2023.12.28 Through the Mist and Fryse

Through the Mist and Fryse
The long-awaited meeting after the Solstice and Eil's short escapade finally brings Fryse face to face with the Baroness and her Knight... awaited answers mixed with pain
IC Date	2023.12.28
IC Time	Afternoon
Players	Eirlys, Zeller, Miranda, Alicia
Location	Barony of Divertimento Dithyramb Dance - Capricorn Glade - Clearing
Spheres	Changeling

It's a frosty Winter day here in the picturesque glade, the solstice only having just passed and the heat of the frigid season rapidly setting in. The heart of the Barony, the weather heralds a very important meeting Baroness Mererid has arranged on behalf of the worried Sapphiris. The sharp chill in the air reflects the tension of the moment as the Baroness and her sowrn Knight stand exactly on time and at the ready as Sidhe are want to do. It's not too long, though, before Sapphiris, Eirlys, and Zeller all arrive together. Sapphiris is the first to offer greetings, giving the Sidhe a courtsy. "Greetings, Baroness Mererid, Lady Sealgaira... thank you for hearing my request. I've been leaving this matter mostly up to you and your retainer's expertise, but I'm simply too worried to not be here this time." Eirlys, next to her, is looking surprisingly well considering. She has a new outfit, her hair is done up and braided, and new jewelry binds her wild hair back, tips those braids, and hangs from her ears. Seems Sapphiris ensured she'd look good for this meeting. Eil herself follows suit in Sapphiris' greetings after a short delay, her speech soft. `Yes, greetings Baroness. And greetings my... Lady Sealgaira. I told you I'd come back, see?` She gives a slight smile, but her apprehension is worn plain on her face.

Miranda has not had a chance to meet up with Sealgaira to get her side in all of this, but she wears the face of concern. "Lady Sapphiris, I thank you for bringing this to my attention. I'm quite concerned for your foster, and the situation as a whole. I have grave concerns here, and hope that between us all, we can get to the bottom of this. I've even heard from one of the other Barons, and the County as a whole is feeling this." She looks to Eirlys and then Alicia. "I'd very much like to hear from all of you, as I've only heard bits and pieces. Everyone shall be given a chance to speak their piece, and there /will/ be peace, time, and attention given to each." She says this in an even, yet firm tone. Miranda also gives a nod to Zeller, knowing only bits of how he is involved, but another perspective is welcome. "Now who would like to start?"

As befitting her station, Sealgaira waits until after baroness Mereid speaks to greets Iris and Eirlys. "It's good to see you both." She's in her armor, like always, though the lack of gauntlets and helm, with fine silks over most of the plate an open sign that she is not expecting, or wanting, combat.

Zeller offers bows to both the Baroness and the knight. "Baroness Mererid.. Dame Sealgaira." He is wearing his usual leather garb, but has a heavy black cloak over the top of it all to provide some protection from the cold. His manner seems cautious, but confident. "I feel that we all want the same thing here. And I feel like none of us truly have all of the information here. The priority here, as I see it, is the safety of everyone in baronies and we all need to work together to ensure that happens. The monster hunting Eirlys is the greatest threat we face. And that monster's name is Veturotta."

Sapphiris lets out a long sigh, arms crossed over her chest as she glances to Eirlys. "I have only heard thirdhand info--what Eirlys has told me that she herself learned secondhand. She tells me Zeller has been with this... alternate self... of hers multiple times, and he is the one that convinced her to come back despite her fears." Eil listens, nodding slightly, eyes trailing away. `Yeah... he deserves props for that, but as you can see, he knows some things himself. It's goddamn horrible blacking out and only being able to find information about -myself- secondhand, not being able to be a reliable source even though my nature is to reveal absolutely everything I can. So... I figured it'd be good to have both him and Lady Sealgaira here. You two can compare and contrast with what we know, and then... well, I can give you another chance to talk to this... Fryse. I'm not entirelys ure why you did what you did last time, but I guess it doesn't matter now... I can only hope it goes better now. And Zeller's right, the -thing- that's hunting me is him. I'll let them talk about what they've seen.`

