Frabjous Day

Log Info

• Title: Frabjous Day
• Emitter: Serene
• Characters: Serene, Acedia, Seldan, Cryosanthia, Merek, Morgan
• Place: A10: Temple of Eluna
• Time: Wednesday, July 15, 2020, 7:35 PM
• Summary: SilverGuard Serene's body has been restored, but her spirit has yet to return to it. She is watched over in the Temple of Eluna where she has been for the past two weeks. Her friends visit, some daily such as Acedia, others when they are in Alexandria and able. Several converge on the room to observe her, and as they congregate she stirs and comes violently awake. She is joyously greeted, given water, and then the questions ensue. What does she remember, and what happened after everything went black. Cryosanthia explains what she has come to know by speaking with Mikilos and Kira, and both she and Seldan provide a summary of how the Fae Queen's dreams were affecting the real world. Merek summarizes his captivity with Eclavdran. Serene tells all assembled she first came to Alexandria, seeking heroes, and is proud to have found some and be in their company. All seem embarassed to be so named, and Serene's role in thwarting Eclavdran is emphasized. Without her sacrifice and death, the blade Mortal Death likely would have fallen into the demon duke's hands. Glad that she has awakened, her friends leave her to recuperate and work on her swallowing.

=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=<* A10: Temple of Eluna *>=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

Eluna's temple stands near her brother's, and trees of the grove often wander their vines that way, only to be chased away by the priests--much as two children might battle in the back of a cart. Eluna's temple is composed of solemn, alabaster pillars and marble, as ancient as Her brother's though more austerely kept. Each pillar represents a phase of the moon, over which She has dominion. Their surface is scribed with the words of ancient dreams, those first recorded in the known world, when mankind was first awakening to their significance.

In the center of the temple lies a grand pool. Serene in its surface, it reflects the open sky overhead, though the temple is covered by an arched ceiling. At all times within the surface may the stars be seen. Surrounding this pool are a number of tasseled rugs, on which petitioners sit and meditate, or seek counsel for interpretation of their dreams.

Warriors of Daeus are often found here, providing guards where the wards of Eluna prefer introspection and contemplation. These fighters bear dual symbols, signifying the tie between divine father and divine daughter. They and the priests here speak in quiet voices, reminiscent of Eluna's place as the Dreaming Goddess.

To the north of the temple is a modest library, its function primarily in the way of records--recording of dreams, of meditation, of theories of the proper use of magic--teachings directly opposed by the Shadow Goddess, Taara. It is this last shift that has seen an increase in the number of guards among the temple, and the increased adoption of the Star of Tears among the belts of Seers.

-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Appearing, in Order  =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Serene       6'2"     175 Lb     Eldanar/Charn     Female    Glacier meets granite meets strawberries.
Acedia       3'4"     39 Lb      Goblin            Female    An ebon-skinned Goblin in leather armor.                    
Seldan       5'11"    187 Lb     Human             Male      Ginger-blonde human in armor wearing Eluna's symbol.
Cryosanthia  6'9"     267 Lb     Sith-Makar        Female    A dashingly tall, elegant white-scaled lizard woman.
Merek        5'10"    215 Lb     Human             Male      A black-haired, dusky male with golden eyes.
Morgan       4'10"    79 Lb      Half-Elf          Female    Short pixy like half elf with fair skin
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

It has been not that long since the city, and to an extent the world, has been able to let out its collective sigh of relief as the threat of the Endless Winter's plague has come to its end. The after effects are still being felt, of course, but the dawn is finally rising on that terrible night and the healing which has begun is starting to truly be felt nearly everywhere. But like any great catastrophy, the loose ends remain countless. Many are being tied up, but many more will likely remain untended as part of the post-plague reality.

Among those loose ends is a member of the Silver Guard. She fell not against the terrible fae creature which had been orchestrating much of the chaos and misfortune, but against the creature who would have seen that fae destroyed. A struggle unlikely to be documented and remembered by few. But recognized by the right beings, perhaps, for the body of one Hailee Serene Tiigril was recovered from the celestial planes and delivered to the temple of Eluna, either for raising or to be put to rest.

