Session 23: Rell's Log

General Summary

Familiar stone walls greeted me as I arrived through Haven’s staff entrance, and I received a warm, welcoming feeling of home. It lasted only a moment, but it was blissful, and I turned back to find Penitence, Elirith and Liv behind me, the first looking shaken and wide-eyed, but no worse for wear. He’d even kept hold of his breakfast.
We had to take him to Otho, that was of paramount importance and without much of an explanation, I strode off towards the stairs. I was so accustomed that I took it at a pace impossible to anyone without intimate knowledge of the layout and within moments we were inside the common area. It was fairly sparse for the time of day, but I saw a few Diplomats lounging about or relaxing and making the most of any respite they had.
I wanted to ask after her, but Penitence needed to be dealt with first, and I quickly realised that anyone who’d cast me a sideways glance before dismissing my presence was now refocused and gawking. Penitence was obviously right behind me.
We made it five paces before there was a whirl of motion and a thud of boots as a crossbolt I knew all too well was aimed just over my shoulder. Kaspiran.
His eyes narrowed as his pupils darted between us, the snarl to his lips making the possibility of him unleashing a bolt all too real. Other than perhaps a warning shot, he’d never fire at Liv or myself, but I was of no doubt he’d attack Penitence if given any cause.
He needed little provocation because the usually carefree human had a deep-seated hatred of fiends.
Quickly I moved forwards, palms raised in mock surrender as I tried to convince Kas that Penitence was an ally, that he’d assisted Liv and me out in the Wastelands. He barely altered his grip on the beautifully constructed weapon, its aim as true as always.
I side-stepped to intersect the trajectory, huffing out that he wasn’t a fiend and that in fact he’d helped us destroy many. Kas’s gaze finally shifted to mine as he queried if Otho knew he was here. Rolling my eyes as if it couldn’t be more obvious, I waved to the nearby door and confirmed that was where I was taking him.
Liv backed me up, vouching for him, while Penitence interjected, confirming that he was here to find somewhere safe to stay within the city, not to cause harm.
Kas’s glare could have melted ice and he demanded that we remain put, as he stalked purposely away from us towards the sleeping quarters and armoury. My indignation flared at the order, and I was about to suggest to Liv we continue anyway when my fellow Diplomat returned. Chains rattled as a set of manacles landed at our feet, Kas remaining at a tactically advantageous and wary distance as he dictated that I take Penitence to Otho in restraints.
Kas was acting both ridiculous and dramatic, and I voiced as such, grumbling and managing to slip in that Penitence weaved spells. Any lapse in aim was corrected immediately as Kas tensed once more, challenging that in that case he must definitely wear them.
With a sigh I retrieved the loops of metal, turning to Penitence who shrugged, agreeing to adhere if it meant he could stay here. I threw Kas one more scowl, extremely unhappy at his lack of trust and reminding myself to report him to Mesh later on, before catching myself and swallowing the lump in my throat.
With his hands now firmly bound, I spiralled Penitence up the stairway towards Halo. Elirith and Liv trailing behind, with Kas doggedly taking up the rear, weapon raised as though we required an escort. I liked the Diplomat, but he was truly being moronic. As if I would take anyone to Otho that was a risk. As if Otho couldn’t deal with them if they were.
The bar wasn’t too busy, but still, the patrons parted to my determined pace and intimidating glaive, plus the supposed prisoner I was escorting. I waved to those I knew, including both Loki and Sandra, whom I encouraged to perhaps prepare a strong drink for Penitence.
Nugget’s hulking form stood guard, axe ever ready on her back and I was at least thankful for fate’s small favours that I wouldn’t have to deal with Daq. Even still I nudged Liv forward, inferring with a head tilt and meaningful blink that she should lead. We both knew Otho would be far more amicable towards her.
A brief exchange with the bodyguard and Liv disappeared behind the curtain into the booth. Searching behind me, I plonked myself down on the nearest seat to wait, reclining as much as possible to purposefully contrast Kas’s tense agitation. When I teased him as to whether he was going to give up and relax, he angry retorted with a rude gesture with his free hand. I only laughed and stuck my tongue out in reply.
Not long afterwards we were summoned inside, and I entered, performing a deep bow towards Otho, before flanking Penitence within the booth. Otho appeared more casual than usual, hair free-flowing and I supposed they’d not expected guests outside of the Faithful. Even still their presence was as compelling and worthy of respect as always.
Liv had clearly explained our reasons for an audience, but Otho fixed that all-knowing gaze on our new friend and asked him who he was. I admired Penitence’s courage in the face of that question, as he stumbled out that he was no-one important, that he was merely lost. Otho’s smirked slightly as they voiced that they would be the judge of that and I was glad that it was not myself on the receiving end of Otho’s attention.
Penitence continued on, that he didn’t know who he was or who he was supposed to be, shaking his head as he lapsed into silence that Otho made no move to break. I couldn’t stop myself as I elbowed Penitence, glancing between him and my employer and telling him to speak about the flying fiend. Penitence complied as Otho queried further, finally asking what our companion hoped for. Penitence took only a breath before answering that he wanted to be someone else and Otho chuckled out their deep, reverberating laugh as though genuinely quite amused before replying that we all did.
I courteously waited for Otho’s mirth to end before explaining about the rod we’d found and the power it seemed to hold. Penitence reluctantly handed it over when asked and as I expanded on the story, Otho asked for the corresponding diary. I felt a hot wash of shame I’d not held on to something so important, but they simply nodded in reply.
After another moment of inspecting the item, Otho stated that the rod was too powerful for us to keep and that they would hold onto it for same keeping. It made sense to me, and I was already confirming my agreement as Penitence bristled, stating with almost a snarl that it was his.
I couldn’t quite believe my ears, but Otho remained calm, countering that they did not need to explain themselves. Penitence jutted his chin out, veins in his neck fit to burst as he firstly demanded its return, before altering into persuasive techniques and attempts at reasoning. As expected, it did not affect Otho’s decision, though they certainly raised an intrigued eyebrow at some of the words. It was so disrespectful that I was half awaiting an order to silence Penitence should it be necessary.
