon a Khaasta raiding party. . .

Cherry Sapphire: "Oh gods. . ."

Danae Gren: Mmh.

Tahir-Suli: Now just-

Asena: "Khaasta get anywhere, I guess." she looked around

Danae Gren: Before we get too close to the spire, maybe a little endurance for our walk.

Sharon Raynsford: Gather...

Cherry Sapphire: "Incoming!"

Tahir-Suli: More will come.

Cherry Sapphire: "This. . . is far more dangerous than I was expecting. . ."

Danae Gren: We'll make it through.

Sharon Raynsford: *motions Namael over*

Cherry Sapphire: "More, here they come!"

Cherry Sapphire: "Gods, are we even in the right place?"

Asena: ". . ."

Danae Gren: More..

Tahir-Suli: Sharon, Danae, Namael, You are linked.. try not to die horribly

Asena: She climbs some of the stones to have a better look around while the critters are being fought.

Sharon Raynsford: *she looks around* We have to be. This is Tir na nOg, right?

Danae Gren: Oh I'll try, Tahir.

Namael Altha'Niel: i'm fond of not dieing horribly

Asena: "We are.. somewhere in Tir na nOg, yes."

Danae Gren: ... somewhere

Danae Gren: *Grumbles about Khaasta curses*

Cherry Sapphire: "Which way do we need to go?"

Tahir-Suli: There is only one direction we can go. Through here.

Cherry Sapphire: "Then that's the way we must go."

Asena: "We'll follow the path for now... when I find a good point to climb I'll do that."

Cherry Sapphire: "Asena?"

Asena: "Yes?"

Danae Gren: *She looked around curiously.*

Cherry Sapphire: "Do you know where it is?"

Tahir-Suli: You take the left, Lady Danae, I shall hold the right

Asena: "We're outside of the godrealms I believe. Else there wouldn't be so many Khaasta.."

Cherry Sapphire: "Gods its crawling with them. . ."

Cherry Sapphire: Cherry winced in pain, having been hit with a few arrows.

Sharon Raynsford: "... Damn it. Should we turn back?"

Tahir-Suli: I can hold this line.

Cherry Sapphire: "No . . . we're here now. We must press on."

Namael Altha'Niel: let's patch the wounds up as we go

Danae Gren: Do we really have the option right now.

Cherry Sapphire: "Is. . . is everyone okay?"

Asena: "Yeah."

Tahir-Suli: Not even a scratch so far.

Danae Gren: Will take care if someone does get a scratch

Sharon Raynsford: [Party] *she follows somewhat quietly under the veil of invisibility, reserving the rest of her spellpower in case things got too messy.*

Asena: "We must have run into a Khaasta migration.."

Tahir-Suli: Alot ahead

Tahir-Suli: At my back

Danae Gren: *She carefully hopped on the lillies, wobbling everywhere*

Cherry Sapphire: "They will fight themselves," Cherry said after unleashing a Stygian Ice storm in the distance.

Sharon Raynsford: *waits until they cross, then crosses herself*

Sharon Raynsford: "There are some behind us. Be wary."

Danae Gren: Okay.. I'll laugh when someone falls in.

Tahir-Suli: Keep moving, we'll cover your movement

Tahir-Suli: Just be careful what you move into

Cherry Sapphire: "Wait, I think I see someone. . ."

Cherry Sapphire: "Who's that?"

Danae Gren: Hm?

Namael Altha'Niel: a woman?

Tahir-Suli: A something certainly..

Asena: "Hmn... hail..."

Forest Sentinel: RAHY! *she spoke in Celestial – Halt!*

Danae Gren: *Wobbles on the lilly pads closer*

Tahir-Suli: Move up.. I got it

Namael Altha'Niel: ur, wnelelyicwl [[Oh, Greetings]]

Forest Sentinel: Fru il yril uc yrel puntelnl ub Uwrsa'l nelahs?! [[Who is this on the borders of Oghma's realm?!]]

Asena: She murmured "What language is that?"

Namael Altha'Niel: fluffenese

Namael Altha'Niel: . ..celestial

Sharon Raynsford: *replies back in kind* Celestial.

Cherry Sapphire: "Celestial. . . it's Celestial . . . I'll. . . handle this. . ."

Cherry Sapphire: Cherry stepped forward.

