Yurhari Returns

The rumble of an avalanche echoes throughout the peaks, causing the ground to tremble.

Saraskuas has arrived.
Yendri steadies herself, peering about.

Saraskuas nods.
Calias has arrived.

Calias bows before Ralia.

Calias leaves down.

The ground jolts and rumbles once more, before falling still. The air hangs pensive.

You tell the group, in arcane, 'Now. These tremo--'

Saraskuas whispers 'It did it again..'

Yendri nods slightly, leaning down.

Yendri puts her hand on the ground, feeling for further movement.

Suddenly, a jagged tear scars the night sky, rending it open like a wound, high above and to the west!

Ilae frowns slightly, flapping her wings to hover a few feet above the ground.

Only faintly visible, a lone figure hurtles forth from the scar, dropping toward the earth at a frightening speed.

Ilae tells the group '..The Halls..'

Silently, the scar above closes, leaving no trace of its presence.

Someone tells the group 'Shall we go see this figure?'

[SHUNNED] someone: High Priest!

[SHUNNED] Yendri: Hail, Priest. Your presence is found in the Halls?

/*no, duh. he's here:*/
The Mountain Overlook
  A rocky ledge juts from between two mountain peaks, overlooking the
foothills.  From this vantage point, the Brintor and Earendam roads are
clearly visible, sprawling lines etched in the trees of the foothills.  The
cold mountain air whips around you, and high overhead an eagle circles.  

[Exits: north]
(Translucent) Yurhari the aelin is here.
Ilae has arrived.
Someone has arrived.

Before you hovers a vaguely aelin figure, its frame thin yet well-toned. 
Thin strands of chestnut hair dangle limply about the coarse leathery skin
of its face, the surface of which is covered in a strange, dense matrix of
throbbing blood vessels.  Upon this face two pupilless eyes simmer, their
surfaces seemingly comprised entirely of blackened quicksilver, swirling
slowly as though stirred by some unknown, malefic force.  Beneath a raptor's
nose, two pale lips lie in a faint grin, accentuating both its sharp
cheekbones and the subtler creases and folds of its cheeks and chin.  Behind
him, a pair of enormous, veinous black wings erupt harshly, their skin so
thin at places at to apprear almost translucent, save the unsettlingly
otherworldly red of the vessels which traverse them.  Its clothes hang
loosely about its body, softly rustling in time with the rhythmic beating of
its wings.  
Yurhari has some big nasty wounds and scratches.

Yurhari is using:
<held>              (Glowing) (Humming) a runed staff of blackened wood
<floating nearby>   the skull of the demilich Vila

curtsey yurhari
You curtsey to it.

Someone gasps.

The skull of the demilich Vila says, '..Do you hear that? ..No.. of course you don't..'

Yurhari lies motionless upon the cold stone.

Ralia's eye slowly drifts over Yurhari's figure.

Yendri opens her mouth to speak, but does not.

Ilae looks down on Yurhari's form, brow knit.

Slowly, as though great effort were required, Yurhari opens his eyes to face those assembled.

Yurhari sits up, legs crossed beneath him.

Yurhari coughs, then rasps 'I am still my Will, if nothing more.'

Suddenly, Yurhari's form spasms violently.

Ilae asks quietly, furtively 'You.. are well?'

Yurhari buckles over, retching loudly.

Ralia says simply, in aelin, 'E aledya ratesil nothing less, Aen High Raerar.'

The skull of the demilich Vila says, 'Do I miss the pleasures of the flesh? Yes.. almost as much as the pains.'

As Yurhari coughs, a thick black ichor flows forth from its mouth.

Yurhari looks down, wiping his lips with the back of his hand.

Yendri stands her ground, leaning forward to inspect the ichor.

Steadying itself with its staff, Yurhari pulls itself to its feet.

Yurhari states coldly, his voice wavering only slightly 'I had dared to dream of the dark gods... but instead,'

Yurhari coughs again, then concludes '...I fear they have dreamt of me.'

Yurhari gets a heart from the corpse of the phase spider from a deerskin pack.