Miranda holds up a hand, "Let me get this straight. There is a second personality, identity, that takes over for Eirlys at times? Do we know the trigger? And we have a monster? Do we know what kind of monster this Veturotta is? I've been told that Jester knows things, and he was not willing to give up more than just hints and even then, tensions always seem to rise. I think we all need some real answers without threats." She looks to Sealgaira, "Is it true that you tried to chimerically kill Eirlys? How about you start and share what happened, as you have not said a word to me since you were seeking permission to kill a mortal for their entrails." Which from her tone was obviously denied.

"There is a second personality, that seems to appear whenever Eirlys uses sculpt," Sealgaira says. "I had to discover this; this alternate, called Fyrse did not volunteer her existence, even to me. I arranged for Kieran and Sark to be there when I questioned Fryse. However, as soon as I tried to use Sovereign to question Fryse, she used Winter immediately to counter my Dictum command to tell the truth, showing herself to be completely untrustworthy. I couldn't believe a word she said. However, she admitted to being in a pact with a Thallain. If that was the lie, then I had to wonder what dark truth was hidden. Not knowing if Fryse was hostile, or attempting something nefarious, I told Kieran to kill Fryse chimerically. Kieran did not. Rather she unleashed to dispel Fryse's armor." Sealgaira crosses her arms. "We don't know if there's a monster. If there is, we don't know if its named Veturotta. We don't know much of anything. However, after that incident, Eirlys decided to leave my apartment and go off on her own."

"I don't know..." Zeller says quietly. "... I don't think Fryse and Eirlys are necessarily different entities or just different aspects of the same. Veturotta is the thallain that Fryse spoke of. Fryse protects Eirlys from the knowledge of all this so she can remain ...hidden... I think." He sighs and shakes his head. "Fryse has never shown any signs of aggressions towards me... and I feel we have a mutual level of respect, even friendship, so I may not be the best judge of their character. And just because Fryse used Winter to counteract a spells used against it in the first place doesn't mean they are untrustworthy. Winter is necessary. There is beauty there." he gestures towards the snow falling all around. "I think maybe talking to Fryse yourselves and ...treating them with dignity and reapect might yield better results."

Eil is fully looking away now, clearly troubled by the way she holds herself closed off. `I... you all know I'm new to this, been only a few months now. I get where Alicia is coming from, I mean, finding the truth and reporting it accurately is literally my profession. To tell if something was a lie, you only had your gut and the power of ingenuity... cross referencing, comparing sources, investigating evidence. I don't know where I'm going with this, but I think what Zeller said is right. Respect seems to be what Fryse's after, and revoking someone's will is about as disrespectful as it gets in most cirumstances, I'd say. But... things ARE fishy. Is there not another way to do it without needing Sovereign? I've been doing a lot of reading on magic in the Snowfang Mystic's Retreat and it seems there's also the Art of Contract that could work. Make a deal to speak with mutual truth for this encounter somethin' like that... I just don't want to wake up like I did last time. It was awful.` Her eyes look back between the others, breathing quickening in anxiousness. `Ugh, I HATE being afraid. Sealgaira is right about the sculpt thing, though she left out the fact it only seems to happen when I try to make armor for myself. There's something else, too though... when I use the strongest Art of Metamorphosis, it seems to happen as well. I think Fryse's got a... preferred form, and using that makes it come out. Zeller described it as "terrifyingly beautiful".` She stops, reaching into the bag she carries to pull out what seems to be a piece of parchment. `And one more thing... since I can't remember what happens with her, she's started leaving me notes. That's how I knew about the whole... trying to kill me thing before. She left me one from the last time she came out with Zeller with two phrases on it. One for bringing her out, and another for... giving me strength if I'm in danger. If I had to guess, that one would bring out that form Zeller has seen.`

