#session 23

SPOTIFY PLAYLIST

snapshots of a life, a fic about two NPCs.

forgive the children we once were, delta rae - aidan

We grew up in golden light Every chance to get it right What did we do with it?

“Beans!” he shrieks, and he looks at Sabina over his shoulder, sand kicking up from where his heels hit the ground. Her face is scrunched up tightly, completely focused on catching him. The bay stretches out before them as dusk shines down across the water, and by any stretch of the imagination it is the kind of sight that ought to be painted—but Aidan is preoccupied.

your type, carly rae jepsen - sabina

I know I'm just a friend to you That I will never get to call you mine

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Sabina says tightly.

“I just don’t want you to get your heart broken,” Mama says softly, tucking a lock of Sabina’s hair behind her left ear. Sabina makes a face, turning away and fiddling with the dishes in the sink.

heartlines, florence and the machine - aidan

But know, in some way I’m there with you. Up against the wall on a Wednesday afternoon. Just keep following The heartlines on your hand

There is a lantern in the window of Sabina’s cottage. Aidan grins to himself as he approaches, pushing past the small gate and raising a hand to knock on the door.

liability, lorde - sabina

They say, "You're a little much for me, you're a liability You're a little much for me" So they pull back, make other plans I understand, I'm a liability Get you wild, make you leave

Aidan doesn’t return from Gilead for two years, and Sabina grows taller and more independent in his absence.

hold back the river, james bay - aidan

Tried to keep you close to me But life got in between Tried to square not being there But think that I should have been

He had not planned on spending so long in Gilead—but the winter had been treacherous and Mother had insisted he stay and finish his degree at the very least.

smother, daughter - sabina

I’m wasted, losing time I’m a foolish, fragile spine I want all that is not mine I want him but we’re not right

She takes a step back. “So glad I could keep you entertained.” So that’s all she’s ever been to this high-falutin lordling: a distraction from the trials and tribulation of being filthy rich in a town where being poor is practically a badge of citizenship. A sideshow on the way to bigger cities and better women. Maybe Mama was right.

want you back, haim - aidan

Just know that I want you I'll take the fall and the fault in us I'll give you all the love I never gave before I left you

It’s easier to think the words than understand them. Sabina’s gone. Every part of his brain is crying out no, no, no—

don’t take the money, bleachers - aidan

You steal the air out of my lungs, you make me feel it I pray for everything we lost, buy back the secrets Your hand forever's all I want Don't take the money Don't take the money

“Aiden, darling,” Sammael calls out. “Stand down. The Kenmours have been living off the Blackpool village tithe since you were a babe. We’ve been paying for your meals for years.”

it’s time, imagine dragons - sabina

I don't ever wanna let you down I don't ever wanna leave this town

I played Edens Zero (PS5)

Asking about Lord Endryss on the Horse went through the trade gate, and then down south, which is where the forest is, so Kay and Nimako start heading to regroup with Levin, apparently. Levin, at hte edge of the woods finds Steelwind, and talks with teh skeletal horse. The horse gives Levin back the ring Levin had given, and tells Leving that EREI ENDRYSS HAS DISAPPEARED.

"We were only walking to the forest, and suddenly noone to lead me. I was coming back to get you because i'm supposed to stay close to him I gave him my favor." And so Steelwind is going to show Levin where he lost Erei.

Steelwind doesn't knwot he forest, it was new to him, but together he and LEvin find a patch of greenery with a pond and frogs and just a fairytale. There's a person! They are not wearing write.

Kay is able to find the trail! Nimako's a bit overwhelmed, it seems. she stumbles in a bush and messes up the ahir she was meticulous with just prior.

Levin approaches the laying human and the hair matches up at least... he gets closer, and is turned into a potted plant! Kay and Nimako are startled and unnerved. They discuss, thinking it maybe a fae trick so 'Monika' says no real names. This is when it is revealed Kay is a nickname! And after some uncertainty, Kay goes to gather 'Erei', though it's hard to be sure it's him from where they were.