Cherry Sapphire: “Raih. Sz casel il Cherry Sapphire, raihicw bnus yrel funht ub Oerth. I. . . fel rajel vusel yu lelelx yrel xcufheltwel ub zuon tijicel Hunt.” [[Hail. My name is Cherry Sapphire, hailing from the world of Oerth. I. . . we have come to seek the knowledge of your divine Lord]]

Forest Sentinel: Bun fray qonqulel? [[For what purpose?]]

Danae Gren: *She watched ahead curiously, and cautiously back behind them still.*

Cherry Sapphire: “I. . . facy yu alx a doellyiuc ub wnajel isqunyacvel yu sel. . . bnus yrel Lqnicw ub Xcufheltwel. . .” [[I. . . want to ask a question of grave importance to me. . . from the Spring of Knowledge. .]]

Tahir-Suli: *He keeps a strong stance backwards, finding an oddly strong stance on the pads*

Forest Sentinel: *she looks sceptically over the whole group*

Forest Sentinel: All of you. Tell me why you're here.

Cherry Sapphire: ". . ."

Forest Sentinel: ALL OF YOU!

Namael Altha'Niel: guess we cant get in without some more explanation

Asena: "A pilgrimage to the House of Knowledge."

Danae Gren: *She looked at the Sentinel curiously and maybe a bit confused as to how to answer that before piping up* To help our dear friend.

Forest Sentinel: To know is to be known. Your names.

Sharon Raynsford: *clears her throat, then raises her voice* I am here with my friend to help. We also seek the way to the Spring of Knowledge.

Danae Gren: Danae Gren. *She offered*

Sharon Raynsford: Very well. My name is Lady Sharon Raynsford.

Forest Sentinel: *she looked at Nami*

Tahir-Suli: I cant hear what she's saying, Whats going on back there?

Forest Sentinel: And you?

Namael Altha'Niel: i'm Namael Altha'niel..

Sharon Raynsford: *she motions for Tahir to come forth* She wants our names.

Forest Sentinel: And him? Beckon him.

Danae Gren: *She looked to Tahir*Asks our names.

Cherry Sapphire: "I. . . I already told you my name. . ."

Tahir-Suli: Mrrhm.. Dont see alot of good ground left to move closer... *he raises his voice* I am Tahir Al-Badam Bar Nefhat.

Asena: She grunted softly. "Asena's the only tag I've ever known for myself."

Forest Sentinel: *she stares at Cherry for a long, awkward moment*

Forest Sentinel: You are all known to my Lord. If it is the Spring you seek, the Spring you shall find just yonder.

Danae Gren: *Danae moved to the next lillypad once Nami moved*

Namael Altha'Niel: *looks from the sentinel to cherry*

Forest Sentinel: A warning. Give. . . before you take.

Namael Altha'Niel: *gods we're famous, she thinks*

Forest Sentinel: You may pass.

Danae Gren: *She paused to remember the warning.*

Cherry Sapphire: "Wait. . . how. . . how do we . . . give?"

Tahir-Suli: What is appropriate to give.

Forest Sentinel: Place your offering into the pool. Give. . . before your take.

Cherry Sapphire: Cherry turned and looked back at the others.

Danae Gren: She looked on ahead skeptically.*

Namael Altha'Niel: *looks back*

Cherry Sapphire: She turned around again and slowly crept forward.

Forest Sentinel: And one more thing. . .

Danae Gren: *She followed quietly as well*

Namael Altha'Niel: *gulps*

Forest Sentinel: *she stared at each of them in turn. . .*

Forest Sentinel: Do not anger the Guardians with your puny shows of magic.

Danae Gren: *She tilted her head curiously*

Forest Sentinel: *she went silent, watching them all as the would pass her by*

Cherry Sapphire: Cherry glanced amongst them all.

Namael Altha'Niel: oook

Namael Altha'Niel: *nod*

Danae Gren: Shall we.. dismiss them?

Sharon Raynsford: ... *she nods and waves her hand, dismissing her spells*

Danae Gren: *She meant the wards of course*

Cherry Sapphire: "I. . . think that might be a good idea. . ."

Cherry Sapphire: She waved all her wards away.

Cherry Sapphire: She took a deep breath and slowly pressed on.

Sharon Raynsford: Thank you.

Danae Gren: *She bowed her head to the sentinel as they went*

Tahir-Suli: Hrm...

Tahir-Suli: It is fortunate I fight in more dangerous places without wards all the time..

Asena: "Do we all have to give... does anyone besides Cherry have some question they want answered?"

Tahir-Suli: Only if you take.

The path before them winds itself, as if they were being guided right to the place.

Asena: "I think we may be in the House of Knowledge now.."