A raising was attempted, of course. But while the casting did not fail, it did not entirely succeed either. The body healed, but it seemed as though the spirit had yet to return. At least not fully, for in the two weeks since the paladin's body has lain silent and mostly peaceful, alive and yet... not.

The Elunites took Serene after the attempt to watch over her, and set aside a small room with a bed with someone to watch over her.

The Goblin has fit right into the daily life of temple, attempting to fill some of the holes in the Temple's manpower. One of the things she does every day is check upon the body of Serene. A solemn duty, perhaps one that grows all the more so, the more time that passes. The body of the Paladin is tended to and cleaned, anointed and bound in fresh clothing, a task done behind a closed door, in a cell set up for Serene's use, should she rise to consciousness.

"Her light shines on your path, Serene.", Acedia intones softly. The door is then opened slightly, left ajar to signify that those wishing to say prayers over her, or sit and watch over her, are welcome to at this time.

As with so many other days ... but today, Acedia is not alone. Trailing behind her is another figure, armored as is his usual wont. Seldan is equally solemn, opening the door and pausing in the doorway. While he is far from silent, neither is he as loud as most in armor normally would be. He surveys the silent and motionless figure, somberly and sadly. "She has been like this for some days, then?" he asks, looking down at the Gobber. "Know you what befell her?"

It is at that moment that a bookish acolyte pokes his bespectacled head into the cell. His lense-enlarged eyes start to look towards the bed-ridden figure first, but their path is halted upon seeing the other two paladins. "Oh!" he starts in a bit of surprise, though surely he knew Acedia was here. "Ah, pardon, Silver Guard, Silver Guard. Um.. Silver Guard Acedia, Hearthguard Domdon bid me inquire if Silver Guard Serene's condition has changed today. Um.. specifically he was wondering if she's had another fit."

A fit is one way to put it. A few days after her move to Eluna's Temple, Serene's body went through a series of short but intense seizures. Investigations were made, both divine and mundane, and though nothing remained clear the best concensus was that there was an unseen struggle taking place which was likely related to the paladin's seeming inability to fully return. This incident had repeated itself only a few days ago as well.

Ace gives a bit of a start, perhaps forgetting for the moment that he was there, or maybe his approach was quiet enough. "Seldan.", she says with a grin, moving to hug at the man's waist. "Her spirit was called home like the others. It has perhaps wandered? Her body lives still, and I expect her return."

She turns as the acolyte enters, and she grins toothily at him. "Acolyte Treyn, her light on your path. You may inform the Hearthguard that there is no change in her condition. She neither improves nor worsens." The Gobbo gestures to Seldan. "This Silver Guard is Seldan."

Seldan inclines his head politely to the acolyte, stepping out of the doorway and into that hug around his waist to let the acolyte through. "A pleasure," he greets soberly, but quickly enough returns his attention to the motionless figure on the bed. "She, then, is the last, is she not? You have done well, Acedia. Would that I could have been of aid to you." He looks down with an easy grin at the Gobber. "But it seems that you needed my aid not at all."

Treyn, who turns out to be as awkward as one might have expected, seems torn between bowing an standing straight.. and somehow manages to do both without doing either justice. "Ah, good, good! Oh! Yes, yes, of course.. I didn't know you were back, Silver Guard Seldan!" Treyn sways a little bit. "Oh, I should go give the Hearthguard the update. Will I be relieving you at the same time tonight, Silver Guard Acedia?"

Acedia grins at the acolyte, nodding. "Yes, that would be good of you, Treyn. You don't have to use my title in private company, though I don't speak for Seldan's." She lets go of Seldan, and moves to look to Serene. "I wonder what is going on here. Perhaps she changed her mind and decided to stay with Eluna after all?"

The white sith knows Serene's body was recovered nearly two weeks ago, and the raising was attempted within a day of that, but though it healed the body she never woke up. Clerics say her spirit hasn't returned to it yet, though there have been a few incidents where her body went through a series of seizures, possibly indicating some sort of struggle going on. She's been moved to the temple of Eluna where she's being watched over.