As Kay gets closer, they feel Magic leak form them, and 'Ice Storm' is cast at a FOURTH LEVEL SPELL centered on themself! Nimako just watches this Ice and hail spring out of Kay, pelting everyone around them and themselves... Thankfully Nimako is out of range. And the plant turns back into Levin! At least the Ice refuses to hit Erei?

"I don't think I liked being a plant"

Nimako comes to the conclusion they're activating something by walking through it, instead mistystepping to join them. shenanigans still occurrs. instead of avoiding the craziness, Nimako feels her own magic trying to reach out to someone. tired of casting without intent, she focusses and holds it on herself, and dispels what this place tried to make her do.

Upclose, It's clearly Erei, in weird golden translucent garb, seemingly having a bad dream. Aware by now that Erei only wakes when shook really, Nimako goes to shake his arm... And if Erei doesn't wake up, kay and Levin go to lift him up to carry him away. Nimako seeing the effort goes to help.

Steelwind is confused and asking what is happening. Hearing Erei has been found, horsey cheers! And Erei is sort of half waking up being carried like this. Levin wants Erei to not fall off.

Nimako asks how Erei is falling, and other then confused by the tears, he says he's fine? She mentions it looked like he had a nightmare, and Erei is further confused by longer hair, and the garments. He claims no memory, and all believe him.

As they discuss the wildness that just happened, Nimako's journal starts to practically burn herside. She utters an excuse about "actually, I'll take a note to make sure we remember to avoid that area from now on" to see what's up, reading something before 'finding a space' for her notes.

When Erei asks if she'd like to visit the parents Nimako registers something is off. He says he must have just forgot she mentioned she'd be bringing them in the walls, but that can't fully be it...

The group are heading back, but Nimako is writing half of the walk.

Sky meanwhile, as Elymas seems to have wound down from the panic attack, has questions. Questioning the Elf's memory, and then changing attitude about Becklin... but Elymas shrugs it off. "weapons are usually the best way to restrain someone in magical situations. not my first Rodeo." there's a moment's clear confusion on Elymas, but he shakes it off, and Sky continues.

"You mentioned making the pact with your patron to live longer, and talking with the ghost about being possessed..." But it'd deflected into "i already told you i was playing along with the things the ghost was saying"

And then the rest of the group makes it back!

As Levin is having a nervous breakdown and mentions he may be in charge of the guard now? Nimako gives him a blue ribbon to fiddle with to try and help himself calm down. Levin's going to give it a shot!

Kay brings Nimako to the Library to look for research material about old Gods! This is a great idea, Nimako is ON BOARD for this. This seems to be useful for herself as well and thus they dig into it with ferver!

Meulara's husband is missing, he was elected as representative of kenders... His name is Woolin, and Sky tells her he'll let her know if he finds anything.

While heading back to Castle Kalaman, Sky receives a message from Diligence! "Hi! Diligence here. Learned new spell. How are you? Heard bad things about Army. Out travelling to help people! Heard from Lapo Mittens Elymas already" Sky stumbles through the response, but says a hello and things seem fine is.

Meanwhile, while everyone else is doing their research things, and Levin pulls Elymas aside from a sleeping Becklin.

"Wee need to talk about the catacombs." Levin starts. "What about them?" "I saw you try to kill Erei!" "what are you talking about? I just bumped the wall i wasn't trying to kill anyone!" "that was intentional i saw the your magic-" Pause "Look just. just tell me it won't happen again and I'll assume it was a mistake-" And Elymas agrees. So, Levin moves on "Look, Ispin left this for you-" And it's a letter.