Cherry Sapphire: "Is. . . is that it?"

Tahir-Suli: It is..certainly something

Cherry Sapphire: Cherry's eyes were fixed on the distant glowing lights.

Asena: "I've never seen it in person before.."

Sharon Raynsford: ... *slowly she approached*

Danae Gren: *She looked over, going a little slack-jawed at the sight*

Namael Altha'Niel: i wonder, will what we give be lost from our memories or retained?

Namael Altha'Niel: assuming we have to give some form knowledge , that is

Tahir-Suli: *he keeps an eye, more concerned they might be jumped than anything else*

Namael Altha'Niel: *they could be jumped at by rabid librarians!*

Danae Gren: *She then eyed the golems warily.*

Cherry Sapphire: Cherry gulped.

Sharon Raynsford: *she takes in a deep breath, then nods* I may know something. Knowledge for knowledge.

Guardian Golem: *its lifeless eyes stare straight on ahead*

Cherry Sapphire: Cherry approached cautiously.

Danae Gren: *She stayed back and watched*

Guardian Golem: Halt. Interlopers detected.

Tahir-Suli: *he placed his hand, palm open on the hilt of his blade. He watched, and waited*

Guardian Golem: *eyes glow bright bluish green as the golem snaps to life*

Sharon Raynsford: *she puts her hands up* We're here to seek knowledge.

Guardian Golem: Scanning hostility. Unwarded. The Lord grants you access.

Guardian Golem: *And as suddenly as it awoke, the eyes return to dim dullness, nothing but the gentle flow of the nearby spring echoing throughout the silence*

Cherry Sapphire: Cherry looked back at the others.

Cherry Sapphire: "This. . . this is it. . ."

Cherry Sapphire: She looked very emotional.

Namael Altha'Niel: take a deep breath

Danae Gren: Go on. *She encouraged*Take it slow.

Cherry Sapphire: And she did. She took in a real deep one.

Cherry Sapphire: She glanced at Sharon.

Tahir-Suli: Do you have something to give?

Danae Gren: *She shuffled on closer*

Cherry Sapphire: She nodded slowly.

Sharon Raynsford: ... Shall I offer for you, then?

Tahir-Suli: Best she offer it herself.. lest she take and not having offered herself.

Cherry Sapphire: Cherry placed her staff end down on the ground. She glanced at Sharon.

Cherry Sapphire: "I. . . I have decided."

Sharon Raynsford: ... Then I-- ... All right.

Cherry Sapphire: She flicked open one of her satchel bags, taking some time on the clasp. Her hand reached inside. . .

Cherry Sapphire: With a sigh, she took out her little black book.

Sharon Raynsford: ... she holds up a hand* Cherry...

Cherry Sapphire: "Everything. . . everything I know. . . about myself. . . is in here. . ."

Sharon Raynsford: ... *she looks back at the others, then to Cherry*

Namael Altha'Niel: it is a journal?

Cherry Sapphire: She bit her lip from the emotion of it all. She nodded.

Asena: "Everything you know about yourself?"

Sharon Raynsford: ... I can give onto you some other knowledge they may accept, but... That is your decision.

Cherry Sapphire: A glance at Asena, but she didn't answer her.

Tahir-Suli: A well kept record of herself.. I would expect experiences, sketches even..

Cherry Sapphire: "I am here to ask one question, and one question only, Sharon. . ."

Cherry Sapphire: "I'm . . . not going to take a risk. . . having come so far. . ."

Cherry Sapphire: "It is decided. And it will be done."

Sharon Raynsford: *she takes in a deep breath, then nods her head firmly* All right.

Cherry Sapphire: She turned and walked over to the Spring.

Tahir-Suli: *he keeps an eye, but maintaines as respectable distance*

Sharon Raynsford: *she watches from afar, quietly chewing on her lip*

Cherry Sapphire: Clambering carefully over the rocks, she knelt down at the edge of the pool.

Namael Altha'Niel: *observes silently*

Cherry Sapphire: She closed her eyes, taking in some tense breaths. Her hand extended.

Cherry Sapphire: And then she let it go. The book floated briefly on the gently bubbling liquid before it just vanished into the waters. There were no flashing lights. No drama. Nothing extraordinary at all.

Cherry Sapphire: That hand cupped the liquid and brought it to her lips.

Cherry Sapphire: And she spoke just three simple words before she sipped it.

Cherry Sapphire: “Who am I?"