Miranda agrees, "While I know that Sealgaira is searching for the truth and to protect us all, especially Eirlys from whatever is happening to herself, the immediate jump to arms and Sovereign is not always the best choice here. I think the situation is getting further out of hand and we need to set aside the feelings that are enflaming our passions..." she looks to Sealgaira and then to Zeller before looking to Eirlys and then giving a nod to Sapphiris "...breathe, and get a better game plan. It did not work with Jester, it obviously did not work with Fryse either. I do like the idea to use Contract, to bind both fae in this case so that answers can be found out here. Now if there is something far stronger that does involve a Thallain, I think we will get some confirmation out of this." A look again to Sealgaira, "The use of Winter against you? It certainly could be a natural reflexive defense. We already have what is this other part of Eirlys, Fryse, that is protecting her. I think so long as we do not use something that is an obvious offensive maneuver, we may be able to lure out the information we seek."

The knight looks to Miranda. "Eirlys speaks of respect. Respect, like living in my flat for months and staying hidden. Respect, like manipulating me, thinking that she was Eirlys. That kind of respect? At every turn Fyrse has proved to be devious, underhanded, disrepectful, and untrustworthy." Sealgaira points to Zeller. "Any of the information he got from Fryse, also suspect. And I strongly suggest that we burn that parchment. Trust is earned, and so far Fryse has done her best to earn a negative balance in that regard."

"You don't think Eirlys has committed that phrase to memory already? Burning that will do no good and even suggesting it just adds tension to a situation that doesn't need anymore. I agree that my perspective may be skewed and that's why I suggest we talk to Fryse with all of us here. Maybe it's time to admit that your perspective is also skewed, set it aside and move forward with the goal of protecting these Baronies and our friends from a potential thallain attack." Zeller sighs heavily. "Look I know I'm new here. I don't know the history, or the relationships involved, but I do know that the people who have helped me, and shown me kindness may be in trouble and I will do anything to protect them."

Eil raises a hand to her chin in thought. `The Baroness' idea of the defense mechanism makes a whole lotta sense. If she can remember everything I remember, it's not like pretending to be me is any kind of spying attempt. The only thing that pretending to be me would do is protect her... and from what Jester said the last time we all were here, it seems there's information that in of itself is dangerous, so it makes sense.` She sighs, gaze fixing onto the Knight. `I... get why you're feeling angry. The only thing to do now is check to see if she's indeed been truthful with us. That'll tell us if she really is underhanded and manipulative or not, won't it? If you or the Baroness know the Contract Art, then we can do just that... right now. And Z's right, I do know the phrases. They aren't complex, so... getting her out is just a few words away, from what she wrote.`

Miranda turns toward Sealgaira, "Do I trust Fryse? I have not met her. But I have seen you and Eirlys together, and the bond, connection, passion? This is why your heart is hurt because you love her so much and your passions fire hot. I have to say though, while Fryse may have been hiding from you, I do not think that she was the one present most of the time you spent with Eirlys. She may know of it, but it wasn't her. I think we should get these answers, but if you wish I will perform the contract. So you can watch closely. Unless you really wish to do this yourself, and seek the truth and feel if she is lying or not. If you do? Then you need to give it a chance and not go immeditately to arms." Another nod to Zeller, "I feel like there is something more here between you and Fryse, but that you have stepped in to help and be a calmer voice in it all is appreciated."

Sealgaira looks between the group, focusing mostly on Eirlys. Her jaw is clenched, fury burning through her eyes. She turns to Mereid. "If you wish to determine the truth, my lady, then I will leave you to it. Let me know when you are satisfied. I'll be in the Gazebo, by your leave?"

"Dame Sealgaira..." Zeller frowns. "I really feel you should be here to provide balance to the situation. You know Eirlys better than any of us. She can't help that she didn't tell you what she herself didn't know... Please?"