Cryosanthia has not been in Alexandria much lately, although there is some business which brings her by regularly enough. On those days she stops in the Temple of Eluna to check on the SilverGuard's status. Directed to Treyn's location, the white sith comes up on the small cell. A spartan, comfortable room akin to a monk's quarters, one she's familliar with.

"It is even as the High Seeress said to me, once. We are all Her servants, and I need no titles within these walls," Seldan agrees, taking another step away from the door and inclining his head politely as Cryosanthia arrives. He doesn't try to say more to the sith-makar, since Acedia as let go. He lets go as well, and moves over to the bed, dropping to armored knees beside it, removing his gauntlets, and setting them on the floor next to him. "Had she wished to remain with Eluna, her body would not have returned at all. I pray that she finds her way back."

Cryosanthia curls in around the door and ends up holding it open the edge of her tail. She nods in response to the others, her attention on Acedia as she listens to the question and answer. She holds her hands together and low against her front, unsure what to do with them exactly. A short sniff inhaling, which doesn't tell her anything. Her gaze fixes on Serene's prone form, "Peace on your Nests. Would it be shock? A reward?"

Merek of course would still call the Temple the place of his faith, he makes a way along, his white-black attire on with the felt hat which he wears, taking the time to come upon that room where people are at, blinking a bit. "Was... She in the fight too?" He's still learning all about what was within the world while he was away. He seems withdrawn, a smiling exterior although within there's a lot to deal with. He does nod to Cryo, then looks to Seldan and Acedia, and finally upon Serene.

The grin on Treyn's face blossoms as the Silver Guards give him the 'no title' speech. He bobs his head in acknowledging it. Then he turns to leave so swiftly he nearly runs into the so very tall Cryosanthia. "Whoah.. oh!" Merek's arrival on top of that threatens to overwhelm the acoylte. So many famous persons. His mouth just hangs open for another second, then he shakes himself. "Hearthguard Domdon," he reminds himself, then excuses himself and squeezes outside.

Serene remains on the bed, arranged to look peaceful of course. A thin sheet is draped over her and her hands are clasped over her chest. One of her enchanted rings was left upon her; its enchantment of sustenance of some significant use during these days. A thin, pale line, visible against the darkness of the rest of her skin, encircles her neck.

The Goblin chuckles at the acolytes departure, and she looks to Seldan as he settles down upon his knees. "I suppose you are right, but surely if she was not to be at Her side, Serene would have returned immediately? I am no expert in the ritual, but I have seen it performed numerous times, and it has always been either an immediate return, or the spirit has moved on and decided against returning. Sometimes it can't be performed, if the body is not accessible, but the spell used doesn't require the body, the body is returned whole. As Serene's was. It is very curious, I hope she is well."

Her smile returns upon the arrival of Cryosanthia, and the Gobbo moves to hug at the woman's leg, not quite able to reach her waist. "Cryosanthia! How have you been keeping? Have you returned to the city?" Her hug lasts until Merek enters, and Ace will move to hug at his waist. "Merek, I had heard you were returned also. Are you recovering well?"

Seldan does not immediately respond to either of the newcomer, or to the questions, instead looking the motionless form over. His eyes linger on the pale line at her neck, his somber mien adding a frown to itself. He bows his head and murmurs a fairly brief prayer for his fellow Silver Guard's safe and full return, the entreaty quiet so as not to interfere with the conversation around him.

"Apologies," The white sith says, moving out of Treyn's way and further back in the room. With Acedia hugging her leg, she can't drop to return it properly and ends up only placing her hands on the gobbo's back. "Good to see you Acedia, this one is improving. I am in Mictlan mostly, but come back for short periods."

When the gobbo shifts to Merek, her attention turns to Serene. The thin line on her neck draws, then keeps her gaze. She rubs at her throat, nails scratching scales, swallows once, putting her hand back down. "Does she hear us, do you think?"