Otho concluded that Penitence could earn his right to stay here at Haven and perhaps if he was useful enough, even a glamour to allow passage through the city proper. Penitence was visibly unhappy, but as he voiced himself, he had few options and agreed to assist as he could.
Conversation having reached its natural conclusion, Otho turned those golden glowing orbs to me directing Liv and Penitence to leave us to speak alone. I felt myself shrinking away, but I quickly corrected myself. I wasn’t a frightened young girl anymore, although my stomach was unwittingly somersaulting knowing that I was about to hear all of my worst fears.
Mesh was missing. Still not returned. Still not home.
Otho was talking, and I was listening, but my skin was on fire, prickles of anxious dread heavy against me. What if she was dead? What if… What if…
Dhaer had returned three days ago, wounded and alone, stating that they had been attacked. I couldn’t quite get my words in order, eyes flitting from the table to Otho and back as I’d asked by what or whom. Otho was sullen, serious as they informed me to hear the full report from Dhaer himself. My hands clenched into fists as I choked out a rasping noise, scoffing that Dhaer had run, had abandoned her.
Otho’s flash of anger made me regret my words as I insulted their close friend, and I felt a pang of shame as Otho explained that Mesh had protected Dhaer, ordered him to retreat. I didn’t know how to reply but soon a soothing note of kindness laced Otho’s words as they gently voiced how you do not disobey Mesh. My laugh was close to a sob as I nodded.
Otho sat back slightly, gesturing with a wave that it was now time for them to meet the rest of mine and Liv’s friends. My mind raced to Robyn and then to Saman before I blinked a couple of times, releasing my fists before clashing my hands together on the table. I’d hardly begun to utter my question when Otho interrupted, warning that they did not ask twice. Embarrassed, I fumbled an apology and agreed to bring them right away.
Somehow I found Otho’s unfathomable stare once more and I was reassured and judged all at once. They stated how I was to lead the mission to locate Mesh, that I was to use everything I had learnt from her and ensure I acted as she would. How could I do anything but agree, feeling bile in my mouth at the prospect. Mesh…
Searching for how to act, I fumbled into a joke that I had learnt from Penitence to not be quite so reckless. Otho only inclined their head, confirming that we would see.
Mesh.
I stood, resolute and full of new-found strength, confirming that I would find her and lead the mission to success. I had to.
Bowing, I exited Otho’s booth to the waiting Penitence and Liv. Elirth was gone I noticed, along with Kas, but everything seemed a blur as I pushed passed them. Dhaer would be in the infirmary.
My breath was becoming short and shallow, my skin had turned from fire to ice, and I shivered as I hurtled by distorted forms. I somehow managed to convey what Otho had told me, replying to their questions in some odd disembodied state, as though I wasn’t quite me.
What if she was already dead?
I almost stopped mid-pace as I gave a short, mad laugh. This was Mesh I was thinking about. Mesh. She would be fine. She could destroy anything.
As I try to regain any rational thought, I realised we were already in the infirmary, but as I looked around I couldn’t see any sign of Dhaer. Liv’s bedroom door was firmly closed, and I looked to my friend, who shrugged, moving to enter, and I follow not a pace behind.
As Liv swung the door inwards, I was drawn instantly to the familiar set of armour and overly large cloak that identified the figure on her bed as Dhaer. We’d barely taken a step inside when he sprung upwards, causing my mouth to fall open in shock.
Before me, Dhaer stood unmasked, hood down and although there had always been hushed whispers and suspicions amongst the Diplomats, no one had ever seen who or what Dhaer was. He had silver eyes that matched my own, and pointed ears protruded prominently, but he was unlike any elf I’ve ever seen before. His skin was dark, contrasted by slicked back white hair, slightly disturbed from his slumber and he had a small, angular face.
I’d taken this all in within a split second, Dhaer’s expression a mixture of shock and rage as Liv hunched over, clutched at her eyes and muttering words of healing. He was already fixing his mask as I registered he’d cast a spell and I called out to him, stating that he was attacking Liv and he seemed to realise his error but still demanded to know why we had burst in.
Forgetting exactly whom I was addressing I took a pace forward and snorting that this was Liv’s room. I could sense the indignation even if I couldn’t read his expression, and I sighed, apologising and almost pleaded with him to explain what had happened.
He began the story in the most aggravating way, with a question and I was quick to answer of what I knew to be in the tunnels from the numerous times I’d travelled it with Mesh and himself. Spreading my arms out, I finally blurted out House Karlaith which I’d remembered from Liv.
Dhaer straightened at that, delivering almost deadpan that he and Mesh had been ambushed and her fate was unknown. I froze, eyes wide as my hand found my mouth. It just wasn’t possible.
He explained as Otho had done, that she had commanded him to flee, so she could defend his retreat. Through my fingers, I managed to mutter if he thought she was okay. Dhaer looked to the side and back, stating that she was either captured or dead.
My thoughts exploded once more as I pictured Mesh, her coffee-coloured eyes, her inspiring and comforting presence, the way she said nothing until she said everything and it was always exactly what I needed to hear.
She’d been there for me since I’d found myself within Haven twenty years ago. Trained me, looked after me, saved my life more than I could possibly count.
Captured or dead.
Dhaer had been explaining why they had been in the tunnels, but I couldn’t focus. All I caught was that he had once lived there and I blurted out a why, without even listening to the reply. He also mentioned something around a nightmother and a reanimated dragon but it was like the words wouldn’t settle in my mind.
Or dead.
I would find her. No matter what. Investigate whatever was necessary, destroy whatever was necessary. She would be okay, she didn’t need me. She could defeat anything. It was Mesh.
Dhaer would escort us; I would bring Robyn and Saman here.
I was already back out in the arena. How had I gotten here? What had I been told?
Fuck… I just wanted to burst into tears and charge off to the rescue all at once.
She wouldn’t be…
She couldn’t be…
Dead.