Eirlys' face grows redder, though not with embarassment, but sadness. Her eyes shine as they take on a watery sheen. `I... I don't understand. I know she makes you livid, but I -need- you. When she's there, do you not see me at all? It's my body... I'm still in it, somewhere.` She steps forwards, slowly, reaching out a hand to the Knight. `Please, if not for anything else... do this for me. You do know me better than anyone. You know better what to ask, I know you do... and I know you can do it without resorting to violent acts. I didn't fall in love with someone who's only a killer.`

Miranda closes her eyes and sighs lightly, "You know me, Sealgaira. You know I am fair, hard working, and honest. You are more than a Knight sworn to my household, you are a trusted friend. I would of course allow you to take your leave, but I beg of you to reconsider. You may be second guessing yourself right now, and all that has transpired between you and Eirlys. Of anyone else here? You are needed the most as you know her so intimately. Yes, you are questioning all of that, but search your heart. Really, search and look into it. You love her. You love your fuzzy goat." That sounds so weird for her to say, but she's heard that from them before. "Your heart is aching, which is a trademark of House Fiona. You need to use that for the betterment here. You are a sworn Knight to me, and I ask you, please stay and do your duty. We need you to find the break through."

"She tried to use me. To manipulate me. Fryse told me that she had a dream where I killed her, left her bleeding in the snow," Sealgaira says, to no one and everyone. "Was it she that uttered my name that night?" This, the knight addresses to Eirlys. "I've been . . . played. What if Zeller tells the truth? If Fryse and Eirlys are the same?" Tears fall from Sealgaira's eyes. "Was any of it real? Or just manipulation."

Zeller purses his lips and takes a step back. "I didn't mean... " he mutters, but hushes himself to let the interaction play out.

`I LOVE you.` Eil yells, plainly, taking Sealgaira's hand in hers. She stares at the Knight, her own tears falling. `I did that, that was ME... those memories are fuzzy, but I have them. Nothing can take them away. I can't keep secrets, I spout stuff even when it's wholly inapprioriate and gets me into trouble. We... we can do this. You and me... whatever me really means, whatever's in my body or my soul or I don't goddamn know what else. We'll find out, here... make an agreement to be open and honest with eachother... know once and for all.`

Miranda offers again, "I can cast the cantrip, or you can, Knight Sealgaira. I have a feeling that you really want the answers here yourself, and while your passions and fears are trying to overtake you, this is very important and you need this more. You need to know this so much that it will be worse if you do not."

Sealgaira squeezes Eirlys's hand tight, closing her eyes to merely nod. She doesn't trust herself to speak right now.

Zeller sighs heavily, "Alright then." He nods at all the assembled and then at fouses his gaze on the Baroness and Eirlys.

EIl gives Sealgaira a kiss on the cheek before finally pulling away from her and the others. `Sine we don't know what Fryse's relationship is with me, I'll... go ahead and bring her out fo she can be the one to make the agreement. If you really can remember everything I can, Fryse, then please... let's just get this over with. And I really, really want to wake up somewhere nice this time, okay?` She says, directed towards the others. A few long seconds of silence pass as the wind blows her voile around... then she finally speaks again. `Fryse, I need you to come out.` And then, as soon as that final syllable passes her lips, the icy Glamour begins to flow around her. Her dark eyes watch wide as ice crystallizes around her body--first crude, then refinining itself into a primal-yet-cleverly-crafted set of spiky, frozen armor. As the spikes and icy chainmail hanging between plates finalize themselves, her hung head lifts up once more. She closes her eyes, letting out a misty breath, then opens them once more. 'I... am sorry these are the circumstances in which we meet, but regardless... it is nice to finally meet the leaders here. Greetings Baroness Mererid, I am Fryse... as you know. But I think it's wise to make our agreement, all of us, for mutual truthfulness while we're in this glade... before I speak anymore.' Her voice, despite using the same body, is deeper... suave and firm at once. The difference is clear in her mannerisms--this Fryse isn't hiding it.