Merek nods a bit to Acedia while she begins to hug him, a hand patting the acolyte, "Be well," he offers the man, who is curious about heroes. Then he offers a little pat to Ace's shoulder. "... I'm well enough," he says, not completely of the truth. He then looks to Serene, "There's any number of things that could bring an issue, coming back. I'm skilled in the esoteric healing of clerics as a Theurge. I can assist in whatever way I am able."

And then.. there is motion. Not much motion, in a sense. But significant. For Serene's eyes are now open, though she stares up at the ceiling. Then they close, and open... a fairly slow version of blinking, likely. Her breathing changes, as well, from one of a mostly restful sleep to that of a body trying to get through its startup process.

Then with a voice that is more croak than human, she asks, "Is it safe?" Her head has yet to turn and it's quite possible she doesn't even see the ceiling yet.

Acedia squeaks at the movement and sounds from Serene, and she runs to the woman's side, peering at her face. "Serene? You've returned! Yes, it is safe. Salina has kept her word, and the plague retreats. What damage she can heal, she does so. Eckles has not been since that day, either. Those who could be returned from their untimely deaths have been so. You are the last and we are happy to have you back."

The Gobbo moves to a small side table, with a large pitcher covered in condensation, and several cups, and a few towels. "Are you able to sit up? I have some ice water here, it should help your throat." She looks to Seldan and the others a moment, and grins broadly. "We've been awaiting your return."

Seldan's head snaps up, not on account of the motion, but at the words, and he immediately straightens, a lot of that somberness lifting from his shoulders. "Her light upon your path, Serene, and grateful am I that that path leads you here. You lie in Her Temple in Alexandria." He gathers the gauntlets he'd stripped off, and makes to stand, instead perching on the edge of the bed near her feet.

"Serene! Yes, it's safe. Welcome back!" Cryosanthia says enthusiastically, bouncing a little on her toes and leaning forward. "It's been a couple weeks, things have changed, like Acedia says. You're victorious!" From afar, Kira nods and can understand that.

Merek seems to think about it, "Great timing," he smiles a bit, then adds, "Welcome back," a nod offered a bit as well. The man doesn't offer a lot in way of word, while he begins to watch the people, the hat tipped a bit while the man begins to relax.

Serene grunts, then at Acedia's question she attempts just that. It turns out to be a struggle, though one she will probably come through victorious. Eventually. And certainly something she wouldn't resist assistance for. After partaking of some of the water, and allowing herself a chance to recover from the mere struggles of sitting up, she asks again, "The weapon. Is it safe? Did..." She pauses, then, a name she just heard. "Eckles?" This brings a snort, then a small series of coughs. Yes, they are coughs. Certainly nothing else that might be cough like, or covered with coughs. Recovery from this gives her a chance to process some of the other things that have been said. "Two weeks. It seems like only a moment ago. Seldan. Acedia. Cryosanthia. You all survived. Good. And Merek... you were rescued." All of this seems to allow Serene to sink a little deeper into the pillows now propping her up. "Did Eclavdran escape with the blade?"

The Gobbo looks to Seldan a moment, an upset expression upon her face, and she looks back to Serene. "When we got out, the Demon had brutally yanked the Mikilos' bag from his back. If it was in there, I suspect that the Demon did indeed take the blade." She rolls her shoulders in a shrug. "I know not the answer, in truth."

Ace returns to the table and comes back to Serene with two cloths, one wet, and one dry. She hands the woman the dry one first. "To uh, spit out whatever might be stuck in your throat." The other one is offered. "To wipe your face and forehead."

Seldan returns Acedia's look, that somberness returning almost at once. "I know not the answer, but you will want to seek out Master Mithralla to learn its fate. Would that I could say, but I have only recently returned myself."

"Mikilos is returned, as is Kira. This one heard from them." Cryosanthia looks at Acedia, then at the Silverguard, "She was victorious Seldan, they all were."