Yendri stands up, wiping a bit of the ichor from her fingers on her armor, eyeless gaze transfixed upon Yurhari.

Yurhari examines the heart carefully, then returns its gaze to those assembled.

Yurhari squints tightly, examining each of you in turn.

Yurhari asks, after a moment 's hesitation' My Coven?'

Ilae nods simply.

Ralia says slowly, in aelin, 'Of course, Aen Rer Priest.'

Yendri inquires, voice soft, 'My Lord?'

Yurhari coughs again, turning to vomit once again.

You think 'Such exquisite pain.'

The kakrisc worm skitters up Saraskuas's side to perch on their shoulder.

Yurhari muses, still facing away 'Nothing more painful than a Fall.'

Yurhari grips its staff tightly, standing upright again.

Yendri smirks slightly.

Yurhari looks at the heart in his hands, then inhales deeply.

Yurhari bites into the heart's flesh, tearing at it violently.

Yurhari pauses to swallow, then asks 'And how fares the Coven?'

Ralia murmurs, her eyes transfixed on the heart, in srryn, 'So... snoyhr iyahihareel.'

Ralia clears her throat, and her eyes refocus. 'It fares.  Awaiting your return.'

Yurhari nods carefully.

Yurhari suggests 'Let us take flight to the halls, then.'

Ralia offers 'Yes, let us.'

You beckon for Yurhari to follow.

Yendri offers Yurhari to follow her, saying, 'If you would, Archmagus.'

Yurhari now follows you.

Yurhari joins your group.

/*walk to the halls*/
Yendri nods to Yurhari.

Yurhari nods coldly.

Yurhari settles into the seat.

Yurhari sits down in a chair emblazoned with the dragon rune.

Yurhari notes 'It seems that I hunger.'

You give a dish of nightingale tongues and tamarin hearts sauteed in wine to Yurhari.

Yurhari looks at the dish, then sighs deeply.

Yurhari remarks 'This will not sustain my form, Yendri.'

Yurhari adds 'Though the gesture, of course, is well-received.'

Ralia sits down in a chair emblazoned with the mark of the siren.

Yendri nods slightly, offering 'The feasting halls shan't suffice either, I assume.'

Someone gets a heart from the corpse of the black yaril from a Robe of Fire and Void.

Someone gives a heart from the corpse of the black yaril to Yurhari.

Ilae asks 'What, then, do you require?'

Ilae gets a bowl of juicy, hand-peeled grapes from a patchwork robe.

Ilae eats a bowl of juicy, hand-peeled grapes.

Yurhari states 'A fresh heart.'

Yurhari coughs, though near-silently.

Ilae nods slightly.

Yurhari stands slowly to his feet.

Someone asks 'Will that suffice, sire?'

Yurhari states 'Might we outward, to obtain such?'

Yendri inquires, 'A heart of which type would you prefer, High Priest?'

The skull of the demilich Vila says, 'A man? Yes... Yes... I was once a man.'

Yurhari looks around slowly, indicating 'Any. But it must be fresh.'

You nod at Yurhari.

Ilae asks 'Would you wish a cloak or vestment to cover yourself, High Priest?'

Yurhari responds 'If you would, Lady Ilae. It would be appreciated.'

Yurhari states 'Something simple, until I might be fed.'

Ilae gets something from a brazier of burning darkness.

Ilae hands the folded cloak to Yurhari.

Yendri offers, 'To the village, then?'

Yurhari looks around, unable to focus on the clothing.

Someone fades into existence.

Yurhari states 'Let us see to sustenance, and presently.'

Ilae asks 'You cannot see it.. if you would allow yourself to?'
Yurhari indicates 'Let us acquire a number, that we might continue.'

You nod at Yurhari.

/*go get a b0nch of hearts*/

Yurhari inverts a water flask, spilling water all over the ground.

Yurhari steps north.

Yurhari remarks Much has transpired, I presume.

Yurhari beckons 'Tell me, in brief, of what has come to pass herein.'

You tell Ilae 'Do you wish to speak'

You tell Ilae '...?'

Ilae tells you 'I do.'