Miranda nods to Fryse, after watching the transformation and interaction with Sealgaira, "Thank you for coming out to meet with us, Fryse. I understand there is quite a lot that has happened now and in the past. Let's get to the bottom of this." She stands tall and takes off a ring she has been wearing. She holds it up between her fingers, "I offer a contract between the two of us. Fryse must tell the truth, not lie, and not omit information when asked. With my word, if Fryse upholds this while being questioned, then she will remain safe from any physical and chimerical harm while in my care inside the Capricorn Glade." With that she hands the ring over to Fryse to take should she agree. "By taking this ring, it will seal our contract."

Miranda loses one Willpower
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======---> Miranda rolls Contract + Fae vs 6 for 1 successes. 1 2 3 3 4 4 +8 10 <-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

Sealgaira takes a step away from Fryse, her hand going to her sword. There is unbridled fury in her eyes. But she remains silent.

"Fryse?" Zeller queries, taking a step back himself.

Fryse stares at the ring, eyes narrowing slightly in thought. After 10 or so seconds of this, a smile comes back upon her face. `It seems you make good deals, Baroness. I accept.` Then, as she utters those words, she takes the ring and places it upon her finger, smiling wider. `Now... before you ask me anything, I will say this: nothing I spoke to you on that Island, Sealgaira, was an untruth. I simply have suffered enough of my autonomy being taken away... more than enough.` With that said, Fryse's head cocks over to give Zeller a toothy grin. `I am glad she brought you, too. I have enjoyed our times together.`

Miranda looks between Fryse and Zeller, before looking back to Sealgaira. Moving that aside, "Good, now let's start. What are you protecting Eirlys from? What is the threat?" She keeps it simple to start this out with.

Sealgaira looks like she is going to snap at Fyrse, but Mereid speaks before the Fiona can. Instead, the knight turns her back to Fryse.

"Yeah... likewise..." Zeller agrees, but still looks slightly puzzled. His demeanor relaxes a bit, but his own hand floats towards his own sword unconsciously.

Fryse nods, stance relaxing despite the other's movements towards their weapons. `I am protecting her from the memories of her past life... more specifically what I have done and been forced to do... and what happened between Veturotta and the Fae now known as Eirlys. The threat is as Zeller said, Veturotta. The Archon of Winter, the Black Beast, the Beguiler and Betrayer... he has many names, for he has clung to life for centuries. A Thallain, a "Beastie" as you know it, one of the very first to escape their imprisonment... and thus one of the first to begin learning and carving a way for themselves as a Changeling. He is the type to trust no one but himself... did not work with any organizations back in my time, but I doubt he does now. What he does have, though, is minions in extreme measure. He loves nothing more than to crush and dominate those under his paws after he lures them into his traps.` She pauses for a moment. `And, I must tell you before you ask me this... be very careful who asks about what it specifically was that happened between Eirlys' past incarnation and Vetur. Jester was correct in his hint that it will hurt, for he likes to lay traps for those prodding into his business. So if you must ask... I recommending picking someone tough.`

Miranda aahs, "So with Eirlys' dream dance, her Chrysallis, you were reawakened within her. Due to what you did in your past, you have left yourself separated from Eirlys. This is a complicated mess, certainly something I'm sure this Thallain wanted to cause and played a long game." She considers all that is said, and what to ask next. "While this potential threat is quite important, we need something in good faith. You understand it is not easy to trust your word, as we do not know you outside of a few interactions that seemed suspect, and..." another pause as she gestures to Zeller "...how it seems you have gained another fae on your side, into some sort of relationship I cannot quite define yet. Whenever a Thallain could be involved, caution is needed. Above all we need to know how we can not fall into a trap ourselves."

Inside Sealgaira an inferno of emotions churns. Outside, she's unmoving, unspeaking. She still keeps her back to Fryse.

Zeller hangs his head a bit at the question, fearing the answer, but perks back up to listen all the same.