She turns her gem-like eyes toward Serene, "Your sacrifice allowed Mikilos and Kira enough time to erect a defense, then escape to the Queen of Air and Darkness's territory. Once there, they used the Magic Mansion as a refuge. The Demon Duke could not enter. They were limited, but managed to summon Doyle. Mortal Death was returned to him. The Demon Duke was thwarted. You made that possible."

The whitescale hesitates, "His... wrath was strong. He waited with his legions until the spell expired, then ... killed them slowly. He was very angry..."

"Verna, also, suffered at his hands but has returned as well."

"Rescued would be a way to put it. I was still there, the whole time... Imagine me when the Celestial Host itself came, and I fought with them through the Iron Hells themself, escaping back to the Prime Material," Merek then offers, while he nods a bit to Serene. "You need not ever have worried about me, every moment he was with me, he was not with you. I'm glad you are okay."

And so a great deal of answers are delivered to Serene, answering questions she had yet to ask... and some she had yet to even think to ask. Initial unsureness over the fate of the blade has her tighten her jaw... and she nods, just barely, to Seldan's suggestion of seeking out Mikilos. For he would know. She even starts to push herself up, though it's a feeble attempt.. only to sink back down with Cryosanthia's telling of the aftermath. Even the fate suffered by Kira and Mikilos, terrible as it is, doesn't take away from her relief.. perhaps due to the knowledge that they, too, were returned. "It is good, then. And mourner Verna as well. Ah. Well, I suppose if the host itself was involved, we all did well then." With that she allows herself to take Acedia's suggestion. The process following isn't likely the most pleasant sounding.. until she lays back after wiping her face. The sigh is definitely most pleasant.

"I will have more questions," she promises, afterwards. "But.. perhaps later."

The Gobbo is soon covering Serene with a proper blanket, something that had stashed away nearby. "Did you want dinner, Serene? Or perhaps just something to nibble on? Perhaps something stronger to drink? Or did you just want to rest and sleep. I will make certain to leave something on your door so that you're not disturbed."

Acedia discreetly tosses the used towels into a small basket. "So. What of your return? Was it troubled?" She grins toothily. "Faranmidahn called him that. And I figure it's probably not a good idea to invoke his name, so Eckles is a good nickname. I hope it is displeasing to him."

Seldan, too, listens to the telling of the aftermath, his expression saying that he, too, had not known - though if he had survived, then how could that be? Still, he lowers his eyes at the mention of Mourner Verna. "Then truly are we mightier together than alone," he murmurs. "A mighty deed indeed. Truly are we blessed by the whole of the heavens. But ... I should leave you to rest. The acolytes can find me, would you speak with me." He stands, his mind his own as he gathers his gauntlets and begins to stand.

"We were blessed," Cryosanthia says, agreeing and lowering her head. "Thank you Serene, for everything, and for coming back. Ace was relentless! She was at every Temple and driven. Every time this one went by, she had already been and left very motivated priests in her wake. To make sure no one who fell was forgotten. We have been worried, the City is grateful, it was a success. You made us stronger and that possible."

"The bond between all adventurers is beautiful," Merek mentions, while he looks to Seldan, "You be well. Whatever it is that is upon your mind, I will keep in prayer to Eluna," he says. Some might say the man came back different. There's a confidence in that voice, while he nods a bit. It doesn't matter what's within, he will do all he can. He then looks to Serene, "If you need anything, feel free to ask. I am back to fishing for the Temple. I will bring you a gift of fish with chips. When you think that you might be able to manage it." He then offers a hug to Ace, then a smile to Cryo, "All of you are welcome to ask of me, if you ever need."

"I think..." Serene frowns a little bit, then opens her eyes again. They seem to focus a little better this time and she turns them upon her visitors. Each individually, at first, then as a group. "I think food may have to wait, to be honest, Acedia. The water, it is wonderful." Her brow furrows, attempting to recall, but then shakes her head again. "It is as I said... the last I remember was fighting upon some celestial plains. I remember him striking Mikilos. Then a moment of darkness, and this." She rubs at her throat and clears it before raising her chin. "My thanks are to all of you. For your tireless efforts, Acedia. For your sacrifices, Cryosanthia. For your resistance, Merek. And for your strength and faith, Seldan. Once cannot overestimate how terrible this challene was... and each of you rose to it." She smiles, faintly. "Heroes, each and every one of you."