Sharon Raynsford: [Party] *she reached into one pouch to produce her pen, then pulled out her notepad as well. Immediately she began to write something down*

Cherry Sapphire: And at the precise second the water touched her lips, she was thrust backwards and fell into a deep trance. . .

Namael Altha'Niel: *peeks, watches, as cherry drops in trance*

Sharon Raynsford: *she stops mid-scribble as her gaze darted to Cherry. Her gaze shifted to the golems, then slowly moved to pass them*

Danae Gren: *She looked on worried at that, but it must've been something needed for the information*

Cherry Sapphire: Her eyes were wide open, and she was completely motionless. Not even breathing. . . as if she were being held in temporal stasis while her real identity was shown to her, and only to her.

Sharon Raynsford: *looks at the spring, then to Cherry, a look of concern on her features. She didn't reach out, however*

Asena: Asena watched, apprehensive and cautious, but at a safe distance.

Cherry Sapphire: She still remained in her trance. . .

Namael Altha'Niel: *waits*

Sharon Raynsford: ... *she moved closer and sat down next to her, drawing her notepad out again and writing*

Namael Altha'Niel: *totes peeks at sharon's notepad*

Danae Gren: *Danae finally shuffled a little closer, apprehensive of the golems, but she needs a look.*

Namael Altha'Niel: *looks to cherry*

Sharon Raynsford: *she looks up, sensing Namael's gaze, and quickly held the writing against herself to hide it*

Cherry Sapphire: And then. . . without any sign of warning. . . she let out the most spine tingling and horrific scream. . . her eyes immediately turned red with fury, and her form wholly transformed. . . a horrible, grey clawed hand grabbed the closest thing. . .

Tahir-Suli: Aw hells...

Tahir-Suli: *he pushes forward, drawing a blade*

Tahir-Suli: *with a grunt, he sheathes the blade, instead, shifting his stance and - without another word dives at the creature, to try and drive it into the ground*

Danae Gren: *Yep, Danae was relatively useless right now*

Cherry Sapphire: Cherry's surprise round action is a grapple check on Sharon. She lifts her in the air by her throat like a rag doll.

Cherry Sapphire: Cherry rakes at Nami with her free claw but missed her.

Sharon Raynsford: *she couldn't do too much of anything, trying to break free of the grab. Her hands electrified at will, grasping her arm in a vain attempt to pry herself free*

Sharon Raynsford: *she does the previous action, trying to shock her with her lightning strike gloves to deal 5d6 electric on touch. Her feet scrapped to try and pull herself free from the grasp, gagging from her throat being held*

Cherry Sapphire: The monster snarled, snapping its attention at Sharon's attempt to break free. . .

Namael Altha'Niel: *now she was casting a twinned force beam to try trip her*

Cherry Sapphire: Nami's considerable psionic talent smashes the monster off its feet, and the knockdown would cause it to release Sharon's neck.

Cherry Sapphire: The beast looks disoriented now. . .

Tahir-Suli: *he immediately jumps on top of the creature, planting himself over her chest, beginning to pummel her with his fists* Sharon!, Namael, You better have a plan for reverting this!

Sharon Raynsford: *falls onto her back, rolling and holding her throat as she coughs*

Cherry Sapphire: She is now pinned by Tahir, in addition to Nami's psionic knockdown.

Cherry Sapphire: Asena attempt to help in the pin was met with immediate success.

Cherry Sapphire: Her red eyes glowed with feral ferocity, despite being rather immobilised at the moment. . .

Danae Gren: *Upon Danae's turn, the half elf moved to try to get Sharon away from arm's reach of danger despite the Cherry-fiend being pinned and try to assess the damage done to Sharon's throat*

Cherry Sapphire: The transformed fiendish Cherry seems quite well immobilised now. . . for as long as Nami's Telekinetic Manoeuvre should last. . .

Sharon Raynsford: *assuming she just needs to catch her breath a moment, she'll definitely be fine?*

Danae Gren: *Well.. Fiendish grip around your neck can be fairly bruising.*

Cherry Sapphire: *Significant buising, otherwise uninjured. The monster had not yet had the moment to press for a crush of Sharon's larynx.

Tahir-Suli: Sharon! - Wake the hell up! Do you have a plan or am I going with plan B.

Danae Gren: *Upon seeing just the bruising, Danae figured she would be just fine right now.*

Cherry Sapphire: The monster snapped its jaws and gnashed its teeth in its dazed stupor.