Previous: Session 22: Rell's Log  Next: Session 24: Rell's Log

8 Conditori

• Entering Haven, Kaspiran is aggressive to Pentience because of his appearance.
• Will only let Peni pass in irons.
• Taken to Otho, Peni says he just wants to be someone else.
• Otho asks for the rod and diary; says they will be holding it for safekeeping.
• Peni is unhappy with this and tries to argue against it but eventually relents.
• Otho said Peni has earned his right to stay in Haven, and if useful, may gain a glamour to pass into the city proper.
• Otho speaks to Rel alone: Mesh was missing. Dhaer had returned three days ago, wounded and alone, stating they had been attacked.
• Otho then asked to meet Saman and Robyn.
• Liv and Rel walk in on Dhaer, unmasked, in Liv's room in the infirmary. 
• Dhaer explained that he was once part of House Karlaith, that they're very conservative, and male drow are forbidden to use the magics he has there.
• He also mentioned the Night Mother and a reanimated dragon.

Report Date

12 Aug 2019

Original Disclaimer: Written from Rell’s PoV and any opinions on character’s or npcs are her own and may not be a true reflection of a character’s intended actions or intentions. Any missing content is due to Rell’s selective hearing or poor memory. Although I have attempted to keep information on Rell to a minimum, please note that you may read some content/opinions that aren’t common knowledge to your own characters and therefore it should not influence your interactions with her.

Additional Disclaimer: This article is ported frpm old blogspot articles for reference, and pertinent bullets and dates added to timelines.