`Yes... I certainly understand. But I ask you to picture what it is like waking up to find centuries and centuries have passed... and having two decades of a new human life to immediately process through. New, new everything... so much, so quickly, all juxtaposed against my last hurrah of the life I suffered.` She sighs, glancing away and crossing her arms. `At first, I thought it better to just let things play out as they were... that's why I pretended to be her. Information, here, is dangerous after all... it did not yet seem like the right time. But, once the cat was out of the bag with you all... this is the best way I think to proceed.` She holds up the ring on her finger. `I apologize for the resistance earlier, it was simply due to my own proclivities. I have lived a very different life and served a very different purpose than even Eirlys' past self did.` `Though... I know for two of you, you know exactly what having to immediately adapt to being a random human, don't you?`

Miranda asks, "You pretended to be Eirlys. That in and of itself.. while I understand, it is also deceptive especially for the heart of those that love Eirlys." She looks to Sealgaira and then to Zeller before back to Fryse. "For some of use, it was no random human. But it was an integration, there was no deception from my own kind. We all must keep a different persona within the autumn, as no human will accept us for what we are truly. Some of us, like myself, the mists still cover the past. It would have been far kinder if they covered yours it sounds like." Again she looks to Sealgaira, and she puts a hand on her shoulder, "Lady Knight, I need you. Eirlys needs you. Please, say your peace here. Ask what you need to ask."

Sealgaira looks to the Baroness. She sets her jaw and turns around to face Fryse. "You will address me with due deference to my title and status as a noble," She says to the Satyr. "Where is Veturotta, and does he die to cold iron?" There is hate in her voice. There is contempt in her voice. There is rage in her voice. . . . There is sorrow in her voice.

Zeller shivers more from the iciness of Sealgaira's words than the actual cold. But he quirks an eyebrow as he waits for the answer.

`Perhaps my judgement was off... but I made my choice. I am simply glad to be able to make choices, more than anything. The Mist... perhaps you are right, but Vetur's magic is as old as he and I remain bound to him. I exist in a limbo outside the Changeling's normal cycle.` Fryse states with some manner of solemnity, eyes moving over to Sealgaira with a curious gaze before she nods. `Apologies, noble etiquette is something I never much got to practice... nor does Eirlys know much of it herself yet. But to answer your question, lady Sealgaira, I do not know where he is. I know where his territory is in the land now known as Iceland, but as to whether he is nearby and waiting with his other minions to snatch me up or if he is staying there and sending them out... I do not know. But yes... he is a Fae, whether we like it or not, and cold iron is our bane regardless.`

Miranda asks herself at this, "What of the deal you made with him. What did you get out of it? Or have you already broken it and thus he is looking for you? I keep hearing rumor of a potential threat, which makes me think for us to be in the state? That he is coming to collect from you. Thus we need to be ready for said attack lest we lose Eirlys and any that are around you."

"My lady, I will need your consent to wield cold iron," Sealgaira says to Mereid. Her voice sharply contrasts to how she spoke to Fryse. There's only determination and politeness as she addresses her liege. But then Sealgaira turns back to Fryse, and the hate and discontent returns. "One last question. When I kill this Thallain, will you go away?"

Zeller remains quiet and folds his arms across his chest.

Fryse stares dead into the eyes of the Baroness. `Because of our contract... I have to answer that question. But I will say that answering it will hurt, so if you wish for someone other than yourself to take the hurt, they had best ask it now so they're the most recent one to do so before I answer. But the second part... yes, he is definitely coming to collect. But only to collect -me-... anyone else will be collateral damage. I can nigh gaurantee there's minions waiting in the gaps between your protected lands waiting to strike... if they have not infiltrated already. Though... if that was largely the case, it probably would have already been over. So we must count ourselves lucky.` Then, lastly she turns to the Knight. Her own face curls in seriousness. `No. If -you- kill the Thallain, he wins. Our contract will stay in effect. He is oh so clever, predicted someone else trying to kill him to free me and ensured his plans would still go through if that were the case....`

Miranda will stand tall and state, "I may not be a knight, but this is my Freehold and my people. I do not shirk that duty and if that means pain, then I shall take it. Eirlys may not be in my household, but she is the love of my Knight, and I swore an oath to Sealgaira, which by virtue means I will do whatever is in my means to protect Eirlys as well." If someone else insists they can, but Mereid is not stepping down from this. "We need to know, and thus plan for how to protect Eirlys, and by proxy, you, Fryse, as a part of her. Not to mention this freehold, the County of Lion's Reach, and the Duchy of the Setting Sun."