Sharon Raynsford: *Once Danae is done, Tahir's words snapped her out of her daze. She shot her hand out to Cherry, fingers wiggling as she chanted a practiced spell. A quickened mind blank, followed by a Protection of Evil right at the beast*

Cherry Sapphire: If Cherry was in there somewhere. . . she sure wasn't answering.

Cherry Sapphire: The mind blank was met with immediate success, and the monster groaned in pain. . .

Cherry Sapphire: Red eyes flashed to Cherry's natural blue and back again. . .

Cherry Sapphire: Wings gradually retracted. . . horns and spikes did too. . .

Namael Altha'Niel: *namael starts creating ectoplasmic strands converged on the demon. She observes, slimy tendrils wiggling nearby, waiting, cause is not icky*

Cherry Sapphire: A semblance of Cherry's original visage began to take shape. . .

Sharon Raynsford: *several forced coughs escaped her lungs as she pushed herself back to her feet*

Cherry Sapphire: But. . . it stopped. She was left in a half-transformed state. . . skin greyed and deformed. One eye blue. The other glinted yellow. . .

Tahir-Suli: *remains there, knelt over her, still pinning her in position as her form shrinks*

Namael Altha'Niel: *furrows brows*

Asena: She was careful to not bite off Cherry's arm! but still assisted keeping her still.

Danae Gren: *Danae wen to cast a circle against evil and moved to engulf them all in it, just in case.*

Cherry Sapphire: It looked like that last ditch attempt by the monster within had tried to make the alteration of Cherry's form permanent, because now she was tainted with its ugliness.

Sharon Raynsford: ... Damn it.

Cherry Sapphire: The snapping of the mental connection rendered her entirely unconscious, as last time.

Tahir-Suli: She hasn't reverted fully. Sharon? Idea's?

Namael Altha'Niel: *she rubbed her chin ,thus covering herm outh* how's this been possible

Sharon Raynsford: ... I don't know. clears her throat, wincing* ... Watch her.

Asena: She loosens her hold on the now unconscious woman, and reverts to a humanoid shape.

Sharon Raynsford: *she picked up her pen and notepad that she dropped in the kerfuffle, then began to write hastily*

Tahir-Suli: *he presses his hands onto the womans shoulders, but it doesn't seem like she's going anywhere soon*

Sharon Raynsford: *upon finishing the writing, she tucked the pen away, then tore the page free. She held it out to the spring to accept it*

Danae Gren: *She looked to Sharon* What are you doing?

Tahir-Suli: She is asking a question.

Danae Gren: Thank you captain obvious.

Cherry Sapphire: Cherry remained entirely out of it, completely unresponsive, although she was breathing faintly.

Namael Altha'Niel: *dismisses the telekynesis*

Danae Gren: *At this point, Danae leaned down over the still pinned unconcious Cherry to check over vitals.*

Cherry Sapphire: She was alive. Barely, but she was.

Cherry Sapphire: It would be anyone's guess what happened to her during her trance. . .

Danae Gren: *Seeing that the transformed woman was still alive, Danae went to focus at the space around her, gazing into the aura.*

Sharon Raynsford: *she watches the paper sink into the water intensely* What all must be done to cure the one that knew herself as Cherry Sapphire of her fiendish curse, the one that persisted for three dozen generations?

Namael Altha'Niel: *glances to sharon, smiling a little, looks back to cherry*

Danae Gren: *Danae nodded slowly to herself, breaking the concentration she had while staring at the woman to looking over back at Sharon with the question, waiting.*

Asena: "What just happened..?"

Sharon Raynsford: *she immediately cringed, then thrusted backwards in the same fashion as before*

Namael Altha'Niel: ...

Asena: She had no idea about Cherry's curse, most likely!

Danae Gren: ... Alot to explain right now, Asena. In short... Cherry has a nasty curse.

Namael Altha'Niel: *looks to sharon quite worried for some moments, then thinks to herself and shakes head, and simply waits*

Namael Altha'Niel: sensed anything specific, danae?

Namael Altha'Niel: *checks on sharon*

Danae Gren: The taint is everywhere.. theres something bright around her mind. I.. suspect with the info she has gained.

Namael Altha'Niel: *and totally not to nose again in her notepad, which she indeed doesnt*

Namael Altha'Niel: something bright?

Sharon Raynsford: *her eyes were locked open, but very still. She does seem alive, so that's a plus!*

Danae Gren: I didn't get a color, not even white. Just bright.

Namael Altha'Niel: hm

Asena: She let out a soft sigh and picked a spot to sit.