Then, as Seldan turns to leave, Serene calls to him. "Seldan... one thing, before you go, if you do not mind.."

Acedia shakes her head to Serene. "I am no hero.", she says softly. "I am simply following in a hero's footsteps, you know? I did the best I could, and sadly it wasn't enough." The Gobbo moves to hug at Serene then, carefully. "I am sorry. And I am grateful that you chose to return to us."

About to stand, Seldan pauses at the words, listening intently, his expression complex. It ends, though, with his eyes lowering. "Without Her wisdom and guidance, and the aid of those who I would name friend, I am nothing," he answers, "but your words fill me with pride, that one greater than I would speak so. What would you of me?"

Sacrifice. It didn't feel heroic, but maybe it was. Cryo puts Serene's praise someplace safe where she won't forget it. The sith stands a little taller, nodding slowly at Acedia's and Seldan's words, staying silent herself to not interrupt the request. She is curious what it will be, and try as she might she can't avoid looking at the line on Serene's throat. Everyone came back with scars, some on the inside, and some a lot more vivid than others.

Merek nods a bit to the praise, though he does not offer a lot back to it, while he thinks. "I imagine you will be well, it's nice to know everyone's been doing well in changing the whole world." A look between the people, and a nod.

Serene does manage to put her arm around Acedia during the gobbo-hug, though the motion is slow and deliberate. A spirit still settling back into its body. "I do not remember making the choice.. but I am confident it was the right one. There is still much to be done." Implied: there will always be much to be done. Then she allows herself a small laugh, this one uncovered by any excuse of coughing. "Perhaps my choice was rooted in my need to fully understand how this all came about." Her head turns to look directly at Seldan and Cryosanthia. "I was hoping one of your.. or both of you.. would be able to explain it to me, if you were of a mind to do so."

The Gobbo is quite happy to be hugged in return, and she clings to Serene then, half climbing onto the bed to do so. Serene might feel the light wetness of Ace's tears. "I think you choose well.", she says softly. "And we're all the better for your sacrifice."

"The beginning of the tale is not entirely known to me," Seldan begins, "for I came in not so very long ago. Much had been done, and much learned, ere ever I knew of it. Master Mithralla may know more than I of how the plague came to be spread, but I was able to learn of its first origins, as repair creatures for the Shard Tower. It spent time in the Hells, where it was corrupted, and then was brought to Ea by a means unknown to me. Salina made use of it, and of the Tower. Studied it, even, through her prisoners. In time did it so badly affect Silvermoon that they made a foolish and desperate pact, with the demon lord, to go back in time and slay her ere ever she set such a thing loose."

Cryosanthia rubs at her forehead, then takes hold of both her horns and pulls her hands back along to the tips, physically steering her head. She exhales, her breath a small visible mist, "This one remains confused. It is as Sir Seldan says..."

"This one understands there was a prophesy that Endless Winter would cause a cycle of death, and because of this she was entombed, dreaming in an Ice Prison. While there, in her dreams she discovered influence in other planes, things she could manipulate. The Shard Tower, it's constructs, The Demon Duke imprisonned as its guardian, the universal magic oozes that repair it. The plague, must have been a result of one of her actions. The snow-golem people, her manifestations, this one is unsure if they were constructs of the Tower or her imagination. Silvermoon, summoned and bound her demon to destroy her, and he contracted Adventurers to do so, under disguise. That failed. Along the way she acquired Kol, the Ice Demon, myself... to enact her bidding. Her prisoners... were to understand things yes. There were some time loopings, that further confuse. In many ways though, her actions were not of a waking mind so they may only make sense with dream logic?"

The white lizard looks to Seldan for confirmation.