Ralia motions to the chair emblazoned with the Sigil of Logor. 'It seems our dear Azithalaju had somewhat of a penchant for that chair.'

Ralia addendums 'Not... an hour after your departure, he did seat himself upon it, for the Initiate Ilae and I to witness.'

Yendri nods in silent agreement with Ralia.

Ilae nods in agreement with Ralia 'He has not shown himself since.'

Yurhari's eyes grow darker.

Yurhari grips the runed staff more tightly, twisting it in his hands.

Yurhari remarks 'I see.'

Ralia says, with a cold smile, 'I knew you would be delighted to hear of it, Lord High Priest.'

Yurhari asks 'What further?'

Ilae comments 'The initate Sirtia has proven most reluctant in performing her duties.'

Yendri nods to Ilae. 'Lady Ilae shall speak on Sirtia's progress.'

Yendri sets her lips in a firm line.

Saraskuas nods in agreement with Ilae.

Yurhari nods, noting this remark in silence.

Yurhari beckons 'Provide an example.'

The skull of the demilich Vila says, 'Having your flesh peeled off of your bones is a marvelously enlightening experience.'

Ilae notes 'Saraskuas and myself had to call down her oaths for her to participate in an assault against the Tower.'

Yurhari asks 'What were her objections?'

Ilae continues 'She mocked to sense of such a manuever, and questioned our motives for attempting it.'

Yurhari asks further 'And what were your motives, Lady Ilae?'

Yendri mutters softly, gripping her blades tight, 'Deficient in her duties even toward the blind.'

Ilae states simply 'To empty the vault that they should not have the capacity to re-arm themselves.'

Yurhari remarks 'Simple enough. Very well. The issue is noted, and shall be dealt with.'

Yurhari asks 'There have been no successes, then? Only failures?'

Ralia says simply 'Her disobedience to the well-being of the Collective has been seen by us all.  I, for one, have seen no successes, Lord High Priest.'

Yendri loosens her grip upon her blades slightly, 'The templar Syrdan offers his soul to the Eternal. Numerous times.'

Ilae shakes her head 'Many of those who would tresspass against the Collective have been slain, High Priest.'

Ilae says 'By our hands or those of hired blades.'

Yurhari nods coolly, noting all of this.

Yendri states, in a buisnesslike tone, nodding to Ilae, 'Or flee the realm with fear.'

Ilae says 'We still retain dominance over this sphere. One of the few remaining Champions was recently felled and none other can oppose us.'

Ilae clarifies 'No other house can.'

Ralia says, with a slow, wry smile, 'Also, I have heard of a bit of... crippling... to the Canyon.'

Yurhari nods slwoly.

Yendri states, chuckling, 'The Raiders have a plague of worms to deal with.'

Yurhari turns to Ralia, asking 'Aye?'

You nod at Ralia.

Yurhari chuckles softly, nodding.

Ralia says simply 'I have heard that they have already claimed at least one Raider victim.'

Yendri nods, echoing, 'At least.'

Yurhari remarks distantly 'Very well. Let them fall, then.'

Ralia crosses her legs slowly, before laughing to herself, 'Corus.  Mmph.'

Yendri's group:
[51 Wat] Ralia             811/ 811 hp  354/ 354 mana  400/ 400 mv 519975 xp
[51 Sch] Yurhari           800/ 800 hp  992/ 992 mana  406/ 406 mv 525770 xp
[51 Tem] Ilae              986/ 986 hp  787/ 787 mana  400/ 400 mv 520007 xp
[51 Sch] Saraskuas         856/ 856 hp 1270/1270 mana  440/ 440 mv 519440 xp
[51 Swo] Yendri           1081/1081 hp 1016/1016 mana  380/ 380 mv 518546 xp

Yurhari indicates 'I have little further to deliver at this time, dear Coven.'

Yurhari states 'If any others would speak further, they may. If not, you are free to do as you please.'

Yurhari eats a heart from the corpse of a goat.

Yendri states simply 'Those who trespass against us are Bloodmarked and slain for their crimes. Such is the only other information I have to relate.'

Yurhari remarks 'I am certain the coming days will find my further queries answered.'