Danae Gren: *She kept looking over Cherry for bodily changes, and looking to Sharon worriedly as well.*

Namael Altha'Niel: *keeps an eye on sharon*

Tahir-Suli: Is sharon alright..?

Namael Altha'Niel: well she's alive

Namael Altha'Niel: but in trance

Danae Gren: She shouldn't change into a fiend, don't worry of that.

Namael Altha'Niel: well ,no...

Tahir-Suli: *he finally stands himself up, steping over to Sharon*

Sharon Raynsford: *suddenly gasps as her form springs back into motion, eyes darting around*

Asena: "Are you alright, Sharon?"

Tahir-Suli: *he keeps a hand pressed lightly to her shoulder* Slowly.. you're back with us.

Sharon Raynsford: *she stared up at Tahir for a moment, then straight skyward as her breathing slowed, back to normalcy*

Danae Gren: *She watched from over by Cherry still.*

Sharon Raynsford: *her hand pounded against the dirt, clenching her teeth for a brief moment before sitting up*

Asena: "What's wrong?"

Tahir-Suli: Is it possible, Lady Sharon?

Sharon Raynsford: ... *she looks over at Cherry, staring at her for a while as she mulled over the memory* ...

Danae Gren: *She steepled her brows in worry while watching the others*

Namael Altha'Niel: *looks to tahir*

Sharon Raynsford: Yes. Never in the way I like it to be.

Tahir-Suli: What has to be done. *he states simply.. coldly almost*

Sharon Raynsford: *at that, she pulled her hood forward, then stood up* The question is, if she will do it.

Danae Gren: ... What is it?

Tahir-Suli: She will. You know she will.

Asena: "Should we leave? I can carry her."

Danae Gren: Maybe we should put her with the golem.

Sharon Raynsford: ... *her head tilted as she looked around, a slight bit of confusion on her face*</C>

Asena: "What is it, Sharon?"

Sharon Raynsford: ..."What was done must be undone. What was defiled must be consecrated. And what was betrayed must be destroyed."

Tahir-Suli: ... I see.. thats.. alot of work, potentially.. 30 or more generations wasn't it?

Sharon Raynsford: I saw how it all began, I know how it would end. We... She will have to go back to where it all started.

Sharon Raynsford: *she looks at the blade at her hip, then took in a deep breath and nods*

Namael Altha'Niel: that wormwood place

Tahir-Suli: *he shakes his head*Look lets.. get her home, we can discuss this further once we're back on the ring.

Danae Gren: *She nods*

Asena: "What was betrayed must be destroyed?"

Tahir-Suli: Sharon, once we're clear of this place can you find us a portal to the stair-case?

Sharon Raynsford: I can look, yes. There are plenty of portals around, so long as they are not shut down by anyone.

Tahir-Suli: We'll do that then. I dont like the idea of playing vanguard to the Khaasta while she's out like this.

Asena: She leans down and carefully picks Cherry up. She was shuffled into a fireman style carry if the woman had no sudden bouts of protest.

Tahir-Suli: Grab the golem's controller from her as well, or it's just going to stand here.

Asena: Asena was now fashionable with her very own human scarf.

Sharon Raynsford: *she puts out a hand to start looking for unstable portals*

Tahir-Suli: Not in here.

Tahir-Suli: By the pond.

Sharon Raynsford: ... Right.

Tahir-Suli: Alright.. see if you can find those threads..

Sharon Raynsford: *her hand held out to the air for a moment as the air began to pulse* ... Here.

Sharon Raynsford: *her other hand reached up and pulled the unstable portal open* Go on.

And so the group retreated to the Infinite staircase. . .

Tahir-Suli: Mechanus would get us close to the Bazaar. Where are we heading?

Sharon Raynsford: Are we taking her home first?

Tahir-Suli: Does she have one?

Asena: "Sensates all have appartments in the festhall."

Sharon Raynsford: The Foul Olde, but she can use my bed for now.

Sharon Raynsford: It may be better in her... current condition.

Asena: "Or that.."

Tahir-Suli: Then..Mercuria?

Sharon Raynsford: Aye.

Danae Gren: *Danae eyed the rooftops suspiciously as they walked*

Danae Gren: *Occasionally checking her face*

Sharon Raynsford: fiddles with the lock, then opens it up. Her expression seemed... strangely neutral*

And there, in the quiet of SharonÂ’s home, Cherry was lain on her bed. They would have to wait hours for her to come to, and then when she did, try to discover exactly what had happened in her mind. . .
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