Merek seems to think about that, "Was Yukia defeated?" A look to all of them, while he nods a bit, listening to all of the information. It of course would be a bit new to him, with him beginning to lean upon a wall listening.

Serene closes her eyes and listens, her other hand reaching over to carefully pat Acedia's shoulder. "The attack was swift and the time given to react was little.. I did not have time to know what my magic would do, Acedia.. I am not sure it would count as a sacrifice." Then, perhaps because in a bit of a switch for this day's events, there is a question to which Serene has an answer. "Yes. Yukia is gone. Perhaps to return one day, but not any day soon." Then she falls silent to process the details Seldan and Cryosanthia present. The time it takes her to open her eyes again might be an indication of a continuing difficulty to put it all together, but she nods to them. "So was this truly taking place across time... or was that merely how it was perceived due to the fae witch's dream?"

"It does count as a sacrifice.", Acedia says softly. "You were there. You made a stand. You did as I did, faced death. Looked death in the eyes. Didn't flinch. Didn't back down. Didn't run." She's doesn't let go of Serene. "The Demon will remember that. He is used to seeing fear, of hunting those who would run. He will remember your eyes. If you ever face him again, I hope that you can best him. Make him see hope in your eyes. Victory. In your eyes."

Seldan nods his confirmation to Cryosanthia. "Even so. IT has been taking place across time, and would do so again, were it not stopped." A smile plays around his lips, and he turns it on Acedia. "I doubt that he will ever forget you, and it is my fervent prayer that never does he return."

Cryosanthia looks down at her hands, clasped together, index fingertips touching and pushing against each other, moving back and forth, then around. Her head stays bowed as she speaks, and her words are soft with a weight of resignation to them. "Zeke and I lived a lifetime together, one after the other, and my foundling left the tower before I ever arrived. Dream or not, what this one experienced is hard to order and organize. This one is not sure how it starts or ends, but it would repeat."

The white sith looks up, nodding, "Serene, you saved Mikilos, that was crucial. This one has run... too often. That you resisted, that ruined his plans. Had Mikilos fallen, both of you would have been trapped, he would have siezed the blade in time. Worse things would have happened then. This one is sorry you suffered, but... thank you for doing so."

Merek looks thoughtful while he takes a moment to listen to people.

Morgan comes walking in the room her shoulders shruged as she looks like she had a long day and night. She walks right to one of the clerics working the temple and hands over a bolt of cloth "give this to Criss." she gets a reply that he is asleep "Well give it to him and tell him I am sory about mixing the packages and I been gone for a few days." she gets a nod and he walks away to do what ever. She notes the others and walks towards them.

"Ah yes. The aging. I had forgotten about that," Serene concedes to Cryosanthia's reminder and Seldan's insistance of the... time irregularities. She does frown, but not in denial. Rather unhappiness at the reality of it. Her eyes close again, then. "Perhaps I should rest some. I very much thank all of you for your kindness and revelations. I am sure I will have more questions. But I fear I must beg sleep."

Ace hops down from the bed, and tucks Serene in. "I'll see that you're not bothered.", she says softly. "Sleep well!" She collects the basket, and takes the cup that Serene used. "I am off to tend to my duties. I hope to see you all again soon. Be well, and may Eluna light your paths."

"Of course." His gauntlets already in hand, Seldan stands at once. "Rest well, and know that glad I am for your deeds, for your words, and that you have returned to us. Send for me, do you find yourself in need. I remain in the city for a time, to see to a loose end." He looks around at the others who have come to Serene's bedside, nodding to each in turn. "Her light upon your path." With that, he makes his way out the door, not lingering, to permit his fellow paladin to sleep.

"Of course Serene, this one will leave so you can rest." Cryosanthia makes a deep and formal curtsey, then adds a few more words, "I'm honoured to have adventurered with you, and at you call, as you need should you need this one. Sleep well and may the Lady Brightscales keep her eye on you and her wings cover you through the night. This one will thank her, that you've returned."

Then, the white sith carefully steps around Acedia, Morgan and Merek and slips out.

Merek nods a bit to people, "You all be well," then he's on the way.