Yurhari indicates 'There is much that must be attended, to be sure.'

Ralia tells you 'A curious word to use.  Do I dare ask who told it to you?'

You tell Ralia 'Archmagus Saraskuas was the first to use it, as I heard.'

Yurhari states 'I have gained much insight in my period Apart. Much of this shall be applied here, for our benefit.'

Ilae asks after a silence 'What.. occured.. to change your physical form so?'

Ralia tells you 'Only the Vanguard has the place to name a mark of blood.  Do understand this.'

Yurhari cautions 'The benefit to the Whole shall be not without pain for certain individuals, however.'

Ralia tells you '... the Pentagram has no place allowing it pass their lips.'

Yurhari remarks coldly 'In respects, I fear the vine is overburdened, and must be pruned.'

You tell Ralia 'Aye, Lady Siren. I shall speak with Archmagus Saraskuas as soon as I can.'

Yurhari states 'I leave you with that. Go with Clarity, always.'

Yendri puts her blade to her face, bowing in a deep salute to Yurhari.

/*go to dining hall*/

Saraskuas nods politely.

You close the door.

Yendri shakes her head a bit. 'His form now. More beautiful than before. His stories... I long to hear them.'

Ilae has arrived.

Yendri turns to Ilae, asking 'He speaks not of his form?'

Ilae confirms 'He does not.'

Yendri sighs, turning to Saraskuas.

Ilae comments 'They speak now.'

Yendri states flatly, 'You have been asked not to use the term "Bloodmark," ever now or in the future.'

Ilae asks 'By whom?'

Yendri turns to Ilae, saying 'As for you. The Mark of Blood is for the use of the Vanguard alone.'

Yendri states flatly, 'The Lady Siren.'

Ilae arches a brow.

The kakrisc worm skitters up Saraskuas's side to perch on their shoulder.

Ilae asks 'She wishes to limit my speech..? What gain is there in that?'

Yendri shrugs a bit, admitting, 'I was unaware of this proscription, as well. The lady Siren told me of it just now.'

Yendri shakes her head, 'As Lord Seneston has told me, the Mark of Blood is a serious matter. It is reserved for those 
who do more than simply seek our possessions.'

Ilae says flatly 'I shall ask of the High Priest.'

Saraskuas intones 'A well idea.'

Saraskuas says quietly 'I do not see how cutting ones vocabularly matters a wit.'

Yendri shakes her head, 'If you wish to speak with Him, then do so. I simply relay the words of the Lady.'

Ilae says 'I ask.'

Ilae says simply 'The High Priest says Council has not reached a decision upon the matter, but to speak as I wish in the meantime.'

Saraskuas nods.

Ilae smiles thinly, coldly.

Yendri says, understanding, 'I see.'

Saraskuas yawns.

Saraskuas states 'Their is one of the bloodmarked, yet to fall.'

Saraskuas intones 'Ethiras.'

You tell Ralia 'The High Priest seems to have differing opinions on you for the use of the term "Bloodmark". Or at least lady
 Ilae claims him to be.'

Ilae says simply 'He will die, in time.'

Saraskuas nods agreeingly.

Yendri shakes her head, 'Falling once is not the fate of the bloodmarked. Falling for eternity... _that_ is their penance.'

Ralia tells you 'It remains for discussion between the High Priest and myself.  There is no need for its use until such is settled.  I do hope you understand.'

You tell Ralia 'I understand wholly, Lady Siren. I simply fear that those of the Pentagram do not.'

Ilae comments 'And so shall he die again and again.'

Ralia tells you 'I suppose they shall have to understand.'

Yendri grins wickedly, 'Excellent. I have news of his falling, from that young Watcher. He could be lying, however.'

Yendri shrugs slightly.

Saraskuas states quietly 'It will be seen, in time.'

Saraskuas eats a cake of Nendorin waybread.

Yendri grips her blade tightly, 'That it shall.'

Yendri casts her gaze to the door, whispering, 'I do wonder of what they converse.'

Yurhari has arrived.

Saraskuas nods.

Yurhari nods silently.

Yendri pulls out a chair, offering it to Yurhari.