Dear friend, I write this letter to you the night before your departure for greater knowledge. I believe in you. A gift is in order, and so writing it is! Though I am not much of a poet, I've been told I'm a great storyteller (it certainly helps having witnessed such incredible wonders in our time together). So allow me to tell you a little story. There once was an explorer, whose goal in life was to see all the greatest sights and the fights that the world has to offer. To jump here and there without a destination, helping people on the way and planting seeds of hope in the lives of many. Soon, the explorer found companionship in all the tiny little regions of the world. His heart continued to be filled with joy, what great things humanity has to offer! It almost reminds me of that one time when we saved those weary travellers from a couple of giant wilderbunnies… Or when we found that Greataxe inside the rocky cliffs of Taman Busuk, stuck to stone as if by enchantment… a shame we could not reach it! Oh, I almost went off track there, and I wish that I could fit everything in this piece of parchment. Woe is me! You fret me so even when silent my friend! I know exactly what you are thinking "Ispin, get to the point please." That said, I mustn't keep this a secret, although I wish I had more time (and paper) to properly explain… Your company has been one of the most beautiful things that Life could give me. Your quick mind and your wit intrigued me ever since the beginning of our adventure and…more than I perhaps ever had the bravery to admit to you. I realised quickly enough that these feelings are not reciprocated, but your friendship is enough. And now that you ready yourself to leave, I have nothing but my feelings. This is not a letter to change your mind, but so that you understand me even more. No secrets between friends, I deeply apologise for not having the strength to tell you in person. You'll always be family! Your old friend, Ispin

It's a love letter. Elymas storms off, and SKy tries to follow. Elymas tells Sky off, calling them Paranoid and Obsessive, and that he needs to be alone. He's going. Sky can follow, but he's going. And so Sky follows. So, Elymas casts dissonant whispers, Hurting Sky, scaring them so much as to flee from Elymas. They feel at half their vitality from this.

Meanwhile with the Library crew! Erei notices Luvianna's gift, and finds out mentor was not upset with their favorite lil body guard as kay got roped into braiding the new long hair (nimako provided a white ribbon before going back to research). SHe's specifically looking into any gods that may start with the letter "I", but she's absorbing anything she can find that seems of use.

Paladine is known as the Father of Good, the Master of Law, the Platinum Dragon Paladine sometimes appears on Krynn in the guise of a befuddled old human mage in faded robes.

Called the Bard King, Branchala is the god of music, poetry, and the inner beauty of all living things. Many elves and kender worship him above all other gods. Both groups revere him as a champion of life and laughter, bringing solace and joy to those who listen.

Habbakuk, known as the Fisher King, oversees animal life, the sea, and the balance of nature. His holy sites are often marked with the image of a blue bird or a phoenix wreathed in blue flames.

Kiri-Jolith is the god of righteous war. He blesses all who fight in the name of good and scorns those who delight in slaughter and lust for battle. He is particularly revered by the Knights of the Sword, an order of the Knights of Solamnia that seeks to root out evil wherever it dwells.

Reorx is the god of creation, inspiration, and artisanship, credited with creating the gnomes, dwarves, kender, and even Krynn itself. He invents new things that alter the world and spur its people to action.

Passionate and impulsive, Sirrion is the god of alchemy, transformation, serendipitous creation, and flames. He embodies momentary excitement, flaring quickly into fiery passion and smoldering long afterward. Sirrion's followers embrace extremes of emotion as forms of divine expression.

Solinari, the god of good magic, is patron of the Mages of High Sorcery's Order of the White Robes and other benevolent mages. His power manifests through the white moon of Krynn, the brightest of its three moons. Along with his cousins Lunitari and Nuitari, he watches Krynn from the heavens and encourages magic that aids, heals, and protects.

Lunitari, the god of neutral magic and illusions, is patron of the Mages of High Sorcery's Order of the Red Robes and other neutral mages. With her cousins Solinari and Nuitari, she watches over the people of Krynn from the heavens, conveying her power through the red moon that shares her name. She appears as a trickster figure in mythology, using her mastery of illusions to fool gods and heroes alike.

Nuitari, the god of evil magic and darkness, is patron of the Mages of High Sorcery's Order of the Black Robes and other wicked mages. He encourages selfish and destructive magic. His power flows through the black moon that shares his name, which is visible only due to the stars it blocks in the sky.