"Baroness... If anyone should bear this burden, it is I," the knight says. She adds sorrowfully. "Fryse cannot hurt me any more than she already has." Sealgaira goes to stand in front of Mereid and looks towards Fryse. "I'm asking. Tell me, now."

Zeller would take that hit, but won't deny the request made by Dame Sealgaira, and so remains quiet, listening.

`You're asking? Well... let's see if the magic decides that's enough to target you rather than her.` Fryse clears her throat. `The deal was what created me... started everything. It was made through duress, trickery, and desperation... the Shattering, for our kind, was a time to cling onto whatever was left. Eirlys did not want to lose her cult, for if she did, she would surely be swept up into the devastation and rot in a frozen, hostile land.` Her eyes close, hand tapping impatiently as she thinks. `The deal... the contract. It is bound in information. he told us a phrase... a fragment of his True Name... that, when remembered, brings -me- out. Casting Winter magic upon myself... or using the pinnacle of the Metamorphosis art, the only thing other than Winter that is His true signature... makes Eirlys remember... and thus I come. Me... forced to be closer in nature to his own than what our kind should be. Me who is forced to be like the one I hate the most. And you know the worst part? As long as it's -me- who's out... he controls me, utterly. I have to obey his every command so long as they do not last longer than the next moonrise... but he always ensured I was right there to get another. And any time he could speak that phrase again, bring me out, force her to forget... for the memory of everything is tied up within me. She was none the wiser to the things he made us do.` She smiles... then laughs. `Oh... but what do I get out of it? Strength. Power. It is the reason why I am so strong of will, why my magic never seems to run out... why I could perform feats of strength Trolls would gawk at even with this frail body. Yet never could I use it against him as I so desperately craved....` As those words leave her lips, the chill in the air seems to grow ever worse... but only for a moment before it happens. Pain strikes Lady Sealgaira like the claws of an icy beast raked straight through her insides, muscles locking up as every bit of her robustness is focused upon not perishing then and there. Black fluid drips from her mouth, eyes, as an overhwhelming foreign magic pushes that WRONGNESS into her and sends her body in fits of trying to expel it. The magic leaves a frosty, merciless aura in its wake.

<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======---> Alicia rolls Stamina vs 7 for 1 successes. 2 3 6 +10 <-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============-------------> Alicia loses one Health Alicia loses one Health Alicia loses one Health Alicia loses one Health Alicia loses one Health

Miranda falls to the ground next to Sealgaira, "No!" She looks very concerned and is unsure what she can do for her pain struck friend. A concerned look to Zeller, before her eyes are back to Sealgaira. "My lady..." She has to pull herself together. "If we cannot kill him and stop this all from happening, then how can we stop this? There has to be a way!"

The knight falls to the ground with a clatter of plate armor, coughing up blood, her body broken. Unable to stand, Sealgaira reaches a hand towards Fryse to drag herself along the ground, singularly focused, trying to get close enough. "How do I kill you to get my Eirlys back?" Sealgaira asks with agony in her voice. Every part of her hurts. But spite, hatred gives her a last bit of energy.

Zeller grimaces and kneels down to see to Sealgaira as well, his mouth hangs open as he sees the wounds up close., and remains open as he witnesses Sealgaira's determination. "You told me we had to kill Veturotta to end this once and for all." He looks from Sealgaira to Fryse, what does happen to the two of you when we deal with Veturotta? However we do that..."