You are Yendri the Swordmaster Heroine, level 51  (170 hours).
You are 40 years old, middle-aged female shuddeni swordmaster.
You were born at 10 o'clock am, Lyrensday, 5th day of Kyanamir.
You have 1081/1081 hit, 1016/1016 mana, 380/380 movement.
You have 0 practices and 0 training sessions.
You are carrying 32/118 items with weight 187/307 pounds.
Str: 17(17)  Int: 24(24)  Wis: 23(23)  Dex: 22(22)  Con: 16(16)   Chr: 17(17)
You have scored 518546 exp, 5527 ep, and have 3351 gold coins.
Wimpy set to 150 hit points.
You are resting.
Armor: pierce: -176  bash: -174  slash: -177  magic: -152
You are divinely armored against piercing.
You are divinely armored against bashing.
You are divinely armored against slashing.
You are divinely armored against magic.
Hitroll: 32  Damroll: 27.
You are the embodiment of pure evil!
Your ethos is neutral.

Ilae nods to Yurhari, respectfully.

Yurhari nods formally, then takes his seat.

Saraskuas sits slowly.

Yurhari requests 'Lady Ilae, if you would be so kind as to take your leave for a time?'

Ilae seats herself primly.

Ilae rises.

Ilae nods respectfully, leaving.

Yurhari explains 'A matter of the Pentagram's has arisen.'

Ilae stands up.

Yurhari pauses.

Yurhari says 'Wait.'

Ilae says '..Yes?'

Yendri stands up from her seat.

Yurhari shakes his head clear, then corrects himself 'Lady Yendri.'

You nod at Yurhari.

Ilae reseats herself.

Yurhari apologizes 'My tongue has been loosened. Forgive me.'

<1081/1081 1016/1016 380/380 $3351 23424xtl> open n

Yurhari nods at you.

Ralia the aelin is sitting in a chair emblazoned with the mark of the siren.

You snap to attention, sharply saluting Ralia.

Yendri relaxes, then shakes her head. 'They seem resolute.'

Ralia says, with a simple shrug, 'We of matters martial name enemies in matters martial.'

Yendri scoffs, 'They fail to see how "changing their vocabulary" will accomplish anything.'

Yendri nods agreeingly, 'Indeed.'

Ralia says, with a slight shrug, 'The decision of the High Priest shall be shortly.  Prohibition, until that time, seems more 
than reasonable.'

Yendri states simply. 'I see.'

Yendri gazes toward the southern hallway.

Yendri shrugs slightly, as if disinterested.

Ralia says softly 'I have heard you do show yourself improved yet further.'

Ralia allows a smile, before saying 'It does us well to know it.'

Yendri puts her head down, saying humbly, 'I study the mind, strategy, quite deeply. I thank you for noticing, Lady Siren.'

Ralia touches her fingers to your brow. 'It does us well to know it.'

Yendri turns her gaze to Ralia, giving a slight dip of her head.

In a deft and graceful movement, Ralia returns her supine back to press against her chair.

Yendri motions to her cloak, 'I trust the templar Calias has spoken to you on this subject?'

Ralia nods in affirmation, murmuring 'Indeed.  I heard... quite an earfull.'

Yendri arches a brow, inquiring, 'I trust I shall be able to keep it, regardless?'

Ralia says, with a light-sounding chuckle, 'I see no reason why you should not have it.'

Yendri smirks, 'Thank you, Lady Siren.'

Yendri adds, a small smile upon her face, 'It serves myself quite well.'

Yurhari tells you 'Lady Yendri, a favor?'

Ralia says, with a slight nod of her soft-skinned chin, 'I am glad to hear it.'

You tell Yurhari 'Yes, Lord?'

Yurhari tells you 'It seems my stores of food do draw close to empty.'

You tell Yurhari 'I shall attain more.'

Yurhari tells you 'If you could provide a few, no matter where they come from, it would be well appreciated.'

Yendri smiles slightly. 'I am called to duty.'

You tell Yurhari 'I go.'

You snap to attention, sharply saluting Ralia.

/*go kill 197097201750175 goats */

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