Chislev is the god of nature on its own terms, governing the rhythms of life that unfold heedless of mortal action. Though enigmatic and shy, they are fiercely protective of their domain, regarding all plants and animals as their children.

Takhisis, leader of Krynn's evil gods, is known as the Dragon Queen, the Queen of Darkness. She is the god of power, pride, and control, as well as the queen of chromatic dragons. She sometimes appears as a powerful human warrior with gleaming armor and long black hair, but her true form is a five-headed dragon.

Nimako's first search coming up blank (no gods start with I), she looks into how gods have communicated in the past. Once was a beam of light that spoke, or disguises, or just cryptic signs.

Erei asks if she's having troubles finding things, and Nimako mentions having preconceptions. all the information about gods communicating with mortals is a spoken pillar of light, or humanoid disguises, or subtle signs... and it leads to a conversation about if Nimako's been talking to a god. And she deflects, that she hasn't been talking to any gods, and hasn't had any dreams since meeting them... So Erei, seeing RIGHT through her htis the nail on the head no dreams and a nonverbal communication. So instead! Nimako covers it up saying 'well there was a dream before Vogler that i'm getting more and a more paranoid is prophetic' even siting that sky can attest she told her parents about it when explaining she's joining the army. Basically, by focussing on the dream, she's about to evade talking about her Pen Pal by that. And there's a comment about maybe not sharing with Elymas specifically, he's sus, and... Nimako uses it as another diversion, that Elymas was also in the dream, with the conversation between her and him in the book shared.

The conversation slightly diverts to Erei's dream, that wasn't actually fully forgotten. But all he mentions remembering is dancing, yet he had been crying? Nimako asks if he remembered wearing the clothing he woke up in in the dream, but it can't be recalled. She starts to say something, but decides against it, having revealed a LOT more then she wanted to.

Erei was seeing Levin catch fire everytime they blinked- no wonder he was out of it. that's a good explanation for why he forgot what Nimako had said about her parents. she empathizes, saying seeing that would be a lot. "I'm struggling this much with faceless carnage in a dream, Some big visual change of someone she knows, would be. very distracting. And her tone is truly empathetic, understanding how disorienting that would be.

At least Bakaris senior is out of the castle and NOT causing problems.

Levin has sky watch Becklin, and goes to check the guard, and writes messages to both Eirma and Vandri. Vandri gets told to please come back asap, the town is falling apart, and a full report sans murder or erei attempt to eirma.

Erei is looking for Levin now, to make sure Bakaris is an issue. They notice Sky is in the dorms with Becklin, Levin is not there. They notice Elymas in the garden, and Nimako, being serious that noone should be alone at this point offers to keep an eye on Elymas while Kay and Erei find Levin. Erei lets Levin know where Bakaris went back to his inn, and there's questions about Nadir and Cudgel while Levin is floundering as a new head of the city. Levin asks Erei and Kay to check on him, especially with the missing son, that's a loose end to watch after...

Considering Elymas just has his head in his hands Nimako is giving him plenty of distance, just being on the opposite side of the garden and mostly occupying herself with her instrument as the only sign she's even there for him.

On the way to do that though, there is some annoyed shopping at Wyhans.

They get back after sky having stalked Kay is told to erei, erei comes to confront sky, sky mentions that elymas left while looking pissed, erei reads the letter, realizes why elymas gave sky a migraine, and goes to put the letter up in elymas bag. And Erei find the catacomb skull in elymas bag! And Kay recognizes it, and well... everything is piling up.

Sky recognizes the golden skull as being something that can be used for Necromantic Spells. Erei questions if it'd been for Ispin, but sky asserts that no, resurrection utilizes Diamonds.

Erei decides we need to confront Elymas immediately, relaying everything to Nimako, who stops Erei from confronting him now, saying when he gets up she'll approach. She receives the golden skull against her will, and hides it in her bag that doesn't fully open now.

I played Sly 3 (PS5 version)