Fryse doesn't move from her position, simply watching the two kneel next to the Knight struck down by that great and terrible magic wracking her body. `You... you're still conscious. I have never seen anyone survive that so well... his magic is merciless. Perhaps it has waned over the ages... perhaps you really are that extrodinary. You have gained my respect.` She smiles still, for a moment, before it fades again. `You cannot kill me to get your Eirlys back. But there is indeed a way... and I did not lie to you, Zeller. We -do- have to kill him, but Eirlys has to be the one to deliver the killing blow. Then and only then will the contract be broken, will he lose. But I cannot hurt him... and in his presence, I am but a few words away from coming out. He is as clever as he is cruel.`

Miranda asks, "If he brings you out? Then how do we send you back? So Eirlys can do this? There must be a way? I have ideas for stopping him, but it will take us all I am sure."

"Can't talk if he doesn't have a tongue," Sealgaira says, laying on the ground, going limp. She can't manage much any more.

Zeller shakes his head, "But what happens to Eirlys when he is slain, and to you? Will you be free to choose a new body or will you and Eirlys merge?"

`You can't. If I'm out by his will... I'm stuck in front until the next moonrise. The tongue thing is a novel idea, but he could grow as many tongues as he wishes, I'm afraid. To outwit him is a nigh impossible task... and besides, it is not even necessary. You could simply kill him, and we could reap the benefits of the deal with none of the downsides. You know what brings me out, yes? So it's not like Eirlys is taken over by a wild force you cannot predict.` She pauses, kneeling down for the first time, looking with a frown. `And... yes, pertinent question, Zeller. I do not know what would happen if the contract were to be broken... there is no precedent here. I might cease to be completely... I might merge with her... or something far stranger. But the memories I hold, they would... I do not know how she would take it, should they not be erased. Some things are better left locked away, and I'm happy to do so.`

Miranda feels for them all. She has some strong thoughts now, and then says, "We shall find a way. Short of cutting out a tongue. There is another way, I have ideas, but need to research a bit. Until then we also need to see if we can find some way... to make the time work in OUR favor." She takes Sealgaira's hand, laying a hand on her shoulder/back whatever in her cumpled form. "This is unprecidented, but this is a problem we must solve and SOON. The Duchy is under threat, as are all fae with this.. beast still living. If it takes Eirlys only to kill it, then we shall make sure she strikes the killing blow. One way or another."

Alicia loses one Willpower Alicia loses one Magical Essence Alicia loses one Magical Essence Alicia gains one Magical Essence <---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======---> Alicia rolls 9 + Nightmare Dice vs 7 for 0 successes. 1 1 4 5 5 5 5 6 7 9 <-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============-------------> <---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======---> Alicia rolls 9 vs 8 for 0 successes. 1 4 4 5 5 6 7 7 8 <-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============-------------> Alicia gains one Magical Weakness

Sealgaira drags herself to her feet, slowly, one knee, then the other, then to stand on shaky legs. Blood is running out between her armor. The knight looks at the field around her. "Heal me!" she shouts to the Dreaming. A green glow starts around her hands, but sputters out, as Sealgaira crashes down to the ground, in worse shape than she was.

"Fuck... Dame Sealgaira!" Zeller drops to his knees to try and help the woman, but seems unsure of how. "Damn it." He tries to assist the woman to her feet.

As the afflicted Knight falls, her attempt to use the last of her strength to call all the Glamour she can muster to fix her horrid state failing against the strength of the echoes of Vetur's magic, Miranda asks of Zeller to help her in bringing the fallen Lady into the Gazebo and to the balefire. Fryse follows closely along, not heping, but not straying... staying at the distance she thinks they wish of her. Sapphiris, since silent during these troubling proceedings to give those in the know the precious time to talk, keeps an eye on her Foster-turned-Fryse with a gaze as concerned as it is confused. The merciless chill hangs in the glade like plague in the air as the fated meeting comes to its conclusion. The future is up to fate.