Session 65
Date: 2024-09-21
Summary
Aboard an airship called The Valiant, Gaute joins the crew, offering her blacksmith skills. Aydriann, upset with Venoxyin’s reckless behavior, seeks solace in Peach’s room. Mack experiences a vivid vision of her past in Eden, revealing a traumatic event involving Char. Dax discovers a mysterious red crystal in the Runespire Archive, leading to an unexpected adventure with Aqol through a magical painting. Ember seeks rest and encounters Muvara, who reveals a crucial quest involving her mother Yllena and a domain transfer. A poignant conversation between Mack and Venoxyin highlights the strained relationship between Venoxyin and Aydriann.
Ellenora and Gaute
Mack and Aydriann, still reeling from the pain, slowly regained themselves as the healing magic restored them. In the med bay of the ship, magical Scrypts displayed information about Aydriann’s vitals and Mack’s machinations. A low hum filled the room as an extra surge of aether-chamber magic flowed through it.
Ellenora and Gaute stepped in cautiously, the tension heavy between them. They had heard the reports of what Yunivik, the assassin, had done…using Gaute’s face as a disguise to get close to Sirius and Preslynn. Ellenora was the first to speak, her voice hesitant. “I brought you the blacksmith of Icesyn, hoping to get you what you needed…”
Gaute stepped in quickly, her expression uneasy. “Yes, I wanted to help. After everything you’ve done for Icesyn and Kaelen and his wife, it’s the least I could do. But knowing the assassin used my appearance… I feel so uncomfortable about that.”
Aydriann responded swiftly, “It’s okay. It was good you showed up when you did. That helped us figure out the imposter. I need your craft, though…the Golem beside me was damaged and needs repair. I was wondering if you could make some magical armor for her using these prismatic dragon scales.”
Gaute nodded. “I can do that, and I’ll add a sending stone and a sighting stone.” She explained briefly… the sending stone would be used to send a message, while the sighting stone could reveal illusions or identify shapeshifters.
Aydriann agreed. “I also wanted to see if you could craft a crossbow that would alert Mack of danger. And, if possible, a cloak of displacement.”
Gaute hesitated for a moment, concern flashing in her eyes at the request for so many materials, but she nodded. “I’ll see what I can do.” Ellenora led Gaute to the Armory, and not long after, she returned with the requested items.
Mack received an enchanted breastplate that could shift to her liking, which she adjusted to a shimmering set of dragon scales. Aydriann donned his new cloak with appreciation. Turning to Gaute, he asked, “Do you think you could join us? We could use someone with your skills, and Kaelen’s already on board.”
Gaute thought for a moment, then smiled. “Yeah, I think I’d enjoy a little adventure. Sure, I’ll join you.”
Peach and Aydriann
Gaute and Ellenora stepped out, Ellenora’s excitement clear in her lively movements. The door closed behind them, leaving Aydriann in silence. He turned toward Mack. “You okay?”
Mack nodded. “Yeah. I’m heading up top. Need some air.” She left the room, and Aydriann headed to the shared bedroom…his, Preslynn’s, Ember’s, and Venoxyin’s. Venoxyin’s reckless behavior gnawed at him, especially her near-death at Christine’s hands.
Finding Venoxyin absent, Aydriann gathered his things and left, heading to Peach and Orianna’s room. Inside, Elira played on the bed while Peach carved wood at his desk.
“Mind if I sleep here tonight?” Aydriann asked quietly. Peach nodded without looking up. “Yeah, that’s fine.”
Aydriann slumped onto the bed. After a long breath, he said, “Venoxyin pisses me off. She’s so reckless…letting herself get bitten by a vampire, almost dying like that. It’s like assisted suicide.”
Peach didn’t look up. “Maybe you should tell her how you feel. Let her explain her side.”
Aydriann bristled. “I shouldn’t have to. There’s something called common sense. Self-preservation…” He sighed, exhausted.
Elira slipped out quietly, sensing she wasn’t meant to be there.
Peach remained calm. “Those are things that could be said about you too. Take the night. Let things cool.”
Aydriann sank deeper into the bed. “Fine.” Exhaustion overtook him, and he drifted into sleep.
Peach Repairs the Door
Elira peeked through the broken doorway of Peach’s bedroom. Peach waved her in, and she tiptoed over the slumbering Aydriann to her nest of blankets. The room fell quiet except for the faint hum of the airship.
Peach couldn’t rest. The broken door bothered him…its vulnerability, its symbolism. Setting aside his carving, he slipped into the cargo hold to search for materials. He eventually found a wooden plank nearly the perfect size.
Returning to the room, Peach knelt and began to work. His tools glinted as he carved, planed, and shaped the wood. Hours passed as he added delicate designs to the new